NOW with contracts and everything being official, let’s have a REAL dialogue. I’ve refrained from participation in the fascination with, and the spreading of, rumors. As a result, I’ve been largely silent on all things football.
Just to maintain that consistency, I was even mum on Jason Kelce(see what I did there?), and Fletcher Coxretiring. I also remained silent when DE Brandon Graham resigned for a final year. Instead, I elected to address that stuff and the first week of Free Agency, all at once.
Signing Our Own:
This is always the most important part, but no one ever mentions why that is. Well, the reason is continuity. When you have a good thing going (close locker room, solid culture, etc.) the best guys to teach it to new guys, are the guys who are already there. Hemorrhaging players every year depletes that, and sends the message that you don’t reward your own.
In addition to Graham, we locked down a few of our key guys, including LG Landon Dickerson, P Braden Mann, LS Rick Lovato, and K Jake Elliott. Those moves may seem shrug-worthy, but they are indicative of a team with a strong nucleus. Letting TEJack Stoll walk, and re-signing TE Albert Okwuegbunam, signals that we may have gotten more dangerous at TE2.
Adding Firepower:
Our opening move of the FA period brought us DE Bryce Huff. Huff is a 6’3 255 pound pass rusher, who made his bones lining up in the Wide Nine. While he gets lots of pressure vs the pass, his ability to defend the run is compromised by him being lightweight, and lining up in a fashion that creates running lanes. Our scheme must compensate for that.
RB Saquon Barkley looks to finally defeat the Cowboys. He’s 0 – 10 lifetime against them.
Our splashiest move, was adding RB Saquon Barkley. He’s a 230 pound guy, but he doesn’t play up to that weight. Often his runs are angled directly to the sideline, and he makes lots of “business decisions”. To his credit, he’s a true three-down back, as he is an explosive runner, a gifted route runner, and is solid at blitz pick-up. Skill-wise, he’s the whole package.
Better still, in three of his six seasons, he’s posted 1,400+ all-purpose yards. This is despite never having a QB, or a quality offensive line, or receivers (besides OBJ) who scared anyone. Now he’s being added to a roster that has all of those things. We’re loaded with killers!
Our most significant move (so far), is probably bringing back NCB/S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. He wanted too much money last year, so we let him fuck off to Detroit. The move turned out to be… Let’s say, less than great for him, or us. So both sides kissed and made up. This move allows us to shore-up a Secondary that became a glaring weakness last year.
Less Obvious Moves:
ILB Devin White could be in for a career year.
Other defensive additions include ILB Devin White. Sadly, we’ll likely be moving back to a 3-4 base, meaning that the Eagles have to prioritize LB now. White spent last last year as an OLB and had his worst year as a pro. On a 1 year deal, he’ll be looking to ball out. (Incidentally, going to a 3-4 may have hastened Cox’s retirement. He didn’t enjoy being a 3-4 DE under Chip Kelly, and probably wasn’t interested in doing it again, at his age.)
We added LB Zach Baum, but I’m not sure what he’s supposed to be. LBJulian Okwara was technically added before the FA period, but I didn’t weigh in on him. He plays at 100mph, understands that his long arms can keep him free of blockers, and can even drop into space. The Lions played the IR stash game with him (off and on), but the Eagles might let him play.
On offense, C Matt Hennessy is likely here to be depth. While he’s listed often as a C/G, he played very little there, before going on IR with a knee injury in 2022 and missing all of 2023. Expecting him (307 pounds) to be ready to win the RG spot, might be asking too much.
The addition that I think could be sneaky good, is WR DeVante Parker. Long have I been caterwauling for the Eagles to get another big bodied Slot, with a big catch radius, in the mold ofJordan Matthews (not retired). Parker spent a couple years as the #1 in Miami, but he’s really more of a #2. So the Slot role should be cake for a guy like him.
Finally, we come to QB Kenny Pickett, whom the Steelers practically gave away. The early speculation is that either he has an attitude problem, or that he flat-out can’t play. Both are hilarious suppositions. During Pickett’s two seasons (26 starts, 14 – 12), he has shared a QB room with both Mason Rudolphand Mitch Trubisky. All were let go after 2023.
Sounds to me, like Pittsy has a QB coaching issue. Which is why they brought in a veteran QB (Russell Wilson), who doesn’t need developing. In the meantime, Pickett (if he wants), can develop here for a year or two, and maybe become trade bait. This lets me segue to my final point.
Coaching. It’s why we fell apart last year. No one has said that officially. However, we have all these pundits who want a stated reason, and Head Coach Nick Sirianni to dispense mea culpas like goldfish food, and then promise that it won’t happen again. Those pundits are idiots. That won’t happen. The reason we fell apart was coaching. We all watched it.
We didn’t fall apart because of bad coaching. We fell apart due to inexperienced coaching. The problem with a roomful of young guys, is no one has “Been There, Done That” on their resume. So the trust just cannot be there. So everyone tightens up, and the whole thing limbos into Shitsville. Even if you like and respect a guy, you need something to hang your faith on.
The team likes and respects Nick, but when the wheels fell off the Defense, he didn’t have any answers, and neither did young guys Sean Desai or Matt Patricia, so the team went into a spiral. This year, the Eagles have a BTDT guy in Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio. He is (for my money), the single biggest acquisition of this offseason, and the clearest sign of us being all in.
SEASON Reviews are usually done at the end of the season. A few are also done at the halfway mark. Starting in 2017, Eaglemaniacal.com began treating the season like a game, and breaking it into four quarters.
In 2021, the NFL expanded the season to 17 games, which makes for an uneven split. So this year (at least), these Quarterly Reports will come after games 5, 9, 13, and 17. (Ugh. I hate even looking at that format.)
Since football is a hard sport, we’ll take a hard look at where our team currently stands, in relation to where it started. Then we can discuss where it needs to go next.
STATUS: 11 – 6, 2nd in the NFC East, 5th seed in the playoffs
OPPONENTS:
L – Seattle
W – New York giants
L – Arizona
L – New York giants
OVERVIEW:
Two fourth quarter collapses vs the Seahawks and the Cardinals, ended any talk of the Eagles stealing the 1st seed back from San Francisco, and left the Birds needing Washington to beat Dallas, for the 2nd seed to tumble to us. We hardly seemed interested vs the giants in the season finale.
GRADES:
QB:Jalen Hurts (66/108 – 61.1% – 666 – 4 – 5) has been inconsistent in terms of production and decision making, as of recent. You almost wonder if, (beyond all the press conference speak), he truly understands what’s at stake. We’ve spent years hearing about his leadership, yet neither his sideline demeanor, nor his production, are indicative of someone worth following during tough times.
Marcus Mariota (15/23 – 65.2% – 164 – 1 – 1) showed enough understanding of the system, to warrant consideration as next year’s back-up. Even better, he showed enough mobility for the coaching staff to know that, in the even that he has to start any games, they don’t have to revamp the Offense for him. (Grade:D)
RB D’Andre Swift scores TD
RB:D’Andre Swift (51 – 227 – 4.4 – 1 – 0/ 4 – 3 – 6 – 2.0 – 0) has been effective as a runner, but a joke as a pass catcher. In fact, overall he hasn’t done a thing that RB Miles Sanders didn’t do better last year. Swift was supposed to be an upgrade at RB receiver. Instead, his production proved that the issue is the system, and not the player that we replaced.
Kenneth Gainwell(21 – 129 – 6.1 – 0 – 0/ 8 – 7 – 53 – 7.5 – 0) has great looking numbers for a back-up, but watching him play tells a different story. Repeatedly getting 4 yards, when the team needs 5, or getting 5 when we need 6, is still coming up short, even though a 4.5 per carry average, looks nice on paper. Boston Scott(4 – 8 – 2.0 – 0 – 0/ 1 – 0 – 0 – 0.0 – 0) likely won’t be back next year. (Grade: C)
TE:Dallas Goedert (27 – 17 – 152 – 8.9 – 1) is being wasted out there. Instead of making him a downfield threat, he’s used on TE Screens and as a release valve. Not a checkdown, a release valve. Jack Stoll (1 – 1 – 11 – 11.0 – 0) is almost exclusively a undersized offensive linemen. Grant Calcaterra (4 – 4 – 39 – 9.7 – 0) saw his first targets of the season, during this quarter, and he caught all four of them. This position is woefully thin.(Grade: D)
WR:A.J. Brown(27 – 16 – 198 – 12.3 – 0). Fewer than 200 yards in four weeks. Add the knee sprain suffered in the finale, anyone want to guess at why he’s been so frustrated? Devonta Smith (15 – 12 – 159 – 13.2 – 1) didn’t play in the finale due to an ankle injury.
Quez Watkins (12 – 8 – 93 – 11.6 – 1) entire season’s production was pretty much just the last game of the year. That said, he didn’t look bad. Julio Jones (11 – 6 – 58 – 9.6 – 2) is still a hard read. The Eagles don’t seem to have a dedicated role for him, but he answers the bell when called. Olamide Zaccheaus (5 – 2 – 20 – 10.0 – 0) is still vastly underutilized.
All told, as a position the Slot/#3 (28 – 16 – 171 – 10.6 – 3) was productive this quarter, contributing 42 yards per game. Splitting it up among three players, who don’t strictly line-up in the Slot, makes it harder to notice, than if we used one as our version of Wes Welker, Hunter Renfrow, etc. (Grade: D)
OT: LT Jordan Mailata completed the season, having played every snap of every game. Penalty-wise it was his worst quarter of the season. On Christmas he gifted the giants with 2 penalties for 15 yards, and then gave up another 1 for 10 to the Cardinals.
RT Lane Johnson comes back into the game
RT Lane Johnsongave up 1 penalty for 10 yards, on Christmas day. He started the season finale, but was pulled early, with other key veterans, in prep for the playoffs. Swingman Jack Driscoll closed the game out for Johnson, and completed the season committing ZEE-RO penalties on the entire season. (Grade: B)
OG: LG Landon Dickerson missed the giants game on Christmas, which was his only miss of the season. His false start penalty vs the Seattle was his only penalty of the quarter. He logged some reps at C in the season finale.
RG Cam Jurgens missed the Seahawks game, and as pulled early with other key starters in the season finale. He wrapped up his second season without being called for a single penalty in his career.
Swingman Sua Opetastarted game 14 at RG and game 15 at LG, then was back in the line-up at LG for the season finale, when Dickerson slid over to C. Despite all the switching, he committed no penalties. Back-up G Fred Johnsonplayed half the season finale, also committing zero penalties. (Grade: B)
C:Jason Kelce was pulled in the season finale with other key veterans, but otherwise played every snap. He was hit twice this quarter for false starts, giving him a total of 6 on the season, which is the only category of penalty called on him. (Grade:B)
DE:Josh Sweat (8 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) (1 Tackle For Loss) only git two hits on QB’s this quarter. Technically he’s doing everything right as a pass rusher, but the ball is coming far too quickly for it to matter. As a run defender, his edge containment leaves much to be desired and is frustrating to see on a player with his experience.
Brandon Graham(5 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) (1TFL) is just a part-timer at this position, and had zero QB hits for the quarter. Having just two legit players at this position is foolish and stupid, but it is what it is, until the offseason. (Grade: F)
Gotta be honest here…
DT:Jordan Davis (8 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) has far too many skills and physical tools to be as under-productive as he is. Stats don’t tell the whole story, (like how much time he spends being doubled), but having no stats, tells the story of someone who will have no leverage at the contract table.
