1st Place, Baby
Posted: December 10th, 2013 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 99 Comments »The Eagles are in sole possession of 1st place in the NFC East.
Dallas got whipped by the Bears tonight, 45-28. And the game wasn’t even that close. The Boys are now 7-6 and a full game behind the 8-5 Eagles. Life is good.
Here is some fun from Twitter.
"There have been 3 games this year when a team didn't have to punt. 2 of them came against Dallas." Yikes.
— Tommy Lawlor (@lawlornfl) December 10, 2013
@lawlornfl At least the Cowboys will be able to take Donnie Jones out of the game.
— Ultimate Male (@Thunder_Lips) December 10, 2013
By the time this game is over, Dallas might be ranked 33rd in defense.
— Tommy Lawlor (@lawlornfl) December 10, 2013
This Scheme is garbage.
— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) December 10, 2013
Right now the Cowboys have the 4th worst defense in the history of the NFL. They allow 30 more yards a game than the Eagles. Need some video proof of how bad they are? Check out this.
Watch my man Hayden http://t.co/98YAYQfpSd
— Josh Collacchi (@PFF_JCollacchi) December 10, 2013
That video is highly entertaining.
* * * * *
While seeing Dallas go down tonight was great, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The Eagles still have 3 games to play. The team needs to keep winning.
Anyone remember the last time the Eagles won a big game in crazy 4th quarter fashion and then played the Vikings the next week? That was the horrible Tuesday night loss in 2010.
Word out of Minneapolis tonight is that Adrian Peterson will miss the game. Apparently the Football Gods don’t want the Eagles to face RBs. Andre Ellington was a late scratch for the Cards game. Reggie Bush got hurt in warm-ups on Sunday. Now AP is out. I’m assuming Bill Davis has a voodoo doll.
Or maybe these guys are just scared of Nate Allen.
_
It’s week 15, who would you rather have the Eagles face- Jay Cutler or Josh McCown?
As for the division race I want it to come down to the final game.Screw the wild card. I want Nick Foles and the Eagles to go out there against a division rival on the road and win it to get into the playoffs. I don’t want either team to wrap up the division prior to week 17. Let’s see what kind of defense we have, how prepared Chip Kelly is and what kind of QB we have in Nick Foles
Honestly the way McCown is playing right now, can Cutler really play that much better lol?
I don’t think he can. But McCown should have had 2 INTs tonight.
Totally agree, maybe even 3. We can capitalize, I know it.
McCown could play the way he did because he was kept very clean. Was stepping into all of his throws bigtime.
Or we could win out and rest people so we have a better chance in the playoffs
Even if we do win out, we’d probably still be playing for something, unless we were locked into the 3-seed.
Ummm how do we win out AND rest people….the only scenario that would work is for Dallas to lose one more game before they play us in week 17……which would be nice….if we can beat both Minnesotta on the road and the Bears at home. We are due against the Bears……
I was assuming Cowboys lost again. My point was let’s root for the best that can happen not the most entertaining last game of the year where if we lose we go home.
Hoping eagles win out. Don’t have to care about cowboys.
Was watching the game at the bar with my Cowboys friend, was glorious to see how sour he got as the game went on.
I don’t know how the Cowboys manage to look so good one week and so awful the next, they are truly a team that gets up for huge statement games, and completely shits the bed against average competition.
Love the Nate Allen comment, but didn’t Joique Bell hurdle him for a TD on Sunday?
Nope, that didn’t happen.
Optical illusion due to all the clear skies and sunshine at the game.
Nate likes to lay the smack down and I pray he continues to get better. I so want him to grab a few more takeaways before the season is over. I just want him to succeed so badly and have for several years. He is one of those players that you secretly root for every year with the hope he doesn’t suck. This year is that year.
He’s always been a good guy in a bad situation. Injuries and coaching. It’s always nice when an Eagle can scrape himself of the trashheap.
Funny stuff Tommy.
Dallas’ defensive performance tonight was one of the worst I’ve ever seen.
