MOST sportswriters looked at the Eagles 2025 schedule, and ran to write their predictions. Mostly, using the exact same formula (wild guesses) as fans, to determine those outcomes. I on the other hand, am far more interested in telling you what the schedule means, than offering any sort of predictions.
Those comes in July.
From what I’ve been reading, almost everyone hates the schedule, and feels that the NFL has it in for us. To be honest, at first, I thought more or less the same thing. Then I did my deep look thing, and saw that this schedule isn’t nearly as bad as we think. Let’s weigh the cons, pros, and then we’ll see what’s under the soot.
CONS: Not only don’t we have any extended home stands, we don’t even have any back to back home games. We get short turnarounds on weeks 6, 11, and 13. Each of those leading us into a nationally televised game. Neither divisional game versus Washington has a set day and time. (But that might not be so bad. Keep reading.)
PROS: The week 9 Bye is in a good place. Midseason or later is where you want that. We get long rest periods going into weeks 2, 7, 10, and 14. Each of those games versus a 2024 playoff team. We go to Lambeau in early November, instead of later in the year. Then, after week 14, we have no games outside of our time zone.
DEEP DIVE: Week 6 is a short week, but we face a giants team also on a short week. (Sauce for the goose.) Week 12 has Dallas on a short turnaround. It however, is Washington that may just be our ticket to winning the East again. The best part is that Washington gets screwed by, and because of Christmas.
Washington’s last four games are against division rivals. Their first game against us, has to either be Thursday 12/18, (on a short week for both of us); or on Sunday 12/21. Since Washington has a game on Christmas Day versus Dallas, they can’t be put on Monday 12/22. That would only give them 3 days to recuperate. The NFL won’t do that.
So when we face Washington, we’re either on a short week, playing against a division rival on a short week. After they’d played a division game. Which are emotional, physical games. That would give us 9 days rest, before going to Buffalo on 12/28. Or we could play Washington on Sunday 12/21, and get normal rest before Buffalo. Either works for the Eagles.
Washington has to play a short week somewhere between 12/14 and 12/25. Can’t be avoided. They have to cram three games into eleven days, with us being one of those teams.
So the team that people think can unseat us, closes out the year with that eleven day run, followed by us, in the season finale. It’s almost not fair. Almost.
Drive Killer: NCB Cooper DeJean (TD: 1/Int: 1/ FR: 0/ 4th down stops: 0/ FF: 0)
Sack Leader: DE Josh Sweat (Sacks:2.5/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 6)
Special Teams Ace: K Jake Elliott 4/4 FG (50) 4/4 XP
****
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: CHIEFS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Don’t Get Cute:We didn’t. We stuck to what got us there, namely running the ball with RB Saquon Barkley (25 – 57 – 2.2 – 0 – 0). While it wasn’t producing big yards, it did open up everything else. The Chiefs were playing to not lose to Saquon, but they made no plan for the rest of the Eagles.
Celebrating WR A.J. Brown’s TD catch
The best part was that it stabilized things for Hurts, who despite a couple of sacks, never seemed to be under much duress. We danced with the girl who brung us, and in the end, we were sweetly rewarded for doing so. (DONE)
2) Bait Their QB Into Bad Throws: QB Patrick Mahomes (21/32 – 65.6% – 257 – 3 – 2) likes to get rid of the ball quickly, so it was just a matter of making him think he had something, then snatching it from him. Like LB Zack Baun (7 – 0 – 1 – 0) clearly does here.
If you recall, after this interception (Mahome’s second) he started holding the ball longer and the sacks started to mount up. He was no longer trusting his early reads. Mahomes was also bumped a little by Sweat on this play, throwing off the passes accuracy. (DONE)
Birthday boy NCB Cooper DeJean with the 38 yard pick six
3) Give Our Pass Rush Time: Our pass rush had Mahomes under constant pressure. We made him a moving QB, throwing to moving receivers, against moving defenders. The early result of this was an interception by rookie NCB Cooper DeJean, which he returned 38 yards to paydirt. On his birthday. Another was a rushed throw which was dropped by WR DeAndre Hopkins (5 – 2 – 18 – 9.0 – 1). Oh yeah, we also collected 6 sacks, 1 of which resulted in a turnover by DT Milton Williams (4 – 2.0 – 0 – 1) (DONE)
DT Milton William with the sack, forced fumble and recovery. BG 2.0
4) Motion Our Hot Read: We didn’t really use a hot read, or even much play-action this week. It was a little weird, but we put up 33 points (the other 7 were on a defensive score plus an extra point), so I won’t complain. (NOT DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was 3 of 4, which was enough to win this game by 18 points, even though it was never actually that close. At one point it was 37 – 6. Soon after which the Eagles pulled our starters and the Chiefs left theirs in, resulting in garbage time points and yards for them. Next up, we get to start re-arming to run this shit back.
