2-4 Never Felt So Good

Posted: October 16th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 105 Comments »

The Eagles beat the Skins 20-13.

At times the Eagles looked dominant.  Other times they were sloppy and made the game far more difficult than it should have been.  I wasn’t worried about style points.  We needed a win.

The defense really showed up today.  Great to see that.  The guys held WAS to 287 yards and 13 points.  WAS was 1 for 10 on 3rd downs.  They were only 1 for 3 in the Red Zone.  The Skins RBs had 12 carries for 28 yards.  They had no big runs.

So what happened?  I didn’t see a lot of schematic adjustments.  I saw a group that played with intensity.  Tackling was much better.  The guys flew around the field.  They swarmed to the ball.  If someone did miss a tackle, another defender was there to clean the play up.

We got the best Safety play of the year.  Kurt Coleman had 3 INTs (would have put him 3rd on the Skins in catches).  Nate Allen had an INT.  Those guys covered well.  They played the run well.  Huge showing for those guys.

The group that quietly played well was the DTs.  My boy Derek Landri played very well.  Mike Patterson had a sack.  Cullen Jenkins was disruptive at times.  Great job by those guys.

The offense was erratic.  Let’s focus on a few positives.  The OL played really well.  Todd Herremans and Winston Justice seemed to play great today.  We’ll see what the tape shows.  The run blocking was very good.  Neither Kerrigan nor Orakpo had a sack.  Kudos to the big uglies.

Shady McCoy came up big.  28-126.  He was a workhorse and carried the team.  Ran for a TD.  Loved watching him run.  He delivered big play after big play.

We also made good use of the TEs today.  Brent Celek was 4-42-1.  He blocked well.  Clay Harbor had some good run blocks as well.

I’ll get more in-depth later.

Finally, Sunday is a Funday.

And go buy some sunglasses.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_L2JVA5WYEWBB2GEBMPY2S4F5NE Jon Blank

    Thank effin god.

    Definitely would have stunk going into the bye already irrelevant.

  • Anonymous

    Nice to get a W. We still saw the same problems that lead to all those second half collapses, but whatever. I live with two skins fans. Good to be able to live in my own house this week.

    Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have this inexplicable need to go get some new sunglasses.

  • Anonymous

    It feels great to go into the Bye week with a division win, some momentum, and the knowledge that we will be coming out of the Bye week with 3 straight home games. We have a chance to seize this second chance at football life, and making something of this season yet. As you said, we didn’t seem to do many things differently from a schematic standpoint. The key was in the passion and the execution. Carry that stuff over and through the bye, and we’ve got a chance to do some good things.

    Now I can sit back, relax, crack open some beers… watch the Cowboys lose… and then watch “The Walking Dead.”

    Sunday is Funday, indeed.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692757645 Corry Henry

    Life is so much better after a W. The defense definitely passed the eyeball test, but I really do wish Juan would take all the zone plays out of his playbook…

  • Anonymous

    Let’s curb our enthusiasm. Rex Grossman and John Beck stink. The Skins don’t have any real threats on the outside. It worries me that we didn’t score a point in the 2nd half. Jim Haslett adjusted to what we were doing offensively and we couldn’t counter. That’s something we’ve always questioned…Andy’s in game adjustments. Also, I didn’t like the way we started playing soft zone coverage on the Redskins lone TD drive. Castillo did a great job of mixing in blitzes and coverages until that point. Anyway…the defense hustled and made tackles. Rolle, Chaney, Coleman, and Allen looked like they belonged on an NFL field. We couldn’t seem to figure out that TE release that they ran to Fred Davis about 47 times, but it didn’t kill us. Oh yeah….we all expected to gouged in the running game and it didn’t happen. Can’t wait for Tommy’s analysis on what we did differently — but it seemed as though we flat out attacked the line of scrimmage. Our LBs and Safeties were able to play instead of think. Oh, and what else can be said about LeSean McCoy?

    • http://twitter.com/theguyotc the guy

      Wow, people can always find a way to be mad at the defense.

      I think the idea on the Skins TD drive was basically playing zone prevent. Keep them from scoring quickly or getting big plays, and make them take time off the clock. Which worked. It took 10 plays to go 80 yards, and it took nearly 4 mins (of the 6:30 remaining) off the clock.

      Besides, in games where one team has a big lead late, the other team almost always manages to score a TD, and it almost always looks like the defense gave up. It’s a part of football. But unlike the rest of the Eagles season, the Skins didn’t score enough to win.

      • Anonymous

        Did you get any sense that the Redskins could quick strike us for a TD? I’m not aware of any coaching philosophy that says, “it’s okay if they cut the lead to 7, as long as it takes them 4 minutes to do it”. Under no situation is is it okay to give up an 80 yard TD drive. Give me a break.