It was some of the best I have seen.
How can a team be so bad in december year after year? What dallas does to suck down the stretch on a consistent basis is really something special.
Their qb is a butterface?
Bad coaching and no depth
Proves to me that Santa is real.
And apparently he doesn’t hold a grudge against us.
Good one!
Check out the Cowboys Fans Calendar at Joe Montana’s Right Arm – it sums it up quite perfectly:
http://joemontanasrightarm.com/2013/11/10/saints-maul-cowboys-meme-accurately-sums-up-cowboys-fans/
From NFL Memes
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ba_FhqQIYAAB2tI.jpg
Philly Magazines “Sexiest Man Of The Year”
That hand is far too small. lol
Wow!! Those are some brutal tweets!! LOL That was a fun game to watch though. Dallas falling apart on schedule.
And Washington fans are disguising themselves as empty seats
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ba_MvShCQAAAFYO.jpg
They’re in their cars watching the eagles game.
http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/190/files/2013/12/McCoyShakes1.gif
Shook ones…
Only thing missing is Dunn going head-first into the snow instead.
What do you think the chances are that Jerry fires Garrett only to let Kiffin take over as HC after the season?
Does 70% sound about right or is it too low?
You know I don’t remember a week like this:
Redskins fell apart completely. Talk is of getting rid of the coach, team has given up. RG 3-10, shutting down.
Giants went into SD and gave up and officially was eliminated. They didn’t even show up. It was a blowout by halftime.
Cowboys defense was as miserable as can be, and was a complete train wreck against a banged up Chicago defense (who we will play) who couldn’t stop the run or tackle. Can you imagine McCoy watching that game? But I digress…. The wheels are falling off that team, plus the owner is talking about needing to make more risks on defense. It is an aging team without a lot of promising youth.
The division is ours for the foreseeable future.
Meh. That’s what the Skins fans thought last year, I’m sure.
I’m very happy that the Eagles are where they are but things change in a hurry any more.
NFL . . . means “not for long”
T-law — if you don’t win a writers award for “Or maybe these guys are just scared of Nate Allen.’ — well than the world is just not right!!!!
Prize winning material right there!!!!
I called Canton ‘no such award’
I think it would be more appropriate to give him a Nobel Peace Prize.
Unfortunately the dallas loss doesn’t affect the standings much because they still own the tie breaker. But it does give us a cushion where we can lose a game and still play for the division championship in dallas. Things are looking very good, especially watching dallas’ swiss cheese defense.
Week 17 is most likely going to be the division championship, but I don’t think it’s unrealistic for the Cowboys to lose one of their next two and us go 2-0. That would give us the division title before the Week 17 game.
regardless of how the eagles finish this season i hope they continue the trend of drafting best player available and no more drafting for need..
nate looks like a keeper this year, wolff appears to be a 5th round steal cole has found new life in this defense and Logan is the third RD gem..that the eagles believed they drafted.there appears to be no gaping weaknesses on this team and that says a lot about how far we have come.
Just giddy right now. I am amazed at how far this team has come in one season.
That, plus both Jerry Jones and Dan Snyder appear to be in perfect physical health. Wonderful news.
I’d like to propose a toast….”may Jerry Jones remain healthy and the GM of the Dallas Cowboys for the next 20 years.”
Off topic, but something that came to my mind..assuming Maclin comes back next year on a one year deal and Avant is let go, who is our slot receiver? Neither Maclin or Jackson are cut out for that role. Would it be Riley Cooper or is he more of an outside guy as well? To be honest, I can’t remember if or how often he lined up inside when Mac was healthy.
I might be in the minority here but I find it more likely that Avant will return than Maclin. I also think Cooper will be back.
Coop has lined up in the slot some this year for bubble screens, drag routes etc. There are also some pretty good slot receivers that can be had on day 3 or as UDFA’s in the upcoming draft.
Benn is still a candidate.
