FOR what seems like five years now, that’s all anyone has been saying around here. There’s been a ton of speculation that we’re trading WR A.J. Brownto the Patriots. But why? Or a better question might be, for what exactly?
The early speculation is that Brown would be moved for basically a first round pick. Except the Patriots are a team clearly on the rise, that played in the Super Bowl just a few months ago. If they go as far, or even win it all next year, a first round pick from them, is practically a second rounder to us.
Do you think Eagles GM Howie Rosemanwouldn’t realize that? Does Howie strike you as less calculating than that? So why not trade with a team that has an actual first rounder? Perhaps even, a team that makes a habit of picking in the top ten! I’m thinking Jets or Browns.
Listen, I don’t like the idea of trading Brown. I think it’s a seriously stupid idea. But, if we’re doing it anyway, why fuck it up? Get real value in return for him. That way in the future, it helps to cushion the blow that’s likely coming. Which blow?
First, WR DeVonta Smith is great. Let me start by saying that. Having said that, it’s no question that Brown has been the more dominant player, and the one that QB Jalen Hurts has leaned on more. If Brown leaves and Jalen doesn’t look as good, oh my…
You think Hurts gets disrespected NOW? This trade will blow-up entirely in his face. Not Howie’s. Not Offensive Coordinator Sean Mannion. Just Jalen’s. He’ll be the guy who “forced out A.J.” and in doing so, slammed the Eagles window shut. If this trade doesn’t go right, it will be the dismantling of a team that won a Super Bowl just year ago, in blowout fashion. And Hurts will get the blame for it.
Note: This is probably the longest and most team comprehensive draft report you’ll read this year. You’re welcome.
Round 1: WR Makai Lemon 5’11, 192 – It was weird to see the Eagles trade up from 23rd to 20th, to select a smallish slot receiver. Before anyone gets pissed that I called him that, GM Howie Roseman and Head Coach Nick Sirianni already conceded as much, during their press conference about drafting him.
So yeah, it was weird drafting a slot, especially one who runs a 4.53 Forty, and doesn’t generate much buzz about his run after the catch skills. There is talk that he can play on the outside, and is competitive for jump balls. At least he has been in college. Well that talk had better be true at the NFL level, too.
No team moves up to draft a player at #20, for him to ride pine. Clearly the Eagles expect an early contribution from Lemon. His drafting signals that the rumors are true, about WR A.J. Brownbeing traded soon. If Lemon is the direct replacement, he lacks the speed, vertical leap, tackle breaking and size (at 6’1, 226 Brown is 2 inches taller and 34 pounds heavier) of Brown.
So if the Eagles are looking for Lemon to make his living on the Go routes, Slants and Hitches that Brown did, that would be sort of unfair. Lemon might be better suited to Drags, Screens and Quick Outs, all run from the slot. Then of course that can be built on, as Sirianni suggested right at the end of the presser.
Round 2: TE Eli Stowers 6’3, 239 – Seems like he can catch and make yards after contact, but the knock on him is that his run blocking is poor. That was the knock on TE Grant Calcaterra, right? The whole conversation we Eagles fans have been having around the TE position, is “Who can replace TE Dallas Goedert?”
This pick doesn’t help us with that. A TE who can’t run block, means we get less out of our 20M$ per year RB. It means our brand new system, operating with a rookie WR instead of a perennial All-Pro, top ten WR; starts out half-handicapped for our never called plays before Offensive Coordinator.
Whether you like the athlete or not, is beside the point. The question are: How will we use him? How will he fit? At this rate it would be wise to extend Goedert beyond the one year deal that we have him on.
Round 3: OT Markel Bell 6’9, 346 – When we talk about premier NFL pass rushers, we mention how they can flatten and bend the edge. That means they get low to exploit an OT’s center of gravity. The average OT is 6’4 – 6’5. Bell is 6’9, and he’s not all a knee bender.
Here is a link to some of his highlights. You may notice that they all feature opponents engaging him upright. You never get to see him facing a bender. Going against NFC guys like OLB Brian Burns, and OLB Micah Parsons, his elevated center of gravity is a liability that we’re going to have to work on, before he gets pressed into playing.
That’s not to dismiss his strength or ability to anchor. However, his weakness is built-in and easy to access for even the most average of opponents. He’s really a high ceiling low floor sort of pick, and he feels like a reach at the moment.
Round 4: NONE
Round 5: QB Cole Payton 6’2, 232 – I like this athlete and I love the value on this pick. One knock on him is that his mechanics need work, and really his back leg IS atrocious. He tends to drag it, instead of step with it on throws. That said, the ball goes where he wants it to go. Another knock is his passes are said to lack velocity. I don’t see that.
The real knock, is that he’s a lefty. Teams with really good offensive lines won’t want to flip their blockers, to accommodate a different blindside. A shitty or re-building o-line? Sure no problem. But an annual All-Pro LT won’t want to be flipped to RT.
