The Philadelphia Eagles defense allowed 30.3 points per game in the final six weeks of the 2023 regular season. They gave up 42 points to the San Francisco 49ers, 33 to the Dallas Cowboys, and even let the Arizona Cardinals, who averaged just 19.4 points per game, score 35 at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Eagles also surrendered 26 points per game to the New York Giants, who had the third-lowest-scoring offense last year. Additionally, Baker Mayfield shredded Philadelphia’s defense in the playoffs, throwing for 337 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 9.4 yards per attempt and posted a 119.8 passer rating,
Last year, Philadelphia’s defense allowed the fifth-most passing yards in the league and ranked 29th in DVOA. According to PFF, it also had the eighth-worst coverage grade.
On the other hand, Philadelphia allowed the third-fewest rushing yards last year and earned PFF’s fourth-best run defense grade. Nine Eagles with at least 10 run defense snaps posted a minimum 70 run defense grade.
The best game plan for Green Bay’s offense on Friday is to target Philadelphia’s secondary. James Bradberry is on injured reserve and won’t play. Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell are rookies. C.J. Gardner-Johnson may be rusty after playing just two games last year. Darius Slay was a top-10 cornerback in most receptions allowed, while Reed Blankenship was among the top 10 safeties for most receptions, yards, yards after catch, and passer rating allowed.
While attacking Philadelphia’s pass defense will be crucial for Green Bay’s success, the Packers must avoid second- and third-and-long situations. The Eagles boasted a top-10 pass rush last year, according to Pro Football Focus. Jalen Carter recorded 49 pressures and six sacks, while Josh Sweat had 68 pressures and 6.5 sacks. Together, they had over 80 hurries. Despite not posting the same stats as in previous years, Brandon Graham remains a reliable force in their front seven.
The Packers have the personnel to exploit Philadelphia’s defense in various ways. Christian Watson is one of the fastest players in the league and often draws extra attention from defenses. Against the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs last year, Watson’s deep routes on two early third downs created openings for Romeo Doubs over the middle, leading to conversions for Green Bay. Simply having Watson available allows the Packers to scheme players open and capitalize on defensive mismatches.
Darius Slay may be the only corner on Philadelphia’s roster with a chance of effectively covering Dontayvion Wicks. However, the Eagles will likely match him up against Romeo Doubs, who has become Jordan Love’s go-to target during training camp. That could create a mismatch for the Packers because whoever covers Wicks will likely be at a disadvantage.
If the 2022 All-Pro version of Josh Jacobs shows up at Corinthians Arena, the Eagles will be in trouble. Philadelphia prides itself on stopping the run, and if the Packers can beat them at their own game, it will expose their secondary. The Eagles won’t be able to load the box and simultaneously contain Green Bay’s passing attack.
The Eagles ended their 2023 season by being thoroughly exposed on defense. The Packers have the personnel and the scheme to exploit Philadelphia’s weaknesses and force them to make the same mistakes that led to their premature exit from last year’s postseason.
