Eagles vs. Rams: 14 winners, 4 losers, 2 IDKs

The Philadelphia Eagles are 9-2 after beating the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night time!

Time at hand out some winners, losers, and IDKs.

(Sorry for the delay.)

WINNERS

SAQUON BARKLEY

I believe we’re operating out of how to correctly comprehend how good Barkley is? He’s merely unreal. Three letters may be most succinct: MVP.

Barkley ran everywhere in the Rams with 26 carries for a career-high 255 yards (an insane 9.8 common) and two touchdowns. He additionally had 4 catches for 47 yards to convey him as much as 302 yards from scrimmage, a brand new Eagles single-game franchise report and the ninth-most by any participant in NFL historical past.

Barkley is at present logging 149.9 yards from scrimmage per recreation. Solely 9 single-season performances prime this quantity:

1) Priest Holmes in 2002 with 163.4 (Offensive Participant of the Yr, 4th in MVP voting)2) O.J. Simpson in 1975 with 160.2 (2nd in OPOY, 2nd in MVP) 3) Le’Veon Bell in 2016 with 157.0 (sixth in OPOY)4) Chris Johnson in 2009 with 156.8 (OPOY)5) Marshall Faulk in 2000 with 156.4 (OPOY, MVP) 6) Marshall Faulk in 2001 with 153.4 (OPOY, 2nd in MVP)7) Jim Brown in 1963 with 152.2 (2nd in MVP)8) Marshall Faulk in 1999 with 151.8 (OPOY, 2nd in MVP)9) Walter Payton in 1977 with 151.5 (MVP, OPOY)

Barkley is logging 6.2 yards per carry. Solely two operating backs have ever averaged extra in a single season: Jim Brown at 6.4 in 1963 and Jamaal Charles at 6.4 in 2010.

Barkley’s on tempo for two,151 speeding yards, which might surpass Eric Dickerson’s NFL single-season report set at 2,105 in 1984.

Barkley is arguably having the perfect season by an Eagles participant … EVER!

THE EAGLES’ OFFENSIVE LINE

Barkley’s historic night time was aided by a robust displaying from the Eagles’ offensive line.

The Rams have been permitting 127.3 speeding yards per recreation. Taking out two Kenny Pickett kneels, the Eagles logged 43 rushes for 316 yards (7.3 common) and three touchdowns.

Coming into Week 12, the Rams have been averaging the Eleventh-most sacks per recreation with 2.7. The Eagles held them to at least one.

Defensive Rookie of the Yr candidate Jared Verse did have a spotlight second the place he pancaked Jordan Mailata (although he might have been offside?). However he was saved with no quarterback hit for simply the fourth time this season.

Jeff Stoutland and his college students kicked ass.

Jordan Mailata was PFF’s second-highest graded offensive lineman from Week 12. Mekhi Becton ranked twenty ninth out of 135 gamers whereas Landon Dickerson was thirty seventh.

The mixture of Barkley and this line is deadly. They’re the workforce’s offensive id.

BRANDON GRAHAM

BG struggling a season-ending — and maybe career-ending — damage is devastating.

He’s been superior and extremely impactful this 12 months.

Take the sequence the place the Rams have been driving late within the third quarter for instance. Dealing with 2nd-and-1, LA went with a run that Graham straight disrupted to arrange a TFL for his teammates. Dealing with Third-and-3, Zack Baun broke up a Matthew Stafford go that ended up counting for no play since Nick Sirianni accepted a holding penalty (after initially declining it, which we’ll get to later). Dealing with Third-and-13, Stafford obtained sacked. The Rams then tried a 47-yard discipline objective that was no good. The Eagles instantly responded with a made discipline objective to make it a 16-point recreation. All of that was arrange by an enormous play by BG.

And that was only one nice play by him. He had loads of others as he completed with one sack, two TFLs, and a team-high three quarterback hits.

The Eagles are undoubtedly going to overlook the vitality that Graham brings to the desk, although he’ll nonetheless be across the workforce to supply as a lot of that as he can with out taking part in. However they’re additionally actually going to overlook him on the sphere. Take it for what it’s value however he’s PFF’s Nineteenth-highest graded edge rusher this season.

On one hand, I hope we haven’t seen the final of Graham. He was taking part in so nicely this season that it appeared like he ought to undoubtedly come again in 2025. It doesn’t really feel like we obtained a correct goodbye.

