It was not pretty. The Philadelphia Eagles sent the Raiders back to the West Coast with a loss that will follow them all the way back, but this was not a dominant showing. The 10-19 win was anything but convincing and a sure sign that a lot of things will need to change between now and the playoffs if the Eagles are to go all the way.
What happened to Nick Foles?!
Last week, Nick Foles was heralded as the man who may just save this miraculous season. Eight days later, he will be named as the man who has the potential to destroy it. Foles was dreadful. There is no way around it. Completing 19/38 passes is one thing, but amassing just 163 yards is something else. Foles was rarely on target. Everything he threw seemed to be sailing over receivers, to the point where a simple short pass on the run to Ertz ended up being picked off in a key play. Foles missed some wide open wideouts, whiffed on home-run hits and just seemed like a completely different QB to the one we saw lead the Eagles to a win over the Giants.
Secondary setbacks:
The Eagles cornerbacks have been a hot topic in recent weeks and today was no exception. Whether it’s biting on double-moves or simply trying to undercut a little too much, the Corners have struggled tremendously. Ronald Darby had a rollercoaster game, going from being physically imposed by Jared Cook in one moment, to hauling in a game-changing interception the next. With Jalen Mills leaving early due to injury (who also struggled), there are some severe question marks over this unit.
Best defensive line in the NFL:
There is no doubting it. Chris Long played the game of his life (although he will want to forget the premature celebration on a forced fumble), Tim Jernigan and Fletcher Cox wreaked havoc and the pass rush accounted for 5 tackles for a loss. Consistent pressure throughout made life incredibly difficult for Derek Carr, who not once looked comfortable standing inside the pocket with the Eagles pass rush marauding him. If there is one positive we can take, it’s the constant rotations and production from the esteemed pass rush.
Complacency:
The Eagles were not good enough. Penalty flags were again being thrown left, right and center, and the team fumbled three times. When you factor in some other rookie mistakes and a complete lack of offensive production, what you’re left with a team who looked a shadow of their former selves on Monday Night. The Eagles had 179 yards in the first half and prior to Darby’s late interception in the final 2 minutes, the Eagles had 11 in the second half. E L E V E N. Y A R D S. That will not stand against a playoff team in a playoff environment.
Christmas Blues?
I really hate to bring this up as to me it seemed like the perfect coaching move and the most respected one too, but did giving players the morning off with their families impact the game? If you’re given Christmas morning off to watch your child open his presents, knowing you have to work later, your mindset is very different than if you miss it altogether. Pederson made the right call as the ultimate players’ coach, but one has to wonder whether or not a decision to completely juxtapose environments on Christmas Day played into a performance plagued with simple errors.
Ajayi’s wobbly day:
The Eagles apparent lead-back rushed the ball 14 times on Sunday and of course had a beautiful touchdown reception early on…but unfortunately for Ajayi, that’s not where the fun ends. The Brit was saved by the bell a few times today as his ball security was again called into question after a key fumble. This is a tendency that continues to arise and even on dead plays, Ajayi would let the ball go perhaps a little too hastily for comfort…and again, that will have to change before the playoffs start.
Ellerbe’s ‘Ello’
One really underrated player today was former Saints linebacker Dannell Ellerbe. Filling in for Joe Walker, Ellerbe racked up 4 tackles in his first start as an Eagle, including a tackle for a loss. A lack of closing speed stings, but Ellerbe’s secure tackling and hard-hitting were felt throughout. It took a while, but Ellerbe made his presence known in the Philadelphia locker room.
Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
