The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Dallas Cowboys 23-9 and improved to 3-4-1 heading into their bye week. This game was by no means pretty, but they did secure the win. Carson Wentz played perhaps his worst game of the season, turning the ball over FOUR times. Two fumbles and two interceptions, as the Eagles struggled mightily in the first half. This game turned late in the fourth quarter. Dallas QB Ben DiNucci was sacked and fumbled the ball, leading to a Rodney McLeod 53 yard fumble return touchdown.
In #DALvsPHI, the ruling on the field was a fumble. Possession wasn’t established until Eagles safety Rodney McLeod gained possession and ran it back. There was no clear evidence that anyone possessed the ball prior to him, so the ruling on the field stands. pic.twitter.com/pn41u5X3zD
— NFL Officiating (@NFLOfficiating) November 2, 2020
Carson Wentz Struggled
For most of this game, Carson Wentz looked flat out awful. Four turnovers are unheard of, but the Eagles defensive held strong. Carson Wentz finished this game 15/27 for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Add in the two fumbles and two interceptions, and you can see how utterly atrocious that stat line is. The Cowboys were able to get to Carson Wentz with ease early in the game, ultimately leading to four sacks. Regardless, there was no excuse for Wentz to perform as poorly as he did. If the Eagles are going to have any chance at success this year, they will need better performances from their franchise quarterback. With his horrendous first half performance, the calls for Jalen Hurts had never been louder. Regardless, Doug Pederson said benching Wentz never entered his mind.
It's unreal that Carson Wentz continues to make these bad decisions early in the game.
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffMosherNFL) November 2, 2020
Carson Wentz really pushing the limits of how far the #Eagles will go without benching him
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) November 2, 2020
Doug Pederson says there was never any consideration to bench Carson Wentz for Jalen Hurts after the QB’s fourth turnover. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) November 2, 2020
As the Eagles continue to get healthier, Wentz has to improve his play. While he was playing with all practice squad players, there was precedent to defend him. That won’t be the case over the next couple of weeks. Carson has to start protecting the football. His turnover have become a glaring issue this year. Philly struggles enough, putting points on the board. They don’t need Wentz stacking the odds against them. The Eagles are heading into a much-needed bye week. Hopefully, Wentz can make some adjustments ahead of our week 10 matchup with the New York Giants.
Eagles Defense Stands Tall
The Eagles defense had to work tonight, as they faced 79 total plays from this Dallas offense. Sans Dak Prescott, the Dallas offense is a lot less scary. Still, they have Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Ezekiel Elliot. The Eagles managed to force two fumbles, one of which was controversially returned to the house for a touchdown. The defense added four sacks and held the ‘Boys to 265 yards of total offense. This game marks the first of the year that the Eagles have held the opposing team out of the endzone. This defense will get another crack at the Giants following the bye week.
Philadelphia activated LB T.J. Edwards for the game this week, and he did not disappoint. Edwards was a force on the field, making tackle after tackle. He finished the night with 13 tackles and a strip-sack that resulted in an Eagles touchdown. Edwards was phenomenal, indeed a breath of fresh air for a Philly linebacker group that has struggled mightily through the first 8 weeks of the season. Also, Brandon Graham is having a year to remember. As mentioned multiple times on SNF, Graham has never had a double-digit sack season. Graham now has 7 sacks through the first 8 weeks of the season. We’re rooting for you, Brandon.
A Quick Look Ahead
Following their bye week, Philadelphia has another divisional matchup. They take on the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in another must-win game for Philly. Following the Giants game is where the Eagles will be tested. The Eagles next five games are @ Browns, vs. Seahawks, @ Packers, vs. Saints, and @ Cardinals. This stretch will define the Eagles season. If the Eagles are to be taken seriously this season, they will need to prove themselves over this stretch. The issues are still plentiful with this Eagles team, but there is still hope going forward.
God Bless the NFC East.
