Philadelphia Eagles Complete Schedule Analysis for 2011-2012
Are you pumped for next year? I know I am, depending on if there is a season of course.
Here I will run through all 16 games of the Philadelphia Eagles schedule and give an analysis on each and every game. Below is a quick preview:
Week 1 Sept. 11 at St. Louis Rams FOX 1 p.m.
Week 2 Sept. 18 at Atlanta Falcons NBC 8:20 p.m.
Week 3 Sept. 25 vs. New York Giants FOX 1 p.m.
Week 4 Oct. 2 vs. San Francisco 49ers FOX 1 p.m.
Week 5 Oct. 9 at Buffalo Bills FOX 1 p.m.
Week 6 Oct. 16 at Washington Redskins FOX 1 p.m.
Week 7 Bye
Week 8 Oct. 30 vs. Dallas Cowboys NBC 8:20 p.m.
Week 9 Nov. 7 vs. Chicago Bears ESPN 8:30 p.m.
Week 10 Nov. 13 vs. Arizona Cardinals FOX 1 p.m.
Week 11 Nov. 20 at New York Giants NBC 8:20 p.m.
Week 12 Nov. 27 vs. New England Patriots CBS 4:15 p.m.
Week 13 Dec. 1 at Seattle Seahawks NFLN 8:20 p.m.
Week 14 Dec. 11 at Miami Dolphins FOX 1 p.m.
Week 15 Dec. 18 vs. New York Jets CBS 4:15 p.m.
Week 16 Dec. 24 at Dallas Cowboys FOX 4:15 p.m.
Week 17 Jan. 1 vs. Washington Redskins FOX 1 p.m.
Week 1: @ St. Louis Rams
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Opening day for the Philadelphia Eagles will take place on September 11th.
I feel this should've been a home game, simply due to the fact that the Eagles have such a strong marine and navy following base. Not to mention all the firefighters that went over to help out on that tragic day 10 years ago, it just would've been nice.
Looking at this match-up a few years ago would have made me laugh and think "easy win," but Sam Bradford and his gang have certainly gotten themselves together.
The St. Louis Rams went 7-9 in 2010, but there is hope. The team knows their role and are really becoming a team.
However, I still don't think that the Rams can pull of a win against the Eagles.
The Eagles offense is too quick for the Rams to contain, and Bradford needs more weapons.
Eagles take this, 37-20.
Week 2: @ Atlanta Falcons
2 of 16
Last season, the Eagles shocked the Falcons with backup QB Kevin Kolb leading his team to a 31-17 win.
However, this is a new year, new blood.
Falcons QB Matt Ryan now has Julio Jones to split between the hurting secondary of that Eagles roster.
In the previous matchup, Kolb went 23-29 for 3 touchdowns for 326 yards. What would've happened if Vick was healthy? Jackson was held to only 1 catch, and he certainly didn't have a role in the outcome.
This year, the score will be much closer. The trade for Julio Jones was huge and will help the Falcons greatly on offense. Roddy White and Julio Jones on each side is very scary to defend, especially for a team that allowed 31 touchdowns throughout last season.
If the Eagles do get a corner after the lockout is lifted, then it will be a different story. Vick will go off against his former team, and lead them to a close win.
Eagles, 27-24
Week 3: New York Giants
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Ahhh, the New York Giants.
If you're a Philly fan, you just had a great deal of animosity come over you.
The New York Giants are one of the Eagles' biggest rivals (second to the Cowboys of course) and always bring a great game. There has never really been a boring matchup between the two teams recently, and this will not be either.
We all witnessed DeSean Jackson's heroic punt return to give the Eagles a victory as time expired in the Medowlands of all places. That was one of the greatest games to date, as the Eagles marched a massive comeback in the final minutes of the game.
So expect the Giants to have some hard feelings. They will never forget that day and will be looking to redeem themselves in Week 3. However, the Eagles have seemed to crack the code against the Giants, going 4-0 the passed two seasons.
The Giants took Prince Amukamara with the 19th pick in last years draft, and he is a stellar corner.
Imagine if the Eagles signed Plax? That'd be funny.
The game will, as always, be close, and banking the Eagles cap off this offseason the right way, the Eagles will start off 3-0.
Eagles, 23- 20.
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Week 4: San Francisco 49ers
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So far, so good. The San Fran 49ers are a troubled team; they just can't seem to get it right.
The 6-10 49ers have struggled against the Eagles (and every other team) in the past.
The 49ers were 26th in the league last year, allowing 231 passing yards per game, and that is not good, especially against a versatile player like Vick who can carve the defense up with his arm and legs.
I expect this to be the breakout game for rookies, due to the fact they have a feel for the game now. They're home and against a mediocre team, so look out.
I'm not being biased or anything, but this game will be a piece of cake for the Eagles.
They're coming off a tough win against the Giants, so they can still win and boost their confidence against a team like these 49ers.
Expect a blowout, 41-21.
