Dallas Week

Posted: October 29th, 2016 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 179 Comments »

It has been a crazy week at work (getting home at or after 9pm) so I haven’t been able to write my normal amount of pieces. My apologies for that. It is even more frustrating since this is Dallas week.

Dallas is once again a good team. In a way, I’m happy about that. There is no disputing the fact it is fun to watch them fall apart and really struggle during a season, but too much of that is a bad thing. Part of what makes beating Dallas so fun is that they have been so good over the years.

I remember stuffing Emmitt Smith on 4th down twice in the 20-17 win in 1995.

I remember picking off Troy Aikman and watching Troy Vincent return it for a TD in a 31-21 win in 1996.

I remember when Tony Romo took the NFL by storm in 2006 and the Eagles destroyed him on Christmas Day, the best present any of us got that year.

I remember the 2008 season finale, with a playoff spot on the line. The Eagles edged out a squeaker, 44-6.

Anthony Wright went 7 for 23 in a start against the Eagles and lost 40-18. I don’t remember that game.

Ryan Leaf went 11 for 26 in a start against the Eagles and lost 36-3. I don’t remember that either. I do remember Leaf as a Cowboy, but only from a game against the Giants.

Randall Cunningham started a game for Dallas against the Eagles. He lost 16-13 in OT. I don’t remember that. How can I not remember Randall starting in that game?

I think you get the point. Beating the crappy Cowboys is fun, but doesn’t offer long term satisfaction. When they are good and you get the best of them, that’s a whole other level of enjoyment. Those games actually mean something.

The problem with Dallas being good is that you can also lose to them. Those games can be soul-crushing. A win over Dallas late in 2014 might have given the NFC East to the Eagles. Instead, they lost and missed the playoffs. Dallas got hot late and even had postseason success. The Eagles lost at Dallas in the 2009 season finale, which gave the division to the Boys. They got to host the Eagles the following week in a playoff game and that was the end of the Donovan McNabb era.

One of my all-time low points as an Eagles fan came late in 1994. The 7-5 Eagles were hosting the 10-2 Boys. Dallas led 24-13 in the 4th quarter. The Eagles got a TD pass to cut it to 24-19. William Fuller had a pair of sacks and Dallas had to punt. Jeff Sydner returned the punt to the Dallas 12. Momentum was totally on the side of the Eagles. They were going to win and save the season.

And then Darren Woodson picked off Cunningham at the 6 and ran it back 94 yards for a TD. 31-19. Ball game. I happened to be watching the game at my grandparents house. Thankfully they weren’t home at that moment because I let loose with some of the angriest, foulest words that have ever come out of my mouth. I wasn’t angry. I was filled with pure rage.

As awful as that moment was, it made the wins in 1995 and 1996 even sweeter.

Rivalry games are always fun, but they mean so much more when the team you beat is good.

*****

We’ll talk a lot about Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz, but the real key to this game will be shutting down Ezekiel Elliott.

For those concerned about Jim Schwartz and his scheme, back in 2013 his Lions defense held Dallas to 26-62 on the ground. That was before Zach Martin took over at RG and Elliott became the RB, obviously. This won’t be about scheme. It will be about players making plays and which team executes better.

You hate not having Bennie Logan, but Beau Allen is playing the best football of his young career.

Allen will need to have a good game if the Eagles are going to control the Dallas run game.

The LBs will also play a key role. I’ll cover them on Sunday.

_


179 Comments on “Dallas Week”

  1. 1 Dallas Week - said at 11:46 PM on October 29th, 2016:

    […] Tommy Lawlor It has been a crazy week at work (getting home at or after 9pm) so I haven’t been able to […]

  2. 2 wee2424 said at 12:01 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    The X factor in this game is the officiating as was the Detroit game. The officiating crew we have on Sunday averages 20.6 flags thrown a game. Tops in the league.

    What are they really heavy on? D holding, illegal contact, and PI. Look for Dallas to try sending receivers deep in hopes of a flag.

    We could try do the same. Send DGB deep on Claiborne in hopes of a flag or completion. He has earned his fair share of holding and PI calls this season.

  3. 3 daveH said at 12:18 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Great previous post on the refs. .. brilliant. . Was it ATG ?

  4. 4 Media Mike said at 6:53 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    AC Viking

  5. 5 Howie Littlefinger said at 1:18 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Yea we could try that but since when do we get any of those calls?

  6. 6 PacificPurl said at 4:16 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Maybe this game they’ll call the illegal procedures and holding on that precious Cowpatties offensive line. The last game I saw, even Aikman was amazed at the non-calls.

  7. 7 Anders said at 6:15 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    I really hope the Eagles defense can drew a few holding calls because it seems like there has been called zero in our favor

  8. 8 Media Mike said at 11:30 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Amazing none of the 14 holds Trent Williams commits every game never get called.

  9. 9 Media Mike said at 7:07 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    I’m counting on the coaching staff being aware of this.

