For as dire as things have seemed at times during the first half of the Eagles' 2024 campaign, Nick Sirianni's squad is 5-2 and coming off of their most impressive win of the season, a 37-17 throttling of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Week 9 presents what, in theory, should be a relatively easy opponent as Jalen Hurts and the Eagles try to move to 6-2.
Former Eagles coach Doug Pederson will lead the Jacksonville Jaguars into Lincoln Financial Field Sunday. Pederson is on the hot seat, as Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars are off to a 2-6 start after losing five of their final six games in the 2023 season.
The Eagles — who will be donning their Kelly Green throwbacks — are 7 1/2-point favorites over the Jaguars.
Here's a look at whether our On Pattison staffers believe they will be able to win with relative ease, as the line suggests they should.
Tim Kelly
Score: Eagles 30, Jaguars 17
Game MVP: A.J. Brown
The Jaguars have given up the second-most passing yards (2,272) in the NFL this season, which means this should be a game where Jalen Hurts shines.
A.J. Brown is averaging 102 yards per contest across his four games this season, with 19.4 yards per reception. He should have another big game, and expect at least one reception of 40+ yards.
DeVonta Smith also got going last week with six catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. Sunday represents an opportunity for Smith to really start to get hot.
And hey, maybe the Eagles will finally score in the first quarter.
Anthony SanFilippo
Score: Eagles 29, Jaguars 23
Game MVP: Jake Elliott
The thing the Eagles do really well — run the ball — will be challenged a little bit by the one thing the Jags do well — stop the run.
So, there will be a little more on Jalen Hurts’ arm this week. He had an excellent game last week in Cincy. A turn-back-the-clock game. It got people excited. But until we see consistency, he strikes me as a guy who needs his star running back and wide receiver far more than they need him.
Dougie P has proven to just be a mediocre coach who was touched by the angels in 2017, but he has coached well against the Eagles when they’ve played. For that reason alone, I think this game is within the point spread, and I think the Eagles get five field goals from Elliott to win one a little less comfortably than they’d hope coming in. But hey, another win is another win.
The History of Kelly Green and the Eagles - @OnPattison https://t.co/HGK6346wNf
John Foley
Score: Eagles 34, Jaguars 17
Game MVP: Saquon Barkley
Anything less than a Birds blowout will be wildly disappointing. Against the Bengals, it looked like the Eagles were finally coming together, both offensively and defensively. This is the week to step on a wounded opponent’s neck.
My AA friends will tell you that progress isn’t always a straight line. A narrow win wouldn’t be a complete disaster. But Week 9 of the NFL season is no time to take a step back.
I see the Eagles jumping out to an early lead, then relying on Barkley to demoralize the Jaguars.
Austin Krell
Score: Eagles 31, Jaguars 14
The Eagles showed something in that Bengals game. I think I’m kind of back in (insert “ready to get hurt again” gif)? Anyway, Trevor Lawrence stinks. Doug Pederson would rather be on an island somewhere. Just show up and be professional and this one shouldn’t take long.
