NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Philadelphia Eagles found a way against the previously undefeated New Orleans Saints on Sunday. While they left the game with a 2-1 record, work remains to be done. The offense is stalling and the defense proved what they can be if they play as a unit.
AJ Brown missed his 2nd straight game and his non-presence was indeed felt. DeVonta Smith played his normal role until he was knocked out of the game with a concussion. There was finally a Dallas Goedert sighting which bodes well for the offense. And Saquon Barkley’s production proves that the New York Giants made a huge mistake this offseason.
Fire Nick Sirianni seems to be the popular thing to say any and everywhere. Yes, the Eagles have struggled but this is a bunch that’s implementing so much in a short period. New skill players, 2 new Coordinators, a new Center, new edge rushers, linebackers, and a different look in the secondary. It takes time for everything to come together.
The Eagles are a work in progress and just 3 weeks into the new season, they are still finding their path. Their loss against the Atlanta Falcons shed light on their defense and the play-calling of new DC Vic Fangio. But look closer, exactly where did he fail? That last Falcons drive was terrible but other than that, did they not hold that offense to just 15 points?
The Saints came in scorching hot on the offense where they scored 91 points in just two games. The consensus was that they would run and pass over this shabby Eagles’ defense. But that did not happen.
The defense continued their bend but don’t break philosophy by giving up 1 TD which came in the 4th quarter. A team surrendering 145 yards per game on the ground held the mighty Saints’ rushing attack to 89 yards and no scores.
Derek Carr, having a resurgence this season, was also held in check. What they must fix is getting into the backfield. The defense has accumulated 4 sacks on the season. Fangio does not like to blitz but maybe it’s time to rethink that philosophy.
While still early in the season, it was an important win for the Philadelphia Eagles. It keeps the haters away for at least another week and gives the team some much-needed confidence moving forward. But still, Jalen Hurts is too good of a QB to continue making silly mistakes. Barkley is a blessing. Goedert is playing out of this world but where is the production from that much-talked-about third receiver Jahan Dotson? This was another game where he was invisible.
With Brown sidelined and by the look of things, the Eagles may be without Smith next week, Dotson has to show his worth. If Hurts can cut down on the turnovers, this Eagles offense can find a groove. For all the criticism the defense has faced, they played another solid game. Take all the yards you want from them, but they are not about to let you get to that endzone. Now, it’s up to the offense to match their intensity.
