Every Philadelphia Eagles game has obvious ingredients, but sometimes the outcome is determined by something a little less noticeable or, at times, unexpected. A weird bounce or a missed extra point can change everything.
Protecting the quarterback is always important, as is attacking the one on the other sideline. A total-team effort can all but ensure an outcome as the game unfolds. Expect to see something like that when the Eagles visit the Tennessee Titans. Plenty of reasons suggest Philadelphia can control this matchup, but these four factors could determine whether the Eagles actually do it.
The Eagles may have a shot at winning the field position battle
If most pundits were to compare kickers, Joey Slye might edge out Jake Elliott. Eagles fans hold their breath every time Elliott lines up now. Meanwhile,
Slye never seems to miss at Nissan Stadium.
In the field-position game, however, Philadelphia has the better punter, and that's important. Braden Mann was outstanding in Week 1, averaging 51.6 yards per boot on seven punts and pinning four of them inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
In Nashville earlier, Tommy Townsend wasn't having his best day. He averaged a net 33.9 yards on seven punts. He dropped one inside the 20 but also had three touchbacks.
For all the Eagles' issues, at least they scored points, 24 of them. The Titans may need to play the field-position game, but somehow, it seems that there's a recipe here for some Titans disaster.
Can the Eagles neutralize Anthony Hill Jr.?
Yes, Jeffery Simmons is one of the best in the business, but here's another name you need to know. Jot down 'Anthony Hill Jr.' if you haven't already. He notched 16 stops in the Titans' opener, the most by any linebacker in his NFL debut in league history.
That's the kind of talent you definitely want to get a hat on. Neutralizing him could go a long way in creating some Eagles offensive consistency.
If the Titans can't generate consistent pressure, the Eagles should win easily.
Pro Football Focus credits the Titans with nine pressures in Week 1... Nine! The leader in that regard was, as some of you may have guessed, Jeffrey Simmons. The Washington Commanders got to Jalen Hurts last Sunday enough to cause issues, but let's set the record straight. If Tennessee can't do the same, Philadelphia's passing attack will be more efficient. That's a promise.
Winning the turnover battle, time of possession, and in the trenches
The Eagles lost the time-of-possession battle and still found a way to win. The Titans weren't so lucky. Signs point to a potentially stingier Eagles offense in this one. If their running game can get going, which seems an easier ask vs. the Titans than it was vs. the Commanders, Philadelphia may be able to gain an early lead and salt this one away late.
That will also allow the pass rush to pin its ears back, which again isn't out of the question. Here's a prediction. Allow for some first-quarter frustration but a win in which the Eagles coast to victory afterward.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Four overlooked factors that could determine Eagles-Titans in Week 2
