Weapons

Posted: February 2nd, 2018 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 181 Comments »

The Eagles are going to need to score some points to beat the Patriots on Sunday. I doubt 15-10 is going to get it done this week.

I have confidence in the Eagles offense. I love the coaching staff and their ability to create a gameplan and also to make in-game adjustments. This team also has some strong offensive talent.

Think back to the 2004 Super Bowl offense and how that compares to this group.

QB – Not a fair comparison with Wentz being hurt.

RB – Brian Westbrook is better than anyone on the current roster, but the overall group on this team is better. Dorsey Levens had one carry for one yard in the SB. FB Josh Parry caught one pass for two yards. Westy had 22 touches for 104 yards and a TD. I bet the 2017 RBs will have more touches and yards than that on Sunday.

WR – TO vs Alshon Jeffery. TO wins that hands down.

WR – Torrey Smith vs Todd Pinkston. I give a slight edge to Smith, because he has deep speed, but can also be an effective possession receiver. Neither of them is much of a blocker.

WR – Nelson Agholor vs Freddie Mitchell. Agholor wins this and it isn’t close. He is an actual weapon. Mitchell knew how to move the chains. FredEx had 5 TDs for his career. Agholor had more this year.

TE – Zach Ertz vs LJ Smith. Ertz in a landslide.

TE – Brent Celek vs Jeff Thomasson. Not fair since Thomasson was an emergency injury replacement after Chad Lewis got hurt in the NFC-CG.

TE – Trey Burton vs Mike Bartrum. Burton is a much better offensive player. Bartrum was a terrific LS and could catch a pass here and there, but Burton is an actual threat that defense have to account for.

OL – 2017 vs 2004. Jon and Tra were good OTs, but the current line is better overall. Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce are All-Pros. Brandon Brooks is a stud OG. Stefen Wisniewski has done a great job of settling down the line and bringing stability up front. Big V is a solid pass protector, but has developed into a very good run blocker.

The 2004 team had a dynamic trio in McNabb, TO and Westy. The current group is deeper and much more versatile. They can beat you so many different ways. This team finished 3rd in the league in rushing, while also leading in TD passes. They can grind you with the run game or throw the ball on you with the aerial attack.

The 2017 Eagles scored 71 more points and gained 234 more yards. And that was with a 2nd year QB starting most of the year and then a backup taking his place at the end. They also had a 2nd year coach running the show. The 2004 team had a veteran QB, coach and staff. That team was experienced.

Bill Belichick is famous for taking away your key weapon. Let’s say he focuses on Ertz. He still has to deal with Agholor, Jeffery and Smith. He has to stop the #3 run game in the league, which can feed the ball to three different backs. And you never know if someone like Burton could be the X-factor in this game. Or how about Mack Hollins? This team has a lot of weapons to choose from.

I’m excited to see the plan that the staff puts together. They will be creative and aggressive. If the Eagles block well and execute well, they will score some points.

*****

Here is a great piece on an advantage the Eagles have. The Pats struggle to stop the run against teams that go out of the 1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR set from the shotgun. That just so happens to be a look the Eagles love.

Here is how:  the Patriots defense is particularly susceptible to runs out of 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs).

This year they are allowing a 61% success rate and 6.0 YPC to offenses when they are running the ball out of 11 personnel.  These rankings are well worse than the NFL average of 47% success and 4.6 YPC out of 11.

And when these teams run out of shotgun from 11, they average 6.7 YPC and post a 59%success rate against New England.  The numbers don’t get much better for the Patriots even when stripping out potential garbage time.  When stripping out all runs where the offense was behind by over 10 points, the Patriots still allowed 6.6 YPC and a 56% success rate to 11 personnel in shotgun.

But it’s not just isolated to shotgun, as this year the Patriots still allowed a 64% success rate and 4.9 YPC to RBs-run from 11 personnel when under center.

So what does this mean for the Super Bowl?

The Eagles are one of the most run heavy teams from 11 personnel, recording nearly 60%of their total rushes on the year from 11 personnel.

You can bet the Eagles coaches know all about this and are prepared to run a lot.

Belichick also knows this and might have a counter-move, but if the problem has existed all year, I don’t know if there is a convenient solution.

*****

Here is the best piece you’ll read on the Eagles, the Super Bowl, sports and being a fan.

Great work by Tom McAllister. He went from being swamistubbs on the EMB to novelist to being the spokesperson for Eagles fans everywhere.

Well done, swami.

*****

Are you wanting some OL talk?

Here is FO on the Eagles and the job they did vs MIN.

*****

Here is a piece on how the Eagles can use 11 personnel to attack the Patriots defense, especially their 5-1 look.

NE gave up the 29th most yards in the league. That defense is vulnerable. They were 5th in points allowed so they get tough in the Red Zone. On the other hand, the Eagles had the #2 Red Zone offense in the league. I know Carson Wentz was a big part of that, but this offense still has Jeffery, Ertz, Blount, etc.

A note on the Pats D. They only played 3 teams that were in the Top 10 in scoring offense.

KC 42, NE 24
NE 36, NO 20
NE 27, PIT 24

The game against the Saints came when they were giving more touches to Adrian Peterson than Alvin Kamara. That was a different offense back then. And as for the Steelers game, the Pats should have lost that, but the catch rule is weird and they came away with the win.

Bottom line…good offenses should move the ball and score points on the Patriots.

*****

This is simply glorious.

 

Philly.com cover

_

181 Comments on “Weapons”

  1. 1 ColorSgt said at 12:44 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    “May the Foles be with you.” Brilliant.

    This team has so much depth. Definitely better than 2004 team. Nice work Tommy!

  2. 2 GENETiC-FREAK said at 1:10 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    https://youtu.be/7DM3N3Ddkz0

  3. 3 Rob Jarratt said at 7:12 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Can you put Haley’s situation into context, GF? How utterly real and passionate. I think we can all relate to her all Eagles, all the time mind-set. What a caring mother she has.

  4. 4 Mac said at 9:57 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Wisdom tooth video that’s a real time look into the mind of every Eagles fan.

  5. 5 Rob Jarratt said at 9:35 AM on February 3rd, 2018:

    I can relate, Mac. That is a great video, especially in that context.

  6. 6 Masked Man said at 1:56 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Having a lot of fun in the run up to this Super Bowl. I forgot what it was like to have your team in it with a chance to win it all the way up to the biggest game of the year!

