A Weak One
Posted: January 1st, 2018 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 285 Comments »The Eagles play over the last two weeks has not gone unnoticed. They are the #1 seed in the NFC, but that hardly makes them the favorite right now.
The Eagles are not projected to be favored in any of their possible divisional-round matchups: https://t.co/ZiotiIyA2s
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) January 1, 2018
With Carson Wentz, the Eagles were an elite team. Without him, they have looked worlds different. It is fair for the team to be doubted based on what we have seen the past few weeks.
At the same time, context is always important. Let’s think about the last two weeks. There was a game on Christmas night. There was a season finale where multiple defensive starters sat out and offensive starters were only on the field for a quarter or so. Both were played in cold, nasty weather. Doug Pederson went with light practice schedules in both weeks. He was more focused on getting his team healthy and rested than fine-tuned for regular season games.
You can argue whether Pederson made the right move or not. Clearly based on what we saw on the field, it was the wrong move for those games. We aren’t going to be able to truly evaluate the situation until we see how the team plays in the postseason. After all, that’s what really matters.
Pederson could have played all his starters for the full Dallas game. He could have run normal practices and put in a full gameplan. Say the Eagles win 17-7 or something like that. It certainly would have made everyone feel better on Sunday/Monday, but what really matters is what the Eagles do in two weeks. This is all about the playoffs.
What you saw the last two weeks isn’t what you’ll see in the playoffs. I’m not saying the Eagles will come out and play great and look like the #1 seed for sure, but they will be a different team. You will have all the starters on the field. They will be rested. Fresh legs can make a difference in January. The gameplans will be geared toward helping Foles and doing what it takes to win. In recent weeks, Pederson was trying to throw passes and work on the passing game.
Things weren’t good on Sunday and it is easy to be discouraged by that. The Eagles have started slowly before. Remember the SF game? The Eagles led the lowly Niners 3-0 late in the 1st half. Wentz was 8-12-73 at that point. In the game at Dallas, Wentz struggled in the 1st half. He was 7-18-80 and the Eagles trailed 9-7. The Eagles got rolling in the 2nd half of both games.
There is going to be major pressure on the Eagles in two weeks. Pressure has brought out the best in Pederson and the players all year. I can’t promise you the Eagles will win or play great, but you will see a different team than the last two weeks.
*****
There is no question that Nick Foles isn’t carrying this team to the Super Bowl. If the Eagles do have postseason success, it will be a team effort. The defense will have to come through in a big way.
The @Eagles defense finished the year with 41 more total pressures than any other unit.
Only team to generate pressure on more than 40% of passing plays.
This is what can win them playoff games.
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) January 1, 2018
The Eagles were #1 against the run. They pressured the passer on a regular basis. They were tied for 4th in interceptions. They were 9th in opposing QB rating.
The defense is especially tough at The Linc. No matter who the Eagles have at QB, the defense will give them a chance to win.
_
HNY all.. go Byrds
Would be great to see a post season electric slide. this team has found a way to win more often than not. Not all on Wentz either as much as he meant to our season.
We needed a Rookie unknown kicker to nail a 60+ field goal. Many times this season the defense made a stop or blocked a punt to spark this team. Even Peds going for it and taking points off the board to move closer sends a message about playing to win.
I have no doubt this team can win with Foles but Cox, Graham, Jenkins, Ajayi, Ertz,Ags,Alshon all have a say in what happens in two weeks too.
We need to win with the Giants 2007/Ravens 2000 formula – control the clock, don’t turn the ball over, make timely big plays, and play suffocating defense. Aim to win every game 13-10 while setting back football to the days of leather helmets.
It’s going to be tough, but it’s not impossible, and playing at home where it will be cold, windy, and noisy and possibly neutralize our disadvantage at QB will be helpful.
Quick whats Ajayi average??? This might work!
They will need to be creative in scheming up space for the RBs.
Foles absolutely has to hit on some throws against one-on-one coverage to punish defenses for overplaying the run, but if he can do that they’ll have a chance.
This defense can makes plays but it isn’t realistic to hope for the kind of numbers the 2000 Ravens’ gave up in the playoffs (3, 10, 3, 7). That was a historically-great defense.
2007 Giants is more realistic (14, 17, 20, 14). Unfortunately, they got 4 good/very good games from Eli. Foles isn’t capable of playing as well as Eli did over those 3 games. Not with this offense.
For this team to have a realistic shot to win, they need to put up at least 20 points. Foles is capable of that but I don’t know how much more.
I don’t expect them to be as dominant as the 2000 Ravens’ D but if the weather is bad I think holding opposing offenses under an average of 15 points is possible. I agree that the 2007 Giants’ numbers are a more likely total. Our defense has proven quite opportunistic and capable of forcing turnovers so they could also make the offense’s job easier by providing them with short fields.
As far as the offense goes, I think they can scheme their way to 17-20 PPG, even with Foles, as long as the receivers don’t drop passes or the like. None of their potential divisional round opponents has a dominant defense and we have the horses to run the ball, control the clock, and make Nick’s job easier by wearing out the defense and forcing them to give us single coverage on the outside. I also think we’ll see Doug come up with some creative looks that aren’t on film yet.
The problem with your theory is that Foles has to actually complete some passes downfield for..you know..first downs and stuff.
Which he has proven capable of doing during his NFL career.
I’m not going to overreact on the basis of 5 quarters played in terrible weather.
I love being an underdog. The team gets the advantage of the “nobody believes in us!” motivational factor and opponents possibly coming in overconfident while still getting a bye and getting to play at home.
Pederson’s game plans the past few weeks have been very vanilla – I’m confident he hasn’t forgotten how to game plan and will have some surprises up his sleeves come the playoffs.
I just dont see it that way at all, foles is bad, I hope Im wrong
We’re underdogs for a reason. I don’t think this current team would have a winning record. There’s always a chance, but I don’t think it’s very high. We’ll see.
Both the defense and the running game have shown the ability to be dominant. The team was 2-1 without Wentz and won a third game they were trailing when the backup went in for him. Their only loss was to an above average team while resting many of their starters and using a preseason style game plan. It wasn’t pretty, but the current team *does* have a winning record.
They certainly don’t have a 13-3 record without Wentz’s exceptional play this season, but I think you’re selling them short in saying they wouldn’t be a winning team. They went 7-9 last year with Wentz being very mediocre and several close losses. This is not a one man team.
As an Eagles fan I hope you are right. But here’s why I’m not so optimistic. First, The 2-1 team without Wentz could easily have been 0-3. The offense looked terrible. A short ‘season’ leads to high variance, like the Eagles 3-0 start last year. This current team would not make the playoffs. Most projections at the beginning of the season were about 8-8, even with Carson. This may be a solid-good team, but Carson made them elite.
Second, I think Wentz made this look team’s talent look than it is – kinda like Aaron Rodgers does with Green Bay receivers. Eagles strength is the run D. They’re the #1 for total yards, but are #6 for yards per play. That’s great, but if elite is top 5, they aren’t elite. Basically teams have been playing behind, so are forced to throw more. That’s because the Carson-driven offense is so effective. Also, longer offense drive by the Eagles leads to less time for the other teams offense. A good offense is a good defense. Zach Ertz run nice routes and has great hands, but he can’t break a tackle. Alshon can’t get separation. No one on the offense is particularly explosive. Except Carson.
