Eagles

This Statistic is the Perfect Stocking Stuffer for Your Jonathan Gannon-Hating Uncle

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Dec 19th, 2022 · 10:31 AM EST

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This may be Roob’s best stat ever:

The Eagles are the only NFL team that hasn’t allowed an opposing quarterback to pass for more than 250 yards this year.

Last time the Eagles didn’t allow a QB to throw for more than 250 yards in a full season was 1977, when Jim Hart’s 240 yards were the most against the Eagles.

— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) December 19, 2022

Fire Jonathan Gannon!

lol

Anyway, I was thinking that this statistic might be more impressive based on the thought that the Eagles are often leading in the second half, so common knowledge would make you think the opposition is throwing the ball more  to get back in the game. That, however, doesn’t exactly check out, because according to Sport Radar, 457 passing attempts against the Birds this year has them tied for 21st in the NFL. Teams have thrown against the Titans 566 times, so they are #1 when it comes to this statistic.

The Eagles are, however, a top-10 time of possession team, so that “passes faced” number drops simply because opposing teams just aren’t running as many plays against the Eagles as they would other squads so there’s a neat caveat to consider.

Josh also makes a good point:

There’s also 55 sacks to account for as well which is about another game plus worth of attempts they’ve taken off the field by getting to the QB.

— Josh D (@Jd657091) December 19, 2022

Good point, and another feather in the defensive cap.

Anyway, Jonathan Gannon’s scheme works. It always has worked. You certainly don’t have to like it, but it’s doing largely what it was designed to do, which is limit explosive passing plays and chunk yardage. Someone send Roob’s tweet to Seth Joyner for me. I can’t do it because I’m blocked.