The last time the Eagles took the field, there was nothing pretty about the performance. One of the best games by the Eagles two weeks ago against the Panthers was followed with a dismantling by the Packers.
The Eagles have two games against the Cowboys and a huge NFC test with the Seahawks that all begins in just four days. But first, they must face the Tennessee Titans at home, a game that could set them straight for the stretch run of the season.
Here are today's six keys to the game.
Trap Game or Rebound - This is one of the remaining games on the Eagles schedule that has all the potential of a trap game. It also falls in a week where the Eagles can least afford a trap game. Looking for a rebound from last week's embarrassment, the Eagles have been presented with a golden opportunity, a game where they should be able to shake it all off. But will the trap get a hold of them instead? It could happen if the Eagles aren't careful.
Short Memory for Sanchez - As bad as last Sunday was as a whole, the late moments of the game became extra embarrassing for Mark Sanchez. It was a shade of his days as a Jet. That's not the Sanchez that showed up against the Panthers or Texans. Against the Titans, it's just as important for him to restore confidence in this game as it is for the Eagles as a whole.
Defense Redemption - It is a common theme: this is a game where the Eagles can restore the good that they showed leading up to last week's demolition from the Packers. Defensively, the Eagles need to show that last week was the result of a high-powered offense clicking on all cylinders. There was no pressure and no coverage on the pass. Everything was rolling against the Panthers. So which defense shows up. The Eagles need to hope it's the one that provided so much pressure and caused a nightmare for Cam Newton.
No Place Like Home - The Eagles hold a 5-0 record at home and the game's just keep getting better. A 27-0 win over the Giants. A 45-21 win over the Panthers. So what happens when the 2-8 Titans play in Philadelphia? It could bring the Eagles home record to 6-0 and a win would also bring the Eagles a little closer to hosting a playoff game.
Offensive Line - For all the heat that the entire team took, particularly Sanchez and company, the offensive line deserved much of the heat for struggling against the Packers. Now mostly healthy – only Todd Herremans is out for the season – the Eagles can't blame the struggles on patchwork. A strong game for the line is crucial to a bounce-back effort.
Turnover Battle - The Eagles have consistently struggled with turnovers this season. But it appeared things were going in the right direction when the Eagles held a 5-0 turnover advantage over the Panthers. Turnovers were huge that night and will be huge to the Eagles success. With so many growing pains in the Tennessee system, the Eagles should get their share. And don't forget the Eagles are sitting on nine defensive/special teams touchdowns this season. There is certainly a chance the No. 10 could be on its way.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
