Crunching the Numbers: Do Eagles have an advantage over Seahawks?

If you haven't heard, the Eagles play the Seahawks in Philadelphia this Sunday for a shot at (likely) San Francisco in the divisional round. The intro is going to be short and sweet so we can dive into the numbers surrounding the matchup. For all those statheads out there, this is for you. Passing Eagles' Offense vs. Seahawks' Defense This is a matchup that could surprisingly favor the Eagles if they are able to play mistake-free football. Despite having a hodge-podge of practice squad receivers, Philadelphia can have some success through the air. It might be nothing but sheer luck, but the Seahawks' weaknesses mostly play into the Eagles strengths. Against all odds, the Eagles have managed 3833 net passing yards (11th), and their receivers have totaled 391 receptions on 613 targets for 4063 receiving yards. Carson Wentz has completed 63.9% (20th of qualified QBs) of his passes and has a 27:7 touchdown to interception ratio for a 4.4% touchdown rate. Even with a dearth of weapons, he's averaged a QB rating of 93.1 (14th of qualified QBs). The Seattle defense ranks 27th against the pass in terms of total yards, and has allowed a completion rate of 64% (21st). However, they allow a passing touchdown on only 3.2% of opposing passing attempts (5th). It has been that along with their ability to force opponents into turnovers that kept them afloat. The team has maintained a 2.7% interception rate (7th) resulting in an average opponent QB rating of only 85.6 (9th). Line vs. Line First, let's start at the line of scrimmage. The Seahawks have struggled to generate consistent pressure all season, although they welcomed back Jadeveon Clowney last week, after being without him for a few games. Overall he's been a good addition to the Seattle front seven but hasn't been as effective as he was in Houston without such immense talent surrounding him. That may all change if he is able to step his game up in the playoffs. As a whole, the Seahawks have caused 60 hurries (13th) and a 9.2% hurry rate (16th), but have failed to convert that into QB knockdowns or sacks. Their 38 knockdowns, 6.4% knockdown rate (28th), and 28 sacks, 4.5% rate (30th), are more reminiscent of reality. The team has also been stymied trying to generate pressure. Their 19.3% pressure rate ranks 28th, which is still better than the team's 5.1% adjusted sack rate (30th). They may have to crank up the blitz to get to Wentz, which has not been their m.o. this season, bringing it only 26.9% of the time (19th). They will face a banged-up Eagles offensive line that finished the season ranked 11th in adjusted sack rate (6.4%), but has given up 37 sacks (14th). Somewhat uncharacteristically, they have allowed 67 hurries (25th) and 53 knockdowns (24th) and a very average 2.4 second pocket time (19th). Some of that has come down to injuries and the corresponding personnel shuffling, but the Eagles O-line hasn't been quite as dominant in pass protection as we are used to seeing. They have also faced a blitz on 184 pass plays (14th). The team's biggest liability will be on the right side of the line. Matt Pryor will start at guard and although he looked solid last week, has not been known for his pass protection. With Lane Johnson unlikely to go, Pryor will be book-ended by Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who has also shown cracks in pass protection. Luckily, they face a relatively passive Seattle Seahawks pass rush. However, opponents have been able to take advantage of Carson Wentz' long-winded throwing motion by getting their hands in the passing lanes -- batting down 17 passes, 3rd most in the NFL. If Seattle is unable to generate pressure, they will undoubtedly try to capitalize by getting their hands up to disrupt passes. QB Another one of the reasons for a bulk of those batted down passes is the Eagles quick passing game. Defenses predict an early throw and attempt to make it as difficult as possible. The Eagles' 7.8 intended air yards per pass attempt ranks 18th, along with the 20th slot in completed air yards per completion (5.7). For better or for worse, Carson has only thrown the ball away 10 times all season (4th fewest). His ability to scramble, which he did 28 times this season (12th) is a contributing factor. However, he wasn't incredibly effective on scrambles, generating only 6.3 yards per attempt (22nd). He's generally avoided bad throws, despite what the film and Eagles' fans may suggest, averaging a bad throw on only 17.6% of his attempts (12th). However, he's 25th in the league in on target throws at just 72.3%. Seattle's opponents average 6.7 net yards per pass attempt (23rd) and 6.2 net adjusted yards per attempt (17th). On top of that, their defense has allowed 11.5 yards per completion (21st), which is a very promising number for the Eagles. Skill Positions Eagles starting receivers are far from household names and won't generate a whole lot of hype heading into this matchup. Nevertheless, Carson's supporting cast as a whole has been fairly decent. The group has accumulated 1589 yards after catch (13th), but only averaged a middling 4.1 YAC per completion. Philly has registered a drop rate of 4.8% (14th) and has generated 215 first downs through the air (8th). In terms of guarding specific positions, Seattle's defense has some glaring flaws. They have only allowed a very respectable 198 receptions (20th), 2483 receiving yards (13th) and 12 receiving touchdowns (11th) to receivers. They have also kept running backs out of the end zone on pass plays, allowing only 3 receiving touchdowns to backs (3rd). However, their defense has let those same running backs amass 86 receptions (15th) and 817 receiving yards (29th), which is fantastic news for the Eagles electric backfield tandem of Miles Sanders and Boston Scott. Seattle is even worse when defending against tight ends. While they have allowed only 6 receiving touchdowns to tight ends (14th), they are 31st in both receptions (97) and yards allowed (1099) to tight ends. Zach Ertz' health will play a huge factor in this game. Either way, Dallas Goedert will see his fair share of targets. Continued on the page below. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports Seahawks' Offense vs. Eagles' Defense It's no secret where the Eagles' defensive strengths and weaknesses lie. I will take this time for a quick aside in order to draw your attention to a fantastic article written by PSN's Jalyn Smoot which dives into the Eagles' struggles in pass coverage:

https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2020/01/02/fla-2/

The Seahawks passing attack has not been the team's main focus this season, but has still been efficient and is helmed by the ever-electric Russell Wilson. They finished the regular season ranked 14th in net passing yards (3791) and their receivers accounted for 341 receptions (21st) on 517 targets (23rd) for 4110 yards (13th). Wilson managed a completion percentage of 66.1% (10th of qualifying QBs) and a QBR of 106.3 (5th). His efficiency, encapsulated by his 31:5 touchdown to interception ratio is magnified by a 6.0% touchdown rate. The Eagles' pass coverage, on the other hand, has been at-times abysmal. They allow a touchdown through the air on 4.7% of opponent's attempts (21st) and have not been able to turn the ball over -- 1.9% interception rate (23rd). Nevertheless, they rank 19th in total yards allowed and have permitted a completion percentage of just 60.9% (5th). That has translated into an average opposing QB rating of 90.8 (19th). Line vs. Line The Eagles defensive line was a mixed bag this season but has ramped it up when they've needed to. They rank in the top ten in both pressures, 154 at a 24.3% rate (both 9th) and QB knockdowns, 56 (3rd), 9.8% rate (6th). The team also tallied 43 sacks (13th) for a sack rate of 7.0% (12th). However, despite generating pressure, the defensive line only managed 55 hurries (21st) at a rate of 8.7% (21st). Typical of Jim Schwartz's defenses, the team does not rely on the blitz, but we have seen Schwartz dial it up more often this year, especially on third and fourth down. So much so that they have actually blitzed more than the Seahawks at a 26.8% rate (18th). The Seahawks offensive line has rebounded somewhat from an atrocious season last year, but may be without some key starters. Starting tackle Duane Brown, starting Guard Mike Iupati, starting Center Joey Hunt and Guard Phil Hayes have all been on the injury list leading up to the game. That does not bode well for an already reeling offensive line. As a group they have given up 71 hurries (30th), 58 QB knockdowns (28th) and 48 sacks (24th). That evens out to a 5.1% adjusted sack rate (30th). Nonetheless, despite being blitzed 221 times, the Seattle offensive line has allowed Russell Wilson an average of 2.4 seconds in the pocket -- the same as the Eagles. QB Without a doubt, the Seahawks most dangerous weapon is their QB. He does a little bit of everything and rarely makes mistakes. A 76.1% on target rate (10th) speaks to that. On top of that, his talent as a passer is augmented by his ability to create outside the pocket. It's no surprise that Wilson has scrambled 45 times this year (3rd) for an average of 7.0 yards per attempt (16th). Being outside the pocket has its advantages, Russell has avoided his passes being batted down: 9 total (9th fewest). However, it also comes with more throwaways, to which Wilson had 20 (14th most), and bad throws -- 18.4% (21st). Wilson's advanced statistics are characterized by the type of offense Seattle runs; one that is not afraid to take a deep shot. Seattle averaged 9.4 intended air yards (3rd) and 7.1 completed air yards per completion (4th). Even still, there is a certain je-ne-sais-quoi about Wilson's aptitude at making incredible plays downfield when nothing seems available. Bad throws and throwaways aside, the Eagles will have to limit Wilson when he escapes the pocket. That extra 5-10 seconds can be excruciating for a secondary, especially one that loves to play man as much as Jim Schwartz does. Skill Positions In spite of a lack of experience, the Seattle receivers have been outstanding this season. Overall they have been the picture of reliability, with a 3rd best 3.4% drop rate. Although, the Seahawks