Denver Broncos Opponent Preview: Philadelphia Eagles

The Denver Broncos conclude their longest road trip of the season with a rare visit to Pennsylvania to take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

For the Denver Broncos, this could be their longest road trip in recent history. After taking on the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football on October 15th, the team goes on a three game road trip. The final team that will be awaiting them on the road is one that they do not see often. The Philadelphia Eagles.

The first NFC team that the Denver Broncos will have to face off against on the road are the Eagles. It has been a long time since we have seen them. That is because the Broncos and Eagles only face off every four years. This will also be Denver’s first trip to Philadelphia since 2009.

In their last meeting back in Denver during the 2013 season, the Broncos scored twice on special teams along with Peyton Manning’s four touchdown passes on the day led to a 52-20 thrashing.

How rare is it to play in Philadelphia? This will only be the third time the Broncos have played in the City of Brotherly Love in  22 years. Not to mention this will be the second time the Broncos have played at Lincoln Financial Field since the stadium opened in 2003.

For the Philadelphia Eagles. this team can be hit or miss every season. They seem to do well in the beginning. But somehow, they falter down the stretch. The team will be led by second year quarterback Carson Wentz.

The second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft was taken 24 spots ahead of Paxton Lynch. If Lynch does end up starting, it could be a battle between two quarterbacks taken in the first round of the same draft.

What have the Philadelphia Eagles done this offseason? Let us take a look at their offseason additions and departures.

2017 NFL Draft:

Derek Barrnett, Defensive End, Tennessee

Sidney Jones, Cornerback, Washington

Rasul Douglas, Cornerback, West Virginia

Mack Hollins, Wide Receiver, North Carolina

Donnell Pumphrey, Running Back, San Diego State

Shelton Gibson, Wide Receiver, West Virginia

Nathan Gerry, Linebacker, Nebraska

Elijiah Qualls, Defensive Tackle, Washington

Key Arrivals: Torrey Smith (WR), Alshon Jeffery (WR), Chris Long (DE), LeGarrett Blount (RB)

Key Departures: Nolan Carroll (CB), Connor Barwin (OLB), Bennie Logan (DT)

Closing Remarks:

As I have stated before, the Philadelphia Eagles are tricky to figure out. According to their offseason moves, they seemed to focus more on improving their offense. They got some solid wide outs to give Carson Wentz. However, they lost some key players on the defensive side of the football.

This is where I could see the Denver Broncos taking advantage if their offense can be decent this season. But that is easier said than done. Another key thing to keep in mind is Denver’s history in Philadelphia. The team has only one once in Philadelphia in franchise history.

One thing that could determine how this game goes is the quarterback. Wentz entering his second year as well as Paxton Lynch, if he is named the starter. Trevor Siemian, if he starts, will pretty much be entering his second year as well.

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The skill positions on both offenses will be interesting to watch. As far as defense is concerned, the Broncos could have the edge in that department. Can the Denver Broncos win their second game in Philadelphia and close the road trip on a positive note?

We will find out in Week 9 of the 2017 season. This game will most likely be the start of the playoff race and both teams could be in it at the time this game kicks off.