I love his athleticism and his competitiveness. What I really love, is how much closer his game is, to QB Jalen Hurts. Like Hurts, Payton is a dual threat. Our current back-up QB Tanner McKee is a pure pocket passer. With McKee already eying the door, having a back-up that doesn’t require the OC to change his play-calling style, is a huge help.
Round 6:Micah Morris 6’5, 334 – I heard that his issue is keeping his weight down. Okay. But I’m also not in love with how he anchors in pass pro. I see that he hasn’t allowed a sack in 900 snaps, but my eyes also show me how often he almost backs into his QB. That has to stop with college.
He looks like a better puller than outright run blocker off the line. For such a big man his lateral movement is smooth and even better, it’s controlled. I see depth, but not necessarily a starter. I would be surprised to find him on this roster in three years.
Round 7a: S Cole Wisniewski 6’3, 219 – The word on him is “Box S” and that he doesn’t have the most natural hands. Watching him play, I also didn’t see a S, I saw an underweight LB. I saw a guy who can discard blocks, make secure tackles, and doesn’t let the rat out the back door, but who needs a little more bulk to hold up to 17 games.
I saw a guy who needs to spend a couple of months in the weight room, and at Reading Terminal eating cheesesteaks, cheesecake, roast pork, gumbo and ice cream… Basically we need to put eleven to eighteen pounds on this guy, and move his position.
Note: He had 8 interceptions in 2023 when he played for North Dakota State, but those stats aren’t simple to find. He sat out 2024 with a foot injury, and the only thing easily on record for him, is his 2025 season. The man played five seasons of football (2020 – 2023 and 2025) , and only one is easily searchable. That’s bullshit, Internet. Boooo.
Round 7b: DL Uar Bernard6’4, 306 – Alright, here is where most Eagles fans and I won’t agree. It seems like I’m the only one is who NOT excited about this pick. Sure, as an Eagles fan and as Human being, I’m rooting for the guy. That said, I don’t get why we used a pick on him? Who else was looking to snatch him up?
I don’t want to get into measurables. Workout warriors never impressed me. You know, ‘Look like Tarzan, play like Jane’. This guy was discovered while playing basketball, then signed to the International Player Pathway program. LT Jordan Mialata had at least played a similar sport to Rugby, when he was discovered.
Bernard has never played a down of football. So we don’t even know how he will react to being hit. Can he take one? Can he dish one? Oh, and many of the hits he takes, will be served with a side of ill will. Can he keep his cool when those hits pile up, or is he a pile of laundry waiting to happen? Don’t show me muscles. Show me mentals.
Round 7c: OLB Keyshawn James-Newby 6’1, 240 – Normally I wouldn’t be very enthusiastic about a third or fourth round pass rusher, but we got this guy in the seventh. He’s a got a low center of gravity, and has that bend that GM’s covet in pass rushers.
Even if he doesn’t make the active roster, he’s a guy to keep on the Practice Squad so that our back-up OT’s can get reps dealing with the exact problem that he presents. If he’s not going to be a player, he’ll still be an excellent teaching tool. The same way that WR Danny Gray has been for our CB’s, for the last couple of years.
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You wish I was more enthusiastic and didn’t always lead with a criticism. I get it. We’re fans and it’s a fan’s nature to cheer. Mostly.
Coming into this draft, aside from maybe S, the Eagles didn’t have a starting hole to fill. So this was mostly restocking the pantry. Grabbing supplies for the future. Well, like any time you do that, you have to look at what you have already, and make sure that you aren’t about to spend on several things that you don’t use, and already have four or five of.
So going from an All-Pro WR to a rookie who we hope isn’t a bust? Hard to cheer about that. So getting stuck with another TE who can’t block? Hard to cheer about that. The complete unknown that we used a pick on? I fail to see the wisdom there. There are however some things to be happy about.
We have enough depth on our Offensive Line, that our rookies won’t have to step up immediately in case of injury. They have time to learn. This is fine. Got a couple of LB types who will be good for Special Teams and even the Practice Squad. Those are hidden value picks. Nice. The QB, hopefully won’t see action this regular season.
THE mission started as “repeat as champions”, and ended with “For the love of Christ, FIRE Kevin Patullo!” There were fans who weren’t even bummed about the first round playoff loss, because it meant the Eagles were going to finally shit-can the Offensive Coordinator. His ineptitude was wall to wall, and week to week. It was so bad, that when the Eagles hired the completely inexperienced Sean Mannion to replace Patullo, fans were still pumped. Now the Eagles have to prove that it was in fact him and not them. With no idea what expect from Mannion. Buckle up, and try to go a little limp. This IS the Eagles we’re talking about.
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OFFENSE:
QB Jalen Hurts pre-snap.
