The Philadelphia Eagles have more established talent than Tennessee, but several individual performances could make their first road game comfortable or unnecessarily difficult. The Titans’ defensive front, Cam Ward’s mobility, and Chimere Dike’s return ability create challenges Philadelphia must solve. Here are five Eagles who could have the greatest impact Sunday.
1. Jalen Hurts
Hurts completed 14 of 25 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns against Washington. He also rushed for 48 yards, including a 22-yard conversion on third-and-18 during Philadelphia’s decisive fourth-quarter possession.
Jeffery Simmons said Tennessee must keep Hurts inside the pocket and “make” him play quarterback. Hurts can answer that challenge by remaining efficient while punishing
the Titans whenever their pass rush loses containment.
2. Drew Kendall
Kendall is a leading candidate to replace Landon Dickerson at left guard. The second-year lineman started one game and played 89 offensive snaps as a rookie after earning first-team All-ACC honors at Boston College in 2024.
His first assignment could include Simmons, one of the NFL’s most disruptive defensive tackles. Kendall must communicate with Jordan Mailata and Cam Jurgens while avoiding the protection breakdowns that hurt Philadelphia against Washington.
3. Saquon Barkley
Barkley gained 83 yards on 15 carries in Week 1, with 42 coming on one explosive run. Philadelphia needs more consistency from a rushing attack that endured five negative plays during the second half.
A productive Barkley would protect Kendall, keep the offense ahead of the chains, and limit Tennessee’s opportunities to unleash its pass rush.
4. Jalyx Hunt
Vic Fangio called Philadelphia’s opening-week pass rush inconsistent and not good enough. The Eagles recorded one sack and allowed Jayden Daniels to extend several plays with his legs.
Hunt must pressure Ward without creating an escape lane. Tennessee surrendered three sacks to the Jets, giving Philadelphia a chance to play more disruptively.
5. Riq Woolen
Woolen was targeted four times across 37 coverage snaps against Washington and allowed no receptions. Calvin Ridley will test his combination of length and recovery speed.
Taking Ridley away would force Ward to rely more heavily on Wan’Dale Robinson, Carnell Tate and Tennessee’s tight ends. Another quiet statistical day for Woolen could indicate that he controlled his matchup.
Final analysis
Philadelphia should win if its most important players execute. Hurts and Barkley must carry an offense breaking in a new left guard, while Hunt and Woolen can help prevent Ward from finding the explosive plays Tennessee lacked in Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Five Eagles players who could decide the Week 2 game at Titans
