Philadelphia Eagles
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NFL Team Column |
Rally Comes Up Short in Loss to Chargers
For the first 3 quarters, the Philadelphia Eagles were lifeless against the San Diego Chargers. They were all but driven out of Qualcomm Stadium and their 2nd West Coast trip was going to end in yet another huge disappointment. (The first time they suffered a 13-9 loss to the lowly Oakland Raiders). After the first 45 minutes, the Eagles trailed 28-9. Those 9 points all came on failure to punch in a touchdown after reaching the red zone in all 3 efforts. All 3 efforts were also on 1st downs with goal to-go.
The other thing the Eagles loved doing is giving up touchdowns from exactly 20 yards away. 3 of the 4 Chargers touchdowns were scored from the Eagles 20 yard line. First was a QB Philip Rivers (20/25, 231 yards, 2 TD, 131.8 passer rating) short pass to FB Mike Tolbert where Tolbert had all open room in the middle of the field, opening the scoring. RB LaDanian Tomlinson scored the second of his two touchdowns taking a handoff from Rivers up the middle, the scurried over to the right uncovered into the end zone. Chargers ahead 21-6.
Lastly, after what was appearing like the perfect pass rush for the Eagles, Rivers, on the verge of getting hit, launched a pass into the end zone and wide open somehow was WR Legedu Naanee, who caught the pass while just setting his feet inbounds. He somehow broke free from Asante Samuel, who is usually a shutdown cornerback.
At that 28-9 score going into the fourth quarter, it was probably assumed that Eagles fans were turning off their television sets and calling it a day. Just before the end of the 3rd quarter, QB Donovan McNabb and the Eagles started to make a desperate drive. On a 3rd & 18 play on the San Diego 34 yard line, McNabb found WR Jason Avant, who made a spectactular one-handed spinning 21 yard catch over two San Diego defenders. That was a highlight-reel worthy play, yes, but it also kept the Eagles desperate rally alive going into the final fifteen minutes.
46 seconds into the fourth quarter was where the furious drive of desperation ended as McNabb found a wide-open Jeremy Maclin (WR) in the left corner of the end zone, cutting the lead to a 12 point game at 28-16. After forcing the Chargers to a three and out, the Eagles regained possession. They orchestrated a perfect 12 play, 77 yard drive which took five minutes that culminated with a Brent Celek (TE) 6 yard touchdown from a scrambling McNabb curled right in front of a Chargers defender. Eagles behind 28-23 with 7:12 to go. Turn those TV's back on Eagles fans!
The ensuing Chargers drive was the killer, as Rivers found crucial gains to TE Antonio Gates and Naanee once more, getting the Chargers to the Eagles 15. The drive killed more clock than the Eagles hoped for. And by the time the Eagles could get the ball back after a Nate Kaeding field goal, it only gave them 24 seconds. He did get the Eagles to the San Diego 34, but a last second desperation heave flew over Jason Avant in the end zone, which was intercepted by CB Antonio Cromartie. Game over. Eagles fall 31-23, dropping them to 5-4 going into Chicago for their second Sunday Night Football appearance in 3 weeks. With the Cowboys losing, the Eagles remain 1 game outside of first place in the NFC East, but dropped into a tie with the idle Giants.
The positives we can take: QB Donovan McNabb went 35/55 for a whopping 450 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jason Avant also had a career day with 8 receptions for 156 yards. WR DeSean Jackson also had 8 receptions for 91 yards. The rest: WR Jeremy Maclin (6 rec, 76 yards, TD), TE Brent Celek (6 rec, 47 yards, TD), WR Reggie Brown (2 rec, 36 yards), RB Brian Westbrook (2 rec, 26 yards), RB LeSean McCoy (3 rec, 18 yards). The Eagles also do not go down very easily. Their largest margin of defeat was 26 points in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. The 8 point margin on Sunday was their 2nd largest margin of the season, the others have come by 4 pts (13-9 in Oakland, 20-16 against Dallas)
The negative: McNabb threw for so many yards because of a lackluster running game. RB's Westbrook and McCoy only combined for 33 yards. The net yardage (rushing) was only 29 yards. However, Brian Westbrook suffered another concussion and is ruled out for Sunday's game in Chicago and according to Yahoo! Sports Eagles team report- he could be finished for the season, which would be a huge blow to the run game.
