The Philadelphia Eaglesleft Soldier Field with little to celebrate after a humbling 27-7 loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. Too many penalties, defensive breakdowns, and the usual offensive inconsistency cost them the game.
Another sluggish start created more questions than answers, but all hope isn't lost. Nick Sirianni's team is still 2-1 and tied for first place in the NFC East.
Some Week 3 storylines weren't negative. While the Eagles continue searching for solutions before hosting the Los Angeles Rams, a handful of players left Soldier Field with their stock trending in the right direction. Whether it was continued development, a return from injury, or signs of a resurgence, these three Eagles gave the coaching staff reason
to be optimistic heading into Week 4.
Several Eagles gave Philadelphia built momentum despite an ugly loss
Drew Kendall, center
Drew Kendall received Pro Football Focus' highest offensive grade among Eagles players, earning an impressive 85.5 overall mark. After allowing two pressures on 44 pass-blocking snaps against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2, Kendall took another step forward, allowing no pressures on 33 pass-blocking snaps despite Chicago consistently testing Philadelphia's interior protection.
The encouraging part is that Kendall's performance wasn't limited to pass protection. He also helped create movement in the run game, particularly during a key drive, when Saquon Barkley found room to operate.
The Eagles entered the season hoping Kendall could stabilize the center position. Three weeks into the campaign, he looks increasingly comfortable handling that responsibility.
Makai Lemon, wide receiver
Makai Lemon’s production remained modest, but his expanding role was one of the more encouraging developments from Philadelphia’s loss. The rookie played 35 of the Eagles’ 50 offensive snaps and caught three of his four targets for 29 yards, including a 19-yard reception.
Philadelphia made a deliberate effort to involve Lemon, and he looked more comfortable operating within the offense. The continued reliance on receiver screens should be reconsidered, but Lemon showed he can create opportunities when targeted beyond the line of scrimmage. His workload and efficiency against Chicago suggest the coaching staff is becoming more comfortable giving him that opportunity.
Jonathan Greenard, EDGE
After missing significant time because of injury, there were understandable questions about what Jonathan Greenard would look like once he returned to game action. The early returns were encouraging.
Greenard earned a 90.8 Pro Football Focus grade, the highest mark among Eagles defenders. He played 18 snaps, logging four against the run, 13 as a pass rusher, and one in coverage. His stat line included a tackle, two pressures, a quarterback hit, a hurry, and a forced fumble.
Those numbers may not jump off the page, but the impact was noticeable. Greenard consistently generated disruption when given opportunities and provided a glimpse of the pass-rush boost Philadelphia hopes he can provide moving forward.
Final analysis
The Rams present a much tougher challenge than Chicago. If Greenard builds on his Week 3 performance, however, the Eagles may finally begin to get the edge they've been searching for through the first month of the season.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 3 Eagles building momentum before Week 4 matchup with Rams