Fletcher Cox(9 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) had 2TFL’s and 2 QB hits this quarter, despite sitting out the season finale. Milton Williams (13 – 0.0 – 0 – 1FF) notched a TFL, and a QB hit. Jalen Carter(6 – 2.0 – 0 – 0) added 2 TFL and 2 QB hits this quarter. Marlon Tuipulotu (3 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) 2 TFL and 1 QB hit all happened in the season finale.
In addition to not getting much pressure, the middle of the Defense has been soft vs the run, as teams are winning the numbers game in the box against us. This is a coaching error that is showing up as a player problem. (Grade: C)
OLB: Haason Reddick(6 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) 2TFL, 4 QB hits this quarter. Despite this being his position, he’s too often deployed at End on a 4 man line, in a four mn rush with the second level dropping into Zone. The pass rush stands no chance as the coaching is sabotaging it.
Zach Cunningham(5 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) only played in the finale, after missing the previous three games with injury. Nolan Smith(9 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) still isn’t being used with any sort of a discernible plan for his development. Patrick Johnson (4 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) is Special Teamer who is also used situationally at End. (Grade: F)
MLB: Nicholas Morrow (33 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) at 216 pounds is far too undersized to play this spot and it shows up in the run game. He should be used outside as a cover and chase guy.
Shaquille Leonard (21 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) 2TFL and 1 QB hit, just played in his 5th game as an Eagle, and is still acclimating probably more to his teammates than the system itself.Ben VanSumeren (11 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) got to start in the Christmas day win over the giants, and made 6 stops that day. (Grade: D)
S:Kevin Byard(28 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) never seems close enough to the ball to make a play of any sort. Reed Blankenship (29 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) picked off a pass in the season finale, but often seems to be too far away from receivers in coverage.
Sydney Brown(12 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) snagged an interception,and returned it 99 yards for a score, then tore his ACL the following week. Tristin McCollum (6 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) brings both of his arms to a tackle. Maybe he should teach it to the rest of the Secondary. (Grade: D)
CB: Darius Slay (no stats) missed the last 4 weeks with a knee issue. James Bradberry (13 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) also had a tipped pass in the finale that led to Blankenship’s pick. Otherwise he’s been getting abused out there. Some of it is definitely scheme, but at some point a man just has to handle his business, and demonstrate that it’s dangerous to try him.
CB Kelee Ringo celebrates win
Kelee Ringo(16 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) started all four games that Slay missed and had a game sealing interception in the endzone, during the Christmas day win over the giants. He’s acquitted himself well for a rookie. Bradley Roby (10 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) missed the Arizona game. Avonte Maddox (4 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) played in the last two games. Eli Ricks (7 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) and Josh Jobe (2 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) are deep reserves. (Grade: F)
LS: Rick Lovato, the Man, the Myth, THE LEGEND! Forced a fumble in the Christmas day win over the giants and recorded a tackle in each of the final three games. Like a fucking BOSS! (Grade:A)
P:Braden Mann(13 – 674 – 51.8) is doing a great job of kicking the ball, but still outkicking his coverage leading to (9 – 75 – 8.3) the opponent feeling bold about attempting returns and carving into that 51.8 yard average and lowering it to just 46 of changed field position. (Grade: B)
K: Jake Elliott (7/7 FG, 10/10 XP) continues to be perfect. (Grade: A)
PR/KR: WR Britain Covey(6 – 113 – 18.8 – 0) has had himself a great quarter, ending the season as the league leader in return yardage (417). (Grade: A)
WR Britain Covey 54 yard punt return
SINCE LAST QUARTER:
The Mission was to win the East and we didn’t do it. Arizona was the must-win game, and we lost it. The team lost three of the four games in the quarter. Many are not confident that we will survive the first round of the playoffs.
SEASON Reviews are usually done at the end of the season. A few are also done at the halfway mark. Starting in 2017, Eaglemaniacal.com began treating the season like a game, and breaking it into four quarters.
In 2021, the NFL expanded the season to 17 games, which makes for an uneven split. So this year (at least), these Quarterly Reports will come after games 5, 9, 13, and 17. (Ugh. I hate even looking at that format.)
Since football is a hard sport, we’ll take a hard look at where our team currently stands, in relation to where it started. Then we can discuss where it needs to go next.
STATUS: 10 – 3, 2nd place in the NFC East
[pic]
OPPONENTS:
W – Kansas City
W – Buffalo (OT)
L – San Francisco
L – Dallas
OVERVIEW:
We played K.C., Buffalo, and San Fran, all in the span of thirteen days. Both the K.C. and Buffalo games were played in driving, cold rain. The San Fran and Dallas games were blowout losses, with both opponents coming off of ten days rest. Not an excuse, but fatigue plays major a factor in an NFL season.
In the San Fran game, we started well but then… we just looked gassed. Then we came out flat against Dallas, and lost three fumbles. Two in the red zone (Hurts and Smith), and one (Brown) on the opening possession of the second half, when we were down 6 – 24. Uncharacteristic, and highly unlikely to be repeated.
There is reason for concern, but the Eagles still control their own fate with regard to winning the NFC East. So the sky is not falling, despite what the Panic Party keeps shouting from the clock-towers. We have however, lost the number one seeding. That however, could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
GRADES:
QB Jalen Hurts after walk-off TD vs Bufffalo
QB: Not a great quarter.Jalen Hurts(76/125 – 60.8% – 845 – 4 – 2) threw 3 touchdowns against Buffalo, but just 1 total in the other three games. Play-calling gets lots of blame, but Hurts is on he field, selecting which receiver to go to with the ball. Also, coaches are not who is holding the ball too long.
As ineffective as he’s been as a passer, his rushing (38 – 144 – 3.7 – 5 – 2) has also diminished greatly. He’s still shows the ability to pick up a first down, but he no longer deserves the respect afforded to dangerous runners. This last quarter, he justified every team who passed on him in the first round of the 2020 Draft.
RB:Why get a player and not use him?D’Andre Swift(43 – 208 – 4.8 – 1 – 0/10 – 6 – 42 – 7.0 – 0) averaged under 11 carries per game last quarter. In our two losses, Swift ran for 39 and 13 yards. In our two wins, he ran for 80 and 76. Those look like clues, to me! Let’s give a couple to the coaching staff.
Kenneth Gainwell (9 – 60 – 6.6 – 0 – 0/ 10 – 8 – 56 – 7.0 – 0) continues to whelm. Of those 60 yards, 23 came on one run. The remaining 8 carries produced 37 yards (4.6ypc).Boston Scott (8 – 33 – 4.1 – 0 – 0 / 2 – 1 – 27 – 27.0 – 0) worked more than last quarter, but for an average of just two carries per game.
TE: He missed all but one game last quarter with a broken arm, but Dallas Goedert(4 – 4 – 30 – 7.5 – 0) looked decent in his one game back. Let’s hope for no setbacks.
Jack Stoll(4 – 2 – 17 – 8.5 – 0) looked good on a 14 yard catch and rumble vs Buffalo. He however, doesn’t have his QB’s trust, as even when wide open, passes didn’t come his way. The Eagles have other players at this position and someone should remind them of that.
WR: After going on a tear earlier this year, things have slowed for A.J. Brown (39 – 23 – 253 – 11.0 – 1). Opponents have begun more aggressively bracket covering him, which has opened things up forDevonta Smith(37 – 27 – 374 – 13.8 – 2), who has posted his strongest quarter so far.
WR Olamide Zaccheaus with the 29 yard score.
Olamide Zacchaeus (3 – 2 – 57 – 28.5 – 1) has seen all of 15 targets this season. It’s insulting given the results that he provides. Quez Watkins(4 – 3 – 28 – 9.3 – 0) returned from a hamstring injury, and posted all of this quarters numbers vs San Fran. Help me understand this, Julio Jones (5 – 3 – 5 – 1.6 – 0). Why did we sign him, if we have no plans for him?
OT: I’m kind of glad that RT Lane Johnson has allowed a sack. Now it can stop being a mandatory mention. Even better, I can say that even though he’s allowed a sack, we still have the best RT in the game. He was hit for a false start vs both San Fran and Dallas, so that’s 10 free yards on Lane.
I feel I owe LT Jordan Mialata, not really an apology, but an acknowledgement that I was judging him too harshly. A lot of the pressure he gives up, is a result of the QB holding the ball too long, and dropping beyond the pocket. Jordan picked up a holding call and a false start last quarter, giving away 15 yards.
Swingman Jack Driscoll stepped in for us during Lane’s absence in the Buffalo game, and battled well enough to help us earn the win. Despite playing 66 snaps in a soaker, that went into overtime, Jack yielded no free yardage.
OG: It will come as no surprise that LG Landon Dickerson was hit with another bullshit offsides when executing the Brotherly Shove, last week. He was also hit with a false start vs Buffalo. Landon is THE GUY who makes that play work.
The return of RG Cam “Beef” Jurgens, didn’t revive the run game as many expected. Then again, you have to actually hand the ball off, to have a run game. At times Cam can be susceptible to bullrush, which only makes it worse when the QB takes forever to throw the ball, either to a receiver or away.
C: Sort of a weird quarter for Jason Kelce. He had 3 false start penalties (2 Buffalo, 1 San Fran), and a bad snap vs Dallas, putting 15 yards on his tab. I often wonder about the expiration date on his deal with Father Time. Jason throws the ‘R’ word around pretty liberally, and talks easily about it these days.
DE: The release of Derek Barnett, leaves starter Josh Sweat(11 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) and part-timer Brandon Graham(4 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) as the only two legit players at this position. Everyone else who lines up here, is just part of a package. This has severely impacted the effectiveness of everyone at the position. This position will require help via the Draft.
DT: Fallout on the ends has also stymied the interior. Fletcher Cox (7 – 2.5 – 0 – 1) continued to make his presence felt, despite missing a game last quarter. Jordan Davis (16 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) is no longer living in opponent’s backfields. That has to get corrected.
DT Jalen Carter’s first NFL touchdown.
Jalen Carter (11 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) returned a FR for a 42 yard score, but otherwise has been on milk cartons. Milton Williams(9 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) missed the Buffalo game, and Marlon Tuipulotu(11 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) is getting far too much work for someone that far down the depth chart. This is due to all the sub-packages.
OLB: Sadly, because he gets moved to End so much, Haason Reddick (13 – 3.5 – 0 – 0) doesn’t really line up here. It’s part of what’s crippling our pass rush. Zach Cunningham (26 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) missed the San Fran game, and his secure tackling was missed.
Nolan Smith (2 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) we’re told, is about to receive an uptick in playing time. Idiotically, they pay him opposite Reddick, instead of in rotation with.Patrick Johnson and Ben VanSumeren are Special Teams players and emergency depth.
MLB: At less than 220 pounds, Nicholas Morrow(31 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) doesn’t have the interior presence for this position, over a 17 game schedule. Morrow shows quick hands in coverage, but the fatigue is showing up in his tackling. This may be part of why Darius “Shaq” Leonard (2 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) was brought in.
S:This position will also see an early Draft pick. Reed Blankenship (29 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) will likely still be on next year’s roster, but last quarter he essentially played himself out of a starting role next year. Sydney Brown(15 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) hasn’t played great, but he’s a draft pick. So the Eagles will give him every chance to beat out undrafted Blankenship next year.
New acquisition S Kevin Byard denies QB Pat Mahomes
Kevin Byard(31 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) picked off Patrick Mahomes in the endzone, to contribute to a win. Also, Byard convinced coaches to let the DB’s scout opposing WR’s for the next game. Usually coaches handle that. Is Byard making a cultural impact?
