WINNING with solid fundamentals, is the best way to do it, because those things show up on film, and can be built upon. We did that last week vs the Browns. We didn’t turn the ball over. We kept running the ball, even when it wasn’t producing a lot of yards. We tackled, and our coverage challenged routes, giving our pass rush time to notch five sacks.
It was a game that we never trailed in, and never seemed to lose control of. Pay no attention to the final score. Our actual play in that game, was better than that score indicates.
Often I list fundamentals, as some of the Four Things. BUT NO MORE! Unless something specific is needed, fundamentals like running the ball; playing lots of Man Press; and tackling instead of going for the strip, will be automatically included. (Like the five consonants and a vowel that Wheel Of Fortune automatically gives you.)
A win gets us to 4 – 2, and likely another week as second in the division, since Washington gets yet another easy assignment, vs the Panthers this week. It would also give us our first win this season, against a division rival.
A loss would make us 3 – 3, but we’d go from second in the division, to third. That’s because not only would Dallas have a division win when we wouldn’t, but it would be against the team we just lost to.
So this isn’t a must win game or anything like that, but it would sure be nice to get it.
****
The point ofFour Things isn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win this game. So aside from running the ball, tackling over stripping, and playing lots of Man Press, here are the four things that we need to focus on this week versus: the giants.
If this picture doesn’t make you giggle now, you probably are a giants fan
1) Use A Metric Fuck-ton of Play-action:RB Saquon Barkleyis returning to the place he played for the first six years of his career. He carried that offense for six years, and they thanked him by rewarding the heaviest part of his burden, while making Saquon beg for scraps. So the Eagles gave him a huge deal, and now… now he’s with us.
Having Saquon go back to New York Shitty and bust their asses wide open, would embarrass everyone in that organization. From the owner, down to the guy who changes the player’s diapers. So expect their defense to aggressively react, every time it even looks like Saquon may touch the ball.
With them playing so aggressively towards him, if we can get them to bite on play-action, it should spring a few easy, big plays downfield. This game could be a huge day for our TE and Slot positions.
2) Chip Off the Block:With LT Lafoga Mailataout with an injured hamstring, OT Fred Johnson now gets the start. It would be foolish not to get TE Jack Stollout there, to help by chipping Johnson’s assignments. After giving a chip block, Stoll could hang out along the hashmark, to give QB Jalen Hurts an outlet receiver, if he has to run to his left.
Offering Johnson chip help isn’t because he can’t play. He can play. It’s to prevent what happened to Winston Justice in 2007, when he allowed 6 sacks in a game. At no point did the Eagles coaching staff send him any help. Due to Mailata being out, the giants will no doubt attack our LT. We have to be ready to force them out of whatever game-plan they prepared.
3) Speed Up Their QB’s Clock: Every QB has an internal clock in his head, which tells him when the ball needs to be out of his hand. We want to speed up that clock in Daniel Jones’s head, to force the ball out of his hand too early, and possibly into ours.
This week (like us), the giants are without their starting LT. Instead of trying to beat their back-up LT with only brute force, we should also overwhelm him mentally. Consistently walk a second defender into the ‘B’ gap, and force their LT to make decisions without the advantage of experience.
4) Win On First Down: It’s going to be a long day, if we keep allowing the giants to see 3rd and 3 or shorter. So we cannot constantly allow easy yardage on 1st and 10. Despite losing the game, the giants found a kind of spark last week vs Cincy. We have to make them believe that that spark, was a once in a season occurrence.
****
If the Eagles do those Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
With the giants keying on Saquon, I’m not expecting big things from the run game. That means offensively, this game is on Hurts. While he has his top two outside receivers, the chemistry with everyone else that he’ll be throwing to, is sort of a work in progress.
I’d feel better if RB Boston “The giant Killer” Scott, was still somewhere on the roster. I’m just kidding. I liked Scott, but it’s nice to see our RB’s run through arm tackles and move piles. It would be nice to see rookie RB Will Shipleyget his first NFL touches, and play well.
****
WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know FOOTBALL and that’s it. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, then you are a fool trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.
Check back in a couple of days for Four Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
Sack Leader: DE Josh Sweat (Sacks:1.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 5)
Special Teams Ace: N/A
****
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: BROWNS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Run Saquon Early: The idea was to get Saquon Barkley 5 to 7 carries early in the game to make it easier on the entire Offense. Well, he had 7 carries for 21 yards in first quarter. (Our third possession started in the 1st but ended in the 2nd quarter.) The Eagles didn’t run for a ton of yards in this one, but kept the defense honest with 22 hand-offs, and another 14 rushes by the QB himself. (DONE)
2) Press and Challenge:CB Darius Slay (no stats/left injured) started off the game playing mostly in Press coverage, while rookie CB Quinyon Mitchell (3 – 0 – 0 – 0) started out in more of a zone look. This is to be expected from Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense, as he likes to give each side of the field a different coverage.
Eventually, Mitchell got around to more Press. That helped the pass rush show up, in the way that it had been expected to, all season. Seven different players contributed to 5 sacks on the day, and Cleveland’s top receiver caught for just 42 yards. We should play Press Coverage every week. (DONE)
3) Dallas Slotted at #3: No dice. TE Dallas Goedert (no stats/injured) left the game early with a hamstring issue. Stepping right into his shoes was TE Grant Calcaterra (4 – 4 – 67 – 16.7 – 0). He saw as many targets and more yards than WR DeVonta Smith (4 – 3 – 64 – 21.3 – 1).