RB LeSean McCoy will carry the load for the most part, while FB Leonard Weaver will get some touches as well. Weaver did prove he's worth the ball back in Week 8 against the Giants, scoring the opening touchdown in that game. Despite 2 sacks on Rivers, the defensive unit was sloppy all day, pass and rush. The Chargers totaled 331 yards (212 pass, 119 rush) on the Eagles defense, which is now ranked 9th in the NFL (307 yards/game).
Next week for the Eagles: a trip to the Windy City for a showdown with the Bears. This is now Week 11. 7 more weeks of football to be played. This game could have some sort of implications in regards to the postseason. The Bears (4-5) are probably out of the division race with the first place Minnesota Vikings being 8-1, but are still well in competition for a wild-card.
However, the Bears have had their share of problems. Their biggest playmaker on their physical defense was lost for the season in their opener- LB Brian Urlacher. QB Jay Cutler, who was acquired in a trade from the Denver Broncos after a heated dissatisfaction with the club, has been inconsistent in his own right. Last week in San Francisco, he was intercepted five times in a 10-6 loss, the final coming on a goal-to-go situation.
This should be a win for the Eagles. They need it after these last 2 performances. 60 minutes of football is needed, not fifteen. You can't play from behind and then expect to win. With Chicago slipping on and off, the Eagles need to exploit their weaknesses. They shouldn't grieve over Westbrook too much. They showed they can win without him. It's a huge blow yes, because he works strongly in rushing and receiving, but I personally believe the team will be fine.
Eagles 24, Bears 17.
Eagles offense ineffective, lose tough one to Cowboys
Intense NFC East rivalry. Rowdy fans. National TV spotlight. The Eagles/Cowboys game from the City of Brotherly Love had all the effect of what I anticipated to be a physical, high scoring affair.
No explosive first half. No air shows from QB Donovan McNabb to WR DeSean Jackson (who had a very quiet game). For the 2nd straight week, the Eagles were without star RB Brian Westbrook.
To put the previous into the right words- the Eagles were outplayed. And somehow, the game came to the end. Cowboys 20, Eagles 16. The hero for the Dallas Cowboys? The man that the defense watched very well- WR Miles Austin. With the score tied at 13 midway through the 4th quarter, QB Tony Romo found Austin for a 49 yard TD reception, giving Dallas the 20-13 lead. That was Austin's ONE catch of the game.
Romo torched the Eagles for 307 yards (21/34, 1 TD, 1 INT). Most of his passes came on short catch and runs, often achieving Dallas big first downs. The Eagles did sack him 4 times and intercepted him once (safety Sheldon Brown). Sounds ugly, but it got the job done.
The Cowboys offense also employed the wildcat offense throughout the game. They capitalized on it in the 1st quarter when a direct snap to RB Tashard Choice was an easy 2 yard TD run for the opening score.
The main culprit of this game was the Eagles offense. Unlike the last 2 games, where they scored a combined 57 pts in the 1st half, the Eagles only had 6 last night. They trailed 10-6 at the intermission. McNabb was erratic, as he was hassled all night by the Cowboys pass rush. He was sacked 4 times as well. McNabb finished 16/30, 227 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT.
His lone touchdown went to TE Brent Celek (who might I say has flourished quite nicely since last years NFC Championship game). Even from my own view it appeared like McNabb went way over the line of scrimmage. Rightfully, Cowboys coach Wade Phillips challenged. It turned out that McNabb was right on the line. His feet were right on the line, meaning he was within his limits. Call upheld, touchdown Eagles, who at the time took a 13-10 lead.
Another big mistake on the Eagles part (and the same can be said for Dallas) is that they burned their timeouts way too early. The Eagles went into the 4th quarter with one timeout left. Coach Andy Reid unnecessarily wasted a challenge when RB LeSean McCoy caught a pass right at the 1st down marker. McCoy himself was ahead of the 1st down marker, but the ball was not. It's all about the spot of the football, which was short on TV replays. No conclusive evidence could overturn. This was in the 3rd quarter, so the Eagles had 1 timeout going to the final 15 minutes.