    And with less than three days left before game time, what happens? Jimmy Kempski goes on record picking the Eagles to win the game 29-24! Haha!

    http://www.phillyvoice.com/jimmy-kempskis-super-bowl-lii-pick/

    Go EAGLES!

  7. 7 Eagles_Fan_in_San_Fran said at 3:05 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Gotta strong feeling that the x-factor is going to be Mack Hollins. I see 1, maybe 2, TDs from him.

  8. 8 Reservedly Optimistic said at 6:18 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I think we have to pop a couple of long TDs. Their D bends between the 20s but doesn’t break in the redzone. FGs will not get it done. Mack Hollins or Trey (stay in bounds) Burton maybe?

  9. 9 ColorSgt said at 6:58 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Yep everyone contributes just like they have all year.

  10. 10 Eagles_Fan_in_San_Fran said at 3:12 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    “And as for the Steelers game, the Pats should have lost that, but the catch rule is weird and they came away with the win.”

    That’s the only thing that really scares me about this game. Something always seems to happen in Pats games, and they inevitable seem to benefit from it. It all started with the dreaded “Tuck Rule” game back in 2001 which to this day ranks up there as one of the biggest BS calls ever made in my mind.

  11. 11 SteveH said at 8:17 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    It’s indisputably one of the most bullshit calls in the history of sports, made all the more ridiculous because they abolished that moronic rule afterwards.

    I think it’s made all the more absurd because Brady actually had 2 hands on the ball before he got contacted anyhow, so the tuck rule shouldn’t even have applied.

    Walt Coleman should have been banned from the sport for that call.

  12. 12 RobNE said at 8:44 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    think of the rule changes related to the Pats.
    1. tuck rule
    2. defensive player getting headset so signals can’t be stolen (maybe going to happen anyway but def influenced by Spygate)
    3. how eligible players are introduced entering the game (I can’t even remember specifics about that Ravens game but it was some underhanded sh#t)
    4. how the footballs get checked for PSI

  13. 13 CrackSammich said at 8:59 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    re: 3, lineman were required to report as eligible before that game and that rule hasn’t changed. They closed the loophole after the season that allowed the play.

    re: all of them. Damn near every rule in the game is because of somebody exploiting a rule. That goes back to the Carlisle Indian School.

  14. 14 sonofdman said at 9:34 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    The worst part about it is that (despite all arguments from Patriots fans and media apologists) they didn’t even correctly apply the tuck rule.

    That was definitely one of the worst calls ever, even though two calls from this season may be as bad: 1) the terrible replay reversal of a Jets TD against the Patriots where they ruled that Sefarian-Jenkins “fumbled” as he crossed the goal line; and 2) the strip sack in the KC-Ten playoff game where the ruled that forward progress of Mariota was stopped so it was no fumble.

  15. 15 RC5000 said at 3:44 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    T.O. wasn’t 100% either in the Super Bowl, he was shot up with a painkiller but he was tired off and on…what mighta been…I still say he would’ve done better if he was 100%. He’d have scored 2 or 3 times.

  16. 16 eagleyankfan said at 8:07 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    you have more faith in 5 than most…..puke.

  17. 17 xeynon said at 3:20 AM on February 3rd, 2018:

    This is the dumbest, most tired argument.

    McNabb got crushed by Richard Seymour a few plays before that happened. He probably played the end of that game with a concussion. Eagles fans still holding on to this crap need to let it go.

  18. 18 eagleyankfan said at 6:35 PM on February 3rd, 2018:

    Sorry..i didnt know you were there and knew exactly what happened….

  19. 19 Reservedly Optimistic said at 6:22 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    This IS the longest week ever! My only consolation of not having tickets to the game or being in Philly is that the game is on about 4pm here on the west coast. I HATE Super Bowl pre-game shows

  20. 20 sonofdman said at 9:30 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    No fair, you get to watch the game 3 hours before we do. Don’t spoil the ending for the rest of us.

  21. 21 Reservedly Optimistic said at 10:20 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Ha, ha I won’t. I’ll have to tell my son what you said because when we lived in Pennsylvania he was jealous of his cousins on the west coast who went to bed “later” then him.

    As a lifelong Eagles fan, my first concern has habitually been for any Eagles team: will they show up. They may not have won, but did you show you belonged on the same field.

    I don’t worry about this team showing up. They just have to match wits with the best coach/QB duo in history.

    Well, like Mike Tyson said, “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth”

    Punch ’em in the mouth Eagles, punch ’em in the mouth.

  22. 22 P_P_K said at 1:10 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I’m going to call him when his game is over and then place a bet on ours.

  23. 23 scratcherk said at 10:49 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    where are u at?

  24. 24 Reservedly Optimistic said at 1:31 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I’m in exile in the Great Northwest…Seahawks Country

  25. 25 CrackSammich said at 7:03 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I can’t believe that this is the same season they were platooning the RG spot between Wiz and Warmack.

  26. 26 eagleyankfan said at 8:06 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    the season is a process, a long process to find the right answers…

  27. 27 sonofdman said at 9:29 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    LG.

    Sorry, I ‘m a bit of a pedant and I can’t stop myself.

  28. 28 knighn said at 7:12 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Tommy – Thank you… for the analysis, the humor, and for sharing some of these great articles (and images) with us… in bad times, good times and really good times!
    We Eagles fans are fortunate to have you! Buddy Ryan never brought The Eagles a championship… but he did bring us you. That’s one hell of a consolation prize! Thanks, man!

  29. 29 P_P_K said at 1:09 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Tommy Lawlor: All we got, all we need.

  30. 30 daveH said at 8:00 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Pats gave up alot of yards but not in the red zone .. does this mean we have to score from the 50, width long passes or big break away runs from Ajai (and once you cross the 30 ya gotta go down or score. . Don’t get tackled in the ted zone)

  31. 31 Gary Barnes said at 8:03 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    One of the biggest differences between the 2004 and 2017 SB teams is the interior OL talent.

    Fraley was a decent C, but under-sized and got man handled by the Pats in that SB. Belichek purposefully attacked up the middle to flush McNabb out and make him either scramble or throw on the run. One of the main reasons McNabb was so fatigued by the 4th quarter was having to constantly run for his life on each play. Similarly, Hicks at LG and Mayberry at RG played a role in these breakdowns too. Hicks in particular was beaten in that game.