Carson was responsible for the crazy good third down dominance. Foles is, what, 1 for 13? Carson could run, he could throw, and wasn’t afraid to take a hit in the pocket to make a throw. He moved the chains and ate up the clock. He was a threat every time he touched the ball. Foles has none of these qualities. I think Foles is ok if the line plays really strong. That’s it.
With Carson, defenses had to respect his arm and scrambling ability. RPOs were more effective. They couldn’t stack the box. Why did unwanted running backs like Blount and no-names like Corey Clement do so well? Eagles are #4 in yards per rush this season. Without Carson, we are #23. Did the running back suddenly get worse? Of course not. With Carson, the Eagles could exploit mismatches. Can Foles? I think they’ll play 8 up front and force us to throw. Same thing happened against the Raiders after we scored.
Finally, I don’t doubt the Eagles with Foles can win against middling teams. But so what? We want playoff wins. We don’t have elite skill positions. We have the worst playoff quarterback. Could we win? Sure. Is it likely? No. Carson made this team elite.
The 2-1 team without Wentz could easily have been 0-3.
They could also easily be 3-0. What’s your point? As Bill Parcells said, you are what your record says you are. Do I think they’d win twice as many games as they lose over a full season with Foles as the starter? No. But that just means they wouldn’t be 11-5. I think this team would pretty easily win 8 or 9 games even with a mediocre QB. They came close last year (when Carson was only mediocre) with an inferior defense.
That’s great, but if elite is top 5, they aren’t elite.
This is just semantics. Top 6 in the league still makes them a good (playoff caliber) defense. They’re not the Steel Curtain but they’re not chopped liver either.
Basically teams have been playing behind, so are forced to throw more. That’s because the Carson-driven offense is so effective.
Then you’re going to have to explain how the D kept them in games even when the Carson-driven offense wasn’t effective (Seattle, first half of first Dallas game, etc.).
Eagles are #4 in yards per rush this season. Without Carson, we are #23.
Small sample sizes cut both ways, especially, when one of the data points in your sample was a meaningless game played with backups. This data point is only slightly better than useless from a statistical perspective.
With Carson, defenses had to respect his arm and scrambling ability. RPOs were more effective.
As Pederson pointed out, they had very few designed runs for Wentz. RPOs generally involve the QB having the option to either hand off or throw a pass. It’s not a read option where his choice is between handing off or scrambling himself. Carson’s mobility is an asset but I think it’s incorrect to conclude it was what made the Eagles’ running game work.
We don’t have elite skill positions.
Zach Ertz meets any definition of “elite” any rational person would use. Jeffery and Ajayi are both above average players, if not quite on that level. And we have a good OL.
We have the worst playoff quarterback.
I’m really not sure he’s worse than Mariota, Taylor, or Bortles. Even if we confine it to the NFC, I think there’s at least an argument he’s no worse than Keenum.
Carson made this team elite.
I don’t disagree with that, but you don’t have to be an elite team to make the Super Bowl, especially when you have HFA and all your opponents save one have to win three games to make it and you only have to win two.
Are their chances great? No. I’d say they’re maybe 15%. The thing is, they were probably only 20% or 25% even with Carson. That’s how the NFL playoffs work. Often, the best team doesn’t win.
One thing I will say about this: If the offensive plays were vanilla and simple, is it not just that much more frightening that Foles keep making bad reads and late throws while struggling to catch the snap properly?
Not really.
1) I didn’t really see Foles make more bad reads than he normally does, more bad throws (and drops by his receivers when he did make good throws), though it’s hard to tell without knowing playcalls and watching all-22 (some bad decisions such as his choosing not to run when he had room may have been dictated by the coaches telling him to play it conservative and not to get hurt in meaningless/fairly meaningless games);
2)Foles is a veteran QB with a decent sample size of NFL playing time under his belt and while he’s not Peyton Manning he’s never been totally inept at making reads. I don’t think guys turn stupid or forget how to play football overnight.
3)Most of those snaps were low, and if you constantly have to bend over to catch a ball at your ankles that messes up the timing of your drop and can throw a play off – a fantastic talent like Carson may be overcome that but most QBs will be adversely affected by it. That is on the C, not the QB. Kelce has played well this season but needs to clean that up. If he does I don’t think it will be a problem in the playoffs.
The point of exotic plays is to get people open more effectively. If the defense were all over the playcalls, then that makes it harder on the QB.
Well I agree with this. But that is not exactly what has transpired. We are seeing Foles missing reads and failing to get the ball to the open guy.
Occasionally, but there have also been times where Foles has made the correct read and either misfired on the throw or had the guy drop it. It’s not like he’s throwing into triple coverage while guys are running free on every play. In fact it’s very few plays where that has happened.
Let me modify my assertion. The point of exotic plays is to help create an easier opportunity through trickery and surprise, as opposed to out-executing and talent.
O/T, but that Rose Bowl was a hell of a game. I’m not even much of a college football fan and don’t care about either team and I was on the edge of my seat. Reminds me why I love this sport.
Great game. I can’t stand Baker Mayfield so i was pulling for Georgia, but both teams played their hearts out. This is why the playoff system should be expanded to 8 teams.
UCF game was a lot of fun too.
I just got a good laugh at MMQB
Jaylen Smith Cowboys LB was “Player of the week”.
Nevermind he played against mostly backups and a clearly green QB. laughable journalizing.
As far as the league is concerned his number one attribute is playing for the Cowboys.
Sick of Alabama and Clemson yada yada yada blah blah blah but I’m still watching it. SEC isn’t where it’s at anymo either.
Alabama’s defense is too good to beat without a Watson-level playmaker. I’m tired of the SEC too but I don’t think there’s really an argument that they didn’t deserve to have two teams in the final four at this point.
I don’t know if I say they didn’t deserve it but they need to expand the playoffs. You can talk about who deserves it the most till the cows come home. It’s subjective.
I’m not as impressed with Alabama and Georgia and the SEC as you. Georgia split with Auburn so throw those games out. Auburn was a fraud losing to a good not great Georgia team and Central Florida.
Alabama got to play basically a rookie QB with an experienced QB. Alabama finished 2nd and didn’t even get to their championship game. I wasn’t that impressed with them when I watched a few of their games this year.
All those losses you cite were to other SEC teams, with the exception of Auburn’s loss to Central Florida, which went undefeated.
That’s a good argument for expanding the playoffs certainly as I agree there’s a good case to be made that UCF deserved a shot to play for the title. I don’t think it’s a good argument the SEC isn’t the best conference in the country though. SEC teams just beat the two other playoff teams and the second place SEC finisher completely throttled the number 1 team in the country.
Clemson fans look suicidal after pick 6 sorry B Dawk…
I think as Eagles fans we should look at the playoffs as our team being underdogs because that’s exactly what they are. That doesn’t mean that we should give up on them and that it’s impossible for them to succeed. However, by putting things into perspective we can pleasantly surprised if they win and not be totally defeated if they don’t.
Go Eagles!!
We’re used to being the underdogs in this town.
We should be comfortable.
The team better know it. Doug and Jim better be preparing kitchen sinks to throw.
