The Philadelphia Eagles head out to Nashville to battle the terrible heat and the Titans. Jeffery Simmons gave the Eagles unnecessary bulletin board material during the week while Philly just made a huge change along their offensive line. Which leads us to our staff's predictions of the week two game against the Tennessee Titans.
The Eagles' biggest opponent on Sunday could be the heat, with a heat advisory and near triple-digit temperatures on Sunday afternoon as they visit Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans hosted the New York Jets to kickstart the season, while the Eagles survived the Washington Commanders in Week 1. Philadelphia should be able to take control of the contest against the rebuilding squad from Music City to improve their record to 2-0 on the season.
Jalen Hurts records a second 200+ passing yard outing, but Saquon Barkley is the star of the show on Sunday. After dashing for 85 yards against Washington, the backward-leaping tailback produces numbers closer to those on the thermometer in Tennessee with 90+ yards rushing and a touchdown. The Eagles offense will scheme at least one touchdown catch for DeVonta Smith in a lopsided 24-9 victory.
Cooper DeJean puts his opening week struggles behind him, while Quinyon Mitchell loses his mind without a top-flight wide receiver to cover (sorry Carnell Tate and/or Calvin Ridley). The Titans secured less than 200 yards against the Jets in Week 1, and they will struggle to reach those same heights against a playoff-worthy defense in Philadelphia. The Eagles should be 2-0 heading home as they prepare for a primetime NFC clash against the Chicago Bears in Week 3.
Final Score: 24-9
Player of the Game: Saquon Barkley
The Eagles have a great chance of moving to 2-0 today, but it doesn't mean it's guaranteed. Saquon Barkley's week 1 performance as bloated by a gashing 43-yard run, masking an otherwise tricky day for the offensive line. The good news for Philly is that Tennessee's offensive front isn't exactly world-beating, with Cam Ward coming under consistent fire in their week 1 loss.
This game will be won and lost in the trenches, but as good as Jalen Hurts and his offensive playmakers can be, the key has to simply be to play smart. The defense looked shaky at times last week and the Titans do have explosive playmakers, most notably in Carnell Tate. If the Eagles can improve their run-blocking and keep pressure on Ward, I can't see them losing this one.
Final Score: 21-10
Player of the Game: Nolan Smith
The Philadelphia Eagles will be taken on by the Tennessee Titans, who just allowed the New York Jets to run all over them last week. This is a get-right game for the offense, especially with the change on the offensive line now that Drew Kendall will be the Center and Cam Jurgens will be the left guard. Jalen Hurts, and Company have to find a rhythm on our offense to take some momentum with them for their Monday Night Football match against the Chicago Bears.
Defensively, Vic Fangio and company have to overwhelm Cam Ward who’s still trying to find his footing in the NFL. I would expect to feel a presence from the edge rushers and to see the Eagles’ defense at least end the game with two to three sacks. It won’t be easy or pretty, but I have the Eagles defeating the Titans to start the season 2-0.
Final Score: 31 - 17
Player of the game: DeVonta Smith
I find it hard to envision a pathway where the Titans score more than two touchdowns in this one.
Last week, they were dominated by the Jets, allowing Cam Ward to be pressured on 41% of his dropbacks while allowing over 100 yards to Breece Hall.
It'll be interesting to see how the Eagles’ offensive line fairs with Cam Jurgens kicking out to guard and Drew Kendall playing center, position he's most comfortable and experienced at. The line is going to need to be in sync to slow down one of the game’s best defensive tackles in Jeffery Simmons.
Saquon Barkley has his first 100-yard game of the season and the defense gets at least three sacks in this one.
Final score: Eagles 27, Titans 10
Player of the game: Saquon Barkley
