Sack Leader: DT Milton Williams (Sacks:2.0/ FF: 1/ Tackles: 2)
Special Teams Ace: TE Dallas Goedertonside kick recovery
****
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: RAMS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Don’t Get Cute:As the second part of this key, I said that TE Dallas Goedert (5 – 4 – 19 – 4.7 – 0) should see eight targets in this game. He didn’t, because we were already killing them with the first part of this key. My exact words were: “We are a running team, and our rushing attack is led by RB Saquon Barkley. Stick to that.”
SHEESH! Did we ever! We ran for 314 yards and 3 TD’s. Our Offensive Line cut off backside pursuits, while providing holes big enough for a motorcycle. Saquon had a 70 yard touchdown run, on the first play of the second half; and a 72 yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter. He was hardly touched for either. This is unfair. I love it!(DONE)
2) Send the Dawgs:The Rams tried to scare us early, with their rushing attack. On their first drive, they notched 47 of the 92 rushing yards that they’d get all night. Then we forced a fumble and recovered it, ending that drive. As I said in FT, they can’t make a living on their run game, so they must lean on the pass (17 runs, 38 dropbacks).
DT Milton Williams gets one of his his two sacks here
So the call in FT, was to beat up on the opposing QB. Well, we sacked him four times, and knocked him down a bunch more. He didn’t turn the ball over, but we did get him to fumble, and kept him rattled to the tune of 0 for 8 on third down. (DONE)
3) Get An Early Touchdown:We got just one drive in the first quarter, and it became a field goal. (NOT DONE)
4) Blitz Over Their Right Tackle:I don’t recall a single edge blitz in this game. When we did blitz, it was through the middle. We didn’t really need to bring extra bodies, since our Front Four were doing such an effective job. (NOT DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was 2 of 4. We need to solve our first quarter scoring issue. We can’t have a serious discussion about a deep playoff run, if we don’t. Playoff caliber teams will make short work of us.
Speaking of playoff caliber teams, our next match-up is a measuring stick against one. Specifically the Baltimore Ravens, who come in with the NFL’s #2 rusher. Take a guess at who’s #1.
****
Game Hero: RB Saquon Barkley – (Admit it. That segue was Hall Of Fame worthy.) He piled up 255 rushing yards, on 26 carries, vs Hurts 22 pass attempts. He set an Eagles all-time rushing record for a single game, and he even showed off as a receiver (4 – 4 – 47 – 11.7 – 0), bringing his individual yardage total to 302 yards.
Game goat: Injuries – It was bad enough to lose CB Darius Slay (3 tackles) to a concussion; but losing DE Brandon Graham(2 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) to a torn tricep for the remainder of the season, was a stab in the belly. Finding out that the injury could be the epitaph of his career, was just twisting the knife.
On The Whole: Except for a few big plays by the Eagles, this game was largely a fist-fight in a phone-booth. The Rams seemed like they wanted to go toe-to-toe with us on that, but in the end, they simply didn’t have the stamina for it. Once a few of the LB’s were thrown out the club, they seemed to lose the desire to play tough.
Funny thing is, the Eagles were shorthanded with WR DeVonta Smith, out with a hammy. And it didn’t seem to disrupt much. We largely didn’t do anything fancy, and honestly, it felt like we were trying to milk the clock, from the moment we first got the ball.
Drive Killer: S Reed Blankenship (TD: 0/Int: 1/ FR: 0/ 4th down stops: 0/ FF: 0)
Sack Leader: DE Brandon Graham (3way tie) (Sacks:1.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 3)
Special Teams Ace: TE Dallas Goedert (5 – 5 – 61 – 12.2 – 0) Onside kick recovery
****
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: COMMANDERS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Run ‘Em Down:I said lean on the run. We did it. We ran the ball 40 times and threw it 28. I said do it, even if it’s not working early. We did it. And eventually the Commanders ran out of gas and were gashed for a 23 yard TD, followed by a 39 yard TD run. Those two scores are what won us the game.
C Cam “Beef” Jurgens throws a dude “out the club”, during RB Saquon Barkley’s 39 yard touchdown run, right through the heart of the Washington defense.
