Game Review – PHI 51, DEN 23
Posted: November 11th, 2017 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 435 Comments »2017 has been a season of tests for the Eagles. Could they win on the road? Could they win close games? Would Carson Wentz take a big step forward? Could they overcome injuries?
So far, the Eagles have passed every test. Last Sunday they had a new one, facing the #1 defense in the league. This was our chance to see Pederson, Wentz and company show what they could do against a legitimately dominant unit. Denver had not allowed any team to score more than 29 points or gain more than 276 yards all year.
So how did the Eagles do? They piled up 51 points and 419 yards.
Denver is no longer the #1 defense.
The Eagles just dominated the Broncos, on offense and defense. It was one of those games where the Eagles put everything together and they played at a high level. They did this last year against Pittsburgh, also a home game right before the bye. The 2013 team had a game like this against Chicago.
This game wasn’t about fluke plays or turnovers or things like that. The Eagles controlled the line of scrimmage and simply out-executed Denver. To be fair, the Eagles caught the Broncos at the right time. Denver had lost three games in a row coming into the contest and their offense struggled so much they benched their QB and gave Brock Osweiler a chance. They also got the Broncos in the right venue. They are tough at Mile High, but less so on the road.
The thing that made this performance so encouraging is that the Eagles played so aggressively and with such confidence. You would think they won the Super Bowl a couple of years ago and were the team with the top ranked defense. The Eagles played like the team with the best record in the league. They looked like Super Bowl contenders. I know that they beat Brock Osweiler and that’s hardly a big deal, but they didn’t just win. The Eagles dominated.
The Eagles faced a desperate team, but it was the Eagles who played with more energy and emotion. They flew around the field. They attacked. They looked like the hungrier team.
One interesting note concerns the officiating. The Eagles have gotten the short end of the stick in a few games, but not this one. Almost every close call went the Eagles way. It felt weird to see that happen. Denver had 14 penalties and the Eagles only 5. There was one moment that kind of summed up the game. Wentz threw an incompletion and got slammed to the ground. The officials threw a flag for the hit. They also threw a flag on the DB downfield for something I’d never seen. The DB picked up the ball at the end of the play and threw it toward Wentz. It wasn’t a hard throw, but it clearly was intentionally thrown at Wentz. I have no idea what the DB was thinking right there. Dumb, just dumb.
The Broncos didn’t play smart all game and they almost seemed distracted. The Eagles had a laser focus and that helped them clobber the Donkeys.
COACHING
Doug Pederson did a great job of having the team focused and ready to play. Andy Reid was famous for his teams struggling going into the bye. This team wasn’t looking ahead or resting on their laurels. They were locked in and ready to roll. There were no strategic decisions for Pederson in the game because the score went so crazy so fast. I did think he handled the blowout well. He stayed aggressive all game long. I was ready to run the ball and work the clock for the whole 2nd half. Pederson dialed things back, but still kept his foot on the gas.
The Eagles were up 31-9 in the 3rd Qtr and had the ball inside the 10. It was 4th and 1. Conventional wisdom says to kick the FG and make it a four possession game. Pederson went for it, even calling a pass play. The Eagles converted and scored the TD. Blowouts can lead to sloppy play in the 2nd half and that can carry over into the following games. My guess is that Pederson wanted to keep his guys sharp. Pederson even let Nick Foles throw the ball on 4th down in the 4th Qtr.
The offensive gameplan was brilliant. This was the best plan Pederson and Frank Reich have put together. They had focused on getting the ball to Zach Ertz, but he was inactive. They adjusted on the fly and used those plays for Brent Celek and Trey Burton. The coaches also wanted to attack the Denver CBs, the best trio in the league. They had a plan for how to do that. The coaches also wanted to slow the pass rush down and they had a plan for Von Miller. They even stole some ideas from what KC did to him the week before.
Coming up with good ideas is only half the battle. You have to know when and how to use them. Pederson called a great game, seemingly knowing exactly what would work at that moment. The coaches also had the players ready to execute the plan.
The defense didn’t have to put together an elaborate gameplan. They just had to stuff the run and pressure Osweiler. Denver ran 19 times for 35 yards. That is great run defense.
There were a few interesting things. Denver used a set that only had one WR. Used 2 TEs and a FB. The Eagles countered that with 4 LBs, with Najee Goode coming into the game. Jim Schwartz got creative in some passing situations. He had LBs line up in the A-gaps at times. This an old Jim Johnson look. There was one play where the Eagles showed this and just before the snap Vinny Curry moved from DE and came and stood with them. He then rushed up the middle and forced a quick throw.
PLAYERS
Carson Wentz didn’t throw for 300 yards. He didn’t have any amazing runs where he escaped pressure and got the 1st down. His stats weren’t mindblowing, 15-27-199. Wentz did throw 4 TDs and ran the offense just as the coaches had envisioned. He made good decisions and got the ball to the open receiver. When you face an elite defense, you have to be smart and clutch. Wentz was both.
Wentz used hard counts very effectively. He got Denver to jump offside four times. Anything you can do to slow down the pass rush helps. He made good reads in the pass game. Wentz wasn’t afraid to throw the ball to someone who was covered, but he didn’t take any dumb chances.
I thought the thing he did the best was throw on the move. You saw this on the opening drive when he hit Alshon Jeffery for the TD. Wentz faked a hand-off and then moved to his right, before lofting a pass to Jeffery. The throw was accurate and had great touch. It was easy to catch and AJ scored the TD. Wentz made that play look easy, but we’ve seen plenty of QBs butcher a play like that.
Wentz moved to his left and hit Celek for a good gain. He was on the move when he hit Agholor on 4th down. He also rolled out when he hit Jeffery for his 2nd TD of the game. AJ was wide open, but Wentz had to get the ball through some traffic. Good velocity, accuracy.
The best throw of the game came on a sluggo play. Burton lined up out wide to the left. He ran a slant ‘n go (sluggo) and was open down the field. Wentz pump-faked and then threw a strike to him for the TD. The defenders were to the inside so Wentz put the ball to Burton’s outside and right where he could make the grab. When you get your undersized, athletic TE matched up with a LB, you have to burn the defense. Wentz and Burton did that.
There wasn’t a whole lot of Wentz running in this game. He was 2-8. Tried to run for 1st down on opening drive of 3rd Qtr. Got 7 yards, but a DB got to him before he could get the 1st. Also ran a QB sneak for a 1st on a different drive. Wentz executed the option for short TD in the early 3rd. Pitched the ball at the right moment and Clement got into the end zone untouched.
Nick Foles played the 4th Qtr. He made a terrific throw to Agholor for big play in the 4th. Foles was sacked and fumbled on an earlier play, but that was hardly his fault. Miller was offside against a backup OT and there was no call.
RB
LeGarrette Blount finished 9-37. Had an impressive run in the 3rd. Went through an arm tackle at the LOS and fought his way upfield for a gain of 10. Love it when he runs hard like that.
Jay Ajayi was terrific in his Eagles debut. The highlight play was a 46-yard TD run. Ajayi got great blocking and hit the hole just right. He had wide open space down the sideline. A DB came over in pursuit. Ajayi didn’t try to get cute. He stayed at full speed and was able to dive into the end zone. Showed a burst on multiple plays that we just hadn’t seen all year. Was 8-77-1. His combination of power, speed and vision is going to really help this offense.
Corey Clement had his best game of the year, a week after having his previous best game of the year. That’s a good sign. He was 12-51-2 on the ground and 1-15-1 as a receiver. Impressive run to open the 3rd Qtr. Got the ball and went right. Ran hard and got upfield for a gain of 28. Easy TD off option in the early 3rd. Caught the pitch and was untouched into the end zone. The reception came on a screen pass. Clement got good blocking and raced up the field for the score. Clement had several good blocks on pass plays.
Kenjon Barner didn’t play much on offense. Wendell Smallwood was darn near invisible. He did play in the 4th Qtr and had an impressive 26-yard run. Finished 5-25, but blocking was an issue on most of those.
WR
Alshon Jeffery needed to step up with Ertz out and he did. Best game of the year, going 6-84-2. Big play was the TD on the opening drive. Sold the fake well and had Talib convinced it was a run play. Then took off down the field and made the catch. Easy path to the end zone. Dropped an early 3rd down pass. Wasn’t going to get the 1st. DB hit him just as ball got there. Had a pass knocked out of his hands by DB in the early 2nd. Good play by the defender, but you want a guy with Jeffery’s size to hold onto that ball. On the next play, Jeffery fought through contact and reached up high to snag a bullet from Wentz. That was on a 3rd down and moved the chains. AJ can make some really tough grabs. Questionable holding call in the early 3rd on Clement run. Caught TD on crossing route in the late 3rd. Simple route. Just got in front of the CB and Wentz made a good throw.
Torrey Smith had another quiet game. 1-11.
