Eagles-Seahawks Preview

For the second straight week, it'll be the battle of the birds. The Eagles (4-3) travel out west to face off against the Seattle Seahawks (2-5). It is a meeting of teacher and student. Mike Holmgren, in his final season, will face off against Andy Reid.


The Eagles are winners of two straight and will look to keep pace in the tough NFC East. Seattle is coming off a blow-out win in Seattle, but their season hasn't gone the way they Holmgren and company have become used to. Seattle has dealt with many injuries and they will continue to be without starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and wide receivers Nate Burelson and Deion Branch. They're also ailing defensively as Patrick Kerney is out and Lofa Tatupu is a game-time decision.

Outside of LJ Smith, Donovan McNabb will have a full cabinet of weapons to chose from. This week will be the first week in which Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown, and DeSean Jackson will all be on the field together. Curtis and Jackson will get the start. Combined with Westbrook and Buckhalter, McNabb and crew should be able to dominate.

Eagles Offense vs Seahawks Defense
The Eagles offense averages 361.1 yards per game and Seahawks D allows 367. So, it is safe to say that the Eagles should have no problem moving the ball, especially with a full arsenal of weapons. The Eagles average 27.7 points per game and Seahawks allow 26.3. The Eagles should be able to punch it into the end zone often as well.

Let's face it, the Seahawks defense is just bad right now. With one of the worst pass defenses in football, McNabb and the Eagles pass-happy offense should be able to have a field day. The only thing that could hinder the Eagles offense is Seattle is the cross-country trip it took to get there, the expected rain and wind, or their "12th man." Too bad a lot of Eagles went out and bought up tickets.

Brian Westbrook should be able to run all over Seattle as well. They're allowing 121.7 per game. If the Eagles establish the run on the road, they'll be able to control possession and use play-action well to keep the defense uncomfortable.

Advantage: Eagles

Seahawks Offense vs Eagles Defense
Well, I don't want to completely bash the Seahawks offense. They're trying to work with what they have left. All teams have been there. However, facts are fact and what the Seahawks have left is good enough for the worst offensive team in the NFC. They are averaging only 258.7 ypg, but that is largely due to their inability to pass. They actually run the ball well and the Eagles defense can become susceptible to that at times.

While the Seahawks have looked that great on offense, they've still managed to score 20 points per game. Sure, last week's game against San Francisco inflates that number, but they've still found a way to score some points.

The Eagles defense will have a clear advantage in defending the pass, so we'll see how their aggressive scheme stacks up against the run. The only way I can Seattle staying in this game is if the Eagles turn the ball over or give Seattle good field position. I wouldn't expect that though because the Eagles are a +7 in the turnover margin, forcing 15.

Advantage: Eagles

Final Thoughts:
Outside of this being away game, there is not one advantage that I can see for the Seahawks. They're just a bad team and if the Eagles want to continue to be in the playoff race, they need to handle their business like a good team would. Sometimes the Eagles play down to their competition and it costs them. A win will be huge because it'll push us to 4-3 in the conference and that is huge for the playoffs.

I'd expect the Eagles offense to explode and win 38-14. They've been bottled up for awhile and they need to explode.