The Boys Are Back in Town

Posted: September 20th, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 130 Comments »

Today is the Eagles home opener. And the opponent is the Dallas Cowboys.

Two simple sentences, but boy is there a lot of history, emotion and importance in those words. What makes things even more complicated is that the Eagles are 0-1. They built up tremendous expectations over the summer and then laid an egg in the first half on Monday night.

Losing today, especially with no Dez Bryant to deal with, would be huge. 0-2 doesn’t mean the season is over, but it makes life miserable and puts tremendous pressure on all of the upcoming games.

The good news is that the Eagles can win today and will be atop the NFC East. A good performance by the team will erase the misery of Monday night and get this team right back on their feet.

I wrote my preview for PE.com.

As important as winning is, I’m really hoping the Eagles play well. I want to see this team show signs that it click for a whole game. They looked good when on the field in the preseason. They looked good in the 2nd half last week. Let’s see this group play a good game.

The Eagles got off to a 9-3 start last year, but played flawed football the whole year. That caught up with them in the end.

This team has more potential, but we need to see them perform at a high level on a consistent basis.

*****

Cody Parkey needs to have a good day. I hope he mainly kicks extra points, but it probably would be good to see him hit a FG in the 40-49 yard range. The coaches believe in him. Fans and the media are less sure. Parkey was great in 2014, but kickers can lose it at any time. His situation bears watching.

*****

I sure hope DeMarco Murray has a good game. He had a 12-yard loss last week that made his numbers go from bad to awful (7 for 21 yards to 8 for 9 yards). He still scored 2 TDs. Murray didn’t get many touches because the Eagles fell behind so quickly and turned into Air Bradford.

If this game is close or the Eagles have the lead, I expect Chip Kelly to run the ball a lot more. We should get a better idea of what Murray can do.

In terms of how he’s used…we’ll see. I want him to be a downhill runner. Kelly had him going E-W last week. Atlanta did look vulnerable to the outside. Those sweeps were effective. I just want to see Murray get a chance to run downhill and be more physical. That’s when he’s at his best.

*****

Injury update on Dez Bryant. It sounds like he’ll be out at least 8 weeks. That means the Eagles might not face him at all.

*****

Walter Thurmond has a 3-game interception streak. He picked off passes in Week 2 and Week 3 of the preseason and then the season opener. It would be great to see him continue that today.

If Tony Romo has one decent bone in his body, he’ll throw a pick-six to Thurmond as a way of welcoming him to the Cowboys-Eagles rivalry.

_


130 Comments on “The Boys Are Back in Town”

  1. 1 ian_no_2 said at 11:01 AM on September 20th, 2015:

    Some analysts have said that the 2015 Eagles had too many new parts to have a successful season. I think that hurt them in the first half of the Falcons game, but the tide began to turn in the second half. The Eagles had a third year coach and new players; the Falcons had a relatively intact nucleus with new offensive and defensive coaching, a head coach who perfected at Seattle the strategy best suited to slowing down and lining up against the hurry up offense. Watching the games, like other fans, I was taken by how the refs could have been the reason why, instead of the Eagles being up a game on the ‘boys, the opposite resulted, as the league admitted in the case of the Cowboys game. To his credit, you could tell in the press conferences that Kelly knew there was a lot of coaching to be done, and that fundamentals, reduction of penalties, trench techniques, etc. had to be worked on for the team to reach the promise of pre-season predictions.

    With the Cowboys as with last week, it’s about leaning on the offensive line for Romo to pull one out of the hat, with defenses still keying a little on their run. At some point, the injuries are going to send home the message that this isn’t their year. The Eagles can’t rely solely on Bradford playing smarter than Eli; they need to win or at least play to a draw on the line of scrimmage this afternoon.

  2. 2 GEAGLE said at 11:52 AM on September 20th, 2015:

    As great as we are capable of Looking today, I don’t expect to really see what this team is capable of until mid October… Needing to Gel is REAL, they don’t call it the ultimate team game for nothing, and no matter how many practice reps you get, there really is no substitute for being on the battlefield with your teammates while the live bullets are flying, making adjustments and overcoming adversity with your teammates…

    You can add the best players and the best coaching, but in order to Gel, there is no substitution for being on the field togethet in live action.
    ..
    but that’s No excuse for Losing early in the season. We are talemted, well coached, and we need to claw and scratch our way to wins early in this season, but even if we are lucky enough to win the next 3 games, we won’t be seeing what This team is truley capable of until they get 4-6 weeks to come together as a cohesive unit

  3. 3 ian_no_2 said at 1:25 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    The second half adjustments by coaches and players were excellent last week.

