Post-Game Show: Eagles Win 34-13 In New York

complete dominating effort in all three phases. Finally, this is the type of game that we've been looking for from this football team since the start of the two and eighteen season. Everything coming together for this team and Ike. As the Eagles used in early season winning against the Giants last season to propel themselves. You can go way back when you were with the team in two thousand

and three that Brian Westbrook punt return touchdown. Can this be the game that finally showcases the Eagles can do and jump starts them going into the mental part here of this twenty eighteen campaign. I really think it can be. Chris and we'll get into exactly why I feel that way. There's some numbers that we take away from this game

that I'm very encouraged by. It's a short week, you're on the road, You're against a divisional opponent that says desperate, if not more desperate than you are as a team. So to go up to MetLife Stadium and come out with this type of dominating performance, really your best performance

overall as a team all year long. That gives me a lot of hope for the near future here that this team may have found this mojo and can turn this thing around and get to start and start playing the type of Eagles football that we anticipated them playing coming into the twenty eighteen season. Well, what's beautiful about this win is the Eagles are now three and three on the season, but in first place in the MC East, start off the AMC Slate undefeated one and oh so

huge win from that perspective. They get ten days off before facing off another tough NFC contender in the Carolina Panther's a game that they'll get at home, so it gets some rest. And there's some key injuries we'll have to talk about here. Jason Peters left the game with a biceps injury. Lane Johnson gutted through, but he has a high ankle sprain, so will he be okay? Darren Sprows, maybe you get him back. But Sidney Jones he left

the game with a hamstring injury. So you were down to some key reserves there along the offensive line and in the secondary. But the Eagles able to push through against a Giant's team that was just overmatched from the

start of the game. Eli Mangk throwing the early interception to Comu gruge Hill and then the Eagles capitalizing as Carson Wentz was brilliant on third down in this game, complaying his first ten passes, also very good in the red zone as he's rolling to his right, throws across his body, and Alshon Jeffrey scores the first of his two touchdowns to get the Eagles on the board seven

nothing and again. The biggest difference compared to this week as compared to two weeks ago when they were in Tennessee and they had a fourteen to three second half lead, law stent lead of seventeen to three second half lead, lost the lead before losing a game in overtime, is they jumped up early on the Giants and never looked back.

In many facets of this game, watching the Giants to me, Ike was watching the Eagles through the first five games of the season, where they had a playmaker in se Quon Barkley who could move the ball down the field,

but once in the red zone, they couldn't capitalize. The defense couldn't get enough timely stops on third down to get off the field to give themselves good field position, and ultimately they just wore down in the end, and the Giants showing really no fight in the second half because the Eagles took the big lead going into the second half and then extended it by grinding out the clock in the third quarter. They had the ball for over twelve minutes in the third quarter alone to really

just put the game away at that point. Tonight, Yeah, great job by the Eagles recognizing they're going up against the team that not only are they're struggling on the field, they're struggling off the field in the locker room turmoil, lack of cohesiveness, really a team that's trying to find something to hang their hat on. From a positive note, to really find a reason to fight to salvage this season. Great job by the Eagles tonight, not giving them anything

to hang their hat on. A team like the Giants in a desperate situation of where they are playing as poorly as they played for the majority of the season is they're looking for anything to spark them. So a lack of days ago effort by the Eagles tonight could have been that sort of formula for the Giants to sort of try to salvage their season. I love the way the Eagles came out. They played clean football, I

mean from a turnover standpoint keeping. Carson Wentz clean for the majority of the night, gave up one sack to night. We'll get into one of the other key factors that I thought they needed to clean up, which is the self inflicted wounds, the penalties. They didn't have any of those things tonight, So really the Giants looking for some help from their opponent didn't get it tonight from the Eagles.

The Eagles came with their A game and when the Giants couldn't answer the bell, the Eagles continue to pile up the points on them, and I love that when you got a team down like the New York Giants, you can't give them any hope, can't give them any life.

And had the Eagles came into this game tonight playing the way they have been playing in previous weeks, where you have the self inflicted wounds, where you have the turnovers, where you give your opponent a short field, those are the type of things that could have kept the Giants in this game and gave them some false hope that they could somehow win this game. I love the way the Eagles came in tonight and really dominated this game

from start to finish. You much agree. We're gonna hear from head coach Doug Pearson and quarterback Carson Wentz in just a little bit. We're gonna have a film breakdown segment to highlight some of the key plays and how they came to fruition for the Eagles. And we're also gonna go into the Sports Radio ninety four w ip booth with Merrill Reese and Mike Quick in our Merril Camp feature as day bring us some of those key

plays to life for us tonight. But like you talked about, how the Eagles just got some of those self inflicted wounds out of the way, and one of the things is that I love from the Eagles tonight was there were some plays like early in the game, the third quarter passed, there was a third third death pass that was Carson Wentz's arm was hit, the ball goes flying in the air, and the way the Eagles that played the first couple of weeks of this season, that probably

would have been interception. You know, somebody would have gone against the Eagles there. But Nelson Agilore makes it heads up play, comes down with the ball and makes a big gain out of it. There in the third quarter, Wendell Smallwood puts the ball on the ground, He's able to recover it, even though initially it looked like the

Giants Old Ogletree had it. However, the Eagles were able to get the ball back on the review and they convert a couple of key third downs thanks to Jordan Matthews to keep that drive alive and extend some time off the clock when the Eagles were already milking a twenty four to six league. So just being very opportunistic was something that we haven't seen from the Eagles in the first month plus of the season. They were able to be that in a whole lot more here tonight. Yeah,

and you mentioned Carson. You know, we can't go long talking about this team without talking about the play of number eleven. And I thought he was at his best today. You're talking about third down where he's ten for ten at one point he completed his first ten passes on third down, his red zone efficiency. I thought he was awesome tonight. He continues to get better each game that

he's out there. I thought he was more decisive what the football, didn't hold on to it, able to get rid of it quick, get the ball out of his hands, let his playmakers make some plays, and really played a nice clean game. Loved the game tonight from Carson Wentz. His fourth game back and in my opinion, his fourth game straight of showing improvement from one week to the next.

May not be in the stack category, but you just watch him play, his command of the game, and how he seemed tonight, more calm tonight in the pocket, didn't leave the pocket too soon, didn't hold on the ball too early trying to make something out of nothing. There was able to get it out of his hands on time. I just love the way he played, loved the way he kept his composure. That's what you need from your lead when you go on a role playing against the

divisional opponent like the New York Giants. It's funny you say, Ike, because we highlighted this on the Kickoff Show presented by Exalta, how Carson Wentz put out a tweet this warring kind of just to rally the truth to everything that was all right, And those are the words that you need from your leader in tough times like this, and he was the perfect person to put those words out on social media, but he backed them up more importantly than

anything else by having the type of performance he did tonight again, right from the jump, first drive, third down, rolls to the right waiting for guy to get open those across his body and finds Alshon Jeffrey, who was tremendous tonight here. But from start to finish, Carson Wentz was dealing from the pocket. And it was also great to see him take off and use his legs a little more effectively tonight here as well. So, Ike, let's

get into your three big takeaways from tonight's win. Starting with we talked about the first touchdown passed there, the Eagles scoring in the red zone. Yeah, the red zone in my opinion, was the biggest thing for the Eagles tonight. So they were four for six in the red zone. We've been talking about getting touchdowns as opposed to field goals. It's something they had struggled with coming off of a year where they were number one in the league and

red zone efficiency. So I love what they did tonight converting four of those six trials in the red zone and the touchdowns. And then my next two keys. Most importantly, you're talking about playing a clean game from the offensive side of the football. No turnovers tonight. The last three games key turnovers for this Eagles offense that helped set up scoring drives for the opposing team. You didn't get

that tonight. Made the Giants have to drive the field to earn everything every point that they were able to get. So we played a clean game there, taking care of the football. And then something I know Doug will be exceptionally happy with is the fact that they cut down on the penalties. Coming into tonight Eagles one of the top teams in the league and being penalized weekend and

week out. Only four penalties tonight, I believe, and I don't know if there were any pre snap penalties on the offense where you had some sort of false start or one false start okay, or illegal procedure or something like that. But much better to night stayed out of those first and fifteen first and twenty second and fifteen second and twenty type of situations where you can sort of stay ahead of the sticks and it makes it a lot easier to convert those in the first down.

