Discipline. Preparation. These are two things that the Eagles lacked during the first quarter against the Buccaneers. Philadelphia traveled to Tampa Bay in hopes of getting their revenge after losing to the Bucs in last season’s playoff game.
Todd Bowles and the Bucs defense have found ways to pressure Jalen Hurts into playing in their favor in most of their matchups together. This one was no different. The Bucs got off to a very hot start offensively as it looked like Fangio’s defense took a significant step backward from their impressive performance against the Saints.
Baker Mayfield started 12 of 13 with two touchdowns as the Eagles’ defense couldn’t find an answer for the Bucs offense. The Eagles’ offense on the other hand didn’t register a single yard in the first quarter as they continue their season struggles. Hurts held onto the ball too long at times which led to more incompletions and a lack of forward progression for the offense.
Saquon Barkley was once again not the focal point of the offense to start a game. He was held to only single digit carries during the first half. Which is a bit odd for a team that is missing their two outside playmakers. The Eagles’ first long drive of the day came during the second quarter as they were finally able to produce a score off of a 1-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts to Parris Campbell.
The defense was able to slow down the Bucs towards the end of the first half which showed a bit of promise leading into the third quarter. To start the second half, the Eagles offense benefited greatly from a 59-yard rush by Saquon Barkley that left the offense in the red zone.
Unfortunately, the Bucs’ offense answered back with a touchdown of their own after a five-minute drive. Philadelphia’s special team finally had a highlight moment after their several blunders on Sunday. Isaiah Rodgers blocked an extra point field goal attempt which led to a huge two-point return by Kelee Ringo.
Eagles continue to struggle…
Philadelphia would then kill their momentum shortly after the Bucs scored as Jalen Hurts fumbled on a significant drive in the game. The Eagles were buried in a 30-15 deficit with time no longer on their side as the third quarter came to a close.
There’s a huge lack of discipline for the Eagles on both sides of the ball which seems to be haunting them from last season. The lack of preparation is another key ingredient to Philly’s downfall. From missed tackles to miscues on several plays, the Eagles just can’t seem to put themselves in the right position.
After a good effort of holding the Buccaneers down to start the first quarter, the Eagles found themselves in a 33-16 hole with 12 minutes left to go. At this point, their response to adversity would be either admired or heavily criticized after their effort.
With that being said, the Eagles offense had no answer. Only 12 minutes left to go and the Eagles offense sputtered after several plays and a sack that almost led to another lost fumble. Philadelphia has not been the same since their trip to the Super Bowl.
Although things can change after the returns of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, there is an underlying issue here that needs to be fixed before they can be considered a contender again. The Eagles will enter the BYE week with a record of 2-2 before facing the Cleveland Browns in Philadelphia on October 13th.
Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