I called for 30 non-QB runs in this one, and we hit that number exactly on the head. I said Barkley needs to go over his typical 22 carries and he logged 26. We stuck to our guns in this one, and were rewarded for it in the end. (DONE)
2) Torment Single-high Coverage:We really didn’t get anywhere close to this one. While Washington didn’t give us a lot of Single-high looks, when they did, the routes seemed to shy away from exploiting it. Which is what helped make things more difficult for Saquon early on. (NOT DONE)
3) Hit Their Quarterback: You know what’s hard to heal while playing football, every week? Broken ribs. Especially on a frame without much padding. I had my suspicions that QB Jayden Daniels (22/32 – 68.8% – 191 – 1 – 1) would still look labored while playing and this game absolutely confirmed what I thought.
MLB Zack Baun and S Reed Blankenship force QB Jayden Daniels out of bounds on 4th down, short of the first down.
We sacked him three times, and hit him a bunch more. When he ran the ball, instead of being a weapon, he was almost a liability (7 – 18 – 2.57 – 0 – 0). He also threw a number of passes that hit the ground short of their target. (DONE)
4) Jump A Couple of Short Passes: Oh yeah! LB Zack Baun (14 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) had a nice pass breakup of a crossing route over the middle with a diving swat. And while it wasn’t exactly a “short” route, Reed Blankenship’s interception out of Robber Coverage, was a TEXTBOOK example of jumping a route.
A few more picks like that, and more opposing QB’s will start holding the ball longer, simply because they don’t trust their eyes. This game helped to set a beautiful precedent. (DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was 3 of 4things. If not for the sluggish start, this game could have been a runaway. Regardless, we got the ‘W’. Now we get a little extra rest, and prepare for the Rams not tomorrow, but the following Sunday night. That’s right, kiddies! It’s a prime time game. So those of us with a gray hair or two, may want to get a nap around 2:00. Wake up around 6 and have some chili. Damn. I have a plan now.
****
Game Hero: RB Saquon Barkley – The team kept hammering him into the defense. Not like the slashing blade, but like the pommel of a sword. Beating, and badgering forward, stubbornly. We made it a war of attrition, and we just kept hitting Washington in the ribs.
We worked the body until the head came down, and once it was exposed, Saquon JFK’ed them. Twice. He scored on a 23 yard run off the right side; and a 39 yarder directly through their heart. If I hadn’t already turned off my conscience, I would have felt bad for the poor Redsk- oops! Commanders.
Game goat: K Jake Elliott – (2/4 FG, 2/3 XP) That’s seven points that he LEFT on the field. Three kicks that went wide left of the uprights. Three in a row! It wasn’t particularly windy. His LS and Holder were the same as always. He just was off. And stayed off for too long.
On The Whole: Believe it or not, unlike most, I have not spent the season harping on the team’s slow starts. However….
Look, this is a problem that needs to be solved. We are seven games away from the playoffs. That caliber of team will not just let us up for air, if we find ourselves drowning 3 – 10, in the third quarter. We have got to get better at hurting opponents early.
That said, let’s get to enjoying being in first place.
Drive Killer: LB Nakobe Dean (TD: 0/Int: 1/ FR: 0/ 4th down stops: 0/ FF: 0)
Sack Leader: DE Josh Sweat (Sacks:2.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 4)
Special Teams Ace: S Sydney Brown FF on punt coverage (CB Kelee Ringo FR)
****
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: JAGUARS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) More Jalen Under Center: We started out doing a fair amount of this, but we got away from it too often. The first drive featured 3 plays Under Center (UC), vs 4 in Shotgun. Balanced, right? In the half’s remaining five drives, Hurts was UC exactly 6 times. That’s 9 times in the first half. We ran 11 plays UC in the second half, for a total of 20 all game long. Out of 73 offensive plays.
The worst part of all of this, is that we scored each of our 5 TD’s, from the Shotgun. Even Barkley’s 19 yard run was a delayed hand-off from the ‘gun. (NOT DONE)
2) Screen Their Ends: We flat out didn’t even try to do this. (NOT DONE)
3) Lots of Defensive Shifts: The Jags started out with a back-up LG, playing next to a newly minted starting LT. Then the LG went down and a third stringer went in. This should have been an eight sack day, but instead, we got just two. No attempt was made to confuse their blocking scheme, and our Defensive Line played from where they lined up.