So when I look at those three aspects, those are the three things that had been killing the Eagles through the first five weeks of the season. They seem to clean that all up tonight, and that's why you have the sort of margin of victory because when the Eagles, when the Eagles don't beat themselves, they are clearly better

than the opponents they have faced this year. The only reason these games have been closed through the first five weeks is because the turnovers, penalties, and not scoring touchdowns in the red zone. Indeed, so we'll touch more into all three of those key takeaways. Something for me here first and foremost, the Eagles. The most points they scored in a game coming into tonight this year was twenty three.

They surpassed that by halftime, and that's again twenty three points from this offense, and you can understand, you know, car Wentz, which was working his way back from the injury, but he has looked sharp the last couple of weeks. It was great to find seat all come together. I think you could actually say like the offense was clicking in the second half of last week's game against Minnesota. They just dug themselves too big of a hole to overcome and come back. But it was great to see

that momentum carry into tonight. And another important thing is the Eagles defense had forced five turnovers in the first five games of the season, you know, middle of the pack so far in the NFL. However, the Eagles offense had only capitalized on those turnovers to the tune of three points. So five turnovers, but only three points off those turnovers coming into tonight. The first drive of the game,

the Eagles get the interception from Commo gruge Hill. Jordan Hicks comes comes through a huge way tip in the past, allowing Commu gruge Hill to intercept it. Commo gruje Hill uses his athleticism to get the Eagles in scoring range and if they're three plays, the Eagles get seven points and they're on the board. So certainly twenty four points again season high in the first half alone, and they extended on that of the second half and then taking

advantage of the opponent's mistakes. That was something the Eagles had not done a good job of doing so in the first five games in the year. They were able to do that from the jump tonight and never really let the Giants get back in the ball game. Because again you go back to two weeks ago against the Tennessee Titans, the Eagles had the big lead in the second half by two possessions, and you figure out that point with this defense as good as it typically has been,

that's the type of game you would want. That's the type of situation they need to be in well. Tonight the Eagles defense, they got the big lead, the defensive line was able to pinace Ears backs and get after Eli Manning. And that was the other thing here tonight is Eli Manning was under duress all game. Long or as Fletcher Cox, Michael Bennett had the big sack, Chris Long brought the pressure, Derek Barnett all up in Dewla Destiny Vyou Desney Vau had his first sack of the season.

But that's just the type of night it was for the defensive line where the Eagles get the lead early on and the defensive line can feast and Fletcher Cox, he's probably one of the unsung heroes this ball game, but he was sensational, especially in the second half, to make sure that that huge lead stayed the way it did. Yeah, I thought the defensive line did exactly what they needed

to do tonight. The Giants offensive line had struggled to protect Eli all night, I mean all year long, So you knew that what could that You knew that could be an advantage for this Eagles defensive front. They were able to get after Eli. You know, he's not going to be able to escape much pressure, so you got multiple sacks on him and all of that. We hadn't

mentioned another outstanding group tonight, the secondary. You know, coming into this game tonight, I was a little concerned about what we'd be able to do against this Giant's passing attack. Last year, Eli through two games almost eight hundred plus yards he was able to throw against this defense. So I was a little concerned coming in tonight to tonight's game. But give a lot of credit to Jalen Mills, Sidney Jones, Ron Darby Rolessul Douglas had to come in and play.

Avonte Maddox had to move from safety down the slot corner once Sidney Jones went out, and I thought we did a fantastic job making sure we kept the explosive plays down tonight. That's another thing that's hurt this defense throughout the first five week of the season is that offenses have been able to get explosive plays against this defense. Tonight, we weren't having any of that, especially in a deep passing game. That's where the secondary had been hurt the

first couple of games of this season. Coming into the game tonight, my bold prediction actually on the Kickoff Show presented by Exalta, was that they would hold Takewon Barkley to fewer than one hundred yards from scrimmage. Okay, obviously that didn't work out. He had over two hundred yards, and in fact, he was one receiving yards shy of becoming the first Giants player in franchise history to have one hundred yards rushing and receiving in the same game.

But the bottom line is I thought that would be the case because I thought Odell Beckham would be the one to get the yards. You would have someone who would accumulate the yards, very similar to when they play Atlanta and Julio Jones. Julio Jones might get his yards, but if he doesn't get in the end zone and the Falcons can't cap lize, it's fine at the end of the day. Well, today here it was where Beckham

was virtually a non factor. Great coverage by Ron Darby, great pass breakup in the end zone late in the game by Jalen Mills, who bounced back in a huge way with all the criticism that he's faced the last couple of weeks. But sa Quon Barkley he got his yards. He's an outstanding player, an amazing talent, you know. But the thing is that they were able to keep him off the board through most of the game because they maybe gave up the big play, but once the Giants

were in the red zone, they weren't able to capitalize. Yeah, twenty six is gonna be a paint in a butt because just understanding that we got to see this kid twice a year. Like you said, phenomenal talent taking number two overall. You know, you sometimes when you get a player like sae Quon Barkley, it's about when he gets his yard, when he gets his touchdown, what point in the game does he do it. That's what's going to determine whether or not he had a huge impact on

the game. He was able to get some explosive plays. It's hard to keep a guy like that bottled up all night when you know it's is going to get him the ball as much as possible. But the fact that the matter is none of those plays were crucial to hurting the Eagles chances of winning tonight, and that's the big thing. Correct. So there were so many highlights in this game. Typically, when we bring you the Merril Camp feature Kersey Sports Radio ninety four WP, we try

to get the whole games worth in there. There were so many great plays from the first half alone that was enough for this Merril Camp feature. So Merory's Mike Quick inside the booth at MetLife Stadium, we present you Merrilcamp the best from the first half as the Eagles took a twenty four to sixth lead after the game's first thirty minutes. N two two all right, we're gonna send it back over to MetLife Stadium as head coach Doug Pearson is about to meet with the media. Lane.

Could he have finished the game, but you just kept him out after he went down because you had a big lead. That's correct. Much emphasis wasn't on starting fast offense the defense really well, yeah, you know it's something we've emphasized, you know obviously, UM this last couple of weeks, and and you know this week in particular. Uh, it's great to see our defense, UM come up with a big turnover, big stop early and then offense capitalize on that, you know in the red zone. And it's good to

see you know, all three phases really played. Uh, we're pretty pretty pretty good today. Proud of you over the team to respond the way you did on a short week and in a tough place to play against the Giants and do all the things that you guys have really struggled with, starting fast, red zone shacks the whole the whole nine years. I'm very proud of the guys, the coaches, UM, and and and really you know how they um, how they don't panic, you know, they don't.

It's resilient group. UM, how they hang together, UM work every single day, come to work every single day and and and get better and you know when things things kind of get piled on them here in the last couple of weeks and and uh, but they don't they don't listen to it, you know, and and they come out and play. Let I do tonight. It's it's a credit to that team and and those coaches in there, and give a lot a lot of credit to them. It's it seems throughout the year and you're trying to

play from the time. What's different for you guys when you're playing from the head well a lot. I mean it opens up more your playbook a little bit. You saw the run game kind of kind of take a little bit there in a second and third quarter and and you know, some play action passes and different things of that nature. And it just kind of gives you a little, um little openness to your game plan, I guess. And and and uh to play to play with the league.

