The Eagles had won their last two games, but they walked off the field in those contests with as many questions about the team as there were answers. Their win versus the Bengals was a statement, showed progress, and is the type of win Championship teams point back to when identifying the genesis of the team gelling.
If there is a concern, it is their slow start. Another week, another game where the Eagles play from behind.
The Bengal’s opening drive was a master class, which ended in a touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase. They went five for five on 3rd downs and Joe Burrow was 11 for 12 for 60 yards and the TD.
Fortunately for the Eagles, that would be the best the Bengals looked all game. The Birds dominated the entire second half. They scored on all five of their possessions.
The defense created two turnovers, and the offense now has three straight wins and three straight weeks without a turnover.
Eagles Offense
The Eagles started to show signs of life in the second quarter and took control of the game after coming out in the second half with a nice mix of plays. The offense moved the ball 70 yards on eight plays for a TD.
If the Eagles figure out how to start as fast, they will be a difficult team to beat down the stretch. The only hindrance on the offense this season has been themselves.
Nick Sirianni has the players buying into his vision. Nobody in the organization has improved their stock as much as he has during their three-game winning streak.
Kellen Moore’s playcalling utilized the middle of the field, and Jalen Hurts responded. Hurts was six for six for 102 yards and a touchdown. It would be nice to see these play calls installed weekly.
Jalen Hurts moved to second place on the Eagle’s all-time rushing touchdowns list with his game-tying Brotherly Shove TD score before the half. He added two more rushing touchdowns to complete the hat trick (3). The designed runs were a nice addition to the game plan. He moved around with intention and confidence.
Jalen also outplayed his counterpart, Joe Burrow, with his arm. Hurts was more efficient with his opportunities. In fact, in the second half, Jalen was perfect.
He was 9 of 9 for 150 passing yards and 3 TDs in the second half. He finished the game 16 of 20 for 236 yards and 4 total TDs. (1 pass, 3 rushing)
Hurts has looked like a different Quarterback since the Eagles returned to action after their bye. Over the last three games, he was 42 of 59 for 706 yards and 9 TDs. He also has not committed any turnovers.
Saquon Barkley had six carries in the first half. He had seven carries on the opening drive of the 2nd half, which resulted in a touchdown to take the lead 17–10. Saquon finished the game with 22 carries for 108 yards for a 4.9-yard per-carry average. He also showed some nifty footwork down the sideline by staying in bounds for extra yards and hurdling a cameraman. Barkley has 766 rushing yards in 7 games. He has been everything the Eagles hoped for.
Tyler Steen and Fred Johnson played for Jordan Mailata, out a month or more, and Mekhi Becton, week to week with a concussion, and both filled in admirably. The O-line allowed zero sacks, and they helped pave the way for an impressive ground attack that totaled 161 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Fred Johnson neutralized his former teammate, premiere pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. He only allowed a single pressure in the game.
A.J. Brown continues to be a difference-maker and is virtually unstoppable. He hauled in 5 receptions for 84 yards and picked up a key first down at the chains to keep a drive alive. He is known for his big-play ability, but he also does the dirty work to keep the chains moving.
DeVonta Smith made a beautiful 45-yard TD reception, leaping above the rim and high-pointing the ball. It is safe to say Smitty is back! Skinny Batman had his biggest game since sustaining a concussion on September 22nd. His final line was 6/85/1.
Ben VanSumeren continues to play the role of a fullback, and he has been impressive in doing it. Some have wondered how he transitioned to the offense. VanSumeren was recruited to play FB for Michigan, and he was the FB for a handful of games in 2018. He played RB in 2019 then switched to LB in 2020. The Eagles are utilizing his prior FB experience to perfection.
Jake Elliott was a perfect 3 for 3 with his field-goal attempts, including a long of 49-yards. It was nice to see Jake contributing to the scoreboard when his number was called.
Braden Mann only had to punt once in the game, and it was a 52-yard boom. He has also been handling the kick-off duties. The special teams have been special at the start of the young season.
Eagles Defense
The Eagle’s defense gave up the opening drive for a TD but quickly figured it out. Fangio’s defense evolved during the game as he deciphered what the Bengal’s offense was trying to do. He has had an impressive past month.
The defense is playing faster and moving around with a purpose. They seem to be more comfortable with the play calling and their assignments. It has taken two months, but they seem to be turning the corner.
The Eagles have effectively stopped the run, which allows Fangio to dial up more inventive pressures. We are seeing how confusing Fangio’s cover schemes are for opposing QBs.
The defense limited Joe Burrow’s longest completion of the 2nd half to 13 yards.
Nolan Smith was part of a sack for the 3rd consecutive week. The pressures he was compiling early in the season are turning into sacks. He also drew a pass defense covering assignment in Ja’Marr Chase. It unfortunately led to a touchdown but it was good to see him involved. The edge rushers occasionally dropping into coverage is part of the defense that is likely not going away, but if there is an end who holds their own to some degree in coverage, it is Nolan Smith.
Brandon Graham made a strong 3rd down stop on Bengals RB Zack Moss. The Eagles were only up by a touchdown (24–17) when he penetrated the backfield for his tackle. B.G. does not appear to be slowing down.
Jalen Carter had a relatively quiet day, but that was due to him being double-teamed a lot! When they left him one-on-one early in the game, he got into the Bengals backfield and laid a QB hit on Joe Burrow. They went back to double-teaming him in short order.
Moro Ojomo was on the field for 25 defensive snaps and Jordan Davis for 22. This may be something to watch, or it could be nothing.
Zack Baun led the team in tackles with 12 and was active all over the field. He has solidified the outside LB position and could be rewarded with an extension sooner rather than later.
Nakobe Dean was oft-injured his first two seasons in Philadelphia, but he is finally healthy and playing his best. Fangio is utilizing him correctly, as well. He was a force on defense and set the tone early in the game. He finished the game
Big Play Slay was making veteran plays before leaving the game injured. He played through the catch on a third-down pass-play in the endzone, saving a touchdown to force the FG. He has taken a lot of heat this season, but most is unwarranted. He has had a very nice beginning to his 5th season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Quinyon Mitchell almost had his first interception but was out of bounds when he established the grab. He allowed 1 catch on 2 targets for a 13-yard reception. Burrow did not appear interested in testing Q. He is making a case to be in the DROY (defensive rookie of the year) conversation.
Cooper DeJean played a great game, including a strong tackle on the Bengal’s 4th down attempt to end the 3rd quarter. That TFL ended any hope of a Bengals comeback. He has made a huge difference in the defense since taking over for Avonte Maddox.
The Bengals did not punt in the game; it would have been interesting to see if it was Cooper returning them or newly added Ainias Smith. Fangio has intimated he would prefer DeJean out of that role.
Brotherly Love. Shout out to both franchises for making the reunion of twin brothers Sydney and Chase Brown captains for their respective franchises today.
The Philadelphia Eagles can run the ball well and are starting to play tough defensively, which are key elements of Championship teams.
The Eagles have been on the road for 5 of the last 7 weeks and finally head back to the Linc! The team is 5–2 as they head for a showdown against their former Head Coach, Doug Pederson, the only HC to lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl when they play the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday at 4, another game time change.
As always, Thank you for reading.
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Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
