So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: RAVENS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) The Defensive Interior: Looked pretty good out there. DT Ty Robinson (2 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) was essentially lined up at DE and did a nice job of getting upfield to create pressure. With his body type and physical style;I said last year that he was my favorite pick of the Draft, and that I thought if played at LDE, would be special. He played RDE in this one, but the telling was there.
Taken at face value, DT Uar Bernard(no stats) was a mixed bag. However, given that this was his very first competitive football game ever played, he was outstanding. He has a ton of technique stuff to iron out, but his passion and power were on display here. If he doesn’t let this year discourage him, the Eagles have a find on their hands. (+)
2) Flip-Flop: I suppose it was wise to not overwhelm rookie RT Markel Bell. He didn’t play any snaps at LT. He just stuck to RT, and didn’t do anything dumb. Nothing eye-popping, but he at least looked like he belonged out there. (+)
3) A Second Look:First, WR Hollywood Brown (1 – 1 – 4 – 4.0 – 0) caught the only pass thrown to him. That’s to his credit. That said, a four yard route to speedster, playing against second stringers in a vanilla cover scheme, was a pretty weak play-call. Offensive Coordinator Sean Mannion: Step you game up next week.
I wanted to see what WR Quez Watkins (no receiving stats) would do with any passes coming his way. Not one did. (-)
4) Bottom of the Roster:Of the two long-shots that I was keeping an eye on, only RB Ja’Quindon Jackson (1 catch for 11 yards), saw any action. (-)
++++
Next week we travel to face off against the New England Patriots. So far their forecast calls for rain, so don’t expect a whole lot of throwing the ball around. Unless the forecast changes by then.
****
Game Hero: QB Cole Payton – (4/9 – 44.4 – 37 – 1 – 0) racking up 45 rushing yards on 3 carries, Payton provided the spark that kept the Eagles from being shutout.
Game goat: OC Sean Mannion – For a guy trying to establish himself and get his feet wet for real competition in less than a month, he didn’t seem very interested in challenging himself. The most of the routes were of the dink and dunk variety, leading to us seeing TE Eli Stowers (3 – 3 – 12 – 4.0 – 0) catch the same pass, three times for nearly the same result each time.
On The Whole:
I ended up more disappointed by the play-calling, more than anything else. The Ravens racked up yards more than points, but that largely had to do with our Offense not being able to stay on the field.
WHILE I can’t speak for you, fellow Birds fan, I can tell you that I’m starving for some Eagles football. I also want to get a look at the core concepts of the new offensive system being run by Offensive Co-ordinator Sean Mannion. More QB under C. More pre-snap motion. More play-action. And even better, play-action that teams have to respect now.
Whether we win or lose this game is meaningless, but that doesn’t make the game itself meaningless. Some of the guys we’ll see in this game, will be playing for their right to an NFL career. Their very dreams will be on the line. So I expect a spirited and lively display out there.
****
The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner. It’s to discuss which tactics will give our Eagles the best chance to defeat this week’s opponent. Except in preseason. Winning would be nice, but these games aren’t for that. They’re for helping us establish depth, and to perhaps uncover a gem or two.
So here’s what I’ll be keeping an eye on, in this match-up
1) The Defensive Interior:Winning the point of contact is key So, I want to see how often DT Ty Robinsonand DT Uar Bernard, gain penetration, stone a blocker, or otherwise impact a play at the line of scrimmage.
2) Flip-Flop:We know that rookie OT Markel Bell is seeing extensive work at RT, especially with him being mentioned as RTLane Johnson’s heir apparent. The question is: How much work will he see at LT, tonight? It’s a great time to see if he’s up to playing the Swing, at the NFL level.
3) A Second Look:WR Hollywood Brown was brought in to be the vertical threat here, but so far the dude is showing why he’s on his fourth team in eight years.
Interestingly, after a two year hiatus, WR Quez Watkins is making a return in Eagles green. Like Brown, Watkins is a speed merchant, with a rep for not being clutch. I’ll be keeping a keen eye on these guys.
4) Bottom of the Roster:I want to look a couple of long-shots in, RB Ja’Quinden Jackson and TE Stone Smart, to see if they can make a case for themselves. Not necessarily to make the active roster, but see they can get into the discussion. These are likely Practice Squad guys, but I like parts of their game.