QB: Jalen Hurts– 16 starts, 1 rest (playoffs) (294/454 – 64.7% – 3224 – 25 – 6) / (105 – 421 – 4.0 – 8 – 8). Not helped by a (since fired) pedestrian offensive coordinator. While, his overall statistics were respectable, week to week his completion percentage could swing as much as 28 points. In 9 of his 16 starts (56%), his arm found the end-zone, just one time or less.
His two biggest assets are his rushing, and the fact that he doesn’t make many mistakes. As a result, the Eagles either win games, or keep them very close. Unfortunately, his rushing yards, carries, and scores this season, were all career lows, since he became the starter.
Tanner McKee – 1 start (24/43 – 55.8% – 274 – 1 – 1) (8 – 8 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) A third year pocket passer with plenty of upside. His only start was an chance to play his way into being a trade target for QB needy teams. He didn’t play well enough for that, and as a result, would be smart to secure a multi-year extension, as the Eagles back-up beyond 2026. (+)
RB: Last year the world spoke of Saquon Barkley (280 – 1140 – 4.0 – 7 – 1 / 50 – 37 – 273 – 7.3 – 2) as if he was washed up. Yet despite all the team’s coaching struggles, and injuries along the o-line, he was still the number 10 rusher in the NFL. Tank Bigsby (58 – 344 – 5.9 – 2 – 0 / 4 – 3 – 32 – 10.7 – 0) ran every carry as if it would be his last, providing an excellent one-two punch with Barkley.
Will Shipley(14 – 49 – 3.5 – 0 – 1 / 12 – 9 – 56 – 6.2 – 0) simply isn’t very productive with the ball in his hands. Barring injury to another player, I expect that he’ll spend a lot of time on the Practice Squad, if he isn’t cut outright. Dameon Pierce spent most of his career on a bad Texans team, that kept using him less and less. He had a cup of coffee with K.C. last season, now he’s here as depth, and to bolster our kick return game. (+)
TE: Dallas Goedert (82 – 60 – 591 – 9.8 – 11) was a redzone nightmare in 2025. On top of which he’s a solid blocker in the run game. Grant Calcaterra (13 – 9 – 76 – 8.4 – 1) is not a very physical player, but he’s a decent receiving option. Johnny Mundt was ostensibly brought over to help the position with another credible blocker. Goedert is very good, but he tends to miss time, and this position is only one player deep. (-)
WR: A.J. Brown (121 – 78 – 1003 – 12.8 – 7) posted his fourth straight year with at least 1,000 receiving yards, and 7 touchdown catches. Real speed, strong hands, and he’s a problem after the catch. Rumor has it that he’ll be traded to the Patriots in June. (I’d rather it’d be Cleveland.) So let’s talk about what the Eagles might look like without him.
WR catches the go-ahead score. (DT Jordan Love would later seal the game.)
DeVonta Smith (113 – 77 – 1008 – 13.0 – 4) is a silky smooth route runner who uncovers quickly, and has reliable hands. He’s very slight of frame, so he can’t be sent over the middle too much. The recent trade and contract extension for Dontayvion Wicks(Packers), has many certain that Brown will be traded soon. Darius Cooper (11 – 9 – 92 – 10.2 – 0) was assignment solid in his rookie season, and is expected to take a big jump this season.
The Eagles added free agents Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and Elijah Moore. Both have loads of starting experience but are smallish targets, inviting the question of whether both will be kept. This is especially true with 6’6 228 Johnny Wilson(a good run blocker), returning from an injury that cost him all of 2025. In addition to Smith, regardless of which four make the roster, this will be an extremely deep position. Even without Brown. (+)
OT: Perennial All-Pro and future Hall of Fame RT Lane Johnson, is coming back for another year. He’ll be 36, and is coming off of a Lisfranc sprain that ended his 2025 season. At LT Jordan Mailata has yet to get a Pro Bowl nod, but is well considered to be among the best at his position.
Swing T Fred Johnson tested free agency, hoping to start elsewhere; but his market kept him in Philadelphia. He’s generally reliable, but he doesn’t always bring his mean-streak, which is likely what’s keeping him a back-up. His presence however, stabilizes this group. Behind him are Cameron Williams and Myles Hinton, a pair of 6th rounders from last year. (+)
OG: Landon Dickerson returns to LG despite rumors that he was going to retire. Injuries dogged him in 2025 and caused him to seek stem cell treatment in the offseason. Interestingly, he had the three years left on his extension reduced to just two. Tyler Steenreturns to RG but lacks the mean streak to stand out there. Especially in the run game. This group fell off in 2025, and a bounce-back can’t just be assumed. It needs to be seen first.