penchant for lofting deep balls has limited yards after the catch, in which the team ranks 26th (1383). That's still 4.1 YAC per reception, for those of you wondering. All things considered, Seattle has generated an underwhelming 190 first downs through the air (17th). To nobody's surprise, the Eagles have been relatively good at covering every position except opposing receivers. They have allowed only 65 receptions (8th), 681 yards (6th) and 4 touchdowns (5th) to tight ends. Unfortunately Seahawks' Will Disley is out, and Luke Willson will be the starter, so the Seattle tight ends weren't likely to be a huge factor anyways. Philadelphia has been average against opposing running backs in the passing game, which had been an issue for them last season. They have allowed 87 receptions (18th) and 645 receiving yards (16th), but just one receiving touchdown (3rd) to backs this year. Seattle will be without their top three running backs, two of which are known to be dangerous in the passing game. However, rookie Travis Homer has shown some juice, picking up 56 receiving yards in the last two games. The biggest issue for the Iggles will be the same as what is has been all year. They cannot seem to cover receivers. Jalen Mills' presence may alleviate some pressure and Cre'Von Leblanc is getting healthy at the right time. Nonetheless, Philadelphia has allowed 195 receptions (18th), 2809 receiving yards (28th) and 21 receiving touchdowns (29th) to opposing receivers and will again have their work cut out for them against D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Rushing Eagles' Offense vs. Seahawks' Defense The Eagles' rushing attack has been up and down all season, but they have seemingly found their groove over the last few weeks. Averaging 121 yards per game on the ground (11th) over the season, they have managed an average of 132 over the last three games. The team's 454 rushing attempts ranks 11th and they have added 104 first downs on the ground (12th). The newfound duo of Miles Sanders and Boston Scott has been a revelation and with both Sanders and Howard healthy, the Eagles could have a solid day running against a very average run defense. Philly averaged 4.3 yards per carry (19th) on the season. Despite facing the 26th fewest rushing attempts (388), Seattle has allowed 1883 rushing yards (22nd) -- 117.7 per game. Over the span of the season, they allowed 4.7 yards per carry (28th). That number has jumped to 5.7 over the last three weeks, in part due to facing both the 49ers and the Panthers in that span. The team has also allowed the 3rd most rushing touchdowns in the league (22). The Seahawks will be without former Eagle Mychal Kendricks, which will not help matters. Continued on the page below. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports Line vs. Line Although the Eagles have gone through many different iterations of their rushing attack throughout the year, they have been fairly efficient. The numbers may not be entirely fair as to how explosive their ground game can be. Because of the lack of experience in the backfield, and some experimentation in run scheme, the Eagles have taken more losses on runs than we are accustomed to (12th). This perhaps overshadows the team averaging 2.3 yards before contact, which is in line with the best rushing attacks in the league. The line itself has been less than stellar in the midst of injuries and turnover. However, they still finished middle of the pack in terms of efficiency (14th). Placing a premium on athleticism across the offensive line, Philadelphia is once again one of the better power run teams in the league (3rd). They are lacking in explosive runs (16th), however, with Miles Sanders taking over the backfield, splash plays have been more common.