The final ranking for the Eagles by DVOA is 5th (they were #1 a few weeks back). Guess where they finished last year? 5th!
And last year we knew our record could have/ should have been better based on DVOA. We also knew that the Giants over achieved with their record and DVOA.
Things have a way of balancing out. I think Peds will have a few creative plays. We have an edge with defense, coaching, and special teams. Our Oline is also a strength.
We could be the Texans of years past but we are better built. Clearly we aren’t last years Raiders. We can win ugly and we have real hope. “We all we got”
新年好呀，新年好呀，祝福博主新年好！
A bit of a change of topic. Isn’t it interesting how much smarter Pat Shurmer is when he has players who are executing.
We were always wondering how much of a say he had in the Chip-offense. And what he would have done differently if he had had more influence over the scheme. He always struck me as a solid and intelligent dude from the pressers and all that.
It does seem that Foles is not good when it’s really cold. Good news is temps should be in the high 30’s/low 40’s for the next game.
The O-line with Wiz has been really dominant. Let’s hope it gets back to form.
Foles had a decent game against the Saints in the cold in the playoffs in 2013 (22-33, 195 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, passer rating over 100, and would’ve been better if not for some egregious drops by his receivers). I think the wind has been a bigger factor the last two weeks than the temperature.
Good point about the wind. Foles definitely doesn’t throw the classic tight spiral.
Fortunately wind doesn’t discriminate – if we get a windy day for our first game, I think it hampers Ryan or Brees just as much as it does Foles as neither of those guys has a cannon either. Cam has a strong arm and might not be as affected but I am confident in our defense’s ability to defend him well.
Interesting, you think Cam is a good match up with how the team with Foles as QB. The way we have tended to defend mobile QB’s is to take away their RB’s, and let the QB run, and expect that the physical beating they will take from sack/hits+10-15 running carries will take them out the game. It worked really well against Carolina the first time we played with Cam looking broken down in the 4th quarter. However the Panthers still scored 23 points which may be enough to beat the Eagles with Foles, Cam will make 2-3 wow plays a game which will put up points.
We will need ‘good’ Foles to beat anyone honestly, but i agree with your assessment that the best chance is to play Keenum and Ryan, both of which i think our Defense can shut down on their day and keep them in the low teens.
FWIW I think any team is a tougher matchup with Foles at QB. I guess my point is that I don’t worry about Newton picking us apart with passes despite his strong arm. To beat Carolina we’ll have to shut down the running game which we’re pretty good at. I’d prefer to play the Falcons though.
I know – I know – be careful what you wish for — but come on Falcons and Panthers!
I do think xeynon touched on it below – game plan. T-Law touched on it above – team effort. Yes, execution etc etc — but without a great game plan from the coaches, this team won’t go far. As much as I’ve been on Pedersons case(since he’s been hired), his game planning has surprised me and I fully expect a great game plan. (read — for the love of all that is holy — DO NOT RUN THOSE WR SCREENS :))
Any given Sunday….
All these teams could beat us soundly if they bring their A-game. That said, Panthers and Falcons look like butt every other week, so I prefer them too. If they come in blazing hot and crush us, so be it.
X-factor is Fletch and the D line, if they play out of their minds they can knock a team off their A-game, and we got a shot.
The truth is, as scared as everybody is of the Saints, they spit the bit on Sunday and lost to a wretched Bucs team with a division title on the line.
The Rams are the hottest team in the NFC right now, but every team is flawed. Whoever we play in two weeks will be beatable if we play a good game.
This is going to be an agonizing two weeks. I feel like the execution has already happened and we’re just waiting for time to catch up.
Give me competence or give me death, Foles.
https://www.crossingbroad.com/2018/01/you-can-be-a-realist-and-still-believe-in-the-eagles.html
Eagles defense is exceptional at home, is healthy and deep, and makes plays. I believe in this team, its players and coaching staff can find a way to win games. Foles can be awful, but there is also plenty of evidence of him being great at times – he is inconsistent, not eternally awful. We have a really nice group of skill position players and RB (except Smith..) a good OL even without Peters.
This is an NFL season which had only 1 genuinely great team, the Eagles with Wentz. Every other team in the NFC is flawed. people haven’t really talked about it, but Brees has been bad this year and has been carried by his rushing attack and defense, but we match up pretty well against the run, and the Saints don’t really pressure the pocket which is what you need to do to mess with Foles.
Our OL matches up really well with the Rams DL, and we will be able to move and put up points on them. Do a better job picking angles and tackling and we will be able to limit Gurley’s impact enough to have a good chance of beating the Rams again.
And I just am not scared of the Vikings coming into our house in Winter – their offence really isn’t that dynamic and i think we can limit them to well under 20 points, at which point you need 2 good Foles drives to win the game – which even after 5 awful quarters i think he is capable of delivering.
And honestly why the drama about this as a fan base? We stopped being the best team in the NFL when Wentz got injured, that’s life in the NFL, lose your QB and you are pretty much toast. We are playing with house money at this point, cheer the team, worse case we lose and we only have to look forward to another decade of contention because we have the best QB under 30 by a distance.
Agree with 99% of this, “what we have is what we need” as Jenkins said.
Only caveat is the theory we have another decade of contention due to Wentz. Nothing is guaranteed, every season is different and nothing carries over.
The team needs to earn it all over again each time – performances can vary, injuries happen, coaches leave, players leave, draft position is lower, cap space gets more limited etc.
This is why seizing this opportunity is so vital – 2008 Giants went 12-4 after their first SB win, but lost to the Eagles in the first round. The 2012 Giants, after their second SB win, missed the playoffs. They’ve been back to the playoffs only once since, losing again in the first round.
I agree and today I am feeling optimistic. I do not think we are losing the first game. The offense is not nearly as bad as the last two games, and the defense has been on fire.
Every time I start feeling down about our chances in the playoffs because of how bad the team has looked these past 3 weeks, I remember that it just goes to show prove how incredible Wentz is. Legit MVP, not just a good QB on a great team.
Not giving up just yet, either. Any given Sunday and all that.
I really hope he wins it.
Tony Dungy predicted by Tweet responding to NBC’s John Clark:
“Philly Fans, relax. The NFC Championship Game will be in Philly!”
I don’t do predictions but anybody who thinks the chances aren’t at least 50-50 isn’t paying attention to history. It is tough to beat a #1 seed on the road.
I bring good news…..
Jerry Jones said firing Jason Garrett was never “even a thought for me.”
Garrett has clapped his way into the heart of Jerry Jones, and it is going to take more than one disappointing season to change that. To be fair to Garrett, he was without his best offensive player for six games, and he still has just one losing season on his resume. Jones also wants DC Rod Marinelli and OC Scott Linehan to return but cautioned there could be changes to the staff.
Gotta love this. You don’t want your division rivals to be genuinely putrid – that gives them both the motivation to change things drastically and the resources to rebuild, and unless they’re completely inept like the Browns eventually that will pay off in them hiring a good coach and drafting good players.
Ideally, you want them married to mediocrity – coaches and players who aren’t bad enough to be clearly unworthy of keeping, but aren’t good enough to ever pose a serious threat either. I think Garrett and Prescott both fall into this category as a coach and a quarterback respectively (as do Gruden and Cousins, though that pairing looks likely to end shortly).