    Kelce is a better C than Fraley and Brooks definitely better at RG. Wiz has been very capable at LG, but I think the left side is where Belichek is likely to attack the most and it will be interesting to see if Big V and Wiz hold the fort on pass downs and can impose their will in the run game.

  32. 32 Bert's Bells said at 8:14 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    There’s no Vince Wilfork on field either.

  33. 33 or____ said at 8:22 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Yes, but there is tre flowers…not saying at all that that’s equal though

  34. 34 xeynon said at 9:47 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Trey Flowers is a decent player. He’s not a difference maker. He’s not as good as for example Everson Griffen or Vic Beasley, both of whom we had no trouble with.

  35. 35 eagleyankfan said at 8:08 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    T-Law can take the rest of the season off. He won’t be able to top this piece. What a great read. Only one article can top it…you know the one article we all want to read late sunday night…

  36. 36 Stephen E. said at 10:00 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Clement and Curry are living their childhood dreams.

  37. 37 bill said at 8:23 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    After enjoying the week, and reading endless articles, my feel is that the Eagles will need the offense to score 28 to win. I can see a game where both offenses have their way, but it will be with long, sustained drives. Each offense will do it differently: Eagles will pound the rock (look out for a situation where Chung is trying to tackle Blount 1 on 1 – apparently there is a chip on Blount’s shoulder there) and use the RPO to move the ball consistently, while the Pats are going to screen pass, screen pass, quick out, screen pass (you get the idea) down the field. Both teams will take shots deep, but I don’t see either one with consistent success there.

    The key will be the red zone. Foles is going to have be as sharp as he was against the Vikings, because multiple field goals aren’t going to cut it. Pats won’t beat themselves, and Brady will convert on most of his RZ opportunities. Foles CAN do it, we saw that in the NFCCG. It’s just a question, IMO, of WILL he. I’d obviously feel much better if Wentz was healthy, but the underdogs have a puncher’s chance. If the defense/STs can come up with a big play or two to create short fields, or even better, points, it will be big. But you can’t count on the Pats beating themselves like that.

    Should be an extremely stressful game for the faithful. I’m trying to just enjoy the ride. Thanks to Tommy and the community here for making it fun so far!

  38. 38 RobNE said at 8:47 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Dan Shaugnessy on Boston sports radio this morning (I understand he knows less about football than we do): Chances Pats lose this game? zero. Look, a team with Foles as QB and Doug as HC are never beating the Pats, they give up way too much in those positions. BB went to the basketball game last night. The hay is in the barn as they say.

    I know this should be who cares for like 15 reasons, but I wanted to share.

    As Creed said to Rocky (Rocky III), when this is all over a lot of people are going to owe you an apology.

  39. 39 xeynon said at 9:46 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Morons gonna moron.

  40. 40 joe said at 11:01 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Bigger media troll: Shaughnessy or Eskin ?

  41. 41 Ryan Rambo said at 9:07 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Life can be cruel. I dreamed we won the Super Bowl!! I was celebrating with my best friend and picked up my cell phone to call my mom to tell her the good news. BAM!! I must have been laughing in my sleep because I woke up to my dog licking my face. HAPPY FRIDAY BIRDGANG!!!

  42. 42 xeynon said at 9:46 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Do you often have prophetic dreams?

  43. 43 Ryan Rambo said at 10:19 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    For better or worse. Yes.

  44. 44 CrackSammich said at 9:15 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Morning news/talk shows are just an all around abortion, but Megyn Kelly wearing an Eagles Jersey makes me want to cheer for the patriots. Props to Savannah Guthrie for rocking the Peters jersey.

  45. 45 bdbd20 said at 9:40 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Burton and Clement will light up the defense.

    Looking at the replay of SB39, it was amazing how little AR ran the ball. I totally forgot how we dominated that 1st quarter (with no points to show).

    McNabb was not good early on. That game could have easily started 17-0.

  46. 46 P_P_K said at 9:44 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    My underdog pick for MVP of the game is Ajayi. I think he will run over, around, and through the Pats D.

  47. 47 Tom33 said at 10:08 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Agree. I told somebody this week he has 150+ yards in total offense with 2 td’s. MVP of the game.

  48. 48 Philadelphian said at 6:06 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I can see that, but he better make sure he holds on to the ball.

  49. 49 ColoradoEaglesFan said at 10:07 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I couldn’t agree more. I don’t have his touches per game in front of me with the Eagles,, but as the weeks have gone on it seems like his workload has increased. Ajayi runs for 80+ and gets 30+ receiving yards with 2 rushing touchdowns. That should be good enough for mvp if the Eagles win.

  50. 50 sonofdman said at 9:41 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    This is cool:

    https://twitter.com/DomIzzoWDAY/status/959287307458064384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdisqus.com%2Fembed%2Fcomments%2F%3Fbase%3Ddefault%26f%3Dphillyvoice%26t_u%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.phillyvoice.com%252Fmoment-doesnt-seem-too-big-inexperienced-eagles-roster%252F%26t_d%3D%250A%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520Super%2520Bowl%2520pressure%2520doesn%2527t%2520seem%2520too%2520big%2520for%2520inexperienced%2520Eagles%2520roster%250A%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%26t_t%3D%250A%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520Super%2520Bowl%2520pressure%2520doesn%2527t%2520seem%2520too%2520big%2520for%2520inexperienced%2520Eagles%2520roster%250A%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%26s_o%3Ddesc%23version%3D4e43c0a2329a9be611eafeda16ce175b

  51. 51 P_P_K said at 9:42 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Lovin’ this team.

  52. 52 scratcherk said at 9:52 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    On a plane to SF for my sister’s wedding. I’ll be parked in a bar called “Pete’s crispy tacos” (recommended by someone) for the SB. If any of ya’ll happen to be there, i’ll buy drinks.

  53. 53 scratcherk said at 9:54 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Was wondering what offensive wrinkle they would add this game as they seem to every playoff game. Maybe the Wildcat with Ajayi? I seem to remember him running that a bunch but maybe that was one of the other MIA backs…

  54. 54 xeynon said at 9:58 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    The whole “Belichick takes away your best weapon/the one thing you build your offense around” argument doesn’t really apply to the Eagles’ offense in my view. Their best weapon is the offensive line, which you can’t scheme to take away, and there isn’t any one thing they build their offense around – they’ve shown they’re happy to beat with you the running game or the passing game, deep throws or dink-and-dunk, zone blocking schemes or trap blocks and pin-and-pull. If you adjust your defense to shut down one thing, Pederson will happily do something else your defense is less equipped to stop.