    Basketball is the game I think where continuity is most important. Baseball the least. Football is somewhere in the middle.

  4. 4 GEAGLE said at 3:56 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Disagree.. Continuity is more important in football then it is in pro basketball,.. You don’t need 3 years of continuity in the NFL to give the ball to your star player, have him call for a pick n roll while the other 3 teammates get out of the way and go stand on the perimeter and be ready to catch m shoot if the star passes it to you.
    .,
    Maybe if it was common to see every team play like San Antonio and Atlanta I would agree on the importance of continuity, but the pro game has become all 1 on 1, or 2 man games, no continuity needed for that… Football is the ultimate team game where a play can be shut down if 1 of 11 men don’t all do their job and work together, it easily requires the most continuity in order to get 11 guys to play as a cohesive unit

  5. 5 mksp said at 3:20 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Maybe they’ll get “creative” and use Brandon Graham as a Fullback, eh bro?

  6. 6 GEAGLE said at 3:59 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Dick sucker alert, Dick sucker alert, Dick sucker alert

  7. 7 OregonDucker said at 11:02 AM on September 20th, 2015:

    When the Cowgirls D stacks the box, let’s see some X plays to keep them honest. If the inside zone is not there stop forcing it. Then attack with wheel routes and screens. Kill ’em!

  8. 8 GEAGLE said at 3:52 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    We saw plenty of X plays last week, the problem was that they all got called back for some stupid penalty… hopefully we can clean that up! If we get out of our own damn way, the X plays will naturally come with all this offensive talent..
    ..
    Love having a QB who will take what the defense gives him,,
    For example say it’s 1st and 10 and we are running a pass concept where the first WR runs a quick short route, and the 2nd read is a longer to develop shot down field, If Bradford sees that first quick read open, he isn’t greedy, he will take the 5 Yards on first down all day.. Where as some QBs can be greedy, see the first guy open but wait to see if the longer play down field unfolds, but then if that 2nd read isn’t open, they already blew their window to throw at the first open read because they were being Greedy.. Bradford is smart enough and trusts in his accuracy enough to take the quick 5 yard pass all day on first down because he believes that as long as he stays “ahead of the sticks” and doesn’t get in 3rd n longs, he has full confidence that he will covert the 3rd and short and pick up the first down..
    .,
    tHis mentality of not being greedy and being willing to take the 4, or 5 yards all day on 1st down is an important stylistic fit for an offense that wants to move so fast where it becomes crucial to pick up the first and Second first down to implement our tempo knowing that 3 and outs hurt our defense so much… Stylistically and mentally, Bradford and Murray are perfect fits to play in chips offense where as someone wired to be a Home run hitter like shady. Can lose yards and get in trouble being greedy always looking to swing for the fences

  9. 9 GEAGLE said at 11:20 AM on September 20th, 2015:

    I want to see chip call a reverse for Agholar today… It’s been a while since chip dailed up a reverse, and I feel like if Nelson can beat the defense to the edge and turn up field, he can turn the Jets on and take off with those long strides of his and breakaway speed
    ..
    Jordan is poised to have a 10-13 catch day coming off that INT that ended our Falcons comeback, Jordan should be amped up at home, ready to torch the Cowboys slot corner, attacking the middle which is a sweet spot in the Tampa 2’scheme..
    ..
    isolate Huff or Agholar against Morris Claiborne and get them going early
    ..
    Fipp NEEDS to get our Special teams units going today. They weren’t bad in Atlanta, but they didn’t play up to their great Potential either. Eagles ST. needs to make a positive mark on this game. make a difference!!!!
    ..
    Mincy moving back to DE is a good opportunity to get JP going! Would like to see our Run game function running behind the boss hog… Beaslys freakish exceptional speed gave him some problems.. Mincy ISNT that type of Athlete, so it should be a great matchups for Peters in the run game… We had a Lot of success running behind Lane last week, need to see JP clear the way for our backs today..
    ..
    Need to have early success on Offense so we can use our Tempo to take the wind out of Crawfords sails, making Crawford a more manageable matchup for Gardner
    ..
    Someone please hit Cole Beasly and hit him HARD!!

