Eagles vs. Buccaneers Inside The Numbers: Who Has Edge on MNF?
PHILADELPHIA – It’s been just two games for the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but there are numbers that are beginning to develop that need to be pointed out ahead of Monday night's tilt at Raymond James Stadium. Here are five:
Run defense/pass defense. The two entities couldn’t be further apart. The Eagles have the top-ranked rushing defense but are next to last in defending the pass.
Clearly, there must be something done to narrow the gap. That kind of margin cannot continue to have a successful season.
If there is any bright spot here, it’s that the Eagles’ run defense was tied for 16th last year. The strong start by Jordan Davis and the impressive early play from rookie Jalen Carter has had a lot to do with that, as has veteran Fletcher Cox, who has started the season strong.
A case could also be made that the Vikings aren’t a very good running team after losing Dalvin Cook. However, the Patriots were supposed to hurt Philly on the ground with Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott, who always seemed to play well against the Eagles when he was with the Dallas Cowboys.
Neither back did much, though.
Also, Pro Football Focus graded Carter as its top rookie in the league for a second straight week. He is the only rookie, per PFF, to maintain a 90.0-plus grade through his first two games.
The bright light, however, is dimmed a bit considering that the Eagles’ pass defense was ranked first last year and is now next-to-last.
© Kim Klement, USA TODAY
Rush offense/pass offense. The disparity is just as wide in these two departments. The passing offense is ranked No. 29 in the league. The run offense is ranked second after putting together games of 97 and 259 yards on the ground.
Again, this is unsustainable for long-term success, at least as far as the passing goes. That must get better for the Eagles to build on their 2-0 record.
Undefeated vs. Undefeated. The Eagles’ visit to Tampa marks the only game of Week 3 that will pit a pair of 2-0 teams against each other. Since 2010, early season tests between undefeated teams have foreshadowed Super Bowl appearances.
In that span, 14 games have featured 2-0 teams in Week 3 and seven of those 14 games produced an eventual Super Bowl berth.
The Chiefs in 2019 and the Rams in 2021 earned Week 3 wins against undefeated opponents on their way to world championships.
Turnover ratio. The Eagles and Bucs are in the top three in turnover ratio, with the Bucs sitting at plus-five and the Eagles at plus-four. The Dallas Cowboys lead the league at plus-seven.
Miscellany. Brandon Graham will play his 181st game in an Eagles uniform on Monday night, which will move him past Hall of Fame receiver Harold Carmichael who played in 180 (1971-1983) on the franchise's all-time games played list.
Graham should be able to become the franchise leader in games played. Next up is Brian Dawkins who played in 183 (1996-2008) and David Akers, the kicker who sits in the top spot with 188 (1999-2010)…
DeVonta Smith’s two catches in one game for 50-plus yards marked the first time an Eagles receiver had done that since DeSean Jackson in 2019…
Darius Slay ranks second in the NFL with the most pass breakups with four, behind Marshon Lattimore, who has five.