  55. 55 P_P_K said at 1:08 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Truth. The Eagles aren’t running an Offense like the Brady-Gronk Pats. Our O-line sets the foundation, and the variety of rbs and wrs take it from there.

  56. 56 Buge Halls said at 10:02 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Wonder what the chances are in the off-season (after the Super Bowl win of course) that the Eagles “let” Celek “retire” (cut him) and offering Burton cash to stay. I’m not sure of what the dead cap space would be, but I seem to remember it’s not too much. Otherwise, the Eagles are looking at needing to draft a TE and then pick another up in Free Agency. Celek isn’t really seeing the field much this year, and I’d hate to see Burton leave (he is a pretty could weapon). That being said, if Burton demands too much money, then you have to let him walk.

  57. 57 D3FB said at 7:05 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Over the cap has Burton’s expected contract in the 32 million dollar range. It’s not the most important position in the world. They’ve got Billy Brown on the PS who can do alot of the move TE stuff.

  58. 58 scratcherk said at 10:03 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I teared up watching the new Eagles hype video. I may cry in public if they win on Sunday…

  59. 59 Buge Halls said at 10:08 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Which is why I’ll be watching at home!

  60. 60 scratcherk said at 10:08 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    wish i could… (see below)

  61. 61 Ryan Rambo said at 10:29 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    For all this talk of “Superbowl experience”, it’s still ONE game. Yes, it’s the last game of the year for all the marbles, but there are no tricks or surprises that make this game different. This squad has been playing in pressurized moments all season. They play THEIR game, this game is theirs. I want it so bad for these guys and all Philadelphia fans.

  62. 62 Bert's Bells said at 10:37 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    There are SOME differences. The week of press instead of the week of practice, the much longer halftime, the longer time between warm ups and kickoff, more TV timeouts. They’re not huge in themselves but probably things that experience would help.

  63. 63 Ark87 said at 10:38 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    The only thing that concerns me is the weird pacing, and the whole circus generally pumping up the stage, it just makes it that much harder to block it all out and just play the just another game mentality, unless you’re the Patriots and Superbowls have become rather mundane.

    Uhg we need to crush them, AND expose a cheating racket to lose those scumbags picks. The closer I get to the game the more I want the total destruction of that franchise.

  64. 64 Ryan Rambo said at 10:42 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Yes you’re right. It def can be circus-like. Those guys on the Patriots are human too though. I see a lot of guys on our team with more to prove and more talent in some key spots. It would be different if Brady played defense. He can’t control everything. Our collective team can overcome Brady and his few IMHO. Just need to execute. We ain’t scared for damn sure!!

  65. 65 A_T_G said at 10:55 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Based on my cinematic research, tomorrow Doug will secretly record Belichick pompously bragging about how he has been cheating all along.

    Sunday, down by 7 points in the 4th quarter and feeling overwhelmed, the Eagles players will see the recording played on the stadium screens (thanks to a sneaky, difficult to manage, but beloved coaching intern). The players will rally to action, the fans will all turn on the Patriots After the two-point conversion, Patriots will sullenly slink from the field, perhaps pushing or cursing each other.

    As the Eagles are waiting to receive the trophy, the broadcast will fit in a quick montage of the Pat’s trophy case being emptied, Bill cleaning out his office, and Kraft signing over the team to some upbeat, dashing millennial.

    During the speeches, quick shots of retired Eagles players and coaches subtly nodding and smiling, redeemed, around the country will give us all a sense of closure.

    Book it.

  66. 66 or____ said at 11:07 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Bravo.

    Can mr bunchin melt in his own tears since there’s a toxic chrmecial inbalance due to his weird diet?

  67. 67 Ark87 said at 1:57 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    *signing the pats over to Dan Snyder

    my one edit

  68. 68 xeynon said at 11:43 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Teams without Super Bowl experience win the SB all the time. Examples:

    -The 2001 Patriots didn’t have SB experience; the Rams did. The Patriots won.
    -The 2007 Giants didn’t have SB experience; the Patriots did. The Giants won.
    -The 2010 Saints didn’t have Super Bowl experience; the Colts did. The Saints won.
    -The 2011 Packers didn’t have Super Bowl experience; the Steelers did. The Packers won.

    I’m not saying it’s not a factor at all, but the importance of it is way overblown. Less experienced teams win the SB against more experienced opponents all the time.

  69. 69 Ryan Rambo said at 11:47 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Agree 100%

  70. 70 RobNE said at 12:27 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    make up for experience with more talent.

  71. 71 xeynon said at 12:38 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Talent certainly matters, but it’s not just that. The 2007 Patriots were one of the most talented teams in modern history, while the Giants didn’t even win their own division that year. But on that Sunday, the Giants outplayed and outcoached them.

    I think people get carried away blowing the pageantry and the mystique of the SB out of proportion. It is in the end just a football game, and it is won the way every other football game is won – by having game planning, execution, and/or luck superior to that of your opponent. I think that teams that come into the game prepared and don’t make it more than it is do well.

    Time will tell, but judging by the Eagles’ demeanor this week, they’re looking at it as business as usual.

  72. 72 RobNE said at 12:45 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I was saying we have more talent. But I take your point, it’s one game, lots of variables etc.

  73. 73 EaglesIke said at 1:31 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I’m really not sure why you would say the Pats have more talent…they don’t and quite frankly I don’t think its really close. With the exception of course with TB and Gronk; literally every other facet of the game advantage goes to Eagles. Eagles O line is better, D Line is MUCH better, more offensive weapons in general, a better run game, a better run defense. What am I missing? All that being said, anytime you have TB12 and Belichick the opposing team will be the underdog so I’m certainly not minimizing that but the eagles are 100% the more talented team roster wise.

  74. 74 Buge Halls said at 1:36 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I’m thinking he meant the Eagles have more talent, not the Pats. But I could be wrong

  75. 75 EaglesIke said at 1:37 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Ohhh OK well if that’s the case then I apologize for my rant. Carry on…

  76. 76 RobNE said at 5:17 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    yes.

  77. 77 EaglesIke said at 1:39 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Btw RobNE I have been a long time follower of this website for years but have never commented but one other time randomly before today. I have been wondering for years, are you a Pats or Eagles fan? I’ve been so confused for so long…

  78. 78 Ark87 said at 1:44 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    he lives in New England and loathes the pats more than anyone here.