****
Not going too deep on this one. Been a while since I just sort of sat back, and watched a game as a fan. I think I’m going to mostly focus on that, with this game. I’ll round into shape in time for the season, but for right now… I’m just glad to be cheering for my Birds again.
****
WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know FOOTBALL and that’s it. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, then you are a fool trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.
Check back in a couple of days for Four Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
Special Teams Ace: 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.
THAT Rams game was a statement win. Despite missing WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring), the Eagles still scored nearly 40 points, while rushing for over 300 yards, and even got 100 yards and a TD from WR A.J. Brown.
If we get Smith back, we just might end up terrorizing this week’s opponent, as they are the second worst pass defense in the entire league. Their problem isn’t a lack of talent or experience. It’s a fatal flaw built into the very structure of their defensive philosophy, and it has reared it’s head in each of their four losses.
This is a measuring stick game. This game will tell us that we are either ready for a deep playoff run; or it will tell us what needs tightening up, before the playoffs start. Win or lose, we needed a game like this.
A win raises us to 10 – 2, and ensures that we will hold the division lead, at least until our Week 16 re-match with Washington.
A loss would stall us at 9 – 3. We would however, still enjoy a 2 game in-division cushion over Washington.
****
The point of Four Thingsisn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win this game. Often I list fundamentals, as some of the four things. BUT NO MORE! Unless something specific is needed, fundamentals like Running the ball; playing lots of Man Press; andTackling instead of going for the strip, will be automatically included. (Like the five consonants and a vowel that Wheel Of Fortune automatically spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Ravens
1) Control the Tackle Box:We have to make sure that two keys happen against the Ravens offensive line. The first key, is not allowing the middle of our Defensive Line to get blown off the Line of Scrimmage. With DT Jalen Carter getting double-teamed a lot, we’re going to need DT Jordan Davis to blow up a couple of inside runs.
The second key, is setting the edge. This will also help contain QB scrambles, and any Jet Sweep action. Setting the edge is where we are going to miss DE Brandon Graham (I.R.), the most. If we do both of those things, we’ll congest the running lanes and make it harder for them on the ground.
2) Unleash Goedert: The Ravens play a 3 – 4 defense, and their primary pass rush comes from their OLB’s. It’s a fatal flaw built into the very structure of the Raven’s philosophy of defense. That plays right into the Kerrigan Plan(if don’t know what that is already, click that link), and TE Dallas Goedertis exactly the man to execute that plan.
For a TE to be disruptive to the Ravens, he doesn’t need a bunch of yards or catches. He just needs to be important enough to the offense, that the Ravens have to pull an ILB to the outside, or keep a S over the TE. Either of these moves will weaken interior of the box. And you know what happens if the box is loose! Ohhh, say can you ‘quon…
Just get Goedert going early. He doesn’t need to finish the day with a ton of stats. We just need to force the Ravens to cover him. Or, if they choose not to, let him keep doing damage. We don’t need specific numbers from him, but you’ll recognize his impact if the interior run game looks good.
3) Keep Our Linebackers Clean: Tackling the Ravens RB will be a chore. Especially if he gets up a head of steam. Fortunately for us, he’s really big, at roughly 250 pounds. So he won’t fit through the smaller holes, and we can trap him in the trash on early downs, to help set up third and longs.
However, for those downs when he does see a decent hole, we need LB Nakobe Dean and LB Zack Baunto meet him in those holes. So blockers have to be kept off of them, so that they can see, and bring both arms cleanly to their tackle attempts. That might mean using more of the 5 – 2 alignment than we have been recently.
4) Take Deep Shots Early: To make Goedert more effective, and thereby open up the run, we need to get the ball downfield. That will clear space for the intermediate stuff. It’s not about making the catch (though it would be nice if we do). It’s about making the attempts. So don’t be bummed if a couple of early bombs don’t connect. Those passes are for stabilizing the Offense.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
This game is a Test. This is to see if we are Conference Championship game material. While a road win over an 8 – 4 team, would strongly suggest that we are ready for a run; a loss (at this point in the season), doesn’t mean that we aren’t. It would just be pointing out the things we need to work on.
Understand, right now, as long as we don’t get blown out, either result is a good result, due to the caliber of our competition. Why pad our late season, with bottom-feeder wins? That’s what the Cowboys do, and what happens to them in the playoffs? Like clockwork, you can almost set your calendars to Dallas losing in the Divisional round. It should damned near be a holiday!
