Gameday – Philly at Dallas

Posted: December 2nd, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 43 Comments »

Philly at Dallas.  One of my favorite games all year.  We get to enter a den of depravity and fight for the triumph of good over evil.  Personally, I’d rather have a playoff  berth on the line, but what can you do.

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The possible highlight of the year is beating the Giants on SNF.  Beating Dallas would give the season a nice bookend.  I know many of you want the team to lose to help draft position.  I get that.  I would like to beat the friggin’ Cowboys, though.  Seeing Sad Jerry makes me smile.  Heck, I think it brings a smile to puppies and new born infants.  Even the innocent know his suffering is a good thing.

Other than winning, I have one goal tonight:    Keep Romo’s QB rating under 120.

Is that embarrassing or what?  In the old days I wanted to knock him out of the game.  I cheered for shutouts.  I wanted to hold Emmitt Smith to under 50 yards.  I wanted Michael Irvin knocked out of the game.  Now, I will be happy if Romo’s QB rating is 119.4 (so he can’t even round up to 120).

Instead of sacks, I’m cheering for incompletions and interceptions.  Sad.  So very sad.  This is what the 2012 Eagles have driven me to.

* * * * *

Obviously I’ll be watching the young Eagles closely.

I wrote a game preview for PE.com and discussed the young guys.

Mr. James L. Bama and I did a podcast that started as a game preview and went all over the place.  We covered the young players in there, but meandered quite a bit since doing straight game preview just isn’t as fun anymore.

* * * * *

There are no NFC East teams to root against today since NYG/WAS is the Monday night game.  So…who do we cheer against today?  If we can’t be happy this year, it is only fair for other teams to suffer.

Due to draft positioning we now should actually cheer for crappy teams to win.

Go:

JAX over BUF

KC over CAR (for other reasons too)

OAK over CLE

SD over CIN

Again, this is what the 2012 Eagles have driven us to.  Damn you Eagles, damn you!!!

But please beat Dallas…

_

  • ACViking

    [Reposted]

    Re: Bob Ford’s Column Today in the Inquirer
    http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20121202_Bob_Ford__Jeffrey_Lurie_needs_to_end_his_silence_on_Andy_Reid.html

    T-Law:

    In his column, Ford raises the possibility — to explain Jeff Lurie’s silence — that Andy will not be leaving after this season. All the injuries.

    He also says that Lurie’s comment that he expected improvement was in the context of a question about giving Reid another extension (asked right after the LaMonte kerfuffle) . . . not in the context of what would justify a firing.

    Lurie — Ford argues — has never gone on record, ever, to say that AR would be cut loose if the Eagles did not improve.

    There exists, in other words, some wiggle room for Lurie.
    _____________

    So I put to you, T-Law, “isn’t this an indictment of our entire American society?”

    Oops.

    Seriously, what is the probability that Lurie keeps Andy? And if he keeps him, doesn’t he almost have to give him at least a 1-year extension?

    Or is Andy D-O-N-E?

    • P_P_K

      Ford’s column is interesting. Lurie might just look out at his world and decide it wouldn’t be that bad for him to keep Andy around for the last year of his contract. Then Andy might want to keep Vick. This could be a very strange off-season.

    • holeplug

      It’s hilarious that Lurie’s policy of not speaking during the season is driving the beat guys crazy.

      “I know Lurie already told us why he doesn’t speak during the year but what does his silence REALLY mean about Andy Reid’s future”

    • austinfan

      What’s Lurie gonna do, give Andy a vote of confidence?
      Yeah, that’s inspire the team.

      • ACViking

        Don’t shoot me . . . I’m just asking.

        I wonder what the fan-base’s reaction would be. Specifically, season ticket holders.

        Personally, I’d check out until Reid’s gone and watch Slippery Rock University games on the internet.