    But he isn’t afraid to say something contrary to common perception regarding New England, given his (over) exposure to that team.

  79. 79 EaglesIke said at 1:47 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Ahhh well that’s funny because I live in New England and might challenge him to who loathes the Pats more! Born and raised outside Philly but have been living 20 minutes down the street from Gillette for the last 9 years. Crazy. Flying to Philly tomorrow to get the hell out of enemy territory.

  80. 80 Ark87 said at 2:18 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Well I have theorized in the past that RobNE is literally Gronk, because it tickles me that Gronk might secretly be an intelligent Eagles fan and loathes the Pats for trying to keep him from Gronking at full Gronk.

  81. 81 Ryan Rambo said at 2:26 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Lol

  82. 82 RobNE said at 5:16 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    we live really close to each other. I am in Norfolk. About 20 minutes from Gillette.

    I am leaving town too.

    And I’m a little insulted by the question who I am rooting for.

    ps. we should establish an Eagles bar (for future) if there’s enough of us around.

  83. 83 EaglesIke said at 3:52 PM on February 3rd, 2018:

    Lol sorry about that, Rob, just was thrown off by your pic of both eagles and pats logos. I live in Providence and watch most eagles games at a local bar by myself. Would absolutely love to get that going for next season.

    You know what it’s like to live around these arrogant Pats fans all year round evenly though unfortunately some of them are my best friends lol.

  84. 84 Ark87 said at 1:43 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    knew I should have had blood pouring down that Pats icon

  85. 85 RobNE said at 5:14 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Maybe next week we can make a revision.

  86. 86 scratcherk said at 10:53 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Guys, should I watch this game at the hotel room by myself or at a bar…?

  87. 87 Ryan Rambo said at 10:55 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I will be in solitary confinement. Are you watching amongst friends?

  88. 88 scratcherk said at 10:57 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    no, i’m in SF for my sisters wedding, dont know anyone there. i booked a table at a bar but debating what to do.

  89. 89 Bert's Bells said at 10:58 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    hotel room with bride’s maids

  90. 90 scratcherk said at 10:59 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    hopefully distractions

  91. 91 Ryan Rambo said at 11:00 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Do whatever will have you enjoy the moment the most. I don’t like watching football around strangers. I need to focus.

  92. 92 scratcherk said at 11:04 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    maybe ill watch first half at bar and if its enjoyable i’ll stay for second, if not, i’ll go back to hotel room… with hookers per bert.

  93. 93 laeagle said at 1:31 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    what bar are you watching at? I used to live there so at least I can tell you if it sucks or not.

  94. 94 scratcherk said at 4:28 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Someone recommended Nick’s crispy tacos

  95. 95 Buge Halls said at 1:33 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I see now – I hate the bar experience because there’s always that asshat talking smack the entire game and I just can’t enjoy it – even if the Eagles are stomping the other team, asshat just keeps on talking. I really don’t even like watching with a bunch of other Eagles fans because there’s always that one (or more) Eeyore there convinced that they’ll lose not matter how promising the game is going! I’ll stay home alone under my rock and watch it!

  96. 96 P_P_K said at 6:29 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    The guards let you guys in solitary watch the Super Bowl? Isn’t having to watch the Pats cruel and unusual punishment?

  97. 97 Bert's Bells said at 10:58 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Hotel room with hookers

  98. 98 scratcherk said at 10:59 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    distractions.

  99. 99 P_P_K said at 1:06 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Not if they are Eagles fans.

  100. 100 Mac said at 4:22 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I heard you were too sick to travel out to SF. It’s a real shame…

  101. 101 ChoTime said at 11:08 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    You want numbers? I got numbers!

    (especially interesting, the sack/pressure rate differential between Wentz and Foles. It doesn’t favor who you might imagine it would.)

    Also, a hmm: “Nonetheless, Eagles fans have reason to be scared of the clock management if this game is close at the end.”

    http://www.footballoutsiders.com/game-previews/2018/super-bowl-lii-preview

  102. 102 xeynon said at 11:39 AM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Re: the supposed risk of clock management problems – my observation is that the national media has been much slower to catch on to the fact that Doug Pederson isn’t an Andy Reid clone than locals have.

    As an Eagles fan, I’m not afraid of Pederson screwing up clock management at all.

  103. 103 sonofdman said at 12:00 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    All the Pederson clock management criticisms (including in the above article) start by talking about Reid and then mention one drive by the Chiefs when Pederson was the OC. They neglect to mention that Pederson has done a great job with clock management as a head coach over the past two seasons.

  104. 104 Dude said at 1:44 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Right, and regardless of who’s strategy it was, Doug obviously learns from mistakes.

  105. 105 Philadelphian said at 12:01 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    People tend to forget that in learning from someone else that sometimes includes what to do differently.

  106. 106 Eagles4life said at 12:11 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I am not as nervous as other people are! This team has proved this whole season that it can shine in big games and clear any obstacles thrown its way! This team has found a way to win regardless of what the circumstances have been and it will continue on Sunday as well! Its just a matter of if we beat Cheatriots by 3 points or 30…

  107. 107 xeynon said at 12:41 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Not nervous either. Win or lose, this Eagles season has been one of the best experiences of my sports fan life. If they win, it will be far and away #1. If they lose, it will still have been a great, totally unexpected ride that leaves me very hopeful for the future.

  108. 108 P_P_K said at 1:05 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I agree with everything you write, I feel the same way. But, he says in Soup Nazi’s voice: “No upvote for you!” I’m not abiding by “win or lose,” not yet.

  109. 109 Philadelphian said at 2:15 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    It’s not that I am nervous because I thought they were a year from being a legitimate contender, but at my age, time is not on my side.

    I remember in 1980 believing after that loss with Vermeil the Eagles future was bright. Then, Vermeil left and everything fell apart. With Buddy, it was more like a tease because they couldn’t win a playoff game. Then, Reid’s teams were an even bigger tease that reached its peak in 2004. Oddly enough, 2008 might have been a bigger tease because I think they would have beaten the Steelers in the Super Bowl.

    Now, I’m not going to go off the deep end if we lose because I learned you can’t let sports define your happiness, but I would be lying if I wasn’t hoping a little more this time around.

