The Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) have found their identity on offense coming out of the bye week, steamrolling opponents behind a rushing attack that’s averaging 199.6 yards and 2.2 touchdowns per game over the team’s current six-game win streak.
Some have downplayed the recent success, citing a favorable schedule. A look at PFF’s team grades through Week 11 actually fuels that argument, to a degree.
Per PFF’s premium stats, the Eagles have faced just one top-10 defense (Cleveland Browns) and two inside the top 15 (Browns, New York Giants). Philly has feasted on five teams ranked No. 25 or worse.
Eagles opposing defense rankings through Week 11
| Opponent (from Week 1) | Overall grade |
| Green Bay Packers | 23 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 19 |
| New Orleans Saints | 30 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 25 |
| Cleveland Browns | 9 |
| New York Giants | 13 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 21 |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 26 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 31 |
| Washington Commanders | 29 |
— Source: PFF Premium Stats
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report recently made a plea to Philly entering Week 12 and beyond: Give rookie wide receivers Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith more opportunities. Here was his full take in this week’s NFC scouting report:
“Offensively, the Eagles’ biggest issue remains their lack of a reliable third receiver. Trade acquisition Jahan Dotson hasn’t been the answer. Unless Howie Roseman is willing to sign a free agent like Michael Thomas or Hunter Renfrow, he needs to look within for a solution. Specifically, the Eagles need to see if rookie receivers Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson can help fill the void. Both have been on the field recently, but neither has played a prominent role.”
This take is more of a knock on Dotson, who had been trending up in recent weeks. He turned 29 snaps into just one catch for eight yards in Thursday night’s win over the Commanders, and it’s fair to wonder how the Eagles’ passing game will fare against a defense that’s better equipped to handle A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert.
The lack of opportunities for Ainias Smith and Wilson probably has more to do with their readiness than the team’s need for more production at WR3. Smith felt like a potential roster casualty in training camp, but the team was able to stash him away on injured reserve. Wilson has appeared in all 10 games, and recently caught his first NFL touchdown pass, but his role as a de facto extra tight end on the boundary has been more about blocking than making timely grabs.
The calls for outside help at wide receiver will likely carry on into 2025. But to the chagrin of those in the national media, Roseman, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and the Eagles are probably happy with Dotson’s role. He’s the fifth option in the passing game behind Brown, DeVonta Smith, Goedert and running back Saquon Barkley, and he’s accepted that role like a pro.
The Eagles could replace Dotson with one of the rookies, or kick the tires on a washed veteran like Michael Thomas, as Holder suggested, but the role of the No. 3 wide receiver in Philly’s offense likely won’t change as long as Nick Sirianni is in charge.
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