The Philadelphia Eagles were defeated on the road by the New York Giants in a crushing 28-23 defeat. Here’s a couple takeaways from the crushing loss.
Carson Wentz is a rookie, folks, but still an impressive one
Wentz struggled early versus the Giants defense. The Eagles rookie quarterback started the game with two interceptions on both of the Eagles opening offensive drives. Wentz threw the ball 47 times today for a career-high 364 passing yards, but was unable to throw a touchdown pass.
The poise Wentz showed after the two costly mistakes early in the game was noteworthy. He was able to keep the Eagles in the game, especially for being down two possessions to start the game, and that’s something to hang your hat on.
Darren Sproles is the Eagles new featured running back
Going into the 2016 season, Ryan Mathews was penciled in as the Eagles No. 1 featured running back. The Eagles rushing attack was identified as a running back by committee approach, but Doug Pederson pointed the finger at Mathews as the Eagles main guy.
That has changed the last two weeks.
During the Eagles last two games, Mathews has rushed the ball for a combined nine carries. Darren Sproles has a combined 28 carries in that time frame. Mathews’ late game fumbles have clearly played a role in his decrease in playing time, and Pederson has basically diminished his role in the team’s rushing attack in favor of Sproles.
The Eagles are still struggling to run the ball. The team hasn’t had an individual rusher accumulate 100 rushing yards since DeMarco Murray did in the Eagles first meeting with the Giants during the 2015 season. The inconsistency running the ball is clearly hindering the Eagles offense’s production to go with the lack of receiving talent.
Doug Pederson is looking like a rookie head coach
Pederson had some questionable play calls today, especially two bad play calls in the first half to go for it on fourth down instead of taking the easy six points. Obviously this is a different conversation if the Eagles actually converted on those fourth down attempts, but to risk not getting those six points in the first half of play proved costly for the Eagles after the five point defeat.
The Eagles have seemed to let the gas off the pedal on offense since their 3-0 start to begin the season. A lot of short passes, screen plays, and nothing to stretch the field. The Eagles utilized more down the field plays, and. Wentz threw the ball well for 20+ yards passes.
Pederson’s play calling has taken some heat, especially after that crushing overtime defeat versus the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday night, and that will continue after the two failed fourth-down conversions in the first half.
Bryce Treggs flashes playmaking ability
Treggs showed a lot of what he can potentially contribute to the Eagles offense. After being inactive for the first seven games of the season, Treggs suited up for his first career NFL game today and showed promise.
Treggs caught two passes and finished the day with 69 receiving yards, one that came on one reception for 58 receiving yards, the Eagles longest pass completion on the season.
The more in game experience Treggs receives moving forward, the more playing time the playmaker should receive. The Eagles desperately need an offensive skill player to stretch the field and Treggs proved today he could be just that.
Zach Ertz finally wasn’t invisible
Ertz has had a very disappointing season in 2016, but emerged on offense today for the Eagles. He led the team in receptions (8) and receiving yards (97).
The Eagles need this type of production moving forward from their very well paid tight end. Ertz needs to create more separation, as he did well this afternoon, to give his rookie quarterback the security blanket he desperately needs.