Instead of spending the day trying to force balls to a third WR, the Eagles just included the TE as the third tip of the trident. And it worked beautifully. Had I specified “TE” instead of “Goedert”, I would be happy to say “See what the TE did? Told ya so!” But, that’s not how I tagged it, and fair is fair. (NOT DONE)
4) Stops Over Strips:In this game, our defenders didn’t dick around, holding up offensive players and clawing at the ball. They just made contact, and put opposing players on the grass.
In this game, I counted SIX incidents where usually, our defense would allow an opponent extra yards, or blow a tackle attempt, swiping at the football. However, in this game, they just put the player down, eventually resulting in more difficult third downs, where they converted just 3 of 12. (DONE)
++++
This weeks Four Things score was 3 of 4. We hit the fundamentals and at no point did we trail. It wasn’t a blow out, but it never seemed out of control either. Let’s hope for more of the same next week, when we travel up 95 and pay a visit to the giants, in that New Jersey cesspool they split with the Jets, to avoid New York taxes.
****
DT Jalen Carter gets a sack and somehow DT Moro Ojomo isn’t credited with half of it.
Game Hero: The Defense – The Defense didn’t allow a single offensive touchdown in this game. They didn’t allow a single receiver to reach 45 yards. They didn’t allow a single runner to reach 45 yards. They tackled securely, and got to the QB repeatedly. They only thing they didn’t do, was get a turnover. Which would have happened, if Quinyon Mitchell and C.J. Gardner-Johnson (5 – 0 – 0 – 0), hadn’t run into each other trying to catch an interception.
Some will tell you that it wasn’t impressive, because the Browns limped in here as a woeful offensive team already. However, given our recent defensive woes, the impressive part wasn’t beating the Browns. It was all the fundamental issues that we corrected. (Especially if they stay corrected for a second week.)
Game goat: Special Teams Coordinator Michael Clay – So in this one, we got a field goal blocked, and they returned it for a touchdown. A touchdown. What was supposed to be an easy 3 points for us, became 7 for them. That’s a 10 point swing. It was the only touchdown of the day for the Browns. And it was on Special Teams.
Through five games, we’ve seen a punt blocked, and a field goal blocked. We don’t have a kickoff return of 30 yards yet, and so far no 20 yard punt return. No one is ever afraid that we might take one all the way. There is literally nothing special about Michael Clay’s teams. Nothing. It’s been four years of nada, since he got here.
On The Whole: We beat one of the teams that we were supposed to. We did it without allowing a single offensive touchdown, and without turning the ball over. It was a good solid, fundamentally sound game on our part. This is despite losing three starters during the game (Slay, Goedert, and LT Lafoga Mialata.)
It was a win despite adversity. It was a win that speaks to the culture of this team, and the passion of Head Coach Nick Sirianni. If you want to know what poor culture and low passion does for a team, just replay the Lions /Cowboys massacre. Look at Mike McCarthy’s face while his team was butchered. Is that what you want? Is it?
It’s true. This game wasn’t a blowout. But it was, a win.
LAST week the Saints were the most feared team in the NFL. Well, Head Coach Nick Siriannididn’t get that memo. Our Eagles went down the Saint’s house, punched them in the mouth, and took a beer from their fridge on the way out. This is despite everyone thinking we’d get run through last week.
See how the NFL’s website did us?
Yeah. We keep receipts.
This week the NFL is feeding us yet another team with a winning record. Fact is, all we’ve beaten have been winners. Green Bay is 2 – 1, Saints are 2 – 1, now we get the 2 – 1 Buccaneers. No 1 – 2 Browns. No 1 – 2 giants. No 0 – 3 Bengals. Yep, winners.
A win gets us to 3 – 1. It gives us a positive to focus on, as we head into a Bye week that seemed too early when the schedule came out. However, now amid all these early, critical injuries, a week of rest may be literally, just what the doctor ordered.
A loss would put us at 2 – 2, with an extra week to sulk as we stressed over getting healthy again.
****
The point of Four Thingsisn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win this game. So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Buccaneers.
1) Our Reserves Must Gainwell: We are almost definitely going into this game without WR’sA.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, as well as RTLane Johnson. That means another week of leaning heavily on RB Saquon Barkley and TE Dallas Goedert. The Bucs know this, and will work to take those two away as options.
This means we need at least one of our back-ups, to step up in a big way. A 60 yard day from WR Jahan Dotson, would be great! Or RB Kenneth Gainwelllining up in the slot a few times, and making 40 yards or so catching the ball. WRJohnny Wilson as a red zone threat? These are just examples, but they’re the kind of things we need.
2) Get to Baker: Aside from their win over a Commanders team without a defense, the Bucs are giving up an average of 6 sacks per game. In that pressure-free game vs Washington, QB Baker Mayfield threw for four touchdowns and zero interceptions. In each of his next two games, he threw a touchdown and an interception.
Since he’s clearly a different QB under pressure, LET’S GIVE HIM SOME! The best part is, that most of the sacks on Mayfield have come from defensive linemen. So we shouldn’t need to send blitz after blitz to lay hands on him.
3) Run the Ball:Since we’re missing key weapons on Offense, we clearly need to lean on Saquon for production. That part is a no-brainer. So the Bucs will try to take him away. Which is great! We need them to think exactly that.
We need to get Saquon involved early, in order to sell our play-action. Focusing on him and being drawn out of position, opens up opportunities for our reserves. The more dangerous we make them, the more things loosen up for Saquon to run inside.