CB: The eyeball test says that he’s struggling. The analytics say that Darius Slay (17 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) over this last quarter has been targeted 22 times for 10 completions (45.4%), 112 yards and zero scores. And Dallas completed none of the four passes they threw at him. James Bradberry (10 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) has been targeted 30 times, for 17 completions (56.6%) for 187 yards, and touchdowns in three of the four games last quarter.
Bradley Roby(17 – 0.0 – 0 – 1) hasn’t given up any scores, but his 64% completion rate, isn’t helping on third down. Neither Eli Ricks nor Kelee Ringo played enough to factor much this quarter.
LS:Yet again, Rick Lovato has been solid, steady, and uneventful. (Grade: A)
P: I thoroughly dig Braden Mann(16 – 794 – 49.6) kicking the ball half the field on average. We are allowing 8.0 yards per return, so he may be out kicking his coverage a bit. His 28 yard pass on a punt fake, was beautiful (Grade: A)
K: Not exactly news here, but Jake Elliott was 5/5 on Field Goals, and 9/9 on Extra Points. Shocker, right? Especially after that collar pop in Buffalo. Driving rain, against the wind, 59 yards out? For Jake the Make, it’s a gimme. (Grade: A)
PR/KR: WR Britain Covey (6 – 89 – 14.8 – 0) He has a great average, but he has never had a return, where I thought he might break it open. (Grade: B)
SINCE LAST QUARTER:
We went 2 – 2 over this last stretch and Dallas was not one of the wins. As a result, we are no longer in the lead for the #1 seed. Instead, we are currently, one of three 10 – 3 teams, but are behind San Francisco, and also behind Dallas by virtue of a tie-breaker. Up and down the Offensive roster, there is rampant under-utilization of players. That speaks to a lack of creativity and not understanding as a coach, how to use each players gifts.
It doesn’t always go our way.
Defensively, we essentially are just jogging alongside our opponents, on their way to a score. The pass rush that got us 70 sacks last year, just got us 6 over the last four games.
This is ridiculous! It’s egregious. It’s outrageous! This is simply inexcusable and unforgivable, and it has to get fixed. I’m going to say something I have never said in nine years of writing these articles. I don’t care how it gets fixed. Just fix it!
MISSION FOR THIS QUARTER:
It will take some help to regain the #1 seed, so that shouldn’t be the focus. The focus should be doing what we can to bring about the ending that we want.
If we win out, we win the NFC East. Due to Dallas’s loss to Arizona earlier this year, if we beat Arizona, then we win the tie-breaker with Dallas. So the mission is to win out. The Arizona game is a MUST win situation.
SEASON Reviews are usually done at the end of the season. A few are also done at the halfway mark. Starting in 2017, Eaglemaniacal.com began treating the season like a game, and breaking it into four quarters.
In 2021, the NFL expanded the season to 17 games, which makes for an uneven split. So this year (at least), these Quarterly Reports will come after Weeks 5, 9, 13, and 17. (Ugh. I hate even looking at that format.)
Since football is a hard sport, we’ll take a hard look at where our team currently stands, in relation to where it started. Then we can discuss where it needs to go next.
STATUS: 8 – 1, 1st place in the NFC East, 1st place in the NFC, best record in the NFL.
Darius really slays ’em
OPPONENTS:
L – New York Jets
W – Miami
W – Washington*
W – Dallas*
OVERVIEW:
We’re 8 – 1, with a 2 game lead and the head-to-head tie-breaker over 5 – 3 Dallas. After we swept 4 – 5 Washington, they immediately hung up their season, and traded away their two starting DE’s. Our Defense held Miami’s 37 point per game offense, to a single scoring drive, on national television, as we donned our Kelly Green uniforms for the first time in over twenty years. Amid a four turnover game, we earned a loss vs an oddly scrappy Jets team.
What’s crazy is that the Eagles have struggled with turnovers and penalties, but keep finding ways to claw back and claim wins. This team has yet to play the sort of game befitting an 8 – 1 record. The mantra this year has been: “Just you wait ‘til we put it all together!” The thing is, we’re 9 games into a 17 game season. Real talk? This is starting to look like who we are.
GRADES:
QB:Jalen Hurts (97/137 – 70.8% – 1,085 – 9 – 2) has stepped up his game in every regard as a passer. Much of that has to do with the reported bone bruise in his left knee, limiting his effectiveness as a runner (33 – 110 – 3.3 – 3). He still runs, but he’s clearly not as dangerous right now. Still, 50% of Hurts as a runner, is still more of a problem than half the QB’s in the league right now. His per carry average is also deceptively low, as it includes both kneel downs and Brotherly Shoves. (Grade: A)
RB:D’Andre Swift (59 – 180 – 3.0 – 1 – 3) was abysmal as a rusher last quarter. Don’t hand me the “injuries to the O-line” excuse. We were down ONE guy! Added to that, his receiving (18 – 15 – 91 – 6.0 – 1) isn’t lighting the world on fire, either. He’s helping to get the ball out of his QB;s hand and move the sticks, but it’s not the sort of performance that ends in a long term deal. Neither are his three fumbles this quarter.
Kenny Gainwell remains underwhelming whether rushing (15 – 47 – 3.1 – 2 – 1), or receiving (8 – 7 – 35 – 5.0 – 0); but the coaching staff seems to love him. Head Coach Nick Sirianniraves about him. Remember when this team was all about competition? Sirianni was paying rock-paper-scissors, and shooting hoops… You wonder how much competition Swift feels with Gainwell behind him. My guess is, he seems to feel pretty safe. Boston Scottand Rashaad Pennyeach logged just 2 carries during the quarter. (Grade: F)
Goedert finds paydirt.
TE:Dallas Goedert (24 – 17 – 205 – 12.0 – 1) was the only player at this position to touch the ball last quarter. His production had been consistent with 205 yards per quarter. However, the broken arm that he suffered vs Dallas, will shelve him for at least four games. His receiving will be missed, but where his absence will most be felt, is in the run game. Both in terms of blocking, and ability to draw defenders out of the box. Jack Stoll (no stats) is a very good blocker. Not developing depth here was stupid of us. (Grade: C)
WR:A.J. Brown (41 – 32 – 464 – 14.5 – 4) has been an outright menace. Despite frequent double coverage, he’s operated as volume receiver, while still catching 78% of the passes thrown to him. Oh, and he set an all-time NFL record, with six consecutive games of 125 or more receiving yards. Not Jerry. Not Megatron. Not T.O., Fitz, or even Julio. Just A.J. Alone.
I said before, that Devonta Smith (26 – 19 – 243 – 12.7 – 2) needs to be involved more. Instead, he saw a drop-off in targets, despite a 73.0% catch rate. Speaking of usage drop, start checking milk cartons for Olamide Zaccheaus (7 – 3 – 18 – 6.0 – 0). Quez Watkinshas been out with injury since Week Five. Julio Jones (3 – 2 – 11 – 5.5 – 1) may see more time next quarter, due to injury at TE. The ball needs to be spread around more, but there are loads of production coming from here. (Grade: A)
OT:Lane Johnson is the premier RT in the sport. Due to an injury beside him, he’s had to help compensate, and yet the Eagles are still 8 – 1, while averaging 27.7 points, last quarter. On the other hand, LT Jordan Mailata hasn’t been quite as smooth recently. He drew a false start against Washington, and allowed a sack vs Dallas. Nothing to cry about, but to this point Mailata has spoiled us. So it’s easy to notice when he’s not perfect. (Grade: B)
That blue line is where their defense lined up. So much for that shit!
OG: LG Landon Dickerson has shown improvement since last report, by drawing zero flags. He’s also a huge reason why the Brotherly Shove works as well as it does, as the left side of the line is far more dominant at generating a new line of scrimmage. At RG Sua Opeta filled in while Cam Jurgens was on I.R. Opeta is a gamer, but his lack of physicality is likely what led to him being benched for rookie Tyler Steen. With Steen’s first start being against Dallas, he acquitted himself well, recovering a fumble that could have changed the flow of the game. We still weren’t able to run the football the way we like, and that is an area for concern. (Grade: B)
C: Finalist for People magazine’s 2023 World’s Sexiest Man award, Jason Kelce has been burning so hot, that it’s starting to concern me, about how much he’ll have left in January/February. Nice worry to have, right? (Grade: A)
DE:Josh Sweat(9 – 4.0 – 0 – 0) has indeed stepped up his game as a pass rusher, with 4 sacks in four games to go with 5 tackles for losses (TFL). Now if he can start to get the ball out of opposing QB’s hands, that would be faaaaantastic. Brandon Graham (4 – 2.0 – 0 – 0) made a cameo in the Dallas game, getting to the QB on two consecutive downs. It was a moment of absolute fucking cool. Very much on the order of David Bowie’s cameo in Zoolander.
How Brandon Graham showed up vs Dallas.
Derek Barnett (1 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) played 27 snaps over three games, and was inactive vs Dallas. He’s healthy and has had no penalties, but the window to trade him has passed, so I have no clue what the plan for him is. This position is one player deep, and then staffed with part-timers. That allows us to surprise teams, but not to know what we can count on from down to down. (Grade: C)
DT:Fletcher Cox (7 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) is still a very disruptive force inside, but more and more, he’s gimping to the sideline during games. (Playing him as an End would mitigate some the abuse that he takes fighting through traffic.) Jordan Davis (7 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) isn’t making as many plays on the other side of the line of scrimmage. In fact, neither man has a TFL last quarter.
Jalen Carter (4 – 0.5 – 0 – 0) missed the Jets game (back pain), and therefore is undefeated as a pro. Milton Williams (8 – 0.5 – 0 – 0) has decreased in effectiveness with each game last quarter. This position was money for the Defense in the first quarter, but has taken a nose-dive since. Get it together! (Grade: D)
Once again… HAASON, CHOP!
OLB:Haason Reddick(14 – 4.5 – 0 – 0) also has 5 TFL last quarter, as if to underscore what a nightmare he is for opposing offensive lines. Zach Cunningham (21 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) has stepped up in coverage, breaking up 3 passes over the last two games. While his numbers aren’t flashy, his play has been rock solid. Rookie Nolan Smith (5 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) so far, has never seen more than NINE snaps in a game. That’s too few. The guy can’t be productive without a chance to produce. Patrick Johnson(1 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) is a Special Teamer who was drafted as a DE/LB hybrid. He’s since been rendered pointless by the additions of Reddick and Smith. Unless he can be a stop-gap for Barnett, he’s entering his last half season here. (Grade: B)
MLB:Nakobe Dean (23 – 0.5 – 0 – 0) makes tackles, with 2 for losses. What he doesn’t do (right now) is make plays. What he also doesn’t do, is stay on the field. He’s looking at a second I.R. stint this season. He’s also a bit of a liability in pass coverage. Some of it, (by the eyeball test) seems to be related to his height and short arms. Neither of which can be coached up. He’s got good instincts for the run, but until he becomes a factor in either underneath coverage or pass rushing, he’s running a serious JAG risk. (Just A Guy)
When Dean returned from I.R, Nick Morrow(10 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) saw a steep drop in his snaps. However, with Dean going out again, Morrow returns to the starting line-up. I think Morrow is the better option anyway, as he has a better feel for underneath coverage. (I’m already interested to see what our Front Seven’s production will look like, at the end of this next quarter.) Christian Elliss (3 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) hasn’t logged a defensive snap since Week Three. All of his quarterly production has been on Special Teams. That should change shortly. (Grade: C)
S: Before I get into this, I want to tip my cap to traded STerrell Edmunds (13 – 0.0 – 0 – 0). He deserved better than going from a 6 – 1 team that he helped build, to a Tennessee team with no shot this year. That being acknowledged, let’s dig in.