  10. 10 Corry said at 12:07 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Fletcher Cox is going to get the attention as usual, so that means the other 3 guys on the line have to win their one-on-one battles. If they can’t do that, it’ll be a long night.

  11. 11 Media Mike said at 6:57 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Agreed. Time for people to collectively play a strong 60 minutes.

  12. 12 Media Mike said at 6:53 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    “I remember the 2008 season finale, with a playoff spot on the line. The Eagles edged out a squeaker, 44-6.”

    Pretty much the only acceptable result against Dallas.

  13. 13 Media Mike said at 6:56 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    The only thing holding the Eagles back from a win would be a lack of tackling effort from the LBs, lack of pass rush effort from the D line, or a general lack of effort from the WRs.

    Either way, the only way the Eagles lose is if they don’t put forth the correct effort and focus to beat this filthy brand of scum we’re playing this week and next week. I have nothing but contempt for Dallas and New York and the team’s effort needs to match that!

    No perspective!
    No credit to the other team!
    No gutless losing!

    “Can’t win every week on the road” can feel free to reemerge for the Seattle game.

  14. 14 Media Mike said at 7:02 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Today’s agenda

    West Ham Win over Everton

    ACC fires the refs the perpetuated bum Clemson being undefeated

    Watch Cincy beat Washington
    Patriots destroy Buffalo
    Cardinals beat Carolina

    Eagles beat Dallas

    Get it done people!

  15. 15 GermanEagle said at 7:30 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Huh? Why would you root for the Pats? Ever?!

    I also cannot stand the Cardinals…

  16. 16 Media Mike said at 7:42 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Tie Rod Taylor is an auto part, not a QB. I cannot stand how he plays “QB.” Also, I have Gronk on multiple fantasy teams. The Patriots, generally speaking, don’t get on my nerves as much as other franchises do.

    Cam Newton and Sean McDermott are vile and disgusting creatures and I find Arians’s verbal bashing of read-option systems to be entertaining. Also, Arians was the coach of Temple.

  17. 17 GermanEagle said at 7:48 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    GE’s hate and loath list:
    1. Cowboys
    2. Redskins
    3. Patriots
    4. Eli
    5. Bruce Arians

  18. 18 Media Mike said at 7:50 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Noted!

    And

    http://i0.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/017/886/download.jpg

  19. 19 HawaiianEagle said at 9:22 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Arians to nr 3

  20. 20 Media Mike said at 10:42 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    West Ham clearly not taking the game seriously by allow POS Lukaku to score against them again.

    NOT OK

  21. 21 Media Mike said at 11:27 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    0 for 1 on the day. Thanks for nothing West Ham.

  22. 22 Media Mike said at 7:59 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Extra surly today! I’ll apologize in advance to everybody. Bad enough we have to sit through baseball “analysts” suggest Terry Francona for induction in the HOF while they totally wallpaper over his .440 winning % in his only managerial job that has any importance AND I had to watch the Flyers lose to the f-ing Pens again AND we might get stuck dealing with extra weeks of extended fellatio of bum Prescott by reporters if the Eagles don’t win tonight.

    None of that is really even ok in the slightest.

  23. 23 FairOaks said at 9:51 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Francona did a very good job with the Phillies — the lack of talent on those teams was astounding. Maybe the 2000 team could have been better but there were injuries out of the gate and then they traded Curt Schilling for Omar Daal. And Travis Lee. Generally, those years, Schilling was the only reason to watch. They wasted Scott Rolen too. They had finally resolved to rebuild the farm system, which was in disgraceful disrepair, but that would take years before that would help the team (2000 was when that was just beginning to bear fruit).

  24. 24 A Roy said at 12:57 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    You are 100% accurate in your assessments.

  25. 25 Media Mike said at 1:00 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    You must be a fellow 4 for 4 (or more) guy.

  26. 26 A Roy said at 1:08 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I’m sick and tired of listening to ESPN talking heads fluffing up Prescott already. God help us if he lasts as long as Romo. And I’m sick and tired of the Flyers lack of goaltending and it isn’t even November. Not too tired Tito. HE could’ve done a bit better, but Fair oaks has a point.

  27. 27 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:21 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Dallas Sucks.

  28. 28 Corry said at 8:33 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Off topic: Josh Gordon was released from the rehab facility he had been residing in for the last 30 days. The NFL has NOT decided anything about him yet, but the Browns still do want to trade him. I would love for the Eagles to make a deal for him, but unless the Browns are willing to part with him for a bag of footballs (or a Dennis Kelly type player), I’m not interested. I think the Eagles have the team structure in place to keep him in line, but I could be wrong. The upside on a deal for him is extremely high, but he’s also looking at a lifetime ban for even looking at a dime bag so obviously the floor is pretty much basement level.

  29. 29 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 8:35 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    I think the Browns released him when he went into rehab

  30. 30 Corry said at 8:36 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    No, they still own his rights. They basically declared they’re done, but they never officially released him. Part of the problem is that the Browns don’t know if they can deal him while he’s in purgatory/limbo.

