BEING 8 – 0 is something to celebrate!
NOTE: I delayed putting this out, because I knew that no one would give a wet shit about it, until the World Series was decided this weekend. Well now we know how it worked out, and while I would like to thank the Phillies for a great ride, I also would like to say @#$! Astros *&%$)( umpire @#!^%$ inconsistent strike zones &^%$# scum bag #$$*^ #%$(@-) cheating pitchers ***$%#B@ a German shepherd’s balls, with a *&^$#@(& until CPR is needed!
That having been said…
EAGLES 29 – Texans 17
EAGLES STATS:
Categories include an EXCLUSIVE weekly Offensive Line Report (Rushing TD’s (6 points) + 3rd downs converted by handoffs (1 point) + sacks allowed (-2 points) = score); as well as Drive Killer (Int – FR – 4th down Tackles – FF – TD).
New Category Ace is for Kick return TD’s, Returners run-down, kicks blocked, etc.
Passing :(S) QB Jalen Hurts (21/27 – 77.7% – 243 – 2 – 0)
Rushing : (S) RB Miles Sanders (17 – 93 – 5.4 – 1 – 0)
Receiving : (S) TE Dallas Goedert (9 – 8 – 100 – 12.5 – 1)
Offensive Line Report/Enforcer : (12 + 1 – 4 = 9) C Jason Kelce
Drive Killer : (S) CB James Bradberry (1 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0)
Sack Leader : (S) DT Javon Hargrave (6 – 3.0 – 0 – 0)
Ace : NA
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I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: TEXANS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Run the Damned Ball: The Eagles very first play from scrimmage had Hurts in the Shotgun, with an empty backfield. Right from the jump, I’m thinking “Ah fuck! Here we go again.” All game long there were just 22 hand-offs for 120 yards (5.4ypc). We left yardage and points on the table, in this game. (NOT DONE)
2) Start Basic: We came out in a 4 – 3 Under, and players were constantly in their run fits. There was a clear demonstration of players understanding the scheme, the point of the scheme, and their role within it. The problem was, our interior defensive line stuck to blocks like whatever substance the Astro’s pitchers use on their hands. (Let’s not go there? Oh no, I’m going there! I’m going RIGHT there! Better team my ass! Not only am I going there, I’m buying land there, to build a towering monument to my having gone there!)
The loss of DT Jordan Davis (I.R.) was felt big-time, while the Texans were committed to the run. However, once it was time to rush the passer, Hargrave was totally in his element. Not only did we get sacks, but the pass rush helped to create two interceptions. One went to SS Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (2 – 0 – 1 – 0), for his NFL leading 5th. The other stole was a stolen touchdown pass by Bradberry. (DONE)
3) Make Tackles: Nope! Nope! Nuh-uh! The tackling was horrid in this game. It’s been spotty in a few games, but this one gave offensive life to a team that shouldn’t have had a pulse at all. (NOT DONE)
4) Slot Their Throats: Early in the game WR Quez Watkins (2 – 2 – 25 – 12.5 – 0) grabbed a key 23 yarder on 3rd and 6. Later on, WR A.J. Brown (6 – 4 – 59 – 14.7 – 1) lined up in the right Slot, and ran a smooth route to paydirt, on a 17 yard strike. WR Devonta Smith (2 – 2 – 22 – 11.0 – 0) grabbed himself a nice 22 yard pass after crossing the hash marks.

Though the TE position was the star of the passing game, the WR’s did see significant action from the Slot, on the combined 10 attempts that the big three saw, all game long. (DONE)
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That’s 2 of the Four Things, done. Now the team gets a long rest, before we try to sweep the Washington Commanders.
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On The Whole:
Seems that every other publication has made a big deal of the Texans rookie RB. Whatever. He seemed pretty damned pedestrian, to me. He ran hard and collected what was in front of his pads, but he’s far from dynamic. Hell, they didn’t even try to throw him a pass. Honestly, I don’t believe I’ve never seen 139 rushing yards factor less in a game.
I also want to make a point that everyone else is ignoring. The Texans top two WR’s didn’t play in this game. On the surface that sounds like advantage Eagles, but really, especially on a short week, it means that the Eagles had no book on the receivers they were facing. This is probably why we played so much off-coverage early on.
On Offense the Eagles came out almost sleepwalking. On our first drive, you could practically see the players yawning between downs. Most of the half saw the Eagles executing fine, but mostly with no sense of urgency. With the game knotted up 14 to 14, Eagles K Jake Elliott (0/1, 3/3) missed a 54 yarder, that would given us the lead.
Blowing that opportunity, seemed to jar everyone to full awareness, and the second half was a businesslike, 15 – 3 close-out.