One disappointing season? Garrett has more than that.
In 7 seasons, Garrett has 3 winning campaigns – 2014, 2016 and 2017 (9-7). He has made the playoffs 2x and won 1 playoff game.
I also love that Jones wants a puppet rather than a good coach. Jones wants all the credit and to scratch his GM itch although his son unfortunately has been able to mitigate that a bit recently. I hope Garrett stays there forever.
I probably represent a minority POV, but I don’t think Jason Garrett is a terrible HC or Dallas’s biggest problem. Do we really know how much or little leverage Garrett has? Jones line re: Garrett reminds me of Jeff Lurie’s response to a reporter (after 2013 season, I think) who asked if Howie Roseman was still his guy: “Is that really a question?”
Jones thinks he’s the shit, and he doesn’t seem to consider that his family franchise looks a tad insular in a fast-changing league. I wouldn’t say Jones is the worst GM in the NFL, but every franchise needs to make tradeoffs, and Jones seems to not want to. He’s got a bottomless vault, ergo he never has to rebuild or be out of contention. I think that proud, narcissistic approach is way more of a flaw than Jason Garrett.
I agree that Garrett isn’t that bad of a coach. Dallas appears thin on depth but that is more of the GM’s fault.
Disagree…a team who has Dak, Elliott, Dez, Witten, Beasley and a stud OL should dominate teams and be amongst the league leaders in scoring, TOP, 3rd down, red zone etc.
With talent like that and a defense well rested, the HC should not have much to do. We saw it work in 2016, but it broke down this season and Garrett had zero answers and led his team back to mediocrity.
The bigger issue, however, is he is a sycophant of Jones and everyone knows it. The reality he is willing to exchange his independence and integrity to hold a HC job is sad imo. It would be hard to respect a HC like that if I was a player or fellow coach. I cannot see any other HC with self-worth put himself or stay in such a situation for this long.
Let’s use Dak as an example. Jones drafts him to back up Romo. Jones loved Romo, and by all indications, Prescott was a good get. So Jerry tells Jason to plug in this kid and get the thing moving. But then Romo goes down and Prescott plays great. But he never had to be the man that wins the game. His initial success was fortuitous. That IS a dominant OL (when healthy) and Dez is world-class now and again. Are you going to hold Garrett responsible for Dez’s head? QB is not OG or RB. Prescott is fine if the OL is dominant and the running game is clicking. Romo had the ability to burn any defense that was cheating on the run (which made the run game that much more effective)…Dak doesn’t. But what’s the back-up plan? Is that on the HC? And when Dak is good enough to put up points, the defense is shaky. Your comment sounds like the conventional consensus view of Dallas. All that talent…the coach must suck. But JG was the coach when they won the division with Romo, Murray and that OL. My point is that Jones believes that he can build the perfect beast, and he does recognize talent, I think, but to invest so much in Dak may be his big fail. Garrett didn’t coach them to the playoffs, but he didn’t hold them back either. I can understand why Jones sticks with Garrett. In his heart of hearts Jones knows that he has himself to thank for the consistent absence of excellence in his teams.
You… like… Jason… Garrett…?
He’s not in control so I think it’s hard to say how good or how bad he is. He was an NFL QB so I think he knows the game, he’s a Princteon grad, so I think he’s not stupid.
No QB carries their team to a SB or ring. Football is the ultimate team sport and, as others have said already, even with Wentz getting to the SB or winning it was going to be difficult.
The NFC is loaded – when the #6 seed is as good a team as ATL, no path was going to be easy and that does not even cover matching up with a NE or PITT in the SB game.
Win the week, one game at a time. All 3 units need to show up and execute at a high level for the entire game. The coaches need to put together a very good game plan and adjust during the contest.
Just striking up some conversation, but in my opinion NE and Pitt are over-rated. They get worshiped because they stand out in a desolate conference. New England has the BB and Tom Brady at home in the playoffs reputation, that’s a legit thing to fear even if the team around them is less impressive than years past. The Steelers are only truly great on paper. Good O-line, 2 non-QB MVP candidates(!), Offensive rookie of the year candidate, 2 time super bowl winning QB, experienced super bowl winning coach, oh and the defense is actually good again. Christ, just hand them the trophy! Problem is they are a shadow of their resume on the field. Something is wrong with that team, prime candidate for addition by subtraction imo, they’re unfocused and got talent to spare.
that’s why Eagles – Jags SB will surprise people.
NE has problems on defense this year. But Brady is so good, especially when he has Gronk to throw to, that it won’t matter. I don’t like him, but I do appreciate how good he is.
Pittsburgh was a really good team who had a couple of really bad losses (Chicago? Blown out by Jax, who is a good team but shouldn’t beat them by 3 touchdowns in Pittsburgh). Plus losing Brown and Shazier late in the season hurt their SB chances a lot, especially after getting screwed in the game vs NE and having to go there.
I think we will see the Pats in the SB again, although I’d love to see the Jags. But it will make hoisting that trophy even better beating the evil empire.
PITT has been more inconsistent than usual this season, but they have been contenders for best in the AFC almost every year since Big Ben came to town and managed a nearly complete organizational philosophy change too – defense-first to offense-first + run game to pass first within that offense.
I do not believe Tomlin is a good coach, but he does seem to manage people well and get them to show up.
An offense with Ben, a good OL, Bell, Brown, Bryant etc. could compete with anyone. Their D is nothing special, but if they score 30 it may not matter except vs the Pats.
Pats are legit every year, Brady and Bill + good role players, coaches and rock solid systems. Hopefully, they get knocked off, but they are not over-rated imo at all. They are who we want the Eagles to be imo – the true gold standard.
People are sleeping on the Jaguars.
Bortles isn’t good but I think he can at least be 2000 Trent Dilfer, and he has a power running game to rely on. And that defense does have the ability to be totally dominant.
It wouldn’t shock me at all to see them upset Pittsburgh, New England, or both.
The drop off from Wentz to Foles was expected (though I’m not sure any of us expected it to be a plunge like this), but I’m really disappointed in the rest of the offense. They all have to step up. Foles is what he is, and right now that’s not good enough, but the rest of the team can play a lot better.
When Wentz went down, I think all of us knew the team had to step up their play and they just simply have not done that.
True or false though – you’re talking about games that we really didn’t need to win. And they were super windy.
Am I right?
Doesn’t that mean that it might be totally different in the playoff game(s)?
Did we NEED to win? No. We had a bye week, playoffs, and division all clinched by the time we played the Raiders. Foles had his issues, but I felt the blocking, untimely penalties, dropped passes, etc. all just brought the team down. The Dallas game you expect things to be a bit off because of backups etc, but even when the starters were in there, it wasn’t pretty.
Regardless, playoffs here we come, warts and all!
Agreed. Other teams will have warts too. Hopefully we win.
We had to win for HFA which is a huge deal in the playoffs. If the Eagles were not motivated by that and felt they could just show up, that is bad news.
True. But they won.
I get it. But it’s still not crucial to have HFA. Yes preferable. Yes should be a motivator. Yes he played poorly, but still, they won.
I guess I’m confused. Are you advocating they should have gone through the motions these last few games and had nothing to play for?
