Well, like the real Eagles, I didn’t end with the right kind of streak, but if the NFC West has taught us anything, anyone can make the playoffs this year. (and FYI, I had a better record than the Seahawks).
We’ve seen the Eagles play the Packers already this year, but thankfully, unlike last week’s repeat game against Dallas, we’ll see a different uniform match-up for their sequel. In week 1, the Eagles brought out their well-liked (not as much by me, but there certainly are worse options out there) 1960 throwbacks, but this week, we’ll see them in their normal Midnight Green over White combination.
The Packers did wear…. unique throwbacks once this season, but it’s more than safe to say that they will not be wearing them this week (or maybe ever again?). Anyway, we’ll see the Packers in White over Yellow. As I said in Week 1, it’s a good (maybe great?) look, but it’s not quite the look the way that their Green over Yellow combination is.
Sunday at 4:30 will be a match-up of perhaps the best “classic” uniform with the best “modern” uniform. It’ll be a real barn burner. (note: other finalists for “classic” and “modern” bests include the Bears and Texans, respectively. Sorry Jaguars, you were in consideration for “best modern,” but your post-2008 set is awful. Also, sorry Buccaneers‘ fans, I just forgot about you until now.)
The Wildcard Weekend UniDiction
Either 2, 3, 6, or 7 points awarded for each category (safety, field goal, touchdown, touchdown+point after, of course)
Helmet
Eagles: 7 — Same as always. Definitely one of the best helmet designs in the league. I’m a sucker for “functional“ helmet designs.
Packers: 6 — Like I said in Week 1, there is nothing to change about this helmet, but in the mean time, I’ve developed an appreciation for what I’m calling “functional” helmets. A static “G,” no matter how strong the proportions and supporting details, is kind of… static. Maybe if the helmet had a net pattern with a cheese graphic inside. Well, maybe not.
Jersey
Eagles: 6 — When fans think of the “post-Cunningham” Eagles, they’re picturing the Midnight Green jerseys. A unique, bold color, detailed strokes and drop shadows on the numbers, and nice use of logos on the sleeves and collar. I’m sorry Eagles fans, but I’ve decided I’d prefer the use of stroke only instead of stroke and drop-shadow. I guess the drop-shadow adds some visual depth to the letters, but how about just using a double-stroke instead of stroke+drop-shadow? Oh well, it’s still better than most any other “modern” uniform.
Packers: 6 — I generally don’t like White jerseys, but the Packers do have a few nice details, including Green-Yellow-Green sandwich stripes on the shoulders which aren’t quite contiguous, so the White jersey peaks through, increasing the contrast of each stripe. The two color piping around the neck hole is appreciated as well. I’m going to have to take a point away because the Green jersey is better, and even though the decision is out of the hands of the Packers because they’re the visiting team, I’ll still hold it against them. (Go Eagles)
Pants + Socks
Eagles: 6 — The White pants provide nice contrast with the solid green of the jersey, and instead of plain white, the thick Black ad Green stripes (with the pencil thin grey stripe) on the side of the pants gives them a slightly modern touch. Black over White socks also break up the White from the pants. Minus one because I’d be interested in seeing Midnight Green socks.
Packers: 7 — I have to say, Yellow is risky pick, and they make it work. The pants have a traditional sandwich stripe (White meat, Green bread), and with the high contrast of the Green socks, it all comes together perfectly. That’s the full 7 points.
Intangibles
Eagles: 7 — This is really a battle of who wears Green better. And, because the Packers aren’t wearing Green this week, the Eagles win that battle. Thankfully the Eagles aren’t at Lambeau for this game.
Packers: 3 — See above about the battle of Who Wears Green Best, and their throwbacks this year were more-than-kind-of unfotunate. Those throwbacks are the kind of things which silently damage a team’s chances. Intangibles.
Final Score
Eagles 26
Packers 22
This is going to be a good-looking game, folks.