Nelson Agholor was pretty quiet as well. Went 2-36. Both catches set up TDs and both came in the 2nd half. Good block on Clement’s run in the early 3rd. Caught pass on 4th/1 that kept the drive alive. Barely got the 1st. Made a big catch late in the game when Foles threw deep on 4th/1. Had to really fight for the ball. Loved seeing him compete like that late in a blowout.
Mack Hollins was 1-8 as a receiver. He was used as a blocker a lot and did a solid job. Blocked CB in the end zone on Clement’s option TD.
TE
Zach Ertz wanted to play, but the coaches decided to hold him out and get him 100 percent for the stretch run.
Brent Celek probably loved Ertz sitting out because that meant he got to catch some passes. Celek had his best game of the year, catching 3 for 39 yards. As always, his specialty was RAC yards. He caught short throws and fought through tackles to add extra yards. Blocked well in the run game. Got beat by Von Miller a couple of times, but you don’t expect many TEs to win that matchup.
Trey Burton came up big as well. Was 2-41-1. Both catches were big and came when he was lined up out wide to the left. First catch was on 3rd/9 on opening drive. They tried to cover him with a LB. Burton got open and made the grab for a gain of 14. Other catch came on the sluggo route for 27-yard TD. Started inside on slant and LB bit. Burton then went upfield and was open. Wentz made a great throw. Burton didn’t catch it cleanly, but managed to control the ball just enough to make it a catch. Burton isn’t a great in-line blocker so the coaches got creative. Lined up out wide and came in motion to block backside DE. Good chip block of Miller on 3rd down before releasing into his route.
OL
Lane Johnson had the marquee matchup, having to face Von Miller, arguably the best pass rusher in the league. Johnson won that battle. It wasn’t domination. There were times when Miller pushed Johnson back and got some penetration, but Johnson slowed him down and kept him from hitting Wentz. Johnson got beaten to the inside by Miller late in the half and Wentz got pressured, but that was the exception and not the rule. Johnson was good in the run game as well.
Here's that Lane Johnson Von Miller toss one more time. pic.twitter.com/748GfrfJOA
— James Simpson (@JS_Football) November 7, 2017
Johnson did get hurt in the 3rd Qtr and missed some plays. He then got to sit out most of the 4th so Seumalo could get some more reps.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai played well. He is just a natural pass protector. Good feet. Good pad level. Big issue is that he doesn’t play strong enough. Gets off balance at times and rushers can push him around. On the ground too much. I have been very impressed by the improvement in his run blocking. Good kickout block on Ajayi’s TD run. Took the DE out of the play. Great block on Clement’s TD run in the 4th. Caved in the DE and stuck with that block, opening big lane for Clements. He is more powerful and more aggressive.
Shot 12 – Clement ran hard all day long. Couple of nice runs here and some nice pop from Big V at the point of attack! #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/LCILcQ7Okm
— Fran Duffy (@fduffy3) November 6, 2017
Jason Kelce had a good game. Good block of LB on screen for TD. Got shed by LB and he stuffed Blount on 3rd down run. Kelce wasn’t happy with himself as he walked off the field after that play. Generally was good on LBs. Good on double teams with both OGs. The chemistry by the interior trio has improved as the season progresses.
Stefen Wisniewski probably had his best game of the year. Great effort on some run blocks. There was a play late in the half when Ajayi was battling a couple of tacklers and Wiz went up and helped to push the pile for a couple of yards. Walled off the DT on Ajayi’s TD run. Let him get free to the outside.
Brandon Brooks did have his best game of the year. You see him play like this and understand why the Eagles paid him big money. Great block on screen. Hustled downfield and shoved DB completely out of the way. Gave Clement huge lane to end zone. He and Johnson had a great double team in early 2nd. Drove DL off the ball and helped Ajayi get 6 yards on the run. Absolutely dominant on the Ajayi TD run. Got to 2nd level and blocked a LB. Knocked him off balance and into a DB. Then put them both on the ground. Good block on the QB sneak in the 3rd. Brooks was a brick wall in pass pro.
Shot 13 – More examples of LeGarrette Blount downhill. #Eagles used 6 OL often in this game with Ertz out. 2nd play is their staple 'Wham' pic.twitter.com/tXk2sZuMi6
— Fran Duffy (@fduffy3) November 6, 2017
Isaac Seumalo played some RT when Johnson got banged up. Came in on the opening drive of the 3rd Qtr. Actually did a good job. Better on run plays than in pass pro. It was encouraging to see him have some success. Good block on Clement TD run. Struggled against Von Miller in the 4th. Gave up TFL and strip-sack to Von Miller. The TFL was a good play by Miller, but the strip-sack was tough. Miller jumped offside, but there was no call. Play shouldn’t have counted.
*****
DL
Vinny Curry had an outstanding game. Drew early holding call when LT just tackled him. That helped to stop the opening drive. Used hard inside move to get TFL on the next drive. Used penetration on run near GL to disrupt the play and create TFL for Watkins. Got a sack late in the half. Drove the LT back into the QB at the same time Cox drove his blocker backward. QB had nowhere to go and Curry got him on the ground.
Fletcher Cox was his usual disruptive self. Stat sheet shows 2 tackles and TFL, but impact went beyond that. Drove the RG back into Osweiler’s face on the play where he was almost picked off by Douglas. That pressure helped to force the throw. Overwhelmed the C on 3rd/17 and got a big hit on Osweiler as he dumped the ball off. Made a big play in the mid-3rd. Got loose up the middle and was closing in on Osweiler when he just heaved the ball downfield. McLeod easily picked it off and ran it back to the 11. No sack, but set up a short TD drive. Even better.
Brandon Graham led the team with 5 tackles. He was all over the place. Cut to the inside of the TE and stuffed early run for TFL. Stuffed 2nd Qtr run for no gain. Made a run stop where he was being held by the TE and had to get the RB with just one arm. Great effort. Used hard inside move to get to RB on inside run near the GL. Gave up a couple of yards, but good play. No sacks, but got pressure on multiple plays.
Tim Jernigan didn’t play a lot because he was dealing with an ankle injury. Credited with 1 tackle. Helped to clog the inside run lanes when he was out there. So hard to get movement against him.
Derek Barnett played well. He had a couple of tackles and got multiple hits on the QB. Barnett blew by the LT and got a big shot on Osweiler in the end zone. Ball was already out, though. Made a terrific play vs run to end 1st Qtr. Fought through block and hustled out wide, forcing RB back to inside where pursuit got him. Continues to get better.
Chris Long had 3 tackles, sack and FF. Great hustle to chase down RB after catch and run. Held him to no gain. Strip sack in the late 3rd. Drove the RT back and knocked the ball away from Osweiler. DEN was able to recover the ball. Long continues to be disruptive every game.
Beau Allen had a TFL to end 1st Qtr. Barnett forced RB back to inside and Beau chased him out there and finished the play. Good hustle. Got pressure on a couple of plays.
Destiny Vaeao had a pair of tackles. Chased RB after catch and run and was able to make the tackle. Love the hustle.
LB
Mychal Kendricks was in on 4 tackles and broke up a couple of passes. Blitzed A-gap on early 3rd down. Got by RB and had a hand in Osweiler’s face, forcing an errant throw. Blitzed later on that drive and got another hit on the QB. Broke up a pass in the mid-3rd. Had a shot at the pick, but the ball bounced into the air. Stuffed a RB on a run at the GL. Had a chance to score, but MK popped him and moved the guy backward.
Nigel Bradham had 4 tackles and a sack. Came up with the sack in the early 4th. Blitzed up the middle and flushed Osweiler. Chased and got him from behind for the sack.
Joe Walker played MLB. He was in on 2 tackles. Walker is getting better, but still has a long way to go. Denver caught the Eagles with a perfect play against a certain look and Walker had to cover a WR on a crossing route. The WR caught the pass, but Walker actually had pretty good coverage. He swiped at the ball, but couldn’t get a hand on it. Stuffed a run in the mid-3rd.
Najee Goode played in some jumbo sets.
Kamu Grugier-Hill got to play some LB in the 4th. Had a TFL when RB caught dump-off and Hill was right there to put him down. Gifted athlete.
S
Malcolm Jenkins set the tone for the defense on the opening play. Blitzed off the edge. Ran over the blocking back and got a solid hit on Osweiler. Pass was completed, but the message was sent. You’re going to take a beating. Stuffed an inside run on the second drive. Attacked off edge on 3rd/2 and drew holding call on RG. Had tight coverage of TE on RZ pass play. QB had nowhere to put the ball and the pass was incomplete. Broke up a 3rd down pass to Derby in the mid-3rd. Almost got a sack in the early 4th when Osweiler moved to the outside. Jenkins fought off a block and got to him, but couldn’t get him down before the ball was thrown away. Credited with 2 tackles and 2 PDs.
Rodney McLeod had somewhat of a quiet game. DEN didn’t throw the ball downfield too much. McLeod came up with an INT in the 3rd Qtr. Osweiler just heaved the ball up to avoid a sack. McLeod had to wait for it to come down. Could have used a fair catch signal on the play. Had a nice return and got the ball all the way down to the 11.
