WHIRLWIND of a week! We lost forty percent of our Week One starting Offensive Line when RT Lane Johnson and his family, needed him to retire immediately. Followed by C/G Cam Jurgensbeing traded to the Ravens.
This has led to some national pundits, and hot take specialists speculating that the Eagles season is over. That Our team, is tanking for a rebuild. That is never how this team works. Owner Jeffrey Lurieexpects his team to be competitive every year. So locals know that we don’t rebuild. We merely re-tool to stay in the hunt.
“I swear to you, we’re not finished yet.”
This week QBJalen Hurts and his weapons, skip across The Pond, to hunt down the Jacksonville Jaguars. Like last week, we’ll still be without several key starters. So, we’ll be short-handed, but given the overall talent levels on both teams when healthy, our injury situation will be sauce for the goose.
The Eagles are seen as the underdog in this one, but as the Buccaneers proved this week, odds makers don’t run routes or make tackles. Games are not won on paper. They have to actually be fought out! That is how glory is won. Cry havoc!!! And let slip the dogs of war.
A win completely changes the narrative about us “tanking”. It would also improve our record to 3 – 2, and have us in no worse than second place in the division.
A loss drops us to 2 – 3, making us a sub .500 team. At which point, any talk about who, what, or where we are in the division, has to be tabled until we’re above board again. (As the Eagles are in London this weekend, allow me to clarify that my use of the term “tabled” is used in the American, and not the British sense.)
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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. Often I list fundamentals, as some of the four things. BUT NO MORE! Unless something specific is needed, fundamentals like Running the ball; playing lots of Man Press; and Tackling instead of going for the strip, will be automatically included. (Like the five consonants and a vowel that Wheel Of Fortune automatically spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the JAGUARS
RB Will Shipley this preseason, running behind C/G Willie Lampkin
1) Possess the Ball: Work the clock and give our Defense time to rest. That way they have the energy to be more impactful when it’s their turn to play. This of course means a commitment to running the ball, mostly with RB Will Shipley, while RB Saquon Barkleyis out with a hammy, and RB Tank Bigsby is on Injured Reserve.
Sounds nuts at first, I know. However, with a re-formulated Offensive Line, that is sixty percent comprised of guys who were on the bench for Week One; maybe leaning heavily on the pass is a recipe for disaster. The object of this game is still to win it.
2) Involve the TE More:Part of the reason that our passing game is stalling, is because every route seems to be intermediate and deep. Give Hurts a security blanket, or an off-schedule option, when things don’t go as planned. Throw a few passes in the short and intermediate range, by which I do not mean, to TE Johnny Mundt.
All signs point to TE Dallas Goedertbeing back in action, which would be huge. If not, TE Zach Ertz may not be able to run away from coverage, but he’s a savvy vet with reliable hands, who can find a seam and settle into it. Getting eight or so pass attempts to the TE, would make everything run smoother.
3) Win On the Ends:Without a bunch of traps and games, we need our OLB’s (DE’s) to beat blocks and sack QB “Magical” Trevor Lawrence. If we’re not playing contain, then we need to actually get to the QB. We need to hit him, so that we get in his head, and force him to make mistakes. We don’t want him getting hot.
All signs point to DEJonathan Greenardnot being available, so even if he is, he’ll be far from optimal. That makes this an opportunity for OLB Jalyx Hunt to step up, in the way that OLB Nolan Smithhas.
4) Challenge Routes:All season so far, we’ve been playing too lose in coverage. It’s allowing opposing QB’s to get the ball out, well before the rush gets home. This has to stop! Our Secondary has to make their QB hesitate before throwing a pass. So far they haven’t been, and it’s been ruining our pass rush.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
DT Jordan Davis putting in work, back in 2022
I’d also like to see DTJordan Davis get more snaps. So far he’s seen 128 snaps to DT Moro Ojomo’s 190. That’s 45% to 68% of the snaps. Meanwhile DT Jalen Carter has seen 228 (81%), despite having a broken wrist. Can we get Davis on the field more!? This snap share has been a decision. And a stupid one. Fix it!
Some of what’s happened this year has been bad luck, but most of our wounds have been self-inflicted. That means with a little more smart, and a little less stupid, we still have it within our own power to change the course of our season.
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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, then you are a fool trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.
Check back in a couple of days forFour Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
LISTEN, 2 – 0 is 2 – 0, despite how fans of lesser teams want to spin it. Right now, except for us, our division is in a tailspin, and this week we’re being fed a weakened opponent. Yes, yes. It’s always better to be able to say that we beat a team at it’s best, but the fact is, at the end of the season, they just count the wins.
This game, while not a division game, is a conference game. Even better, it’s a conference game covered in a sauce called REVENGE! Last time we saw this opponent, they whipped us 15 – 24. So we owe them a punch in the mouth. And boy, do we love doling out mouth punches.
The biggest possible mouth punch, would be if we got RB Saquon Barkley and the rest of our run game, on-track in this game. To see the Offense fully activated and show the league what they have to fear. To put it all together on prime-time television, with the nation watching, and all of it just dripping in REVENGE!
Yeah. Sign me up for that.
With a win we go to 3 – 0, and are still alone atop the NFC East.