Week 5: @ Buffalo Bills
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Hello there Buffalo, it's been a long time. I really can't remember the last time these two teams have played. December of '07 I believe.
Once again though, let's get down to the stats. The Bills really did well in not allowing many yards through the air last season. In fact, they only allowed 192 YPG, which is pretty impressive for a 4-12 team.
They may be good at defending the pass, but they lack significantly defending the rush. The Bills were last in the league last season, allowing 170 yards on the ground...wow.
That's a pretty weird combo; they allowed almost as many yards on the ground than through the air. Of course, drafting the beast Marcell Dareus can certainly help keep that number down.
Once again, the Eagles have this one. Vick may have a rough day throwing, but don't forget about his legs. He will scramble, a lot. McCoy will have a massive game as well, possibly a career day.
This one will be closer than many people will think, but Philly will edge it out.
Eagles, 31-27.
Week 6: @ Washington Redskins
6 of 16
Another heated rivalry game, away in Washington. Last time these two met was on Monday Night Football, when the Eagles blew out the Redskins, 59-28.
That game was the turning point for the Eagles last season, and automatically made them a favorite for the Super Bowl. Vick threw for 333 yards, 4 touchdowns, no picks, and a near perfect passer rating in 150.7.
Donovan McNabb most likely will not be a Redskin next year, so the motive for them to win isn't as significant as it was last year. When McNabb led his team to a 17-12 victory over the Eagles in Week 4, you know that made him happy.
I still have bittersweet feelings about McNabb, but Vick is the QB now, and he's doing a phenomenal job. Rex Grossman will take over if McNabb does not return. He did okay at the end of last season, but Rex is Rex.
He's getting old, and doesn't have the spark he used to.
The Eagles will win, but it will be a boring game: 17-6.
Week 8: Dallas Cowboys
7 of 16
This is a pivotal game, especially for the Eagles coming off their week 7 bye.
The Cowboys will have Romo back under center, assuming he remains healthy. Jason Garrett has done a great job taking over for Wade Phillips and will continue to do so.
This is another matchup that year after year, never seems to disappoint. Whenever I watch these two play, I'm always on the edge of my seat.
Not only does it give the team an advantage in the division, is gives me bragging rights over my Dallas-fan cousin at Thanksgiving.
But back to the facts.
The Eagles are one of the best teams in the Andy Reid era when coming off of their bye week. In fact, they are 12-0. They must spend that week wisely.
If it weren't for the Eagles having a bye, I would've taken Dallas.
However, that is not the case.
Dallas is 26th in the league in pass defense, a staggering number for any team against Vick.
Vick and DeSean will hook up for a few huge plays, and Reid will continue to keep his streak going.
Eagles, 34-24.
Week 9: Chicago Bears
8 of 16
Another interesting game that may finally cripple the Eagles perfect record.
For some reason, the Bears have what it takes to beat the Eagles. For the past couple of years, Philly has yet to capitalize against them, and always come up short.
Chicago is 2nd in the league in rush defense, mainly due to their strong linebacker core.
One thing though that may be key in this game is that the Bears will be coming off of their bye. The week to rest and regroup will give them a huge advantage over the Eagles, who will struggle.
Something about Chicago--I don't know what it is--is scary. They will get the chance to show off their skills to the world, due to this being a great Monday Night Football game.
I say the Eagles will suffer their first loss of the year, making them 7-1.
Chicago, 24-10.
Week 10: Arizona Cardinals
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Week 10 will kick off an interesting matchup once again.
The Arizona Cardinals will storm into Philadelphia, with Kevin Kolb possibly leading the opposing team.
Now this prediction is kind of hard to do, due to the fact that the offseason is currently at a halt. I say if Kolb does get traded, he will go into Philly looking to show them and the entire city of Philadelphia how big of a mistake it was trading him.
Kolb has an arm and some serious potential. His only downfall is really his lack of experience in the NFL. He knows what he is doing, but he just hadn't had the chance to live through it all.
The pressure will be a lot for him to handle, and I think he will carve the Eagles up.
The only way the Eagles can come out alive in this one is how their defense responds and reacts. Shutting down the run will ultimately leave Kolb throwing to Fitzgerald, and the defense will need to adjust and cover the best they can.
The Cardinals also struggle defending the run, so this will be the deciding factor.
If McCoy can carry the team into the endzone a few times in this one, the Eagles will escape. If not, expect some pretty bitter fans.
Nobody likes watching their team lose to their former player, it just makes you feel bad.
Eagles win, 27-20.
Week 11: @ New York Giants
10 of 16
This is usually around the time of year that predictions start to be made for the playoffs.
Going into New York on a chilly November day is something that is tradition for these two teams, and will be another good one.
Eli Manning will need to step up and be sharp if he wants to bring his team to victory. If not, then the Eagles are golden. Manning tends to get frustrated against the Eagles in games like this, causing a lot of turnovers.
The Eagles' special teams will want to have a good game too; not necessarily another monster punt return, but getting good kick returns and field position.
