Philadelphia Eagles: 5 biggest problems with offense

Aug 29, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek (87) catches a touchdown pass during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Can’t Convert

The Eagles consistently put themselves in a whole because of their dink-and-dunk ways in the passing game, and the easiest way to get a glimpse of their overall lack of efficiency as an offense is by looking at their three-and-outs. Not only are their eight three-and-outs tied with the Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett-led Texans for the most in the NFL, but only the mostly Johnny Manziel-led Cleveland Browns have had a higher percentage of three-and-outs than the Eagles.

That’s absolutely pathetic, because it shows that not only have the Eagles failed to put up points (just 17.0 per game, fifth-worst in the NFL), they’ve failed to generate any sort of positive momentum. So basically, the Eagles aren’t boom-or-bust as an offense; they are just full-blown “bust”.

Worse yet, it’s not like they make it count on third downs in general, and this is a huge issue for fast-paced offense. Because they move so quickly, they put an immense amount of stress on their defense, which isn’t short on talent, and if they can’t keep drives alive, they are going to give up more points than they should. That hasn’t manifested itself yet, but it is something to watch for.

So how about are the Eagles on third downs? Their 21.7% conversion rate is the second-worst in the NFL behind the Kansas City Chiefs. Their conversion rate for scoring drives is just as bad, as they are, per PFR, third-worst in this category.

Next: Running Game Problems