If we lose, we hold at 2 – 1, and at worst would still be tied for the lead in the division.
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The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win this game. Often I list fundamentals, as some of the four things. BUT NO MORE! Unless something specific is needed, fundamentals like Running the ball; playing lots of Man Press; and Tackling instead of going for the strip, will be automatically included. (Like the five consonants and a vowel that Wheel Of Fortune automatically spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: The BEARS
RB’s Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby.
1) Power Via Doubles: Since no member of our interior Offensive Line seems to be able to generate vertical movement at the line (shoving a motherfucker backwards), we need to get RB Saquon Barkley running behind some double-teams. If he gets the chance to do that, he should end up trapped in the backfield less. (I said should.)
2) Go Hollywood In the Slot: The proper replacement this week for TE Dallas Goedert isn’t TE Zach Ertz(damn it feels good to see his name like this again!) The proper replacement is WR Marquis “Hollywood”Brown, lining up in the Slot. Hollywood’s speed demands instant and constant attention, so let’s abuse it.
As the Slot he’d be a concern. As part of a four receiver spread, he’d be poison just for being on the field. A four WR formation would demand the Bears defense go into their Dime. This would be a physically smaller alignment, that we could more easily run the ball against. Hollywood wouldn’t have to catch a ball to massively affect the game.
3) Win the ‘A’ Gaps Faster:We need DT Jordan Davis to win hs ‘A’ gap faster. We’re getting pressure up the middle and pushing QB’s out of the pocket, but a lot of it is with twists and stunts between our DT’s and DE’s. It gets pressure, but it takes longer to unfold and frequently leaves our edges open.
DT Jordan Davis.
Because DT Jalen Carter is going to see the majority of the interior double-teams, Davis has to win his one-on-ones, quickly. It’s a more straight-up style of play, but it means our DE’s can focus more on keeping contain.
4) Sub In Some Size: Even if DE Jonathan Greenard returns from injury in this one, Defensive Co-ordinator Vic Fangio, is likely going to put him on a pitch count. So this would be a great game to see DT Ty Robinson log some snaps at the LDE spot. (I mentioned some of this in THE 12.) This would be less for pass rush, and more to set a hard edge against the run.
The Bears don’t have a particularly large offensive line. In fact, at 325 pounds their RT is their biggest guy. He’s not huge by NFL standards, but I still don’t want him to spend the day leaning on 240 pound OLB Nolan Smith, vs the run. So let’s get some size and strength out there, to combat size and strength.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
You can’t beat a strategist if you don’t cover small details, and Bears coach Ben Johnson is a strategist. We cant forget the RMT fundamentals that I mentioned earlier. Last week, Fangio mentioned some of our defenders missing 12 tackles, because they were going for the ball. This game is going to feature three of the NFL’s most innovative thinkers, but it will be won by the team with better fundamentals.
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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, 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.
PHILADELPHIA begins our season with the sacrificing of a division rival. Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni, and Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio return with the goal of another Super Bowl parade, here in Philly. Joining them is rookie Offensive Coordinator Sean Mannion, as he rolls out a vastly different scheme than the Birds have run in the past.
Rookie WR Makai Lemon, joins Super Bowl LIX MVP QB Jalen Hurts, 2024 Offensive Player of the Year RB Saquon Barkley, and future Hall Of Famer RT Lane Johnson, as they revive what became an anemic offense last year.
Despite the offensive woes, the Eagles repeated as NFC East winners, due to the strength of a top Defense. Spearheading that unit are DTJordan Davis and DT Jalen Carter, LB Zack Baun, and CB Quinyon Mitchell.
Playing the part of the sacrifice are the Washington Commanders. Already nursing some bumps and bruises along both their offensive and defensive lines, a match-up against the Eagles is the last thing the doctor would order. This game could get out of hand very quickly.
With a win, we move to 1 – 0 and tied with the winner of the Cowboys/giants game for first place in the NFC East.
A loss would drop us to 0 – 1 and scratching our heads. The truth is, this is a divisional game, so it will likely be hard fought. That said, we just have to go out and take care of business.
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The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win this game. Often I list fundamentals, as some of the four things.
BUT NO MORE! Unless something specific is needed, fundamentals like Running the ball; playing lots of Man Press; and Tackling instead of going for the strip, will be automatically included. (Like the five consonants and a vowel that Wheel Of Fortune automatically spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: The Commanders
TE Dallas Goedert hits paydirt
1) Use the Kerrigan Plan: Yet again this season, the Commanders primary pass rush comes from two OLB’s, who don’t cover. Why do they keep making this so easy, year in and year out!? Passes to the Flats, and Outs into the areas vacated by the rushers, has generally served us well against this rival. No reason to change up until they do.
I’ll be watching when we play 11-personnel, to see if they remove one of those OLB’s or a defensive lineman. I’ll be keeping an eye on that, because it would signal an evolutionary step. They have a new defensive coordinator, and I’m not very familiar with his work. So it’ll be interesting to see how fast he learns.
2) Force Passes Deep: Use a Two Deep Zone with LB’s playing Man Coverage underneath. This may result in a few big plays and penalties, but the idea is to take away quick, easy completions, and make it hard for their offense to be consistent.
