Thoughts as it pertains to us.
- You see what dominant DLs can do. Seattle's DL was all over Wentz all night. Philly's DL was dominant as well but Wilson's ability to escape and free lance was able to overcome that a bit. But watching last night reminded me that we need to pour more into our front four. We have two legit high level pieces - Lawrence and Irving. Collins has potential and Crawford is a solid performer. I want more. So if a guy like Landry or Chubb is sitting there in the first round, I have no problems grabbing them. If a kid like Wilkins, the DT from Clemson is there, I have no problem taking him. People will say "well we need LBs". I get that. But frankly, a dominant DL can cover up a lot of other issues. Philly doesn't have "great" LBs but they are competent and look better because their DL helps them. So my priority would be finish the DL this offseason. If we came out of this draft with say a Landry or Wilkins or Chubb and then also added a guy like Poe or Logan in FA................ the effect on this defense would be immense IMO.
- Wentz was off last night but the thing I noticed and others noticed was how they seem to have a lot of open WRs. I don't think, other than TE, that the Eagles have such better skill players than we do. But yet, they seemingly have guys open all over the place. I can't recall a game where I came away thinking what a great called game we had, where guys were open, we made it easier on Dak, etc.
- Kris Richard, the DC for Seattle, might be a name to watch going forward if we need a new head coach at any point in the next few years. I think I'd prefer an offensive minded guy but people speak glowingly of Richard.
All Seattle defense that created Wentz problems.
85% of the time they played their nickel package. SAM (Michael Wilhoite) was on the field for 15 plays; nickel corner Justin Coleman had 62 plays.
They creep Bryan McDougal up to share middle with Bobby Wagner.
Underneath coverage is K.J. Wright, Bobby Wagner, Bryan McDougal, and Justin Coleman. These guys direct your receivers disrupting routes.
Shaquill Griffin and Byron Maxwell have outside deep coverage all the way to the endzone with help from Earl Thomas.
The whole idea is to force the QB to make a quick decision and throw.
Earl Thomas rocks! Reads and reacts to the ball is faster than the Flash.
Overall its a confusing defense, a defense of opportunity that creates mistakes. Consider:
Eagles hadn't been held to under 100 yard rushing since the opener. They had 98 last night.
Eagles hadn't been held to under 20 points all season.
Eagles hadn't been held to under 30 points in 6 games.
Wentz had an awesome play running for his life down the sideline just to get the Eagles single TD.