***Official 2009 Philadelphia Eagles Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[Amused to Death]

lmaoi think the reid experiement as HC is done. bring in a OC with half a freaking brain, less stubborn.

I only caught the first quarter today. Should I bother to ask for a recap, or is it the usual lather, rinse repeat from the last ten years?

You've seen it before. They were facing a weak run D and a strong pass D so guess what the game plan was? Yup, pass all day (13 rushes for 29 yds total).Oh and I had my son cracking up when I recited Reid's presser about 5 minutes before he came on. I pretty much nailed it. Its the same script now for 10+ years.Reid keeps telling us that its his job to fix things. Guess he's out of ideas on the RZ and short yardage. They're still broke. On a serious note, best wishes to Westbrook. Sad day for all Eagles fans. The McCoy era seems to have begun.

 

[delusional]

So is LJ coming or do we start giving the rock to Weaver some? I think Weaver could be a beast given some touches.

i think they just need to give to rock to a RB period...5-7 carries a quarter. Actually with westbrook out, watch them go back to the balanced offense before.

 

[crewmember]

lmao

i think the reid experiement as HC is done.

bring in a OC with half a freaking brain, less stubborn.

I only caught the first quarter today. Should I bother to ask for a recap, or is it the usual lather, rinse repeat from the last ten years?

You've seen it before. They were facing a weak run D and a strong pass D so guess what the game plan was? Yup, pass all day (13 rushes for 29 yds total).Oh and I had my son cracking up when I recited Reid's presser about 5 minutes before he came on. I pretty much nailed it. Its the same script now for 10+ years.

Reid keeps telling us that its his job to fix things. Guess he's out of ideas on the RZ and short yardage. They're still broke. On a serious note, best wishes to Westbrook. Sad day for all Eagles fans. The McCoy era seems to have begun.

Don't know why you would complain about the ratio. They had 450 yards passing. The Problem was converting in the redzone. I put the loss on the defense. I know that's not as fun to do as fans, but they flat out sucked, and didn't come up big once.

 

[Ash]

Both the offense and the defense own this loss. 3 red zone trips for 0 TDs is unacceptable, it's beyond that to have 1st and goal at the 1 and settle for a field goal. The defense is not blameless either, SD couldn't run the ball all year. Until today. They gave up TDs on the first two possessions, 4 TDs overall and over 30 points.

I don't really care about McNabb's 450 passing yards, They need to do a much better job converting drives into points. It used to be a hallmark of this D that even if somebody drove all day between the 20s, they held up in the redzone, because that's where you win games. We didn't do well there on either side of the ball today.

to Jason Avant though, great game and that one handed catch on the corner route was $$

ETA: Underneath coverage killed us again today, WRs didn't do much damage, except for the catch of Floyd's where I think he pushed off Brown when he fell.

Also 55 passes to 12 runs and a busted double reverse? Even Andy can't be serious about that.

 

[SmashEmUp]

No ball control to keep the ball out of the Chargers hands. No rhythm for any kind of running game, so that when it mattered and a run was needed, it was near impossible. Terrible play calling and clock management...same old same old.

Andy Reid needs to go. I'm sick of him and Marty.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

3rd and goal from the 1 and they give the ball to Eldra Buckley? Really?

 

[Lehigh98]

I don't really care about McNabb's 450 passing yards, They need to do a much better job converting drives into points.

"Bend But Don't Break" Offense

 

[JAA]

Now if you want to criticize Reid's ability to identify and develop WR talent, feel free. But it certainly wasn't for lack of trying. Unfortunately a couple of draft busts can really set a team back at a position.

Agreed. Look at the players on the board when Reid picked Freddie Mitchell: Reggie Wayne, Steve Smith, Chad Johnson, Chris Chambers, TJ Houshmandzadeh. (And yes, a lot of others who didn't succeed)I'd like to get past this, really. I just can't.

everyone missed at SS

 

[CentralPA]

The lack of rushing defintely not the issue here. I don't know how you could have what was it? 5 or 6 red zone attempts and only come away with 2 TDs? The team is just wildly inconsistent, even if they do make the playoffs I'm not expecting them to even go to the champonship game.

 

[Please See Mine]

I put the loss on the defense. I know that's not as fun to do as fans, but they flat out sucked, and didn't come up big once.