    Be aware of the fact that Dallas will show run out of a heavy 2TE set, but come out Passing, so that they won’t have to pass against our Nickel pass rushers which was Clearly a big part of the Falcons game plan.
    ,,
    And when the Cowboys are in the redzone, KIKO, BARWIN and KEndricks need to tighten up on the 2 TEs..

  10. 10 Avery Greene said at 1:40 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Agree about our ST. Need to some some plays from them, not necessarily scores, but downed inside the 5 or some big returns to help the O.

  11. 11 GEAGLE said at 2:47 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Definitely… I can’t expect them to score every week, but I do hold them to the standard and expectation of Expecting them to out play their counterparts every week, when they don’t, it means they didn’t play up to their potential..
    ..
    Our ST. is too good nort to make a difference, and Cody Owes us a game of accurate FGs..

  12. 12 mksp said at 3:20 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Don’t forget line Fletcher Cox up as an RB! Right??? To be “creative”?

  13. 13 GEAGLE said at 3:58 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Dick sucker alert, Dick sucker alert, Dick sucker alert..
    ..
    Sorry you groupie bitch, I don’t deal with such obsessive pussy behavior on game day.., so go brush your teeth, get that cock off your breath and settle down bitch boy

  14. 14 mksp said at 4:13 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Keep it up buddy.

    I get that it sucks to get schooled on your “knowledge” on the daily, but at least be an adult about it.

  15. 15 anon said at 11:29 AM on September 20th, 2015:

    do i go w/ sammy b or mariota today?

  16. 16 HawaiianEagle said at 11:37 AM on September 20th, 2015:

    Sb

  17. 17 GEAGLE said at 11:45 AM on September 20th, 2015:

    Dhalsim Bradford FTW, Yoga Fire!!!
    ..
    Doubt it will be all picnics and unicorns today for Mariota on the road against a decent Browns Defense with Studs in the secondary like Joe Haden and Tashuan Gipson… Lovie Smith has become the worst coach in the NFL. Even when he is given dEfensive talent, he can’t do anything with it… Browns Defense should put up a much tougher test then that slop Lovie put on the field..
    ..
    Tampa 2 scheme should give Jordan the middle of the field to dominate against Scandricks backup… Morris Claiborne Sucks. if Ertz is anyghing close to his normal self he should make some plays against these safeties…
    ..
    I would feel better about Bradford then Mariota going to cleveland,.

  18. 18 Corry said at 11:30 AM on September 20th, 2015:

    I really want to see the Eagles establish the run today. Barbre and Gardner don’t need to be great today, they just need to be a hell of a lot better than they were last week. If they’re even average, we’ll be able to manufacture yards and get it going. Big plays off of play action will come then.

    The defense needs to cover and cover well. This shouldn’t be a huge challenge. The Cowboys have some talent, but no one that should be able to really hurt us the way Jones and White did last week. This is a week for the secondary, particularly the corners, to get well. Also, I hope Jenkins spent the week with the JUGS machine.

  19. 19 Avery Greene said at 1:42 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    I agree, I just need to see some improvement from them. Mainly no hesitation from Barbre, and no missed blocks from either.

  20. 20 Michael Winter Cho said at 11:34 AM on September 20th, 2015:

    On the “getting prepared for bad things so it doesn’t hurt front”: How do we feel if it seems we’re getting dominated up front again this week, SB is taking big hits and Romo has all day?

    How does Chip attack this team? If it stacks the box, is it SB time again? Will he go over the top or throw to the RB every time?

    I have no idea what to expect for this game. Part of me thinks we should win handily, but I also thought that last week.

  21. 21 anon said at 11:38 AM on September 20th, 2015:

    we could be well matched. i think we can stop the run and i think that our safeties were good at covering the slot. this should be a get back game if there ever was one, i’ll be pretty dissapointed if we come out flat.

  22. 22 GEAGLE said at 1:02 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    I’ll be sick if we don’t look like the team that’s playing like they want if More!
    ..
    We are going to have struggles the first 4-6 weeks while we are still gelling, but TODAY, this team NEEDS to show some Charechter, and NOT in the Moral Victory type of way..hopefully we put our gelling atruggles on hold for 1 week and hand this group of scumbags the beating they deserve
    ..
    I will be Furious this week if we don’t look like the More Physical and more Discaplined Team TODAY!

