Week 9’s Most Important Stat for the Philadelphia Eagles is…Offensive T.O.P.

The Birds are ranked 26th of 32 in the NFL for offensive time of possession—yikes.  This statistic is both telling and troubling.  As of late, the Eagles are relying too heavily on big plays and stellar defensive play.  Not that either of those things are bad, but a lack of balance in the NFL is worth Dick Butkus come week 18…if you make it that far.

Here’s another…Philadelphia is ranked 22nd in 1st downs per game (17/gm).  Here are 6 of the 9 teams beneath them in that category:

• Rams (1-7)
• Titans (1-7)
• Chiefs (1-7)
• Buccaneers (1-7)
• Browns (1-7)
• Raiders (2-6)

…the only difference?  These are 6 of the 8 worst defenses coming into week 9.  The Eagles, however, are in the top 10 (or better) in all defensive categories.

TONIGHT’S PREDICTION:  Keep a close eye on Philadelphia 1st downs.  The Eagles will need 20+ to stay in it if the defense can’t contain Romo and their #2 ranked offense.

Eagles 27, Cowboys 24