4) Own the GCG Box:Deform the pocket and don’t give Mayfield anywhere to step into his deliveries. That Guard-Center-Guard area, not the Tackles, should be our focus this week. Hit them where they’re weakest. If we control their offensive line, we control their offense. Ask the Saints about that one.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
We’re down three very important players this week, and we’re on the road. Again. Possibly on another sloppy field. Versus a winning opponent. If most teams were facing this degree of difficulty, their coaches would already be planting the seeds of excuses.
Not here.
That says a lot of about the culture of this team. That says a lot about it’s leadership. The last time we faced the Bucs, they blew us out 32 – 9, in the playoffs. Yet, there’s been no talk of revenge or score settling. That says a lot about the focus of this team. Which again, says a lot about the leadership.
There are people out there calling for Sirianni’s firing, because they disagree with his aggressiveness on 4th downs. Ask the giants if they wish Brian Dabol had a little bit of that aggression in him, tonight against Dallas. I’d rather my coach go down swinging, believing in his team, than have him sit and accept a more popular form of losing.
So I’m standing behind my coach. Never stop fightin’ Nick.
****
WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know FOOTBALL and that’s it. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, then you are a fool trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.
Check back in a couple of days for Four Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
Drive Killer: S Reed Blankenship (TD: 0/Int: 1/ FR: 0/ 4th down stops: 0/ FF: 0)
Sack Leader: DTJordan Davis (Sacks:1.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 4)
Special Teams Ace: N/A
****
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: SAINTS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Win the Line Of Scrimmage: Boy did we ever! DT Jordan Davis (4 tackles, 1TFL, 1sack, 1 batted ball) and DT Jalen Carter(4 tackles, 2TFL, 2 batted balls) made a day of playing in the Saints backfield. Saints RB Alvin Kamara (26 – 87 – 3.3 – 0 – 0) came into this game averaging 5.6 yards per run, but he found out that the Eagles aren’t the pushovers that the Panthers and the Cowboys are.
While the players did shift around and take advantage of the gaps up front, a huge nod has to be paid to Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio, for coming out in an obvious 5-2 front, instead of trying to disguise it. It immediately signaled that there could be no consistent double-team help inside. (DONE)
2) Set the Edges: Again, big nod to the 5-2 front, as it let the Eagles to shift the line side to side, creating a natural boundary on many early downs. Another important move was the heavy use of DE Brandon Graham (2 – 0 – 0 – 0), and the deployment of “LB” Josh Sweat (2 – 0 – 0 – 0) as a DE, instead of as an OLB in a Wide Nine rush technique.
That natural boundary allowed our actual LB’s Zach Baun (11 – 0 – 0 – 0) and Nakobe Dean (8 – 0 – 0 – 0) to run cleanly to the play. Dean had a TFL, and Baun had a fourth down stop. The final result was the Eagles putting a muzzle on the Saints run game (29 – 89 – 3.0 – 0 – 0).(DONE)
3) Go To Goedert:The idea was to involve Goedert, and use him to slow down the Saints pass rush, and blitz frequency. The idea was to involve him to force them to cover him. Well we DID involve him. The Saints however, never adjusted to prioritize covering him.
The result was Goedert romping and frolicking through the Saints wilderness, to the tune of 170 receiving yards, the MOST EVER BY AN EAGLES TE IN A GAME! Yep. We involved him, and all he did was make history, while setting up the touchdown that would be the dagger in the Saints heart. (DONE)
4) Don’t Settle for Early Field Goals:I said in Four Things, if it’s in the first half, we’re inside their 30, and it’s 4th and 3 or less, don’t think, just go. Well, it was the end of the first half, we were at the Saints 21, and it was 4th and 1. We went for it and didn’t convert. Bummer, but it was still the right call.
Most readers will disagree with me on that, and that’s fine. I made my position known prior to this game, so I’m sticking by it now. You want to keep your Offense in an attacking mindset. Especially given all the demoralizing injuries that mounted as the game went on. We needed to hunt touchdowns instead of field goals (DONE)
++++
This weeks Four Things score was 4 of 4. Usually you’d expect that to be represented in the score as a blowout, but the Saints are a tough team, in an imposing stadium. Honestly, in the long run, it’s probably best for our team psychologically, that it was an uphill battle. Hopefully things are a little easier and we’re a little healthier, when we visit the 2 – 1 Buccaneers next week.
****
Game Hero: Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore – We started the game without WR A.J. Brown. During the game we lost RG Mekhi Becton and RT Lane Johnson. That’s the entire right side of our Offensive Line. We later lost WR DeVonta Smith (10 – 7 – 79 – 11.2 – 0), and still the ball kept moving.
It would be easy to say that Saquon Barkley’s 65 yard TD run was the spark we needed. Or that Dallas Goedert is the hero, with his 61 yard catch and run, that set up the go ahead score. They would both be deserving, but it was Moore who quietly orchestrated things, so the Saints couldn’t take away our remaining weapons. Involving the reserve players just enough, to make sure that the Saints defense stayed honest.
Game goat: Head CoachNick Sirianni– It was a toss up for me, between Sirianni and Jalen Hurts, given the QB’s two turnovers and lack of scoring strikes. I however, went with Sirianni not because of his aggressiveness on 4th down, but because he doesn’t seem to understand the risk of repeated failure.
As I said, I’m on-board with us going for it, at the end of the first half. What was dumb, was not taking the field goal at the beginning of the second half. The Defense was out there getting results. Repeatedly watching the Offense not produce points, could become demoralizing for a Defense. We’ve seen it happen before. This is what Sirianni doesn’t seem to mind flirting with.