    EDIT: ESPN article I got my information from – http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17925096/cleveland-browns-wr-josh-gordon-released-rehab-facility-awaits-potential-reinstatement

  31. 31 Media Mike said at 8:36 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Fascinating talent. I’d be interested in him in camp next year on a non-guaranteed deal, but that’s the extent of the risk I’d put forth for him.

  32. 32 RC5000 said at 12:31 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    It’s ashame he likes to party more than the game. I don’t know if I can take two players with such serious suspension issues and 30 days of rehab isn’t enough.

  33. 33 Sb2bowl said at 7:48 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    At this point, the party is over for him. He has a serious substance abuse problem. Football aside, he needs professional counseling, and not of the 28 day variety.

  34. 34 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 8:48 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Can we just simulate all the games and watch the Eagles now?

  35. 35 Media Mike said at 8:53 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    That would be amazing.
    Allow me to give it a spin
    Cincy over Washington
    Arizona over Carolina
    Chiefs over Colts
    Raiders over Bucs
    Seattle over Saints
    Lions over Texans
    Jets over Browns
    Pats over Bills
    Broncos over Chargers
    Packers over Falcons

    Now let it be 8!

  36. 36 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 8:59 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Cant sign off on the Cards, Pats, Hawks and Lions winning

  37. 37 Media Mike said at 9:10 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    run the simulation again in that case!

  38. 38 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 9:40 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Joe Haden on the trade block

  39. 39 GermanEagle said at 9:49 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    I’d give a second rounder. Thanks.

  40. 40 Sb2bowl said at 7:49 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Conditional 3rd. No way with his recent injury history.

    But I can’t believe he’s only 27-28 years old

  41. 41 Media Mike said at 10:46 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    I’d immediately make that call.

    Here’s his contract details

    http://overthecap.com/player/joe-haden/284/

  42. 42 Patrick said at 10:56 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    He has been horrible since the beginning of last year. Really awful, injury prone and extremely expensive.

  43. 43 Media Mike said at 10:56 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Noted. I guess his rep has exceeded his play.

  44. 44 Patrick said at 10:57 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Yep, used to be one of the best corners in the league.

  45. 45 RC5000 said at 12:33 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Was he 100% when he was awful?

  46. 46 GermanEagle said at 9:48 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    That was quite a decent opening drive by the Redskins. It will be really disappointing if we won’t beat that Bengals team.

  47. 47 Media Mike said at 10:41 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    The Bengals were exposed as frauds when they lost to Dallas, so we need to beat Cincy.

  48. 48 Bob Brewer said at 11:22 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    I’d trade the memories for Dallas being eternally awful.

  49. 49 Media Mike said at 11:25 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    I agree. I’d love to see Dallas, NYG, and Washington in a perpetual state of misery, bad records, and possible moves of their franchises to localities with better human beings.

  50. 50 bentheimmigrant said at 12:20 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Yeah, one part of me wants to be proud of the quality of the NFC east, but the other 99% just hates cowboys fans too much.

  51. 51 Media Mike said at 12:21 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I hate the Giants fans the most, but I hear you on Dallas fans.

  52. 52 bentheimmigrant said at 12:27 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Kempski had a great line the other day, about “your neighbour who’s never been to Dallas.”

    So many people my age in PA who think they’re legit fans because 10 year old them decided they would be fans of a super bowl winner. Front running brats.

  53. 53 Media Mike said at 12:44 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Yeah, they’re brutal. Their entire fake-hick, country music listening, shtick is insufferable as well. I still take greater umbrage with Giants fans because of their weak attempts to prance around the Main Line as is if it was NY South rather than suburban Philly. It was especially aggravating working security in and/or hanging out in watering holes frequented by NY area Nova students.

  54. 54 bentheimmigrant said at 12:48 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    At least they have a geographical reason. Dallas fans outside of Texas are so wrong.

  55. 55 Media Mike said at 12:49 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I hear you but they have no geographical reason that extends into the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and/or any part of NJ from Trenton / LBI southward.

  56. 56 bentheimmigrant said at 12:50 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Haha. Build a wall.

  57. 57 Media Mike said at 12:51 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    If I could rid the greater Philadelphia area of all Giants and Cowboys fans and replace them with the people Trump wants to exclude; the world would be a better place.

  58. 58 bentheimmigrant said at 12:53 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I grew up in central PA. Essentially the border lands. If you wanted to be a front runner, you can choose the Steelers with no guilt. Still full of NY and Allas fans.

  59. 59 Media Mike said at 12:56 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Those people are also filthy human beings. So stupid they need every team in the city to have black and gold colors because they can’t remember any other color combo.

  60. 60 daveH said at 12:52 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    The wall has 1 detour.. strsight around dallas ! Trump shud say it

  61. 61 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:53 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Jason Garrett has “Bad experience”
    ..
    HOWIE is here to make the Eagles great again

  62. 62 daveH said at 12:48 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Well that was me too ..( also loved Roman Gabriel snd Rams). . BUt that was tom landry cool and duane Thomas. . THe original hail mary vs vikes…
    BUt for those who stayed fans thru all the other schit. . All the more reason to hate dallas y’all

  63. 63 Media Mike said at 11:40 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Where was this Bengals effort vs. garbage Dallas?