Both Drew Kendalland Willie Lampkin can also play the pivot. Kendall has a single start in his career. Combined, they have played in 7 games, with none of those games being by Lampkin. They are young. Correction, they are Similac young. Dropper feed young. There is versatility here, but no truly experienced depth. (-)
C: Cam Jurgenswas voted to his second consecutive Pro Bowl, but in all truth he kind of sucked in 2025, due to his back. He gutted through it for 14 starts, then was one of two Eagles offensive linemen to receive stem cell treatment in Colombia, during the offseason. It’ll be interesting to see if there’s a resurgence of the Brotherly Shove in 2026, or if the Eagles keep avoiding it, and lend credence to the accusation that it’s an increased injury risk.
Behind Jurgens are Wilie Lampkin, Drew Kendall andJake Majors. The only one of them that’s ever played a snap in a real game, is Kendall with seven games and one start, during week 18. All four players at this position are also listed as Guards, so there is some versatility, but it’s very green. (-)
In A Nutshell: A brand new offensive system, and an Offensive Line that has to prove that it isn’t washed. Otherwise, there are some great pieces here. (-)
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DEFENSE:
DE: Brandon Graham(8 – 3.0 – 0 – 0) is currently still on the roster and listed at this position, despite being used last year as an interior rusher. He played just 113 total snaps in 9 games. Ta’Quon Graham (no relation) comes over as a free agent from Atlanta. He’s already a longshot to make the roster. Many of the players who would normally be listed as an End, are listed by the Eagles as OLB, and will be discussed there. (-)
DT Jordan Davis seals victory by blocking a FG. Then recovering it. Then returning it for a touchdown.
DT: Jalen Carter(33 – 3.0 – 0 – 0) Missed six games last year with shoulder injuries. Don’t let the numbers fool you, he faces double teams consistently, and still manages to be highly disruptive, batting down 7 passes last year. Jordan Davis(72 – 4.5 – 0 – 0) blocked and returned a field goal for a touchdown, and also batted down 6 passes. He had a monster year, where he was likely the most impactful player on the Defense and Special Teams. Which earned him a fat three year extension.
Moro Ojomo (38 – 6.0 – 0 – 0) has been a solid back-up, and will command a boatload of money once his rookie deal is up. Byron Young(37 – 2.5 – 0 – 1) had a nice year and will look to prove that he can be a consistent part of a rotation. Ty Robinson (5 tackles) needs to step his game up. (+)
OLB: (Players in this paragraph play on the Defensive Line.) Jaylx Hunt(52 – 6.5 – 3 – 1) led the team in both sacks (6.5) and interceptions (3) despite just starting 9 games. Nolan Smith (31 – 3 – 0 – 0) had an unremarkable 2025. He’s had big moments, but at 238 pounds he might be too small to rely on, on the line. Joe Tyron-Shoyinka and Arnold Ebiketie are free agents brought in to possibly bolster the pass rush.
Zack Baun(123 – 3.5 – 2 – 1) is an actual off-ball ‘backer. He covers well, plays the run great and is an effective blitzer. Smael Mondon (11 tackles) has to this point been a Special Teamer. He has the physical tools, but he’s deep on the depth chart. (+)
MLB/ILB: Jihaad Campbell(80 – 0.0 – 1 – 1) made enough of an impression as rookie, to render another player expendable, and take over his starting role. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (32 tackles) is the back-up, in a role that used to belong to his father. He’s not as physical, but has stickier fingers. Chandler Martin and Chance Campbellwere free agents brought in as depth. (+)
S:Andrew Mukuba (46 – 0.5 – 2 – 0) was improving weekly during his rookie season, until he was injured and lost for the season. Marcus Epps (21 tackles) made four starts last season. Epps isn’t a bad player, but he plays to not get beat, instead playing to make the play. So he’s always regarded as “experienced” or “veteran” or “reliable”, but never “good”. Andre Sam is on the roster. Still. (-)
S Andrew Mukuba gets first career interception from that OTHER Kelce’s drop.
CB: Currently the Eagles have 12 players at this position, but I’m only talking about the 6 likely to make the roster. Quinyon “Quinyonamo Bay” Mitchell (45 – 0.0 – 0 – 1) still doesn’t have a regular season interception, but is still very much a shutdown corner. Cooper DeJean(93 – 0.0 – 2 – 0) is possibly the best slot corner in the game. Jakorian Bennett(7 tackles) hardly saw the field, but is “traitsy” and could stick around as depth.