        And who said I was mad at the defense? There are good and bad things to take away from every game. In my opinion, that TD drive was a negative. In your opinion, allowing John Beck an 80 yard drive to cut the lead to 7 is okay. Send me some of what you’ve been drinkin’, ok?

        • http://twitter.com/theguyotc the guy

          With Fred Davis or even Santana Moss? Yes, I did and do get the feeling they could quick strike. They’re better than most NFL teams in terms of # of plays 20+ yards. In fact, a lot of Beck’s passes were dropped. Beck was throwing pretty well, although that’s compared to Grossman so…

          No argument about the TD being a negative. It would have been nice if they had made a stop at some point. Chaney’s penalty negated a 3rd and 10, they allowed a conversion on 4th and 9, and somehow Beck’s fumble bounced right back into his hands. Any of those could/would have ended the drive.

          Of course there’s good and bad to be taken, but if the bad for the defense is they allowed their first TD with 3:31 remaining in the game, despite the Eagles offense scoring no 2nd half points and turning the ball over twice, I’m not bothered. Especially compared to what we’ve seen of them in the first 5 weeks.

          • Anonymous

            We may have to agree to disagree on this one. Davis and Moss are capable of big plays, but I didn’t see anything to that point to make me believe it would happen. I think it just irks the crap out of me when a defense softens like that instead of doing the same thing they had success with the entire game.

            What we can agree on, however, is that 0 2nd half points from the offense was inexcusable.

            The point of my entire post was that there’s still things to fix. At 2-4, I’m not ready to get optimistic about too much just yet.

  • Anonymous

    First off, I’m happy we won. As far as the season goes, we needed this win, so however it happened, I am happy. Having said that, the team can not afford to be satisfied with that win going into the bye week. We still have major issues that have not been correct yet. Defensively, you have to appreciate what we managed to do today. I did not believe in Castillo, and even after this game, I still have significant doubts, but our defense played a great game, and showed up for all four quarters. If I am going to nit pick a little bit, I will say that you have to wonder how different things would have been if we are not playing Grossman. The Nate Allen interception for example was a decent catch by Allen, but he was beat on the play, and a better throw could have led to a huge play for the Redskins. Again, that’s nit picking though.

    On offense, there are still some serious concerns. We scored our second touchdown in the first minute of the second quarter, we had all the momentum, our defense was playing great, and we continued to move the ball effectively. Then we got back into the redzone twice and couldn’t manage to score TDs. The first failed redzone drive, we ran what seemed to me like a WR screen with our Oline all blocking away from the direction of the pass. Even if the ball was not tipped, Maclin wasn’t going to gain many yards with both a CB and a safety nearby. I wasn’t a fan of that play. The next play, we ran a shuffle pass to McCoy from the 10 yard line. I like that play inside the 5 yard line because even though it is kind of a gadget play, it is relatively low risk and it has been effective. However, from the 10, I think there are more effective play calls that don’t require us doing these gadget plays. Of course, I will take that series of play calls over handing the ball off twice to Schmitt or giving Ronnie Brown a run/pass option in the redzone any day. After those two failed tries, I think we started to give the Redskins momentum. Our offense struggled the rest of the game for the most part and never added points to the score board. We should have gone up 28-0 early on, and after the half, we should have managed to score more points to prevent the game from being uncomfortable at the end.

    Again, I’m happy to have the win, but there is still a lot of work that has to be done if we want to have a chance at having a successful season.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7K4YJFWLTZZRJVVS6PCWX2QJTE marc

      Agree w/ everything . . . except the shuttle-pass to McCoy on 2nd-and-goal from the 10 in the 2nd Q.

      First, McCoy had a clear lane for a TD . . . but he dropped the ball.

      Second, I don’t think its a “gimmick” — at least not for the Eagles.

      Teams know the Eagles throw pretty much all the time. So D-lines attack.

      So the Birds run shuttle pass to function like a trap-draw, getting D-linemen up field and LBs dropping quickly. So the linemen can line up their blocks.

      Anyway, if McCoy holds on, it’s a TD (or close).

      Otherwise, I AGREE with everything else.

      I wonder if Tony Romo’s out there whether the Eagles win.

      MARTY . . . let’s go.

      • Anonymous

        *cough* It’s shovel pass *cough*

  • Anonymous

    I’m sat here soaking up and actually enjoying some football in mah stunna’ shades yo

    • Anonymous

      Nice.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7K4YJFWLTZZRJVVS6PCWX2QJTE marc

    Juan knows what he’s doing . . . when his players tackle.

    The tackling problems so impacted this team in weeks 2-5.

    Today . . . just like the last 25 minutes in Buffalo . . . the Eagles Defense dominated.

    But the T.E.–something’s gotta be done with Jason Whitten coming to town.

