Eagles Schedule: Game-By-Game Notes

The Eagles’ 2015 schedule is out. Here’s a game-by-game look at what it looks like.

Week 1 @ Falcons (Sept. 14/7:10) – The Eagles open up on Monday Night Football against Matt Ryan and the Falcons on ESPN. Former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is one of three new head coaches on the schedule. His Seattle squad did a tremendous job against the Eagles’ offense last year, but Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor ain’t walking through that door in Atlanta. We’ll see if there’s a pre-game scuffle with ejections this time around.

Week 2 vs. Cowboys (Sept. 20/4:25) – Last year, these two teams didn’t face off until Week 13. This time around, the Eagles will get a short week before their home opener against Dallas. At this point, the Cowboys have to be considered the favorites in the NFC East. What are the chances the Eagles will be gearing up for Adrian Peterson here?

Week 3 @ Jets (Sept. 27/1 p.m.) – This is one of two trips to MetLife Stadium. Could this end up being a matchup against Marcus Mariota? If he slips to No. 6, maybe. With the additions of Todd Bowles, Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie to go along with a great defensive line, the Jets will be tough defensively.

Week 4 @ Washington (Oct. 4/1 p.m.) – The last time the Eagles were at FedEx Field, they saw their playoff hopes crushed by DeSean Jackson and company. Anyone want to take a guess at who will be starting at quarterback for the two teams by the time this game rolls around? I have no clue.

Week 5 vs. Saints (Oct. 11/1 p.m.) – Drew Brees and company return to the Linc after having beaten the Eagles there in the wild card round a couple years ago. Think of how much has changed for the Birds since that game. There will be no Jimmy Graham to deal with, but New Orleans is still a talented bunch on offense.

Week 6 vs. Giants (Oct. 19/8:30) – The Eagles play on Monday night twice in the first six weeks. No LeSean McCoy, no Antrel Rolle, no Osi Umenyiora. Who’s going to provide the sound bytes for ESPN’s pre-game show?

Week 7 @ Panthers (Oct. 25/8:30) – Three prime-time games in the first seven weeks. The Eagles will travel to Charlotte for a Sunday nighter on NBC. The Eagles whooped the Panthers 45-21 last season at the Linc, but Carolina went on to steal the NFC South and win a playoff game.

Week 8 – BYE

Week 9 @ Cowboys (Nov. 8/8:30) – Another prime-time matchup! The Eagles get three in a row in the middle of the season, and four of their first eight games are at night. It’s also somewhat strange that these two teams get both of their games out of the way so early in the season.

Week 10 vs. Dolphins (Nov. 15/1 p.m.) – Of all the offenses in the league, Miami’s might most resemble what the Eagles like to do. A major reason why, of course, is that Bill Lazor is the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator. Jason Kelce and whoever’s playing guard next to him will have to deal with Ndamukong Suh in this one.

Week 11 vs. Bucs (Nov. 22/1 p.m.) – In all likelihood, this will be either Jameis Winston or Mariota coming to town. And it’s one game where Kelly’s preference for height at the corner spot makes a ton of sense. The Eagles will be dealing with a pair of 6-5 wide receivers in Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans.

Week 12 @ Lions (Nov. 26/12:30 p.m.) – It’s a second straight Thanksgiving on the road – this year in Detroit. Instead of a big dinner, I’m thinking T-Mac and I can check out the 8 Mile reality tour after the game.

Week 13 @ Patriots (Dec. 6/4:25) – The league opted for the Steelers over the Eagles for the Thursday night opener in Foxboro. Instead, the Birds travel to New England in December to take on the defending Super Bowl champs. The guess here is that Bill Belichick won’t put Bradley Fletcher on an island against the Eagles – unless of course the Birds are still starting Riley Cooper at that point.

Week 14 vs. Bills (Dec. 13/1 p.m.) – I will make this promise in advance: We will not run a “Will you boo LeSean McCoy?” poll on Birds 24/7 in the days leading up to this game. In all seriousness, unless McCoy says something particularly inflammatory, I’d expect him to get a nice reception. He gave Eagles fans a lot of memorable moments over the years.

Week 15 vs. Cardinals (Dec. 20/1 p.m.) – One of my favorite matchups on the schedule: Kelly vs. Arians, Part 3. It’s pro style vs. spread. Tempo vs. huddle. Visor vs. Kangol. These two teams have played close games in each of the past two seasons, with the Eagles having won in 2013 and the Cardinals prevailing last year.

Week 16 vs. Washington (Dec. 26/8:25) – For the second straight year, these two teams face off in a Week 16 Saturday matchup. This time around, the game is at the Linc and will be at night.

Week 17 at Giants (Jan. 3/1 p.m.) – For the third time in four years, the Eagles will close out the season at MetLife Stadium against the Giants. In 2012, the game was meaningless, and Andy Reid was fired the next day. The game had no playoff implications last year as both teams were already eliminated from the playoffs. Will it be a different story this time around?