The Eagles’ defense just didn’t answer the call after last week’s game. Washington put up 339 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per play, period. Watching the film, it’s clear this defense didn’t make any significant improvements. Commanders quarterbacks still had way too much time in the pocket, and their running backs found massive lanes to exploit. Honestly, Philadelphia was lucky Washington didn’t have a more explosive back. Those rushing numbers could have been even uglier. Giving up 135 yards at 5.2 yards per carry is bad enough, but some of the gaps in that line were absolutely enormous. A top-tier back would have turned a lot more of those chances into explosive, game-changing plays.
Fangio’s Fixes Aren’t Sticking
Vic Fangio, at least, is trying to shake things up, which you can see on film. He’s throwing out heavier fronts, calling more man coverage, and dialing up more pressure. But here’s the kicker: none of these adjustments are working consistently. It’s a huge problem. And when even a guy like Quinyon Mitchell isn’t playing well, you know this defense is in serious, serious trouble. The run defense, in particular, completely failed to bounce back. That’s the starting point for any real breakdown of this team.
Philadelphia lined up in five-man fronts, sometimes even stacking six defenders on the line, and Washington still carved out huge rushing lanes. Jalen Carter had an inconsistent game, sure, but Jordan Davis was flat-out disappointing again. When Davis is on his game, he eats up space and keeps the linebackers clean, allowing them to make plays. But when he isn’t? The entire run defense just looks so much more vulnerable. This has been a pattern for a while now, and his recent performances are seriously bothering anyone watching. He might be hurt, which is tough, but he’s still out there. So, we’re judging what we see on the field.
The Systemic Problem Leaving Everyone Exposed
Take this third-and-1 play. The Eagles defense created a highway for the offense. Both defensive tackles slanted in opposite directions, and boom, the middle of the defense was just wide open. You can’t make a short-yardage conversion that easy for any opponent, ever. Whether those slants are called plays or the tackles have the freedom to react to blocks, the result simply cannot be acceptable. If the movement is called, someone, somewhere, has to account for the massive space it opens up. And if players are choosing to go around blocks, they absolutely have to understand what they are leaving behind for their teammates. Linebackers can’t do anything when offensive linemen are climbing through gaping holes like that. This defense has to get its act together, and fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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