EAGLES 23 – giants 28
THE Eagles fell behind early (14 – 0), and never were quite able to recover fully. Twice we were able to close the gap to 4 points only to stall on Offense, and surrender touchdowns which grew the lead to 11 again. This will be the game that people remember losing by 5 because Head Coach Doug Pederson elected to go for it on TWO early 4th downs, instead of kicking Field Goals. (Given the situation and our history, faulting Pederson is irrational and blatantly unfair.)
Still, we were in it until the bitter end. (And man was it bitter!) Despite our best efforts to assist the giants, we could have won the game on a fourth quarter, 4th down pass into the end zone. Unfortunately that pass was a little too long and a little to far to the right.
Carson Wentz (27/47 – 54% – 364 – 0 – 2) continued his regression as an NFL QB. Yes, yes he was still very poised and whatnot, but the NFL doesn’t award points for composure. At some point he has to prove that he can make plays, by actually making some plays.
Our 25 rushes (compared to 47 passes in a game where the lead was never more than 11 points) were paced by RB Darren Sproles (13 – 57 – 4.3 – 0 – 0). When used as a downfield target, WR Jordan Matthews (6 – 88 – 14.6 – 0) was actually rather effective. He was less effective when catching Screens. (HINT MOTHERFUCKING HINT!!!) New Eagle WR Bryce Treggs (2 – 69 – 34.5 – 0) made his pro debut with two catches in the first half, then was put into the Witness Protection program for the remainder of the game. TE Zach Ertz (8 – 97 – 12.1 – 0) had a busy day as a receiver, but still was pulled on too many run-blocking downs, which tips our hand to opponents about what sort of play is coming.
The giants were held to 54 yards rushing on 24 attempts (2.2 yards per tote). We also got two heads-up interceptions by MLB Jordan Hicks (5 – 0 – 1 – 0) and CB Nolan Carroll (3 – 0 – 1 – 0). Hicks was his second in as many weeks, caused by DE Connor Barwin (1 – 0 – 0 – 0) tipping a pass. Carroll’s was literally ripped from the arms of WR Odell Beckham, before he could secure a catch while going to the ground.
We only managed one sack this week, as the 4 week absence of injured DT Bennie Logan continues to hurt our pass rush. Except for a 6 sack outburst against a decimated Vikings offensive line 3 weeks ago, this unit has managed just 3 total sacks in 3 of the last 4 games.
Did you notice?
Darren Sproles already looks slower and less explosive. The extra use is already putting excess wear and tear on him. He can’t continue to be used at this pace, if we expect him to be of any use.
EAGLEMANIACAL.com 