Eagles report card: Gutsy performance by defense punctuates impressive win

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Keep in mind, the Eagles’ offense owes a lot to the defense and special teams after a 30-23 win over the Rams in Los Angeles (see Roob's observations).

One of the Eagles’ two interceptions gave Nick Foles and company the ball at L.A.’s 12-yard line to set up an easy touchdown. And special teams not only accounted for 12 points but also kept the Rams pinned in their own end and even accounted for a takeaway.

This report card reflects those contributions to the Eagles’ 30 points.

Quarterback
Foles: 24/31, 270 YDS, 1 INT, 89.4 RT

A lot to like about Foles’ gutsy performance. He was accurate, pushed the ball downfield, took some hits, even extended a bunch of plays. Yet, his fourth-quarter interception let the Rams back in the game, while his longest pass, a 50-yard completion, was basically a jump ball to nobody in particular.

Grade: B

Running backs
Wendell Smallwood: 10 ATT, 48 YDS, 2 TD

Good thing Smallwood was fresh, because Josh Adams was laboring with a back injury. Adams averaged 1.9 yards per carry but managed to punch one into the end zone. Darren Sproles finished with six touches and 46 yards from scrimmage.

Grade: B

Wide receivers/tight ends
Alshon Jeffery: 8 REC, 160 YDS

It was nice to see a quarterback trust Jeffery to make plays above the rim, where he’s at his best. All eight of his targets went for completions too. Muted effort from the rest of the group. Golden Tate was Plan B with five catches for 42 yards.

Grade: B+

Offensive line
The Rams boast some of the scariest pass rushers in the NFL — who combined for three quarterback hits and zero sacks on 32 dropbacks. Protection was stellar. Eagles backs also averaged 3.8 yards per carry with three rushing touchdowns.

Grade: A-

Defensive line
Fletcher Cox: 3 TKL, 1.0 SK

Probably the most tenacious effort from this unit all season. Cox registered the only sack but was one of three linemen with two quarterback hits, and the numbers don’t do the pressure justice. Rams backs totaled 52 yards on the ground.

Grade: A

Linebackers
Nigel Bradham: 7 TKL, 1 TFL

A quietly solid game from Bradham, who was excellent in pursuit and in particular finishing plays with a badly broken thumb. Nathan Gerry and Kamu Grugier-Hill combined for an additional seven tackles.

Grade: B+

Secondary
Rasul Douglas: 14 TKL, 1 TFL

Avonte Maddox and Corey Graham each recorded interceptions, but Douglas’ 14 tackles is a huge number. He wasn't the only member of the secondary in double digits, either — Malcolm Jenkins made 11. Heck, Cre’Von LeBlanc had eight. Rams averaged 6.2 yards per pass attempt.

Grade: A

Special teams
Jake Elliott: 3/4 FG, 3/3 XP

Elliott’s miss from 53 yards with 1:13 left could’ve been a backbreaker. He still racked up 12 points, while Cameron Johnston averaged 51.7 per punt with two of three downed inside the Rams’ 20.

Grade: A-

Coaching
Eagles’ record: 7-7

Some questionable calls and decisions, as always. Yet, Jim Schwartz’s shorthanded defense took apart one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, while Doug Pederson got this entire roster to leave everything it had — and I mean everything — on the field in a must-win game. The Rams were not impressive, but the Eagles’ coaching job was.

Grade: A-

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