The Eagles 20-19 loss to the Dolphins was a microcosm of sorts on the entire season. There were plenty of positives, early for a change, and then the usual disappointment and frustration that this team is causing.
Take away all the momentum of last week's win in Dallas, a distant memory at this point. The floundering Eagles are falling fast after their latest slip up.
Here is this week's report card.
Pass Offense: Sam Bradford has a solid game for the most part. Early on, these guys were on their game as they were later in Dallas. Brent Celek turned in his best game of the season by far and Zach Ertz made the tight ends the go-to guys early. But as Bradford came closer to his exit from the game, he started to struggle. Mark Sanchez didn't fare any better and his interception in the redzone, positioning that would have given the Eagles the lead regardless of a touchdown, was inexcusable. B-
Run Offense: With Ryan Mathews leaving the game early as well, it really made the Eagles ground game one-dimensional again with DeMarco Murray. 83 total yards on the ground against the 31st-ranked run defense in the league is pathetic. It says all you need to know about this one. C-
Pass Defense: Kind of an average game for the Eagles defense on both fronts. They were really good against the Dolphins passing game late, but had some trouble early. On the go-ahead touchdown, somebody has to take Jarvis Landry out of the play on a deflected ball. The pass rush helped secure two points with a safety as well. B
Run Defense: After allowing two straight 100-plus yard rushing efforts, this was certainly an improvement. Points were at a premium and when the game was on the line, the defense didn't budge and gave the offense more than enough chances to swing things in the Eagles favor. B
Special Teams: A couple of key mistakes by special teams serve as blemishes. Caleb Sturgis had a crucial missed field goal and the blocked punt that led directly to a Miami score really killed the Eagles more than it seems. B+
Overall: No one aspect or another dominated the game or took over when it mattered. The Eagles seemed very content, up 16-3, to just coast to the finish line. And they got caught. Good teams don't rest on their laurels — in hot starts or in a weak division. The Eagles just aren't a good enough team in that respect and it showed on Sunday. C
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
