The Philadelphia Eagles season has been over for nearly a month, but let's take a look at how the 2014 team performed compared to the NFL average and see where improvement is needed.
GENERAL:
Category | Eagles | Rank |
---|---|---|
Point Differential/Play | 0.061 | 9 |
Yard Differential/Play | 0.2 | 8 |
Turnover Differential | -8 | 26 |
This pretty much sums up the Eagles season. Turnovers killed an otherwise solid team.
OFFENSE:
Category | Eagles | NFL AVG | Difference | Rank |
---|---|---|---|---|
Yards/Game | 396.8 | 348.1 | 48.7 | 5 |
Yards/Play | 5.63 | 5.44 | 0.19 | 11 |
RushYards/Game | 124.5 | 111.3 | 13.2 | 9 |
RushYards/Play | 4.2 | 4.16 | 0.04 | 15 |
PassYards/Game | 272.3 | 236.8 | 35.5 | 6 |
PassYards/Play | 7.01 | 6.78 | 0.23 | 12 |
Interception Rate | 3.38% | 2.52% | 0.86% | 30 |
Sacks/Pass Attempt | 5.15% | 6.78% | -1.63% | 11 |
First Downs/Game | 22.3 | 20 | 2.3 | 7t |
3rd Down Pct | 43.46% | 39.94% | 3.52% | 9 |
4th Down Pct | 63.64% | 45.90% | 17.74% | 2 |
RedZone Pct | 49.15% | 53.54% | -4.39% | 23 |
Goal to Go Pct | 62.50% | 69.84% | -7.34% | 25t |
Points/Game | 29.6 | 22.6 | 7 | 3 |
Just like they did in 2013, the Eagles moved the ball and scored points. They weren't as good on offense, however. Instead of being an elite offense they were merely above average. Factor in the turnovers and that's just not good enough. Another key area where the Eagles struggled is in scoring position. They have to find a way to get better in the red zone.
DEFENSE
Category | Eagles | NFL AVG | Difference | Rank |
---|---|---|---|---|
Yards/Game | 375.6 | 348.1 | 27.5 | 28 |
Yards/Play | 5.4 | 5.44 | -0.04 | 16 |
RushYards/Game | 110.7 | 111.3 | -0.6 | 15 |
RushYards/Play | 3.74 | 4.16 | -0.42 | 5 |
PassYards/Game | 264.9 | 236.8 | 28.1 | 31 |
PassYards/Play | 7.17 | 6.78 | 0.39 | 22 |
Interception Rate | 2.03% | 2.52% | -0.49% | 24 |
Sacks/Pass Attempt | 8.29% | 6.78% | 1.51% | 6 |
First Downs/Game | 21.1 | 20 | 1.1 | 26 |
3rd Down Pct | 37.93% | 39.94% | -2.01% | 13 |
4th Down Pct | 25.00% | 45.90% | -20.90% | 5 |
RedZone Pct | 58.14% | 53.54% | -4.60% | 23 |
Goal to Go Pct | 70.00% | 69.84% | 0.16% | 16 |
Points/Game | 25 | 22.6 | 2.4 | 22t |
The Eagles' efficiency numbers (per play) don't look as bad as the volume numbers (per game) would indicate. The Eagles defense faces a lot of plays (offense is last in time of possession) so they're bound to allow more yards.
Due to a strong front seven, the run defense was good once again. Philadelphia's secondary was the obvious weak point on defense. The Eagles could afford to do better when it comes to red zone defense as well.
SPECIAL TEAMS (FOR):
Category | Eagles | NFL AVG | Difference | Rank |
---|---|---|---|---|
Punt Return Avg | 13 | 8.9 | 4.1 | 3 |
Kickoff Return Avg | 27.3 | 23.8 | 3.5 | 5 |
Field Goals Made | 88.89% | 83.99% | 4.90% | 7t |
Philadelphia's special teams ranked first in the NFL for a reason. Darren Sproles made the Pro Bowl due to his punt return skills. The Eagles also scored a pair of kickoff returns for touchdowns. Rookie kicker Cody Parkey was a revelation.
SPECIAL TEAMS (AGAINST):
Category | Eagles | NFL AVG | Difference | Rank |
---|---|---|---|---|
Punt Return Avg | 8.2 | 8.9 | -0.7 | 13 |
Kickoff Return Avg | 22.8 | 23.8 | -1 | 12 |
Not much to say here. Above average coverage units.
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Some bonus material...
FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS
Category | Rank |
---|---|
Team DVOA | 7 |
Offense | 13 |
Pass Offense | 15 |
Rush Offense | 13 |
Defense | 10 |
Pass Defense | 20 |
Rush Defense | 6 |
Special Teams | 1 |
FO has the Eagles as a top 10 defense.
PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS
Category | Rank |
---|---|
Offense | 5 |
Pass Offense | 23 |
Rush Offense | 23 |
Pass Block | 8 |
Run Block | 1 |
Defense | 7 |
Run Defense | 8 |
Pass Rush | 5 |
Pass Coverage | 12 |
Special Teams | 3 |
PFF seems to indicate that the Eagles struggles weren't so much related to offensive line play. Like FO, they also weren't too down on the Eagles defense.