After the Eagles’ recent loss to the Titans, in which they fell 26-23, the Eagles record dropped to 2-2. Through four weeks of regular season football, the team has basically tied their loss total from last season (from which we’ll exclude Week 17 against the Cowboys, which was a throw-away game for the Birds). Seeing this type of play after such a great season is causing a bit of an uproar among fans. Many have voiced concern that recent events are predicting a collapse as the season progresses.
What’s going wrong, and will the rest of the season pan out?
Defense
Before losing safety Rodney McLeod for the season to an MCL injury, the Eagles’ secondary had looked mediocre. In their loss to the Bucs, the Eagles had given up a number of deep receptions for touchdowns which just shouldn’t have occurred. And, in their first game without Mcleod in Week 4, the Titans’ receivers (specifically Corey Davis) were able to make some big gains early. It’s imperative that, going forward, the Eagles’ CBs and Safeties prevent opposing receivers from getting as many open looks.
On the defensive line, the team is looking very good. Against the Titans, only 70 yards were given up on the ground. On the year, the Eagles’ D is giving up less than 65 yards per game to opponents, the best mark in the league. Assuming that everyone stays healthy, we should see more of their opponents get stifled in the running game.
Rushing Attack
The Eagles’ ground game this year isn’t bad, but there could be improvements. For one, starting RB Jay Ajayi has sat throughout the season, as he’s nursed some minor injuries. Without him, the team relies on a combination of Corey Clement, Wendell Smallwood, and Josh Adams. While Ajayi is solid at best, it’d be highly beneficial for the Birds to make a swipe at an elite level running back.
With Le’Veon Bell potentially on the trading block, the Eagles could drop some veteran leadership to create cap space, and in turn, take on Bell’s contract. While this wouldn’t be a priority for the team, the move may significantly increase their win count. Nonetheless, the team’s current running situation is good, but not great, so the team should remain stable in that real, for the time being, barring any injuries.
QB Situation
Since returning from his complicated knee injury, Carson Wentz hasn’t shown fans much of his old self. Through his two games this season, Wentz is 1-1 with three touchdowns and a little over 600 passing yards. While these stats are by no means abysmal, they don’t come close to his MVP-level stats of last season.
With Nick Foles as the second-string QB, the Eagles have a safety net if Wentz were to go down again. Hopefully, for Philadelphia fans, Wentz will stay healthy. Despite Foles’ status as a high-level backup QB, his level of play isn’t up to par with playoff-caliber starters (which disproves my hot takes from the preseason).
Predictions
As an Eagles’ fan still running on adrenaline from Super Bowl LII, I want this team to make a deep playoff run again. I just don’t think that that’s feasible this season. Aside from the renewed bromance between Wentz and WR Jordan Matthews, the team doesn’t seem to be playing cohesively and not nearly like Super Bowl champions.
At the quarter-season mark, I predict that Eagles will win six of their last 12 games. This may seem like a HOT take, and a ridiculous record for the previous season’s champs, but the Eagles will face a tough slate of games throughout the year. Playing the Vikings, Rams, Jaguars, and Saints (with a couple divisional games thrown in), the Eagles will have to avoid injuries and improve aspects of their game if they want to prevent losing in those matchups.
Fans should watch the Birds’ Week 5 matchup against the Vikings closely for a glimpse into what to expect for the rest of season. Wentz will have been back for three weeks, Jeffrey and Matthews will be fully implemented, and Ajayi should be healthier. If the Eagles are to prove me (and their frenzied fans) wrong they should win handily on Sunday