OUR Eagles mauling of New York, featured a team that hit all the fundamentals well. As a road team, we packed our Defense, and got off the bus running the football. The result was 3 points allowed, and 269 yards rushing. That doesn’t bode well for a Bengals team that is giving up 136 rushing yards per game, vs teams like New England, Carolina, the giants, and Cleveland
A win gets us to 5 – 2, and positions us to take over 1st place in the division. That is, pending the outcome of the Bears vs Commanders game.
A loss drops us to 4 – 3.
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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 Bengals
1) Invert the Pocket:We need DT Jordan Davis and DT Jalen Carter to cave in the middle of the Bengals offensive line. Their C has a habit of almost standing up at the snap. He also doesn’t do a great job of chopping his feet in pass protection. These flaws makes him susceptible to bull-rushes.
Getting Davis and Carter in the “A” gaps, and pinching the C between them, should blow up the middle of the Bengals (or anyone else’s) blocking scheme.
2) Get their QB Off His Square: The Bengals have a rhythm based passing system. So their QB is almost always throwing to a specific spot in a route, from a specific part of the pocket. Here’s a link to some of his highlights which show that. This is aided, by how often his super-dangerous receivers get free releases off the line.
Its utter precision is exactly what can make it easy to derail. Just some Man Press on the receivers, and an inverted pocket to stop the QB from stepping into his throws. Get him out of his comfort zone. Get him running. Get him to move his feet while throwing, which is unlike what he normally does. This should reduce his effectiveness and maybe even get us a gift or two.
3) Play-action TOWARDS Hendrickson: DE Trey Hendricksonis their top pass rusher. While most teams who want to control a pass rusher, do it by double-teaming. Running play-action in Hendrickson’s direction, will give him something else to do, and keep him away from the play.
4) Target Their Linebackers in Coverage: Their two most prominent LB’s are not built for coverage. So force the issue. Use quick passes to punish their defense whenever they blitz.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
Hopefully this game won’t end in a tie.
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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 Thingsas 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.
EAGLES in flight, don’t look backwards. This week we get a Saints team that has dismantled two one-dimensional teams. What do I mean by one-dimensional? I mean neither of them could run the ball (Panthers 29th , Cowboys 26th). So it was easy to play defense against those teams, and repeatedly get them off the field quickly, resulting in lots of possessions for the Saints.
This ain’t that type of party. The Eagles are the 8th ranked rushing team in the league, and RB Saquon Barkley is the #5 runner. So we can mix it up, work the clock, and not hand a bundle of quick possessions to our opponent. So whatever else happens, the Saints won’t be scoring 40 points again this week. That streak has come to a end.
Winning this week, moves us to 2 – 1. Where we’d be sitting in the division standings doesn’t really matter, because it’s just Week 3. It would be nice to be at the top, but if we’re in second place heading into Week 4, big deal.
A loss, would mean another week of listening to my fellow Eagles fans whine.
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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. So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Saints.
1) Win the Line Of Scrimmage: I said this last week and we let Atlanta’s zone blockers off the line too easily. Part of the problem was with our interior defensive linemen lining up across from their offensive linemen, instead of across from gaps.
This week we need DT’sJordan Davis andJalen Carter to put their helmets in the “A” gaps; and let the Saints release into their blocks for cheap and easy penetration. Don’t try to delay their blockers. Instead, defend the space he’s vacated, and right there, should be a confused RB.
2) Set the Edges: These last couple of weeks have featured no DE’s setting the edge, vs the run. They line up angled in, and then crash inside, allowing the Tackles to close the gap to the Guard. This creates the clusters that we keep seeing our pass rushers in.
We need for DE Bryce Huff and OLB Josh Sweat, to make their first step up the field instead of inside. This is to keep those Tackles wide of the Guard, and give the DT’s room to work. We can’t make our four man rush effective, if all four guys are clumping themselves into one area, and almost blocking themselves.
3) Go To Goedert: The Saints defense is full of players who like to “shoot their gun” and their players been given the green light to do so. Their aggression is evidenced by their last two games, and the number of guys they already have on their injury report. This is perfect for us!
Again, we’re the #8 team in rushing. The Saints will be looking to shut that down. So, play-action passes to TE Dallas Goedert, will make their players slow down to read more. That takes them out of the comfort zone that they’ve had these last two weeks. It makes them function not at their best.
4) Don’t Settle for Early Field Goals: Many fans complained about the Eagles going for a 4th down, instead of taking a field goal early in the Atlanta game. Not me. It was the 100% right thing to do. The Saints can move the ball. Explosively. We do not want to get into a match where we’re trading field goals for touchdowns, while we don’t have the services of WR A.J. Brown.