Football Outsiders	Eagles'	Offense	Seahawks'	Defense
Adjusted Line Yards	4.43	14th	4.37	21st
RB Yards	4.36	15th	4.28	19th
Power Success	76%	3rd	67%	22nd
Stuffed	18%	12th	20%	12th
2nd Level	1.17	18th	1.21	20th
Open Field	0.78	16th	0.82	21st

The Seahawks defensive line has also been through their fair share of turmoil. That has resulted in poor efficiency against the run (21st). They aren't exactly star-studded along the defensive line, but have some guys that can really make a difference. They also have an All-Pro linebacker behind them in Bobby Wagner. Individual plays and fast-flowing linebackers are a major reason why they've managed a 12th best stuff rate. Despite a very good linebacking corps, Seattle has allowed a lot of space behind the line of scrimmage. They rank near the bottom in both 2nd level (20th) and Open Field yards (21st). They have mainly been exploited on the right side of their defense. When attacking the left end or tackle, the Seahawks' defense ranks 27th and 25th respectively. The defense has been much better on Jadeveon Clowney's preferred side. He's difficult to move, and an excellent slasher, making it hard to run off tackle -- where Seattle ranks 4th. The Seahawks are a little worse on the perimeter (13th), but Clowney's athleticism can make it difficult to get around the edge. The center of the defense has been fairly easy to navigate (27th) due to the lack of real star power on the interior. Yet, opponents haven't taken advantage of that to any extent. A 43% interior frequency rate is well below the league average (56%). The Seahawks have historically been a tough defense to overpower, but they have been more bark than bite this season.

		Rank	Frequency		Rank	Frequency
Left End	4.46	9th	15%	4.50	27th	13%
Left Tackle	3.70	24th	12%	4.75	25th	17%
Center/Guard	5.18	2nd	45%	4.78	27th	43%
Right Tackle	3.73	23rd	10%	3.19	4th	18%
Right End	2.88	29th	18%	3.79	13th	9%

All of this is fantastic news for the Eagles. Jason Kelce is fresh off a 1st team All-Pro nod and has been fantastic all season. The Eagles average the 2nd most yards up the middle, even with a low 45% frequency rate. They won't be the same without star Guard Brandon Brooks in the lineup, but the massive Matt Pryor is a much better run blocker than pass protector. Unsurprisingly, with Lane Johnson missing so much time, the Eagles have not had the success they are used to running behind the right side of the line. There is still some hope that Johnson plays, but it seems unlikely at this point. The Eagles love to stretch the ball to the sideline and this game will be no different. However, the team should have plenty of success banging bodies in the middle. Jordan Howard's physicality and vision could help him be a very underrated asset in this game. RBs The new-look Eagles' backfield is spearheaded by two recent record setters in Miles Sanders and Boston Scott. At PSN, we never miss an opportunity to point out an Eagles' record, and so you can check out artcles on both backs below:

https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2020/01/02/penn-7/

https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2020/01/03/rb-11/

The Eagles' backs have only broken 31 tackles this year (17th), and average only 2.0 yards after contact. That evens out to be one broken tackle every 14.6 rushes (17th). Over the span of his short career, Jordan Howard is the king of broken tackles. It will be interesting to see how many touches, if any, he gets on Sunday. Both Boston Scott and Miles Sanders also have the ability to make defenders miss and can punish defenses if given space to operate. Seattle's defense has been uncharacteristically shaky bringing down running backs this season. They have missed 131 total tackles (4th most) despite having a plethora of solid tacklers. They have also struggled to make tackles behind the line of scrimmage, tallying only 52 tackles for loss (27th). They have allowed running backs to score 18 rushing touchdowns (31st). An area where they have been dreadful is allowing quarterbacks to escape the pocket and run. Admittedly, playing the Ravens and Arizona twice doesn't help. Still, the team allowed 347 rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks (29th). Carson is no Lamar Jackson, but should be able to pick up some first downs using his legs. Pederson and co. have been much better getting him out of the pocket in recent weeks. RPO/ Play Action The Eagles use their run game to set up a very good RPO and play-action game. They have implemented the RPO 139 times this year (4th) for a total of 706 yards (6th). Wentz throws the ball as often as he hands it off (69:70), which makes the Eagles' RPO a very difficult play to cover. Philadelphia has also used a ton of play-action. 160 total play-action plays (3rd) have resulted in 1052 passing yards (10th). Unfortunately, defensive stats against play-action won't be readily available until after the season. Seahawks' Offense vs. Eagles' Defense The Seahawks will be without their top three backs on Sunday, but have welcomed back Marshawn Lynch for their playoff push. That has also paved the way for rookie Travis Homer, who amassed 62 yards on the ground on just 10 carries against a very good San Francisco run defense last week. During the regular season, Seattle had the 4th best rushing attack in terms of total yards (2200, 137 per game). They ranked 3rd in both rushing attempts (481) and first downs (121). Concerning efficiency, they average 4.6 yards per attempt (10th) -- 4.4 over the last 3 weeks. The Eagles defense has been their usual stout selves against the run in 2019. They have allowed only 90.1 yards per game (3rd), although they have only faced 353 rushing attempts (30th). This is likely a cause of their atrocious pass coverage as much as it is their fantastic run defense. Accordingly, they allow an 11th best 4.1 yards per carry. However, they have also been scored on 13 times on the ground (14th). Continued on the page below. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports Line vs. Line Seattle has a host of massive offensive linemen, and are able to overpower opponents. They are rarely stuffed at the line of scrimmage (9th) and get to the second level with frequency (6th). They have gotten an equal return from their line and backs, averaging 2.3 yards before contact and 2.3 yards after contact.