    • Anonymous

      OMG it was all Jarrad Page’s fault. See I told ya!

      Seriously though, when Coleman and Allen play well — they had some misplays, but they made some solid plays and were not liabilities — everything else looks so much better.

      That goal-line pick by Coleman was well-timed and it really wasn’t a terrible throw by Rex so much as it was a good play by Coleman to come over Davis and get it. Granted, they targeted Davis so much it wasn’t hard to guess right …

      I think with NA and AS teams are going to attack TEs hard and have *some* success … if the Ss can play like that more often than not, our D will be adequate.

      The zone thing up two TDs didn’t worry me as much as others. I’ll have to re-watch the DVR but apparently going heavy on man coverage made a huge difference.

  • http://twitter.com/theguyotc the guy

    Andy’s not feeling so good.

    http://imgur.com/aT2fz

  • Anonymous

    I like to look at opposing blogs, no I’m not a troll, I don’t post, anyways here’s a nice one from a Redskins fan:

    “The rest of the league
    Must be pissed at us for letting the dragon wake up

    by CJHutch on Oct 16, 2011 2:45 PM EDT reply”

    Yeah he did say it when it was 20-3, but still it sounds nice and I hope he’s right.

    • Anonymous

      I’m pretty sure he is referring to Rex Grossman’s arm throwing interceptions. The Kissing Suzy Kolber website refers to Rex as Sexy Rexy and nicknamed his arm “the dragon” http://kissingsuzykolber.uproxx.com/2006/11/f-k-it-im-throwing-it-downfield.html (Caution: VERY profanity laced)

      • Anonymous

        As clever as that would be, that would make the rest of the league happy.

        So I think he meant the Eagles.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7K4YJFWLTZZRJVVS6PCWX2QJTE marc

    On an (now) unrelated note . . . the Colts are racing to win the Luck sweepstakes. Big time.

    I wonder if they’ll win at all.

    Also, the Packers and Mike McCarthy get the “good guys” award for sparing Spags and the Rams what could have been a Wisconsin v. Indiana score.

    I wonder what team Spags will be the D.C. for next year.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GWMNZ32U6YPGGA7N4JNWH4OSJE Mac

      I like Castillo as a person, but I hope we land Spags or Frasier…

  • Anonymous

    One thing I saw reported a few times was that our scheme was tweaked a bit actually.

    Jeff_McLane Jeff McLane
    Don’t pay attention to what Reid said about scheme up front working today because guys just needed time. Wide 9 was used less than in…

    Jeff_McLane Jeff McLane
    … any other game this season. Asked if we’ll see more of the same, #Eagles DE Darryl Tapp said, “It worked so I think we’ll see more.”

    also

    RoobCSN Reuben Frank
    Looks like Eagles are running Wide 9 on passing downs and something like a Wide 5 1/2 on other downs.

    I didn’t focus on it myself, so I would be interested to hear what your thoughts are on the slight change in scheme/if there really was a change.

    • Anonymous

      Juan referred to scheme changes coming this week.

      This is smart.

      Playing a lot of man seemed to be part of it too. Against the skins it is wise to put the safety in the box or mainly use him to cover the middle of the field.

  • Anonymous

    This is great, picked this up from the Skins blog also, Eagles fans represent the road games well.

    “As for the game day experience, I’ve been scalping Redskins tickets since our last home playoff game vs Detroit in 1999. Today was the hardest ticket I’ve ever seen. So much so Ken and I couldn’t get in the game. The only two tickets scalpers had were uppers for $100 each. With the Redskins already losing we passed and and instead watched the game with Skins fans in the parking lot. Except for the great company, it was not a pleasant experience on many levels. We would hear a roar from the crowd five seconds before the play developed on TV. To my surprise (not really) the roar was for the Eagles doing something well. We seriously couldn’t tell the difference between Skins fans and Eagles fans. When I decided to head home early in the 4th quarter, a parking attendant wearing an Eagles hat taunted me for Skins sucking. Yea…what a great experience for a die-hard Redskins fan already in a pissy mood.”

    • Anonymous

      When I lived in Virginia Beach, I went to a handful of the Skins/Eagles games at FedEx field. The place is a dump, and–save for a select few–their fans are pretty lame. They strike me as Los Angeles-type fans. They go to the game for the spectacle and to socialize. Most of them don’t seem to care about the outcome.

      Always proud when our fans represent on the road. It was really evident last week when half the crowd in Buffalo, NY was chanting “lets go defense” for the Birds’ D.

    • Anonymous

      A die-hard fan? The guy gave up and went home early in the 4th quarter. The parking lot attendant should have activated those tire-slashing things.

      But good report on the fan base.

      • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GWMNZ32U6YPGGA7N4JNWH4OSJE Mac

        I think any Redskin fan counts as diehard at this point.

        • Anonymous

          Well played.

