The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round. Now they’re set to host another team that they have already defeated this season. The Los Angeles Rams will visit the City of Brotherly Love in the Divisional Round on Sunday.
In the latest edition of my Eagles mailbag, I’ll discuss Philadelphia’s inconsistent offensive performance against the Packers, their potential plan against the Rams and much more regarding the team moving forward.
@Miles98511179 asked, “Do you think the issues on offense are because of Jalen Hurts or the scheme?”
In today’s world of sports, we often try to pin blame on just one person for the struggles of an entire team. Following Philadelphia’s 22-10 win over the Packers, many were quick to blame Jalen Hurts or Kellen Moore for an underwhelming offensive performance in the Wild Card Round. Yet I believe there were multiple things that factored into the team’s struggles through the air.
Hurts played conservatively through the air, which is a welcome sight after his struggles with turnovers doomed the Eagles last season. He was also playing his first game in three weeks, which was certainly a factor as well.
While many were quick to blame Moore’s route concepts for the passing game’s struggles, it felt like there were a few throws that were open that Hurts simply missed. It’s also worth mentioning that Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is a rising star and had Green Bay’s defense prepared and threw some interesting looks at the Eagles as well.
Therefore, it’s hard to pin the blame of Philadelphia’s offensive struggles on just Hurts or the scheme. Last week’s performance was due to Hurts’ return, a conservative game plan and an impressive defensive performance.
@Ryan_ves259 asked, “With the passing game not being that great against Green Bay and A.J. Brown only having one catch. Do you think they will rely on the passing game to get Brown involved?”
A.J. Brown has had four or less targets in three games this season. He’s performed at an elite level following each of those first two instances.
In Week 9, Brown had two receptions on four targets for just 36 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Then in Week 10, Brown had five receptions on seven targets for 109 yards against the Dallas Cowboys.
In Week 14, Brown had four receptions on four targets for 43 yards against the Carolina Panthers. He infamously called out the passing game’s struggles following the game.
Then in Week 15, Brown had eight receptions on 11 targets for 110 yards and one touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brown had his worst individual performance of the season against the Packers in the Wild Card Round. He had just one reception on three targets for 10 yards against Green Bay.
If the trends from earlier this season continue, it’s safe to say that Brown should have a bounce back performance against the Rams in the Divisional Round.
@CMPXMV asked, “What do you think the plan will be on offense against the Rams? Run Barkley run? Or will they likely be ready for that?”
Saquon Barkley had a historic performance against the Rams in Week 12, as he had 26 carries for 255 yards and two touchdowns. It’s safe to say that the Eagles will lean heavily on their superstar running back once again on Sunday.
Ideally, Philadelphia should lean on their ability to run the ball out of formations utilizing 11-personnel. That would allow the Eagles to spread out Los Angeles’ defense and limit their ability to stack the box. If the Rams are unable to shutdown Philadelphia’s running game with their front four, it could be a long game for Los Angeles.
The Eagles’ offensive formula against the Rams should be quite simple, honestly. Philadelphia should run the ball until Los Angeles can prove that they can stop it. Then they’ll be able to utilize the play-action passing game and screens to capitalize on the defense’s over aggression.
@ConnorJ_Delaney asked, “As of Tuesday when this is typed, early score prediction for this game?”
If I were to have answered this question earlier in the week, my score prediction would have been closer. Yet as the week has progressed and I’ve dived deeper into the matchup, I truly believe that the Eagles will win comfortably once again.
While the Rams are currently on a hot streak and their defense has seemingly flipped a switch, they haven’t defeated a team of Philadelphia’s, unless you thought that the Sam Darnold-led Minnesota Vikings were a legitimate threat.
Everyone is quick to praise the Rams’ defense for limiting four straight opponents to single-digit points, outside of Week 18 when Los Angeles rested their starters. Yet here are the teams that the Rams defeated during that stretch:
- Rams 12, 49ers 6
- Rams 19, Jets 9
- Rams 13, Cardinals 9
- Rams 27, Vikings 9
Maybe I’m crazy but none of those wins are truly impressive to me. It feels like the Eagles are simply the much better team at this point. Plus the Rams will be traveling across the country to play in Philadelphia, where the temperature will feel like it’s in the teens or twenties.
Sunday’s forecast feels like the perfect forecast for the Eagles to lean on their rushing attack and force a few timely turnovers on the road to another double-digit victory.
Score Prediction: Eagles 30, Rams 20
Mandatory Credit: Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images
