Eagles-Giants PFF Grades: Jason Kelce among Philadelphia’s top five players

Pro Football Focus releases the top five graded players from each team after every single NFL game. Here’s what PFF had to say about the Philadelphia Eagles following their Week 3 win against the New York Giants.

CB Patrick Robinson, 88.3 overall grade

C Jason Kelce, 88.1 overall grade

LB Mychal Kendricks, 87.7 overall grade

DI Timmy Jernigan, 87.4 overall grade

T Lane Johnson, 87.0 overall grade

PATRICK ROBINSON

Patrick Robinson was one of the worst players during Eagles training camp. Now he’s playing like one of the better defenders on the team.

Robinson had mixed results against Eli Manning and the Giants receivers as he allowed 103 receiving yards in coverage, including Sterling Shepard’s long touchdown. However, Robinson made up for it by breaking up two passes and recording an interception of a tipped pass.

The explanation for his turnaround is simple: Robinson is much more effective in the slot than he is on the outside. This much was true before he signed with Philly.

Believe it or not, Robinson ranks 5th out of 109 cornerbacks this season. (Funny enough, Eric Rowe is 109th.)

Robinson, who signed for veteran minimum, looks like a good bargain signing by the Birds so far.

JASON KELCE

Would you believe it if I told you Kelce is PFF’s third highest graded center through three weeks? Well, he is.

Kelce has earned his grade due to good run blocking, which is no surprise. Mobility is Kelce’s strength.

Here are some great examples of his effectiveness against the Giants via Fran Duffy. Note that Philadelphia ran for 193 yards (4.9 average) and two touchdowns on 39 carries on Sunday.

MYCHAL KENDRICKS

Kendricks saw an increase in playing time due to Jordan Hicks getting hurt. He made the most of it by logging seven tackles (six solo) and two pass deflections. One of his deflections (a pick that went through his hands) was intercepted by Robinson. Kendricks has struggled in coverage in the past but he did a good job against the Giants.

Kendricks ranks 12th out of 87 linebackers this season. (Funny enough, Kiko Alonso is dead last.)

TIMMY JERNIGAN

Jernigan is having a really good season. He ranks sixth among all defensive tackles.

The Eagles lost star interior defender Fletcher Cox during the game; however, Jernigan was able to replace him and become a force in the middle of the defensive line. The former Baltimore Raven was tied for the most pressures in the defense with three, as he recorded a quarterback hit and two hurries. In addition, he proved to be the Eagles’ best run defender as well.

Jernigan is a free agent after this season, so it’ll be interesting to see whether the Eagles keep him or not. The combination of him and Cox could be pretty pricey. With the way he’s playing, though, Jernigan could be worth the price tag.

LANE JOHNSON

Lane Johnson, who ranks 13th among offensive tackles, did a great job of shutting down Jason Pierre-Paul.

The Eagles right tackle had a standout performance today, particularly in pass protection. From 39 pass-blocking snaps, he didn’t allow a single sack, hit or hurry, and delivered some key blocks in the running game. It marks the first time this season Johnson hasn’t allowed a pressure, after allowing two in each of the first two games.

HONORABLE MENTION

Last week, I felt like PFF was too harsh on Wentz. I think they might have been too generous with him in this game.

After a poor showing last week, Wentz rebounded with a solid game against the Giants today. He attempted just three passes traveling 10 yards or further downfield, but picked his spots to pick up several key first downs on short passes. When the Eagles kept pressure away from him, Wentz produced an passer rating of 99.8. When the Giants were able to get pressure on him, that dropped to just 39.6.

I’m not saying Wentz was terrible. He didn’t turn the ball over, which is great. His 19-yard pass to Alshon Jeffery along the sideline allowed Jake Elliott to attempt and make a 61-yard walk-off field goal.

But it wasn’t a particularly great overall game for him. The sack he took on Doug Pederson’s 4th-and-8 call was inexcusable. The overthrow on what could’ve been an Alshon Jeffery touchdown was awful. Wentz needs to be better moving forward, especially when it comes to the deep ball.

On the season, Wentz ranks 14th out of 33 quarterbacks graded by PFF.