The Eagles defense has been nothing short of a revelation this season. After spending last season around the bottom of most metrics, Vic Fangio has put together a unit that has a strong argument to be the best in football. Sunday only made the argument louder. Philadelphia’s run defense has been a physical unit between Jalen Carter in the middle, Nakobe Dean emerging, and legitimate All-Pro candidate Zach Baun stopping ball carriers. That physicality was on display as the Ravens 1st and 2nd down runs produced just a 22nd percentile performance by EPA/rush. The Eagles front aced their biggest run game test of the season, and Lamar Jackson was forced into superhero mode. The Eagles sacked Jackson three times and Milton Williams was able to create pressure while Jalen Carter was double teamed in what was a strong performance by an injury-riddled pass rush room. Jackson was able to make plays on scrambles, but the Eagles did just enough to stop solid drives and force field goal attempts. Justin Tucker’s two missed field goals and a missed extra point did a lot to help the Eagles float through a 9-0 1st quarter deficit as well as two three and outs to start the 2nd half before the running game hit its stride. The Eagles finished the game much more efficient on the ground than through the air, and Saquon Barkley went over 100 yards once again.
Eagles vs. Ravens: 19 winners, 2 losers, 4 IDKs – BGN
The Eagles’ defense could not be more legit. They’re allowing just 13.6 offensive points per game since their Week 5 bye. And that figure includes three garbage time touchdowns from their opponents over the last three weeks. Take out garbage time production and that number is down to 10.9 offensive points per game. That’s insane! And it’s not just about the production. It’s about the feel. This defense is physical. They play smart. They tackle well. They’re beyond sound in coverage. It’s just a legitimately awesome unit. Credit to the players for making plays but it’s impossible to deny Fangio’s influence.
Eagles Stamp Their Status as Super Bowl Contenders With Win Over the Ravens – The Ringer
The Eagles defeated the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday for their eighth straight victory! Sheil and Brandon Lee Gowton of Bleeding Green Nation discuss their biggest takeaways from the game and whether the Eagles can run the table for the rest of the season. The defense has anchored the team the entire season, and it stood against its toughest test at quarterback so far (2:51). What did the Eagles do offensively that worked and what areas still need improvement (29:46)? The Eagles are still behind the Lions in the NFC for the best record, but can they get that top spot with an easy schedule ahead and a tough one for the Lions (1:00:59)? Plus, more leftovers and Cliff’s Flyers update!
Handing out 10 awards from the Eagles-Ravens game – PhillyVoice
On Sunday, Jackson had good misleading stats, mainly due to a garbage-time TD drive late in the game, but Fangio’s defense frustrated Jackson into bad throws while under duress all night. It’s pretty crazy to think about how bad the Eagles’ defense looked this time a year ago, and what they look like now. Yes, they have better players at some positions, but Fangio has been the biggest upgrade, by far.
Roob’s Observations: Late magic from Saquon caps off statement win in Baltimore – NBCSP
1. Just a tremendous performance by the Eagles’ defense against a super-charged Ravens offense averaging 427 yards and 30 points per game and 7.0 yards per play. Against the Eagles until the final minute, they managed 302 yards, 12 points and 4.7 yards per play, stats that the Ravens padded with a meaningless last-minute drive. The Eagles didn’t get any takeaways against a team that rarely turns the ball over, but they pressured Jackson and hit him early and often and contained him when he wanted to run. They kept Derrick Henry in check, and they got big stops in huge moments. They gave up nine points in the first quarter and three on the Ravens’ next nine drives. And they did it without their defensive captains and leaders Brandon Graham and Darius Slay, they did much of it without Reed Blankenship, who suffered a concussion in the third quarter, and they did some of it without Nakobe Dean and Quinyon Mitchell, who missed plays in the second half. But this was a monumental defensive effort and you look out there and Tristin McCollum is covering Mark Andrews and Avonte Maddox is running down the field covering Nelson Agholor, and that’s not ideal, but the subs played fine, the starters were spectacular and if there were any question before just how good this defense is – and there shouldn’t have been – they’ve all been answered. A defensive masterpiece.
2024 NFL season, Week 13: What We Learned from Sunday’s games – NFL.com
Vic Fangio is crushing the in-game adjustments battle. The beauty of this Eagles winning streak is how well they’re playing complementary football, and Sunday was just another example of it. While their offense struggled, their defense rounded into form well enough to keep the game within reach in the first half. That same defense shut down the Ravens in the second half, limiting the Ravens to field goal attempts and following up Saquon Barkley’s fourth-quarter touchdown with a massive third-down stop that saw rookie Cooper DeJean take down Derrick Henry via a crushing open-field tackle. They were effective when rushing Lamar Jackson , largely contained him (39 of his 79 rushing yards came on one late run) and managed to prevent the Ravens from hurting them after their first touchdown drive. Two weeks ago, the Eagles took down the rival Commanders by keeping them off the scoreboard almost entirely in the second half as they scored 23 points to storm back. Last week, they ran away with a win by stifling Matthew Stafford and the Rams. This defense is legitimate and a big reason why they’re one of two titans in the NFC right now.
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