3) Blow Up the Middle: We need to blow up the middle of their offensive line. The starters aren’t very talented, and they have injury issues there already. If we cave in their offensive line, it stymies their run game and gets their QB running and throwing from a moving platform. I discussed that plan, in detail, in THE 12.
DT Jordan Davis stops a run before it starts.
Despite their QB having good mobility, we want to get him running. He comes with a lengthy injury history already. In fact, we didn’t play against him last year, because he was injured for both games. We want to get their fragile QB out where he knows danger surrounds him.
4) Exploit Loaded Boxes: The Eagles want their identity to be running the ball, and we have Saquon Barkley, one of the most dangerous, and explosive RB’s in the league. So expect to see some eight man boxes, especially early in the game.
What we need is for Jalen Hurts to identify where that eighth man is being walked up from, and audible to a play that specifically targets the area where the eighth man should have stayed or covered. This sends an immediate message to the opposing defensive coach, and should get them back into seven man fronts again.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
We’re going to be without offseason acquisition DE Jonathan Greenard for at least this week. That makes this a perfect opportunity to get DT Ty Robinson, a few reps at DE, as I mentioned in THE 12.
As far as the Offense goes, expect some growing pains, because everyone is new to running this system. Particularly under game conditions, because Sirianni doesn’t play his starters in the preseason. So expect some missed timing, missed routes, maybe an uncharacteristic turnover.
Again, this is a division rival, so this game could go all the way to the wire. More likely, the Eagles jump all over the Commanders, and it’s ugly from the get-go.
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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, 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.
IF teams are going to commit to double teaming DT Jalen Carter #98 (usually with a G and their C) then DTJordan Davis #90 should spend a lot of time in one-on-one. More to the point, when the C leans into his right ‘A gap’ to help on Carter, he will naturally widen that ‘A gap’ to his left.
Davis needs to fill that extra space. To rush in, right into opposing QB faces, to force them out of the pocket. After a few downs of that, opposing coaches will have a choice to make. Do they keep doubling Carter, and allow Davis to keep parting their o-line like the Red Sea? Or do they try to double both DT’s, and make life easier for our DE’s?
Honestly, it won’t matter. Once they start juggling those thoughts, we’ve already won.
THE mission started as “repeat as champions”, and ended with “For the love of Christ, FIRE Kevin Patullo!” There were fans who weren’t even bummed about the first round playoff loss, because it meant the Eagles were going to finally shit-can the Offensive Coordinator. His ineptitude was wall to wall, and week to week. It was so bad, that when the Eagles hired the completely inexperienced Sean Mannion to replace Patullo, fans were still pumped. Now the Eagles have to prove that it was in fact him and not them. With no idea what expect from Mannion. Buckle up, and try to go a little limp. This IS the Eagles we’re talking about.
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OFFENSE:
QB Jalen Hurts pre-snap.
QB: Jalen Hurts– 16 starts, 1 rest (playoffs) (294/454 – 64.7% – 3224 – 25 – 6) / (105 – 421 – 4.0 – 8 – 8). Not helped by a (since fired) pedestrian offensive coordinator. While, his overall statistics were respectable, week to week his completion percentage could swing as much as 28 points. In 9 of his 16 starts (56%), his arm found the end-zone, just one time or less.
His two biggest assets are his rushing, and the fact that he doesn’t make many mistakes. As a result, the Eagles either win games, or keep them very close. Unfortunately, his rushing yards, carries, and scores this season, were all career lows, since he became the starter.
Tanner McKee – 1 start (24/43 – 55.8% – 274 – 1 – 1) (8 – 8 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) A third year pocket passer with plenty of upside. His only start was an chance to play his way into being a trade target for QB needy teams. He didn’t play well enough for that, and as a result, would be smart to secure a multi-year extension, as the Eagles back-up beyond 2026. (+)
RB: Last year the world spoke of Saquon Barkley (280 – 1140 – 4.0 – 7 – 1 / 50 – 37 – 273 – 7.3 – 2) as if he was washed up. Yet despite all the team’s coaching struggles, and injuries along the o-line, he was still the number 10 rusher in the NFL. Tank Bigsby (58 – 344 – 5.9 – 2 – 0 / 4 – 3 – 32 – 10.7 – 0) ran every carry as if it would be his last, providing an excellent one-two punch with Barkley.
Will Shipley(14 – 49 – 3.5 – 0 – 1 / 12 – 9 – 56 – 6.2 – 0) simply isn’t very productive with the ball in his hands. Barring injury to another player, I expect that he’ll spend a lot of time on the Practice Squad, if he isn’t cut outright. Dameon Pierce spent most of his career on a bad Texans team, that kept using him less and less. He had a cup of coffee with K.C. last season, now he’s here as depth, and to bolster our kick return game. (+)
TE: Dallas Goedert (82 – 60 – 591 – 9.8 – 11) was a redzone nightmare in 2025. On top of which he’s a solid blocker in the run game. Grant Calcaterra (13 – 9 – 76 – 8.4 – 1) is not a very physical player, but he’s a decent receiving option. Johnny Mundt was ostensibly brought over to help the position with another credible blocker. Goedert is very good, but he tends to miss time, and this position is only one player deep. (-)
WR: A.J. Brown (121 – 78 – 1003 – 12.8 – 7) posted his fourth straight year with at least 1,000 receiving yards, and 7 touchdown catches. Real speed, strong hands, and he’s a problem after the catch. Rumor has it that he’ll be traded to the Patriots in June. (I’d rather it’d be Cleveland.) So let’s talk about what the Eagles might look like without him.