I won’t make a big deal about the failed 60 yard field goal attempt. It was indoors, with a guy who’s made from 60 before. Kicking from anywhere on the field seems to be in fashion with the NFL this year, so I don’t fault the attempt. Thing is, when you add his field goal logic, the blocked punt, and the poor return game, it seems the Special Teams component of his coaching, is deteriorating.
On The Whole:
Today our team fought against being shorthanded, and self-inflicted wounds. Oh yeah, there was also a 2 – 0 team, somewhere in there as well. Yet we overcame ALL of it. On the road. In one of the toughest places to get a win in.
This was a bounce back game, and the team came out and showed grit, and resolve, and purpose. Sirianni made the kind of calls he made, because in his mind, he wanted to keep his team aggressive. Which is exactly what we saw when Reed Blankenship zipped past a New Orleans receiver, to make a diving interception to seal the game.
If you want to be frustrated, go right ahead. Just remember, this is a team that due to new coordinators, is still learning how they’re different, from who they were last year. Every team we’ve faced has been a heavy hitter so far, and we get another one in seven days. On the road. Maybe we should cut our guys a little slack.
Note: This article was supposed to come out weeks ago, but I simply forgot it. I had a loved one in the hospital, and the world simply had to stop until she was out. By then, this article was the furthest thing from my mind. I’ve tweaked NOTHING in the article aside from adding a second note at the very end, and I’m tickled by how on the money I am after two games.
Strongest Offense: PHILADELPHIA – The only weakness on this unit is TE depth. While RB could also use a stronger backup, the pieces are here for a by committee approach. As far as the starters, this team has the best Offensive line in the division, and the best 1-2 punch at WR possibly in the NFL.
Weakest Offense: NEW YORK – None of the skill players scares anyone, and the QB is practically a burning orphanage on Christmas Eve. They are however, developing an offensive line for next year’s QB.
Strongest Defense: PHILADELPHIA – Entering the season, there are questions about one of the Corners, but otherwise this unit has added enough raw athleticism at every level, to compete with even units built for pure speed. That’s not to say it’s perfect, but the issues that this unit has, are pretty common throughout the division. Philly just has more depth and ability to mix and match, which limits the opportunities for opponents to find mismatches to exploit.
Weakest Defense: WASHINGTON – This team should be strong right down the middle, but they lack weapons that can consistently make a difference. By season’s end however, they just MIGHT surrender fewer points than the giants. Washington has a clock eating offensive style that will limit opponents opportunities to score. New York’s offense is so bad though, they may allow more points because they give the opponent more opportunities with better field position. The reason the giants aren’t here, is because they have enough weapons to possibly become a decent unit. Washington stands no chance of that.
Strongest Special Teams: PHILADELPHIA – This was evaluated just using the LS, P, and K. Returners were not included, because no one has any idea, of how the new kickoff rules will impact the game. The NFL has even alluded to altering rules “in-season”, but Commissioner Roger Goodell nixed that notion about a week ago. As far as why Philly was picked, just look at the reports. Philly is strong in all three areas. The other three team cannot claim the same.
Weakest Special Teams: WASHINGTON – Both Washington and New York have a reliability issue with their kicking game. The difference is, that the giants punting game improved slightly last season, so they’re on an upward trend there.
Projected Winner: PHILADELPHIA – It’s not even close. If you disagree with my assessments, go through the reports and tell me what I screwed up.
Darkhorse Winner: DALLAS – Because of course they are. The NFC East is a division of haves and have nots. The Eagles and Cowboys dine on caviar. Meanwhile, the giants and Commanders watch and wait for each other to fall asleep, so that they can attempt to cannibalize their cellmate. (Note: Given how last week (Week 2) worked out between these two, this is now my FAVORITE line of the whole damned article.)
EAGLES in flight, don’t look backwards. This week we get a Saints team that has dismantled two one-dimensional teams. What do I mean by one-dimensional? I mean neither of them could run the ball (Panthers 29th , Cowboys 26th). So it was easy to play defense against those teams, and repeatedly get them off the field quickly, resulting in lots of possessions for the Saints.
This ain’t that type of party. The Eagles are the 8th ranked rushing team in the league, and RB Saquon Barkley is the #5 runner. So we can mix it up, work the clock, and not hand a bundle of quick possessions to our opponent. So whatever else happens, the Saints won’t be scoring 40 points again this week. That streak has come to a end.
Winning this week, moves us to 2 – 1. Where we’d be sitting in the division standings doesn’t really matter, because it’s just Week 3. It would be nice to be at the top, but if we’re in second place heading into Week 4, big deal.
A loss, would mean another week of listening to my fellow Eagles fans whine.
****
The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win this game. So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Saints.
1) Win the Line Of Scrimmage: I said this last week and we let Atlanta’s zone blockers off the line too easily. Part of the problem was with our interior defensive linemen lining up across from their offensive linemen, instead of across from gaps.
This week we need DT’sJordan Davis andJalen Carter to put their helmets in the “A” gaps; and let the Saints release into their blocks for cheap and easy penetration. Don’t try to delay their blockers. Instead, defend the space he’s vacated, and right there, should be a confused RB.
2) Set the Edges: These last couple of weeks have featured no DE’s setting the edge, vs the run. They line up angled in, and then crash inside, allowing the Tackles to close the gap to the Guard. This creates the clusters that we keep seeing our pass rushers in.
We need for DE Bryce Huff and OLB Josh Sweat, to make their first step up the field instead of inside. This is to keep those Tackles wide of the Guard, and give the DT’s room to work. We can’t make our four man rush effective, if all four guys are clumping themselves into one area, and almost blocking themselves.
