Philadelphia’sdefense will face another mobile quarterback when it travels to Tennessee.
Cam Ward completed 19 of 32 passes for 140 yards and one touchdown in Tennessee’s 23-10 loss to the Jets. He added 21 yards on four rushing attempts but was sacked three times as the Titans finished with only 195 total yards.
The production was modest, but Ward’s arm talent and creativity make him capable of punishing a defense that loses discipline. Here are five ways Philadelphia can contain him.
1. Maintain disciplined rushing lanes
Jayden Daniels hurt Philadelphia with his legs during Washington’s final two possessions. Vic Fangio specifically identified quarterback scrambling as one of his defense’s late-game problems.
The Eagles cannot allow their edge rushers to chase sacks at the expense
of containment. Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Arnold Ebiketie and potentially Jonathan Greenard must compress the pocket without running beyond Ward.
2. Attack Tennessee’s interior protection
Austin Schlottmann, Fernando Carmona Jr. and Peter Skoronski form the middle of Tennessee’s offensive line. Philadelphia should test their communication with Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo, if Carter is available.
Interior pressure would prevent Ward from stepping forward when the edge rush closes around him.
3. Disguise the coverage
Ward has the physical ability to complete throws against tight coverage, but Fangio can make him hesitate by changing the picture after the snap.
Cooper DeJean, Michael Carter II, and Philadelphia’s safeties give Fangio several options for disguising nickel and dime packages. The objective should be forcing Ward to hold the ball long enough for the pass rush to arrive.
4. Prevent Calvin Ridley from creating explosive plays
Tennessee needs Ridley to stretch the field and change the defense's geometry. Riq Woolen’s length and recovery speed give Philadelphia a favorable option against him.
The Eagles can devote more attention to Ward’s legs and Tennessee’s underneath passing game if Woolen and Quinyon Mitchell control the outside receivers.
5. Force Tennessee into obvious passing situations
Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears can help Ward by keeping the offense out of third-and-long. Philadelphia must win early downs, control the running game, and force Tennessee to reveal its intentions.
Ward remains dangerous outside structure, but the Eagles can reduce those opportunities by controlling the down, distance, and pace of the game.
Final analysis
Philadelphia does not need to eliminate Ward’s mobility. It must prevent his improvisation from becoming Tennessee’s primary source of explosive offense.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: How the Eagles can contain Titans quarterback Cam Ward in Week 2