Look, let’s take this test, and dissect it afterwards. Win or lose. The goal is a parade in February, and this Sunday in December, is an important study tool in helping us to accomplish that.
****
WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know FOOTBALL and that’s it. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, then you are a fool trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.
Check back in a couple of days for Four Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
Drive Killer: LB Patrick Johnson(TD: 0/Int: 0/ FR:1 / 4th down stops: 0 / FF: 1)
Sack Leader: LB Patrick Johnson (Sacks:1.0/ FF: 1/ Tackles: 4)
Special Teams Ace: KJake Elliott 1/ 2 XP, 1/2 FG, with 49yd game winner
****
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: RAVENSdid the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
RB Kendall Milton
1) Running the Ball Inside: None of what I was looking for mattered, because the starters didn’t play. RB Kendall Milton did get to play, and he led the team in rushing. Sadly it was later, against fellow third stringers. I wanted to see him vs players above his level. Meh, maybe next week. (NOT DONE)
2) Stopping the Run:We were better in the second half at stopping the run. Neither the D-Line, nor ILB’s Devin White(1 tackle) or Zach Baun (1 tackle), seemed to be out there imposing their will. In fact, the only ILB that seemed to remember how to slip a block, was ILB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (you have no idea how much my chest just swelled when I typed that) (6 tackles, 1 sack).
During the season I would make this a passing grade, because finishing strong matters more than starting fast. However, in preseason games, the stronger competition comes out early, and leaves before it’s late. So the model is upside down right now. Thus I have to say… (NOT DONE)
3) Dynamic Slot Play:There was no dynamic WR play of any kind. The routes were super-vanilla, and the passes were short and quick, rarely going 10 yards down the field. It was Dink-And-Dunk mania. Somewhere out there, Sam Bradford was watching, and wondering when he would get a statue.
On a more positive note, WR John Ross (one of the guys I’m rooting for), led the team in catches and receiving yards. He did it playing against type, and acting as a possession receiver, instead of a downfield threat. Not bad but, (NOT DONE)
4) Contested Routes: Initially, it seemed we were in for a long night of easily surrendered completions. Next thing you know, CB Quinyon Mitchell (dropped interception), and CBKelee Ringo (2 passes knocked down) were making it clear that throwing the ball in their direction, could prove costly.
In the end, the Ravens were held to 99 yards on 10/22 pass attempts (45.5%). The sticky coverage helped the Eagles notch 3 sacks on the night. That final sack by LB/DE Patrick Johnson, helped the Birds pull out a last second victory. Without good coverage, that’s a quick attempt instead of a turnover. (DONE)
++++
So going 1 of 4 in this one, was enough to eek out a 3 point win, on the road. I’ll take it! Next week, we travel up to New England, where maybe we see a starter next week.
****
Game Hero: LB Patrick Johnson – I know some people will give it to K Jake Elliott, because he had to actually make the field goal to break the 13 – 13 tie. However, he had already missed his chance to be the hero. It was only Johnson’s sack/forced fumble/fumble recovery that led to Elliott getting that second opportunity.
Game goat: K Jake Elliott – Don’t look so surprised! Had he not missed an early extra point, we wouldn’t have needed him to make the field goal that he missed. Luckily, thanks to LB Patrick Johnson, Elliott got another shot at a game winner, and he nailed it.
On The Whole: I still wanted to see the starters. There is too much new on this team (co-ordinators, players, systems, etc.), to assume that the starters will be ready to go Week One, without any preseason reps. Especially given how they were blown out and humiliated, in the last game we played that mattered.
PLEASE do not watch this preseason game trying to discern whether the Eagles “fixed” what was wrong last year. Nothing you see in this game, will indicate that. Especially since Head Coach Nick Siriannidoesn’t like to play starters much in the preseason.
What you should be looking for, is how different ‘Motion’ will make the Offense look. What you should be looking for, is how each of our MLB’s performs. What you should be looking for, is Big Dom.
A win or a loss is meaningless this week. What matters, is how hard guys play. What matters, is if they’re upset with mistakes. At this point in the year, passion should hang in the air so heavy, that you could scoop it by the handful. How bad do we want it, at the outset?
