Eagles: Facing Issues This Season?

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Despite early struggles in the 2024 season, the Philadelphia Eagles remain a team with the potential for a strong turnaround. Currently, the Eagles find themselves in an unusual position as underdogs. While being an underdog can sometimes be seen as a positive motivator for a team, in sports betting terms, it simply means they are considered less likely to win.

Sports betting platforms often assign longer odds to underdogs, indicating a lower probability of victory. Crypto Betting LTD’s in-house analyst Frank explains that betting odds from crypto sportsbooks are usually competitive for football, as well as any other any sport like boxing, basketball, and international leagues (source: https://cryptobetting.ltd/). Now the Eagles’ sports betting odds clearly indicate a team in “trouble”. This is most likely due to issues with their run defense and offensive consistency. There's still plenty of time for the Eagles to address these weaknesses and make a push in the highly competitive NFC East.

Run Defense Woes

The Eagles' run defense has become a significant concern this season. They currently allow an NFL-worst 6.4 yards per carry, ranking 25th in the league with an average of 157.5 rushing yards surrendered per game. This vulnerability was particularly evident in their recent defeat against the Atlanta Falcons, where they gave up 152 rushing yards. Notably, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson excelled, averaging an impressive 6.9 yards per carry during that game.

Missed Tackles and Poor Technique

According to Pro Football Focus, the Eagles missed 12 tackles against the Falcons alone. Safety Reed Blankenship acknowledged this issue, emphasizing the need to improve fundamental tackling skills. The defensive line has also been overpowered at the point of attack, failing to establish dominance and allowing opposing running backs to reach the second level with ease.

Coaching Staff Adjustments

While the Eagles made significant changes to their coaching staff in the offseason, bringing in Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator and Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator, the team is still adapting to these new systems. The transition period has led to some growing pains, particularly on defense, where players are still learning Fangio's complex scheme.

Offensive Inconsistency

Despite having talented weapons like Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith, the Eagles' offense has shown signs of inconsistency. The loss of veteran center Jason Kelce to retirement has impacted the offensive line's cohesion, potentially affecting both pass protection and run blocking.

Secondary Concerns

While the Eagles have bolstered their secondary through the draft and free agency, integrating new players like Quinyon Mitchell and C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been a work in progress. The unit's inexperience and communication issues have been exposed, particularly in coverage against talented receivers.

Defensive Line Underperformance

Key players on the defensive line, including first-round picks Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, have not made the impact expected of them. Their combined one solo tackle through two games is a concerning statistic that highlights the need for improved play from the front four.

By addressing these issues promptly, the Eagles can hope to regain their footing and live up to the high expectations set for them this season. However, if these problems persist, they could find themselves in a precarious position in the highly competitive NFC East.

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