WR catches the go-ahead score. (DT Jordan Love would later seal the game.)
DeVonta Smith (113 – 77 – 1008 – 13.0 – 4) is a silky smooth route runner who uncovers quickly, and has reliable hands. He’s very slight of frame, so he can’t be sent over the middle too much. The recent trade and contract extension for Dontayvion Wicks(Packers), has many certain that Brown will be traded soon. Darius Cooper (11 – 9 – 92 – 10.2 – 0) was assignment solid in his rookie season, and is expected to take a big jump this season.
The Eagles added free agents Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and Elijah Moore. Both have loads of starting experience but are smallish targets, inviting the question of whether both will be kept. This is especially true with 6’6 228 Johnny Wilson(a good run blocker), returning from an injury that cost him all of 2025. In addition to Smith, regardless of which four make the roster, this will be an extremely deep position. Even without Brown. (+)
OT: Perennial All-Pro and future Hall of Fame RT Lane Johnson, is coming back for another year. He’ll be 36, and is coming off of a Lisfranc sprain that ended his 2025 season. At LT Jordan Mailata has yet to get a Pro Bowl nod, but is well considered to be among the best at his position.
Swing T Fred Johnson tested free agency, hoping to start elsewhere; but his market kept him in Philadelphia. He’s generally reliable, but he doesn’t always bring his mean-streak, which is likely what’s keeping him a back-up. His presence however, stabilizes this group. Behind him are Cameron Williams and Myles Hinton, a pair of 6th rounders from last year. (+)
OG: Landon Dickerson returns to LG despite rumors that he was going to retire. Injuries dogged him in 2025 and caused him to seek stem cell treatment in the offseason. Interestingly, he had the three years left on his extension reduced to just two. Tyler Steenreturns to RG but lacks the mean streak to stand out there. Especially in the run game. This group fell off in 2025, and a bounce-back can’t just be assumed. It needs to be seen first.
Both Drew Kendalland Willie Lampkin can also play the pivot. Kendall has a single start in his career. Combined, they have played in 7 games, with none of those games being by Lampkin. They are young. Correction, they are Similac young. Dropper feed young. There is versatility here, but no truly experienced depth. (-)
C: Cam Jurgenswas voted to his second consecutive Pro Bowl, but in all truth he kind of sucked in 2025, due to his back. He gutted through it for 14 starts, then was one of two Eagles offensive linemen to receive stem cell treatment in Colombia, during the offseason. It’ll be interesting to see if there’s a resurgence of the Brotherly Shove in 2026, or if the Eagles keep avoiding it, and lend credence to the accusation that it’s an increased injury risk.
Behind Jurgens are Wilie Lampkin, Drew Kendall andJake Majors. The only one of them that’s ever played a snap in a real game, is Kendall with seven games and one start, during week 18. All four players at this position are also listed as Guards, so there is some versatility, but it’s very green. (-)
In A Nutshell: A brand new offensive system, and an Offensive Line that has to prove that it isn’t washed. Otherwise, there are some great pieces here. (-)
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DEFENSE:
DE: Brandon Graham(8 – 3.0 – 0 – 0) is currently still on the roster and listed at this position, despite being used last year as an interior rusher. He played just 113 total snaps in 9 games. Ta’Quon Graham (no relation) comes over as a free agent from Atlanta. He’s already a longshot to make the roster. Many of the players who would normally be listed as an End, are listed by the Eagles as OLB, and will be discussed there. (-)
DT Jordan Davis seals victory by blocking a FG. Then recovering it. Then returning it for a touchdown.
DT: Jalen Carter(33 – 3.0 – 0 – 0) Missed six games last year with shoulder injuries. Don’t let the numbers fool you, he faces double teams consistently, and still manages to be highly disruptive, batting down 7 passes last year. Jordan Davis(72 – 4.5 – 0 – 0) blocked and returned a field goal for a touchdown, and also batted down 6 passes. He had a monster year, where he was likely the most impactful player on the Defense and Special Teams. Which earned him a fat three year extension.
Moro Ojomo (38 – 6.0 – 0 – 0) has been a solid back-up, and will command a boatload of money once his rookie deal is up. Byron Young(37 – 2.5 – 0 – 1) had a nice year and will look to prove that he can be a consistent part of a rotation. Ty Robinson (5 tackles) needs to step his game up. (+)
OLB: (Players in this paragraph play on the Defensive Line.) Jaylx Hunt(52 – 6.5 – 3 – 1) led the team in both sacks (6.5) and interceptions (3) despite just starting 9 games. Nolan Smith (31 – 3 – 0 – 0) had an unremarkable 2025. He’s had big moments, but at 238 pounds he might be too small to rely on, on the line. Joe Tyron-Shoyinka and Arnold Ebiketie are free agents brought in to possibly bolster the pass rush.