HFA is more than just “preferable”. We are 7-1 at home. To play all games at home is critical. Yes, they won mainly because they played bad to very mediocre teams in NY, Oak and Dallas.
Those teams are NOT in the playoffs. They need to play MUCH better and better be motivated and ready to go in every phase. If they play like they did vs NYG, Oak and Dallas, it will be a short run.
I am arguing that not caring about a win nearly as much as normal or in the playoffs could have well been reasonable given that you don’t want to give a lot a useful recent film to playoff opponents, especially with play calling/scheme… And in the circumstance – starting QB goes down, key OL injured and resting a few weeks… yes
I’m not saying they were hoping to lose, but the were in a situation where they could just try to get out with minimal injuries, given Nick a chance to throw it a bunch to prep (yeah, didn’t work out too well clearly) and hopefully eek out enough wins to secure HFA (did).
I’m talking about the context. Looking great while having a bunch of success and getting HFA would be nice. But getting HFA was all that was really needed and we did and could have even if we need to beat dallass for it.
I’m not certain, but there’s a chance Douggie went conservative to hedge his bets and keep all the goods for playoffs. I think that’s certainly possible, especially given what we saw.
Playcalling was noticeably more conservative since CW went down – really. (As the guy sitting next to me at the Raiders game so kindly pointed out enthusiastically on every single offensive drive.
Yep. If Pederson has a few play design wrinkles that can help him scheme past Foles’ limitations, it’s better to hold them in reserve and spring them on a playoff opponent in a high leverage situation than to use them to win a game that is either relatively or entirely meaningless.
The thing is, they didn’t HAVE to win either game for HFA – they just had to win one of the two. Pederson may have felt that he could risk holding something back and hoping they’d beat the Raiders anyway, knowing they could always go all out in week 17 if they lost. I didn’t watch the whole Raiders game but from the film cutups I’ve seen the game plan looked pretty vanilla so it wouldn’t surprise me if there was something like that going on.
I disagree…I think you play every meaningful game to win and do whatever you can to make sure it happens. The game vs Dallas was meaningless, but only because we had already wrapped up everything. To rest starters and play vanilla then is fine, but if they were playing vanilla against NYG and Oak when we still had things to play, that is wrong imo.
OK. That’s you. And you’re opinion is yours…entitled to it.. yada yada
But don’t you think there’s a possibility that Doug disagree(d) with you on this?
(X) True
( ) False
I honestly don’t know what to make of Foles at this point. The sample size is too small and there are extenuating circumstances, such as the weather and vanilla gameplan. Ready or not, the playoff game will reveal Nick in all his glory, or not.
Sudfeld!
I think being the underdogs again might be exactly what this team needs to get back on track. Well, other than a miraculous recovery by #11.
One interesting statistic that perhaps can give us a little hope: for all that we miss Wentz’s heroics and are downcast about Foles, in the 14 games Wentz played he only went over 300yds passing 4 times (@WAS, @KC, vs ARI, @SEA – 2 wins 2 losses) – which suggests we have not been overly reliant on passing to win games this season.
If Foles (or Sudfeld) can just be efficient (but not spectacular) and we can get our running game going, then we are in with a decent shot in any game, assuming our D doesn’t let it turn into a shoot out.
His stats weren’t eye popping, but man do we miss him in those “situational football” moments. We’ve been AWFUL on 3rd downs the past 2 weeks.
3rd downs have a trickled down effect on the defense as well.
Right now it seems if we have any offensive penalty out drive is doomed. That was not the case with Carson. He was unreal even on 3rd and long.
That was not the case in the Giants game. Foles was fine on 3rd down there. After that game, nobody worried about Foles, but were greatly concerned about the defense. The defense has played fine the last two games, but now everyone focuses on Foles (and deservedly). So if you have completely hated the last three games, you are focusing on the negative aspects only.
Particularly this last game, I doubt the game plan had anything remotely innovative in it, and was instead more to practice certain things. Which didn’t go so well.
It’s entirely rational to think what happened to the Raiders last year could easily happen to us this year. We aren’t nearly as good without Wentz, obviously. But to completely discount the possibility that we get a Giants-type performance out of Foles, while the defense plays pretty well, and while having home-field advantage… don’t see that either.
I think that’s the one bright spot that I’m clinging to. We’ve yet to see the entire team play a good game of football in the last 3 weeks. The Giants game, the defense was awful. The last 2 weeks, the offense has been awful. If they can put together a good game for both sides of the ball, we will win handily.
Running game has sagged as well though and it has been a while since this team has run the ball well for a majority of the game.
Teams are going to put 8 in the box and make Foles show he can punish them for doing it at least 2-3 times.
nah, it’s over
You’re chance to seem like you understand football and real life? Yeah, that’s over.
The Eagles season? It’s bye week time with #1 seed going into playoffs.
and then a loss
You’re a fan of another team right?
Look he’s just upset and understandably. This team looks world’s different without Wentz. Obviously it’s not over but I certainly agree that we should be underdogs by at least a TD at home against any team in the playoffs right now. Does that mean we can’t win? Of course not. But I wouldnt bet on the eagles with Monopoly money
Underdogs by at least a TD? Are you insane?
People who actually set NFL lines for a living do not project us to be underdogs by at least a TD against any of our potential opponents. Read the McManus link that Tommy included in his post.
JFC, I can’t even with this nonsense. If you’re feeling this pessimistic, give me Team X +7 in the divisional round and I’ll be very happy to (probably) take your money.
we’ll see
Oh yeah, I’m not talking about betting.
Let me ask you this – how do we know that the team we end up facing in a few weeks won’t have lost their starting QB during the wildcard round? Not wishing injury on anyone (said/typed with fingers crossed behind back…perhaps)…but in that case – even the Vegas line changes going into the game.
Am I wrong?
you are correct!
our only chance is a qb injury.
good point
HAR HAR
Yeah, you’re wrong with the word only there.
AND, ya blocked
idk i think the saints would likely still be favored with a transcedent offensive player like kamara and payton scheming him open against kendricks and bradham. id think we’d be favored against a ryan less falcons and a newton less panthers but only because we are at home. foles has looked that bad
It’s probably a good thing you don’t set lines for a living because you wouldn’t be good at it.
You are not being objective, about either the Eagles’ strengths or the opponents’ weaknesses.
As is, the Eagles will not be more than a 4.5 or 5 point underdog against any team they might play in the divisional round. If any of those teams lost their QB the Eagles would absolutely be favored.
Stuff like HFA and having a good defense and running game matter no matter who the QB is.
I can’t believe how incapable of objectivity Eagles fans are.
our run game hasnt been the same without wentz keeping the defense hoenst so you cant hang your hat on that at all. our defense has been jekyl and hyde all season. your probably right about the lines but either way being a 5 point underdog at home is still pretty bad. I understand that you dont agree with my points but you dont have to be so dismissive of me
I’m only dismissive of your statement that the Eagles will be a 7 point underdog against any team they face in the divisional round, b/c that is just a silly thing to say.
I don’t entire disagree with your pessimism but I don’t think that it’s crazy.
