The Eagles were able to overcome a 10-0 deficit at Lambeau Field to earn a season-defining win against the Green Bay Packers. Of course in a win like last night's there would be tons of studs for the Eagles, but they also had quite a few duds on the field that almost cost them. Here's a full breakdown of my studs and duds from Week 4:
Eagles Running Backs - STUDS
Sanders helped turn the game around when the team was down 10-0. On the ensuing kickoff after the field goal, Sanders had a 67 yard kickoff return that put the Eagles offense in great field position. With the pressure off of them to have a long drive for a touchdown, Carson Wentz was able to lead the Eagles to a touchdown drive. That's exactly why Howie Roseman drafted him in the 2nd round this year -- Sanders was a player who he felt could be a game-changer.
Jordan Howard scored three of the Eagles' five touchdowns Thursday night. Howard's carries have increased each week so far, and it seems like Duce Staley and Doug Pederson have figured out how to use Howard in the offense.
In all, Miles Sanders and Jordan Howard combined for 159 yards on the ground in 26 carries, and responsible for three of the five touchdowns scored by the Birds. I'd say that's plenty of reason to call them studs.
Eagles Cornerbacks - DUDS
With 107 yards on six catches, Devante Adams had the most receiving yards by a Packers player in the first quarter since Javon Walker had 121 against the Colts in 2004. Adams abused the Eagles corners every single time the ball came his way. The fact that Matt LaFleur didn't tell Aaron Rodgers throw the ball to Adams every single play is amazing to think about. If he'd have involved Adams even more the Eagles would be 1-3 right now.
Sidney Jones (hamstring) and Avonte Maddox (head/neck) are both now dealing with potentially serious/lingering injuries. So the Eagles are now down to just two healthy cornerbacks on the roster: Rasul Douglas and Craig James.
Rodney McLeod - STUD
McLeod was a huuuuge reason why the Eagles defense was able to stop the Packers on that impactful turnover on downs. First he went toe-to-toe with Jimmy Graham in the endzone on 1st down and won that battle. Then on 3rd down he saw Rodgers try to roll out and possibly run into the endzone, but he forced a throw out of bounds instead. If he doesn't step up there then the Packers would've just needed a FG to win on their final possession and likely win the game.
Andrew Sendejo - DUD
There were a few plays where he looked competent (his deflection on third down in the 2nd Quarter saved a would-be touchdown), but it's time to get him out of an Eagles uniform. He was responsible for the Jimmy Graham touchdown and also knocked out his teammate Avonte Maddox with his helmet. If he stays on the roster through Week 10, then the Eagles will lose a compensatory 4th-round pick. If he isn't gone after Week 9 it's gonna be a decision Howie Roseman makes that will be heavily criticized for the remained of 2019.
Craig James - STUD
James has only played one defensive snap in the NFL prior to Thursday Night, but when he was forced into the game he stepped up and delivered. James caused that deflection in the endzone that led to Nigel Bradham's game-sealing interception.
Mack Hollins - DUD
A few weeks ago Hollins declared that if given the option he would always choose special teams play over being a wide receiver. We can see why after this play.
After watching that you can understand why the Eagles lost last week against the Lions. Thank God Alshon Jeffery was back tonight. There is also hope that DeSean Jackson will be back for the next game verses New York Jets. If the receivers are back to full health by then, then Hollins should hopefully ride the bench (or at least play on special teams to make him happy).
Eagles O-Line - STUDS
After an overall poor outing against the Lions, it looks like the offensive line has finally gotten into a groove. Their performance on Thursday against the Packers was impressive, as they didn't allow Carson Wentz to get sacked and the Eagles rushers gain a combined 176 yards. This play was probably the best play to show how great they were against Green Bay:
Now that they got some chemistry we can expect them to keep things going and have a hopefully long stretch of great play.
Nelson Agholor - DUD
Agholor finished the game with some goose eggs, catching zero passes for zero yards on one target. It's better for him that he didn't get pressed into a close game since he seems to be in his own head/has the yips. Now he'll have nine days to relax and refresh himself so when he plays next Sunday versus New York he'll be good as new.
Derek Barnett - STUD
Barnett had a terrible start to the game. A bone-headed helmet-to-helmet hit on the first defensive play of the game moved the Packers down field 15 yards (and he was lucky he didn't get ejected -- but will probably be fined).
He made up for his gaffe in a big way though when he stripped Rodgers and the Eagles recovered. The offense then had a short field to work with and that led to a touchdown to give the Eagles the lead. His strip sack was the first sack by any Eagles defensive lineman this season.
Backup Defensive Tackles - DUDS
The Eagles miss Malik Jackson and Tim Jernigan gravely. Hassan Ridgeway and Akeem Spence are basically invisible out there next to Fletcher Cox. There were that bad that Jim Schwartz decided to use Vinny Curry and Josh Sweat lined up as defensive tackles when Fletcher Cox was sidelined with his brief injury.
As much as the Eagles need a shutdown cornerback like Jalen Ramsey, it wouldn't surprise me at all if the team traded for a stud defensive lineman to try and help with the defensive line issues.
Alshon Jeffery - STUD
After sitting out last Sunday against the Lions, Jeffery made a big impact in his first game back. A touchdown pass from Wentz to him got the Eagles offense rolling, and late in the 3rd Quarter he converted on a third-and-long to extend the drive (which resulted in a touchdown). He only caught a total on three passes, but Jeffery's impact was felt and he is a big reason why the Eagles are now 2-2.