However, I do hope we’ve seen the final of Graham if it means the Eagles win the Tremendous Bowl and permit him to exit on prime.

There’s a lot extra to say about BG that we’ll get to in additional depth at one other time. For now, I simply need to reiterate a earlier sentiment: Brandon Graham is THE quintessential Philadelphia Eagle.

Between making the largest play in franchise historical past, being an superior human being by all accounts, taking part in probably the most video games ever performed by an Eagle, having an unimaginable underdog story, turning into a part of the native cloth by deciding to plant roots within the Philadelphia space … you simply add all of it collectively and he’s Mr. Eagle.

He’s not the perfect participant they’ve ever had. However he’s probably the most defining. If “Philadelphia Eagles” was included within the dictionary with an accompanying image, it ought to be Brandon Graham’s face you see.

Legend.

VIC FANGIO

Final week, I discussed how Fangio is the Eagles’ new Jim Johnson. This week, the Eagles achieved a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since … Jim Johnson.

The Eagles allowed 14 factors on this recreation previous to the Rams’ late rubbish time landing when Philly had plenty of backup gamers in. Issues seemed somewhat dicey early on with the Rams not even dealing with a 3rd down on their first two drives … however Fangio shortly adjusted.

Fangio continues to personal boy surprise Sean McVay.

JALEN HURTS

As soon as once more, Hurts didn’t put the ball in hurt’s approach.

For the reason that Week 5 bye, Hurts has solely turned it over twice. He’s accounted for 18 whole touchdowns, one interception, and one misplaced fumble over his final seven begins. That’s a successful model of soccer.

Hurts efficiently managed to not drop his eyes and provides the Rams’ go rush extra alternatives to get to him. He usually stepped up in opposition to the push, avoiding strain to both ship a go or take off operating.

His closing numbers: 15/22, 68.2% completion, 179 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 108.0 passer score … 12 runs, 39 yards.

Hurts didn’t do the heavy-lifting. And there’s most likely going to be instances the place he’s going to should do precisely that to ensure that the Eagles to win the Tremendous Bowl.

For now, although, the formulation works: be environment friendly, don’t flip the ball over.

A.J. BROWN

Yet one more boringly wonderful recreation from A.J.

He caught six of his seven targets for 109 yards (18.2 common) and a landing.

5 of his six receptions resulted in first downs. The opposite resulted in a TD.

48 of Brown’s yards (so, 44%) have been a results of YAC. The Rams had a troublesome time tackling him.

And he did this with out the Rams’ protection having to additionally fear about DeVonta Smith, who missed the sport attributable to a hamstring damage.

JALEN CARTER

Carter had one solo sort out and 0 different stats.

In fact, Carter’s influence went approach past the field rating.

As talked about by the printed, NFL Subsequent Gen Stats confirmed that Carter was being double-teamed at a career-high fee. Regardless of this, he nonetheless brought about commonly disruption that his different teammates have been in a position to capitalize on.

Making issues much more spectacular is that Carter was in a position to be a giant issue regardless of by no means leaving the sphere. He’s a monster.

MILTON WILLIAMS

Wiliams definitely took benefit of the additional consideration on Carter. He completed the night time with a career-high two sacks to go along with two TFLs and three whole QB hits.

Williams is doing nicely for himself in a contract 12 months. He’s as much as 5 sacks in 11 video games performed this season after solely logging 6.5 sacks in his first 50 video games performed.

It’s unclear if the Eagles will re-sign him. However that’s a dialogue for the offseason. For now, the Eagles are getting good manufacturing from their second defensive sort out (when it comes to snaps performed).

NAKOBE DEAN

Stud efficiency by Dean, who stuffed up the field rating: team-high eight whole tackles, team-high 5 solo tackles, two TFLs, one sack, and a fumble restoration. Dean was additionally credited with a team-high six “stops,” that are outlined as tackles that represent a failure for the offense.

The spotlight play was when Dean completely steam-rolled Kyren Williams in go safety to get to Stafford. I do know I’ve mentioned it eleventy billion instances by now however he’s such a violent pressure to be reckoned with when he’s working downhill.

COOPER DEJEAN

DeJean had two nice go breakups on this recreation.

