Imagine allowing 20 unanswered points to a 2-0 team. Actually, you don’t have to. Just go back and watch the Eagles’ abysmal loss to the Dolphins from Sunday afternoon. Here are some quick takeaways from the shocking loss.
Let’s start with the offense…
It was the same old story, just with a different beginning. The Eagles put up 10 points in just a few minutes to start the game and everything was looking great. Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor’s return to the offense seemed to finally inject some life into the unit…at least to start with.
It didn’t take long for the Birds to veer away from the run and start being overly aggressive. While it wasn’t costly, the Eagles opted to go for it on 4th and 2 in enemy territory, with a lead, in the early goings. This ended in a field goal attempt due to a penalty, but set the tone for an offense that would persist on launching balls down the field for the remainder of the game.
Zach Ertz dropped a key pass in the second half that would’ve massively helped swing momentum back in their favor and although there was only one turnover (a late hail-mary attempt), the offense continued to squander opportunities.
Carson Wentz missed key throws, receivers dropped key passes, Mack Hollins did Mack Hollins things, and it was just another sloppy day at the office where the run/pass ratio was puzzlingly skewed.
And on defense….
The pass-rush started out red-hot, and then Ryan Fitzpatrick worked out that all he needed to do was throw to Davante Parker, who had a career-game against the Eagles. Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills had no excuses this time. No schematic ‘if he had help’ statements, no dodgy calls, just corners left on an Island who were totally outplayed by a very good wide receiver.
The lone plus was Derek Barnett being a rampant force all game, but it really didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things.
But in reality…
The Eagles held a comfortable lead for an extended period of time and likely expected the Dolphins to fold. They got complacent in every facet, whether it’s visible or not. Execution just vanished, panic set in and all of the problems that have plagued this team all season long, resurfaced. It’s embarrassing. The Dolphins played with fire and just wanted it more. The Eagles, like Anthony Joshua against Ruiz, just underestimated their opponent and paid the ultimate price.
This game was once considered a trap game. It turned out to be one that may ultimately define the remaining four games of the season.
Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
