Eagles Team Grades: Packers Make Swiss Cheese Of Eagles D On MNF
By Kevin McGuire
The Philadelphia Eagles were unable to snap a losing streak on Monday night and saw their undefeated home streak come to an end in Week 12. The Green Bay Packers snapped their losing ways with a 27-13 victory in Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles missed out on a chance to work their way up in the NFC East picture and NFC Wild Card spot, and now fall a little farther out of contention entering December.
Offense: D
Once wide receiver Jordan Matthews (four receptions for 47 yards on all four passes intended for him) went down with an ankle injury, it was all down hill from there. It was simply too much to ask rookie quarterback Carson Wentz to do everything needed to deliver a win Monday night, even against this Packers defense. Wentz gave it his best effort though, rushing four times for 33 yards, including running away from Clay Matthews at one point in impressive fashion. Wentz is not known for his mobility, but was the team's second-leading rusher with 33 yards and a touchdown.
Wendell Smallwood rushed for a team-high 37 yards with Darren Sproles picking up just six yards on three attempts. Ryan Mathews did not play, as expected. Nelson Agholor was also deactivated for the game, not that it mattered much given his performance this season.
Defense: D
Getting off the field was a struggle for the Eagles on Monday night. Green Bay was an impressive 10-for-14 on third down, including a 6-for-6 start before the Eagles could make a stop on third down.
It was a frustrating night for the Birds' defense as they gave up 313 passing yards to Aaron Rodgers. Philadelphia also committed some bad penalties throughout the night on defense that resulted in three free first downs for the Packers.
The ability to make adjustments appeared to be lacking on the Eagles sideline, which was puzzling. Green Bay had 25 first downs in the game, as they methodically worked the Eagles defense from start to finish.
Special Teams: B
Kicker Caleb Sturgis and punter Donnie Jones did their jobs, as they usually do, and were the lone bright spot of the night for the Eagles. Sturgis converted both of his field goal attempts, including one from 50-yards out. Jones pinned both of his punts inside the 20-yard line. There were no big special teams returns for the Eagles, with Kenjon Barner returning three kickoffs for a total of 49 yards.
Coaching: D
It's time to stop giving first-year head coach Doug Pederson a free pass. Granted, the roster only allows for so much to happen, but Pederson used two challenges under odd circumstances. He called some offensive plays that felt scripted at times and lacked a sense of adjustments when necessary. Sure, Pederson is still learning to lead as a head coach, but in the NFL, there's little time to waste when you're learning on the job.
It was not a particularly strong night for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, either. Given how the Packers have been playing, it felt as though the Eagles were unprepared to exploit the Packers' weaknesses. It seemed Philadelphia was sticking to a certain style of play they are trying to mold. Instead, the Eagles played like molded cheese -- stinky.
Up Next: at Cincinnati Bengals, Dec. 4 at 1 p.m.
The Eagles will hit the road next week to take on a desperate Bengals (3-7-1) team looking to kick their own losing habit. The Eagles have never won in Cincinnati, but as poorly as the Bengals have been playing, it looks like Philly may have a shot of picking up their first win in The Queen City.
