As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for their Week 2 clash against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football, several areas of concern must be addressed to increase their chances of coming away with a win. The team is coming off a subpar performance in Week 1, and the coaching staff will need to make key adjustments to ensure a better showing. Below, we dissect the crucial issues the Eagles must resolve before taking the field against the Falcons.
1. Improve Pass Protection
One of the glaring issues from Week 1 was the inability of the offensive line to provide adequate protection for quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts faced relentless pressure from the opposing defense, leading to hurried throws and missed opportunities. The Eagles’ offensive linemen need to communicate better and improve their blocking schemes to give Hurts the time he needs to make plays downfield.
2. Establish a Consistent Running Game
In Week 1, the Eagles struggled to establish a consistent running game, which is essential for controlling the clock and maintaining offensive balance. Running backs Miles Sanders and Boston Scott were unable to find significant gaps created by the offensive line. The team must focus on better run-blocking and diversifying their play-calling to keep the Falcons’ defense honest and open up opportunities for play-action passes.
3. Tighten Up the Secondary
Defensively, the Eagles’ secondary was exposed in their season opener. There were multiple instances of blown coverages and missed assignments that resulted in big plays for the opponent. The defensive backs need to communicate more effectively and execute their coverage responsibilities to prevent wide-open catches by Falcons receivers, particularly against the likes of Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts.
4. Generate More Pressure on the Quarterback
Another aspect of the Eagles’ defense that requires improvement is their pass rush. In Week 1, the defensive front struggled to generate consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback, allowing him ample time to scan the field and make throws. The Eagles need to dial up more creative blitz packages and rely on their defensive line to win one-on-one battles to disrupt the Falcons’ passing game.
5. Reduce Penalties and Mental Mistakes
Penalties and mental mistakes were a significant hindrance for the Eagles in their opening game. Costly flags, such as false starts and holding calls, halted offensive drives and extended those of their opponents. It is crucial for the team to focus on discipline during practice and emphasize the importance of avoiding unnecessary penalties that can swing the momentum of the game.
6. Special Teams Performance
Special teams often play a crucial role in determining the outcome of a football game. In Week 1, the Eagles’ special teams unit showed inconsistency both in coverage and in returning. Improved tackling on kickoffs and punts, as well as more effective blocking on returns, can provide the Eagles with better field position and impact the overall flow of the game.
7. Strategic Game Planning
Finally, the coaching staff must develop a comprehensive game plan tailored to exploit the Falcons’ weaknesses. This includes scouting Atlanta’s tendencies and adjusting schemes accordingly. Head coach Nick Sirianni and his coordinators need to ensure that the play-calling remains unpredictable and that they use a mix of offensive and defensive strategies to keep the Falcons off-balance.
In conclusion, the Philadelphia Eagles have several critical issues to address ahead of their Week 2 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football. By improving pass protection, establishing a reliable running game, tightening up the secondary, generating more pressure on the quarterback, reducing penalties, enhancing special teams performance, and developing a strategic game plan, the Eagles will position themselves to secure a crucial win early in the season. The spotlight will be on how effectively the team can make these adjustments and find success under the bright lights of prime time.
