No doubt, the Eagles would give the officials an F for completely changing the complexion of the game with a botched call on the opening kickoff of their 29-23 loss to the Cowboys. Were the play properly ruled a turnover, the Eagles likely open with a lead and some momentum, not another flat start.
Still, they were presented with opportunities as the game went on, and as the grades reflect, simply didn’t capitalize on enough.
Quarterback
Carson Wentz: 22/32, 228 YDS, 3 TD
For three-and-a-half quarters, Wentz was tentative and inaccurate, completing 15 of 24 passes for 118 yards while leading a lone two-yard touchdown drive. On the Eagles’ final two possessions, he completed seven of eight for 110 yards during marches of 47 and 65 yards. Clutch — but too little, too late.
Grade: C
Running backs
Darren Sproles: 3 REC, 34 YDS, 1 TD
Not much work on the ground but at least Sproles provided a spark in the passing game. Josh Adams accounted for seven of the unit’s 10 carries, going for 36 yards but stopped for a yard or less four times.
NFL
Grade: B-
Wide receivers and tight ends
Alshon Jeffery: 6 REC, 50 YDS, 1 TD
Thought Jeffery and Zach Ertz each should’ve come up with one that grazed off their fingertips. Either would’ve been tough grabs, for sure, but the type Pro Bowl players need to make. Dallas Goedert finished with four receptions, 44 yards and a touchdown, plus had a 75-yard score erased by a bogus penalty.
Grade: B-
Offensive line
Jason Peters got beat once, which led to a turnover, but the other sack was on the quarterback. All told, Wentz was only hit five times in 36 dropbacks. Tough sledding on the ground, though, with 12 called rushes averaging 2.7 yards per attempt.
Grade: B-
Defensive line
Michael Bennett: 7 TKL, 2 TFL, 1.5 SK, 5 QH
There are two names you can expect to see on the stat sheet every week: Bennett and Fletcher Cox. The duo combined for three tackles for loss, three sacks and nine quarterback hits. The rest of the D-line? Zero, zero and zero.
Grade: B
Linebackers
Nigel Bradham: 14 TKL
Bradham, Kamu Grugier-Hill and Nathan Gerry combined for a whopping 28 tackles, including 13 solos. The unit cleaning up at the second level is a big reason All-Pro Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott was “limited” to 113 yards and a 4.0 average.
Grade: B+
Secondary
Rasul Douglas: 9 TKL, 1 TFL, 1 INT
It’s a shame Douglas’ attempted pass breakup turned into the decisive Cowboys touchdown because he played well. Rough outing for Sidney Jones trying to battle through a hamstring injury. Jones eventually gave way to De’Vante Bausby, who was immediately torched for a 75-yard touchdown — Corey Graham watched. Dallas finished with 434 yards passing.
Grade: D
Special teams
Cameron Johnston: 46.0 AVG, 3 IN20
We can all count. Jake Elliott’s missed extra point would’ve helped.
Grade: C-
Coaching
Eagles’ record: 6-7
Some bizarre play calls. Dubious strategy using single coverage on Cowboys wideout Amari Cooper while he goes off for 217 yards and three touchdowns. But by now, everybody should realize Doug Pederson and Jim Schwartz just don’t have the horses, especially when the officials are conspiring against them.
Grade: C
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