Eagles' Bye Week Plan: What's Next for the Squad?
As the NFL approaches its halfway mark, the Philadelphia Eagles have secured a 6-2 record, with notable victories over five playoff teams from last season. However, to continue their success, the team must identify and address areas of improvement.
To start, the Eagles need to emphasize an outside run game strategy. This was evident in Week 8 against the Giants, where running back Tank Bigsby went over 100 yards, while Saquon Barkley also achieved this feat. The team's reliance on under-center formations and extra linemen helped unlock the ground game, but a renewed focus on outside zones, pin-pulls, and off-tackle runs can provide sustained push through their interior line. Furthermore, involving Bigsby in more carries will help keep Barkley fresh while maintaining overall offense punch.
Another key area for improvement is speeding up the offense. The Eagles' no-huddle approach has proven effective in recent years, but they must continue to execute it efficiently to take advantage of situational pass rushers and prevent defenses from substituting. By accelerating their plays, the team can improve their third-down performance and overall efficiency.
The Eagles also need to find better ways to involve receiver A.J. Brown on designed pass plays. While he has shown his ability as a deep threat, the team must capitalize on his strengths in terms of YAC yards and incorporating more varied routes that allow him to make plays after catching the ball. This will not only increase his involvement but also elevate the overall offense.
The defensive unit faces a crucial challenge in determining their best option at cornerback number two (CB2). Jakorian Bennett, recently acquired by the team, holds great promise for addressing this position, and he must stay healthy to fulfill that potential. If Bennett can succeed, the Eagles' defense will be more cohesive, with Cooper DeJean able to remain in the slot. Conversely, if Bennett falters, Fangio may need to adapt by moving DeJean outside and utilizing Michael Carter II in the slot.
Lastly, the team's four-man pass rush needs refinement. With the return of key players Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, and Azeez Ojulari, Fangio has options at his disposal. However, the defense must find its best combination to disrupt quarterbacks while minimizing blitzing and playing more zone coverage. As injuries have been a factor this season, the team's ability to adapt and capitalize on their new personnel will be crucial in the coming weeks.
By addressing these areas of improvement, the Eagles can build upon their current success and position themselves for continued competitiveness in the second half of the season.
As the NFL approaches its halfway mark, the Philadelphia Eagles have secured a 6-2 record, with notable victories over five playoff teams from last season. However, to continue their success, the team must identify and address areas of improvement.
To start, the Eagles need to emphasize an outside run game strategy. This was evident in Week 8 against the Giants, where running back Tank Bigsby went over 100 yards, while Saquon Barkley also achieved this feat. The team's reliance on under-center formations and extra linemen helped unlock the ground game, but a renewed focus on outside zones, pin-pulls, and off-tackle runs can provide sustained push through their interior line. Furthermore, involving Bigsby in more carries will help keep Barkley fresh while maintaining overall offense punch.
Another key area for improvement is speeding up the offense. The Eagles' no-huddle approach has proven effective in recent years, but they must continue to execute it efficiently to take advantage of situational pass rushers and prevent defenses from substituting. By accelerating their plays, the team can improve their third-down performance and overall efficiency.
The Eagles also need to find better ways to involve receiver A.J. Brown on designed pass plays. While he has shown his ability as a deep threat, the team must capitalize on his strengths in terms of YAC yards and incorporating more varied routes that allow him to make plays after catching the ball. This will not only increase his involvement but also elevate the overall offense.
The defensive unit faces a crucial challenge in determining their best option at cornerback number two (CB2). Jakorian Bennett, recently acquired by the team, holds great promise for addressing this position, and he must stay healthy to fulfill that potential. If Bennett can succeed, the Eagles' defense will be more cohesive, with Cooper DeJean able to remain in the slot. Conversely, if Bennett falters, Fangio may need to adapt by moving DeJean outside and utilizing Michael Carter II in the slot.
Lastly, the team's four-man pass rush needs refinement. With the return of key players Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, and Azeez Ojulari, Fangio has options at his disposal. However, the defense must find its best combination to disrupt quarterbacks while minimizing blitzing and playing more zone coverage. As injuries have been a factor this season, the team's ability to adapt and capitalize on their new personnel will be crucial in the coming weeks.
By addressing these areas of improvement, the Eagles can build upon their current success and position themselves for continued competitiveness in the second half of the season.