  110. 110 Masked Man said at 3:28 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    When Wentz got hurt, it was like shades of Randall getting injured what… two out of three of his main seasons?

    Once there was the broken leg against the Packers. The Bryce Paup tackle… Then the knee injury the other season. Those were the years when the offense was maturing and the defense was stacked. We were supposed to win back then, during Randall’s “Ultimate Weapon” years. But it was not to be…

    When the team pressed through the Wentz injury this year, it shocked me. That’s not how it has gone in the past for Eagles fans. Makes me believe this is a very special season for us.

  111. 111 Philadelphian said at 7:13 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Yes, that Rams game hurt. I think I told you I was there. Wentz walked right by us when he was headed to the lockeroom. He had a towel over his head and everyone is thinking concussion. We didn’t get a real good look at the play he got hurt on because it was the other side of the field.

    You are right about 1991 and the Paup hit. What made it even worse was that Kotite kept trying to keep Randall in the pocket and that’s where he got hurt. However, their season wasn’t over at that point because McMahon came in and was playing well. Then, as usual he got hurt and it became a QB nightmare.

    What was most frustrating about 1991 was any type of decent QB had a good chance of getting them to the Super Bowl because their defense was outstanding.

    This year is something special, win or lose, but I pray it’s a win because if there’s one pattern that usually occurs in the NFL it’s the team losing the Super Bowl usually struggles the following year. Even though Atlanta made it back to the playoffs, they weren’t as good as last year. I believe normally, the Super Bowl runner-up doesn’t even make the playoffs because it takes at least a year to recover emotionally.

  112. 112 Dragon_Eagle said at 7:41 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Well said, MM.

  113. 113 DustyRyder71 said at 3:25 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Worst case scenario, this team goes down with the ’93 Phils and the ’87 Flyers as one of the most beloved conference champs we’ve ever had.

    Best case, they’re the 1980 Phillies

  114. 114 Philadelphian said at 2:02 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I wish I could share your optimism, but as far as finding a way to win big games, the same could be said about New England and before the conference championship game, the Vikings.

    My biggest concern is how our defense matches up with their offense. With possibly the exception of Matt Ryan, on a windy day, good QBS tend to eventually figure out Schwartz’s defense. Belichick in particular has had a great deal of success against Schwartz.

  115. 115 Masked Man said at 3:21 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Hey Philly! I’m feeling Eagles in a game that is close enough to make Eagles fans sweat in the 4th quarter.

    I say either the defense holds Tom Terrific off late… Or else the offense breaks through late to distance themselves from the Pats.

    Jimmy Kempski picked the Birds to win 29-24 yesterday. That’s good enough for me. Go EAGLES!

  116. 116 Philadelphian said at 3:30 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I’ll feel more comfortable with your second option. I don’t want the ball in Brady’s hands with them down by a TD or less towards the end of the game.

  117. 117 RC5000 said at 5:40 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Yeah Tom Brady is the biggest concern obviously.

  118. 118 Ryan Rambo said at 12:41 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Jason Peters I need you to have a little pre-game chat with Jakey E!!

  119. 119 Ryan Rambo said at 1:19 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Doesn’t Robinson match up well with Amendola?

  120. 120 Masked Man said at 3:17 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I say P. Rob can stick with Danny A. most of the game with some minimal help from a Safety like McLeod or Graham over the top.

  121. 121 Ryan Rambo said at 1:26 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Good footage of Darby covering TY Hilton & Gronk when they line him out wide.

    https://youtu.be/jn7JTD8C-1Q

  122. 122 CrackSammich said at 1:29 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Gronk at 5:50 mark.

  123. 123 CrackSammich said at 1:44 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Hey, remember when Foles missed most of training camp with elbow soreness and everyone lost their mind about whether or not he would be available?

  124. 124 eagleyankfan said at 3:31 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Sorry – I don’t remember that. I remember people whining about paying him. I remember me not caring because back up qb’s aren’t worth a dime because the percentage of any back qb winning anything is extremely low. (cough: glad they paid him)

  125. 125 Brian said at 2:09 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I’m watching the game at party hosted by friends of ours, a husband wife whose party we’ve attended the past 2 Superbowls. He’s a Pats fan, she’s an Eagles fan. He expects good-natured trash-talking the whole game, whereas I tend more toward nervously pacing and trying to hold in all the profanities running through my head at memories of Eagles past. The Birds need to win, my sanity and clean criminal record depend on it.

  126. 126 Philadelphian said at 2:19 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Good luck because it that type of environmental it’s difficult to keep calm.

  127. 127 Ryan Rambo said at 2:27 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    LMAO

  128. 128 Dragon_Eagle said at 2:27 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    If your record is clean, you can afford one lapse. Nothing to worry about.

  129. 129 P_P_K said at 3:40 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    If you have to assault him, demand a jury of your Eagle fan peers at the trial. We’ve got your back.

  130. 130 RobNE said at 5:13 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    ACV will defend you!

  131. 131 ACViking said at 9:16 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    If *Brian* watches the game within a 50-mile radius of Philadelphia (except above the NJG/NJJ latitude) . . .

    The defense of “Justification” should find a receptive jury.

  132. 132 Someguy77 said at 2:33 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    The ’30 for 30′ last night (The Two Bills) with Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick wasn’t that illustrative but still worth watching.

    It didn’t give as many juicy details about their failing out and some of the behind moves Parcells tried to make to prevent Belichick from becoming the Pats’ coach.

    Still worth a watch.

    LT on Belicheck’s nickname while he was with the Giants: “We used to call him Doom, because every time he walked around it was end of the world,” Taylor said. “‘Ah, you didn’t make this play. Ah, you didn’t go over here.’ Everything was end of the world.”

  133. 133 daveH said at 2:54 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Best part, one of, was LT almost outright verbal but saying with his facial expression, that Parcells ffffffff’d the giants players (and fans) by letting Beli leave and then resigned 3 months later !!

  134. 134 Masked Man said at 3:15 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Darth Hoodie, Lord of Doom! Haha!

    It will be fun if we can beat him!

  135. 135 P_P_K said at 6:28 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    30-For-30 is consistently a great series.

  136. 136 Philadelphian said at 7:22 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    In a way it’s amazing Belichick is this successful as a head coach. Typically, having players fear you doesn’t work, unless you know when to lighten up.

    One thing that did surprise me about Belichick was went he showed up for Andy Reid’s son’s funeral. It led me to believe he’s somewhat human after all.