****
Game Hero: RB Saquon Barkley – While Hurts won the MVP, it was the beating that Saquon took, that facilitated the entire Offense’s day. It really seemed like the only thing the Chiefs were concerned with, was not being humiliated by a long TD run. It was a brilliant gameplan… Provided the goal was to give up 33 points on drives.
The Chiefs defense bit on the fake handoff to Barkley, and it opened up this 46 yard dagger to WR DeVonta Smith.
Game goat: LS Rick Lovato – Drew two false start penalties, which erased two made field goals, and moved them back five yards each. Given the difficult year that Jake Elliott has had, making his job any harder was really uncool.
On The Whole: Apollo barely won the first fight, but here in the rematch, the underdog Rocky, was the clear winner. Were the Eagles the underdog? Oh yes we were. You see, I keep receipts:
And I have every intention of being absolutely insufferable this year, as I apply salt to any wound I see on a rival fan.
We absolutely went out and did our thing in this game. We romped and frolicked in the Chiefs wilderness, and they were helpless to do anything about it. The mission has been completed.
Man. I can’t wait to see the media fallout on this.
Sack Leader: DT Jalen Carter (Sacks:2.0/ FF: 1/ Tackles: 5)
Special Teams Ace: KJake Elliott 2/3 XP, 3/3 FG (44)
****
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: RAMSdid the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
RB Saquon Barkley Snow Bowl 2.0
1) Pound the Rock:We had 34 rushes for 285 yards (8.3ypc), and THREE touchdown runs of 40 yards or longer, vs just 20 pass attempts. We absolutely pounded the fuck out of the rock. (DONE)
THROWBACK MOMENT: Eagles all-time leading rusher RB Lesean McCoy, in Snow Bowl the First
2) Force Their QB to Run:We got QB Matt Stafford (26/44 – 59.0% – 324 – 2 – 0) moving around from the opening drive. The crucial play came on the ninth play of their first possession. Stafford ran up the middle for 5 yards and hurt his ribs. At that point in the game, the grass was fully green, with the sun’s UV rays still contributing to subtle evaporation, and lifting the air somewhat.
Then the snow moved in and it got dark. Funny thing about Philadelphia with the stadium so close to water. When the sun goes down, the air doesn’t lift, and it feels thinner to breathe with exertion. Thin, cold air and hurt ribs, and a slippery ground are not a winning combination.
That combination showed up later in the game, made evident by Stafford’s uncharacteristically spotty ball placement, and decreased velocity on intermediate and deep throws. In the fourth quarter alone, he was 1/5 on passes downfield, and had 5 passes broken up.(DONE)
3) Dallas Goedert Is the Key: Not only was Goedert our leading receiver, but on every one of of our scoring drives from the first to the third quarter, Goedert had a catch. On drives where he didn’t touch the ball, we didn’t score. Simple at that. Until of course, that one play 78 yard dagger in the heart administered by Oh Say Can You Quon.
Oh, I said five targets. Well he had four catches, but one in the third quarter, was wiped out by a penalty on RG Mekhi Becton, who otherwise thugged out in this game. (DONE)
RB Saquon Barkley takes the handoff 78 yards to paydirt.
4) Don’t Overthink It: We didn’t. We stayed in our wheelhouse, of running the ball and playing defense. We didn’t dial up trick plays, or go overboard with Screens. We just put on our boots, tossed the Rams into a vat, and commenced to stomping. (DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was4 of 4. As I always say, if we nail all four, we can’t lose! We opened with a score. They answered, then we retook the lead, and never relinquished it.
Can we do it again? We likely don’t need to, as this Sunday, we get to play a rubber match with the Washington Commanders. This weekend, Philadelphia will host the NFC Championship Game, on our continued quest to win this year’s Super Bowl.
****
Game Hero: RB Saquon Barkley – If it wasn’t for that 70 yard touchdown drive that we gave up in the fourth quarter, making it 22 – 28, I would give this spot to DT Jalen Carter (5 – 2.0 – 0 – 0) for the way he almost singlehandedly sealed the win for us.
Saquon scoring and trolling DE Jared Verse, by slowing enough to allow him a touch
Instead, I have to go with the guy who built the lead, and broke the Rams will to fight back.