The primary got here in opposition to Cooper Kupp and prompted the Rams’ first punt:

The second got here downfield in opposition to Puka Nacua and it contributed to a Rams drive the place they ran 10 performs for simply 13 yards and needed to punt.

ISAIAH RODGERS

Filling in for an injured Darius Slay, Rodgers compelled a fumble to cease the Rams’ promising first drive and in the end arrange an Eagles discipline objective.

Rodgers additionally had actually good downfield protection on Nacua for what ought to’ve been a Third-and-16 cease if not for the referees inventing a defensive go interference penalty on him that didn’t truly occur.

With Slay within the concussion protocol, it’s potential Rodgers may need to begin in Week 13. Having a fourth cornerback you’ll be able to depend on to come back in and play nicely is a reasonably good factor to have. Rodgers is barely permitting a 79.8 passer score when focused this season.

KENNY GAINWELL

Kenny G’s 13-yard landing run obtained him in the long run zone for the primary time since November 5, 2023. That needed to really feel good.

JAKE ELLIOTT

Elliott wasn’t majorly examined. He made discipline targets from 21, 31, and 26 yards out (in that order). He additionally made all 4 of his additional level kicks.

Nonetheless, good to see that he doesn’t completely have the yips following the worst efficiency of his profession. This recreation may’ve served as a confidence increase for the Eagles’ kicker.

ALSHON JEFFERY

Shout out to Tremendous Bowl LII champion Alshon Jeffery for displaying as much as the sport and hanging out with the workforce within the locker room afterwards as nicely. That’s a candy customized 2017 jacket he’s obtained on. Feels prefer it’s been a minute since we’ve seen Alshon in public.

LOSERS

THE REFS

To not be a ref man … however to completely be a ref man … there was some rubbish officiating on this recreation.

It began early with the officers initially calling the Isaiah Rodgers compelled fumble a non-fumble. I imply, it wasn’t even shut, the ball was out whereas Kyren Williams was upright. It wasn’t like he was tremendous nearer to be down. The Eagles had to make use of a problem that they shouldn’t have had to make use of. Had the Eagles challenged one other name and obtained it fallacious, they might’ve been out of challenges for the sport. Fortuitously, that didn’t occur … however the refs’ incompetence allowed that potential situation to exist. And the way weren’t the officers extra prepared for Sirianni probably throwing a problem flag there?

As beforehand talked about, the refs made up a defensive go interference penalty on Rodgers that didn’t exist. And that was an enormous swing with a 4th-and-16 on the plus 34-yard line turning into 1st-and-goal on the 3-yard line, the place the Rams would rating their second landing two performs later to make it a six-point recreation earlyish within the third quarter. (Be aware: I believe the Rodgers penalty was a worse name than the penalty on Darius Slay because the veteran CB truly hooked the WR, even when it was slight. However in case you disagree, hey, I’m not right here to say the refs did nice.)

The “pointless roughness” name on Landon Dickerson was a joke. This type of shoving occurs in soccer on a regular basis. AND THE REF STARING RIGHT AT IT HAPPENING WASN’T EVEN THE ONE WHO THREW THE FLAG. Apologies for the all caps however that’s an enormous pet peeve of mine. Let the ref who has the perfect view make the decision! How is somebody with a worse view attending to make that call!? The flag worn out a Rams DPI penalty that will’ve given the Eagles 1st-and-goal once more as an alternative of getting Third-and-goal on the 8-yard line.

The Eagles weren’t the one workforce harm by poor officiating. Permitting Sirianni to alter a declined penalty was a mistake by them (although maybe a make-up effort for earlier dangerous calls in opposition to the Eagles?!).

However, man, this crew was not good.

GIANTS CO-OWNER JOHN MARA

“I’ll have a troublesome time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia, I’ll let you know that.”

Dude most likely hasn’t slept all season lengthy. Should be exhausted.

DARIUS SLAY

The Rams weren’t shy to throw at Slay; they focused him 5 instances on simply 18 protection snaps performed. Solely DeJean was focused extra usually at 9 instances on 44 protection snaps.

PFF marked Slay down for 4 catches, 39 yards, and a 99.2 passer score allowed when focused. The veteran cornerback additionally dedicated two penalties and missed one sort out.

Slay left the sport early and is now within the concussion protocol. It’s unclear if he’ll have the ability to play in Week 13.

