While fan favorite Brian Dawkins will be returning to town on Sunday with the Denver Broncos, don’t expect the Eagles to stay sentimental for long. Although they’re guaranteed a trip to the playoffs, there are still bigger fish to fry, namely the division title and the elusive long shot – the second and final first round bye.
The Bronocs, who started the season 6-0, sit at 8-6 and although they currently have the last wild card spot, they sit on shaky ground. With two games left in the season, there are several hungry teams in the AFC at 7-7 who would love to make it into the playoffs. This game means as much to them as it does to the Eagles.
The Eagles come into this game on a tear, putting up wins in their last 5 games. While the defense has been spotty, they can kill on offense, showing the ability to put up points in any situation, both on the ground and in the air.
Adding to this big play ability is Brian Westbrook, who is likely to return from his second concussion of the season this week. While there has been debate on whether he should play, doctors have cleared him and he appears ready to go. Although LeSean McCoy will make the start, Westbrook is expected to make some carries.
The Eagles can clinch the NFC East with a victory on Sunday coupled with a Dallas loss to Washington on Sunday night.
Kyle Orton, who was swapped for Jay Cutler in the off-season, seems to have taken a liking to his new home. While Orton has completed over 60% of his passes for 3182 yards and 17 TDs, keep in mind that most of his success came early in the season. He’s only passed for 300 yards once this season, in week 5, and has thrown an interception in the last 4 out of 5 games.
Orton should be more of a test than the 49ers’ Alex Smith was last week, but if the Eagles can shut down Denver’s running game, he will be forced to throw. If he goes to the air, then the defense can focus on turning the ball over. The Eagles defense is currently ranked 11th, and are tied for third in the league with 23 interceptions. We’ve seen how they can turn the game around on turnovers, and if they continue doing so, they will remain a viable playoff team.
Brandon Marshall is Denver’s biggest receiving threat, he of the recent selfish 21-catch, record-setting game in a loss to Indianapolis. The defense has been burned by wide receivers recently and outside of tight ends, this remains their Achilles heel.
Marshall is at 1081 yards so far this season, his third time reaching that mark. While his average per touch is a career low, he has 10 touchdowns after 14 games, which is a career high. This is Denver’s big play guy.
Running back Knowshon Moreno leads all rookies with 224 carries for 879 yards, but has not put together a big game yet this season. He’s been stymied the last two games, going just 63 and 42 yards. Also keep an eye on former Eagle Correll Buckhalter who has carried the ball 108 times for 582 yards.
Adding to the challenge is Denver’s defense, currently ranked third overall and second on the pass. Old friend Brian Dawkins is a key member of this group, and the Eagles are well aware of what he can do and what he means to a team. His 81 tackles are nothing to sneeze at – currently ranked second on the team.
Elvis Dumervil is an absolute beast who will have Donovan McNabb in his line of sight at all times. The 5-11, 248 pound linebacker uses his hands well and is sporting 15 sacks this season, leading the NFL.
While the Birds may not be able to rely on the air attack, they can fight Denver where it hurts most, and that’s on the rush. LeSean McCoy has proven valuable, and Leonard Weaver has been firing on all cylinders the past five games. Couple them with the return of Westbrook and the Eagles will have a diverse ground attack.
Sentiments aside, this will be a big game for the Eagles on a number of levels. Dawkins may be back in the city where he is revered, but the Eagles have business to handle. By putting the Broncos away on Sunday, they both increase their stranglehold on the division and continue to nip on the heels of the Vikings for the second and final first round bye. If they continue their inspired play, this will be a game that they can put in the win column.