The Cowboys kept WR DeSean Jackson in check. Jackson, who torched the Redskins and Giants, was absolutely quiet (2 catches, 29 yards). LeSean McCoy led the receiving with 5 catches for 61 yards.
Notes: CB Asante Samuel was hit in the helmet by Felix Jones' knee. Samuel was out for a few minutes before walking off under his own power. Eagles kicker David Akers hit 3 field goals from 45, 48, and 52 yards respectively.
Next up for the Eagles: another big challenge. An inter-conference matchup with the San Diego Chargers out on the West Coast. The AFC is a very competitive conference and it has shown for the last few years. San Diego has a dangerous offense led by QB Philip Rivers. He's accompanied by the RB duo of LaDanian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles as well as WR Vincent Jackson and TE Antonio Gates. The Chargers were up the NJ Turnpike at Giants Stadium. Rivers hit Jackson with :21 left in the game to give the Chargers a stunning 21-20 win, sending the Giants to their 4th straight defeat. Jackson had 2 TD.
So once again the 5-3 Eagles meet a team with an identical record, both teams are in the wild-card hunt.
Eagles at Chargers. Sunday 4:15 TV: FOX
Eagles play a complete 60 minutes, destroy Giants
On perhaps one of the best days of the geographical rivalry of New York and Philadelphia in my honest opinion, the Philadelphia Eagles took Lincoln Financial Field against their NFC East rivals from up the New Jersey Turnpike- the New York Giants. In what was anticipated to be a close, spirited contest, the Eagles proved that anticipation wrong with a 40-17 shellacking of Big Blue, in a game that was pretty much over before halftime.
For the second straight week, the Eagles dominated the first 30 minutes of play, scoring 30 points against a Giants team that went from 5-0 to now 5-3, leaving Big Blue scratching their heads after their 3rd straight defeat, as they sunk from 1st place in the NFC East to 3rd.
The Eagles victory, coupled with the Dallas Cowboys win over the Seattle Seahawks, puts them in a 1st place tie in the NFC East at 5-2, with a Sunday Night nationally televised showdown with the Cowboys on Sunday night in Philadelphia. This will be the 3rd consecutive divisional contest for the Eagles.
Despite being without star RB Brian Westbrook (concussion), there was no anxiety in the run game. They utilized who the Giants probably didn't expect- FB Leonard Weaver. Weaver opened the scoring early, in a drive that only took 3 plays, with a 41 yard up the middle touchdown run.
RB LeSean McCoy, quiet through most of the game, capped the Eagles scoring with a 66 yard touchdown run of his own. McCoy finished with 11 carries, 82 yards, and the TD. He added 2 receptions for 10 yards.
QB Donovan McNabb had another career day, going 17/23, throwing for 240 yards and 3 touchdowns (all in the first half) with a passer rating of 146.7. After CB Asante Samuel intercepted an Eli Manning pass, McNabb found TE Brent Celek for a 17 yard touchdown- 13-0 Eagles.
After the Giants pulled within 16-7 with five minutes remaining in the 1st half, on the ensuing play after the kickoff, McNabb found WR DeSean Jackson on a fantastic 54 yard catch and run touchdown. That was Jackson's sixth touchdown of the season. All six have come from 50+ yards. McNabb added a TD pass to WR Jeremy Maclin to cap the 1st half score at 30-7.
The Eagles 4 touchdown drives all ended in 3 plays or less. The offense only ran 49 plays.
The Eagles defense also played a big role in the rather enjoyable show for Philadelphia sports fans. CB Asante Samuel had the interception which led to the Celek TD, and free safety Quentin Demps added one of his own, his first of the 2009 campaign. Both INTs led to touchdowns. Samuel also forced a fumble on WR Domenik Hixon on the 2nd half kickoff which was recovered by LB Moise Fokou.
That led to a David Akers field goal from 35 yards. The defense recorded 2 sacks on QB Eli Manning, pressuring him into a miserable day (20/39, 222 yards, 1 TD, and 2 interceptions, with a passer rating of 55.7), they held RB Brandon Jacobs to another rush game of under 100 yards for him (20 rush, 86 yards). The only negative was that they gave up 215 passing yards as WRs Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith, and TE Kevin Boss all had 50+ yard days. But all else, a phenomenal effort on the defense, as well as on all units.