****
The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win the game. Except in preseason. These games are just tune-ups. So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on tuning up, this week versus the Ravens:
From 2023, Jason Kelce imparting some wisdom to Cam Jurgens
1) Running the Ball Inside: Teams already disrespect QB Jalen Hurts, by throwing the sort of blitzes at him, that only rookies usually see. To relieve pressure on him, we have to be able to run. With the retirement of C Jason Kelce, we need to immediately establish that opponents must respect C Cam Jurgens.
What that means, is a few early runs between the C and one of the G’s. Real runs, not theBrotherly Shove. Hell, we shouldn’t even attempt one of those this week. It’d be nice to see rookie RB Kendall Milton get a couple of early totes, against better players.
2) Stopping the Run: As last season ended, it seemed like our Defensive Line had worn down, as they kept losing ground at the point of attack. They didn’t even occupy blocks to free up our LB’s, and allow them to flow to the play. It became hard to watch. With the retirement of DT Fletcher Cox, guys like DT Jordan Davis must show improvement.
DT’s Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter are the future.
In this regard, Baltimore is probably the stiffest test the NFL can throw at us. They are the absolute best test we hope for. Given that we see them again in Week 13, it would also be a huge confidence boost, if we can contain, or even stop their run game.
3) Dynamic Slot Play:Adding a good Slot WR to this Offense, would make it corrosive to even the best defenses. This is where another WR needs to step-up, as a complement to WRA.J. Brown and WR Devonta Smith. A good Slot will also loosen the box for our run game.
I think WR Britain Covey is already a lock at WR5 as a KR/PR. So between the DJax-like speed of WR John Ross, and the 6’6” frame of WR Johnny Wilson, those are the two candidates that I hope become our WR’s 3 and 4. In the event of an injury, WR Austin Watkins needs a long look here.
4) Contested Routes: It’s not enough for our Secondary to make tackles after completions. It’s not enough to contest a completion, late in the receiver’s route. We need for our Defensive Backs to be running with their receiver for most of, if not the entire route.
Playing off-coverage, and letting receivers quickly get to their spots, lets the opposing QB get the ball out of his hand, fast. This retards the pass rush, and then everyone blames the Defensive Line for not getting sacks. We need to make QB’s search for openings, and in the process, hold that ball longer.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then they will be sowing seeds for massive success this season. We need to see indications on the field, that they have turned the page from whatever ailed them at the end of last season. These Four Things would make that case beyond the shadow of a doubt!
On a personal note, I’m sure well see some WR Screens, but I don’t want to see one on 4th and 12 again! I will absolutely lose my shit, if that happens. Regardless of if we convert or not. I’m looking forward to seeing this new look Offense; but with us moving to basically a 3-4 Defense, I’m a little less enthused about this side of the ball.
But we’ll see.
****
Prediction: EAGLES 13 – Ravens 27
Why: Road game and the Eagles will be playing to evaluate, not really to win.
WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know football and that’s IT. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, you are trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.
Check back in a couple of days for Four Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
DT Jalen Carter – (No stats) Easily discarded a Guard and nearly ran down a sack on his first NFL snap. How is the 9th overall pick still a steal? Thank you Atlanta!!!!
DT Moro Ojomo – (3 tackles) Baltimore couldn’t keep him out of their backfield. It was against their third unit, but he’s a 7th round rookie, so he warrants more study.
S Sydney Brown – (9 tackles) Made stops and brought a physical presence as well.
CB Eli Ricks – (1tack – 1 int TD) Got his hands on two passes, knocking one down and taking the other to the house.
WR Greg Ward – (5 – 53 – 10.6 – 0) Still does an excellent job of giving his QB an easy, early target.
Who looked bad:
QBIan Book – (1/4 – 25% – 11 – 0 – 0) Was reluctant to throw the ball too often.
OL Tyler Steen – Got the start at LT and struggled, giving up an early sack. Moved to RG and still failed to impress.
DE Tarron Jackson – (1 tackle) did not make his presence felt despite great interior play.
DE Kyron Johnson – (No stats) Was practically invisible.
****
The broad strokes are usually covered by lots of other publications and podcasts. You can go a hundred places and read the same four or five bullet points, mentioned in ninety-seven of those places. Stats aside, what about the Four Thingsyou came here to review, right? Let’s see if we scored a HIT or a MISS on the areas I discussed.
