Eagles Coach Admits Harsh Truth About Team After Week 16 Loss

The Philadelphia Eagles saw their 10-game winning streak snapped last week in a tough 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders. The Eagles jumped out to a 21-7 lead over Washington in the first quarter but saw their lead quickly evaporate as the Commanders scored 22 points in the fourth quarter.

It wasn’t a great performance from the Eagles in all three phases of the game. The offense was stagnant without starting QB Jalen Hurts, while the defense had five takeaways, but gave up a season-high 36 points.

Lastly, the special teams unit wasn’t up to par as Braden Mann failed to get the ball inside the landing zone and the kick coverage unit didn’t do their part, allowing the Commanders to have good field position. 

Jake Elliott also missed a 56-yard field goal at the end of the first half. However, he made a 24-yard and a 40-yard field goal in the third quarter, and a 50-yard and 40-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter.

On Wednesday, Eagles special teams coordinator Michael Clay discussed the unit’s struggles against the Commanders.

“We didn’t perform well, especially on kick coverage. It was Braden Mann’s kicks and the coverage that weren’t good enough,” Clay said (h/t Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer).

Mann started the game with a landing zone penalty, giving the Commanders offense the ball at the 40-yard line. However, the Eagles stopped Washington running back Brian Robinson Jr. on fourth and one, giving Philadelphia early momentum.

After the Eagles scored a touchdown, Mann had a chance to redeem himself with his second kickoff attempt. However, Philly’s kick coverage unit allowed Commanders rookie wide receiver Luke McCaffrey to return the ball 47 yards.

Again, the Eagles’ special teams unit got bailed out as Robinson fumbled and Philly recovered the ball. 

Late in the fourth quarter, Philadelphia’s kick return unit was penalized for an illegal formation on Washington’s final offensive possession after McCaffrey returned the kick for 29 yards. 

Nonetheless, Clay hopes his unit will fix its issues as they face one of the most dynamic kick returners in the NFL --- Dallas Cowboys WR KaVontae Turpin on Sunday.

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