The Eagles did everything that a winning team is supposed to do to win. They pressured the quarterback, forcing him into mistakes, they created turnovers, they used those turnovers to their advantage by getting points (20 points off 4 turnovers). They exploited a weak secondary that's missing some vital players and that has absolutely struggled. The offense did short work all game, but the defense did their part. Also, special teams played a role on the Hixon fumble. They also won the turnover battle (3-2).
The Eagles focus is now on the Dallas Cowboys. The last time the Cowboys came to Lincoln Financial Field was on the final week of the 2008 season, which ended up being a Wild-Card play-in game, which the Eagles destroyed the Cowboys 44-6 en route to the NFC title game. The matchup on Sunday night ends up being the same, with the teams at identical records. Although I did predict to myself that the Giants game would be a good game, this should be even more interesting.
The playoff pictures are going to start to shaping up, as we are now at the midway point of the 2009 season and the games become more meaningful. Expect the Eagles and their fans to come out in real full force. It is the Cowboys coming to town, after all, all the NFC East probably despises the Cowboys more than anyone. Expect a physical, high-scoring game.
The defense has to contend with emerging WR Miles Austin (26 rec, 563 yds, 6 TD). That will probably be the assignment of Cornerback Asante Samuel, who over the years with the Super Bowl dynasty of the New England Patriots has been a shutdown corner and continues to be such.
My prediction is once again a toss-up, but expect again, a close game. Eagles, prove me wrong again.
Eagles Explode early and Defeat the Sinking Redskins
The Eagles manhandled the dysfunctional Washington Redskins 27-17 in a game which was practically over by the end of the 1st quarter, in front of a national television audience on Monday Night Football. WR DeSean Jackson had 2 TD, including a 67 yard reverse run to open the scoring 4 plays into the contest. He finished with 2 catches for 69 yards, 57 of which came on a beautiful double move on CB Carlos Rogers, leaving Jackson wide open late in the first half to put the Eagles up 27-7. However, Jackson left the game late in the first half with a right ankle injury. But he has shown why he's a leader on this team, by his phenomenal work ethic that he brings to each game. His 2 scores bring him to 3 touchdowns on the year, with 21 catches for 423 yards.
After a frustrating 13-9 loss to the lowly Raiders last week in Oakland, the Eagles came out and dominated the first half, scoring all 27 of their points before halftime. They went into Landover, MD (a suburb outside of our nation's capital) and took the fans out of the game (their contingent aside who made the 2 1/2 hour trip down I-95) while fans were still filing into FedEx Field. They played a very complete game. The defense blitzed all night long, sacking Redskins QB Jason Campbell 6 times, and recovering 3 fumbles with constant pressure and holding a clearly frustrated (on TV) Clinton Portis to 14 rushes for 43 yards. Newly acquired linebacker Will Witherspoon had a 9 yard pick-6, igniting the romp before the end of the first quarter.
QB Donavan McNabb finished 15-25 for only 156 yards, while Michael Vick came in for a few wildcat (or "Wild Eagle") plays, which have been rather ineffective for the run offense (Last night: 3 att, 9 yards). However, the run game didn't do a whole lot in general. Brian Westbrook (3 rush, 13 yards) left the game after the 1st quarter with a concussion, but was seen on the sidelines later on. His status for next week is uncertain. LeSean McCoy finished with 14 rushes for only a dismal 37 yards.
This game, despite that this was a divisional game, was probably easy for the Eagles as the nation knows that the Redskins are a mess on both sides of the football. Despite having talented players in Santana Moss and Antwan Randle-El, Jason Campbell has been proven ineffective, Jim Zorn was just relieved of offensive playcalling (we all know that fans in D.C. have been calling for his firing), the team giving 4 of their 5 losses to previously winless teams, among many other problems. Albert Haynesworth called out his team last night after the game, questioning his teammates desire.
Next Up: The New York Giants:
Next week for the Eagles comes the hated division nemesis. The New York Giants (5-2) march into the Linc in what should be a crazy fun-filled New York/Philadelphia Sunday, with (in all likelihood) a World Series Game 5 between the Yankees and Phillies (let's face it, the World Series will not be a sweep). Pattison Avenue and Broad Street, as well as Chickie's and Pete's, should be in complete and utter chaos because of the geography between the two cities in which probably a huge New York contingent will be traveling down the turnpike.
