WHAT loss?! Man, fuck that loss! We’re already in the playoffs, and since we won’t get the one seed,
IT DOESN’T MATTER, which seed we get!
Seeds two through seven, all need four wins to hoist the Lombardi. So us six teams, are all in the same boat. Meanwhile, seeds five through seven, basically have to do it entirely on the road. Which has been done a few times already.
In fact, it seems to happen every few years since 1997:
Oakland Raiders (1980), Denver Broncos (1997), Baltimore Ravens (2000), Pittsburgh Steelers (2005), New York Giants (2007), Green Bay Packers (2010), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020)
So don’t lose hope, or sight of the goal, Eagles Fans.
Let’s get something straight, right now. Barring an inspired act of God, Dallas isn’t going to lose to Washington, which makes the outcome of our game practically meaningless. So don’t go getting hung up on the final score. What matters, is if we look like our Defense is coming back to life; and if we can be dangerous on Offense again.
Think of this game as a tune-up. Two weeks ago, we beat the giants by eight points. This time, we want to beat them by more than eight, or hold them to 21 points or fewer. Either one is a major step in the right direction.
A win has us finish the season at 12 – 5, as the 5th seed in the NFC playoffs. That is, unless Washington somehow manages to beat Dallas, making us the 2nd seed.
A loss means we finish the year at 11 – 6, and as the 5th seed. So we’re bulletproof either way.
****
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 giants
DT Jordan Davis forces RB Ezekiel Elliott to fumble
1) Contain the Run: Right now DT Jordan Davisis lining up over players, instead of gaps. Then he’s doubled more than 50% of the time. Look, no RB runs through his o-line. They run through the gaps. Davis can’t clog up a player, but he can clog a gap. Dictate the action, by lining up in a gap, and taking that gap away.
With Davis taking away a gap, the MLB has to read and fill the open gap, before the runner gets momentum enough to break a tackle. We also need our DE’s to set edges, and force runs back inside the Tackles.
2) Get To the Quarterback: Two weeks ago, these two teams met, and we got one sack from a team that surrenders an average of five per week. It was a travesty. We need 3 or 4 sacks in this one, just to prove that our pass rush is at least getting back on track.
3) Spread and Run: Stretching the opponent’s defense laterally, will let our RB’s pop into the second level faster, with the inside run plays that we like to run. Run the ball. Eat up clock. Let a Defense that has seen too many snaps recently, get some rest.
RB D’Andre Swift looked good vs that defense a couple games ago.
4) Go Deep Aggressively: Opposing defenses are playing our Slant and Out routes, far more aggressively than they did during the beginning of season. The only way to combat that, is to throw the ball deep down the field.
Whether or not we hit on the play, our opponent has to honor the idea that we will attempt it again. That loosens the box and underneath coverage again. Two deep shots in a game isn’t respectable. Between two and four, is respectable. Five or better is putting your next opponent on notice. Let’s make them uncomfortable.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
A win (at this point) is meaningless without help. A loss means we have hold as the 5th seed. So it would be no change. This game is a total freebie. We’re gambling with house money. So, more than chasing a “W”, we should use the game as a tune-up for the playoffs.
Be nice to get RB Boston Scott some redemption.
****
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.
WE returned to the win column, with a win over a division rival, while eliminating them from playoff contention. The home crowd bullied the coaching staff into running the football, and IT WORKED! We managed to win in the trenches on both sides of the ball, earning us another of the “ugly” wins, that we’re now famous for.
Dominating performances from QB Jalen Hurtsand OLB Haason Reddick, would go a long way towards getting us one them thar purtty wins. (Especially if we don’t give away points this week.)
This is a must win game. With a win, we go to 12 – 4. We’ve already clinched a playoff spot, sit atop the NFC East over Dallas, and hold the #2 seed in the conference. A win here helps us to hold onto all of that.
Suffering a loss would mean a stumble to 11 – 5, and a return of all those annoying questions the media asked during that three game skid. Worse yet, if the Cowboys win, then we’d be behind them in the division AND the conference.
****
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 Cardinals.
NOPE.
1) Win In The Trenches:Defensive line play isn’t always about sacks. In this case it’s about not allowing the Cardinals to get their run game going. In recent weeks DT Jordan Davis had been failing to hold the line of scrimmage and keep blockers off the LB’s. He was better last week, but we need him to wreck interior blocking schemes this week.
2) Hands Up:Again, d-line play isn’t just about the sack. Our linemen need to get their hands up and make it hard to see, for the 5’10” opposing QB. If he can’t see well, he may put the ball in dangerous places without realizing it. Would I trade a sack for an interception? Fuck yeah! Would you? Sure you would. So let’s get those big ‘ol paws up. (This is where a legit 6’5” 270 pound LDE to bookend with RDE Josh Sweat, would be great.)
3) Run The Ball: The Cardinals are the NFL’s 32nd ranked team against the run. The Cardinals are the league’s worst team against the run. No one in this league is worse against the run, than the Cardinals. I’m guessing that you understand what all that means. Let’s hope the Eagles coaching staff does as well.
A few Swift trips to the end zone would be great.
We need another 16+ carry game from RB D’Andre Swift. In terms of yardage, I think if he gets over 72 rushing yards, we should win. Listen, if 50,000 people (not all 69,000 are Eagles fans) are all yelling one thing, there may be some wisdom in listening.
4) Be Efficient: Give us four quarters of Hurtstaking what the opposing defense gives him, and using the clock as a weapon. No throwing into double coverage please! If one receiver is doubled, then someone must be wide open. When there is free yardage available, TAKE IT!
That doesn’t mean dinking and dunking exclusively. If the coverage gives us a look we can beat, by all means, take the shot! Even if it’s to back-up TE Jack Stoll, running loose. If the big play is there, pull that trigger. Just don’t try to create big plays where their potential doesn’t truly exist.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
First off, YAYYY!!!! We got a 1:00 game, again! For the first time in months, I stand a chance of getting Four Things Reviewed out on-time, without having to fight sleep to write it, with work looming the next morning. Or just bailing on it, because I couldn’t stay awake, and having to put it out late. Oh, 1:00 games. You don’t know how much I’ve missed you!
And none of that stuff.
Normally I try to focus on tactics which exploit opponent weaknesses. Not so much this week. The Eagles need some shakedown time to adjust to new Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia. Look, if you want to buy that garbage that Head Coach Nick Sirianni is selling about Sean Desai not being demoted, be my guest. He can’t bullshit me!
My gut says that the Cardinals coaching staff may not be all-in on this game.
Real talk: The 3 – 12 Cardinals hold the #2 overall pick in the Draft as of right now. Washington and New England are both 4 – 11, and right behind them. A loss keeps that pick in Arizona’s hands. A win, puts them at 4 – 12 and throws them into a (likely) three-way tie at 4 – 12.
Having already been eliminated from playoff contention, why also ruin that Draft spot? Especially since the world knows that Arizona wants to move on from their current QB. Given that he could be trade-bait for teams like Washington, Tennessee, Vegas, and Atlanta, why risk all that for a meaningless win?
