The Philadelphia Eagles entered 2011 as a self-anointed ‘Dream Team.’ For a large part of last year they dealt with injuries, and underachieved. However, they won their last 4 games, and again became a popular Super Bowl pick as 2012 began.

Coming off of the Eagles 17-16 Week 1 victory in Cleveland, the major stories coming out of Philadelphia are the play of Michael Vick, and further discussion of comments from Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie that expectations are high; and the team will have to perform for Head Coach Andy Reid to retain his job.

1) I am expecting a heavy dose of RB LeSean McCoy. The Ravens were gashed pretty good by Green-Ellis Monday night. Philadelphia had issues with their passing attack and pass blocking against Cleveland. This week the Eagles are dealing with a Jeremy Maclin hip flexor, and a very thin receiving core if Maclin can not play. McCoy had 5 games in 2011 with at-least 26 touches (carries + receptions), and had 26 touches vs. the Browns last week. I believe we see him have similar numbers this week, as the Eagles will make the Ravens prove they can slow him down.

2) Presumably Cleveland attempted to not challenge Nnamdi Asomugha, and went after 2008 1st round pick Rodgers-Cromartie. Rodgers-Cromartie responded with 2 picks, as did FS Kurt Coleman. 2010 2nd round pick starts at Strong Safety. I’ll be interested to see how the Philadelphia corners defend Smith and Boldin. Reputation aside, if Asomugha is covering Smith on an Island down the field, Flacco and the Ravens should go after him. Jacoby Jones had 3 grabs for 46 yards against the Bengals, and I think he will get the chance to make plays against the Nickle and Dime Corners for the Eagles as well.

3) If Maclin can not play, further attention can be spent on covering DeSean Jackson. Jackson has averaged 17.8 yards per catch, and 5.6 yards after the catch, over his first 234 grabs of his career.

4) Brent Celek has been pretty productive, and relatively unnoticed Nationally, during his career at TE. Coming in 2012, he has played in every game of his first 5 seasons. In 2009 he had 76 grabs. Last year he had 62. Last week he had 4 grabs for 65 yards, including one for 28 yards. Again, if Maclin can not go, you would think getting him the ball becomes a larger priority for Philadelphia.

5) The Eagles starting LT is the massive 6’9 330 lb King Dunlap. Coming into 2012, he had only started 7 games in the league since being drafted in the 7th round of 2009. It will be interesting to see if the Ravens can get pressure against him. Dunlap’s father was a former DT of the Baltimore Colts. Next to Dunlap is Evan Mathis. Pro Football Focus voted Mathis as the best LG in the game last year, and Mathis signed a 5 year $25M extension in March.

At Center is 2nd year player Jason Kelce. A 6th round pick out of Cincinnati, he started every game last year. To the right of Kelce, is Canadian native Danny Watkins. Watkins was Philadelphia’s 1st round pick in 2011.

The RT is Todd Herremans, who signed a 3 year extension in March, and has started in 88 games since being drafted in ’05.

6) The Eagles use a 4-3 front. DE Jason Babin is coming off of an All-Pro season, and was recently ranked the 44th best player in the league by his NFL peers. DT Cullen Jenkins is in his 2nd year with the Eagles, after signing his 5 year $25M deal last year. His contract was restructured this off-season. Next to Jenkins is . The RDE is Trent Cole. Cole was an All-Pro in 2009, was ranked the 57th best player in the league by his NFL peers, and has had 6 consecutive seasons with 8+ sacks.

7) Philadelphia’s LB core received two major additions prior to 2012. Mychal Kendricks was drafted in the 2nd round out of Cal, and is starting outside. Inside Demeco Ryans was added in a trade with Houston. Ryans was named to a couple of Pro Bowls, and was a 2007 All-Pro.

8) Maclin did not practice Thursday, but did say he felt better than he did Wednesday. If he can play, he provides a strong compliment to Jackson. Maclin has averaged 13.7 yards per reception for his career, and matched that level last week vs. the Browns on his 7 catches.

9) Vick had 56 pass attempts vs. the Browns, and was picked off 4 times. I’ll be surprised if we see either happen again this week. During the Eagles 4 game winning streak to end ’11, Vick averaged 31 attempts per. He also only ran the ball 11 times during that stretch. If you are spying Vick with a LB, does that hurt the rushing defense against McCoy?

10) The Eagles are a 1 point home favorite, which means they would be slight under-dog on a neutral field. I’m sure the Eagles will be looking to play better than they did vs. the Browns. Philadelphia is definitely capable of beating the Ravens, but I think Baltimore has the better overall team. If the Ravens do not let down like they did during last year’s first road game (Tennessee), the Ravens should return to Baltimore with a 2-0 record.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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