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Offense: Grade C-
The offense rebounded partially today after lookinginept for the past three games. OC Scott Turner emphasized the run in the first half mixing in a heavy dose of rookie RB Jaret Paterson and RB Jonathan Williams to keep the chains moving. Turner called several quick passing concepts that allowed Heinicke to get the ball out of his hands quickly and be a more efficient passer. This balanced attack enabled the team to dictate to the Eagles defense while taking a 16 -7 halftime lead. After the break Turner reverted to his previous bad habits and chose to focus on the pass game instead of the run. The offense stalled and couldn’t manage to score any points in the second half.
Defense: Grade B-
The defense played much better against the run, containing the NFL’s top rushing offense for most of the day. Del Rio continued to employ his favorite soft zone coverage in the secondary which allowed for big 3rd & long conversions and chunk plays. There were several 3rd & shorts or 4th & 1’s where the middle of the defense easily gave up the first down to Philly on the ground. Those short conversions would lead to touchdowns for Philadelphia. A much better performance from the defense but still nowhere close to being a competent group.
Special Teams: Grade A
K Joey Slye went 3/3 on Field Goals. Deandre Carter had a couple of solid returns today. The Kick/Punt coverage teams did their jobs and didn’t give up any big returns. Overall, it was a solid performance by the special teams group considering there was a new punter who also was the holder on field goals today.
Coaching: Grade C-
Rivera and Company altered their normal gameplans slightly today and were able to get the team to perform better. Even with the minimal changes the coaching staff fell back into bad habits that kept them from winning. The coaching staff lacks a killer instinct in how they call plays and communicate to their players the importance of putting away an opponent who you are up on by nine points at halftime. Instead choosing to coach in a conservative fashion allowed the Eagles the opportunity they needed to take the lead and not look back. The Eagles shut down Washington’s offense in the second half. Rivera’s frustrating wait and see approach to how he coaches this team continues to produce truly little in the way of results.
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