A loss hurts us, and a win hurts them. Both teams would have to fuck up ROYALLY for the Eagles to not end up 12 – 4 by Sunday night.
****
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: LB Shaquille Leonard (Sacks:1.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 7)
Special Teams Ace: PR Britain Covey (3 – 66 – 22.0 – 0) 54 yd return set up TD
****
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: GIANTS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
CB Kelee Ringo will wins some, will lose some.
1) Go Get Some Cutlets:The goal was five sacks on QB Tommy “Cutlets” DeVito (9 – 16 – 56.2% – 55 – 0 – 0), but he was pulled at the half, for poor performance. Still, we only collected 1 sack all game long, as our linemen no longer remember how to disengage from blockers. (NOT DONE)
2) Secure the Run:We were better here than we’ve been in weeks. Especially at setting the edges. The “A” gaps still require some work. RB Saquon Barkley (23 – 80 – 3.4 – 1 – 0) piled up 80 on the ground, but it took a lot of touches, and at no point did it ever look like he would break a long one. (DONE).
3) Spread and Run: In this game, I counted FIVE runs of 10 yards or more. One from Hurts, one from RB Kenneth Gainwell (6 – 41 – 6.8 – 0 – 0), and three from Swift. Opening up the formation helped greatly. Even more helpful, were the NINE targets to TEDallas Goedert (9 – 7 – 71 – 10.1 – 0), which forced the giants defense to honor him as a receiving threat, not just as a blocker. (DONE)
4) Passes On the Rusher: Playing a 4 – 2 – 5 alignment, allowed the giants to move OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (no stats) around. Assigning a receiver to settle into his rush wake, was the hope. That was rarely possible. Still, when given the opportunity, the Eagles did not shift to take advantage of this. (NOT DONE)
++++
So we did 2of the Four Things, and as a result, we got the win. A close win. An ugly win. But a win, nonetheless. Next Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals, come to town. With a record of 3 – 12, they would currently draft #2 overall; and I don’t imagine their coaching staff is eager to jeopardize that position.
****
RB D’Andre Swift dart through the middle for a TD
Game Hero: D’Andre Swift – The guy ran with a purpose all day. Trying to wrestle his way into the endzone; reversing field and scoring (called back); making two guys miss him in a phonebooth while scoring. All with zero turnovers, or personal foul penalties, which led directly to eight points, Jalen.
Swift even showed some situational awareness. At the end of one run, Swift slid to stay in bounds, and keep the clock running out on the giants. As opposed to not running out of bounds at the end of the half, to stop the clock and give the Eagles an extra shot at a touchdown. Right, Jalen?
Game goat: SReed Blankenship(6 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) – That 70 yard touchdown he gave up was just bad recognition and technique. Knowing that he’s the last line of defense, he had to read pre-snap, that he didn’t have the depth to challenge a Go, Post, or Fade route. So why he didn’t drop farther back or turn and run sooner, is beyond me.
On The Whole:
CB Kelee Ringo wins this one. His interception seals our victory.
It wasn’t a pretty win, but would you rather we lost? So stop complaining, folks. Take the “W”! All of the issues you want to complain about today, are the issues that you’ve been complaining about all season.
The issues, were turnovers. First, RB Boston Scott (1 – 3 – 3.0 – 0 – 0) fumbling a kickoff return, by running into his own man. Then Jalen Hurts throwing a pick six, and horse-collaring the player as he scored, thus making the two-point conversion almost automatic. These turnovers led directly to 15 of the giants 25 points. This game is potentially 47 – 10 otherwise.
Yes, we want the issues fixed, but Head Coach Nick Sirianniis a typical NFL head coach, in that, he’d rather lose his way, than win somebody else’s. As long as Sirianni doesn’t believe there’s a problem, there won’t be a serious attempt at fixing it. Unless team OwnerJeff Lurie tells him there’s a problem.
Defensively, I can’t complain about the wayMatt Patriciais calling things. Aside from the 70 yard pass, our Defense kept a pretty tight lid on the giants offense. However, we might be keeping the pass rushing too vanilla, and making things too easy on opposing linemen.
IN last week’s loss, we handed the ball off 24 times for 95 yards (3.9ypc). Unless things get out of hand quickly, it’s going to take that sort of commitment to the running the ball, to win this game. While RB Boston Scott has been the boogeyman against the giants, most of the carries need to go to Philly native RB D’Andre Swift.
While this city is famous for its cheesesteaks, hoagies and roast pork sandwiches, we also love a good cutlet. So lets hope that DEJosh Sweatand OLB Haason Reddick bring their appetites, because the giants are known for allowing multiple servings. So mangia! Mangia, boys! Don’t leave anything left.
Grabbing the win would move us to 11 – 4, and end our three game losing streak. Which would make for a great Christmas present. It would also put us a step closer to winning the NFC East, for the second year in a row.
Losing means 10 – 5, and another week of fans acting like the season is over, for a team already guaranteed a playoff spot.
****
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 giants.
DE Brandon Graham gets a sack
1) Go Get Some Cutlets: Five sacks in this one should be our minimum goal. In seven games, giants QB Tommy “Cutlets” DeVito has been sacked 35 times. This would indicate that perhaps his offensive line isn’t very good.
We’ve gotten some impressive play as of late, from DT Jalen Carter and DT Fletcher Cox. The hope is that we can get our edge rushers going as well. Both Sweat and Reddick were quiet last week. Reddick has yet to force a fumble all season. Changing both would help the team immensely.
2) Secure the Run: Usually it’s either “set the edges” or “play the ‘A’ gaps”. This week it’s both. We have injuries to our LB’s, so there might be a lot of subbing going on. This is a great opportunity for miscues, because someone isn’t in their run fit. Our D-Line has to set the lanes and boundaries, so everything is easier for back-ups to read.
Bottling up the run on first and second, sets us up for third and long. When we see third and six or longer, we have got to make plays that get us off the field. Making tackles at the sticks won’t cut it. They’ll just play for the markers.
3) Spread and Run: It’s an overly simplistic strategy, but right now the Eagles offensively need a re-set back to fundamentals. Asking the Eagles to play from under Center is out of the question. It would fix a ton of what’s wrong with us, but it won’t happen. So the next best thing, would be to stretch the box laterally.
LT Jordan Mailata and RB Boston Scott
Every week, I chart how many runs we have of 10 yards or more, and at no point have we had more than four in a game. We had four vs the Vikings, Bucs, and Chiefs. Half of these were from our QB. If we can stretch the box laterally, and get Swift to the second level quickly, maybe he can break a couple of these run.
4) Passes On the Rusher: While giants OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux is listed as a LB, he’s basically a DE. If he’s not going to line-up outside of the Tackle and not drop into coverage, then we need to be about the business of attacking the Flat on his side. Why not take something they’re likely to give us, all game long?
