Eagles v Ravens

This is a must win game for the Eagles. They can still make a push for the playoffs, but it has to start today. They can't afford to show up and play awful like last week. They'll get blown out by a good Ravens team if that happens.

Why The Eagles Will Win: 

1) Run Defense: The defense kept them in the game last week, and this season has done consistently well agaisnt the run. Despite the crowded secondary, the run defense is the stregnth of this team. With that being said, the Ravens are the 3rd best rushing team in the league, averaging almost 150 yards per game on the ground. Shutting down the run will be key for the Eagles, because if they do, the game goes into Joe Flaccos hands.

2) Joe Flacco: Flacco has been impressive so far this season, starting all games for the Ravens as a rookie out of Delaware. His stats are not that impressive tho- 8 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He has gone 4 games this season without even throwing a touchdown. And agaisnt the better defenses he's played- Colts, Giants, Titans- he has thrown at least 2 interceptions. I think the Eagles can rattle him, as they do with many young rookie quarterbacks.

3) Donovan McNabb, Andy Reid, and Desperation- If the Eagles lose this game, they almost certainly will not make the playoffs. So this it is for Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb. They came out flat last week, and this is there oppurtunity to redeem themselves. This is a must must must win game. Over there time here in Philadelphia, the Eagles have done well in these types of games- at least in the regular season. The Eagles should come out today and play with a desperation and intensity like never before.

Why The Eagles Will Lose:

1) Ravens Defense: Last week, the Eagles managed 13 points in 5 quarters and 18 posseions vs the Bengals. The Bengals defense is not even in the same league as the Ravens. The Ravens defense allows only 18 points a game, thats 6th in the league. They give up the 3rd fewest yards, and allow only 80 rushing yards a game. So any hope the Eagles fans had of Reid rushing it is probaly gone. If the Eagles couldn't lite up the Bengals, I don't see them being succesfull agaisnt a much stronger Ravens team.

2) Close Games: The Eagles have no faired well in close games over the last few years. They are something like 1-12 in close games during that time period. On the road, in a game that should have a playoff atmosphere, this game will be close. Two good defenses will keep it that way. And unfortunalty, for the Eagles, that might not be a good thing.

3) Jon Harbaugh- Harbaugh used to be the Eagles special teams coach, and then the secondary coach last season. This is his first season as Ravens head coach. If anyone knows the Eagles, it's him. The Eagles special teams are not that good to begin with, and he will know how to break them apart. This could be a bad matchup for the Eagles.

Pick: Call it a homer pick, but I think the Eagles come out and pull this one out. They need it so bad. Reid needs it McNabb needs it. If they want any fans in Philadelphia, they have to win this game.

Prediction: Eagles 21- Ravens 17