The Philadelphia Eagles desperately need something positive to carry across the Atlantic. You know... something other than stacking draft capital by trading an underperforming Cam Jurgens. Back-to-back losses have frustrated the organization. Injuries have thinned the roster. The offense is searching for consistency, and the defense still hasn't found answersafter consecutive late-game collapses.
Still, not every storyline surrounding the Eagles is negative. In Week 4, Makai Lemon continued building on his Week 3 momentum, and several other Eagles also delivered encouraging performances against theLos Angeles Rams. As Philadelphia prepares for a critical matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, these four players appear to be trending in the right
direction.
Darius Cooper is becoming a trusted target.
The Eagles needed someone to step up as injuries hit the receiving corps. Darius Cooper answered the call. He finished Week 4 with three receptions and two touchdowns, providing one of the few bright spots on an otherwise frustrating afternoon. More importantly, he kept earning Jalen Hurts' trust.
Philadelphia consistently looked to him in key situations, and his role should keep growing if DeVonta Smith remains sidelined. The production will need to continue. Jacksonville's secondary presents a difficult challenge, but Cooper enters Week 5 carrying confidence and momentum.
Zach Ertz is settling back into the offense.
Sometimes the box score doesn't tell the entire story. Zach Ertz won't wow anyone with eye-popping statistics, but he appears increasingly comfortable in Philadelphia's offense. He added two more receptions against the Rams and nearly had another first-down catch had the throw not sailed beyond his reach.
Timing and chemistry matter, especially for a tight end working his way back into a familiar but evolving system. Each week, Ertz looks more involved and more comfortable. With Dallas Goedert unavailable, the Eagles need veteran stability. Ertz is beginning to provide exactly that.
Kelee Ringo continues making special teams plays.
Every roster needs players willing to embrace less glamorous responsibilities. Kelee Ringo continues doing exactly that. The young defensive back recorded three tackles against the Rams and made one of the game's better special teams plays by downing a Braden Mann punt inside the Los Angeles 10-yard line.
Hidden yardage often decides close games, and Ringo has quietly become one of Philadelphia's more reliable special-teams contributors. Those contributions rarely generate headlines, but coaches notice them. They also help win games.
Nolan Smith is starting to heat up.
The Eagles need more consistent pressure from their pass rush. Nolan Smith may be helping provide it. Smith recorded his second sack of the season against the Rams and enters Week 5 with eight tackles and an additional tackle for loss. The production isn't overwhelming, but the signs are encouraging.
Philadelphia's defense will face a Jacksonville offense led by a confident Trevor Lawrence. Disrupting him will be critical if the Eagles hope to end their losing streak. A Nolan Smith's surge couldn't come at a better time.
The Eagles have plenty of storylines entering Week 5. Some involve injuries. Others involve mounting pressure to reverse a troubling trend. Those conversations will dominate the headlines until Philadelphia starts winning again.
Still, progress matters, even during difficult stretches. Cooper is emerging as a legitimate option in the passing game. Ertz looks increasingly comfortable. Ringo continues to provide value on special teams, and Smith leads the Eagles in sacks. If those positive developments continue in London, they could help Philadelphia steady itself before the season slips further off course.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 4 Eagles who can build on Week 4 production against Jaguars in London
