By David Weinberg
If the Birds expect to challenge for the NFC East title and make a deep playoff run this season, they will have to begin gathering some momentum to erase the frustration that built during their 2-2 start.
The Eagles come out of the bye week in third place in the division behind the surprising Washington Commanders (4-1) and Dallas Cowboys (3-2). They sit in ninth place in the NFC, where the undefeated Minnesota Vikings (5-0) own the top seed, followed by the Commanders and Detroit Lions (3-1).
They should start a winning streak on Sunday, when they face the struggling Cleveland Browns (1-4) at Lincoln Financial Field.
That kicks off a three-game stretch that should leave them in solid position. After taking on the Browns, they play the New York Giants (2-3) and Cincinnati Bengals (1-4) before taking on former coach Doug Pederson and the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4).
They need to go at least 3-1 in the next four games, both to stay in contention in the division and to rebuild their confidence.
A loss to the Browns, would be disastrous.
The Browns are widely regarded as the league’s worst team, a reputation that was reinforced during a 34-13 loss to the Commanders last Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are healthier than they’ve been in weeks and well-rested.
Wide receivers A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) are expected to play Sunday, as is right tackle Lane Johnson (concussion).
With Brown and Smith rejoining quarterback Jalen Hurts, running back Saquon Barkley and tight end Dallas Goedert, there is no excuse for the offense to continue to sputter.
It should start purring like a Porsche instead of breaking down like the Chevy Vega I owned back in the late 1970’s.
The defense is another matter.
The unit has been good in spots, but has been way too inconsistent, given its lineup. That’s particularly true of their edge rushers, who have garnered two sacks – one apiece from Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat – to date. Bryce Huff hasn’t gotten close to a quarterback.
Defensive tackles Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis have had a few shining moments, but they both need to have bigger impacts. That would take some pressure off the secondary, which aside from rookie standout Quinyon Mitchell has also been struggling.
The upcoming games are most important for Hurts, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and especially coach Nick Sirianni.
Hurts has been plagued by turnovers and poor decisions thus far, having committed seven turnovers (four interceptions, three fumbles) this season and a league-high 27 giveaways in 2023-24.
He needs to get on a roll to regain the fans’ faith and justify his lofty contract.
Fangio was supposed to be the savior of the defense that languished last season under Sean DeSai and Matt Patricia, but has yet to live up to the hype.
But the real pressure is on Sirianni.
Owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman gambled by bringing him back to the sideline after last season’s collapse. So far, the results have been mixed at best.
The doubts are now stronger than ever in the wake of last week’s embarrassing loss at Tampa. There was even some speculation that he would be canned during the bye.
The Phillies’ postseason has taken away some of the pressure – though even the Phils took some heat for the way they started the NLDS against the Mets – but it will be back on the Eagles soon enough.
The division still theirs for the taking.
But it remains to be seen if they can take it.
Local NFL update
Packers WR Bo Melton (Cedar Creek High School) had one catch for 12 yards in Green Bay’s 24-19 win over the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday. For the season, he has two receptions for 40 yards.
Cardinals rookie CB Max Melton (Cedar Creek), Bo’s younger brother, had two tackles in Arizona’s 24-23 upset over the San Francisco 49ers. He has 10 tackles on the season.
Bills defensive tackle Austin Johnson (St. Augustine Prep, Galloway Township) missed Buffalo’s 24-23 loss to the Houston Texans with an oblique injury.
David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points.
Send comments to weinbergd419@comcast.net.