Which is not uncommon for this defense over the past several years. They always seem to do more than their talent might indicate overall, but in big spots at the ends of games, I'm rarely expecting them to get big stops. Pretty sure I have PTSD from the 2 Saints games in 2006.

 

[Cable]

3rd and goal from the 1 and they give the ball to Eldra Buckley? Really?

At that time, Buckley had 3 more NFL carries than I did.

 

[crewmember]

No ball control to keep the ball out of the Chargers hands. No rhythm for any kind of running game, so that when it mattered and a run was needed, it was near impossible. Terrible play calling and clock management...same old same old. Andy Reid needs to go. I'm sick of him and Marty.

Time of Possession was even and that's no thanks to our defense.

 

[DaWidowMaker]

The lack of rushing defintely not the issue here. I don't know how you could have what was it? 5 or 6 red zone attempts and only come away with 2 TDs? The team is just wildly inconsistent, even if they do make the playoffs I'm not expecting them to even go to the champonship game.

........leaves thread even more

 

[crewmember]

3rd and goal from the 1 and they give the ball to Eldra Buckley? Really?

At that time, Buckley had 3 more NFL carries than I did.

On the one 2nd down at the goaline(i think), I actually got excited when they stacked up a bunch of guys on one side. Thought oh good just smash it in there, doesn't matter if its telegraphed. Of course it was a misdirection to the weak side and Chargers weren't falling for it.

 

[delusional]

lol @ people ripping the defense, they actually kept us in games the past few years.

yet this week was the week they should have ran it run it runned it rannned it runnning it...yes all variations of run simply because the defense is so hurt right now.

in case you missed it, not one LB was starting at their normal position this past week. Our #5 DB was our #2 because of injuries.

I am done with Reid. I am sorry but after 10 years and you still dont know how to manage a clock or run a freaking ball is pure stubborn. Even the announcers during the game were calling the plays and bringing up the lack of run.

Yea Elda Buckley, he was on the practice squad for a reason. But what the hell, that will fool dem chargers! You run the ball what? like 5 times in the first half and expect the O line ( shambles that it is ) and be in a groove to run at the goaline? Hell i think i seen the RG drop back in pass protection for one run up the middle.

Can Andy.

Can Marty.

Trade vets in offseason or release them ( Trotter? lol Brown, Vick, Curtis ).

Find anyone, that can manage a clock and bring a offense fit for the players.

 

[Amused to Death]

lol @ people ripping the defense, they actually kept us in games the past few years.

yet this week was the week they should have ran it run it runned it rannned it runnning it...yes all variations of run simply because the defense is so hurt right now.

in case you missed it, not one LB was starting at their normal position this past week. Our #5 DB was our #2 because of injuries.

I am done with Reid. I am sorry but after 10 years and you still dont know how to manage a clock or run a freaking ball is pure stubborn. Even the announcers during the game were calling the plays and bringing up the lack of run.

Yea Elda Buckley, he was on the practice squad for a reason. But what the hell, that will fool dem chargers! You run the ball what? like 5 times in the first half and expect the O line ( shambles that it is ) and be in a groove to run at the goaline? Hell i think i seen the RG drop back in pass protection for one run up the middle.

Can Andy.

Can Marty.

Trade vets in offseason or release them ( Trotter? lol Brown, Vick, Curtis ).

Find anyone, that can manage a clock and bring a offense fit for the players.

"If you can make a team one-dimensional or they choose to be one-dimensional, it helps you," San Diego coach Norv Turner said.Didn't we also hear last year from opposing defensive players that they knew the Eagles plays? Way too predictable and there's no chance Andy changes now.

 

[Ash]

Didn't we also hear last year from opposing defensive players that they knew the Eagles plays? Way too predictable and there's no chance Andy changes now.

I read a quote like this a long time ago from Randall when Kotite got fired. He said he'd line up for the snap and the defenders would be telling him the play and who his first read was.I'm not in the Fire Reid crew yet, but I do think some deep and genuine changes need to be made to this offense and I'm not sure Reid understands the need, or is interested in doing it. I'm sick of hearing about how screens are a substitute for the running game.

 

[dhockster]

The lack of red zone success is tied directly to the Eagles not being able to run the ball. As you get closer to the goal line, it gets harder to pass the ball successly because there is less field for the defense to have to cover. Therefore, being able to run the ball allows you to score in situations where it is harder to pass (i.e. in the red zone). Reid's refusal to develop a run game has hurt the Eagles against good teams over the years, because when the opponent has been good enough to shut down the passing game, The Eagles have not had a running game to turn to.

