Eagles@Jets Post Game Thoughts

 Score: Eagles 14 Jets 20(Win) 

So, let's talk about this Eagles@Jets game. Unfortunately, undefeated we are no longer. This loss sucks in so many ways, and I won't lie recording the podcast episode was not fun and even writing this isn't. But we need to talk about somethings for sure. So be aware this may not be a super long post. But let's get to it. 

Defense holds on as much as they could:  

The defense all in all was probably the bright spot in the whole game. Yes, sadly there were some injuries. Like Eli Ricks and Robey going out, as well as Milton Williams. But all in all, the defense stood their ground and played really well against a Jets offense that were coming in with two weeks playing really well. Hassan Redick had 2.5 sacks, Milton Williams with .5 a sack, and Josh Sweat with 1 sack. The D-Line like every week was giving the Jets O-Line trouble and making it hard for Zack Wilson to really get into a groove. As well as slowing down their running game only allowing Breece Hall a measly 39 yards on 12 carries. 

Reed Blankenship played well before the blind side block from Allen Lazard. Which led him to leave the game with a possible rib/chest injury. The defense held their own, giving the offense so many chances to do something and score. Yes, we didn't force any turnovers, but we did all we could do and that was personally my thought was more than enough for the offense to take over the game and get us the win. Yet, that wasn't the case this game. 

Offensive mistakes gave the game to the Jets:

Jalen Hurts didn't play his best game by far. I think most of us Eagles fans can agree that his turnovers did it for us. His three interceptions really gave the Jets every opportunity to win this game. And for a while they couldn't do anything with them. Until the end at least. One of those interceptions I won't put on him since it was deflected on a pass to Dallas Goedert; which personally I felt like he could've possibly held on to. But the other two was definitely on him. The last pick he was staring down the receiver and threw the ball unbalanced to a receiver that had to defenders on both sides of him. 

That clearly was a very unacceptable pass and practically sealed the deal for the Jets. D'Andre Swift's fumble didn't help the offense either, but it was early in the game, and we still had a chance to score more points around that time. Yes, the Jets played a heck of a game without their two starting cornerbacks. But we failed to spread the ball better and run the ball. Talking about running the ball, we barely did anything on the ground. Jalen Hurts led the team in rushing with 47 yards and a TD on 8 rushing attempts. But Swift only had 10 rushing attempts all game for only 18 yards. 

This game the offense decided to pass the ball more than anything, the
proof is Hurts' 28/45 completion to attempted passes for 280 yards and a TD on top of that terrible 3 picks. I feel as though we did wrong giving up on the run in general. Yes, the Jets defense was playing the run well. But we barely even gave the running game a true chance. Which turned around to hurt us at the end. We cannot, and I repeat we cannot continue to disregard the running game no matter what. This team thrives when the running game is well implemented, and to dismiss it is a great mistake. 

DeVonta Smith chances overshadowed by drops:

This game they tried to involve Smith a lot more. Which I was all on board for. But those chances were overshadowed by his drops. And let me say, they were terrible drops. Two of them being completely wide open and able to help us either move the sticks or getting into a better field position. He was targeted 11 times and only brought in 5 for 44 yards. I'm happy that they involved him more in the gameplan this week. But those drops clearly made Hurts look to Brown more often. I don't want to put all the blame on him on why he isn't getting any real looks this year. Because in all reality he is a talented WR, and he does get open a lot. But dropping wide open passes are going to make your quarterback look elsewhere when the game matters the most. 

Ultimate thoughts and conclusion:

The Eagles handed the Jets the win. The turnovers gave the Jets every chance to get back into the game. And when it mattered most our offense couldn't capitalize on the offense when our defense fought so hard to get them the ball back. I hope that next week we have a cleaner game. A game that really show cases the offenses ability. Hopefully we run the ball a lot more as well as spread the ball as well. The defense on the other hand has to get healthy and continue to play the way they have. Even the cornerbacks showed up this game, so they need to keep it up as well. Hopefully Howie Roseman can make some calls and still get another DB in to help bolster the defense. Outside of the offense has to clean up their play if we're planning to play in February. 

Next game: @Dolphins for Sunday Night Football

Let's Go Birds! E-A-G-L-E-S! EAGLES!