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Eagles Rookie Report Card: Andre Dillard shines

Good stuff from some of the young guys.

NFL: Preseason-Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles are somehow going into the bye week with a 5-4 record after holding on against the Bears yesterday. While there is plenty to be said about the team’s weaknesses heading into the second act of the season, there should be some excitement in the way rookies are playing.

Andre Dillard: A

Khalil Mack will make short work of most All-Pros and yet Andre Dillard held his ground against the former Defensive Player of the Year BEAUTIFULLY. Dillard looked good consistently against Mack and the rest of the Bears’ talented rushers in the passing game, rarely allowing pressure. On top of that, Dillard pushed the Bears around in the running game and paved the way for a productive day on the ground for the Eagles.

The Eagles quick passing game was crucial in limiting the Bears pass rush and was no doubt a help to Dillard. The fact that we didn’t hear Dillard’s name all game is a great mark for him.

Dillard has looked better each week and he should probably start the rest of the season with Jason Peters’ health always a question.

[BLG Note: PFF has Dillard as the Eagles’ fifth highest graded player on offense against Chicago. He was only behind Brandon Brooks, Lane Johnson, Zach Ertz, and Carson Wentz.]

Poll

Grade Andre Dillard’s Week 9 performance

This poll is closed

  • 88%
    A
    (2646 votes)
  • 10%
    B
    (322 votes)
  • 0%
    C
    (9 votes)
  • 0%
    D
    (3 votes)
  • 0%
    F
    (5 votes)
2985 votes total Vote Now

Miles Sanders: A

After a game against the Bills where Miles Sanders made big flashes on only a few touches, the rookie running back followed it up with a performance that can only be described as “workman-like.”

Sanders rushed 10 times for a solid 42 yards but the stat line only tells half the story. Sanders rushed hard and downhill all day against a tough Bears front. He looked decisive and aggressive attacking downhill; breaking tackles and making guys miss close to the line of scrimmage. He has really put it together as a runner. Between last week’s explosiveness and this week’s consistency, Sanders should continue to be fed the ball in the running game.

Sanders most important plays came as a pass catcher, unsurprisingly.

He only caught three passes but two of them were first downs, one of them being critical to help seal the game.

Sanders has been extremely productive as a dual-threat running back this season and his numbers put him in excellent company.

The only thing stopping Sanders from being in the OROY conversation right now is Jordan Howard’s brilliance ahead of him and Darren Sproles inexplicably getting his snaps.

Poll

Grade Miles Sanders’ Week 9 performance

This poll is closed

  • 61%
    A
    (1471 votes)
  • 36%
    B
    (881 votes)
  • 1%
    C
    (27 votes)
  • 0%
    D
    (1 vote)
  • 0%
    F
    (4 votes)
2384 votes total Vote Now

JJ Arcega-Whiteside: D

There is a Jewish saying “Mah nishtanah, halaylah hazeh mikol haleylot” or “Why is this night different from all other nights?”

Well … it’s not different!

Despite unsurprising ineptitude from the Eagles receiving group, JJ Arcega-Whiteside has not seen involvement in the passing game. Due to DeSean Jackson being held out of most of the game, Arcega-Whiteside actually took some snaps on offense but basically all of them were on running plays.

It’s frustrating because, honestly, how bad can it be to involve him? Mack Hollins is vastly “out-snapping” Arcega-Whiteside and yet both players had as many targets yesterday as you or me. There is really no harm in even sticking him out there instead of wasting time on Mack Hollins who is a known entity and a bad one at that. Add in the fact that Alshon Jeffery has been mediocre and Nelson Agholor not any better and it’s really curious as to why they won’t even try getting the new blood in there to maybe provide a spark.

Alas, maybe the bye week will make a difference but hoping he’ll see the ball against New England feels like a pipe dream.

Poll

Grade JJ Arcega-Whiteside’s Week 9 performance

This poll is closed

  • 1%
    A
    (36 votes)
  • 0%
    B
    (17 votes)
  • 12%
    C
    (228 votes)
  • 21%
    D
    (395 votes)
  • 63%
    F
    (1163 votes)
1839 votes total Vote Now

TJ Edwards: B+

The Eagles smothered the Bears in the first half and TJ Edwards could be credited with a lot of that. Edwards looked great in run defense, including an impressive burst to the sideline to take down David Montgomery on a toss.

Edwards only plays in three linebacker looks, but consistently plays physical, downhill football. He has turned into a tone setter against the run. It’s going to be hard taking snaps away from him going forward.

Poll

Grade TJ Edwards’ Week 9 performance

This poll is closed

  • 26%
    A
    (457 votes)
  • 60%
    B
    (1029 votes)
  • 11%
    C
    (201 votes)
  • 0%
    D
    (6 votes)
  • 0%
    F
    (9 votes)
1702 votes total Vote Now

Anthony Rush: B

The former practice squad defensive tackle had a solid outing yesterday against Chicago, working in as the number three defensive tackle and filling the stat sheet for the first time in his NFL career. Rush primarily got looks as a run defender where the 350 pounder more than held his own. He also got a notable pass rush snap where he seemingly pushed the guard back enough to force Mitch Trubisky off his spot and allow for Brandon Graham to take him down.

If yesterday was any indicator, Anthony Rush found a home on the Eagles defensive line.

Poll

Grade Anthony Rush’s Week 9 performance

This poll is closed

  • 14%
    A
    (203 votes)
  • 62%
    B
    (912 votes)
  • 21%
    C
    (312 votes)
  • 1%
    D
    (16 votes)
  • 0%
    F
    (6 votes)
1449 votes total Vote Now

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