In our first recap, we talked about Philadelphia’s slow start to the season. As reigning Super Bowl champions, you’re going to have a target on your back. You’re going to get every teams best shot. Week five features another playoff rematch, this time it’s the Minnesota Vikings.
Week 5: Minnesota’s Revenge
Again, Philadelphia came out completely flat in this game. To this point in the season, it is their biggest struggle. They have yet to come out of the gates with a purpose. The Eagles struggled mightily for the majority of this game. At halftime, Philly was trailing the Vikings 17-3 and looked like everything but Super Bowl champions. To start the second half, Philly put together a solid drive. Unfortunately, it ended on Minnesota’s five-yard line with a Jay Ajayi fumble.
After being demolished in the postseason the prior year, the Vikings were doing their best revenge job against Philly. Minnesota tried to let Philly back into this game towards the end but managed to hold them off, winning 23-21. Philadelphia lacked any offense for the better portion of the game. This game could be characterized as the Zach Ertz and Carson Wentz show. Ertz secured ten catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. Wentz completed 24/35 for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Philly had no rushing attack in this game. For their offense to thrive, the running game has to be hitting on all cylinders. This is the outcome when it’s not, a one-dimensional disappointment of a game. Philadelphia dropped to a dismal 2-3 through 5 weeks.
Week 6: Just What the Doctor Ordered
Philly is 2-3, lucky for them they get to play the New York Giants. The Eagles have been dominant over the New York Giants over the past two decades, going 27-14 against them since the start of the 2000s. Philadelphia dominated this game from start to finish, leaving no doubt that they’d win this one. Carson Wentz again looked good, completing 26/36 for 278 yards and three touchdowns. The rushing attack still wasn’t great, but there was a concerted effort to get it going. The Eagles rushed the ball 31 times for 108 yards.
There was finally some love spread around in the receiving core. Nelson Agholor had 3 catches for 91 yards. Alshon Jeffrey had 8 catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns and Zach Ertz had 7 catches for 41 yards and a touchdown. Spreading the ball around had been an issue so far in the season, so it was good to see it addressed. Eli Manning only completed 21 of his 43 passes, but Saquon Barkley gashed the Eagles defense. Barkley rushed for 130 yards and added in 99 receiving yards as well. Maybe this game is what the Eagles needed to wake up. Philadelphia (3-3) now heads home to face the Carolina Panthers (3-2).
Week 7: Situational Struggles Continue
This game is rough to look back on. Philadelphia had a chance to change the narrative of their season. They were at home and held a commanding 17-0 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Panthers didn’t play a good game, they rushed only 17 times but it was for 121 yards. Cam Newton wasn’t very accurate completing only 25/39 for 269 yards and two touchdowns. The Panthers walked out of Philly with a 21-17 win.
Yes, the Eagles squandered a 17-0 lead, at home, in the fourth quarter. Carson Wentz was 30/37 for 310 yards and two touchdowns. Ertz and Alshon were the main targets for Wentz. Ertz hauled in 9 passes for 138 yards, Alshon added 7 catches for 88 yards and a touchdown. Philadelphia’s lack of a running game is continuing to hinder their success on the season. This game hurts, you can’t blow a 17 point lead in the fourth quarter.
Week 8: Road Trippin’ to London
Coming off of their most disappointing loss to date, the Eagles were desperate for a win in London. Wentz turned in another solid outing, completing 21/30 for 286 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. They moved the ball well throughout the game but did suffer two turnovers at the hands of Wentz. The Eagles rushing game also had some surprising promise. The rookie undrafted free agent, Josh Adams, rushed 9 times for 61 yards. Ertz, Goedert and Wendell Smallwood all had one receiving touchdown. Overall neither team particularly stood out in this game. This was more of the Eagles beating a bad Jacksonville team. A win is a win, and the Eagles left London with a 4-4 record, not dead yet.
Keep your eyes peeled for weeks 9-13, coming soon.
