Howard Smith – USA Today Sports
The NFL released their 2013 schedule today and it only adds to the anticipation of a new season. The Philadelphia Eagles schedule does not appear to be an easy task. One of the first things that jumps out at you is that the Eagles only have two scheduled prime-time games. The Eagles finally get their bye week in Week 12 of the 2013 NFL schedule. This may turn out to be a blessing-in-disguise if the Eagles are in the playoff hunt. With that let’s take a look at the Eagles 2013 opponents:
@Washington Redskins (Sept. 9 at 7:10 p.m. EST on ESPN) – Will Redskins QB Robert Griffin III be available? I sure hope so. The Redskins exceeded expectations last season behind the read-option attack featuring rookies Griffin and RB Alfred Morris. This should be exciting…the reason why it will be played under the bright lights of Monday Night Football.
San Diego Chargers (Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. EST on CBS) – QB Philip Rivers, RB Ryan Matthews and that high-powered offense come to Lincoln Financial Field (LFF) for what should be a really good game.
Kansas City Chiefs (Sept. 19 at 8:25 p.m. EST on NFL Network) – We all knew this was coming. Former Eagles head coach and current Chiefs head coach Andy Reid makes his much anticipated LFF debut with the Chiefs. He brings with him newly acquired QB Alex Smith. The Chiefs have been disappointing for the past few seasons, but Reid has given them high hopes of a quick turnaround.
@ Denver Broncos (Sept. 29 at 4:25 p.m. EST on NFL Network)- The future hall of famer, Broncos QB Peyton Manning comes to town and brings with him a team that had Super Bowl aspirations last year and just fell short, losing in the divisional playoff round to the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens.
@New York Giants (Oct. 6 at 1 p.m. EST on FOX) – Eagles WR DeSean Jackson’s “Miracle at the New Meadowlands” play was recently voted by fans as the best play in NFL history. Giants QB Eli Manning and the Giants will be looking to erase this from everyone’s minds.
@Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Oct. 13 at 1 p.m. EST on FOX) – Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman and second year standout RB Doug Martin are trying to turn this franchise around. This young team is capable of beating anyone if overlooked.
Dallas Cowboys (Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. EST on FOX) – Cowboys QB Tony Romo is fresh off signing a new multi-year contract and will be looking to prove his worth.
Giants (Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. EST on FOX) – The second meeting between these division rivals takes place in LFF.
@ Oakland Raiders (Nov. 3 at 4:05 p.m. EST on FOX) – The Raiders ended 2012 with the same 4-12 record as the Eagles. This matchup should show which team successfully used their offseason to steer their franchise in the right direction.
@ Green Bay Packers (Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. EST on FOX) – Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and star LB Clay Matthews will provide another great test for the Eagles on the road. The great Lambeau Field in November and the Packers faithful will provide even more challenges.
Redskins (Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. EST on FOX) – RGIII and crew again, but this time they travel a little ways north to LFF. Another important NFC East rivalry game.
BYE WEEK
Arizona Cardinals (Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. EST on FOX) – Last season the disappointing Cardinals embarrassed the Eagles in Arizona. The Eagles will be seeking revenge.
Detroit Lions (Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. EST on FOX) – The Lions fell well below expectations last season en route to a 4-12 record. WR Calvin Johnson and that offense will be looking to get back on track.
@Minnesota Vikings (Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. EST on FOX) – Star RB Adrian Peterson and the Vikings were bounced out of the 2012 NFL Playoffs by the Packers in the first round. A few offseason additions has them aiming their sight much higher.
Chicago Bears (Dec. 23 an 1 p.m. EST on FOX) – QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte and WR Brandon Marshall will be on the hunt for a playoff spot after narrowly missing last season.
@Cowboys (Dec. 29 at 1 p.m. EST on FOX) – Is there a more fitting way to end the season? No. Will this game decide a wild card playoff spot? A NFC East divisional crown?
Predictions and further analysis will be posted tomorrow…
