TOTAL domination! It was a blowout/shutout, where we allowed just 75 yards all game long, while scoring 31 points. We adjusted to the weather, and instead of throwing it a ton, we ran for 183 yards, controlling the clock for 39 minutes. We responded well to what was happening around us, and stayed in control of what we could control. For example, not playing down to the opponent.
This week’s opponent, the 4 – 10 Commanders, didn’t build enough foundation in the off-season. Now injury, age, and a lack of depth, have them already eliminated from playoff contention. Usually teams like that want to play spoiler. However, with nine other teams with records of 4 – 10 or worse, the Commanders coaching staff may tank to keep or improve their top ten spot in the upcoming Draft.
A win moves us to 10 – 5, clinching both the 2025 NFC East title and a playoff berth.
A loss holds us to 9 – 6. While we would still be in the lead to win the division, we would make things much more complicated for ourselves.
****
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 COMMANDERS.
RB Saquon Barkley rips off a 60 yard TD run.
1) Exploit Age On the Perimeter:Between the Commanders starting DE’s and OLB’s, the respective ages are 33, 30, 29 and 36. Let’s get a couple of toss/pitch runs to RB Saquon Barkley, and maybe a Jet Sweep to WR Jahan Dotson. Let’s challenge any steps those defenders may have lost to age, as well as stress their joints with change of direction.
That’s not to say that we shouldn’t test the middle. We need to. Especially between C Cam Jurgens and RG Tyler Steen. We haven’t had much success running there this season. If opponents see us avoid trying to, it makes us easier to scheme against. There are no yardage goals here, but let’s get for at least four runs in that hole, to assess later.
2) Exploit the Loaded Box: The leading pass rusher for the Commanders is OLB Von Miller with 7 sacks. They like to play him on over the RT. He has no real coverage responsibilities and doesn’t make plays in that phase of the game. Quick completions outside to TE Dallas Goedertshould be easy.
In the event that the Commanders rock and roll their Safeties, that should put their one player in Single-high coverage and leave their RCB in one-on-one. If we see that early, we need to test that early. Otherwise, lean on the run, throw to Goedert when he’s open, and let the clock keep ticking.
3) Stay Fresh Up Front: You may not know it, but the #4 rushing attack in the league belongs to the Commanders. They don’t have one scary player, instead it’s a group effort. Mobile QB, fresh RB’s cycling in and out. (None of whom are great receivers.)
We need to counter that with staying fresh up front. Keep a close eye and when they sub, we sub. Their RB’s aren’t more talented than our defenders. So it makes no sense to allow them clutch plays, just because we got tired. Rotate our stock out there.
4) Force Longer Passes:If we play Cover Two and take away most of the quick underneath stuff, early in the game, it will also aid us in limiting yards off of QB scrambles. This places a lot of emphasis on making tackles at the catch point.
OLB Zack Baun punches the ball out for a turnover.
It also invites the possibility of the Commanders hitting on big plays, in front of their home crowd. So it comes with a little risk. That said, QB Marcus Mariota isn’t exactly known for accuracy, and even if their LT plays, his oblique injury will keep him from being anywhere close to 100%.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
Players play for pride, and many Commanders players are at this point, auditioning for jobs next year. So winning matters to them. Commanders coaches on the other hand, may be itching to move as far up as possible in next years Draft, to start being able to build around QB Jayden Daniels.
While I don’t expect the Commanders to just roll over for us, we may not get their best effort, top to bottom. I don’t care. I just want to clinch this playoff berth. We’d do them a favor by winning, and they’d do us a favor by losing. So, let’s go pick up this “W”, and start officially working on our bid to get RT Lane Johnson and DE Brandon Graham, their third Super Bowl wins.