Reed Blankenship (21 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) missed the game vs Miami, but still managed to break up 4 passes and recover a fumble. He’s been up and down this year, but I have to keep reminding myself that he’s in just his second year. In all honesty, he’s probably playing way more than coaches planned for, when they didn’t draft him at all last year.
This is how you Reed a QB!
Who we did draft, was Sydney Brown (15 – 0.0 – 0 – 1). Lots of energy and wants to hit, but he seems slow to process routes, and ends up late to the play. Fans end up cheering a tackle, when they could have been cheering an interception. We traded to get Philly native Kevin Byard(16 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) only to handcuff him to a system that doesn’t let him challenge routes, and reduces him to a tackler only. Which is what we had with Edmunds. Meaning that we’re getting the same thing, but with higher expectations now, which is why the disappointment feels sharper. Hopefully the Bye will help our coaches realize their error.
Justin Evans (no stats) has been on I.R. since Week Four. Injuries have been the 2023 story of this position, so far. After the Bye, there should be a full stable to work from, but so far this position hasn’t been our strength. (Grade: D)
CB:Darius Slay(19 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) was out vs the Jets, but made a huge, possibly game saving interception vs Miami. He also has broken up 3 passes this quarter. James Bradberry (17 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) has 4 pass break-ups, but the completions and the FOUR touchdowns he allowed last quarter, are reason for alarm.
For comparison, while Slay has given up two this season, Bradberry has given up seven. Much of that can be laid at the feet of Bradberry being a Man-press player, forced to play off-coverage, thus exposing his lack of top-end speed. Put simply, the defensive coaches are hanging him out to dry.
Bradley Roby (1 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) returns from I.R. soon, and will almost certainly take over the Nickel spot. Refresher: We added Roby after Josh Jobe(4 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) proved to be an easy mark for QB’s to throw on, through the first quarter of the season.
Eli Ricks (7 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) took over the Nickel job, after Roby went on I.R. and Jobe still seemed to struggle. Respectively, Ricks and Jobe have broken up 1 and 2 passes this quarter. However, until the Dallas game, where he was frequently matched up with WR Ceedee Lamb, Ricks was seeing little traffic. He’s generally done a good job of making QB’s look off of his man.
Kelee Ringo (2 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) hasn’t seen a defensive snap since Week Two. Last quarter’s tackles are from Special Teams. According to Sports Illustrated, the Eagles want to develop him into a S, which makes sense when you see his body type and see him move. If that’s the case, unbury him from this depth pile, and move him to where he’ll see actual snaps. Another unforced coaching error! (Grade: D)
LS:Rick Lovato has been solid, steady, and uneventful. (Grade: A)
P:Braden Mann (10 – 514 – 51.4) is kicking the ball over half the field, which is a 10 yard improvement over the first quarter. Only 1 of those 10 punts has been a touchback, and 2 have been inside the 20. Over that same period, we’ve given up just 50 return yards on only 4 returns (12.5 ypr). Meaning that, generally Mann shifts the field position by half the field, and then you stay where he puts you. This is all awesome sauce! (Grade: A)
K:Jake Elliott (2/3 FG 66.6% – 15/15 XP 100%) Four games, just three field goal attempts. Should we get mad at the Offense? The miss was in the Jets game. Everything went wrong that day. Just shake it off and throw the game tape away. Elliotts is balling. Shows up in the clutch like a G when we call him. (Grade: A)
PR/KR: WR Britain Covey (5 – 38 – 7.6 – 0 / none) missed the game vs Miami, but otherwise is doing little to deserve a roster spot, if he’s not going to be more aggressive about helping with field position. No other Eagles has attempted a punt return season. RB Boston Scott had a 38 yard kickoff return vs Miami, but that’s really the highlight of the return game this quarter. It’s one thing to have poor results. It’s quite another to make no effort. (Grade: F)
SINCE LAST QUARTER:
We went 3 – 1, beating BOTH the Dolphins and Cowboys. Getting the sweep of the Redsk- Commanders, was big. Coupled with the win over the Cowboys, that sweep puts us up 3 – 0 in the division, holding a tie-breaker. Right after the sweep, the Commanders hung up their season at 4 – 5, and traded away both starting DE’s.
So that’s a kill.
MISSION FOR THIS QUARTER:
This is the tough part of the schedule. By “tough” I mean all the teams we face, are playoff caliber. Then again, so are we. Everyone in this arena is a killer, but every one of these teams has more losses than we do. So let’s not forget, they have to play US too. And no one is covered in more blood than we are.
I’m on record predicting a loss to the 49ers. I said as recently asJuly, that I expect to lose a close one to them.On December 3rd, we will be playing in that team’s Super Bowl. Meanwhile to us, it’ll just be a game. They’re not just going to want that game, psychologically they already NEED it. If we win that one, it could cause that whole roster to emotionally spiral out.
I want that game!
Getting out of this stretch 2 – 2 is fine, as long as one of the wins is over Dallas. That would put us at 10 – 3 and them at 9 – 4, even if they win their next three. The Eagles going 3 – 1 over this stretch puts us at 11 – 2. So if we go 3 – 1 or better, it won’t matter what Dallas does. If we go 4 – 0 it would break the NFL.
Guess which one I want!
(I gotta simmer down. Simmer down! Don’t burn up before the games get here!) So the mission is 2 – 2, with a win over Dallas at minimum. More than two wins removes conditions.
SEASON Reviews are usually done at the end of the season. A few are also done at the halfway mark. Starting in 2017, Eaglemaniacal.com began treating the season like a game, and breaking it into four quarters.
In 2021, the NFL expanded the season to 17 games, which makes for an uneven split. So this year (at least), these Quarterly Reports will come after Weeks 5, 9, 13, and 17. (Ugh. I hate even looking at that format.)
Since football is a hard sport, we’ll take a hard look at where our team currently stands, in relation to where it started. Then we can discuss where it needs to go next.
STATUS: 5 – 0, 1st place in the NFC East
DT Jordan Davis meeting QB Kirk Cousins
OPPONENTS:
W – New England
W – Minnesota
W – Tampa Bay
W – Washington*
W – Los Angeles Rams
OVERVIEW: So it’s 5 – 0, but with some issues. Chief among them being our inability to convert red zone trips into touchdowns (19 trips, 8 TD, 42.1%). We are not converting those into touchdowns at enough of a clip to expect to be a championship team. Moreover, we have surrendered to opponents 12 touchdowns, in 16 red zone trips (75%).
Injuries have robbed our Secondary of the kind of stability that a new Defensive Coordinator needs, to steady himself and find his method. All in all, it is a 5 – 0 team, but with many not so small cracks in the foundation.
GRADES:
QB:Jalen Hurts (113/168 – 67.3% – 1262 – 6 – 4) Had sort of a rough start, but that was to be expected. I bitched and moaned about him (and the other starters) not taking a single snap in the preseason, so Hurts (and everyone else) was predictably rusty. Couple that with working in a new Offensive Coordinator, in Brian Johnson, and you have the makings of six touchdowns and (already) 4 interceptions. As for his running (55 – 206 – 3.7 – 4), he’s averaging 11 rushes per game, which is too many. His low yards per carry is largely due to short, successful conversions while running the Brotherly Shove. (Grade: C)
RB D’Andre Swift scores at home.
RB:D’Andre Swift(76 – 434 – 5.7 – 2 – 0) Had one touch in Week One, then in Weeks Two and Three, exploded for 305 rushing yards on 44 carries (6.9 ypc). He’s so far caught 88% (17 – 15 – 75 – 5.0 – 0) of the passes thrown to him, but they’ve just been checkdowns thus far. Still, a couple more scores would look better with 76 carries.
Kenneth Gainwell (39 – 128 – 3.2 – 0 – 0) has been running the same plays, behind the same offensive line, but isn’t nearly as effective or threatening as Swift has been, and seems to have lost his starting gig because of it. Boston Scott (6 – 43 – 7.2 – 0 – 0) missed a week while in concussion protocol. (Grade: B)
TE:Dallas Goedert(28 – 21 – 205 – 9.8 – 1) The Eagles suddenly remembered that he starts, and so he had a big game (9 – 8 – 117 – 14.6 – 1) in Week Five. Until then, to call him underutilized would be a massive understatement. He still contributed as a blocker in the run game, but the Eagles coaching staff has to run more plays for him. Jack Stoll is a great blocker. (Grade: C)
WR A.J. Brown’s 59 yard TD catch and run. OZ gave him a block.
WR:A.J. Brown (51 – 3 5 – 541 – 15.5 – 2) had a to a slow first two games. Then he put the word in his QB’s ear, and has posted 433 yards over the last three games. Maybe we should all chip in and get him a chef’s hat, because he’s been out there just cooking secondaries. Devonta Smith(34 – 23 – 290 – 12.6 – 2) has three games this season of just 5 targets. That can’t keep happening. He’s too reliable and he needs to be more involved.
Quez Watkins (5 – 4 – 21 – 5.3 – 0) isn’t wowing anybody, but then again, he’s not being put in a position to be successful. He’s making his catches (80%), but as his 5.3 average is testament to the shallow routes they have him running. He’s a downfield threat, not a guy who catches short and makes defenders miss in space. Olamide “OZ” Zaccheaus(5 – 3 – 69 – 23.0 – 1) is the guy that catches short and makes defenders miss in space. However it was his 34 yard TD catch that probably has put Watkins on the hot seat. (Grade: B)
OT: RT Lane Johnson continues to be arguably the best OT in the NFL. (San Francisco’s LT Trent Williams is the other side of that argument.) During the Eagles overtime victory over Washington, it was Johnson’s fourth quarter recovery of a Gainwell fumble, that saved an Eagles drive, resulting in a field goal. Without that field goal, there is no overtime. LT Jordan Mialata has absolutely no right to be as good as he is. He’s reliable as a pass protector, but an outright mauler in the run game. (Grade: A)
OG: LG Landon Dickerson is a bear in the run game, but he has to get the penalties under control. He’s been flagged 5 times (4 accepted for 24 yards). One of those however, was that bullshit offsides he was hit with against Washington, as the officials have joined in the hunt for finding a way to stop the Brotherly Shove. RG Cam Jurgenwas great for three weeks, then suffered a foot injury and is currently on Injured Reserve. Filling in for Jurgens is Sua Opeta. He has not drawn any flags, but more importantly, this year he just looks more comfortable, and seems like a more physical presence. (Grade: B)
The Brotherly Shove formation. See how the Washington player’s hand is UNDER the ball. Yeah well, Dickerson was called for being offsides here, and the hand beside the ball, belongs to Kelce.
