The Philadelphia Eagles rode a three game win streak into the playoffs by highlighting their tight ends. Fortunately for the Chicago Bears, they have been an elite tight end stopping team
The big difference in the Philadelphia Eagles offense in the past three weeks may be less about Nick Foles starting over Carson Wentz and more about Dallas Goedert starting over Golden Tate.
Looking for a spark in the middle of the season the Eagles traded for Tate from the Lions. With Alshon Jeffrey and Nelson Agholor already established, with Zach Ertz and a running back, this meant Tate cutting into the playing time of Goedert. Tate never really found rhythm in the offense, and a losing streak started.
As Carson Wentz went down, the team went back to their old ways of getting their tight ends involved. Over the past three weeks, 34% of the Eagles pass attempts have gone to the tight end position. Only the 49ers have thrown to their tight ends more to close out the season.
Success rate tells such an interesting story since Wk 14, when the Eagles offense finally seemed to hit their stride.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) January 1, 2019
(From Wk 14 - 17)
11 personnel:
119 snaps
42% success rate
2 Pass TD (0 Rush)
2 INTs
12 personnel:
122 snaps
52% success rate
7 Pass TD (3 Rush)
0 INT pic.twitter.com/YkmuIlQ8p8
12 personnel means two tight ends on the field. The Eagles have been a dangerous team in this grouping.
This will absolutely be a test for the Chicago Bears defense. What is interesting to note is that the Chicago Bears have only faced 12 personnel 6% of their snaps all season.
This likely is because the Bears are so stout in the trenches that teams think it is best to stretch the defense out. They also are in comeback mode more often.
It also the personnel of the Chicago Bears. In most situations, Danny Trevathan and Adrian Amos have responsibility on the tight end position, while Roquan Smith plays run and chase with the running backs.
These are two of the cleanest defenders the Bears have on their roster. It is no surprise to see that the Bears rank 5th against passes to the tight end since Week 11, and that includes facing George Kittle, and the 49ers.
The Eagles are going to test this matchup. The Bears have what it takes to beat them here. We will see who prevails on Sunday.