3 bold predictions for the Commanders at Eagles in Week 4
By Dean Jones
Commanders restrict Jalen Hurts to 150 passing yards
The Philadelphia Eagles have an embarrassment of riches across Nick Sirriani's roster. Their defense is renowned and feared led by an exceptional front four, with D'Andre Swift's arrival via trade from the Detroit Lions providing them with a dynamic rushing attack despite losing Miles Sanders in free agency.
If there was one area where the Eagles haven't met expectations so far, it's in the passing game. However, quarterback Jalen Hurts looked more like his old self last time out at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, throwing for 277 yards despite conceding two interceptions.
Hurts is a complex riddle to solve for any defense. Keeping him contained in the pocket is crucial, which can hopefully be accomplished with an effective pass-rush, gap discipline at the second level, and solid coverage on the backend.
The Commanders have the personnel to potentially make things difficult for Hurts. But getting off to a better start is absolutely crucial after three sluggish openings - two of which they came back from to triumph.
Anything less would see the same problems Washington encountered last weekend resurface. Holding Hurts to under 150 passing yards would be a good place to start, but the Commanders must also couple this with keeping the box stacked to ensure their running back weapons don't dictate the tempo.
It's a fine balance. One that the Commanders have to get right in pursuit of shocking the NFL world once again.