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Despite some late hope, the Eagles fell to the Ravens in a game that had no business being as close as it was. Carson Wentz’s heroics combined with a stout second half defensive performance couldn’t overcome the Eagles own failures. The rookies unfortunately played a big part in the Eagles’ loss, but the blame isn’t squarely on their shoulders.
Jalen Reagor: N/A
Reagor was out once recovering from surgery on his thumb. Whenever he can rejoin the team can’t come quickly enough.
Jalen Hurts: B
Hurts saw the field when the offense desperately needed a spark late in the second half. Hurts is clearly dynamic with the ball in his hands, evidenced by big carries. He’s also dynamic without the ball in his hands. Even when he was in the field and used for misdirection plays, the defense keyed in on him and allowed for others to make plays.
It’s also worth noting that Hurts simulated Lamar Jackson on the scout team in practice over the last week. While Jackson wasn’t fully contained and had a few big plays, the defense did a good job limiting him. So it’s worth adding to Hurts’ grade that the defense seemed ready to hold Jackson short of his MVP level play.
While calls grow for Hurts to possible usurp Wentz tend to be reactionary, Hurts makes a difference whenever he’s on the field. The Eagles could benefit to give him more snaps. Wherever he lines up.
Poll
Grade Jalen Hurts from Week 6
This poll is closed
-
36%
A
(446 votes) -
51%
B
(636 votes) -
9%
C
(121 votes) -
0%
D
(11 votes) -
0%
F
(11 votes)
Davion Taylor: F
After failing to log a defensive snap through the first five games, Davion Taylor failed to impress when he finally did get on the field. Taylor looked out of position throughout the game and generally seemed uncomfortable. Taylor also notched a penalty on special teams when he ran into the punter. Overall, not an encouraging outing.
Poll
Grade Davion Taylor from Week 6
This poll is closed
-
1%
A
(10 votes) -
1%
B
(9 votes) -
14%
C
(122 votes) -
41%
D
(359 votes) -
42%
F
(370 votes)
Jack Driscoll: D
Jack Driscoll’s day ended with a lower body injury but he was not playing well before that. It’s hard to pin the failures of the offensive line purely on him considering how bad everyone is around him, but it’s also hard not to notice how overmatched he seemed against the Ravens defenders.
The Eagles couldn’t get the run game going and Carson Wentz was getting pressured and hit all game.
Poll
Grade Jack Driscoll from Week 6
This poll is closed
-
1%
A
(9 votes) -
3%
B
(31 votes) -
37%
C
(296 votes) -
42%
D
(335 votes) -
14%
F
(118 votes)
K’Von Wallace: B
In typical Eagles fashion; nothing good can happen without something bad immediately happening afterward.K’Von Wallace had an excellent tackle on punt coverage and hurt his shoulder on the play, ending his day. Here’s hoping Wallace can come back soon.
Poll
Grade K’Von Wallace from Week 6
This poll is closed
-
11%
A
(86 votes) -
46%
B
(341 votes) -
33%
C
(245 votes) -
4%
D
(36 votes) -
3%
F
(22 votes)
John Hightower: C-
John Hightower continued to see some targets, but his game will be defined by an early drop on what could’ve been a touchdown. Hightower’s speed continues to afford him big opportunities downfield, but his failure to capitalize on those opportunities (save for the 50-yard reception he DID make) really hurt his outlook with the offense.
There’s plenty to be said about the fact that Hightower’s poor play rests on the shoulders of the Eagles as much as it rests on him. The day three rookie is just that, a day three rookie. He’s talented, no doubt, but the lack of polish is why he went so late. The fact that the Eagles are depending on him to be a playmaker at this point is their failure, not his.
Poll
Grade John Hightower from Week 6
This poll is closed
-
0%
A
(8 votes) -
15%
B
(140 votes) -
43%
C
(384 votes) -
29%
D
(256 votes) -
10%
F
(92 votes)
Quez Watkins: N/A
Watkins barely saw the field despite dressing. Not surprising.
Shaun Bradley: D
Like the rest of the Eagles linebackers, Bradley was a liability during this game. Not surprising given his draft projection, but nonetheless detrimental.
Poll
Grade Shaun Bradley from Week 6
This poll is closed
-
1%
A
(12 votes) -
3%
B
(24 votes) -
31%
C
(196 votes) -
44%
D
(278 votes) -
18%
F
(115 votes)
A few more thoughts ...
The Eagles are giving a lot of snaps to late round rookies that are hurting the team. While the individual player will take the brunt of the blame, it’s important to say the Eagles are setting up their rookies to fail. Driscoll, Bradley and Hightower are given massive responsibility as late round picks and we’re somehow all shocked when the team struggles.
This is directly related to the lack of impact from early round picks. Jalen Reagor isn’t on the field. Jalen Hurts, while dynamic, is a gimmick and Davion Taylor looks like he is playing a different sport. Meanwhile you have rookie receivers all over the league that are balling out. Almost at a comical rate. Sure, it’s early in the season and even earlier in the careers of these players, but today was a microcosm of how the front office has failed the team and the coaching staff’s piss-poor management has failed the players.
Here’s hoping the trial by fire does something to help these players develop. Because that’s the strategy the Eagles are depending on right now.