The Eagles came off the bye week starting slow like they have every game this season, and they played in another close contest, which should come as no surprise.
When the Eagles were up 10–3 going for a field goal to make it 13–3 to head into halftime, it appeared as if maybe the Birds would finally beat a team by double digits, but playing to the competition reared its head again. This time in the form of a blocked field goal. that was returned for 50 yards and a TD by old friend Rodney McLeod which closed out the first half with a 10–10 tie.
Nick Sirianni stated he made the 3rd-and-1 call where Jalen Hurts got sacked before the Eagles’ field goal attempt which caused it to be a longer 57-yard attempt.
You could hear the crowd chanting “Fire Nick” as the Eagles exited the field at the half.
Nick appeared to be more fiery on the sideline than he had over the first four games, and that may have been due to encouragement from his players, including Quarterback, Jalen Hurts.
“I encouraged him to be himself, and so that’s who he is. I don’t know who all said it. I know I spoke to him. It’s just a reassurance of, you know, we trust who you are. We trust where you are as a coach, and we know we can build with you.”
A win is a win, but there is much to improve upon after another close contest.
The difference in the game was the explosive plays one a TD to DeVonta and another to AJ Brown. The Eagle’s outcome may have been very different without either of them playing.
Eagles Offense
Many are still questioning if Kellen Moore is running the offense or if it is Head Coach Nick Sirianni. There are still a lot of vertical routes that appear to be a staple of Nick’s offense, but there have been a few noticeable changes, specifically the counter to the blitz.
The offense netted 256 yards against the Browns, the most they had allowed all season. They entered the game with the 8th-best pass defense in the NFL.
Jalen Hurts started the game 0–5, got hot, and finished 16–20 for 264 yards and 2 TDs. He also added 33 rushing yards, and more importantly no turnovers.
He was blitzed on 53.6% of his dropbacks and went 6–12 for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Blitzing Jalen Hurts no longer appears to be his kryptonite. It would be fun to see him get some snaps under center and open the middle of the field. He and the Eagles have the talent to run an elite offense.
Lane Johnson was a much-welcomed return on the field and after the game with his quote: “It feels like a very constipated offense.”
Jordan Mailata left the game hurt with what is being called a hamstring injury. He was on crutches at the end of the game.
Saquon Barkley had 18 carries for 47 yards. The Browns emphasized stopping Saquon, and their defense paid for it by giving up 264 yards in the air.
A.J. Brown made his return phenomenally by hauling 6 catches for 116 yards and a TD. His touchdown grab is one of the best receptions you will ever see. Brown is in his prime, playing his best football, and is a joy to watch.
DeVonta Smith also returned to the field and punctuated his day with a 45-yard TD grab. He finished the game with 3 receptions on 4 targets for 64 yards.
Dallas Goedert left the game injured in the first quarter, and Grant Calcaterra filled in nicely with a couple of tough catches and finished the day with four grabs on four targets for 67 yards. He has good hands and could see the field more once he improves his blocking.
The Eagles did not have any turnovers in this game.
Eagles Defense
The Eagle’s defense finished the day with five sacks, including half off the edge. They played well and did not allow a touchdown.
Jalen Carter had a good game. He finished with one sack and 1 TFL. He also added 3 QB hits. He blew up the Browns guard and center on his way to his sack. When he plays his best football, he takes over games.
Nolan Smith played a very nice game and shed two blocks to make a tackle on a running DeShaun Watson to kill a drive when it appeared Watson would convert an easy first down. He also recorded a sack and a QB hit.
Brandon Graham, playing in his 200th game, had five tackles, including a 4th down stopping TFL. The oldest player on the field is still playing great football.
Bryce Huff had half a sack that he shared with rookie Cooper DeJean. He was playing with confidence and had his best game as an Eagle. He was also playing in a 4-point stance a lot versus the Browns, something he excelled at with the New York Jets, and had asked the coaches to incorporate more of in Philadelphia. This was a welcomed change from the bye week.
Josh Sweat has improved week to week and finished with 5 tackles 1 sack and 1 TFL. He also added 2 QB hits. The Eagles would love to see more Josh Sweat Cellys this season.
Zack Baun had a solid game, he finished with 8 tackles.
Nakobe Dean led the team with 12 tackles and played well, forcing runners, including Browns QB Watson, back inside. He excels going downhill, but he has shown improvement in his overall game.
Big Play Slay left the game hurt and did not return.
Cooper DeJean got the start over Avonte Maddox and produced his first career sack. He was one of the more active players on the field and finished with six tackles, one QB hit, and a half-sack. He was sent on a blitz three times and was credited with two pressures. DeJean also returned punts and was exciting and effective with a 12.8-yard average on four returns.
Quinyon Mitchell could have had an interception, but he and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson collided going for the ball. Quinyon looked to be frustrated after the play.
It was fun to see the Eagles’ rookie cornerbacks Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell swap jerseys after the game. Cooper explained the importance of the swap.
“We came in together. Same position group. It was our first time starting together. So it was a special moment.”
The Eagles defensive line shared a moment and took a picture together to celebrate Brandon Graham’s 200th game, quite an amazing feat.
As always, Thank you for reading.
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Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