This is also the kind of game where one play can change it all and be the deciding outcome.
I want to see Vick go for it all and hold nothing back, as MVP voting and awards will start to become a factor around this time of year.
Eagles, 20-17.
Week 12: New England Patriots
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This is never a happy thing to read for any team.
The Patriots are simply dominant in the NFL, and they get on these scary steaks where they just pummel their opponents and have no intentions of stopping.
This will really be a test for the Eagles to see how strong they are. The one thing the Eagles have going for them is that the Patriots haven't been playing good defense the past couple years.
They are 30th in the league in pass defense, so DeSean Jackson should look for the ball to come his way a bit.
Tom Brady, though, is a legend in the making. The Eagles have an obvious sore spot in their secondary, and Brady will take every advantage of that when he can.
Unless the Eagles pick up a quality defender in the next couple of months, the Patriots will take this one home with them.
Patriots, 41-27.
Week 13: @ Seattle Seahawks
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Week 13 takes the Eagles all the way across the country to Seattle.
The Seattle Seahawks made a great playoff run last year at 7-9 and shocked the world in a wildcard win over the world champion New Orleans Saints.
Hasselbeck is getting old, and his future in Seattle is unseen. However, Marshawn Lynch I feel will have a pretty solid year on the ground.
The Eagles rookies again can have a big impact in this one. I would like to see Casey Matthews shut down Lynch, and either Jarrett or Marsh make a play in the secondary.
I don't see the Eagles falling in this one, really because the Seahawks don't have the weapons, or an answer for the Eagles weapons.
Seattle will have to be on fire in order to pull this one away, but a bigger offseason for them will need to occur.
Right now, Philly takes this 35-17.
Week 14: @ Miami Dolphins
13 of 16
The last time these two played was in 2007, and the rosters were completely different.
Can you name the Dolphins QB? John Beck. Yeah, things have changed.
The Dolphins had a pretty solid defense last season, and Chad Henne did a pretty decent job leading the team.
Brandon Marshall also had a pretty good year in his first as the team, racking up over 1,000 yards receiving.
The funny thing is that this is one of those games where literally anything can happen. If this game were in the beginning of the season, I would take the Eagles hands down.
But, I'm taking the Dolphins in an upset win. Two main reasons:
1. The date will be December 11th. In Philly, it's freezing. The adjustment to the warm weather will be a nice change, but this late in the season, the heat will wear them down.
2. The Eagles will be tired. It's been a long second half of the year for them, and this game doesn't have much significance. It's not a division game, nor is it even in the same conference. The Eagles will be tired, and take it slow.
The Eagles will have a sloppy game.
Dolphins win this, 27-13.
Week 15: New York Jets
14 of 16
The Eagles will face a tough team in the New York Jets coming off a loss.
The Jets are a strong team, usually one that picks up momentum as the year goes on. The year will be closing out, and Sanchez will pull off some more of his December magic.
Once again, I don't think the Eagles can pull it off. The Jets don't have much of a game through the air, but with a shutdown defense, it doesn't matter.
The Jets do have one of the best defenses in the league, certainly top 5. It will be a frustrating game for the birds, simply due to the Jets defense that will not budge.
Vick will struggle a lot. They will lay down in the 4th quarter, probably subbing in the backups once they realize defeat is inevitable.
If the Eagles pull this one off, I will be greatly surprised.
But right now, the Jets have my win.
New York wins, 20-10.
Week 16: @ Dallas Cowboys
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The season nears the end with another great rival game.
I feel like I'm repeating myself a lot with this phrase, but this game will be decided on the outcome of prior weeks. If the Cowboys are 10-4 or something around that, this game will obviously mean a lot to both games.
So I'll split this into two. If the game has a big meaning and will decide each teams fate, then it will be a hard-fought battle.
When the Eagles need to win, they do. When the Cowboys need a win, they too pull it out. So if this is the case for both wins where a win can decide the team's playoff standings, then get ready for an amazing game.
If the game has little importance and really doesn't even matter, then expect the rookies and backups to see a lot of playing time.
A similar situation occurred last year in Week 17 when these two played a very useless game. Kolb was under center, and the starters were spectators. Dallas won.
But for the sake of the analysis, I'll take the Eagles in a close one, taking the season series 2-0.
Eagles win, 24-19.
Week 17: Washington Redskins
16 of 16
The season sadly closes against the Redskins.
This game will most likely prompt the 11-4 Eagles to give their second string players some time.
With this game being completely and utterly useless, it really has no effect on the outcome of each of the teams season. The Redskins will most likely not be in a situation where they need to win.
If something like home field advantage was at stake for the Eagles, then you probably wouldn't see the backups until after half-time, or until a comfortable lead is made.
So with not much importance in this one, I'll just give it to the Eagles.
28-16.
The Eagles could go 12-4 if everything predicted goes as planned, and will have a good shot at the Super Bowl.
Check back in once the season ends and see if I was right!
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