****
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: DEBrandon Graham (Sacks:2.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 0)
Special Teams Ace: K Jake Elliott1/1 FG, 4/4 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: RAIDERS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Try to Pick It:The call was to kill QB Kenny Pickett (15/25 – 60.0% – 64 – 0 – 1). To set the dogs on him. Well, we hit him 9 times with 4 of those being sacks, and two of those belonging to Brandon Graham. We got an interception off of Pickett, and OLB Jalean Phillips (no stats) also hit his arm on one throw, and deflected a pass at the line. We put the heat on my man. (DONE)
2) Win On Third Down:The Raiders came out aggressive and went for it on their very first fourth down. They didn’t convert and didn’t try that shit again. They ended the day converting just 3 of 12 third downs, meaning that we stopped them from converting, 75% of the time. Seems like a win to me! (DONE)
3) Fewer Comeback Routes:The Eagles ran just 19 passing plays on the day, and only 16 before the starters were pulled. Many of the routes involved clearing space for Dallas Goedert, instead of bringing routes back into his area. Nailed it! (DONE)
4) Second Half Run Game:The call was for 12 carries in the second half. We had 17. Ten of those were by RB Tank Bigsby (17 – 57 – 3.3 – 0 – 0), after the starters were pulled. However, 7 of those did go to Barkley, including some grind out yardage right up the middle. (DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was 4 of 4. Same as last week. However, without 160 turnovers, a 4 of 4 score results in the blowout that it should be. We have sort of a short week coming up, then a 2 – 3 hour drive down 95, to go visit the Washington Commanders. (I still find myself almost typing Redskins.) A win down there, and the NFC East belongs to us, for the second year in a row.
****
Game Hero: Offensive Co-ordinator Kevin Patullo – It was 31 degrees outside. Instead of trying to throw the ball all over the field, Patullo called 39 hand-offs to just 18 pass attempts (and 1 sack). Like someone got him some common sense as an early Christmas present. There were also 8 QB runs, some of which were designed, some of which were scrambles. I’m not interested in picking gnat shit out of pepper, so I’ll call it 39 to 19.
Game goat: Reality – Sometimes reality fucking blows. In this game, QB Tanner McKee(3/3 – 100% – 33 – 0 – 0) continued to put out great tape, and he might have been auditioning for a starting spot in Vegas next year.
Each time he gets meaningful reps, he looks like the real deal. Even yesterday running our back-ups against the Raiders starters, you couldn’t help but notice his presence. His rookie contract ends next season, and he’s made it no secret that he wants to play. We won’t be replacing Hurts with McKee, so there’s no way McKee re-signs here.
If we’re smart, we package him with something to move up in the Draft. (Maybe even with Vegas.) Kenny Pickett will be a free agent, but he’s looking at a back-up role. Seeing how much love the Eagles players showed him after the game, and his 86 rating as an Eagles back-up, he might be a solid locker room re-addition.
On The Whole:
One of the best parts of this shutout, was how we kept the clock running, running, running. It kept the Raiders coaching staff unable to plot a comeback, because we’d weaponized time itself. As a result, the game was over nearly an hour before the one that followed it.
DE Brandon Graham after one of his two sacks in the game.
The best part however, might have escaped all but the most cagey of observers.
In the playoffs, the expression is to pack your defense and your run game. Yesterday’s game was a clinic of defense and running the ball. It was a master class in clock management. We held the ball for 39 minute to their 20. We kept them from an opportunity to be dangerous. The Eagles are getting into a playoffs mindset already.
Drive Killer: S Reed Blankenship (TD: 0/Int: 1/ FR: 0/ 4th down stops: 0/ FF: 0)
Sack Leader: LB Nakobe Dean (Sacks:1.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 5)
Special Teams Ace: NA
****
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: COWBOYS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) QB Hits Are Hip: All game long we got just 6 hits and 1 sack on the Cowboys QB. SO we didn’t affect his delivery of the ball much at all (NOT DONE)
2) Feed Our Big Dawgs:WR A.J. Brown had 110 receiving yards, and WR DeVonta Smith (11 – 6 – 89 – 14.8 – 0) got close to the century mark as well. However, the offensive approach was passive, and the run game was essentially shelved for this game. RB Saquon Barkley (10 – 22 – 2.2 – 0 – 1 / 8 – 7 – 52 – 7.4 – 0) was targeted 8 times as a receiver, but the play-calling abandoned the run, while holding a 21 point lead. (DONE)
3) Make ‘em Run:Idea was to to get their defensive line to chase our run game laterally. However with us abandoning the run, there was never a real opportunity for this. (NOT DONE)
4) Take Away Quick Passes:We didn’t manage to do this either, as the Cowboys kept the chains moving with timely passes, which also deprived the Eagles pass rush. (NOT DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was1 of 4. We come back to the Linc on Friday for a pivotal match-up with the Chicago Bears.
****
Game Hero: Not Applicable
Game goat: Head CoachNick Sirianni – I’m done blaming Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullofor his ineptitude. I’m not even going to give a list of his failings for this game. By now, Sirianni should have done something about Patullo’s bungling, foolish, predictable, and flat-out unimaginative play-calling. But he hasn’t.
