Eagles-Lions predictions
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Eagles-Lions predictions
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
JEFF MCLANE
Record, 1-4
Week 6: The Eagles appear to have shaken off the Lincoln Financial Field blues and have now won four straight at home. The Lions have claimed only one of their last seven, including last season's playoff loss at New Orleans, on the road. That one victory was at Oakland, so take it with a crumble of corn bread.
The Lions may be 1-3, but they aren't as poor as their record would seem to indicate. But you what you're record says you are and even though Detroit has surrendered six returns -- four on special teams -- for touchdowns, those points count just the same as the others. The Lions should be getting a couple of key players back on defense with safety Louis Delmas and defensive end Cliff Avrilreturning from injury. Delmas should help a pass defense that hasn't netted an interception all season. Avril is only a slight upgrade over his replacement.
The Lions still have a number of talented players. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson is as good as they come. He's still getting his catches and yards despite double teams, but has found the end zone only once. Opposing defenses have been able to umbrella a Lions offense that can't sustain a ground game. If the Eagles can keep Johnson in check and from scoring they could wrap this baby up by halftime. That's a significant-sized if. Still, the book calls for either Nnamdi Asomugha or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie(I'd go with DRC) to blanket Megatron with safety help. The Eagles should have employed a similar tactic against Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals three weeks ago, but they didn't and it cost them.
I don't think Juan Castillo -- er, Todd Bowles -- makes the same mistake twice. Eagles 30, Lions 17.
What goes right: Michael Vick protects the football and does not have any turnovers.
What goes wrong: Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew creates headaches for Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks.
ZACH BERMAN
Record, 3-2.
Week 6: Don't be misled by the Lions' record or statistics. This is a team that made the postseason in 2011 and appeared to be ascending. They allow 28.5 points per game, although that includes four special teams touchdowns and two defensive touchdowns. So the defense is actually keeping offenses to 18 points per game, which is a bit more reasonable. They're also healthier now than before the bye week, and the extra time to prepare is often advantageous. For that reason, don't anticipate a blowout. In fact, this will be the fifth time in six weeks that an Eagles game comes down to the final drive.
Unlike last week, expect the Eagles to come out on top. There is a few reasons for this: the Lions' secondary is vulnerable, allowing quarterbacks to average a 101.3 passer rating and failing to swipe an interception all season. The Eagles can take advantage, and it's about time for DeSean Jackson to catch a deep home run pass and Jeremy Maclin to accumulate receptions. Also, look for LeSean McCoy to have a better game catching the ball out of the backfield. The Wide-9 that Detroit utilizes can hinder long outside runs, which are a McCoy staple, but the Eagles can find McCoy in the flat or on a late-developing screen.
Vick seems to have fixed the int's, seems serious about the fumbles. If the line can play a good game for a change, I like the Birds 28-17. Mr. Mudd, you have the floor.— Craig321- The Lions offense isn't the problem, it's the Lions Pass Rush that will cause the Eagles Line problems. The Offensive line can not handle the Lions and that will be the difference Sunday. The only chance Vick has is to call in sick and miss the game.
Keeping Vick in the pocket plays right into the Lions strength.— Dexter - Birds 20-16. Overrated Offensive teams with 2 good defenses with strong Lines with the Lions Special Teams making the Eagles' unit look like a Pro Bowl squad.— yobill626
- No, Asomugha is not terrible, he's just not elite anymore. he gets burned at least once a game? Once? That's a problem? For some reason everyone focuses on his mistakes and nothing else.— bobbyd24
Score = 34 - 20- Question. How many turnovers will it take for Andy to bench Vick in favor of Foles?— fanup
- And what happens if Vick fumbles 3 times in the 1st half alone and throws an INT to a D that hasn't had one all season? Do you bench him? Do you bring in Foles? Edwards? This has the potential to be the undoing of either Vick or Reid. Yes, it should be a blow out by 21 pts. But will it?— Mark1npt
- @lost eagle If the truth is in the coaching this one is in the bag. Swartz is an idiot, who encourages his team to take dumb penalties and has hissy fits over a pat on his back. Lions = losers!— Paul SoTX
Comment removed.- Two bad teams, turnovers will be the difference, not looking good for the home team. I still pick the Eagles, Eagles 27 to Lions 25.— richrose97
- Lions 42 - Beagles 3
Vick is chew up by the lions!
Another Andy speech its my fault we need to improve!
Another Andy game of poor play calling!
Another poor showing on the DB's, Special teams!
I hope I eat my words,but the truthis in the coaching!— lost eagle - You guys are both nuts. eagles couldn't score 30 points if the Lions eft at halftime.— Bama
- i still have no idea what this eagles team will do each week.
— bloodymess - Can't call this one. If the Lions stay in their slump, a good Eagles' performance gets a win. If the Lions awaken, the Eagles better have their best game of the season.
I'll say McCoy carries for 125 yards, and the Lions get 55 on the ground. Eagles 24, Lions 21.— armchairGM - The only way Asomugha can quiet his critics is if he doesn't play.
The guy is terrible and I mean terrible!!!— mainstreet