Did you see Carson become become more comfortable more um, you know, perhaps the quarterback he was last year. I did, Um, he really did a did a nice job, you know, just sort of obviously executing the offense and and uh, you know, a couple of times, you know, maybe not taking care of the ball at a couple of times, but but that's that's okay. We end up with a

with a win. But um, yeah, he did a nice job, you know, running the offense, Uh, going where he needed to go with football, making making some good decisions at the line of scrimmage, you know, and um really put a put a full game together. And it was really the guys around him too, stepping up an offensive line, I thought, you know, overall, played played pretty well. Um,

even with the amount of injuries that we had. And um, it's good to see how much you need to how much did you need to have for wood, pressure, run manning and uh get the kind of pass rushing just seemed to knock them out of any kind of back Yeah, yeah, it's uh it's something that you know, our d line, Um, we feel like they can they can get after a passer and um, you know each and every week, but but we know that, UM, you know, these games are

always these these games are battles, These games are tough, and uh it usually comes down to which team can get after the passer, you know, and and uh, you know, the opportunities we had to to to hit Eli and get him on the ground, and because he's very capable of bringing a team back. He's proven that. So it was good to see from our d line at the end of the game he clicked up both tackles. Was

that because of score the game or start? Concerning the injuries, well, both of them came out, you know, due to injury. Will evaluate both of them. But again it's a credit to to Isaac moving out to tackle, you know, like we talked about during the week, and then Chance coming in and playing, Whizz coming in and playing, and um moving some moving some pieces around. So it was, um, you know, Jeff Stalin does a great job with those guys preparing them each week, and uh, they stepped into

a nice job. Talked about a situational football, going into the steam and other games, eliminating penalties and then not necessarily thinking first of all all the time, I mean, how much didn't the elimination of some of these mistakes

kay of these situations. Well, it's it's a great question because it's obvious when you when you take care of the ball and you don't have too many penalties that are killing in the red zone, and um, your ability to to to make make some yards on first down and put you into some second and short situations or second manageable situations, and then your third downs are a little more manageable after that. So yeah, it all, it all works together, um, you know, and it doesn't compound.

And we had a couple of penalties that backed us up, but um, for the most part, we stayed ahead of the chain tonight and and and helped us. Wine of kind of got me really problems so far. Three games just a matter of larities and Shan's Hell's I think

it's a little everything. Um, you know, I think, Uh, even even when both guys were rehabbing, you know, they were throwing together off to the side and getting some some recognition in there, and you know during the summer and obviously first part of the season, so you know, they really developed a rapport. Um. You know, al Sean is playing playing extremely well right now. He's explosive and

he's run after the cat, which is pretty is really good. Uh. Carson feels comfortable with him, and it just comes from time, you know, just just working with each other and and developing that rapport. Way he plays the position. You guys had missed the guys consistently the top does that affect him as much as he would another receiving rad plays And I think I think his his nature obviously is

what you're seeing. You know, he's big, physical, powerful um not only down the field, his catch radius is uh extremely high. He has ability and you know that he's he's proven down these last couple of weeks to break tackles, carry defenders, get some tough first downs, and I think that's what you want, you know, from from a guy

like that. Yeah, and then you get you know, the complimentary speed guys is Nelson Aguilore and you know then then we had of course Mike Wallace and Tory last year, but but al Shan is really um, that guy that you know exactly where he's gonna be. He's a big target and and uh, you know, put him, put him anywhere and let him run routes a complete game with this all three phases. What does this do for you

guys going of confidence? Well, I think confidence wise, UM gives our guys a shot, gives our guys a boost. You know, they get a break this weekend and get to get a chance to really rest and and kind of reflect on the first six weeks and and make another little push you know, for these next couple of weeks before our full by you know, and um yeah just uh you know, and plus our injury situation right now, it gives gives us an extra couple of days to to to heal and to rest and get ready for

next week. The team concerned at all pressing on in the best week, you know what I haven't, um, you know, these guys again, like I said, it's it's a resilient group. They come to work every day, you know, prepared, ready to go, ready to get better, ready to be coached. Um. And and there's no panic with this group, you know. And and they just they just stay the course. They they're saying the right thing, doing the right things there.

They know they're a good football team. And yeah, we haven't putting it all, you know, we haven't put it all together, but but tonight was a good start. What actually was Lean's injury heading into this week obviously it's a late edition on this morning to the injury report. What was wrong with them? Yeah, lower body the good all right, thanks all right, head coach Doug Pearson. A little abrupt ending there you know, it's it's much It's

much different when you win. Okay, now, as many questions, it's pretty much out well, everyone is playing from Carson to Alishan and down the line. But I loved how we touched on the importance of starting fast because the Eagles have been outscored twenty three to seven in the first quarter of games coming into tonight, and obviously they got the touchdown right from the jump, but it wasn't

just that. It was the fact that the defense had started on the field and each of the games this year, and in four of the first five games, the opposing offense marched down the field and either got to the goal line and didn't score like Atlanta missed a field goal like last week against Minnesota, which was a chip shot should have had, or they gave up the big play touchdown to Deshaun Jackson against Tampa Bay and in

Tennessee score. So the two games where the defense was able to gelf the field like Indianapolis or create turnover, Eagles got an early lead and were able to go on to victory. So it was a great morale booster, a great confidence booster for the defense to get on the field start first, once again start off fast, and the offense to capitalize on that to get things rolling so that the Eagles could roll over the Giants by

score of thirty four to thirteen. Yeah, I thought it was huge, and I think getting out to a fast start or something this team had struggled to try to do this year. It was really one of their calling cards last year to all of their success. They were one of the best teams in the league and scoring in the first quarter not only yet, but multiple times countless time they took the ball down their first drive

and got points out of it last year. And that's a big confidence booster for your defense when they know the first time they step on the field they're gonna be playing with the lead. I mean, it just it's a totally different field for the defensive coordinator to call the game when you're playing from ahead, and especially on the road, when you get in the early league like the Eagles were able to get tonight, it takes that crowd out of the game. So Giants come out with

the ball and we get a turnover immediately. And first of all, that was the first good sign is that the Eagles were able to get a turnover down there, but you're wondering, Okay, all we're gonna get three points out of this or are we gonna get a touchdown out of this? So to be able to convert that turnover into a touchdown, I thought that was a positive sign for this team and they needed that to sort

of feed off of. And see, when you get positive plays started to happen like that, you as a team, even though you're a professional athletes, and everyone would think, well, you're pros, you should have confidence at all times, it's just not the case. You need positive reinforcement. So having something like that happened early in the game, that just builds confidence on that sideline and you keep that energy

level up. They already have the mentality of it's us against everybody in MetLife Stadium, so when they able to make a big play like that and start to you know, you can start to hear the whispers over the crowd that I can just tell it just energize the Eagle sideline. And they just played downhill from that point as opposed to playing uphill. And they've really played uphill for five straight weeks, you know, chasing points, trying to get back the lead. You know, trying to hold on the momentum.