Zack Baun(123 – 3.5 – 2 – 1) is an actual off-ball ‘backer. He covers well, plays the run great and is an effective blitzer. Smael Mondon (11 tackles) has to this point been a Special Teamer. He has the physical tools, but he’s deep on the depth chart. (+)
MLB/ILB: Jihaad Campbell(80 – 0.0 – 1 – 1) made enough of an impression as rookie, to render another player expendable, and take over his starting role. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (32 tackles) is the back-up, in a role that used to belong to his father. He’s not as physical, but has stickier fingers. Chandler Martin and Chance Campbellwere free agents brought in as depth. (+)
S:Andrew Mukuba (46 – 0.5 – 2 – 0) was improving weekly during his rookie season, until he was injured and lost for the season. Marcus Epps (21 tackles) made four starts last season. Epps isn’t a bad player, but he plays to not get beat, instead playing to make the play. So he’s always regarded as “experienced” or “veteran” or “reliable”, but never “good”. Andre Sam is on the roster. Still. (-)
S Andrew Mukuba gets first career interception from that OTHER Kelce’s drop.
CB: Currently the Eagles have 12 players at this position, but I’m only talking about the 6 likely to make the roster. Quinyon “Quinyonamo Bay” Mitchell (45 – 0.0 – 0 – 1) still doesn’t have a regular season interception, but is still very much a shutdown corner. Cooper DeJean(93 – 0.0 – 2 – 0) is possibly the best slot corner in the game. Jakorian Bennett(7 tackles) hardly saw the field, but is “traitsy” and could stick around as depth.
Michael Carter(10 tackles) is a Nickel who might be in line for a position switch. Free agent Tariq Woolen is one of the best man-coverage players in the sport, but he’s had some trouble with allowing immaturity to draw penalties. Jonathan Jones is another free agent addition. His age and experience being the key assets in a room loaded with youth. Loaded. (+)
In A Nutshell: Safety is a concern. Otherwise, this unit could ALREADY be better than last year’s. (+)
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SPECIAL TEAMS:
P: Braden Mann(72 – 49.9 – 8 – 20) kicked his way into a shiny new deal of 4 years for 14M$. With 20 punts landing inside the 20 yardline as opposed to touchbacks (8), he really sets the Defense up with a steep advantage. (+)
K Jake Elliott
K: For a second straight year, Jake Elliott(20/27 – 74.0% – 41/42 – 97.6%) has made less than 80% of his field goal attempts. That 74% is glaring, yet the Eagles reworked his contract, instead of cutting him or bringing in a second player. Not sure about the reasoning on this. (-)
In A Nutshell: Mann should take photos with the Defense. Competition needs to be brought in for Elliott. (-)
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BOTTOM LINE:
The Eagles biggest problem, is mostly that they have to demonstrate that they don’t have any big problems. Speculation about them is rampant, but actual evidence of their demise, is sorely lacking. Prediction: 12 – 5
Drive Killer: CB Cooper DeJean(TD: 0/Int: 1/ FR: 0/ 4th down stops: 0/ FF: 0)
Sack Leader: DE Brandon Graham(Sacks:1.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 1)
Special Teams Ace: N/A
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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 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: COMMANDERS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Exploit Age On the Perimeter: I mentioned working in a couple of Pitch/Toss runs and we did. Most notably on the 22 yard touchdown run by RB Tank Bigsby (4 – 37 – 9.2 – 1 – 0), in the fourth quarter, that salted the game away. I also mentioned working in a Jet Sweep. It wasn’t exactly a Sweep, but we did use WR DeVonta Smith (8 – 6 – 42 – 7.0 – 1) on a Shovel pass and run to the edge, that lost a yard.
As far as using the C/RG hole to run behind, I counted 7 hand-offs. One that went for double digits. In this case I wasn’t counting yards, but it was still a box hat we checked off. (DONE)
2) Exploit the Loaded Boxes:With the Eagles using fewer receiver bunch formations, the Commanders couldn’t quite pack the box, like teams have been doing for almost a year now. Our Offensive Line wasn’t looking at a man (or a man and a half) in every gap, so, Saquon started plays with time to at least reach the line.
TE Dallas Goedert hits paydirt
Commanders OLB Von Miller (1 tackle) was virtually invisible as a pass rusher in this game, and outlet passes to TE Dallas Goedert (3 – 3 – 32 – 10.6 – 1) and WR Jahan Dotson (3 – 3 – 13 – 4.3 – 0) were there for the taking, as every pass thrown to them, was completed.We took advantage of the few opportunities to exploit loaded boxes, that we were presented with.(DONE)
3) Stay Fresh Up Front: Washington came out playing No Huddle, but we still managed to get guys on and off the field okay. Until they got inside our 20 and then kept running it inside of our five yard line. They scored a touchdown on that drive.
Otherwise, we managed substitutions pretty well. Partly because, when the Commanders back-up QB (who had started this game) was knocked out of the game; they continued to try running the No Huddle with their third stringer. Which at times blew up in their faces, and then gave us opportunities to make substitutions. (DONE)
4) Force Longer Passes:We gave up a 40 yard pass that led to a later touchdown, and a pass interference in the end zone that led to another touchdown. Those were the kind of big plays that I said we risked giving up, with this strategy. However, we consistently took away options that would have let them be consistent.
