Philadelphia Eagles schedule: Everything good, bad, and ugly after Week 4

Philadelphia Eagles new defensive coordinator may need to rethink his scheme

Ugly: Jonathan Gannon, Defensive Coordinator

To say, defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon has had a rough few weeks would be an understatement. This is now two straight games in a row that the Gannon-led defense has not answered for the opposing team’s offense. After only allowing 23 points in total through the first few weeks of the season, the Eagles defense has now let up 40 points in two straight games.

Now, to break it down a little bit more. The scheme Gannon is trying to run is not so much the problem, but the players he is trying to run in this scheme are. A lot of the way this defense is supposed to be set up does not match their talent. It is as simple as that. Having cornerback Darius Slay not shadowing the opposing team’s best receiver is a crime. Using Steven Nelson in man coverage on anyone is ridiculous, and the run defense is terrible, just terrible.

Allowing some yards to be gained on the ground is one thing, but allowing almost seven yards a carry is just not going to slow any solid offense down. Gannon also had some bad play calls that Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid ultimately sniffed out, leading to touchdowns. Minus the one takeaway from linebacker Eric Wilson, each of the Chiefs’ offensive possessions ended in a touchdown.

This Eagles team still has some work before them to get done, but Hurts’ performance and this offense were encouraging. The penalties and the defense need to clean up quickly before heading down south to face the Carolina Panthers.