Philadelphia Eagles vs. Miami Dolphins Preview: Philly 'Troubleshooting' Historic Offense
Are you ready for some Sunday Night Football?
In a battle between the top teams in each conference, the Philadelphia Eagles welcome the Miami Dolphins to Lincoln Financial Field.
The defending NFC Champion Eagles are fresh off their first loss of the season in a surprise 20-14 defeat to the New York Jets. It was the first time in franchise history the Eagles have lost to the Jets. The Dolphins cruised to a 42-21 victory against the Carolina Panthers at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts looks to bounce back from his worst performance of the season. He completed 28 of 45 passes for 280 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions, the last of which led to New York's game-winning touchdown just one play later with 1:46 left in the game.
"We've been here before, it's all about how you respond to it," Hurts said. "I got a feeling that we'll come in with some great intensity and some of these things, they build character. I say that all the time it truly builds character so this team just has to respond the right way."
Philadelphia's defense is facing arguably its biggest challenge of the season Sunday night when Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert and Co. come to town.
The Dolphins are averaging 499 yards per game, ranking second highest in NFL history through six games. Only Kurt Warner and the 2000 "Greatest Show on Turf" St. Louis Rams averaged more.
Miami's offense leads the NFL with a balanced attack. The Dolphins are first in rushing (181.8 yards per game) and first in passing (316.8 yards per game).
The Philadelphia defense ranks second in the NFL against the run, allowing 65.8 yards per game.
The health of the Eagles defense is crucial for this one as the secondary battles mounting injuries. The Eagles have already shuffled through 15 defensive backs after enduring season-ending injuries to cornerbacks Avonte Maddox and Zech McPhearson. Keep an eye on the status of Darius Slay (knee) and Jalen Carter (ankle) vs. Miami. Both were limited in Wednesday's practice.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) passes the football as Philadelphia Eagles safety Jaquiski Tartt (23) defends during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.
© Sam Navarro, USA TODAY
Carter Domination: Carter missed Week 6 due to injury. However, through his first five NFL games, Carter has 11 combined tackles, four quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
RECORDS: Philadelphia Eagles (5-1) vs. Miami Dolphins (5-1)
ODDS: Philadelphia is a 2-point favorite vs. the Dolphins
GAME TIME: Sunday, Oct. 22nd, 2023 at 8:20 p.m. ET
LOCATION: Lincoln Financial Field - Philadelphia, PA
TV/RADIO: NBC, BIG 100.3 FM
THE FINAL WORD: Philadelphia Defensive coordinator Sean Desai on the efficient Dolphins offense:
“There’s a lot of things to troubleshoot," Desai said. "They’re extremely fast, extremely explosive. I think Coach McDaniel does a great job, and Coach Smith over there on offense, they do a great job, and they’ve got playmakers at all levels of the offense and attack all levels of our defense."
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