3) Go To Goedert: The Saints defense is full of players who like to “shoot their gun” and their players been given the green light to do so. Their aggression is evidenced by their last two games, and the number of guys they already have on their injury report. This is perfect for us!
Again, we’re the #8 team in rushing. The Saints will be looking to shut that down. So, play-action passes to TE Dallas Goedert, will make their players slow down to read more. That takes them out of the comfort zone that they’ve had these last two weeks. It makes them function not at their best.
4) Don’t Settle for Early Field Goals: Many fans complained about the Eagles going for a 4th down, instead of taking a field goal early in the Atlanta game. Not me. It was the 100% right thing to do. The Saints can move the ball. Explosively. We do not want to get into a match where we’re trading field goals for touchdowns, while we don’t have the services of WR A.J. Brown.
I hope to see Head Coach Nick Siriannimake the same call this week, if presented with the same choice. To hell with early field goals. You saw what happened to Dallas. If it’s in the first half, if we’re inside their 30, on 4th and 3 or less, just go for it. Don’t think, just go. If it’s the second half, that’s different. Then you weigh the situation.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
We fans complained during the preseason. We said this team, (running a new offensive scheme and a new defensive scheme), needed shakedown time in live situations. We were worried that the players wouldn’t be on the same page. Well, we were right! So let’s stop being mad over what we all saw coming, two months ago. Let that shit go..
This week, Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio, said he was sticking with Bryce Huff as his starter at DE. Of course he is! If Huff’s contract didn’t dictate that, then the fact that he needs time to learn how to be starter, absolutely does. He was a situational rusher with the Jets. Now he has to read situations and manage his energy. He has to make the mistakes, before they can be corrected.
Offensively, I’m not too worried about the Birds. We can run the ball, and WR DeVonta Smithhas stepped up. He needs more help than WR Britain Covey can provide, which is why I brought up Goedert. That said, QB Jalen Hurts needs to get WR Jahan Dotson, more than one target per game. Starting this Sunday.
****
WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know FOOTBALL and that’s it. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, then you are a fool trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.
Check back in a couple of days for Four Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
Drive Killer: S C.J. Gardner Johnson(TD: 0/Int: 0 FR: 0 4th down stops: 1/ FF: 0)
Sack Leader: DT Milton Williams (Sacks:1.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 2)
Special Teams Ace: N/A
****
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: ATLANTA did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Own the Line Of Scrimmage: The idea was to be physical with the Falcons offensive line. They don’t make holes at the line like a power running team. Instead they run to areas and try to take advantage of a RB already looking for space. Bumping and delaying the linemen, would have cluttered up the Falcons run game.
Instead what our Defensive Line did, was stand up and run laterally with the Falcons line. No penetration. No edges set. We let that team pile up 152 rushing yards, at a clip of 5.4 yards per carry. (NOT DONE)
2) Take the Free Yardage:I though the Kerrigan Plan would be great for this week. Take advantage of poor outside coverage on Outs and routes in the Flat. When the Eagles went there, it was good. However, we hardly did! Why does this team INSIST on doing everything the hard way? (NOT DONE)
3) Let’s Have Sacks:More bullying the Falcons o-line was prescribed here. Bull rushing the LG was specifically the order of the day. Instead, our d-linemen would standing up out of their stances, and get waltzed back past the QB. There was one sack all day, of a guy who barely moves in the pocket. (NOT DONE)
4) Take the Safeties Off: Employ a pump fake or two on their Safeties, to get DeVonta Smith some one-on-one match-ups. Ironically, the play that sealed our loss, was an interception by a Safety. Can’t help but wonder what a pump fake on that play would have led to. Probably a touchdown, three seconds later. (NOT DONE)
++++
So this week’s Four Things score is0 of 4. We played (and coached) down to the Falcons, and it allowed them to steal a win. Next week, there is a highly likely chance that we’re going to get dog-walked by the Saints, as we head down to New Orleans, for STD’s and crawfish. Should be fun!
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Game Hero: DeVonta Smith – He was the only player out there who looked like himself, all game long.
Game goat: Head Coach Nick Sirianni– Up 18 – 15, on 3rd and 3, from the 10, with a 1:46 left on a TICKING CLOCK, Sirianni either called or greenlit a passing play. This right here was the problem. It wasn’t Barkley’s dropping of the pass. It was calling any sort of play that wouldn’t let the clock keep ticking down.
Two Brotherly Shoves would have picked up the yardage, and never let the clock stop running. We should be celebrating an 18 – 15 win. Not mourning this 21 – 22 loss.
On The Whole:
Does anyone know what we pay the Defense for? We’re giving up 25.5 points per game, so far. Our DE’s don’t set edges vs the run, and they can’t get within a fifty dollar cab ride of a QB, despite lining up almost in the Wide 9. Our DT’s line up over linemen, instead of in gaps.
At least twice, I saw MLB Nakobe Dean (7 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) covering WR Drake London (7 – 6 – 54 – 9 .0 – 1). Why is a 5’11” MLB covering a 6’4” number one receiver!?? Who drew that shit up? If we play like this on Sunday, We may find ourselves 4th place in the division.
UNDEFEATED! The Eagles beat a playoff team, in a scrappy, back and forth match-up, playing on a messed up foreign field, and we still put up 34 points in the process. The incoming Atlanta Falcons only managed 10 points in their own home, vs a shaky Pittsburgh team. If we run the score up past 25, this one should be in the bag for us.
With players like WR DeVonta Smith, RB Saquon Barkley, and TE Dallas Goedert, we should still have enough firepower to hit that mark. This of course assumes that WR A.J. Brown sits this one out, due to his hamstring issue. That means we’ll be needing an actual contribution from WR Jahan Dotson this week.
