Scanning the Eagles' remaining schedule
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Scanning the Eagles' remaining schedule
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
Curious what the schedule has in store for the Eagles? Here's a game-by-game breakdown of what's ahead. The Giants and the Falcons are the only two teams that currently have a winning record, although there are still enough dangerous opponents to cause concern:
vs. Atlanta, Oct. 28, 1 p.m.
The pressure will be on Reid and Vick when the Eagles host the only undefeated team remaining in the NFL. Reid is 13-0 after bye weeks, an impressive statistic that will be challenged in Bowles’ first game as defensive coordinator. It’s also another chance for Vick to face his former team and try to outplay Penn Charter alum Matt Ryan, who replaced Vick as Atlanta’s franchise player.
at New Orleans, Nov. 5, 8:30 p.m.
The Saints have been a bigger disappointment than the Eagles this season, yet they remain a scary matchup – especially in New Orleans on a Monday night. This game will be a challenge for the Eagles. The Saints are healthier and will be energized by the returns of interim coach Joe Vitt and linebacker Jonathan Vilma. The Eagles will be fortunate to be 4-4 after this game – whether it’s a win or a loss.
vs. Dallas, Nov. 11, 4:25 p.m.
The NFC East games are critical for the Eagles, and the first meeting against the Cowboys will be the Eagles’ first foray into divisional contests since the Sept. 30 win over the Giants. A victory over the Cowboys would keep the Eagles undefeated in the division, while a loss could be an ominous sign for a team that plays three of their next four games on the road.
at Washington, Nov. 18, 1:00 p.m.
This will be the Eagles’ first encounter with Robert Griffin III, a player whose combination of world-class speed and strong arm hasn’t been seen since Michael Vick entered the league with the Falcons. The Eagles have won three consecutive road games against the Redskins, although Washington hasn’t had a quarterback as dynamic as RG3 before.
vs. Carolina, Nov. 26, 8:30 p.m.
The Eagles encounter a mobile quarterback for the second consecutive week. Panthers quarter Cam Newton will challenge Bowles, especially because Carolina does not play a conventional offense. This will also be the first game between Reid and former Eagles assistant Ron Rivera, who is now the Panthers’ head coach. Carolina’s defensive coordinator is former Philadelphia defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, creating even more storylines.
at Dallas, Dec. 2, 8:20
The Eagles must visit Dallas on a short week, which will not be an easy task. After playing the Cowboys just three weeks earlier, there will be familiarity between the teams and the schemes. Both Reid and Cowboys coach Jason Garrett could be fighting to keep their jobs, too, which would even more intrigue to this matchup.
at Tampa Bay, Dec. 9, 1:00 p.m.
A relatively soft stretch in the Eagles’ schedule begins against the Buccaneers. If the Eagles hope to make the playoffs, these final four games will be critical. Tampa Bay has been inconsistent this season under new coach Greg Schiano. This is the type of game Reid cannot afford to lose.
vs. Cincinnati, Dec. 13, 8:20 p.m.
Last season, the Eagles needed to travel across the country to Seattle for a Thursday night game. This season, the Eagles benefit from being able to play the Thursday night game at home. Teams have been able to go on the road and win on Thursdays this season, so this isn’t a surefire victory, but it’s certainly a winnable game for the Eagles.
vs. Washington, Dec. 23, 1 p.m.
The final home game of the season might be the final home game of the Reid era. The result of the game could also be a factor. If the Eagles hope to make the postseason, it helps to beat the Redskins at home.
at New York Giants, Dec. 30, 1 p.m.
What better way to end the season than a visit to the Meadowlands, the site of so many memorable Eagles games and so many moments in Andy Reid’s career? This game could be pivotal if the Eagles hope to win the division and make the postseason. If they don’t, this could be the final time Eagles fans cheer (or boo) a Reid-coached Philadelphia team.
Uh, Reid is 13 and 1 after a bye week. There was that Super Bowl thingy.— JamesJ- Anybody else notice that next week, the Eagles will have their 3rd straight game against an opponent coming off their bye week? Pittsburgh had 2 weeks to prepare. Detroit had 2 weeks to prepare. Atlanta has 2 weeks to prepare. In week 11, the Eagles will play in Washington, with the Redskins coming off their bye. That's 4 times in one season. Shouldn't the league be looking out for these things when they set the schedules? Doesn't seem quite fair to me...— RagtimeTime
- Have you ever considered the possibility that the league office hates Reid as much as Philly fans? We can only hope. — 1republican
- They go winless rest of the way. Just watch. Players have given up— joedig22
- Win versus Atlanta and we are set for the second half run.— Soaring Eagle
- Who are the Eagles?
Getting ready to see some hard hitting, just a joke.
Jon and Lana at the requiem, go for it.— Soaring Eagle - The most interesting thing about the Washington game on Nov. 18th will be the stark difference between RGIII and Vick (ssuming he's still the starting QB). RGIII has a brain along with speed and an arm.— 1republican
- You may regret this comment later.... — MrJayScott
- I live in Atlanta and I have seen every Falcons game this year. The Falcons are not as good as their record and Matt Ryan has never been nearly as good outdoors. This is a game the Eagles can win if they don't shoot themselves in the foot. I'd be more apprehensive about the Saints game.— atlvickfan
- Most of you guys call yourselves fans PSSSSHHHHH We all know how well the Eagles do in Nov and DEC annnnnnd ESPECIALLY after the bye week. Once they start winning again all of you who had something negative to say about Reid and Vick will be swingin on their tes******. And you know it— buck2zero
