I get heart attacks watching Eagles games, man. New York went up 11 in in the 4th quarter and I was preparing to depressingly type my way through this article. But then, Carson Wentz’s 4th quarter heroics prevailed once again versus Big Blue. Wentz and the Eagles won their 8th straight against the Giants, and now LEAD THE DIVISION with a mediocre 2-4-1 record, ½ ahead of Dallas.
The Good
There was very little good. But, Philadelphia scored on their opening drive of the game, something they’ve failed to do all season. Now, fast forward to 6 minutes left in the game. The Eagles down 11, marched down the field wasting little time and scored quickly, yet failed to convert the 2-point conversion. The “Football Gods” answered Philly fans prayers when Evan Engram dropped a game-clinching catch that would have sealed the game for sure. Wentz threw for a season-high 359 yards, had 3 total touchdowns, and was spectacular down the stretch by showing admirable resiliency throughout the entire game. Boston Scott played well, as did Travis Fulgham once again. The defense stepped up big time for crucial parts of this game. John Hightower caught a massive Carson Wentz BOMB late, and Richard Rodgers played exceptionally well.
The Bad
Honestly, I’m dumbfounded on what should go in “The Bad” or “The Ugly” section, so bare with me. Lane Johnson just returned from injury and left this game early, and was in and out of the lineup all night. The Eagles gave up 160 rushing yards, half of which came from a Daniel Jones 80 yard stumble (yes, stumble). Carson Wentz had an “iffy” completion percentage once again, but when a team throws the ball like Philly (between 40 and 50 a game) that’s going to happen, especially with depleted weaponry. Wentz was also sacked 3 times.
The Ugly
Whew, this section about to get real rough. Well, after Philly’s first drive the offense completely sputtered, and looked like they couldn’t even beat the Jets. Also, the defense did give a Daniel Jones 80 yard stumble, while the Eagles offense was atrocious in the red zone all night long (⅜ to be exact). Jake Elliott missed a 29 yard field goal, and DeSean Jackson once again left with an injury. Very few games can get uglier than this one, but at least it happened against the Giants.
Summary
After two “convincing” weeks of tough, hard fought losses to great teams, the Eagles definitely played down to their competition in this one. Hopefully they can rebound next week when they play the Cowboys with a division lead on the line. At this point, every head-to-head matchup matters in this horrid division. Hopefully the Eagles will have Miles Sanders, Lane Johnson, and maybe even Alshon Jeffery for that game. Philly should score some points, considering Dallas has the worst statistical defense in years. Defensively, containing Ezekiel Elliott and living with the results that come from keeping him in check. Next week is a “big” game, and hopefully the Eagles can capitalize and try gaining some momentum (and health) heading into their bye week.
Photo: YONG KIM /The Philadelphia Inquirer