I thought in this game they were able to get the lead early and they were just able to let it be a snowball effect for him. That was the thing you're waiting for. Okay, they got the big lead, they jumped on the Giants early. Would they sustain it where they keep the fund the gas pedal or where they let the Giants get back to it into it, especially with Barclay's ability to make chunk plays at a moment's notice. But kudos and Eels for taking care of

business there. And in some way, is that crowd was so hostile toward the Giants tonight because New York came into this game one and four and there's already the boobers, there's already descent about Eli May remaining at quarterback, if Odell Beckham spouting off to the media about you know why the Giants office is not having success and you know,

creating doubt within the organization. That crowd was ready to turn on the Giants at a moment's notice, and that start was the perfect firestarter for them to get them rolling in that regard. Now, the player who delivered the big play on that first drive none other than linebacker Commu gruge Hill our Eagles entire Dave SPADERA caught up with them after the win. First series, you get the interception, talk about the defensive philosophy, and first really about how

big that play was setting things up. I mean, you know, the whole, the whole all week. Man, coming off a short week, we knew we had to come out hot, and you know, it's it's gonna be on a defense. You know, a defense. We we talked a lot this week of just playing fast and just getting back to how we do so it was it's gonna get this win. What was the approach today? It seemed like everybody there was nothing deep for the New York Giants. I mean, now it's you guys top thirteen. Um say, saycom Man,

give him his credit. He's a great back. Um. But you know, but that was the main thing, to stop trying to stop the explosive plays. But um worked out. Is this the Philadelphia Eagles team that he was expected to see from day one? To exactly what we were trying to see is I think this is the first time we put together a full complete game. And I mean, look at the score. Man, that's that's exactly what happens. So the Eagles are back. Well, the Eagles never left.

Eagles never left, but we're here. And how how will the weekend to be getting a couple of days off? How big is that? It's gonna be good. You know, get bodies right, Everyone's got guys kind of kind of backing up and stuff. But it's gonna be good to get that break. Thanks forty. All right, you need your leaders to step up in a big night like this. And Como Gruge Hill Special Teams captain has a big sea on his chest there. You know, it's something about

MetLife Stadium. He had the block punt last year when the Eagles played up there was Pivol and the Eagles rolling back after an early deficit to get the win over the Giants and comes through the big way with the interception here. That athleticism is so unique and such a skill set. And he and Jordan Hicks there, what a nice little duo for them from athleticism and cover

stame point. And you're adding the physicality that Nigel Braham has the linebacker group rounding out nicely here for the Eagles, especially on that weak side spot because that was one of the big position vowels in this year's training camp. Yeah. I talked about the LBS on the show today prior to the game, and I said I wanted to see

the LB's step up and make some plays tonight. Not that they had been playing bad throughout the year, they just hadn't made the impact plays that I've become accustomed to watching Jordan Hicks make and watching Nigel Bradham make last year, and adding Camu into that core with them, I thought tonight would be a good night that we could see them actually step up and make some plays.

And it was great to see all three of them had big plays tonight, whether it be Jordan with the pass breakup they helped, forced interception by Camu, or Nigel Bradham getting the sack there late in the game. All three linebackers had an impact on tonight's game. And that's the way it should be for every good defense. Your linebackers need to be a part of the action. So let's get into our turning point of the game. And Mike, would you say that Comedy's interception, what's the turning point

right from the jump? Yeah, it started early for this team and they needed some good plays early in the game. So when you come out with the first series in your own defense, you're saying, the last thing we want is to allow the Giants to move the ball down the field and put points on the board. So Jordan Higgs being able to get his hand in there to deflect that pass and Cam Move being right there Johnny on the spot to take advantage of it, set up

the offense in great scoring position. Offense takes advantage of it. They don't kick three, they get to touchdown. Great throw from Carson Wentz across his body to al Sean Jeffrey. I thought that was the turning point early in the game. It gave the Eagles the confidence and the momentum and the momentum that they needed on the road in a game like this. They needed something positive that happened early for them, and it happened early, and I think that

was the play, the turnative form. Yeah, I would agree that by and large that was really the tone center for the evening is the interception right off the first drive. But the turning point for me, I'm gonna stay in the first quarter and I'm gonna go after the Eagles second possession not after they score the touchdown, but after their second possession they punted the ball pinned the Giant's deep. Great job in their apart from that regard, So the

Giants line up inside the ten yard line. Michael Bennett for the second straight game, gets a sack off the edge, beats the highly paid Nate Soldier off the edge gets the second Eli man forces a fumble, Solder actually comes over to recover it. The balls at the goal line at that point, so for the second straight game, Bennett gets a sack. Whereas we go to last week where the Eagles had the Vikings pinned deep in their own

territory and what happened. The Eagles brought the blitz Kirk Cousins threw a prayer up for am Theeland who beat Jail and Mills. They were out of their own territory, they were marching down the field. They were able to add to their lead at that point. And that really was a turn point of that ball game. Where here the Eels don't allow the Giants to escape. They kind of put their foot on their throat so to speak, and make sure to get the ball back to lead

to more points for them. So the defense taking advantage of the goodfield opportunity to creating more opportunities for the Eagles overall. For me, that to me showed that the defense was there to play. And once again another strong game from Michael Bennett coming off the edge. He can come off the edge. He came from up the middle, you know, being the guard wall or Hernandez here in the game tonight, you saw some nice moves from that perspective.

So for me, seeing the Giants pinned and the Eels capitalizing on that was the turning point to say that, you know what, the defense is here to stand tall and not allow the Giants to bring him back in the ball game. Yeah, and you and you worry when we go on the road and play defense. We just haven't been the same defense on the road that we've been at home. So I love that as a turning point as well, Chris, because we weren't sure. I know,

I wasn't sure. How does defense show up tonight. We talked about ELI having success in the past against this defense, particularly last year, two games eight hundred plus yards throwing. Just didn't know how this was gonna be. And I gotta get a defense a lot of credit these skill position players that the Giants have are very difficult to contain. And the only way you can do it, I have a chance to do it is if you affect Eli in the pocket, and that starts with the guys up front.

And like you said, Michael Bennett helped set the tone early an early sack on Eli, Manny Fletcher had a sack on him, Destiny Ball had a sack on him, Nigel Bradham had a sack on him. So all those are all the things that you need to do to this Giant's offense in order to slow down Odell Beckham, Junior Sterling Shepherd, and say Kwan Barkley, you need to be able to affect a quarterback in the pocket because if he has time to get the ball to these guys,

eventually they will hurt you. So I thought it was a great night from the d line showing up. All right, speak up, skill position players. We're gonna hear from quarterback Carson Wentz in a few moments. But first up, we all want to know what the running game will look like now that JGI is shelf for this season with the torn acl well, Wendell Smallwood stepped up in a huge way and Eagle's entire days, but they were caught up with him after the game. Wendel Smallwood, how big

was this win for the Eagles? It was huge for us. It was huge. We felt like we got our swagger back. Halftime, we were all smiles. Man, we knew what we could do and we knew we had to bring it, bring it back this weekend, show everybody what we got in us, and I think we showed it today. Man. We were tough, We were dominant all games. There was no question whether we is gonna win this game. And I feel like we got our swag back. We're ready to go. We're

gonna be rolling come next week. We wanted to get something going in the first quarter. You did fourteen to three lead. What went so right in that first quarter just execution. We executed the plays. We made the plays that we make all the time. We dominated the control of the line of skirmage, and everybody bawled up. How great is this weekend off gonna be. It's gonna it's gonna be great, It's gonna be well deserved. But I feel like we got ahead of steam rolloots next week.

So everybody were put an everybody on notice. Thanks Wayne, Proud of Wendell for stepping up the way he has this season. Again, first couple of years in the league, you know, injuries marred his development, kept him off the football field. You know a lot of people were wondering whether he would make the team out of camp this year because you had Darrence Browles coming back yet Jagie Corey Clement going into the second year, josh Am had shown a lot of promise. Do you need a fifth

running back? Do you need Wendell Smallwood on the roster? And he's taken advantage of all the opportunities here. Still needs to hold on to that ball in the third core That was the one worrisome moment here in the game time that could have brought the Giants back that you could argue that was a turning point because that pretty much eliminated any chance of a Giant's comeback. But nonetheless, Smallwood has been very physical running in between the tackles.

