The Eagles 2019 schedule was released last night. We will review the schedule, game-by-game and analyze potential wins and losses. I know it's stupid because the draft has even happened yet. Injuries, free agency all can play a big part in the forecast. But it's fun to predict and dream football in the spring.
The schedule has its good and bad points, but mostly good. The early part looks manageable, and the Birds can start off 4-1 or go 2-3. The Eagles are the only team in the NFL to have three consecutive road games, all because of the Phillies., which is dumb. In the past the NFL was fine with the Eagles playing the same day as a Phillies playoff game. In fact, I was at an Eagles-Giants game at 1:00 on a Sunday afternoon in October, with a Phillies-Yankees World Series game on tap across the street at 8:00.
This was exactly ten years ago in 2009. It wasn't a problem then. The football crowd got out around 4:00 and either went home or tail-gated more with the incoming baseball fans. Traffic didn't seem to be an issue. So why are the Eagles the only team in the NFL to have three straight away games?
So, the Birds won't be home in October at all, bad for our fans as October weather- not too hot or cold- is probably ideal football weather. On the positive side they will be home all of November, with a trio of games at the Linc sandwiched around a bye week in Week 10, a great spot for a break.
Philly goes to Buffalo in October when it's not too cold, and to Miami in December when it's a good time to get out of the Philadelphia late fall chill. I like having four straight division games to end the season, building momentum for the playoffs.
All in all it could be worse. Here it is:
Week 1- Redskins at Eagles- 1:00 Sunday, Sept. 8 WIN
Division games are always tough but what could be a bad Washington team ,with new quarter back Case Keenum, invades the Linc. The weather should still be warm after Labor Day. DeSean Jackson's return to the nest, against his former team, the 'Skins.
Week 2- Eagles at Falcons- 8:20 Sunday, Sept. 15 LOSS
The 5th straight year we play Atlanta. The falcons failed to make the playoffs last year and pretty much crumbled down the stretch. Julio Jones and Matt Ryan are always a problem. Sunday Night Football with jackass Cris Collingsworth calling the game. I sense a loss as the Falcons will need this game, coming off a Week 1 loss in Minnesota.
Week 3- Lions at Eagles- 1:00 Sunday, Sept. 22 WIN
The last time Detroit played at the Linc it snowed, really bad. It was the now-famous Snow ball when then-Eagle LeShaun McCoy ran wild through the snow and the lions defense. I can't see the Lions winning in Philly, plus the Eagles will need this game to go 2-1.
Week 4- Eagles at Packers- 8:20 Thursday, Sept, 26 LOSS
Another shaft in the schedule- a road Thursday night game. Four teams in a row to start the season that didn't make the playoffs last year. The Pack are tough to beat at Lanbeau Field but at least it's not frigid December at night. Still, Green Bay somehow wins.
Week 5- Jets at Eagles- 1:00 Sunday, Oct., 6 WIN
Another home win against New York. Again, I can't see the Birds losing at home to the jets, no matter how good second-year QB Sam Danold is.Plus it's the last home game for a while.
Week 6- Eagles at Vikings- Sunday, 1:00 LOSS
Like the Green Bay and Atlanta games, this could easily be a road win. The Eagles are capable of marching into Minnesota and coming back with a victory. The Vikings got revenge last year for their NFC Championship Game defeat the year before, so revenge won't be as strong. It will depend how well Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins is playing. Can Carson Wentz win a big road game?
Week 7- Eagles at Cowboys- Sunday, 8:20 Oct. 20 WIN
This breaks the win/loss pattern. The Birds usually play well in Dallas on Sunday Night Football. Revenge for the Cowboy sweep last season.
Week 8- Eagles at Bills- 1:00 Sunday,Oct. 27 WIN
I know the Bills are competitive in Buffalo and it's the dangerous third road game of the stretch but I like the Birds here for some reason. The weather should cooperate. Somehow Wentz gets it down. Will they face Shady McCoy again?
Week 9- Bears at Eagles- Sunday, 1:00 Nov. 3 WIN
Great to be back at Lincoln Financial Field! The schedule could be flexed, as this is a rematch of their playoff game. I see a rout as the fans welcome the team home after a month.They go into the bye on a positive note.
Week 10- Bye Nov. 10
Ideal time to rest and heal. I have the Eagles' record at 6-3 but could easily but 8-1 or 7-2 with any luck.
Week 11- Patriots at Eagles- 4:25 Sunday, Nov. 17 WIN
Probably tom Brady's last appearance in Philadelphia. Late FOX game with all the hype of a Super bowl rematch.
Week 12- Seahawks at Eagles- 8:20 Sunday, Nov. 24 LOSS
Better than playing in Seattle. The Seahawks love playing in prime time. The Eagles can't have a perfect home record, can they? True, Seattle must cross country to play on Sunday night. Could be a little let-down for the eagles after beating New England the week before.
Week 13- Eagles at Dolphins-1:00 Sunday, Dec. 1 WIN
This game depends on how well the Dolphins are playing. Eagle fans should take over warm Miami.
Week 14- Giants at Eagles 8:15 Monday, Dec. 9 WIN
Division game. Eagles' only appearance on Monday night. By this time the Giants will have packed it in.
Week 15- Eagles at Redskins 1:00 Sunday, Dec 15 LOSS
Maybe Washington will have packed it in as well by now but somehow i think they play well and beat the Birds.
Week 16- Cowboys at Eagles- 4;25 Sunday, Dec, 22 WIN
Merry Christmas! Completing the sweep of Dallas. Last regular season home game.
Week 17- Eagles at Giants- 1:00 Sunday, Dec, 29 WIN
No problem in the Meadowlands with a New York club that may play hard for a half then give up.
Final prediction- 11-5.
Will that be good enough to get the No. 1 seed in the NFC? How will the Rams and Saints do? The Birds make the playoffs but their seeding will go a long way to determining how far they will go on their road to the Super Bowl.
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