I hope to see Head Coach Nick Siriannimake the same call this week, if presented with the same choice. To hell with early field goals. You saw what happened to Dallas. If it’s in the first half, if we’re inside their 30, on 4th and 3 or less, just go for it. Don’t think, just go. If it’s the second half, that’s different. Then you weigh the situation.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
We fans complained during the preseason. We said this team, (running a new offensive scheme and a new defensive scheme), needed shakedown time in live situations. We were worried that the players wouldn’t be on the same page. Well, we were right! So let’s stop being mad over what we all saw coming, two months ago. Let that shit go..
This week, Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio, said he was sticking with Bryce Huff as his starter at DE. Of course he is! If Huff’s contract didn’t dictate that, then the fact that he needs time to learn how to be starter, absolutely does. He was a situational rusher with the Jets. Now he has to read situations and manage his energy. He has to make the mistakes, before they can be corrected.
Offensively, I’m not too worried about the Birds. We can run the ball, and WR DeVonta Smithhas stepped up. He needs more help than WR Britain Covey can provide, which is why I brought up Goedert. That said, QB Jalen Hurts needs to get WR Jahan Dotson, more than one target per game. Starting this Sunday.
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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.
UNDEFEATED! The Eagles beat a playoff team, in a scrappy, back and forth match-up, playing on a messed up foreign field, and we still put up 34 points in the process. The incoming Atlanta Falcons only managed 10 points in their own home, vs a shaky Pittsburgh team. If we run the score up past 25, this one should be in the bag for us.
With players like WR DeVonta Smith, RB Saquon Barkley, and TE Dallas Goedert, we should still have enough firepower to hit that mark. This of course assumes that WR A.J. Brown sits this one out, due to his hamstring issue. That means we’ll be needing an actual contribution from WR Jahan Dotson this week.
With a win, we go to 2 – 0 and will remain at the head of the NFC East. With a loss, our hold on the top of the division, would evaporate and we’d end up behind the winner of the Commanders/giants game. Unless Dallas wins over New Orleans, putting them alon atop the division. So we have to have this one. It’s not a must win. It’s a mustn’t lose.
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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. So here are theFour Thingsthat we need to focus on this week versus: the Falcons
Last week DT Jordan Davis played opposite the LG. Let’s hope that’s the case again this week.
1) Own the Line Of Scrimmage:The right side of Atlanta’s offensive averages 306 pounds, and they aren’t exactly the strongest group of guys to begin with. They make their hay on toss runs, while picking up blocks in space.
To stymie that, our defensive line needs to set the edge, and push around their offensive line. Just to keep them from leaking out and getting downfield on run plays. Or at least seriously delay them, so that blockers aren’t at their practiced landmarks to aid the runners.
2) Take the Free Yardage: The Falcons run a 3 – 4 defense that isn’t like a 5 – 2, it is a 5 – 2. Which means, it’s time to use the Kerrigan Plan. Getting the ball out into the Flat for players like Barkley and RB Kenneth Gainwell, should be easy. Getting the ball to Goedert, on 3 and 5 yard Out routes, should be gimmies.
3) Let’s Have Sacks: Again, the right side of their o-line isn’t the strongest, biggest group of guys. They have a big LG, but he’s dealing with a groin injury. I can tell you from direct experience what that means. It means in pass protection, he’ll have trouble setting up vs a bull rush. He’ll attempt to hide it at first, but it’ll show up eventually. So I expect DT Jordan Davis to eat this week.
DT Jordan Davis meeting QB Kirk Cousins in 2023. Let’s all hope for a reunion (or four), on Monday night.
The idea should be to collapse the pocket right in front of their QB. He’s coming back from an Achille’s tendon injury; and while he was never Randall Cunningham, his mobility does seem somewhat hampered. Shove the pocket back into him. Make him throw on the move. Get him to share the football with our Defense.
4) Take the Safeties Off: If we’re running the ball well, expect their Safeties to creep up into the box, to try to slow us down. Expect it even more, if we utilize the Kerrigan Plan. The best part of that, is that both of their Safeties are ballhawks, who will be looking for opportunities to gamble.
Pump fakes aren’t really a part of QB Jalen Hurts’ game, but it would be smart to work a couple in this week. An occasional pump fake towards the Flat or to the TE; should be enough to bring the Safeties down, and open up deep shots for Smith or Dotson vs one-on-one coverage. Let’s get a couple deep passes in there, just to keep things loose underneath.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
As talented as their RB is, he STILL isn’t RB Saquon Barkley. Seriously. How is our roster even legal? This is patently unfair, and we Eagles fans KNOW it.
