How the Eagles ran all over Washington
Breaking down the various issues Washington’s run defense had trying to contain the Eagles ground attack
Washington’s defense had one of its worst performances of the season to date against the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday night. The majority of Washington’s defensive line spent the week on the Covid list, but most of the group made it back off the list in time to play. However, the lack of practice time clearly had an impact as Washington’s run defense was torn apart by the Eagles.
Running back Miles Sanders picked up 131 yards on just 18 carries at 7.3 yards per carry and the Eagles totalled 238 rushing yards on 41 rushes overall. Washington’s run defense hasn’t been outstanding this season, but it also hasn’t been bad. There were some uncharacteristic mistakes by some of Washington’s best players.
On this play, the Eagles run an outside zone to their left. Jonathan Allen aligns in the A gap between the center and left guard. Eagles center Jason Kelce is one of the best in the league at his position but not many do what he’s able to do to Allen on this play. He beats Allen off the snap and reaches across his face. Allen attempts to go under the block and toss Kelce aside, but Kelce manages to maintain his balance and work back to cut off Allen, clearing a running lane for the back to work into.
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