Keys for Eagles offense vs. Raiders in Week 7

The Eagles are set to hit the road for two straight weeks, with the first stop landing the NFL’s best fan base in Las Vegas for a matchup with the Raiders.

The winless Lions are next on the schedule in Week 8 and if Philadelphia can pull off the Week 7 upset, Nick Sirianni’s group could be sitting at .500 with a home matchup against the Chargers awaiting in Week 9.

The Raiders defense can be manipulated by talented offenses and we’ve provided several keys for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles for Sunday afternoon.

1. Let Miles Sanders eat

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The recipe is simple for Nick Sirianni, allow Miles Sanders and the running game to set up everything else for Sunday afternoon. A breakout day for Miles Sanders means easier reads for Jalen Hurts, more space for DeVonta Smith, and a rested Eagles defense.

2. In Dallas we trust

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Dallas Goedert is back and he’ll play his first game as the Eagles unquestioned No. 1 tight end. Goedert could be a little rusty after missing 10 days on the COVID-19 list, but the expectation is that his target rate should reach double digits on Sunday as Philadelphia looks to work the middle.

Jalen Hurts efficient within the pocket

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Hurts is a star on the run or when he’s outside the pocket, but he’s received the most criticism when throwing inside the hash marks. Hurts has to improve his decision-making and accuracy when working across the middle.

DeVonta Smith is back

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Smith caught just two passes on four targets for 31 yards in last Thursday’s loss to the Buccaneers. Jalen Hurts completed just 12 of his 26 passes, but Smith was second on the team in targets and receptions.

The Raiders have allowed wide receivers to eat this season and Smith has to have a huge game for Philadelphia to come out victorious.

Free Kenneth Gainwell

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The Eagles are going to pass the ball a lot, and during those onfield transactions, Gainwell should be among the targets. A dynamic rookie talent, Gainwell had just one touch last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, catching one pass on two targets for a single yard.

Las Vegas gives up plenty of yardage to opposing running backs and the rookie has to be in the game plan.

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