Talent v talent, the Falcons can’t hang with us. We literally have back-ups, who are better than some of their starters. However, mental miscues (like the ones we had last week) can help keep the Falcons in this game, and even give them a chance to win it.
We don’t need three touchdowns from Barkley again this week. We need an Eagles team that is on the same page, this week.
It would also be nice to see our D-Line collect a couple of sacks.
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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.
LOST in the Wild Card round, 11 – 6, second in the NFC East, 25.5 pspg / 25.2 papg
The Eagles ripped out the gate to a 10 – 0 start. However, they aand may of us writers, never quite seemed comfortable, because the Eagles allowed the games to be more difficult than they should have been. Then the wheels fell of, the team utterly collapsed, and no explanation has yet to be given. (Good. I wouldn’t want to hear it anyway.)
The Eagles responded by replacing the offensive and defensive coordinators. They also allowed General Manager Howie Roseman, to go all Tanya Harding on the entire city of New York, by taking RB Barkley from one team, and trading OLB Hasson Reddick to the other.
OFFENSE:
QB Jalen Hurts
QB: Jalen Hurts experienced a little problem with turnovers last year. Whether it was an anomaly, or it’s because teams have figured him out, remains to be seen. He still has trouble punishing the blitz, but his 99 touchdowns in three seasons as a starter (despite four missed games) makes you wonder what he could be, if he fixed that glaring flaw.
Kenny Pickett has plenty of arm talent and moxie. Half of his 12 career wins, are comeback victories. Which is a heck of a feat, given the lack of protection he was working with in Pittsburgh. Tanner McKee is a big, strong, tough player, and his teammates like playing for him. He is however, the definition of a pocket passer. (+)
RB: Saquon Barkley. Seeing how good he’s been with trash players and coaching surrounding him, only makes you wonder how good he can be now. However, it’s him being over 230 pounds that most excites me. No knock on all-time leading rusher LeSean McCoy, but the Eagles have had a lot of success here, with guys 220 pounds and up.
Kenneth Gainwell is a man without a real role. He isn’t special at anything. Will Shipley is a 4th round rookie, who seems like a big effort, hard nosed type. Neither backup is built to be an NFC East style workhorse. Which raises the question of: Who carries the load if Barkley gets hurt? Barkley is a great starter to have, but the depth is a question. (+)
TE: Given some of the other names on this team, it can be too easy to overlook Dallas Goedert. However, even as a third option, he’s been quietly putting up around 600 yards per season, for the last five seasons. There doesn’t seem to be a plan for third year man, Grant Calcaterra, as his blocking never wowed anyone. Again, this is a case of excellent starter, no real depth. With just two active, the position is also thin. (-)
WR: A.J. Brownis flat-out uncoverable. Hands, speed, size, vertical leap, route running… He owns every tool in the hardware store. On the opposite sideline, is DeVonta Smith, who puts on a clinic with every route that he runs. He posted a 72% catch rate last year. As a BOUNDARY receiver, with over 100 targets. Those are star receiver numbers, and he’s the #2.
Jahan Dotsonwas traded for, to give the Eagles a legit slot receiver and real depth. Rookie 6th rounder Johnny Wilsonis the #4 receiver. He’s 6’6” 228 pounds, but he has slow feet for this position. Having played at 245, if his blocking improves, a position switch might suit him. Britain Covey is primarily a return man. (+)
LT Jordan Mialata
OT: LT Jordan Mialatahas become a team captain. It still feels a little premature to call him ‘elite’, but his name does keep coming up in the national conversation. RT Lane Johnson is elite. There is no media outlet that refers to him, without calling him a future Hall Of Famer, somewhere in the conversation. It can be debated who the best OT in the league is, but there is no debate that the Eagles have the best starting pair.
LT Fred Johnsonhas been with the team since last year, and even saw a little bit of action. While RT Darian Kinnard played a lot during the preseason, you could tell he was a lock to make the team. I think coaches just wanted to be sure he was really as good a he seemed out there. (+)
OG: While LG Landon Dickersondoesn’t get the credit, he’s the real reason that the Brotherly Shove works as well as it does, as consistently as it does. As if to acknowledge this, the Eagles low-key made a point of giving him a four year extension, in March.
At the RG position is Mekhi Becton. He was a 2020, #11 overall draft pick, who the Jets had at RT, until he suffered two right knee injuries. At 6’7” 363 pounds, he’s an absolute monster of a man. So instead of playing him at RT, the Eagles chose to kick him inside, where he can wrestle with opponents in a phonebooth. He was good enough in camp to take the starting spot.