I know Benn was hyped up during the offseason, but if you are really looking for your slot WR to be reliable, can you really trust Benn? First off, he is a major injury concern obviously, so there are no guarantees that he stays healthy, but even if he stays healthy, he has never proven to be a good NFL WR. He has less than 60 catches and 900 yards in four years in the NFL. He also only has 5 TDs. He is one of those guys you HOPE can surprise you now that he is on a different team, but I think he is way to much of a risk to simply trust that he will take on the slot WR role unchallenged. In fact, I think it is equally likely that he gets cut as it is that he makes the team.
You make good points. I love his size and think he’d make an excellent slot ‘tweener’, but nothing is certain. Of course, look at Cooper’s stats prior to this season. I would probably have Avant and him fight it out next summer…if you could sign Avant for the right price.
Maclin can play in the slot. In 11 personnel I’d see him taking that role most of the time, Cooper the other portion. I think he’d be at least a good player there. He has quickness and polished route running to go with being large for the position.
I’d definitely like to see Maclin back. Slide him inside on 3 receiver sets and keep Cooper on the outside. I was thinking before that Avant would be on the way out, but he has been a very good blocker and team-first guy. Nothing wrong with having a guy like that at the bottom of your WR chart. everyone else can fight with a draft pick for the final 1 (or 2) spot.
I’ve been banging the drum for Maclin in the slot for awhile. He has the build for it (in my opinion).
Cooper could walk and get paid, too.
Honestly, I don’t see Cooper going anywhere. After his incident this past summer, the best thing for him would be to stay where he is. Its been a while since it happened, but who knows how another locker room might take to him being there. Also, while he has done well this season, hasn’t played to this level his whole career (although there have been flashes). A good, team friendly deal would be great for all parties involved.
Hopefully snow will not destroy the Metrodome again.
Worst to First!
New question: Would you rather beat Dallas to win the NFC East in Week 17 or would you prefer that the Eagles beat MIN and CHI, Dallas drop one more and Week 17 doesn’t matter?
As fun as it would be to beat them and ruin their season, it would also be devastating to lose. I think I’d rather that game not matter.
Opinions?
Kelly would slap you upside your head for thinking that far ahead!
Lol. Let’s just not tell him…
‘A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.’
Yeah it is a dumb and largely antiquated saying but I’d rather the Eagles make the playoffs, host a 1st round game, and let the chips fall where they may.
I won’t be disappointed either if they lose that game because I wasn’t expecting that much this season & making the playoffs, establishing Foles as the starting QB, and finding some legit building blocks on the defense is a nice start even if I still think this defense is too much ‘smoke and mirrors’
Yeah, I always thought that saying was dumb too, and untrue for myself, personally. I don’t know, either the person who said it is better at mastrabation than I am, or I am much better at sex.
Toby Gerhart is not an incompetent back, and can start for many teams. Another bad, in the inappropriate sense, draft pick by the ole resident geeeenius Speilman.
Gerhart tweaked his hamstring, and may not play against us.
That leaves…Joe Webb?
I did not know that…
/me checks stuff out for a sec.
dang, completely missed that on bleedinggreennation.
**sees Asiata mention**
dude, there is not a minimal chance you’ll see Webb, although it’s more likely that Patterson does the WR rushing.
There’s also not a minimal chance due simply to QBs getting murdered. The Eagles are going to be doing nothing but pass rush if it’s the likes of Asiata (remember, that dude has fumbling problems in addition to not being a great running back).
Tommy, how do you feel Lane Johnson has progressed this season?
profootballfocus sez he and herremans had a bad day. Not terrible, but below replacement.
I don’t get the praise Johnson has gotten recently. Yeah he is probably at least an average/above average run blocker but he is a guy who still struggles an awful lot in seems in pass blocking especially in blitz pickup.
He’s a rookie so you have to give him the benefit of the doubt but I would say he been mediocre (C/C-) so far this year.
You don’t get the praise?
He has been an offensive weapon. He is splitting out wide as a WR, working with an off balanced line and getting to the 2nd level. Doing a mix of vertical and jump sets.
