The Philadelphia Eagles host the Baltimore Ravens Sunday at 1:00 in their season home opener. Last week Philadelphia defeated Cleveland 17-16 in a sloppy turnover filled game, while Baltimore rolled over Cincinnati 44-13. The 2 teams last played in 2008 when the Ravens rolled to a 36-7 victory in Baltimore. The Eagles and Ravens have met 3 times previously, and the series currently stands at 1-1-1.
Eagles Offensive Player to Watch: Michael Vick
Last Sunday Vick engineered a 16 play 91 yard touchdown drive to put the Eagles up 17-16 with 1:19 left in the game. The only negative was his play for the 3 and a half quarters preceding that drive, during which he threw 4 interceptions, including 1 that was returned for a touchdown. Against the vaunted Ravens defense this Sunday, Vick must be better in all phases. If he continues to make poor decisions this week, Baltimore will capitalize and turn those mistakes into points. For the Eagles to win Sunday he must make accurate throws in timely situations, make smart decisions, and utilize his running ability to move the chains and put points on the board.
Eagles Defensive Player to Watch: Kurt Coleman
The Baltimore Ravens have implemented a no-huddle offensive attack in 2012, and it was on full display Monday night against the Bengals. Baltimore racked up 451 total yards including 329 through the air last week using this new scheme. Philadelphia will try and slow down this new high flying offense by shutting down star running back Ray Rice, and containing the Ravens wide receivers and tight ends. This will then allow the defensive line time to get pressure on quarterback Joe Flacco, forcing him into ill-advised throws and decisions. The key to the success of this defense will be Eagles safety Kurt Coleman. Coleman had a solid week 1, in which he made 2 interceptions, including the game sealing interception on the Browns final drive. This Sunday he must patrol the middle of the field, keeping deep contain on burner receiver Torrey Smith, and keeping fellow receivers Jacoby Jones and Anquan Boldin in check, as well as tight ends Ed Dickson and Dennis Pita. Also he must provide solid run support against Ray Rice, and captain the Eagles secondary by making quick pre-snap reads and audibles, matching Joe Flacco move for move. This Sunday will be a chess match for Coleman and he must be on top of his game both mentally and physically if the Eagles want to improve their record to 2-0.
Eagles Injury Report
Probable: (S) Colt Anderson – Thigh, (WR) Jason Avant – Wrist, Questionable: (S) Kurt Coleman – Facial Lacerations, (WR) Riley Cooper – Collarbone, (WR) Jeremy Maclin – Hip, (CB) Curtis Marsh – Hamstring.
Ravens Offensive Player to Watch: Anquan Boldin
In week 1 the Ravens offense looked unstoppable at times against the Bengals, especially in the 2nd half. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has implemented a no-huddle offense this season, and quarterback Joe Flacco and his receiving corps have become the beneficiaries. If week 1 was any indication, the Ravens will look to wear down the Eagles defense and cause confusion by calling plays at the line of scrimmage. This in turn should help slow down the Eagles pass rush and create time for Flacco to find receivers down field. The Eagles in the meantime will be looking to shut down star running back Ray Rice, and big play receiver Torrey Smith, thus creating 1 on 1 matchups for wide out Anquan Boldin. Boldin should look to exploit these matchups using his physicality, while Flacco should look to use him often, especially on 3rd down and in goal line situations.
Ravens Defensive Player to Watch: Ed Reed
Ed Reed was his old self against the Bengals Monday night, intercepting a pass and taking it back 35 yards for a touchdown. This made the score 34-13 and broke the game open for the Ravens. Over his career Reed has become one of the best safeties of all-time, and will someday be enshrined in Canton with fellow teammate Ray Lewis. For now though, Reed must patrol the middle of the field against a very potent Eagles offense Sunday. Philadelphia will look to implement a vertical passing game, utilizing big play wide receivers Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson. Reed must have discipline and not overplay for interceptions or Jackson and Maclin could bust big plays on double moves. Not only will Reed be responsible for deep passes but he will also be counted on to keep LeSean McCoy under contain, as well as quarterback Michael Vick. If Reed can stay under control and let the game come to him, there’s no reason why he can’t add to his career interception total on Sunday, against a turnover prone Eagles attack.
Ravens Injury Report
Probable: (S) Ed Reed – Hamstring, Questionable: (C) Matt Birk – Thigh, (DE) Paul Kruger – Back, (DE) Dernell McPhee – Knee, Doubtful: (T) Jah Reid – Leg.
Quote of the Week
Baltimore Head Coach John Harbaugh when asked about his thoughts on his team’s potential success this season, “I feel as good about this team as any team we’ve had…that’s not a predictor about our record or anything like that, but I really, really love this team.”
Eagles 3 Keys to the Game
1) Force Turnovers: The Eagles forced 4 turnovers against the Browns in week 1 and must have the same mindset in week 2. Forcing turnovers will keep the Ravens offense off the field, and will give Michael Vick and company more opportunities to put points on the scoreboard.
2) Get Pressure With 4: Baltimore will look to run quick plays and get the ball out of Joe Flacco’s hands on Sunday. For the Eagles to have success they must be able to get pressure on the quarterback with 4 pass rushers, allowing their linebackers and secondary to take away space and force Flacco into making bad decisions.
3) Special Teams: The Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles had very different performances in week 1 that resulted in victory; nevertheless these teams seem to be on the same level talent-wise. When this happens game’s often come down to missed field goals, shanked punts, or big returns. The Eagles need to win the special teams battle on Sunday, by making field goals, and covering well on kickoffs and punts.
Prediction: Ravens 24 – Eagles 17
Vick and the offense are much improved from week 1 but the defense has a hard time applying pressure on Flacco and keeping the Ravens from racking up yard after yard. This game is still close in the final quarter but the Eagles can’t tie it up in the waning moments.
Prediction Record 1-0
Current NFC East Standings
1. Cowboys (1-0)
2. Eagles (1-0)
3. Redskins (1-0)
4. Giants (0-1)
hello,my friend,how are you