He's improving as a pass catcher out of the backfield. He did have that one drop last week against the Vikings in the red zone that was very critical. Stepped up and was much better from that faster tonight. Overall though, love the way that he's running the football and allowing the Eagles have a nice rotation between he and Corey Clement out there on the field. Yeah, just doing his job. Man's fourth year in the league, and I'm pretty sure he's happy that he's finally healthy and can show what

he's capable of doing. And credit to the Eagles coaching staff, They're giving him the opportunity to go out there and show what he can do. Now. I know we have some guys down, so some may say, well, they don't have anybody else left to give the ball too. Well, I guess that could be true in some instances. But when you had Corey Clement ready to go tonight, and you have Josh Adams active and ready to go tonight,

you certainly could have gone in that direction. But I think Windale Smallwood has earned some touches over the last couple couple of weeks. I think he's earned the trust of his coaches. Like you said, got to do better job keeping that ball security. You want to make sure you take care of that. But I think there are far more positive things that Windale's doing when he has the ball in his hands that shows that. It's encouraging because it shows that he's getting better each and every week.

We have to remember it's his fourth year, but he hasn't played a lot of football from the running back position during his career here as an Eagle, I would dare to say this may be the most he's played as a running back from a regular down perspective. And won't go overboard with it. Not spectacling and not about to see here and tell you he's on his way

to the Pro Bowl or anything of that nature. But I think for what they're asking him to do, he's more than capable of doing it, and I think he's done better than a serviceable job, considering that there's been games where he was really the only healthy running back out there and had the shoulder that load. So good job, Windelle Smallwood. Keep getting better, young man, and as long as you continue to get better, these coaches that will continue to trust him and give him opportunities to show

what he can do. So as we wait to hear from quarterback Carson Wentz, the Eagles winning this game first MCST game of the season, no one to know in the division, and you know, at three and three, I have the best record Washington is two and two, you know, after losing Monday night too, And we have these standings home up on the screen here Washington losing to the Saints on Monday night. So five hundred record across the board.

No as a winging record at this point, but looking at the other teams in the division and seeing the way this game unfolded tonight as we wait for Carson Wentz, I'm just thankful that the Eagles have the franchise quarterback like they have in number eleven, because you look at the Giants and Eli Manning. He's in the twilight of his career. You played against him, you know when you were here in Philadelphia. Okay, that was his rookie season

of two two thousand and four. But certainly he's not the Eli of old that he's been having his struggles and there's a lot of questions about his future in New York. Washington has gone with Alex Smith, who has been a trusty veteran, but again he's on the decline

as well. Kansas City felt they needed to go with the man of the future and the president and Patrick Mahomes, and so far it looks like they've made the right decision there to jettison Alex Smith to Washington and then Dak Prescott had a strong rookie season, but that struggled mightily since. And even though yet they have a very good offensive line which actually is not performed as well as previous years, you know, outstanding franchise back in Zeke Elliott.

Still that offense is struggling. So top the bomb, you have to be very thankful as an Eagles fan that you have a young, ascending quarterback who's already shown that he could play at an MVP type level and is just continuing to get better here. Yeah, I Eagles found themselves in a very good position. They put themselves in this very good position because, in my opinion, they had the three most important facets that you need to have

a winning team in place. All right, let's hear from number eleven himself, Carson Wentz at MetLife Stadium struggled offensively red zone. Kind of feel like you've beating yourselves. You talked about it last week. To do what you guys did tonight, and how proud are you of yourself in this offense? Yeah, I thought it was huge obviously, just first of all, overall, it's a big win for us. You know, a NFC East, UM finally get that conference going. UM short week like it was, UM cleaned up a

handful of mistakes. Obviously we weren't perfect to night, but UM, come out early in the first quarter, get points on the board, get point on the board, that first drive right away. UM, that stuff was huge. So it was a bit big win for it was the lead. What changed in terms of the play calling. I mean, I mean, you guys saw it. I mean it's still smiler. UM. I think we're just everyone's a more dynamic team when you have the lead. UM. Defense kind of feeds off that.

It's always big for us to get up early. And like I've I mean I've told you guys countless times. I mean we preached start fast, UM, and tonight we finally did that. Why do you think you're able to start fast? I mean the defense made heck of a play. He'd even made a huge play, put us in great field position, UM, and then all shown and I just made a play on that third down, A line held up, and from then it just kind of felt like we

were rolling from there. Last year, it took a little while from you when al Shan seemed to get in sank. That hasn't been an issue. What is it? Just familiarity? What's the difference. I mean you could say that, you can say familiarity. I mean, obviously we still and get a huge offseason together. We were both rehabbing and stuff. So, um, I think just last year just playing playing games on the field. Um, just getting more comfortable with each other as the year went on. I think that paid huge

dividends in terms of progression. On the first touchdown, he kind of take us through that played. Um, he was actually the first read, but they had him double double covered, and uh, they really had everything else covered well. So though line did a great job of holding up and down there. I mean when we're in the red zone, sometimes you just got to improvise, and you know it's not always the smartest thing to throw back across your body.

But when you got a guy like al sehon and back at the ends and you can really trust him to make a play. Talk. They were to talk about you holding the ball too long. Obviously that was six and a half seconds, and you talked about yeah, I mean that's just part of it. You know, there's there's there's good plays and bad plays that come from it, so sometimes you got to live with it. And uh, tonight we unfortunately made some good ones. You guys looking

forward and move forward here? How much confidence can this one win? And the things that you did tonight, even though I know you want to be better, but the things that you did, how much can you guys build up? Because I mean it's huge. Obviously, being three and three is a heck of a lot better than being two and four, being one and own the division. Um, there's

definitely things we can build on. We can kind of use it as momentum now and I'm kind of pointing to some things that say, hey, this is who we are. Don't forget that and then build build from here. What does it mean to you to have your high scoring game of the year with you know, just so those young offensive linemen in they're finishing the game, we're at a big B and Isaac CML. Yeah, I mean it's huge for those guys. Um. The nice thing about our

line is we feel we have depth. We feel like when an a tackle goes down, V steps in when someone else goes down at guard. You know, always came in tonight Isaac the last couple of games. Um, we just feel like we have really good depth there and we're fortunate in that regard. So those guys played great tonight, Agila were added like getting warm tipped than that. I was a blessing from above, that's for sure. I thought that was going right to landon Collins and Nelly just

snuck right in and took it. From from what Alshan gives you on the field, just from a kind of a confidence personality standpoint, what does he mean for the offense? I mean he's he's a leader. You know, he's, you know, very soft spoken, as you guys probably know, but he works his tail off. He works his tail off, and you know what you're gonna get with him weekend and week out, and just an awesome guy to have, having the locker room, awesome got to have on the field,

and he makes plays all the time. She like he used kind of everybody today, Corey coud passes, Jordan had those two first downs in a row there, Alshan's getting involved. How big is it to kind of that you're not just Nelson and Zach, You're kind of involving everybody. I mean, that's that's huge. I think really that's kind of we

did a lot last year. You know, we just really you could look in the statute every week and there'll be seven, eight, nine guys here and there, and that's just something that coach does a great job of just spreading the ball out a gatting those guys in space to make plays. And guys were making plays tonight. Were some of the differences. It's the game in a long terms of protection on the offensive line, some hits it early on. What changed, I don't know if much change.

