I’m Officially a Swiftie
Boy, am I happy we got D’Andre Swift. Last night, it seems the Eagles found their running back. Swift put on a stellar performance, posting 175 yards rushing and a TD on 28 carries. It was much needed with the passing game not looking as good as in the past. Hurts was 18/23 with 193 yards, one passing TD, and ran two in. The offensive line didn’t look like their dominant self, allowing four sacks.
On the other side of the ball, it was a different story. The defense caused four turnovers, one of which was a crucial fumble out of the back of the endzone, forcing a touchback. Jordan Davis and Josh Sweat recorded the only sacks for the Birds, but they still shined. I figured Justin Jefferson would get his yards, but this team has been brutal at covering tight ends this season. Hockenson scored two touchdowns for the Vikings and 66 yards to go with them. The bright spot on defense was the front seven getting unrelenting pressure on Kirk Cousins, causing a fumble in the middle of the game.
The playcalling by Brian Johnson was…bizarre. Running QB draws on 3rd and longs, running the ball three straight downs after a substantial 53-yard bomb to Smitty. I don’t know if he’s still working out the kinks, but Johnson needs to figure it out and get this playcalling right. It feels like he doesn’t trust Jalen to throw the ball even though he’s the MVP runner-up. I want to see more creativity than draws and read options. I don’t mind a designed run; ensure it’s the right time and place.
The Iggles have a mini-bye week before heading to Tampa for Monday Night Football against Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers. Stay on the lookout for my preview and prediction next week. Go Birds!