1) Throwing to the RB’s: Aside from a lone checkdown to RB Trey Sermon in the second half, there were no other completions to a RB, all game long. So far there doesn’t seem to be much difference between this and the last few year’s offense, in that regard. I understand not wanting to divulge pertinent information to opponents, but we have to practice what we do, if we’re going to be any good at it. MISS
2) Getting Defensive:Hits that draw flags. I was looking for two or three of those, and we didn’t have one. Yes, there were a few hits that laid the wood, but nothing that will “impact” opponents mentally, as Defensive Coordinator Sean Desai says he wants. While S Justin Evans and rookie S Sydney Brown provided some physicality, no one is going to see those guys in their sleep. MISS
3) Who’s On First?: Offensive Line Coach Jeff Stoutlandtold everyone last week that RG Cam Jurgens hadn’t locked up the starting job. I told you on Thursday that that was bullshit. Result? Jurgens spent Saturday night wearing a white Eagles t-shirt. So, you know, keep coming here to find out what’s what.
While I didn’t expect Jurgens to play much, I was surprised that he didn’t play at all. That’s an unforced error by the coaching staff. Jurgens isn’t a seasoned NFL starter who can just step back into where he left off last season, because last season he saw exactly 35 snaps. A guy as green as he is could use the work. If only to work on his muscle memory moving from bench C to starting RG.
I was interested in seeing if he got any game snaps at C, just in the interest of letting him play the spot that we all know he’ll inherit. It wasn’t a serious point, but him not playing at all, doesn’t sit well with me. MISS
4) Listening for a POP!: Sadly, MLB Nakobe Dean didn’t start. In fact, he didn’t play. He wasn’t even wearing an unpadded jersey on the sideline. Call me crazy, but I think zero career starts is too early to grant a player sacred cow status. Same as Jurgens, he could have used the work. And for those who ask “What if he’d gotten injured?”, my answer is, preseason game one is the time to find out if a guy is fragile. Not Week One.
No one popped at second or third string DE, which was surprising considering how much of a runaway train DT Moro Ojomo was out there. He was in the Ravens backfield so much, that it wouldn’t have been weird to see him pick up a blitz, or take a hand-off. It’s hard to believe he was still available in the seventh round.
The Eagles didn’t move CB Kelee Ringo around at all. Surprising since he has seen time at S and NCB in camp. Instead, he got a long look at LCB, where he made a hustle play to corral a long run, but then was later beaten for a 7 yard TD pass. He was all at once more than I expected, and less. MISS
****
This week we had four misses, and no hits. (Don’t worry, during the season it will go back to Done/Not Done.) Understand, the misses aren’t really failures, any more than hits would necessarily be successes. Hits and misses are just a way of charting the outcomes of what was discussed, during the preseason. That’s it.
****
On The Whole:
Our second string Offense moved the ball well against their second string defense. QB Marcus Mariota didn’t look very comfortable out there, except for throwing to WR Greg Ward. Though I wonder if thatwasn’t more Ward than Mariota. RB DeAndre Swift looked nifty, but the play-calling included too much east-west running.
Third string QB Tanner McKee took more shots downfield, but he has to, given the fact that he’s a statue. Any career he has, will be birthed by his arm, not his legs. He made a couple of nice back-shoulder completions (one was called back due to offensive pass interference).
RB Rashaad Pennylooked like he was saving his body for the regular season, because we all know that he can run harder than he did in this game. At no point did he look like a man worried about being cut.
Defensively, I was surprised to see DT Jordan Davis slotted at 4-3 DE at the start of this game, but then it occurred to me that he was actually more of a DT in a 5-2. Seeing rookies DT Jalen Carter and OLB Nolan Smith nearly combine for a sack was nice. What was even better, was how quickly they created that pressure. If we stay healthy, we’re going to be a problem up front this year.
LAST time we took the field the result was a 35 – 38 loss, in the Super Bowl. Horseshoes and hand grenades, right? So this preseason game is the beginning of the tune-up, prior to the race to go back and finish the job this time.
As is the norm for preseason games, most starters will likely sit this one out. It’s primarily to prevent injury, though some think the lack of conditioning actually leads to more injuries. Still, the new players and rookies need to be folded in. So expect to see a half or so from them.
I also want to see how some new concepts are settling in.
If a win happens, great; but there is no merit in chasing a “W”. Getting a deep look at these guys, to make sure that we aren’t about to cut a potential star, is far more important. We need to know who our roster depth, and Practice Squad should be.
