The highlight of the Philadelphia Eagles' incredible 33-26 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3 was the play on special teams in the fourth quarter.
First, it started with Jalen Carter getting a field goal block more than halfway through the quarter. That led to the Eagles scoring a touchdown to take the lead 27-26. Jordan Davis followed it up with his own field goal block and return for a score to end the game.
These were no doubt the two most critical plays in the game, and both came on special teams, but through the first three quarters, that same unit almost cost Philly the win.
Horrible play on kickoffs almost doomed Eagles to first loss of the season
A conversation needs to be had about what happened on kickoffs. It might arguably be one of the worst performances by a pair of kick returners in franchise history between John Metchie III and Tank Bigsby. Ironically, both were traded for in the last month to add depth on offense and give the Eagles special teams help.
How bad was Metchie and Bigsby's performance on kickoff returns? Only one of their kickoffs was above a 20-yard return, with Metchie's 21-yard return (that was called back due to a holding penalty). Metchie managed to muff three kickoffs, and Bigsby muffed one himself.
Of the seven kickoff returns in the game, the Eagles' average field position off a kickoff was about the 19-yard line (19.4 to be exact). If fans excluded two of those kickoffs that were touchbacks, that average would drop to about the 16-yard line (16.2 also to be exact).
Out of the offensive possessions after the seven kickoffs, only the last one resulted in a touchdown. The other six were either punts, a fumble, or the end of the half.
In total, Metchie returned three kickoffs for 31 yards, averaging 10.3 yards per return. Bigsby was slightly better with two returns for 24 yards, averaging 12 yards per return.
It's safe to say the Eagles have a major problem on their hands with kickoff returns. Those types of numbers should be worrisome for Eagles fans if the team doesn't address them as soon as possible.
What hurts is that the Eagles don't have Will Shipley to handle those with his rib injury. The only solution, besides just dealing with it, is activating Britain Covey from the practice squad and putting him as the primary kickoff returner. He has done more punt returns in his career, but he would make for a much better option than what they have now.
Read more: Howie Roseman's quiet preseason trade turned into Eagles' unsung hero vs. Rams
Philly must address this issue in practice this week, as the offense did not get much support with field position. Some might think this is a small problem, but if small issues add up throughout the season, Eagles fans can kiss their repeat Super Bowl championship dream goodbye.