The Eagles undefeated streak came to a heartbreaking end yesterday at Ford Field as the Lions escaped with a narrow victory after a Carson Wentz interception. Some players shone in what looked to be a gritty comeback until the final moments while others failed to take advantage of a strong opportunity. Here are the winners and losers from yesterday’s 24-23 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Winners:
Carson Wentz:
Carson Wentz had another sensational game but it’s likely one that’s going to get lost in the noise after the loss. The NDSU star ended the game with 2 touchdowns, 238 passing yards and completed 25/33 passes, also throwing his first interception of the season.
After a wobbly first drive, Wentz showed arguably his finest form of the season so far. Confidence, poise and accuracy were all traits gleaming from the rookie quarterback and traits that helped lead his team back from the brink and into a narrow lead.
The interception is going to be the main talking point, which is a shame..because Wentz looked incredibly strong on Sunday and did everything that the Eagles asked of him for the fourth consecutive game as he continues to surpass expectations.
Vinny Curry:
A sack, two QB hits and four tackles saw an explosive game from the lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan. Curry has been quiet in comparison to the likes of Brandon Graham this season, but had a dominant showing against the Lions Offensive line.
Curry was paid handsomely in the offseason and showed signs of developing into the player the Eagles believe he can become yesterday, in a game where it was needed most.
Dorial Green-Beckham:
DGB’s snaps have increased as the season has progressed and after an early Bye-week, we saw his best performance yet. The 6’5 receiver caught 3 of 4 passes thrown his way and en route to 43 receiving yards, his most in a single game so far this season.
That elusive first touchdown is still yet to be seen, but it seems as though Green-Beckham is edging ever closer and building up quite the rapport with Carson Wentz. It was a promising day for the former Titans receiver and hopefully a sign of things to come.
Losers:
Wendell Smallwood:
After a huge showing against the Steelers in week 3, in which Smallwood rushed for his first ever NFL touchdown, many assumed that the fifth round pick would see an increase in snaps against the Lions. Smallwood had just one Offensive snap yesterday..and not a single carry.
This is extremely interesting given that neither Sproles nor Mathews rushed for over 50 yards and somewhat disappointing after such an efficient game against the Steelers. How the Eagles plan to implement the versatility of Smallwood remains to be seen, but a lack of snaps against the Lions was disappointing on many levels.
Nelson Agholor:
Surprisingly, Agholor isn’t listed here for failing to haul in the most important pass of the game. He’s here because he caught just 2 of 7 passes for 27 yards..which is simply unacceptable considering how much adversity the Offense faced and that he was targeted more than any other Eagles receiver.
Agholor was already running out of breathing room in Training camp, but squandering opportunities that could impact his long-term future massively is something becoming all too frequent for the former first round pick..and it won’t be long before the Eagles begin to shuffle things around.
Mychal Kendricks:
For whatever reason, the Eagles decided to bench Nigel Bradham early on against the Lions, leaving combinations of Tulloch and Kendricks to rotate in alongside Jordan Hicks. Kendricks is not the team’s most complete coverage linebacker and that showed on Sunday.
Missing tackles and giving up big plays after what was a rollercoaster preseason is the inverse of what Kendricks needs to be doing to secure his long-term future in Philadelphia and ascend up the depth chart.
