Playing the Schedule Game: 9/10 @ Houston

While talent, coaching, and roster depth are the three key factors that determine the success of a football franchise, there are certainly other intangibles that must be taken into consideration while attempting to predict how the 2006 football season will unfold for the Philadelphia Eagles. One of these said intangibles is the schedule. Sometimes a team's "A" game is simply not good enough against the more talented teams in the league and on some Sundays, a "C" game can be good enough to squeek by with a victory. Indeed it is foolish to predict a season's results three weeks before the pads go on for the first time at Lehigh University. Inevitably, there will be injuries, holdouts, and other circumstances that will dramitically alter the landscape of the NFL come September, but this space will give it a shot, anyway.

Let's break down the Eagles 2006 schedule, included with each game is the prediction and rationale (or lackthereof) behind the pick.

Sunday September 10th, 1PM Eagles @ Texans

Despite traditionally struggling under Andy Reid in season openers, many of those games were played against teams who would later reach the postseason. The Texans do not figure to be one of those such teams.

Under new Head Coach Gary Kubiak, Houston should be improved from the 2005 season on both sides of the football. They added center Mike Flannagan from Green Bay and veteran wide receiver Eric Moulds from Buffalo. Former Packers Head Coach Mike Sherman's influence as offensive coordinator along with improved talent should make the unit better than a year ago. Number one overall pick Mario Williams will be playing his first regular season game and should instantly be a good player for the Texans defense, along with second round draft choice LB Demaco Ryans from Alabama. Despite adding these youthful playmakers, the Texans defense lacks depth and is vulnerable.

Expect the Texans defense to struggle against Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and the other Eagles playmakers. This is a statement game for the Eagles, one in which they will want to silence the critics who say this team will sputter offensively without the presence of Terrell Owens. It would only be one win in the grand scheme of things, but it would do wonders for this team's morale.

With a revamped front four, Jim Johnson's defense should be able to create pressure on David Carr, whose offensive line is still suspect. Where there is pressure there are turnovers. This win would improve Andy Reid's opening game record to 3-5.

Final Score: 23-16


Coming Next: Home Vs. the New York Giants (Sept. 17th)