  • Anonymous

    Looking forward, I was actually pleased with the way the second half played out. There are certainly valid points in the comments that we cannot be satisfied with this game, but if we become satisfied at any point this season, the season is over.

    This team needed to be tested and come out on top. Had the second half gone like the first, it would have be a comfortable win. Instead, Vick had a ball batted and picked, the defense responded and forced a punt.

    Vick went out of the game and that other guy came in and threw a pick. The team could have threw up their hands and say, “Wait, I played this game before.” (I know I did.) Instead, they came onto the field in the shadow of their goalposts and picked off a pass.

    The ‘Skins started creeping back, but the team shut the door and took the win. The defense looked strong, sound, and confident. The offense sputtered, but closed the game out when it mattered.

    I think this was a better win than 30-6 would have been for our team’s long-term mental health.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7K4YJFWLTZZRJVVS6PCWX2QJTE marc

      Really?

      You’re not in favor of good, mistake-free, dominant football?

      Interesting.

      • http://twitter.com/theguyotc the guy

        I think his point is that had they had a simple blowout, they could come away from the game thinking the problems are solved and they can skate on talent alone. Combined with not being entirely eliminated from playoff contention, they could head into the bye slacking.

        Instead, they had to gut out a game, in which they had many of the same problems they had all year but didn’t let the other team win. They go into the bye knowing they still have a chance, but they also know they need to work hard on the problems.

        This team has seemed lazy and careless all year. Anything that helps shake them out of it is good.

        • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7K4YJFWLTZZRJVVS6PCWX2QJTE marc

          I understood his point.

          My point is, why isn’t the idea that the Eagles dominated and played mistake free not even more important.

          Success in football, like other sports, is much a product of the players’ confidence.

          Not fear.

          I’d have loved to see them kick the Redskins around.

          Then carry that confidence into the next game.

          • Anonymous

            Which would be fine if they continue to kick every team around from here on out. I want a team that knows it can win when the going gets tough and the other team plays us well. This team had not experienced that before today.

            Your description of the first half as “dominant and played mistake free” show the trap. Vick had tipped balls in the first half, they just fell harmlessly. We had drives stall in the red zone. Even after the first half, there was stuff to work on.

        • Anonymous

          I agree with ATG and the guy. I think it being a grind-it-out win that still had some slop to it gets them into the bye with confidence, but not the idea that they can let up.

          They have a lot to work on during the bye but they are totally a team that can put a serious run together. I want this bye work to be super productive for them.

          Stay humble and work on smoothing out the edges.

          • Anonymous

            Cocky v. Confident.

            I think this bunch has learned the difference.

            I’ll take a shutout any day.

    • Anonymous

      That’s a legit point – if we coast through this, I think we may have started to buy back into the hype a little too quickly. It wasn’t pretty, but an ugly win where we were good on fundamentals will go a long way towards getting our guys believing again.

      And I don’t know what Juan did, but kudos to him, and I hope this means that our D is going to start playing for him again.

      (Also, just saw Tom Brady QB Sneak a 3rd and like 1.5 yards. So THAT’S what a big QB and big center do for you.)

      • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_LHFJFXII7VH2DWYBBXFKWQVZS4 ike

        NEGA-DELPHIA.

        Look at the Bills.

        They’re playing with CONFIDENCE. What a difference that makes.

        Not . . . “oh, we nearly blew another. we’re not great. better play hard.”

      • Anonymous

        Speaking of QB sneaks, another 1.5 yard sneak by the Patriots.

    • Anonymous

      Very interesting take. Could be some real wisdom there. One thing that scares me is our guys thinking “we’ve got this turned around now, we’re okay.”

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7K4YJFWLTZZRJVVS6PCWX2QJTE marc

    Danny Watkins . . .

    He’s not Jahri Evans yet.

    But he’s going to be very, very good.

    Kelce . . . jeez, on short yardage he just seems overmatched. Otherwise, love the guy.

  • Anonymous

    I am surprised by the pessimism from some of you guys. Yeah, maybe the game didn’t “flow” very well for us in the 2nd half, but after dominating in the 1st half, we played not to lose in the 2nd half. And I’m fine with that. Because it worked. Not only is it a ‘W,’ but its a ‘W’ with some supporting numbers:

    6-for-16 on 3rd down compared to 1-for-10 on 3rd down.
    38:08 in time of poss. to 21:52 in time of poss.
    4 turnovers forced to 2 turnovers forced.
    422 total yards to 287 total yards.
    38 carries, 192 yards(5.1) to 14 carries, 42 yards(3.0).

    I don’t know about you guys, but I’ll take those numbers every week.

    • http://twitter.com/theguyotc the guy

      I don’t mind the *defense* playing not to lose. I’m not sure what the offense was doing.