  64. 64 Jernst said at 11:54 AM on October 30th, 2016:

    Anyone get a chance to see the NFL matchup show on ESPN. Apparently they had a whole thing on the Eagles/Cowboys game tonight and I missed it. If anyone saw it was it any good?

  65. 65 Rambo said at 12:10 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Ehhh it was Ok. Everyone seems to be picking Dallass which is fine……nothing unusual there. Woodson, Moss, Hasselbeck picked Dallas and Boomer picked Philly. Gave credit to our run D but it seems like nobody is giving our offense any respect. (Can’t much blame them).

  66. 66 Jernst said at 1:41 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Thanks! Appreciate the reply.

  67. 67 Rambo said at 2:48 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Anytime my brotha!!!

  68. 68 daveH said at 12:51 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Id LOVE to dream that Ryan Mathews has a huge day running violence against dallas .. prove to us that this season is not pure wasted eagles money

  69. 69 Media Mike said at 12:51 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Sit him and let Smallwood play.

  70. 70 daveH said at 12:54 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Yeah forever. But maybe just maybe. .he gets 3 carries and they all go for +20

  71. 71 SteveH said at 1:47 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Put in Barner!!

    Trolling the shit out of MM.

  72. 72 Media Mike said at 2:03 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Doug Pederson isn’t tanking games, so why put in Barner?

  73. 73 ACViking said at 1:02 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Re: Eagles v. All 17 Referee Crews – A Seasonal Guide

    The past couple of days I’ve posted comments showing the Eagles’ record in games officiated by the 7 crews assigned to this season’s games.

    Now . . . here’s your guide showing how the Eagles have fared, since 1999, in all games officiated by the 17 active referees.

    The results are arrayed by the Eagles’ total winning percentage with each active referee.

    The list shows the Eagles’ overall record with each ref since 1999.

    And the list shows the Eagles’ record since 2011 with each of ref.

    (Referees with 3 or less years experience are at the list’s end.)
    _________________________

    1. Clete Blakeman: .857 — 6-1 overall / 4-1 (’11-prs)

    2. Gene Steratore: .692 — 9-4 / 6-1

    3. Jeff Triplette: .667 — 6-3 / 2-2

    4. Walt Anderson: .647 — 11-6 / 1-4

    5. Ed Houchuli: .588 — 10-7 / 4-2

    6. Pete Morelli: .545 — 6-5 / 1-4

    6. Bill Vinovich: .545 — 6-5 / 1-2

    8. Walt Coleman: .529 — 9-8 / 3-3

    9. Terry McAuley: .518 — 14-13 / 1-5

    10. Carl Cheffers: .444 — 4-5 / 2-5

    11. Jerome Boger: .428 — 3-4 / 1-2

    12. Tony Corrente: .357 — 5-9 / 2-4

    13. John Parry: .333 — 3-6 / 1-3

    —- [3 yrs or less experience] ——

    14. John Hussey: 1.000 — 1-0 / ***

    15. Ron Torbert: .667 — 2-1 / ***

    16. Brad Allen: .500 — 1-1 / ***

    17. Craig Wrolstad .000 — 0-1 / ***
    __________________________

    All under the heading of FWIW

  74. 74 daveH said at 1:22 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Skins just was iced by marvin lewis in O T

  75. 75 daveH said at 1:27 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    But Dalton fumbles.. ha FUMBLES. .whst a DOPE

  76. 76 SteveH said at 1:46 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Foles is in in KC. Wonder if he seizes the opportunity. Will he be 2013 Nick Foles or 2014 Dick Foles?

  77. 77 Rambo said at 2:46 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Haha!! DICK Foles!!!

  78. 78 SteveH said at 1:48 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Wow another tie today. What happened? I stopped paying attention when Washteam was in the red zone with like 4 minutes to go.

  79. 79 bentheimmigrant said at 1:57 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    They missed a 35 yarder, then Dalton fumbled on a sneak, then they couldn’t move it fast enough.

  80. 80 SteveH said at 1:59 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    So a big ole clusterfuck then. Would have loved to see the Washteam lose but a tie is almost as good, it carries the stink of humiliation with it.

  81. 81 Howie Littlefinger said at 2:05 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I didn’t see it but Im now sure the Bengals are not a very good team

  82. 82 SteveH said at 1:49 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Touchdown Foles! 6/9 for 85 yards and a TD. Alex Smith better watch his back.

  83. 83 SteveH said at 2:00 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    ooo the drama, no concussion for Smith. Do they leave Foles in after leading a long touchdown drive or bring back Smith?

  84. 84 SteveH said at 2:05 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I can’t figure out the Cardinals. It’s like god throws some dice before the game and whatever turns up is how they play.

