Final stretch will test Eagles’ mettle as Doug Pederson tries to save season

Doug Pederson Eagles
Former Eagles head coach Doug Pederson.
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Things have only gone from bad to worse for the Eagles over the last two weeks.

Following an upset loss to the New York Giants in Week 10, Philadelphia struggled mightily on Sunday in a 22-17 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

The poor effort further magnified quarterback Carson Wentz’s struggles, but his supporting cast didn’t do much to help.

Cleveland defensive end Olivier Vernon sacked Wentz three times, abusing veteran offensive tackle Jason Peters along an offensive line that left Wentz exposed.

Philadelphia’s defense, which had hung tough in the first quarter keeping the Browns’ fourth-best rush offense at bay, was ripped open in the second half as Nick Chubb went off for 111 yards.

Now, it has head coach Doug Pederson questioning if his team has given up ahead of their Week 12 meeting with the NFC West-leading (as of Monday) Seattle Seahawks.

“This will be a great sign to see really who’s in and who’s out,” Pederson said on Monday afternoon. “That’s the challenge to everybody. That’s just where we are. It’s a matter now of really challenging the leadership of the football team, challenging the coaches, challenging the guys to keep this thing together.”

Pederson teased no major changes yet, staying with Wentz as the starting quarterback while Peters will remain at the left-tackle spot.

He did admit that Wentz and the Eagles’ offense has to do more to get wide receiver Alshon Jeffery involved. The veteran pass-catcher, who was activated off the injured list for Week 10 against the Giants, has yet to record a reception in two games while being targeted just three times.

“Right now, he is a part of the offense,” Pederson replied when asked why Jeffery was even “active” and “on the team.”