Eagles up-down drill

SIDEWAYS - The numbers weren't pretty. And he had another slow start and failed finished, but Wentz displayed mettle playing behind a patched-up line. He's inching toward winning late, but "close" isn't close enough.

SIDEWAYS - The argument here isn't against Pederson's decision to go for two. Why the heck not? And it's easy to say in hindsight that he should have called another play. But why not roll out Wentz and give him a few reads, including the option to run?

DOWN - The cornerback had good coverage early and broke up a pass, but he fell apart on the Ravens' drive before the half. Mills was flagged for blatant pass interference and was toasted by Steve Smith for a 34-yard touchdown. Of course, Jim Schwartz's aggressive play calling didn't help his rookie.

UP - He had his best game of the season. Mathews rushed 20 times for 128 yards and a touchdown and picked up a number of those yards after contact. But why wasn't he on the field late in the game?

DOWN - Sigh. He dropped a screen pass on third and 1 and ran to Fells Point instead of up field on the fourth-and-1 jet sweep in which he ran out of bounds short of the sticks.

UP - He has quietly been the Eagles' most consistent defender this season. Hicks snuffed out a screen pass for a tackle for loss, broke up another throw, and his interception of Joe Flacco was a game changer.

DOWN - For the third straight game, McLeod backed off on a play that resulted in a touchdown. The safety took a roundabout path to tackling Kenneth Dixon on his 16-yard run. Is it a lack of effort or just poor technique?

UP - The rookie was pressed into duty once again, but this time he had to step in at right tackle, where he has hardly practiced. There were bumps, but Seumalo hung tough.

SIDEWAYS - He got beaten on the Ravens' first touchdown and appeared to be out of position when Michael Campanaro ran 44 yards on a jet sweep.

UP - The tight end was essentially the Eagles' only downfield threat. Ertz caught six passes for 80 yards and managed to drag both feet inbounds on a late sideline grab.

UP - Special teams aren't glamorous, but Maragos continues to be a hell raiser, particularly on kickoff coverage.

DOWN - "All-time worst call ever" is what Ravens coach John Harbaugh called Mornhinweg's decision to throw late deep in Eagles territory. That may be an exaggeration, but it was still the wrong one.