Football Outsiders	Seahawks'	Offence	Eagles'	Defense
Adjusted Line Yards	4.32	15th	3.43	3rd
RB Yards	4.61	9th	3.72	4th
Power Success	68%	10th	67%	22nd
Stuffed	18%	9th	26%	3rd
2nd Level	1.33	6th	1.00	4th
Open Field	0.93	13th	0.87	23rd

The visitors will face a tough test against a ferocious Eagles defensive line. Philly has the 3rd most efficient defensive line and have been able to limit backs at a similar rate. They habitually halt plays at the line of scrimmage (3rd) and close the gap at the second level (4th). However, the downhill nature of Jim Schwartz' scheme makes them vulnerable to pulls and big breakdowns in gap control. Thus the 23rd overall ranking in open field yards and 22nd rank against powers. The Eagles will have to stay disciplined on defense. This includes their young group of linebackers and defensive ends -- who have been susceptible to overplays and misdirection this season. The Seahawks' run game has been at its best when it can get outside opposing linemen (2nd to the left, 7th to the right). However, this is a tool they rarely bring out of the belt -- surprising when considering how awful they have been running the ball up the gut (29th). That may change on Sunday against an incredible interior run defense in Philly. In general, Seattle has been better running to the right, where the Eagles house one of their best defenders in Brandon Graham.

		Rank	Frequency		Rank	Frequency
Left End	5.38	2nd	12%	3.77	10th	17%
Left Tackle	4.30	17th	11%	2.95	2nd	14%
Center/Guard	3.87	29th	54%	3.43	4th	43%
Right Tackle	4.79	8th	16%	3.79	10th	10%
Right End	5.08	7th	7%	3.25	10th	16%