      Aside from Shady of course.

    • Anonymous

      Heard that, I’m just happy we can go into the bye week and still feel like there’s a season. Next 3 games are at home, there’s hope.

    • http://twitter.com/theguyotc the guy

      Some more 2nd half offensive numbers.

      In 6 second half drives:
      * 2 INTs (1 in RZ), 2 punts, 1 turnover on downs, and the final game-ending drive.
      * 6 first downs, averaging just 1 per drive.

    • Anonymous

      I think those numbers are exactly why people are pessimistic actually. Looking at those number alone, you would never think the game was only won by 7 points. We dominated the game but only managed 20 points. In fact, there are some similarities to our losses with those numbers. We have been gaining yardage fine throughout the season. We just haven’t converted that yardage into points.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_LHFJFXII7VH2DWYBBXFKWQVZS4 ike

    TOMMY:

    I look forward to your take on the “Wide 9″ kerfuffle.

    I have no problem if the Birds mix things up.

    The Colts, with Freeney and Mathis, only lined up wide consistently — in a Wide 9 — on passing downs.

    Otherwise, the Colts played mixed things up. And had great success.

    In any event, whatever Juan did — super. Make the scheme fit the players. Not vice-versa.

  • Anonymous

    This offense with Vick is so different than during the D-Mac era.

    With McNabb, without even checking the score, you had a good idea if the Eagles won by looking at how many receivers caught a pass. 9 receivers was almost a guaranteed victory.

    Not all the same with Vick. His yardstick generally has been how well D-Jax did.

    Maybe the litmus test now should be the top-3 WRs collectively.

  • Anonymous

    Let’s go Birds!! Saw some promising things today, and now I’m feeling very good about us going 12-4 and cruising to the Super Bowl!

    Anyone want to start looking into tickets and we can make our own little Iggles Blitz tailgate party in Indy?

  • http://twitter.com/theguyotc the guy

    Anyone else notice how different the 4 man rush looks when Trent Cole isn’t playing?

    Numbers seem to support it too:
    * First 4 games: 15 sacks, 3.75 per game
    * Last 2 games: 3 sacks, 1.5 per game

    Or could it be scheme adjustments on the line? Injured Parker and Tapp? Dixon out?

    • Anonymous

      To be fair, the Bills have allowed only 7 sacks all season (tied for 2nd fewest in the league) and the Redskins have only allowed 10 (tied for 12th in the league). Meanwhile, Rams have allowed 22 (worst in the league), Falcons – 15 (25th), Giants – 14 (tied for 23rd), and 49ers – 16 (tied for 26th). All that being said, you would certainly expect it to go down a bit when you take a pro bowl DE out of the lineup.

      Note: I’m not sure if those numbers are up to date, or if they are last weeks numbers.

      • http://twitter.com/theguyotc the guy

        The main reason for my post was that despite the injuries and general quality of the Redskins’ O-line, Eagles didn’t seem to be getting to the QB.

        They were hitting him every now and then, but that was usually due to the QB holding on to the ball for too long.

  • Anonymous

    Tommy:

    (If you’re still reading these . . . .)

    Do you think you could comment on what the ‘Skins “D” — or Eagles “O” — did differently in the 2nd half until the last drive w/ McCoy dominating.

    It was like 2 different games . . . and it started after the deflected INT in the RZ.

    By the way — LOVED the old-fashioned WCO in the first half. Short, quick passing.

  • Anonymous

    Watching the ‘Boys beating up the Patriots offense.

    Shocking. Even w/ the 2 weeks to prepare

  • Homer Frizzell

    Big sigh of relief. Hope they can keep up their habit of winning after the bye and get back into this thing.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_LHFJFXII7VH2DWYBBXFKWQVZS4 ike

    TOMMY:

    Up by 14 in the 3rd (?) quarter, Reid elected to for it on 4th and 2 at the ‘Skins 32 (or so).

    Was that because:

    (1) he’s not all that confident in Henery (even though a FG makes it a 3-possession game and a miss still leaves the, to that point, shaky ‘Skins offense 60 yards from the endzone); or

    (2) the ‘Skins constantly went to single coverage on short yardage downs — and the Eagles liked the match ups and (I think) to that point, had been doing well in those situations.

    Even if it’s #2, Henery needs a 40+ FG . . . and 3-possession game in the 2nd half is tough to come back from (w/ Grossman & Beck).