SYDNEY BROWN

When Reed Blankenship obtained banged up on the Rams’ first drive, the Eagles put Tristin McCollum — and never Sydney Brown — in at security. That was fairly fascinating and never anticipated. One would’ve thought Brown was increased within the pecking order, particularly since McCollum has been a wholesome scratch in latest weeks. However maybe this was an indication that Vic Fangio doesn’t completely belief Brown to play on protection but.

PFF marked Brown answerable for the garbage-time landing that the Rams scored late within the fourth quarter.

I DON’T KNOWS

NICK SIRIANNI

I nonetheless don’t know the best way to correctly parse the credit score Sirianni deserves.

The Eagles are successful quite a bit with him as the pinnacle coach. That’s fairly essential! He appears to be nailing the tradition stuff with the vibes being actually good:

I preferred Sirianni’s choice to line as much as go for it on 4th-and-1 from the Eagles’ personal 18-yard line whereas up 16 factors with 4:19 left within the fourth quarter. And I’m not simply saying that as a result of the Eagles efficiently drew the Rams offside (which, to Sirianni’s credit score, is one thing the Eagles observe often). I might’ve mentioned it was the appropriate name even when the Eagles went for it and it didn’t work out (similar to I did once I credited Sirianni for his aggression in the same sort of scenario in opposition to the Miami Dolphins final 12 months).

I didn’t like Sirianni’s choice to kick a discipline objective from 4th-and-goal on the 3-yard line on the Eagles’ first drive. I didn’t like how he opted in opposition to going for a two-point conversion when he may’ve made it a seven-point recreation after their first landing or a 14-point recreation after their second landing. Nor his choice to not a name timeout late within the second quarter after Dean’s sack introduced up Third-and-13 on the minus 27-yard line for the Rams. Why didn’t he belief a protection that had simply compelled back-to-back punts and allowed simply -3 yards on six performs? As a substitute of getting the ball again with a couple of minute left, the Eagles solely had 33 seconds to work with. And that finish of half sequence was fairly weird with a fourth down QB draw (which seemingly was a Hurts audible, in equity) resulting in a turnover on downs to present the Rams a shot at a Hail Mary. This was hardly the primary instance of a mismanaged finish of first half sequence this 12 months.

There was additionally that bizarre second the place Sirianni initially declined a penalty to make it 4th-and-3 for the Rams however he modified his thoughts as soon as he noticed them going for it and accepted the holding penalty to make it Third-and-13. It’s definitely not his fault the refs tousled by permitting him to do this; kudos to him for getting them to acquiesce. And the choice labored out nicely with the Eagles getting a sack, which then led to a missed discipline objective try. However had the refs held him to his unique choice, the Rams may’ve been in a position to get three yards for a primary down. We are able to’t say for positive. However given the best way the Eagles’ protection/go rush was taking part in, and realizing the Rams have had kicker points, he most likely ought to’ve accepted the flag from the bounce to attempt to pressure that longer FG scenario?

I simply don’t suppose Sirianni is acing the in-game administration a part of the job like he ought to be. It hasn’t mattered as a lot because the Eagles have had a comparatively giant margin for error recently. However there’s going to come back a time earlier than later when these choices matter much more and it might be the distinction between successful/dropping.

QUINYON MITCHELL

This wasn’t one in all Mitchell’s greatest video games if we’re measuring him by the extremely excessive bar he’s set as a rookie. He gave up a couple of catches and even allowed a landing for the primary time in his profession! Bust! Minimize him!

Not fairly.

1) That TD got here in rubbish time. 2) PFF truly assigned the blame on that one to Sydney Brown, who wasn’t in place to supply security assist.

For probably the most half, it felt like Stafford wasn’t actually prepared to throw Mitchell’s approach. In all probability a great name. At one level, Q truly broke up a go on a ball that wasn’t thrown to the man he was protecting.

Nonetheless, I don’t know that Mitchell actually boosted his inventory for Defensive Rookie of the Yr on this recreation. And it felt like it might’ve been a giant alternative for him to take action with Jared Verse, who had the flashy rep the place he pancaked Mailata (who hardly ever loses to pure energy like that as a lot as he’s vulnerable to hurry rushes if something), additionally taking part in within the prime-time highlight.

Present DROY odds by way of FanDuel:

Jared Verse -160Quinyon Mitchell +260Braden Fiske +900Chop Robinson +1600Cooper DeJean +1800Laiatu Latu +1800