  23. 23 Avery Greene said at 1:43 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Not too worried yet. It’s still very early in the season, and with all teams in the league we can’t make fair judgments on the teams after one game. They stopped being dominated up front in the 2nd half.

    What I want to see is that this team can come out strong in the 1st quarter. That really sets the tone for the whole game.

  24. 24 anon said at 11:56 AM on September 20th, 2015:

    j. mac hitting for 50-70yds a week instead of 100yds +td with the eagles.

  25. 25 Corry said at 12:01 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    I guess that happens when you have Alex Smith as your QB.

  26. 26 GEAGLE said at 12:43 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Hope he enjoys every extra dollar he got because it can’t be too much fun going from a career year the first time playing in Chips offense to now playing with the modern day game managing 2015 version of Trent Dilfer who seems to struggle when he isn’t throwing Check downs to a RB, or to TE Zeus KELCE
    ..
    Maclin is now going to be like a 12mil Cheerleader/Decoy in that offense, and it’s not even his fault… He looked amazing last year, finally coming hto his own and becoming the WR everyone thought and hoped he could be all these years, and now he is being neutered in KC thanks to a QB who seems allergic to Wr’s…

  27. 27 GEAGLE said at 12:35 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Water under the bridge, but i can’t help wondering what Maclin and DEsean would have looked like with Sams Big Arm talemt, throwing with accuracy and anticipation…
    ..
    I look at our Offense and can’t help wondering what it would look like if we still had Maclin added to this arsenal of weapons.. Hopefully Agholar will soon develope into a talent that makes us forget all about Maclin…. But as great as Maclin would look adding him to our current Offense, that’s a little misleading because had we paid for Maclin, we would have to subtract someone like Demarco from the offense, we wouldn’t have been able to afford to pay Mac AND all the additions We made

    Like to see us Draft the Best Deep ball weapon, WR playmaker in the Nation, Phillys own, Roman Catholics finest, Notre Dame WR Will Fuller…

  28. 28 Duracell said at 1:34 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    No thanks on Fuller. They actually call OPI from time to time in the NFL.

  29. 29 GEAGLE said at 2:41 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Roman Bias..

  30. 30 GEAGLE said at 12:18 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Interesting week around league..
    ..
    NFC fans should have eyes glued on Seatle vs GB.
    I’ll be watching GB to see:
    – How they overcome the MCL injury costing them their Guard Baluga? Don Barclay who missed last season with an injury will be tasked with replacing Baluga
    – high on GB To do list THS offseason was getting ILBs so they can let Clay focus on rushiñg the passer, but unfortunately for GB they lost thei ILB Barrington in week 1, which I assume will mean that Clay will have to play some ILB again taking away from his Pass rush
    – ST play continues to Haunt GB, and Lockett coming to town who is as electric as it gets in the return game
    Seattle has its own issues:
    – They haven’t even talked to Chancellors agent since Sept 8. They seem smart enough not to redo Kams comtract opening Pandora’s box. How will Dion Baily hold up against Rogers?
    – Dion ismt the only chink in the LOB armor, Rogers should Also look to make it a long day for Cary Williams
    -The Seattle OL has ISSUES, SERIOUS Issues to the point that allegedly they will start using a lot Of Tempo and read options trying tp make it easier on the OL
    – How does Seattle gel their Physcal smash mouth brand of ball which was ther offensive Identity, with the Finesse They added in Jimmy Graham and Lockett?
    ..
    Bills Vs Pats is awesome matchup
    pats have some issues:
    – They have like 3 young inexperienced players on the OL. Their 3rd string Center, Undrafted Rookie has to line up in frnt of 100mil Marcel Dareus
    – Brady is going to have to really help that OL out by getting that ball out immediately… Buffalo and The Pats both boast top Front 7 Units in the game, curious to see what Front 7 makes life the hardest on the opposing QB
    – Pats lack talent in the secondary, how do they handle really athletic weapons like Watkins and Harvin? Jabaal Sheard and the Front 7 have to be excellent
    As for the Bills
    -Their QB looked good and is getting a lot of hype, but facing Bellichick week 2 is about the worst matchup possible. can the young QB hold up against bellicheat and his Beastly front 7?
    -Shady didn’t do so great last time he faced Bellicheat, WOULDNT mind seeing him get shut down
    -Rex Ryan with an arsenal of Talented Defensive weapons vs Brady and a suspect OL???? Should be an awesome 1:00 match up
    …,
    looking to see FOles and The Rams put a beating on the Redskis AFTEF how they cheap shotted FOles last year
    ..
    Curious to see Pitt bounce back and dispose of The Niners. I see a 7-10pt win for Steelers. Word is that if the worst Corner in the NFL, Cortez Can’t play, Boykin will be allowed to play as the Nickel CB.. So much for starting n the outside
    ..
    I’d Like to see the Falcons put a beating on the Giants.. ODB vs Desmond Trufant is a fascinating match up, Top young WR in the NFL vs. The Top ypung CB in the game…I was so impressed by Jordan Mathews last week, he was balling to the point they moved TRufant in the slot at times to match up with him and the Pope still went to work
    ..
    nice to be able to watch next weeks oppoment, the Jets on Monday night aganst Luck coming off a loss.. Let’s see what we can learn from Luck about attacking that stout Todd Bowles Defense..it also doesn’t suck that the Jets will have a short week to prepare for us…
    ..
    Some really compelling week 2 match ups…. Enjoy.