We are still at the head of the NFC East. We have however, fallen behind the Rams for the number one seed in the Conference. This means that this game, and the collapse vs Denver, may rob us of home-field advantage and more importantly, the first round Bye. This is despite beating the Rams, and Lions, and Packers, even with the handicap of Patullo’s… coaching.
On The Whole: We had the Cowboys down 21 – 0 at the half, and couldn’t mount any kind of a scoring drive for the second half of the game. This is after Dallas made their adjustments, of course. To which we apparently made none.
Our Defense battled valiantly, but our Offense kept going three-and-out, and giving the Cowboys opportunity, after opportunity, after opportunity. We had six possessions in the second half, and only managed to get into field goal position ONCE. Which we then missed and set Dallas up with a short field. Three plays later they scored a touchdown.
CB Cooper DeJean should not play on the boundary.
Once we started losing players in the Secondary (CB Adoree Jackson (three tackles); S Reed Blankenship (8 – 0.0 – 1 – 0); and SAndrew Makuba(3 tackles) we had to move NCB Cooper DeJean(7 tackles) to actual CB, and the Cowboys proceeded to roast him alive. If you’ve been wondering why DeJean is a Nickel and doesn’t start on the boundary, it’s because of what I told you in August. For anyone who disagreed with me then, what did you think of Coop tonight?
WE defeated Lambeau Field, while the Packers were running around on it. It was a defensive slugfest, where our guys went out and took the ball away for us. Twice. We scored when we needed to, as our K Jake Elliott made a FG, even when their kicker missed. (On both tries.) It wasn’t flamboyant, but we notched all of the Four Thing markers
Now with reinforcements joining our front seven, we’ll have the muscle to contain run games and finish at the QB. Like the raw meat being thrown to us this week. There is no way that this Lions QB can outrun DE Jaylx Hunt, or OLBNolan Smith.
With a win, we move up to 8 – 2. We’d have at least a share of the best record in the conference.
With a loss, we’d be 7 – 3, still atop the NFC East, with a few games cushion.
****
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 Lions
DT Jalen Carter slows down former Raider RB Josh Jacobs.
1) Play the Run First: When the Lions have run for 100 yards or more this season, they are 6 – 0. When they run for fewer than 100 yards, they are 0 – 3. This one seems obvious. Until it’s time to pin our ears back and rush the passer, this defensive front has to be keyed to stop the Lions run game.
Setting the edges and boxing in the runners, has to be the approach that we start out with. If we get a big lead, we can alter that approach. But we have to start out by boxing them in, first. If we let these guys get to the edges of our Defense, it’s going to be a very long evening.
2) GottaFeed the Dawgs:Not hits. Sacks. At least three of them in this game. The Lions QB is a statue. He’s not a guy who’s going to run away from a defense. If we can get him moving and consistently throwing from off-platform, he will likely share the football with us, at least once.
3) Use our Wide Receivers:the Lions don’t have anything remotely like an answer for WR A.J. Brown or WR DeVonta Smith. Odds are, their coach is going to spend his currency on stopping our run game. So the only thing that would keep our receivers from at least 12 total catches between them, would be our play-calling.
4) Run Hurts More:In every game where the Lions faced a mobile QB, that team scored in the area of 30 points. Again, the Lions QB is a statue, so their defense doesn’t see that aspect in practice. Stands to reason that they are not very well versed in stopping it. And that’s where QB Jalen Hurts gives us a huge boost.
We don’t need a specific number of yards, but when the pocket breaks down, don’t scramble, just run. Maybe have one or two designed runs early, to open the threat, and help clear space for RB Saquon Barkley. This is probably something we’d like to save for the playoffs, but this kind of is a playoff game. A win will give us a tie-breaker, and seriously strengthen the Eagles bid for home-field advantage.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
The Lions players circled this game when the schedule came out, and we’re playing for playoff level stakes. So have no doubt about it; we will be getting the best punch that the Lions can muster, on Sunday night. This can’t be another game where our coaching staff inexplicably handicaps us, by not using our big guns. We must come out firing.
The Lions (especially their head coach), are always talking like they want a fight, and preaching toughness. This is Philadelphia. We own the market on those two things! Meanwhile, the Lions are just playing at it. Well Sunday, they have an appointment to exchange an ounce of Fuck Around, for a ton of Find Out. Here, kitty kitty….
Because not only will our players be there, but so will many of you. The Lions circled the game, so now we’ll circle the wagons. We rally ‘round the family…
****
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.
