Green Bay Packers 2020 opponent preview: Philadelphia Eagles
The Packers’ only home loss in 2019 was to the Eagles. Should they expect a similar challenge this season?
The Green Bay Packers‘ perfect start to 2019 was ruined by the Philadelphia Eagles when they pulled off the victory at Lambeau Field early in the season.
The Eagles will return to Lambeau this year.
Will the Packers get the win this time?
Last season
The Eagles were inconsistent almost all season long. Through the opening 12 weeks, Philadelphia hadn’t won or lost more than two games in a row at any stage. A loss in Week 13 made it three straight defeats, leaving the Eagles 5-7 and in trouble. But a four-game winning run to end the regular season left them 9-7, enough to take the NFC East title.
Crucially, all four victories were in the division including the all-important win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16.
Despite hosting a playoff game, the Eagles were eliminated by the Seattle Seahawks in the wild-card round.
When is the game?
The Packers will host the Eagles in Week 13. The game kicks off at 3:25 p.m. CT on Sunday, Dec. 6.
Offseason additions
Like the Packers, the Eagles had a big need at wide receiver. That’s where the similarities at this particular position end. Philadelphia made a point of addressing its receiving group in the draft, selecting three different pass catchers.
The emphasis was on speed, selecting Jalen Reagor in the first round, then John Hightower and Quez Watkins on Day 3. The Eagles also traded for wide receiver Marquise Goodwin during the draft.
There is one big similarity between the two teams, which was the surprising decision to draft a quarterback early. The Packers went with Jordan Love in the first round, while the Eagles drafted Jalen Hurts in the second round.
The Eagles also made some key additions on defense, signing defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and trading for cornerback Darius Slay.
Last meeting with the Packers
September 26, 2019: Eagles won 34-27 at Lambeau Field
Player to watch
Darius Slay: Davante Adams dominated against the Eagles secondary in last season’s meeting, catching 10 passes for 180 yards before suffering a toe injury in the fourth quarter. Philadelphia added the former Detroit Lions cornerback this offseason, who knows what it’s like to face Adams and Aaron Rodgers.
This will be a key matchup throughout the game. If Adams wins, the Packers offense should be able to have plenty of success.