Seattle Seahawks vs. Philadelphia Eagles Preview: Historical & Pivotal Monday Night
The Seattle Seahawks host the Philadelphia Eagles in a Monday Night matchup that has already made history; Originally scheduled for Sunday, it is the first game the NFL has ever flexed to Monday.
This matchup also is highlighted by two teams on losing streaks, hoping for a late-season surge for postseason jockeying.
The Eagles suffered two-straight double-digit losses to NFC powerhouses in the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys during the past two weeks. Philadelphia needs a victory to hold onto the top spot in the NFC East and remain in the race for the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC playoffs, which comes with a first-round bye and home-field advantage through the conference championship.
The Seahawks are on a four-game skid, most recently losing to the Niners in backup quarterback Drew Lock's first start for Seattle. Starter Geno Smith was inactive with a groin injury and his status is up in the air for Monday. Coach Pete Carroll is confident Lock will be mentally prepared if he fills in again.
In the 28-16 defeat, Lock threw for 269 yards on 22 of 31 passing with two touchdowns and two costly interceptions.
A playoff spot is still within reach, but Seattle desperately needs a win to get back in contention. Seattle has made the postseason nine times in the last 11 seasons thanks to finishing the regular season strong from November to January.
Seattle looks to get after Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who finished 18 of 27 passing for 197 yards and 30 rushing yards last week. He and the offense did not score a touchdown, breaking a 94-game streak.
Geno Smith and Pete Carroll
USA TODAY
RECORDS: Seattle Seahawks (6-7) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (10-3)
ODDS: Seattle is a 3.5-point underdog vs. the Eagles
GAME TIME: Monday Dec. 18th, 2023 at 5:15 p.m. PT
LOCATION: Lumen Field - Seattle, WA
TV/RADIO: ESPN, 710AM, 97.3FM
THE FINAL WORD: Carroll on Lock:
"He was a real pro about it. That’s a great sign, and he’s been preparing for this, and he came through in that regard. It’s a good moment for him and it is very valuable for him. I saw him a couple of times take the big the breath, kind of the sigh and okay, ‘Here we go.’ He was ready. I was proud of him.”