TOP team in the NFC, and we didn’t even play Week 9! The Eagles took a week off and came back deeper, healthier, and playing from the high ground.
We made a couple of low risk/high reward trades to strengthen our defense; we’re getting back OLB Nolan Smith from IR; and the cherry on top: DE Brandon Graham has come out of retirement! While no one expects him to play like he did in his prime, his leadership in the locker room is the definition of the word ‘invaluable’.
It’s a good thing we have all of this going for us, because this week we do battle on Lambeau Field. At night. With a low of 25, and 15% chance of precipitation, (read: snow). Lambeau when the mercury dips below 30, is probably the toughest place to play in American sports.
I love it! This is a champion’s challenge, and a fitting welcome back! We already head the division. Now we’re playing to keep the number one seed, and home-field advantage through out the playoffs. Now QB Jalen Hurts and RB Saquon Barkleyneed to tighten those chinstraps, as we prepare, to push on.
With a win, we move to 7 – 2 and hold our position as the top team in the NFC.
With a loss, we’d be 6 – 3, but still be at the head of the NFC East.
****
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 week. 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 Packers.
RB Saqoun Barkley with a 12 yard scoring run.
1) Over A Buck Rushing:The Packers haven’t beaten any team that has reached 96 rushing yards, this season. They also have an undersized defensive line that’s built around pass rushing. The approach here is simple. Spend the night pounding on them. Then when they’re tired and their will is broken, pound on them some more.
2) Deal Out Aerial Hurts:Getting the ball to WR A.J. Brown and WR DeVonta Smith is absolutely critical to getting this win. If we get the ball outside with the passing game, we can run inside. We have to use our WR’s down the field, in order to give Barkley room to navigate.
3) Our DT’s Must Penetrate: We need a big night from DT Jordan Davis and DT Jalen Carter.
DT’s Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.
Carter in particular, because with their QB being right-handed, when Carter gets penetration, it’ll make it more difficult for their QB to step into his throws. On a night as cold as Monday, the ball will be as hard and slick as marble. Since their QB doesn’t really wear gloves, the more awkward we can make his releases, the better.
4) Take Away Anything Easy: Their QB is going into what he thinks is a game, without his security blanket. He’s already going to have to do more reading, so turn that up a notch. Get LB’s dropping slowly into zones, and Safeties not immediately dropping deep, but running with their assignments upon approach.
This will put more stress on our CB’s to not get beat deep, but the idea is to force the ball into their areas. Think about it, a stressed QB to throwing a slippery brick, deep downfield, without being able to step into it. They may hit on some of those passes, but the chances of a turnover are so much greater.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
This is two teams potentially vying for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. This win has to make a statement. This is not a time to prove how clever we can be. We’re the bigger team. We’re more physical, and we have the deeper roster.
LB Zach Baun with a sack
On Monday night, that all needs to be on display. Don’t get cute. Just go up, and take the other kid’s lunch money. Get under Center and run the god-damned football. Their QB doesn’t handle pressure well. So we need to set the dawgs on him. This isn’t a game. It’s a hunt. Run ‘em down, grab ‘em, drag ‘em into the shadows, and… Bon appetite.
On a side note: It would really be great if we ran the Brotherly Shove, on our first snap of the night. I’ll be at home wearing my “PUSH ON.” t-shirt. I hope you will be too.
****
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.)
****
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.
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.
Sisyphus- (Oops!) Washington, now that Dan Snyder is gone.
LOST NFC Championship Game, 12 – 5, 2nd place in NFC East, pspg 28.5 (5th) papg 23.0 (18th)
Washington was by far the surprise team of the 2024 season. Capitalizing on a last place schedule, and a rookie QB playing better than anyone could have anticipated; the Commanders made a deep run in the playoffs. They even out-dueled the #1 seeded Detroit, 45 – 31. A week later, the eventual Super Bowl Champions the Philadelphia Eagles, would annihilate Washington 55 – 23, and give them much to consider in the off-season.
Heading into the pre-season, this is how things look today:
QB: Jayden Daniels (331 – 480 – 69.0 – 3568 – 25 – 9) started all 17 games, while battling through broken ribs, suffered in Week 7. He ran for 891 yards and 6 scores, with a win/loss record of 12-5. But pump the brakes. That record could have just as easily been 8-9. His four game winning drives (Bears, giants, Eagles, and Cowboys) look good on paper, but the circumstances in each of those games will tell a very different story.
