Week 1: Eagles Studs And Duds
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Smacked in the mouth. Outplayed in every facet of the game in the first half. And still they had a chance to win the game, and arguably should have won the game.
Nevertheless, it's a loss. And it hurts.
Here are the studs and duds from the Eagles' Week 1 loss at Atlanta.
Duds
3. Andrew Gardner
They told us the offensive line wouldn't skip a beat. So far, they lied. Andrew Gardner got the start at right guard and the Eagles' running game never got going, especially when they ran behind Gardner.
2. Zach Ertz
Ertz made a spectacular catch on the Eagles' third touchdown drive, I know. And he's mostly on this list because of what I expect from him. It's year three, he's improved his blocking (they say), and we're ready for him to become a star.
Last night, admittedly in his first game with Sam Bradford, he looked out of sorts. A miscommunication incompletion early, a bad throw to Ertz in the end zone, and a crucial missed block in the run game. We need more from Zertz.
1. Byron Maxwell
Julio Jones is going to make every NFL cornerback look suspect, but 9 catches for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns is ridiculous. Not to mention, Maxwell was five yards behind the 33-year-old Roddy White on multiple crossing routes. B-Max made one key breakup early in the game, but other than that, he got toasted all night. Frustrating to see from the Eagles' $66 million No. 1 corner.
Studs
3. Malcolm Jenkins
I know, first thing that comes to mind when you think of Malcolm Jenkins last night is those two crucial interception drops. Hands of stone. But Jenkins had an excellent game in coverage and was really all over the field. He finished with 7 tackles (6 solo), 1 tackle for loss, and 3 pass deflections.
2. Darren Sproles
5 for 50 on the ground and 7 for 76 in the air for Sproles, the Eagles' most dynamic weapon on Monday night. At 32 years old, the dude can still fly, and that spin move to make the linebacker miss...phew!
1. Fletcher Cox
Cox is solidifying himself as the Eagles' most consistent and dominant player. Last night, Cox was held on seemingly very other play and still finished with a sack, a tackle for a loss, and 2 QB hits. He penetrated the Falcons' line on a ton of run plays as well, and is a huge reason Atlanta only rushed for 105 yards on 35 carries (3.5 yards per carry).
Cox also had the strip sack late in the first half that was nullified by a debatable Kiko Alonso illegal contact penalty.
