Coach Doug Pederson returns to Lincoln Financial Field, in a year where some Philadelphia Eagles fans did not expect to make it to this point with the current state of this Jacksonville Jaguars. Pederson will return for the first time since being fired after the controversial Sunday Night Football game against Washington.
This game was supposed to take place on Sunday Night before the homecoming matchup was flexed out in favor of the Colts and Vikings. The Philadelphia Eagles come into this game off an impressive victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, where both sides of the ball shined.
There is a reason the Eagles are -7.5 point favorites on Sunday. Jalen Hurts was the fourth-highest graded quarterback last week, and for good reason. He is limiting his turnovers, with zero in his last four games. His most significant criticism has become one of his biggest strengths as of late.
The team has found itself in a groove and will now play a banged-up Jacksonville team that has been struggling. However, despite their lackluster record, the Eagles cannot afford to overlook this Jaguars team.
Another Big Week for the Defense
The Jaguars’ projected point total heading into Week 9 is the sixth-lowest. They will also have a new starting left tackle, Walker Little. Little replaces Cam Robinson, who was traded to Minnesota for draft compensation.
The Eagles pass rush has been its most improved unit since the start of the season. Nolan Smith has come into his own after some early-season struggles. Josh Sweat has bounced back, Brandon Graham is excelling, and the interior guys are proving why Howie Roseman was right to draft them in the first round.
Milton Williams has also been great as a rotation guy behind the two Georgia first-rounders, Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. This unit has come a long way since the start of the season. That does not even include Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, who have been fantastic in their rookie seasons.
For all of the doubts in the early part of the season, this defense has turned it around and has many bright spots. I have mentioned many names and haven’t even brought up Nakobe Dean or Zack Baun yet. Those two were the two highest-graded linebackers by PFF in Week 8.
Baun scored a 91.3 grade against the Giants, while Dean scored a 90.7 grade. The Jaguars are missing Christian Kirk after his collarbone injury, which has sidelined him for the year. Tank Bigsby, Travis Etienne, Gabriel Davis, and Brian Thomas Jr. are all questionable for the matchup.
The Jaguars passing attack may look like a shell of what it was to start the season, which is not a great sign at 2-6. No matter who takes the field, Isaiah Rodgers will get his first start with the Eagles. He has done well in his limited snaps in 2024 and will get a full workload this upcoming Sunday. It will be interesting to see how he performs. A lot is going in the right direction for this defensive unit that has given up the least yards in the league per game in their last three games, and Rodgers can only add to that this Sunday.
The Offense Keeps Rolling
There is no sugarcoating here, but the offense has the perfect chance to stay hot. The Jaguars are giving up the fourth-most yards and points per game. Hurts should get plenty of opportunities to throw the ball, with the Jaguars being second to last against the pass. Hurts has been playing incredible football lately and has been a big part of this team’s success. Sure, the numbers are not all the way there due to the tush push and Saquon Barkley, but Hurts has looked like a complete quarterback the past few weeks.
It has felt like the Eagles are running a different offense as of late, but it has been for the best. This football team should be talked about in a different light by fans of the sport. They are a Saquon drop away from 6-1, and the narrative surrounding the team would be entirely different.
Prediction
There is a reason the Eagles are huge favorites, and the spread might not be high enough. It would not be surprising to see the Eagles win by two touchdowns or more. This Jaguars team has been sputtering along on offense and defense.
At 2-6, they need this win in a massive spot on the road. Against a team as good as the Eagles, that is not the place you want to be. The Jaguars have had some bright spots, including rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and Travon Walker improving, but this is a game the Eagles should win.
The Eagles should not overlook the Jaguars, though, as that is a recipe for disaster. This Jaguars team has talent and will walk into Philadelphia determined to get their season back on track. However, if the Eagles stay focused this weekend, their fans will have a stress-free night watching Joe Flacco and the Colts take on the Vikings.
Prediction: Eagles 28, Jaguars 10