Look, I get it. The Jags don’t have a good line, so there’s no need to put out tape, that better teams can use to scout us. Makes total sense. But we could have showed something. (NOT DONE)
4) Take Away the Short Pass: We did an exceptional job with this. Our LB’s didn’t just drop into weak zones, they played some Man Coverage vs RB’s and TE’s, instead of getting caught covering top shelf WR’s. There were times when we let their QB complete quick passes and other times where we tightened the screws. The alternation proved effective.
I mentioned that taking away the short windows would help us make the most of deflections, and what happened? LBZach Baun (10 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) managed to grab an interception because of exactly this. Josh Sweat also notched a great 3rd down sack. (DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was 1 of 4. If the Jags were a better team, we probably would have lost this game. Fortunately for us, they’re a shaky team, with deep injury problems. We’re being served a second helping of that, next week! The Eagles travel down to Dallas, to take on the (0 – 3 at home) Cowboys.
****
LB Nakobe Dean seals the win with an interception in the endzone, as LB Zack Baun looks on
Game Hero: LB Nakobe Dean – It’s very easy to make the case that this should have been Hurts or Barkley. However, it was Dean that stepped up, trusted his gut and made a play on the ball, to seal our victory. If that play doesn’t get made, and the receiver catches it, we’re looking at a 29 – 28 ballgame with seconds left. Dean rescued us.
Game goat: Replay Assistance – Even with using replay, the officiating crew got the fumble by Barkley wrong. That fumble recovery was subsequently returned for a touchdown by Jacksonville.
If that bogus 7 points weren’t on the board, the Eagles win 28 – 16. Had we gotten to keep that ball, and scored a field goal, that final would have been 31 – 16. And had we scored a touchdown, we’d have ended the day 35 – 16. Well, 33 – 16. We’d have gone for two and missed it.
On The Whole: I have bad news. You can’t separate the coach from his victories. Yes, Head Coach Nick Sirianni, did take extra points off the board several times. However, it was his game-planning that led to the touchdowns I n the first place. You may not like his antics, or the way he wears his heart on his sleeve. You may hate his over aggressiveness. That said, he gets his guys motivated and ready to play on Sundays.
Sack Leader: MLB Nakobe Dean (Sacks:2.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 11)
Special Teams Ace: P Braden Mann drawing a roughing the kicker penalty
****
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: GIANTS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Use A Metric Fuck-ton of Play-action:Nope. Not really. Hurts dropped back to pass, all of 18 times. He was sacked 4 of those, and attempted just 14 passes. I was expecting the giants to make a point of taking away Saquon. Instead, he romped and frolicked in their wilderness.
If he wasn’t running away from giants defenders, he was running over them. Why fake giving him the ball, if actually giving him the ball, yields results like these? I was wrong about this one. And you have no idea how happy I am about that. (NOT DONE)
2) Chip Off the Block:Again, I expected a different kind of game, but Hurts dropped back all of 18 times, was sacked 4, and attempted just 14 passes, on the day. There just weren’t many opportunities to use play-action. Which is probably for the best, since LT Fred Johnson wasn’t getting any chip help on the outside. He also seemed to have his hands full when we did throw it. (NOT DONE)
MLB Nakobe Dean collecting one of his two sacks
3) Speed Up Their QB’s Clock: Brother, did we ever! On 29 dropbacks, QB Daniel Jones (14/21 – 66.6% – 99 – 0 – 0) was sacked 8 times, and was under duress when he was able to get passes off. He averaged 4.7 yards per pass, in this game. That’s less than half a first down per attempt! We finally got a look at what our Defense will look like, if we build a comfortable lead. (DONE)
4) Win On First Down: The giants saw 23 first downs in this game. They gained 4 yards or more, on 10 of those plays. The Eagles held them to 3 yards or fewer (including 3 sacks), a total of 13 times. So on 56% of the giants first downs, the Eagles imposed our will and won the down. (DONE)
++++
This weeks Four Thingsscore was2 of 4. I absolutely nailed the Defensive side, but totally whiffed on the kind of Offensive game, we were going to have to run. Well, next week we’re on the road again, to face a 3 – 4 Cincinnati team, that is trying to revive their season.
****
Game Hero: RB Saquon Barkley – He went out there and set a tone. Lowering his shoulder and smoking DB’s. Putting his foot in the ground and absolutely butchering the giants defenders with runs of 55, 41, and 38 yards. It was glorious.