  85. 85 Media Mike said at 2:12 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    This is their 2nd consecutive game where they’ve failed in an epic manner against that international collection of scumbags in Carolina. Truly depressing.

  86. 86 daveH said at 2:39 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Love your assessment of the panthers .. i cant get over cam newtons giving up in the super bowel .. epic letting the team the fans, the franchise and the entire sport down… and its like the sports world doesn’t even hold him accountable

  87. 87 truehaynes said at 2:09 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Fantasy is just killing me. Last week I lose by 0.4 points and this week the guy I’m playing Is just going crazy. Went from projected for 110 to projected for 140

  88. 88 Gian GEAGLE said at 6:26 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Stash dion Lewis on your bench… He should be back for the Pats soon, and brady seemed to like throwing to him..
    ..
    Speaking of the Pats RB, we need to start using SPROLES the way they used to use Kevin Faulk… Anytime it was like 3rd and 5, everyone knew Brady was Probably throwing to Faulk, yet typically defenses couldnf stop it.. Need to clear out one side and łet Sproles work against a Linebacker tonight, especially when Sean Lee ISNT matched up against SPROLES… Clear out one side, and let SPROLES run simple out routes or wheel routes against linebackers… Wentz seems to throw with some really nice touch which should be able to find some success throwing those wheel routes

  89. 89 SteveH said at 2:18 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Welp, Nick Foles leads 1 impressive TD drive, and the most average quarterback in history Alex Smith is put right back in. What is it about Alex Smith that Reid loves so much? He’s the most positively mediocre quarterback in the league, I’d say at least 2/3 of the starters in the league right now would be an upgrade over him.

  90. 90 Dave said at 2:53 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    He doesn’t turn the ball over and has a high completion percentage. He is the definition of a game manager. He is the antithesis of Mark Sanchez.

  91. 91 CrackSammich said at 2:30 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Patriots interception just negated by a penalty on both Chung and Rowe. That’s… About right.

  92. 92 SteveH said at 2:33 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    The more things change the more they stay the same.

  93. 93 Dave said at 2:51 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Rowe played it well as it was a ticky-tacky call.

  94. 94 Howie Littlefinger said at 2:51 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Yea but is Chung also missile dive attacking teammates like a shark in the water?

  95. 95 Dave said at 2:56 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I think your confusing Chung for Ernie Sims. Sean McDermott coined the phrase about Ernie.

  96. 96 Howie Littlefinger said at 3:06 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    They both did the same thing as I recall

  97. 97 Dave said at 3:08 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Chung was never called a “shark in the water”, that’s what I was referring to.

  98. 98 Corry said at 2:43 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Well this is interesting: Per old friend Jason La Canfora, Zeke Elliot is being investigated by the NFL for domestic abuse.

    http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ezekiel-elliott-could-face-lengthy-ban-jerry-jones-spoke-with-nfl-investigator/

    TL:DR: Zeke Elliot had 5 complaints of domestic abuse prosecutors declined to pursue charges on. NFL is picking up the investigation.

  99. 99 Media Mike said at 2:46 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    GUILTY!

    GUILTY AS SIN

  100. 100 SteveH said at 2:46 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    NFL is going to go so hard at domestic abuse allegations now after they completely fucked up the Josh Brown situation. Didn’t Zeke have one hanging over his head around draft time, but the woman basically had texts saying she was going to blow him up over it or something?

  101. 101 Corry said at 2:49 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I don’t recall, but you’re right: after Josh Brown the NFL is going to go so far the other direction to show they’re doing something about domestic abuse that they’re probably going to drop the hammer on him…and then it’ll go to court etc, etc, etc.

  102. 102 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 3:09 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I think that initial one may have been fabricated… at least that was the general consensus from prosecutors.

    Edit: I think the NFL is looking for a hey “we did the right thing moment here.”

  103. 103 CrackSammich said at 3:11 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    That’s the general consensus on every allegation, which is the problem. Not going diet that rabbit hole today though.

  104. 104 SteveH said at 3:15 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    My brother in law is a domestic abuser. My sister won’t get him arrested because she doesn’t want to have an arrest on his record. It’s so eerily similar to some of the rationale why some of these sports wives don’t come forward, they don’t want to mess up their husbands careers.

  105. 105 Media Mike said at 3:23 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I’m so sorry your sister has to go through that. That’s why I hate when women who bravely step forward are savaged by the press and enablers.

  106. 106 SteveH said at 3:32 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    The level of intimidation and outright creepiness that abusers use to control women is disturbing, and the fact that the people in charge of the league help to enable that culture is insidious as hell.

    The thing that gets me the most is that the NFL tries to hold up its players and owners as paragons of masculinity, the players are warriors and good members of the community, the owners are magnanimous and men of great character and leadership, vision and generosity.

    In reality many of the players and owners are con artists, abusers, control freaks, nearly sociopathic in their lack of empathy for those that they trample underneath.

    Hell, society at large can be hostile towards victims of domestic violence. Look at all the women who turned out in support of Ray Rice after he got popped.