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
This past week, Head Coach Nick Sirianni said this offense (meaning the system), is the same offense from the last two years, and it’s being run the same way. I don’t doubt that the playbook is the same. (Notice that opponents seem to have figured us out.) What is bullshit, is that it’s being run the same way.
It doesn’t matter who gets the blame for fucking up the offense. If Sirianni wants it, hey, I’m happy to give him shit for it. Whether it’s Sirianni or Offensive Coordinator Brian Johnson, the play-calling is atrocious to the point of almost being amateurish. Heavy Shotgun; no motion; called QB runs on first down; route concepts that look like they came off of Madden ‘96. All of those are bad things.
And don’t say that we were fine with it when were winning, because TONS of us weren’t. Sirianni and the players, this very season, repeatedly stood at the podium after games, saying the team had yet to play it’s best football, and then seemed confused when fans weren’t thrilled with “a win being a win”.
It was also an issue last year. Not starting fast. Or starting fast and then letting opponents creep back into games. So this year’s issues aren’t new. We want to see an Eagles team consistently give us four quarters of good football. And we want to see a head coach who can get that out of his players.
I think this run of games is more important to Nick Sirianni than many might expect. To go from the one seed, to not winning the division… I’m not sure how team Owner Jeff Luriewould stomach that. So I think this is a must win game for Sirianni.
I have no hard news to back that up. It’s just my gut feeling. That being said, my gut has an extremely good track record, in regards to this team.
****
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.
SEASON Reviews are usually done at the end of the season. A few are also done at the halfway mark. Starting in 2017, Eaglemaniacal.com began treating the season like a game, and breaking it into four quarters.
In 2021, the NFL expanded the season to 17 games, which makes for an uneven split. So this year (at least), these Quarterly Reports will come after games 5, 9, 13, and 17. (Ugh. I hate even looking at that format.)
Since football is a hard sport, we’ll take a hard look at where our team currently stands, in relation to where it started. Then we can discuss where it needs to go next.
STATUS: 10 – 3, 2nd place in the NFC East
[pic]
OPPONENTS:
W – Kansas City
W – Buffalo (OT)
L – San Francisco
L – Dallas
OVERVIEW:
We played K.C., Buffalo, and San Fran, all in the span of thirteen days. Both the K.C. and Buffalo games were played in driving, cold rain. The San Fran and Dallas games were blowout losses, with both opponents coming off of ten days rest. Not an excuse, but fatigue plays major a factor in an NFL season.
In the San Fran game, we started well but then… we just looked gassed. Then we came out flat against Dallas, and lost three fumbles. Two in the red zone (Hurts and Smith), and one (Brown) on the opening possession of the second half, when we were down 6 – 24. Uncharacteristic, and highly unlikely to be repeated.
There is reason for concern, but the Eagles still control their own fate with regard to winning the NFC East. So the sky is not falling, despite what the Panic Party keeps shouting from the clock-towers. We have however, lost the number one seeding. That however, could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
GRADES:
QB Jalen Hurts after walk-off TD vs Bufffalo
QB: Not a great quarter.Jalen Hurts(76/125 – 60.8% – 845 – 4 – 2) threw 3 touchdowns against Buffalo, but just 1 total in the other three games. Play-calling gets lots of blame, but Hurts is on he field, selecting which receiver to go to with the ball. Also, coaches are not who is holding the ball too long.
As ineffective as he’s been as a passer, his rushing (38 – 144 – 3.7 – 5 – 2) has also diminished greatly. He’s still shows the ability to pick up a first down, but he no longer deserves the respect afforded to dangerous runners. This last quarter, he justified every team who passed on him in the first round of the 2020 Draft.
RB:Why get a player and not use him?D’Andre Swift(43 – 208 – 4.8 – 1 – 0/10 – 6 – 42 – 7.0 – 0) averaged under 11 carries per game last quarter. In our two losses, Swift ran for 39 and 13 yards. In our two wins, he ran for 80 and 76. Those look like clues, to me! Let’s give a couple to the coaching staff.
Kenneth Gainwell (9 – 60 – 6.6 – 0 – 0/ 10 – 8 – 56 – 7.0 – 0) continues to whelm. Of those 60 yards, 23 came on one run. The remaining 8 carries produced 37 yards (4.6ypc).Boston Scott (8 – 33 – 4.1 – 0 – 0 / 2 – 1 – 27 – 27.0 – 0) worked more than last quarter, but for an average of just two carries per game.
TE: He missed all but one game last quarter with a broken arm, but Dallas Goedert(4 – 4 – 30 – 7.5 – 0) looked decent in his one game back. Let’s hope for no setbacks.
Jack Stoll(4 – 2 – 17 – 8.5 – 0) looked good on a 14 yard catch and rumble vs Buffalo. He however, doesn’t have his QB’s trust, as even when wide open, passes didn’t come his way. The Eagles have other players at this position and someone should remind them of that.
WR: After going on a tear earlier this year, things have slowed for A.J. Brown (39 – 23 – 253 – 11.0 – 1). Opponents have begun more aggressively bracket covering him, which has opened things up forDevonta Smith(37 – 27 – 374 – 13.8 – 2), who has posted his strongest quarter so far.
WR Olamide Zaccheaus with the 29 yard score.
Olamide Zacchaeus (3 – 2 – 57 – 28.5 – 1) has seen all of 15 targets this season. It’s insulting given the results that he provides. Quez Watkins(4 – 3 – 28 – 9.3 – 0) returned from a hamstring injury, and posted all of this quarters numbers vs San Fran. Help me understand this, Julio Jones (5 – 3 – 5 – 1.6 – 0). Why did we sign him, if we have no plans for him?
OT: I’m kind of glad that RT Lane Johnson has allowed a sack. Now it can stop being a mandatory mention. Even better, I can say that even though he’s allowed a sack, we still have the best RT in the game. He was hit for a false start vs both San Fran and Dallas, so that’s 10 free yards on Lane.
I feel I owe LT Jordan Mialata, not really an apology, but an acknowledgement that I was judging him too harshly. A lot of the pressure he gives up, is a result of the QB holding the ball too long, and dropping beyond the pocket. Jordan picked up a holding call and a false start last quarter, giving away 15 yards.
Swingman Jack Driscoll stepped in for us during Lane’s absence in the Buffalo game, and battled well enough to help us earn the win. Despite playing 66 snaps in a soaker, that went into overtime, Jack yielded no free yardage.
OG: It will come as no surprise that LG Landon Dickerson was hit with another bullshit offsides when executing the Brotherly Shove, last week. He was also hit with a false start vs Buffalo. Landon is THE GUY who makes that play work.
The return of RG Cam “Beef” Jurgens, didn’t revive the run game as many expected. Then again, you have to actually hand the ball off, to have a run game. At times Cam can be susceptible to bullrush, which only makes it worse when the QB takes forever to throw the ball, either to a receiver or away.
C: Sort of a weird quarter for Jason Kelce. He had 3 false start penalties (2 Buffalo, 1 San Fran), and a bad snap vs Dallas, putting 15 yards on his tab. I often wonder about the expiration date on his deal with Father Time. Jason throws the ‘R’ word around pretty liberally, and talks easily about it these days.
