–The Eagles’ offense has been uncharacteristically slow in scoring first-half points in their two games. They have scored a combined 10 points in the opening two quarters. Last year, they played with the lead in many of their games, jumping out to large advantages by halftime, particularly against the 49ers (17-0 at the half), Broncos (31-9), Bears (24-0) and in the NFC Championship Game when they opened a 24-7 advantage on the Vikings after two quarters.
“At the end of the day, I and the whole offense, this whole organization, always has high expectations,” said quarterback Carson Wentz. “We expect to start fast, play fast and start clicking. So I truly believe that’s a realistic expectation. That’s just football. It’s not always like that. Those things come. You have to balance the ebbs and flows of the game. I think we all hold ourselves to high expectations.”
–Nelson Agholor is following up his breakout 2017 season with a strong start. Though his yards per reception could be higher (7.6), he has already made 16 receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown. A season ago, he made 62 catches for 768 and eight scores. Those numbers came with his playing primarily in the slot. This year, due to so many injuries at the receiver spot, he has had to play a lot of snaps on the outside, too, which is a position he struggled with in his first subpar years in the league.
“I’m a wide receiver,” said Agholor. “I just want to play wherever they’re going to put me to have an advantage and I think that’s what’s so good about our coaching staff. They put players in position to have a competitive advantage. To be able to play inside and outside is something I’ve always wanted to do and something I’ve done throughout college and want to continue to do as a professional.”
BY THE NUMBERS: 16 and 3 — That is the Eagles’ record at Lincoln Financial Field in two-plus seasons since Doug Pederson was hired in 2016, including playoffs. It is the best home winning percentage (.842) in the NFL during that span.