  31. 31 GEAGLE said at 12:25 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Never realized Apollo Creed played in the NFL…

  32. 32 Dragon_Eagle said at 1:04 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Go Bills.

  33. 33 anon said at 1:07 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    arizona runs back opening kick against bears demoralizing.

  34. 34 anon said at 1:12 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    if johny j can go deep we can too

  35. 35 GEAGLE said at 1:17 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    I’d like to see our 3 headed Monster touch the ball 50 times today run/catch combined..
    ..
    It would be awesome if we could really establish the run early today and watch our 3 headed monster carry us today to a win, allowing Bradtord to take a back seat in a PG/game manager Role attempting No more then 25 passes because the RBs are running wild on Dallas.. Wishful thinking? Maybe… At some poin this offense will click and fire on all cylinders, is this week too soon? Maybe..
    ..
    Bradford was able to go 21/25 in the second half playing from behind when the defense was allowed to pin its ears back and rush him every play… It’s Scary to think how efficient SAM could be once everything clicks and he gets to play behind a run game that’s dominant….. if Our OL plays well enough to allow to give our RBs 50 touches combined (rushiñg and Recieving), leting SAM play a complimentary Role to the Run game, setting up all types of play action threats to run, I could See SAM Consistently have 24 of 28 games…. Last week SAM had to carry our Run game, when we see him take a back seat and play a complimemtary role to our Run game, I expect him to put on spectacular displays of efficiency…. Fingers crossed our OL Gels and plays at a hgh enoufh level to make our Run game the focal poïnt of the offense
    ..
    If SAM can go 21 of 25 when the defnse knows he is passing every play, scary to think what he can do when the Defense is getting the ball run down their throat

  36. 36 ACViking said at 2:02 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    The score last week was 20-17, Atlanta, with 3 minutes left in the 3rd Q.

  37. 37 GEAGLE said at 2:40 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Really?

  38. 38 GEAGLE said at 1:19 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Lol @ Karlos Williams continuing to steal Shadys TDs..

  39. 39 BC1968 said at 1:21 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    McCoy left out of the play at 5 yard line, Murray scores twice in the red zone last week even with limited yards. That’s what we lacked so much last year. Last year, the year before, and so on.

  40. 40 Avery Greene said at 1:49 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    This isn’t good news for the Titans.

    https://twitter.com/MoveTheSticks/status/645655734588321792

  41. 41 anon said at 1:54 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    he’ll have to learn what ck learned in the nfl, no running qbs, unless it’s schemed runs and you’re built like wilson

  42. 42 FairOaks said at 2:43 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    The couple of highlights I saw he was getting creamed in the pocket.

  43. 43 Avery Greene said at 1:55 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    NE laying it on Buffalo right now.

  44. 44 anon said at 1:58 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    yeah dissapointing, but tt can’t deal with a belicheck defense

  45. 45 McNabbulousness said at 2:00 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    is it scaring anyone else that the redskins O is looking so good against the rams D?

  46. 46 anon said at 2:01 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    havent seen them on redzone, looks good passing or running?

  47. 47 McNabbulousness said at 2:01 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    both!

  48. 48 SteveH said at 2:02 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Wish they had stuck with RG3, they’d be a train wreck.

