Game Preview: Eagles return home, look to rebound against Rams

A 4-0 start was a yard away before the Eagles squandered a goal-line chance at points. In Week 5, they are looking for a return to the win column.

Back at home, the Eagles host the St. Louis Rams, coming off a loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. The Rams bring in a relatively young team with promise in some areas and certainly have a chance to stick around in this game.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. from Lincoln Financial Field.

The Rams were hurt at quarterback with the loss of Sam Bradford. But their passing game has not suffered in the hands of Austin Davis. Davis has helped the Rams to the ninth-best passing offense in the NFL through four weeks.

The Rams running game is constructed well but has yet to truly take shape. With Zac Stacy, the Rams second-year back, and rookie Tre Mason manning the backfield, the Rams have potential, but still rank 22^nd in the NFL in rushing yards per game.

St. Louis holds some talented receivers, but one could miss Sunday’s game. Tavon Austin is listed as questionable for the game, even after the bye week gave him time to heal. Austin Pettis and Brian Quick have done a nice job filling in for Austin. Jared Cook and Lance Kendricks are the targets at tight end for the Rams.

Defensively, there are two forces on the Rams line that can certainly disrupt the Eagles. William Hayes and Robert Quinn are on the ends for the Rams and can apply pressure to Nick Foles or swallow up LeSean McCoy as the Eagles offense looks to get going.

Alec Ogletree leads the linebackers while Janoris Jenkins and T.J. McDonald are key players in the secondary.

The Eagles look to get Foles, McCoy and company going on offense. In addition, they may get a piece of the offense into place for the first time this season. Josh Huff is listed as probable for Sunday’s game.

Defensively, the Eagles played well in San Francisco despite the loss, as Malcolm Jenkins came up with the shining play again. Brandon Boykin provided an injury scare last Sunday, but is expected to play against the Rams. He is currently listed as questionable for the game.

Game Notes

• The Eagles are playing the Rams for the first time since Sept. 11, 2011, when they claimed a 31-13 win in St. Louis.
• In the last meeting between the two teams in Philadelphia, the Eagles opened the 2008 season with a 38-3 win.
• The Eagles have won seven of the last 10 meetings against the Rams. Among them is a loss on Jan. 27, 2002, when the Eagles fell to the Rams, 29-24, in the NFC Championship game.
• The Eagles have won 10 of the last 12 regular season games, including six straight wins at Lincoln Financial Field.
• In each of the last 17 games, the Eagles defense has recorded at least one takeaway, their longest streak since they had at least one takeaway in 37 straight games from 1993 to 1995.
• Milestone Watch
• LeSean McCoy needs six catches to move into 13^th all time on the Eagles list of total receptions, passing Tommy McDonald.
• Jeremy Maclin needs 10 catches to move into 13^th all time in receptions. He also needs 35 receiving yards to pass Calvin Williams for 11^th all-time in team history.
• With one field goal of 50 yards or more, Cody Parkey will become the first Eagle since 1984 with three field goals of 50 or more yards in a single season.

Injury Report

Eagles
Out

• LB Mychal Kendricks (calf)
• C Jason Kelce (hernia)

Questionable

• CB Brandon Boykin (hamstring)

Probable

• TE Trey Burton (Achilles)
• TE James Casey (knee)
• WR Josh Huff (shoulder)
• WR Brad Smith (groin)
• WR Jeremy Maclin (hamstring)
• T Matt Tobin (ankle)
• CB Nolan Carroll (ankle)
• S Earl Wolff (knee)

Rams
Out

• C Barrett Jones (back)
• CB Trumaine Johnson (knee)
• CB Brandon McGee (foot)

Questionable

• WR Tavon Austin (knee)

Probable

• QB Shaun Hill (thigh)

Where to Watch

TV: FOX (Broadcasters: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnson, Tony Siragusa)
Radio: 94 WIP (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick, Howard Eskin)
National Radio: Sports Radio USA (Larry Kuhn, Ross Tucker, Troy West)

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.