Reacting to the Eagles’ prime time win over the Packers

In case you missed it last night, you can take your hand away from the panic button that you’ve been slamming for the past few days since the Detroit Lions loss. With their backs against the wall and staring down the barrel of a potential 1-3 start, the Philadelphia Eagles shined in prime time against the previously undefeated Green Bay Packers in a thrilling 34-27 win.

It was about as close to a “must-win” game in Week 4 as you’ll get. Some are calling it a “signature win” for Carson Wentz, who some in Philadelphia had begun to criticize for... whatever reason. Doug Pederson called a heck of a game against the Packers’ third ranked DVOA defense.

The Eagles’ offense has now scored over thirty points in two of their first four games despite facing their toughest challenge yet. They got there, in part, because they found their identity (and caught the ball). The 8-play, 76-yard touchdown drive to go up 27-20 in the third quarter was the type of routine drive from 2017 that had seemingly vanished since.

The drive included under center play-action, which had gone missing in past weeks. The RPO concepts served as an efficient extension of the run game, with Wentz being decisive and precise. Throw in a clever screen design and to cap it all off, the Eagles executed their staple “mesh-sit wheel” on the 20-yard Jordan Howard touchdown reception that worked exactly how it’s drawn up.

This was followed up in the early fourth quarter by the game-winning drive that featured 5 rushing attempts for 53 yards split between Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders. It was thunder and lightning and exactly what the Eagles’ envisioned when pairing the two backs together. Their success was a testament to the Eagles’ offense line that created gaping holes all night against a tough Packers front.

Things weren’t so sunny for the Philadelphia defense, but backup cornerback Craig James delayed having to stare that dilemma in the face immediately after the final whistle. In fact, on The Kist & Solak Show #125, we give James his due with his long awaited and much requested emergency pod.

You can hear analysis on that final play to close the game out and of course on the entire game by listening on the media player below, or by clicking here if the player doesn’t load. New to podcasts?! Check out our guide on how to listen to BGN! FLY EAGLES FLY!