Lions at Eagles Week 3 Scouting Report: Key weapons missing
When the Eagles have the ball
The Eagles’ downfield passing game has scuffled to begin the season and figures to be even less of a factor without speedy wideout DeSean Jackson (abdomen), who will not play. Quarterback Carson Wentz has a rocket for an arm, and could be forced to rely on a secondary group of pass-catchers should starting receiver Alshon Jeffrey (calf – questionable) also be forced to sit.
One of those receivers, Nelson Agholor is likely to be matched up with cornerbacks Justin Coleman when in the slot, and Darius Slay when he is on the outside. Slay tends to perform better when he lines up away from the inside of the formation. With the possibility of both of the Eagles’ top two receivers being unavailable, Slay could be free to roam all over the exterior, giving the Lions a distinct advantage.
Hyperbole aside, tight end Zach Ertz is one of the best-receiving weapons in the NFL. He gets open with ease, has suction cup hands and is a force in the red zone. He will certainly be Wentz’s preferred target. Lions safety Tracy Walker, off to a great start in year two, will be matched up frequently with him on Sunday. This will be an important matchup to watch.
Ertz though is a below-average run blocker, and the Eagles will possibly be without their number two tight end Dallas Goedert (calf), one of their biggest assets in that department. The Eagles essentially employ a committee at running back but will be short one member of that unit in Corey Clement (shoulder).
The Lions’ defensive front, off to a sluggish start to begin the year, will be up against a powerful and experienced Eagles offensive line. It’s led by perennial Pro Bowl tackles Jason Peters and Lane Johnson and center Jason Kelce, one of the best at his position in the league. The Eagles have struggled to open running lanes this season though, averaging just 3.3 yards on the ground, fifth from the bottom in the NFL. The Lions will look to take advantage of this to get their run defense on track, as they have been conceding a disappointing 124.5 rushing yards per game this season.
As is so often the case in the NFL, success is largely attained by the team that can make the opposing quarterback’s life the most unpleasant. The Lions are still finding their footing in that area, and they will be looking for a breakout game from their prized free-agent addition, edge defender Trey Flowers. He is still rounding into form after missing large portions of training camp, but should Flowers awake, the Eagles may not be able to keep up.