Admit it.

The Eagles looked good in their first half against the Rams yesterday and seemed to have a comfortable 20-10 halftime lead. LA appeared a little shaky, and Matthew Stafford had two interceptions, the Eagles’ first takeaways of the season.

But then it was that recurring, haunting second half starting ... And the anxiety began to build.

The end result was another close game, and the Eagles’ second straight loss, one they let get away in a crushing 24-20 defeat.

Why did it happen? Here are some viewpoints.

In this edition of our Eagles’ Roundtable, Times News sports editor Patrick Matsinko will be joined by Marian head football coach and athletic director Billy O’Gurek along with former Lehighton head football coach and Blue Ridge Channel 13 color commentator George Ebbert, who will all reflect on some of the issues of the Eagles’ game.

Can the Eagles have a productive running game if Barkley is injured for a while?

Matsinko: “They can, but it becomes much more difficult. Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley are capable, but neither changes the way a defense approaches the Eagles like Barkley does. With the offense already struggling, losing its biggest difference-maker is a major blow.”

O’Gurek: “I think Bigsby and Shipley are decent role players, but when called upon to take the lead role, they showed their limitations. This would have been a situation to lean on Hurts’ running ability more, especially with the weather impacting the passing game in the second half. But for some reason, the coaches or the OC doesn’t really use that part of Hurts’ game as much anymore. That has been a big part of his success so far in his career, and it’s something they’ll need to use if Barkley misses any time.”

Ebbert: “Yes, they can have a successful running game without Barkley but not without Barkley or Bigsby. With only one running back, the offense will become more conservative.”

Are the second-half offensive issues on OC Sean Mannion, Hurts or both?

Matsinko: “Both. Mannion has to find answers, but Hurts has to execute better. Going 0-for-12 on third down and finishing with only 172 total yards isn’t all on one person. There is plenty of blame to go around.”

O’Gurek: “Both have to share the blame, along with the head coach. Being 0-for-12 on third downs for the game is even more concerning than the second-half issues. To me, it shows that the offensive coordinator is still figuring out how to approach those downs. In the game’s biggest moments, the offense wasn’t able to make the right call or execute the call correctly to pick up a first down.”

Ebbert: “Mostly the OC. They had a great drive in the second half and then got away from the run.”

How much did the Eagles injuries on both sides of the ball play a part in the game?

Matsinko: “A lot. They were already without several key players and then lost Barkley, Quinyon Mitchell and Jonathan Greenard during the game. Injuries don’t completely excuse blowing a 10-point fourth-quarter lead, but they certainly played a role.”

O’Gurek: “I think they played a huge part of the game, but despite that they still were in a position to win the game. Offensively they were without arguably their three best players: Lane Johnson, DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley. Defensively, they were without their top player at each level of the defense; Baun did not play, and Greenard and Quinyon Mitchell both left the game. Tough to win against anybody when six of your highest paid players miss significant time.”

Ebbert: “The injuries before and during the game had a tremendous impact on today’s game. Coming in you know who you have and they get the reps during the week. During the game when someone goes down you have the next man step up, but the reason they aren’t starting is because the person in front of them is better. When Cooper DeJean went down with a stinger (I am assuming), the Rams attacked his replacement three plays in a row.”

How did you see the overall play of the defense and who stood out?

Matsinko: “I thought the defense played well enough for most of the game to win. Andrew Mukuba and Cooper DeJean both intercepted Matthew Stafford, and the Rams were held to 10 points through three quarters. The defense eventually wore down, but it also received almost no help from the offense in the second half.”

O’Gurek: “The defense deserved better than the end result. They played great until the end of the game. I thought Trotter played well in relief of Baun. Unfortunately, he had a huge missed tackle on the game winning TD, but up to that point he had played well. They finally were able to rush the passer and produce some sacks, especially Nolan Smith. The two turnovers were an improvement also.”

Ebbert: “I thought the defense was a D- at best. They did not cover the underneath routes all day and the pressure on Stafford was negligible. I know they had one sack and two interceptions, but down the stretch the defense was non-existent. I thought Cooper DeJean played consistently for the Birds.”

Was it just the defensive penalties down the stretch — two pass interference calls on Woolen — or did the defense just break down?

Matsinko: “It was a combination. The penalties were costly, but the Rams also put together a 98-yard touchdown drive and then drove for the winning score. The defense needed one more stop and couldn’t get it, but the offense put it in a difficult position.”

O’Gurek: “I think the defense was tired by the end of the game. The Rams ran 76 offensive plays compared to 58 for the Eagles. The defense was worn down by the end of the game, especially since the Eagles offense continued to go three-and-out in the second half. Quick offensive possessions equaled less time to recover on the sidelines for the defense.”

Ebbert: “The penalties certainly didn’t help, but it was more of a complete defensive breakdown.”

Did McVay outcoach Sirianni, especially in the second half?

Matsinko: “I think McVay won the second half. The Rams adjusted and eventually got their offense moving, while the Eagles never found an answer. Philadelphia was shut out after halftime and couldn’t protect a 10-point fourth-quarter lead.”

O’Gurek: “Hard to argue against it. The offense’s ineptitude in the second half of games is tough to figure out. The regression of the offense is a major negative for Sirianni and the offensive coaching staff. Sirianni and the Eagles have been successful against McVay in the past. But it seemed like McVay had the advantage today, and without some turnovers and poor special teams play, the score likely wouldn’t have been close.”

Ebbert: “McVay and his staff (OC, DC) certainly seemed to push all the right buttons down the stretch. Their consistent pressure seemed to frustrate and confuse Hurts, and the Rams secondary played lights out.”

Should the Eagles have kicked a field goal instead of going for the fourth-and-goal late in the game?

Matsinko: “Yes. Take the points and make it 23-10, forcing the Rams to score two touchdowns to beat you. With how much the offense had struggled, that wasn’t the time to leave points on the field.”

O’Gurek: “I was alright with the decision to go for it. A field goal only would have made it a six-point lead and the touchdown by the Rams still would have won the game. The problem was the play calling and execution on two trips inside the 10-yard line. If Hurts doesn’t fumble the snap on the play before, the running back likely scores a TD.”

Ebbert: “Kicking the field goal would not have mattered in the end, especially if you are going to allow them to score a TD. But I am of the school to take the points whenever you can get them. Having a six-point lead puts a little more pressure on the Rams and changes some play calling.”

My take: “It’s amazing how the Eagles continue to struggle in the second half. In the second half, Hurts was 2-for-9 for 10 yards. Hurts looked rattled after halftime. The Eagles’ defense looked tired in the second half, and Woolen had two bad pass interference calls (again), and a dumb personal foul on Jonathan Jones. It was a total second-half breakdown.”

What do you think?

You can be a guest analyst in the Eagles’ Roundtable. Simply send an email to tnpsorts@tnonline.com and title it “Eagles Roundtable.” If your email is chosen, it’s your turn!

Your thoughts are always welcomed and will be published.