The Philadelphia Eagles played the Green Bay Packers twice last season – once in the regular season and once on the playoffs. So, the Eagles know what to expect when they take the field against the Packers in Green Bay on Monday night, and they plan to be prepared.
"But they also have a lot of other great players – receivers who make plays down the field, one of the best offensive lines in football, a quarterback who can make all the throws. We know what we're up against,” Eagles linebacker Zack Baun said of the Packers ahead of the Monday Night matchup.
The game between Philly and Green Bay is a matchup of two of the top teams in the NFC, and the outcome could ultimately have a sizable impact on the playoff picture in the competitive conference. Other teams like the Seahawks, 49ers, Rams and Buccaneers and Lions are also all in the mix for the conference’s top seed, but coming out of their bye week, the Eagles are solely focused on what they can control.
“The focus is on what we are doing and no other team," Baun said. "We have a long way to go in this season and we have some new players who have to learn what we're doing on defense and help us, so it's not something anyone is doing – looking around the league. The focus is on the Philadelphia Eagles."
The Eagles will be working four new players into the rotation in Green Bay, all on the defensive side of the ball. The Birds added cornerbacks Michael Carter II and Jaire Alexander and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips prior to the trade deadline. They also have franchise legend Brandon Graham, fresh out of retirement, set to make his season debut against Green Bay – something he’s understandably excited about.
"I'm excited, man. No expectations, just going out there, just like it's been in practice," Graham said. "It's been [me] enjoying the time. And I'm just excited to see these boys, because they put some work in this weekend. Just bringing the energy, man."
Philadelphia toppled Green Bay, 34-29, in the season opener in Brazil last season, and then they bested them, 22-10, in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. So, the Packers should be hungry for revenge. But the Birds, reinforcements in tow, know what they’re up against. It should be a good one.