Corey Graham had 3 tackles and a PD.
CB
Patrick Robinson had another strong showing. Got a PBU on 3rd down that stopped the opening drive. Hit the receiver as the ball got there and broke it up. Made a terrific play in the 1st Qtr. Read route and jumped it. Picked off the pass and ran it back inside the RZ to set up TD. Had tight coverage of slot receiver on 3rd/long. Forced high pass, which was almost picked off. Beaten by Latimer on deep crossing route for good gain early on. Had tight coverage, but Latimer went up and made the catch. Good play by the WR.
Jalen Mills wagged his finger for the entire game. Had tight coverage of Sanders on early 3rd down and pass was incomplete, but was called for holding. Had a chance at a pick in the mid-3rd. MK broke up a pass and it came his way. Just couldn’t get to it cleanly.
Rasul Douglas started on the outside. Had chance for INT on opening drive. Read the play and broke on the ball. Just couldn’t make the catch. Would have kept DEN from getting a FG and might have been a pick-six. Had a lot of open room ahead of him. Gotta make that play. Beaten for long gain on the final play of the 3rd Qtr. Had good coverage, but Latimer went up and made an impressive catch. 2 tackles and 2 PDs.
Jaylen Watkins made a terrific play near the GL. RB got bounced to the outside and Watkins exploded through his legs for the TFL. Heckuva tackle.
Dexter McDougle played late and had a tackle.
*****
ST
KOR – Barner was 2-33 on returns. Long went for 25 yards.
PR – Kenjon Barner had a lot of chances. Returned 5 punts, but only got 22 yards.
Donnie Jones – Averaged 54 yards per punt. Only had to punt twice.
Jake Elliott – Missed an extra point in the late 3rd. Didn’t affect the game, but not a good trend. Just pushed the ball on this one. Was 6 of 7 on extra points and nailed his only FG. 4 of his KOs were touchbacks. The others were fielded by the GL and might have been kicked there by design.
MISC –
Eagles did give up a 44-yard PR. Kamu Grugier-Hill got burned. Didn’t keep leverage and let McKenzie get free outside.
Burton recovered an onside kick late in the game.
KGH did have excellent coverage on a KO. Made the tackle around the 10-yard line.
***
_
Not discounting the talent on the Bronco defense, but when your offense is on the pathetic side, your defensive stars won’t maintain a great standard. I think we will find it tougher to completely shut down the Dallas offense, and as a consequence. their defense will play with more urgency than we saw from Denver. I believe it won’t matter. Our offense is better than theirs, our defense is better than theirs, and our special teams are at least as good as theirs. This is Eagles game to lose.
Agree to an extent, but they were playing great defense all year. I think our overall domination was the straw that broke the camel’s back. We went up big on a team that needed a win in the worst way. When things got out of reach of that horrible offense the wheel came off the entire team. We still stuck it to the league’s #1 defense
I can’t argue with stats (which do a great job of distorting reality). My point is rooted in my view that defense is much more emotionally driven than offense. Right now Jags, Rams, Saints, Vikings and Panthers…and Eagles are all playing with more heart, and at a higher level than Denver…even if statistics don’t necessarily bear that out.
“One interesting note concerns the officiating. The Eagles have gotten the short end of the stick in a few games, but not this one. Almost every close call went the Eagles way. It felt weird to see that happen. Denver had 14 penalties and the Eagles only 5.”
Only another 8+ decades of this trend and we’ll finally be even with the refs.
Is Walker as slow as he appears at times or it is a matter of him still getting more seasoning/learning to read & react faster to the play?
I think it’s more slow dumb than slow track speed.
Yaaa i think that was noticeable when he was running with Sanders. Was right there. Just Sanders made the play
Have to say that Denver earned that penalty disparity. They played sloppy, wasn’t like they were getting called ticky tack while the Eagles got off scott free (cough*Carolina*cough).
Did anybody else notice that it looked like Talib wasn’t playing hard for most of the game?
I thought it looked more like we took advantAge of his aggression with a double move, out muscled him with Alshon, and got in his head.
That said, it must be hard to give full effort when you reward is turning control over to Brock Osweiler.
While I have you here; what’s Geagle’s twitter handle?
@GEAGLEeye
Classic. Thank you.
The Denver D got into a funk and stayed there. Talib was certainly front and center in this regard. I think the Eagles did this to them rather than it being self-inflicted. Eagles attacked them and I think that caught them off-guard.
I’m glad I wasn’t the only one that noticed Talib really standing out in that manner.
Love these game reviews, Tommy. Must be a lot more fun doing them for wins most of the time.
One thing — I found an online video of the strip sack play on Foles, and I think Miller just timed it incredibly. The first frame of the video where Miller was clearly across the line, the ball was moving. If he was offsides, he was *barely* offsides.
Timing snaps is a big part of Miller’s game, but clearly Wentz mixed that up enough that Miller was not able to guess. Foles comes in, and boom. That is a great subtle skill that Wentz has — has gotten lots of offsides calls. Maybe one of these years, they can hike and keep the play running, and go for some of the downfield stuff that Rodgers does when he catches the defense like that. But the free five yards is also good, especially against a good defense.
Another question — on Ajayi’s TD run, Wentz faked a throw to the right after the handoff, as if he still had the ball. It looked like Roby, who was right in Ajayi’s path, bit on that fake to the point he ran into another defender and took them both out, leaving Ajayi wide open until near the end zone. Did I see that right, or was Roby reacting to something else?
I will check this out.
It seemed more like Roby was reacting to Ags who was cracking but sold it well as a route.
Ags wasn’t in on that play, I’m pretty sure. If you mean Jeffery, who was clearly Roby’s guy on the play, I guess I could buy that. Jeffery looked like he was playing short, then ran across to provide some interference/blocking for the run, and Roby may have just tried to follow him across. He wasn’t looking at Jeffery by the end, but may have just realized there were people in his way and was just trying to figure out a way around them (and failing).
But if he had an eye on the QB, and it sure seemed like it did going by a couple of online videos, his reaction inside seemed to coincide with Wentz squaring up the other way, and he wasn’t even aware Ajayi had the ball, and took himself out of the play. A CB should be coming off his guy once it’s a running play, right? Didn’t look like Roby ever figured out who had the ball.
Less PT moving ahead forward?
Smallwood or McDougle?
You misspelled “Watkins” as “McDougle.”
I know nothing every changes your mind when you decide to hate a player, but Watkins has been a reliable role player this year.
He’s still been bad in 1 on 1 coverage. His support play has been better, but he’s still a liability if isolated in coverage.
So is McLeod but no one talks about that.
That’s an interesting point.
Joe Walker is the closest thing to a problem on this team. On the one hand, that’s your starting MLB and eeesh. On the other, we haven’t exactly lost games because he’s there and not Jordan Hicks. Surprised we didn’t sign a vet.
On the 3rd hand we don’t really play 3 LBs that often. But you’re 100% correct.
I would genuinely play big nickle (3 safeties) the rest of the year as our base defense. Teams are already scared of running at the Eagles because our DL gets so much penetration forcing tackles for loss.
I think the not signing a vet thing is all about team chemistry. You draft guys and develop them for these types of situations. These guys go through OTAs, mini camps, training camos, are in the meeting rooms, etc. It sends a bad message if you now bring an outsider in without giving that guy a shot. Our team chemistry is a big part of our sucess this year. This is a true team. No reason to disturb that for what most likely would be a marginal improvement at best.
Martinas Rankin is impressive. He’s 23 already. It keeps throwing me he’s #55. Miss State has 150 rushing yards vs. Bama. Williams leaped for 1st inside the 5. Fitzgerald plowed into end zone and then puked on the sideline.
Miss State up 21-17 in 3rd. 13 play drive, I love it!
He is a player I could see the eagles having a ton of interest in. Could potentially play all 5 OL positions. I thought he played really well last night.
He’s a guy i went in expecting to hate. Watched him vs Georgia and LSU. He’s got some things to clean up, but for a Juco guy at a non OL factory or powerhouse, he’s got a really fucking high football IQ.
Unfortunately if he measures in well, I don’t think he’s going to be on the board when we come on the clock.
#1 Georgia lost.
#2 Alabama losing 21-17 after 3. MSU has ball at Bama 9.
#3 Notre Dame losing to #7 Miami 17-0 in 2nd.
#6 TCU losing to #5 Oklahoma 24-14 in 2nd.
#4 Clemson beat FSU.
The U needs to keep that rolling!
They just got a Fg!
Bama ties it 24-24 on Harris TD after Hurts runs for a 1st down on 4th and 4.
why was Notre Dame ranked #3? They play no one tough. What a fraud!
also Pac 10 teams are all over rated
Rooting for the day:
Saints over Bills – FU McDermott you douche
Bears over Packers – Green Bay losing into oblivion is kind of funny at this point
Lions over Browns – Lions are my suicide pool pick this week
Titans over Bengals – Need a big Mariota game for my $ league for fantasy
Colts over Steelers – Pittsburgh choking is always amusing. Espeically because Pittsburgh fans are the biggest scumbags on the planet after New Yorkers.