But that still leaves eight clear wins over the Bengals, Saints, Panthers, Titans, giants, Cardinals, Falcons, and Browns, right? Well, none of those teams made the playoffs. In fact, Daniels generally ceased to be a difference maker, whenever the opponent had a playoff caliber QB on the field. All early indications are positive, but demonstrated consistency is needed here.
Marcus Mariota returns as the back-up. The role looks to fit him well. He’s not asked to do too much when he’s asked to play, and he still has good mobility even at 31. Sam Hartman was an undrafted rookie, added to the roster last year; and for some reason, the well-traveled Josh Johnson was added to the roster, this year. (+)
RB: Brian Robinson (187 – 799 – 4.3 – 8) scares absolutely nobody. In three seasons he has never run for 800 yards in any one of them. He is not a game-breaker. He’s a big, “pound the ball between the Tackles” type. For explosive plays, the team is counting on Austin Ekeler (77 – 367 – 4.8 – 4 / 35 – 366 – 10.5 – 0). Surely, they’ll be looking to get him more than just 112 touches this season.
Providing depth is Jeremy McNichols (55 – 261 – 4.7 – 4) who is coming off a career year in 2024, having finally had his first career start after seven years, and four prior rosters. The Commanders also have third year man Chris Rodriguez (35 – 173 – 4.9 – 2). Putting together 354 – 1,600 – 4.5 – 18 between four guys, with their front line in a state of flux, may be the most slept-on story in the division. (+)
WR: Terry McLaurin (82 – 1096 – 13.4 – 13) saw a career-highs in both touchdown catches, and catch percentage (70.1). More importantly, he seems to have developed a real rapport with the guy throwing him the ball. So his current contract hold-out/hold-in/trade request isn’t too surprising. He’s currently still under contract, so I’m including him here.
WT Terry McLaurin being shown the money.
Meanwhile, when San Fran showed Deebo Samuel (51 – 670 – 13.1 – 3) the door, Washington couldn’t simp and give him a truckload of money fast enough. Even though his game is more suited to the slot, they want him to be a #2. Partly because overpaying a slot would be silly. Right Dallas?
Speaking of not showing up in the playoffs, Noah Brown (35 – 453 – 12.9 – 1) is back from the kidney injury that ended his 2024 campaign, in Week 13. Michael Gallup (no stats) is back from retirement. Further depth includes Luke McCaffery (18 – 168 – 9.3 – 0) and a handful of camp bodies and rookies, like 4th rounder Jaylin Lane.
There isn’t a legit #2 here, and the group is built as if the focus, is to capitalize on yards after the catch. That portends a lot of receivers taking big hits from Linebackers and Safeties. Which brings into question how healthy they’ll be, by the time we start with the Fall family gatherings. Once again, it’s basically McLaurin and then a big drop-off. (-)
TE:Zach Ertz(66 – 654 – 9.9 – 7) found the fountain of youth in 2024, while playing security blanket with his rookie passer. That said, with him being 34, the time to pivot to second year Ben Sinnott (5 – 28 – 5.6 – 1) should be this season. Nobody spends a 2nd round pick on a TE, without plans for him, and while John Bates is a tough sumbitch, he’s not a receiving threat. At the bottom of the barrel are Cole Turner and Tyree Jackson. (-)
OT: In order to keep the Broken Rib fairy away from their QB, Washington traded with Houston for LT Laremy Tunsil. He’s been a perennial Pro Bowler (for whatever that’s worth anymore), while dominating in the AFC South against the Colts, Jags, and Titans. All while playing in a dome. In a warm climate. The NFC East will offer him none of that.
Taking snaps (so far) at RT, is 1st rounder Josh Conerly. This makes for a brand new pair of starters on the ends. In 2024 it was RT Andrew Wylie, and (rookie) LT Brandon Coleman. Wylie took a pay cut in March, just to keep a job. Coleman is looking for an open seat anywhere on the line. Behind them, are a couple of career back-ups, and undrafted rookie Timothy McKay.
Nice bed. Be a shame if someone…
While the new starters may be talented, how they adapt to a new team, and system, are all question marks. Last year’s starters shit the bed hard enough to cause the team to wipe the slate and start all over. If the reserves have to step in, there can’t be a ton of confidence there. So until they prove otherwise… (-)
OG: Offensive line coach Bobby Johnson, may have as many as four new starters up front, going into this season. Last year it was LG Nick Allegretti and RG Sam Cosmi. This year Brandon Coleman is getting a look at LG, and Andrew Wylie seems to have been demoted to utility player.
