PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 05: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks draws a late hit penalty by defensive end Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter during their NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 05, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Third in the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles could capitalize on a Kansas City Chiefs team in turmoil for a much-needed Week 4 win.
It’s not a pretty start to the season for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sitting in third place in the NFC East, the Eagles only rank above the winless New York Giants. That’s why a declarative Week 4 win at home is necessary to change the tune of this season — but the Kansas City Chiefs just might be the hardest team to do that against.
But with the Chiefs seeing their own 1-2 record, it could be a potential weak point before the AFC powerhouse hits its stride later in the season. Week 4 is monumental for the future of both franchises, and while the Chiefs are heavy favorites, there are a few key fixes that could give Philly the win instead.
Here are five ways the Eagles can win this one and have their season trending upward from here on out.
5. Eagles tighten up the penalties
One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Eagles’ disappointing record is how this team is racking up way too many penalties.
The Eagles’ 13 penalties cost the team 86 yards, an amount that puts the team within the red zone for at least an easy field goal. And it’s not just one game: the Eagles currently lead the NFL in penalties on the season with 35.
Thirteen of the 35 have been pre-snap penalties, which is both costly and embarrassing as they are entirely avoidable.
What’s even worse are the penalties that shouldn’t be happening at all at this point: one for a face mask grab, two for defensive offside, and two for having too many men on defense.
The Eagles do have a head coach, which goes a long way in proper training and communication, but the veterans of this team need to coach up players and hold them accountable for unnecessary calls.
When a team commits penalties, the only team they are beating is themselves — and it’s something the Eagles can’t afford to commit against the Chiefs.