Patriots vs. Eagles: 6 Bold Predictions

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

2. Chandler Jones will tie J.J. Watt in sack race

You may remember that Jones was leading the league in the sack category for much of this regular season before the Houston Texans’ defense turned itself around. Since the Texans started their four-game win streak after getting shellacked by the Miami Dolphins in late October, J.J. Watt has accumulated 7.5 sacks, passing Jones.

Well, this week, Jones will record his fourth multiple-sack outing and second hat trick of the season by regularly navigating his way by 33-year-old Jason Peters and giving Bradford problems. As a whole, the Philly offensive line has struggled this year, surrendering 27 sacks, more than 21 NFL teams.

When Jamie Collins is out of the lineup, there is an argument to be made that Jones is the most athletic player on the defense. His three-sack effort in Week 13 will serve as a nice follow-up to Jones’ play against the Broncos, when he made this tip drill pick:

The Patriots have no shortage of ascending stars on defense, and Jones will be best positioned for Defensive Player of the Year after putting Bradford on the ground three times on Sunday.

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