Tyler Steen is the second year man, who was supposed to start. Until Becton came along. I wasn’t big on Steen last year, but word is he’s improved noticeably. Rookie Trevor Keegan was selected in the 5th round this season. Not much is expected of him yet. (+)
C: Cam “Beef” Jurgensis taking over for the retired future Hall Of Famer Jason Kelce. Jurgens has 28 career starts at G, although the pivot is his natural spot. Not only did Kelce helped hand-pick Jurgens in the 2022 Draft, he mentored him. Groomed him to be a ready when the moment comes. This is that moment. Oh and there is no back-up. (+)
In A Nutshell: This roster is so stacked it’s ridiculous. And there may be even more help on the way.
DEFENSE:
DE: Brandon Graham is returning for his 15th and final ride, with the only NFL roster that was ever lucky enough, to have him grace it. He’s no longer a starter, but his snaps are impactful, as he plays the position classically. By which I mean, he plays the run on the way to the pass. Most modern players at this position, just play pass first, and so often fail to contain the edge.
Free agent Bryce Huff, comes over from the Jets, and will likely be the starter that Graham rotates with. He didn’t start a game last year and still led that team with 10 sacks. So of course, instead of starting him, the Jets let him walk. (+)
DT: I won’t keep you in suspense. The Eagles are literally SIX players deep at this position. Every guy here could start on a team somewhere in this league. Jordan Davis is a mountain of a man and the centerpiece of the Defensive Line. By his own admission he wore down in 2023, and has dedicated himself to his conditioning in 2024. Stay tuned. Jalen Carter grabbed 6 sacks and finished in second place for rookie of the year, last year. Milton Williams is a tweener, who gets moved around, to create and enhance mismatches along the line.
Moro Ojomo has made plenty of noise in preseason games. Now it’s time to translate that to games that count. Byron Young was a 3rd rounder last year, but was a victim of a 2024 numbers crunch in Las Vegas. Thomas Booker was an End in Houston last year. All three of these guys are tweeners, in that they’re Big End/high motor Nickel Tackle, types. Too much depth here. (+)
OLB: Josh Sweaton paper, changes position from DE, but in no way will that change how the Eagles utilize him. He gets lots of pressure and hits on passers (23 in 2023). The Eagles are just trying find a way to turn those into sacks (just 6.5 last year.) Nolan Smithwas supposed to be a steal in the 1st round of last year’s Draft, but he can’t produce from the sideline.
Jalyx Hunt is a 3rd round rookie, who had no business still being on the board when the Eagles got there. Patrick Johnson’s value lies in his flexibility (LB/DE), and his Special Teams play. While Eagles have parts here, getting production from them has proven to be challenge. (-)
ILB: Free Agent Devin White came over from Tampa. His resume shows that he can be a playmaker, but with most Eagles starters playing no preseason snaps, it’s impossible to judge how he fits. Zach Baun comes over from New Orleans, having been a spot starter and situational player. When the Eagles go to their 5 – 2 alignment, these two head the depth chart.
Nakobe Dean has so far not panned out as planned, but this new defensive coaching staff, seems excited about him. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. will initially get stuck on Special Teams, but his heads-up style of play, suggests that coaches will find defensive snaps for him. Oren Burks was a late preseason acquisition who has starting experience, and has made some plays. Ben VanSumeren is a born Special Teamer.
The position is stable and solid up top. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that the free agents we added, are stunting the growth of the young guys we have (who seem to have more upside), by keeping them off the field. (+)
S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (CJGJ) intercepts a pass
S: C.J. Gardner-Johnson returns, after a year in Detroit that he’d probably like to forget. His 2022 season here, saw him lead the NFL in interceptions and play in the Super Bowl. He’s back to get a taste of that again. Reed Blankenship isn’t a burner, but he possesses pretty much any other trait you’d want at this position. If the communication between these two is good, the middle of the field will be a dangerous place to venture.
Rookie 2nd rounder Cooper DeJean, fist best at this position. Yes, the coaches love his schematic flexibility, but ultimately, player play best where they play best. Tristin McCollumwas a longshot to make this roster, but here he is. (+)
CB:Darius “Big Play” Slaydoesn’t get the respect that he deserves. Even playing in a heavy cushion cover scheme, he’s picked off 8 passes in three seasons. Isaiah Rodgers was brought in a year ago while on suspension. We have yet to see him play. Quinyon Mitchell is a 1st rounder from this year. While he’s well thought of, he’s still a rookie. There’s an education coming.
