Free falling Eagles hope to find lift against winless Lions
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 24: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts while coming of the field after their loss against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Imag
DETROIT - Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions are desperate for a victory, growing tired of being the NFL’s only winless team.
The first-year coach was fired up about the opportunity to turn around the long-suffering franchise when he was hired 10 months ago, but seven setbacks without success have taken a toll.
Campbell cried in front of cameras and reporters after a comeback fell short earlier this month. And, he didn’t hide his hopes and emotions about the Lions (0-7) possibly beating Philadelphia (2-5) on Sunday at home.
"It would mean everything, look, particularly going into a bye, too," Campbell said softly. "Any time it would be good, but man, you end on a right note and we get those guys, get their bodies back a little bit and then you come back in. You almost feel like you’re starting over somewhat."
Likewise, the Eagles and their first-year coach are shooting for a win to potentially start the process of salvaging their season after dropping two straight games.
"This is what I said to the team: 'The results aren’t there right now, but what’s going on here is that there’s growth under the soil,'" coach Nick Sirianni recalled. "I put a picture of a flower up, and it’s coming through the ground, and the roots are growing out. The roots are continuing to grow out. Everybody wants to see results. Shoot, nobody wants to see results more than us, right?"
PITCH AND CATCH
Opposing quarterbacks are completing 74.4% of their passes against the Eagles. If that holds up, it will break the NFL record of 72.7% set by the Lions in 2016. Las Vegas quarterback Derek Carr was 31 of 34 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns last week against Philadelphia. Carr’s 91.2% completion rate was the second highest by a quarterback throwing at least 30 passes in NFL history.
"That needs to get corrected because it’s hard to play winning football when the ball doesn’t hit the ground," Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon said.
PHILLY’S OWN
Second-year running back D’Andre Swift, who is from Philadelphia, has been perhaps the brightest spot during a dim season in Detroit. After being slowed in training camp with a groin injury, the former Georgia star has steadily improved even as defenses have focused on trying to slow him down.
Swift had a season-high 144 yards of offense last week, giving him an average of 93.3 yards per game this season, and matched his career high with eight receptions. He leads NFL running backs with 42 catches and 391 yards receiving. Swift leads the Lions with five touchdowns, three more than any teammate.
Campbell said he sees similarities to Alvin Kamara, who he coached in New Orleans.
"They can both, I think, somewhat take a game over," Campbell said.
INCONSISTENT HURTS
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has completed just 53.6% of his passes over the past three games. Hurts' accuracy issues have been a concern throughout his first two seasons. His overall numbers are inflated by several late scores that have come after the outcome was decided. Seven of Philadelphia’s 18 offensive touchdowns were scored after the team trailed by at least 19 points in the second half.
"It’s all self-inflicted things that have stopped us," Hurts said.
HOMECOMING
Eagles cornerback Darius Slay will face his former team for the first time. Detroit drafted Slay in the second round in 2013 and after a mostly productive career, former general manager Bob Quinn traded him to Philadelphia after the 2019 season.
"That’s like my second home," Slay said. "I was there seven years. I appreciate (former Lions general manager) Martin Mayhew and the Lions taking a chance on me. It’s a good home visit for me. I appreciate the fans, for sure, because I’m real big in the community there."
GOING FOR IT
The Lions are trying almost anything to win. Detroit recovered an onside kick and successfully faked two punts to pick up first down, including one with punter Jack Fox throwing a sharp, 17-yard pass, in a loss against the Los Angeles Rams.
"Last week was special, obviously, with what they did, getting us three extra possessions there," quarterback Jared Goff said. "I think Jack's pretty versatile with his ability to throw the ball. I was around Johnny Hekker for five years and he was very similar where he played high school quarterback, too, and could throw it a little bit. That’s always a weapon you’ve got there."
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