PHILADELPHIA – A few thoughts on the Philadelphia Eagles' 34-28 win over the St. Louis Rams at Lincoln Financial Field:
What it means: Chip Kelly likes to talk about the importance of a four-minute offense when you’re protecting a lead. The Eagles needed one Sunday. They got only half of it, leaving the Rams 1:47 to drive for the winning touchdown. The Eagles' defense, which looked gassed as the Rams chipped a 34-7 lead down to 34-28, managed to hang on and prevent an epic blown lead. The Eagles improved to 4-1, but still have some serious issues with their offense. LeSean McCoy and the running game looked better, but were not able to grind out a couple of clock-killing drives in the fourth quarter. Once again, the Eagles got touchdowns from their defense and special teams. They needed them, too.
Stock watch: McCoy has to be trending up after this one. Yes, he still got stopped behind the line a bit more than anyone would like. And his lost fumble in the second quarter just can’t happen. But the return of right tackle Lane Johnson from his PED suspension seemed to invigorate McCoy, and he put up some respectable numbers for the first time in three weeks. He still hasn’t had a vintage McCoy game this season, but this one was at least a step in that direction
Many happy returns: The Eagles scored two touchdowns from special teams and the defense. Actually, they got 2.5 TDs. Chris Maragos’ return of a blocked punt was the first. Cedric Thornton’s recovery of an Austin Davis fumble provided the second. But Thornton also rumbled 40 yards after recovering a fumble caused by Brandon Graham. That gave the Eagles the ball at the Rams’ 24-yard line. Two plays later, Nick Foles found a wide open Jeremy Maclin in the end zone for the touchdown and a 34-7 lead.
Game ball: Thornton had a line McCoy would envy this season. Thornton ran 40 yards after scooping up a fumble. He also recovered a fumble for a touchdown. One TD and a long run of 40? That’s not bad for a defensive end.
What’s next: The Eagles host the New York Giants in an important NFC East matchup. The teams split last year, with each of them winning on the road. The Giants appear to be coming around after starting the season 0-2. Three consecutive wins have them in position to catch the Eagles in the division race next week. After the Giants game, the Eagles have their bye week, followed by a tough stretch against Arizona, Houston, Carolina and Green Bay -- three of those on the road.