Kelee Ringo is a big guy, who plays with an aggression and swagger that will either make him a star pr run him out of the league eventually. Eli Ricks is another tall one, who made a few clutch plays as a reserve in 2023. Fact is, Slay is great, but there’s no way to vouch for the other side yet. (-)
In A Nutshell: This unit should be strong down the middle. The edges of the defense is where the question marks are.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
LS: Rick Lovato notched 3 tackles and forced a fumble, in 2023. (+)
P: Braden Mann posted a punt average of 49.8, and a net of 43.8. Both of which were career bests for him. (+)
K: Jake “The Make” Elliottmade a career-high 93.8% of his field goals, and even made 7 of 8 from 50 or more. (+)
In A Nutshell: The Eagles have long understood the battle of hidden yardage, and it continues to show.
BOTTOM LINE:
This is team went on a 10 – 0 start last year, while never looking like a dominant team. I personally am getting the vibe that they won’t get out to a long undefeated streak, but they will absolutely land on a few teams this year.
As for 2024: A record of 12 – 5 seems to fit like Cinderella’s glass slipper. Let’s go with that.
FINALLY! Eagles football will be played again, for real stakes. After Head Coach Nick Sirianni decided to not play the starters at all in the preseason, we’re finally getting a look at our team. I wish it weren’t in Brazil, but right now I just want FOOTBALL!
A win means that we don’t start the year in the bottom of our division. There! There’s the motivation.
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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. So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: The Packers
1) Establish the Inside Run:Getting RB Saquon Barkleygoing early, between the Tackles. It sets a tone, and later will draw their safeties into the box. Once that happens, it opens up the deep passing game for QB Jalen Hurts to pile on points, and salt away the game.
2) Take Away the Run:The Packers interior o-line averages 310 pounds. Get DT Jordan Davisand DT Jalen Carter into the ‘A’-gaps, pinch the C, and clog up the run. Shift the game solely onto their young QB’s shoulders. Speed up his internal clock, and let him make mistakes, as he tries to force the ball to his mid-level (at best) receivers.
3) Drive A Dotson:Adding WR Jahan Dotson should make our offense corrosive to even the best defenses. This is where we need Dotson to do his thing, and to step-up, as a complement to WR A.J. Brown and WR DeVonta Smith. Good slot play will also loosen the box for our run game.
4) Mix It Up: If we’re going to play off-coverage, we need to at least sprinkle in some aggressive man. We can’t keep telegraphing our coverages and expecting opposing QB’s to be too stupid to figure it out.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
I just want them to get out to a fast start. I want to see the Eagles do something this year that they didn’t do even once last year. I want them to blow a team out.
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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 useFour Thingsas 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.
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?
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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 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.
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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.
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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.
DRAFT Day is April 25th. Well actually it’s three days 25th, 26th and 27th, but you get the idea. Over the coming month, I’m going to do a position by position breakdown, of each team in the division. Just to compare known players apples to apples, and get everyone on the same page, before we start adding rookies, which can include anything from 1st round busts, to 6th round sure-fire Hall Of Famers.
Today we breakdown (cities are in alphabetical order): The War Machine
NOTE: To make this article, players must be either a DE, DT, or NT. Being listed at OLB, LB, or Edge, puts them in another article. This is done to keep down confusion and banish semantics like “Well he’s mostly a passrusher, so….” We’ll have none of that here.
DALLAS: The Cowboys lost some firepower with DE Dorance Armstrong defecting to rival Washington. While DE DeMarcus Lawrence is still a pro’s pro, he’s no longer anyone to fear. He’s collected just 24.5 sacks…over the last five seasons. On the other side, Sam Williams has shown flashes as a passrusher, but he’s not great vs the run. Chauncey Golston plays the end and also Nickle DT, but is more of a utility player than a threat.
DT Osa Odighizuwa is too small vs the run over 17 weeks
On the inside, DT Osa Odighizuwa is a 3-4 DE being used completely wrong. He starts the year almost foaming at the mouth, but wears down. Especially vs the run. DT Mazi Smith was a first round pick last year, and was statistically blanked in eight games, playing 20 or more snaps in just six games. With Jonathan Hankins and Neville Gallimore leaving, Smith will be asked to do more. Much more. Carl Davis is a NT that may not be with the team much longer.
NEW YORK: The heart of this 3 – 4 line is DE Dexter Lawrence. Strong and enormous, he presents obvious problems vs the run. He’s listed at DE, but the giants play essentially a 5 – 2 front with 3 DT’s. The other “End” could be Rakeem Nunez-Roches, or D.J. Davidson, or any other name picked out of a hat. They added DT Jordan Phillips during the offseason. While Phillips doesn’t put up numbers, he’s huge and he’s disruptive.
The giants will continue to rotate their linemen, in and out of those three spots along the line. It’s meant to keep their opponent guessing and create mismatches, but it seems to backfire at key times. Eye discipline is different for DE’s and DT’s, but this giants coaching staff doesn’t seem to get that. They should be stout inside vs the run though.
