Three Eagles Overreaction / Underreaction: Week 3
The 2019 Philadelphia Eagles are seemingly trekking down the same path as they did in 2017; and not in a good way. While only playing three games thus far, the Birds haven’t been able to shake the injury bug.
Key players such as Desean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery, Malik Jackson, Tim Jernigan, Jalen Mills, Corey Clement, and Cre’von LeBlanc have all suffered injuries that have kept them out of action.
photo via: si.com
Although only about a fourth of the NFL season has played out so far, Philadelphia fans did not hold back on drawing conclusions already.
There are numerous suggestions in which many are jumping the gun and plenty of situations that aren’t getting enough attention.
Let’s analyze each instance and determine whether each headline is an overreaction or underreaction.
1) The Philadelphia Eagles should attempt to trade for Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey
Conclusion: OVERREACTION
I get it, no one in their right mind would defend the Eagles’ atrocious secondary performances thus far; and rightfully so.
The Eagles defense has been extremely susceptible against the pass, ranking 28th among NFL teams. Jalen Ramsey is arguably the NFL’s top cornerback and is soon turning 25 years old.
However, the Eagles do not need Jalen Ramsey. The Jaguars expected asking price, up to this point, has been two first-round picks. The Eagles cannot trade away such important assets for the future.
The problem with the current asking price is that Ramsey is due for an extension, which won’t be cheap. Giving up two first-round picks to pay a cornerback top-market money is simply a stretch.
photo via: stack.com
While he is an easy solution to the defensive woes, the Birds also have plenty of talent in the cornerback room to get the job done.
Ronald Darby, Avonte Maddox, and Rasul Douglas were never expected to wield a top ten secondary; and they don’t need to.
The Birds have a great defense that excels in most areas: pass rush, tackling, and stopping the run. This means that the secondary doesn’t need to be perfect.
While the performances have been lackluster so far, there is much room for optimism.
Cornerbacks Jalen Mills and Cre’von LeBlanc are still dealing with their respective injuries, and we must not forget that Ronald Darby is still returning from an ACL injury from the year prior.
2) The Philadelphia Eagles need to sign a wide receiver
Conclusion: OVERREACTION
In the immediate, yes the Birds need better receiver play in case Alshon Jeffery or Desean Jackson are expected to miss more time.
However, Jeffery is expected to suit up for Thursday Night Football against Green Bay while Jackson is doubtful to play off the short week.
photo via: theeagleswire.usatoday.com
Yes, the drops were a huge problem. Yes, the Eagles likely win their past two matchups with better receiver play. But let’s not lose hope so quickly.
Agholor plays better when he isn’t the sole focus for the defense. It’s only a matter of time before the Birds offense is back to 100% health, and Agholor can return to his rightful slot role.
Mack Hollins and JJ Arcega-Whiteside shouldn’t have surprised anyone; they’re young, inexperienced wide receivers. While the drops were frustrating (and inexcusable), the Philadelphia coaching staff are high on their two pass catchers. Time will tell, but we must give them such.
Once Jeffery, Jackson, and Goedert are fully healthy, we should see the Eagles offense return to week one form.
And just a reminder, this offense always has a chance with Wentz…
3) The Philadelphia Eagles should try to involve RB Jordan Howard more in the offense
Conclusion: UNDERREACTION
How is it this complicated? Give. Howard. The. Ball.
Jordan Howard has unarguably been the Eagles’ best back through three weeks; however, Doug Pederson and company insist on Miles Sanders as the starter.
Howard has only seen 25 carries, while rookie Sanders has received 34. On said carries, Jordan Howard is averaging 4.0 yards per carry in comparison to Sanders, who is averaging a mere 3.1 yards per carry.
Sanders has also fumbled twice in three games, one being recovered by the defense in a crucial situation.
I’m not here to slander the former Penn State product; Miles Sanders will be a really good football player down the line. However, in this moment, Jordan Howard is the better option for Philly.
Howard is a proven bell-cow back who can carry the load. He logged 260 carries per season with his former team, the Chicago Bears. In 2019, Howard is on pace to log only 133 carries. That is nearly half the amount he is accustomed to receiving.
He has scored a combined 25 touchdowns in his career thus far, and he is only 24 years old.
Once Doug Pederson and Mike Groh begin to feed Jordan Howard, the win column will start to rise.
Featured Image: theathletic.com All statistics via ProFootballReference.com unless stated otherwise
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