    As far as those two burying the hatchet, both of them are too thick headed to give an inch.

  137. 137 ACViking said at 9:13 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Why Belichick’s been so successful as a *Head Coach*?

    G-O-A-T.

  138. 138 HawaiianEagle said at 10:56 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    C H E A T

  139. 139 daveH said at 2:56 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Wher is our man the Reichsadler. ? ?

  140. 140 Masked Man said at 3:14 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    “Howie Roseman fixed many Chip Kelly mistakes, couldn’t bring back LeSean McCoy”

    Posted by Michael David Smith on February 2, 2018, 11:36 AM EST

    http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/02/02/howie-roseman-fixed-many-chip-kelly-mistakes-couldnt-bring-back-lesean-mccoy/

  141. 141 Masked Man said at 3:35 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    BGN has the Shady story too.
    ________________________

    “NFL Trade Rumors: Eagles tried to acquire LeSean McCoy from Bills”

    https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2018/2/2/16964314/nfl-trade-rumors-eagles-tried-acquire-lesean-mccoy-bills-buffalo-running-back-philadelphia-chip

  142. 142 nicolajNN said at 3:15 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Considering it’s the Super Bowl, it’s weird that I’m the least nervous(though some is starting to build) and most confident, I’ve felt before almost any game this season, the few games around the Broncos one probably has it beat.

    Before the Falcons game I wasn’t sure we could win, too many questions around Foles, Vikings felt a bit better, but I still wasn’t sure we could put up enough points on that defence. For this game I have no doubt whatsoever that we can win. And for all the talk about Patriots mystique, this team has some magic to them as well, and there’s more talent behind it.

    Finally, regardless of outcome, this is the end of the ride, but what a ride it’s been. Besides the disappointment of losing, there will be no envious looking at others playing their way to the biggest stage, we’re there, and there’s a lot to be proud of with this team, many great memories, and reason for optimism.

  143. 143 Dragon_Eagle said at 3:45 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Not sure if this got posted here yet, but this article is great.

    https://www.buzzfeed.com/tommcallister/defeat-evil-stand-with-philadelphia?utm_term=.myDnxR3r2V#.db0PbG0KVg

  144. 144 Bert's Bells said at 4:07 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    It’s in the body of Tommy’s article.

  145. 145 Dragon_Eagle said at 7:01 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Ah! So it was. I meant to go back and click that link when I had a chance, but another friend sent it to me separately. Apologies for the duplication, but it is a great piece.

  146. 146 Bert's Bells said at 12:30 AM on February 3rd, 2018:

    It’s definitely worth it for the TLDR crowd.

  147. 147 RobNE said at 5:12 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I love the sports mean nothing sports mean everything line. So true.

  148. 148 Brian said at 4:08 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I’m not quite confident. I just don’t have it in me to be confident after the Reid years. But I know this team is different, and they’ve won despite so much adversity that I know they CAN win. I don’t have quite as much dread mixed in with my anticipation that I had in February, 2005.

    But they need to win. They need to win for the fanbase, who needs this. They need to win for the players who came before them. Dawk, Westbook, Donovan, Lito & Sheldon, Bobby & Troy, Randall, Quick, Carmichael, Jaws, Reggie, Andre. Jerome.

    They need to win for the players who come after them, so they don’t have “No Superbowls!!!!!!!!!!111111111111” hanging over their heads anymore.

    This is probably the most likable, most improbable, and most fun Eagles team ever. They deserve to be the ones to end our suffering. To become legends.

  149. 149 Ark87 said at 4:23 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    So I don’t know how many of you have heard this fan-angle yet, but I love it.

    We all know the other NFCEast fans don’t wan’t us to win because they love lording the empty trophy case over us. They love it, they know it’s the only thing that phases us. So that is known.

    To sweeten the deal. Giants fans are ridiculously proud that only Eli Manning and the Giants can beat the Patriots in a superbowl. The more unstoppable the patriots, the better for Eli Manning’s legacy. The Eagles have a chance to take that bit of bragging rights away from them on Sunday. Ohohohohohoyiz.

    Source: https://www.theringer.com/nfl-playoffs/2018/2/2/16963670/super-bowl-52-patriots-eagles-mailbag-bill-simmons

    The opening set of Emails are about this topic, Bill’s response is actually pretty epic.

  150. 150 Insomniac said at 4:59 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    When we finally win one we’re going to be like

    http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/df/df0ff33f266f32214d219b927452e45fc1dffeaee2a32c2df03cac793d08d36a.jpg

  151. 151 Masked Man said at 5:23 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Hahaha!

  152. 152 meteorologist said at 5:08 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Whoa, Howie reportedly tried to trade for Shady in the Jordan Matthews trade!
    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2757308

  153. 153 Insomniac said at 5:18 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Fuck Chip Kelly. I don’t think a trade for Shady would have made sense for either team at the time.

  154. 154 Masked Man said at 5:26 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Nice PR towards Shady for Howie to let everybody know Shady was wanted. But I’m happy with the RB situation we have now. Very happy in fact…

    OK. Gotta go. Volunteered in town to help Grease the Lamp Posts and Telephone Poles this weekend before the Big Game!

    Go EAGLES!

  155. 155 daveH said at 5:34 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Be safe putting the cheese wiz on them lamp posts

  156. 156 Tdoteaglefan said at 6:22 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Man…kyle brandt a.k.a “lyle” is becoming a philly legend in a matter of weeks…this pick segment from today made me feel like running through a wall

    Check out @gmfb’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/gmfb/status/959412608884338688?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Edefault%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E1

  157. 157 truehaynes said at 6:56 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Already my favorite talking head

  158. 158 Ark87 said at 7:49 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Time for a defense of Ronald Darby: Physics edition (nothing technical)!
    https://youtu.be/2z58Ad7IVaA?t=7m14s
    Crap the link doesn’t work, it is tagged to the 7:14 mark that has been immortalized by NFL Films. Please skip to that point for my point.

    Shameful, but he got the job done right? Dude needs to work on being more physical, right? Well, lets talk about physics. Collisions specifically.

    When 2 objects collide head on, 2 things matter, mass and velocity. The Bigger faster object always wins out. Darby is slightly faster and Mckinnon is slightly bigger, so lets do some math to figure out who- I’m just kidding none of that matters.

