PFF's 5 lowest-graded Eagles defenders from Week 7 is a surprising list
We beat them up when they don't perform well. We have to credit them when they are stellar. It was quite the week for Vic Fangio's defense. The Philadelphia Eagles notched eight sacks. They also held the New York Giants to three points and 119 yards of total offense. There isn't much more that one could ask for.
The Birds limited their rivals to ten first downs. They only allowed three conversions on 14 third-down attempts.
It was good to see the guys stop drives and attack the opposing quarterback. Now, they must figure out how to generate some turnovers. They have two on the season, but that isn't worthy of complaint or worry. They'll be fine.
There are also a few areas for opportunity and coaching. Let's see what PFF is saying.
PFF's lowest-graded Eagles defenders from Week 7 win
Pro Football Focus's stat engine can be difficult to follow at times. Real talk: Sometimes, this stuff is like calculus. However, it is always worthy of a conversation.
Following Week 7's Eagles game, we checked out their grades for Philly's performance and found a few surprises, particularly toward the bottom of the list. There weren't many, but there were enough to discuss.
First, let's look at the highest-graded Eagles defenders from Week 7.
- Sydney Brown - 87.7
- Cooper DeJean - 86.3
- Thomas Booker - 85.9
- Milton Williams - 78.7
- Nakobe Dean - 78.1
It's at the bottom of the overall rankings where we find the most surprising names. A thorough dig provides some better understanding though.
ROLB Josh Sweat (50.4)
Josh Sweat played 36 defensive snaps in total: six versus the run (60.8), 24 as a pass rusher (63.8), and six in pass coverage (29.7). He earned a 70.5 tackle grade.
Philly's five man fronts result in the guys at the end of the line having to play coverage sometimes, so it's Sweaty's run defense grade and horrible coverage score that drops his overall grade to 50.4.
Defensive Tackle Moro Ojomo (53.2)
Moro Ojomo also struggled vs. the run, earning a mark of 53.2. On 22 defensive snaps, four vs. said run, he earned a 60.8 grade.
His grade rises to 69.8 as a pass rusher (18 snaps) and he earned a 66.8 tackling grade. How all of that averages out to a 53.2 overall is beyond us. We told you this stuff is confusing sometimes.
Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (53.6)
We thought Quinyon Mitchell was one of the best players on the field, so a 53.6 overall grade is suprising. Through his first six NFL games, he has allowed a 48.3 completion percentage when targeted and 70.6 QB rating. He has also broken up six passes, so we're confused about a 51.9 coverage grade.
Defensive Tackle Jalen Carter (55.1)
Jalen Carter notched four tackles on 46 defensive snaps. He tallied two sacks and two TFLs, but he also missed two tackles, resulting in the following grades: run defense (57.5), pressure (62.2), tackling (27.5), coverage (60.3), and 55.1 overall.
That's okay. He has to bring the ball carrier down, but we think we can live with his performance overall. Let's tighten things up next week, boss man.
Defensive Tackle Jordan Davis (59.3)
Jordan Davis's appearance on this list isn't shocking. Sure, he does what he is asked. He eats up space and allows his teammates to wreak havoc. He was one of the Eagles' top-graded defenders vs. the Cleveland Browns.
He only played 12 snaps in Week 7. Seven were in pressure situations, and we all know he isn't much of a pass rusher.
He also didn't crack the stat sheet, so his grades are as follows: pressure (55.5), run defense (61.6) and overall (59.3).
That's okay big guy! Go crack some heads next week!