Mabye but Foles has much more experience than the saints backup. No? Like is the saint’s backup jersey in Canton already? I think not. The Vegas odds would probably conservatively weighted in that scenario. Who knows.
yeah i just think the saints offense is probably still better than ours because of there ridiculous rbs. kamara can still be fed by a backup qb. we dont have any transcedent offensive players besides wentz. it really comes down to our defense no matter which qb were facing. this defense has the potential to shut down any team but its not a question of if they can. its if they will play to that potential without their mvp QB on the other side of the field
Maybe, but their two best weapons are a rookie and second year guy, we’re better at TE, and their rookie stud RB excels catching ball out of backfield – that’s effected by QB.
Take Brees out and I really don’t know that their offense is necessarily better than ours at all. Kamara is at least 50% a receiver if not more. And without Brees, the box gets stacked more
I also think our D is better than theirs so that factors in too.
ha i wish
Tell me tomorrow’s Lotto number.
That will impress me more than the troll stuff.
You act like you know something we don’t know.
i know exactly what you know.
if you watched foles you know what i know: ITS OVER
He can’t tell you tonight’s or tomorrow night’s lotto numbers because they’re on my tickets.
If I remember correctly, there was a couple of games where Wentz threw for like 298 yards, and I predicted people would be making this exact argument down the road about him only having such and such number of 300+ yd games.
It’s a fair point that 300yds is a fairly arbitrary limit, but he only had one game at 291 (@Rams) and the next nearest after that is vs WAS where he had 268, so the point that we weren’t relying on him for all of our yardage I think still stands, though admittedly he was crazy efficient on 3rd down and in the red zone and I don’t think Foles will be able to duplicate that.
Our D and running game may be good enough, based on previous results, to keep us in a low scoring shootout, which gives us a chance. If we give up more than a couple of TDs I think we may struggle to keep up the scoring pace.
there is really no reason to continue to think about this team this year in the playoffs.
its over.
the team is not that great without wentz. his 3rd down magic is what got us to such a a great record.
it’s OVER
NFL games are over before they start? In fact weeks prior? That’s just plain silly.
My bad, what you mean is that “The team that’s supposed to win, always does in the NFL”.
Ah, my bad. That changes everythin….wait…
No, that still sounds incredibly silly and counter to what we see every season in real life.
Come on now.
no wentz no W
Not the case for the Oakland game.
You fail.
lol ok
they are yes.
OVER
My bad, I forgot about that rare exception “If the particular teams in a given NFL match-up have yet to be determined, in that case, but only that case, the winner is clearly already known.”
I apologize.
are you really suggesting the eagles have a chance?
Yes, anything else is stupidity.
We are better than the Browns, so yes. Maybe less than 50%, but still pretty good. If Foles plays like it was the Giants game, then better odds than that.
you sure?
Yes
I notice you are
FEELING EXTREMELY SAD IN ADVANCE,
huh?
oh i watched the last two games so my sadness is not in advance
In that case, you can not watch the game, stop wasting your (and more importantly our) time by shitposting here and forcing us to wade through your nonsense to get to something worth reading, and go do something else with your time. This would make everyone happier.
i wish i could not watch, but at least i know the outcome before hand
Then go to the bank, take out your life savings, and wager it on the team that plays the Eagles in two weeks right now. If you’re going to be miserable, you might as well be rich.
true.
but point spreads ruin it.
if it were pick the winner yes i’d be rich
Put your money where your mouth is tough guy.
If you’re so sure the Eagles are going to lose, bet on it. You can get odds and bet on that straight up.
ok
I want to thank the idiot at the presser who needed to confirm that Nick Foles was indeed the starter(even after calling him Nate). Well done.
too bad Doug botched that answer
Hey. Find something else to do with your time, hater.
Anything else. You have a snark for every scenario.
Don’t come around here with that Fake Fan I’m So Sad trick.
PS…. You’re blocked. Hope everybody else blocks too.
This is the first time I’ve seen this poster on here and I’m already on the verge of blocking him.
Life’s too short to deal with this kind of person.
He’s a troll.
Never seen him anywhere on Disqus before.
wrong
Bye Felicia.
lol
Just blocked him. Already don’t regret it.
wahhhh
That Disqus block is a great feature. 😉
just because someone is doom and gloom doesn’t mean he needs to be blocked. hes understandably upset. while he might be hyperbolic that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have any valid points. dont block someone because you disagree with them or you dont like that their posting negative shit about your team
I agree. But I think that one was toying with us.
nope its obvious
He didn’t make any valid points, he just said “we’re DOOOOOMED!” over and over. That’s not a debate, that’s not worth engaging with. Blocked with extreme prejudice.
wahhhhh
You guys are circling the wagons. 🙂
He’s just a one-note Negadelphian indulging in a little woe-is-me-ism. Everyone has to process their grief differently.
He’s welcome to process his grief by being a miserable mope, and we’re welcome to get up and move out of earshot, which is the what blocking him is the digital equivalent of.
Grief seems like an awfully strong emotion to attach to a football season in any case. Grieving a lost friend or family member, a relationship ending, a pet dying – those things make sense. Grieving over what ultimately amounts to a bunch of guys playing a game in their pajamas? Nah. Especially not when they haven’t even lost yet.
I disagree with lots of people on here, but I almost never block. I often learn from their point of view. This crap is pure trolling. Not worth the time to read.
You’re telling people who they should or shouldn’t block? That’s borderline block-worthy!
Nate Foles… Teams won’t know what hit them. Nate to start the game and Foles to finish….
i wish i was a fake fan.
but don’t try to pretend its not over.
foles is awful now for some reason.
the run game is average.
the defense is weak.
party is over.
Wentz hid all this.
now tis exposed
as sad as this is id still rather have kaepernick over foles
anyone almost would do
Where did this jellyfish douchebag come from?
Blocked.
“jellyfish douchebag”
Good one. I’m adding that to my list of curses.
I’m sad for you too for thinking that…
atleast he can keep the defense honest on the rpos. were going to live and die by our running game and he would certainly help that
if foles pulls his head out of his ass in the playoffs and performs well even if we lose I will eat my words
doesn’t matter if he plays poorly or delivers a ring…Kaep is out of football for a reason. He’s a cancer.
But Kaep is even worse. So even if Foles is horrible and the Eagles choke away a home playoff game, it would be preferable to Kaep.
Sudfelds arm is much stronger than Nicks
holy shit ingram and kamara accounted for almost 3100 yards and 25 tds between the two of them. is there a better two headed monster in history? statistically speaking
Scary duo. Drew Brees is fresh.
Drew Brees doesn’t scare me, honestly. Especially not in cold, windy weather. He’s still a savvy veteran but I would no longer rank him as a top tier QB.
That’s the one QB I don’t want to face in the playoffs. Him and Kamara will rape the Eagles in thr ass.
Have you watched much of the Saints this year? Brees has been outright bad at times, especially on the road. He doesn’t suck but he’s not the All Pro level player he used to be either.
I’d rank Brees about on a level with Newton (we’ve been able to defend him effectively before) and Goff (talented, but a playoff rookie) as far as QBs in the NFC field, behind Ryan and ahead of Keenum. All of these guys are far behind Brady and Roethlisberger if we’re talking about the entire NFL though.
Brees = the older and wiser Jared Goff.
