Three things to watch
Do no harm. The objective for Brock Osweiler has been laid out: protect the football at all costs. But avoiding turnovers for the Broncos this season has been far easier said than done. Will starting a new QB be the difference in addressing Denver’s most glaring weakness?
Keeping with the run. The Broncos bounced back from consecutive poor rushing performances by gaining 177 yards in Monday night’s loss to the Chiefs. Philadelphia boasts the league’s top rushing defense (70.4 yards per game), but that can’t deter Denver from being patient while finding a consistent rotation among C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker and Jamaal Charles.
Tight end troubles. Four of the 12 touchdown receptions allowed by the Broncos this season — only one fewer than they surrendered all of last season — have gone to tight ends. The Denver defense faces another challenge at the position Sunday in Zach Ertz, who leads Philadelphia with 43 catches for 528 yards and six TDs.
Game Plan
When the Broncos run. Booker, who rushed for a 6-yard touchdown Monday, is beginning to look like the featured back the Broncos believed they drafted in the fourth round in 2016. If he can remain healthy, it appears he has a chance to grab a bigger role. The Eagles have given up more than 100 rushing yards only once this season, to Kansas City. Edge: Eagles.
When the Eagles run. Looking for another option behind veteran LeGarrette Blount, the Eagles traded for Miami RB Jay Ajayi, a Pro Bowl selection last season. That will eventually give the Eagles two physical options in the backfield, though it’s unclear if Ajayi will dress Sunday. Denver limited NFL leading rusher Kareem Hunt to only 46 yards on 22 carries on Monday night. Edge: Broncos.
When the Broncos pass. Osweiler will make his first start since January, so don’t expect a game plan that calls for him to throw the ball all over the field. Having Emmanuel Sanders return from an ankle injury, as he’s likely to do Sunday, would be a big boon. The Broncos’ don’t have a TD reception from a wide receiver since Sanders’ two scores in Week 2. Edge: Eagles.
When the Eagles pass. Wentz has completed 72-of-117 passes (62 percent) for 1,005 yards and 13 touchdowns in his last four games. He’s simply been on fire. His top target, Ertz, who is expected to play despite dealing with a hamstring injury this week, but Wentz has proved capable of spreading the ball around. Edge: Eagles.
Special teams. Things went from bad to worse for the Broncos on special teams Monday when rookie Isaiah McKenzie muffed a punt deep in his own territory. Though Brandon McManus snapped a slump with two made field goals against the Chiefs, there haven’t been many bright spots for the unit this season. Edge: Eagles.