Game goat: QB Jalen Hurts – I know some fans are tired of him facing criticism, because whatever he’s doing, it results in wins. For some of us, watching him hold the ball for thirty minutes per play, is beyond frustrating. Just throw the ball away! That beats a sack, every time. If guys aren’t getting open, talk to the Offensive Coordinator. Establish some hot reads. Get the ball in the hands of a teammate.
On The Whole: We started strong and we finished strong. But to be honest, it felt like the Rams had an easier time passing than we did, once the snow hit. That’s not a complaint. Just an observation.
DT Jalen Carter getting his first sack of the game
Sack Leader: OLB Nolan Smith (Sacks:2.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 8)
Special Teams Ace: OLBJeremiah Trotter Jr. kept fumble alive and made FR
LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. with the postseason takeaway. Somewhere out there, is a proud papa!
****
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: PACKERS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Use Lots of Play-Action, Early:Not only did the Eagles not do this early. They didn’t use much of it all game long. Considering the weakness of the Packers pass rush, and Hurts just getting back from concussion protocol; it seems like a no-brainer that play-action would make the Offense run so much smoother. Oh well. (NOT DONE)
2) Bottle Up Their Inside Run: We did a great job of this. With the exception of a 31 yard run (which was almost a tackle for loss), Packers RB Josh Jacobs (18 – 81 – 4.5 – 1 – 0) was held in check all day. In fact, his day was nearly identical to the (16 – 84 – 5.2 – 0 – 0) game that he had, in their first loss against us this season.
Vince watching these Packers struggle to run the ball.
The idea wasn’t to shut down the run, but make it an unreliable aspect of their offense. We did that, and it put all the weight on QB Jordan Love (20/33 – 60.6% – 212 – 0 – 3). He was clearly not up to the task of shouldering the load and carrying his teammates. Mission accomplished. (DONE)
3) Get Hits On Their QB:We got just two sacks of their QB. However, after that first one, where he landed on his previously injured throwing elbow, he was clearly rushing his mechanics. He also scrambled out of danger few times, but that just altered his practiced launch points. Couple that with rushed mechanics, and you get 3 interceptions to 0 touchdowns. (DONE)
4) No Weird Shit:We had just one missed extra point, which was well inside of the tolerance limit established for this game. There were no goofy play calls. No head-scratching timeout usage. We didn’t do anything weird to shoot ourselves in the foot. I’m proud. (DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was 3 of 4. With a margin like that, you expect a comfortable victory, and this was that. Next week we host the Rams, a team that we beat in their home this season. And last season.
****
Game Hero: The Defense – On a day when the Offense was not at all sharp, our Defense forced 3 of our 4 takeaways. (Special Teams forced the first.) We contained their run game, and harassed their QB into three interceptions. Even after LB Nakobe Dean (6 – 0 – 0 – 0) went down with a torn patella tendon, LB Oren Burks(5 – 0 – 0 – 1) who forced the fumble on the opening kickoff, stepped right in and played at a high level.
Game goat: DEJosh Sweat (1 – 0 – 0 – 0) – His presence seems greatly diminished down the stretch of the season, and into the playoffs. For this game he was almost invisible. We can’t have that next week.
On The Whole: Despite us not firing on all cylinders, there were a few CHOICE moments in this game. In fact, both of Jalen Hurts touchdown passes were memorialized. The first one came from the cleanest pocket that you’ve ever seen. Hurts riffled the ball 11 yards to WRJahan Dotson (2 – 1 – 11 – 11.0 – 1).
The second, was a 24 yard catch and run to TE Dallas Goedert (6 – 4 – 47 – 11.75 – 1). He clearly brought his violence to the game, as he repeatedly stiff-armed the trailing defender, who had zero chance of making the stop.
One of the best parts of the game, was after Packer defensive lineman threw Saquon to the ground after whistle had blown the play dead. Though the Eagles were getting the first down, it didn’t stop the Offense, including Hurts, from getting into the face of the offending player. Good to see.
Drive Killer: CB Darius Slay (TD: 0/Int: 0/ FR: 1/ 4th down stops: 0/ FF: 0)
Sack Leader: OLBNolan Smith (Sacks:1.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 3)
Special Teams Ace: K Jake Elliott 2/2 FG 3/3 XP
****
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: STEELERS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Run Behind Becton:The Eagles didn’t run much behind RG Mekhi Becton, but that’s fine, because we weren’t finding much success there anyway. Man, did I swing and miss with this one! (NOT DONE)
2) More Big Fella: I mentioned how we’ve been running DT Jalen Carter (2 tackles) into the ground, with the number and percentage of snaps that we play him. This week he still had a high percentage (91), but his number of actual snaps were low (39), well under his average of 52 per game.
