Photo: Josh Hallett, used via CC BY-SA 2.0

The Eagles suffered their first defeat of the season on Monday night, falling to the Commanders and the zebras, 32-21. Now they’ll have to bounce back with a short week of practice before heading to Indianapolis to take on the Colts.

How will it go? The guys have thoughts; nobody got last week’s result anywhere close to correct, so it was a draw, and Joe remains first.

Joe (3-4-2): I dunno, I’d say Dallas Goedert stood out last week, maybe more than any other player, so was it really a draw?

Anyway, it was bound to happen; despite being unbeaten, the Eagles hadn’t exactly been dominant every week, and when you play games that are in doubt, eventually you’re going to lose one. Better now than in January or February, right?

Thing is, I don’t know if this is a one-time thing. I think we’re due for a panicky meltdown period in town, and this one makes sense. Washington made the Eagles bleed their own blood for the first time this season, and now a weakened run defense has to hit the road and take on South Jersey native Jonathan Taylor. That’s not a recipe for success!

I don’t think the Eagles will get manhandled, but I don’t think they’ll win, either. The bounceback will come at home against Green Bay, but the talk around the Thanksgiving dinner tables in the Delaware Valley will be about how youse are wrong, the team isn’t that good, Gannon’s gotsta go, etc. Colts 22, Eagles 17.

Offensive Standout: Jonathan Taylor

Defensive Standout: Rodney McLeod

John (4-3-2): As is so often the case, Sunday makes you regret Saturday. In this instance, we’re talking about Jeff Saturday, the one-time Colts great who is now patrolling the sidelines for his squad mere weeks after coaching under the Friday Night Lights.

Every football game is won in the trenches, but this is a game that will fall to which offensive line gives their running backs the wiggle room to dance to the end zone. I can’t imagine picking against the Eagles offensive line. Expect a healthy dose of Miles Sanders’ quick moves, Jalen Hurts’ legs, and A.J. Brown’s steady production on the field. Birds in a competitive game that they use to bounce back, ironically, from a late Monday evening debacle. Eagles 24, Colts 17.

Offensive Standout: Eagles Offensive Line

Defensive Standout: Slay