By: Kylan Watson

Coming off of their early bye week, the Philadelphia Eagles were healthier and trying to get things together in all phases of the game. They played the Cleveland Browns this afternoon, a perfect opponent to get things fixed against. They started the game off slowly, but the Eagles were able to take this game from the Browns 20-16.

Despite having all that rest Philly still started this game off slow on the offensive side. Their first drive ended with a three and out, and they did not score their first points of the game until the second quarter. The Eagles offense has not been able to put points on the board in the first quarter all season. However, Jalen Hurts and the offense finally found their footing mid-way through the second quarter.  Hurts found AJ Brown on a beautifully thrown ball for the Eagles first touchdown of the game.

Thanks to that touchdown from Brown the Eagles dominated this game and were leading by 10 points. Then the Browns started showing life after Myles Garrett blocked an Eagles field goal attempt and that got returned for the Browns only touchdown of the game by Rodney McLeoud Jr.

The Eagles defensive unit was able to stifle the Browns’ offense just enough, to allow Hurts to find DeVonta Smith for the game winning touchdown. That was the story of this game the Eagles talent won this game for them. However, they cannot continue to rely on their talent to help them win games.

They had two weeks to solve their struggles in all phases of the game. Also, while it looked better for them on the defensive side, they were able to sack DeShaun Watson five times and keep the Browns offense from scoring any touchdowns in this contest.

The offense should start improving now that Brown and Smith are back, but the Eagles are still not adequately using Saquon Barkley enough. Finding that balance will be key in beating the New York Giants next week.

The Giants have an aggressive defensive line and using Barkley’s elusiveness with running and screen plays will be pivotal next week.

Philly has to find those plays in their offensive system that will lead to faster starts in the first quarter. Kellan Moore has to figure out what plays will unlock the talent of this offensive unit and allow them to put points on the board throughout a contest. When the Eagles are at their best, they dominated the first-half of games. That allowed them to have a big enough lead in games, that it forced their opponents to play their style of football.

A win is a win, but the Eagles still have a lot to fix if they want to be a top seed in the NFC, and contend for a super bowl appearance this season. The Eagles may not have Dallas Goedert available  next week.  He injured his hamstring early in this game, and that makes finding a balanced offensive scheme even more important next week. So, implementing those plays into their offensive attack and continuing to get pressure on Daniel Jones on the defensive side. Should  allow them to win their fourth game of the season next week over the Giants.