    As for my sister, she seems to be almost all the way out of the situation, the divorce proceedings are underway, so it would seem she might be one of the ones who make it out with her life.

  107. 107 Sb2bowl said at 7:56 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I have a co-worker that is a victim. Talking to her and helping her to take action is impossible. What he has done to her psychologically is hard to explain; I hope your situation goes better

  108. 108 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 3:32 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I think people tend to believe whats convenient for them

  109. 109 Dave said at 2:50 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Not sure if 5 complaints refers to 5 different women, or 1 women with 5 separate complaints. I’m assuming the former.

    The Josh Brown situation with the Giants may really put this under the microscope.

  110. 110 SteveH said at 2:58 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Yeah, I’m not sure it matters. 5 complaints from 1 woman actually resonates with the Josh Brown case, where his wife had 19 different reports of domestic violence.

    It still pains me that Mara is going to get dragged over the coals about that. The story is horrifying.

  111. 111 iceberg584 said at 3:25 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Why does it pain you? Mara is the NFL epitome of “fake classy.”

  112. 112 SteveH said at 3:32 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I meant “isn’t going to get dragged over the coals.” Typo.

  113. 113 Media Mike said at 3:12 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Good. Suspend him.

  114. 114 FairOaks said at 3:28 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I think this is all stemming from the same complaint as earlier (5 complaints from one woman) — the NFL is simply continuing to investigate the case even though it was dropped by prosecutors. I don’t think there have been any further incidents. After the Josh Brown case though, the NFL may want to look like it’s not going soft, and guard themselves if there is additional evidence in the Elliot case which had not previously come to light to make them look bad later (like Brown).

  115. 115 Gian GEAGLE said at 6:19 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Unfortunately most NFL investigations are a crock of shit….. NFL has no jurisdiction to compel anyone to talk to them. It’s not like they have any subpena Power….
    NFL to the player…. “Let me see your cell phone”
    Player….. “No”
    Problem solved….

  116. 116 CrackSammich said at 3:06 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    And the Nick Foles era begins in KC for the second time today. Dude still looks good.

  117. 117 SteveH said at 3:07 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Just threw another TD. 10/13 for 127 yards and 2 touchdowns. Alex Smith, polish up your CV my friend.

  118. 118 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 3:10 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    They can keep him

  119. 119 SteveH said at 3:20 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Look at Cleveland, all trying to get a win. It’s cute.

  120. 120 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 3:37 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Its contagious

  121. 121 daveH said at 3:40 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    SWEET, can’t wait for game 5 World Series tonight

  122. 122 Rambo said at 4:08 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I have a weird feeling we’re gonna win this one ladies and gentlemen!! Not sure how, but we can do it!! Special Teams, Defense and Offense need to come out to play. We usually do well when everyone is picking against us and this game is definitely seeming to be like that. LET’S GO BIRDS!!!!

  123. 123 Media Mike said at 4:12 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Linebackers do their job and tackle on first down; everything else is academic.

  124. 124 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 4:17 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I feel like somebody is going to get outclassed today. I just dont know who

  125. 125 Anders said at 4:12 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Holy shit, Seahawks twitter is thin skinned. I dared say that they couldnt complain about a bad spot on the last drive bc of the Falcons game and now my Twitter is getting spammed by angry Seahawks fans

  126. 126 Media Mike said at 4:30 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    That’s the sign of dominating comment work. Well done.

  127. 127 RC5000 said at 4:21 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Weak effort by Vernon Hargreaves missed tackle on Crabtree in OT.

  128. 128 Media Mike said at 4:29 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I’d really like to thank Ty Montgomery for being out with an infected uterus; its really really helping my fantasy teams today.

  129. 129 anon said at 4:30 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Umm can we talk about Nick files performance

  130. 130 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 4:31 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Nah

  131. 131 CrackSammich said at 4:31 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I am really rooting for this tie.

  132. 132 Media Mike said at 4:34 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    No wonder the NFL is losing ratings. They just ended broadcasting the OT game between Tampa and Oakland because of the 4:30 rule.

    DUMB.

  133. 133 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 4:36 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Its still on here

  134. 134 Media Mike said at 4:40 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Where are you? It was taken off NFL in Mecca.

  135. 135 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 4:47 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Northern Cali. Its just running over on the CBS post game show; so no big deal

  136. 136 Media Mike said at 4:50 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Gotcha.

  137. 137 CrackSammich said at 4:37 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    You’re missing absolutely nothing.

  138. 138 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 4:37 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Its entertaining…

  139. 139 Jernst said at 4:41 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Second overtime game that I was watching that was turned off so they could go to the studio and have a bunch of ex players in a studio talk about football, while actual entertaining football was being played.

  140. 140 Media Mike said at 4:43 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    So stupid.

  141. 141 daveH said at 5:30 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I love to root agsindt the evil empire of the nfl organization

  142. 142 Jernst said at 4:40 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Josh Norman…I watched you mug, hold, tackle and punch the receiver you were covering all game. You have absolutely no ground to stand on to complain about the officiating.