I think just those guys settled in and U some of them early. You know, I could have probably helped out as well, But I'll have to go back and watch the film. But I think more than anything, those guys just settled in and we're playing fast and confidently. Al Sean said on the screen, you guys borrowed that one from the Patriots. I think we're at last what

coach kind of gets credit for that? When does that come to you guys during the week and then you implemented here and so we're always watching, you know, plays across the league. UM coaches do a great job of that of implementing things, UM seeing what what's working around the league and bringing those up and so, uh, you know, they schemed that one up and it was definitely an easy passing touchdown for me. I'll take it. And so from your perspective, it was different tonight that wasn't there

in the past five games. Um, you know, that's that's a good question. You know. I think more than anything, we just think we stayed ahead of the chains. I think we didn't shoot ourselves in the foot much better. Um. And then really offensively and defensively, we just fed off each other, you know. I think that's something we do so well when we get that role in and so tonight it was good to get going impressive. Wasn't the Lane late on that angle injury as as it was? Yeah, yeah,

I don't really know the extent of it. Um. I know Lane's warrior, though, I know he's gonna give it everything he's gotten. Um, you know, it was great to have him out there as for sure. How important was it to get Corey back in the offense, especially losing Jay was so disappointing to happen. I can in the mix. Yeah,

core is a huge part of this offense. You know, you saw it, especially later last year of what he kind of brings both in the passing game and in the running game, screens and everything else that he does. So I'm getting him involved. M was huge and and really just keep kind of mixing up those running backs and getting them touches in different ways. Uh, something coach does a great job of. And those guys are huge

for us for the end. So dude, what do you see about him that kind of I mean he he scores a lot of touchdowns for a guy that doesn't touch the ball out Yeah, I mean he hits the whole, you know, I think more than anything you see when he when he's in there, when he's running, he attacks that hole and he hits it hard. And um, I think that that brings up a lot of touchdowns because of it. Were going into this game beature. Did you feel like you had to put the team on your

back or do anything about that nature? No, not at all. You know, I feel like we're such a balance office. You know, we got you know, great guys up front both run blocking and that can open some lanes and the right backs to do their job. So you know, I don't by I never feel like I got to take it on my back, so to speak. And you know, I just spread the ball out and get these guys touches however we can, and coach does a great job of designing the game plan each week. So again it

was really good team win to night. Like you guys are able to sprinkling some RPOs with they were they defending them defense differently than they had other teams that have been doing. And why did they work? Everyone defends them a little differently, you know, I think everyone just plays their their normal defense to it. So the tonight they were a little different, and um, they were working

to night. So you know, like like I think I said last week, we really have them in every week, and um, if they're working, we'll kind of come back to him here and there, and if they're not, we kind of get away from him. That's just kind of the way it goes. We make a play for going across your body and it results in a touchdown. When you go back to the sideline, what do the coaches say, nothing?

Good play? Do you take pride in the fact that you now not only went to three and three, but you will so knocked the other team if you beat tonight to one in five and It's almost like, you know, you put your foot on their neck a little bit and knock them out of contention, didn't you know? Where we just we just look at it as one to o in the conference. You know, I think that's huge for us to just get the conference. Uh started out

the right way to get the division going. Um, we want to know, and really tied at the top show to speak. So that's definitely good succession. All right. This quarterback Carson Wentz very interesting that he was asked that after the JGI injury whether or not he felt pressure to put the team on his back, and you know, he said, we have faith in everyone across the board. We knew the small Wood and Clement could step up, the offensive line would be able to protect better and

you know, open up holes in a run game. But for me, if I thought Wentz did pretty much put the team on his back. And certainly the offensive line did play better, and small Wood and Clement stepped up. But you got big contributions from you know, Alston, Jeffrey zach Ertz and many other players which help. But Carson Wentz was sharp, He was effective in the pocket, used his legs. The accuracy was there, made some big time throws outstanding in situational football. Again complete his first ten

passing attempt on third down. The team was four or six in the red zone. You look at the numbers here, two hundred and seventy yards, three touchdowns, you know, seventy two percent completion percentage. He was the MVP. He was the guy who shined for this offense. Knowing that you're not going to have, you know, all of your weapons available there in the run game. Yeah, this kid has been here for less than two and a half years.

We watched him play every game, and the wins that they have in the games that he starts in, I don't remember them winning the game where he doesn't play well. So yes, he is the reason when they win. He is at the forefront of it. Not that the other guys aren't needed to do their jobs, but when this team starts winning games when he doesn't play well, that's when I'll say he doesn't need to play well in

order for them to win. In order for this team to win games, in order for this offense to be effective, Carson Wentz needs to be on point and thank goodness for us that ay he plays for the Eagles and B. For the majority of his career, he's been on point. That's why he's won the majority of the games that he's been a starter in. Tonight was no different. He typically comes in focus, locked in, ready to roll, and tonight was no different. He knew, he knew how important

this game was. That's a big reason why I didn't have much of a concern as to whether or not if he was going to be ready to go tonight. I knew he would be ready to go tonight. You just needed his teammates to raise their level of play to meet him. And what I mean by that is is that you know, it's only so much Carson can do when you get a penalty for false starts, for illegal procedures, for holding calls, things of that nature. He

can't dig you out of every hole. He can't dig you out of every second and twenty third and twenty five. You know, he can't perform magic like that every time, although last year he did it pretty much last year. And sometimes teammates can get a false sense of security that, oh, it'll be okay, he will dig us out of the hole. So and I'm glad he doesn't have the mindset in which the way I'm speaking so gloringly about him. He just goes out and does his job and he expects

everyone else to do their job. And so that's the type of leader you want. You know, he's not gonna take any He's not gonna cut any corners when it comes to preparation, when it comes to being focused. When you hit the field, that's what you're gonna get. And that's what I love about him as a player. It isn't this roller coaster up and down type of play where you don't know what you're gonna get when he's

out there. You know what type of player you're gonna get from Carson Wentz when he steps on the field. It's just a matter of everyone else doing their job so that he can be even more effective. And I thought he was flawless for the most part to night. You didn't need him to throw the ball forty five fifty times the night. He was able to throw the

ball with effectiveness in the red zone. We talked about the ten straight completions on third down that he had, so you know, we have a franchise quarterback and he's one of the best in the league. And as he continues to play. He's only going to climb up that chart of the elite quarterbacks in this league, so you don't have to worry about him. In my opinion, he's not much different than some of these other quarterbacks that

we quote unquote determined that they are elite. You know what you're going to get from them every time they step on the field. And I feel like Carson that is in that category because that's what it takes to be in that category. Consistent play, knock the up and down like we see from Eli up in New York. The consistent play weekend and week out is what allows you to be in that status with the upper echelon quarterbacks in this league. Let's find out what the head coach,

Doug Pearson thought of Carson Wentz his performance. Mike Quick went from the radio booth down to the locker room area to interview the head coach one on one. Let's bring you that interview right now. Coach Adulations, you got off to a good start, something that you haven't been able to do for a couple of weeks. How important was that part of the game. I think it was everything to get a really good start in this football game. Um, you know, something we talk about each week, trying to

trying to start fast, especially offensively. I think I think you know, early on defense, early part of the season, defense was doing extremely well three and out and get the offense the ball. But tonight it was it was a credit to the defense stopping them getting a quick turnover obviously in that first quarter. Offense turning around and putting some points on the board, and and uh, it was good to see that that. Uh, you know, the things we're talking about are sort of coming coming true.

