Do you recall the Sega Genesis? Not at all? The Nintendo 64, what about it? That also doesn’t seem familiar, does it? You guys really are young. This brings us to our point. You used to be able to launch EA’s Madden NFL game and choose the Philadelphia Eagles as your preferred team. In addition, you may restart games if something didn’t work out.
If only there was a similar reset button in life. We had the option to stop the last Atlanta Falcons game of Week 2 and pick up where we left off in Tampa. Well, following the bye week, we’ll settle for a rebound.
But, the players will need to perform better than we have seen them thus far if that is to occur.
The Eagles offense’s grades are listed here.
This was not intended to be the case. On the offensive side of the ball, this team is led by Dallas Goedert, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jalen Hurts. The offensive coordinator is Kellen Moore.
This unit hasn’t performed as a whole since Week 1. It’s alright. There have been no season-ending injuries.
By Week 6, the band ought to be back together. The opposition are the Cleveland Browns. A victory ought to assist the ship stay afloat.
We spent considerable time watching the first four games again in the interim. This is a summary of the performance of each unit.
Quarterbacks (D)
This is definitely a Jalen Hurts grade. Okay, so maybe just Kenny Pickett’s existence isn’t that great, but what can you do? Tanner McKee is the next person. On gamedays, he’s a healthy scratch.
Pain was terrible around Week 4. He ran for another and threw a TD, but it didn’t really help. Baker Mayfield sprinted for one and completed two throws. Bucky Irving then made a go for another.
Jalen has produced a lot of turnover. He is no longer proficient with the run-pass option. To be honest, we would be content if that play was retired.
There’s still plenty of time to make amends. Even though we’ve seen how brilliant he can be while performing at his peak, we would have to rank him as “below average” thus far.
Running Backs (A+)
The running back group as a whole is elevated to above average by Saquon Barkley, but the players behind him are also rather good. Though he has only received five carries, Kenneth Gainwell has only managed 17 yards of rushes.
A first down has been achieved on one of those carries. It’s alright. We anticipated that Saquon would receive the majority of the carries.
On four kickoff returns, Kenny G has also gained 89 yards in total. Three have been returned by Will Shipley for 76 yards.
Broad Receivers (B-)
We would be cooking with a ton of lighter fluid if we could ever get both DeVonta and A.J. on the field simultaneously. Sadly, A.J. has been experiencing hamstring pain.
Every Eagles supporter should be happy to hear that both DeVonta and the team will return after missing Week 4 due to concussions.
Regretfully, not much stands behind them. Parris Campbell, John Ross, and Jahan Dotson shouldn’t be expected to play a major role, and Britain Covey is on the injured reserve.
Johnny Wilson appears frightened. Though his adjustment will hopefully come, DeVonta and A.J.’s efforts were sufficient to elevate these players to’slightly above average’.
Tight Ends (B+)
Dallas Goedert played a major role in one of Philly’s two victories. Grant Calcaterra and Jack Stoll, who are behind him, haven’t been used much, but between them, they’ve caught five passes for 60 yards on seven targets.
Making the most of opportunities when they arise is the main focus of this. Grant is a good tight end so far, but he struggles with blocking.
Line of Offense (A-)
When healthy, this offensive line is among the greatest in all of football. Lane Johnson missed the entire game in Week 4 and the conclusion of Week 3, and you know how things go when he’s not there.
In the fourth week, the O-line broke. Well… Fred Johnson exploded in Week 4, but for the most part this unit has played to a fair level.
Total Score (B-)
Now, let’s discuss the Eagles defense.
Vic Fangio has not lived up to expectations. Proceed with the ‘bend-but-don’t-break’ approach if that appeases you. We will never adjust to it. Buddy Ryan, Bud Carson, and Jim Johnson have spoilt us.
Fangio’s team deserves recognition for their performance against the Saints in New Orleans. They managed to contain the Atlanta Falcons until giving up the game’s last drive, but that was it. While getting destroyed feels more like the norm, those moments have felt like the exception.
EDGE (C)
Apart from Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham, this pass rush hasn’t accomplished anything. The former has recorded six rushes, a quarterback hit, and a sack. The latter has accumulated a sack, five quarterback hits, and twelve hurries.
Sadly, Philly hasn’t received anything from Nolan Smith or Bryce Huff, which lowers the unit’s overall grade.
Inside Line of Defense (B-)
Using three of their previous four first-round draft selections, Philly selected Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Nolan Smith. You are already aware of Smith’s current status. Sadly, Carter and Davis haven’t always performed well.
Carter nearly brought the Saints to their knees by himself. Simply said, we haven’t seen enough of it, and considering what Philly paid in him, Davis isn’t doing well.
Together, they have racked up 15 tackles, a sack, 11 hurries, and three interceptions. On paper, that seems good, but the run hasn’t been effectively stopped. In addition, there seems to be a void. Perhaps it’s an effort.
Linebackers (B-)
Devin White is not in the game. Zack Baun leads the league in tackles (43) with 43. In addition, he has two sacks. In terms of both total tackles and single stops, Nakobe Dean is ranked second. In addition, he has made four solo stops.
Although this unit is marginally above average, we are unable to classify them as “outstanding.”
Cornerbacks (C)
By the conclusion of the season, Quinyon Mitchell may be this team’s best corner. While Avonte Maddox has regressed, Darius Slay has remained consistent. On special teams, Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo had some terrible-looking situations before combining for one of the infrequent highlight-reel moments in Week 4.
All in all, we would assign an average grade.
Security (C)
Though many Eagles supporters consider C.J. Gardner-Johnson to be an exceptional playmaker, he has only created two plays that stick in our memories. They both approached the run. Reed Blankenship is a really solid safety, but Sydney Brown can’t get back quickly enough.
Total Score (C)
Good, not fantastic stuff from Vic Fangio so far. After the bye week, we’ll monitor the situation.
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