Michael Carter(10 tackles) is a Nickel who might be in line for a position switch. Free agent Tariq Woolen is one of the best man-coverage players in the sport, but he’s had some trouble with allowing immaturity to draw penalties. Jonathan Jones is another free agent addition. His age and experience being the key assets in a room loaded with youth. Loaded. (+)
In A Nutshell: Safety is a concern. Otherwise, this unit could ALREADY be better than last year’s. (+)
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SPECIAL TEAMS:
P: Braden Mann(72 – 49.9 – 8 – 20) kicked his way into a shiny new deal of 4 years for 14M$. With 20 punts landing inside the 20 yardline as opposed to touchbacks (8), he really sets the Defense up with a steep advantage. (+)
K Jake Elliott
K: For a second straight year, Jake Elliott(20/27 – 74.0% – 41/42 – 97.6%) has made less than 80% of his field goal attempts. That 74% is glaring, yet the Eagles reworked his contract, instead of cutting him or bringing in a second player. Not sure about the reasoning on this. (-)
In A Nutshell: Mann should take photos with the Defense. Competition needs to be brought in for Elliott. (-)
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BOTTOM LINE:
The Eagles biggest problem, is mostly that they have to demonstrate that they don’t have any big problems. Speculation about them is rampant, but actual evidence of their demise, is sorely lacking. Prediction: 12 – 5
HEAD Coach Nick Sirianni, wisely manufactured a Bye week for our starters last week. Sadly, our back-ups fell just a little short of securing the #2 seed. Guess we’ll just have to settle for the #3 seed, and host at least one playoff game at home. This week’s opponent, the 49ers, chased seeding and played their starters last week. They not only lost the game, they got two of their starting LB’s injured, where they may miss this game.
So Nick was right.
With a 1,000 yard rusher in RB Saquon Barkley; two 1,000 yard receivers in WRA.J. Brown and WR DeVonta Smith; and TE Dallas Goedertwho caught 11 touchdown passes this season, the Eagles can put all kinds of different stress on defenses. Our opponent, really has the one guy, in RB Christian McCaffrey.
Can Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio, scheme up a way to minimize McCaffery’s impact on the game? Can LBZack Baun, CBCooper DeJean, and our man-eating Defensive Line execute that scheme? The smart money is on ‘YES!’.
With a win, we move onto the Divisional round. There, we’ll most likely travel to Chicago, to face the Bears. (Unless something really weird happens.)
With a loss, our season ends, but our players at least wouldn’t have to get on a plane, to come home and clean out their lockers.
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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. Often I list fundamentals, as some of the four things. BUT NO MORE! Unless something specific is needed, fundamentals likeRunning 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 spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Forty-Niners.
1) Run At Their DE’s:The 49ers are small, don’t have much depth, and are banged up, up front. Making matters worse, are their injuries at LB. Particularly at MLB, where their current starter was at home, unemployed three weeks ago. Shouldn’t take much for us to cause confusion and miscommunication in their second level.
What’s more, their pass rush has been anemic. Catching their DE’s playing the pass on 2nd and 8, or 3rd and 4, would be a nice way to gash big holes for Barkley. As a team, we need to put up 150 rushing yards. This should be like beating a fish in a race, because it doesn’t have legs and can’t breathe air. Their disadvantages are our advantages. Use them!
2) Get Their QB’s Feet Moving:He already doesn’t have a rocket launcher for an arm. So forcing deeper throws, while getting him to throw off-platform, could turn this game into a blowout in our favor. No need to blitz him, just rush him with a plan, and don’t let him get his feet set!
3) Unleash A.J. Brown:That man should see at least 8 targets, and at least two of them should be Go routes. The 49ers have nothing remotely in the form of an answer for Brown. So, we should take full advantage and put on a vulgar display of power. This week’s game should leave our next opponent shaken to their core.
4) Muddy Coverage Underneath:Corners in Man Coverage, Safeties slight delays on dropbacks, Linebackers in shallow zones. The idea is to keep the passing windows tight, and delay quick releases by the QB. Causing the QB to hold the ball longer activates our pass rush, and works hand-in-glove with making their QB move his feet.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
The 49ers let it slip last week, that the Eagles were not the opponent they wanted to face in the playoffs. Goes to show, they may talk a lot of shit, but they know exactly what the fuck is up. Every indication says that this game is essentially feeding rabbits to lions, and the San Francisco rabbits, KNOW IT.
This is provided that the Eagles can successfully muzzle our Offensive Coordinator. If we could somehow, get him into a large wooden crate marked “Fragile”, we could ship him somewhere, and the team would be safe! Alas, we may be stuck with him making actual decisions.
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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.
Special Teams Ace: P Braden Mann 7 – 388 – 55.4 (65)
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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: BILLS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Run Off-Guard: I was looking for 10 hand-offs in those gaps. Especially to the right. Instead, what we got was a lot of Center/Guard action and Pitch-Outs. We also went back to running from the Shotgun, for some reason. (NOT DONE)
TE Dallas Goedert catching the Eagles only TD of the game.