C:Jason Kelcebrings the passion, the vocal leadership, and the ability to get to the second level in the run game, that makes the Eagles Offense almost impossible to duplicate. He is also the tip of the spear on the Brotherly Shove. (Grade: A)
DE: At the beginnings of games Brandon Graham (3 tackles) is listed as a starter, but he’s not who lines up at the LDE spot. (More on that later.) Over the last five games, Graham has only played 72 of the defense’s 318 snaps (22.6%). So his low production makes sense. Josh Sweat(15 – 2.5 – 0 – 0) has also contributed 2 Forced Fumbles, but we need to see more out of him as a pass rusher. Derek Barnett (2 tackles) has also played just 72 snaps. My gut tells me that the Eagles are going to try to move him by the trade deadline, and they don’t want him hurt, or to put out more tape of him getting flagged for stupid shit. In his career, of his 26 penalties, 11 are for some form of roughing. We just can’t have that. (Grade: D)
DT:Fletcher Cox (10 – 0.5 – 0 – 1) missed the last game with back problems. Still, his numbers do not suggest just how much of a game wrecker he’s been out there. Jordan Davis (14 – 1.5 – 0 – 0) is clearly coming into his own as a controlling force on the inside. Jalen Carter(12 – 3.5 – 0 – 0) has also chipped in 2 FF, and seems to be the odds on favorite to be the Defensive Rookie of the Year. (I still can’t believe that he fell to us!)
MLB Nick Morrow and DT Jalen Carter force a fumble.
Milton Williams (12 – 0 – 0 – 0) is off to a stronger start than at this point, last season. Marlon Tuipuluto (5 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) looks far better than he did last year, when he seemed to be an outright liability vs the run. Rookie Moro Ojomo (no stats) got to play 4 snaps in the last game, due to Cox being out with the back injury. (Grade: A)
OLB:Haason Reddick (5 – 3.0 – 0 – 0) is the player who actually lines up at LDE. He started out slowed by his hand in a cast. He didn’t make excuses, he just produced when the cast came off, racking up all of his sacks in the last two weeks. I’m not a fan of using his 240 pound frame against OT’s without the benefit of speed inside, but we’ll see how it shakes out over 17 games.
Zach Cunningham(33 – 0 – 0 – 1) doesn’t have the flashy stats, but he’s been solid vs the run. Rookie Nolan Smith (2 tackles) has played in all five games, and needs to step up his production unless he wants to keep watching from the bench. (Grade: B)
MLB: During Week One, Nakobe Dean (7 – 0 – 0 – 0) was lost for four weeks with a foot injury. Since then Nicholas Morrow (21 – 3.0 – 0 – 1) has been lights out. Adding a FF and a safety, to 7 tackles for losses, he has shown up EVERY SINGLE WEEK, in all four games that he’s played, since he was activated from the Practice Squad, as a fill-in for Dean.Christian Ellis(5 tackles) looks more than just solid when he’s out there. Especially against the pass. His numbers don’t signal that, but he’s also only played 46 snaps. (Grade: A)
MLB Nick Morrow collecting one of his THREE sacks in this game.
S: With injuries changing the make-up of this group weekly, it’s unfair to give them a low grade. Reed Blankenship (34 – 0 – 1 – 0) already has as many tackles and interceptions, as he had in 2022 when he came out of nowhere and made us take notice of him. Terrell Edmunds(15 – 0 – 0 – 0) played every defensive snap in Week Four, and not a single one in Week Five. Justin Evans (15 – 0 – 0 – 1) still seemed to be ironing out his role, when a knee injury put him on I.R. for at least four weeks. Rookie Sydney Brown(3 tackles) has caught the imagination of fans, but he’s also missed then last two weeks with a hamstring injury, and those have a way of lingering when a player rushes back. (Grade: C)
CB:Darius Slay (25 – 0 – 1 – 0) has already had a pick six and knocked down 4 passes. He’ll miss Week Six with a knee injury. James Bradberry(14 – 0 – 0 – 1) had to sit out Week Two, and when he returned, he spent time filling in at NCB. Avonte Maddox(6 tackles) was lost for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. When Bradberry filled in for Maddox, Josh Jobe (13 – 0 – 0 – 0) started in Bradberry’s place, and didn’t fare to well with the extended snaps. Mario Goodrich(5 tackles) has allowed QB’s to go 10/10 for 118 yards and TD. He started Week Five, but only saw 18 snaps in that game. Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks have 2 tackles each, in limited action. Bradley Roby(1 tackle) was just signed last week. (Grade: C)
LS:Rick Lovato has been solid, steady, and uneventful. (Grade: A)
P: Braden Mann (5 – 208 – 41.6) so far there have only been 14 return yards against him, with zero touchbacks. That means in the three games he’s punted for us, opponents generally stay where he puts them. (Grade: B)
K:Jake Elliott (16/17 FG – 94.1% – 11/12 XP – 91.6%) Those numbers include four makes from over 50 yards (4/5). His foot is a big part of the team’s 5 – 0 record. (Grade: A)
PR/KR: WR Britain Covey punt returning (11 – 186 – 16.9 – 0) has been a plus. He leads the NFL in yards, returns of 20 yards or more (4), and average (16.9) for those with 10 or more returns. No Eagles player has more than 1 kickoff return. (Grade: C)
KC: On the season, opponents have returned 6 punts for 54 yards (9ypr), and 3 kickoffs for 91 yards (30.3ypr). Neither average is good, but the low number of attempts is a testament to player hustle. (Grade: C)
SINCE LAST QUARTER: N/A
MISSION FOR THIS QUARTER: Go at least 2 – 2, and beat either the Dolphins or the Cowboys, if not both. We need a win over a team that isn’t seen as a bottom feeder. If only for our players own psyches. No one will be impressed by wins over the Jets and Commanders.
THANK you Schedule Makers! According to our opponent 2022 win percentage of .566 (which is the tool used to make this measurement every year), the Eagles 2023 schedule is the toughest in the NFL this year. That means, no one can claim that our winning the East again this year, was an easy road.
I want to thank the Schedule Makers for such a tough road. No sarcasm, I’m being serious. The NFC East hasn’t had a repeat winner since we last did it in 2003 and 2004. To do it vs the NFL’s toughest schedule, builds validation even from rivals, directly into every “W” that we earn.
I want that.
Now lets discuss Our 2023 Schedule itself. As with any year, there are things I love about the schedule, and things I hate about it. Let’s start with the good news.
Our Bye hits on Week 10. It’s after nine games played, leaving eight on the schedule’s back-end. It’s also right after our first meeting with the Cowboys, which will be a home game. No post-game travel means, one less plane ride for any of our guys leaving Philadelphia during the Bye.
Speaking of planes, our players won’t have to get on one from Weeks 6 – 10, or Weeks 16 – 18. That’s no jet lag, and we’re either playing home games, or in places (NY and DC) where our fans already have very healthy representation. In fact, we finish the season practically on a three game home-stand.
I also happen to love that our division games have quick turnarounds for each second match-up. We play Washington in Week Four, and again four weeks later. Then a Dallas game, with a re-match four weeks later. At season’s end, both giants games have just one game between them. Sweeps, splits… We’ll know pretty quickly where we stand vs each team.
The bad news?
Kansas City has the same Bye Week that we do. So we get Andy Reidafter a bye. Andy is damned near invincible with an extra week of prep time. (He’s practically Batman.) Then on a short week, after the KC game, we get Buffalo (but at least it’s a home game.) And then the Forty Whiners come to town. (Probably with 6 QB’s and JUGS machine wearing a jersey.)
I’m also personally not a fan of us playing just three 1:00 games. First, the Eagles have traditionally played well in that slot. Second, I have a whole routine based around early games. The earlier we play, the easier it is for me to get the Four Things Reviewed articles out, on time on Mondays. Those articles can take two to six hours to complete, depending on other games that impact us.
This is partly why I’m irritated with us having at least FIVE prime time games this year. I say at least, because that last giants game is “To Be Determined”. For Sunday night games, I can’t even start my articles until around midnight, while still having to be at work on Monday morning. So night games don’t exactly thrill me.
Thankfully we only have one Thursday Night game, and it’s a four day turnaround not just for us, but Minnesota as well. However for us, it’s a home game. The Vikes have to get in a short week of practice, then get on a plane, while also losing an hour.
On the whole, I’m happy with how the schedule works out for the Eagles. It’s an undeniably tough road, with validation built in. However, due to our geographical location and the way the division is laid out, travel fatigue should be about as light on us, as any team in the league.
DRAFT reviews usually come out immediately after the event. Everyone is in such a race to get it to you first, that they rarely ever give it to you good. Not me. I like to take my time and go deeper. Really explore all those places that others tend to ignore. I want to make sure that you’re satisfied. (And accurately informed)
First off, General Manager Howie Roseman is on another level. On the surface, this Draft haul is so amazing, that it’s easy to want to jump to the end of the season, and start spouting a bunch of expectations; but we really need to pump the brakes. Me included.
Now let’s get into it.
Round 1 (9th overall): DT Jalen Carter– We started with the 10th overall pick, but Howie made a deal that moved us up one spot, to take a player widely said to be the most talented player in the entire draft. Some teams were concerned about character issues, but since when did the Eagles make a habit of taking head cases? So I have to trust their judgment on this one.
DT Jalen Carter celebrates his sack by raising the QB into the air.
As an athlete, Carter is explosive, and powerful. He’s an interior penetrator and disruptor, who also can stand a blocker up at the point of attack, not allowing a hole for the run. Better still, from what I watched of him, he keeps a QB’s feet chopping. That means the QB’s normal throwing platform, is compromised.
It’d be a mistake to judge Carters rookie season by sacks and tackles. Those numbers can’t tell the true tale of his value. What Carter does best, is make offenses run off-schedule. He has the ability to make opponents a lesser version of themselves. Wreck a blocking scheme. Make the QB throw off-platform. There’s no stat for those things, but watch how often you’ll see him do it. Pick Grade: A+
Round 1 (30th overall): LB Nolan Smith – His highlights make him seem like a DE and pass rusher, but he only had 12.5 sacks over 4 years at Georgia. Smith is an active, high-motor player, who was used more like an x-factor than a player with a dedicated role. Watching him vs Clemson, a few things jump off the screen.
The first thing I noticed was the size mismatch. He’s only 238 pounds, but Georgia liked to deploy him as a DE/Edge player too often. If the Eagles don’t make this mistake, Smith should be just fine. The next thing you notice is his speed. The guy is blur off the line, and can run with just about any RB or TE.
Georgia used him as more as a Edge player, but the Eagles are going to have to transition him into a bonafide OLB. While he’s shown an ability to set an edge and corral RB’s, as well as rush the QB; he’s also displayed the speed and movement skills to handle coverage in zone and shallow man. So he has the tools to make the adjustment. Pick Grade: A
Round 2 (65th overall): OT Tyler Steen– There is talk of moving him inside to RG, but the move will likely not suit him well. Steen isn’t a lunch pail sort of guy. He had a round 3 or 4 estimate on him, but we reached and grabbed him in the second. From what I’ve seen, there’s no way he should have been drafted at all.
Watching him in the Alabama/Tennessee game, hurt me to my heart. There was no aggression in his game. He fell off of blocks constantly; lunged and ended up on the ground a lot; and his hand usage is atrocious. In the game vs Texas, he looked like outright trash. Finishing no blocks, and watching entirely too much football.
Not an entirely accurate statement, but you get the idea.
Sometimes teams will take a diamond in the rough, because he’s extremely explosive; or has the nimble feet of Ginger Rogers; or is freakishly strong, or has other in-born traits that can’t be taught. That said, I honestly don’t see what the Eagles will try to build off of with this kid. Then again, I’m not on a coaching staff. Pick Grade: F
Round 3 (66th overall): S Sydney Brown – Word is, that he’s an in the box thumper. (I used to have a pet rabbit named Thumper, so this term always tickles me when it’s used in football).
However, watching video of him vs Wyoming, was underwhelming. It shows him watching a lot of football, when others are swarming to the ball, as well as missing tackles.
