Strangely, the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions haven’t met as often as one might expect, given that both teams have been around since the 1930s. They’ve met 36 times in total. The 37th is the biggest game they’ve played since a postseason meeting in 1995.
After two years of playing independently (1928-29), the Portsmouth Spartans joined the NFL in 1930. They moved to the Motor City in 1934 and officially changed their names to the Lions.
One year earlier, in 1933, the Eagles began play as an NFL franchise. They met Portsmouth that season. Things didn’t go as planned. The Spartans routed the Birds and closed the day with a 25-0 shutout.
This series has produced its share of surprises. Ninety-five combined points were scored during the aforementioned postseason game, a 58-37 Eagles victory. These two teams have traded close calls. Chip Kelly once led Philadelphia into an embarrassing 45-14 Thanksgiving Day massacre.
That being said, no one knows what to expect, but we can be certain it will be interesting. Pay close attention when the Lions’ offense battles the Eagles’ defense.
Dan Campbell complimented Vic Fangio this week, but there won’t be many pleasantries between the opening whistle and the conclusion of this one when Campbell and Nick Sirianni meet midfield for a postgame handshake. Please pay close attention to the following Lions as Coach Fangio and his guys certainly have their hands full.
Jared Goff, quarterback
It seems like forever since the Los Angeles Rams and Eagles selected first and second in the 2016 NFL Draft. L.A. landed Jared Goff first overall. The Birds landed Carson Wentz. So much has happened since then.
L.A., to Goff’s surprise and everyone else’s, traded their young gunslinger to the Lions in exchange for another top selection. They thought Matt Stafford could help them win a Super Bowl. They were correct.
Goff has blossomed in Detroit. He’s still working on his first Lombardi Trophy win, but he has the stuff to get it done. He mans the controls for Dan Campbell’s offense. Buckle up. This could be a playoff preview. It’s a duel between two QBs we thought we’d see in the NFC Title Game last January.
Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell (maybe) – Both are questionable
Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell are the Lions’ starting offensive tackles. Both are questionable for Sunday, which means if they play, they won’t be 100% healthy.
That alone is interesting, but then again, it’s Week 11. Who is healthy at this point in the season?
Jahmyr Gibbs & David Montgomery, running backs
Once upon a time, the Lions traded D’Andre Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles. They did so because they were well aware of what they had in Jahmyr Gibbs.
He and David Montgomery comprise the best one-two punch at the running back position. They have combined for 232 carries, 1159 yards rushing, 333 yards receiving on 53 receptions, and 15 total touchdowns in nine games.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, wide receiver
Tell the truth. At some point, you’ve tuned into a Lions game to see what Amon-Ra St. Brown might do. Rarely are you disappointed. He is quite the fireworks show.
He leads all of Detroit’s receivers in targets (82), receptions (64), receiving yards (693), and receiving TDs (eight). It’s becoming increasingly complex to find superlatives to describe this guy.
Kalif Raymond, wide receiver
Sam LaPorta is out. His backup, Brock Wright, is questionable. That means the latter won’t be 100% healthy if he does play.
Cue Kelif Raymond to possibly step in to fill the void as the next man up. So far, he has caught 13 passes this season for 113 yards. He has also been used as a part-time gadget player, gaining 19 yards on two carries and reaching the first-down marker once as a rusher.
Jameson Williams, wide receiver
The Alabama Crimson Tide and Ohio State Buckeyes have produced some outstanding receivers who have excelled in the NFL. Jameson Williams is an exceptional talent who has played for both programs.
He’s now part of the Lions’ offensive attack and a key cog in the machine. He has notched 474 yards and four TDs, and he’s certain to give Philadelphia’s cover guys some lingering headaches.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles vs. Lions: Jared Goff highlights Detroit’s offensive weapons
