Sam Howell is aware of he could title everybody alongside the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive entrance after he and the Washington Commanders took loads of punishment from them earlier this season.
“We’ll definitely have our hands full,” Howell mentioned.
With Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts anticipated to play through a left knee harm, his teammates on the defensive facet of the ball must be anticipated to ratchet up the pressure on Howell when the NFC East rivals meet Sunday at Washington. Philadelphia (6-1) has the second-most sacks in the NFL, and Howell is the most-sacked QB in the league. That mixture could make it a protracted afternoon for the Commanders (3-4).
In this case final yr at FedEx Field, the Eagles sacked Carson Wentz 9 instances, pressured two fumbles and recovered considered one of them. Washington’s offensive line is arguably worse, Howell shouldn’t be as skilled at selecting up blitzes, and Philadelphia is available in with the league’s prime protection in opposition to the run.
“(We) talk about every week of, ‘You’ve got to earn the right to rush the passer,’” Eagles defensive coordinator Sean Desai mentioned. “The way to earn the right is to knock the run out. That’s a core philosophy of what (other coaches) believe in, what I believe in, what we believe in as a defense.”
Washington used to imagine in a balanced offense, an identification that protected Howell and used the operating again mixture of Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson to maintain opponents off steadiness. That modified final weekend at the New York Giants, when Howell dropped again to go 52 instances in comparison with 19 dashing makes an attempt in a lackluster 14-7 loss.
Coach Ron Rivera, in his fourth season however his first below new homeowners who will resolve who runs soccer operations past this yr, mentioned he was advantageous with what the offense was attempting as a result of it’s all about growing Howell as a younger quarterback.
But there’s a fragile steadiness in that since Howell is taking so many hits and every one carries one other threat of harm. He’s additionally attempting to play the place with out pondering an excessive amount of about being sacked — despite the fact that that’s simpler mentioned than carried out after it occurred six instances in opposition to the Giants.
“The sack problem is definitely an issue and we want to try to avoid that and try to limit those numbers,” mentioned Howell, who’s going into his eighth professional begin. “But at the same time, I still want to go out there and play how I’m coached to play and still keep my eyes downfield and be able to locate those guys and not be too worried about the rush.”
The rush additionally isn’t the solely menace the Eagles’ protection offers, and their stingy (however banged-up) secondary bought even deeper this week after the commerce with Tennessee for 2-time All-Pro security Kevin Byard.
HURTS SAYS HE’S GOOD
Hurts performed the second half of Philadelphia’s 31-17 victory over Miami with a brace on his left knee, and he hasn’t been himself all season. This week, he downplayed the harm by saying he’s “just taking it day by day.”
Hurts didn’t specify when he was injured besides to verify it wasn’t in opposition to the Dolphins.
“I don’t want to make it bigger than what it is,” Hurts mentioned. “I think it’s something that comes with every player in this league. Things happen in this league, and you just try to avoid them.”
MORE MCLAURIN?
Howell solely threw the ball towards prime receiver and face of the franchise Terry McLaurin as soon as throughout the first half of the Giants sport. McLaurin completed with six catches for 90 yards.
A smooth-spoken, in style and properly-revered teammate, McLaurin isn’t one to name out offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy or Howell, however he is aware of they belief his skill.
“I don’t really have control over the play-calling and I’m not necessarily somebody who’s going to be as demonstrative in the media, but they know how much I want the ball,” McLaurin mentioned. “And I feel like my teammates come up to me a lot during the games like, ‘We need a play from you.’ I get the guys going, and I don’t shy away from those moments, but I just try to be ready when those opportunities come because they’re game-changing plays.”
HAPPY HOMECOMING
Byard isn’t simply considered one of the prime defensive backs in the league. He’s West Philadelphia born and raised and searching ahead to playing some vital video games for the group he grew up rooting for.
His household moved to Georgia when he was 14, however Byard’s love for his hometown group by no means waned. Brian Dawkins was his favourite participant and, later, an affect on find out how to play the sport.
“When I first started playing safety in high school, one of the first things I did was go on YouTube and look at ‘Weapon X’ videos,” Byard mentioned, referencing Dawkins’ nickname. “It was like a hype video. Every single game I played I looked at that. Obviously admired his intensity and the way he played the game.”
Byard has 27 interceptions since turning into a starter in 2017, the most amongst all NFL safeties through 2022.
His arrival crammed a giant want for the Eagles, who misplaced security C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Detroit in free company and are coping with accidents of their secondary.
“We know we’re not only getting a good player but also a good person,” coach Nick Sirianni mentioned. “That’s exciting because when you get the right people in here, they’re going to be able to handle the ups and downs of the season.”
0-LINE CHANGES
Rivera mentioned he and his workers are contemplating modifications alongside the offensive line given the sack drawback and aren’t ruling out altering the beginning 5.
“I don’t think I’m going to take anything off the table,” Rivera mentioned.
Already a brand new left guard was anticipated after Saahdiq Charles aggravated a calf harm in opposition to the Giants. Veteran inside lineman Tyler Larsen could have a much bigger function transferring ahead in an effort to maintain Howell as upright as potential.
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AP Sports Writer Dan Gelston in Philadelphia contributed to this report.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)