I usually don’t watch highlight vids, but even his highlight reels don’t back up the hype of him being a hitter. Maybe there’s a Special Teamer here, but I don’t see much else. Pick Grade: D
Round 4 (105th overall): CB Kelee Ringo – Watching him against Oregon, it was hard not to like the potential that was clearly on display. Rarely do I fall in love with measurables, but 6’2, 207, running a 4.36?! Yet my favorite part was watching how when he played man-press, the QB ignored his half of the field.
His tackling could be better, and his mirroring needs polish, but these things are what coaches are paid to improve. This kid has excellent tools, and will spend the next three years learning from CB’s Darius Slayand James Bradberry. Pick Grade: A
Round 6 (188th overall): QB Tanner McKee – Watching bis game against Arizona State made me wonder why the Eagles spent a pick on him. He showed zero pocket awareness, happy feet in the pocket, and seemingly has no idea what a “touch pass” is. Seriously, he strong-armed every throw on a straight, flat line.
Initially when I saw him as a pick, I figured maybe he’d compete with QB Ian Bookfor the third string. After seeing him play, he seems like just a camp arm. Essentially a salaried jugs machine. Pick Grade: D
Round 7 (249th overall): DT Moro Ojomo– Video against Alabama is always quality study material, and that’s what we have here. Ojomo is active inside, but doesn’t rush with much of a plan. So he can muddle a blocking scheme, but he runs himself out of plays just as often.
He looks like a solid rotation piece. They type who can come in later in the game, vs a tired o-line, and rely on raw strength to shine for a possession or two. Pick Grade: B
While the trade for native Philadelphian RB D’Andre Swift happened during the Draft, it’s not a pick, so it won’t be graded. It was also further demonstrated proof that the Eagles don’t draft RB’s in the first round. (At least not under this GM.) Fans clamored for RB Bijan Robinson, but I said we wouldn’t go that route, and I even told you why. I wanted two defensive lineman and that’s what we took.
Notable Post-Draft signings:
WR Joseph Ngata – 6’3 217, not a burner, but makes tough grabs in traffic, as well as YAC.
CB Mehki Garner– 6’2, 212, needs to be moved to S/NCB.
I know other sites and publications gave the Eagles (and nearly everyone else) A-pluses, A’s and B’s, but they’re grading on curve so gentle, you’d think they were a public school teacher on probation.
On the whole, after taking a deeper look than the national media could afford to, for every team, I’d give our Draft a C+. While we hit some home runs here, three of four picks just don’t look like they’ll fit here. Reaching for one of them just makes that pick hurt worse.
LAST year your Eagles finished 14 – 3 overall, 4 – 2 against the division, first place in the NFC East, Top Seed in the Conference, and lost the Super Bowl by a field goal. As is the case with successful teams, free agency has plucked a few feathers from the roster, but General Manager Howie Roseman has contained that spill. We’ve also had some coaching defections, but those may not prove as painful as the national media likes to think.
But enough chin wagging! Let’s look at how the Eagles 2023 roster looks 24 hours or so, before the NFL Draft.
OFFENSE
QB:Jalen Hurts is the class of this division, but that doesn’t mean he still doesn’t have a ton to prove. For many he answered the question of “Can he be a Franchise QB?”, by his play in 2022, and taking the Eagles to the Super Bowl. If one near MVP season, and a Super Bowl were enough, Carson Wentz would get more love than he does from this fan base. Fair being fair, Hurts has to have more than one great year, before we’re using the term “elite”.
Still, Hurts is the best in this division. His arm strength and accuracy are on par with Prescott, but Hurts forces fewer throws into underneath coverage. He’s also more mobile, and practically unstoppable with the QB Sneak (that several teams sought to outlaw). The measure failed, and now teams are pouting and vowing to imitate what they just sought to eliminate. It truly is an Eddie Murphy/Dexter St. Jacques moment, for Hurts. (Check it out. And you’re welcome.)
That said, in two seasons as the starter, Hurts has missed games in both, just as a natural consequence of how the coaching staff uses him. So it’s imperative to get the right back-up. Which is where Marcus Mariotacomes in. He’s a better scheme fit than Gardner Minshew was last season, as mobility is part of Mariota’s game.
With Mariota as the back-up, it means the RPO threat never leaves the field. This is a point that the Eagles silently hammered home, by adding Ian Book as the third stringer. (Seriously, YouTube some video of this kid in college. The Eagles scouting department seriously deserves some sort of award. (+)
RB: Gone are the 1,200 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns of Miles Sanders. Taking up the mantle (so far) is KennethGainwell. He’s fine as a utility player, but he doesn’t break tackles, run creatively, or have “take it to the house” type speed. In fact, in 225 touches (regular and postseason), he has exactly one play for 30 yards or more. Behind him is utility player Boston Scott, who is a great utility player, but who lacks the same traits that Gainwell lacks.
Injury-prone Rashaad Penny signed an heavily incentivized contract, in what is likely a last ditch attempt to have a career. When Penny is healthy, he’s explosive and powerful. He’s a physical runner who can also accelerate away from defenders; but out of the 82 games he’s been under contract for, he’s only suited up for 42 of them, with just 11 starts.
Last, and probably still least, is Trey Sermon. Sermon logged 2 carries last year for 19 yards (9.5 ypc.) so of course the logical place for him was wasting away on the Practice Squad last year. There are no clear answers here, besides the back-by-committee approach, which telegraphs an offense’s intent. (-)
WR:
At 230 pounds, A.J. Brown is the size of an elephant and runs like a deer. He caught for 1,496 yards and 11 scores, often seeming to do so at will, from anywhere, regardless of who was how close to his body. (Like in this picture.) Oh yeah! And his best friend in the world, just so happens to be his QB. And last year was their first season on the same team. And now they get to refine their connection.
If that sounds like a nightmare, consider this: If you try to double Brown, you’re just leaving room for DeVonta Smith, who is Brown’s polar opposite. Smith is a precise route runner, who capitalizes on the holes that secondaries leave when trying to contain an explosive athlete like Brown. Smith also has the more reliable hands of the two, and his grabs quietly eat up clock.
If Brown is an uppercut from Mike Tyson; then Smith is a chloroformed rag in a gloved hand, from your backseat, in a deserted parking lot. Either way, you’re going to sleeeep. Quickly. The only time that one of these guys doesn’t terrorize a secondary, is when both of them are doing it.
The fall-off after that is steep. Quez Watkins is blazingly fast, but his hands are so very suspect. He literally handed two turnovers to Dallas last year, during a 34 – 40 loss (and he’s mad that we’re still mad about that). Like Watkins, Devon Allen also sports 4.3 speed, but spent 2022 on the Practice Squad. Former Falcon Olamide Zaccheaus was just signed and he also has the speed to make house calls.
Britain Coveyspent 2022 being a very lackluster return man, and may not see final cuts this season. Tyrie Clevelandwas added to the roster from Denver, and it remains to be seen why Philadelphia did so. Unless it has to do with his college career, where he showed he could make a living, deep down the middle, as a 6’2 target with really good (not great) 4.46 speed.
Interestingly, Greg Ward is still on the Eagles roster. Ward is a decent, not great receiver, but he’s an awesome utility player. In just 40 games played, he’s caught 10 TD’s, and has some PR experience. He’s works well in the red zone; and having been a running QB in college, innately gets where he needs to be on a scramble drill. Lot of unusual tools in that box, and he’s only 28. Which may be why Zach Pascal was (surprisingly), allowed to walk. (+)
TE:Dallas Goedertis the best player at this position in the division. He is both a very good receiver, and a solid blocker. Last year he posted 702 yards and a catch rate of 79.7 percent. He did however, miss 5 games. The best ability is availability, and Goedert hasn’t played a complete season since 2018.
Jack Stoll is virtually an offensive lineman. He doesn’t have the size at just 247 pounds, but the Eagles potent run game wouldn’t be the same without him. Stoll won’t scare anyone as a receiver, but he catches what he’s thrown (78.6%). Third on the list is Grant Calcaterra. Same dimensions as Stoll, but polar opposite as a player. Catches well, but his blocking needs work.
Fact is, the Eagles need to address the lack of depth here. Goedert misses time. Period. The team needs a contingency plan for when (not if), that happens again. (+)
OT: Last year only six QB’s were sacked more than Jalen Hurts. Given that he missed two games, that’s an even more alarming stat. Of the 38 sacks allowed, LT Jordan Mialata surrendered 6.5 of them. He’s a mauling run blocker, but keeping the QB upright is the most important part of a LT’s job.
For the second season in a row, RT Lane Johnson didn’t allow a sack, and drew just three flags all season. Offensive linemen don’t get credit for yards gained, but Johnson is the best at not costing his team yards. There will a bust of him Canton, Ohio someday.
Jack Driscollcan play everywhere on the line, except the pivot. He’s filled in ably in Lane’s absence, but is ultimately better kicked inside, because he has clear issues with speed on the edge. Roderick Johnson andFred Johnson are also on the roster. (+)
G: While LG Landon Dickerson only surrendered half a sack last year, he was penalized 13 times for 89 yards. That’s enough yardage to wipe out a touchdown drive. He has to improve in that department. On the other hand, the guy is a flat-out mauler both in pass protection and especially when blocking for the run.
Sua Opeta has been a spot starter and has done some mop-up duty as an Eagle, but now he may have the inside track on the starting gig vacated by Isaac Seumalo. Tyrese Robinsonis the third player at this position. The playing is strong, but there isn’t a clear second starter. (-)
C: Future Hall Of Famer Jason Kelce returns for another run at the Lombardi. Behind him is a successor that the Eagles drafted, with Kelce’s help in scouting. That successor is Cam “Beef” Jurgens. With Kelce’s retirement being perhaps 17 games away, the Eagles want to get Jurgens feet wet soon, so there’s talk of playing him at Guard in 2023. Cameron Tom is a decent insurance policy. (+)
In A Nutshell: This Offense has no holes, but it does have cracks in the foundation. With the RB’s currently on the roster, the run game won’t scare anyone, but it’ll be functional. As long as it is, the play-action, and RPO stuff, still makes this one of the most explosive teams in the entire league.(+)
DEFENSE
DE:Josh Sweat notched a career-high 11 of the Eagles 70 sacks, returned an interception for a touchdown, and led the team with 15 tackles for loss. Brandon Grahamat the age of 34, came back from an Achilles tendon tear, to post a career-high 11 sacks, despite only starting one game. Tarron Jacksonand Matt Leo are also on the roster. Expect the Eagles to address this position early in the Draft. (+)
DT:Fletcher Cox started every game and turned in his best season since 2018, posting 43 tackles, 7 for losses, and 7 sacks. He returns at age 32 in what may be his final as an Eagle, largely to be a mentor. Jordan Davis blew no one away with his rookie stats (18 tackles, 1 for loss). This season more will expected as he’s no longer behind Javon Hargrave.
Milton Williams is more of a situational player, who despite not starting, posted 36 tackles with 9 for losses, as well as 4 sacks, He can also be moved to End. Marvin Wilson and Kentavius Streetare more penetrators than run pluggers. It looks as if these reserves are built with an eye towards pass rush, with little concern for trench warfare.(+)
OLB:Haason Reddick posted 49 tackles (11 TFL) and led the team with a career-high 16 sacks. Nicholas Morrow comes over from the Bears, presumably to fill the coverage role vacated by Kyzir White. Patrick Johnson splits his time between here and at DE. He influences lots of plays, but seldom makes one.
