"Everyone Loves the Long Bomb" - Baldy Breaks Down the Week 1 Eagles Performance
Another NFL season is upon us, which means Baldy is about to flood the market with great video breakdowns.
We always like sharing his stuff on the site because 1) he knows what he’s talking about and 2) sees things that other people don’t see, so with that said, here’s what he posted following the Eagles/Lions game:
.@Eagles @JalenHurts rescued so many plays b/c of breakdowns up front. No one wants to see the QB run 17X! No one is serving that kind of punishment. Lots to clean up before home opener. #FlyEaglesFly #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/RYY4tM1hbc
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 12, 2022
“What is he supposed to do when you break down like this?”
One of the things we’re gonna have to wrestle with this year is the idea that Jalen Hurts is bailing too early and relying on his legs. There might end up being some truth to that, but you have to dive into video like this to look at line protection, and use all-22 film to see if receivers are getting open. Regardless of what the final story ends up being, Hurts’ legs are such a weapon and his performance on the ground was a huge reason for the week 1 win.
.@Eagles biggest play to the young season belongs to James Bradberry with a whole lotta help from his friends #flyeaglesfly #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/lSwFVXmAnE
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 12, 2022
“The biggest play of the season for the Eagles”
Good breakdown there. Baldy is talking about the “stick-nod” route, which is basically a 5-7 yard joint where you turn, look for the ball, then go back up the field vertically. Detroit just gets it wrong, but without the tip, that ball is falling incomplete instead of being picked off. Really nice pressure there from Marlon Tuipulotu to influence Jared Goff and force him to get that ball out.
.@Eagles @JalenHurts to @1kalwaysopen_ on 3-4….downtown for +54. Everyone loves the “Long Bomb”. Points before the HALF. #FlyEaglesFly #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/6A4AHnqmQO
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 12, 2022
“This is the play everybody was waiting for”
Huge play in the game because Detroit had just used a timeout and the Birds came back with a 54-yard completion that ultimately added points and extended the lead going into halftime.
This was Hurts’ best throw of the game. If there was a better one, I don’t remember it. And if he feels comfortable enough with A.J. Brown to the point where he’ll heave it up there and “let him go get it,” then that’s gonna be a beautiful thing and huge step forward in his passing development.
.@Eagles Jason Kelce pulling v an “Even Front” to block the DE! While even one else is in Slide Protection. Play to your strengths #flyeaglesfly #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/9bKY0UxxgJ
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 12, 2022
“Look at the protection you get”
Upon first watch, it seemed like the O line played a good game. Not a great game, but a good game. Lane Johnson called the win “some ugly shit,” and he’s not wrong, but they’re only improving from here.
Honestly, kinda surprised Baldy didn’t get into the Eagles defense at all, but maybe that’s coming down the pike. There’s plenty to dig into there.