The Eagles entered the game versus Tampa without their number one receivers, AJ Brown or DeVonta Smith, or their all-world RT Lane Johnson. No Lane, no A.J., no DeVonta, no bueno.
Howie Roseman traded for Jahan Dotson for this scenario if it arose, but he did not shine in Florida. If he cannot produce with AJ and DeVonta out, when can he?
The Eagle’s defense allowed four scoring drives before they even managed one net positive yard.
There is a lot to unload after an embarrassing loss in Tampa Bay.
Eagles Offense
Nick Siranni’s ability to have the team ready to play was questioned by many after the game. If he is not calling the offensive plays and the team is coming out flat, it is fair to ask what he is contributing.
Kellen Moore’s play calls were uninventive, predictable, and had no rhythm. Unlike Shane Steichen’s time as the Eagles OC. Jalen Hurts thrived with the way Shane dictated the flow of the game.
Jalen Hurts has 27 turnovers over his last 21 games. Ball security and pocket awareness from behind have to improve. He has to have better pocket awareness and protect the ball. The production being down is understandable without his top weapons. Being unable to avoid turnovers and feeling the pressure from behind is an entirely different issue.
Lane Johnson was questionable all week but appeared to be trending in the right direction until Sunday when he could not clear concussion protocol. His backup, Fred Johnson, allowed nine pressures and a sack.
Mekhi Becton exited the field in pain with a left-hand injury and did not return versus the Saints last week, tearing a ligament in his left hand, but played in this contest. He did struggle more than he had. He gave up a sack.
Saquon Barkley was the only bright spot in the offense. His 59-yard run to set up the Eagles for a touchdown was impressive. Only having 10 carries in the game is offensive coaching malpractice. Saquon has been the best offensive player on the field, for either team, all four weeks.
Jahan Dotson’s production has not been what was expected from him. The Eagles traded a 3rd round draft for him this summer and, to date, have very little return on investment.
For comparison. Tampa Bay elevated Sterling Shepard from their practice squad to face the Eagles. He had 51 yards on three receptions. All of the Eagle’s wide receivers combined totaled 34 yards.
Parris Campbell scored a touchdown, his first in 2 seasons.
Dallas Goedert hauled in 7 receptions for 62 yards. Usually, this would be a good day at the office for him. As the number one receiving option, this was not good enough to be a factor during the game.
Eagles Defense
The Eagle’s defense gave up three touchdowns and one field goal to Tampa Bay during their first four possessions.
Missed tackles continue to plague this team. For a defense that is playing at full strength, it is a major concern.
The secondary did not challenge anyone in the short routes, and Baker Mayfield released the ball for an average of under 2.50 seconds.
Jalen Carter did not have the game many expected after his breakout versus the Saints last week. He did not play badly but with Baker Mayfield getting rid of the ball so quickly and Tampa not running the ball often he was game-planned to be a non-factor.
Bryce Huff registered a stat versus Tampa Bay — one solo tackle. He played 33 defensive snaps.
Zack Baun has been a fantastic story this season but had a relatively quiet game with only 6 tackles.
Nakobe Dean struggled vs Tampa. He had missed tackles, was late in coverage, and the middle of the field was exposed.
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson brings a great attitude and mindset to the defense but has struggled on the field.
Big Play Slay led the team in tackles with 9. He only has two interceptions over the last 31 games. The Eagles need more big plays from Slay.
Avonte Maddox has struggled as a slot/nickel corner to start the season and missed tackles were again a concern.
Cooper DeJean played one defensive snap. It would not be surprising to see Cooper start handling nickel corner snaps when the Eagles return from their bye week.
Quinyon Mitchell played every defensive snap for the Eagles. In a game where multiple players left the field due to the heat, his conditioning in the Florida heat was not challenged.
Special Teams
The Bad
A botched punt return fumble set the Bucs up in the red zone. Isaiah Rodgers pushed/blocked a Tampa player into DeJean which caused the turnover.
Then there was the odd moment where Kelee Ringo collided with Cooper DeJean who was waiting for the ball to arrive.
The Good
Isaiah Rodgers blocked a point after kick, which was scooped up by Kelee Ringo taking it back into the endzone for a two-point score.
As always, Thank you for reading.
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Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