  49. 49 anon said at 2:06 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    i see what you’re saying killing the rams.

  50. 50 Avery Greene said at 2:05 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    This is why we don’t make proclamations after Week 1 in football.

  51. 51 SteveH said at 2:01 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    So the Giants can keep Julio Jones from beating them over the top. Make of that what you will.

  52. 52 McNabbulousness said at 2:02 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    they’re not as stubborn as bill davis or chip kelly

  53. 53 GEAGLE said at 2:39 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    The Bills top defense is getting shredded for 24 points in the first half, do they suck? Does that mean Rex Ryan can’t coach defense?

  54. 54 SteveH said at 2:48 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Maybe.

  55. 55 GEAGLE said at 2:48 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Then who can DEFINITELY coach defense?

  56. 56 anon said at 2:49 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    means TT’s poor play putting the D in terrible positions, plus Gronk.

  57. 57 Insomniac said at 2:02 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Lol the Steelers are 2/2 for 2pt conversions

  58. 58 Insomniac said at 2:05 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    HOU vs CAR could be the ugliest QB performances ever

  59. 59 anon said at 2:10 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    odb has 5 / 120 in the first half.

  60. 60 McNabbulousness said at 2:11 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    id be surprised if he didn’t have that v. the falcons D

  61. 61 anon said at 2:10 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    steelers killing 49ers, big ben might not even play the whole game.

  62. 62 GEAGLE said at 2:35 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    My lock of the week… That 6 point line made it an Obvious steelers blowout win
    ..
    That’s who I took in my suicide pool

  63. 63 Avery Greene said at 2:24 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Eagles sell the most expensive beer out of all the teams. SMH.

    https://twitter.com/MattLombardo975/status/645664271616090113

  64. 64 ACViking said at 2:34 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    that’s only so Lurie can have more cash to acquire free agents

  65. 65 McNabbulousness said at 3:14 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    if we’re worst than what boston/ny charge, that’s really bad

  66. 66 anon said at 3:14 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    yeah BOS, NY, SF — they should freeze prices until we get a chip.

  67. 67 McNabbulousness said at 3:15 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    on a completely unrelated note; this probably means GEAGLE will be bankrupt by halftime

  68. 68 GEAGLE said at 2:37 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Dion lewis was waived at Halftime…. You don’t survive Bellichicks Axe when you fumble two weeks in a Row

  69. 69 anon said at 2:44 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    reversal of fortunes for MM and JW. Hopefully we can continue the teams turning around.

  70. 70 Corry said at 2:47 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Steelers are really putting it to the 9er’s too.

  71. 71 anon said at 2:50 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    yeah i knew Steelers would come out hot after getting embarrassed last week. Hopefully antonio brown can load up on the fantasy points, needs a couple of TDs.

  72. 72 GEAGLE said at 2:55 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Demarco Murray is so full of shit saying this is “Just another game” with a straight face.
    ..
    They ran him into the ground more then anyone I seen since what Wanstead did to Ricky Williams..then they used his workload to justify not paying him.. To make matters worse, they didn’t even have the respect to be honest with him. Week before we signed him he was still under the impression that the Cowboys were going to make a significant t offer…
    ..
    This Man had an Epic season, protecting the QB, the over rated Defense, yet his accomplishments were minimized, while everyone else got the credit for Murrays amazing yeàr. the OL was the talk of the NFL, Romo was taljed about as MVP contemder, Whem Murray protected his back all year and allowed Romo to do less then he has done any season since arriving in Dallas (health Permittng).. LOL even Rod Marinelli and an over rated defense,got a ton of credit for Murray keeping them off the field.l
    ,,
    Despicable how the Cowboys treated the classiest gentleman in their organization, so excuse me Mr. murray, but don’t piss in my ear and tell me it’s raining… You are full of shit claiming this is just any OL game….. I look forward to seeing his FIRE on the field Today!!!

  73. 73 Will:↑↑↓↓←→←→BA said at 2:56 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    The man is a professional. What do you really expect him to say? Demarco hardly ever makes waves

  74. 74 Corry said at 2:59 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    I agree. There’s emotions there, but he won’t say anything via the media.