DT Milton Williams, DT Jordan Davis and S Reed Blankenship, stop by to say “hi”
My suggestion for getting Carter rest, was playing DT Jordan Davis (1 tackle) for at least 40% of the snaps in this game. Well at 18 snaps, that put Davis at 42% for the first time since our loss at Tampa Bay. The result was a Steelers team that ran the ball 17 times for 56 yards (3.2ypc), and a fumble. Some more of this please! (DONE)
CB Darius Slay recovers a fumble
3) Set the Edges:The Steelers repeatedly tried to get to the edge with their rushing attempts. Unfortunately for them, all they found out there, were Eagles jerseys and fumbles. Again, we gave up just 56 rushing yards for the WHOLE game! To the STEELERS! And this is a good Steelers team. They came in 10 – 3, leading their division! Yet we absolutely punked and bullied that team up front. (DONE)
4) Punish Their Single-high Coverage:Hurts made a point of punishing the Steelers when they were in this coverage. He sprinkled five deep shots throughout the game, completing three. The best one was the first one. A 22 yard strike to TE Grant Calcaterra (1 – 1 – 22 – 22.0 – 0), that set the tone for our Offense.
The Eagles managed SIX passing plays of of 20 or more yards, due to a few balls that were completed just beyond the box area. Allowing us to still take advantage of their coverage, since defenders were not in place to to cover, because they were playing the run. The result was not one, but TWO 100 yard WR’s. Good stuff! (DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Thingsscore was3 of 4, and the score reflects it. Especially on Defense. We’re going to need some of that mojo when Washington shows up on Sunday. The keys we used to beat them a few weeks ago, won’t work this time. We’ll need a whole new plan.
****
Game Hero: Jalen Hurts – Accounting for 335 yards (290 passing, 45 rushing) and 3 scores (2 passing, 1 rushing), counts as carrying your team to victory. In recent weeks Hurts hasn’t really been driving the car. He’s been a passenger seat navigator. Not driving, but consistently contributing.
This week Hurts was asked to drive again. To his credit, he made it clear that despite his obvious and seemingly non-evolving flaws, he’s still one of the NFL’s more dangerous weapons.
Game goat: Special Teams Co-ordinator Michael Clay– Why on Earth, is CB Cooper DeJean (1 tackle) out there returning punts (3 – 23 – 9.6 – 0)!? As a regular defender, he has no business wearing a bull’s eye on a kick return of any sort.
Understand, this isn’t me lamenting the fumble that he lost. I don’t blame him for doing poorly, in a position that he should never have been placed in. His straight line speed is fine, but he is NOT elusive at the NFL level. Playing DeJean at PR is just an attempt to get him killed. And I 100% blame Clay for this.
On The Whole:
This week however, while national media wanted to try to make a story out of the players, I think the real story, was the offensive coaching staff feeling put on the spot by their own players. So this game was given a passing motif, as much to send a message to their own players, as any fan or pundit, or upcoming opponent.
Much will be made about the great job that we’re doing on Defense, and deservedly so. However, the offensive coaching staff just put the league on notice. The point was made against yet another physical, playoff caliber team, that the Eagles can hurt you any way we chose.
What’s more, when we have you torn and bleeding at the end of a 10 minute drive, with first and goal inside the 10… We can take a knee and mercy kill you. Folks, our Eagles team IS the monster under the bed. And we are 100% real.
Special Teams Ace: S Avonte Maddoxdowned punt at the 2
****
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: PANTHERS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
WR DeVonta Smith putting six points on the board.
1) Get the TE Involved: I understand that the passing game has been somewhat de-emphasized, with the emergence of RB Saquon Barkley, but this is starting to verge on the ridiculous. The Eagles have failed to pass for 180 yards in each of the last three games. Add to that the absence of TE Dallas Goedert(I.R.); and it’s probably of little surprise that TE Grant Calcaterra(3 – 3 – 16 – 5.3 – 1) was minimally involved. (NOT DONE)
2) Show Blitzes Off Carter: This never happened. We never capitalized on DTJalen Carter(3 tackles, 2 TFL) being double-teamed, and their QB was able to evade 4 man rushes all game long. The one sack that we did get, was Baun running this blitz from the other side. Nice to see that it would have worked. (NOT DONE)
3) Take Away Quick Passes:It was inconsistent, but it was there. When we took away the quick pass, their QB would hold the ball, and the chase was on. He hit some big completions that way, but it also contributed to his delivery becoming spotty, and his 55% completion rate.
