Eagles’ defensive line could have their coming out party in Week 3 against Washington
The Eagles have gotten off to an impressive 2-0 start to kickoff their 2022 campaign. Everything seems to be clicking on both sides of the ball, but there’s still one major concern the team has yet to answer.
The defensive line is still struggling to generate sacks. Through two games, the Eagles defense has recorded just three sacks, the third-lowest total in the NFL. They’ve posted a sack percentage of 3.5 percent, 27th in the league.
It’s the same story as last season. Generating pressure isn’t a problem; converting those pressures into sacks is.
Luckily for Philly’s front-four, they’ll be facing Carson Wentz this upcoming Sunday. A quarterback who notoriously holds onto the ball way longer than he’s supposed to. A potentially perfect remedy for the Eagles’ sack woes.
In Week 2 against Detroit, Wentz was pressured on 21 of his dropbacks and five of them turned into sacks. Mostly because Wentz still has no idea what’s going on around him when he’s in the pocket.
Exhibit A in Wentz’s non-existent pocket presence
On paper, Wentz has gotten off to a fine start in 2022. He’s completing 65.5 percent of his passes, he’s thrown for 650 yards (second-most in the NFL), and he’s tossed seven touchdowns (tied for most in the league). Stats don’t tell the entire story, though, especially in regards to Wentz.
He still has way too many WTF moments. Aside from some of his boneheaded sacks last Sunday, Wentz also gave us this gem.
And this one.
As long as the Eagles create pressure and manage a few sacks, Wentz is bound to have a few more WTF moments in Week 3.
With starting center Chase Roullier on IR after suffering an injury last week, the interior of Washington’s offensive line is susceptible. Starting right guard Wes Schweitzer, who was a full participant in practice this week after missing the Lions game, is expected to shift to center with Roullier out. Trai Turner will get the start at right guard.
Schweitzer was putrid in pass protection when he suited up in Week 1, posting a 24.8 pass blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus, while allowing one quarterback pressure and hit a piece. Turner hasn’t been great either, posting a 64.8 pass blocking grade through two weeks.
The interior of the Eagles defensive line has done a fine job creating pressure so far this season. Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, and Marlon Tuipulotu rank inside the top-25 in pass rushing grade for defensive tackles, per PFF.
Throughout his career, Wentz has been pretty terrible whenever he’s played behind a makeshift offensive line. That’s exactly what he’ll have in front of him this Sunday.
Philly’s defensive front accounts for more than 21 percent of the team’s overall cap hit this season, per Spotrac. It’s about time this unit proves their worth. Week 3 will be a perfect opportunity to do so.
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Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Eagles