Jets over Bucs – GO TODD BOWLES!
Vikings over Washington – More misery for Washington please!
Chargers over Jags – The national fellatio of Tom Coughlin is vile. SCREW HIM!
Texans over Rams – I’d like to see the Rams get a loss or two
Falcons over Cowboys – DUH
Niners over Giants – Double DUH
Patriots over Broncos – New England getting home filed increases the chances of Pittsburgh misery in the post season.
Dolphins over Panthers – Cam Newton getting body slammed by Suh would be amazing. Also I need Miami to help keep scumbag piece of human excrement Sean McDermott out of the playoffs.
Bills over Saints – lets lock up home field advantage (and I respect McDermitt)
Bears over GB – not a threat in any way
Brown’s over Lions – counter-intuitive, but CLE picking before NY would mean one less bust on the board
Indy over PItt – pure schadenfreud
Chargers over Jags – Jags need cracks exposed
Jets over Bucs – …I guess…yawn
Titans over Bengals – by a missed CIN field goal that Jake would have made
Wasteam over Vikes – don’t dwell on it, just wince and do it
Texans over Rams – HFA concerns
Atl over Dallas – duh
NY over SF – draft pick Bowl
Den over NE – show the world it was us, not them
Phi over bye – Jernigan already won us this one.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9585d6fb6edbfee726d6b14f44d333ee25ccaa385baba0ad792c2b79f0df7db9.png
I like bleeding green nation’s version the best, other than direct Eagles impact on record decisions, its all geared towards keeping the giants from a top pick
I wouldn’t mind Packers over Bears. Keeps the Wildcard race muddy and might keep a scarier team out of the playoffs.
Rogers has a chance to return for the playoffs. He instantly makes them the scariest wildcard.
Every week you make some bone headed pick to root for that is in contradiction to the best interest of the eagles. I am curious of your priorities. To me it seems like the following order:
1) personal grudges
2) Fantasy/gambling
3) new personal grudges developed by fantasy/gambling
4) eagles benefit
5) root for guys you like
As the Eagles can finish 15-1, they don’t have to worry about needing help.
Grudges for sure; there are scores / vendettas to settle.
Fantasy for sure, and yes that can generate grudges based on people stealing $ from me.
It’s a good thing those football players forced you to bet on them, because if they hadn’t, you might actually have to aim some of that vitriol on the idiot who placed the bet in the first place.
Clever.
Nothing I could ever win from gambling will ever be equal to what an eagles super bowl would mean to me. I cannot think that way. For me it’s all eagles all the time
Well, I never root against the Eagles under any circumstances. I don’t even root in garbage TDs for guys I have on fantasy teams if they happen to be playing the Eagles.
Not even a billion dollars or pesos?
Ha, my yearly “investments” in my $ league for fantasy and a suicide pool total around $100.
I am in no way questioning your eagles loyalty. You just have these funny quirks about how you root for against things in the NFL.
Yeah, it lacks any sanity for sure.
Where does the McDermott hate stem from? Because he didn’t coach well for the Eagles?
Yes. And had the gall to run his mouth about about “12th in yards allowed” right after his historic 30 year poor NFL red zone D played like crap, again, in a playoff loss to Green Bay at home. He’s never shown the proper contrition / apology for how bad his “coordinating” was here.
Also to counterbalance the people who don’t want to use his time as the Eagles DC as the starting point for defining him as a coach.
Fair enough. I thought he was in a tough position given the circumstances. Having to suddenly follow JJ, one of the best D coordinators in NFL history as a young assistant. Not only do you have to try to carry on his complicated scheme, you have to earn the trust and respect of players. Yeah it was bad, but I didn’t expect much as a fan.
I agree the position was very tough, for sure. Had he not broken out the fake tough guy act with players (he was rubbing guys the wrong way in the locker room) and been so flipping arrogant when questioned about the constant folding in the red zone, I wouldn’t have half as much of a problem with the guy.
As a juxtaposition
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/phillies/Roy-Halladay-apologizes-to-Phillies-fans.html
that’s how you do it when you’re not performing.
The arrogance was over compensating for inexperience. Not defending it. But yeah Doc was special.
It’s a lot easier to own that type of thing when you know you’ve done well in the past. If you make statements like that when you are a young unproven pitcher it could be perceived as a complete lack of confidence in himself and could cost him a job or at least at the contract negotiating table. Roy had none of those concerns.
McDermott was reportedly a very smart guy but was clearly way too inexperienced for the DC position. Mainly for personal interaction issues like that but also got too cute on the field. The team did him no favors by letting a leader like Dawkins go who could have helped him a lot (if he was the listening type anyways). It’s also hard for players to immediately respect a guy the same way they respected Johnson.
Andy did him a huge favor by helping him find a good spot as DC to a defensive head coach where he could grow into that role. Of course he did the eagles no favors with the replacement.
We will see how he does with the bills. I have no reason to root against him. If he fails with similar issues there, then that may confirm your opinion. But if he has learned and fixed those mistakes then great.
“It’s a lot easier to own that type of thing when you know you’ve done well in the past. If you make statements like that when you are a young unproven pitcher it could be perceived as a complete lack of confidence in himself and could cost him a job or at least at the contract negotiating table. Roy had none of those concerns.”
That’s certainly good context, but I still think it’s also an underlying character issue.
It was a bad thing to be sure, but it’s also something you can grow out of. He has certainly put his own stamp on the bills and a couple of the moves have been curious to be sure. Time will tell if he’s still overly sensitive to criticism.
Also true, but as the growing process doesn’t do a blessed thing to undo what happened here in 2009-10 and doesn’t give the Eagles any benefit; he’s a case closed type guy.
To my understanding he complicated the scheme even more and that is part of the reason as to why the D suffered.
I don’t really get how people pick their shit lists, either.
A Giants bud asked me if all you Eagles fans are still worrying about IF Wentz is any good and of your team is any good ..
At this point in time, it’s not Eagles fans who should be worried, it’s the rest of the NFC East.
He knows his team is a wreck. His competitive enjoyment is that he easily sees how good Wentz is (he is s coach and loves good football) and can enjoy our uncertainty
At this point, I’ve seen enough of Wentz and have no uncertainty. I’m happy that you’ll have many years to rub Wentz in his face, and the face of every Giants fan.
!!!
He should focus more on his own teams’ uncertainty. They absolutely have more to be concerned about than us Eagle fans do.
?
Hes got more confidence in Wentz than we all do
Not sure how you come to the conclusion that you know how we ALL think but mmmkaaay.
Should i have used the word ‘seem’ ? .. he seems to be more certsin that Wentz is great and more worried that he will be a tough opponent for a long time
…more so than my interpretation of how the readers (commenters i mean) here seem to be cautiously optimistic, hopeful yet with rapidly growing certainty each week ..
..
Go eagles.
1-8 is pretty certain for sure
With 4 rings on their fingers every giant fan disagrees regardless of how high a draft pick 1 years of losses gets them
Over the next 6 weeks I hope this
https://www.google.com/search?q=ewok&prmd=ivsn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj7os2Ou7nXAhWBcSYKHWK_CrwQ_AUICygB&biw=320&bih=440#imgrc=yn_UNirQgES13M:
Turns into this
https://www.google.com/search?q=jabba+the+hutt&prmd=ivsn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjqw-X3u7nXAhVJ4yYKHUK6DXEQ_AUICygB&biw=320&bih=440#imgrc=gozwKy32A5hdyM:
In the next 6 weeks, I hope this
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c224dd51c99b846cdd022a016d56519156dc1e1783809ad44bcda07860c2df2e.jpg
turns into this
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f08327ac8dde694538e90b677f5f5cc014261bc4fb29038a8077315a51af294b.jpg
http://antiwhale.org/ewok/ewokskin.gif
currently in Mr. Goodell’s office
Checking in with a New Belgium Voodoo Ranger IPA.
Who’s here?
Nice, I’ll have to check that brew out.
I have a Lavery Brewing Gold Leopard Farmhouse Ale ready to follow a Ommegang Three Philosphers.
Ommengang = Godly
This is like the fourth game in a row that Big V has played well not just on first impression, but also when reviewing the tape. He’s not Jason Peters, but he looks like a starting caliber OT to me. His weaknesses are also correctable and with more coaching and experience we’ll hopefully see him lunge less and better harness his natural power and athleticism.
Yeah, he’s settled in well. Real well for a backup 5th round pick. I’m comfortable penciling him in as a starter in 2018 and using money / draft capital elsewhere.
I’d feel comfortable with him starting next year, but it’s still a position they should address. If there is a superior option on the board with our first round pick they should do it, and if not they’ll still need a new swing tackle.
That’s valid. It just went down my list a few spots.