CB Cooper DeJean intercepts a pass.
We took scrambling off the board, as the Commanders QB’s combined for 0 rushing yards on 2 carries. As far as passing they were 12/23 – 52.1% – 130 – 0 – 1. At no point were they allowed to be consistent, and so they eventually fell out of the game. (DONE)
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This week’s Four Things score was 4 of 4. This is the third week in a row like this, and one of the weeks was a loss. It feels weird, but this is what’s happening. Next week we head up north, in a measuring stick game vs the Bills. That game isn’t about winning or losing. It’s about looking at where our Offense truly is, when the other team is good at scoring.
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Game Hero: Defensive Co-ordinator Vic Fangio – It wasn’t “just the Raiders”. This was a division rival, that knows us well. Big deal. Fangio’s defense held them to 130 yards passing, and 91 rushing. For perspective, Washington averages 191 passing yards and 137 rushing yards, per game. Both are modest numbers, and we managed to keep them from even that.
Game goat: Special Teams – This game featured a Kick Returner fumbling the opening kickoff; a Punt Returner who is no threat to bring one back; and a Kicker with the yips. Aside from the onside recovery, this unit was an outright embarrassment.
On The Whole:
I liked the physicality that I saw in this game. From Saquon’s man-sized touchdown run, to the brawl after our fourth quarter two-point conversion. It was nice to see the Eagles fired up and dominating up front.
DT Jordan Davis tackle for loss.
Speaking of which, DT Jordan Davis (6 tackles, 2 for losses) seemed to single-handedly shutdown the Commanders run game. Davis of course had plenty of help, but every time you looked up, there he was. Blocking out the sun. Looking like a king-sized mattress with the number 90 printed on it. Totally engulfing ball carriers. Kick-ass!
ON Monday night we saw a resurgence of our run game, and our Defense collected seven sacks and two turnovers. There were some (ahem) other difficulties, but those are not characteristic of who we are; so it doesn’t bear worrying about at this point. This is a game for us to build on our strengths, and on the fixes we’ve made.
Our next opponent, the Raiders, are pretty damned awful at everything, on both sides of the ball. All the problems Eagles fans are imagining that we have, the Raiders actually do have. They are already officially, mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, and their players are now auditioning for jobs in 2026.
With a win we move to 9 – 5 and stop a three game skid. Our hold on the top spot in the division would also remain at 1.5 games over the team in second place.
A loss drops us down to 8 – 6. We’d still be on top of the division for the moment.
****
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 ofMan Press; and Tackling instead of going for the strip, will be automatically included. (Like the five consonants and a vowel that Wheel Of Fortune automatically spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the RAIDERS.
DT Jordan Davis is tied for the lead on the Eagles with 4.5 sacks
1) Try to Pick It: Fingers crossed that OLBJalyx Hunt or DT Jordan Davisget their mitts on our former back-up, QB Kenny Pickett. This is our old pal’s first start of the year, vs an Eagles team he grew up rooting for and threw passes for, in the last Super Bowl. Butterflies are inevitable. His proud dad Ken, will almost certainly be in attendance.
Kill Kenny. Kill ‘im dead. Set the dogs on him. Get him flustered and running. He doesn’t have a guaranteed gig beyond this year, and if he doesn’t play well, it could be years before he sees meaningful snaps again. Put the pressure on him. Crack him. Break him. Also he’s been fairly easy to knock out of games. Beat on him.
2) Win On Third Down:With a back-up QB out there, and offensive line that sucks as badly as any in the sport, the Raiders aren’t likely to go for many 4th downs. So take care of business on third downs.
3) Fewer Comeback Routes: On every interception that QB Jalen Hurtsthrew on Monday night, the receiver was working back to the QB, and there was a defender sitting on the route. If that doesn’t demonstrate a high level of predictability, I don’t know how else to communicate it.
These routes (Curls, Hitches, Comebacks, et al), are part of of every team’s system, so we aren’t going to eliminate them from the playbook completely. However, if we could just go ahead and call fewer of them, and never have them run side by side, that’d be great. M’kay? Yeeeeah.
4) Second Half Run Game: We have to stop abandoning the run in the second half. That’s when it’s more dangerous, because it stacks fatigue in defenders, and eats up clock. It also keeps teams from teeing off on the QB. If we can get 12 hand-offs in the second half, we should be able to end our skid.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
Last game we went 4 for 4 and lost, because FIVE turnovers is too much for almost anyone to overcome. (I’m sure it’s been done in the history of the NFL, but it’s far from the norm.) That said, if we’re us, and we nail this list, we should be golden.
