Reality Check: Eagles Fall to the Seahawks

At A Glance

The Philadelphia Eagles began a two-game west coast road trip in Seattle to take on the, at the time, 7-4 Seahawks. Both teams seemed to be somewhat conservative in the first half with the score being just 10-3 in favor of Seattle. In the second half, Russel Wilson took the game over and lead Seattle to a 24-10 victory over the Eagles. This loss drops the Birds to 10-2 and knocks them out of first place in the NFC. The win brings the Seahawks to 8-4 and moves them to 5th in the NFC playoff picture. The Eagles will stay out on the west coast this week as they get ready for the Los Angles Rams (9-3).

In Depth

The first half was riddled with penalties for Philadelphia. The offense looked sluggish as Carson Wentz struggled with only 45 passing yards. Late in the first quarter, Wentz missed an open target in Nelson Agholor which would have been a touchdown or at least a 30+ yard gain. The ground game was the most effective part of the offense as the Eagles amassed 92 of their 137 total first-half yards. The Eagles defensive front seven held up nicely as they only gave up 32 yards on the ground. As well as getting to Wilson multiple times, although only recording a single sack. The Eagles secondary had a tough time covering the Seahawk receivers long enough for the rush to get home.

In the second half things did not get much better for the Eagles. The penalties were not as bad but they still hurt in the third quarter. The Eagles came out of the locker room hot, driving down the field, only for Wentz to fumble the ball at the goal line and out the back of the end zone for a touchback. That mistake lead to a score by the Seahawks, making it a 17-3 game. The Eagles lost tight end Zach Ertz on their next drive as he left the game with a possible concussion. The momentum then seemed to swing in Philly’s favor a bit as they forced a punt from the Seahawks.

Carson Wentz then brought the Eagles down the field, making two throws that had to make even the Seahawks fans say “Wow”.  On 3rd and 13 while falling Wentz connected deep down the field with Nelson Agholor for 51 yards. Later in the same drive, Wentz again hit Agholor for a 27-yard touchdown. On the Seahawks next possession, the game’s arguably biggest call, or as Eagles fans will see it, a missed call on a Wilson scramble and pitch. The ball looked as if it was pitched forward but there was no challenge or review. This led to a Seattle first down and the final score of the game.

Overall Outlook

The Eagles will have to rebound next week and pull themselves back together. They face the LA Rams who are a good football team at 9-3. They will have to contain another explosive offense behind Jared Goff and Todd Gurley. The Eagles secondary will have to do a better job in coverage and eliminate the big plays. While the offense will have to work on connecting on the opportunities presented to them. All around the Eagles need to cut out the penalties as they committed seven giving up 64 yards. Another question will be around Zach Ertz and if he is healthy. Overall this was a sloppy game, for the most part, but there were still some bright moments. The bottom line is, the Philadelphia Eagles had the opportunity to win but could not execute.