The Philadelphia defense is predicated on stopping the run, so it's no wonder they have been difficult to exploit in any particular direction. They are in the top 10 in every positional category. They are so good in the interior that teams only target the middle on 43% of their runs. Opponents have instead attempted to stress the Eagles laterally, to mild success. All in all, this is a very stingy run defense. Nevertheless, they did struggle to contain Rashaad Penny in their last meeting with the Seahawks. Penny finished with 129 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries (9.2 yards per). While Penny will not play on Sunday, Homer has similar speed and cannot be taken lightly. RBs Seattle will undoubtedly miss Chris Carson, who has been electric all season. Nevertheless, they have seemingly been able to churn out yards regardless of who is in the backfield. Marshawn Lynch isn't the same back as he was in his last stint with the Seahawks, but he is always capable of a highlight reel burst. He's also astute at breaking tackles, a category in which the Seahawks ranked 10th this season (38 total). That's a broken tackle every 12.7 attempts (13th). Seattle also has Russell Wilson on their roster, who is always a threat to run for a big gain. This year has been relatively quiet for Wilson's rushing numbers and he still managed 342 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground. The Eagles' defense has been okay at containing quarterbacks, allowing just 214 rush yards (11th). They have also limited running backs to just 1113 rush yards (4th) and 10 rushing touchdowns (14th). The team has created 80 tackles for loss (11th) and has been a solid tackling group. They have only missed 97 tackles all season -- it seems like more -- which is the 7th fewest. RPO/ Play Action Seattle is also fond of RPOs and play-action. They ran 99 RPO plays this season (7th) for a total of 535 yards (10th). However, Wilson handed the ball off much more frequently than he threw it (38:61). They deploy a lethal play-action game as well. In 135 play-action passes (8th) Seattle managed 1059 pass yards (9th). That is almost a full yard and a half per play more than the Eagles average; to put it in perspective. The Eagles corners cannot afford to bite. Bottom Line Eagles' Offence vs. Seahawks' Defense The key for the Eagles is simple: sustain long drives and limit turnovers. The Seahawks defense has been susceptible to long drives, allowing an average of 5.9 plays per possession -- 21st in the league. That's due in part to the team allowing a 38.4% conversion rate on 3rd downs (16th) and -- if it comes to it -- a 58.3% conversion rate on 4th (25th) on just 12 total attempts. Expect Doug to consider every opportunity on 4th down, especially in short yardage situations. If the Eagles can get the ball inside the red zone, they will have the advantage of facing the leagues 26th ranked red zone defense. The Seahawks allow touchdowns on 61.5% of their opponents' red zone possessions. Conversely, the Eagles have been the 3rd best red zone offence in the league, turning 66.7% of their red zone possessions into touchdowns. Over the last three games, the team has upped that number to 75%. Carson Wentz has been on fire inside the 20, converting 59.42% of his passes for 19 touchdowns and zero interceptions. The secret weapon may be Boston Scott, who has made the most of his red-zone touches, lowering his shoulder for 5 touchdowns on just 12 carries inside the 20. Overall, the Seattle defense doesn't look that impressive on paper, but it has been their ability to force turnovers that have kept them afloat. They create turnovers on 16.2% of their opponents' offensive possessions, which is 4th in the league. Of course, you have to create turnovers when you allow opponents 2.02 points per possession, 19th in the league. If the Eagles can limit turnovers and carry drives into the red zone, they stand a very good chance against this Seattle defense. X-factor: There are many, but it will all come down to Carson Wentz' fumbling issue. Last time the two teams faced off Wentz fumbled the ball three (three!) times and lost two of them. It simply can't happen this time around. It seems like a game that will come down to three or four big plays and an untimely fumble from Carson has too often been the deciding factor this season. Seahawks' Offense vs. Eagles' Defense For the Eagles' defense, the goal has to be to limit big plays and force the Seahawks to kick field goals. Seattle converts on 39.5% of their third-down opportunities (16th) -- 36.11% over the last three games -- but managed to convert 57.14% of their 3rd downs against the 49ers defense last week. Overall, that's a very manageable number if the Eagles are able to get there. They cannot afford big plays on early downs. If Philadelphia is able to force third downs, they will have the benefit of leaning on their 4th ranked 3rd down defense, allowing a conversion rate of just 34.15%. In the last three games that number fell to 30.00%. Home field advantage will also be a factor at the Linc, where opponents have converted just 28.7% of their third-down tries. Adding to those fantastic numbers, the Eagles allow scoring drives on only 33.5% of opponent's possessions (8th). However, they have a turnover rate of just 10.1% (20th) -- re-emphasizing the fact that they will have to stop the Seahawks on third down. Luckily, Philly has been good at limiting drives, allowing an average of just 5.3 yards per drive (5.3 plays). Although, that has a much to do with giving up big plays as it does playing good defense. If Pete Carroll does decide to go for it on 4th down, the Eagles could be taken advantage of. They have allowed a conversion rate of 61.1% on fourth down this season (27th). In the red zone, the advantage will go to the Seahawks. They convert on 63.33% of their red zone possessions; a number which has risen to 72.73% over the last three games. That is in large part due to Russell Wilson's 25 red zone touchdowns. The Eagles will have a chance to limit him, as Wilson has a completion percentage of only 49.44% inside the 20. However he has only thrown one interception. Wilson is also much better inside the 10 where he has thrown 15 touchdowns with a 60.61% completion rate. The Eagles red zone defense ranks 14th, allowing a touchdown 55.8% of the time. However, they have a penchant for timely goal-line stops and have made plenty of plays over the last three years with their backs against the wall -- never count this unit out. X-factor: Broken plays. Time and Time again Russell Wilson is able to create something out of nothing. Pressures, hurries and knockdowns simply won't cut it against such a creative and athletic QB. The Eagles need to get him on the ground and limit the out-of-pocket magic that Wilson manufactures in abundance. Missing out on a tackle for loss only for a play to result in a big gain is debilitating for defense and the Eagles will need all the momentum they can muster. Statistics provided by Pro Football Focus, Football Outsiders, Team Rankings and the NFL. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports