NFL analyst shows how the Eagles made the Browns look really dumb
There is no better time for experimentation than in college the preseason. Whether it’s a new package, a unique combination of players, or even calling the exact same play three times in a row, the preseason provides the perfect opportunity for teams to test new strategies. The Eagles left no stone unturned in Sunday’s 21-20 […]
There is no better time for experimentation than in college the preseason. Whether it’s a new package, a unique combination of players, or even calling the exact same play three times in a row, the preseason provides the perfect opportunity for teams to test new strategies.
The Eagles left no stone unturned in Sunday’s 21-20 preseason victory over the Cleveland Browns. Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator Shane Steichen led the charge with a rather unorthodox approach to his play-calling duties.
On the opening drive of the game with Gardner Minshew under center, Steichen did something that you will rarely see above the pee-wee level. He called the same play three straight times.
That’s not even the craziest part, either. That’s because it worked.
Every. Single. Time.
On 3rd and 3 from the Browns’ 45-yard line Minshew took the snap, faked the give to Boston Scott and found Zach Pascal on a slant route over the middle for a gain of 15 yards.
The very next play the Eagles line up in the same formation. The play starts with the same RPO action, Minshew pulls the ball from Scott and connects with the outside receiver Quez Watkins for a pickup of seven.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me Browns defensive coordinator, Joe Woods.
Finally, on 2nd and 3 the Eagles use the third variation of this play. The Browns’ corners showed press coverage, so the Eagles ran a switch route and found Jalen Reagor racing across the middle for a gain of 10.
Three plays go for three completions and 32 yards. The drive would finish in the endzone on a one-yard touchdown run from Boston Scott.
Mission Embarrass the Hell out of the Browns was complete.
I don’t know who will be more ashamed when Cleveland turns on the film. Will it be the DC Woods or the defensive backs? If I were Woods I might just burn the tape all together.
Featured image via Ken Blaze / USA TODAY Sports
