This game was much closer than the final score line indicates. The Rams had the perfect start, forcing the Eagles to punt and then scoring from their first play from scrimmage. Unfortunately Steven Jackson was injured on that run and would play just one more snap before leaving the game.
St Louis was certainly in it for much of the game but mistakes cost them a chance to win on opening day. Their receivers dropped an alarming ten passes and TE Billy Bajema had a false start with 2nd and goal from the one resulting in a field goal rather than a potential seven points.
In contrast the Eagles started off slow but found their groove late. Lesean McCoy struggled to find any room on the ground in the early going but then exploded in the fourth quarter ripping off countless long runs. In the end the Eagles’ makeshift offensive line was good enough to secure them the victory.
Philadelphia – three things of note
1) Making it work upfront
Speaking of that makeshift offensive line it was a mixed bag for the group up front. Jason Peters, the only man to remain in the same position from a year ago, was his usual sturdy self and had the highest grade of the five (+1.4). Most surprising was the performance of rookie sixth round pick Jason Kelce. He allowed just one pressure in 45 pass plays and graded out as the best run blocker (+1.4). It was a different story on the right side where newly acquired Kyle Devan and Todd Herremans drew the difficult assignment of Fred Robbins and Chris Long. Devan certainly looked like he was new to the team, committing two penalties and allowing four pressures. Herremans meanwhile is clearly still adjusting to his new position of right tackle and he allowed a hit and four pressures.
2) The four man rotation
What a game it was for Eagles defensive ends. The four in the rotation graded out as a combined +13.3. Jason Babin, who led the group in sacks with two, was probably the worst of the group despite adding another hit and pressure. Trent Cole recreated some of the form he had at the beginning of last year, racking up a sack, a hit and four pressures on 34 rushes. The Eagles’ supposed backups were, if anything, more impressive than their starters. Daryl Tapp’s penetration on one run play led to Bradford’s fumble which Juqua Parker scooped up for a score. The former also added a sack and a hit on nine rushes before leaving the game with injury while Parker had four pressures on 23 rushes. All four also graded out positively against the run.
3) Soft at the second level
A perceived area of weakness on the Eagles defense is linebacker and that turned out to be the case against the Rams. SLB Jamar Chaney was particularly poor in coverage (-2.4) allowing six of nine passes to be complete for 58 yards. He was consistently a step behind running back Cadillac Williams. WLB Moise Fokou was much better dropping back but really struggled at getting off blocks. He was primarily responsible for Jackson’s long touchdown to open the game. We highlighted the struggles of Casey Matthews in the preseason and he graded out as we expected in Week 1 (-3.6). In run defense he made just two defensive stops and looked lost in zone coverage.
St Louis – three things of note
1) High picks under performing
Having highlighted the success of Eagles defensive ends, it makes sense that the Rams offensive tackles graded out so poorly. 2010 second round pick Rodger Saffold struggled on the left side after a promising rookie season. He gave up two sacks and three pressures on 45 drop backs finishing with a -3.1 grade. So far in his career former second overall pick Jason Smith has been a disappointment. He had perhaps his worst game as a pro against the Eagles, grading out at -5.0 despite playing in just 31 of 73 snaps. Of his 16 pass blocks, one resulted in a sack and three more in pressures. The one positive is that versatile backup Adam Goldberg (+1.4) had much more success. He allowed just one pressure on 29 dropbacks.
2) Versatility and production
Steve Spagnuolo also has to be pleased with the pressure generated by his DEs. James Hall, Long and CJ Ah You combined for a sack, two hits and 12 pressures. Long, although he continues to struggle against the run (-2.4) generally got the better of Herremans. Hall, meanwhile, had a lot of success moving around the formation especially when at DT in the nickel. He finished with a hit and six pressures. Ah You, also used both on the outside and the interior, generated three pressures.
3) Problems against the pass
The play of the Rams’ secondary has to be a concern. They brought in all-pro safety Quintin Mikell on a multi-million dollar deal but he struggled to start the year. He did have a big play rushing the passer with a sack and forced fumble but didn’t live up to his high standards in coverage allowing two of three balls to be complete for 23 yards and a touchdown. While Mikell’s struggles were surprising, Craig Dahl’s were less so. His numbers weren’t bad but he was primarily responsible for allowing Jackson to get behind him on a long bomb, only for the dynamic wideout to drop the pass. Starting corner Bradley Fletcher was also in a similar position. He allowed a couple of first downs but also benefited from some off target passes and drops. Ron Bartell, the best of the bunch in coverage (-0.4), also hurt his team with two penalties.
Game notes
● Eagles backs and tight ends allowed two hits and five pressures
● Safety Jarrad Page had more defensive stops (4) than any Eagles linebacker
● Slot cornerback Justin King had twice as many defensive stops (4) as any other Ram
● Rams defensive backs combined for two sacks, three hits and three pressures
PFF Game Ball:
Jason Babin & Cullen Jenkins, DE & DT, Philadelphia Eagles
On debut the Eagles’ new defensive line signings combined for 3 sacks, 3 hits and 5 pressures as the Eagles set about harassing Sam Bradford early and often.
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