Game goat: CB Quinyon Mitchell (3 – 0 – 0 – 0) – He dropped yet another would be interception. This was what, number 3 or 4? Someone get Lester Hayes on the phone, and see if he has any more Stickum.
WR A.J. Brown and QB Jalen Hurts celebrate a 41 yard touchdown catch and run, on a 4th and 3 play.
On The Whole: Fundamentals. We stood strong on them, and for the second week in a row, our Defense didn’t allow a touchdown, and we didn’t turn the ball over. The result of those fundamentals, was a dominating win. Granted, it was over a bottom-feeder team, but like last week, you have to win the games that you’re supposed to win. We have that base covered.
Sack Leader: DE Josh Sweat (Sacks:1.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 5)
Special Teams Ace: N/A
****
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: BROWNS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Run Saquon Early: The idea was to get Saquon Barkley 5 to 7 carries early in the game to make it easier on the entire Offense. Well, he had 7 carries for 21 yards in first quarter. (Our third possession started in the 1st but ended in the 2nd quarter.) The Eagles didn’t run for a ton of yards in this one, but kept the defense honest with 22 hand-offs, and another 14 rushes by the QB himself. (DONE)
2) Press and Challenge:CB Darius Slay (no stats/left injured) started off the game playing mostly in Press coverage, while rookie CB Quinyon Mitchell (3 – 0 – 0 – 0) started out in more of a zone look. This is to be expected from Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense, as he likes to give each side of the field a different coverage.
Eventually, Mitchell got around to more Press. That helped the pass rush show up, in the way that it had been expected to, all season. Seven different players contributed to 5 sacks on the day, and Cleveland’s top receiver caught for just 42 yards. We should play Press Coverage every week. (DONE)
3) Dallas Slotted at #3: No dice. TE Dallas Goedert (no stats/injured) left the game early with a hamstring issue. Stepping right into his shoes was TE Grant Calcaterra (4 – 4 – 67 – 16.7 – 0). He saw as many targets and more yards than WR DeVonta Smith (4 – 3 – 64 – 21.3 – 1).
Instead of spending the day trying to force balls to a third WR, the Eagles just included the TE as the third tip of the trident. And it worked beautifully. Had I specified “TE” instead of “Goedert”, I would be happy to say “See what the TE did? Told ya so!” But, that’s not how I tagged it, and fair is fair. (NOT DONE)
4) Stops Over Strips:In this game, our defenders didn’t dick around, holding up offensive players and clawing at the ball. They just made contact, and put opposing players on the grass.
In this game, I counted SIX incidents where usually, our defense would allow an opponent extra yards, or blow a tackle attempt, swiping at the football. However, in this game, they just put the player down, eventually resulting in more difficult third downs, where they converted just 3 of 12. (DONE)
++++
This weeks Four Things score was 3 of 4. We hit the fundamentals and at no point did we trail. It wasn’t a blow out, but it never seemed out of control either. Let’s hope for more of the same next week, when we travel up 95 and pay a visit to the giants, in that New Jersey cesspool they split with the Jets, to avoid New York taxes.
****
DT Jalen Carter gets a sack and somehow DT Moro Ojomo isn’t credited with half of it.
Game Hero: The Defense – The Defense didn’t allow a single offensive touchdown in this game. They didn’t allow a single receiver to reach 45 yards. They didn’t allow a single runner to reach 45 yards. They tackled securely, and got to the QB repeatedly. They only thing they didn’t do, was get a turnover. Which would have happened, if Quinyon Mitchell and C.J. Gardner-Johnson (5 – 0 – 0 – 0), hadn’t run into each other trying to catch an interception.
Some will tell you that it wasn’t impressive, because the Browns limped in here as a woeful offensive team already. However, given our recent defensive woes, the impressive part wasn’t beating the Browns. It was all the fundamental issues that we corrected. (Especially if they stay corrected for a second week.)
Game goat: Special Teams Coordinator Michael Clay – So in this one, we got a field goal blocked, and they returned it for a touchdown. A touchdown. What was supposed to be an easy 3 points for us, became 7 for them. That’s a 10 point swing. It was the only touchdown of the day for the Browns. And it was on Special Teams.
