Grayson’s Grades: Eagles vs. Browns
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles knocked off the Cleveland Browns 20-16. While they never trailed, there are still plenty of improvements needed.
The Eagles once again failed to score in the first quarter. They remain the only team in the NFL that has yet to score in the first quarter this season. The Eagles also had a field goal blocked and returned for a touchdown.
For the first time this season the Eagles did not lose the turnover battle. They did not turn it over; however, they also did not force a turnover in this one. They also did a much better job tackling after missing 15 tackles in their last game at Tampa Bay.
It was not the prettiest win, but it was a win. The Eagles improve to 3-2 with their first division
battle scheduled to take place next week when they visit the Giants.
Here is the latest edition of Grayson’s Grades:
A
AJ Brown – Brown returned in a big way. He got out to a slow start appearing to have a little bit of a timing issue with Jalen Hurts. By the second half that was fixed and Brown was helping the Eagles move the ball down the field. Brown made a great catch to bring in a 22 yard touchdown in the endzone in the first half. He also made an amazing catch to help seal the deal downfield in the final two minutes of the game. The ball was thrown on his back hip and he reached back with a defender on the other side of him and hauled it in for a first down inside the red zone. Brown caught six passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.
DeVonta Smith – Smith missed the last game because he was still in the concussion protocol. He returned in a big way here. His biggest contribution was on a crossing route. He lost his defender over the middle of the field and Hurts hit him in stride. It allowed Smith to turn up field and go 45 yards for the touchdown. Smith caught three passes for 64 yards and a touchdown.
Grant Calcaterra – Calcaterra suddenly played a much bigger role in this game after Dallas
Goedert left after the first possession due to a hamstring injury. Calcaterra did a great job of making the plays that he could. He caught four passes for 67 yards. His biggest catch went for 34 yards and helped set up the eventual touchdown pass to AJ Brown.
Jalen Carter – Carter was a force in the middle of that defense in this game. He was double teamed throughout the game and that allowed others to make some plays. He deserves credit for the reason the team was able to record five sacks in this game. Carter also got a sack himself. He helped collapse the pocket in the middle forcing Deshaun Watson to make some hurried passes. Carter led the team with three quarterback hits. He finished with one tackle, one sack and one tackle for a loss.
Cooper DeJean – DeJean got his first career start and took over Nickel Corner duties. Overall he did a good job with some nice coverage in this game. He looked comfortable and said afterwards he definitely has a lot to build on off of this experience when he goes back and looks at film. DeJean finished tied for third on the team with six tackles. He added half a sack and one quarterback hit.
B
Jalen Hurts – Hurts started poorly completing just two of his first eight passes. His timing with AJ Brown especially appeared to be a bit off after Brown missed the past month or so due to a hamstring injury. As the game went on, those two started connecting better. He also developed a good connection with Grant Calcaterra after Dallas Goedert left the game early due to a hamstring injury. Hurts ran more this game than he has recently as well. Hurts completed 16 of 25 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran it 14 times for 33 yards. The most important stat for Hurts was for the first time this season, he did not turn it over.
Brandon Graham – Graham played in his 200 th career game. He is the first and only Eagle to ever wear the uniform for 200 games. His career began when he was drafted by the Eagles in 2010 and he has thrived since. Graham had a big tackle for a loss in this one forcing the Browns to punt. It’s a major milestone and it is a mark that may not be reached by another player in this day and age of free agency.
Josh Sweat – Sweat was part of the group that helped create pressure on the Quarterback. He recorded one of the five sacks by the Eagles. He also added one tackle for a loss and two Quarterback Hits. It was nice to see Sweat winning some of his battles at the line. Sweat had five total tackles in this one.
Nolan Smith – Smith had some nice tackles in this one and helped play a role in getting the defense off the field on third down. He had a sack in this game as well as a quarterback hit and finished with three tackles. Smith wrapped up the ball carrier when he had the chance and helped slow down the run at times.
Vic Fangio – Fangio’s defense only allowed nine points, so it was a much better performance after the poorly played game they had against the Bucs two weeks ago. His defense also racked up five sacks so the pressure on the Quarterback was real and nearly led to an interception at one point. The Eagles missed 15 tackles two weeks ago. They did a much better job tackling and bringing opponents down. Some younger players also stepped up pretty well. Overall the defense did a good job of getting off the field. They held the Browns to just 3 of 12 on third downs.
C
Saquan Barkley – Barkley had 20 touches in this game. He appeared to have one or two runs that nearly broke, but one time he slipped in the hole and another time he needed to break one more tackle to try and get free. It was Barkley’s lowest production as an Eagle carrying it 18 times for 47 yards.
D
Nick Sirianni – Sirianni’s team once again came out flat. They received the opening kickoff and went three and out. The Eagles once again failed to score a point in the first quarter. They remain the only team in the league that has yet to score in the opening frame. Sirianni appeared to be bothered by some of the booing from fans. At the end of the game, he was caught on camera engaging with fans. It did not look like a positive interaction. He has to try and remain somewhat calm, especially as the head coach.
F
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