DE: The release of Derek Barnett, leaves starter Josh Sweat(11 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) and part-timer Brandon Graham(4 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) as the only two legit players at this position. Everyone else who lines up here, is just part of a package. This has severely impacted the effectiveness of everyone at the position. This position will require help via the Draft.
DT: Fallout on the ends has also stymied the interior. Fletcher Cox (7 – 2.5 – 0 – 1) continued to make his presence felt, despite missing a game last quarter. Jordan Davis (16 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) is no longer living in opponent’s backfields. That has to get corrected.
DT Jalen Carter’s first NFL touchdown.
Jalen Carter (11 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) returned a FR for a 42 yard score, but otherwise has been on milk cartons. Milton Williams(9 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) missed the Buffalo game, and Marlon Tuipulotu(11 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) is getting far too much work for someone that far down the depth chart. This is due to all the sub-packages.
OLB: Sadly, because he gets moved to End so much, Haason Reddick (13 – 3.5 – 0 – 0) doesn’t really line up here. It’s part of what’s crippling our pass rush. Zach Cunningham (26 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) missed the San Fran game, and his secure tackling was missed.
Nolan Smith (2 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) we’re told, is about to receive an uptick in playing time. Idiotically, they pay him opposite Reddick, instead of in rotation with.Patrick Johnson and Ben VanSumeren are Special Teams players and emergency depth.
MLB: At less than 220 pounds, Nicholas Morrow(31 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) doesn’t have the interior presence for this position, over a 17 game schedule. Morrow shows quick hands in coverage, but the fatigue is showing up in his tackling. This may be part of why Darius “Shaq” Leonard (2 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) was brought in.
S:This position will also see an early Draft pick. Reed Blankenship (29 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) will likely still be on next year’s roster, but last quarter he essentially played himself out of a starting role next year. Sydney Brown(15 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) hasn’t played great, but he’s a draft pick. So the Eagles will give him every chance to beat out undrafted Blankenship next year.
New acquisition S Kevin Byard denies QB Pat Mahomes
Kevin Byard(31 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) picked off Patrick Mahomes in the endzone, to contribute to a win. Also, Byard convinced coaches to let the DB’s scout opposing WR’s for the next game. Usually coaches handle that. Is Byard making a cultural impact?
CB: The eyeball test says that he’s struggling. The analytics say that Darius Slay (17 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) over this last quarter has been targeted 22 times for 10 completions (45.4%), 112 yards and zero scores. And Dallas completed none of the four passes they threw at him. James Bradberry (10 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) has been targeted 30 times, for 17 completions (56.6%) for 187 yards, and touchdowns in three of the four games last quarter.
Bradley Roby(17 – 0.0 – 0 – 1) hasn’t given up any scores, but his 64% completion rate, isn’t helping on third down. Neither Eli Ricks nor Kelee Ringo played enough to factor much this quarter.
LS:Yet again, Rick Lovato has been solid, steady, and uneventful. (Grade: A)
P: I thoroughly dig Braden Mann(16 – 794 – 49.6) kicking the ball half the field on average. We are allowing 8.0 yards per return, so he may be out kicking his coverage a bit. His 28 yard pass on a punt fake, was beautiful (Grade: A)
K: Not exactly news here, but Jake Elliott was 5/5 on Field Goals, and 9/9 on Extra Points. Shocker, right? Especially after that collar pop in Buffalo. Driving rain, against the wind, 59 yards out? For Jake the Make, it’s a gimme. (Grade: A)
PR/KR: WR Britain Covey (6 – 89 – 14.8 – 0) He has a great average, but he has never had a return, where I thought he might break it open. (Grade: B)
SINCE LAST QUARTER:
We went 2 – 2 over this last stretch and Dallas was not one of the wins. As a result, we are no longer in the lead for the #1 seed. Instead, we are currently, one of three 10 – 3 teams, but are behind San Francisco, and also behind Dallas by virtue of a tie-breaker. Up and down the Offensive roster, there is rampant under-utilization of players. That speaks to a lack of creativity and not understanding as a coach, how to use each players gifts.
It doesn’t always go our way.
Defensively, we essentially are just jogging alongside our opponents, on their way to a score. The pass rush that got us 70 sacks last year, just got us 6 over the last four games.
This is ridiculous! It’s egregious. It’s outrageous! This is simply inexcusable and unforgivable, and it has to get fixed. I’m going to say something I have never said in nine years of writing these articles. I don’t care how it gets fixed. Just fix it!
MISSION FOR THIS QUARTER:
It will take some help to regain the #1 seed, so that shouldn’t be the focus. The focus should be doing what we can to bring about the ending that we want.
If we win out, we win the NFC East. Due to Dallas’s loss to Arizona earlier this year, if we beat Arizona, then we win the tie-breaker with Dallas. So the mission is to win out. The Arizona game is a MUST win situation.
Special Teams Ace: P Braden Mann 4th down punt fake, 28yd pass
****
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: COWBOYSdid the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Use A Brute Force Run Game:We didn’t really lean into handing the ball off, until the second half when we were down 6 – 24. Nearly all of the runs were between the Tackles, which was good. Not so good, was how often these tried to utilize misdirection from the Shotgun. That will fool fans in the stands, far more often than players on field.
Our leading rusher had just 11 carries, against 28 dropbacks, and 5 designed QB runs. I guess there’s a Zen sort of alignment in not investing in the RB position financially, since we no longer invest in it philosophically.
The Philadelphia region RESOUNDINGLY implored the team, to not be stupid this week, but alas, Head Coach Nick Sirianni and Offensive Coordinator Brian Johnson, could not help themselves. Nor the players they coach. Insult to injury: None of the three fumbles we lost, were by a RB. (NOT DONE)
Rookie DT Jalen Carter recovers fumble forced by DT Fletcher Cox, and takes it back for SIX!
2) Take Away the Quick Throws: At times we did this. We played more Man Press, challenged more passes, and got their QB to hold the ball longer than he wanted to, at times. The problem was, we didn’t do it consistently. This is an aspect to build on. I just hope they see that during film review. (NOT DONE)
3) Win the Turnover Battle:HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Okay, seriously, we gave away two red zone fumbles and a bonus third one, while only getting one in return. The lost fumbles are uncharacteristic for WR’s A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith (10 – 5 – 73 – 14.6 – 0). So there’s nothing to panic about with these two. Can’t say that for Hurts though, as fumbles are anything but rare for him.
Look. the turnover battle is hard to win, if you depend on your opponent to give you gifts. Turnovers have to be forced, and the two best ways to get turnovers; are violent hits on the ball (for fumbles), or close coverage (for interceptions). Our zone coverage and drag down tackling while pulling at the ball, won’t get the job done. (NOT DONE)
4) Spread Them Out: Not much was done to spread the Cowboys defense horizontally, until they decided to do so when blitzing. For a team that loves to throw Screen routes, we didn’t see one thrown to a RB all night. Even with frequent blitzing. (NOT DONE)
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This week we did none of the Four Things, which led to the shit-canning that we endured for a second week on national television. Next week we’re on national television again, as we travel to Seattle to beat up on the Seahawks.