Allegretti and Cosmi are still in the mix to start, but it’s a mix. Especially with Cosmi still rehabbing a blown ACL. Johnson completely re-tooling the line that he assembled last year, tells you how deeply disappointed he was. The real question here is, is this position any more talented than it was a year ago? The flat answer is, no. (-)
C: Tyler Biadasz is the anchor of this line, and he’s clearly the player that it’s being built around. He isn’t flashy, but he’s a consistent and stabilizing presence. He’s also the only player listed at this position. Michael Dieter is listed at G, but he’s got eight career starts in the pivot. So depth here is a mild concern. (+)
In A Nutshell: If the line doesn’t gel quickly, this offense is cooked.
DEFENSE
DE: Finally a starter (fifteen starts) Dorance Armstrong (39 – 5.0 – 0 – 0) was supposed to take a major leap forward. What happened is, he was less productive than when he was a back-up. Clellin Ferrell(26 – 3.5 – 0 – 0) also failed to be a game-changer despite his ten starts. Seeing low production from their starters (8.5 sacks), Washington decided to make a major move...
They gave a roster spot to what’s left of Von Miller. He’s collected 6 sacks in the last two years, as a situational player. Further depth looks like second year Jacob Martin (15 – 3.0 – 0 – 0); Javonte Jean-Baptiste (13 – 1.0 – 0 – 0); Andre Jones (1 tackle); and Viliami Fehoko, who was drafted in the 4th round in 2023, but has bounced around practice squads since then. (-)
DT: Jonathan Allen (Minnesota) was allowed to walk, breaking up the dynamic duo that was he and Daron Payne (42 – 4.0 – 0 – 0). Stepping up to be Payne’s new running mate, is Jer’Zhan Newton (44 – 2.0 – 0 – 1) who had eleven starts in 2024, due to Allen being injured. Newton was drafted last year to give Washington more interior pass rush and be a disruptor, but so far he’s “less of an asset” against the run.
Adding Javon Kinlaw (40 – 4.5 – 0 – 1) from the Jets, could be a good move, depending on which version of him shows up most of the time. NT Eddie Goldman came over from the Falcons, (probably as bulk vs the Brotherly Shove). He can anchor against the run, but no one is worried about his pass rush. Maybe that’s whyDeatrich Wise (20 – 5.0 – 0 – 0) was added from the Patriots? Lots of experience, but there’s a lot of high mileage, new parts to blend. (-)
I/MLB: In 2024, Bobby Wagner (132 – 2.0 – 0 – 2) recorded his lowest tackle total since 2015. That’s despite starting all seventeen games. Whether it was because it was his first year in the system, or because he was 34, is the question. Given the lack of clear depth behind him, that’s not a good question to have.
Right now, second year man Jordan Magee (9 tackles), would be the first man off the bench in case of injury to Wagner. However, he only saw 15 snaps in 2024. Further depth looks like possibly 6th rounder Kain Medrano, or undrafted rookies Kam Arnold and Ale Kaho. Nick Bellore is a Special Teamer who also plays FB. (-)
LB Frankie Luvu jumps offsides, trying to stop the Eagles Brotherly Shove play.
OLB: Frankie Luvu (99 – 8.0 – 1 – 2) had career-highs in sacks (8), and passes defensed (7). Despite Dante Fowler and his 10.5 sacks going back to Dallas, there doesn’t seem to be a hard set plan for re-stocking the other starting spot.
Instead, Washington is hoping that Dominique Hampton, a 5th roundtweener from last year’s Draft, can replace Jeremy Chinn (Las Vegas), who played a hybrid role, as a box FS/LB. You didn’t read that wrong. This is what’s happening. This is who they have, and they’re serious about rolling this out. (-)
S: Quan Martin (87 – 0.0 – 1 – 0 ) also added 3 forced fumbles last year, during his sixteen starts. They added free agent Will Harris from the Saints. With 3 career interceptions in six years, Harris isn’t exactly a ball-hawk or a game changer. He does however, bring a much needed veteran presence to a very inexperienced group.