There was a great contrast between San Diego and Philadelphia in the red zone in the 1st half. SD was up 7-0 and had 1st and goal from the Eagles 3. The Chargers lined up in a tight formation and tried to ram it in with LT. Stopped for no gain. The next play, the Chargers spread the field with receivers and had LT in a one back set. Handoff to LT, Touchdown. By spreading the field, LT had room to find a hole. Contrast that with the Eagles down 14-0 and 1st and goal at the 1. They line up in a tight formation and try a misdirection handoff to Weaver for no gain. On second down, they spread the field wide and throw incomplete to Celek. On third down, they line up tight again in an I formation and try to pound it with Buckley. No gain. Reid turns chicken and kicks a FG from inside the one. Those lost 4 points killed the Eagles late in the game.

The frustrating part about the Eagles lack of success with the run is they have the components to have a really good run game. They have a huge line that can move people, they have a good fullback in Weaver and what appears to be a capable running back in McCoy. Reid is just too stubborn for his own good. Yes, some of the Eagles problems this year have been because of turnover in the offensive line and injuries on offense and defense, but Reid has really perfomed badly this year. His clock management has not been good (as usual) but I think his decision making this year has been bad. The decisions in the last two games to try Field goals when the Eagles really needed to get touchdowns is really frustrating. He is not putting his players in a position to win games.

I am not saying he needs to be fired because he has shown that he can do some very good things over the years, but at the very least he needs to pull his head out of his ###.

 

[Cable]

I am done with Reid. I am sorry but after 10 years and you still dont know how to manage a clock or run a freaking ball is pure stubborn. Even the announcers during the game were calling the plays and bringing up the lack of run.

Couldn't agree more. What takes an average NFL or NCAA or even High School, coach moments to process key information takes Andy years...decades even. Or he just might never get it due to his own arrogance.

 

[Aardvarks]

Sorta off-topic and not really news, but-

I have a buddy in the Eagles organization... anyway I don't know if you've read that DeSean Jackson had an ankle injury and left briefly vs. San Diego- and then returned... well, my guy says DeSean went to the locker room to, ahem, sit on the throne. No injury.

 

[JuniorNB]

Sorta off-topic and not really news, but-

I have a buddy in the Eagles organization... anyway I don't know if you've read that DeSean Jackson had an ankle injury and left briefly vs. San Diego- and then returned... well, my guy says DeSean went to the locker room to, ahem, sit on the throne. No injury.

#### happens.

 

[dhockster]

I have criticized Andy Reid this year for his playcalling and clock management, but I will say he tends to get his teams ready to play in must win situations (as long as it is not the NFC Championship or Super Bowl).

With the injuries/absences the Eagles have suffered this year with McNabb, Westbrook, the Andrews brothers, Herremans, Peters, Bradley, Gaither, Gocong, Hobbs, Hanson, and Samuel and Brown last night, it is amazing that this team is 6-4 and still in the thick of the playoff hunt.

I don't think this is the Eagles year, but it is great to see that Reid has kept this team from giving up. A lot of credit has to be given to the Scouting department and Joe Banner for putting together the best group of 2nd string players in the league.

 

[Jason Wood]

I have criticized Andy Reid this year for his playcalling and clock management, but I will say he tends to get his teams ready to play in must win situations (as long as it is not the NFC Championship or Super Bowl).With the injuries/absences the Eagles have suffered this year with McNabb, Westbrook, the Andrews brothers, Herremans, Peters, Bradley, Gaither, Gocong, Hobbs, Hanson, and Samuel and Brown last night, it is amazing that this team is 6-4 and still in the thick of the playoff hunt.I don't think this is the Eagles year, but it is great to see that Reid has kept this team from giving up. A lot of credit has to be given to the Scouting department and Joe Banner for putting together the best group of 2nd string players in the league.

If Asante misses time, we'll have lost our 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th corners. Combine that with the revolving door at MLB and it's a miracle we're not giving up 30 points per game. I've heard some criticisms of McDermott lately and yet, to my mind, he's doing an astoundingly good job all things considered.

 

[jasvic]

I don't know how anyone can criticize McDermott for the job he's done. Aside from the D-line, that defense is in shambles, yet still plays well enough for the team to win every week. Maybe people are still pointing to the Saints game, but come on. Give the guy some credit here.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Thank GOD we were playing against Jay Cutler and not a more accurate QB.