With a win, we go to 2 – 0 and will remain at the head of the NFC East. With a loss, our hold on the top of the division, would evaporate and we’d end up behind the winner of the Commanders/giants game. Unless Dallas wins over New Orleans, putting them alon atop the division. So we have to have this one. It’s not a must win. It’s a mustn’t lose.
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The point of Four Thingsisn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win this game. So here are theFour Thingsthat we need to focus on this week versus: the Falcons
Last week DT Jordan Davis played opposite the LG. Let’s hope that’s the case again this week.
1) Own the Line Of Scrimmage:The right side of Atlanta’s offensive averages 306 pounds, and they aren’t exactly the strongest group of guys to begin with. They make their hay on toss runs, while picking up blocks in space.
To stymie that, our defensive line needs to set the edge, and push around their offensive line. Just to keep them from leaking out and getting downfield on run plays. Or at least seriously delay them, so that blockers aren’t at their practiced landmarks to aid the runners.
2) Take the Free Yardage: The Falcons run a 3 – 4 defense that isn’t like a 5 – 2, it is a 5 – 2. Which means, it’s time to use the Kerrigan Plan. Getting the ball out into the Flat for players like Barkley and RB Kenneth Gainwell, should be easy. Getting the ball to Goedert, on 3 and 5 yard Out routes, should be gimmies.
3) Let’s Have Sacks: Again, the right side of their o-line isn’t the strongest, biggest group of guys. They have a big LG, but he’s dealing with a groin injury. I can tell you from direct experience what that means. It means in pass protection, he’ll have trouble setting up vs a bull rush. He’ll attempt to hide it at first, but it’ll show up eventually. So I expect DT Jordan Davis to eat this week.
DT Jordan Davis meeting QB Kirk Cousins in 2023. Let’s all hope for a reunion (or four), on Monday night.
The idea should be to collapse the pocket right in front of their QB. He’s coming back from an Achille’s tendon injury; and while he was never Randall Cunningham, his mobility does seem somewhat hampered. Shove the pocket back into him. Make him throw on the move. Get him to share the football with our Defense.
4) Take the Safeties Off: If we’re running the ball well, expect their Safeties to creep up into the box, to try to slow us down. Expect it even more, if we utilize the Kerrigan Plan. The best part of that, is that both of their Safeties are ballhawks, who will be looking for opportunities to gamble.
Pump fakes aren’t really a part of QB Jalen Hurts’ game, but it would be smart to work a couple in this week. An occasional pump fake towards the Flat or to the TE; should be enough to bring the Safeties down, and open up deep shots for Smith or Dotson vs one-on-one coverage. Let’s get a couple deep passes in there, just to keep things loose underneath.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
As talented as their RB is, he STILL isn’t RB Saquon Barkley. Seriously. How is our roster even legal? This is patently unfair, and we Eagles fans KNOW it.
Talent v talent, the Falcons can’t hang with us. We literally have back-ups, who are better than some of their starters. However, mental miscues (like the ones we had last week) can help keep the Falcons in this game, and even give them a chance to win it.
We don’t need three touchdowns from Barkley again this week. We need an Eagles team that is on the same page, this week.
It would also be nice to see our D-Line collect a couple of sacks.
****
WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know FOOTBALL and that’s it. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, then you are a fool trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.
Check back in a couple of days for Four Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: PACKERSdid the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
RB Saquon Barkley scoring one of his three touchdowns on the night
1) Establish the Inside Run: The idea was to get Saquon Barkley going early, on inside runs. It didn’t happen early in the game (which is what I was aiming for), but it did happen early in his workload (by carry #7 of 24). That helped set the tone for the second half, where the Eagles did pile up points.
The Offense didn’t salt away the win, in terms of running the clock out, or scoring a back-breaking touchdown. However they tried to do both. On our last possession, 8 of those 19 plays, were hand-offs to Saquon, and we should have had that touchdown, but Jalen Hurts fumbled the snap. Heroically, Saquon was there to recover it, and we kicked a FG, putting us up by 5 points. (NOT DONE)
2) Take Away the Run: The idea was to stymie the Packers interior run game, and we did a great job of that. Our Defensive Linemen didn’t record a bunch of stats, but they did keep Zack Baun clean enough to make 13 tackles (9 solo) and 2 sacks.
Before you point out the Packers RB Josh Jacobs (16 – 84 – 5.25 – 0 – 0) rushing stats, consider that 43 of those rushing yards, are from the Packers last two drives, and 32 of those yards are from one carry. We absolutely made their QB carry this game on his own. Which was the second half of this key. (DONE)
WR A.J. Brown scores on a 67 yard catch and run as WR Jahan Dotson trails
3) Drive A Dotson:Nawp! Didn’t get within 1,000 yards of this one. Only one pass was thrown to WR Jahan Dotson (no stats) all game long. Shame too! Looking at the meager rushing numbers put up by every Eagle not named Saquon, a little loser box, might have helped out quite a bit. Thank goodness that Brown delivers. (NOT DONE)
4) Mix It Up: Reed Blankenship making the interception out of Robber Coverage, almost took my breath away. Visions of Ronnie Lott’s 8 interception season with the Raiders, started to dance in my head. That interception was downright predatory! Not the catch. The way it was set-up.
S Reed Blankenship makes the interception. With an assist from LB Zack Baun.
