The Philadelphia Eagles are hosting the Denver Broncos at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday afternoon.
In order to preview this Week 5 matchup, I reached out to our enemies over at Mile High Report. The incredible Ian St. Clair kindly took the time to answer my questions about this upcoming battle. Let’s take a look at the answers. [For my answers to questions about the Eagles, stay tuned to MHR.]
If you simply look at the record, you’d say the Broncos are about where most fans and people expected. However, when you look at how Denver lost its two games, that’s where you’d say it’s worse. To lose back-to-back games on last-second field goals is still a gut punch. Then it’s a kick to the nose, given the Broncos were leading in both games. But missed opportunities and poor execution are why this team isn’t 4-0. The good news is that Denver is still in a great spot, given its position in the division and conference, as well as the next five to six games on its schedule.
2) What’s the confidence level in Bo Nix? He showed some promise as a rookie but it seems like turnovers have been an issue this season?
Confidence is incredibly high in Nix. He’s the Broncos’ franchise quarterback. And no person has more confidence in Nix than Denver head coach Sean Payton. Nix has started off a little sluggish with four interceptions, as you mentioned, and, at times, has happy feet. But he’s also had some great moments. After the way he played against the Cincinnati Bengals – even a bad Bengals team – should still boost his confidence. The sky is the limit for Nix.
3) What’s the Broncos’ biggest strength right now?
The easy answer is the defense, but it’s true. When Denver’s defense is rolling, it’s one of the best in the league. Offensively, I’ll say the running game led by J.K. Dobbins has been the biggest surprise, and why Nix will get better and better as the season progresses.
4) What’s the Broncos’ biggest concern right now?
This is a bit of a two-part answer that’s tied together: The injury to Dre Greenlaw and the current middle linebackers in the Broncos defense. Greenlaw has missed the first four games and is currently on IR. He’ll be able to return in Week 7. The hope is Greenlaw will be able to get on the field at that point. In the meantime, Denver must suffer through the truly terrible Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad. These guys are glorified special teamers who are somehow playing middle linebacker. If the Eagles have their senses, they’ll attack that part of the Broncos defense because Singleton and Strnad are truly awful.
5) Who wins this game and why? With the Eagles currently listed as 4.5-point home favorites, what’s your score prediction?
Part of me wants to pick the Broncos, but the Eagles are a class above Denver right now. I think it’ll be a close game, as the spread indicates, but Jalen Carter and the Philly defense, not to mention the special teams play for the Eagles, will prove too much. I also think Saquon Barkley could be in for a big game on Sunday.
27-24, Eagles.
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