2) Exploit Our TE Mismatch:I said it would be a crime if TE Dallas Goedert(6 – 3 – 8 – 2.7 – 1) saw fewer than 6 targets and that’s exactly how many he saw. He also caught our only touchdown of the game. (DONE)
3) Mush the Rush: The Eagles held the number one rushing team in football (170 rushing yards per game) to 120 yards, on a slick and rainy field. The plan was never to “shut down”the Bills run game, just contain it, and we did an excellent job of that. (DONE)
4) Move Their QB’s Platform Left:We didn’t do a whole lot of this, but we did it when it mattered most: During their two point attempt, after their second touchdown.(DONE)
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This week’s Four Things score was 3 of 4. Next week we wrap-up at home, hopefully with our back-ups playing that one out.
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DT Jalen Carter barrels in for a sack of Josh Allen.
Game Hero: DT Jalen Carter – (1 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) He was disruptive, recorded a sack, and even blocked an extra point, that probably won us the game. Seriously. If the Bills make that early extra point, then when they scored their second touchdown, it would have been a 13 – 13 game, and they’d have just kicked the extra point for the win.
However, because of Carter’s block, the Bills had to go for the two point conversion for the win. The throw was wide left, and the Eagles had a “W”.
Game goat: Offensive Coordinator, Kevin Patullo – We had a solid first half, then the reigns were solely handed over to Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo. We immediately went back to predictable nonsense that wasn’t particularly well blocked.
On The Whole:
This was a measuring stick game, and the Eagles won it. Yes, Hurts didn’t complete a pass in the entire second half, but we won the game. We found a way to win on the road. Against a playoff team. In monsoon conditions.
Rookie LB Jihaad Campbell celebrates his fumble recovery.
SPLITTING with the Cowboys sucks, but we’re still atop the NFC East by a mile. Time to punch the clock and get to work, punching the ball out of the Bears hands. Despite their winning record, on average they allow as many points (26.5) as they score (26.3). Particularly through the air. Oh, and they also give up 5.2 yards per tote, on the ground.
Don’t let their shiny record fool you. The 8 -3 Bears just beat the 6 – 5 Steelers, but otherwise, their other seven wins are over: The giants, Dallas, Oakland, Minnesota, Washington, Cincinnati, and New Orleans. Only Dallas is .500. The rest are worse.
With a win we move to 9 – 3, still atop the NFC East, and very much in the hunt for the number one seed in the conference.
With a loss we’d be 8 – 4. Still firmly atop the NFC East.
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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. 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 spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: The Bears
RB Saquon Barkley
1) Ground and Pound:We need to get the run game going. We don’t need huge splash plays. What we need is a return to our Offensive Line smacking motherfuckers in their mouths. Be physical and help RB Saquon Barkley to get 3 or 4 yards on first down, to open up options on second down.
This cannot be yet another game where our Offensive Coordinator shelves Barkley, early. We’ve had three such games and all three have been losses. Rushing yards are not the only thing that a hand-off can produce. Run plays tire out pass rushers. Also, a balanced attack keeps the opponent guessing instead of dictating.
2) Put Their QB Down: I don’t get this thing where professional athletes who get paid here to bring down QB’s, all of a sudden seem like they don’t know how to do it. We’re not going to rattle a QB who comes into the game with impression that we can’t sack him. This is where we’d like to see OLB Jaylx Hunt. (Did you see what I did there?)
Last year DT Milton Williams 5 sacks got him a massive contract. I wonder if DT Jalen Carter knows how much money he’s leaving on the table, by only having 1 sack so far this season. Meanwhile, DT Moro Ojomo has 4, which currently leads the team.
LB’s Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell combine to contain a Lions RB.
3) Set Hard Edges: Most of the Bears success in the run game comes from run to the outside. Get our DE’s up-field so we can either expose their RB to kill-shots, or delay his approach to the line of scrimmage. The idea isn’t to shutdown their run, just make it unreliable, and put the whole offense on their QB.
4) Long, Slow DrivesDue to injuries, the Bears are thin on defense. Keep them on the field and wear them down. For this week, third and two should mean we’re calling a run play. And run the Hurry-up in the second half! When the fourth quarter rolls around, we want fatigue to be setting in for them.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
It’s time to start imposing our will again. We don’t need another week of RB Screens, and Hitch routes. Theres been entirely to much of that already. All it’s done is hold the team back, and get the Delaware Valley calling for one guy to get shit-canned.
Perhaps it’s time to learn a lesson. To evolve. Maybe listen to an outside voice. Run the ball. Actually sack the QB. These things should be an automatic for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. No more doublespeak. No more spin. We need to bear down and get our shit together.
****
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.
CONGRATULATIONS giants and Broncos! For two straight weeks, teams not only beat us, but they celebrated like they had won a trip to the Super Bowl itself. Smoke machines in their locker room. Ripping off shirts in front of reporters. Taking a victory rides down Broad Street… Jeez! Talk about living rent-free in someone’s head.
The fact is, teams hold the Eagles in extremely high esteem. Heck, even this week’s opponent, the Vikings, find themselves rallying behind an old ex of ours. You know. The one without the statue. Yeah, when he thinks of what could have been, I wonder if it ever… Hurts.
