Philadelphia Eagles Recap VS Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles Recap VS Cowboys
1. Austin: Let’s start with the positives. While as a whole the team looked extremely stagnant there were players with good games. Nathan Gerry looked like a viable option as a starting Linebacker. Gerry led the team in tackles with 11 total and was proof this is a game of inches coming extremely close to forcing some tipped balls and possible picks. Jordan Howard continued to show he is a starting caliber running back who can consistently get you 4.5 yards a carry (believe it or not the same as Zeke). The secondary is definitely improved with Jalen Mills playing, and Cre’von LeBlanc could be returning within the coming weeks.
Micah: Gerry did lead the team in tackles but I wouldn’t even consider him as a future starter. He made some good plays, but there were times where he just looked absolutely lost. I don’t mind him as a depth piece, but there need to be upgrades at the linebacker position. Howard is a great back and always maximizes his carries, but unfortunately, we can’t utilize him fully. You can’t pound the rock when you’re always down by two or more scores. Sucks for him that this is a contract year. Mills actually played well and was in a good position on the deep reception he allowed. I can see him as a solid #2 corner if we can trade for Patrick Peterson or Chris Harris.
2. Austin: As Lane Johnson said during his post-game interview “there's gonna be a lot of stuff change, it may be players, it may be a whole lot of stuff change.” Philadelphia needs some change. While yes they need some extra talent infusion to try and jump-start things the coaching staff may be fighting for its jobs right now. While Pederson will not be on the hot seat OC Mike Groh most definitely should be. After being a Passing Coordinator for a 2016 Rams team that managed 14 passing TDs and 20 Interceptions he somehow found a job as the Eagles WR Coach in 2017 and a promotion to OC the following year. Groh now has the Eagles running a stagnant offense that constantly takes the ball out of the hands of Carson Wentz to start the game and only allowing him to throw the ball once Philadelphia is at a deficit and needs a comeback. While
Schwartz is dealing with injury problems he still has enough talent on the field that this team should be better than 20th in scoring before the blowout against the Cowboys. While unlikely if this defense stays at this trajectory Schwartz who reportedly wanted a HC job may be looking for any job he can get.
Micah: Mike Groh is not good at what he does. He was previously fired by his own father. There’s no reason he should have been promoted to offensive coordinator, and as long as he’s there, I don’t think we can ever reach 2017 heights again. Doug needs to do the right thing and fire him immediately. Schwartz has his shortcomings, but a lack of talent in the defensive backfield and with the linebackers severely hampers his ability to do anything. He makes questionable decisions (like leaving Rasul Douglas on an island with Amari Cooper), but I truly believe he can be a high-end DC with more to work with on the back end.
3. Austin: Carson Wentz did get a contract because he has the ability to make up for other people's mistakes. He did not get paid so the rest of the team could relax. While Carson did have 3 turnovers against Dallas accountability for those do not go just on him. At this point in time, it seems as if everyone, including the defensive side of the ball, thinks that because Carson has the ability to be an MVP caliber QB they don’t have to deliver as much as they did for Foles. Which is true to a point, but if you aren’t a defensive player trying to make every play possible or an offensive player trying to get every yard out of every play possible then maybe you should question your dedication to winning and playing the game of football.
Micah: Carson Wentz is a great QB and among the three most talented passers in the game. It’s a shame his receivers refuse to help him out. He can extend plays like no other, and yet, nobody can get separation. If Nelson Agholor was even a half-decent receiver and DeSean Jackson was available, Wentz would be right in the middle of the MVP conversation.
4. Austin: Eagles fans do not need to hit the panic button yet. In case you forgot at this time last year Philadelphia was 3-4. Obviously they've put themselves a bit behind the 8-ball but they are one game back of a Cowboys team that has a very tough second-half schedule, and a week 16 matchup in Philadelphia. There is obviously a reason for fans to be unhappy and feel uneasy, but if this team can rally to win 5 out of their last 6 a year ago they can definitely still do enough to make the playoffs.
Micah: The panic button needs to be hit. The season isn’t over, but losing by 27 points in the biggest game of the season so far brings plenty of cause for concern. There was nothing inspiring about last night’s performance. Keep in mind that the next four games for the Birds are against the Bills, Bears, Patriots, and Seahawks. That’s an absolutely brutal schedule. If things continue the way they are, we could easily be staring 3-8 in the face. Changes must be made immediately, and Howie Roseman needs to keep up his reputation of making impactful moves at the trade deadline.
5. Austin: I would like to add this as a disclaimer. While these losses hurt us as fans they hurt the players just as much if not more. They are putting in blood, sweat, and tears for this game and anyone who has made it this far in the league should almost never be associated with the word lazy. There is a reason these guys can do it for a living. However, this game should be a huge wake-up call that there is a lot more to be given, and next Sunday in Buffalo we are going to see if the Eagles plan on rolling over or start fighting with their backs against the wall.
Micah: Save for Jamarcus Russell and Albert Haynesworth, no football player should be labeled “lazy”. They do put a lot into this game. Fans are frustrated from Sunday night’s events, and hopefully, next week is much different than this one. A huge confidence boost could be coming for the defense in the form of Josh Allen.
-By: Micah Jimoh & Austin Bronstad