****
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: K Jake Elliott3/3 FG, 1/1 XP vs 35mph wind gusts
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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: LIONS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
LB’s Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell take down the Lions RB
1) Play the Run First:Since the game never got out of hand, we had to stay in this mode for the entire contest. In the end, we gave up just 74 rushing yards on the night, with no Lions player reaching 40. While we did successfully pass rush situationally, there never came a point where we could just pin our ears back and go. (DONE)
2) Gotta Feed the Dawgs:We did not get the 3 sacks that I set as a benchmark. Instead, we had to settle for just 2. We kept their QB’s feet moving, had him throwing off platform, and he even shared a pass with us. That however, had to do with a tipped pass by DT Jordan Davis(1 tackle) who would tip 3 passes in this game, with DT Jalen Carter (5 tackles) adding 2 of his own. We did a lot, but two isn’t three. (NOT DONE)
3) Use Our Wide Receivers: This one is a little murky. Between WR’s DeVonta Smith(5 – 1 – 8 – 8.0 – 0) and Brown, we didn’t hit the benchmark of 12 catches between them. However, it was a very windy night, and the Eagles ran the ball 40 times vs 28 pass attempts. It seems smarter that we didn’t try to get this one. (NOT DONE)
4) Run Hurts More:Hurts ran the ball 10 times for just 31 yards, but twice he picked up first downs on 12 yard runs. His running was far more decisive than it’s been most of this season. I do have one tiny gripe about it though: It wasn’t mixed into early drives quite enough. (DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was 2 of 4. Next week, the best team in the NFC heads down to Texas to get the other half of this Cowboys sweep.
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Game Hero: Defensive Co-ordinator Vic Fangio– The Lions offense came into this game second in the NFL in scoring, with 31 points per week. Fangio came up with a concept that neutralized the Lions weapons, and kept them off-balance, all game. Also, getting players to buy into the little things, was huge!
Watching LB Nakobe Dean (3 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) on a surgically repaired knee, covering the speedy Lions players; or DT’s repeatedly getting their hands up to deflect passes; or committing to run containment, before pass rushing. Our Defense was amazing, largely because of how selflessly they played. That’s credit to Fangio.
Game goat: Offensive Co-ordinator Kevin Patullo – This was another game filled with questionable play-calling. The running from Shotgun. The WR bunch formations. Throwing on first down when backed up against our own endzone! Throwing passes to WR’s behind the line of scrimmage… I’m exhausted talking about this guy.
The only thing that I think got him off the hook this week, was Lions head coach Dan Campbell committing outright coaching malpractice, by deciding to try to convert FIVE fourth downs, and rolling snake-eyes each time. His desire to be seen as a tough guy, followed by how often he tears up at press conferences, really makes me wonder if he doesn’t need serious counseling for something.
On The Whole: The Lions came here talking shit about wanting a fight, and seeing this game as a measuring stick, and having circled the game, and yadda yadda blab blah blah. But by the second quarter, we had their QB screaming:
Again, we faced another so-called NFC contender, and ground them under our boot heel, while the world screamed about how “troubled” we are. Surely with all of our internal turmoil, we would fall apart and be easily vanquished, right? Right? WRONG! This was yet another example of the mantra “Everyone can beat the Eagles, until it’s time to beat the Eagles.”
Offensively we looked terribly out of sync, but at no point did we trail, or give the impression of not being in control. Again, that did have something to do with their head coach’s inability to learn; but it also points to a poise and resiliency within our team, that other teams just don’t possess.
We’re 8 – 2 Eagles fans. We’re number one in the conference. Enjoy this moment.
TOP team in the NFC, and we didn’t even play Week 9! The Eagles took a week off and came back deeper, healthier, and playing from the high ground.
We made a couple of low risk/high reward trades to strengthen our defense; we’re getting back OLB Nolan Smith from IR; and the cherry on top: DE Brandon Graham has come out of retirement! While no one expects him to play like he did in his prime, his leadership in the locker room is the definition of the word ‘invaluable’.
It’s a good thing we have all of this going for us, because this week we do battle on Lambeau Field. At night. With a low of 25, and 15% chance of precipitation, (read: snow). Lambeau when the mercury dips below 30, is probably the toughest place to play in American sports.
I love it! This is a champion’s challenge, and a fitting welcome back! We already head the division. Now we’re playing to keep the number one seed, and home-field advantage through out the playoffs. Now QB Jalen Hurts and RB Saquon Barkleyneed to tighten those chinstraps, as we prepare, to push on.
With a win, we move to 7 – 2 and hold our position as the top team in the NFC.
With a loss, we’d be 6 – 3, but still be at the head of the NFC East.
****
The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win this week. Often I list fundamentals, as some of the four things. BUT NO MORE! Unless something specific is needed, fundamentals like Running the ball; playing lots of Man Press; and Tackling instead of going for the strip, will be automatically included. (Like the five consonants and a vowel that Wheel Of Fortune automatically spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Packers.
RB Saqoun Barkley with a 12 yard scoring run.
1) Over A Buck Rushing:The Packers haven’t beaten any team that has reached 96 rushing yards, this season. They also have an undersized defensive line that’s built around pass rushing. The approach here is simple. Spend the night pounding on them. Then when they’re tired and their will is broken, pound on them some more.
2) Deal Out Aerial Hurts:Getting the ball to WR A.J. Brown and WR DeVonta Smith is absolutely critical to getting this win. If we get the ball outside with the passing game, we can run inside. We have to use our WR’s down the field, in order to give Barkley room to navigate.
