The Eagles could not stop Seahawks backup quarterback Drew Lock from driving 92 yards and scoring a game-winning touchdown in the final two minutes of their 20-17 loss at Seattle’s Lumen Field on Monday.
Philadelphia gave up two big plays on Seattle’s 10-play scoring drive that led to a third straight loss. On third-and-10 from the Seahawks’ 37, Lock threw a 34-yard pass to DK Metcalf, who snagged the ball between cornerback James Bradberry and rookie safety Sydney Brown. Two plays later, Lock found rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith Njigba, who was being covered by Bradberry, on a 29-yard game-winner with 28 seconds remaining.
For the last two years, Lock has backed up Seahawks starter Geno Smith, who was sidelined with a groin injury Monday. In his three seasons (2019-21) with the Denver Broncos, Lock never developed into a consistent starter and was more celebrated for rapping Jeezy’s “Put On” than actually playing well. When he was sent to Seattle as a part of the Russell Wilson trade, any shot of him becoming a quality quarterback seemed to end.
More than likely, Lock did not recapture his potential as a future starter by leading Monday’s game-winning drive. Instead, he took advantage of a reeling defense that switched play-callers during the week.
On Sunday, NFL insider Jay Glazer reported the Eagles replaced Sean Desai with Matt Patricia, who was a defensive coordinator with the New England Patriots for six seasons (2012-17) and a defensive-minded head coach with the Detroit Lions for three years (2018-20). In both of those stints, he was often criticized for bad coaching decisions.
Shortly after the Eagles’ defense gave up a game-winning touchdown, many people mocked Philadelphia’s decision to promote Patricia:
“Good thing the Eagles made the switch to Matt Patricia in time to revive Drew Lock’s career,” PFF analyst George Chahrouri posted on X.
“Matt Patricia’s defense, what could go wrong?” Yahoo writer Scott Pianowski rhetorically asked on X.
“So much for Matt Patricia being the savior,” sports commentator Adnan Virk said on X.
The Seahawks finished with 297 yards of total offense — an improvement compared to their last two losses (49ers and Cowboys) in which they allowed 300-plus yards and over 30 points both times.
Despite his overall success, Patricia made a huge mistake when he allowed Bradberry to cover Smith Njigba one-on-one without any safety help. After signing a three-year, $38 million contract extension with the Eagles this past spring, Bradberry has been one of the team’s biggest disappointments this year.
“Cover 1 robber in that situation? Classic Matt Patricia,” Pro Football Network’s Ian Valentino said via X.
Former Eagles tight end Clay Harbor also offered his perspective: “I really don’t know what Matt Patricia is doing here. It’s 3rd and 10 and you leave Bradberry one-on-one? Who’s known as a bad man player? And you’re only rushing 4? I don’t get it.”
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