Inside the Iggles
FanSided

Stagnating Start Could Be Biggest Issue for Philadelphia Eagles

By Regina Ham

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 30: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 30: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 11: Jalen Mills #31 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after breaking up a pass against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 11, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 11: Jalen Mills #31 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after breaking up a pass against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 11, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

D-E-F-E-N-S-E….disaster.

With offensive woes taking center stage, the defense isn’t a shining light either. The road issues aren’t just alarming. The building’s on fire.

They’re 0-2 on the road and while that can’t be where they stay, but they’ve allowed 53 points in those two games.  Since the 2017 season, they have been a terrible road defense – 11th worst, to be exact.  And their home-field advantage hasn’t exactly been a factor as well.

The pass and rush defense are not doing well at all. Quarterbacks are getting 65-percent of their passes completed with a 92.5 passer rating. For rushing, backs are getting 4.5 yards-per-carry and four touchdowns. I wish it was going to be upward sailing but it’s not.

One shining moment…

There are a few shining players that will help to ease concerns. Fletcher Cox is off to a great start for the season with 22 tackles and four sacks. Michael Bennett is another bright spot as he has finally settled into his role with 15 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble.

Defensive backs haven’t been much better, but there are some bright spots. The secondary isn’t terrible, but they’re not good either. They’re stopping shorter completions, but the big ones are falling to the wayside. Jalen Mills has had multiple pass interference penalties, but at least he’s performing well in the red zone.

SEND HELP WHAT DO WE DO?

First off, as the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy says “Don’t panic.” Good advice.

There is no reason to panic…yet. Despite not having a winning record, the Eagles are still in an excellent position to win in the NFC East division, which is underperforming as expected.

The team’s offense has to start consistently putting up more points, while the defense needs to play all four quarters without letting their foot up off of the gas. The Eagles are in a must-win situation against the Jacksonville Jaguars this week, and they need to do everything possible to head into their bye week with a 4-4 record.

There IS hope for the Eagles to defend their title and make a postseason push. After all, rebellions were built on hope.

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