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DT Fletcher Cox forces a fumble.
Game Hero: DT Fletcher Cox (1 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) – Forced the fumble that was recovered by DT Jalen Carter and returned for a touchdown. This week’s hero designation could have gone to Carter, or Haason Reddick. It was razor thin. What tipped the scale for me, was Cox’s postgame interview at his locker.
It wasn’t just what Cox said, it was how he said it. He didn’t keep making attempts to leave. He stood there and answered the questions. He expressed trust in his locker room, and issued a challenge to the true leaders and elite players on this team. He was calm, and even keeled. He was every bit the leader the Eagles need right now.
Game goat: Jalen Hurts – The stoic body language may work for when the team is winning, but when we’re being embarrassed on national television, someone has to keep the troops dialed in and focused, and he cannot be counted on for that.
Rallying the troops?
For the record, I’ve never been a fan of Hurts’ sideline demeanor, as my nature is very different. On a sideline, I was Brian Dawkins. Bill Romanowski. An agitated doberman roaming without a leash. I was fire, and rage, and an absolute head-case. But I was always a constant source of energy for my side. I was downright contagious at times.
Watching the postgame show, it was interesting to see pundits who’d been praising Hurts’ stoic body language, suddenly say they didn’t like it. They said he was almost sulking. To be fair to Hurts, I didn’t see much different from how he usually is. What I think is happening here, is that losing is robbing him of the benefit of the doubt. Which is bullshit. Ride with his demeanor or don’t. Don’t waffle on him.
During his first couple of years, the local media largely backed off of our young QB. Then last year, and up until now, all the winning brought passes for his flaws. So Jalen Hurts has never experienced the Philadelphia media with their claws out. It’s been easy going the whole time he’s been here.
Well, losing the number one seed, by losing to Dallas, while giving away the ball in the red zone, and appearing visibly dispassionate about the whole thing, may end up changing some things for him. Very shortly, he may end up experiencing pressure and adversity that he can’t simply transfer out of.
On The Whole:
Before I get into it. I won’t discuss Defensive Coordinator Sean Desai, because I’m tired of saying the same shit over and over, with Sirianni never making sure that change happens. But add to the regular defensive woes, our three offensive fumbles, and suddenly Desai is largely off my hook this week.
Missed it byyyyy that much!
This was another one where we were out-coached folks! Fundamentals? What are those!? Instead of trying to win the game, once again our coaching staff was hell-bent on showing us how clever they are. The result was three drives ending in turnovers, two ending in field goals, and one turned over on downs.
While Brian Johnson can’t be blamed for those fumbles, Nick Sirianni certainly can. His team came out flat, played uninspired, and ended up looking tighter and tenser as the game wore on. In instances like that, a team needs someone to rally them back into the fight, and ignite their pride and their passions.
Knowing that his QB either can’t be, or won’t be that guy, Sirianni needs to be that spark. He can’t just be a preening cheerleader, posing with his kids after his team wins. He also needs to be someone his players can lean on during adversity IN games, not just a blah-blah guy between the games.
Understand, the Eagles didn’t just lose this game. We were thoroughly defeated in it. Both from the inside and the outside. It won’t take much to fix what ails us, but it WILL require actually fixing it. Let’s see if darling Nicky has more in store for us than lip service this week.
OH no! We’ve fallen to first place in the NFL! Idiot pundits are calling for benching QB Jalen Hurts. Whatever shall we do!? Well step number uno is, not to overreact. Look, it was Rocky vs Clubber Lang 1.0 last week. It was an embarrassing loss in Philly, to an extremely aggressive opponent, who was dying to prove themselves.
This week, we go out to the West Coast to spar with Apollo, while getting our groove back. This is an opportunity to not only brush up on the skills that made us the NFL’s top team, but to maybe even evolve somewhat. Because Rocky vs Clubber Lang 2.0 is coming.
In the meantime, this Sunday we need to out-spar, and out-run our biggest rival, before we can frolic in the surf. Cue the montage!
A win, and we improve to 11 – 2. We’d also clinch a playoff berth, while all but buttoning up the NFC East.
A loss would see us fall to 10 – 3, and award the Cowboys the top spot in the division by virtue of Common Opponent tie-breaker. (We both fell to the 9ers, but they beat the Jets.)
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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 Cowboys
1) Use A Brute Force Run Game: The run game isn’t just for balancing an attack, it’s also for tiring out an opponent. The Cowboys have a smallish front seven, as they are built to rush the passer. Running the ball not only takes them out of what they do best, it exposes a built-in flaw that will become impossible to mask as the game goes on.
Getting RB D’Andre Swift18 carries has to be part of this week’s game-plan. Even if we fall behind early. He got 18 carries the last time we played. Though it was for just 43 yards, it balanced nicely with Hurts 23 pass attempts. We kept their defense guessing, and it kept our chains moving.
2) Take Away Quick Throws: A huge help would be playing a lot more Man Press. We have to stop giving opposing receivers, free releases off the line. We also can’t have LB’s covering WR’s, again this week. That’s a mismatch right from the time both sides line up.
3) Win the Turnover Battle: Playing a turnover-free game would be great. Even better, would be taking the ball away from the Cowboys. Tighter coverage would help create opportunities.
4) Spread ‘Em Out:Stretching their defense horizontally, makes it easier to get Swift to the second level of their defense, with room to roam. The chance for chunk run plays multiplies, if we can stretch their defense side to side.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
This is all simple and straight-forward stuff. We’re facing a division rival. They know us. We know them. So a reliance on smoke and mirrors, is a bad idea here. Besides, after being manhandled last week, it would be great to show the league, that we can still maul a motherfucker.
No excuses, but honestly, last week we were playing our third game (two of which were wars), in a thirteen day span, going against a good team, that was coming off of ten days rest. Nowhere in the multi-verse did we win that game. And that’s okay.
This week we’re on the road, going against a good team that “doesn’t lose” at home. Sounds good! Beating up on a tomato can would prove nothing to anyone. This is exactly the fight we need, in the moment when we need it.
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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.
ANOTHERThrilla In South Phila, last week. Down ten at the half, our Eagles battled back and won the game, with a walk-off touchdown by Mr. Clutch, QB Jalen Hurts. It was almost unfair. I practically knew it was in the bag. The world was on fire, and I sat calmly watching, while shelling and eating pecans.
When the shit hit the fan, we didn’t point fingers. We didn’t flinch. We shut our mouths, and we got to work. Eventually we climbed out of the hole we’d dug ourselves, and reached the peak called ‘Victory’.
This week’s opponent isn’t built like us. Talking is the thing they do best. Followed by whining. Followed by complaining. Eventually, if you go far enough down the list, I hear that they’re supposed to be good at playing football.