A win and we’re 5 – 2, solidly atop the NFC East.
A loss, means we stumble to 4 – 3, leaving Washington in a position to take over first place in the division. (Eagles fans: This week we’re rooting for Dallas over D.C.)
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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. 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 spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Vikings.
[pic]
1) Get Barkley 18 Carries: Getting RB Saquon Barkley at least 18 hand-offs in this game, should be the Eagles most important mission for the week. In some regards, it’s even more important than the win itself. Listen. Without actual hand-offs, we can’t sell play-action or set up QB Jalen Hurts for productive keepers on RPO’s.
Also, with us going three and out so much, our Defense is on the field too much. They’re getting tired earlier and earlier in games, as the season wears on. We need to take back time of possession, so that the Defense isn’t too worn down come playoffs. Giving Barkley 18 carriers has long term benefits for the stability of the Offense.
2) Lead the Receivers:We’re seeing a lot of turn and stop routes for Eagles WR’s. It’s allowing for quick tackles, and for defenders to contest many of these passes. Let’s keep them at a disadvantage and throw the ball to our receivers on the move.
Doesn’t need to be a deep throw either. (For example: Play-action to draw the LB’s up, and then hit WR A.J. Brown on a 7 yard Crosser.) Put the ball in front of them so they doesn’t have to stop or gear down. It would also help make illegal contact or pass interference very easy to identify.
Admit it. You want to see another moment like this one.
3) Pinch the ‘A’ Gaps: In recent weeks, our DT’s have spent too much time playing G’s straight up. As a result, we’re getting no penetration and blown off the line of scrimmage vs the run. This needs to stop.Deliberately knife into at least one of the gaps on every play. Ruin every run concept that isn’t a 23 Dive. Ruin the timing. Ruin the landmarks established in practice. Ruin the trust.
4) Contest TE’s Releases: The Vikings go to their TE a lot. Don’t give him clean releases off the line. Muddy the underneath coverage and force the Vikings QB into bis third and fourth reads. Give our pass rush time to get home.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
Give LB Jihaad Campbell some reps at LDE. As I said in my Draft Report, it seems like this was the Eagles plan the entire season. We’ve spent the last two weeks watching QB’s outrace our DE’s. They won’t be able to pull that off vs Campbell.
****
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.
SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS! We’re starting the season at home, vs the Cowboys, and we’re hanging our Super Bowl banner with them on the field! After which, we’re going to tie another beating to their asses, and send them back home, with a shiny new “L”.
The Cowboys were 29th in the league at stopping the run last year. Want to guess which team was the only one that had a RB run for 2,000 yards last year? It was the Eagles! We had RB Saquon Barkleygouging teams for chunk plays, on a near weekly basis. Which is likely the approach we’re going to attempt this week.
At least at first.
A win over a division rival in the first week, would give our Eagles a two game gap over the Cowboys. Unfortunately, because the giants and Commanders are playing each other, the winner of that game enjoys the same sort of divisional leg up.
A loss, that would put our team, two games back. So let’s avoid that.
****
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. 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 spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Cowboys.
WR DeVonta Smith goes for 6!
1) Don’t Get Bullied: This season, every defense we face, at the top of their To-Do List, will be stopping Saquon. This is especially true of the Cowboys, after their owner traded away their best pass rushing LB, for a run defending DT. They will come in with a point to make, and we cannot let them get away with attempting to make it.
During the Super Bowl, the Chiefs threw everything they had at stopping Saquon, and while they did hold him to just 57 yards on 25 carries (2.2ypc), they committed so much to it, that Super Bowl MVP QB Jalen Hurts was out there essentially playing catch with WR’s A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. If the Cowboys want to follow that plan, we should exploit it.
2) Play the Hits: Their 32 year-old QB is coming back from a leg injury, which cost him the last nine games of the year. So let’s knock him down, early. Make him pick himself up off the ground a few times. Get Father Time whispering in his ear.
Ultimately the idea is to force the Cowboys coaching staff to go with more max protect, and limit how many receivers our guys have to cover.
(Unless it’s their plan to let him get beat up, so they can get their back-up out there… But I’m not one to gossip!)
3) Settle the Hash:All the talk is about the Cowboys trying to improve vs the run, while proving that they can still rush the passer. That points to an over-commitment to their front seven, and exploitable holes in their secondary. (See: Jalen Hurts in Super Bowl 59.)
Get the ball to TE Dallas Goedert and WR Jahan Dotson. Set a goal of 10 targets and 7 catches. The yards don’t matter, it’s the higher number of targets that are important. The idea is to force the Cowboys to cover, to loosen the box, and facilitate our run game. To do that, we have to be better this year at involving the TE and Slot WR.
