Eagles vs. Packers: Behind the Numbers 2013

Another away game for the Eagles, and another dominating win! The Birds have proven they can win on the road, as they now have a 4-1 record away from the Linc. Despite heading to Lambeau Field, Philadelphia took care of an Aaron Rodgers-less Packers fairly easily, winning 27-13. The game was essentially over before the 3rd quarter for the second week in a row, and the numbers were closer than the score would indicate just like the week before. Let's take a look:

Well, this looks familiar doesn't it? Last week's results looked pretty similar, albeit with a few differences. Despite coming out on top in score (27-13), the Eagles ran fewer plays than the Packers, threw for about 75 less yards, had less first downs, and converted a lower percentage of third downs. The Eagles running fewer plays than their opponents has become a trend this season, but it is usually coupled with a better average gain (7.2 vs 5.3 here) and more total yards. In this game, the Eagles ran for over 100 more yards, since they gave up on the passing game once they built up a lead (also why the Packers out-passed the Eagles). The Birds continue to play fairly clean games, as they only committed 5 penalties and had once turnover (to 2 for Green Bay).

Offensively, it wasn't another 7 TD performance by Nick Foles, but it was definitely another stellar outing for the young QB. He threw another 3 TDs vs. Green Bay, and posted a 149.3 QB rating, which gives Foles a 153.8 average QBR the past two weeks. Wow. Enough said there. LeSean McCoy was back to his old self, and I believe he took back the NFL rushing lead with his 155 yard performance. 50 of those yards came in the 4th quarter, helping to ice the game during the Eagles' last drive (more on that later). DeSean Jackson and Riley Cooper both had monster games, benefiting from some lucky bounces maybe, but still. Nick Foles is able to get the ball in the hands of his receivers, and the offensive line gave him plenty of time to do so. He was sacked a few times, but the line was amazing in opening up rushing lanes for McCoy and the rest of the backs. Overall another great performance by the Philadelphia offense.

Luckily, the great offensive performance was coupled with ANOTHER great defensive performance. The Eagles D only gave up 1 touchdown, and 13 points overall. It is the 5th game in a row allowing 20 points or less (the 6th with 21 or less), and they have only allowed 1 touchdown in 3 of the last 4 games now. As I've said before, most NFL teams will win games when their defense allows under 20 points. It's especially true for the Eagles, who have a potent, quick-strike offense that scores 25.2 ppg (and that's including weeks with 3, 7, and 16 points).

DeMeco Ryans led the way again, this time adding an interception to his 11 tackles. He's played great game in and game out, and is key to the defense for sure. Given his performance, it is no surprise that the Eagles were able to hold the Packers to under 100 rushing yards. Secondary also continues to play well, but they have been letting up some yards (again, keep in mind when these yards are coming). However, they bend but don't break, as they only allowed 2 plays over 22 yards (Philly had 5). And yet again, another area that needs improvement is the pass rush. The defense only recorded 1 sack (in the 4th quarter), though they did have some QB hits and a few knockdowns.

Miscellaneous:

-Talking about ppg above: The Eagles average points per game in their losses is only 15.2 (which includes 30 and 20 point games).

-I'll do the math for you: that's 35.2 ppg in their wins (lowest being this week's 27 points).

-The Birds' best drive may have been one that didn't result in any points, as they ate up the last 9:32 of the game to give the Packers no chance at a comeback. It was easily Philadelphia's longest drive of the season.

-The next longest drive for them was only 3:12 and resulted in a TD, which actually felt long when it happened.

-The Eagles should definitely sign Ed Reed to replace Earl Wolff, as I've already mentioned here.

-They did sign WR/KR Brad Smith, and it will be interesting to see what kind of impact he has. He should have an instant effect on their return game (which needs help).

-I predict an Eagles win next week vs. Washington, finally putting an end to their 10 game home losing streak. 

(Eagles vs. Packers PDF)

Last week at Raiders: W, 49-20

Next week vs. Redskins: Sunday, 1pm