PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It won't be easy for the Eagles when they face Aaron Rodgers on Sunday, so the best way to slow the Packers quarterback down would be to keep him on the sidelines.
Rodgers, one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, has thrown 33 touchdown passes and just four interceptions this season. Even some of the top defenses in the NFL have had a difficult time slowing him down.
One way the Eagles can slow down Rodgers is to keep their offense on the field. Many fans have been hoping the Eagles will run the football more, and coach Doug Pederson indicated this might be the best week to stick with the ground game.
"You have to try and run the ball as best you can against these guys," said Pederson. "Teams have done that, and even some of the teams that have beaten them here recently have been able to do that. It’s something that we may have to do more of."
There is now speculation as to who will be the person making the decisions regarding running or passing the football. Pederson hinted earlier in the week about the possibility of giving up the play calling duties. The head coach said regardless of who has the final say, the play calling requires a team effort each week from all of the coaches on offense.
"Our process on offense is a very collaborative one," Pederson said. "As far as game planning goes, all of the coaches, all of the position coaches, have a lot of input into the scheme each week."
Pederson has made it clear that at this point, he is still the one making the play calls, a duty he admits he enjoys thoroughly.
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However, with the offense struggling, Pederson is looking to keep all of his options open with five games remaining in the regular season.
"Everything is on the table," said Pederson. "I have to look at a lot of different things. We’re struggling as an offense, and I have to look at myself first and foremost."
Pederson is also looking at several of his younger players.
One of those players is rookie right tackle Jack Driscoll, who will start against the Packers on Sunday. With more young players set to receive increased playing time against Green Bay, it could be a signal the Eagles are now looking towards the future.
However, Pederson says the team still has its sites set on contending in the NFC East even with several fresh faces in the lineup.
"It’s not a sign that we’re supposedly throwing in the towel," Pederson said. "We’re letting all these young players play. We’ve got confidence in our young guys. We’re excited about our young players."