The Wide World of Dirt

Well that was certainly a football game.

On Sunday, January 1st, 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles rang in the new year with an absolutely pathetic effort. They lost to the New Orleans Saints 20-10.

Simply put, that was one of the worst games in recent memory. It stunk of the early games under Nick Sirianni. With a chance to clinch the number 1 seed, the division, and a top-10 pick, the Eagles simply did not show any urgency.

The result? They now have to win the regular season finale against their rivals: the New York (football) Giants.

They also lost any chance for a top-10 selection in this stacked upcoming draft. It was just an absolutely disastrous day, so let’s talk about it, shall we?

Before I begin, I just want to say that I am sending all of my thoughts and prayers to Damar Hamlin and his family and friends.

I hope everything turns out for the best. Get better #3. 

Minshew Maddening

A week after I praise Gardner Minshew for his efforts in the Cowboys game and gave him a vote of confidence, he completely does a 180.

Now you might look at his stats: 18/32 for 274 yards a TD and an INT, and you might think to yourself, you know what? That’s not bad!

Well I promise you that you are, in fact, wrong.

Every single throw from Minshew looked panicked and rushed. It seemed he didn’t have any confidence in his throws the entire day. That sounds even weird to type out because Minshew’s personality isn’t known to be lacking confidence.

That interception he threw was one of the worst I have ever seen. He stared down AJ Brown the entire time, didn’t look like he wanted to throw it, and threw it anyway.

It sealed the game.

I’ve missed watching Jalen Hurts play the past two weeks, but after the quarterbacking effort this past week, I miss him even more.

Come back soon Jalen, please. I am very much throwing up the Bat Signal. 

Another Questionable Gameplan for the Offense

Ok, now I am getting a tad bit concerned with Head Coach Nick Sirianni and Offensive Coordinator Shane Steichan.

The past few weeks, their gameplans were questionable, but they were able to find wins anyway, due in part to Jalen Hurts.

This past week, they once again had a questionable gameplan, but this time, they didn’t have Jalen Hurts be able to bail them out.

One of the Saints’ strengths this year has been their pass defense. On top of that, they were matching up with Marshon Lattimore, a top-10 cornerback.

Their run defense, on the other hand, has been a weakness and primarily how other teams have been able to beat them this year.

You’d figure the Eagles would realize that, right? Nope.

Miles Sanders did not get many opportunities to be a benefit to the offense for the third straight week. He got 12 carries for 61 yards.

He was averaging 5 yards a carry, and they didn’t utilize him at all. He played 22 snaps total. Absolutely mind-boggling.

The Eagles in the first half didn’t get a first down till there was 12 seconds left in the second quarter. That is absolutely embarrassing. 

Lack of Chemistry Comes Back To Haunt Philly

I don’t know if Garnder Minshew’s cadence was throwing off the entire offensive line, but whatever the case, was the penalties were brutal.

They completely threw off any sort of rhythm the offense was trying to find in the second half. It was truly frustrating.

At all levels of the game, the Eagles found a way to make it harder on themselves.

I still am not afraid of the Giants, though.

They have clinched the playoffs and have nothing really to play for this Sunday. That being said, the Eagles have to treat this as a playoff game.

They need to win this game.

If they don’t, this season (which up to this point has been fantastic) will turn from one of the most promising into one of the most disappointing.

They need this first-round-bye.

The injuries are building up, so an extra week of rest goes a long way. Jalen Hurts needs to play this week, if even for just a half.

He can’t afford to go into the playoffs with a month of rest, or he’ll be rusty. He needs to get his rhythm back.

This team also needs home-field advantage; The Linc during the postseason is different. Philadelphia during the postseason is different.

These last two weeks can be absolved if this team does what they showed they can do all season long this Sunday.

Let’s put all the worrying to rest and lock up the NFC. Go Birds.