Positive and Negative. These antonyms carry so much meaning in the English language. They can refer to battery terminals, or perhaps direction, slope or velocity. They can mean savings in the bank, or debt owed. Positive is defined as a good, affirmative or of constructive quality or attribute.
In terms of this article, “positive” means many things: Primarily, work effort, attitude, improvement and success.
All that from one word.
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The Philadelphia Eagles’ preseason victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was earned, for all intents and purposes, by the defense. This idea suits the defense just fine, especially defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. “I think we have to be the unit that takes over. We have to beat the guys, especially the guys up front. We have to just take over games and be disruptive,” he said after the game.
But strong defense can only carry a team so far. Not every opponent will gift wrap the ball deep in their own territory, cough up five turnovers or score just nine points.
With that in mind, new head coach Doug Pederson and offensive coach Frank Reich will need to focus on fundamental, measurable goals for this offense: Things like yards per carry, completions and time of possession are all important. All this needs to be accomplished despite the fact that they will suffer the absence of Lane Johnson during his 10-game suspension. Even first round draft pick Carson Wentz has a hairline fracture in his rib cage, with no date set for his return.
Johnson’s absence forces offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland to get creative with the offensive line. He appears to be settling 6’4” Allen Barbre to right tackle to bookend with 6’4” left tackle Jason Peters. The vacancy of Barbre will likely be occupied by the 6’4” rookie offensive guard Isaac Seumalo.
The baseline for the Eagles offense was set in that first game, and they are not pretty numbers. They earned 188 total yards and averaged just 2.8 yards per play; this was on 26 rushing attempts for 93 yards and 18 completions on 36 passing attempts for 114 yards, losing 19 yards on four sacks.
In short, there’s nowhere to go but up.
Still, the team scored when it had to. From a fumbled opening kickoff and a strip sack on Winston, the team managed to put up a quick 14 points in the first quarter. The defense made it count the rest of the way.
As the preseason unfolds, the Eagles will need to show some punch in the running game. Receivers will need to show separation, an ability to stretch the field and the fortitude to hold onto the ball. The offense will need to show that they can move the ball 80 yards down the field for that winning touchdown to end the game.
For now, they need to stay positive in attitude, work ethic and progress. Success in the NFL comes in many ways. Philadelphia doesn’t need pretty victories, just wins which are less dependent on luck.
To hear more from Bret Stuter, follow him on Twitter at @milroyigglesfan.
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