The Philadelphia Eagles are currently on a franchise record 10-game winning streak, as they are now the hottest team in the NFL. They’ll attempt to keep their hot streak alive on the road against the Washington Commanders in Week 16.
In the latest edition of my Eagles mailbag, I’ll discuss Philadelphia’s offensive plan of attack against Washington, biggest surprise players in 2024, and much more regarding the team moving forward.
@PhillyDon2362 asked, “What does this offense and Hurts need to do this week to beat the Commanders? Come out running the ball or throwing it?”
While the Eagles leaned on their aerial attack last week, they will likely rely on Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts and the ground game in Week 16. Washington’s pass defense has allowed just 189.6 passing yards per game in 2024, fourth-lowest in the NFL.
Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore finally made his much-anticipated debut for Washington last week as well. Due to the arrival of Lattimore and strong play of rookie CB Mike Sainristil, Eagles should feed Barkley and Hurts on the ground.
Especially since Washington’s run defense has struggled this season. The Commanders have allowed 132.1 rushing yards per game in 2024, eight-most in the NFL.
@thelancesayers asked “Looking back at Sunday’s game, did you notice anything the Eagles did differently on offense to break away from tendencies? Can we expect more to come?”
The Eagles appeared to use more empty formations than usual in Week 15. Hurts stated after the victory that he enjoyed operating out of the team’s empty formations and it could be something that we see more of moving forward.
It feels as though Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has mixed things up quite a bit, which forces opposing defenses to prepare for multiple different looks. Philadelphia is no longer the bland, shotgun-based formation that we watched last season.
We’ve seen Hurts operate from under center more than usual, as well as utilizing a no-huddle offense at the second-highest rate in the NFL. Moore has certainly utilized several different offensive looks in 2024.
@VladdyMuse asked, “Is this team better than the 2022 Super Bowl run team? Yes or no and why?”
During an appearance on “Philly Philly with Jon Marks” earlier this season, Marks asked me this same question. I believe Philadelphia’s reliable defense this season is what makes them a better team than the 2022 team that reached the Super Bowl.
Jonathan Gannon’s defense in 2022 was fueled by obscene sack production, which helped the secondary play at a higher level. In 2024, the Eagles aren’t on pace to replicate their sack total in 2022, yet the defense is better overall.
Philadelphia’s level of play at both linebacker and in the secondary is simply at a much higher level in 2024. The Eagles don’t have a significant weakness that opposing teams can target this season.
@ConnorJ_Delaney asked, “Who’s your surprise Eagles player this year? Offense and defense?”
It feels like there is an obvious answer on both offense and defense for this question right now. On offense, the biggest surprise player has to be starting right guard Mekhi Becton. When the Eagles initially signed Becton, many expected him to serve as the team’s swing tackle off the bench.
Yet Eagles OL coach Jeff Stoutland moved Becton inside to guard and has reignited the 25-year-old’s career in the NFL. While Becton has missed a few snaps due to injury, he has been a rock solid starter along Philadelphia’s offensive line in 2024.
Zack Baun is the obvious answer to this question on defense. While Eagles GM Howie Roseman apparently initially viewed Baun as an edge rusher and special teams contributor, Eagles DC Vic Fangio had other plans.
Under the tutelage of Fangio and Eagles LB Coach Bobby King, Baun is playing like an All-Pro in 2024. The city of Philadelphia has been starving for a LB duo of the caliber of both Baun and Nakobe Dean this season.
Baun is on pace to be one of the NFL’s leading tacklers this season, while also adding multiple sacks and forced fumbles. Philadelphia’s top priority in free agency should be re-signing Baun to a long-term contract.
@ParkerMcDoogle asked, “If you could have two other Philadelphia sport athletes that are playing now on this team, who would they be and which position would they play?”
I’m going to go with two other Philadelphia sports athletes that are also playing right now. Considering that the Philadelphia 76ers are struggling, I don’t think that they’ll mind if the Eagles borrow two players for the final stretch of the season.
My first choice would be Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey, who would bring both size and speed to Philadelphia’s offense. Maxey could possibly provide value as a returner as well, which would allow Cooper DeJean to focus on defense.
My second choice is going to be a bit unconventional. How about Sixers forward Guerschon Yabusele? He is generously listed at 6’8” and 265 lbs. Following the loss of FB/LB Ben VanSumeren, the Eagles could potentially utilized Yabusele as a two-way player.
Due to his size, Yabusele could thrive as a hybrid player on offense, playing both tight end and fullback. Then he could also provide some depth along the defensive line in Philadelphia as well.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
