During the NFL season, our team of 300-plus staff spend around 20,000 man-hours grading and analyzing every play of the NFL season, from the kickoff in the Hall of Fame game to the final play of the Super Bowl.
Now that the 2018 season is officially in the books, we can now take a look back at the season through the eyes of each NFL team and using the grades and statistics that we have compiled, we and detail what went right, what went wrong, and explain what that team has to look forward to.
Below is the 2018 season recap for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Overview
The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles appeared to be on their way to a lost season, but they snuck into the playoffs as a wild card team and upset the Chicago Bears before losing to the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round.
What went right?
- Fletcher Cox was dominant, as he was the only player other than Aaron Donald to record at least 100 pressures. His 92.5 grade ranked third among all defensive players in the NFL.
- The entire defensive line got after the quarterback at a high level, as Brandon Graham ranked fourth during the regular season with 70 pressures, and Michael Bennett ranked fifth with 68.
- While QB Carson Wentz took a step back from 2017 with his 79.4 overall grade, he still ranked 14th among NFL quarterbacks. Nick Foles filled in admirably during the playoff run with a 73.8 overall grade.
- Jason Kelce was the highest-graded center for the second year in a row, finishing at 84.9 overall.
What went wrong?
- Wentz was unable to finish the year for the second season in a row as injuries are now a concern for the third-year signal-caller.
- Injuries crushed the secondary, and the team coverage grade dropped from third in 2017 to 15th in 2018.
- Four different players allowed at least 500 yards into their primary coverage, including cornerbacks Rasul Douglas and Jalen Mills, linebacker Nigel Bradham, and safety Malcolm Jenkins.
Highest-graded offensive player
C Jason Kelce – 84.9
Kelce posted the top grade on the offensive side of the ball, leading all centers with an 82.9 run-blocking grade while ranking second with a pass-blocking grade of 87.7.
Highest-graded defensive player
DI Fletcher Cox – 92.7
Cox had the highest grade on the defense, finishing second in the league with 95 total pressures during the regular season, 17 more than the top edge defender.
Secret Superstar
CB Cre'Von LeBlanc was an unsung hero in the two playoff games, grading at 83.1 against the Bears and 83.4 against the Saints while picking off a pass and breaking up two more.
Key Rookie
Rookie TE Dallas Goedert became a mismatch weapon on the Eagles offense, finishing with 35 catches for 354 yards and five touchdowns including the playoffs.
In conclusion
The Eagles battled injuries to the most important positions on the field, but still made a playoff push that ended in New Orleans. They’re positioned to be right in the thick of the NFC race once again in 2019.
© 2024 PFF - all rights reserved.