    • Anonymous

      I’m not sure what ARs thinking was one that play. Personally, I thought a FG would have been the right call. However, I have always been a fan of going for 4th and short when your offense is inside the 50 and outside FG range. It seems to be something we have been doing more of, which either could be out of desperation due to our record or could be a change in philosophy. I just think that especially around the 40 yard line, unless you have a great punter, more often than not nets you around 20 yards. If you can manage to get the 4th and short, chances are, you will have a chance to at least go for 3 points. It’s possible that was what AR was thinking, but I agree with you, up by 14, at the 32 yard line, I think a FG would have been the wiser choice.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_LHFJFXII7VH2DWYBBXFKWQVZS4 ike

    The Patriots just scored on a Brady to Hernandez TD to take the lead w/ 25 seconds [on an 80 yard drive in 2 minutes]– with Hernandez lined up as a WR.

    I think the Eagles viewed Ingram as a player who would be used pretty much the way the Patriots have used Hernandez.

    TOMMY — what do you think?

    • Anonymous

      No doubt. Ingram was going to be a weapon, not just a TE.

  • Anonymous

    the eagles didnt blitz much. that’s the key right now– no silliness.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AHVR5EZERRCZSD77DMKWAEEPLA Steve H

    It was nice that the Cowboys lost, but it wasn’t really satisfying the in the same way it would have been if Tony Romo had done something epicly stupid to lose the game. Disappointing in that respect.

    • Anonymous

      Ahah. Agreed. The 2nd half lacked any classic Romo-isms.

      • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AHVR5EZERRCZSD77DMKWAEEPLA Steve H

        I’m hoping that next week he’ll do something that will shatter his confidence again and have him gunshy for our meeting 2 weeks from now.

        • http://oriolesupdate.blogspot.com/ Brian

          I’d love for him to make one of his trademark gaffes against the Eagles.

    • http://twitter.com/alex_karklins Alex Karklins

      Still pretty satisfying for me. The Dallas D played lights-out all game, only to collapse at the very end. That’s got to be hard to take.

    • Anonymous

      Dallas is my least favorite team, but the Patriots are not far behind, so I didn’t mind seeing the Patriots looking sloppy all game. I was satisfied with seeing two teams I dislike not looking all that good.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QAFPMGBMKM5HPPPGKT5AVL53LA Gary

      You could see that Garrett was really trying not to let Romo blow the game. Quick passes, a lot of runs, and that was after they had been having pretty good success throwing. I really think Garrett was kind of protecting Romo.

  • Anonymous

    What I saw wasn’t all that much different than the Niners game, except we won – thanks mainly to Grossman, Beck and Shanny, not due to us. Still too many defensive lapses, still a bad red-zone offense.
    The Dallas game coming out of the bye will make or break us – a loss and I smell 6-10 with a total housecleaning, but a win and we have a chance in the Division, mainly because the Redskins are who we thought they were (a fraud), the Giants are closer to the team that lost to Seattle at home last week than a real contender and Dallas still has Romo at the helm.
    Andy’s got 2 weeks to really right the ship…the time’s his!

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AHVR5EZERRCZSD77DMKWAEEPLA Steve H

      Well it also turns out the Niners may not be as bad as people thought they were either.

    • Anonymous

      We played infinitely better D this week. That makes a huge difference.

      Score was similar, but circumstances quiet different.

  • Anonymous

    What a weekend it would’ve been had the Giants lost. Damn!!!! Well anyways, not bad.

  • Matthew Butch

    This is the team I thought we’d see all year. One that made plays, even after mistakes.

    The offense really has to get back in rhythm in the second half, though. Its disappointing to see them score 0 points in the fourth.

  • Anonymous

    It is really remarkable (ironic? sad?) how Donovan’s season has mirrored our own. The disappointing start, the second half collapses, now he might be on his way to a Buffalo-like comeback/heartbreaker.

    • Anonymous

      I love Donovan McNabb for everything he did from 1999-2009, but the last couple of years have been utterly depressing. The worst part is that he could turn things around if he would just be willing to admit there are problems and work on them. His pride is going to end his career prematurely. Sad to see.

      • Anonymous

        It has been hard to watch. Last week when he said “I guess you’re going to tell me I have been inaccurate my entire career” when responding to the question about his mechanics, I just cringed. I really wanted him to go to Minn. and prove that his year at Washington was a fluke, but if anything, right now he might be even destroying some of his legacy in Philly. Watching him play now, it’s hard to see the guy who was so great in Philly and largely without the kind of weapons we have now on offense.

        I think McNabb proved himself in Philly to be a quality QB, but seeing him struggle since he left, and adding the history of several other QBs who have been in and out of ARs system, it makes you kind of wonder if ARs system is just a lot more QB friendly than other teams’.

        • Anonymous

          I think Donovan also has a tricky personality. Andy did a good job of handling him in Philly. Other guys have no idea how to handle him.

          Sad end to a terrific career.

          • Anonymous

            Yea, it is a sad end. At one time he was a premier qb and one of the classiest guys to ever play for the Eagles. He put up with a ton of crap over the years — from the draft day boos to 2nd tier wrs to Rush Limbaugh, etc. He always handled himself like a man and I’ll always respect him for that.

          • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GWMNZ32U6YPGGA7N4JNWH4OSJE Mac

            Always is a strong word. McNabb was classy at times, but at other times he strung together sentences that were barely recognizable as English. Nice guy, but eventually pride bit him in the hind quarters. I do not think he has the same career if he isn’t drafted by Andy Reid.

          • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GWMNZ32U6YPGGA7N4JNWH4OSJE Mac

            I think there is such a thing as knowing when you’re done. Few football players seem to be capable of stepping back and looking at things objectively to realize they don’t have it anymore. Everyone wants to be immortal, everyone wants to be Brett Farve and play until they’re 65… but football is a young mans game. Seeing McNabb get chased down by an injured Julius Peppers tells you all you need to know.

          • Steven Dileo

            I like McNabb, its a shame to see him go down this path. The annoying thing is that every off season he works on his strength training more than his throwing mechanics.

          • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GWMNZ32U6YPGGA7N4JNWH4OSJE Mac

            Yeah and to be honest. I think his strength is part of his problem. To me it looks like he tries to muscle throws in to a receiver and pulls them down into the dirt as a result. I have no idea if that is actually true, but to me, it makes sense.

          • Anonymous

            Always is a strong word but I’m going to stick to it for now. Maybe I’m just a sentimental fool (better than being just a straight up fool, I guess). I used to think McNabb was a poor speaker at times because he was trying to say the right thing rather than what he truly felt. Like politicians do all the time.

            I try to imagine how hard it must be for these guys to admit their career is over and hang up the cleats. Most of them have never really prepared for life after football. Plus, ever since they were kids they’ve been the center of attention and applause. Not hearing the roar of the crowd, or hearing it for the younger dudes, must be a killer.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DPZBMFBVAVUM65GQ3VDXOQDYZQ Morton

    If Rex Grossman doesn’t give the game away to the Eagles, they’re 1-5 heading into the bye.

    Don’t think for a second that if John Beck was in the game from the start that the Eagles still perform as admirably on defense. Beck was in the game for a hot minute and he still shredded the defense.

    Rex Grossman is simply not an NFL starting-caliber QB and any wins against him should be disregarded.

    • Anonymous

      28 yards from the running backs in one of the league’s better rushing attacks! Great play from the safeties! How about that Juan Castillo?

      Go Redskins.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=548999324 Matt Hoover

    Tommy what do you make of the rumors of the Broncos shopping BDawk? Any chance we bring him home? Rumor also they want a 3rd round pick for DJ Williams the former Pro Bowl LB? Any chance for Philly?

    • Anonymous

      I’d be ecstatic to have Dawk back (as a mentor and leader this young D). Also please give me DJ Williams, who’s a big uprade over Fokou at SAM.

      A starting LB trio of DJ – Chaney – Rolle doesn’t sound too bad, does it?!

      In order to make up room for Dawkins and DJ the Eagles can easily cut Akeem Jordan (what happened to him any way?!) and Page.

      • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GWMNZ32U6YPGGA7N4JNWH4OSJE Mac

        Jordan is one of our primary back up linebackers and a special teams contributor. He looked decent a few years ago… but has never stepped up and shown true starter talent.

  • Anonymous

    After last season I think a lot of people felt that a lockout would hurt Vick a lot since teams have figured out how to stop him. Hopefully the bye week will give him and the coaches some much needed time to work on Vick’s game. An article on Tra, from PE, mentioning how after being drafted he was the starting LT the 1st game of the season after 5 mth of work; reminds me how this yr all the new coaches, players and dramatic changes that took place this summer only allowed 2 mth to somehow prepare for the 1st game of the yr. Were not talking about 1 player getting prepared this yr, but changes in every def. positional coach, as well as a DC getting his feet wet for the 1st time trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces not there to work with and some of whom he had no idea he was getting til the last minute. The same case for the OL. Prior to this yr they always knew who there players, OL, DL defensive schemes were and only had minor things to work on in over twice the amount of time. All the excitement of the line coaches and players it’s easy to forget that work takes time; if the team had Tra’s time they wouldn’t be have to start til December. If a baseball team got all the best players, coaches and nicest newest gloves in the world; but weren’t aloud to break their gloves in, I wonder how good
    they’d be?
    We were making changes and getting younger on offense a couple yrs ago then last yr we started making changes to the defense, this yr we quickly added half a new starting defense(2 of 3 new CB’s, a LB and now 3 DL). With the changing OL coach 3 of 5 starters weren’t on this team as well last yr. I doubt many teams have had quick success with around 40% of the starting players not being on the team the previous yr. as well as 1/2 of the coaches changing and no time to gel together. During Reids time in Philly he’s never had close to this many changes and add to that the lockout alomg with changes that don’t even allow for practices with tackling. He’s not a coach and Nostrodomis(?spelling), but they’re trying there best under all the oddest of circumstances. If things don’t work out this yr, than given a chance, I’m sure he will succeed next yr since he will be aloud to work with the players and coaches; as long as he doesn’t decide to leave the most hospitable positve sports media city in the USA of course.

