Philadelphia is 2-0, but its offense has struggled on first down: through two games, it ranked 30th in the NFL in both EPA per play (-0.208) and success rate (26%), with just two of 48 first-down plays producing a first down or touchdown.
The Eagles averaged 2.94 yards per first-down play and gained 89 yards on 30 first-down runs. Their 112.5 rushing yards per game includes off-script runs by Jalen Hurts. Guard Tyler Steen said players’ limited experience with the new wide-zone blocking scheme has led to mistakes.
In Sunday’s win over Tennessee, the Eagles had four first-and-10 runs for zero or negative yards, and Tyler Steen and tight end Johnny Mundt each drew a 10-yard holding penalty on first-and-10. Tackle Jordan Mailata said the priority was smarter execution; Steen described adjusting to the scheme as a process. Philadelphia next plays Chicago on Monday night.