    Most objects don’t collide head on or center of mass colliding with center of mass. It’s chaos. But to keep it simple, lets talk Vectors, or direction.

    https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ET2ktXnfIbpZyHSkLU8tzCnAVa8=/0x0:500×282/1920×0/filters:focal(0x0:500×282):gifv():no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10143273/robinson.gif

    Mckinnon is running full speed towards the sideline, Darby full speed towards the endzone (with the clear intent to get in the way of McKinnon). Based on the direction these guys are going, this isn’t a battle of strength or force or physicality or anything like that, rather, one of them is going to broadside (think of a T bone car accident, you don’t wan’t to be the guy who got T-boned) the other with little to no resistance outside of inertia pushing back at them. Darby risks getting a penalty or whiffing his block completely if he tries to broadside McKinnon, a man who makes a living on avoiding hits. So Darby throws his body into the path of Mckinnon. There is little he can actually do to turn his endzone bound velocity towards McKinnon to counter. He can only really stop and be teed off on.

    To Ronald Darby, who took one hell of a hit and a major embarrassment for the team. Philly Philly!

  159. 159 daveH said at 8:32 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Super Bowl on Sunday guys. .. should be some great commercials to watch .. anyone got a stake in the game though ???

  160. 160 jshort said at 9:20 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    A lifetime!

  161. 161 daveH said at 9:24 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Savoring the hope … fearful of. .. nah, PSYCHED FOR WHAT WILL BE !!

  162. 162 daveH said at 9:47 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    It literally has been

  163. 163 P_P_K said at 9:20 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    This is the first year in awhile I haven’t been putting money on the games. I don’t want to mess with the mojo of success so I’m refraining from betting on the Super Bowl. I have a couple honor bets with some Pats guys I know who do yoga. On Monday, they will have to perform a yoga routine while repeating, “Hail Philadelphia Eagles.”

  164. 164 laeagle said at 8:47 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Jesus, is it Sunday yet?

  165. 165 ACViking said at 10:03 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    After all these years and moments —

    The absolute purgatory of Eagles football from 1962-1975 . . .
    (13 straight season of, essentially, the 2012 Eagles)

    The relentless, growing dejection during the 1980 Eagles-Raiders SB — as the realization sunk in hard that the Eagles were not going to win that day . . .

    Three straight soul-crushing playoff losses from ’88-’90, each worse then the last, under Buddy Ryan — 2 of them on New Years Eve (Fog Bowl, Rams) . . .

    A near-decade of mediocrity — as DAL won 3 SBs — in the ’90s, culminating in the laughable 1998 Eagles offense coordinated by Dana Bible . . .

    The excitement that quickly turned to nagging disappointment in the first-half of the Andy Reid-years — feeling so damned close — that ended with the Eagles falling further and further behind the NFC’s best teams (not to mention the Patriots) . . .
    _____________

    Until 2017 . . .

    To watch the most resilient, talented Eagles team in nearly 60 years — S-I-X-T-Y Y-E-A-R-S — march with an air of defiant confidence to the SB . . .

    And feeling, “This Eagles team isn’t the culmination of some 5-year plan” . . .

    2017 is our year . . . Our. F–king. Year.
    ______________

    The Chinese were wrong . . .

    The journey is not the reward. Not after 60 years.

    The reward is knowing the 2017 Eagles will win the Super Bowl.

  166. 166 P_P_K said at 10:18 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    ACViking, The Noble Patriarch of Iggles Blitz!

  167. 167 sonofdman said at 10:18 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Damn ACV. Perfect.

  168. 168 SteveH said at 12:08 AM on February 3rd, 2018:

    ACV Got me feeling like I want to run through a brick wall. God dress me for the game I’ll lay some Patriots out.

  169. 169 Ryan Rambo said at 12:22 AM on February 3rd, 2018:

    SOLD!!

  170. 170 Reservedly Optimistic said at 5:46 AM on February 3rd, 2018:

    In honor of our esteemed ACViking’s legendary perspective on Iggle fandom I offer this thought: 1960 Birds denied Lombardi his first of many championships, may the 2017 Birds deny Belichick his quest for his last one.

  171. 171 Dragon_Eagle said at 10:26 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    ABC Channel 6 news just ran a piece warning about heart attacks during the game with advice to remember “its just a game.”

  172. 172 P_P_K said at 10:29 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    “It’s just a game” for those who don’t have green blood in their veins.

  173. 173 John Dunkerley said at 10:47 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Funny, because in the latest Star Wars movie, at the end, Leia says, We have all we need right here’.

  174. 174 wee2424 said at 11:37 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    Lol wow.

  175. 175 disqus_3WYBm0wj8p said at 11:18 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    I wouldn’t say that TO wins hands down against AJ. AJ brings more to the team positivity and family oriented than TO ever could. TOs drama is his downfall. Also, Foles just put up height McNabb numbers against the number 1 D in the league. I think they are both better, as long as Foles don’t chuck under the flu. We should be good.

  176. 176 Bert's Bells said at 12:32 AM on February 3rd, 2018:

    In 2004 in was all puppies and rainbows with TO. Can’t factor his drama into that year.

  177. 177 Ryan Rambo said at 11:51 PM on February 2nd, 2018:

    https://youtu.be/uHV4IJhVrfQ

  178. 178 SteveH said at 12:21 AM on February 3rd, 2018:

    You know I just realized one of the weirdest things about the 2004 super bowl is that we didn’t have a better backup TE plan than signing Jeff Thomasson literally off the street. What the fuck was our personnel department doing back then??

    And LJ Smith’s fumble is seared into my brain.

  179. 179 D3FB said at 2:08 PM on February 3rd, 2018:

    It’s a tough time of year because all the interesting young guys are already under futures contracts.

  180. 180 FairOaks said at 11:44 AM on February 4th, 2018:

    I always thought the loss of Chad Lewis was huge.

  181. 181 Benny6968 said at 4:21 PM on February 4th, 2018:

    FLY EAGLES FLY !!!!
    ON THE ROAD TO VICTORY !!!!!!
    FLY EAGLES FLY !!!!
    SCORE A TOUCHDOWN 1,2,3
    HIT HIM LOW, HIT HIM HIGH AND WATCH OUR EAGLES FLY !!!!
    FLY EAGLES FLY ON THE ROAD TO VICTORY !!!!!!

    E !!! A !!! G !!! L !!! E !!! S !!!
    EAGLES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!