Percy Butler (47 tackles) had five starts last year, but he had thirteen the year before. Instead of relying on him, Washingtonadded a veteran. Below Butler are undrafted Tyler Owens (who doesn’t believe in Space or other planets); undrafted college special teamer Ben Nikkel; and undrafted rookie Robert McDaniel. (-)
CB: Mike Sainristil (93 – 0.0 – 2 – 1) saw sixteen starts as a rookie last year. It started out rough, but he played through, and by season’s end, the improvement was apparent. Marshon Lattimore (4 tackles) came over in a midseason trade. He only played two games due to a hamstring injury, which he blamed for his poor performance. BUT! If we’re going to keep it 100, he’s been a shell of himself since 2022.
Noah Igbinoghene (55 tackles) having defected from Dallas last year, now has two years of this system under his belt. Jonathan Jones (Patriots) is very experienced, especially in the slot. Add a handful of young guys, which include two undrafted rookies, and you have the makings of… A mess. This is a mess. It’s one decent player, a guy who’s washed, an old slot guy, a bench warmer, and camp bodies. This is a mess. (-)
In A Nutshell : Aside from possibly Kinlaw, no clear move was made to improve this unit.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K: Free agent signee Matt Gay has no competition on the roster. The gig is obviously his, despite him being 11/22 from 50+ yards, over the last two seasons. Did I mention he played the last two seasons in Indianapolis? Yes, a place with a dome. In fact, 8 of those 11 misses were in a dome. However, he was 28/28 from 49 yards or less. So he’s solid, but not clutch. (+)
P: Tress Way only had to punt 50 times last season, which helped keep his leg fresh enough to raise his average punt to 46.9 from 46.0 the previous year. He won’t set the world on fire, but he’s solid. (+)
In a Nutshell: Washington is solidly going the Gay Way in 2025.
BOTTOM LINE: At the end of January, no one was expecting this team to shell out 60M$ to two WR’s, but by Week One, that is precisely what has to happen. (Right?) As a result, there wasn’t big money to spend on improving a defense which allowed 55 points in the last game they played in. Add to that, a harder schedule, and a season’s worth of tape on their QB. This team won’t sneak up on anyone this year.
Everywhere I turn, the national media has this team back in the NFC Championship game or beyond, but I just don’t see it. They just don’t have the firepower to make up for a poor defense. Let’s call it 9 – 8 and a Wild-card exit.
Drive Killer: NCB Cooper DeJean (TD: 1/Int: 1/ FR: 0/ 4th down stops: 0/ FF: 0)
Sack Leader: DE Josh Sweat (Sacks:2.5/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 6)
Special Teams Ace: K Jake Elliott 4/4 FG (50) 4/4 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: CHIEFS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Don’t Get Cute:We didn’t. We stuck to what got us there, namely running the ball with RB Saquon Barkley (25 – 57 – 2.2 – 0 – 0). While it wasn’t producing big yards, it did open up everything else. The Chiefs were playing to not lose to Saquon, but they made no plan for the rest of the Eagles.
Celebrating WR A.J. Brown’s TD catch
The best part was that it stabilized things for Hurts, who despite a couple of sacks, never seemed to be under much duress. We danced with the girl who brung us, and in the end, we were sweetly rewarded for doing so. (DONE)
2) Bait Their QB Into Bad Throws: QB Patrick Mahomes (21/32 – 65.6% – 257 – 3 – 2) likes to get rid of the ball quickly, so it was just a matter of making him think he had something, then snatching it from him. Like LB Zack Baun (7 – 0 – 1 – 0) clearly does here.
If you recall, after this interception (Mahome’s second) he started holding the ball longer and the sacks started to mount up. He was no longer trusting his early reads. Mahomes was also bumped a little by Sweat on this play, throwing off the passes accuracy. (DONE)
Birthday boy NCB Cooper DeJean with the 38 yard pick six
3) Give Our Pass Rush Time: Our pass rush had Mahomes under constant pressure. We made him a moving QB, throwing to moving receivers, against moving defenders. The early result of this was an interception by rookie NCB Cooper DeJean, which he returned 38 yards to paydirt. On his birthday. Another was a rushed throw which was dropped by WR DeAndre Hopkins (5 – 2 – 18 – 9.0 – 1). Oh yeah, we also collected 6 sacks, 1 of which resulted in a turnover by DT Milton Williams (4 – 2.0 – 0 – 1) (DONE)
DT Milton William with the sack, forced fumble and recovery. BG 2.0
4) Motion Our Hot Read: We didn’t really use a hot read, or even much play-action this week. It was a little weird, but we put up 33 points (the other 7 were on a defensive score plus an extra point), so I won’t complain. (NOT DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was 3 of 4, which was enough to win this game by 18 points, even though it was never actually that close. At one point it was 37 – 6. Soon after which the Eagles pulled our starters and the Chiefs left theirs in, resulting in garbage time points and yards for them. Next up, we get to start re-arming to run this shit back.