PHILADELPHIA: Losing a player like DT Fletcher Coxwould gut most teams. However, the Eagles have massive pocket-crusher DT Jordan Davis; DT Jalen Carter, who just finished 2nd for Defensive Rookie of the Year (despite starting just 1 game); and DE/DT Milton Williams. DT Marlon Tuipulotu also provided quality play in 2023. Last year DT Moro Ojomo, would have made most active rosters, but here he got caught in a numbers game. None of these players are older than 24.
DT Jordan Davis is hard to ignore or lose sight of.
The starters at DE will likely be Josh Sweat, and DE Bryce Huffadded from the Jets. Sweat is a mid-level passrusher, who’s killer first step creates consistent pressure. Huff is coming off of a 10 sack season, where he didn’t start a single game. The Eagles are hoping more snaps translates into more production.
Coming back for his 15th and final season, is DE Brandon Graham. Odds are, he’ll be a situational player who won’t play much, unless injury dictates. There are rumors that the Eagles will switch from a 4 – 3 to a 3 – 4. If that happens, then some of the DT’s will see time at DE. If they play more of a 5 – 2, like they did in 2022, this line will be formidable.
WASHINGTON: Once again, the Commanders raided the Cowboys cupboard, taking both DE Dante Fowler (4 sacks in 2023) and DE Dorance Armstrong (7.5 sacks), to bolster their passrush. Both played in every game, but only Armstrong got to start (just 1 game). As depth, Washington is relying on DE’s Clelin Ferrell and K.J. Henry.
DT Daron Payne closes in.
It’s the interior where this group shines. In the middle of this line are DT Jonathan Allen and DT Daron Payne. To call them headaches or disruptive, is to earn a PhD in Understatement. These two are an outright problem for offensive gameplans, as they both require a double team. In short, they wreck blocking schemes, which slows down offenses.
Back-ups include DT John Ridgeway, and DT Phidarian Mathis. Neither is a real threat, so the fall-off from starter to back-ups is absolutely massive.
SO WHO’S THE BEST?
On the interior, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington are all talented, but only Philadelphia has any depth. More to the point, they have loads of it. Again, on the outside, for THIS article, we are not discussing “passrushers” who play LB/Edge, but actual listed Linemen.
Of the listed DE’s in the division, Dallas is unremarkable, but at least know what to expect of their starters. New York’s DE’s are more like DT’s. Philadelphia may be the most explosive here, IF their new addition wasn’t a one year flash as a Jet. Washington has one defined starter, and everyone is in a new scheme.
DT’s Allen and Payne are a menace. An absolute MENACE!
Philly is tops inside, Dallas is top(ish) outside. However, Philly has question marks at DE, and Dallas’s interior is practically a liability. The giants line is built to occupy blocks, not make plays. Washington has two DE’s who, (while not stars) are both proven passrushers. So we’ll give this nod to the Commanders.
WHAT loss?! Man, fuck that loss! We’re already in the playoffs, and since we won’t get the one seed,
IT DOESN’T MATTER, which seed we get!
Seeds two through seven, all need four wins to hoist the Lombardi. So us six teams, are all in the same boat. Meanwhile, seeds five through seven, basically have to do it entirely on the road. Which has been done a few times already.
In fact, it seems to happen every few years since 1997:
Oakland Raiders (1980), Denver Broncos (1997), Baltimore Ravens (2000), Pittsburgh Steelers (2005), New York Giants (2007), Green Bay Packers (2010), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020)
So don’t lose hope, or sight of the goal, Eagles Fans.
Let’s get something straight, right now. Barring an inspired act of God, Dallas isn’t going to lose to Washington, which makes the outcome of our game practically meaningless. So don’t go getting hung up on the final score. What matters, is if we look like our Defense is coming back to life; and if we can be dangerous on Offense again.
Think of this game as a tune-up. Two weeks ago, we beat the giants by eight points. This time, we want to beat them by more than eight, or hold them to 21 points or fewer. Either one is a major step in the right direction.
A win has us finish the season at 12 – 5, as the 5th seed in the NFC playoffs. That is, unless Washington somehow manages to beat Dallas, making us the 2nd seed.
A loss means we finish the year at 11 – 6, and as the 5th seed. So we’re bulletproof either way.
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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. So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the giants
DT Jordan Davis forces RB Ezekiel Elliott to fumble
1) Contain the Run: Right now DT Jordan Davisis lining up over players, instead of gaps. Then he’s doubled more than 50% of the time. Look, no RB runs through his o-line. They run through the gaps. Davis can’t clog up a player, but he can clog a gap. Dictate the action, by lining up in a gap, and taking that gap away.
