29-14 was the final score at Soldier Field on Monday Night as the Eagles were able to take advantage of some Defensive deficits suffered by Chicago while causing some Offensive ones under the guidance of Jim Schwartz. A huge victory is an understatement as it now sees the Eagles undefeated under Doug Pederson through two regular season games. Here are some quick thoughts on the big win.
Wentzamania:
Carson Wentz shined under the Monday Night spotlight, throwing for 190 yards and 1TD, completing 21/34 passes and making some huge plays along the way. From running the Offense like a veteran as he did in week one, to absorbing some big hits and making clutch conversion, Wentz had a game that sees him become the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to start the season 2-0 without turning the ball over once.
Wentz did have a wobbly start to the game, making some questionable throws and sometimes choosing to throw a dart instead of dropping it in the bucket..but for a rookie quarterback to perform as well as he has through two games and these to be his only real concerns..is almost unheard of. Wentzamania is running wild.
Where did the backfield go?!:
On the stat sheet, the Eagles backfield looks productive..but it wasn’t always that flashy. Before Ryan Mathews punched in two touchdowns, the Eagles struggled to find any momentum on the ground. Wendell Smallwood rushed twice for 16 yards and at that time was actually tied for the lead in rushing yards..with Carson Wentz.
Once the running game established momentum, the heavens opened and the Eagles started raining points on Chicago. The Eagles were lucky to finally carve up the Bears in the second half with so many injuries voiding them of any real threats, but this should act as a reminder that the running game is absolutely pivotal to the success of the Offense.
Trial by fire:
Jalen Mills was dropped in the deep end against Alshon Jeffery and it didn’t look as though he was going to swim away after being completely burned early on. The seventh round pick hung tough and was able to really go toe-to-toe with Jeffery later on in the game however in what became a commendable effort for a seventh round pick. Mills even led the team in tackles with 6. CB depth being so light is a problem, but this is a huge positive for Schwartz.
Pass rush:
The Eagles were able to get in Cutler’s face early on, sacking him three times and eventually forcing three turnovers which is exactly what they needed to do in order to stop the Bears passing attack. It was by no means an easy feat, but a big showing from Destiny Vaeao and a huge game from Brandon Graham helped tilt the balance in favor of the Eagles.
Burton breakout:
I’ll have a whole article dedicated to this but Trey Burton deserves a special mention. Having written my first article, backing a Burton breakout back in May..I’ve been pressing it ever since in almost every possible fashion. To see the former Florida Gator haul in his first career touchdown in the absence of Zach Ertz was a great moment and one that holds a lot of weight.
Ertz could be out for 2-3 more games, depending on the severity of his injury..so the Eagles need a reliable pair of hands in his place. Burton has proven himself to be just that tonight, using the chemistry built up in Training camp with Wentz to his aid, relieving the pressure from Pederson’s shoulders.
Up tempo:
The Eagles started the game in an up-tempo fashion to the surprise of many, but it worked wonders. Wentz started the game 6/6, the Eagles battled their way down the field and even converted on a fourth down. There seems to be no limit to Pederson’s creativity in this Offense as he discovers his own identity (again, another article on this will be coming soon) which bodes extremely well for the Eagles.
Mandatory Photo Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
