I have been told that the Eagles are contemplating removing the statue of Doug Pederson from outside the stadium after his embarrassing loss versus his former team. I kid.
The Eagles beat an inferior, injury-riddled team, but it was closer than it should have been. Two failed “Brotherly Shove” attempts and an incomplete 4th and 3 pass play instead of kicking a field goal to go up two scores almost cost them the game.
I am sure we will hear about working on “situational football” this week from the coaching staff, but I would not expect the aggressive nature to change. The Eagles believe in their analytical-driven decision-making and will likely continue this approach.
Despite the self-inflicted stress created during their win, vibes are high heading into their divisional showdown in Dallas next week.
Eagles Offense
The Eagles did something today that they have not done since 12/31/23, score points in the first quarter. The offensive struggles were evident early on, but they were bailed out by a forced punt return fumble created by Sydney Brown, which put them in a great field position to assist in securing a touchdown during the opening quarter.
Philadelphia’s offense runs in the red zone 75% of the time, heading into week 8, the league average was 51%.
Nick Sirianni made some questionable 4th down play calls, but with a 22–0 lead at one point in the game, maybe he thought it was a good time to practice the once unstoppable tush push play. It is anyone’s guess at this point. They were successful on all but 2 of their 38 attempts in 2023, they have failed on 5 of 23 tries in seven games to start 2024.
Kellen Moore’s offense continued the formula they had done over their 4-game winning streak with 24 passes and 46 rushes. This ratio and balance seem to be intentional and effective. At some point, one has to wonder if they try to lighten Saquons touches to keep him fresh into January and possibly beyond.
Lane Johnson made his 150th start for the Eagles. He is 34 years old but still playing at an All-Pro level. He had 34 pass-blocking snaps and pitched a shutout. Zero pressures, hits, and sacks allowed.
Jalen Hurts totaled three touchdowns, one via the ground on a 21-yard scramble and two through the air. He rushed for 67 yards and passed for 230 yards, completing 18 of his 24 pass attempts and a 132.3 pass rating.
That is a great start to November’s pass rating after improving month over month, from September at 85.7 and October at 127.4.
Side note, does anyone in the league throw a better deep ball than Jalen Hurts?
Saquon Barkley with a TD grab to score the first point in the first quarter for the Eagles this season. The Eagles have come out of the break relying on their star RB. He had 27 carries for 159 yards and a TD. Barkley also added a TD as a receiver, totaling three catches for 40 yards.
Saquon Barkley’s reverse-jump hop is a play that will live rent-free in everyone’s head for a long time. Cooper DeJean summarized the reaction most felt.
“That might be the greatest play I’ve ever seen in football. I don’t think I’ll see it again, either, unless he does it again. Which wouldn’t surprise me. That was insane.”
DeVonta Smith has three TDs in the last four games. He made one of the most impressive one-handed catches you will see. The catch, the toe taps, is mind-boggling. The pass was a dime from Jalen Hurts. The Slim Reaper always shows up when his number is called. He is one of the most lethal players in the NFL.
Jahan Dotson had 35 receiving yards all season; he exceeded that with one acrobatic highlight catch of 36 yards against the Jaguars. That was his only target.
A.J. Brown left the contest early with a knee injury. He seems to have avoided serious injury and should ok moving forward.
Grant Calcaterra catches everything thrown his way; this week, five grabs on five targets good for 30 yards.
Ben VanSumeren left the game with a concussion. He did have 1 target as a receiver before the injury.
Jake Elliott is still on the team, even if Head Coach Nick Sirianni forgets about him. Is there a Head Coach in the league who makes things harder for himself?
Eagles Defense
Vic Fangio’s defense created three turnovers for the first time since week two of the 2023 season.
Josh Sweat had a sack in the first quarter and added a second in the 4th Quarter. The second sack was the 40th of his career. He is causing havoc weekly. He finished today’s game with five tackles, two sacks, and 2 TFLs. He even added one pass defense.
Bryce Huff was bothered by an issue with his hand during pregame warmups and was used only on 6 snaps due to the discomfort.
Brandon Graham played 69% of the defensive snaps, and Nolan Smith totaled 41%.
Jalen Carter totaled four tackles on the day, but the stat sheet does not illustrate his dominance. He broke through the line disrupting passing lanes and the timing of throws all game long. Jalen accomplishes this while being double-teamed most of the game.
Zack Baun Ho, hum, another game in which he leads the team in tackles. Baun made an athletic interception before the end of the first half, securing the ball with his hands underneath to control the catch to the ground while stretched out. He finished the game with ten tackles, two passes defended, a TFL, and an interception. He is putting up Pro Bowl numbers. Could Baun be the first Eagles off-ball linebacker to be one since Jeremiah Trotter back in 2005?
Who says Nakobe Dean struggles in coverage? Dean made a game-sealing interception in the end zone, the first pick of his career. He has been stout as a downhill LBer for most of the season; if he continues to improve in coverage, this LB unit will be special.
The Eagles linebacking duo each had an interception. I am so impressed that I just wanted to write it again. This is the first time two LBs have hauled in an interception in the same game for the Eagles in 24 years.
Avonte Maddox played one defensive snap and was charged with pass interference.
Isaiah Rodgers, filling in for an injured B.P. Slay played admirably in his first start in 678 days. He was targeted 5 times and allowed 1 reception.
Kelee Ringo came up with a fumble recovery after a big hit by Sydney Brown on the Jaguars punt returner to send the ball onto the field. Ringo has a knack for getting to the ball.
Quinyon Mitchell barely has his name mentioned because teams do not challenge him. The rookie is eliminating half the field simply by stepping on it. He played all 54 snaps and allowed one catch for 11 yards. DROY is becoming more attainable as the season unwinds.
Cooper DeJean has made a tremendous difference on the defense. Coop’s athleticism and impact are hard to quantify. The defense has played an entirely new brand of football since he became a starter.
The Philadelphia Eagles have won four in a row! They will look to make it five when they head to Dallas this upcoming weekend.
As always, Thank you for reading.
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Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