Kyron Johnson and Davion Taylormay not make it to final cuts this season. Taylor was drafted as a project, but the Eagles haven’t put the time in. They might be about to lose a gem.(+)
MLB/ILB: With the departure of T.J.Edwards, Nakobe Dean will become the eye of the storm, in Philadelphia. More instinctual and a better athlete than Edwards, this move is expected to be an upgrade. That however, hasn’t been seen yet. Shaun Bradleyand Christian Elliss are the reserves, but since Edwards rarely missed a down, they don’t have a ton of experience. (-)
S:
Undrafted rookie Reed Blankenship was forced into 4 starts last year, and played better than anyone had a right to expect. He’s probably going to have to compete for a starting job in 2023, but his competition won’t have an easy contest. He has more aggression than the departed Marcus Epps, and brings his arms to his tackles.
When the Eagles decided not to overpay Chauncey Gardner, they opted to bring in Terrell Edmunds. Edmunds is an in the box thumper, but his coverage is better than decent. So he’s an excellent pick-up, and possibly an upgrade over last year. K’Von Wallace and Justin Evans are on the roster for now, but the Draft is in a couple of days. So we’ll see. (+)
CB:Darius Slayturned in 14 passes defensed and 3 interceptions. His 58% completion rate was a little high, but not alarming. On the other side isJames Bradberry with 17 passes defensed, and 3 picks with a 57% completion rate, in 2022. There are no free or easy meals throwing against these guys.
Avonte Maddox is a capable Nickel, but he’s missing more and more time with injuries. You have to wonder if this is why the Eagles added Greedy Williams. Williams was a second round flame-out in Cleveland. But c’mon, it was Cleveland. So the Eagles are willing to take a flier on him.
Josiah Scott had a rough 2022. He had 2 interceptions, but he also allowed 68.8% completion rate. Zech MacPhearson is a fourth rounder who acquits himself nicely, but the bench holds a strong grip on those without Draft pedigree. Josh Jobe and Mario Goodrichare longshots to make a deep roster. (+)
In A Nutshell: Every defensive lineman on this team can be described as ‘disruptive’. Every. Single. One. Point to the other team in the NFL that can say that. This unit poisons offenses at the root, by destroying blocking concepts. If you can’t block, you can’t play. Anyone expecting the Eagles Defense to take a major step back, because of a couple free agent defections, can’t see the forest because of the trees. (+)
SPECIAL TEAMS
K/P: Kicker Jake Elliottdidn’t attempt many Field Goals in 2022. He was 20/23 (87%) 6/8 from 40+, and 51/53 (95.4%) on extra points. Yes. 53 attempts. The Eagles were a scoring machine. Those 53 attempted XP’s, doesn’t mention how often they went for two. Elliott had a career-high 63 touchbacks on 91 kickoffs (69.2%). (+)
Arryn Siposs was a sore spot lat year. A punt is the first play on defense. It sets the Defense up with a good or a bad situation. So his 45.6 yard per punt average and his 39.6 yard net, are just too far apart. Additionally, 20 of his 44 boots (45.4%) were returned for an 8.0 yard average. All of that needs to change.(-)
In A Nutshell: Elliott isn’t needed much, but when he is, he’s a great bet. I wouldn’t call him a sure thing and risk a paycheck on him! But I could wager a pineapple without batting an eye. Our punting game however, didn’t do much to help this team in 2022. This unit is more good than bad, but when it’s bad, it’s fish rotting in a nightstand bad.(+)
BOTTOM LINE: Eagles fans are told not to expect 14 – 3 again. Fine. Keep it. Especially with 15 – 2, 16 – 1, and 17 – 0 still out there. Realistically, as it stands, this is probably an 11 or 12 win team. This team can score with ANYBODY, while making it harder to score for everybody. It’ll be interesting to see what happens to this roster in the next 48 hours.
QB Jalen Hurts can only look on as we struggle past a rough patch vs the Saints
SEASON Reviews are usually done at the end of the season. A few are also done at the halfway mark. Starting in 2017, Eaglemaniacal.com began treating the season like a game, and breaking it into four quarters.
In 2021, the NFL expanded the season to 17 games, which makes for an uneven split. So this year (at least), these Quarterly Reports will come after games 5, 9, 13, and 17. (Ugh. I hate even looking at that format.)
Since football is a hard sport, we’ll take a hard look at where our team currently stands, in relation to where it started. Then we can discuss where it needs to go next.
STATUS: 14 – 3, NFC East Winner, NFC #1 Seed
[pic]
OPPONENTS:
(W ) Chicago 3 – 14
(L ) Dallas 12 – 5 (5th seed)
(L ) New Orleans 7 – 10
(W ) New York giants 9 – 7 (6th seed)
OVERVIEW:
When do our guys ever make it easy? Our Eagles made us sweat for it. Securing the top seed came all the way down to the last game of the year, due to two losses down the stretch. This was triggered by losing a flurry of key players to injury. In any case, instead of producing excuses, the Eagles produced the wins they needed. Our team didn’t choke when crunch time came around. They instead did what winners do. They reached down, and found the will to be the last one standing. Great practice. We’ll be needing it shortly.
GRADES:
QB: C / Jalen Hurts injured his throwing shoulder vs Chicago. He finished the game, but missed the next two. When he returned in the finale, he clearly wasn’t himself yet . Over the last quarter season, he’s thrown zero touchdowns vs three interceptions. He will exit the regular season with a 14 – 1 record as a starter this season.
Gardner Minshew(42/72 – 58.3% – 629 – 3 – 3) has been unfairly lambasted these last couple of weeks. He’s credited with 3 interceptions, but it’s a very misleading stat. While one was a fatal pick six vs the Saints, the two against the Cowboys were both, literally pulled out of the same receivers hands. In neither game did the coaching staff do much to support him with the run, yet he still managed 34 points against the Cowboys.
RB Miles Sanders laments a fumble as LT Jordan Mailata comforts him.
RB: D / Miles Sanders (55 – 201 – 3.6 – 0 – 2) has been used sparingly over these last four games, not just in terms of volume, but situationally. His touches in the red zone have all but disappeared.Kenneth Gainwell (22 – 57 – 2.5 – 0 – 0) and Boston Scott (11 – 60 – 5.4 – 1 – 0) have been underwhelming, save for Scott’s (9 – 54 – 6.0 – 1 – 0) game against the giants.
In full disclosure, over these last four games this position has suffered as much from coaching as anything else. No early touches to set a tone, or tire out opponents. Running a system set up for movement and a mobile QB, through a pocket passer with no threat of stressing a defense horizontally. My hope is that these games were red herrings regarding our tendencies.
TE: F / Dallas Goedert(16 – 12 – 158 – 13.1 – 0) came back from injury and has been working his way back into his role as the catalyst. Jack Stoll and Grant Calcaterra combined for a 6 yard catch, over the last four games, on just three targets.
WR: C / Devonta Smith(41 – 29 – 421 – 14.5 – 2) on almost any other team would be the guy teams game-planned to stop; but have you met A.J. Brown(43 – 23 – 476 – 20.6 – 1)? While he’s in no media conversation as the best receiver in football, he doesn’t seem to mind it. He just plays like he is. Keep in mind, the numbers you see here, are for just the LAST FOUR GAMES.
Quez Watkins (16 – 7 – 49 – 7.0 – 0) on the other hand, may have played his way out of Philadelphia. Turnovers have been an issue for him, and this quarter saw two balls ripped from his hands for interceptions, in the same game. And it was against DALLAS! Behind Brown and Smith, he has one of the cushiest Slot gigs in the sport, and hasn’t been able to capitalize on it, despite possessing elite speed, and having two coverage draws
Zach Pascal caught a ball for six yards vs the Cowboys, but is mostly a blocker and a decoy. The A.J. and Devonta Show has kept people from noticing that the rest of the Offense is faltering. Notice, only half of this position is producing. And did you do the math? This quarter: 60 catches, but just 3 TD’s. No more smoke and mirrors. This MUST BE addressed.
OT: C / LT Jordan Mialata once again didn’t miss a single snap out of 272 in the quarter. He was flagged just once for a hold, which was declined, in the win over the giants. RT Lane Johnsonwas Lane Johnson until he suffered a groin injury (torn adductor) vs Dallas. Filling in for him has been Jack Driscoll. He’s held his own, but speed rushes suggest that he could use chipping help, if we have to rely on him long term. Truthfully he’s a much better interior battler than edge guardian.
OG: C / Landon Dickerson has been hit for three penalties for 20 yards this quarter, including a couple of crushers while trailing the Saints by 10 points. Isaac Seumalo hasn’t missed a snap this quarter. He was flagged just once, but it was during a disastrous drive while trailing the Saints by 10. Our recent interior play would be good for most teams, but for this team, it’s below what’s expected based on what’s been previously delivered.
RG Isaac Seumalo ad C Jason Kelce open a crack, just wide enough for RB Boston Scott to shimmy through.
C: B / Jason Kelcehasn’t missed a single one of the 272 snaps during this quarter. He’s had a couple of questionable snaps, but his movement skills are still top tier, and his understanding of angles is honestly second to none in the game.
DE: B / Josh Sweat(10 – 3.5 – 1 – 0) was injured early in the loss vs the Saints, and missed the season finale. Still he managed to return an interception for a touchdown, and add enough sacks to push his total to 11 on the year. Brandon Graham (7 – 2.5 – 0 – 0) also brought his total to 11, posting double digit sacks for the first time in his career. His only start of the year was the season finale, in place of Sweat.
DE Josh Sweat with the pick six.
DT: A/ Fletcher Cox (6 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) finished the season strong, reintroducing himself to opposing passers. Javon Hargrave(14 – 3.0 – 0 – 0) ran his sack total up to 11, becoming one of four Eagles to post double digit sacks in one year. No other team has ever done that. This position is the engine of the Defense.
Milton Williams(9 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) also has 3 tackles for losses over the last three weeks, and plays the edge as well as the inside. Jordan Davis (4 – 0 – 0 – 0) has played in two games this quarter where he didn’t reach 10 snaps. He hasn’t played 20 snaps in a game since Week 6. So you have to wonder what the coaching staff has in mind for the first rounder, who’s been back from his leg injury since Week 13. We’ll have to keep an eye on this.
Linval Joseph (10 – 0 – 0 – 0) is block eater who has seen his snap percentage drop over the last quarter. There may not be much to it, but keep an eye on how much Davis gets to play going forward. Ndamukong Suh (4 – 0.5 – 0 – 0) has been plugging away inside, offering more disruption than Joseph.
OLB Haason Reddick with one of his two sacks in this game.
OLB: C / Haason Reddick(14 – 6.0 – 0 – 2) and throw in 4 tackles for losses this quarter! The 16 sacks he racked up this year, is his career-high. Kyzir White (31 – 1.0 – 0 0 – 0) gets in on stops, but it would be nice if he didn’t let so much of the action be dictated to him. Too often he makes tackles and not plays.
Nakobe Dean (no stats) saw just three defensive snaps this quarter. Three. Patrick Johnson (5 – 0 – 0 – 0) plays on the line more than he stands up, but seems mostly like a place holder in either instance. Coaches may laud his understanding of his role, but those same coaches will take that role, if another player makes two plays in his stead.
MLB: B / T.J. Edwards (44 – 0 – 0 – 0) posted 159 tackles this year, shattering the Eagles all-time record of 137 set just last year, by current Bronco, Alex Singleton. Edwards role in the Defense has definitely become more passive.