S C.J. Gardner-Johnson returning his interception for a few yards.
The issue was that, even before Gardner-Johnson was dinged up and went to the locker room in the first half; we were playing entirely too much Zone on the outside. Unfortunately, that let their QB find an early groove, and with it, a confidence and joy which carried him throughout the game. (DONE)
4) Take YES For An Answer:We ran for 209 yards on 31 carries, for a 6.7 yard average. We kept it simple. We stuck to our identity. It was the league’s best rushing attack vs the league’s worst rushing defense; and we didn’t over-think it. We simply took YES for an answer. (DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was2 of 4. We’ll see if we can improve on that, when the Steelers come to town next week, for the 2024 Youse v. Yinz Bowl. Everybody grab your pretzels!
****
Game Hero: RB Saquon Barkley – He kept the chains moving, had five double-digit runs, and never seemed to be trying to do too much. I could also tag the Offensive Line for this, but I don’t want to split this among five guys.
RB Saquon Barkley moving the chains!
Game goat: The Coaching Staff – I have a major bone to pick with BOTH of our Co-ordinators in this game. Much of what irritated me, was the positions the players were put in.
Defensively, Vic Fangio didn’t call a very good game. I already mentioned all the Zone coverage, so I won’t harp on it. However, his four man rush package, was consistently evaded by the scrambling of the opposing QB; taking advantage of five on four blocking. No adjustment was ever made to that.
Then there was the goalline package with DT Thomas Booker (no stats) playing over the C, instead of DT Jordan Davis (1 tackle). What the fuck is that?! It was a walk in touchdown is what it was.
On Offense, Kellen Moore was smart to stick to our identity, but at no point did he call a deep shot for A.J. Brown. Time after time, every receiver on a play seemed to be running some sort of a come-back concept, or double-ins. Where were the clear-out routes?
Also, if we’re going to run so many damned RPO’s, we have to practice them, so that the QB understands the timing necessary to keep a 25 yard gain, from becoming an Ineligible Man Downfield penalty. That and Illegal Pick penalties, seem to happen far too often. Get it together.
On The Whole: I feel like the coaches, not the players, were looking past Carolina. The play-calling and adjustments were as creative as a preseason game. Maybe in anticipation of the playoffs, the staff is now trying to build in false tendencies, for opposing teams to get hung-up studying. If that’s the case, it would explain a great deal.
Special Teams Ace: WRJahan Dotson (1 – 1 – 7 – 7.0 – 0) Onside recovery to seal game
****
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for theseFour Thingsarticles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: RAVENSdid the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Control the Tackle Box: As prescribed, our Defensive Line didn’t get blown off the line of scrimmage. In fact, it as it was DT Jordan Davis (2 tackles) that spent most of the game getting double-teamed, DT Jalen Carter practically lived in the Ravens backfield with 3 of his 4 tackles being for a loss, including him blowing up a Jet Sweep on his own.
DT Jalen Carter blows up a Jet Sweep
We also did a solid job of setting the edges and bottling the runs inside. Maybe a little too good, as we ended up being gashed for a couple of RB Screens. But the adjustment was made on that, to the tune of rookie NCB Cooper DeJean de-cleating the Ravens 250 pound, starting RB. (DONE)
2) Unleash Goedert:We came out and punted FOUR TIMES, before Jalen Hurts attempted a pass to TE Dallas Goedert (4 – 3 – 35 – 11.6 – 1). It was good for a 17 yard touchdown and the Offense opened up from there. That pass didn’t happen until Goedert collided with the Ravens star S, who then had to be checked for a concussion.
It shouldn’t have to take nearly K.O.ing a guy, to get the QB to look Goedert’s way.
However, once that did, the complexion of the game slanted. The best example happened on RB Saquon Barkley’s 25 yard touchdown run: Goedert was lined up on the left side of LT Jordan Mialata. The ball was snapped. The hand-off went to Barkley who stepped right, going behind RG Mekhi Becton and disappearing into the swirling mass of Humanity. Ravens LB #23 Trenton Simpson (4 tackles) who was lined up in the box, doesn’t flow to his left to follow Barkley. Instead, he steps down and to his right, in the direction of a blocking Goedert. This ensures no back-side pursuit, and 25 yards later it’s Saquon and taxes. .
