Eagles vs. Vikings snap count analysis

Here’s a breakdown of the snap counts from the Philadelphia Eagles’ 23-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5 of the 2018 NFL season.

OFFENSE

Jason Peters continues to struggle to stay in for the entire game.

Alshon Jeffery’s playing time increased from the 83% of the snaps he logged last week. He wasn’t nearly as efficient as he was against the Titans. Carson Wentz targeted Jeffery eight times but the receiver only had two receptions for 39 yards.

Nelson Agholor is only averaging 7.3 yards per reception this season. That’s third lowest on the team, just ahead of Darren Sproles and Jay Ajayi. Agholor’s playing a lot and he’s not an efficient weapon for the team right now. He also had an illegal formation AND a false start called on him yesterday.

Dallas Goedert saw an increase in playing time from last week when he was at 40%. He caught both of his targets for 16 yards.

Wendell Smallwood and Jay Ajayi split time evenly at running back. Smallwood ended up being the more efficient player: his three carries went for 27 yards and his his three receptions went for 44 yards and one touchdown. Ajayi only averaged 3.6 yards on eight carries in addition to his one reception for five yards. Plus Ajayi fumbled in prime scoring territory.

Jordan Matthews only had one reception for four yards. It took place on Philly’s final drive. Bad awareness by him to run out of bounds instead of fighting for more yards since he had the two-minute warning to stop the clock.

Shelton Gibson had one reception for 48 yards in limited playing time. He might be the team’s best vertical threat right now but the coaching staff sure isn’t in a rush to get him playing time. Gibson’s illegal formation penalty on the drive where the Eagles took over after Kirk Cousins’ fumbled lateral may help to explain why.

Josh Adams only played one offensive snap. The Eagles ran a toss play to him on 3rd-and-inches and he got tackled for a loss. Hated that call. Why are you going to your fifth string undrafted rookie running back for a crucial conversion? And on a play that doesn’t suit his strengths?

Corey Clement was active for this game but he didn’t get any playing time. Clement didn’t practice all week so it seems like he was only dressed in case of emergency. He might have a shot to return against the Giants.

DEFENSE

Avonte Maddox is listed as a cornerback on the stat sheet here but he played on the back end of the defense at safety.

Brandon Graham and Michael Bennett received more playing time than usual with Derek Barnett out.

Destiny Vaeao saw a much bigger workload witih Haloti Ngata inactive.

Sidney Jones had to leave the game early. Bo Wulf reports the Eagles corner said he just twisted/rolled his ankle and should be fine.

Treyvon Hester played 11 snaps following his promotion from the practice squad early last week. The Eagles seem to trust him to play a little more than Bruce Hector.

Josh Sweat saw his first defensive snaps of the season. The rookie defensive end didn’t log a stat in the eight snaps he played.

Corey Graham had to leave the game early due to a hamstring injury.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Eagles clearly have no plans to get Deiondre’ Hall involved at safety. He didn’t see any playing time despite the Eagles being down both Rodney McLeod and Corey Graham.

DeAndre Carter handled kick return duties.

After getting benched for Isaac Seumalo, Stefen Wisniewski only managed to get three special teams snaps.

DID NOT PLAY

INACTIVE: Darren Sproles, Derek Barnett, Haloti Ngata, Nate Sudfeld, Jordan Mailata, Matt Pryor, Chance Warmack

ACTIVE: Nick Foles, Corey Clement