5 Eagles worth saluting following an ugly loss vs. Seahawks, three who need better showings next time
Hours after yet another Philadelphia Eagles loss, the stinging feeling is still as strong as it was when the loss occurred. Following a 10-1 start to Philly's season, our Birds haven't won a single game in December. You realize that right? Keep those chins up. We will persevere... At least, we hope so.
There's still reason to believe, even if that 'hope' is dwindling. There's a chance that Philly can give us the greatest of Christmas presents, a win over the New York Giants on December 25th. Maybe that will give us cause to smile.
Right now, however, it's hard to find silver linings or reasons to smile. You can take this to the bank though. Our team is fighting. They, unfortunately, aren't getting a ton of breaks.
Let's look at some individual performances following the Eagles' Week 15 loss versus the Seahawks.
With a third consecutive loss, the Eagles losing streak versus the Seahawks stretches to eight games (and ten losses in the last 11 meetings. Some may want to point fingers. Let's try not to do that here.
Here's a tip of the cap to four Eagles who we're very proud of and a call to arms for three guys we need to see more from next time.
1. Dud - Jalen Hurts, quarterback
Two statements that seemingly contradict one another can both be true. Jalen Hurts wasn't overly-impressive in this one.. That's putting things mildly, but the argument can also be made that Philly wouldn't have had a chance at winning this game without him.
Yeah, he was sick and all. We get it, but he missed open receivers and made costly errors while big-game hunting. In the end, when you're the leader on offense and one of the game's young stars, you have to be better and win the games that you're supposed to.
2. Dud - Quez Watkins, wide receiver
Yes, he was interfered with. Yes, the officials blew a big call, but if you're Quez Watkins, you have to fight your way back to the ball and prevent that interception by Julian Love. For some reason Quez has never learned that.
The worst thing about all of that is this. Now, that we think about it, we can't remember the last time the ball was thrown his way and something good happened.
3. Dud - James Bradberry, cornerback
At this point, it seems cruel too keep piling on James Bradberry. It's hard to understand how he regressed so quickly, but something has to change or Philly needs to get him off of the field.
4. Stud: Braden Mann, punter
As Rich Eisen would say, punters are people too. We learned Braden Mann could pass last week. We saw him boom some nice punts in this one.
He pinned the Seahawks inside their ten-yard line late, but unfortunately, the defense let the entire team down. So, in the end, no one will remember the good job he did.
5. Studs: DeVonta Smith & A.J. Brown
DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown played well, but if you asked them, they'd tell you they rather have the victory. Neither eclipsed 100 yards receiving or scored a touchdown, but they continue to be bright spots for what's become a struggling offense.
6. Kelee Ringo, cornerback
He's still young and learning. The Eagles might have something here though.
Kelee Ringo did well in his first start. We have minimal complaints about his performance.
7. Stud - D'Andre Swift, wide receiver
D'Andre Swift played well. 74 yards rushing on 18 carries... In the end, it wasn't enough, but it's obvious that good things happen when Philly gets the ball in his hands.
There you have it! Consider that our attempt to end this on a high note.
As mentioned, the Giants are the next step in the journey. Fingers are crossed that Philly will find a way to earn a much-needed win in that one.