The Eagles' defense was on the field for far too long Sunday.
It played 41:08 compared the Redskins' D playing just 18:52. That's a recipe for disaster, as teams are 5-109 in non-overtime games since 1983 when their defense plays at least 41 minutes in a game (see story).
But for the Eagles on Sunday, don't blame that all on the offense, says former Birds linebacker Seth Joyner.
The defense, which was not strong on third down, also deserves some blame.
"When I look at third-down conversion, and Kirk Cousins is converting at a 50 percent rate on third down — great defenses aim to get under the 33 or lower mark," Joyner said Monday on Comcast SportsNet's Philly Sports Talk. "[The Redskins] converted at 53 percent [Sunday]."
Cousins and the Redskins went 9 for 17 (53 percent) in third-down efficiency and ended up driving 90 yards for a game-winning touchdown to beat the Eagles, 23-20.
For sake of comparison, the Eagles went 4 for 12 (33 percent).
NFL
"If they stop the third-down conversions, now they're not on the field as long," Joyner said. "Not on the field for 41 minutes.
"Some of the blame can go on the offense, but a lot of the blame most certainly has to go on the defense because they've got to get off the field, plain and simple."
For more from Joyner, watch the video above.