A win and we go to 11 – 1, maintaining a two game lead in the NFC East. (It’s too early to get wrapped up in other scenarios, just yet.)
A loss would stall us at 10 – 2. We’d still have a one game lead in the East, but it would be a lot easier to encroach on our turf.
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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 theFour Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the 49ers
1) Impose Our Will By Running: By running, I mean handing the ball off. I get a feeling in my gut that they’re going to try to hurt our QB, and I don’t think we should hand them extra opportunities to do so. The Eagles like RB D’Andre Swift to top out around 14 carries, so 15 or more would be a great way to take hits off of Hurts.
We have a massive and powerful Offensive Line. We should be unleashing it early and often. The 9ers are a bit undersized up front, and their D-line is the source of their pass rush. So we should beat on them early, to tire their pass rushers out late.
2) Take Away Short, Quick Throws: Using more Man-Press on the corners, and bumping their TE at the line, would be great. Anything to get their QB to hold the ball just a second or two longer. Also, would it kill LB Nick Morrow(or anybody)to unleash a vicious hit on someone running across the middle?
3) Go Deep, Early:We need to clear space underneath for the run game. The best way to do that quickly, is to test the 49ers commitment to stopping our deep passing game. The sooner we create that space underneath, the easier the entire game will be for our Offense.
If the last few games are any indicator, WR A.J. Brown will see heavy double-team action for most of the day. If that holds true, then run Brown on Slant routes, and let WR Devonta Smith and WR Quez Watkinsbe the deep options.
4) Set the Edges:The 9ers are going to use a lot of pre-snap movement, in order to confuse us. Our guys need to stay in our lanes, trust the scheme, and their teammates. If our DE’s set the edges of the line, it makes it easier for our LB’s to read, and fill their run gaps. No need to play undisciplined football.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
Months ago I predicted this to be a loss for our Eagles. Today I’m not so sure. And I LOVE that.
After the Eagles dominated in the NFC Championship game, the 49ers ran around screaming and crying like Michael Jackson filming a Pepsi commercial. (Look it up.)
The 9ers talked shit in the national media for months, even alluding to this up-coming game between us. It was clear that they’d built this game up into their Super Bowl. Meanwhile for us, it would just be another game. With the 9ers being so much more invested in this game since March, it was easy to see them winning this game.
They more or less went silent once the season started. Until this last week or so. Once again they’re running their mouths. This time though, it’s a little different. Eagles players have shown some annoyance over that, with some clapping back essentially “Come onnnnnn, wit’ it!”
The Eagles are 10 – 1. Playing at home. On a hot streak defeating quality opponents, yet it’s us that gets labeled (in gambling) as the underdog vs an 8 – 3 team. So the Eagles may be feeling just a tad disrespected. And what better way to dismiss that feeling, than grinding an opponent like the 9ers, under our boot heel.
I expect a good old-fashioned street fight. I expect fighting. Maybe an ejection. I expect to lose a player for the season. (Whether it’s an Eagle or a 49er remains to be seen.) I expect my six pack of Pepto Bismol to still not do the job. This should be a a good one.
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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 forFour Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
WINNING at Kansas City, in the rain, in front of a raucous crowd. We were down 10 points at the half, but never let it rattle us. We stuck together as a team, and QB Jalen Hurts found WR Devonta Smith, at key points to help produce the points needed for our comeback. The Bills QB and WR? Those guys don’t always get along so good.
I’m counting on CB Darius “Big Play” Slay to perhaps inspire an argument. I’ll get deeper into that, down the page.
A win moves us to 10 – 1, and extends our hold on the NFC East, by at least another two weeks.
A loss stalls us at 9 – 2. That would leave us as still the best team in all of Football, for at least another week. Especially since the Bills are an AFC team, and so doesn’t count for us, or against us, in the conference standings.
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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 Bills.
1) Frustrate WR Stefon Diggs:There’s no need to hold him catchless. However, if Buffalo’s QB has to look away from Diggs on key third downs, Diggs will go into yapping at his QB again. We’ve seen it at least twice this season, and it’s only Week 12! Any dissension we can sow on their sideline early, benefits us later.
This is where Slay comes in. The idea isn’t to get a bunch of turnovers. It’s to stay close enough to Diggs, so his QB has to go elsewhere with the ball. Or else hold the ball too long, and get to meet our Defensive Line. That’s it. Nothing fancy. Just be an irritant and let the flaws in their personalities do the rest.
2) Get To the QB Early: Turnovers are more important than sacks, but sacks help to generate the turnovers. The more heat we can get on the Bills QB, the more likely he’ll throw us one of his patented, league leading interceptions. That said, he won’t take the threat of a sack seriously, until we show that we can get there.
Instead of reserving blitzes for the second half of the ball game this week, it would be nice to see a few of them in the first quarter. Our four man rush isn’t reaching like it it did in the beginning of the season, so we have to compensate faster, before the opponent gets comfortable.
3) Run The Ball: When I don’t say it, we don’t do it. So I’m sayin’ it. The Bills come into this game giving up 4.5 yards per carry. As an Offense, we average 4.0 yards per carry. They’re small on the DE’s, small at LB, and favor a Nickel/Dime alignment for speed. This is a team that we should FEAST on.
In my fantasies, I see RB D’Andre Swift getting 25 carries in this game; but that won’t happen, so let’s say we need 14 carries from him, this week.
4) Speed. Kills: The Bills have a pair of very good, very experienced, pair of over 30-years old Safeties. They also have former Eagle CB Rasul Douglas starting for them now. It’s a very solid, very saavy secondary they have over there. It would be foolish to disrespect them, so I’m starting out by “putting respect on their name”.
That said, deep speed is a weakness for that unit. It was the main thing that the Eagles let Douglas walk over. So we should take a shot or two early, to open up the run game for us. Whether we hit or not isn’t the point. Once the Bills realize they need to play Cover Two or Four (any even coverage), a S comes out of the box. Advantage US.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
Do you realize that we are 9 – 1 having played 6 of our 10 games on the road? Not related to anything. Just wanted to throw that out there.
This game should be in the bag if we can keep the Bills to under 25 points. It would go a long way to doing that if we can get sacks, a turnover or two and control the clock with the run. This isn’t a secret recipe. Fortunately for us, we keep our kitchen stocked with just the ingredients to pull this off. Now all we need is some fresh meat. Hey look! Buffalo anybody?
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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 Thingsas 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.
SEASON Reviews are usually done at the end of the season. A few are also done at the halfway mark. Starting in 2017, Eaglemaniacal.com began treating the season like a game, and breaking it into four quarters.
In 2021, the NFL expanded the season to 17 games, which makes for an uneven split. So this year (at least), these Quarterly Reports will come after Weeks 5, 9, 13, and 17. (Ugh. I hate even looking at that format.)
Since football is a hard sport, we’ll take a hard look at where our team currently stands, in relation to where it started. Then we can discuss where it needs to go next.
STATUS: 8 – 1, 1st place in the NFC East, 1st place in the NFC, best record in the NFL.
