As training camp approaches, we will be looking a bit further ahead. Although everything can change in a split-second during the next month, it is never too early to get an understanding of what awaits Doug Pederson's squad when the games start to count.
On Thursday, we analyzed the first quarter of the Eagles schedule and have the team sitting at 2-2 following their first four games. Here's what the second quarter of their schedule looks like, a stretch that includes three games against division rivals.
Week 6 at Washington Redskins
The first divisional clash for the Eagles is against last year's champ. The biggest question regarding the Skins is whether or not Kirk Cousins performance last year was an aberration or a sign of who he will be for the rest of his NFL career. The big difference between the Cousins of 2015 and the Cousins of 2014 was the fact that he cut his interception percentage practically in half.
The big issue for the Eagles in this game will be whether or not they can pressure the QB. Despite Jim Schwartz's scheme being built to get after the passer, it may be hard for the team to hide their weaknesses on the back end of their defense if Cousins is letting go of the ball at the top of his three-step drops. Meanwhile, the Redskins' defense will hinge on the performance of Josh Norman who is capable of shutting down half the field.
Result: Redskins win, 24-20
Record: 2-3
Week 7 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Probably the toughest game during this stretch, the Vikings are coming off a playoff appearance and shored up their shoddy receiving corps with Laquon Treadwell. Teddy Bridgewater is looking to build off a solid sophomore campaign and he still has Adrian Peterson lining up behind him. Add in a young defense that allowed more than 23 points just twice all year and the Vikings are starting look like a legitimate threat to the Packers' reign on the NFC North.
The Eagles should have no problem keeping the Vikings offense in check, but Minnesota's game is based around slowing down the clock and pounding the ball with Peterson and short passes to Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Rudolph. Hopefully the Eagles will have found an identity at this point of the season and if Ryan Mathews or Sam Bradford is able to put together a performance worthy of their potential, the team could steal a game and climb back to .500.
Result: Vikings win, 23-14
Record: 2-4
Week 8 at Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are entering 2016 as an interesting enigma. On one hand, their top offensive playmaker, Dez Bryant is healthy again and they added a blue-chip running back in Ezekiel Elliott. On the other, two of their top defensive players are suspended for the first part of the season. Also, Tony Romo's health will continue to be question as he ages. But is Dallas the team that went 4-12 a season ago or the team that went 12-4 in 2014?
The logical answer is somewhere in the middle. If Romo is healthy and playing like he is capable of playing, the Cowboys will be able to overcome their suspect defense and beat the Eagles in a primetime shoot out. But if he is out, expect a much slower game where Dallas relies on their rookie running back and tries to control the ball. Either way, I don't think the Eagles come out on top.
Result: Cowboys win, 35-28
Record: 2-5
Week 9 at New York Giants
The Eagles have had the Giants number for a while now and despite coaching changes on both sides, things aren't all that different. Ben McAdoo has been promoted and despite some splashy moves on defense, the Giants are sticking to the status quo, despite a downward trend.
By this point in the season, the Eagles are in the middle of a three-game skid and are desperate for a win. I don't think they will turn to Carson Wentz just yet, unless Bradford has really struggled or Wentz is completely outperforming him on a daily basis at practice. Desperate and against a familiar foe, the Eagles finally crack the win column again.
Result: Eagles win, 23-14
Record: 3-5
In Conclusion
If the Eagles are truly after a playoff spot in 2016, this stretch is an integral part of their season. With three division games and a game against a team who will be competing for a wild card spot, the Eagles could make up a lot of ground in the playoff picture if they were to go 3-1 or 4-0.
Instead, they will continue to struggle to put complete games together and will be unable to find an identity on offense. At 3-5, the Eagles are teetering on the border between mediocrity and substandard.
Tucker Bagley is a staff writer for Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @tbagley515.
