Heading into Dallas last Sunday, the Eagles were strongly favored. Although the team has yet to show its true potential, most were willing to accept that Philadelphia would get the job done based on the "flashes" of potential they have shown through eight weeks. These "flashes" are the few plays here and there that are contributing.
Philadelphia’s offense has been inconsistent to say the least.
Through nine weeks of regular season play, the Eagles top receiver, Jordan Matthews, has been anything but impressive. The second year player, was poised for a break-out sophomore campaign; however, he has yet to live up to his expectations. Along with him are others.
There are many other factors weighing in on the struggles that have plagued the Eagles offense including, but not limited to, the addition of starting quarterback, Sam Bradford, the numerous amount of dropped passes by the entire receiving core and the injury issues regarding the offensive line. With the Eagles coming back from their bye week and desperately needing a win to keep up with current NFC East leader, the New York Giants, the offense was in need of a play maker.
In the early stages of last Sunday’s game, it looked like the Eagles were going to pick up where they left off in week seven. Bradford’s offense went three and out and every hope built up by the Eagles fan base, during the bye week, flew out the window. It wasn’t until the second quarter, when the offense started to mesh. With the help of our improving run game, the Eagles began to build momentum. That momentum was consistent throughout the remainder of the game.
Philadelphia’s face-paced offensive tempo was what ultimately lead to a 33-27 overtime win over the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles were able to drive down the field eighty yards in nine plays. Matthews came up huge for Philadelphia and caught the game winning touchdown. Just when the team needed a play maker, Matthews delivered in a huge way.
Though the Eagles were able to pull through, the biggest question still stands. Can the Eagles offense consistently make plays to lead them to another victory? Everything about the Dallas game shows that Chip Kelly’s dynamic offense can work with the current players.
Philadelphia will host the Miami Dolphins this Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles will have a great opportunity to show just how great they can be. The Dolphins defense is allowing a mediocre 384.5 yards per game. If the Eagles remain consistent and keep the mistakes to a minimum, this is the perfect follow-up game for Philadelphia to show that last week’s game was not a fluke.
One thing is certain: if the Eagles want to show their true potential, they are going to need to be more consistent for the remainder of the season. Also, if more players like Jordan Matthews can emerge in the clutch, the Eagles will finally have the chance to show what they can really do.
Dan Ketler is a contributing writer for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @ketler11.
