The finger-pointing when it comes to the Eagles’ offense this season has been never-ending. Is it Brian Johnson’s fault, or does blame fall on the shoulders of Nick Sirianni. While we’re no closer to finding an answer, the offensive coordinator did give a puzzling response when asked about a key series in the loss to the Cardinals.
What happened to the Eagles on THAT drive?
With around 3 minutes left to go in the game and the score tied at 28-28, the Philadelphia Eagles took the field. What followed was one of the most ridiculous drives you’ll ever see in a professional football game…or any level for that matter.
After an early penalty, the Eagles used a QB run on 1st and 20, before doubling down on it one play later, undoing the 4-yard gain they’d just achieved. They then end up burning a timeout because of this and find themselves scheming something up from 3rd & 20 with a Field Goal being just out of easy reach.
Wide. Receiver. Screen.
When asked about this frankly remarkable chain of plays, Brian Johnson had the following to say:
The timeout:
‘We had a miscommunication on a personnel grouping. It never should’ve happened. It’s not great, we end up getting to the play that we wanted to’
The screen:
‘You want to put yourself in a position to score points. With the way the wind was, we had to get to the FG line. It has multiple options. If you get a pressure call, that’s what you go to. If you didn’t, you go to something else.’
So the Eagles’ offensive coordinator’s counter to a blitz….is to call a screen on 3rd and 20.
You have Dallas Goedert on the field. You have two of the best receivers in the NFL. And the call is a wide receiver screen to try and ‘catch them off guard’?!
I don’t know why I’m particularly surprised by this response, having been overly critical of Johnson’s lack of offensive rhythm/identity all year. However, after a tough loss to a then-3-win team, perhaps hinting that your lone counter to a blitz from that look was something so pitiful, isn’t a wise decision…
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
