After a disappointing 2019-2020 season, the Philadelphia Eagles were looking for a bounce-back season with high expectations. Many of the Eagles’ high hopes rely on quarterback Jalen Hurts and newly-hired head coach Nick Sirianni. However, ten weeks into the season, the Eagles hold a 4-6 record to mark the start of a confusing season.
In the first ten games of the season, the Eagles have had many issues with offensive play calling, specifically with running the ball and screen passes. So far, Sirianni has been in charge of all offensive play calls, but there has been the lack of runs and an overuse of screen passes. An example of Sirianni’s overuse of screens was during the Eagles week 5 game. With possession within the Panthers’ 10 yard line, Sirianni called a screen pass which lost five yards. The biggest controversy surrounded Sirianni’s decision not to run the ball with a talented backfield.
Thankfully, the Eagles have recently stopped the repetitive use of screens which has succeeded in diversifying the Eagles offense. The Eagles’ running backs have been some of the most efficient runners in the NFL, averaging 4.94 yards per carry with only an average of 23.4 rushing attempts per game. The Eagles’ running game ranks fourth in yards per carry, but have some of the least carries per game ranking 28 in rushing attempts.
It seems that the Eagles are still a mess and in the middle of a large rebuild of their offensive play. However, the Eagles offense recently has begun to show signs of life with their most recent games all being great wins or close losses.
In the past three weeks, the Eagles have started to play up to expectations with a huge win against the Lions in week 8, a close loss to the Chargers in week 9, and a fantastic win against the Broncos in Week 10. The main improvement in the Eagles’ play in the past three weeks was their use of the run with 110 carries for 576 yards. Additionally, it was refreshing to see the Eagles slow down on their passing game with Jalen Hurts, only attempting 54 passes for 443 yards and 3 touchdowns with only 1 interception. Overall, it’s clear that the Eagles offense is beginning to show signs of life, ranking in the middle of the NFL with an average of 350 yards per game, which has raised hopes for the rest of the season.
Another solid factor improving the Eagles season has been their outstanding defense. So far, the Eagles have only allowed an average of 23 points per game compared to the past three games which was only 15 points per game. The Eagles also have been extremely efficient with their turnovers with a season total of six interceptions and three fumbles, two of which were returned for a touchdown by corner Darius Slay in the past two weeks. It’s clear that in the past few weeks the Eagles’ defense has begun to shine, led by key performances by Darius Slay and impressive defensive play calling by coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
While the Eagles are slowly turning their season around, it’s apparent that there are still more changes to be made. A less popular, but still important, issue of the Eagles has been the poor drafting decisions in past years made by General Manager Howie Roseman.
The NFL draft is an outstanding opportunity to either rebuild and strengthen a team’s roster. However, the Eagles’ past drafts have come up empty with very little success in the rookies drafted.
In the 2020 NFL draft, the Eagles selected Jalen Reagor, a surprising move when the soon to be Rookie of the Year Justin Jefferson was still on the board. Since the draft, Reagor has failed to showcase the skills expected from a first round draft pick. Reagor has had an extremely disappointing first two years. In eleven games played in 2020 Reagor had only 31 receptions for 396 yards. Reagor’s talent has yet to be seen in 2021, where in 8 games he had 20 receptions for 165 yards.
Even outside of the poor 2020 first round draft, Roseman has failed to draft well in previous years as general manager. In the 2019 draft, as their first round pick, Roseman and the Eagles drafted offensive lineman Andre Dillard who has since only started 8 games and currently is battling for a starting spot with Jordan Mailata.
The Eagles also traded their first round pick in 2018, but in 2017 failed to draft well once again with the selection of defensive lineman Derek Barnett. Since his drafting, Barnett has averaged only 4.1 sacks per year. Barnett has also struggled in 2021 with only 1 sack to his name and only 10 tackles.
Since 2016, the Eagles have only drafted one pro bowler in the first three rounds of the draft. It’s time for the Eagles’ drafting responsibilities to be changed and moved away from Howie Roseman as general manager. With a change in general manager, the Eagles can hopefully turn their franchise around with what’s currently three first round draft picks this year at third, eighth, and ninth overall, which sets up the Eagles franchise for great success in years to come. If Roseman fails to draft well in 2022, he should be fired as general manager.
While the Eagles are still a struggling franchise with many issues yet to be resolved, they are showing signs of attempting to rebuild. With many future draft picks, a rebuilt offensive identity, and a brand new coaching staff, they will hopefully be led into a bright future.
