Five Questions with Bleeding Green Nation

We had a chance to ask five questions to Brandon Lee Gowton of Bleeding Green Nation, and here's what he had to say:

1. I think most of us expected great things from the Eagles this year. What the heck has happened since?

Yeah, expectations were high and the Eagles haven’t delivered at all so far. The offense is the main cause of concern. It’s been terrible. The Eagles’ rushing attack is historically bad, which is a really bad sign for this team. The run game makes or breaks the Eagles, and so far it has left them broken. The lack of a run game puts all the pressure on Sam Bradford to carry the team with the passing attack, and that’s just not a recipe for success. The offensive line has really struggled to block, and it’s not just the fault of the new starting guards. Even reliable players like Jason Peters, Jason Kelce, and blocking tight end Brent Celek are struggling. The Eagles’ failures on offense are forcing the defense to be on the field way too often. All these problems are connected to each other, and it all stems back to the lack of a run game. The Eagles aren’t going anywhere until they get that fixed.

2. I know the Eagles are suffering from a lot of injuries right now. Who is the biggest loss and how will it affect the game?

Kiko Alonso is the biggest loss considering he might be done for the season unless he tries to play through his knee sprain. Guys like Mychal Kendricks and Cedric Thornton might be out this week but they should be back within a few weeks. Alonso is a big loss because his absence (combined with Kendricks) forces the Eagles to play DeMeco Ryans more often. The 31-year-old Ryans is proving to be a bit of liability after coming off his second career Achilles injury. Against Dallas the veteran linebacker missed a tackle in run support and struggled in coverage.

3. There were a lot of people that wanted the Jets to sign Byron Maxwell. He's obviously struggled this year. What's gone wrong?

It’s weird because I thought Byron Maxwell proved himself in Seattle. He was targeted plenty of times when playing opposite Richard Sherman on the Seahawks. Maxwell even looked great in training camp and preseason this summer. But ever since the regular season has started, he hasn’t been good. Eagles defensive coordinator ripped Maxwell for his terrible technique following the team’s Week 1 performance. Maxwell has gotten beaten over the top. He’s played with the wrong leverage, allowing a long touchdown catch to Terrance Williams in the Eagles-Cowboys game last week. He’s just not playing well.

4. What are the best and worst position groups on the Eagles?

Best position group? The Eagles’ defensive ends. That unit is highlighted by 24-year-old stud Fletcher Cox. Cedric Thornton is a great run-stuffer, though he will probably be out this week. The Eagles also have some decent depth at the position with second-year player Taylor Hart, who has flashed in limited playing time. Unfortunately for the Birds, Hart might also be out, which could force Brandon Bair into action.

Worst position group? Probably guard. Allen Barbre and Andrew Gardner are hardly the only reasons why the Eagles’ offensive line is struggling but they probably aren’t part of the solution either.

5. Predictions for the game, and for the rest of your season?

The Eagles are 9-0 all-time versus the Jets but I think the streak ends on Sunday. To be honest with you, I can’t really pick the Eagles to win again this season until they do something that inspires confidence. Until then, it’s hard to give them any kind of benefit of the doubt. I’ll say the Jets win by a final score of 24-17.