Also, before you put too much stock in watching WR Quez Watkins, let me just say Don’t. We already know that Quez can make the roster. Where he has to prove himself, is in games that count. That’s where he shit the bed last year, so that’s the mess he has to clean up in 2023.
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The point of Four Thingsisn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win this game. Except in the preseason. At which point the wins are usually less valuable than the losses.
There are more than four things to watch for this week, but I’ll try to narrow the focus so that you don’t get burned out, trying to watch too much football, all at one time.
1) Throwing to the RB’s: We already know that Screens and Wheel routes will feature for us in 2023. I’m looking to see what else looks promising. I’m interested in seeing the QB hit the RB’s in stride. Dump-offs to stationary targets gives advantage to the opposing defense. I want to see as little of that as possible.
2) Getting Defensive: New Defensive Coordinator Sean Desai, wants to impact opposing offenses both physically and mentally. That means hitting to intimidate. Translation: We need to cause some flags to get thrown. We need to.
Two or three ‘unnecessary roughness’ calls on non-QB players, sounds like healthy number. Nothing dirty or with intent to injure, but a couple of borderline hits. A full launch, instead of a shove out of bounds. A ‘pick-up and plant’ tackle. Laying out receivers on crossing routes. That sort of thing.
3) Who’s On First:Most starters will likely sit this one out, but I think RG Cam “Beef” Jurgens absolutely has to play. At least a series. The real question is, will he see any reps at C?
Offensive Line CoachJeff Stoutlandsays that Jurgens hasn’t locked up the starting RG gig, (but he has). Stoutland has been downright effusive in praising Jurgens’ feet, his confidence, his understanding of concepts, and even says he asks great questions. As for rookie RG Tyler Steen, Stout says “I like what he’s doing.”
Personally, I think the Eagles added free agent G Josh Andrews, because Steen and Brett Toth haven’t really been setting the world on fire. The Birds getting back G Josh Sills, isn’t going to make life easier for Steen either.
4) Listening for a POP!:I’ll be disappointed if MLB Nakobe Dean doesn’t start. Doesn’t matter how he looks in camp. We need to see him run a pro defense, under the lights, with pros to be accountable to. I want to see him shine. I want to see him pop. I want to see him make at least one play for negative yards. Two would be amazing.
Who is going to pop at second string DE? I don’t want to see hurries. I want to see the QB on the ground. I want to see the ball come out. I don’t care about the recoveries. Yet.
I also want to see where CB Kelee Ringolines up. And I don’t mean which spot. I mean which spots. Spot with and ‘S’ on both ends. Both of two of them. Where do they move Ringo to, and how often? How does the kid respond? He held out longer than any other rookie here, over his contract. Based on that, he must feel he’s special. So let’s see it!
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We have two new coordinators, and new concepts that come with them. To hell with how physical joint practices can be. Saturday is the first time many of our players, will don a pro helmet. They will have stakes to play for. There will be nervous stomachs. It will important to see how these players respond to THAT pressure.
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WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know football and that’s IT. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, you are trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.
Check back in a few days for Four Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for the 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 inFour Things: Ravens did the Eagles get around to doing? Well let’s see:
TE Jason Croom. You can’t stop him. You can only hope to contain him.
1) Run the ball: Wentz ran 2 called runs in this game. The touchdown and the 4th down conversion he didn’t get. His other 3 runs were from drop backs. That makes the playcalling ratio, 43 passes to 15 called runs. On 58 plays run, we were passing 74% of the time. Not winning football strategy. It’s not a wonder the game got so out of hand. (NOT DONE)
2) Stay disciplined: Outside of their QB, the Ravens ran for 74 yards on 28 carries (2.6 ypc). The Eagles Defensive line did great job of setting the edges, and pursuing runners. While the Ravens did make a few plays (on 37 total carries) our defensive discipline was clearly there today. (DONE)
3) Challenge them vertically, early: That early drop by WR John Hightower did a lot to stem Wentz’s enthusiasm to throw to deep targets. Hightower let the ball hit his pads instead of plucking it with his hands. Thus, making it clear to everyone (including his mother), what the difference between 1st round and 5th round talent, looks like. (NOT DONE)
What you’re seeing here is a TE scoring a rare touchdown against LB Nate Gerry. And yes. That was sarcasm.
