A Week 8 loss in Arizona was a dose of reality for the Eagles. Mistake-filled football won’t always end in victory as it had for several weeks before their meeting with the Cardinals.
Of course, the best way to erase the loss is with short memory. There is another game on Sunday in Houston where the Eagles can get back on the winning track.
Here are this week’s keys to the game against the Texans.
J.J. Watt – Whether it is Nick Foles dealing with pressure in the pocket or LeSean McCoy trying to break free for running room, J.J. Watt will be at the center of the Texans defense. He’s also had success in creating turnovers, an area where the Eagles have struggled. Containing Watt will be crucial for the Eagles to sustain success on offense.
Eagles pass offense vs. Texans pass defense – Like last week’s game against the Cardinals, the Texans possess a good run defense but a horrible pass defense. They have the fourth-worst pass defense in the league by yards allowed per game. The question remains the same: can Foles and the Eagles take advantage of a defense that will give them chances?
LeSean McCoy vs. Texans run defense – McCoy couldn’t get things going against the Cardinals top-ranked run defense. The Texans are ranked 12th in run defense, which presents a lighter challenge. Bigger than that could be the injuries the Texans are facing on defense, which could help open up some space for McCoy and the returning Darren Sproles to run.
Injuries – While the Texans won’t be without many players, running back Arian Foster and Andre Johnson were both limited in practice this week. Brian Cushing is expected to out and Jadeveon Clowney is a game-time decision. The Eagles meanwhile will be getting Sproles back in addition to Mychal Kendricks’ second game back with a potentially greater role. And there’s even a chance that Jason Kelce could play.
Eagles offensive line – There are three key members to watch on the Eagles offensive line. If Kelce does indeed return, it’s critical for him to assist in protecting Foles, something that is clearly on the quarterback’s mind. Todd Herremans is playing with a torn bicep, so his production is in question. Finally, there is Lane Johnson who had some interesting insight to J.J. Watt.
Turnovers battle – The Eagles demise was turnovers against the Cardinals, three to the Cardinals’ one. The Eagles have also gone three straight games without an interception. Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has seven interceptions this season. Expect the Eagles to snap that streak this week.
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
