McLane: Eagles midseason report card

The Eagles limped into the midway point of the season, losing three of their last four. A 3-0 start raised expectations after few projected the team to contend for the playoffs, but a .500 record has the Eagles teetering on the edge of postseason relevancy. Here's an evaluation of how they got there:

Doug Pederson's play calling and his joint effort with offensive coordinator Frank Reich (pictured) in game planning for rookie quarterback Carson Wentz were nearly spotless. But Wentz and the offense have regressed. There have been obvious personnel issues, but the Eagles are among the worst NFL teams on third down (30th out of 32) and in the red zone (25th).

Carson Wentz got off to maybe the best three-game start for a rookie quarterback in modern NFL history. His fourth game wasn't so bad either, at least until he tossed a game-ending interception against the Lions. But Wentz has struggled since, turning the ball over five times and being sacked 10 times. To his credit, he has rebounded from three difficult first quarters and has made enough big plays each game to compensate for the lack of talent at several key spots. He still needs to prove that he can win nail biters, though.

The offensive line's steady play has gone largely unnoticed. Take a look around the rest of and league and you'll far more groups that are worse. Has the unit been perfect? No. The run blocking hasn't been consistent. The pass protection in the Redskins game was leaky. But Jason Peters, Jason Kelce (pictured), Brandon Brooks, and Allen Barbre have settled the ship after the loss of the suspended Lane Johnson. Rookie Halapoulivaati Viatai still needs the occasional help at right tackle, but he has improved.

The by-committee approach has been successful enough to complement the Eagles' diverse passing attack. It just hasn't played out the way the team originally intended - which is fine. Ryan Mathews has taken a step back - after two late-game fumbles - as the 33-year-old Darren Sproles (pictured) has come to the fore. Sproles has earned the additional playing time. He leads the Eagles in yards per carry (4.8 average) and is their best pass catcher and blocker out of the backfield. But rookie Wendell Smallwood and Kenjon Barner have earned more snaps.

Jordan Matthews (pictured) saves this group from failing. He has had far too many drops, but he's the most consistent of a subpar collection and is one of the better slot receivers in the NFL. Nelson Agholor and Dorial Green-Beckham might not crack the first four receivers on almost any other team. They're the Mutt and Jeff of outside receivers, and both play smaller than their size. Josh Huff did little on offense before getting released. Bryce Treggs may become a consistent deep threat, but the sample so far is small.

The tight ends were supposed to be a skill position strength for the Eagles, but aside from the last game against the Giants, Zach Ertz (pictured), Trey Burton, and Brent Celek have yet to have an impact on the passing game. Early season injuries to Burton and Ertz didn't help, and neglect of Ertz for weeks also hindered the group. But taken as a whole, the three have been solid run blockers and Pederson's three-tight end sets have given the offense a new dynamic.

The Eagles are fourth in the NFL in sacks per pass attempt, but they didn't get there by relying solely on their four-man rush.

Blitzing is perfectly fine, but Schwartz has had to send extra rushers because the line hasn't been as consistent as it was in the first month.

Defensive end Brandon Graham (pictured), though, has played at a Pro Bowl level. Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox has tailed off, but he had a scorching first month. Vinny Curry has been a first-half disappointment.

Linebacker play has been a pleasant surprise. Jordan Hicks (pictured) had a stellar start to his career last season, but he played only half a season and there was some question as to how he would adapt to a new scheme. There were some early hiccups, but Hicks has been a playmaking force in the middle over the last three games. Nigel Bradham supplanted Mychal Kendricks as the second nickel linebacker and has been a downhill wrecker.

Nolan Carroll (pictured) has been a solid No. 2 corner. He isn't flashy and he isn't a stopper, but he can get the job done. Leodis McKelvin, however, has either been injured or a crispy brown after getting regularly toasted by receivers. His health has forced Jalen Mills into the lineup, and the seventh-round rookie has predictably struggled. Ron Brooks was marginally useful before suffering a season-ending quadriceps injury.

Malcolm Jenkins (pictured) and Rodney McLeod haven't been as consistent as the Eagles would have liked on a weekly basis, but the duo has also had to account for the deficiencies at cornerback. But when Jenkins and McLeod have been on - the Steelers and Vikings games, most notably - they've been among the better safety tandems in the NFL. Jaylen Watkins' role has increased because Jenkins has been forced into the slot, but he has been a mixed bag.

jmclane@phillynews.com

@Jeff_McLane