Analyzing Eagles’ Performance After Week 2
The Philadelphia Eagles are 2-0 after a tight win against the Kansas City Chiefs.
While victories are important, questions loom over the performance of their offense.
In particular, Saquon Barkley’s rushing game has drawn scrutiny early in the season.
Barkley’s Rushing Numbers Raise Eyebrows
Barkley averaged 4 yards per carry against the Chiefs, but his long run so far is only 16 yards.
His two-game average of 3.7 yards per carry differs starkly from last year’s 5.8.
This trend raises concern as he typically relies on game-changing, long runs.
Defense Dominance Contributes to Victory
The Eagles’ defense showcased growth, especially with younger players stepping up defensively.
Jordan Davis, a key player on the defensive line, showed promise in pass-rushing roles.
Despite no sacks against the Chiefs, he batted down two critical passes.
Offensive Schemes To Address Defensive Pressures
The Chiefs used a strong defense to counter Barkley, prioritizing run defense with extra players in the box.
Eagles’ offensive formations had mixed effectiveness against these strategies, especially during 12 personnel plays.
Notably, Grant Calcaterra struggled as a blocker, impacting the run game significantly.
Emerging Players Making Their Mark
Receiver Darius Cooper showed potential, playing more snaps than in the previous week.
His physical style translated well into the team’s run game, providing crucial blocks for Barkley.
Cooper’s involvement reflects the Eagles’ push for depth and versatility on offense.
Tackling Efficiency Keeping Defense Strong
Defensively, the Eagles tackled effectively, which was crucial against a run-heavy Chiefs offense.
Linebackers showed a strong understanding of setup and execution, stopping plays at critical moments.
As a result, Kansas City struggled to generate strong offensive momentum.
Challenges in the Passing Game
Concerns about the passing offense are valid, especially with an average of just 119 yards per game.
The Eagles ranked 29th in passing offense last season, and the current stats don’t inspire confidence.
Jalen Hurts struggled against the Chiefs’ defensive schemes, finding it hard to connect on deep passes.
Scoring Opportunities Missed
Against Kansas City, Hurts missed several potentially game-changing throws, notably to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
These missed connections limit scoring opportunities, increasing pressure on the ground game.
Moreover, the Eagles’ reliance on lower-risk plays failed to produce effective yardage gains.
Looking Ahead: Green Light for Improvement
Despite offensive struggles, there’s room for improvement as the season progresses.
Identifying optimal strategies during practice could elevate the Eagles’ passing dynamics.
Both Barkley and Hurts must harness better execution amid defensive coverages.
Encouraging Signs in the Team’s Development
The defense’s promising performances signal potential for long-term growth throughout the season.
Coaching staff appears to adapt quickly to player capabilities, fostering better teamwork.
Barring injuries, the Eagles can refine their offensive plays and become more effective.
A Reflection on Zone Defense Challenges
The Eagles faced predominantly zone defenses from their first two opponents.
These tactics aim to neutralize one-on-one matchups that Hurts favors.
Countering these schemes could lead to improved offensive efficiency.
Potential Adjustments for Future Success
In the upcoming games, expect adjustments targeting player matchups against varying defenses.
Utilizing more dynamic plays could open up the offense and create mismatches.
Staying adaptive will be key for the Eagles as the competition heats up.
Strengthening the Rushing Game Lies Ahead
Barkley’s capabilities can shine through with creative offensive strategies.
Focused plays that prioritize his strengths could yield significant gains down the field.
Ultimately, establishing a balanced offensive approach is essential for sustained success.
Emerging Trends for the Season
The early games have presented logical concerns needing attention for the Eagles.
Weak points exist in the passing game, yet a solid foundation has been laid on defense.
By rectifying these issues, the Eagles can remain competitive throughout the season.
