5 Matchups That Will Determine Philadelphia Eagles vs. Denver Broncos Outcome

5 Matchups That Will Determine Philadelphia Eagles vs. Denver Broncos Outcome

Through three games, the Philadelphia Eagles have made it clear that if they play up to their potential, they can compete. They’ve not been blown out of any games, not been held scoreless and realistically had the opportunity, if taken, to win each of their first three. However, mistake after mistake, at times, have haunted them by taking the ball away from the strike force offense and putting unnecessary pressure on a defense that is mediocre at best.

If the Eagles were able to single out matchups and win individual battles each week, they would put themselves in a position to re-establish themselves in the NFC East and take with it some confidence to build on for the future. Riding on the coat tails of their superstars, LeSean McCoy, Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia will have a chance to deal the Denver Broncos their first loss if they can win each of the individual challenges this week.

It will begin with protecting the football, making sound decisions on offense, and getting some support from the young and inexperienced defense. The defense will have their stiffest challenge of the year facing off against Peyton Manning and his computer-like football brain. His at the line adjustments along with his experience provide a task difficult for any defense, let alone one of the worst in the league. The Eagles' offense will be asked to carry much of the burden as they have to this point, but if Philadelphia has plans of evening their season and shocking the league, they will need some type of help from the defensive side of the ball.

Bob Francis is a Philadelphia Eagles contributor for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @rfrancisjr, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

5. Trent Cole vs. Chris Clark

Making the transition to a new position at outside linebacker, Trent Cole has just not been the pass rushing threat that he once was. Visiting the confines of Mile High, he’ll find a matchup against Chris Clark, starting just his second game as the blindside protection for Peyton Manning. If Cole can find the fountain of youth and return to the hunter of old, the Eagles will be able to put Manning under some unexpected pressure and win a battle for the defense. An injury to Ryan Clady provides Cole a matchup that he, in the past, would have taken advantage of and found a way to affect the game’s outcome. He’ll need to find a way to make it happen again if the Eagles are to have a chance.

4. DeSean Jackson vs. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie/Champ Bailey

Matchups on the outside have become more difficult for burner, DeSean Jackson. Without much help from the receiving corps, with the exception of veteran Jason Avant, Jackson has found it difficult to find the ball at key times and affect the game. After beginning the season with over 100 yards receiving in Week 1 and nearly 200 in Week 2, Jackson seemed not existent in the Eagles' last appearance. If the Eagles are to challenge the unbeaten Broncos, Jackson will have to be a large contributor and begin by winning his battle with either former Eagles corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie or All-Pro veteran Champ Bailey if he returns from injury.

3. Philadelphia Eagles' Defense vs. Peyton Manning

The NFL’s 30th ranked defense, Philadelphia will have its hands full against All-Pro, future Hall of Famer, Peyton Manning. The matchup is a difficult one for any defense in the league, let alone a young and inexperienced defense like the Eagles which averages giving up over 438 total yards of offense per game. Each part of the group will need to step up its production if Philadelphia is to step into the spotlight and challenge the Broncos. Beginning with the line putting pressure on Manning and the secondary taking away open options and avenues downfield, the Eagles will need to play their best game of the year on the defensive side of the ball for a chance at a win.

2. LeSean McCoy vs. Denver Broncos Run Stop

Establishing himself as one of the premier rushers in the NFL, LeSean McCoy and his multi-faceted attack out of the Eagles' backfield is more than any defense wants to handle. Pair McCoy’s talents with the revamped offensive line which has provided plenty of time and room, with the exception of last week, for the Philadelphia offense to succeed in all aspects of the game, and the run game should be primed to have another big day. However, the Denver defense, which ranks No. 1 against the run, will provide a worthy adversary for McCoy and the Eagles' ground game, allowing less than 45 yards per game. If Shady McCoy can stay on track and continue to do his thing, making tacklers miss in the open field, he can have a large effect on the outcome of the game and the Eagles' chances of winning.

1. Michael Vick vs. Turnovers

Since the arrival of Chip Kelly in Philadelphia he has preached protecting the football and making sound decision for the betterment of the football team. Until last week Michael Vick had the third highest quarterback rating in the NFL, but turnovers in Week 3 were the story. Vick looked to revert to his performance from 2012, throwing two interceptions and setting the Eagles back on offense from prior weeks. To have any type of chance come Sunday afternoon, Philadelphia needs to protect and keep the ball each time they have the opportunity on offense, and that will begin with Vick. A strong performance would silence critics and set the Eagles up to shock the league, handing the Broncos their first loss.

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