Also, this battle is for 1st place in the NFC East, so all the more it's going to be quite interesting.
With the run game all banged up, expect McNabb to be coming out with more throwing. With the Giants secondary banged up, McNabb should be able to exploit the pass defense, which in 2 losses to the Saints and Cardinals respectively, have come up ineffective, primarily with Corey Webster out for the season. The Giants will probably do their homework on Jackson, so Jeremy Maclin should be able to pick up some more plays.
Note: The Giants/Eagles game was originally scheduled for 4:15, but due to the World Series, the game has been pushed back to 1pm.
Eagles Make Some Moves in the 2009 NFL Draft
PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles not only got some quality players in the 2009 NFL draft, but they got busy in doing so as a number of moves were made.
Here is a quick synopsis.
-To the Eagles: 1st round (19th overall) ... To the Browns: 1st round (21st overall), 6th round (195th overall
)
-To the Eagles: 3rd round (91st), 5th round (164th) ... To the N.Y. Giants: 3rd round (85th)
-To the Eagles: 5th round (137th), 7th round (213th), 3rd round in 2010 ... To the Seahawks: 3rd round (91st)
-To the Eagles: CB Ellis Hobbs ... To the Patriots: 5th round (137th), 5th round (141st)
-To the Eagles: 7th round (222nd), 5th round in 2010 ... To the Saints: 5th round (164th)
-To the Eagles: 6th round in 2010 ... To the Colts: 7th round (222nd)
Of the moves, trading out of the third round seemed the most interesting. Here's how general manager Tom Heckert said it worked out.
"If there was a player there in the third round that we thought was a really good player, we probably would have stayed there and done that (made a pick). We just thought that there were a ton of players still on the board and we had the extra fifth-round picks -- at one time we had six picks in that round, and I'm not sure we had six players up on the board at that time -- but it worked out really well for us," said Heckert. "We were able to get Ingram, who we had rated a lot higher than the fifth round. I'm sure he fell because he didn't play last year (at Florida) and we knew those guys were starting to fall, so we thought we could move back and still get our players, along with picks next year. It all worked out in the end, I think."
He talks about Florida tight end Cornelieus Ingram. But perhaps the top two picks of the draft are ones Eagles fans will be talking about for years.
Jeremy Maclin was taken with the first pick, while LeShon McCoy was nabbed with the second pick.
Maclin, who went to Missouri, is an explosive, playmaking prospect who is a threat to score whenever he handles the ball. This will add some spark to Donavan McNabb's arsenal. He is also young, at 20, which means he will only get better with age.
During his collegiate career he was outstanding. His freshman year he tallied 2,776 all-purpose yards, which was an NCAA Division I-A single-season freshman record, and was the fifth-most ever by any player in a season in Division I-A history.
He followed it up 2,833 all-purpose yards in 2008 and when drawing comparisons, it is to Joey Galloway when he was younger.
As for McCoy, well he was Pitt football the past few years. A native of nearby Harrisburg, this is a player that Eagle fans will enjoy watching.McCoy, who rushed for more than 2,700 yards and 35 touchdowns at Pitt, may not have gotten the recognization that a Chris Beanie Wells did, but he is a special player. I expect him to have a very productive rookie campaign.
"I'm excited. I think we brought in two really good athletes," head coach Andy Reid said. ”I think they're explosive players and should add a little bit to our offense there."
The Eagles got the tight end they were looking for in Ingram with the first of its fifth round picks. While Ingram was highly regarded in the pre-season rankings, he was also injured and must show he is recovered. Asked about this on draft day, he had this to say.
"I think it is just more of a mental thing coming off of an injury like this. Nine times out of ten with some guys it might happen differently as far as getting hit a certain way but when I got hurt it was just me catching the ball and someone pulling my shoulder pads," Ingram said. “It’s more mental so I think once I start playing and I get going I will be fine. I will have no fear of going out there and just turning loose and being myself."