Through five games, we’ve seen a punt blocked, and a field goal blocked. We don’t have a kickoff return of 30 yards yet, and so far no 20 yard punt return. No one is ever afraid that we might take one all the way. There is literally nothing special about Michael Clay’s teams. Nothing. It’s been four years of nada, since he got here.
On The Whole: We beat one of the teams that we were supposed to. We did it without allowing a single offensive touchdown, and without turning the ball over. It was a good solid, fundamentally sound game on our part. This is despite losing three starters during the game (Slay, Goedert, and LT Lafoga Mialata.)
It was a win despite adversity. It was a win that speaks to the culture of this team, and the passion of Head Coach Nick Sirianni. If you want to know what poor culture and low passion does for a team, just replay the Lions /Cowboys massacre. Look at Mike McCarthy’s face while his team was butchered. Is that what you want? Is it?
It’s true. This game wasn’t a blowout. But it was, a win.
Drive Killer: NA (TD: /Int: / FR: / 4th down stops: / FF: )
Sack Leader: DE Brandon Graham (Sacks:1.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 2)
Special Teams Ace: CB Kelee Ringo returns blocked XP (CBIsaiah Rodgers) for 2pts
****
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: BUCCANEERS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
WR Parris Campbell looks in a touchdown pass
1) Our Reserves Must Gainwell: Aside from WR Parris Campbell(4 – 4 – 17 – 4.2 – 1) no other reserve Offensive player made a difference, or even a noticeable contribution in this game. Part of is it because some of these guys are actual trash, and part of it is because our Offense is routed through the not-so-swift brain, of QB Jalen Hurts.
This was the back-ups week to step up and demand the ball. To signal that they could be relied on. None of their body language or sideline activity, indicated that. The spotlight was on them and nearly all of them shrank from it. (NOT DONE)
2) Get to Baker: We sacked QB Baker Mayfield (30/47 – 63.8 – 347 – 2 – 0) all of twice. We played soft coverage nearly all game long, so Mayfield just sat back and played catch with his receivers. Especially in the first half. Things tightened up a little in the second half, but mostly it was Busc receivers running free, and making uncontested catches. They had four players with 50+ yards receiving. (NOT DONE)
DE Brandon Graham collection one of the Eagles two sacks
3) Run the Ball:AHEM!!! Twelve million dollar RB Saquon Barkley, had 10 carries in this game. Jalen Hurts had 8 for 20 whole yards. A couple of those were Brotherly Shoveplays, but most of them were designed keepers. As long as the play-callers think Hurts is our second RB, our Offense is going to keep finding itself sputtering, just like it keeps doing. (NOT DONE)
4) Own the GCG Box: Our DT’s were somewhat disruptive, but at no point did they take over the interior of the offensive line. They did a great job of occupying blocks, which allowed MLB Nakobe Dean (6 – 0 – 0 – 0) to whiff on tackle after tackle. Or to be an inch too short to get a deflection. We didn’t allow a lot of rushing yards (111), but they did seem to be able to run it at will, which complemented their short, quick passing game. (NOT DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score is0 of 4, which is precisely why we, got shit beat down our leg. Next week we get to stay home and lick our wounds. It’ll be nice to see a weekend without a Jalen Hurts turnover.
****
Game Hero: Whoever fired the gun at the end of the game.
Game goat: QB Jalen Hurts – This was a week, where Hurts should have taken the team on his back. Instead, there was no sense of urgency, no fire to him. Just that same look of boredom that he always displays on the sideline. Others call it “stoic”. I call it, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. I’ve seen players excited to play. I’ve been one. That’s never the vibe that our leader transmits.
In 2021, I wrote an article, where I said that Jalen Hurts would never become a true franchise QB, and I have never moved off of that assessment. How has that 2021 assessment aged? Well, Hurts, despite being in his FIFTH year, still can’t punish a blitz, and has become a turnover machine, hasn’t he? He’s regressed badly from 2022 hasn’t he?
In fact, check out my 2021 article and tell me if you aren’t seeing the exact same things today, that you were seeing in 2021. Granted, today he uses his TE better, and no longer avoids throwing over the middle. Otherwise, his failure to grow or to evolve, doesn’t indicate much future success for the lad. Or us.
