Three Stats to Take Away From Eagles Loss to Lions
Meh...
After three weeks our Philadelphia Eagles fall to 1–2. The dropped passes, mediocre special teams, sluggish play all over the field, and more injures, indicate a bleak future. However, it is not time to panic, but also not time to relax either. Thursday is a must-win, no doubt about it. When further analyzing the game, here are three stats that should not repeat themselves on Thursday night.
Jordan Howard Played 33% of the offensive snaps
Although Howard did not have the best day, statistically speaking (11 carries for 37 yards), his vision, patience, and toughness needed to be incorporated more into the offense. In the first half, he was a boulder, running over people, creating gaps positive yardage, even when the O-line play was poor. However, Sanders (34%) was used as the number one up until the point he fumbled the ball twice (one recovered by the lions). In an ideal world, Jordan Howard should be the number one back on this team, grooming Miles Sanders until he is ready to carry the mantle. Jordan’s ability to break down a defense morally and physically opens up the rest of the offense. The run game needs to initiate the offense, especially with D-Jax’s speed gone.
Zero Sacks
After three weeks it is safe to say that the Eagles D-line has regressed in the pass-rushing department. Zero sacks and 3 QB hits tell the story. The Eagles have invested dollars, development resources, and top picks in forming what was intended to be an elite pass-rushing squad, but the evidence has suggested the opposite. Fletcher Cox, who the defense is built around has been abysmal. I understand he is recovering from foot surgery and is continuously double-teamed, but he has to step up for this season and specifically this week, in order for this team to have a playoff berth. Moreover, since the Eagles have a young and mistake-prone secondary, especially in regards to the cornerbacks, the pass rushers need to get to QB and the worst-case scenario, make him feel the pressure. Nevertheless, with QBs like Matthew Stafford who do not need proper footwork to deliver the ball on time and accurately, hits and sacks are necessary.
2–0 Turnover Ratio
To be a contender in the NFL, a team must have three things: elite lines play on both sides, win the time of possession battle, and commit few turnovers. I hate to beat a dead horse, but the Eagles did not display dominance in any of these three categories this far into the season. Two fumbles (by Sanders and Agholor) near the 50 led to two field goals which ended up being the difference in the ball-game, along with the kick return touchdown. The Eagles are too beat up and undermanned to have simple misuse and forget about the fundamentals of football.
Currently, the Eagles through three weeks have displayed flashes of greatness, but to the typical fan are .500 team, and their play has warranted that skepticism. Injuries, lack of focus, and critical miscues have led to a slow start. Luckily, there are 13 weeks left in the season; it’s going to be a wild ride. However, the season unfolds, I’ll ride and die with this team.
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Featured photo from Kevin Burkett