Darius really slays ’em
OPPONENTS:
L – New York Jets
W – Miami
W – Washington*
W – Dallas*
OVERVIEW:
We’re 8 – 1, with a 2 game lead and the head-to-head tie-breaker over 5 – 3 Dallas. After we swept 4 – 5 Washington, they immediately hung up their season, and traded away their two starting DE’s. Our Defense held Miami’s 37 point per game offense, to a single scoring drive, on national television, as we donned our Kelly Green uniforms for the first time in over twenty years. Amid a four turnover game, we earned a loss vs an oddly scrappy Jets team.
What’s crazy is that the Eagles have struggled with turnovers and penalties, but keep finding ways to claw back and claim wins. This team has yet to play the sort of game befitting an 8 – 1 record. The mantra this year has been: “Just you wait ‘til we put it all together!” The thing is, we’re 9 games into a 17 game season. Real talk? This is starting to look like who we are.
GRADES:
QB:Jalen Hurts (97/137 – 70.8% – 1,085 – 9 – 2) has stepped up his game in every regard as a passer. Much of that has to do with the reported bone bruise in his left knee, limiting his effectiveness as a runner (33 – 110 – 3.3 – 3). He still runs, but he’s clearly not as dangerous right now. Still, 50% of Hurts as a runner, is still more of a problem than half the QB’s in the league right now. His per carry average is also deceptively low, as it includes both kneel downs and Brotherly Shoves. (Grade: A)
RB:D’Andre Swift (59 – 180 – 3.0 – 1 – 3) was abysmal as a rusher last quarter. Don’t hand me the “injuries to the O-line” excuse. We were down ONE guy! Added to that, his receiving (18 – 15 – 91 – 6.0 – 1) isn’t lighting the world on fire, either. He’s helping to get the ball out of his QB;s hand and move the sticks, but it’s not the sort of performance that ends in a long term deal. Neither are his three fumbles this quarter.
Kenny Gainwell remains underwhelming whether rushing (15 – 47 – 3.1 – 2 – 1), or receiving (8 – 7 – 35 – 5.0 – 0); but the coaching staff seems to love him. Head Coach Nick Sirianniraves about him. Remember when this team was all about competition? Sirianni was paying rock-paper-scissors, and shooting hoops… You wonder how much competition Swift feels with Gainwell behind him. My guess is, he seems to feel pretty safe. Boston Scottand Rashaad Pennyeach logged just 2 carries during the quarter. (Grade: F)
Goedert finds paydirt.
TE:Dallas Goedert (24 – 17 – 205 – 12.0 – 1) was the only player at this position to touch the ball last quarter. His production had been consistent with 205 yards per quarter. However, the broken arm that he suffered vs Dallas, will shelve him for at least four games. His receiving will be missed, but where his absence will most be felt, is in the run game. Both in terms of blocking, and ability to draw defenders out of the box. Jack Stoll (no stats) is a very good blocker. Not developing depth here was stupid of us. (Grade: C)
WR:A.J. Brown (41 – 32 – 464 – 14.5 – 4) has been an outright menace. Despite frequent double coverage, he’s operated as volume receiver, while still catching 78% of the passes thrown to him. Oh, and he set an all-time NFL record, with six consecutive games of 125 or more receiving yards. Not Jerry. Not Megatron. Not T.O., Fitz, or even Julio. Just A.J. Alone.
I said before, that Devonta Smith (26 – 19 – 243 – 12.7 – 2) needs to be involved more. Instead, he saw a drop-off in targets, despite a 73.0% catch rate. Speaking of usage drop, start checking milk cartons for Olamide Zaccheaus (7 – 3 – 18 – 6.0 – 0). Quez Watkinshas been out with injury since Week Five. Julio Jones (3 – 2 – 11 – 5.5 – 1) may see more time next quarter, due to injury at TE. The ball needs to be spread around more, but there are loads of production coming from here. (Grade: A)
OT:Lane Johnson is the premier RT in the sport. Due to an injury beside him, he’s had to help compensate, and yet the Eagles are still 8 – 1, while averaging 27.7 points, last quarter. On the other hand, LT Jordan Mailata hasn’t been quite as smooth recently. He drew a false start against Washington, and allowed a sack vs Dallas. Nothing to cry about, but to this point Mailata has spoiled us. So it’s easy to notice when he’s not perfect. (Grade: B)
That blue line is where their defense lined up. So much for that shit!
OG: LG Landon Dickerson has shown improvement since last report, by drawing zero flags. He’s also a huge reason why the Brotherly Shove works as well as it does, as the left side of the line is far more dominant at generating a new line of scrimmage. At RG Sua Opeta filled in while Cam Jurgens was on I.R. Opeta is a gamer, but his lack of physicality is likely what led to him being benched for rookie Tyler Steen. With Steen’s first start being against Dallas, he acquitted himself well, recovering a fumble that could have changed the flow of the game. We still weren’t able to run the football the way we like, and that is an area for concern. (Grade: B)
C: Finalist for People magazine’s 2023 World’s Sexiest Man award, Jason Kelce has been burning so hot, that it’s starting to concern me, about how much he’ll have left in January/February. Nice worry to have, right? (Grade: A)
DE:Josh Sweat(9 – 4.0 – 0 – 0) has indeed stepped up his game as a pass rusher, with 4 sacks in four games to go with 5 tackles for losses (TFL). Now if he can start to get the ball out of opposing QB’s hands, that would be faaaaantastic. Brandon Graham (4 – 2.0 – 0 – 0) made a cameo in the Dallas game, getting to the QB on two consecutive downs. It was a moment of absolute fucking cool. Very much on the order of David Bowie’s cameo in Zoolander.
How Brandon Graham showed up vs Dallas.
Derek Barnett (1 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) played 27 snaps over three games, and was inactive vs Dallas. He’s healthy and has had no penalties, but the window to trade him has passed, so I have no clue what the plan for him is. This position is one player deep, and then staffed with part-timers. That allows us to surprise teams, but not to know what we can count on from down to down. (Grade: C)
DT:Fletcher Cox (7 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) is still a very disruptive force inside, but more and more, he’s gimping to the sideline during games. (Playing him as an End would mitigate some the abuse that he takes fighting through traffic.) Jordan Davis (7 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) isn’t making as many plays on the other side of the line of scrimmage. In fact, neither man has a TFL last quarter.
Jalen Carter (4 – 0.5 – 0 – 0) missed the Jets game (back pain), and therefore is undefeated as a pro. Milton Williams (8 – 0.5 – 0 – 0) has decreased in effectiveness with each game last quarter. This position was money for the Defense in the first quarter, but has taken a nose-dive since. Get it together! (Grade: D)
Once again… HAASON, CHOP!
