5. Defense looks to set the tone
This kind of all goes back to taking the football away and winning at the line of scrimmage, so that’s the goal. The defense has given up first-possession points to Washington and Chicago, so the goal in the weeks to come is to change up the pattern. Setting the tone means playing with lights-out energy, physicality and emotion, and dominating the field. Now, it’s not going to be easy against the Rams. This is a high-powered offense with a veteran quarterback and a slew of weapons. But the Eagles have no choice. The defense slowed the powerful Bears running game for much of Monday night, but Bears quarterback Case Keenum won with quick drops and releases and on-target passes to spots. His pass catchers got to those spots to spur an early, short-yardage passing game that helped open things up later in the game. Want to get things on the right path? Get the defense out there snarling on Sunday afternoon.
6. Playing with discipline
The penalty count against the Eagles was on the right track through two games, but then Philadelphia committed 10 of them Monday night, most costing the Eagles big plays on offense and stops on defense. Playing with discipline has been a hallmark of this football team, so after the blip on Monday night, the Eagles have to get back to the basics for Sunday and the rest of the season.
The loss on Monday night was not pleasant in any way, but the fact is that it was one game and if the Eagles go about things the right way, they will use it as a springboard to correct mistakes and learn the right way to go about winning these kinds of football games.
We’ve got a short week ahead of us. That’s a good thing. Sunday can’t come fast enough for this football team to get back on the winning track.