After an emotional win in Indianapolis, the Eagles (9-1) return home for a Sunday night meeting against the Green Bay Packers (4-7). With the rest of the division playing strong football, a win against the Packers will go a long way in helping the Eagles maintain their lead in both the NFC East and the NFC in the race for the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs.
Series Record: The Eagles are 11-11 at home against the Green Bay Packers.
Opponent Scouting Report
Offense
QB: Aaron Rodgers, the two-time defending MVP, still leads Green Bay. Despite losing Davante Adams this offseason, Rodgers has found a new target in Christian Watson. This has allowed him to compile 2,542 yards (6th in the NFL) and 19 TD (4th in the NFL). He has done so while confirming in recent days that he has, in fact, been playing with a broken thumb.
RB: While Aaron Jones is the lead running back, the Packers use a duo in the backfield. Along with Jones, whose 778 yards is eighth in the NFL, Green Bay lines up A.J. Dillon while allowing Jones to split out to become a receiver where he has caught 40 of 49 targets for 248 yards and three touchdowns.
While Jones has done this, A.J. Dillon has 467 yards on 117 carries. He has helped take the load off Jones and allowed him to be more effective in the pass game. Dillon gets much of the work at the goal line and at 247 pounds, he has the body to punish opposing tacklers who get in his way.
WR: Allen Lazard was supposed to be the lead WR in Green Bay with Davante Adams' departure to Las Vegas. While Lazard has had a solid start to the season, it has been rookie Christian Watson who has caught fire and taken over the role.
At 6-foor-5 and 208 pounds, Watson is a big target with speed to get downfield. This was shown during his 3-TD game against Dallas with a 75-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers accounting for one of the scores. Watson has five TD receptions on 18 total catches. His 27% TD rate shows the dangerous nature of the big outside receiver and what he can do when he gets open.
TE: With 41 catches for 342 yards, Robert Tonyan has been the most dependable receiver for Rodgers outside of Aaron Jones. The fifth-year pro has developed a rapport with Rodgers that most tight ends have been unable to find. Rodgers trusts him and this makes Tonyan a danger anytime he is on the field.
Defense
Defensive Line: With Rashan Gary out for the season, the Packers must turn to others to get a pass rush. Dean Lowry and Jarran Reed are the first up. But another first-round rookie from Georgia Devonte Wyatt is also waiting in the wings and hoping to get his turn. NT Kenny Clark helps clog up the run game.
Linebacker: OLB Preston Smith leads the LB corps. As a pass rusher, Smith wreaks havoc amongst opposing offensive lines. He has also taken rookie Quay Walker under his wing and helped him to become the team's leading tackler with 82 tackles. Along with Walker, fellow rookie Kingsley Enagbare also starts for the Green Bay Packers' young defense, one which is building as the season goes forward.
Secondary: Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander leads the secondary. With 3 three interceptions (t-8th in the NFL) and 10 passes defended (5th in NFL), Alexander is an elite cornerback who can shut down an opponent's best receiver on a given day. Opposite Alexander, former Eagle Rasul Douglas has been tasked to cover the opponent's WR 2 with his size and length. By bringing in former first-round pick Johnathan Abram, the Packers are also attempting to solidify the safety position for a hopeful late-season push.
Key Stats
3: Before this season, the Green Bay Packers had 3 straight seasons of 13 wins. If the Eagles win this game, they will also have beaten 3 NFC North teams with just the Chicago Bears left on the schedule.
8: In 8 of 10 games this season, the Eagles have allowed 21 points or fewer to their opponents.
96: So far this season, LB T.J. Edwards leads the Eagles with 96 tackles through 10 games.
26.3: Philadelphia has averaged 26.3 points per game while allowing opponents to score 18.3 points.
Marquee Matchup | Miles Sanders vs. Quay Walker
With Miles Sanders being 8th in the NFL with 157 carries and 9th in yards (757) and rushing TDs (6), Philadelphia will count on him to do work against a Packers defense that ranks 25th against the run. If Sanders can get past the line, Quay Walker and his team-leading 82 tackles will be waiting to take him head on. If Sanders can win this battle and take one to the house, the Eagles will be in position to be on the right side of the scoreboard at the end of the game Sunday night.
