Several random Philadelphia Eagles notes ahead of Week 11’s game
It’s the same old story for these Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11.
Despite leading the NFC East with a 3-5-1 record, Philadelphia Eagles fans have many questions in regards to how the season is going. It feels like it has been ten years since the Eagles won their Super Bowl, and there are probably many changes that need to be made. Still, before any drastic changes are made, Philly really needs to give serious thought t having Doug Pederson give up the play-calling duties (even though they aren’t going to do that).
Then, there’s this. Even if Philly was to win the division, they aren’t a team that’s built for a long playoff run. Long-term success is going to take more than Doug giving up the play-calling duties. Philly needs to reimagine their offensive scheme. More quarterback runs for Carson Wentz would help. So would throwing fewer passes to the flat when the team is in third down and long situations. Most importantly, this team needs to run the ball more.
If you’re the Philadelphia Eagles, this isn’t rocket science.
Maybe you’ve heard this before, but the Birds have one of the best backs in the league in Miles Sanders. For some reason, he’s only getting eight to 15 carries a game. A tailback like Sanders needs 20-25 carries a game, and it would really help Carson Wentz out, not to mention the rest of the offense.
Philly needs to rely on Duce Staley’s expertise more. Allowing him to help dictate game plans would probably result in more running plays. It may be a good idea to allow Wentz to audible more at the line of scrimmage.
On defense, Jim Schwartz’s guys are having the same issues that they have every season. They have a great defensive line but mediocre linebackers and aren’t getting much from the secondary. Upgrading the second level would help, but Philly needs more. Their scheme seems to be a problem as well.
Philly needs to stop allowing ten-to-15-yard chunk plays because of the soft coverage that they’re playing. They also need to blitz more. Doing so will allow the front seven, which is led by Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox, to get to the quarterback. The Eagles defense is ranked in the NFL’s top ten in sacks, so making sure that they continue that trend should be a priority right?
This is a team in need of an identity. If they find one, it would be a step in the right direction. If not, serious questions need to be answered about where this team is going, who they are, and what they’re trying to accomplish. It has been a frustrating season, but this can get turned around. Step one comes in Week 11 versus the Cleveland Browns.