The Philadelphia Eagles played mostly backups when they faced the Commanders at home in the season finale, but the game shed some light on a few of the issues fans and media have long wondered about, specifically the offense.
The first noticeable difference regarding the line was the mobility. Many have questioned the health of Center Cam Jurgens and LG Landon Dickerson for much of the season. Against the Commanders, while the starters were resting, their backups put on a show of what the line could be if the two starters were healthy and able to move as they have in the past.
Center Drew Kendall was active early and often. The difference in his ability to burst off the snap and get to the second level was night and day compared with the play from the position over the last few weeks. Tempering the judgment is key, as Kendall was playing against backups as well, but when you factor in that this was his first start and watch the explosion off the line, it is hard not to walk away believing Jurgens has been limited for much of the season. Most of us had forgotten how good this line looks when the athleticism of the linemen is back in play.
Brett Toth, who left the game with a concussion, could be a big blow to their depth heading into their Wild Card matchup against San Francisco. He displayed the agility and speed that have been lacking from the left guard position. He was getting outside and paving the way. Much like Cam, this is not a knock on Landon Dickerson, as it is apparent he has been a warrior fighting through injuries, but it may reveal how severe the injuries have been.
The effect was how well the holes opened up and how blocks made it to the second level, which allowed Tank Bigsby to put on a show. And to give Tank credit, it was not just the block; he was a tough out. The Commanders had trouble getting Bigbsy down as he fought through arm tackles and powered his way over LBs and DBs on his quest to move the chains. Inexplicably, he didn't touch the ball for the final 17 minutes of the game.
Tanner McKee took over as QB for the day and looked great early on. He connected with DeVonta Smith for three receptions, good for 52 yards, which pushed Smitty over 1,000 on the season. McKee was 10- of 16 at the half with 148 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. In the second half, his accuracy was off, and he completed only 11 of 24 passes.
The Eagles appeared to break the huddle faster and had extra time at the line of scrimmage. The process did not appear rushed or chaotic. The reason is anyone's guess. Less pressure on OC Kevin Patullo during the heat of the game, the playcalls themselves were simplified, Tanner not having the autonomy to change the play at the LOS, who knows. Whatever it was dictating that change, it was a welcome sight and looked different.
The playcalling left much to be desired in the second half, and, as it has been all season, it was a tale of two halves. The fourth quarter in particular was riddled with questionable decisions. The aforementioned malpractice of not getting Tank touches when he had totaled 106 yards from the LOS is hard to defend and looms the largest.
The need for the Philadelphia Eagles to invest in the corner position has become clear. If anyone wondered why both Quiyon Mitchell and Adoree Jackson were not on the field, you saw it in HD. Their backups would not be able to compete in the postseason at a level that would allow the team to win. Secondly, many fans and media debated whether Jackson should be CB2 over Jakorian Bennett or Kelee Ringo. That is over. It is also another example of why putting trust in the coaches who watch the practice is the right decision.
It is hard to take much away from a disappointing loss played with backups that could have secured them the second overall seed, but at the end of the day, they are in the exact same position this week. If the Bears lose and the Eagles win, they still get to host a second playoff game. Only this week, the stakes are much higher.
On a positive note, when the Eagles won their first Super Bowl, they were the No. 1 seed; when they won their second, they were the No. 2 seed; and now, as the No. 3 seed, they can go in sequential order and bring home their third Lombardi.
As always, thank you for reading!
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