The Rams' Aaron Donald was held to zero sacks, zero quarterback hits, and four tackles as the Eagles' offensive line won the battle.
Eagles running back D'Andre Swift attempts to run for a second-quarter first down with Landon Dickerson blocking Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Larrell Murchison at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.The Eagles’ plan for Aaron Donald was essentially the same the first four times they saw the Rams defensive tackle: Get as many blockers on him as possible. And it worked once again. Donald was held to zero sacks and zero quarterback hits in 34 pass rush attempts.
The Eagles struggled to get much going on the ground in the first half. But play caller Brian Johnson didn’t abandon the run and his patience paid off with running back gaining 63 of his 70 rushing yards after the break. Containing Donald in the run game was key, as well. Here are Dickerson and Mailata creating a seam — or a “vertical void,” as Stoutland likes to call it — for Swift. The tailback took care of the rest himself.
He has 10 years of mileage on his 31-year-old body and began his NFL career as mostly an outside corner. But he moved inside in later years. Tackling was an issue with his previous team, the Saints. The Eagles like Goodrich in run support, so Desai may continue with a rotation that plays to various strengths. But Goodrich’s coverage was suspect enough against the Rams to suggest he won’t be out there much on pass-obvious downs.
Desai had Slay shadow Kupp for a few possessions, but that idea didn’t work either. The veteran had trouble keeping up with the All-Pro, and the move also created communication issues. The Eagles went back to their original usage plan, but Desai used a combination of bracket coverages to help the slots vs. Kupp and receiver Puka Nacua. The exotic looks also forced Stafford into some errant throws even though he had receivers open downfield on occasion.
Kupp had just three catches after the first drive as the Eagles shut out the Rams in the second half. The slot corners didn’t necessarily make a ton of plays, but they were sound enough in their coverages to execute the scheme. It was easily Desai’s finest moment in his first season as the team’s defensive coordinator.
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