Evaluating the Birds at the Bye: Two Truths and a Lie
Not mad just disappointed
After eight weeks of football, our Philadelphia Eagles sit at 3-4-1. The combination of the injury bug, lackluster play, and poor coaching decisions has left a lot to desire for Eagles fans. Nevertheless, the Eagles currently sit at first in the NFC East and are in excellent position to host a playoff game. So what should fans make of this team? Here’s two truths and a lie about the 2020 Philadelphia Eagles through 8 games.
Truth No.1: Travis Fulgham
At the start of the season, no Eagles’ fan thought that Travis Fulgham, who the Eagles picked-up off the Lions’ Practice Squad, would be the team’s No.1 receivers, let alone the best past catcher this year. Nevertheless, Fulgham’s dangerous blend of size, speed, and route running has literally put defenders on their heels. Moreover, he’s got an impeccable knack for highpointing the football and blocking tackles.
Safe to say, if you're not on the Fulgham train, you better hop on quickly.
Truth No.2: Doug Pederson must give up his play-calling
Doug’s questionable play-calling and decision making has been ridiculed for the last couple of seasons and rightfully so.
Here are a few of Doug’s lowlights:
- Not attempting the potentially game winning field goal against the Bengals in overtime
- Trying a QB read-option with Wentz on a potential game-tying two-point conversion
- Going for it on fourth down at mid-field against a third string quarterback
His desire to go for it on fourth down, based on the statistics is the correct decision. However, his playing-calling on fourth-down has been down-right abysmal. On numerous fourth and ones, Doug has tried to get cute and pass the ball instead of calling a QB sneak. Other times, he tries to run with Boston Scott instead of the bulkier Corey Clement.
Doug’s biggest blunder has been the use of Jalen Hurts. Hurts can bring a spark to this team if used sparingly and diversely. Currently, Doug is using Hurts almost exclusively for QB runs, which makes it predictable for the defense. From an outsider's perspective, it looks like the coaching staff is trying to force Hurts into the game without a plan to utilize his full skill-set.
Nevertheless, Doug Pederson is still one of the better coaches in the league, but he has his flaws.
Lie: Carson Wentz must be traded.
Carson Wentz undoubtedly had his worst game of his career against Ben Dinucci and the Cowboys in, so far, the worst season of his career. The truth is, nonetheless, almost all QBs have down years and for Wentz this is one of them. The belief that Wentz needs to be traded immediately is as absurd as some of the assertions WIP callers profoundly declare. However, if Wentz continues with his unusually high turnover tendency and sub-standard decision making next year, the Eagles may need to start that conversation.
Side Note: The 2018-2019 season was not a down year for Carson Wentz despite many fans believing otherwise. However, this is merely my opinion at the end of the day.
Final Thoughts
At the bye, the Eagles stand front-runners for the NFC (L)East. Nevertheless, this team has enormous problems that must be addressed this offseason.
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Featured Photo from Kevin Burkett