The Eagles enter halftime trailing the Seattle Seahawks in a game where conservative is the name of the game. Something will need to change as we enter the second half, but before we return to the action, here are some quick hitters from the opening half of play.
Playing it safe:
There have been several occasions where it’s almost been expected that an aggressive playcall would surface. No QB sneak on 4th and short inside their own half, no (well, one) risky passes and no decisions that would harm the team. This looks like the Eagles team of last season. Only three passes prior to the two minute warning travelled more than 10 yards. Wentz completed 9/13 passes for 45 yards and even though the Eagles are pounding the rock, they’re going to have to take a shot eventually. With a secondary as beat up as Seattle’s, Philly simply has to get aggressive.
Penalty problems:
The Eagles came off a bad week in terms of penalties, being flagged 11 times against Chicago. The bad news is, that seems to be following them to Seattle. 5 penalties for 54 yards have pushed the Eagles back a step so far and it’s something that’s going to have to change moving forward. A few questionable calls (involving a phantom no-call for a hit on Kenjon Barber) leave the Eagles having to get out of their own way before they can attack Seattle.
Darby struggles early on:
Ronald Darby gave up a PI call that really wasn’t on him and led to the Seahawks lone touchdown of the first half, but he was targeted early and often with the results being anything but pretty. Darby is coming off of an ankle injury that kept him sidelined until recently and if the Eagles are to dethrone Seattle, the number one cornerback will need a big jump in the second half.
Two wizarding quarterbacks:
Watching Carson Wentz and Russell Wilson in the same game is like watching an actual game of Madden. Both have Super-human instincts and can turn a dead play into something spectacular. It’s going to take a dogfight to win this game…but will Wentz be able to push through and top Seattle? 45 passing yards in the first half is his lowest total of the season so far and there have been some poor overthrows. A second half step up could be the difference here as the two stars headline one of the league’s most exciting quarterback battles.
It’s a defensive showdown:
The Seahawks are 46-0 since 2012 when leading by four or more points in the first half. Seriously. The Eagles are going to need a big second half but that all starts on Defense. Forcing punts and keeping Wilson somewhat contained will be imperative in damage limitation when it comes to field position. The pass rush has been excellent so far, but can the Eagles find a way to overpower Seattle in the second half?
Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