I don’t think we have any needs that are so totally hopeless that we absolutely must be addressed with the top pick. Of the premium positions (QB, T, DL, CB) Vaitai is still probably the weakest link which is why I wouldn’t be surprised if they still went that direction.
RB will be stupid deep again. You can wait.
CB we’re so loaded with young guys that I can’t see justifying a pick before late day 3.
DE we could use one but with our current group it makes more sense to take a developmental guy that’s ready in a year or two, also helps to stagger contracts with Barnett.
We could use a LB or two, but that feels like a position where you trust your scouts on day 3.
You’ve got a stud TE, don’t spend another high pick on one.
You might be able to talk me into a S.
We’re very likely to have a pick late in the first round, where the talent level flattens out a bit – with no pressing needs, I’d look at trading back into the second round to recoup draft capital since we’re a little short on that after the Wentz, Darby, and Ajayi trades. If a top OT falls, I’d be fine with picking him (ditto a top player at any position other than QB, RB, DT, or CB, actually). But we don’t need a plug-and-play guy at any spot, so if we can get two or three talented guys who need a bit more polish instead that might be preferable.
Yea, we’re way too early to be talking speific players but I agree and I’m sure Howie would be open to dropping back 10 spots to pick up a pretty high 3rd.
I agree, they need depth if nothing else. Dillon Gordon and Taylor Hart do not inspire confidence as backup options.
Blatant hold of the DT by the guard in the Washington game that was just missed.
Holding nose, pulling for Washington to bring the Vikes down a notch and give us some breathing room.
15-1…………..we control our own destiny!
Yeah, if feels dirty.
I’m not scared of the Vikes. They may be playoff quality thanks to their defense, but a team with Case Keenum at QB is not coming into Philly and beating this defense. That’s a 34-7 type victory if it ends up being our second round matchup.
Agreed, but another loss or two insures that they come to Philly.
This game reminds me of three decisions that make me appreciate the Eagles leadership:
1. The Browns tried to trade WAS to get Pryor back just before the deadline. Imagine the locker room situation bringing back a guy that turned down $30mill just to get out of Cleveland against his wishes.
2. Washington wasn’t willing to let him go.
3. MIN has a healthy Teddy Bridgewater active, but sitting behind Case Keenum.
Case Keenum has been awesome and Bridgewater has missed 1.5 seasons. They’re 6-2 and I wouldn’t mess with anything right now if i was Zimmer
Well, maybe. I was very surprised at how they keep winning.
DK makes a good point.
Case strikes me as an excellent game manager type. Hasn’t got a strong arm, but is smart and makes good conservative decisions. With that Defense creating turnovers, they can go far.
So what other games matter for us?
Buffalo over New Orleans. Yay Opie!
Atlanta over Dallas TurdBoys.
Chicago over Green Bay. Don’t let the Pack stay in it for ARod to come back.
Detroit over Cleveland. Cleveland needs a better pick than the Giants.
Indianapolis over Pittsburgh. Screw the Steelers fans. Just screw them.
Houston over LA Rams. Do the Rams have any California based fans?
NY Giants over San Fran. Let McAdoo regain the locker just enough to keep him.
Denver over the Evil Empire. Tom Brady is clearly on PEDS playing that way at the age of 56. Not fair.
Carolina over New Orleans. What? I want the Panthers to over take the Saints and win the division. I don’t want to go to the Superdome in January.
Barr gets straight up held by the RB, but the call roughing on Joseph? FUCK YOU REFS
Cool. Sorry I want Vikings to go to 6-3!
No worries.
Does Gruden have Pederson size balls? Yes, he does.
Nice play call/design.
Washington red zone series from the 10: run that doesn’t reach the LOS, two passes that don’t reach the end zone.
Case throws late over the middle and bad things almost happen. Shocking.
Agreeing with Guy Media Mike (what should we call you?) earlier, this Ommegang Three Philophers beer is ridiculous. 9.7%, smooth, tons of flavor, but all balanced.
Amazing brewery.
My favorite beer of all time was the Ommegang Game of Thrones themed “Valar Morghulis” dubbel ale. Absolutely amazing.
That was a good one.
I picked up a sampler of their World Beer Cup award winners: Three philosphers, Rosetta, Gnomegang Blonde Ale and Hennepin Saison.
Those are great choices. Philosophers was my favorite. Right up there with Mad Elf
I’m gonna find these. Where’s the brewery?
The brewery is in NY. Good luck finding the Game of Thrones themed brews now. They may still have some but they were only for a limited time. I still have a bottle of the “Take the Black” stout.
They have popular holiday gift sets with three 25 oz bottles and a nice snifter glass, they should be readily available in most outlets this time of year. Three Philosophers and the Abbey Ale are fantastic. The Chocolate Indulgence is one of the all time great beers to pair with a cigar.
Cooperstown, NY
Igglesblitz Super Bowl celebration up there in Feb! !
Hear it’s great!
Linvall Joseph is nasty (in a good way if he’s on your team). He’s dishing out pain today.
Listening to this Redskins/Vikings game on TuneIn on the Vikings feed. Not that I didn’t already appreciate Merrill Reese, but my god listening to some of the hacks doing radio play-by-play for these other teams make you realize just how great he is.
Vikings defense doesn’t really seem that impressive.
Washington is playing well. Won’t surprise me if they make the playoffs.
They’re in the middle of a 3-game stretch playing Seattle, Minnesota, and New Orleans. If they can come out of that with 2 wins and in the wild card hunt, its impressive.
They can be our best friend in making the playoffs go through Philly.
It will quiet the “Eagles haven’t beaten anybody good” nonsense a little too.
Yes it would and then Cousins throws stupid shit like that.
Jets/Buccaneers is 3-3 at halftime. Is that the worst game of the season so far?
McKown vs. Fitzpatrick. Must see TV.
I think you mean Must be pre-sea.
Did Washington forget to put safeties on the field today?
No shame in getting lit up by THE Case Keenum
I want an Eagles sweater with flashing lights.
My godparents who I visit for X-mas every year are Giants fans. I would equip that sweater with strobe lights.
http://m.nflshop.com/league/NFL/team/Philadelphia_Eagles/category/14018/browse/featuredproduct/2811386/source/ak1944nfl-pla?sku=9540655
Awesome. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/afe05a70548f86a9c9fc646269957255b78fda012d8dbec42ee865e6bd2971d9.png
They only have small left in stock unfortunately. I would buy it today if they had my size.
I wonder if that Raiders sweater commercial generated a run on those shirts.
And now completely out of stock.
Is that Tecmo Bowl or something?
Perfect fit for a really fat guy with a white/grey-ish beard to wear with a Santa hat vs Raiders on Christmas.
He’ll have a national audience too on MNF (8:30 ESPN game).
Kinda funny watching Norman get lit up repeatedly
I can’t tell, is Adam Thielen the best WR in the NFL? Because he’s playing like the best WR in the NFL.
Josh Norman is not as good as his reputation.
Hey Tommy,
Since your Game Review is done a week ahead of schedule because of the bye, any chance we can get some draft nuggets here or on Scouts Notebook? You know, now that you have so much extra free time on your hands.
Yeah the Vikings are definitely our top threat if they keep getting quality QB play
Case Keenum forcing the fumble. Even their QB tackles well.
I have literally no fear of them. Keenum is exactly the kind of limited QB who gets exposed in the playoffs.
Maybe but he looks right now like the backup QB in Madden when the computer just will not let you win.
Some of those guys won it all..like Trent Dilfer or Brad Johnson.
Yeah, but Minnesota’s D is not dominant like those 2 you referenced had working for them.
They might not be historic but they can get the job done.
If we face them in the playoffs Bridgewater will be starting
Who dat?!!
As the Saints almost drops a fiddy burger on the Bills.
LOL. Kirk Cousins says “you think that’s a terrible turnover? I’ll show YOU a terrible turnover!”
Welp
the Eagles better secure HFA because playing in Minny or NO will not be nice.
It’s gonna be fun to see all of these teams fight for HFA. Great football ahead (well in the NFC at least).
Agreed. And Who would’ve thought that the Eagles would be right in the middle of all of this?!!!
I don’t think anyone did. Also we’re on top not in the middle 🙂
Minnesota doesn’t worry me, but the thought of playing a playoff game in NO is scary.
IM sorry but LOL
The Vikes are not that good. Saints really love running…our team really loves stopping the run. I think we are fine. Obviously the Eagles are better at home but we can beat anyone anywhere.
Apologies accepted.
I get the Sean McVey praise. Its a big turnaround. But can’t we all just admit that Jeff Fisher was simply not a good coach at the end? He made busts out of promising QB material. That was his forte.
Classic case of a defensive coach who was clueless when it comes to offense, and particularly to developing quarterback talent. Very much like his mentor Buddy Ryan.
Nick Rose with the worst onside kick attempt I’ve ever seen. Didn’t even make it five yards.
Blake Bortles with an absolutely awful throw for a pick to seal the game for the Chargers.
