We're halfway through our four part series going through the Eagles 2016 schedule. Parts one and two are available here and here.
Through their first eight games, we have the Birds sitting at 3-5 after struggling through a tough stretch that featured three division games in four weeks.
However, things do not get easier for Doug Pederson's squad as they enter the second half of the season. Three 2015 division winners highlight the third quarter of their schedule and the calls for Carson Wentz will become louder if the Eagles are unable to contend with the class of the NFL.
Week 10 vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Eagles lost in Atlanta week one last year when the Falcons looked like one of the top teams in the NFL. However, Dan Quinn's team faded down the stretch and will be looking to avenge last year's collapse by putting together a full season. Offensively, the Falcons boast a solid attack centered around Julio Jones and DeVonte Freeman. Their defense played well last year and could develop into a really good unit if Vic Beasley is able to make a leap in his second year.
The Eagles are coming off a win and could be feeling pretty good at home, but the Falcons offensive philosophy will frustrate the Eagles' front seven and Jones will have a big day. The Eagles could come out inspired after last week's win over the Giants, but it seems more likely that they come out flat after a tough division contest.
Result: Falcons win, 30-24
Record: 3-6
Week 11 at Seattle Seahawks
Death, taxes and the Seahawks winning at home. Other than the New England Patriots, no other NFL team has the same type of home-field advantage the Seahawks have. The Eagles really struggled against Seattle two years ago when they played them in Philadelphia and although it looks like the Seahawks may be trending downward at the moment, they are still in a different class than the Birds clad in midnight green.
This game may spell the beginning of the end for Sam Bradford's tenure as starting quarterback. If this game ends up like the beat down it looks like here in July, the Eagles may not hesitate to thrust Wentz onto the field the next week. But…
Result: Seahawks win, 27-10
Record: 3-7
Week 12 vs. Green Bay Packers
At home, on Monday Night Football, against the Green Bay Packers may not be the best time to start Carson Wentz. Maybe Pederson has a flair for the dramatic and decides to use Wentz as a motivational tool to infuse some energy into his team. But Pederson's demeanor suggests he would rather take a calculated risk and unleash the Beast from Bismarck™ in an environment where he can have more success.
Instead, Aaron Rodgers will do Aaron Rodgers things and Bradford will look the part of a lame duck QB. Embarrassment at home, on national TV? It's certainly a possibility.
Result: Packers win, 38-20
Record: 3-8
Week 13 at Cincinnati Bengals
Thirteen weeks into the season and Wentz finally makes his debut. Riding a three-game skid, the Eagles are desperate heading into Cincinnati. The Bengals have been a formidable team for years, but it will be interesting to see if Andy Dalton and the offense regresses with Hue Jackson moving across the Buckeye state to take the Browns head coaching job.
It will be an ugly game, but four-game losing streaks are a rarity in the NFL and the Eagles aren't a putrid football team. They're good enough to beat a solid Bengals team and that's exactly what they'll do in Wentz's first career start.
Result: Eagles win, 17-13
Record: 4-8
In Conclusion
Through three quarters of the season, the Eagles are out of playoff contention, but with Wentz now on the field, his development is the main priority moving forward. This stretch should be the time where the Eagles show their true colors. If they are legitimate playoff contenders, they will prove it by beating two or three of these teams. But as we've seen, this roster isn't talented enough yet to compete with the top teams in this league.
Tucker Bagley is a staff writer for Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @tbagley515.