The Eagles also took two other players in the fifth round, with cornerback Victor Harris being the most intriguing. Harris played in 13 games last year for Virginia Tech and registered 46 tackles, caused two fumbles and recovered another. He also intercepted six passes and took two of those back for touchdowns. He can also return kicks and punts and may eventually move over to the safety slot.
"This kid, I don't know if you guys have had a chance to talk to him, he loves to play the game and he plays it very well," Reid said. “Now, his 40 (yard dash) time and all that didn't work out all-that well. I just took him because you can put him at safety or corner and he makes plays."
The other guy the team took Fenuki Tupou with the 159th overall pick. Big and aggressive at 6'5-315 pounds, he played left tackle in college and will be a project for the team.
If there is a sleeper in the draft, he comes to Philly via Maryland as the Eagles selected Moise Fokou. A linebacker, he is a kid with tremendous upside. He will contribute on special teams immediately, and as a strong side linebacker due to how athletic he is.
The 2009 NFL Draft Review: The Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles went into the 2009 NFL Draft with some specific needs, needs that kept them out of the Super Bowl and they filled most of those needs with smart and sensible draft picks. With the picks that the Eagles had, they ended up getting some great talent and may have given themselves some of the building blocks that they need to get to the Super Bowl next season.
The following is a look at the Eagles draft and who they drafted along with a final grade on this team’s draft.
Jeremy Maclin-WR-Missouri picked 1st (19th)
The Eagles traded up to land this top of the line wide receiver and a guy who should have an instant impact on their team right out of the gate. Maclin will help them stretch the defense and give quarterback Donavan McNabb a long range target. Not only is he going to help them out in the passing game but he can also return kickoffs and punt which will also help the Eagles out. This was one of the smartest picks of the first round.
LeSean McCoy-RB-Pittsburgh picked 2nd (53rd).
The Eagles went into this draft needing someone to help spell Brian Westbrook, the leagues most productive but overworked running back. McCoy, despite some issues he had while at the University of Pittsburgh, should be able to come in and help improve the Eagles running game by being part of the one two back offense as well as spell Westbrook. This was a smart pick although a critical one being McCoy has had some character issues but he should be just fine in Philadelphia.
Cornelius Ingram-TE-Florida picked 5th round (153rd)
This pick may be one of the riskiest picks that the Eagles made but could also be one that pays enormous dividends for them in the future. They needed a tight end and ended up getting Ingram, a player who played well in the Gator’s system but is coming off of a serious knee injury and may not be quite ready to go by the start of Eagles training camp this summer. However, if Ingram can return to the type of player that he was before the injury, he could be one of the leagues top tight ends in the not so distant future. It’s a bit of a gamble but one that could pay out big for the Eagles.
Victor Harris-CB-Virginia Tech picked 5th (157th)
Despite the fact that Harris had a poor showing at the combine the Eagles still went ahead and picked him up to at least add some depth at the cornerback position. With his height and some additional weight if he can add it, he might be a safety prospect but will take some time to develop. This is an interesting pickup for the Eagles but one that could pay off in the future.
Fenuki Tupou-OT-Oregon picked 5th (159th)
Although the Eagles did manager to beef up their offensive line thanks to the addition of Leonard Peters, they still needed some depth at the offensive tackle position and they got some by taking Tupou. He has a chance to make the team as a reserve tackle and could possibly start somewhere down the road.
Brandon Gibson-WR-Washington State picked 6th (194th)
The Eagles went for some additional depth at the wide receiver position by taking Gibson in the sixth round. Gibson‘s size is pretty decent and he could contribute either right away or in a year or two.
Paul Fanaika-OG-Arizona State picked 7th (213)
The Eagles went for depth again, for their offensive line, and grabbed guard Paul Fanaika. He is a developmental prospect that might end up adding some depth on the line at some point but perhaps not anytime soon.
Moise Fokou-OLB-Maryland picked 7th (230th)
The Eagles final pick in the draft will help add some depth at the linebacker position although he is a long shot to make the team.
Overall, the Eagles really got some good players at the top of their draft but still didn’t address many future starting needs with some of the later picks. Maclin and McCoy will be promising future starters and there are a few guys that could stick with the team in the future. Maclin was a huge selection however and will be the one who defines how this draft went.
Overall Grade: B+
