Five Big-Picture Takeaways from Eagles’ Week 10 Loss vs Dolphins

1.) Mark Sanchez Is STILL Mark Sanchez

Nov 15, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez (3) walks off the field after throwing an interception in the end zone against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Dolphins won 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

When Sam Bradford crumbled under the ferocious blitz of Miami linebacker Chris McCain, it was easy to see the oft-injured quarterback was not long for Sunday’s contest. Sure enough, Chip Kelly confirmed it was a concussion that kept the signal-caller out for the majority of the 2nd half of the team’s one-point loss. For Eagles fans, it was de ja vu all over again. Their starting quarterback leaving a game after being sacked and giving way to Mark Sanchez, who found himself trying to lead a team clinging to a three-point lead.

There are times when Sanchez is operating in Chip Kelly’s offense that make one wonder how the coaching staff can keep him on the bench. Unfortunately, it is Sanchez’s shortcoming that often provide a simple reminder as to why he will never make it as a starting quarterback for a winning team in this league. His red zone interception on 2nd and goal from deep inside Miami territory sucked the life out of Lincoln Financial Field and any hopes of an Eagles comeback win. As was the case quite a bit with Sanchez starting in 2014, the Eagles moved the ball well between the 20s, only to falter in the red zone.

Sanchez put the ball and his teammates at risk on a number of throws with the Eagles in position to score, further demonstrating his inability to process information at the most crucial times. While it’s true that Miles Austin did him no favors, either on his interception or an incomplete pass in the back of the end zone that was such because Austin could not get a foot down, Sanchez came up short as a both a potential starter and a competent backup. One cannot help but question Chip Kelly’s decision on 2nd down and goal, well within field goal range, to have Sanchez throw the ball in a high-traffic area. Regardless of whether or not other receivers were open, Kelly knows full well now what Sanchez’s tendencies are. He shouldn’t have made the throw, but the play should have never been called.

Next: Dolphins vs Eagles: Offensive Grades

Sanchez will likely take over starter’s responsibilities for at least the immediate future. Like he was in 2015, Sanchez is probably capable to win a game or two while Bradford recovers. Beyond that, every Eagles fans know what will come if the team is forced to play out the season with Sanchez under center: disappointment.

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