On The Whole: There is a ton of blame that can be handed out for this match. But the truth is, on top of all the things the coaches didn’t get right; and the QB did wrong; and the tackles that got missed; are the facts that 1)we were playing shorthanded, 2) on the road, and 3) in 100 degree weather.
CB Kelee Ringo recovers blocked extra point and returns it for two points
It was a damned tough assignment, and we quickly wound up on the wrong end, of a 0 – 24 score. But did we quit? Hell no! We got it as close as 16 – 30. Even hustling on Special Teams for a blocked extra point, that was returned for 2 points. While we didn’t walk away with the “W”, it’s efforts like this, that help forge a team’s identity.
Drive Killer: S Reed Blankenship (TD: 0/Int: 1/ FR: 0/ 4th down stops: 0/ FF: 0)
Sack Leader: DTJordan Davis (Sacks:1.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 4)
Special Teams Ace: N/A
****
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: SAINTS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Win the Line Of Scrimmage: Boy did we ever! DT Jordan Davis (4 tackles, 1TFL, 1sack, 1 batted ball) and DT Jalen Carter(4 tackles, 2TFL, 2 batted balls) made a day of playing in the Saints backfield. Saints RB Alvin Kamara (26 – 87 – 3.3 – 0 – 0) came into this game averaging 5.6 yards per run, but he found out that the Eagles aren’t the pushovers that the Panthers and the Cowboys are.
While the players did shift around and take advantage of the gaps up front, a huge nod has to be paid to Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio, for coming out in an obvious 5-2 front, instead of trying to disguise it. It immediately signaled that there could be no consistent double-team help inside. (DONE)
2) Set the Edges: Again, big nod to the 5-2 front, as it let the Eagles to shift the line side to side, creating a natural boundary on many early downs. Another important move was the heavy use of DE Brandon Graham (2 – 0 – 0 – 0), and the deployment of “LB” Josh Sweat (2 – 0 – 0 – 0) as a DE, instead of as an OLB in a Wide Nine rush technique.
That natural boundary allowed our actual LB’s Zach Baun (11 – 0 – 0 – 0) and Nakobe Dean (8 – 0 – 0 – 0) to run cleanly to the play. Dean had a TFL, and Baun had a fourth down stop. The final result was the Eagles putting a muzzle on the Saints run game (29 – 89 – 3.0 – 0 – 0).(DONE)
3) Go To Goedert:The idea was to involve Goedert, and use him to slow down the Saints pass rush, and blitz frequency. The idea was to involve him to force them to cover him. Well we DID involve him. The Saints however, never adjusted to prioritize covering him.
The result was Goedert romping and frolicking through the Saints wilderness, to the tune of 170 receiving yards, the MOST EVER BY AN EAGLES TE IN A GAME! Yep. We involved him, and all he did was make history, while setting up the touchdown that would be the dagger in the Saints heart. (DONE)
4) Don’t Settle for Early Field Goals:I said in Four Things, if it’s in the first half, we’re inside their 30, and it’s 4th and 3 or less, don’t think, just go. Well, it was the end of the first half, we were at the Saints 21, and it was 4th and 1. We went for it and didn’t convert. Bummer, but it was still the right call.
Most readers will disagree with me on that, and that’s fine. I made my position known prior to this game, so I’m sticking by it now. You want to keep your Offense in an attacking mindset. Especially given all the demoralizing injuries that mounted as the game went on. We needed to hunt touchdowns instead of field goals (DONE)
++++
This weeks Four Things score was 4 of 4. Usually you’d expect that to be represented in the score as a blowout, but the Saints are a tough team, in an imposing stadium. Honestly, in the long run, it’s probably best for our team psychologically, that it was an uphill battle. Hopefully things are a little easier and we’re a little healthier, when we visit the 2 – 1 Buccaneers next week.
****
Game Hero: Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore – We started the game without WR A.J. Brown. During the game we lost RG Mekhi Becton and RT Lane Johnson. That’s the entire right side of our Offensive Line. We later lost WR DeVonta Smith (10 – 7 – 79 – 11.2 – 0), and still the ball kept moving.
It would be easy to say that Saquon Barkley’s 65 yard TD run was the spark we needed. Or that Dallas Goedert is the hero, with his 61 yard catch and run, that set up the go ahead score. They would both be deserving, but it was Moore who quietly orchestrated things, so the Saints couldn’t take away our remaining weapons. Involving the reserve players just enough, to make sure that the Saints defense stayed honest.