With Davis taking away a gap, the MLB has to read and fill the open gap, before the runner gets momentum enough to break a tackle. We also need our DE’s to set edges, and force runs back inside the Tackles.
2) Get To the Quarterback: Two weeks ago, these two teams met, and we got one sack from a team that surrenders an average of five per week. It was a travesty. We need 3 or 4 sacks in this one, just to prove that our pass rush is at least getting back on track.
3) Spread and Run: Stretching the opponent’s defense laterally, will let our RB’s pop into the second level faster, with the inside run plays that we like to run. Run the ball. Eat up clock. Let a Defense that has seen too many snaps recently, get some rest.
RB D’Andre Swift looked good vs that defense a couple games ago.
4) Go Deep Aggressively: Opposing defenses are playing our Slant and Out routes, far more aggressively than they did during the beginning of season. The only way to combat that, is to throw the ball deep down the field.
Whether or not we hit on the play, our opponent has to honor the idea that we will attempt it again. That loosens the box and underneath coverage again. Two deep shots in a game isn’t respectable. Between two and four, is respectable. Five or better is putting your next opponent on notice. Let’s make them uncomfortable.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
A win (at this point) is meaningless without help. A loss means we have hold as the 5th seed. So it would be no change. This game is a total freebie. We’re gambling with house money. So, more than chasing a “W”, we should use the game as a tune-up for the playoffs.
Be nice to get RB Boston Scott some redemption.
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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.
WE returned to the win column, with a win over a division rival, while eliminating them from playoff contention. The home crowd bullied the coaching staff into running the football, and IT WORKED! We managed to win in the trenches on both sides of the ball, earning us another of the “ugly” wins, that we’re now famous for.
Dominating performances from QB Jalen Hurtsand OLB Haason Reddick, would go a long way towards getting us one them thar purtty wins. (Especially if we don’t give away points this week.)
This is a must win game. With a win, we go to 12 – 4. We’ve already clinched a playoff spot, sit atop the NFC East over Dallas, and hold the #2 seed in the conference. A win here helps us to hold onto all of that.
Suffering a loss would mean a stumble to 11 – 5, and a return of all those annoying questions the media asked during that three game skid. Worse yet, if the Cowboys win, then we’d be behind them in the division AND the conference.
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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. So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Cardinals.
NOPE.
1) Win In The Trenches:Defensive line play isn’t always about sacks. In this case it’s about not allowing the Cardinals to get their run game going. In recent weeks DT Jordan Davis had been failing to hold the line of scrimmage and keep blockers off the LB’s. He was better last week, but we need him to wreck interior blocking schemes this week.
2) Hands Up:Again, d-line play isn’t just about the sack. Our linemen need to get their hands up and make it hard to see, for the 5’10” opposing QB. If he can’t see well, he may put the ball in dangerous places without realizing it. Would I trade a sack for an interception? Fuck yeah! Would you? Sure you would. So let’s get those big ‘ol paws up. (This is where a legit 6’5” 270 pound LDE to bookend with RDE Josh Sweat, would be great.)
3) Run The Ball: The Cardinals are the NFL’s 32nd ranked team against the run. The Cardinals are the league’s worst team against the run. No one in this league is worse against the run, than the Cardinals. I’m guessing that you understand what all that means. Let’s hope the Eagles coaching staff does as well.
A few Swift trips to the end zone would be great.
We need another 16+ carry game from RB D’Andre Swift. In terms of yardage, I think if he gets over 72 rushing yards, we should win. Listen, if 50,000 people (not all 69,000 are Eagles fans) are all yelling one thing, there may be some wisdom in listening.
4) Be Efficient: Give us four quarters of Hurtstaking what the opposing defense gives him, and using the clock as a weapon. No throwing into double coverage please! If one receiver is doubled, then someone must be wide open. When there is free yardage available, TAKE IT!
That doesn’t mean dinking and dunking exclusively. If the coverage gives us a look we can beat, by all means, take the shot! Even if it’s to back-up TE Jack Stoll, running loose. If the big play is there, pull that trigger. Just don’t try to create big plays where their potential doesn’t truly exist.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
First off, YAYYY!!!! We got a 1:00 game, again! For the first time in months, I stand a chance of getting Four Things Reviewed out on-time, without having to fight sleep to write it, with work looming the next morning. Or just bailing on it, because I couldn’t stay awake, and having to put it out late. Oh, 1:00 games. You don’t know how much I’ve missed you!
And none of that stuff.
Normally I try to focus on tactics which exploit opponent weaknesses. Not so much this week. The Eagles need some shakedown time to adjust to new Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia. Look, if you want to buy that garbage that Head Coach Nick Sirianni is selling about Sean Desai not being demoted, be my guest. He can’t bullshit me!
