Any given Sunday. That should be the main quote of this week’s nail-biter as the Philadelphia Eagles needed all 60 minutes to narrowly avoid a loss to the 3-4 Washington Commanders. The Eagles once again faced a 10-point deficit to their bitter Rivals. And once again, the Eagles scratched and clawed their way back for a hard-earned victory.
A lot of players are at fault for having this game get as close and out of hand as it was. While other players shined during the occasion carried this team to victory. Let’s discuss this week’s slays and bombs.
Eagles week 8 BOMBS
The Entire Defense. (For Three Quarters)
Eagles S Reed Blankenship (32) and Eagles CB James Bradberry (24) – Alex Brandon/ AP Photo
On paper, the Eagles’ defense should’ve feasted on this sputtering Commanders offense. They are the most sacked team facing off against one of the best d-lines in the league. The inconsistent starter, Sam Howell, is contending with an Eagles Secondary with their new Safety, Kevin Byard in the lineup. And an above-average rushing attack going against the best rush defense in the N.F.L.
But what’s on paper, usually isn’t set in stone, as for most of the game, the Eagles were outmatched and overpowered by the Commanders offense, letting Sam Howell do whatever he wanted for most of the match.
Soft coverage allowing easy short and intermediate throws and inconsistent tackling meant the receivers had a field day catching wide-open passes with several Yards After the Catch.
Only a clutch interception by safety Reed Blankenship by an arid throw, and a pair of uncharacteristic drops by their #1 receiver Terry McLaurin were enough to give the Eagles the lead in the middle of the 4th quarter.
And a strip sack on fourth down by Eagles sack leader Haason Reddick shut the door on any realistic possibility of a Commanders victory. As bad as this defense was a majority of the game, they do need credit for showing up in the fourth quarter and doing enough to ensure an Eagles win.
Kenneth Gainwell
While Kenneth Gainwell was impressive in the passing attack, his production in the ground game (His Main Job) leaves something to be desired. The second-string running back had 2 carries for -4 yards and a fumble on the one-yard line in the second quarter. Like with most Eagles Turnovers this year, the fumble was rectified soon after as Gainwell caught three passes for 11 yards in a crucial scoring drive to put Philadelphia within one score.
Gainwell only touched the ball once after those two drives as they allowed Swift to get more carries in the red zone.
Eagles Week 8 SLAYS
Jalen Hurts
Don’t be surprised if Jalen Hurts game availability is in doubt due to a back injury for carrying this offense. Like with Gainwell, Jalen also fumbled the football on the goal line only to drive down the field and score on the next possession. Unlike Gainwell, Hurts was given multiple chances to atone for his grid-iron sins and took advantage of them as he had the best passing game of his season, setting season highs in attempts, completions, yards, touchdowns, and passer rating.
While the fumbles and interceptions are frustrating, a common occurrence with most of the turnovers is that the Eagles’ offense scores in the very next drive. Out of the 13 turnovers of the year, the Eagles scored after eight of them.
A.J Brown
What can I say about A.J. Brown that hasn’t already been said? The future 1st team all-pro once again decimated the opponent’s secondary for 8 catches, 130 yards, and two touchdowns. Including a gorgeous one-handed catch in the corner of the endzone on tight coverage.
If Jalen Hurts or the O-line is the glue, this guy whatever we’re gluing on them. I can’t imagine this offense being the powerhouse it is without Brown on the field, and I am so glad this man is entering Offensive Player of the Year talks, he deserves it.
