Examining the Eagles’ Offensive Struggles: Three Main Problems
Sunday’s unfortunate performance against the Patriots in the 17-10 loss left way too many questions and concerns about the offense.
A major surprise to many fans since it was the defense that had more concerns heading into the season.
This was an offense that was supposed to be highly explosive with big plays in the passing game with Alshon Jeffrey, Desean Jackson, and Nelson Agholor and a balanced rushing attack between Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders.
What did the Eagles’ offense show? Inconsistent play with way too many questions.
Problem #1
The first issue that can be visibly seen on offense is the lack of depth and good play from the receiving core. Too many times this season we have seen the wide receivers on this team let the offense down that resulted in losses. Agholor has had a really rough season as in two different games (Atlanta and New England) we have seen him drop key passes on the final drive that could have resulted in tying or winning the game. Not to mention that Pro Football Focus has him ranked 124 out of 124 with wide receivers who have played at least 25% of the snaps.
Rookie receiver J.J Arcega-Whiteside also had a key drop on fourth down in the fourth quarter of the Detroit Lions game as well that was key to the Eagles losing that game. Not to mention the three pass interference penalties on the Eagles skill players had in the same game. Alshon Jeffrey experienced some struggles in the Chicago Bears game as he dropped numerous passes even though it didn’t result in a loss.
Problem #2
The second problem that fans can see on the field is the lack of players on the field with all the injuries. Desean Jackson was the first domino to fall after his injury in week two against Atlanta and then re-injuring himself in the Bears game that forced him onto the IR. Jason Peters continues to have reoccurring injuries that have resulted in rookie Andre Dillard getting extended playing time at the left tackle. Darren Sproles also was placed on the IR after suffering a season-ending hip flexor injury which could mean the end of his career.
Lane Johnson’s head injury in Sundays’ loss to the Patriots could have contributed to Carson Wentz getting knocked around in the pocket by New England’s front seven. Not to mention Jordan Howard being out against the Patriots spelled trouble for the running game as it was ineffective with Miles Sanders and Boston Scott carrying the load.
Problem #3
The third problem is the lack of productivity with the passing game. Wentz at times has looked like he was hesitant to throw the football. This could be a combination of the Patriots’ secondary doing a great job in coverage and making sure the Eagle receivers couldn’t get open. Another thing could be the lack of trust between Wentz and his receivers. There were plays this past Sunday where at least one receiver was open, but Wentz decided to check down to the tight end or the running back.
We all know that Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, and Miles Sanders have been Wentz’s security blanket for most of the season. Miles Sanders has contributed to most of his big pass plays without having a deep threat. Wentz also seems to be holding on to the ball in the pocket for almost four to five seconds each pass play where it has resulted in him taking a sack, dumping it off with the short pass, or turning the ball over.
So how can the offense fix their problems? This will be on Doug Pederson and offensive coordinator Mike Groh to work out as they prep for a talented Seattle Seahawks team. The addition of Jordan Matthews should help as he and Wentz have always had good chemistry since his rookie season at quarterback. Jay Ajayi’s presence should help if he takes the field as he didn’t see real playing time last Sunday.
The Eagles have to hope that Howard and Jeffrey can come back into the fold as they are important to the offense performing well.
Sunday against the Seahawks will be a good benchmark to how the Eagles’ offense will look for the rest of the season.
Featured Image: Eric Hartline, USA TODAY Sports
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