Eagles' red-zone efficiency will be key against Miami
Things to look for when the Eagles visit the Dolphins on Sunday. Red zone The Eagles are dead last in the NFL with eight turnovers in the red zone, which certainly hasn't helped their overall red-zone efficiency ranking. In all, the Eagles have converted just 47 percent of their red-zone possessions into touchdowns, which ranks
Things to look for when the Eagles visit the Dolphins on Sunday.
Red zone
The Eagles are dead last in the NFL with eight turnovers in the red zone, which certainly hasn't helped their overall red-zone efficiency ranking. In all, the Eagles have converted just 47 percent of their red-zone possessions into touchdowns, which ranks them 21st in the league. The Dolphins won't make improving that percentage any easier. Miami has allowed touchdowns on only 37 percent of opponents' trips inside its own 20.
Real McCoy
LeSean McCoy's rushing numbers have tailed off over the last few weeks - mostly not his fault - but he still has a couple of franchise records within his sights. The running back is 378 yards away from breaking Wilbert Montgomery's Eagles mark of 1,512 set in 1979 and four touchdowns shy of eclipsing Steve Van Buren's record of 18 scores established in 1945.
Columbo vs. Babin
Jason Babin may be susceptible to the run, but the Eagles defensive end can sure get after quarterbacks. Babin needs only one sack to top a career high of 121/2 set last season with the Titans. He's likely to get it going up against Dolphins right tackle Marc Columbo, who has struggled much of the season.
Dubious achievement
The Eagles have five receivers with more than 40 catches (Jeremy Maclin, 46; Brent Celek, 45; Jason Avant, 45; DeSean Jackson, 43; and LeSean McCoy 42). They are on pace to become the third team in NFL history with that many receivers with more than 50 receptions in a season. The 1980 Browns and 1994 Patriots were the first two.
Connect through Florida
As with many NFL teams, the Eagles have their share of players who are Florida natives or played college football in the Sunshine State. Several Eagles are from the Miami area: linebacker Jamar Chaney (Fort Pierce), defensive tackle Antonio Dixon (Miami), center Jamaal Jackson (Miami), linebacker Brian Rolle (Immokalee), and cornerback Asante Samuel (Lauderdale Lakes).