The Eagles will play a game on Halloween for the first time since defeating the Ravens back in 2004.
Sitting at 2-5 and sliding towards a top-3 pick, Philadelphia will look to rebound against a winless Lions team in what can only be described as a must-win matchup for both teams.
Here are 7 storylines to follow.
1. Darius Slay returns to the beginning
A second-round pick (36th overall) in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Lions, Slay became a 3 time Pro Bowler with Detroit and if not for Matt Patricia’s disrespect, he could still be with the franchise.
“The only thing that’s different is that’s like my second home. I was there for seven years. I appreciate Martin Mayhew (former Lions general manager) taking a chance on drafting me, the Lions organization for taking a chance on me being there,” Slay said. “I’ve got a lot of family there. I built a lot of relationships, so it’s a good home visit for me. I appreciate the fans, for sure. I’m real big in the community there, so it’s going to be a good feeling to be in Detroit.”
2. Duce Staley welcomes the Eagles to Detroit
A familiar face will be on the opposing sidelines at Ford Field, as assistant head coach and running backs coach, Duce Staley welcomes the Eagles to Detroit.
Staley has running backs D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams playing really good football for the Lions.
3. Could Gardner Minshew see time at QB?
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni emphatically stated when asked, that Jalen Hurts would remain the starter and that Gardner Minshew, acquired in the September trade, would bump up to the No. 2 spot behind Hurts.
“I really like Gardner and I think he’s a really good backup,” Sirianni said. “I’ve got a ton of faith in Jalen and he will be our starter.”
If the Eagles struggle or get off to a slow start, would Sirianni look to Minshew to help Philadelphia avoid giving Detroit their first win of the season?
4. Eagles running back depth
Miles Sanders left Sunday’s game in Las Vegas with an ankle injury, and has been listed “week to week”. With Sanders likely out Sunday at Detroit, the Eagles will go with Kenny Gainwell and Boston Scott and could promote Jordan Howard from the practice squad.
5. Defense expected to be more aggressive
After the Sunday debacle in Las Vegas, the Eagles are now focusing on “mixing a little bit more man to man (coverage) in there” and “getting a little bit more aggressive with our man (coverage)” to challenge opposing quarterbacks.
Look for Philadelphia to pressure Jared Goff early and often, hoping that he’ll revert back to some of his negative habits.
6. D'Andre Swift set to explode
Opposing running backs have feasted on the Eagles as a dual-threat and Swift could have the biggest explosion of them all in Week 8.
Swift currently leads all NFL running backs in receptions (42) and receiving yards (391) and Jonathan Gannon will need to account for him first and foremost.
Swift is on pace for 102 receptions and 950 receiving yards this season.
7. Eagles red zone accuracy
Philadelphia will have opportunities to score on Sunday, and the Lions’ defense is last in the NFL, allowing a touchdown 84.2 percent of the time opponents reach the red zone.
The Eagles converted a touchdown more than 70 percent of the time (70.8) they’re in the red zone, which ranks sixth in the NFL this season.
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Eagles vs. Lions: 7 storylines to follow in Week 8 - Eagles Wire
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