  143. 143 Dave said at 5:31 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Last year he didn’t get called for those same penalties. This is a new NFL this year. I saw one player get a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty today for saying “Gesundheit” when an opponent sneezed;-)

  144. 144 GermanEagle said at 6:22 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Lol @ Gesundheit. Bloody Germans!

  145. 145 Sb2bowl said at 7:58 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    He had 3-4 illegal hands to the face penalties called against him. Well deserved

  146. 146 Media Mike said at 4:45 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    When are teams going to stop drafting box safeties with early picks? Neal for Atlanta just got toasted by Nelson for a long completion and Landon Collins still can’t cover anybody for NYG.

    Fools.

  147. 147 Fufina said at 5:58 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Only way i draft a box safety high is if i think he can put on another 20lb’s and play LB long term at an elite level. Although to be honest if you have the mentality and physicality to play LB then you would probably be doing so even at 210lb’s these days in college football.

  148. 148 Media Mike said at 6:01 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Yeah, like Arizona did with Buchanan and/or Washington with Cravins.

  149. 149 CrackSammich said at 4:47 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Damn. No tie.

  150. 150 Media Mike said at 4:52 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Carr is kind of good.

  151. 151 iceberg584 said at 4:57 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Rather the Bucs pick up a loss.

  152. 152 Media Mike said at 4:58 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    https://twitter.com/NPGardiner/status/792811499202965504

    The Redskins PR guy who did this needs to be repeatedly punched in his head for interrupting that interview.

  153. 153 daveH said at 5:29 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Yesh but that is beautiful. .thank for that sweet gem

  154. 154 Sb2bowl said at 7:59 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Great image for the international community to see

  155. 155 Checkdown Charlie said at 5:08 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    So much piss poor tackling in todays games.

  156. 156 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:24 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Think to much is being made of Jerome Bogers crew officiating the game (at least I hope…)
    ..
    Going into the Lions game they were a significantly more penalized team than we were after the first 3 weeks and most assumed we would benefit from the lions being such a heavily penalized team at the time, yet reality played out much different and we were called for a gazzilion penalties
    ..
    The performances of refs are highly scrutinized by the league, refs compete amongst themselves to see who wins the right to work the playoffs, thus earning more money, and with the way the ratings have been suffering, If this ref crew has been making a bunch of Terrible calls, it’s likely that the league has had a chat with these refs… Too many prime time games have been really bad this year, the ratings have suffered and tonight’s game is probably an important one as far as the league office is concerned and the game is going head to head with the World Series tonight. There has also been a lot made of the refs going into this game, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there was some pressure on these refs to do a good job tonight going into this match up..
    ..
    The last thing the league office wants to see is a big prime time game like this ruined because the refs are throwing an insane amount of flags tonight. Hopefully it leads to a well, and fairly officiated game that won’t be decided by the refs

    If we could predict who would benefit from the refs each week. We should have a had a significant advantage in the Lions game, which Couldnt be further from how that game played out… I don’t hope that the refs give us the advantage, I hope that they call a fair game for both sides, stay out of the way and let the players/coaches decide this game

  157. 157 Dave said at 5:28 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Raiders, 23 penalties for 200 yards setting an NFL record. It’s apparent the NFL doesn’t think throwing flags is a detriment to the game.

    My money is in Kelce for the 1st penalty in the game tonight.

  158. 158 daveH said at 5:32 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Fukein great writing. . Love the paragraph style .. you really having a great season man..am looking fwd to your blog to replace what we lost in Sheils departure

  159. 159 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:43 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Btw, I almost forgot….. FUCK DALLAS!
    ..
    No one can save that sinking ship that has become PhillyMag

  160. 160 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:40 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Hopefully Jordan Hicks continues his Cowboy slaying Ways tonight.. Nigel Bradham and that savage ROCKIN Rod McLeod are Rough Ryder’s who brought some much needed teeth to this defense.. Hopefully Kendricks has turned the corner and is ready to play some solid ball.. Dallas doesn’t have those quick small pass catching RBs that Mychal has struggled to cover
    ..
    Brandon Graham is a very important player in this match up. He NEEDS to dominate and Expose Doug Free, who is average in pass protection. It’s very important that he makes the most out of this favorable matchup
    ..
    Dallas DL is probably one of the weaker lines we will face this year, and while the dallas secondary is doing better than anyone expected, it’s no where near as good as the Vikings secondary that caused Wentz Some problems…. If Wentz is going to have a big game, this is the defense to do it against… I think we will see Jordan Mathews and ERtz re-establish themselves with a Big game tonight….
    ..
    Hopefully Fipps special teams continues to outperform its opponents…. Smallwood and Huff gave us Big Kick off returns for TDs…, Tonight it’s Sprolesy’s turn to take a punt to the house.

