Defending the Eagles Offense in the Los Angeles Rams Insider Podcast
Defending the Eagles Offense in the Los Angeles Rams Insider Podcast
In the highly competitive NFL, few teams have been as dominant on offense as the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2024 season. Under the leadership of head coach Nick Sirianni, and with the stellar play of dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Eagles have constructed an offense that is not only potent but versatile enough to adjust and exploit any defensive scheme. As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for their Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, it’s crucial for the Rams’ defense to formulate a plan that can limit the Eagles’ explosive offensive attack.
In this article, we’ll break down the various strategies and defensive approaches that the Rams can employ to defend the Eagles’ high-powered offense. Drawing insights from a hypothetical “Los Angeles Rams Insider Podcast” segment on the subject, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of the Eagles’ offense, identify key players to focus on, and outline a detailed defensive game plan that could give the Rams the upper hand.
Understanding the Eagles’ Offensive Scheme
The foundation of the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense is built on a balanced attack, combining a dynamic running game with an efficient passing attack. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, known for his ability to read defenses and extend plays with his legs, is the engine that powers both aspects of the offense. The Eagles have found success by mixing in a variety of looks, including read-option plays, RPOs (run-pass options), play-action, and quick tempo offenses to keep opposing defenses off balance.
The Eagles’ offensive line is one of the best in the league, providing Hurts with the time he needs to make decisions in the pocket or find running lanes when he decides to take off. The offensive line’s ability to dominate in the trenches is key to both the run game and giving Hurts the time to connect with his array of playmakers in the passing game.
At wide receiver, the Eagles boast a potent duo in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Brown is a physical, big-play receiver who can dominate on deep routes and win contested catches, while Smith’s finesse and route running make him a constant threat for precision catches. Tight end Dallas Goedert is another critical piece of the passing game, providing Hurts with a reliable outlet in the middle of the field.
On the ground, the Eagles use a committee approach with running backs Miles Sanders, Kenneth Gainwell, and Hurts himself, who is also a major threat on designed quarterback runs. This multifaceted rushing attack is a challenge for any defense because the Eagles can beat you in multiple ways.
Key Strategies for the Rams’ Defense
To successfully defend the Eagles’ offense, the Rams must focus on disrupting the key components of Philadelphia’s attack. We break down several key strategies the Rams should consider to thwart the Eagles’ high-powered offense.
1. Contain Jalen Hurts
The most crucial element in defending the Eagles’ offense is neutralizing Jalen Hurts’ ability to make plays with his legs. Hurts is a true dual-threat quarterback, capable of escaping pressure and running for big gains, but he’s also an adept passer who can strike downfield with accuracy and velocity. The Rams need to ensure that Hurts doesn’t break free for extended runs, especially on third downs or in short-yardage situations, as his ability to extend drives with his legs is one of the most dangerous aspects of Philadelphia’s offense.
The Rams’ defensive front, particularly linebacker Bobby Wagner and edge rusher Leonard Floyd, must be disciplined when rushing Hurts. Overcommitting to the pocket could allow Hurts to scramble for a big gain. The Rams should focus on maintaining lane discipline while rushing from the edge, forcing Hurts to stay in the pocket and make throws under pressure.
Moreover, when Hurts takes off on designed quarterback runs or scrambles, the Rams will need to have their safeties, like Jordan Fuller and Taylor Rapp, come up quickly to contain him. Using a “spy” approach with a mobile linebacker to track Hurts and limit his running lanes could also be effective, ensuring that Hurts can’t escape for large chunks of yardage.
2. Slow Down the Rushing Attack
The Eagles’ offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, with stalwarts like Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce opening holes for their running backs. Running backs Miles Sanders and Kenneth Gainwell, combined with Hurts, make for a potent backfield that can dictate the tempo of the game if allowed to gain momentum.
To slow down this rushing attack, the Rams must be aggressive up front. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald will play a pivotal role in disrupting the Eagles’ ground game. Donald, who is a consistent force in both run-stopping and pass-rushing situations, must command attention from the Eagles’ offensive line. By clogging up running lanes and making it difficult for Sanders and Gainwell to find space, Donald can force Hurts into passing situations, which is a far less comfortable position for the Eagles’ offense.
The Rams should also employ a combination of line stunts and linebackers crashing the gaps to fill any openings in the run game. As we saw in their regular-season games, when teams are able to stop the run early, it forces Hurts to rely on his arm, which, while strong, can also be vulnerable under pressure.
3. Double Coverage on A.J. Brown
One of the most difficult aspects of defending the Eagles is their wide receiver corps, particularly A.J. Brown. Brown has the size, speed, and strength to dominate any cornerback in the NFL. His ability to track down deep balls and create separation on contested catches makes him a dangerous target for Hurts. The Rams’ top cornerbacks, Jalen Ramsey and Darious Williams, are both capable of shadowing Brown, but simply matching up one-on-one may not be enough.
The Rams will need to implement double coverage on Brown, especially on deep routes or critical third downs, to limit his ability to stretch the field. By rolling a safety over the top to help Ramsey, the Rams can mitigate Brown’s impact and force Hurts to look for other options.
This strategy could leave DeVonta Smith in one-on-one situations, which would give the Rams a chance to focus on limiting his opportunities, too. While Smith is a talented and savvy receiver, he’s not the same physical threat as Brown, making it easier for the Rams to shift their focus and try to eliminate the Eagles’ biggest playmaker.
4. Keep Hurts in the Pocket and Pressure the Pass
When Hurts is forced to sit in the pocket and make throws, he can be disrupted by pressure. While he is an excellent passer, Hurts can sometimes struggle when forced to move off his spot or when facing a well-coordinated pass rush. The Rams should focus on consistently bringing pressure from all angles to force Hurts to get rid of the ball quicker than he wants, disrupting his rhythm.
Aaron Donald will, once again, be the key to generating pressure in the middle of the pocket. However, the Rams’ edge rushers, including Leonard Floyd and rookie Byron Young, need to provide constant pressure on the outside. Using stunts and blitzes to confuse the Eagles’ offensive line and prevent Hurts from making clean, confident throws will be essential. The Rams should also make sure they don’t give Hurts clean lanes to escape the pocket and run.
5. Focus on Third-Down Efficiency
One of the biggest advantages the Eagles’ offense has is its ability to convert on third downs. Jalen Hurts’ ability to pick up first downs with his legs, combined with a solid running game, makes the Eagles a dangerous team in third-and-short and third-and-medium situations. The Rams must improve their third-down defense and avoid letting the Eagles sustain drives, particularly in the red zone.
The Rams should aim to create obvious passing situations on third down by first stopping the run early in the series. By keeping the Eagles in third-and-long situations, they can force Hurts to rely more on his passing game, which, while effective, is more susceptible to mistakes when pressured.
6. Discipline in Coverage
Hurts’ ability to extend plays is a major factor in the Eagles’ offensive success. When plays break down, Hurts does an excellent job of keeping his eyes downfield and making throws on the move. The Rams’ secondary must maintain discipline in coverage, ensuring that their defenders are not fooled by pump fakes or misdirections as Hurts tries to escape the pocket. The Rams’ cornerbacks and safeties must stick to their assignments, even when Hurts scrambles, to prevent big gains on broken plays.
