(Photo: Forbes)
NFC Game Of The Week
Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers
Eagles (6–2):
Something is going on with this team, and I’m still trying to figure out exactly what. Anytime I watch them, I get that 2023 vibe all over again — when they would just slide by and win games. But, as I always say, that kind of play eventually catches up and bites you. I remember that season like it was yesterday. They played the San Francisco 49ers in a rematch of the previous season’s NFC Championship Game, and San Fran got their revenge. After that, the Eagles never recovered, and I’ll always say the 49ers broke them. They could easily have more than the two losses they do, but they don’t — and that’s the reality at the end of the day. Also, it was only a matter of time before Saquon Barkley got jumpstarted, and what better way to have your best game of the season than against your former team? Let’s also give credit to the defenses they’ve faced, because they’ve crowded the box and essentially said one thing: “Anybody but number 26 will beat us.” Despite their play not being the best, the Philadelphia Eagles are 6–2 and sitting comfortably atop the NFC East. As we approach the later part of the season, I believe this is when they’ll look to feed Saquon the ball a bit more. On the other side of the ball, you know the pass rush is struggling when someone elects to unretire — and that’s exactly what happened with Brandon Graham. This Monday night, the defending champs will make their way to legendary Lambeau Field.
Packers (5–2–1):
Let this be a lesson: don’t jump the gun and label teams “the best” after just two games. They punched the Detroit Lions in the mouth in Week 1 and got by the Washington Commanders in Week 2. Sitting at 2–0, they looked like they were on top of the world. But they haven’t been the same team since those first two weeks. They dropped a game to the Cleveland Browns in Week 3, tied with the Cowboys in Week 4, handled business against the Bengals in Week 5, and didn’t look great against the Cardinals. If I’m being honest, they struggled for most of the first half in Pittsburgh before turning it on in the second. Now, about this past Sunday against the Carolina Panthers — I personally think they overlooked them. Whenever that happens, as I always say, it never ends well… and look what happened. The Green Bay Packers play down to their competition a little too much for my liking, and that’s why I can’t take them too seriously as contenders in the NFC. Ever since the loss to the Browns, I’ve been side-eyeing them — they’ve been teeter-tottering along. After such a strong game in Pittsburgh, Jordan Love took a step back, and that concerns me. If this team wants to be great, Jordan must be consistent. The Packers welcome the champs to town on Monday night.
Eagles X-Factor: Jalen Carter
You can see the difference when he’s on the field compared to when he isn’t — that’s how much of a difference-maker Jalen is. I’ve often referred to him as a “man child,” and when he’s locked in, you see just how productive he can be. On Monday night, Jalen can be the ultimate disruptor against a Green Bay offense built on rhythm and timing. He has the power and quickness to collapse the pocket and plug up the middle. I expect Jalen to impact this game in more ways than one.
Packers X-Factor: Rashan Gary
I loved his game when he was with the Michigan Wolverines, and he’s developed into a strong pro at the next level. If the Packers are going to slow down Jalen Hurts and this Eagles offense, Rashan has to be the tone-setter. He’s got an explosive first step and a relentless motor — qualities that make him effective against both the run and the pass. Jalen thrives when rolling out to take deep shots downfield; that’s where Rashan must stay disciplined while still bringing pressure.
Final Thoughts:
After the Packers acquired Micah Parsons, I remember saying that on paper, Green Bay would be the biggest threat to the Eagles in the NFC. To be honest, I haven’t been overly impressed with either of these teams so far this season. The Eagles have been a little too lackadaisical in their approach and have yet to put together a complete 60 minutes, while the Packers play down to their competition too often for my liking. I’ll know a lot more about both teams after this Monday night game. Last season, the Packers opened their year with a loss to Philly and ended it with another one in the playoffs. Before their bye week, the Eagles ran the ball for 276 yards — and the first thing I’ll be watching Monday is whether they can keep that up. They need to build on that momentum against a Green Bay defense that’s vulnerable against the run. Applying pressure on Jordan Love will also be essential. He’s capable, but not immune to pressure. The key for the Eagles will be maintaining tempo — they can win at a slower pace, but they’ll need to execute efficiently to sustain drives and score. For the Packers, the big question is: Which version of Jordan Love will show up? They need a quick start and must establish rhythm early. Limiting self-inflicted wounds — penalties and turnovers — will be crucial, as will containing Jalen Hurts and limiting the Eagles’ big-play ability. I like Philly to get a big win on the road at Lambeau this Monday night.
