1 Hot seat sizzling
Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott talks the talk. Yet the once mighty defense he inherited from the late Jim Johnson — then re-tooled in April’s draft — is being sliced and diced like vegetables in a Slap Chop.
The Eagles rank ninth in overall yards allowed, but 23rd in points allowed. McDermott’s defense surrendered 20 fourth-quarter points to Tennessee last week. Next up? Peyton Manning and the third-highest scoring offense in the NFL (27.6). Of course, the Eagles have never beaten the Colts in three previous meetings under Manning’s watch.
2 Welcome back, Action Jackson
Statistically speaking, the Eagles’ offense hasn’t suffered all that much without its top playmaker, DeSean Jackson.
Even in last week’s 37-19 loss, the team still racked up 326 yards of total offense, including 227 through the air.
However, Jackson’s ability to stretch the defense severely limited the deep plays. The Eagles had four pass plays over 15 yards and just one for more than 20, a 37-yard completion to Riley Cooper.
3 Bye the hype?
The Eagles have never lost following a bye week under head coach Andy Reid, boasting an 11-0 record.
Coincidence? Maybe. But Vegas bookmakers are buying it, having installed the Birds as 3-point favorites. For the record, in those 11 wins, the Eagles have faced teams with winning records only five times. Meanwhile, the red-hot Colts come in at 5-2.
