Eagles
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It was always going to end this way. On Sunday night, the Philadelphia Phillies stamped their ticket to the MLB Playoffs. Then, on Monday night, the Philadelphia 76ers finally revealed their newest Sixers, Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, in uniform at Media Day. The Dallas Cowboys lost on a last-second FG to drop to 1-2 for the year, and Eagles fans were licking their chops at the prospect of 38-year-old Case Keenum starting for the Chicago Bears in their Monday Night Football showdown. Philly fans know better than most that when the vibes are high, expect tragedy.
The Philadelphia Eagles went into Soldier Field Monday night and looked stiff, uninspired, and completely disjointed. It’s still early, but getting carved like a prime rib roast by a 3rd-stringer pushing 40 in primetime is cause for concern.
1. The Defense Looks Bad
I respect the football acumen and brilliant creativity of Chicago head coach Ben Johnson. Still, there’s just no way a respectable defense lets THIRTY-EIGHT-YEAR-OLD CASE KEENUM DRIVE RIGHT DOWN THE FIELD ON THE OPENING POSSESSION AND CONTINUE TO CONVERT TWENTY-FOUR FIRST DOWNS, TWO PASSING TOUCHDOWNS AND NO TURNOVERS.
I’m sorry for yelling, but for an Eagles defense with top-five expectations, that scenario simply can’t happen. It’s like if everyone at work expected me to do my job, but instead I gave myself a swirly in the bathroom for 8 straight hours, then clocked out.
The Eagles defense currently has three sacks through three games, but even more concerning is the lack of turnovers. They have a -5 turnover differential after facing a 3rd-string quarterback, a potential 1st overall bust, and an inexperienced Commanders offense under a new play-caller. Cooper DeJean is uncharacteristically allowing a 139.2 QB rating when targeted. I want to attribute that to him playing both safety and nickel, but in each game I’m seeing his nameplate in pursuit of a pass catcher more often than not. Speaking of players in pursuit of pass catchers, Jihaad Campbell looks ABC-critically-acclaimed-television-series LOST. Campbell has been putrid in coverage, allowing a 140.9 rating when targeted, and now I’m listening to Drake slow songs and reminiscing about the good ole days with Nakobe Dean. Is it time for a snap share with Axeman Jr.? I fear this defense is currently missing a true DAWG since the departure of Dean and CJGJ. Jeremiah Trotter might be the spark this defense’s spirit needs.
2. One Step Forward, Two Steps Back For The Offense
Disclaimer: I understand the offense as a whole, including players and staff, needs time to adjust to the new system. However, what is the use of a new system if the head coach is meddling? Nick Sirianni seemingly gave up power on the offensive side of the ball for what feels like a third time, depending on how you view Kellen Moore’s season here. One thing I’ve noticed through three games of this season and the Moore season is Sirianni’s influence creeping back in. It’s also totally possible that Jalen Hurts is a fan of these concepts as well, and leaning on them as they still get a grasp on the new scheme.
On two crucial possessions against Chicago, there were no routes run over the middle of the field. According to NFL Next Gen stats passing charts, Jalen Hurts threw over the middle just three times for one completion. Before Monday’s game, Hurts peppered the middle of the field against the Titans and looked comfortable attacking that area. We were promised more passing from under center, though they seemed to live in shotgun for most passing downs. It currently feels like a one-foot-in, one-foot-out approach to a new scheme which will almost absolutely end in disaster.
3. Who Will This Team Be?
For a third straight year, the Eagles have begun the season flat. Though they started similarly, stuck-in-the-mud and pedestrian, the previous two years are two different tales. One ended with the team hoisting the Lombardi Trophy down Broad St. The other ended in disappointing fashion, resulting in an overhaul of the offensive side of the ball, another biannual tradition.
The Case Keenum Collapse was reminiscent of the Kirk Cousins drive to defeat us early in our Super Bowl run. Shortly after Tampa Bay beat us down and Sirianni shaved his head. Then there was last year, where if not for a flawless second half and blocked kick in the Rams game, we would have seen the cracks earlier.
It’s quite possible the offense fails again, the defense never returns to its formidable form, and this season feels like Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No, a worse sequel to a bad movie. We won’t know who this team will actually be for a few more weeks, maybe even months, but we do know the familiar feeling of chagrin in September.
Once again, it was always going to end this way. I decided Tuesday morning that rather than choose violence, I’ll choose optimism. I’m optimistic that the offense is trending upward. I’m optimistic that the defense will retool and our stars will shine. I’m optimistic that the embarrassment Case Keenum handed the Philadelphia Eagles will motivate this bunch to be better.
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Categorized:Eagles
