Philadelphia Eagles: Examining 10 overreactions following Week 15 loss
By Ben Swanger
9. Jim Schwartz’s job as Philadelphia Eagles DC is locked up for 2021.
It’s not an overreaction. What Jim Schwartz did in Week 15 against a lethal Cardinals offense, with a shorthanded secondary, was very respectable. The Eagles were down a starting safety and two starting cornerbacks, among other familiar depth pieces. This defense came up with three turnovers, two in the red zone, and a forced turnover on downs. The unit gave up 31 points, but 7 of them came on a short field.
Schwartz might not blitz as much as fans might want and the defense definitely does not create enough turnovers, and that has more to do with playmakers than scheme, but from a macro-level Schwartz’s defenses have performed well enough to win plenty of ball games.
Schwartz might no cater to player’s strengths all the time, I.E. the Will Parks debacle, but players with success in his system love playing in it. Darius Slay negotiated his trade to Philly in part because of Schwartz, the Eagles landed Nigel Bradham because of the Schwartz history, and those defensive linemen who get to attack on islands every play relish the scheme. Schwartz should be back in 2021, barring a shocking move.
10. Doug Pederson’s job as Philadelphia Eagles head coach is officially safe.
The scapegoat for the 2020 Eagles failures is no longer Doug Pederson, it’s Carson Wentz, and because it is now Wentz, Pederson’s hot seat continues to cool. So, this statement is not an overreaction. Doug Pederson should be coaching this Eagles team in 2021.
Trending. Carson Wentz isn't doing himself any favors. light
With Hurts at the helm, the offense is fun again. Pederson has finally found a play-calling rhythm and despite the loss, the offense was electric in Arizona. Hurts opens up the running game for Philly and Pederson finally realizes the run is the biggest strength this offense possesses. Firing Pederson after one down year after three straight playoff appearances would be ludicrous. He is just going to go rebuild some other team, just like he did Philly. Pederson should be here to stay.