Poor execution, backup QB trade chatter, and what else the national media is saying about the Eagles
The Eagles are home underdogs entering Week 4, and NFL observers have noted their many issues.
National expectations for the Eagles have slightly dimmed after their poor offensive showing in a 27-7 loss to 38-year-old third-string quarterback Case Keenum and the Chicago Bears on Monday night.
The Eagles have a chance to rebound from the Week 3 defeat against the currently underperforming Los Angeles Rams (1 p.m., Fox). They’ll likely have to do so without injured star wide receiver DeVonta Smith, while the Rams should have their star receiver Puka Nacua back.
Three of the Inquirer’s beat writers have picked the Rams to win. Here’s what analysts across the nation are saying about the Eagles ahead of this weekend’s matchup:
Execution of plan? Lacking
The Athletic began a new series this week — team utility tiers. Instead of ranking teams based simply on performance, they’re instead ranked on how each NFL club is executing its intended plan developed in the offseason.
In the first edition, the Eagles were put in Tier 3, which was titled “Messy; long-term view intact.” Joining them in this group were the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and New York Giants.
“There are huge problems in every third quarter so far and issues with situational management, offensive play calling, and a defense that seems oddly vulnerable at times,” Jourdan Rodrigue wrote.
Rodrigue’s positives for the Eagles included quarterback Jalen Hurts’ play to date, the emergence of Smith as a true No. 1 wide receiver, and the improved run game against the Bears (Saquon Barkley averaged 7.5 yards per carry on outside runs).
Belief in Sirianni
NFL.com revealed its weekly author picks Thursday, and the five-person panel was divided on who will prevail in Eagles/Rams. The site’s editor Gennaro Filice has the Eagles winning by two points.
“Philly’s had trouble getting a consistent ground attack going under new OC Sean Mannion, but Barkley did enjoy success against Chicago this past Monday night before the game got out of hand, potentially signaling a schematic breakthrough,” Filice wrote. “In a matchup between two established powers that have yet to play up to their talent level this season, I’m far from bullish on the Eagles. But I anticipate [Nick] Sirianni will rally the troops once again versus [Sean] McVay, with the Birds feeling disrespected as home underdogs.”
McVay is 1-6 against the Eagles, including an 0-4 record in Siranni’s tenure, which is another reason why Filice is picking the Eagles to win as the home underdog.
Backup QB movement?
Andy Dalton’s goal-line interception against the Bears was certainly less than ideal. It also brought up an interesting conversation regarding who the Eagles’ backup quarterback should be.
Conversation has also heated up on the subject of general manager Howie Roseman moving a quarterback. Philadelphia is one of three teams currently carrying four quarterbacks, with Tanner McKee and Cole Payton rounding out the group.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler provided some intel this week on whether more backup quarterbacks, including one of the Eagles’, could be traded.
“Three teams — the Eagles, Browns and Steelers — are carrying four quarterbacks and probably would welcome a deal at the right price. And more injuries at the position will cause more trade talk,” Fowler wrote.
The NFL has had six starters suffer injuries that have sidelined or will sideline them for multiple weeks, and with that comes a need for experienced quarterbacks. Dalton is one of the more veteran options out there, while McKee is younger and has flashed in his limited opportunities with the Eagles.
Just a few months ago, when Eagles training camp got underway, the defense drew rave reviews. The prevailing sentiment was that the unit was poised to dominate this year. So far through three games, Vic Fangio’s group has done anything but. From the lack of forced turnovers to missed coverage assignments, the Eagles have plenty of room for improvement. Can Fangio work his magic to get the defense on track in time for this week’s showdown with the high-powered LA Rams? The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane puts the defense under the microscope, and also answers listener questions in this week’s mailbag. Listen here.
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