The offensive line seemed to have a real strong day, keeping the pressure off of Carson Wins again, something that you needed in this offense. How big was that for the win? It was big. Um, you know, it's a good it's a good front, and it's a big front,

physical front. And of course was u you know, with Vernon coming back, you know it was it was a challenge there as a pass rusher, and um, a lot of the guys really battled hung in there, did a nice job and uh, you know, he took a couple hits early and then we you know, I had to I had to kind of rethink things and get some more quick passing, get out of his hands, we get more some RPO stuff and kind of help settle everybody into the game. And uh, and we were able to

take off from there. Everybody's been talking about the run pass ratio. I think you threw it thirty six times, you ran it thirty one times. Um, you're gonna hear a lot about that. Talk about that a little bit. Listen, anytime you're your first and ten to you know, second down and and six, five or four, because you're running the football and you're staying ahead of the chaine, you're not shooting yourself in the foot with a negative rush

or penalty. You can do more of that and you can run the ball a little bit more, and then and then being able to you know, and then even by scheme, you know, we were in our twelve personnel, they stayed in nicol they stayed you know, five dbs and gave us the ability to run the ball a little bit more towards you know, against the smaller and smaller you know front and so that helps a little bit. But anytime we can we can stay ahead of the chains and be managed more on first down and do

well there. Whether it's play acts, you pass, it's the run game, quick passing. Then then good things are gonna happen for You're much better in the red zone tonight. Was that schematically or where things just executed better? Talk about your red zone play. You know, I think I

just executed better. The sense of urgency. Obviously a short week, we kind of you know, you know, it's it's we kind of went back to some of the basic stuff we did coming out of training camp, and even some of the things we ran earlier in the season that we didn't call in games. We were able to put in a game plan like this, And um, so guys, guys have time on tasks. It's important to me. They um that they can they can have repeat plays and and and and do do well executing. So us credit

to the players. You talk about this short week, but now tell me, how are you going to handle this long it's almost like a mini buy And what will you do with this? You know, the players to get some time, you know, to to to rest reflect. Um, you know, look, look at the first six weeks of the season. Coaches should be in the office on Friday, and you know, we'll have our injured players and get treatment and all that and then just kind of gear up.

You know, we got another couple of weeks here, We got two weeks coming up from the Panthers, and we go to London and then we get a full break. So I just want them to want him to get rested, get away for a few, you know, a few days, and then come back. Greaty go, Thanks coach again, congratulations. Great interview is always from Mike Quick and chatting there with Doug Pearson. Okay, so we know it's getting late early morning hours and you might be thinking yourself, is

it time for bed? Yet? Stick around with us. Okay, We've got a lot more to talk about after this. Big fans been away a couple of weeks for a win, all right, all right, the Eagles haven't lost back to back game since twenty sixteen, so yeah, we might as well roullish this just a little bit. However, if you are following us on Facebook or Twitter, you need to come on over to Philadelphia Eagles dot com or the Eagles app to watch the rest of the show. We'll

see you after these few messages. Well, I'm trying to gain hold, but it feels like another lie. Yeah, I'm trying to stay strong. Sometimes I realize and further, the more that I know, I won't go home when you and your money are treated with respect, your prosper and at fantan der Bank, respect adds up. Come see what's

happening at your local ACNE. Better sale prices, superior service and great quality products, cleaner, friendlier, fresher like, fresher meat and seafood and fresher produce including organic and our butchers. Could our USDA Choice linkister be in store every day? So stop the shop and see for yourself why ACME it is just setters shop on game day and say five percent of ACME when wearing your Eagles apparel. Daryl Hey, Darryl Hey, Hey? How much would you pay for someone

you don't want? Nothing? Is this a test? No question too? Do you like getting stuff you like for free? Yes? This feels like a test, it's not. It's just why Verizon. Let's everyone in your family could the unlimited plan they need without paying for stuff they don't? And why Verizon gets you six months of three Apple Music? Did I pass out of tests? But yeah? You pass? The music you want, the unlimited plan you need on the network you deserve. Now get up to three hundred dollars off

our latest phones at Santon dair Bank. We want you to prosper. That's why we treat you and your money with respect. Learn more about how respect adds up at Santon dair by visiting Santondairbank dot com. McDonald's proud partner of the Philadelphia Eagles. All right, it's time to jump inside the film room Franny Film Room Fran Duffy, our Eagles game plan producer and NFL Film Seior producer, Greg

co Sell. They break down the key play in at least in ice eyes, the turning point of this contest Commu Gruge's Hill interception of Eli man in the first quarter on the game's opening drive, which then was turned into the Eagles first points of the game. Gentlemen, take it away, well, we wanted to fast start from this Eagles team, and we got it. They nearly forced a fumble on the opening kickoff, and then on the second play on defense we get an interception from Commu Gruge

Hill against Eli Manning. Greg, let's take a look here. Let's break this play down for us. What are we seeing here? Before the snap and they do something a little different. We talked about their past defense in a little change up here on the second play of the game. Now, notice that the Giants have three receivers. They have two tight ends and the wide receiver to that side of the field, to the wide side of the field. So that is now the passing strength because they have three

receivers to that side. So now what the Eagles who are going to do actually is something we don't see them do a lot of their predominant Cover three, single high safety defense. Here. They're going to play what we call an inverted Cover two and by that I mean what's going to happen is that's Ronald Darby. He's actually going to drop. He's a corner. He's going to drop and play the safety position the deep path to the field.

Malcolm Jenkins right now, who's kind of in the box, He's going to become the underneath Cover two defender, normally a position for the corner. He's a safety. So that's the inverted two part of it. Now, the next player who's really important here is Jordan Hicks. And Jordan Hicks, what he's going to do, and this is one reason you know it's Cover two is that middle whole defender he opens and turns his body to the passing strength, meaning the three wide receiver side of the formation. That's

the passing strength. And that's exactly what he does. And that is a dead giveaway that it's covered two and not cover three, because it's a total difference in technique. So let's run this. Keep your eye on Hicks in particular, look at him open up, and then freeze it right here. See you know why this is a great job, fan, because what does the middle hole defender normally do? He drops deep? Yep, but why drop deep if there's no

one there and cover grass. This is a great job by Hicks seeing the tight end and instead of just dropping deep and saying, hey, coach, I did my job. I was the middle hole defender, he's actually reacting to the receiver and to the throw and this is a great job. We can let it run now, and what happens is he's able to hit the ball into the

air for the interception. Really a great job by Jordan Hicks. Yeah, and you can see just from all the different replays just how much rotation you saw on the back end. They did a little bit of this last week against Minnesota. They busted out on the second play, you can see a Vonte Maddox on the top of the scre he's rotating in the middle half. But then you see that great job there by Jordan Hicks disrupting that ball at the catchpoint, knocking it up. Huge start here for this

Eagles defense. So Commo gets the interception brings them back into the red zone. Two plays later they reached the end zone. And that was our Rico review Kersey of fran Duffy and Greg Cosell. You can check out the complete All twenty two review tomorrow morning, or I guess in a couple of hours here on Philadelphia Eagles dot com. All right, so, who were the Toyota Player of the Game nominees. We're gonna let you know after this final break here on the postgame show presented by Rico Jason.

