4 Bold Predictions for Philadelphia Eagles' Week 9 Matchup
The Eagles may have lost a heartbreaker last week to the Arizona Cardinals, but the loss was almost encouraging in some ways. While early turnovers and the worst possible time for a defensive meltdown on Arizona's final drive prevented the Eagles from a 6-1 start, the 5-2 Eagles showed that they are legitimate contenders this season. They played arguably the best NFC team close, with a game-winning catch to Jordan Matthews being just inches too far.
Against a 4-4 Houston Texans squad, the Eagles will look to bounce back with a resounding win and put last week's tough loss behind them. Expect both the offense and the defense to show up big against a less talented Houston squad.
Read on for four bold predictions for the Eagles' showdown against the Texans.
LeSean McCoy Will Rush for 2 Touchdowns
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LeSean McCoy has had an enigma of a season in 2014. Despite being arguably the most talented running back in football, McCoy has averaged a meager 3.7 yards per carry this season and has recorded just one touchdown.
Expect that to change soon. What better game to bounce back than against the 30th-ranked Texans defense? Houston's defense is also definitely susceptible to the run, as it's giving up 4.1 yards per carry this season to opposing backs.
After a slow start to the season, McCoy has rebounded. He rushed for 149 yards and 6.8 yards per carry against the Giants and 83 yards and 4.0 yards per carry against Arizona's stout run defense, which gives up only 3.3 yards per carry on average.
Week 9 is likely the week Shady finally breaks his touchdown slump. Expect Chip Kelly to run him early and often.
Nick Foles Will Throw Three Touchdowns and No Picks
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After throwing just two interceptions in the entire 2013 season, Foles has already thrown for nine in just seven games. And what is perhaps most frustrating about Foles' picks is that most of them have been easily avoidable. The interception in the end zone last week was Foles' hesitation in releasing the ball quickly. The other interception was thrown into coverage and a poor decision.
These mistakes are fixable, however, and with an offensive line that continues to improve, Foles should play more conservatively going forward. He can especially afford to do so against one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL in the Texans, who are ranked 31st, ahead of only Atlanta, and have a 93.1 passer rating against opposing quarterbacks.
Jeremy Maclin continues to play well, and LeSean McCoy is back to his old self. Expect Kelly to run McCoy then dial up play actions, and Foles will hit Maclin deep at least once.
Darren Sproles Will Return His Second Punt for a Touchdown
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Darren Sproles may have been the most pivotal signing of the Eagles' free agency. With the offense in a funk for the first four weeks, it was Sproles who provided a spark in both the running game and special teams to give Philly a 3-1 start, despite poor offensive line play.
Sproles was out last week, but all signs point to him playing in Week 9 against the Texans. The Eagles missed Sproles' dangerous punt returning against the Cardinals, which could have given them the edge in a one-score game. Sproles has already returned one punt for a touchdown this season; expect Sproles to find the end zone once again.
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Malcolm Jenkins Will Nab His Fourth Interception
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Malcolm Jenkins is already establishing himself as the most feared safety the Eagles have had since Brian Dawkins. He is lethal in pass coverage, having already picked off three passes in seven games, which is currently tied for third most in the league.
Jenkins may have gone three weeks without an interception, but a player of his awareness and football IQ should nab another one very soon. What better opportunity than against Ryan Fitzpatrick? Fitzpatrick has thrown seven interceptions to just nine touchdowns.
Fitzpatrick is also known for having one of the weaker arms in the NFL. All it takes is for one deeper pass to be slightly off the mark for Jenkins to be able to make a play on it.
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