4) Take Their Heart Away: When the Eagles go to our five man defensive line, DT Jordan Davishas to move the line of scrimmage backward, as often as possible. That means driving the C (the heart of their blocking schemes), back into the running lanes, and warping the pocket, so that the QB can’t step up into his passes.
Taking away the C also means that he can’t help the G’s, which would allow DT Jalen Cartera few opportunities to play without being double-teamed.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
The traps here, are potential overconfidence, and underestimation of the opponent. Our players have to show up. Not just their names or reputations. We have to run, hustle, hit, and communicate at maximum effort. One down at a time. It sounds corny, but it’s how teams are built. It’s how games are won. It’s how trophies are hoisted.
****
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.
Special Teams Ace: K Jake Elliott (4/4 FG, 53 and 51, 1/1 XP)
****
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: JETS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Better Run Blocking:Our three RB’s combined for 25 – 76 – 3.0 – 1 – 0, on the ground, which fell well short of the 110 yards/4.4ypc benchmarks. In fairness though, I was hoping to see OL Matt Pryormoved inside to G for this game. Instead, he didn’t even dress. Still it was an improvement over last week’s performance vs the Browns (NOT DONE)
2) McCord Pushing the Ball Downfield:I wanted to see him start the first half. Got it. I wanted to see him attempt between 4 and 6 passes of at least 20 yards in the air. He threw 4, including a head-scratcher of an interception into double coverage, while his #1 option was wide open on an Out route.(DONE)
3) Penetration and Protection From the DT’s:We did a better job of this in the first half than we did in the second. Inconsistent effort earns no praise. (NOT DONE)
4) No Significant Injuries:CB Eli Ricksgot kicked in the dick, but he’ll be fine (DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was 2 of 4, but it’s preseason and most of those guys won’t even be here by Thursday. So there is literally no way to make the any of that game matter.
Our next game is a REAL ONE. We hang the Super Bowl banner, at home, while facing the Dallas Cowboys to start the season. Meanwhile their team is falling apart in front of America. Oh my god. I practically need a cigarette after just SAYING that.
****
CB Parry Nickerson celebrates his interception.
Game Hero: CB Parry Nickerson(3 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) – The guy played his heart out. If he isn’t playing here in a week, he’ll still be somewhere in the NFL, drawing a paycheck.
Game goat: Head Coach Nick Sirianni – McCord was out there drowning, and the coaching staff simply let him. That was cold.
On The Whole: The game was a formality and now it’s over. There was nothing in it worthy of deep analysis.
WHEW! We sure did shit the bed against Cleveland! At least rookie S Andrew Mukubacame to play. His two takeaways led to all 13 of our points in that game. Well, the Jets historically, love sharing the football. So maybe Mukuba, or even other Eagles defenders, will convince the Jets to share their football with us.
With this being the third and final preseason game, if we leave this game with no significant injuries, then it’s a win. And that’s regardless of whatever is on the scoreboard.
****
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. 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; andTackling instead of going for the strip, will be automatically included. (Like the five consonants and a vowel that Wheel Of Fortune automatically spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Jets.
1) Better Run Blocking:Last week our bacl-up Offensive Linemen could only muster enough running room to produce 33 yards on 19 carries. Don’t do the math, unless you want to cry. This week it would be nice to see OL Matt Pryor moved inside to G, where he’s better than he is at OT. Which I said last week, in the Eagles 2025 Preview.
I don’t expect to see starters playing, but I do expect to see back-ups trying to prove themselves worthy of a start. Benchmarks? If I’m pulling numbers out of thin air… Oh, 110 rushing yards as a team, with a 4.4 yard average, would be nice.
2) McCord Pushing the Ball Downfield:Against the Browns, our QB’s hardly attempted any passes downfield. Dink and dunk passing, keeps coverage close to the line of scrimmage. Close coverage also helps in shutting down the run. As a result, we couldn’t move the ball at all.
This week I’d like to see QB Kyle McCord start the first half, and attempt 4 to 6 passes that travel at least 20 yards in the air. I don’t want him to play the whole game, but I want to see him be aggressive while he’s out there.
3) Penetration and Protection from the DT’s:Penetration. For these first two games, our back-up DT’s have gotten pushed off the line, a lot more than I’m comfortable with. It would be great to see them getting past blockers and start causing more disruption.
Protection. Instead of getting pushed back into the lap of a LB trying to make a play, we need to see DT’s occupying blockers at or behind the line, and allowing clean LB’s to flow to the ballcarrier.
4) No Significant Injuries: It’s football. The football gods demand tribute, so injuries are a matter of when, not if. Just please, no key players.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
Since Head Coach Nick Siriannitook over, we don’t really play our starters in the preseason, and we start slow every year as a result. Expect the same thing this year. We also make the playoffs every year, so…. I guess, expect the same thing this year.
****
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.