  75. 75 GEAGLE said at 3:01 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    I’m not exactly blaming him for not giving a team bulletin board material by running his mouth… But I am looking forward to seeing the Fire and anger when he stiff arms Cowboys Defenders today, and lowers his head to deliver the Boom

  76. 76 anon said at 2:57 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    giants trying to beat the falcons

  77. 77 Will:↑↑↓↓←→←→BA said at 2:58 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Looks like the ATL Defense from the second half of last week is still playing

  78. 78 anon said at 2:59 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    yeah not surprised it’s a let down game for ATL. Started roddy white, that was a mistake.

  79. 79 Will:↑↑↓↓←→←→BA said at 3:03 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Giants actually smart enough to double Julio too while bumping him at the line

  80. 80 Corry said at 3:05 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Smart defensive game plan is a lot of it. I also wonder how much having film to study of Atlanta helps. You also have to figure the emotions of opening at home on a Monday Night played into it as well.

    Also, our offense was rusty as hell and just not on the same page.

  81. 81 Will:↑↑↓↓←→←→BA said at 3:08 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Its not like ATL surprised anyone with their game plan. All week the Eagles knew they would come out in max protect and throw to 2 WRs running routes….

    We could cover or rush the passer

  82. 82 Corry said at 3:21 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Oh we definitely didn’t execute. Like at all in the first half…or y’know when we needed a big stop.

  83. 83 anon said at 2:58 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    foles starting the comeback

  84. 84 anon said at 3:00 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    RAMS GM should get an award, stay raping people for picks.

  85. 85 GEAGLE said at 3:39 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Annoyed that the Rams DL isn’t dominating that game..

  86. 86 anon said at 3:01 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    peterson 2 red zone fumbles

  87. 87 Avery Greene said at 3:13 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Not sure if this is a bad sign or that he’s not 100%.

    https://twitter.com/BrandonGowton/status/645676579553705984

  88. 88 anon said at 3:14 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    who do you sit so that he can play?

  89. 89 Avery Greene said at 3:17 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Interesting list. Barner in, Ajirotutu out.

    https://twitter.com/MattLombardo975/status/645676049796321281

  90. 90 Corry said at 3:24 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    I wonder if Barner is active as a gunner on the coverage unit. Not something Smith can do.

  91. 91 GEAGLE said at 3:38 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    I do think we will probably see him playing gunner today… And improving his ST play would certainly help Marcus smiths cause for getting to contribute as an OLB

  92. 92 McNabbulousness said at 3:16 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    not what you want out of a first round pick

  93. 93 mksp said at 3:21 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    It’s officially a bad sign at this point.

  94. 94 Insomniac said at 3:25 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    I don’t think it’s a bad sign. Chip is probably bringing in Barner for a couple of plays/ST and Smith probably won’t do well as an OLB against a better Cowgirls OL.

  95. 95 GEAGLE said at 3:36 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Far from Ideal, that’s for sure… But I remember at the beginning of the year back when talented promising Vinny Curry was inactive each week and we were hearing crazy rumors like demanding a trade and it was a forgone conclusion that he didn’t fit our new defense.. Now he has grown into one of our most important pass rushers..
    ..
    Heck BG was a bust for the majority of his rookie contract. Til he finally started to get over his surgery and grow into his new position
    ..
    For Marcus it will come down to desire, work ethic, Perserverence.., if he doesn’t love the game, we probably won’t see the commitment needed to put in the work to realize his full potential, but I never heard anything like that about him.. Everything I heard was that he has been working hard to grow into a professional OLB so it’s way too soon to be concerned about him Long term
    ..
    When he was drafted, anyone familiar with him knew that the soonest he could be ready to help this team was the beginning of year 2, we are now in year 2, week 2, so basically he is only 2 games behind a rational schedule, not an uncommon setback for someone who got hurt late in the preseason., see Nolan Carrol getting injured last August…

    No time to panic yet, but I will say that at some point this season, we need to see Marcus find a way to contribute. I’d be concerned if we aren’t seeing him by The first game after the bye week..
    ..
    I’m sure part of him being inactive is not being one of the better ST players. We only fixate on his OLB ability, but if he doesn’t improve enough to make a mark on ST, it will be even harder for him to get on a field as OLB as long as BG, BArwin and Curry are healthy..
    ..
    In order for BG to be our #3 OLB last year, he was balling on ST…

  96. 96 mksp said at 3:39 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    “For Marcus it will come down to desire, work ethic, Perserverence”

    This is some Hollywood-grade bullshit bro.