4) Set up the Mark: We covered their starting TE too well to bait their QB into attempting to get him the ball much. This would have been a great week to turn one of our weaknesses into a trap, but… They instead made use of the back-up TE. Well isn’t that special? Bless their little hearts. (NOT DONE)
That makes this weeks Four Things score a dismal 1 of 4, bringing the season total to 7 of 24. Hey gang! In addition to being banged up, starting a 3rd string RG, and not currently knowing the injury status of Miles Sanders knee, we get just 4 days to prepare for a divisional game against the giants on THURSDAY! Oh goodie! Oh joy! I’m so happy I could shit Legos.
On The Whole:
Yay. Something something, moral victory, silver lining, next man up, yadda blah. Whatever. We lost. Again.
Valiant comeback my ass! What was that, 4 passes that hit guys in the hands that they dropped?! Miles Sanders, dropping passes, fumbling and getting hurt? I will give a dollar to the first DB who jams a receiver and helps the D-Line get a sack.
For his part, Wentz (YET AGAIN), strapped this team to his back, and attempted to climb Mt. Everest. Wouldn’t it be neat to see a second offensive player show that much competitive fire? I don’t mean WR’s I mean a RB or a TE. I want to see toughness. Ruggedness. I want to see the opposing defense afraid of someone in an Eagles jersey.
RB Boston Scott tripping up Wentz on the 2-point conversion?! You know what? If GM Howie Roseman is going to be a buyer at the trade deadline, one the things I want him to buy, is RB Jordan Howard back from Miami. If they don’t think RB Corey Clement can back-up Sanders, then get me a guy who can. Because Scott ain’t it!
On Defense, everything behind our Front Four feels suspect. There was a play where no fewer than 3 Eagles had a shot at popped up pass, and nobody came down with it! It feels like the scheme is rubbing off on CB Darius Slay, and not the other way around.
Travis Fulgham continues his three game touchdown streak.
NOTE: It was nice to see Travis Fulgham get his first start, but we need to start seeing some combo routes run with TE Zach Ertz. Both to loosen the box and to get more roaming room for whomever is our deep receiver, on the other side.
LAST week we walked into the home of a 3 – 0 team, and almost strolled out with the win. Despite the loss, during the game QB Carson Wentz may found a long-term dance partner in WR Travis Fulgham. GOODY!! Because this week, we get to face a Baltimore secondary that comes into this game allowing a 66.7% completion rate.
We’ve fallen to #2 in the NFC East, and our remaining schedule isn’t an easy one. A win this week, would position us for another crack at the division lead. (Depending on what follows on Monday night.) A loss wouldn’t take us out of contention, but losing more ground this week, would make the remainder of the season, a very heavy lift.
The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics will practically guarantee our Eagles this win. CAUTION: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know football and that’s IT. If you use FT as a gambling tool, you are trying to lose your money.
So let’s talk about the Four Things we need to focus on this week versus the Ravens:
1) Run the ball: Last week, RB Miles Sanders had a 74 yard TD run and finished the day with 11 carries and just 80 yards. That’s some bullshit. If Head Coach Doug Pederson was trying to lose the game, he absolutely figured out the way to do it. Throwing the ball all the time isn’t allowing our defense to rest. It’s Chess, not Checkers, Doug.
2) Stay disciplined: Set the edges and don’t chase eye-candy. This season we’ve made it apparent that if you get us running laterally, we can’t play defense. So keep the game North/South. Set a tone that not only helps us win this week, but sends the message to future opponents, that we’ve fixed a major weakness.
3) Challenge them vertically, early: They can score and we can’t stop anyone on defense. So we’ll need points to win. Get our players in an aggressive mindset early, and put our opponent on their heels. Attack. Attack. Attack. Attack.
4) Set up the Mark: TE Mark Andrews is the second most targeted option on their team, and the passes are usually short ones. Bait the QB into feeling secure about going to Andrews, and then step in front of the ball. That would of course be a turnover, but even if it isn’t, it’ll make the QB hesitant when delivering the ball.
If we do these Four Things, the final score should be:
PREDICTION: EAGLES 21 – Ravens 17
Check back in a couple of days for Four Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how it went.
DT Ty Robinson celebrates getting a sack. 
DT Ty Robinson from 2025
WR Quez Watkins scores in 2022