Tyler noted a few posts ago, and I have to admit it: NO has me nervous. Brees is healthy and hungry, and the years of Saints defense being their achilles looks to be behind them. Hopefully somebody like Rivera or Quinn can expose them before we host them for the NFCC.
Saints seem scary no?
No, but on a roll.
Balanced team. Vet QB. Experienced coach. They are dangerous.
They’re good, and would be scary on the road. I don’t like their chances in Philly though.
Ok, Eagles gear is on, hopefully some Eagles mojo will transfer over to the Falcons.
Jacksonville lost to the Chargers, some shine is going to come of their season now.
Um, check again. Its going to OT.
Woops, not sure why the score was displaying that way where I was looking.
If the chargers win that makes this eagles team legit right guys??? I mean it has to!
I didn’t get the reversal on Gipson score. How did refs get an angle on replay that showed him down by contact?
They decided to throw the ball again for some reason.
Oh good. Hochuli is here to slow down an otherwise interesting game and turn it into a zebra flag fest.
lol, Dak bailed out by an offsides. God he is so fucking lucky with these interceptions.
Can’t wait to see him come crashing down.
I think Dak is good but Elite??? Reminds me of when Flacco was elite
That one postseason?
Never passed the eye test. Dak is decent. He will not lose the game for them but I also don’t think he will win it either.
Shhhh. We don’t want Dak’s mediocrity exposed until he’s signed a cap-wrecking mega deal. 😉
Good time out Dak. You won’t need it later.
Can’t wait to see how Dak does with no running game and a turnstile at OT in front of him. Looks like we’ll get a chance to see today.
He’s already looking mediocre. They’re gonna dial up the blitz more so fun times ahead.
If the Giants lose to SF today, is McAdoo fired tomorrow?
I’d say yes but I also don’t want him fired. Unless Chip Kelly is their next coach..
The Falcons’ offense is so mediocre without Shanahan calling the plays.
Stupid Falcons.
The Curse of the Super Bowl Loser has hit them hard this season.
And their loss as epic as Seattle
Maybe worse than Seattle’s. Seattle lost on one dumb play.
Atlanta went full melt down. It would be funnier if I didn’t hate the Patriots so much
Splitting hairs .. Marshawn running that TD in was a sure as a hangover. . Ill call that interception the greatest single play in SB history … and seeing coach deal with other was pure joyment
Both were disasters for sure.
I really want to hear Aikman have to announce a Dallas loss instead of his typical subtle digs at their opponents.
This Falcons offense is so bloody predictable
Quick someone get Sark some bloody mary’s and maybe it’ll become not so awful
The Falcons are so useless. I have zero faith in them to win this game even though the Cowboys offense looks like poop.
If Dallas really loses Sean Lee, it will change a lot.
Aikman made it sound like its his fault he gets hurt and that staff spoke to him about it. I can’t imagine laying it all on the line and being disrespected like that.
I hate Lee because he is a cowboy but that dude is a warrior.
Agreed. Similar to begrudgingly respecting DeMarcus Ware for years.
Ware was the only Cowboy from that era I wanted on the Eagles… Maybe Witten but def Ware
Who needs Witten when you could have LJ Smith instead?
Chad Lewis homey
slow as fuck but amazing route running ability. All he did was catch TDs
Dak sacked not looking Elite against this top defense.
I loved Chad Lewis. Great, reliable target for McNabb. But he was done in 2005 and we drafted LJ Smith ahead of Witten in the 2003 draft. We lucked into Celek in there fifth round in 2007, but I looking back I think it is pretty clear that picking Witten instead of Smith would have been the right move.
Agreed. Loved watching Celek truck ppl last week
Like a blast from the past!
Andy knows best .. TEs are for blocking.
I feel like this matchup is for the most over rated QB in NFL.
Dak or Ryan…..
Who’s winning?
Eagles fans are 😉
Ryan is from Philly area so I’m sure he wants this one even more
Steelers lost Haden to a broken fibula….
The path becomes easier every week. This season is a perfect example of football being a game of attrition.
You’re not jinxing any of our players an injury, are you?!
Well we have been completely healthy this year so…..maybe I am?
If Sproles or Peters goes down now, I’m blaming you.
Or Wentz. Or Lane. Or Ajayi. Or AJ. Or Cox. Or Jernigan.
Flagged as inappropriate. We don’t say such things.
No but I find it amusing that there’s still some fans who happen to believe that our road to the S….B….. becomes easier given other team’s injuries.
I’ve seen so much drama with the Eagles since I became a fan in 1991 that I just don’t like reading that stuff.
Just not my cup of tea.
take down your post
I beg your pardon?
blocked
Lol.
I think you’ve teen talking out of your arse…
I must be very skilled in your mind. Jinxing abilities , talking out my ass, etc.
Kinda funny I think u talk out yer ass quite a bit but w/e its all in good fun
Our path is easier bc …. a Steeler got injured?!? So more likely Pats make the SB
Yeah, that could end up making our path to win the SB harder. I would rather play the Steelers than the Patriots.
Well since i want to win a SB yes. The path got easier but I didn’t say for who…
Oh who do you play or root for then?
I support the Eagles so will say we. If u don’t like that I don’t know what to tell ya bud.
is d lawrence that good?
Yea he’s good but also a bonehead. i think he’s a DRC kinda player where if they aren’t doing well he’s invisible
Yea he’s finally turned into a monster this year. Now lets hope someone outbids the Cowboys for his services next year.
At this rate Jerry will sue them if they do.
I’m SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO fucking excited for him to just get absolutely dragged during discovery in the kapernick suit.
What dirt is there though?
I think he and Hitchens are the only UFA after this year so he will probably be back.
Irving is RFA
ontaze Burfict Ejected for Late Hit & Making Contact w/ Ref ..
.
They guy is great especially as undrafted…but man is he tough to root for and exactly why he went undrafted… guys were right on igglesblitz calling him a draft talent, but I am dam glad we don’t have to deal w his schit
Squoosh
Anyone know what happened to Goff? Looks like Hekker is in the game…
Just kidding. Goff is back in.
That actually had me bumming… nfl sucks for all the injuries and hate to see new talented kid bust-comeback kids get injured
Yeah I totally agree with you. My NFL stat tracker I think got confused. Wasn’t sure why a punter would take over at QB haha
He’s just that good!
Kinda hope Tyron Smith is out next week, our DL will feast on Dak if he is out.
I think we will regardless. So far Dallas is really missing Zeke. If Atlanta can keep them from running the ball, it should be fun to see what we do.
Think no Tyron is affecting the Cowgirls as much as no Zeke. Everything they do offensively is predicated on winning 1v1 battles on the OL, soon as they cannot do that they need to re-invent their entire offence.
Good point. Their o-line looks reminiscent of some games last year when Wentz was running for his life behind our banged up o-line. If Sean Lee is absent for awhile, watch out…Next Sunday can’t come soon enough!
The Falcons are pretty bad at sustaining blocks so far, so many plays blown up when a guy was blocked a second before
We just need to handle Irving and Lawrence next week. That D is still weak and really only has a handful of talented players.
(Assuming Lee is out)
I agree, I think our offense will be able to keep them off balance. It feels like a game where Wentz carves them up and the RBs help sustain some long drives.
I’ve been very underwhelmed with Dallas’ run game minus Zeke. I haven’t seen much of Atlanta outside of this game, is the Dallas run game that bad, or is Atlanta better vs. the run than I thought?
Atlanta D is not very strong. They have some good pass rushers and really need this game to stay afloat.
This is an inditement of Dallas, Dak, Zeke, and Garret. They are also missing star LT Tyron Smith. Next week should be fun.
This is not the Dallas OL of last year, which was very, very good. Without a special RB like Zeke, their running game looks pedestrian to me.
Think the Giants D has quit?
Here’s CJ Beathard’s 1st half stats:
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Passing CP/AT YDS TD INT
C. Beathard 13/16 198 2 0
Montana like.
That game is on where I am instead of the Dallas game. He had 2 long TD passes, one to Goodwin and one to Garret Celek.
Dak is not impressing me in this game.
The stat about Dez being one of the better DBs in the game if you include the INTs he has broken up makes a lot of sense, watching this. Dak sure throws a lot of passes very close to defenders.
But his QBR will be like 94 or something surely that is impressive…
the dude has wheels lol
Anybody else watch the Bills game today? Dak is almost the same as Taylor to me. He makes maybe 2-3 more plays per game and thats it.
If they swapped teams would anyone notice…?
I think he’s a better passer than Taylor, but a less dynamic scrambler.
I continue to think “more athletic Alex Smith”.
He just got sacked fumbled lol
🙂
I agree with what u said just food for thought. Taylor gets no hype while Dak gets all the hype
That’s the difference between playing for the Cowboys and playing for the Bills. If Taylor is on the Cowboys people would be hyping him as the next Michael Vick.
I remember when Quincy Carter (!!!) had a couple good games and Cowboys and the Dallas-slurping national media was trying to hype him up as being as good as McNabb.
