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| Quarterback Nick Foles led the Eagles to two fourth-quarter touchdowns last week. (US Presswire) |
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (grass compound, outdoors)
When: Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
Spread: Bengals by 4
Forecast: Clear; temperatures in low-30s; 0 percent chance of rain; wind from the W at 3 mph.
Records: Eagles (Overall: 4-9; NFC East: 1-3). Bengals (Overall: 7-6; AFC North: 1-3).
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Nov. 16, 2008: Eagles 13, Bengals 13 (OT); Jan. 2, 2005: Bengals 38, Eagles 10. Series record: Bengals lead 7-3-1.
What matters: The Eagles were eliminated from the playoff race last week, but you never would have known it by all the happy faces in their locker room after they pulled out a 23-21 victory over Tampa Bay. This team had gone eight straight games -- a total of 70 days -- without winning and their joy and relief at finally doing it again was obvious. And that’s all the Eagles have to play for now -- feeling good about themselves as they finish out a lost season. Of course, players are also looking to the future, which will probably not include coach Andy Reid, and they know they could be playing for jobs as well as victories and that’s always a powerful motivator.
Who matters: The rest of this season is all about one person -- rookie quarterback Nick Foles. He took a huge step forward last week by leading the Eagles to two fourth-quarter touchdowns, including the game-winner on the final play of the day, and now everyone is looking for him to build on that. His coaches and teammates raved about Foles’ poise and leadership in those final minutes and now everybody is eager to see if he can play like that on a consistent basis. Eagles fans are starting to believe they’re looking at their quarterback of the future and so far they like what they see.
Key matchup: Eagles interior offensive line vs. Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins, who has 10.5 sacks this season -- that’s sixth in the NFL and first among all DTs. Last week’s game against Tampa Bay showed what Foles can do if he gets the time and it’s up to the O-linemen to see that he gets it, which won’t be an easy task against the Bengals’ rugged front line that also includes DE Michael Johnson, who has 8.5 sacks -- that’s more than twice the number of sacks as the Eagles’ leader in that category, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (4). “Geno is one of the most productive defensive tackles in football right now,’’ Eagles guard Evan Mathis said. “He is a very smart player, incredibly gifted physically. He has tremendous strength and when you combine all that with someone who plays lights out, just physically non-stop, then you have someone who can be dangerous.”
Injuries of note: TE Brent Celek (concussion) is out and will be replaced by Clay Harbor. … DT Mike Patterson (viral pneumonia) is out. … FS Kurt Coleman (bruised sternum) is out and Colt Anderson will probably start in his place for the second straight week. … QB Michael Vick and RB LeSean McCoy (concussions) have been ruled out.
Inside stuff: The Eagles played it close to the vest in Foles’ first few starts, but they were forced to air it out last week against Tampa Bay’s top-ranked run defense and rely on Foles’ arm and intelligence. He rose to the occasion and had the best passing game ever by an Eagles’ rookie QB as he led the team to a dramatic, last-second victory. Well, that had to intrigue coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, two pass-happy guys who love to throw the ball down the field as much as possible. And now that Foles has proven that he can do that, look for them to turn him loose against the Bengals’ pass defense.
Stats you should know: The Eagles have won four games this season; all of them were by two points or less and all of them were come-from-behind in the fourth quarter. … Since Reid became coach in 1999, the Eagles are 31-23-1 (.573) vs. the AFC, the best record among all NFC teams. … If tight end-fullback Emil Igwenagu -- who was signed from the practice squad this week -- plays on Thursday night, he will be the 16th Eagles player who has made his NFL debut this season. … With TE Clay Harbor starting for Brent Celek (concussion), the Eagles’ starting offense will only have two players who were preseason starters -- LG Evan Mathis and WR Jeremy Maclin.
Looking ahead: The Eagles get a nice long rest now before finishing up the season with a couple of NFC East tussles. First, the Washington Redskins come to town as QB Robert Griffin III makes his first visit to Lincoln Financial Field. Then the Eagles hit the road to wrap up the season against the New York Giants, whom they beat earlier in the season.
Prediction: Bengals 28, Eagles 27
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Philadelphia Eagles from blogger Kevin Noonan, follow @CBSEagles.