  • Anonymous

    All respect to Shady! Does anyone know the last time, if ever, Reid had a rb carry the ball 28 times? In a single game, I mean, not for the whole season…

    • Anonymous

      This is sort of out of left field but isn’t tonight the deadline for the Birds to take Graham off the PUP list? Haven’t seen anyone mention him recently and was just wondering if he’s ready to play and how adding him will impact the roster.
      Will Page really get cut to make room for him, Hunt gets cut and hopefully makes it through waivers and onto the PS, do they trade Parker or do something completely out of … yeah I’ll use the same expression again, left field?

      • Anonymous

        Cutting Hunt in favor for activating BG would be a mistake, though. I’d rather see JP getting the boot, since he hasn’t provided any pressure at all!

        • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GWMNZ32U6YPGGA7N4JNWH4OSJE Mac

          Tough tough call… I honestly didn’t see JP making the team this year, but having said that I see how important rotation is, which I think indicates that Page gets cut. I am of the opinion that we need JP, Hunt, and Graham to make this thing run.

          • Steven Dileo

            Parker made some good plays yesterday. I would be against cutting a veteran like him in favor of Page. Do we really need 5 safetys?

          • Anonymous

            I would definitely be in favor of cutting Page over any other move. Hunt has too much upside and we’ve seen just how important a deep rotation is to the pass rush and also how quickly the DL can get dinged up.
            Keeping an extra DL over a fifth S who played his way down the depth chart behind 3 1st or 2nd year guys is a no-brainer to me. But I also didn’t think we needed 5 safetys at the beginning of the season either.
            I was just wondering if something has been said about Graham’s return.

      • Steven Dileo

        My money would be on Page getting cut in favor of Graham. He went from being a starter to being inactive. They even gave Jarrett a few reps on first team during practice. Page isn’t a good ST player nor is he a young player with high potential.

        I think it’s more likely that the Eagles would rather keep 11 DL than 5 safteys.

      • Anonymous

        I believe we can take him off PUP now, but we have a few weeks before we HAVE to. He might be a roster exemption or something until we add him to the 53 roster. Last year Abiamiri was on PUP and in week 9 or something he went on IR

        • Anonymous

          Oh yeah, you’re right. I just looked it up. PUP means you HAVE to sit out the first 6 weeks. Afterwards you have a 3 week window to be activated or else you’re put on IR.
          So I guess I jumped the gun on that one. No wonder no one has talked about it yet.
          Everyone can continue the normal discussion about sunglasses.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GWMNZ32U6YPGGA7N4JNWH4OSJE Mac

      Not sure how many years back you have to go for that… I know it is years, I heard the stat this morning, but I can’t seem to find it.

      Here’s another fun stat V(the dream)Y is currently has a 100% completion rate (to the other team).

    • Steven Dileo

      I think it might have been to Westbrook, back in 07′ vs. Miami. We lost McNabb in that game and Andy decided to run Westbrrok to close out that game.

      Looked up the box score- Westbrook 32 rushes, 148 yards.
      The opposing QB- John Beck.

      • Anonymous

        Thanks for your help. The Beck connection is incredible. Lots of talk at the game yesterday comparing Shady and Westy.

  • Steven Dileo

    Mike Vick must have the worst luck when it comes to interceptions. I can only think of maybe 2 interceptions that were his fault.

    Karma is a bitch. It’s making up for the interceptions he got away with last year.

    • Anonymous

      The balls that hit a WR in the hands and then pops up into the air are on the WR, but throws that hit the dlineman’s hands are still on Vick. Vick is a short QB, so he has a disadvantage with seeing and throwing over lineman, but there is a reason he has so many batted balls at the line of scrimmage.

  • Anonymous

    I was thinking about Vick going over 5000 yards rushing. This is truly a remarkable achievement. I’d say there’s little chance we’ll see anyone match that stat for a long, long time.

  • Anonymous

    What a surprise they finally gave the rock to Shady…and those short passes of the typical WCO were great to see…….I really hope MM and AR continue to use it…you set the run and short passes to perfectly set up the long ball…Tommy any chance we do any trades? Beck looked pretty decent in his short stint and once again we had that Fitzpatrick run up the middle…Brady does the same too….Tommy any thoughts on Philip Hunt…hardly see any pressure from him..?

  • Anonymous

    TOMMY:

    Why do you think the Eagles went away from the quick 3-step drops for Vick in the 2nd half (as reported by PDN’s Domo)?

    Assuming they did, that is.