Taylor is a really good comparison. If he was on the Cowboys, he would definitely be getting press as the next great QB (well maybe not today).
Dak is def a better passer but not by much. Now the pressure is on him and I think he’s going to (Somewhat) crumble. He has been SO hyped that he couldn’t possibly live up to it.
Christmas has come early lol
Alex Smith is way more athletic than Dak.
No matter how fast or athletic Alex Smith is, he still must always be described as “sneaky athletic”. Same with Wentz. Can’t figure out why that is.
Had that discussion this weekend .. wentz doesn’t move like randall, donavan or Vick so his athelticism doesn’t dominate his skillsets.
This D has Dak running for his life…
I’m anxious for next week already!
Where was his pocket presence and ball security on that strip sack, LOL.
The Cowboys blow. They lose Zeke and they go right in the toilet. So predictable. Now we just need the Falcons to hold onto some of these picks to make Dak’s stats suck as bad as his play.
So now we see why they fought so long…
They know they are frauds without Zeke.
Their entire offense works off of the running game. They force teams to over-commit to the run, that frees up the passes over the middle and gets the rollouts and option plays working. Without the threat of the running game they have nothing. Dak should have been picked off twice in the first half alone but he got bailed once by an offside and the other the CB just couldn’t hold the ball.
It’s maddening but hopefully the Falcons will make him pay in the 2nd.
Yup now Dak has to be an actual QB. He is no comparison to Wentz when it comes to being a QB. I have been waiting for this since last year when we should have beat them.
Dak is good but he’s nowhere near elite and I can’t even see how anyone who has watched him play can even consider that.
He’s a Cowboys quarterback with good stats. It’s to be expected.
I still don’t trust the Falcons to win this thing. That’s another team I absolutely do not fear if they somehow made it to the playoffs.
Sadly, I agree. I expect the Falcons to do something stupid and lose this game. Please prove me wrong!
So I finally watched the Saints play and they do look good. I don’t see anyone as a major threat, I think the eagles are the scariest team from top to bottom. That said I would prefer to avoid these teams in this order:
1. Saints
2.Saints
3. Seattle
Yes and they did that on the road in a cold weather game. That used to be the Saints’ big issue. Guess it wasn’t that cold though and with little wind.
Never say never but it really looks like it may be a 3 team race this year in the NFC
PS I live in NY, its always cold in Buf lol
With no Sean Lee and now Scandrick sidelined, Falcons have no excuses and should put up some points.
scandrick back in but that still should be no excuse. and they do score the TD.
Anyone else notice the halftime conversation was all about one team missing their starting RB and not at all about the other team also missing their starting RB?
Its almost like there is a biased at play here 🙂
It’s also fun to listen to Joe and Buck trip all over themselves talking about giving Dak help.
I don’t see them being able to run on us next week, aside from Dak. He can scamper all he wants lol
Long QB runs are annoying but if thats their strength than that’s fine w me
If Dallas doesn’t give their LT some help soon, we won’t. be facing Dak.
So u expect an adjustment from JG. HAH
They already came out with more TE sets to run and cover up Dak and his all pro arm
Who is Chaz Green and why is he paid money to play tackle in the NFL?
He might just be my favorite cowboy!
There are questions that are better left unasked and unanswered.
A swing tackle that they comically overdrafted in the 3rd round.
Missed FG too 🙂 🙂 🙂
weird how 3/4 NFCE kickers are out injured. Bailey makes everything but he is no Elliot
Yeah that is weird, the injured kicker situation. Not a typical one.
Falcons fans must suck. That stadium is half empty!
Better than the Skins who had just as many Vikings fans in attendance as their own fans.
Can anyone explain that annoying as hell train horn they keep playing in the Falcons stadium? How is that connected to the idea of the Falcons?
It’s dumb. Real dumb.
Now, a live look at Zeke visiting family in Endor.
https://lumiere-a.akamaihd.net/v1/images/databank_ewok_01_169_747db03a.jpeg?region=0%2C49%2C1560%2C780
What’s the record for sacks in a game by one player?
Quick somebody ask Winston Justice
(Now I’m sad)
I think it’s Derrick Johnson with 7, but let me google that.
Edit: Correction, it is 7, but it was Derrick Thomas not Derrick Johnson.
British TV host agrees with you, game from 1990
Derrick Thomas?
Dak is looking like i thought he would. Decent player but not a star QB in year 2
Dak sucks and I hate the Falcons for giving those interceptions back. Keeps the narrative going that Dak somehow takes care of the ball so well.
Yea but at this point we can safely say that its only a “Narrative”.
To the deluded Skip Bayliss’s of the world its what they need to cling to
San Fran up on the NYG 24-13.
Bye bye McAdoo
He’s already cooked.
I don’t think they will fire him mid season unless he gets caught up in that sexual harassment witch hunt going on
Witch hunt?
It is becoming one at this point
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/nov/11/rebel-wilson-shares-allegations-of-sexual-harassment
Ok I read that but don’t understand your comment. You think she is lying? You think the women accusing Weinstein, Moore, Rattner are lying?
I think we have gotten to the point where we are not addressing the real issue anymore. Now its a fame grab. that was one example.
Even further , whats your deal dude. Clearly it was a joke. If u don’t get it keep it moving.
I’d be careful, there are a lot of people who have been abused who are finally feeling freer to speak out. And lot who still don’t.
I don’t think sexual assault and harassment and preying on underage girls is funny. Making jokes about it is signaling that it’s overblown. I guess that is my deal.
OK I agree but its overblown at this point. I’m glad abusers are getting called out but now it is morphing into getting 15 more minutes of fame or smearing someone u don’t like.
If u didn’t know people in power abuse that power or that hollywood was filled with drugged up deviant people than u have had ur head under a rock.
Again to my actual point:
Mcadoo will not be fired mid season. Unless something of astronomical proportion happens like what I used as an example.
I don’t think you can call it a witch hunt if the people involved actually did it.
Oh, and you can’t throw a grenade into the conversation like that and then act surprised when people jump into the political conversation on you.
I said it has become a bit of a witch hunt. George takei got accused of groping model in the 80’s, this Rebel Wilson Chick with her story,Ben Affleck and that TRL girl (Looking for 15 minutes of fame) etc.
So we are at the point where I could say Cracksammich did this to me and no proof or facts or anything need be required. This is a societal issue that has been around since the dawn of time. It was a tasteless joke that hopefully doesnt keep u up at night lol.
The strong prey on the weak. Violence and greed exist. Not all people are good, power corrupts etc. Sorry to burst any bubbles.
Really though.. we want him there.
True, but its a matter of days or weeks now before he’s gone.
Giants hate to fire people mid-season. He won’t last a day after their season ends though.
Overrated ass Byron Jones just faked out of his jock by a 3rd string RB.
I thought we were going to draft him…
I think i’m happy we didn’t. He’s ok I guess but other than being a cowboy I don’t see how he could be overrated
People BLOW the dude for some reason.
He’s the only competent player in that secondary, looks good by comparison.
They have a rookie who I think might be decent.
Jourdain Lewis or something like that
scUM from Michigan.
Well I mean I get u but Brandon Graham bro
DV Jourdan Lewis,
Along with should be jail bird Frank Clark.
Oh I never knew that. That’s pretty funny and I honestly don’t see how that could be. He’s never made a memorable play to me and I watch almost every nfce game
I wish baseball season was still dragging on so I didn’t have to listen to Joe Buck.
Love how Witten puts up stats in garbage time. Then they talk about how consistent he is; the guy is cooked.
He’s been good all year. And still much better than bum ass LJ Smith.
Coming in to the game, he had 35 receptions for just over 300 yards plus 3 td’s. He’s cooked, look at him move!
You’re missing the point, no Witten mentions without complaining about drafting some soft loser from Rutgers over a HOF TE!
I’m such a fan of Celek that I don’t even care at this point. LJ looked good for a minute but IMO:
Ertz, Celek, Burton and Lewis are better than just Witten. We have really had good production from that position and Witten never won anything- So I’m good with it now.
Put Jason Witten on the field for the Eagles in a 3 point Super Bowl loss……………….
And we still lose.
That loss was on #5 and Big Red. Maybe a little on spy gate as well
I’m quite sure you’re right, but LJ Smith abuse will never die.
I started watching football in 2002. I thought we were going to be so good forever. Now I can appreciate any success this team has and how great Carson already is in many ways.
With those old teams (Excluding Dawk and Runyun) I always felt like I cared more than the team. Mcnabb smiling after losing used to have me in a rage lol
The McNabb goofy grin was very polarizing. It never really bothered me. I was more upset with the fan base having to bully the franchise into addressing WR, refusing to get any DEs who could get after the QB after Hugh Douglas left, and never properly replacing Carlos Emmons at SAM and forcing us to watch shitbags like Dhani Jones and Chris Gocong.
4:45 left. Falcons up by 20. Aikman- “this is a good drive by Dallas.”