Blankenship dropped out of the coverage window, leaving it open for a split second. Just long enough to bait the throw. Then he broke on the receiver. If the ball had gone elsewhere, he’d have been out of position to help deep. Instead, it was a pick that led to the go-ahead score (DONE)
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This week’s Four Things score is 2 of 4, though it could have been 3 of 4. Next week the Birds defend our nest, from an 0 – 1 Falcons team, that lost to 6 field goals and no touchdowns.
****
Saquon catching an 18 yard dime.
Game Hero: RB Saquon Barkley – He piled up 109 rushing yards, and three touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving), in his Eagles debut. While his 26 touches feels a little high this early in the season, it was good to see him put them down with no injury, nicks, or otherwise ill effects.
Game goat: Eagles pass rush – MLB Zack Baun ran down QB Jordan Love (17/34 – 50 – 260 – 2 – 1) a couple of times, but none of our linemen got a good lick on the guy. That is, until DT Jalen Carter(2 – 0 – 0 – 0) tried to tackle Love (subsequently injuring him), as he fought to toss the ball to Josh Jacobs. We need sacks out of our linemen. Period.
On The Whole: The early miscues on both sides of the ball, justified every Eagles fan’s misgivings about the starters not playing at all in the preseason. Particularly Jalen Hurts who was not sharp, to say the least. Throwing two picks and fumbling twice, (once at the goal line), either indicates rust, or an outright lack of talent.
Though it’s too late to unspill that milk, I said it once before but it bears repeating now. Our starting guys should have played. The coach needs to hear that, for the next couple weeks at least.
LOST in the Wild Card round, 11 – 6, second in the NFC East, 25.5 pspg / 25.2 papg
The Eagles ripped out the gate to a 10 – 0 start. However, they aand may of us writers, never quite seemed comfortable, because the Eagles allowed the games to be more difficult than they should have been. Then the wheels fell of, the team utterly collapsed, and no explanation has yet to be given. (Good. I wouldn’t want to hear it anyway.)
The Eagles responded by replacing the offensive and defensive coordinators. They also allowed General Manager Howie Roseman, to go all Tanya Harding on the entire city of New York, by taking RB Barkley from one team, and trading OLB Hasson Reddick to the other.
OFFENSE:
QB Jalen Hurts
QB: Jalen Hurts experienced a little problem with turnovers last year. Whether it was an anomaly, or it’s because teams have figured him out, remains to be seen. He still has trouble punishing the blitz, but his 99 touchdowns in three seasons as a starter (despite four missed games) makes you wonder what he could be, if he fixed that glaring flaw.
Kenny Pickett has plenty of arm talent and moxie. Half of his 12 career wins, are comeback victories. Which is a heck of a feat, given the lack of protection he was working with in Pittsburgh. Tanner McKee is a big, strong, tough player, and his teammates like playing for him. He is however, the definition of a pocket passer. (+)
RB: Saquon Barkley. Seeing how good he’s been with trash players and coaching surrounding him, only makes you wonder how good he can be now. However, it’s him being over 230 pounds that most excites me. No knock on all-time leading rusher LeSean McCoy, but the Eagles have had a lot of success here, with guys 220 pounds and up.
Kenneth Gainwell is a man without a real role. He isn’t special at anything. Will Shipley is a 4th round rookie, who seems like a big effort, hard nosed type. Neither backup is built to be an NFC East style workhorse. Which raises the question of: Who carries the load if Barkley gets hurt? Barkley is a great starter to have, but the depth is a question. (+)
TE: Given some of the other names on this team, it can be too easy to overlook Dallas Goedert. However, even as a third option, he’s been quietly putting up around 600 yards per season, for the last five seasons. There doesn’t seem to be a plan for third year man, Grant Calcaterra, as his blocking never wowed anyone. Again, this is a case of excellent starter, no real depth. With just two active, the position is also thin. (-)
WR: A.J. Brownis flat-out uncoverable. Hands, speed, size, vertical leap, route running… He owns every tool in the hardware store. On the opposite sideline, is DeVonta Smith, who puts on a clinic with every route that he runs. He posted a 72% catch rate last year. As a BOUNDARY receiver, with over 100 targets. Those are star receiver numbers, and he’s the #2.
Jahan Dotsonwas traded for, to give the Eagles a legit slot receiver and real depth. Rookie 6th rounder Johnny Wilsonis the #4 receiver. He’s 6’6” 228 pounds, but he has slow feet for this position. Having played at 245, if his blocking improves, a position switch might suit him. Britain Covey is primarily a return man. (+)
LT Jordan Mialata
OT: LT Jordan Mialatahas become a team captain. It still feels a little premature to call him ‘elite’, but his name does keep coming up in the national conversation. RT Lane Johnson is elite. There is no media outlet that refers to him, without calling him a future Hall Of Famer, somewhere in the conversation. It can be debated who the best OT in the league is, but there is no debate that the Eagles have the best starting pair.
LT Fred Johnsonhas been with the team since last year, and even saw a little bit of action. While RT Darian Kinnard played a lot during the preseason, you could tell he was a lock to make the team. I think coaches just wanted to be sure he was really as good a he seemed out there. (+)
OG: While LG Landon Dickersondoesn’t get the credit, he’s the real reason that the Brotherly Shove works as well as it does, as consistently as it does. As if to acknowledge this, the Eagles low-key made a point of giving him a four year extension, in March.
At the RG position is Mekhi Becton. He was a 2020, #11 overall draft pick, who the Jets had at RT, until he suffered two right knee injuries. At 6’7” 363 pounds, he’s an absolute monster of a man. So instead of playing him at RT, the Eagles chose to kick him inside, where he can wrestle with opponents in a phonebooth. He was good enough in camp to take the starting spot.