A deep throw steps something walking far right. Yeah, well, I'm trying to gain but it feels like another lie. Yeah, I'm trying to stay strong sometimes I realize and further right go the more that I know that I won't go home when you and your money are treated with respect, your prosper and at fantand der Bank, respect adds up Eagles High School Football Showdown, presented by the Rothman Orthopedics at Jefferson Health, celebrates local high school football coaches and

their teams. Visit Philadelphia Eagles dot com Slash Showdown to check out this year's coaches and learn more about the program. Now is your chance to vote for the Toyota Player of the Week. Go to Philadelphia Eagles dot com slash Toyota Player of the Week to cast your vote and get a chance at a brand new Toyota. And we're gonna kick things off here with defense. Okay, we're showing lots of love to do offense. But Royal Darby, Okay,

you're probably thinking he didn't have any interceptions. Grugia Hill had the big interception, the one turnover of the game. But Roald Darby had locked down coverage, whether it was against Odell Beckham, primarily Odell Beckham, Sterling Shepherd, whomever was. Ronald Darby was outstanding and coverage tonight and bounced back in a big way and really represents for me, like the secondary as a whole. Because Mills bowed back in a big way. Avante Max had to play multiple positions

where Soul Douglas had to go in at safety. Malcolm Jenkins had a tough assignment trying to track down sa Quon Barkley, but overall just seemed like every time that Eli May wanted to go to his go to guy, Ronald Darby was in position. Four pass breakups on the night. Yeah, and that's what you want to see other than interceptions. You like seeing those past deflections. That means as a dB, he's getting his hands on the ball. More importantly, the receiver is not catching the ball. So I'm not all

that concerned about cornerbacks coming up and making tackles. That's the bad. Let's think about our corners. They will come up and tackle, so that's a bonus. But when you're coaching dbs, you want those pass deflections and you want interceptions. And I thought tonight, like you said, was a great bounce back night for not just ron Darby, but really the second dary in general, as they were able to

basically keep everything in front of them tonight. All right, our number two nominee for the Toyota Player of the Week Number seventeen, al Sean Jeffrey got the first touchdown of the game, catching that pass that Carson wentz through.

Across his body breaking open against the Norris Jenkins, then scoring a second touchdown later on in the game off a tunnel screen where it looked like they were gonna get the falls him because he should have had the touchdown to play before, and they were like, we'll get you yours. Alshan, we got you, We'll get you in the end zone there. But you know, Carson Wentz and Alshon Jeffrey, the connection between the two has been sensational

since Carson Wentz has come back from the knee injury. Yeah, I love everything about those numbers that were just up there for al Shan. Twelve targets, eight catches. I'll even take seventy five yards, two touchdowns, you know, red zone touchdowns. That's what al Sean was brought here for. He's not the type of players just gonna blow blue, blow the

top off of the defense. He is a big body, possession receiver guy showing the ability to give you a little bit of run after the catch so far this season as well, but most importantly, all of his touchdowns have come in the red zone since he's been back. That's what they brought him there for. That's one of the things they were missing during the time that he was out, and what third game back he now has

three touchdowns. You could tell he and Carson. I don't know where they've gotten the practice time in together, but it seems like they are clearly on the same page a lot earlier this season than they were last year, which bodes well for this offense because they're only gonna get better as the season goes along. Al Shonton brings

a swagger to the offense as well. Okay, Carson said during his press conference at Alshan's very soft spoken, but there's an edge to Alshon Jeffrey Breakson, and it's been missing. It was missing early on in the season, but once he got in the lineup against Tennessee, you saw that he was bringing that dynamic playmaking ability back to the offense. All right, last, but not least. I mean, obviously we're

gonna go with number eleven here. All Right, you're completing seventy two percent of your passes, three touchdowns, taking care of the football, no fumbles, no interceptions, using your feet to make plays as well. I mean, Carson Wentz, we were talking about this off camera ike where you know

Carson Wentz not being in that conversation. He's not mentioned as one those MVP type candidates from the quarterback position right now, and you know, a little bit disservice, a little bit of disrespect, I would say, But you know, in due time, with these types of performances, he'll be back up there. Yeah, he has the ability clearly to be in that conversation year and a year out. And the only reason he's not in that conversation right now as he missed the first couple games of the season.

They got some new toys that everybody likes looking at this year, and Pat Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, a lot of these guys. Jared Golf is off to a good start with his rams at five and though. But when it's all said and done, I guarantee you number eleven will have a lot to say, especially on this side of the league, in the NFC Conference. I guarantee nobody wants to see this young man coming at you full strength

and really playing at a high level right now. Wait till this offense starts to click at a high level, then they're really going to be back to where they were last year. We tend to forget this team was averaging over thirty points before Carson Wentz got injured last year.

So this was an offensive lad team led by Carson Wentz in his MVP campaign last year, and he seems to have picked right back up where he left off at the end of the season, which, in my opinion, it's the most I guess non story that's being talked about as it pertains to Carson Wentz's how phenomenal he's playing coming off of that reconstructive knee surgery. Most people will tell you, well, it should have take him a few games before he gets back into his rhythm. Hadn't

shown anything. Man, he looks like he hasn't missed a beat at all. So I just expect him to get better as the year goes on. I'm still in that idea for a story, by the way, but Carson's performance coming oh yeah, oh yeah yeah. I just make sure you give me credit. That's all I do. I always look out for you, don't you worry? Last but not LEAs,

let's look at the upcoming schedule here. The Eagles now get to enjoy the weekend ten days and then another big NFC showdown, The Carolina Panthers come to the link one pm. Game October twenty first, and it is Brian Dawkson Dawkins Celebration Day because he's gonna get his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring. There's gonna be a ceremony for him at halftime. So the link, that's that's all you need. The Panthers won't have a chance. Just let

Dog go in there and talk to the team. Get every fire fired up with a couple of his dog on its, and the team will be ready to go. Man No. But in all seriousness, um, it's great that they won tonight because now we have ten days to really look forward with excitement and anticipation for another very good football team to come in here where the Eagles can sort of make some hay in this conference. Is

another conference game. I'm sure Carolina will be riding high when they come here, looking to avenge last year's loss to the Eagles. So we get a couple of days to enjoy this victory tonight, But come Monday, my focus is clearly on the Panthers. I'll do a little bit of scouting this weekend. I get a chance to watch the Panthers take on the Redskins, right, I think they take on the Red Skins uh down in Washington. So

that'll be a good game to watch. Hopefully they can do us a favorite boy taking care of another one of our NFC East opponents. I was gonna say that, you know, but I think everybody's get you know what. The Eagles can be in first place in the division at the end of the weekend. Nothing wrong with that whatsoever. So Carolina then against Jacksonville in London then to buy so critical stretch here for the Eagles. But again, if they can utilize this as the launch point, so to speak,

of the twenty eighteen season. I mean good things happened before when they beat the Giants in an emotional early season win. Calpola them going forward, We'll see if it happens again. Here. In two thousand and eighteen, we were two and three heading to New York to take on the Giants. Looked like we were heading to two and four. About a minute and thirty left, some little guy named Brian Westbrook took the part retire for a touchdown and

that propelled us. That was the spring board to nine straight wins, finishing up at twelve and four, lost to Carolina in the championship game. But I say that to say, when you're at two and three, you still got a lot of football left to play. And the Eagles they have the talent, they just need to clean up all the little minor things and they're gonna be a difficult team to beat. Two and three or three and three now, first two and four, that's for U was a huge difference.

That's why it's not must win, but for all intensive purposes, they had to get the win, especially going against the New York Giants. Marks of Reese tomorrow afternoon on Sports Radio ninety four WAP. What's gonna be in store? Is gonna be? Is a celebration? Is it? Everybody's everybody's gonna be relaxed along. I can't wait to talk to my partner, Johnny Marks, because he did the whole show today basically putting the pressure on Carson, saying if Carson is who

we think he is, then he'll make sure. Yeah, he'll make sure we win this game tonight if he is who who we think he is. So I can't wait to talk to him tomorrow. So he was, he was doubting, it was hounding, he was. It was me. I'm a I'm a card carrying member of the wins wagon, so you had to worry about me. I'm always riding with him. Speaking of beat Doc, as he said during his speech, let your haters be your elements. Right on that note, we're gonna sign off here for Ikeres. I'm Chris McPherson.

You've been watching the postgame show presented by Rico. The Eagles slap around the Giants by a score of thirty four to thirteen. Have a great night, and we'll see if we complete coverage here on Philadelphia Eagles dot Com all day long in the morning. Take everyone,