Is Dez still playing? Oh yeah, Dak can’t hit outside receivers
It’s funny, Dez was an absolute superstar when he played with Romo.
Since he’s been playing with Dak we’ve found out at the dude would be a damn good corner with all his PBU’s, and he’s otherwise been invisible.
Yup, he isn’t what he used to be. And Romo was/is much better than Dak.
I don’t know what’s more enjoyable, watching the Eagles win on a Sunday or watching Dak get exposed as a fraud.
Since we couldn’t get the eagles this week we got the next best thing. our team is doing so well we even win on a bye week.
Cherry on top, Giants are being blown out by a winless team
I want the Giants to win some games. I don’t want to see those frauds get a freaking lottery ticket for the number one pick
Me too but that is too good. LMAO
So when the suspension news hit weeks ago I knew this was going to happen. Now we get the hype train excuses from the skips of the world:
They would have won with Zeke, Dak had a bad game, WR didn’t get open etc.
This is gonna be a fun ride
It’s laughable if they use that excuse. The amount of injuries we have had this year is immense considering the caliber of the players we have lost for the season or extended periods of time.
If you need a 6 yd throw to the middle of the field then Dak Prescott is your man. What an absolute fraud.
Dak Pennington
Wow, that just sounds right.
He he can scamper too. Slightly better tim tebow???
I’m gonna enjoy the implosion SO much. I know too many cowboy “Fans”
Rams and Vikings next week wew
Saw that. Excellent appetizer before Sunday night.
Evidently Garrett doesn’t have anywhere in their playbook were running back or a tight end can chip the defensive end on the left side.
6 sacks, it’s the Winston Justice game all over.
Seems even worse.
Justine Puke vs. Conor Barwin game.
But he’s playing a running back at QB, so there’s that.
Brutal!
He certainly is!
There was one sack where they had a double team set up. And the DE blew by the outside, making the help irrelevant since it was to the inside.
Yeah, Aikman said during the replay that the only thing that tackle cannot do is let him get around the outside…oops
I don’t remember seeing any outside help though.
The LG was inside help the LT got beat outside. Almost like he didn’t understand the blocking scheme on that play.
This game is more than proof of what Dak likely is. This game proves they still have poor coaching
Garrett is not a good coach and will be exposed without Elliott.
Has it been posted that eagles signed ellerbe?
What? No.
Who? Any good?
Decent depth LB who looked physically shot last he was on the field in Baltimore. He might have been hurt however.
Saw that. 32 years old. He signed to the 53? Who cut?
Watkins! Or at least I hope.
Nah we would only have Graham left as backup then. No Maragos remember.
Can’t McDougle play safety as well?
Ah true didnt know that. Not sure
I’m just spewing venom on Watkins because I hate how the guy plays in coverage. I’m sure Smallwood is going on the IR with a hammy.
That is a possibility. Never thought of that. We currently have a plethora of RBs on the roster.
No
sad.
Gerry. Watkins has been surprisingly good lately. Solid may be the better word.
Had they filled both spots from Hicks and Peters?
They have. They are at 53, but have not said who will be cut.
It’ll probably be Gerry.
I approve this message
Makes sense. How has Gerry looked on ST if you have happened to notice?
He’s played 52 snaps and I can’t recall any standouts one way or another.
It hit Twitter, that counts!
Ellerbe was a Ravens UDFA when Joe Douglas was with the org.
Wow the cowboys are garbage
Skip Bayless wont see it that way lol
Thats the fun part about that ass. He will squirm like a worm tomorrow trying to believe his own nonsense.
Coaching staff: Exposed
Defense: Exposed
Dak: Exposed
Did ATL look particularly good to anyone today? They looked like a 4-4 team and still blew the boys out
Ooooooh. Bonus coverage watching the end of the Giants getting blown out.
I bet PFF gives Dak a good grade. Something about how Dak was an efficient 20/30 for 176 yards or some nonsense. He picked up those garbage time yards same as against Denver.
Wish Beasley hadn’t jumped on that first interception.
And he had no INTs again, despite deserving two of them. So they can point to that!
Next week. Gotta love this:
Rams @ Vikings
Washington @ Saints
Falcons @ Seahawks (MNF)
and of course our game against Dallas.
So we’ll be 9-1, 4-0 in division, and up 4+ games with tie breaks in hand.
Philly Philly.
NO!
This does not bode well fir Dak against out D.
https://twitter.com/RayDunneBTB/status/929871257113452544
G
A
M
E
M
A
N
A
G
E
R
Magic number time…
https://twitter.com/RochesRWinners/status/929865491421818880
A win next week and it’s over anyways.
We gonna crush dem suckerz. Haha.
Dannell Ellerbe LB to sign with Eagles
.
Headline from BGN
Good stuff. I would have to assume that he is an upgrade over Walker who seems to be our only weak link.
Missed the game. The box score looks like the Falcons just rolled on Dallas the whole game. That’s good.
Rams and Saints keep winning. Not so good. Vikings too amazingly. Seahawks and Panthers are in it as of right now.
If the season ended today, the NFC would have these 6 seeds:
Eagles
Rams
Saints
Vikings
Panthers
Seahawks
I believe that’s the proper order from 1-6.
Tyron Smith was out, which was an even bigger loss than Elliott, given the backup, who made Winston Justice’s debut look good
Looking forward to seeing the Dallas defense next week!
And Dak was 20/30 for 176 yards no TDs and no INTs today.
Ha! He missed Zeke big time.
Falcons DE, who had two sacks on the season coming in, had six today. Dak wasn’t great when he had time, other than running and throwing on the run, but he’ll have excuses for this week given the sieve that was the left side of their line. Figure Smith will probably play against the Eagles.
Sean Lee also went out and after that the Falcons looked like 2016 again on offense.
Wow. Sean Lee hurt again?
And the sun is hot.
You have the right 6 teams, but if the season ended today, I think the seedings would be:
1. Eagles
2. Vikings
3. Saints
4. Rams
5. Seahawks
6. Panthers
Vikings, Saints, and Rams all are tied at 7-2. No team swept the other 2 teams, so the three-way tie breaker goes to Conference record. Both the Vikings and Saints have conference records of 5-1 and the Rams have a conference record of 5-2, so the Rams are out as the 2 seed. It then goes to two-way tiebreaker between the Saints and Vikings and the Vikings beat the Saints in week 1, so Vikings are the 2 seed. Saints are the 3 seed by virtue of a better conference record then the Rams, and Rams are the 4 seed.
Seahawks and Panthers have the same record and haven’t played each other, so the tie-breaker goes to conference record. Seahawks have a conference record of 4-2 and Panthers have a conference record of 4-3, so the Seahawks are the 5 and the Panthers are the 6.
So the Rams got pushed down in the standings.
Well then as it stands now…
#1 Eagles would get a first round bye.
#2 Vikings would get a first round bye.
#3 Saints would host #5 Seahawks (because #6 is same division)
#4 Rams would host #6 Panthers (so Panthers don’t play Saints)
Dallas would be eliminated altogether along with Wash, ATL, etc.
They don’t adjust for division in the first round of the NFL playoffs. If the season ended today the Saints would host the Panthers and the Rams would host the Seahawks. Lots of head to head matchups between these teams coming soon, so a lot will probably change before the playoffs start.
You sure? I thought they avoided division head to head games in the wild card round.
We once played dallas in back to back games. Week 17 and WC week.
What year? Do you remember? What head coach?
2009 – McNabb’s last two games with the Eagles.
We also played and beat the Giants in the first round of the playoffs after the 2006 season.
And lost back to back. God that was painful. Absolutely heart wrenching.
This photo was taken of Dak before he got on the team bus from the stadium.
https://cacm.acm.org/system/assets/0002/8094/072117_vickistiefel.com_deer.large.jpg
Internet winner of the day.
Dak looked pretty mediocre today, but my god Chaz Green is terrible. That was the worst performance by an offensive lineman I’ve seen since the Winston Justice game. Makes Isaac Seumalo look like Anthony Munoz. Graham, Barnett, and Curry have to be licking their chops for next week.
Is Smith definitely out for next week’s game?
I don’t think so, but they’re going up against either (1) a hobbled Smith or (2) an OL who doesn’t belong in the NFL. It’s a favorable matchup either way.
Smith has had back issues all year, but apparently he had a groin issue and didn’t practice this week — and was ruled out Saturday. The supposition is that he will play against the Eagles, but no real idea. Probably won’t practice but we may not really know until Saturday or even Sunday.
Sean Lee went out of the game with a hamstring issue. He was walking around on the sidelines the rest of the game, so no idea if he will be back or not.
Even if Smith does play BG is the one edge rusher in the NFL that has consistently given Smith issues.
His back is pretty much fucked. I’d imagine he shoots everything they have into it next week.
Birds are gonna feast!
https://streamable.com/8yj8d
Is it wrong that I laughed for like 2 minutes straight?
Haha, nope