Tyler Steen is the second year man, who was supposed to start. Until Becton came along. I wasn’t big on Steen last year, but word is he’s improved noticeably. Rookie Trevor Keegan was selected in the 5th round this season. Not much is expected of him yet. (+)
C: Cam “Beef” Jurgensis taking over for the retired future Hall Of Famer Jason Kelce. Jurgens has 28 career starts at G, although the pivot is his natural spot. Not only did Kelce helped hand-pick Jurgens in the 2022 Draft, he mentored him. Groomed him to be a ready when the moment comes. This is that moment. Oh and there is no back-up. (+)
In A Nutshell: This roster is so stacked it’s ridiculous. And there may be even more help on the way.
DEFENSE:
DE: Brandon Graham is returning for his 15th and final ride, with the only NFL roster that was ever lucky enough, to have him grace it. He’s no longer a starter, but his snaps are impactful, as he plays the position classically. By which I mean, he plays the run on the way to the pass. Most modern players at this position, just play pass first, and so often fail to contain the edge.
Free agent Bryce Huff, comes over from the Jets, and will likely be the starter that Graham rotates with. He didn’t start a game last year and still led that team with 10 sacks. So of course, instead of starting him, the Jets let him walk. (+)
DT: I won’t keep you in suspense. The Eagles are literally SIX players deep at this position. Every guy here could start on a team somewhere in this league. Jordan Davis is a mountain of a man and the centerpiece of the Defensive Line. By his own admission he wore down in 2023, and has dedicated himself to his conditioning in 2024. Stay tuned. Jalen Carter grabbed 6 sacks and finished in second place for rookie of the year, last year. Milton Williams is a tweener, who gets moved around, to create and enhance mismatches along the line.
Moro Ojomo has made plenty of noise in preseason games. Now it’s time to translate that to games that count. Byron Young was a 3rd rounder last year, but was a victim of a 2024 numbers crunch in Las Vegas. Thomas Booker was an End in Houston last year. All three of these guys are tweeners, in that they’re Big End/high motor Nickel Tackle, types. Too much depth here. (+)
OLB: Josh Sweaton paper, changes position from DE, but in no way will that change how the Eagles utilize him. He gets lots of pressure and hits on passers (23 in 2023). The Eagles are just trying find a way to turn those into sacks (just 6.5 last year.) Nolan Smithwas supposed to be a steal in the 1st round of last year’s Draft, but he can’t produce from the sideline.
Jalyx Hunt is a 3rd round rookie, who had no business still being on the board when the Eagles got there. Patrick Johnson’s value lies in his flexibility (LB/DE), and his Special Teams play. While Eagles have parts here, getting production from them has proven to be challenge. (-)
ILB: Free Agent Devin White came over from Tampa. His resume shows that he can be a playmaker, but with most Eagles starters playing no preseason snaps, it’s impossible to judge how he fits. Zach Baun comes over from New Orleans, having been a spot starter and situational player. When the Eagles go to their 5 – 2 alignment, these two head the depth chart.
Nakobe Dean has so far not panned out as planned, but this new defensive coaching staff, seems excited about him. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. will initially get stuck on Special Teams, but his heads-up style of play, suggests that coaches will find defensive snaps for him. Oren Burks was a late preseason acquisition who has starting experience, and has made some plays. Ben VanSumeren is a born Special Teamer.
The position is stable and solid up top. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that the free agents we added, are stunting the growth of the young guys we have (who seem to have more upside), by keeping them off the field. (+)
S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (CJGJ) intercepts a pass
S: C.J. Gardner-Johnson returns, after a year in Detroit that he’d probably like to forget. His 2022 season here, saw him lead the NFL in interceptions and play in the Super Bowl. He’s back to get a taste of that again. Reed Blankenship isn’t a burner, but he possesses pretty much any other trait you’d want at this position. If the communication between these two is good, the middle of the field will be a dangerous place to venture.
Rookie 2nd rounder Cooper DeJean, fist best at this position. Yes, the coaches love his schematic flexibility, but ultimately, player play best where they play best. Tristin McCollumwas a longshot to make this roster, but here he is. (+)
CB:Darius “Big Play” Slaydoesn’t get the respect that he deserves. Even playing in a heavy cushion cover scheme, he’s picked off 8 passes in three seasons. Isaiah Rodgers was brought in a year ago while on suspension. We have yet to see him play. Quinyon Mitchell is a 1st rounder from this year. While he’s well thought of, he’s still a rookie. There’s an education coming.
Kelee Ringo is a big guy, who plays with an aggression and swagger that will either make him a star pr run him out of the league eventually. Eli Ricks is another tall one, who made a few clutch plays as a reserve in 2023. Fact is, Slay is great, but there’s no way to vouch for the other side yet. (-)
In A Nutshell: This unit should be strong down the middle. The edges of the defense is where the question marks are.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
LS: Rick Lovato notched 3 tackles and forced a fumble, in 2023. (+)
P: Braden Mann posted a punt average of 49.8, and a net of 43.8. Both of which were career bests for him. (+)
K: Jake “The Make” Elliottmade a career-high 93.8% of his field goals, and even made 7 of 8 from 50 or more. (+)
In A Nutshell: The Eagles have long understood the battle of hidden yardage, and it continues to show.
BOTTOM LINE:
This is team went on a 10 – 0 start last year, while never looking like a dominant team. I personally am getting the vibe that they won’t get out to a long undefeated streak, but they will absolutely land on a few teams this year.
As for 2024: A record of 12 – 5 seems to fit like Cinderella’s glass slipper. Let’s go with that.
EAGLEMANIACAL.com 