The new Eagles' season is finally here which means it is time for the return of bold predictions for the upcoming game.
Here are three of my bold predictions followed by some of the best reader-submitted predictions for Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins:
Eagles score more than seven first-quarter points: This might not sound like a super-bold prediction, but when it comes to the Eagles' offense, it is. The Eagles averaged just 3.2 points-per-game in the first quarter last season, nearly half as many as they did in 2017. Head coach Doug Pederson has put an emphasis on quick starts this offseason and the season opener is just the time to do it. Quarterback Carson Wentz has scored a touchdown on three-straight season-opening drives, a truly remarkable streak. Look for that streak to continue on Sunday and for the Eagles to follow it up with another scoring drive at some point in the first quarter.
Miles Sanders tops 100 total yards and scores a touchdown: The Eagles are ready to make Miles Sanders their top running back and that should start on Sunday. The coaching staff has complete faith in Sanders, saying throughout training camp how impressed they have been with his ability to pick up everything they have thrown at him. The coaching staff has been waiting for a true dual-threat running back they can trust and they now have it in Sanders. With all of the attention on the other weapons the Eagles have, look for Sanders to have a big game in his NFL debut.
Washington Redskins score first: The Eagles offense enters Sunday having not taken a single snap together in the preseason. This week is the first time since last season the 11 players that will start on Sunday have practiced together. The result is likely going to be some rust throughout the game and a potentially rough start. Washington doesn't have much talent on offense but they are committed to running the ball, an area the Eagles' defense struggled last season. If Washington gets the ball first there is a good chance they take advantage of a rusty and banged up Eagles' defense.
Reader Bold Predictions:
"I think Nigel Bradham returns a fumble for a touchdown after a Derek Barnett sack" — @EaglesCentral
It would certainly be a great end to the week for Bradham if he finished it in the end zone, especially after getting in trouble with the team for missing the bus to the team's final preseason game. Barnett netting a strip-sack would be very promising sign for the team, considering how much they are counting on him this season.
"Ryan Kerrigan gets blanked on sacks" — @winemascot
Washington edge rusher Ryan Kerrigan has been a major problem for the Eagles throughout his career. He has more quarterback hits against the Eagles than he does against any other team in his career. Right tackle Lane Johnson blanking Kerrigan will go a long way in helping the Eagles come away with a win.
"Nelson Agholor throws a touchdown pass" — @TimJRadio
Nelson Agholor attempted a pass in last season's opener. If he threw it to Carson Wentz for a touchdown that would certainly be another official passing of the guard from Nick Foles to Wentz.
"Jordan Howard 2 touchdowns, 150 all purpose yards" — @williamOmailliw
The Eagles going with Howard as their lead back, and him finishing with 150 total yards, would be surprising — especially if it meant Howard was involved in the passing game.
"DeSean Jackson doesn't score a touchdown" — @grossnick1
The second the schedule came out there was one absolute certainty — DeSean Jackson was going to score a touchdown against Washington to start the season. It is absolutely a bold prediction that he won't.
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