    If we lose this game, it better not be because we weren’t able to hit Dak… We need to welcome him to the NFCeast the right way with a Physical beating that he will still be feeling on Friday…. My biggest fear is they catch us blitzing, push one of our playërs out of his gap allowing Zeke to gash us with big runs… But I thnk we respect the Cowboys talent, and we have performed well against teams we viewed as a big challenges
    ..
    Sucks not to have Logan and his hatred for the Cowboys against this run game, but Beau the Polar Bear has turned into a heckuva backup and hopefully he causes backüp LG Ronald Leary some problems tonight
    ..
    Tôugh match up for both teams, think this will be a really good game, hopefully we extend our win streak in Cowboys stadium to 4 games in a row

  161. 161 Kohlhaas said at 5:53 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Hate night games. Waiting all day for the birds is terrible.

  162. 162 GermanEagle said at 6:19 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Still better than Monday night.

  163. 163 SteveH said at 5:59 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    So the Raiders committed 23 penalties earlier today, not counting 3 that were declined and 1 that was offset by a Bucs penalty. So that’s 27 penalties in one game. And they won. I feel like the NFL is in the twilight zone with all these bizarre games and ties.

  164. 164 LeatherWallet said at 6:50 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    This is just a very odd season in general.

  165. 165 Gian GEAGLE said at 6:13 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Eagles have performed Nicely in an underdog role. Hopefully that continues tonight…
    ..
    When we are a ryan Mathews fumble short of being 5-1 right now, with convincing wins against the Vikings and Steelers, we have every right to go into games feeling good no matter who we face
    ..
    My favorite aspect of this season so far is it seems like Carson Wentz and Jim Schwartz have really re-energized this FANBASE and brought back a real homefield advantage at the Linc…
    ..
    I worry that this is a bad matchup to not have RON Brooks… Not that he is some elite slot corner but he is a very physical corner who tackles pretty damn well for his position, and I hate to not have his tackling against a run game of the Cowboys caliber, because I like his tackling for when dallas tries to get us in Nickel and run the ball against us…. Im curious to see how often we are in nickel tonight compared to our base defense at the end of the night… But at least Kendricks is coming off two nice games, since we will probably need to play a nice amount of base defense against a team that will try to pound us with their run game .. when they try to run against our nickel defense, I’d feel much better about having Brooks in the slot and leaving Jenkins at Safety… Im sure we will see plenty of Jenkins against Cole Beasly, but I wonder if schwartz has a surprise up his sleeve moving someone like Jaylen Watkins, Nolan Carroll or possibly Jalen Mills inside to battle against Beasley who has turned into a nicer slot weapon than I like to give him credit for

  166. 166 Gian GEAGLE said at 6:19 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Not sure who is the bigger fraud, the packers or the Falcons,.. I think we beat both of them this year, and beat the Ravens….. Curious about our matchup with the Bengals

  167. 167 daveH said at 6:22 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Both like my golf game .. usual double bogey player but a threat to birdie any hole anybtime

  168. 168 Gian GEAGLE said at 6:28 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    That’s a good analogy.. Both teams are capable of being dangerous, but it’s usually just on one side of the ball, and I like our chances against teams who DONT bring it in all 3 phases of the game

  169. 169 Gian GEAGLE said at 6:29 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Anyone else smelling a SPROLES punt return TD tonight?
    ..
    Huff and Smallwood did their thing the last two weeks. Time for Sprolesy to GET SOME tonight!

  170. 170 Dragon_Eagle said at 6:52 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I thought that stench was just cowpatties in the rain. A Sproles TD would be more pleasant.

  171. 171 GermanEagle said at 7:00 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Why would you only dress 3 DTs when playing a run heavy team like the Cowboys??

  172. 172 Sean Stott said at 7:02 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Hart was injured this week and limited, and Logan obviously out, no other DTs or even DEs are sitting though, so what would the alternative be?

  173. 173 GermanEagle said at 7:05 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Reno. Mahe?

  174. 174 Sean Stott said at 7:16 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Unfortunately I feel as though you made a joke that went over my head.

  175. 175 D3FB said at 7:35 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    I mean they could have cut Hart and activated Shittu. Hart wasn’t hurt this morning.

  176. 176 Sean Stott said at 7:37 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Yea I suppose. I don’t know enough to argue for or against that. Hopefully Destiny, Cox, and Beau can get it done, and bring in Curry if they have to, although probably not the best team to use Curry as a DT against

  177. 177 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 7:28 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    So we can dress 4 RBs? Im assuming we are still doing that

  178. 178 Fufina said at 7:38 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    Curry plays DT on 3rd down a fair bit so we have 4 guys that can line up inside at times. Problem will be if we are getting gashed in the run game, and they are piling up plays we will have no quality 2nd string pair to throw in and try to give some fresh energy.

    I think Schwartz will pack the box and make Dak beat us through the air throwing outside the numbers and probably throw in a fair amount of run blitzs to try and get the cowboys behind schedule.

  179. 179 Sean Stott said at 7:39 PM on October 30th, 2016:

    New thread up

    http://igglesblitz.com/2016/10/game-preview-phi-at-dal/