The Philadelphia Eagles are 3-0 behind rookie quarterback Carson Wentz and all zero of his interceptions. Wentz has thrown 102 passes without a pick -- 59 behind rookie record-holder Tom Brady -- and his Week 5 opponent, the Detroit Lions (1-3), have just one interception on the season. The Lions defense has struggled so far, allowing 270 passing yards and 115 rushing yards per game, but will look to turn it around at home on Sunday.
Coming out of a bye week, the Eagles will just try and keep things rolling as one of the league’s biggest surprises. Receiver Jordan Matthews has adjusted well playing with the rookie quarterback, connecting for 15 completions and 204 yards. The pair have linked up for two touchdowns. Darren Sproles has also been a problem through the air, bringing down 10 receptions for 160 yards and a touchdown. They’ve been the driving forces for the Eagles passing game, which hasn’t made many long breakthrough plays, but consistent short ones. Throwing for more than 20 yards just nine times, Philly still has the league’s fourth-highest passer rating.
On the ground is where the Eagles have been doing the most damage. Averaging the 10th-most yards per game at 119, Philly’s maintained its rush by committee. Starter Ryan Mathews has seen the most carries at 33 for 104 yards. But close behind him, Wendell Smallwood has seen 20 touches for 96 yards, Darren Sproles, 19 for 51 yards and Kenjon Barner, 14 for 86 yards have been backing him up.
If the Eagles dominate on Sunday, though, their passing is what’s likely to get them the win. Wentz wasn’t great in either of his team’s first two wins, but was sharp against the Pittsburgh Steelers, throwing for 301 yards and two touchdowns. The Lions’ defense ranks worst in the league in passer rating allowed, with opposing quarterbacks completing 71 percent of their passes.
Andrew Luck threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns, successful on 31 of 39 passes in Week 1. In the following weeks, Marcus Mariota completed 25 of 33 passes for 238 yards, Aaron Rodgers, 15 of 24 passes for 204 yards and four touchdowns, and Brian Hoyer, 28 of 36 passes for 302 yards. Their weakness is clear.
But despite the defensive woes and their record, the Lions have been in every game. Their three losses have come by a combined 17 points, none by more than seven. That’s largely had to do with Matt Stafford’s play.
With Calvin Johnson lost to retirement, the Lions’ passing game wasn’t supposed to be this good. But Marvin Jones has been spectacular for Detroit, totaling 482 yards in four games, the second-most behind Julio Jones after his 300-yard game. On 23 receptions, Jones is averaging 21 yards per catch and has two touchdowns to go along with it. The Lions will play this one without their second-best receiver, though, in Eric Ebron. The tight end suffered ankle and knee injuries against the Bears last week and missed practice all of this week.
How to Watch Eagles vs. Lions on Sunday
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
TV: Fox
Announcers: Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis, Chris Spielman, Peter Schrager
Online Streaming: Sunday Ticket