NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The 8-1 Philadelphia Eagles will do battle against the 4-5-1 Indianapolis Colts this coming Sunday. The Eagles, fresh off their first loss of the season will look to rebound against a Colts team who looked rejuvenated under new head coach and former Colts’ player, Jeff Saturday. For the Eagles, it’s about regaining the focus that led them to an 8-0 record. For the Colts, it’s trying to turn what has been a disappointing season so far around and make the playoffs.
Can the Eagles stop Jonathan Taylor? The rushing defense has been a problem for the Birds and with Taylor next up, things get ugly. For the Indianapolis Colts, it’s how do they mirror what the Washington Commanders did and kept the high-powered Eagles’ offense off the field.
Can the Philadelphia Eagles Stop the Run?
Once again, this is the No. 1 priority for the Eagles just as it’s been dating back to Week 1. The Eagles must stop the run. This week they will face Taylor. While the explosive RB has not had the same success this year as he did last, he’s still a very dangerous back to bring down. In 2022, Taylor has only 2 games where he’s topped 100 yards rushing. However, in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders, he did rush for 147 yards on 22 carries. Maybe that’s a sign of things to come as the season moves on.
For the Eagles to win this game, it starts with their front seven. Against the Commanders, the Eagles surrenders yet another 150+ yards on the ground as the Commanders controlled the clock and ultimately won the game. This trend can’t continue if the Eagles want to get back into the win column this Sunday. The name of the game is fill the holes and take Taylor down.
Brush Off The Washington Loss
I’ve been preaching focus for the Philadelphia Eagles every week since Week 3 when it looked as if they can go 6-0 before their Bye Week. To stay undefeated in the league, it takes focus. Now, after suffering their first loss of the season in Week 10, the Eagles must find a way to get back on track. Can they regain that focus that helped them reach 8-0? It’s not only the loss that they must recover from, it was how they lost.
Washington is a division foe but the Eagles made costly errors and there were a few bad calls that didn’t go their way. They must forget everything that happened against the Commanders and focus on the Indianapolis Colts or this could be the beginning of a snowball effect. Forget the refs, forget the costly fumbles, and the interception and get to business at hand. This game will not only be a proving point for the players but the coaching staff and how the Eagles are prepared after their first loss.
Trust The Tight Ends
The loss against Washington was a huge blow. Not only to the standings but to the team. Dallas Goedert is out for a few weeks which means that Jalen Hurts must rely on two young players at the TE position. Goedert, on the season, was such a security blanket for Hurts that his absence will be missed. Filling in for Goedert will be 2nd-year player Jack Stoll and rookie Grant Calcaterra. Between the two, they have 5 catches for 89 yards on the season.
Which player will rise to the occasion against the Colts? Hurts will look downfield more for DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown, plus Quez Watkins. But the TEs will need to assert themselves if the Eagles look to walk away from this game 9-1. The middle of the field should be open and that is where Goedert did most of his damage. He was also reliable on 3rd downs and if these two youngsters cannot get the job done, this Philadelphia Eagles’ offense could be in trouble.