My gut says that the Cardinals coaching staff may not be all-in on this game.
Real talk: The 3 – 12 Cardinals hold the #2 overall pick in the Draft as of right now. Washington and New England are both 4 – 11, and right behind them. A loss keeps that pick in Arizona’s hands. A win, puts them at 4 – 12 and throws them into a (likely) three-way tie at 4 – 12.
Having already been eliminated from playoff contention, why also ruin that Draft spot? Especially since the world knows that Arizona wants to move on from their current QB. Given that he could be trade-bait for teams like Washington, Tennessee, Vegas, and Atlanta, why risk all that for a meaningless win?
A loss hurts us, and a win hurts them. Both teams would have to fuck up ROYALLY for the Eagles to not end up 12 – 4 by Sunday night.
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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.
DEFEATING a division rival, in a fist-fight that went into overtime? Been there, done that. Man, finding ways to win, is this team’s superpower. Now we get a chance to prove that again, against a Rams team that’s scrappy, but doesn’t have nearly as much talent as we do. If we don’t play down to them, this “W” is ours for the taking.
A win elevates us to 5 – 0. It also cements our lead in the NFC East for at least the next two weeks, regardless of the outcomes. Even better, 4 – 0 San Francisco is playing 3 – 1 Dallas this week.
If San Fran wins, we open up a 5 – 0 to 3 – 2 lead over Dallas, the number two team in the division. If Dallas wins, we’d be the only undefeated team in the NFL, and thus at the top of the NFC. So as long as we win this week, the Dallas/San Fran game helps us out, no matter how it ends. Even with a tie.
A loss holds us at 4 – 1. Combined with a Dallas loss, it would see us still atop the division with a two game lead. A Dallas win, would see us still atop the division, but only by a conference tie-breaker.
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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. So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Rams.
1) Ground and Pound:Against Tampa Bay, we ran it 40 times, threw it 37, in a double digit win. Against the Commanders, we ran it 27 times, threw it 37, in an overtime squeaker. Eagles fans, we are great at running the ball. So why do our coaches keep over-thinking it?
You know what? Let’s not bitch about it, let’s just get at it. Hit the Rams on the ground with 15 – 20 carries by RB D’Andre Swift; and pound on the LB/S boundary with 9 to 12 yard passes to TE Dallas Goedert. Work the box like a taffy puller. Pull them in with the run, push them back with the pass.
2) Pave the Lane:We had better run a whoooole lot behind RT Lane Johnson this week. The Rams have 6’4, 310 pound OLB Michael Heocht. He’s built like a DT, but they play him on the end of the line. Not in a three point stance, but standing up. Like a true LB! He’s a liability waiting to be exposed!
Standing up with his dimensions, destroys any chance of him gaining leverage vs the run. Running right and firing Lane Johnson into this guy’s exposed lap, would be a hard-hearted and mean-spirited thing to do. So we should do it until either the game ends, or until the Rapture starts. Ten or more runs to the right, would be golden.
3) Man Coverage on Nacua:This is a money game for CB Darius Slay. We aren’t going to “stop” the Rams offense, so banish that idea from your minds. Their coach is simply too smart and too experienced for such nonsense. While the Rams are hard to strategize against, they’re as susceptible to being slowed by shenanigans, as any other team.
There’s talk of WR Cooper Kupp coming back from injury this week, but he won’t be his sharpest. Rookie WR Puka Nacua has become Stafford’s go-to, but he’s more of a possession receiver, not a burner. Cover at least him in man, and force Stafford to read. The idea isn’t to stop, but to slow. To cause hesitancy. To cause mistakes.
4) Blitz off their LT: Rams starter Alaric Jackson is an undersized 285 pound LT, dealing with a hamstring issue. His back-up, Joe Notebloom is a pile of smoldering garbage, dealing with a groin injury. As of now, both are out for Sunday’s game. The third stringer Zach Thomas may have to start against DE Josh Sweat.
This is feeding sheep (giants fans?) to lions. This match-up should make me happy enough, but I’m greedy. Throw and fake blitzes primarily to their LT. Confuse him. Scare him into couple of false starts. Piss off their crowd and make them fall silent.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
Mark it down! This week is historic. Due to the back injury to DT Fletcher Cox, this Sunday, DT’s Jordan Davis and Jalen Carterwill be starting alongside each other. Ladies and gents (and the rest of you), we are getting a glimpse of the Eagles future.
All in all, this is one of the ones we should win. And if we don’t play down to the opponent (like we did last week), we should run away with this one. The Rams are scrappy, but they can’t hang with us in the trenches.
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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 Thingsas 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.
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