The Eagles kept hope alive in last night’s win over Washington, moving to 6-6 on the season with a 28-13 win. This was the closest the team has looked to its 2017 self all year, but what did we learn? Here are the five biggest takeaways:
The Eagles have a run game:
Would you look at that? The Eagles ran the ball 33 times on Monday Night, picking up 130 yards and a touchdown in the process. Washington’s run defense has been dominant this season but has wobbled in recent weeks and the Birds took full advantage. It was really encouraging to see several scenarios that in past weeks would’ve pushed Pederson back into a one dimensional offense, instead be turned into rock-pounding drives that took the weight off of his quarterbacks shoulders.
The return of Darren Sproles was welcomed and he exploded back into life with a huge touchdown, diversifying the backfield. Josh Adams appears to be the bell-cow back, with Clement and Sproles both acting as versatile options to shake things up.
Finally, the Eagles have success running the ball and I don’t think the intent to pound the rock is going to change anytime soon.
It was always going to take time…
Doug Pederson has rallied the troops:
This was the first time all year that the Eagles have won back-to-back games. Prior to last night’s win, many had assumed the season was a lost cause after the nasty surprise Dallas sprung on Thanksgiving. But alas, the Eagles kept their heads, attacked the day and for two weeks in a row, have done what’s needed to stay alive. That’s a hard job as a coach. The Eagles haven’t just lost games, they’ve monumentally blown them. But somehow, some way, through all the injuries and adversity, Pederson kept his men fighting.
The Eagles were playing with the fire that burned through their 2017 Super Bowl winning campaign. The intensity on defense, the celebrations on offense and the consistency on both sides of the ball that hd previously alluded this team were finally flourishing once more.
“I think this group, first of all, is a resilient group, as you know. I’ve said that a lot.” The Eagles Head Coach said after the win. “This group doesn’t let a lot bother them. I think what you’ve seen now these last couple weeks, we’ve started getting some guys back healthy a little bit. We’re not there yet, but we’re getting close. I think things are kind of clicking a little bit, especially the offense is kind of working through some things and some rhythm and timing and getting more guys involved. I think that’s starting to take shape just a little bit, and the defense is gaining confidence.”
Pederson’s ability to pull this locker room together can only be described as inspirational and right when the team need it most, there’s arguably more hope than ever.
The defense has life:
Over the last two weeks, the Eagles defense has completely changed its stars. What was once a baron wasteland of a secondary and a silenced pass-rush is now a roaring machine up front and corners who although are unexperienced, are playing their hearts out. Sure, there are still some ‘sticks coverage’ concerns and some missed tackles from younger players, but to see the team finally begin to force turnovers, make big stops to force three and outs and respond when the offense frankly need them to, can only be seen as encouraging. The Eagles were able to generate plenty of pressure and if not for a rogue 90-yard AP touchdown, the Birds would’ve only surrendered 14 rushing yards all game…14. It’s been a wobbly year for Jim Schwartz, but he is officially on the road to redemption.
Zach Ertz is elite
We’ve all heard about the historic season Ertz is having. But last night, he established a single-season franchise recored for receptions, surpassing Brian Westbrook’s previous record of 90. His 93 receptions are now tied for the 13-th most by a TE in NFL history and with 7 more, he will become just the fourth tight end in NFL history to join the 100 club. Are the Eagles force-feeding him the ball? It’s debatable. But why complain when it’s clearly working? Ertz has been amazing through traffic and pulling in big passes in bigger moments. Sit back, relax and watch as Ertz caps off what has already been a record breaking season. Elite? No question about it.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