First tandem to account for that many yards from scrimmage. And they did it through the air and on the ground. They look good, and I hope that we don’t have to play them.
at this point i actually think wentz might win the MVP. He was second in TDs to wilson by 1 td while attempting 113 less passes. second highest QB rating by a slim margin. 33 to 7 while brady was 32 to 8 in 3 and a quarter more games. I think he makes a compelling case. the only person who has a reasonable case to beat him is gurley IMO
Yup. Gurley has been the engine for that Rams offense despite McVay saving Goff from falling down the Jeff Fisher cliff. If Brady wins it again then what little faith I have in the league will probably be gone.
If I had a vote it’d go to Gurley. But I think you can make a case for Wentz. Brady is “eh”. Wouldn’t think it was a travesty but I don’t agree either.
Record wise? Wentz had it.
Stats wise? Wentz had it.
Impact wise? Wentz sure as hell had it over Gurley and Brady.
IMO, it should be
Wentz
Gurley
Brady
Wilson
With Gurley being a clear cut second if for some damn reason the voters think that Wentz’s injury should knock him off the throne.
I think it’s a full season award, so Wentz missing the last 3+ games hurts his case. That’s the only reason I have him behind Gurley.
Wilson isn’t getting it simply because they didn’t make the playoffs.
Yup.
numbers with and without Gronk…are interesting….Numbers with and without Ertz — didn’t phase Wentz. I know — Green glasses and all — Wentz was better…
Brady’s only won 2 MVPs. Tallying 3 for his remarkable career isn’t all that crazy.
Also, the league doesn’t determine the award, AP writers do.
I’d like to think that they have a say in who is in the committee that determines it. Kind of like the HoF but..shit that’s also a joke too nvm.
I’m guessing Gurley has almost no chance. My guess is it’s Brady but should be Wentz.
If theres another team in the play offs I’m rooting for it’s the Bills. I don’t think they will do anything but man its gotta be rough going through what they have.
If the Eli manning lead giants can beat the undefeated patriots, anything can happen. I understand not being favorites but I don’t see how anyone who roots for this team can feel really “Down” right now.
This is house money, pay none to the trolls who’s favorite teams are likely golfing today…..
so true!
imagine those giants with Foles instead of eli
Here’s what’s going to happen. Foles is gong to play lights out for the duration of the plaoffs, winning the MVP in the SB and hoisting the Lombardi on Broad St. When Scwartz goes to the Giants, he takes NIck with him. Then we’ll all get on board your hating-Foles train.
i dont hate foles.
i just saw the games thats all
I’m just messin’. Maybe for those of a religious bent: Hate the play not the player?
I’m rooting for all 4 of the AFC teams playing this weekend. Anyone but NE or Pitt is preferable.
Me too. If the Eagles can’t make it to the SB, I’ll root for a Jacksonville – Minnesota duel. Neither of them has a SB win, so history would be written.
I want the Eagles to be the next “new” SB winner. I’ll root for teams that have won before, because who cares if they get another one?
I’m tired of the usual suspects.
except the Pats right?
Haha, I guess it’s easier when you don’t live there…
When Brady takes Wentz’z’z’ MVP trophy you can let the hate flow thru you and get on board.
I agree 100%!
Always had a soft spot for the Bills especially after the Super Bowl losses.
Unfortunately for them their first Super Bowl team was their best one. If Norwood makes that FG, they go down as an NFL All-time team and just ran into a Dallas buzzsaw twice in the Super Bowl.
Eli Manning is so overrated. 2011 was an outlier season. He was never a QB that was always relied on to win it for his team like Brady, Brees, Peyton, Rodgers, Big Ben, Rivers, Romo, and even Matt Ryan were. Him being a HOF lock is a joke.
you mean – the 2 time Suberbowl Champion who is 6th on the all time passing yards had an outlier season? Good call….
No, Donald is quite correct. Eli is massively overrated.
Eli Manning – not HOF
QB rating rankings 2017-22nd, 2016-22nd, 2015-13th, 2014-15th, 2013-35th, 2012-14th, 2011-7th, 2010 – 17th, 2009 – 11th, 2008 – 14th, 2007 – 25th, 2006 -18th, 2005-23rd, 2004 – 34th
Mean – 19.2 / median 17.5
Career stats. 110-100. 60% career completion, 50,635 yards, 334/222 TD/INT, 83.4 rating. 4 Pro bowl
Other career HOF/potential HOF in Eli’s time
Romo 94-49, 65% 34,183, 248/117, 97.1 rating, 4 pro bowl
Rivers 103-55, 64.3%, 49,125, 335 / 163, 94.8 rating, 6 pro bowl
Big Ben 132-62, 64%, 50,052, 323/173, 93.8 rating, 5 pro bowl
Brees 140-105, 67%, 69,680, 484/226, 96.7 rating, 10 pro bowl
Rodgers 94-47, 65.2%, 38,212, 310/75, 104.1 rating, 6 pro bowl
Brady 193-54, 64%, 65,214, 482/156, 97.8 rating, 12 pro bowl
Peyton 186-79, 65.3, 71,940, 539 / 251, 96.5, 14 pro bowl
That is one impressive demolition of Eli’s HoF case. Well done!
Thank pro football reference.
Don’t look now, but Eli’s career QB rating is a full four points lower than that of… Nicholas Edward Foles.
No chance I root for Buffalo with that turd McDermott there.
He was inexperienced coach here who I disliked because he was never gonna live up to JJ the legend. RIP
That said I hold no grudge with him. He is easily less douchey than such personas as:
1.Cam Newton
2.Tom Brady/ Belichick
3.Sean Payton
4. Rams Squad
You had me at Newton, but I’ll never like McDermott.
+ Shady plays there and Bills fans are legit die hards.
Shady and Jordan Matthews
Seems like Seattle might be headed back into mediocrity. A huge part of that defense doesn’t seem to want to play anymore or at least for the team.
I’d love to steal Bobby Wagner.
Same but we can’t afford him.
I’m not going to put a team QBd by Wilson at danger of being mediocre, but they’re out of the deep playoff run business for a few years now.
They just need to switch to being an offense-minded team like all other teams with franchise QBs. They don’t have a choice: defensive players are expensive.
Yea but they’ve sucked at developing offensive talent as well.
so Pete Carroll isn’t a genius then?
The annoying thing about Nick Foles is that the Eagles paid up to get him. For next year that possibly means losing out Nigel Bradham or being able to sign another WR, OL, or RB.
Is there a case of the Eagles not acquiring or retaining a player they wanted due to salary cap issues?
Cuts for age or FO stupidity (Dawkins, Trotter) don’t count.
Arguably DJax?
I’d categorize that under “FO stupidity”.
McCoy. Too soon?
Big Maclin?
Can’t we just attribute everything under Chip to “FO Stupidity”?
The return on Foles via trade once he wins two playoff games will be a mid rounder and we’ll be rid of his deal. Studfeld will be here as the backup and we’ll have $ to make moves.
After he wins the SB MVP, the Giants will offer a first rounder.
I’d settle for 3-6 from the Jets.
Bengals need a QB.
exactly.
Please no moves but stay for my man Nigel B !!
