The Philadelphia Eagles are on a five-game winning streak, as they remain one of the hottest teams in the NFL. In Week 11, they’ll look to continue that hot streak against the Washington Commanders, who have shocked the league with their performance this season.
In the latest edition of my Eagles mailbag, I’ll discuss which unit can make a statement against the Commanders, potential areas of concern and much more regarding the team moving forward.
@thePHIspecial asked, “Which side of the ball can prove the most with a win against the Commanders?”
It feels like Philadelphia’s defense is the obvious answer for this question. While the Eagles were expected to have a great offense in 2024, there were still questions about the team’s defense, given the lack of proven talent on that side of the ball.
Yet during the bye week in Week 5, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio fine tuned the recipe for success and Philadelphia’s defense has been downright dominant. Although some are still skeptical of the defense, given that several of their impressive performances have come against a few of the worst offenses in the NFL.
If Philadelphia’s defense is able to shutdown the Commanders in Week 11, they’ll quiet any of the questions remaining about the legitimacy of their success. Washington is fourth in points per game (29.0), fourth in total yards per game (377.0) and fourth in rushing yards per game (153.5).
Commanders rookie sensation Jayden Daniels will offer a dual-threat skillset that Fangio’s defense has yet to face this season. Washington will stress the Eagles’ defense in a variety of ways, proving to be their toughest test thus far in 2024.
@Leobega7 asked, “Area of concern going into the later portion of the schedule ?”
Philadelphia’s next six games will tell a lot about the true potential of the Eagles. After a relatively soft schedule during the first half of the regular season, the Eagles will face five tough opponents over the next six weeks.
- Week 11: vs. Washington Commanders
- Week 12: at Los Angeles Rams
- Week 13: at Baltimore Ravens
- Week 14: vs. Carolina Panthers
- Week 15: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Week 16: at Washington Commanders
The Panthers clearly standout among the rest of those teams as the easiest opponent during that stretch. While the other teams will each present a unique challenge for the Eagles as they potentially prepare for the postseason.
In terms of an area of concern on the roster, it feels like there is still a legitimate concern about the pass rush, especially on the edge.
Philadelphia’s edge rushers are inconsistent and the Eagles lack a dominant player that teams must account for on every play. If they could get more consistent play along the edge heading into the postseason, it would provide a massive boost for an already impressive defense.
@nickj_0126 asked, “What’s more likely to happen in the last games of the season, Q gets 2 picks or Huff reaches 5+ Sacks?”
Quinyon Mitchell needs two more interceptions, while Bryce Huff needs 2.5 more sacks to reach that mark. While it might sound crazy, I’ll go with Huff reaching that sack total as being more likely than Mitchell recording two interceptions.
My decision has nothing to do with Mitchell’s ability and everything to do with a lack of opportunities. As the regular season continues, opposing offenses are targeting Mitchell less and less.
According to Pro Football Focus, Mitchell was targeted 23 times in Philadelphia’s first four games. Over the last five weeks, Mitchell has been targeted just 17 times. It’s clear that teams are avoiding their players that are locked up in “Quinyonamo Bay.”
Meanwhile, Huff is beginning to heat up over the last five weeks, following a slow start to his tenure with the Eagles . After recording just three total pressures in Philadelphia’s first four games, Huff has 10 total pressures and 2.5 sacks in his last five games.
@GarySie84201955 asked, “Jordan Davis 2.5 years in – what is your assessment of that pick?”
I truly believe Jordan Davis entered the NFL with many placing unrealistic expectations upon him. During his career at Georgia, Davis never had more than 2.5 sacks in a single season.
Yet due to his size and athletic profile, many expected him to post unreasonable pass rushing statistics in the NFL. While there’s a legitimate argument to be made that he was drafted too high, I think he’s a solid player for the Eagles that plays a crucial role in Fangio’s defense.
Nose tackle is far from a “sexy” position and unless your name is Dexter Lawrence, they don’t usually put up gaudy sack totals. Davis has stayed healthy, slimmed down and played his role well this season.
Would the Eagles drafting Kyle Hamilton instead of Davis been a better move? Absolutely. Yet I don’t believe Davis is a total bust or horrible player like many make him out to be by any means either.
@HernandezRobb asked, “Seeing the NFL season is officially halfway done and mock draft position lists have been popping up, what position(s) do you see the Eagles targeting/needing in 2025?”
Following the first half of the regular season, my priorities for the Eagles in the 2025 NFL Draft haven’t changed much, if at all. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has already locked in starters at several key positions for 2025, yet there are three positions of uncertainty.
Edge rusher feels like the most glaring need, given the upcoming free agency of both Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham. It doesn’t appear as though either player will return in 2025 and the Eagles have Bryce Huff, Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt locked in moving forward.
Roseman loves to address the trenches and adding an edge rusher in the first round or two would make a ton of sense. Speaking of the trenches, offensive tackle should be another priority for the Eagles in the 2025 NFL Draft.
While Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata form arguably the best offensive tackle duo in the NFL, both players have missed time in 2024. Considering that Johnson isn’t getting any younger, it would make sense for the Eagles to bring in his eventual replacement early, similar to what they did with Cam Jurgens learning under Jason Kelce.
Lastly, it feels like tight end continues to be a neglected position in Philadelphia. Dallas Goedert is essentially guaranteed to miss multiple games each season and while Grant Calcaterra has shown flashes, he isn’t a complete tight end. Therefore, adding one of the talented tight ends in the upcoming draft class would be a no-brainer, in my opinion.
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