S: D / Marcus Epps(24 – 0 – 0 – 0) has just two passes knocked down this quarter, and just 6 this season and no turnovers, despite playing 1,096 snaps. More is needed here. Reed Blankenship (20 – 0 – 0 – 0) started two games and missed one with an injury. K’von Wallace(11 – 0 – 0 – 0) started in the win at Chicago, and recorded 9 stops. Over the last three games he saw just 12 defensive snaps. Chauncey Gardner Johnson(7 – 0 – 0 – 0) came back from injury and started the finale.
CB: D /Darius “Did He Play?” Slay (12 – 0 – 0 – 0) hasn’t produced a big play, since his deflection in Green Bay last quarter. What’s worse, opposing teams no longer fear targeting him. He hasn’t gotten his hands on a pass since Week 6. It would help to see him assert himself soon. James Bradberry (15 – 0 – 0 – 0) is also seeing more challenges, having no picks since Week 9.
Avonte Maddox(9 – 1.0 – 0 – 2) missed the last two games with a toe injury, and it’s unclear whether he’ll play or practice again this season. Josiah Scott (7 – 0 – 1 – 0) has spent this quarter being plucked, roasted and sauced as the Nickle. The job is simply too big for him.
LS: A /Rick Lovatoadded a tackle to no bad snaps.
P: C / Brett Kern (10 – 408 – 40.8 – 36.6 – 0) was brought in because Arryn Siposs was put on IR. Not a lot of distance, or hang-time, or pin-pointing with his punts; but he’s an aging, late season addition. How much could he possibly have left? Over the last 4 games there have been 5 returns for 42 yards (8.4). Fine under the circumstances, but it suggests a slight out-kicking of the coverage.
K: A / Jake Elliott (9/10 FG, 8/8 XP) has been super reliable. Even from 50+.
PR/KR: D/ Boston Scott (6 – 161 – 26.8 – 0) on Kick-off duty and WR Britain Covey (4 – 44 – 11.0 – 0)
SINCE LAST QUARTER:
After Chicago, the Eagles hit some major injury snags. As a result, we had some trouble securing the win needed to salt away the division and the NFC’s #1 seed. It took until the last game of the season, but it DID get done. While many have questioned the play they see on the field, I’ve had more questions about some of the coaching decisions.
I question the lack of commitment to the run game, during a stretch where the back-up QB had to start. I question a steady diet of off-coverage. I question the sparse use of Miles Sanders, while not elevating RB Trey Sermon from the practice. I question fans who swallow non-answers about these questions.
MISSION FOR THIS QUARTER:
We posted a conference (and league), best record of 14 – 3, which earned us a first round bye in these 2022 – 2023 playoffs. We get to flash our VIP pass, and cruise right past the (peasants) Wild Card round, and hop in at the Divisional level. That puts us one win away from the National Conference Championship, and two wins away from the Super Bowl itself. Once there, everything is on the table. So the mission is simple: WIN. WIN. And then WIN.
SEASON Reviews are usually done at the end of the season. A few are also done at the halfway mark. Starting in 2017, Eaglemaniacal.combegan treating the season like a game, and breaking it into four quarters.
In 2021, the NFL expanded the season to 17 games, which makes for an uneven split. So this year (at least), these Quarterly Reports will come after games 5, 9, 13, and 17. (Ugh. I hate even looking at that format.)
Since football is a hard sport, we’ll take a hard look at where our team currently stands, in relation to where it started. Then we can discuss where it needs to go next.
STATUS: 12 – 1, 1st in NFC East, 1st in the NFC
OPPONENTS:
(W ) Indianapolis 4 – 8 – 1
(W ) Green Bay 5 – 8
(W ) Tennessee 7 – 6
(W ) New York giants 7 -5 – 1
OVERVIEW:
Offensively, the Eagles have shown an ability to beat opponents either with the run game (363 yards vs Green Bay), or with the passing game (386 yards vs Tennessee). Regardless of what opponents try to stop, the Eagles have an answer for that. Defensively, any talk that the Eagles can’t stop the run, has disappeared to the point where it’s not even gossip anymore.
Now, all the media talk has turned to whether or not QBJalen Hurts is the NFL’s MVP. Honestly, I doubt most of us care. Local talk wants to discuss playoff scenarios. And possible parade plans.
*****
GRADES:
QB: A / Jalen Hurts is doing as much as can be asked of him this quarter. Run the ball in for the game winner? CHECK. Set a franchise rushing record? CHECK. Throw for nearly 400 yards and three scores vs no picks? CHECK. In fact, Hurts has been stellar both as a passer (84/123 – 68.2% – 940 – 8 – 0), and as a runner (47 – 332 – 7.0 – 3 – 1). That said his usage as a runner on called run plays, is far too high.
RB: A / Miles Sanders (61 – 358 – 5.8 – 5 – 0) had a career day vs Green Bay (143 rushing yards) and then had another vs the giants, en route to becoming the Eagles first 1,000 yard rusher since LeSean “Shady” McCoy in 2014. Sanders is a talented runner, a capable receiver, and has demonstrated solid command of pass protection reads as well as effective blocking. Someone is going to pay him this off-season, the only question is, who.
Kenneth Gainwell(12 – 54 – 4.5 – 1 – 0) has seen an uptick in passes (5 – 4 – 43 – 10.7 – 0). Specifically on checkdowns right in front of the vacated MLB area, resulting in some easy first downs. Boston Scott (18 – 81 – 4.5 – 1 – 0) seems to have gotten some of his juice back since becoming the primary KR. Still, we may want to get a look at Trey Sermon.
TE: C / Jack Stoll(6 – 6 – 68 – 11.3 – 0) needs to see more targets, if only to keep opposing defenses honest. He’s been dependable when we go to him. That’s not to suggest that he can fill the shoes left byDallas Goedert (I.R.), but it seems like Stoll’s lack of production is strictly opportunity based. Grant Calcaterra (6 – 4 – 41 – 10.2 – 0) and Tyree Jackson, have been afterthoughts.
This position is graded low, but the problem seems more like a coaching issue, than a player issue. They can’t produce if they aren’t invited to the Offense, and Offensive Coordinator Shane Steichen, is doing a terrible job of developing these three young players.
WR: B / A.J. Brown (29 – 21 – 295 – 14.0 – 1) has coughed up 2 fumbles this quarter. Otherwise, he’s been an absolute nightmare for defenses. (Especially his former team, the Titans.) Devonta Smith (34 – 20 – 294 – 14.7 – 2) doesn’t get the fanfare that Brown does. Instead he’s been quietly killing secondaries with precise routes that keep the chains moving.
Quez Watkins (18 – 14 – 122 – 8.7 – 2) has started the last three games, and been a key contributor in each one. His speed loosens the secondary and invites opponents settle for handing over intermediate completions, instead of long scoring strikes. Zach Pascal (4 – 4 – 30 – 7.5 – 0) only had 9 yards of YAC this quarter. That needs to rebound next quarter.
OT: B / LT Jordan Mailata has played every snap this quarter, drew three flags, added a fumble recovery, and dropped a FIRE Christmas album. RT Lane Johnson who’s been flagged three times this quarter, is also on that Christmas album. Solid play, but these two have been flagged and cost the team 25 yards this quarter. Gotta be better than that.
OG: C / More is needed from LG Landon Dickerson, in pass protection. Between he and G Issac Seumalo, there are still too many sacks given up by us week to week. The run blocking has been great.Andre Dillard has also logged some time at LG, when Dickerson left the Titans game with an injury.
C: B / Jason Kelceis also on the Christmas album. Three penalties for 21 yards this quarter plus a bad snap vs the Colts, is the bad news. The good news, is watching him get ahead of runners on touchdown runs. Cam Jurgens has had a few down on mop-up duty and he hasn’t stood out. Which is exactly what you want from a back-up lineman.
DE: A / Brandon Graham has never had a 10 sack season. Currently he has 8.5, but if he plays like he did this quarter (5.5 sacks, 1FF), he will eclipse that number in what could be his swan song as an Eagle. Josh Sweat has racked up 4 sacks in the last 4 games, giving Eagles the ability to reach from either edge.
Robert Quinnadded no measurable production before being placed on I.R. after Week 12. Patrick Johnson is listed at LB. But plays almost exclusively at this position for depth.
DT: B /Fletcher Cox is no longer being overused, playing around just 30 snaps per game. He’s rejuvenated and has responded with 3 sacks in the last 3 games, plus 4 TFL (tackle for loss). Javon Hargrave had to cool off after the torrid pace he kept up last quarter. Jordan Davis returned from I.R. playing just 24 total snaps in two games.
Linval Joseph came over at the beginning of this quarter, to occupy blockers and others clean, but he’s even chipped in half a sack. Ndamukong Suh does more penetrating and blowing up blocking schemes. He also has half a sack. These two were brought in to help with run defense and boy have they! Playing here and on the End is Milton Williams, with 2 sacks and 4 TFL. Deep and disruptive group here.
OLB: C / Haason Reddick also lines up at DE, and has helped himself to 3.5 QB kills this quarter. Kyzir White hasn’t made any splash plays in months, opening the door for rookie Nakobe Dean who impressed during his 6 tackle performance in just 15 downs, during a Week 13 victory.
MLB: C / T.J. Edwards Hasn’t been the tackle machine that he was before we added DT’s Joseph and Suh, but he also hasn’t had to be that MLB. Now he’s back to showing up in coverage.
S: B / Marcus Epps helped win the Colts game with a timely FF. Seems to be lurking around the box a little more these days, but that’s likely him covering for injured players. Chauncey “CJGJ” Gardner-Johnsonwent on I.R. after Week 12.
Filling in admirably for CJGJ, was rookie Reed Blankenship. Until he got injured. Snagging an interception and a handful of key stops, Blankenship has just about guaranteed himself a 2023 roster spot. K’Von Wallace filled in for Blankenship, and got a few tackles.
CB: A / Teams just aren’t testing Darius “Big Play” Slay much. He got fingers on 3 passes, but he doesn’t see much traffic. The exact same things can be said for James Bradberry. Teams seemed to have learned their lesson.
Josiah Scott intercepted a ball deflected by Slay during Week 12.Avonte Maddox returned from I.R. on Week 14. Zech McPhearson andJosh Jobe haven’t really played much.
LS: A/ Rick Lovatohasn’t had any screw-ups snapping and even snagged himself another tackle.
P: D/ Not been a great quarter for Arryn Siposs. Two games with punt averages of 35 yards or lower, and being injured on block. Now he’s on I.R.
K: A/ Jake Elliott was 17/18 on extra points, 5/5 on Field Goals, and even threw in a 35 yard punt, after an injury to Siposs.
PR/KR: WR Britain Covey exclusively handles punt returns this quarter, and it’s working like crazy! His returns (11 – 147 – 13.3 – 0) are a far cry from where he was last quarter. Handling kick-offs, has been RB Boston Scott (9 – 245 – 27.2 – 0). He’s had a few nice returns, but he has no chance of scoring without some extraordinary blocking.
*****
SINCE LAST QUARTER:
The mission last quarter was to secure a playoff berth. DONE! We’re taking things a step at a time, and it’s allowing players to have a sense of urgency, and timeliness. Players have been dialed into the here and now. Just a couple more weeks like that, and we should be in a great spot.
MISSION FOR THIS QUARTER:
Win the division, then secure a first round Bye.
Those can’t be done against Chicago just yet. However, the following week in Dallas, we could lock up the division, and the conference with just that win. No other help would be needed after that. Starters could sit for the last two games. (They shouldn’t.) Winning these next two games, ices it for us.
EAGLEMANIACAL.com 