NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday in a matchup of teams looking to right their seasons after early troubles. The Eagles are coming off a victory over the New York Giants while the Bengals are riding a 3-game winning streak after defeating the Cleveland Browns.
Can the Eagles stop a Bengals offense that includes Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and JaMarr Chase? Can the Bengals’ defense slow down the rushing attack of the Eagles that includes the dynamic Saquon Barkley? The Eagles’ defense has improved over the last few games in regards to getting after the QB. Can the Bengals protect Burrow against the defense of Vic Fangio?
Here are 3 keys to victory for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Run, Run, And Run
Maybe Saquon Barkley and Kellen Moore should envision all their opponents in a New York Giants uniform. The Eagles are 2nd in the NFL in Rushing Yards per game. The Cincinnati Bengals are giving up 136 yards on the ground and this should bode well for an Eagles offense who loves to run the ball.
Give Barkley all the touches he wants but don’t just stop there. Get Kenneth Gainwell and Will Shipley involved as well as they did against the Giants. The name of the game is to keep Joe Burrow and the offense off the field. For that to happen, the Eagles need to rush the ball at least 35-40 times Sunday.
Trust The Secondary
Much was discussed about the young Eagles secondary even with veterans like Darius Slay and C.J. Gardner-Johnson back there. However, it’s been the play of their younger players like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean who have helped solidify a secondary that was seen as a weak link in the defense. But their recent play has earned them the praise and trust of DC Fangio. The Bengals have 2 capable receivers who can carve up a degree with route running and yards after the catch in Higgins and Chase.
In their last two games, the secondary has surrendered 273 yards and 0 TDs. For the season, the Eagles’ secondary is surrendering just 189 Yards Per Game through the air. And with the front seven now getting to the QB, this defense is making strides as one of the best in the NFL. The receivers have skills but these young players must continue to be trusted. Don’t be afraid to have them go man against the Bengals offense.
Let Hurts Manage The Game
Who cares what the media and fans think? If the Philadelphia Eagles are winning with Jalen Hurts being a so-called game manager, then why stop? The Eagles are riding a small winning streak with Hurts not passing more than 25 times in the last 2 games and only reaching 300+ yards through the air just once this season. If that’s the foundation for their success, then so be it.
With Dallas Goedert still nursing his injury and out another game, the Eagles still have AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith but is there a reason to try to put up Madden-like numbers? The Eagles need to let Hurts stay with the shorter throws with a few shots downfield. In their last two games, Hurts has completed 16 of 39 for 378 yards and 3 Passing TDs while rushing for 2 himself. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
