I think most fans wanted and expected to see a rout of a floundering Cleveland team; they didn't get it but the team did pick up an important win. This game was not nearly as close as the score made it look, as Philly finished with clear edges in yards (372-244) first downs (19-14) and yards per play (6.0-4.6). Myles Garrett's monster FG block and the Eagles secondary playing Keystone Cops (Mitchell and CJGJ running into each other on a play when either would easily have picked the ball off*) gifted Cleveland ten points that kept them in the game all the way.
*I'm being more critical than I actually feel; both players played the ball perfectly; it was just bad luck that had them cross paths.
On the positive end, Jalen played probably his best game of the season, clearly aided by the return of his two star WRs. He didn't turn the ball over for the first time in eleven starts. AJ Brown himself likely carried the offense on a day when Barkley didn't ever really get going and when Dallas Goedert got hurt. It was good to see Nick Sirianni not make any obvious goofs in game management. Cooper DeJean was decent on defense and racked up 12.8 yards/return on his four punt returns.
There are clearly a few negatives: once again, special teams let Philly down, gifting the opponent a touchdown. The defense had a OK outing, at least compared to the previous game in Tampa (didn't allow a TD), but the 244 yards and 4.6 yards/play were both somehow higher than the season averages for the Browns going into the game. Possibly of greatest concern, injuries to Mailata, Goedert and Darius Slay need to be closely monitored.
To be frank, I'm not sure that this game is going to change any narratives. Those who believe the sky is falling will probably still feel nearly as concerned as before. Those who are optimists may well feel better after a win. I think on the whole I'll be in the second camp, assuming none of the aforementioned injuries are too serious. Next up: a trip to play the Giants in the Eagles' division opener.
Comments