It sounds strange to say this. We're going to do so anyway. This is the 92nd season of Philadelphia Eagles football, and there has never been a game played like the game we will see on Friday.
Black helmets... White jerseys... Black pants... That alone looks bizarre, Then, there's the backdrop. Philly has never taken the field as the 'home team' and done so in a soccer stadium in Brazil.
Trust us on this. We're pretty certain about what we're saying. We've wwatched a ton of Eagles football. We haven't seen 91 NFL seasons, but we've been around for quite a few.
We have watched a fog descend on Soldier Field. We attended the Body Bag Game as youths. We say all that to say the following.
During a game with so many unusual components, nothing unfolding will surprise us. It almost seems like a no-brainer that we offer bold predictions. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles' offense take center stage for this one.
Jalen Hurts eclipses 75 yards rushing but only scrambles five times.
One of the big stories coming out of camp was Jalen Hurts' health. After sustaining so many injuries toward the end of the past three regular seasons, it felt good to see him showcase the burst and look better than he has in a while.
No one wants to see him toting the rock. That's why Philly brought in Saquon Barkly, but Jalen can't help himself. He'll break the pocket.
Figure 75 yards rushing here in this one, including a big one somewhere along the line,
AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley all score a receiving TD.
The Birds have an embarrassment of riches on offense, but NIck Sirianni has made himself clear. The passing attack will run through Dallas Goedert, AJ Brown, and DeVonta Smith.
Goedert may not receive a ton of targets in this one. He'll have a decent day, but you know Philly.
The Birds will get Saquon Barkley involved as a runner and receiver. They'll also try a few deep shots to AJ and DeVonta, and as per usual, they'll ignore the intermediate area of the field more often than not.
AJ, DeVonta, and Saquon all score as receivers.
Jaen Hurts, after his historic training camp showing as a passer, throws a first-half interception.
Jalen Hurts' impressive run of consecutive days and passes without an interception took on a life of its own. A discussion was even birthed on FS1's First Things First.
Darius Slay eventually ended the streak, but Jalen has been impressive. We heard a joke though. What if, after all fo that, he takes the field in Brazil and throws a pick in Week 1?
Well, the red jersey comes off now, and yes, we think he'll throw a pick, but it won't cost his team a win. And, besides, three TDs versus only one pick is a stat line we all can live with.
Saquon Barkley fails to eclipse 100 yards rushing but scores two TDs.
You know your Birds. They've handed a new three-year deal to Saquon Barkley. He's one of the game's most talented runners. Something tells us they will throw the football anyway.
We're feeling like he'll score as a rusher and receiver, and Philly will score four TDs on offense. But, Saquon's first 100-yard rushing day as an Eagle will have to wait until Week 2.
Jahan Dotson's breakout game will have to wait. He catches one pass.
Someone is always ignored when Philly's offense gets rolling and enjoys traction. Sorry, Jahan! You're the new guy! This game is all about AJ, DeVonta, Dallas, and Saquon eating. We'll work you into the game plan next week.
