The Eagles did it. They made the doubters swallow their words and turned dreams into a reality. The Birds are in the playoffs and will face the Seattle Seahawks following a 24-17 thumping of the New York Giants. But just how well did the team perform? For the last time this regular season, it’s time to get those markers and whiteboards out!
Quarterback
There really isn’t much more anyone could ask of Carson Wentz at this point. Carrying his band of broken toys, Wentz became the first-ever NFL quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in a single season without a receiver who has 500+ yards to his name.
Wentz was surgical and trusting in his receivers, throwing up bombs to the likes of Robert Davis and Deontay Burnett en-route to the crucial win. He was comfortable outside the pocket and led his receivers into space, taking what the defense gives him. This has become the norm for Wentz after a season of bumps and bruises. It was an extremely solid outing by any means, but when you consider what he was working with, it becomes exceptional.
Grade: A-
Running back
Beyblade Boston span his way through the Giants defense to amass 3 total rushing touchdowns. That’s right. A hat-trick. The first running back to do so in midnight green since Shady McCoy back in 2011. 54 yards on 19 carries was definitely not the workload many had in mind, but when Miles Sanders went down with an injury, he simply had to step up with Jordan Howard still injured. Sanders went on to adding 84 yards through the air, leading the team in receiving.
Miles Sanders looked explosive prior to picking up a knock, but this was the Boston Scott show, and it did not disappoint. The Eagles really do have a diamond in the rough in Scott, who has shone in the moments when the Birds have needed him most this season.
Grade: A-
Tight end
Dallas Goedert caught 4 of the 10 passes thrown his way on Sunday for 65 yards. There were a few near misses on balls that were a little low for the big-man, but a stunning bit of toe-drag swag helped keep the offense moving when they needed it most.
Joshua Perkins caught his first NFL touchdown in sensational style against the Giants and continues to show growth after getting his first taste of regular-season play as an Eagle last year.
Many wondered how the group would perform without Ertz and the answer was one of pleasant surprise. They weren’t perfect, but they provided a much-needed offensive spark.
Grade: B-
Offensive line
The loss of Brandon Brooks was a big one, but if there’s ever a time to credit Matt Pryor, it’s right now. The former fifth-round pick stepped up in a huge way for the Eagles and was a dominant run-blocker. A bad penalty will haunt Big V this game, but without its starting two pieces on the right-hand side, this group kept Wentz upright for the majority of the game, only allowing one sack and paving the way for a very solid rushing attack.
Grade: B-
Wide receiver
Deontay Burnett making a stunning 41-yard reception? Sign me up. Robert Davis making a catch of similar ‘wow’ levels but it being negated by Vaitai’s penalty? I’ll pretend to sign it. The Eagles are running on empty at wide receiver right now and are still finding ways to make chunk plays down the field. It’s kind of incredible when you think about it.
No sign of JJAW though…
Grade: C+
Defensive grades on the page below.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