  • bdbd20

    Tommy,

    What’s your opinion on Aaron Murray? If he comes out, where does he rank with Smith and Barkley?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kanin-Faan/100000790557328 Kanin Faan

    “Instead of sacks, I’m cheering for incompletions and interceptions. Sad. So very sad. This is what the 2012 Eagles have driven me to.”

    hear, hear…

  • laeagle

    Every time we beat Dallas, an angel gets his wings…

  • P_P_K

    I’m excited about tonight’s game because it is against the hated Cowboys. End of story. An Eagles upset tonight would just about destroy the Cowboys chances of a wild card spot and would embarrass Satan and his minions (Jerry Jones, the Cowboys players, the Dallas fans) on a national stage. Imagine Nick outplaying Romo. Imagine Bryce Brown with another 100 yard game (with no fumbles). Imagine Bowles gets his troops together and they hold Dallas to 10 points. Imagine Brandon and Vinny getting all those snaps that were wasted on Babin, and beating the crap out of Romo. You may say I’m a dreamer…

  • Insler

    Every time Jerry is sad an angel gets his wings.

  • ACViking

    Re: Could it be worse?

    The season is a disappointment. Beating the Cowboys would be nice. But, really, it’s about watching Jerry Jones stew in his owner’s suite while his hangers-on look at each but say nothing.

    Just for context, there were far worse times for Eagles fans.

    In 1968, the Cowboys beat the Eagles twice by a combined score of 79-27.

    Not to be outdone, the 1969 Eagles lost twice to the ‘Boys 87-21.

    You want depressing? That was depressing.

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

    As a reward for being a fan of a crappy team, we get to root for crappy teams. Yikes.

    This season can’t end soon enough.

  • austinfan

    Here’s the worst thing about a team of mercenaries instead of home grown talent – how many players really want to beat Dallas, the way Eagle teams used to even when they sucked, like “4th and 1.”

    Celek, Cole, Patterson and who else has played Dallas more than a couple times?
    Hate for division rivals is one of the key motivations for good teams, it carries you through these games when you’re tired and sore. If it’s just another game, well, Dallas won’t feel that way.

    • ACViking

      In 1995, 10 of the Eagles 22 starters were acquired by trade, free agency, or signed off the street from other teams.

      But in Rhodes’ first season, those guys were all in on the robbery stuff.

  • ACViking

    Re: Draft Trivia

    Given the state of the season, including the Eagles’ march to possible the first overall pick in the draft . . . why not.

    Question: When’s the last time the Eagles had the 1st-overall choice?

    . . . . time’s up.

    Answer: 1949 — when the Birds chose U-Penn All American and future HOF two-way star at MLB and center Chuck “Conrete Charlie” Bednarik.

    In 1944, the Eagles selected the late HOF HB Steve Van Buren in Rd 1 and fifth overall. He and Bedarick are the best 1st-round picks the Eagles have ever made.

    Next in line would be giant HOF OT Bob “Boomer” Brown from Nebraska in 1964 — who played right takle because that’s the side the best tackles used to play pre-Lawrence Taylor.

    Brown, one of the first NFL players to rely on weight lifting, was notorious for punching DEs in the gut on the 1st series of the game. That’s how he set the tone for the day.

    After Brown, the next best No. 1 pick would come be Donovan McNabb — 35 years later. In between was 1981 1st rounder WR Mike Quick . . . who but for a bum knee should be in the HOF. Best WR of the ’80s besides Rice.

    [Note: Reggie White was a selected during a "dispersal" draft of USFL players.]
    _______________

    Anway, before choosing Bednarik at the top in 1949, the Eagles had previously had the 1st-overall pick in the first and second NFL drafts ever held, i.e., in 1936 and 1937.

    In 1936, the team selected Heisman winner HB Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago — who decided to go to law school in stead.

    In 1937, the Birds selected Heisman runner-up FB Sam Francis from Nebraska — who also never played for the Eagles. The Birds traded him to the Bears for $4000 in cash and early NFL great End Bill Hewitt, who played 3 years w/ the Eagles before retiring and eventually being selected for the HOF.

