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The Eagles looked like the better team for most of Sunday night but loss a heartbreaker. Did the power rankers that be ding them much for it? No, they didn’t.
SB Nation - 9th (last week: 8th)
No write up
NFL.com - 8th (last week: 7th)
Didn't it seem like the Eagles were going to win Sunday night? Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz had Dak Prescott more off-balance and out of sorts than he has been all season. Carson Wentz was leading a conservative offense that was popping enough Darren Sproles runs to maintain control of the game. My gosh, Sproles was brilliant. Philly receivers continued to fight the ball, failing to come up with a couple of tough catches to help their rookie quarterback. While there was nothing fluky about the loss, the Eagles definitely showed they will be contending for the NFC East.
The Eagles have dropped three of their past four games, but all of the losses have been close (seven points or fewer), and all have been on the road. QB Carson Wentz will prove his mettle in upcoming weeks, though, as the Eagles take on the Giants, Falcons, Seahawks and Packers.
Yahoo - 11th (last week: 12th)
Carson Wentz’s strange game – per Pro Football Reference, it was the first time in NFL history a quarterback attempted 40 or more passes, hit on 70 percent or higher and averaged fewer than 5 yards per attempt (h/t @cianaf) – makes you wonder if the coaching staff isn’t letting him do enough, the receivers aren’t good enough or if Wentz is too hesitant to throw downfield. It isn’t just Sunday night; all season Wentz hasn’t been too keen on pushing the ball downfield.
Fox Sports - 11th (last week: 12th)
It’s hard to knock the Eagles too much for their loss to Dallas, but they absolutely should have won that game. They had opportunities put it away, but fumbled away a chance at a win and took themselves out of field-goal range late. Not to mention, Carson Wentz threw one pass more than 15 yards downfield, which is concerning. Still, he played mistake-free and looked comfortable in the spotlight.
Pro Football Talk - 13th (last week: 13th)
They’re better than expected, but still not nearly good enough.
Bleacher Report - 8th (last week: 8th)
Any defense that holds Ezekiel Elliott under 100 yards should expect to win.
The Eagles defense did. Fletcher Cox and his merry band of big defensive linemen where everywhere Sunday night. And yet, despite big plays from that group and from the right arm of Carson Wentz, they still blew a late 23-13 lead.
Philadelphia’s offensive scheme can be blamed for the collapse. It was effective when it took the fight to Dallas’ defense in no-huddle situations. But coach Doug Pederson calls too many screens and swing passes for it to threaten the entire field. Wentz needs to be free to throw deep.
Looking forward: Philly couldn't rack up many sacks against Dallas' big front. That shouldn't be an issue against the Giants.
Yes, you read that right, ESPN moved the Eagles up two spots, Fox and Yahoo one spot after losing. Finally Cowboys bias helps the Eagles out! Last week the Eagles averaged 10th. This week: also 10th! An OT loss to a team that went into the game in the top 3 will keep a team in the top 10.