If Cutler were a golfer, he'd have the yips.

 

[Ash]

Did anyone see how often Stacey Andrews was on the field? That was the 10th game of the season, and he still isn't in the starting lineup, or even playing all that regularly. Seems like either his injury was worse than we thought, or he's just worse than we first thought.

Thoughts?

 

[Please See Mine]

Did anyone see how often Stacey Andrews was on the field? That was the 10th game of the season, and he still isn't in the starting lineup, or even playing all that regularly. Seems like either his injury was worse than we thought, or he's just worse than we first thought.

Thoughts?

Is this a serious question? He was listed as a healthy scratch.

 

[travdogg]

Question for you Eagle homers:

I've caught the last 3 Eagles games and in each of them it seems for the majority of the game the corners play Jackson about 10-12 yards off the line and Maclin a good 9-10 yards off. Why do the Eagles almost never run WR screens? It seems they run screens for Avant and Celek, but not the guys who are the most dangerous. Watching Jackson especially, there is no reason why he shouldn't be getting around 9-10 targets every week.

 

[dhockster]

Question for you Eagle homers:I've caught the last 3 Eagles games and in each of them it seems for the majority of the game the corners play Jackson about 10-12 yards off the line and Maclin a good 9-10 yards off. Why do the Eagles almost never run WR screens? It seems they run screens for Avant and Celek, but not the guys who are the most dangerous. Watching Jackson especially, there is no reason why he shouldn't be getting around 9-10 targets every week.

I am not certain, but I thought they did run a screen or two to Jackson and/or Maclin on Sunday night. If they didn't, you raise a good point. They definitely tried to get the ball to Jackson and Maclin more on Sunday. Jackson had 9 touches (8 catches and 1 run) and Maclin had 6 catches. I think you will see this trend continue as Maclin looks more and more comfortable in the offense.

 

[JuniorNB]

I have criticized Andy Reid this year for his playcalling and clock management, but I will say he tends to get his teams ready to play in must win situations (as long as it is not the NFC Championship or Super Bowl).With the injuries/absences the Eagles have suffered this year with McNabb, Westbrook, the Andrews brothers, Herremans, Peters, Bradley, Gaither, Gocong, Hobbs, Hanson, and Samuel and Brown last night, it is amazing that this team is 6-4 and still in the thick of the playoff hunt.I don't think this is the Eagles year, but it is great to see that Reid has kept this team from giving up. A lot of credit has to be given to the Scouting department and Joe Banner for putting together the best group of 2nd string players in the league.

I agree with you. They have really been devastated by injuries, and that's not counting losing one of the league's top defensive coordinators right before the season started.People seem to forget that Brian Westbrook is one of the NFL's top ten weapons, and the Eagles are playing well despite the fact that he hasn't been playing. When you conside the ages of Desean Jackson, Maclin, Celek, Avant, and McCoy, think the eagles have the best young offensive talent in all of football.All that being said, there's no way this team can win road playoff games against New Orleans or Minnesota. Not as long as Favre and Brees stay healthy. So it most-likely will be a playoff birth and maybe a wild card win, but that's about it.

 

[Bushead]

Locked up Celek on a 6 year extension. Nice move.

Celek Extension

 

[CentralPA]

Locked up Celek on a 6 year extension. Nice move.

Celek Extension

Indeed, he was diamond in the rough. He's turned into a stellar TE and if Ingram can shake the ACL injuries then he could be just as good as well.

 

[dhockster]

I agree with you. They have really been devastated by injuries, and that's not counting losing one of the league's top defensive coordinators right before the season started.People seem to forget that Brian Westbrook is one of the NFL's top ten weapons, and the Eagles are playing well despite the fact that he hasn't been playing. When you conside the ages of Desean Jackson, Maclin, Celek, Avant, and McCoy, think the eagles have the best young offensive talent in all of football.All that being said, there's no way this team can win road playoff games against New Orleans or Minnesota. Not as long as Favre and Brees stay healthy. So it most-likely will be a playoff birth and maybe a wild card win, but that's about it.