3) Our DT’s Must Penetrate: We need a big night from DT Jordan Davis and DT Jalen Carter.
DT’s Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.
Carter in particular, because with their QB being right-handed, when Carter gets penetration, it’ll make it more difficult for their QB to step into his throws. On a night as cold as Monday, the ball will be as hard and slick as marble. Since their QB doesn’t really wear gloves, the more awkward we can make his releases, the better.
4) Take Away Anything Easy: Their QB is going into what he thinks is a game, without his security blanket. He’s already going to have to do more reading, so turn that up a notch. Get LB’s dropping slowly into zones, and Safeties not immediately dropping deep, but running with their assignments upon approach.
This will put more stress on our CB’s to not get beat deep, but the idea is to force the ball into their areas. Think about it, a stressed QB to throwing a slippery brick, deep downfield, without being able to step into it. They may hit on some of those passes, but the chances of a turnover are so much greater.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
This is two teams potentially vying for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. This win has to make a statement. This is not a time to prove how clever we can be. We’re the bigger team. We’re more physical, and we have the deeper roster.
LB Zach Baun with a sack
On Monday night, that all needs to be on display. Don’t get cute. Just go up, and take the other kid’s lunch money. Get under Center and run the god-damned football. Their QB doesn’t handle pressure well. So we need to set the dawgs on him. This isn’t a game. It’s a hunt. Run ‘em down, grab ‘em, drag ‘em into the shadows, and… Bon appetite.
On a side note: It would really be great if we ran the Brotherly Shove, on our first snap of the night. I’ll be at home wearing my “PUSH ON.” t-shirt. I hope you will be too.
****
WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know FOOTBALL and that’s it. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, then you are a fool trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.
Check back in a couple of days forFour Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
COMING back during the “Silencing of the Rams”last week, the Eagles showed the entire league; that even if they’re an undefeated team, with a 19 point lead, your ass ain’t safe! This team is going to fight for four quarters. As made evident by DT Jordan Davis blocking a field goal, and returning it 61 yards for a touchdown, to ice the game.
The Buccaneers have had to comeback in each of their three wins, against opponents with a combined record of 1 – 8. Last week they were up 23 – 6 over the Jets, and ended up having to comeback and win it 29 – 27. The Eagles are a much stiffer test than that. When we get a lead: We keep it.
A win over the Buccaneers makes us a perfect 4 – 0. That would be good enough to be at least tied for top record in the NFC. It would also be the cannibalization of a second consecutive, undefeated, conference opponent.
A loss would leave us at 3 – 1, and falling a step behind in the race for home-field advantage.
****
The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win this game. Often I list fundamentals, as some of the four things. BUT NO MORE! Unless something specific is needed, fundamentals like Running the ball; playing lots of Man Press; and Tackling instead of going for the strip, will be automatically included. (Like the five consonants and a vowel that Wheel Of Fortune automatically spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Buccaneers
1) Feed the Dawgs: Last time we saw this team, we were without WR A.J. Brown, WR DeVonta Smith, and RT Lane Johnson. While RB Saquon Barkleystarted, RB Kenny Gainwell had to play nearly half the game in his place. The Buccaneers jumped out to a 24 – 0 lead, but that game still ended 16 – 33, with our back-ups getting as close as 16 – 30.
Whole different monster this Sunday. Time to feed the dawgs! Time to get the ball to our big players! Time to let ‘em eat! If we’re going to provide room for Barkley to run, then Smith and Brown need to see at least seven targets each.
2) Set the Edges: Their QB likes to run. Keep him and any RB’s in the Tackle Box, where our hitters can get clean killshots on them in the hole. This is going to be a hot, and humid game. So drive up the frustration, and beat fatigue into them. Take away the required energy for them to stage late heroics.
3) Keep Their Receivers Wide: Clean releases to the inside have to be minimized to give our Safeties room to jump passes. The Buccaneer’s QB is willing to share the football, but you have to bait his natural arrogance, first. Challenge him to dot the sideline and then cut off his access. Especially from an unsettled platform.
4) Blitz the Blitz:We need QB Jalen Hurts to punish the blitz. The Buccaneers SLB is Haason Reddick. On a blitz, we all know that Reddick ain’t covering. So when Reddick rushes in, anyone lined up in front of him, will have a open release along the hash. Unless a Safety picks them up… meaning one-on-one on the outside.
We need Hurts to see that, and hit that quickly. We’re going to continue to see these quick blitzes and loaded boxes until he starts to change the narrative, that he’s susceptible to them.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
Managing the heat is going to be important. The heat itself, the moisture loss, possible cramping. Seems like job for pickle juice. It’s already proven it’s worth to this franchise during the Pickle Juice Game.
Back in 2000, we beat the brakes off the Cowboys 41 – 14 (in their own home) because we were better prepared for the 109 degree temperature. In fact, temperatures on the field were in excess of 120 degrees. Their players were folding like origami, while we chugged along, mostly by chugging pickle juice.
Athlete Josh Mansour drinks a shot of pickle juice during a National Rugby League match in 2017
If we can somewhat even the environmental odds, then we can just let the better roster and better coaching staff, decide the outcome of this game.
****
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.
“I swear to you, we’re not finished yet.”