Once Goedert was established as a threat, the Ravens had to deal with him. Which made life easier for the entire Offense. We took our time getting around to it, but we got it (DONE)
3) Keep Our Linebackers Clean: Brother, the Ravens offensive line had more than they could handle up front with our Defensive Line. This let LB Nakobe Dean (10 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) and LB Zack Baun (13 – 1.0 – 0 – 1) bring two arms to their tackles, and not get dragged around by a RB bigger than either of them.
LB Zack Baun brings down RB Derrick Henry for a loss
We used some 5 – 2 alignments early, but shifted out of it later in the game, as our four man line proved able enough at clogging running lanes and keeping the opposing RBs trapped behind thetrash.(DONE)
4) Take Deep Shots Early: We took one early to WR A.J. Brown, and then backed away from any hint of a downfield passing attack. Part of it felt like the Eagles couldn’t force the issue with WR DeVonta Smithbeing out; but part of it feels like trying to preserve Brown, in a game that featured just 21 dropbacks compared to 24 hand-offs. There were also 9 QB runs, but those runs have to be thought of as a third category. (NOT DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was 3 of 4. We got off to a slow start with the Offensive stuff, but on Defense we were killing it from the door. Next week we host a Carolina team, that recently has forgotten that they are doormats. It’s time someone reminded them.
****
Game Hero: The Defense – Our Offense couldn’t muster a single point in two of the four quarters in this game. We opened up with four straight punts and our QB started 0/4 passing. The last 7 of the Ravens 19 points were garbage time cosmetics, in a half of football, that saw them essentially shutout when the game was still in question. Keep in mind this was done without the Defense garnering a single turnover. S Tristin McCollum almost had one, on a 4th down pass break-up.
Game goat: The Officiating – I am amazed at how the most penalized team in the league, played us so cleanly! And I would have liked to see a replay of the Ravens QB’s 39 yard run, which somehow resulted in a flag being picked up. Dear NFL, why no replay after a 39 yard run??? Is this a new policy?
On The Whole:
This game was a measuring stick, to assess whether or not the 2024 Eagles, are really a deep playoff caliber team. We answered that with a resounding FUCK YEAH!!
We out-ran, out-tackled, out-toughed, and flat out-played the Ravens in their OWN HOME. Save for a garbage time run, that should have been brought back by penalty, we shut this team out of an entire half of the game. The second half. You know, the important one.
And don’t ask me about the Barkley/Henry MVP match-up. I think we tucked that baby neatly into a crib, and shot him into space. Man, we even had two kicks downed inside the five, by two different players. So even Special Teams was crackling with energy.
The slow offensive starts have to be resolved, but I’m not sure what can be done to make that happen. As Barkley surges to prominence, it almost seems like Hurts is sleepwalking more and more. Poise is one thing, but a lack of urgency is quite another.
We’re a deep playoff team, but if a team can jump on us 14 – 0 like the Buccaneers did, (our loss 16 – 33), we’re in trouble.
Side note: For what it’s worth, I didn’t like the look in A.J. Brown’s eyes, during his post-game interview at his locker. He said all the right things, but… I’ll let you look it up for yourself. You tell me.
Sack Leader: DT Milton Williams (Sacks:2.0/ FF: 1/ Tackles: 2)
Special Teams Ace: TE Dallas Goedertonside kick recovery
****
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: RAMS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Don’t Get Cute:As the second part of this key, I said that TE Dallas Goedert (5 – 4 – 19 – 4.7 – 0) should see eight targets in this game. He didn’t, because we were already killing them with the first part of this key. My exact words were: “We are a running team, and our rushing attack is led by RB Saquon Barkley. Stick to that.”
SHEESH! Did we ever! We ran for 314 yards and 3 TD’s. Our Offensive Line cut off backside pursuits, while providing holes big enough for a motorcycle. Saquon had a 70 yard touchdown run, on the first play of the second half; and a 72 yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter. He was hardly touched for either. This is unfair. I love it!(DONE)
2) Send the Dawgs:The Rams tried to scare us early, with their rushing attack. On their first drive, they notched 47 of the 92 rushing yards that they’d get all night. Then we forced a fumble and recovered it, ending that drive. As I said in FT, they can’t make a living on their run game, so they must lean on the pass (17 runs, 38 dropbacks).
DT Milton Williams gets one of his his two sacks here
So the call in FT, was to beat up on the opposing QB. Well, we sacked him four times, and knocked him down a bunch more. He didn’t turn the ball over, but we did get him to fumble, and kept him rattled to the tune of 0 for 8 on third down. (DONE)
3) Get An Early Touchdown:We got just one drive in the first quarter, and it became a field goal. (NOT DONE)
4) Blitz Over Their Right Tackle:I don’t recall a single edge blitz in this game. When we did blitz, it was through the middle. We didn’t really need to bring extra bodies, since our Front Four were doing such an effective job. (NOT DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was 2 of 4. We need to solve our first quarter scoring issue. We can’t have a serious discussion about a deep playoff run, if we don’t. Playoff caliber teams will make short work of us.