OLB:Haason Reddick(14 – 4.5 – 0 – 0) also has 5 TFL last quarter, as if to underscore what a nightmare he is for opposing offensive lines. Zach Cunningham (21 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) has stepped up in coverage, breaking up 3 passes over the last two games. While his numbers aren’t flashy, his play has been rock solid. Rookie Nolan Smith (5 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) so far, has never seen more than NINE snaps in a game. That’s too few. The guy can’t be productive without a chance to produce. Patrick Johnson(1 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) is a Special Teamer who was drafted as a DE/LB hybrid. He’s since been rendered pointless by the additions of Reddick and Smith. Unless he can be a stop-gap for Barnett, he’s entering his last half season here. (Grade: B)
MLB:Nakobe Dean (23 – 0.5 – 0 – 0) makes tackles, with 2 for losses. What he doesn’t do (right now) is make plays. What he also doesn’t do, is stay on the field. He’s looking at a second I.R. stint this season. He’s also a bit of a liability in pass coverage. Some of it, (by the eyeball test) seems to be related to his height and short arms. Neither of which can be coached up. He’s got good instincts for the run, but until he becomes a factor in either underneath coverage or pass rushing, he’s running a serious JAG risk. (Just A Guy)
When Dean returned from I.R, Nick Morrow(10 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) saw a steep drop in his snaps. However, with Dean going out again, Morrow returns to the starting line-up. I think Morrow is the better option anyway, as he has a better feel for underneath coverage. (I’m already interested to see what our Front Seven’s production will look like, at the end of this next quarter.) Christian Elliss (3 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) hasn’t logged a defensive snap since Week Three. All of his quarterly production has been on Special Teams. That should change shortly. (Grade: C)
S: Before I get into this, I want to tip my cap to traded STerrell Edmunds (13 – 0.0 – 0 – 0). He deserved better than going from a 6 – 1 team that he helped build, to a Tennessee team with no shot this year. That being acknowledged, let’s dig in.
Reed Blankenship (21 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) missed the game vs Miami, but still managed to break up 4 passes and recover a fumble. He’s been up and down this year, but I have to keep reminding myself that he’s in just his second year. In all honesty, he’s probably playing way more than coaches planned for, when they didn’t draft him at all last year.
This is how you Reed a QB!
Who we did draft, was Sydney Brown (15 – 0.0 – 0 – 1). Lots of energy and wants to hit, but he seems slow to process routes, and ends up late to the play. Fans end up cheering a tackle, when they could have been cheering an interception. We traded to get Philly native Kevin Byard(16 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) only to handcuff him to a system that doesn’t let him challenge routes, and reduces him to a tackler only. Which is what we had with Edmunds. Meaning that we’re getting the same thing, but with higher expectations now, which is why the disappointment feels sharper. Hopefully the Bye will help our coaches realize their error.
Justin Evans (no stats) has been on I.R. since Week Four. Injuries have been the 2023 story of this position, so far. After the Bye, there should be a full stable to work from, but so far this position hasn’t been our strength. (Grade: D)
CB:Darius Slay(19 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) was out vs the Jets, but made a huge, possibly game saving interception vs Miami. He also has broken up 3 passes this quarter. James Bradberry (17 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) has 4 pass break-ups, but the completions and the FOUR touchdowns he allowed last quarter, are reason for alarm.
For comparison, while Slay has given up two this season, Bradberry has given up seven. Much of that can be laid at the feet of Bradberry being a Man-press player, forced to play off-coverage, thus exposing his lack of top-end speed. Put simply, the defensive coaches are hanging him out to dry.
Bradley Roby (1 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) returns from I.R. soon, and will almost certainly take over the Nickel spot. Refresher: We added Roby after Josh Jobe(4 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) proved to be an easy mark for QB’s to throw on, through the first quarter of the season.
Eli Ricks (7 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) took over the Nickel job, after Roby went on I.R. and Jobe still seemed to struggle. Respectively, Ricks and Jobe have broken up 1 and 2 passes this quarter. However, until the Dallas game, where he was frequently matched up with WR Ceedee Lamb, Ricks was seeing little traffic. He’s generally done a good job of making QB’s look off of his man.
Kelee Ringo (2 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) hasn’t seen a defensive snap since Week Two. Last quarter’s tackles are from Special Teams. According to Sports Illustrated, the Eagles want to develop him into a S, which makes sense when you see his body type and see him move. If that’s the case, unbury him from this depth pile, and move him to where he’ll see actual snaps. Another unforced coaching error! (Grade: D)
LS:Rick Lovato has been solid, steady, and uneventful. (Grade: A)
P:Braden Mann (10 – 514 – 51.4) is kicking the ball over half the field, which is a 10 yard improvement over the first quarter. Only 1 of those 10 punts has been a touchback, and 2 have been inside the 20. Over that same period, we’ve given up just 50 return yards on only 4 returns (12.5 ypr). Meaning that, generally Mann shifts the field position by half the field, and then you stay where he puts you. This is all awesome sauce! (Grade: A)
K:Jake Elliott (2/3 FG 66.6% – 15/15 XP 100%) Four games, just three field goal attempts. Should we get mad at the Offense? The miss was in the Jets game. Everything went wrong that day. Just shake it off and throw the game tape away. Elliotts is balling. Shows up in the clutch like a G when we call him. (Grade: A)
PR/KR: WR Britain Covey (5 – 38 – 7.6 – 0 / none) missed the game vs Miami, but otherwise is doing little to deserve a roster spot, if he’s not going to be more aggressive about helping with field position. No other Eagles has attempted a punt return season. RB Boston Scott had a 38 yard kickoff return vs Miami, but that’s really the highlight of the return game this quarter. It’s one thing to have poor results. It’s quite another to make no effort. (Grade: F)
SINCE LAST QUARTER:
We went 3 – 1, beating BOTH the Dolphins and Cowboys. Getting the sweep of the Redsk- Commanders, was big. Coupled with the win over the Cowboys, that sweep puts us up 3 – 0 in the division, holding a tie-breaker. Right after the sweep, the Commanders hung up their season at 4 – 5, and traded away both starting DE’s.
So that’s a kill.
MISSION FOR THIS QUARTER:
This is the tough part of the schedule. By “tough” I mean all the teams we face, are playoff caliber. Then again, so are we. Everyone in this arena is a killer, but every one of these teams has more losses than we do. So let’s not forget, they have to play US too. And no one is covered in more blood than we are.
I’m on record predicting a loss to the 49ers. I said as recently asJuly, that I expect to lose a close one to them.On December 3rd, we will be playing in that team’s Super Bowl. Meanwhile to us, it’ll just be a game. They’re not just going to want that game, psychologically they already NEED it. If we win that one, it could cause that whole roster to emotionally spiral out.
I want that game!
Getting out of this stretch 2 – 2 is fine, as long as one of the wins is over Dallas. That would put us at 10 – 3 and them at 9 – 4, even if they win their next three. The Eagles going 3 – 1 over this stretch puts us at 11 – 2. So if we go 3 – 1 or better, it won’t matter what Dallas does. If we go 4 – 0 it would break the NFL.
Guess which one I want!
(I gotta simmer down. Simmer down! Don’t burn up before the games get here!) So the mission is 2 – 2, with a win over Dallas at minimum. More than two wins removes conditions.