  97. 97 GEAGLE said at 4:01 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Dick sucker alert, Dick sucker alert, Dick sucker alert..,

  98. 98 Dragon_Eagle said at 3:17 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    That McCoy guy for Buffalo is pretty good.

  99. 99 McNabbulousness said at 3:17 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    who is RB matt jones for wash? he is killing it against the rams front 7

  100. 100 GEAGLE said at 3:21 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Rookie.. They like him a lot

  101. 101 anon said at 3:22 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    yeah looks like A. Mo. will be a FA — Jones really jumped off the screen in preseason.

  102. 102 GEAGLE said at 3:20 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    I have hated the Pats with a passion like most Philadelphians and the Bills defense has been my AFC mistress the past 3 years because I really enjoyed watching their defense play… but I didn’t realize til today when I caught myself rooting for the Pats, just how much I grown to dislike shady… As much as I hate the Pats, I can’t stomach seeing how happy and how much shady would run his mouth if they beat the Pats and get off to a 2-0 start… Hopefully the Pats lay the smack down, pull away and leave shady to suffer a blowout loss at home

  103. 103 mksp said at 3:22 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    I think we’re allowed to be worried about Marcus Smith at this point.

    OLB isn’t exactly a position of depth. Opting to dress a 4th RB over him is worrisome.

  104. 104 anon said at 3:23 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    need a ST gunner since TuTu is out w/ a concussion, i think that’ what it is.

  105. 105 mksp said at 3:25 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    I guess we’ll see if Barner plays gunner…would make sense.

  106. 106 nevadausa16 said at 3:27 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    but GEAGLE says MSII’s gonna be really good ’cause the Eagles’ coaches are all great teachers.

  107. 107 Corry said at 3:23 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Brandon Boykin is on the field for the Steelers and he made a play to break up a TD pass.

  108. 108 Will:↑↑↓↓←→←→BA said at 3:25 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Its Kap and garbage time… That trade is looking bad for both teams

  109. 109 Corry said at 3:27 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Baby steps. He didn’t even get out on the field last week.

  110. 110 anon said at 3:26 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    he just got housed by bolden i think, feel down gave up a TD.

  111. 111 Corry said at 3:26 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    I think he’s about to get saved by replay though. Didn’t look like Boldin got both feet down.

  112. 112 Insomniac said at 3:30 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Meanwhile, Rowe is doing well covering the only thing he can right now..the bench.

  113. 113 Corry said at 3:32 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Yeah but the bench has yet to catch a touch down pass.

  114. 114 sonofdman said at 3:30 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    The giants just got the flukiest bs first down I have ever seen.

  115. 115 McNabbulousness said at 3:32 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    just like every eli manning pass?

  116. 116 sonofdman said at 3:57 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    This time he rolled it on the ground to the received. They called it a fumble that was recovered for a first down.

  117. 117 BC1968 said at 3:35 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Did a Steeler just run a 99 yard TD? nfl.com f*cked that up, thanks.

  118. 118 BC1968 said at 3:40 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    No Foles magic this week.

  119. 119 anon said at 3:41 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Mariota in the midst of a comeback. DGB w/ his first TD.

  120. 120 BC1968 said at 3:44 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Well everybody in the division is winning.

  121. 121 Will:↑↑↓↓←→←→BA said at 3:47 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Somebody has to lose today, hope its dallas

    Edit: Giants are trying to lose again

  122. 122 BC1968 said at 3:51 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Can’t even imagine a loss today now. Couldn’t imagine it before, but Washington won? We can’t lose.

  123. 123 Corry said at 3:46 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    @anon, Brown had a 57 yard reception and a TD on this latest scoring drive.

  124. 124 anon said at 3:47 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    yes!!!! Took him first in fantasy killing it for me.

  125. 125 anon said at 3:48 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Gnats trying to kill clock, delay of game on 3rd down and 7. Vet Qb can’t make those mistakes.

  126. 126 anon said at 3:48 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Giants might blow 2 in a row w/ poor clock management.

  127. 127 Insomniac said at 3:50 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    good god can it be 4:30 yet????????/

  128. 128 Corry said at 3:50 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Tommy has the first half thread up:
    http://igglesblitz.com/2015/09/dal-at-phi-1st-half-2/

  129. 129 Avery Greene said at 3:51 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    thanks

  130. 130 SteveH said at 3:58 PM on September 20th, 2015:

    Wild game between Atlanta and NYG. Crazy.