Week 4 Overview: Eagles Edge Out Buccaneers
The Philadelphia Eagles faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a closely contested Week 4 matchup, with various player performances standing out.
This blog analyzes the snap counts, providing insights into who made a significant impact during the game.
Quarterback Performance
Jalen Hurts played all 57 offensive snaps. His performance was notably split between the halves.
In the first half, Hurts completed 15 of 16 passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns, boasting a near-perfect completion rate of 93.8%.
However, his second half was problematic, going 0 for 8 and failing to connect with his receivers.
Running Back Insights
Saquon Barkley dominated the ground game, taking 48 snaps. Despite this, he struggled to replicate his success from the previous season.
Last year, Barkley averaged 6.0 yards per carry after four games. This year, he’s down to 3.1 yards, raising concerns about his performance.
Wide Receiver Struggles
The Eagles’ receivers had a tough game. A.J. Brown led the group with 55 snaps but only caught two passes for seven yards.
He expressed his frustration through a cryptic tweet, hinting at a disconnect in the offense.
DeVonta Smith also had two targets, catching both for 29 yards, but did not address the media post-game.
Tight End Contributions
Dallas Goedert participated in 43 snaps, capitalizing on scoring opportunities with two touchdowns.
He caught four passes on four targets, showcasing his effectiveness but suffered a hip injury during the game.
Offensive Line Stability
The offensive line played all 57 snaps without a significant drop-off, but injuries to Lane Johnson and Tyler Steen raised concerns.
Johnson suffered a left shoulder injury, and Steen experienced a knee issue but managed to return to the field.
Defensive Snap Breakdown
The Eagles’ defense was on the field for 72 snaps, with the defensive line comprising a mix of young and veteran players.
Edge Defenders
The edge rushers struggled collectively, managing just 0.5 sacks this season.
Za’Darius Smith and Jalyx Hunt were the main contributors but need to improve to bolster the defense moving forward.
Interior Defensive Line Performance
Jalen Carter led the defensive tackles with 49 snaps, displaying moments of brilliance, despite not reaching last year’s dominant form.
Moro Ojomo made his mark with a big sack on the Bucs’ final drive, showcasing his potential as a key player.
Linebackers Stepping Up
Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell played every defensive snap, contributing significantly with strong tackles and a pivotal interception by Campbell.
While Campbell did allow a long touchdown, he showed resilience in critical game moments.
Cornerbacks and Safeties
Quinyon Mitchell had a standout day, playing 72 snaps while being targeted heavily yet allowing minimal yardage.
His performance signals a potential rising star in the secondary.
Recognizing Top Performers
For this game, the three stars are Quinyon Mitchell with exceptional defensive coverage, Moro Ojomo for his impact plays, and Cooper DeJean for his tackling prowess.
Acknowledging Achievement with the Game Ball
Quinyon Mitchell earns the game ball, a testament to his significant defensive performance that helped secure the Eagles’ win.
What Lies Ahead
The Eagles need to work on their second-half performance, especially on offense.
Consistency in both passing and the ground game will be crucial in the upcoming weeks.
Looking to Improve
As the Eagles prepare for their next games, attention to play-calling and execution will be vital.
The coaching staff must address the identified weaknesses and capitalize on the strengths shown in this matchup.
Fan expectations remain high, and improvements are essential to maintain momentum in the season.