Believe it or not, the Philadelphia Eagles don't need to reinvent their offense for Week 2. Nothing could be further from the truth. They need to identify what works, put their best players in position to succeed, and take advantage of a Tennessee Titans defense that struggled to slow the New York Jets in the opener.
Philadelphia's offense wasn't at its best against the Washington Commanders, particularly when it came to sustaining drives. Five three-and-outs made it difficult to establish any consistent rhythm, and the Eagles' rushing attack never developed the way they wanted.
That doesn't mean it's time to panic or overhaul anything. It means there are opportunities to simplify Sunday's game. The Titans just gave Philadelphia some interesting
film to study. The Eagles should pay close attention. Here's a blueprint that may produce fireworks.
Keep feeding Dallas Goedert.
Why stop doing something that worked? Dallas Goedert was one of the Eagles' most productive offensive players in Week 1, and there is little reason to move away from him just for variety.
Tennessee has to account for Philadelphia's tight end in both the passing and running games, which creates opportunities for the offense elsewhere. The Eagles don't need to force-feed Goedert, but they should continue involving him heavily. Rookie Kenyon Sadiq tallied three receptions for 21 yards vs. the Titans defense, and he scored his first career touchdown on a three-yard rush after a handoff.
Give Jalen Hurts some easy throws to DeVonta Smith.
At times, Shane Steichen was particularly good at helping Jalen Hurts settle into games with high-percentage throws. Philadelphia could use a little of that thinking against Tennessee.
Five three-and-outs are too many, regardless of the opponent. Getting DeVonta Smith involved early on crossers, quick routes, and other rhythm throws could do two things at once: give Hurts easy completions and get Philadelphia's best receiver into the flow of the game.
Smith doesn't need 12 targets, but no one would complain if he got them. More importantly, he needs easy opportunities that let him and Hurts establish a rhythm before the Eagles start asking the offense to make more difficult plays.
Don't get too cute with Makai Lemon.
There's a difference between finding creative ways to get Makai Lemon involved and trying to force-feed the young receiver the football. Philadelphia may have crossed that line at times in Week 1. Lemon is talented.The Eagles believe in him. That doesn't mean every touch needs to be manufactured.
Let him run routes, get comfortable within the offense, and allow opportunities to develop naturally. Not every pass needs to happen behind the line of scrimmage. The best way to help Lemon grow is to put him in situations where success comes naturally rather than making his involvement an objective in itself.
Run the football and control possession.
Yes, Philadelphia's offensive line struggled. Yes, Saquon Barkley struggled as a result. Neither fact changes the opportunity in front of the Eagles.
The Jets rushed for more than 152 yards against Tennessee in Week 1, while only six teams surrendered more rushing yards than the Titans.
Tennessee also lost the time-of-possession battle to New York. Philadelphia has a more talented roster than the Jets, particularly along the offensive line. If the Eagles can establish the run, they can keep the Titans' defense on the field, create easier situations for Hurts, and limit the number of possessions available to Cam Ward and Tennessee's offense.
Final thought
The Eagles don't need to turn Sunday's game into an offensive science experiment. They already have enough favorable opportunities in front of them.
Feed Goedert. Get Smith involved early. Let Lemon's role develop instead of forcing it. Most importantly, make the Titans defend the run consistently.
If Philadelphia executes those four things, the offense should have plenty of chances to find the rhythm that was missing at times in Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles vs. Titans: 4 ways Philadelphia's offense can shine in Week 2
