Week 5 brings a huge test for the Los Angeles Rams with the Philadelphia Eagles coming to town. Not only did Nick Sirianni’s team reach the Super Bowl last season, but the Eagles are 4-0 to start the year and one of only two remaining unbeaten squads.
The Rams, meanwhile, are 2-2 and looking to make a big statement to the rest of the league with a win over a quality opponent like Philadelphia. To preview this NFC showdown, we caught up with Eagles Wire editor Glenn Erby and asked him five key questions for Sunday’s game, including a prediction of how it will go.
Buy Rams TicketsHe shared a weakness the Rams can exploit in the Eagles defense, as well as his take on whether this team is better than last year’s group.
1
What’s a weakness in the Eagles defense that the Rams can exploit?
Eagles Wire: Until Bradley Roby gets into actual game shape, the opposing offense will likely target CB Josh Jobe in the passing game, opposite CB Darius Slay and James Bradberry when he’s in the slot. Tyler Higbee could find several mismatches against Philadelphia’s safeties and linebackers, Justin Evans and Terrell Edmunds.
2
Has D’Andre Swift been as good as his numbers suggest or is he benefitting from great run blocking?
Eagles Wire: It’s been a bit of both, with Swift staying healthy and hitting the holes with a sense of urgency. The offensive line is the NFL’s best, and the past two years have proven that Philadelphia can run a team out of the building with a committee of ball carriers. Swift has taken advantage of his opportunities, and he’s been blessed with a tremendous offensive line and skill position players that draw attention away from the running back.
3
Is this Eagles team better than the one that went to the Super Bowl last season?
Eagles Wire: From a strictly personnel and player standpoint, yes, there is far more talent on the 2023 team than in 2022. Reed Blankenship is just as talented as C.J. Gardner-Johnson, while Jalen Carter has more than made up for the loss of Javon Hargrave to the 49ers. Nicholas Morrow has been stout at linebacker, making up for the loss of T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White. The most significant dropoff could be in the continuity and efficiency of the offensive coordinator, with Brian Johnson trying to replicate Shane Steichen’s success.
4
Is Jalen Hurts once again playing at an MVP level?
Eagles Wire: Hurts is playing at an MVP level and will be in the conversation throughout the season. Hurts and the rest of the Eagles starters didn’t see any preseason snaps, and the offense is essentially just hitting their stride as the season’s first quarter is ending. Hurts has been efficient with the football while making accurate and timely throws. If Philadelphia can figure out a way to get Dallas Goedert more involved in the offense, Hurts could run away with the award.
5
Who wins on Sunday?
Eagles Wire: Eagles fans travel better than most, and SoFi Stadium will essentially be a semi-home game for a team looking to move to 5-0 on the season. Philadelphia has looming matchups with the Jets and Dolphins that could become a distraction. Still, the Birds stay undefeated, pressure Matthew Stafford throughout the afternoon, and escape with a 31-21 road win.
