Five Big-Picture Takeaways from Eagles Week 15 Loss vs Cardinals

4.) The Lack of a True #1 Wide Receiver Makes the Margin for Error on Offense Almost Non-Existent  

Dec 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) runs after a reception against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers (25) during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Despite losing the game by 23, the Eagles offense actually did some nice things against a very good Cardinals defense, even when the result was hanging the balance. They probed their way into Arizona territory on most of their drives and did not a concerning amount of three-and-outs. From a yardage standpoint, the Eagles were better Sunday night than they have been during a handful of games this season. That’s not what wins the games, unfortunately.

Especially in the red zone, where the Eagles were 0-2 on Sunday, one cannot rely solely on play design and execution. Against an opponent of the Cardinals caliber, teams must be able to present talent that is beyond anything the defense can offer. When things get tight around the goal line, having an individual capable of overcoming the opposition despite them defending them correctly is supremely valuable. The Eagles do not (and have not since Kelly’s arrival) had a player that the quarterback can basically tell to ‘go up and get it’ when the stakes are highest.

The Eagles saw first-hand the value of having players that can make a play against perfect defense. Chip Kelly’s offense is predicated upon taking teams out of their perfect defense, but that task becomes more difficult in the red zone where options are limited. They have been victimized by various ‘#1 receivers’ under Kelly and have not been able to line one up of their own. Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson are both very good fringe #1 targets, but even they could not excel in the red zone when they were still in Philadelphia. It’s obvious these types of players don’t grow on trees, but Kelly hasn’t exactly set himself up for success in that regard.

Jordan Matthews is very good for what he is: a big, strong, competitive receiver without game-breaking speed. Nelson Agholor may still pan out as a dynamic outside threat, but his rookie season has been quite disappointing. Josh Huff is hit-or-miss, but has shown no indication that he can emerge as a gamebreakinig talent on a weekly basis.

Chip Kelly might insist upon the fact that his receivers are getting the job done at this point. The Eagles probably won’t find themselves in a position to acquire a superior talent at that position any time soon. They are somewhat pigeon-holed with their core-group on the outside and will continue to suffer because of it.