For a guy who was the ‘rawest’ of the top 3 OTs picked, he is the most productive plus his upside is incredible.
Offensive weapon? That’s a real stretch. He has shown progress as the season wore on which is what I hoped he would show.
“Now AP is out.”
C’mon, Tommy, it’s A.D.!
Boomer!
Why is it A.D.?
I think it has something to do with Christ…
Nickname growing up was “All Day”, since it seemed like that’s how long he could run. Shortened to “A.D.” somewhere down the road.
Obviously it’s inconsequential, as more people seem to recognize him as “AP”. Drives Sooner fans nuts, though. 🙂
I’ve never heard him correct anyone, but have heard him admit it’s “A.D.” whenever prompted.
I still call him AP since he is Adrian Peterson, and also, I don’t care.
Congrats.
Bears game flexed to SNF. Finally, after showing teams like the Texans, the Vikings,and Cowgirls/Giants, NBC gets their act together to actually broadcast good football.
8pm or 4pm?
4pm Alaska Standard Time.
Wow, I was just on Google looking what the time west of Pacific is named. Gotta be quick around here.
“You can see the Eagles from here.”
After the surgery they’re gonna be THIS big!
Enjoy the national media jumping on the Eagles bandwagon after picking the Cowgirls to win the division for the past 14 weeks…
NBC flexes Bears game to SNF.
It has begun.
So I actually get to watch the game!!!?!??!
I was adamant that coop and celek were scrubs, clearly Kelly knew better. He has them playing the best ball of their careers. I’m looking forward to another year of this revamped front office’s draft process. Building through the draft and coaching them up is how you sustain success.
The difference coaching can make on a player cannot be understated. Makes you wonder about a lot of draft picks and their level of success.
I’m interested to see if Polk gets more touches this week & they ease up a bit on McCoy who is on pace to shatter this career high. In fact, McCoy is on pace to have more touches than anyone else in the NFL this season.
Like to see Kelly ease a bit back on the accelerator if they can and spot McCoy a bit more if they are up by double digits in the 2nd half this week.
I think they’ll activate all four running backs against Chicago. No reason to do anything but run the entire game…
Maybe that’s Chip’s strategy, run McCoy so teams will gameplan for him then take him out and just run Tucker, Polk, and Brown.
I wonder. I’ve never bought the whole “you can run a RB into the ground” argument. I agree for injuries sake if you’re up big spot a guy but as far as number of touches? I don’t think that’s a huge factor.
I would agree with RB who avoids contact like Shady. Otherwise, each carry is like a minor car collision.
Looks like Billy Davis was a much better hire than Monte Kiffin. I will say that I much prefer a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense. Granted, my scheme would be a lot like Seattle’s, but I’m seeing why 2-gapping so often is a good strategy. It makes things so much easier for Ryans and Kendricks if they don’t have linemen in their face every play. Hybrid defenses are the way to go, and I think the Eagles will be able to run a more versatile scheme as time goes on.
Eagles Mindset and Why Chip teams win = “It’s a strong belief in the team, a strong belief in each other and trust, and it comes from the leadership, from Chip and the rest of the coaches, not leaving any room for excuses to kind of creep up into your mindset,” linebacker Connor Barwin said. “It’s the way we think and the way we handle ourselves.” http://www.csnphilly.com/football-philadelphia-eagles/adversity-no-problem-seasons-eagles
Enjoy the ride Eagles fans!!
I think Foles had a quote like that too, about how the team doesn’t quit and continues to believe they can win the game to the end.
The NFC playoff teams/scenarios look pretty daunting.
My prediction:
1. Seahawks- West
2. Saints- South
3. Eagles- East
4. Lions- North
5. 49ers- WC
6. Panthers- WC
In any scenario:
Eagles would get Carolina/49ers at home, then have to play Seahawks/Saints on the road, more than likely both to get to the big game.
Focus is on the Vikings. But like Tommy has said, this team will EARN everything they get this season.
Fasten your seat belts.