****
Game Hero: RB Saquon Barkley – While Hurts won the MVP, it was the beating that Saquon took, that facilitated the entire Offense’s day. It really seemed like the only thing the Chiefs were concerned with, was not being humiliated by a long TD run. It was a brilliant gameplan… Provided the goal was to give up 33 points on drives.
The Chiefs defense bit on the fake handoff to Barkley, and it opened up this 46 yard dagger to WR DeVonta Smith.
Game goat: LS Rick Lovato – Drew two false start penalties, which erased two made field goals, and moved them back five yards each. Given the difficult year that Jake Elliott has had, making his job any harder was really uncool.
On The Whole: Apollo barely won the first fight, but here in the rematch, the underdog Rocky, was the clear winner. Were the Eagles the underdog? Oh yes we were. You see, I keep receipts:
And I have every intention of being absolutely insufferable this year, as I apply salt to any wound I see on a rival fan.
We absolutely went out and did our thing in this game. We romped and frolicked in the Chiefs wilderness, and they were helpless to do anything about it. The mission has been completed.
Man. I can’t wait to see the media fallout on this.
DISMANTLING Washington 55 – 23, has led us back to the Super Bowl! We got key contributions from QB Jalen Hurts (Offense), LB Zack Baun (Defense) and RB Will Shipley(Special Teams). It was a total team effort. It’s brought us this far, and it will continue to see us through, until we complete our mission this Sunday.
Our opponents are not quite as complete a team, as they live and die on the ability of their QB to bail them out. Which is exactly the sort of team that we just faced. And then faced down! I’ll take our active 48 vs their 1, any day. Especially when our 48 includes RB Saquon Barkley and DT Jalen Carter
With a win, Philadelphia will be the champions. We will have completed the mission, by getting what we came for.
If we were to lose, it would mean disappointment.
Here is to completing our mission.
****
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 Chiefs.
RB Saquon Barkley thunders through the snow.
1) Don’t Get Cute:Do what got us here. Run the ball with Saquon, while we let our Offensive Line be physical, and tee off on the opponent. Wear down their defense. We’ll take big plays, but we don’t need them. A bunch of mauling, clock-eating drives that end in touchdowns, is probably better anyway. Especially in the first half.
2) Bait Their QB Into Bad Throws:The opposing QB prides himself on getting the ball out of his hands, after about 2.6 seconds. WE CAN EXPLOIT THAT! Against Pittsburgh, commentator Tom Brady described our short coverage as “muddy”, because our defenders didn’t rush into their drops. We used this again, last week.
This week we could turn that up a notch, by presenting a hole underneath, and then immediately closing on it. Of course the first couple of holes, need to be free completions. Just to bait the hook. THEN we start jumping every hole we present. That would make their QB stop trusting early openings, and hold the ball longer.
DT Jalen Carter with his first sack of this game.
3) Give OurPass Rush Time: We have to keep their receivers covered long enough, for our pass rush to get to their QB, or at least get him to move his feet. Getting him on the ground is ideal, but failing that, we want him throwing from a moving platform, to moving receivers, navigating moving defenders.
OLB Nolan Smith helps DT Jordan Davis notch a sack
Getting OLB Nolan Smith to set a hard edge outside of the RT, would help our interior pass rush, and generate a few holding calls to boot.
4) Motion Our Hot Read:The Chiefs like to use exotic blitzes. WE CAN EXPLOIT THAT! You’ve seen it in games, when a man is put into motion to determine if a coverage is Man or Zone? Here’s a variation on that. When possible blitzers approach the line, motion our hot read player, completely away from the blitzer(s).
That right there presents a dilemma. Does the defense come out of the blitz to cover, or do they leave the “hot” open for a quick pass? By the way, I like the idea of using Saquon or RB Kenneth Gainwellin this role.
TE Dallas Goedert also provides an excellent option
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
QB Jalen Hurts. All he does is win.
Check the field for slipperiness! Bring every kind of cleat that money can buy. Every player should bring three pairs of shoes! Am I traumatized by what happened in Arizona? You’re damned right I am. No repeating that shit, this Sunday.
****
WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know FOOTBALL and that’s it. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, then you are a fool trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.
Check back in a couple of days forFour Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
EAGLEMANIACAL.com 