Speaking of playoff caliber teams, our next match-up is a measuring stick against one. Specifically the Baltimore Ravens, who come in with the NFL’s #2 rusher. Take a guess at who’s #1.
****
Game Hero: RB Saquon Barkley – (Admit it. That segue was Hall Of Fame worthy.) He piled up 255 rushing yards, on 26 carries, vs Hurts 22 pass attempts. He set an Eagles all-time rushing record for a single game, and he even showed off as a receiver (4 – 4 – 47 – 11.7 – 0), bringing his individual yardage total to 302 yards.
Game goat: Injuries – It was bad enough to lose CB Darius Slay (3 tackles) to a concussion; but losing DE Brandon Graham(2 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) to a torn tricep for the remainder of the season, was a stab in the belly. Finding out that the injury could be the epitaph of his career, was just twisting the knife.
On The Whole: Except for a few big plays by the Eagles, this game was largely a fist-fight in a phone-booth. The Rams seemed like they wanted to go toe-to-toe with us on that, but in the end, they simply didn’t have the stamina for it. Once a few of the LB’s were thrown out the club, they seemed to lose the desire to play tough.
Funny thing is, the Eagles were shorthanded with WR DeVonta Smith, out with a hammy. And it didn’t seem to disrupt much. We largely didn’t do anything fancy, and honestly, it felt like we were trying to milk the clock, from the moment we first got the ball.
Drive Killer: S Reed Blankenship (TD: 0/Int: 1/ FR: 0/ 4th down stops: 0/ FF: 0)
Sack Leader: DE Brandon Graham (3way tie) (Sacks:1.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 3)
Special Teams Ace: TE Dallas Goedert (5 – 5 – 61 – 12.2 – 0) Onside kick recovery
****
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: COMMANDERS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Run ‘Em Down:I said lean on the run. We did it. We ran the ball 40 times and threw it 28. I said do it, even if it’s not working early. We did it. And eventually the Commanders ran out of gas and were gashed for a 23 yard TD, followed by a 39 yard TD run. Those two scores are what won us the game.
C Cam “Beef” Jurgens throws a dude “out the club”, during RB Saquon Barkley’s 39 yard touchdown run, right through the heart of the Washington defense.
I called for 30 non-QB runs in this one, and we hit that number exactly on the head. I said Barkley needs to go over his typical 22 carries and he logged 26. We stuck to our guns in this one, and were rewarded for it in the end. (DONE)
2) Torment Single-high Coverage:We really didn’t get anywhere close to this one. While Washington didn’t give us a lot of Single-high looks, when they did, the routes seemed to shy away from exploiting it. Which is what helped make things more difficult for Saquon early on. (NOT DONE)
3) Hit Their Quarterback: You know what’s hard to heal while playing football, every week? Broken ribs. Especially on a frame without much padding. I had my suspicions that QB Jayden Daniels (22/32 – 68.8% – 191 – 1 – 1) would still look labored while playing and this game absolutely confirmed what I thought.
MLB Zack Baun and S Reed Blankenship force QB Jayden Daniels out of bounds on 4th down, short of the first down.
We sacked him three times, and hit him a bunch more. When he ran the ball, instead of being a weapon, he was almost a liability (7 – 18 – 2.57 – 0 – 0). He also threw a number of passes that hit the ground short of their target. (DONE)
4) Jump A Couple of Short Passes: Oh yeah! LB Zack Baun (14 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) had a nice pass breakup of a crossing route over the middle with a diving swat. And while it wasn’t exactly a “short” route, Reed Blankenship’s interception out of Robber Coverage, was a TEXTBOOK example of jumping a route.
A few more picks like that, and more opposing QB’s will start holding the ball longer, simply because they don’t trust their eyes. This game helped to set a beautiful precedent. (DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was 3 of 4things. If not for the sluggish start, this game could have been a runaway. Regardless, we got the ‘W’. Now we get a little extra rest, and prepare for the Rams not tomorrow, but the following Sunday night. That’s right, kiddies! It’s a prime time game. So those of us with a gray hair or two, may want to get a nap around 2:00. Wake up around 6 and have some chili. Damn. I have a plan now.