    _______________

    The closest the Eagles came to the top pick was 1968 — starting the season 0-11 but then winning 2 of their last 3. Buffalo, at 1-12-1, chose Heisman winner OJ Simpson. Atlanta, also 2-12, chose Notre Dame All American OT George Kunz. The Eagles at no. 3 went with Heisman runner-up and two-way star at Purdue, HB/DB Leroy Keyes — who played only 3 years for the Eagles, missing essentially all of 1970 with a torn achilles, and getting traded to KC after 1972. At No. 4, the Steelers chose North Texas State DT Mean Joe Green (the next year the Steelers finished 1-13 and chose 4-time SB winning QB Terry Bradshaw.)
    _______________

    Since the common draft began in 1966 after the NFL/AFL merger, the Colts have had the most 1st-overall picks at 6 (DE Bubba Smith, John Elway, Jeff George, Steve Emtmann, Peyton Manning, and Andrew Luck).

    Next with 4 are the Bills, Bucs, Falcons, and Patriots.
    ________________

    Oh, yeah . . . I’m ready for the tonight!

  • ACViking

    Re: Russell Wilson

    T-Law . . . I think Reid and Roseman undervalued Wilson. So did a lot of teams.

    But the kid looks great. He’s got Fran Tarkenton written all over him.

    • bdbd20

      The other side of the coin is that he has a good O-line and a coach that’s committed to the run. Not sure he would have been successful here under this administration.

      • ACViking

        Yes. Agree. Wilson is not carrying the Seahawks . . . although he did in the 4th Q today.

        BUT . . . he sure looks much more NFL ready than Nick Foles. A lot more.

        • bdbd20

          I think it’s a pretty good debate considering that they were both graded about the same. Foles definitely couldn’t make the plays Wilson made today. I hope we do put Vick on IR and let Nick play. I think we’re seeing a bunch of rookies who are now comfortable in their offneses and it shows.

          • ACViking

            hear, hear.

            But Andy says MV is still the starter. Not sure what 2-3 meaningless wins does for this team . . . besides burnishing the head coach’s record given the injuries.

        • pkeagle

          Word is that they liked Wilson and would’ve chosen him if the ‘Hawks hadn’t.

          As for the game tonight I know it’s against the Cowgirls but I want the Eagles to lose and my reason is this – the more wins Garrett gets, the less chance he’s fired which means one less competitor for the good coaches out there in the off-season.

          • Baloophi

            Yes, but if you think about it, what coach wants Jerry breathing down his neck?

          • laeagle

            I can hear the Eagles fans moaning about how undersized Wilson is already….

  • T_S_O_P

    I want to embarrass the Cowboys.. the end!

    • lilmc

      Amen. If not us, then certainly not them. Go Birds!

  • ACViking

    Re: Detroit Lions loss to Colts / Ryan Grigson

    1. Andrew Luck is great.

    2. The Lions’ defense is Not.

    3. The W-9 . . . and defensive scheme based on it . . . “You won’t see that no more” in Detroit. Ugh!

    4. Watching the Lions get abused . . . how bad are the Eagles?

    5. Maybe the Eagles should have let the Colts hire Roseman and kept Grigson?

  • T_S_O_P

    Wow, I’m loving that the Lions imploded in the 4th quarter. Justice!!!

    • laeagle

      Such a great play by Luck. After watching him and RG3 both, I have to say I’d take Luck. I think he’ll be injured less, and as much as I love watching RG3 play, I think Luck is the guy who can take you to a championship. RG3 reminds me of the best of McNabb and Vick in their heydays. Luck reminds me more of the best of Manning and Rodgers.

