Eagles-Lions: Week 5 Preview

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

After a long week off, the Eagles return to the field on Sunday, coming off their most impressive win of the season, even if it was two weeks ago.

The Eagles are 3-0 after rolling past the Steelers in Week 3, and enter Week 5 looking for a 4-0 start against the Detroit Lions.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

Quarterbacks

Matthew Stafford has experienced the good and bad to start the season. In four games, his numbers are very good. But after opening the season with an excellent performance against the Colts, he has struggled in his last three games, posting four passing touchdowns and four interceptions. 

Carson Wentz continued his excellent start to his NFL career with another brilliant game against the Steelers, his best to date. The rookie still has yet to turn the ball over while leading the Eagles on several scoring drives and completing five touchdown passes on the season so far.

Running Backs

The Lions running game has not been a strong suit this season and took a hit with the loss of Ameer Abdullah for the rest of the season. Theo Riddick now serves as the lead back, but has not been able to help the run game establish much progress.

Ryan Mathews had just two carries in Week 3 as he continued to deal with a lingering ankle injury. Luckily, the Eagles have solid depth at the position with Darren Sproles, Wendell Smallwood and Kenjon Barner all available to assist in the running game.

Wide Receivers

Marvin Jones has been a solid receiver for the Lions, but Detroit doesn't have a standout at the receiver position with the retirement of Calvin Johnson. Instead, they are spreading the ball around more to various receivers, like Jones and Anquan Boldin.

The Eagles managed to put the ball in Jordan Matthews hands for another touchdown in Week 3 and Nelson Agholor's involvement has been much better this season than in his rookie campaign. While Matthews is essentially the No. 1 receiver, the Eagles really spread the ball around well.

Defense

The Lions defense has struggled mightily this season, especially against the pass. With the Eagles balanced game, this could be a long day for the Lions.

The Eagles defense has really been the focal point of the three wins this season. With Fletcher Cox taking home NFC Defensive Player of the Month and players like Brandon Graham and Rodney McLeod putting up strong showings to open the season, the Eagles revitalized defense has been lifting them to new heights this season.

Player to Watch

Zach Ertz makes his return to the field in Week 5 and how quickly and frequently the Eagles get him involved remains to be seen. Wentz liked him as a target in Week 1, so there is certainly a good chance Ertz sees his fair share of chances to make plays.

Jones has been the closest thing the Lions have had to a go-to receiver this season. He's not in the same category as Antonio Brown or Alshon Jeffery, but he can be dangerous.

Injury Report

Game Notes

• The Eagles are one of three teams in the NFL with an unbeaten record. Both the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings are 4-0.
• With a win, the Eagles would improve to 4-0 for the first time since 2004 and just the fifth time in franchise history.
• The Eagles have won their first three games by 15 or more points, just the second time in franchise history they have accomplished the feat. The other was in 1980.

Where to Watch

TV: FOX (Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis, Chris Spielman, Peter Schrager)
Radio: 94 Sportsradio WIP (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick, Howard Eskin)
National Radio: Compass Media (Chris Carrino, Brian Baldinger)