****
Game Hero: RB Saquon Barkley – The team kept hammering him into the defense. Not like the slashing blade, but like the pommel of a sword. Beating, and badgering forward, stubbornly. We made it a war of attrition, and we just kept hitting Washington in the ribs.
We worked the body until the head came down, and once it was exposed, Saquon JFK’ed them. Twice. He scored on a 23 yard run off the right side; and a 39 yarder directly through their heart. If I hadn’t already turned off my conscience, I would have felt bad for the poor Redsk- oops! Commanders.
Game goat: K Jake Elliott – (2/4 FG, 2/3 XP) That’s seven points that he LEFT on the field. Three kicks that went wide left of the uprights. Three in a row! It wasn’t particularly windy. His LS and Holder were the same as always. He just was off. And stayed off for too long.
On The Whole: Believe it or not, unlike most, I have not spent the season harping on the team’s slow starts. However….
Look, this is a problem that needs to be solved. We are seven games away from the playoffs. That caliber of team will not just let us up for air, if we find ourselves drowning 3 – 10, in the third quarter. We have got to get better at hurting opponents early.
That said, let’s get to enjoying being in first place.
Sack Leader: DE Bryce Huff (Sacks:1.0/ FF: 1/ Tackles: 1)
Special Teams Ace: K Jake Elliott10 points on 2/2 FG and 4/4 XP
****
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: COWBOYS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Take Away Anything Simple:QB Cooper Rush (13/23 – 56.5% – 45 – 0 – 0) and QB Trey Lance (4/6 – 66.6% – 21 – 0 – 1) never really had underneath or intermediate options, so instead they threw a few fruitless attempts downfield, but mostly kept dumping it off, on passes around the line of scrimmage. At that point the Eagles just made the tackles.
We entirely boxed up their passing game at 2.2 yards per pass attempt (17/29 – 58.6% – 66 – 0 – 1), and used the same coverage concept, to control their run game (24 – 97 – 4.0 – 0 – 1). We did the fuck out of this. It won’t work every week, but we need to keep this concept on speed dial.(DONE)
2) Play-action Should Be Deadly: Play-action was used effectively in this game, but not in the way that I mentioned here. Who cares? We won! On a very positive note, our TE’s and WR’s three and four were meaningfully involved.
TE Dallas Goedert scores!
Retuning from injury TE Dallas Goedert (3 – 2 – 25 – 12.5 – 1) struck paydirt, as did rookie WR4 Johnny Wilson (1 – 1 – 5 – 5.0 – 1). For the second week in a row WR3 Jahan Dotson (1 – 1 – 27 – 27.0 – 0) grabbed a pass over 25 yards. Even though this wasn’t done, there is a silver lining. (NOT DONE)
3) Blitz From the Defense’s Left:We didn’t do much blitzing in this one. Instead, our four man pass rush benefited, from the coverage concept we were running. We got three sacks and three fumble recoveries out of it. Can’t be mad at that! (NOT DONE)
4) Take the Points, Nick!: Head Coach Nick Sirianniwas great in this one! He took the points that were available. He didn’t gamble with either the situation or his player’s health. (DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was2 of 4, but what a 2 of 4! It was- Nope! No time to dwell on it. Four days from now, we host the 7 – 3 Commanders, in a battle to keep first place in the NFC East.
****
LB Zack Baun forcing RB Ezekiel Elliott to cough up the ball near the goal line
Game Hero: LB Zack Baun – He was part of THREE, of our five turnover in this game, he forced two fumbles. One was recovered by S Reed Blankenship (4 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) and the other by DB Cooper DeJean(2 – 0.0 – 0 – 0). He also recovered a fumble forced by DE Bryce Huff.
Game goat: QB Jalen Hurts – He had two first half turnovers (1 interception, 1 fumble), keeping this game an actual game, for longer than it should have been. He also invited five first half sacks, with his tendency to hold the ball too long.
On The Whole: Lots of people will tell you that Dallas was without their starting QB for this game. That’s wrong. Cooper Rush is their starter now. He’s never played on any other team, so he knows Dallas’s system. He had a week’s worth of prep for this game. He had reps with the Ones. So we defeated their starter.
Saquon Barkley had 14 rushing attempts and he caught 1 pass, for a total of 15 touches. I said it would be nice if he had 16 touches or fewer; because we need to lighten his workload. That is, if we don’t want him to be gassed for the playoffs. Besides, it first gives him a break in anticipation of the game against the Commanders on Thursday.
So right now we’re on a five game win streak, we sit atop the division, and right now we seem to be getting better every, single week. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling pretty good about the season right now.
EAGLEMANIACAL.com 