Seahawks versus Eagles: six questions with Eagles expert

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SEATTLE, WA – NOVEMBER 20: Running back Wendell Smallwood #28 of the Philadelphia Eagles is brought down by the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 20, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Will the Seahawks defense force the Eagles to change things up?

12th Man Rising: The Seahawks defense is banged up, missing Chancellor, Sherman and Avril. How much will this affect the Eagles offensive game plan, if at all?

Geoffrey Knox: The Eagles offensive game plan may not change much. It’s the same philosophy as the one they take on defense. Nothing’s really a secret. We lay our game plan out. This is what we intend to do. Can you stop us?

Zach Ertz and Alshon Jeffery are becoming Wentz’s favorite targets in the passing game. The running game is fine, when we remember to utilize it. Then, there are normally a few splash plays that come from the guys who may not have figured into the defensive game plan. That’s where this one may be won.

Ertz’s ability is no longer a secret. We even saw that he can break huge plays a season ago at CenturyLink Field. The only problem was we couldn’t figure out how to line up at a long touchdown was called back. I’m hoping for a big game from him. As you mentioned, no Chancellor, Sherman and Avril means there may be some opportunities.

Let’s journey back to 1943…

12th Man Rising: Just for fun: if the Eagles and Steelers merged into the Steagles like back in 1943, how many Steelers get starting jobs?

Geoffrey Knox: Ha ha. Well, first things first. It appears we’re benching a Hall of Fame quarterback. This team is sold on Wentz. He’ll be here for as long as he desires to play. Placing Antonio Brown on the other side of Alshon Jeffery sounds very appetizing. We’d finally have an answer everyone loves at left guard with Ramon Foster, and Maurkice Pouncey beats out Jason Kelce at center.

We’d have to work Le’Veon Bell into an already crowded backfield, but he’d have to get some touches. The defensive side of the ball is tricky because of the 3-4 scheme the Steelers run, but I’d have to work Ryan Shazier onto the field at linebacker.

On special teams, I wouldn’t mind having Juju Smith-Schuster in the return game either as our full-time kick returner. He’s a burner.

The prediction for Sunday

12th Man Rising: Who wins Sunday night, why, and what’s the final score?

Geoffrey Knox: Philly’s lost the past three against Seattle, and they’ve dropped five out of six. At the beginning of the season, I penciled this in as a loss, but I’m feeling good now.

Give me the Eagles in a close one with a final score of 27-20.

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