DK –
I say the following as one who’s on record as disappointed with (i) CW’s injury, and (ii) Nick Foles’s lousy couple of weeks . . . and that’s:
Too soon to write off Foles or the season. Just too soon.
Over the decades, the NFL playoffs have had a healthy handful of surprising outcomes w/ back-up QBs at the helm.
And don’t write off Howie getting done what needs to be done in terms of moving players for picks, getting space cleared, and getting the important signings done!
I really doubt Foles is on the team next year.
This Is one you will remember. 1/11/81 In similar weather Ron Jaworski went 9-29-91yds 1 int in the end zone. We won the NFC championship with those numbers. Of course there was this little back that made a contribution. Foles will be fine
Whoever comes in here might be favored even looking forward to playing us, they won’t have the fresh legs and will get thumped. This is a great position to be in the way I see it.
LOL!
do any of the teams come in with Danny White at qb?
Upvote all optimisms! Yeah we are gonna have a whole bunch of hungry players who lead by hunger and athleticism andwill chomping at the bit to attack and NOT fear any of those other teams !! Go Byrds!
nah the annoying thing is he is playing worse than sanchez
Carson Palmer retiring
Be interesting to see what Fitzgerald does now.
If Larry Fitz were interested in chasing a ring with his hometown team I’d bring him in. The definition of a high character guy on and off the field who’d be a great influence on our younger players and he’s still a productive player.
I’ve always loved Fitz. Great receiver and great person. He strikes me as a one team kind of guy, though. I’m sure he’d love a ring but doubt he’d jump teams to chase one.
With a Cardinals rebuild on the horizon he could be key in developing a young QB (if that’s the route they choose). Having a receiver you can trust can do wonders for a young QB’s confidence. Kind of like Ertz has done for Wentz.
Man dunno how Lewis keeps his job at Bengals??
This Saturday the weather will be frigid, however the early forecast for the weather on the 13th is temperature in the 40’s and a decent chance of precipitation.
My wife tells me there’s supposed to be a “frozen hurricane” hitting Philadelphia sometime coming up (we have no idea, we’re in Phoenix, and it’s been in the 60s today.)
Not exactly “hitting” civilized parts. Looks like a very nasty, but coastal, storm.
No Boston I’ll get wrecked. 40 mph winds. 8-12 of snow. That’s thurs. Fri and sat high of like 5 degrees.
I am amused by the image of a married couple sitting comfortably on their sun-drenched deck. The wife looks up from her paper and says, “Looks like a frozen hurricane is going to hit the Northeast.” The husband looks up briefly, they both shiver and reach for their iced drinks.
It was 72* today here in SoCal. 60* right now and I’m freezing :3
Precipitation?
like the rain maker Nick Foles?
If you had written FOles this would be the comment of the day.
https://youtu.be/148F8rR2GSg
Since no Eagles football next week. Been checking out some prospects. Im on the Nelson train!
He wasn’t there when I picked, but here is who I could get.
Round 2 Pick 6 (NYJ): Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame (A)
Round 3 Pick 6 (NYJ): DeShon Elliott, SS, Texas (A)
Round 4 Pick 31: Troy Fumagalli, TE, Wisconsin (A)
Round 5 Pick 18: Quadree Henderson, WR, Pittsburgh (A+)
Round 5 Pick 30: B.J. Hill, DT, North Carolina State (A)
Round 6 Pick 30: Joe Ostman, DE, Central Michigan (A)
Oh i had forgotten the addiction that is first-pick…. brb in 12 hours.
Bye week; good for team health, not so good for having enough to discuss.
I like the idea of Zeke being the third best Elliot in the NFCE.
4th if Jumbo Elliot is being honored by the Giants.
5th….after Elliot Shore Parks!
I’m no Zeke fan, but this one is a stretch.
Lol! Trust me I had to stretch myself!
No chance of getting him unless we plant not just one but TWO videos of him getting high before the draft.
FOLES BLOWS. HE LOOKS AND TALKS LIKE A RETARDED HILLBILLY. CUT HIS ASS AND LET THAT SLEEP AID PLAY INSTEAD OF THIS DICK.
How is it possible that Marvin Lewis gets a 2 year contract extension after announcing he was leaving.
That makes absolutely no sense.
Reverse psychology.
Their owner took the cheapest option most likely.
Probably all drunk off of the wings sent from Buffalo.
I dont get the love for Lewis. Sure the team was garbage before he came, but how long does that exuse last? Forever? The guy hasnt won a single playoff game. How is that acceptable over nearly a decade and a half? Id be outraged. Not to mention, he didnt even field a playoff team in the last two years. All the people defending this move just baffle me.
I don’t think he’s a particularly good coach, but his contract actually expires (expired?) at the end of this season. So they essentially re-signed him to a new deal. That’s why it took a little time to figure out if he even wanted to come back – negotiating.
i just figured out the matchups:
if the falcons beat the rams they will kill the eagles.
if the rams win and the eagles play the panthers they will kill the eagles
but if the saints win and they play the eagles they will kill the eagles.
So you are saying there is a chance…
#Analysis
Eagles signed WR Marquess Wilson to a reserve/future contract.
The buzzed-about 2013 seventh-rounder spent 2017 on the street after making just three appearances in an injury-wrecked 2016. Still only 25, Wilson will try to get his career on track in one of the league’s top offenses this offseason.
Dion Jordan looks like a stud 5 years after he was drafted.
Does anyone think Jeffrey is on this team long term? I think he’s gone after next year.
Does Ags get a deal, ironically he’s our leading receiver?
Any reason to looks at Maclin in the offseason, could he get cut?
Don’t think we’re signing another FA WR unless he’s dirt cheap. Maclin seems like he chases the paycheck.
…He took more money to play for the coach that drafted him and to be closer to family. All the checkmarks were in one one column, and Chip Kelly was in the other. There’s a lot of things you can say about Maclin, but you’re way off base on this one.
Sure you can believe that. What’s your reasoning for him picking the Ravens over us? To be with Marty Mornhinweg? He hated Doug who was also his coach? The dude chased the money and his relevancy as a WR has fell off a cliff.
Some of you get real weird in your fandom about free agency, as if you were offered MILLIONS more dollars at a comparable job, you wouldn’t take it.
I don’t remember a whole lot beyond rumor that we actually made a contract offer, and that it was comparable both in money and playing time to what the Ravens were offering. But if the numbers were significantly better coming from any team, he should absolutely take that offer, and you should get off your high horse about it.
So he chases the money. Where am I off base again?
If he chases money, then so does everyone and you might as well have not said anything.
My god are you dense.
Sure. Or you could have just said Maclin is expecting more money and future security based on his production than we will likely be offering for a WR3 instead of making him into some mega-contract seeking TO diva.
You’ve been attacking your own damn strawman for gods know what reason. You can put all the damn words in my mouth and you still look bad. Did I say he was a diva? All I said was he chased the money and continues to do so.
Maclin too expensive. Alshon just signed the extension, do you think that hastens his exit somehow ?
I’m worried woo won’t ore can’t bring back Nigel B .. damn her is a player!!
..i think Clement also has a ton to offer ..wish he was as athletic as Josh Huff was. . A Clement/Huff cyborg wud be a very goodplayer ha!
Bengals undrafted LB is a beast of an athletic but what a ton of baggage he carries
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