Game goat: Head CoachNick Sirianni– It was a toss up for me, between Sirianni and Jalen Hurts, given the QB’s two turnovers and lack of scoring strikes. I however, went with Sirianni not because of his aggressiveness on 4th down, but because he doesn’t seem to understand the risk of repeated failure.
As I said, I’m on-board with us going for it, at the end of the first half. What was dumb, was not taking the field goal at the beginning of the second half. The Defense was out there getting results. Repeatedly watching the Offense not produce points, could become demoralizing for a Defense. We’ve seen it happen before. This is what Sirianni doesn’t seem to mind flirting with.
I won’t make a big deal about the failed 60 yard field goal attempt. It was indoors, with a guy who’s made from 60 before. Kicking from anywhere on the field seems to be in fashion with the NFL this year, so I don’t fault the attempt. Thing is, when you add his field goal logic, the blocked punt, and the poor return game, it seems the Special Teams component of his coaching, is deteriorating.
On The Whole:
Today our team fought against being shorthanded, and self-inflicted wounds. Oh yeah, there was also a 2 – 0 team, somewhere in there as well. Yet we overcame ALL of it. On the road. In one of the toughest places to get a win in.
This was a bounce back game, and the team came out and showed grit, and resolve, and purpose. Sirianni made the kind of calls he made, because in his mind, he wanted to keep his team aggressive. Which is exactly what we saw when Reed Blankenship zipped past a New Orleans receiver, to make a diving interception to seal the game.
If you want to be frustrated, go right ahead. Just remember, this is a team that due to new coordinators, is still learning how they’re different, from who they were last year. Every team we’ve faced has been a heavy hitter so far, and we get another one in seven days. On the road. Maybe we should cut our guys a little slack.
Drive Killer: S C.J. Gardner Johnson(TD: 0/Int: 0 FR: 0 4th down stops: 1/ FF: 0)
Sack Leader: DT Milton Williams (Sacks:1.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 2)
Special Teams Ace: N/A
****
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: ATLANTA did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Own the Line Of Scrimmage: The idea was to be physical with the Falcons offensive line. They don’t make holes at the line like a power running team. Instead they run to areas and try to take advantage of a RB already looking for space. Bumping and delaying the linemen, would have cluttered up the Falcons run game.
Instead what our Defensive Line did, was stand up and run laterally with the Falcons line. No penetration. No edges set. We let that team pile up 152 rushing yards, at a clip of 5.4 yards per carry. (NOT DONE)
2) Take the Free Yardage:I though the Kerrigan Plan would be great for this week. Take advantage of poor outside coverage on Outs and routes in the Flat. When the Eagles went there, it was good. However, we hardly did! Why does this team INSIST on doing everything the hard way? (NOT DONE)
3) Let’s Have Sacks:More bullying the Falcons o-line was prescribed here. Bull rushing the LG was specifically the order of the day. Instead, our d-linemen would standing up out of their stances, and get waltzed back past the QB. There was one sack all day, of a guy who barely moves in the pocket. (NOT DONE)
4) Take the Safeties Off: Employ a pump fake or two on their Safeties, to get DeVonta Smith some one-on-one match-ups. Ironically, the play that sealed our loss, was an interception by a Safety. Can’t help but wonder what a pump fake on that play would have led to. Probably a touchdown, three seconds later. (NOT DONE)
++++
So this week’s Four Things score is0 of 4. We played (and coached) down to the Falcons, and it allowed them to steal a win. Next week, there is a highly likely chance that we’re going to get dog-walked by the Saints, as we head down to New Orleans, for STD’s and crawfish. Should be fun!
****
Game Hero: DeVonta Smith – He was the only player out there who looked like himself, all game long.
Game goat: Head Coach Nick Sirianni– Up 18 – 15, on 3rd and 3, from the 10, with a 1:46 left on a TICKING CLOCK, Sirianni either called or greenlit a passing play. This right here was the problem. It wasn’t Barkley’s dropping of the pass. It was calling any sort of play that wouldn’t let the clock keep ticking down.
