October 27, 2015
On a key 3rd and 9 play in the fourth quarter last Sunday night against Carolina, the Eagles ran a quick screen to Josh Huff that required Huff to get more than 10 yards after the catch against a highly athletic and excellent tackling defense... by design. It went nowhere, and the Eagles were forced to try a 50-yard field goal attempt that they missed.
Kelly was asked what he was looking for on that call.
"It was a screen. We missed a block at the point of attack. We knew that they were going to be in man coverage. If we get the first guy blocked, then we'd bring in a couple of guys to block the guys covering Josh."
When asked why that play call was the best option for that situation, Kelly went "execution" on our asses. "It wasn't the best play because we didn't execute," replied Kelly.
Execution!
I'm not one to typically micro-manage play calls. (Seriously). But far too often this season the Eagles have run plays on third down that have required the receiver to get yards after the catch to get the first down. Here was that screen to Huff:
Ew. pic.twitter.com/8ApmGRH4UH
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) October 27, 2015
One missed block didn't ruin this play. This play wasn't going anywhere from the jump. Over-relying on your receivers to get yards after the catch is either a play-calling flaw or distrust in your quarterback to throw past the sticks. Take your pick. Or maybe it's both.
Follow Jimmy on Twitter: @JimmyKempski