  • http://www.facebook.com/BoyboyACW Mike Roman

    I watch NFL Red Zone every Sunday (when the Eagles aren’t playing). The more games I watch, the more clear it becomes who the Eagles starting QB should be next year. Michael Vick. Re-work his contract … you can do a lot worse until you find your QB of the future. I really think if you bring a coach with a run-first offensive philosophy, the tandem of McCoy and Bryce Brown (I know Bo #2) along with a play-action attack, could mean yet another re-birth for #7.

    • ACViking

      Interesting reaction.

      When I see RZ highlights, I think about D-Jax and Maclin . . . versus a guy like Vincent Jackson.

      • http://www.facebook.com/salmonofcapistrano Mike Roman

        You definitely need a big guy with speed on the outside. When I see what Percy Harvin does as a slot weapon, I can’t help but think that should be D-Jax.

        • http://twitter.com/sjampendk Patrick

          Percy Harvin might only be one inch taller and 10 pounds heavier, but he has a much thicker and muscular build than DeSean, allowing him to take the beating. Harvin doesn’t have the natural running ability that DeSean does, nor does he have the insane top speed that DeSean can reach, but he is much quicker and much more agile, similar to LeSean McCoy. I wouldn’t count on DeSean being able to do what Harvin does as a runner and slot guy.

          • http://www.facebook.com/salmonofcapistrano Mike Roman

            I think Jackson is more talented, period. Harvin hasn’t been durable, himself, and I wouldn’t expect DJax to start more than 12 games in that role. But I think you have yourself quite the weapon when he does play.

      • GermanEagle

        … Or Dwayne Bowe!!!

    • Baloophi

      Interesting. As long as the new coach is really “run-first” you could have success. On the play-action, you give Vick no more than two reads, if neither is there, run and slide.

      The key would be reworking that contract.

    • GFF

      I’m with you on this. You don’t need Vick 2010, the aberration, with AR & MM gone. Mid 2000s is good enough, and the 2004 version got a playoff win at Lambeau and would have gone to the Superbowl were it not for an inspired Eagles D (JJ, Dawk, Burgess, et al.). Question is: does that guy still exist? Vick throwing the ball <25 times a game with a restructured contract ain't bad.

    • ACViking

      What do we do for the 4-6 games that Vick’s injured?

  • ACViking

    Re: Foles v. Dallas

    Since the Cowboys came into the NFL in 1960, the Eagles have started a rookie QB against them only 4 times in 105 regular season games. This will be the teams’ 106th meeting.

    Only once in those 4 rookie starts did the Eagles win . . . way back in 1964.

    In the next to last game of the season, head coach Joe Kuharich started rookie 2nd-round pick Jack Concannon from Boston College. Concannon–a great athlete and scrambler–led the Birds to a 24-14 victory, halting a 2-game losing streak. He went 10-20 for 99 yds with 2 TDs and 1 INT, along with 8 rushes for 99 yards. He was sacked 6 times. (But in classic Kuharich fashion, he benched Concannon the bench the next week in the season’s meaningless final game.)

    The Eagles’ unsuccessful rookie starters were 1st rd pick John Reaves in 1972, Koy Detmer in 1998, and D-Mac in 1999. Both Reaves and Detmer were on dreadful teams. D-Mac at least had JJ’s defense.

  • Baloophi

    This is by no means breaking news: Josh Freeman is wildly inaccurate as a passer.

  • Baloophi

    Watching the other wretched teams in the “draft division” it’s really hard to believe we’re in this spot.

  • ACViking

    Re: Sheldon Brown

    I miss Sheldon. A lot.

  • GermanEagle

    How much has Philip Rivers fallen?!!

    I agree with my fellow eagles poster, I would rather keep Vick under a restructured contract than rolling the dice on another unproven QB. There are only a handful of great QBs in this league. If the Eagles Offensive philosophy changes with a new HC, then keeping Vick might not be a bad idea at all..

  • GermanEagle

    i know its just mark eckel, but reading that AR may be coaching the cowboys next year just made me puke…