Two Brotherly Shoves would have picked up the yardage, and never let the clock stop running. We should be celebrating an 18 – 15 win. Not mourning this 21 – 22 loss.
On The Whole:
Does anyone know what we pay the Defense for? We’re giving up 25.5 points per game, so far. Our DE’s don’t set edges vs the run, and they can’t get within a fifty dollar cab ride of a QB, despite lining up almost in the Wide 9. Our DT’s line up over linemen, instead of in gaps.
At least twice, I saw MLB Nakobe Dean (7 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) covering WR Drake London (7 – 6 – 54 – 9 .0 – 1). Why is a 5’11” MLB covering a 6’4” number one receiver!?? Who drew that shit up? If we play like this on Sunday, We may find ourselves 4th place in the division.
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: PACKERSdid the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
RB Saquon Barkley scoring one of his three touchdowns on the night
1) Establish the Inside Run: The idea was to get Saquon Barkley going early, on inside runs. It didn’t happen early in the game (which is what I was aiming for), but it did happen early in his workload (by carry #7 of 24). That helped set the tone for the second half, where the Eagles did pile up points.
The Offense didn’t salt away the win, in terms of running the clock out, or scoring a back-breaking touchdown. However they tried to do both. On our last possession, 8 of those 19 plays, were hand-offs to Saquon, and we should have had that touchdown, but Jalen Hurts fumbled the snap. Heroically, Saquon was there to recover it, and we kicked a FG, putting us up by 5 points. (NOT DONE)
2) Take Away the Run: The idea was to stymie the Packers interior run game, and we did a great job of that. Our Defensive Linemen didn’t record a bunch of stats, but they did keep Zack Baun clean enough to make 13 tackles (9 solo) and 2 sacks.
Before you point out the Packers RB Josh Jacobs (16 – 84 – 5.25 – 0 – 0) rushing stats, consider that 43 of those rushing yards, are from the Packers last two drives, and 32 of those yards are from one carry. We absolutely made their QB carry this game on his own. Which was the second half of this key. (DONE)
WR A.J. Brown scores on a 67 yard catch and run as WR Jahan Dotson trails
3) Drive A Dotson:Nawp! Didn’t get within 1,000 yards of this one. Only one pass was thrown to WR Jahan Dotson (no stats) all game long. Shame too! Looking at the meager rushing numbers put up by every Eagle not named Saquon, a little loser box, might have helped out quite a bit. Thank goodness that Brown delivers. (NOT DONE)
4) Mix It Up: Reed Blankenship making the interception out of Robber Coverage, almost took my breath away. Visions of Ronnie Lott’s 8 interception season with the Raiders, started to dance in my head. That interception was downright predatory! Not the catch. The way it was set-up.
S Reed Blankenship makes the interception. With an assist from LB Zack Baun.
Blankenship dropped out of the coverage window, leaving it open for a split second. Just long enough to bait the throw. Then he broke on the receiver. If the ball had gone elsewhere, he’d have been out of position to help deep. Instead, it was a pick that led to the go-ahead score (DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score is 2 of 4, though it could have been 3 of 4. Next week the Birds defend our nest, from an 0 – 1 Falcons team, that lost to 6 field goals and no touchdowns.
****
Saquon catching an 18 yard dime.
Game Hero: RB Saquon Barkley – He piled up 109 rushing yards, and three touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving), in his Eagles debut. While his 26 touches feels a little high this early in the season, it was good to see him put them down with no injury, nicks, or otherwise ill effects.
Game goat: Eagles pass rush – MLB Zack Baun ran down QB Jordan Love (17/34 – 50 – 260 – 2 – 1) a couple of times, but none of our linemen got a good lick on the guy. That is, until DT Jalen Carter(2 – 0 – 0 – 0) tried to tackle Love (subsequently injuring him), as he fought to toss the ball to Josh Jacobs. We need sacks out of our linemen. Period.
On The Whole: The early miscues on both sides of the ball, justified every Eagles fan’s misgivings about the starters not playing at all in the preseason. Particularly Jalen Hurts who was not sharp, to say the least. Throwing two picks and fumbling twice, (once at the goal line), either indicates rust, or an outright lack of talent.
Though it’s too late to unspill that milk, I said it once before but it bears repeating now. Our starting guys should have played. The coach needs to hear that, for the next couple weeks at least.
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.
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