Eagles-Rams Film Review: Jalen Carter makes everyone on the defensive line look better

This was considered one of my favourite Philadelphia Eagles defensive performances of the season as a result of it was in opposition to a critical offense. Sean McVay is an impressive soccer coach and this Los Angeles Rams offense is gifted. Though the Rams scored 20 factors, the protection dominated. The rating would have mirrored the domination with out some questionable passing interference calls and a late landing. Let’s get into it. (Beforehand: Eagles-Rams offensive movie overview.)

Protection

The Rams got here out and had success on the primary few performs of the sport. I’m positive I wasn’t the one one nervous that McVay had discovered the Eagles’ protection. Then I remembered that Fangio is the Eagles’ defensive coordinator! He rapidly adjusted and began utilizing these 5-man fronts on early downs to cease the Rams’ operating recreation. It was a genius transfer, and these 5-man fronts have been essential all through the sport on 1st down. I’ll write correctly about Brandon Graham after the season, however he had a incredible recreation. The Eagles will miss his skill to kick inside, because it permits them to be very unpredictable with their fronts. Isaiah Rodgers deserves enormous credit score for forcing the fumble right here. The Eagles’ defensive backs are taking part in arduous in run protection and having a huge impact.

It feels bizarre to be so constructive a couple of participant after he will get beat, however I can’t say something good issues about this rep by Quinyon Mitchell. Puka Nacua is an impressive participant. McVay calls the proper play in opposition to the Eagles’ single-high protection and Quinyon has to play with outdoors leverage in opposition to an in-breaking route. This play ought to be open 99 instances out of 100. Regardless of this, Quinyon covers it completely and practically breaks it up. Each single cornerback will get beat at instances. The very best ones make you’re employed for each single yard.

The announcers talked about Jalen Carter being double-teamed loads on this recreation, and this clip reveals why. Sadly, Jordan Davis provides the Eagles nothing as a move rusher. I might love him to win his one-on-one right here and provides opposing offensive coordinators one thing to think about earlier than instantly double-teaming Carter. Davis is a helpful early down run defender, however his pass-rushing abilities haven’t improved.

Most individuals will watch this play and complain in regards to the move interference name on Slay. Watching this play reside, I did the very same factor. Nonetheless, there are a few extra attention-grabbing notes on the All22. Firstly, this is without doubt one of the first instances I’ve seen Josh Sweat kick inside and Zack Baun line up because the EDGE subsequent to him. The Eagles will want somebody to interchange Brandon Graham’s position if they’re to stay unpredictable with their fronts. This alerts that Josh Sweat may tackle that position. I’m fascinated to see who does it as a result of I’m sure that the Eagles might want to use some 5-man fronts in opposition to the Ravens this weekend. Secondly, the Eagles’ route distribution is excellent as soon as once more. Fangio is aware of find out how to coach a secondary.

Ed Reed Blankenship. What a participant. You possibly can’t play the ‘robber’ position any higher. The Eagles performed lots of single-high protection on this recreation, which didn’t shock me. The Rams are recognized for operating many crossing routes, and the ‘robber’ security may also help take away the crossing route in the course of the sector, as Blankenship does right here. Blankenship does a tremendous job taking away two routes in the course of the sector, however the move would have been accomplished with out a incredible restoration by Darius Slay. I really feel unhealthy for Slay as a result of he’s taking part in so effectively this yr however simply can not keep wholesome. I hope the Eagles give him time to relaxation as a result of I need him match and firing for the post-season. He’s having an amazing yr when he’s on the sector.

I do know followers can generally get over-excited when a rookie is taking part in effectively (particularly in a small pattern dimension), however Cooper DeJean deserves the hype. He’s reworked this protection. The Eagles reside in nickel now and don’t must play any base due to how good DeJean is in opposition to the run. In addition to this, his protection has been glorious. His urgent on the line of scrimmage has actually stood out and helped him shut down Cooper Kupp on this recreation. The Eagles smashed the 2024 NFL Draft, didn’t they?

Nakobe Dean has been lights out the previous few weeks, however this was his greatest recreation. He regarded good in protection, blitzing the quarterback and in run protection. You possibly can inform that he’s not overthinking something and he’s trusting his instincts proper now. The signal of an amazing defensive coordinator is that his scheme makes gamers look higher. Many individuals have been shocked that Dean was beginning over Devin White at first of the season, however nobody is questioning that call now. Fangio appears to have gotten all the large personnel selections proper this yr. I’m actually joyful for Dean. That is an superior play.

Yeah, I’m not prepared to speak about Brandon Graham but. I didn’t know in regards to the damage till the top of the sport, and it immediately ruined my good temper. I spoke about Brandon Graham within the first 10 minutes of my podcast this week, so in order for you extra ideas on him, please be happy to hear right here. He’s not only a incredible dude; he’s a incredible participant. He’s regarded pretty much as good as he ever has over the previous few weeks, and the Eagles are actually going to overlook him on the sector. Personally, I’m simply so gutted for him as a person. It received’t really feel proper watching this Eagles’ protection with out BG on the sector.

Take a look at the eye Jalen Carter instructions on this play. Blitzing the weakside linebacker reverse Carter is straightforward cash. Dean is a incredible blitzer, and this isn’t the primary time he’s made a operating again look silly in move safety this season! That is ‘Whip’, an idea I’ve spoken about earlier than. It’s the place the weakside linebacker blitzes, and the strongside EDGE drops into protection. It’s a Fangio stapl,e and it’s labored loads this season.

If that is the final ever time I submit a clip of Brandon Graham, then it’s a depraved play to finish on. My mind tells me that BG is 36 years outdated, which signifies that that is seemingly the top of the highway for his taking part in profession. My coronary heart tells me he received’t need to exit like this…

I hope I see BG again within the Eagles’ inexperienced subsequent season.

The Eagles’ route distribution was good nearly all of the time, however there have been just a few shaky performs. I attempt to touch upon issues I believe might be a problem shifting ahead, so I assumed I’d simply point out this. I don’t just like the Eagles’ dime package deal, and it doesn’t appear to work with Avonte Maddox on the sector. I hope the Eagles attempt one thing else as a result of I can see this being a problem on an vital third and lengthy over the following few weeks. It’s a disgrace Kelee Ringo can’t play within the slot as a result of I might slightly see him on the market. You may push Quinyon inside and play Ringo on the surface in dime however that feels somewhat foolish contemplating how Quinyon is taking part in proper now.

Milton Williams will get the sack, however the Eagles’ move rush is about Jalen Carter. He’s a famous person. I’m somewhat involved about how reliant the Eagles are on Carter, however I respect that every one groups are reliant on their superstars to some extent. Carter makes everybody on the defensive position look higher as a result of he always takes on double groups. Generally, two offensive linemen aren’t sufficient to cease Carter.

I’m excited to look at this protection play in opposition to an outstanding Ravens offense. It’s going to be an interesting recreation to interrupt down subsequent week. Go Birds!

Thanks for studying! I’d love to listen to your ideas, so be happy to remark under and ask any questions. For those who loved this piece, you’ll find extra of my work and podcast right here.