The Eagles may have clinched a first-round bye with a win over the Giants, but the win was hardly convincing. Allowing over 400 passing yards and 29 points, the Eagles struggled at times to contain a terrible Giants offense. So, how did the team grade out?
Quarterback:
All things considered, Nick Foles did everything the Eagles needed him to ball. He protected the Football and made great decisions in the team’s 34-29 win. While the defense struggled, Foles responded whenever asked, throwing 4 touchdowns and moving the offense consistently down the field. Foles made a statement on Sunday, that he is absolutely the quarterback who can lead this team to the Super Bowl and finish what Carson Wentz started.
Grade: B+
Running back:
The Eagles balanced the offense which is what they critically needed to do against a Giants passing attack that is built on rhythm. Ajayi saw the bulk of action, rushing for 49 of the team’s 108 total yards. This was a full committee effort. Everyone from Blount to Kenjon Barner was involved and helped the Eagles consistently moved the chains. Ajayi was utilized out of the backfield as a receiver for two receptions including a 32 yard catch. It wasn’t as dominating as it has been, but the Eagles got everything they needed out of their stable of running backs.
Grade: B+
Offensive line:
Halapoulivaati Vaitai allowed a sack on Olivier Vernon and surrendered constant pressure all game, but the run-blocking from Jason Kelce and the right hand side of the line was simply brilliant. The Birds offensive line paved the way for a big day on the ground and came up big when asked to protect Nick Foles…well, the right side at least. Five of the seven QB hits surrendered came at the hands of Olivier Vernon…and that is not good enough.
Grade: B-
Tight end:
Zach Ertz was back to his athletic ways and included some broken tackles into the mix as well en-route to his 56-yard game. Ertz caught touchdown number nine on the season while Trey Burton was a valuable asset for Nick Foles, hauling in a pair of receptions. The TE spot continues to be one of the strongest and most consistent positions on this roster and now Carson Wentz is injured, they will be relied upon more than ever,
Grade: B
Wide receiver:
Foles needed weaponry to build confidence, well, ask and you shall receive. Nelson Agholor led the way for the Eagles, with Alshon Jeffery right behind. Both players caught touchdown passes and while Torrey Smith had a limiting factor to play, both Jeffery and Agholor were outstanding. Even in moments of adversity, Agholor overcame a drop and caught a dart over the middle on the very next play. The Eagles receivers did everything they could to make life as easy as possible for Foles.
Grade: B-
Defensive line:
Pressure wasn’t the problem for this defensive line, it never has been. The Giants ran an offense that was built on timing and rhythm, making it insanely difficult to get into the backfield. What they did do well, was force errant throws from Eli Manning and allow Orleans Darkwa to average 0.8 yards per carry on 9 attempts. They weren’t statistically dominant, but they overpowered a weak offensive line with ease, the problem was that the Giants were too quick to suffer any consequences.
Grade: B
Linebackers:
Nigel Bradham was commanding from the moment he stepped foot onto the field. The Eagles linebacker paved the way with a team-leading eleven tackles, batting down two passes in the process. Mychal Kendricks missed a tackle or two along the way in an otherwise sound performance and the combo at MLB saw Najee Goode gain the upper hand over Joe Walker. Overall, this was a pleasing performance from a group that sorely misses Jordan Hicks.
Grade: B-
Secondary:
The tackling was atrocious. Ronald Darby had his worst game as an Eagle, with both himself and Mills giving up scores. Flags flew everywhere, consistency was invisible and Manning had Darby circled after a huge completion to start the game. The Eagles struggled in man-coverage as they tried to disrupt the timing of the shorter passing game and this led to problems deep down the field. The lone redeeming factor was Rodney McLeod’s hard-hitting nature, however this was anything but encouraging.
Grade: C-
Special teams:
A blocked field Goal, extra point and punt? A regular day at the office for Dave Fipp and his electric special teams unit it would seem. Jake Elliott was money across the board and the Eagles special teams group had a complete field day that enabled the team to take charge against the Giants. If you were ever looking for a game that highlighted the value of special teams, it’s this one.
Grade: A+
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Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
