# Eagles thrive on third down but face injury risks

> Eagles convert 61% of third downs despite living in 3rd-and-long, but injuries threaten their NFC East title hopes
- Title: Eagles thrive on third down but face injury risks | Shortify
- Summary: Eagles convert 61% of third downs despite living in 3rd-and-long, but injuries threaten their NFC East title hopes Eagles' third-down success comes with…
- Keywords: eagles, jalen hurts, third down, zack ertz, moro ojomo, jonathan greenard, nfl, nfc east, third-and-long, pass rush, injury risk, eagles defense
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/5-eagles-thoughts-offense-jalen-hurts-third-down-zack-ertz-pressure-rate
- Published: 2026-09-23T15:32:04.868+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: eagles, jalen hurts, third down, zack ertz, moro ojomo, jonathan greenard, nfl, nfc east, third-and-long, pass rush, injury risk, eagles defense
## Third down dominance
Eagles convert 61% of third downs against Titans despite living in 3rd-and-long scenarios

> The Eagles have shown a penchant for defying odds through two weeks
## Injury concerns
Eagles face mounting injuries as schedule toughens over next three weeks

> Some of what they're doing feels unsustainable
## Zack Ertz's role
Ertz signed to practice squad after Dallas Goedert's knee injury but has no recent practice time

> Ertz has had no ram-up period
## Pass rush imbalance
Moro Ojomo has 50 pass rushes compared to Jordan Davis' 22, but plays 75% of defensive snaps

> Ojomo has played 75 percent of the total defensive snaps
## Jonathan Greenard
Greenard's speed could help Eagles convert pressures into sacks against Bears

> Greenard's speed off the edge brings another dimension to the pass rush
## Tennessee trick play
Titans kicked into end zone giving Eagles possession at 35-yard line with 1:56 left

> Titans chose to kickoff into the end zone and give the Eagles a free start at the 35 yard line
## Third down paradox
Eagles have NFL's worst first-down offense but best third-down conversion rate

> They have one of the NFL's worst first-down offenses and best third-down offenses
## Defying logic
Eagles won despite turning ball over twice on Jalen Hurts interceptions

> Literally, just the Eagles
## Injury timeline
Eagles' injuries pile up as they prepare for three straight playoff teams

> Their own injuries are starting to pile up as the schedule toughens
## Third-and-long strategy
Eagles convert 53% of third downs despite having same number of 3rd-and-long scenarios as shorter plays

> For the season they are converting 53 percent of third downs
## Eagles' 11 personnel
Eagles play 75% of games in 11 personnel (3WR/1TE) with tight end depth issues

> Outside of a few snaps for TE3 E.J. Jenkins
## Pass rush projection
Eagles' pass rush projects to improve with Jonathan Greenard's return

> Greenard's speed off the edge brings another dimension to the pass rush
## Tennessee's kick
Titans kicked into end zone after 20-17 lead giving Eagles 65-yard drive

> Slye had been penalized earlier in the game for failing to get his kickoff in the landing zone
## Eagles' third down edge
Eagles convert 61% of third downs despite living in 3rd-and-long for most of game

> They converted 61 percent of third downs against the Titans
## Key takeaway

Eagles' third-down success comes with unsustainable injury risks and depth issues