Well said. Even though success in the playoffs is just a pipe dream now, it will have some value for the young players to get playoff experience. Plus, if the Eagles making the playoffs in some way assures that the Cowboys do not make the playoffs, that is just a bonus.Must win in Atlanta this Sunday. At least the Falcons appear to be as banged up as the Eagles right now. This game really will measure which team has the most quality depth.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

So who do you guys think will be the main beneficiary should DeSean sit this week (aside from Maclin)? Avant or Reggie Brown?

 

[dhockster]

Eagles just locked up Reid for 3 more years (through 2013).

I think this is the right move. He deserves a chance to succeed with someone other than McNabb under center. That is not a criticism of McNabb, the team has just not gotten over the hump and he has had his chances. If Kolb turns out to be good than the Eagles are pretty set on offense with McCoy, Celek, Jackson, Maclin, and their revamped offensive line.

 

[dhockster]

Is anyone still following this team?

C'mon, 9-4, 4 game winning streak, offense getting into a groove, DeSean Jackson is uncoverable.

Where is everybody?

I think the Eagles should win the division now, and have the 3rd seed in the NFC. Based on Andy Reid's history, they should win their wildcard game (he has never lost in the team's first playoff game). After that, having to win at Minnesota, and at New Orleans is a very tall order and probably won't happen. The defense is just not good enough this year. The Eagles have to hope that the Packers come on strong and can take out Arizona and New Orleans, and then the Eagles would host the Packers for the NFC title (if the Eagles can win in Minnesota).

Yes, I know, pipe dream, but that is why I am a fan.

C'mon, people, let's talk some Eagles!

 

[need2know]

Is anyone still following this team?C'mon, 9-4, 4 game winning streak, offense getting into a groove, DeSean Jackson is uncoverable.Where is everybody?I think the Eagles should win the division now, and have the 3rd seed in the NFC. Based on Andy Reid's history, they should win their wildcard game (he has never lost in the team's first playoff game). After that, having to win at Minnesota, and at New Orleans is a very tall order and probably won't happen. The defense is just not good enough this year. The Eagles have to hope that the Packers come on strong and can take out Arizona and New Orleans, and then the Eagles would host the Packers for the NFC title (if the Eagles can win in Minnesota). Yes, I know, pipe dream, but that is why I am a fan.C'mon, people, let's talk some Eagles!

Honestly, I feel I have seen this before. I am cautiously optimistic, but feel the team wont be able to stop NO. We'll see though. Agree the defense looked lost against the giants. Horrible tackling.

 

[Please See Mine]

Is anyone still following this team?

C'mon, 9-4, 4 game winning streak, offense getting into a groove, DeSean Jackson is uncoverable.

Where is everybody?

I think the Eagles should win the division now, and have the 3rd seed in the NFC. Based on Andy Reid's history, they should win their wildcard game (he has never lost in the team's first playoff game). After that, having to win at Minnesota, and at New Orleans is a very tall order and probably won't happen. The defense is just not good enough this year. The Eagles have to hope that the Packers come on strong and can take out Arizona and New Orleans, and then the Eagles would host the Packers for the NFC title (if the Eagles can win in Minnesota).

Yes, I know, pipe dream, but that is why I am a fan.

C'mon, people, let's talk some Eagles!

Honestly, I feel I have seen this before. I am cautiously optimistic, but feel the team wont be able to stop NO. We'll see though. Agree the defense looked lost against the giants. Horrible tackling.

I agree. I feel like we would still have a chance against the Vikes, but I will never predict that we can beat Sean Payton until it actually happens.

 

[gonzobill5]

I think both the Vikes and the Saints are not as good as people make them out to be.

I'd welcome Favre in the playoffs and we've already shown we can scheme to limit ADP, and can win in Minnesota. Allen vs. Peters scares me, that's all.

The Saints are good (obviously). Playmakers all over the field and a QB who is unaffected by pressure is what gives this defense the most trouble. But if you remember, the birds were right with the Saints in the first half and would have been tied or leading if they didn't have to settle for FGs in the redzone.

IIRC they had 3 or 4 turnovers in that game too. Kolb threw 3 picks, one of which went 90+ yards the other way.

If they do a better job of limiting turnovers and I don't see why we couldn't win in a shootout.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I think both the Vikes and the Saints are not as good as people make them out to be.

I'd welcome Favre in the playoffs and we've already shown we can scheme to limit ADP, and can win in Minnesota. Allen vs. Peters scares me, that's all.

The Saints are good (obviously). Playmakers all over the field and a QB who is unaffected by pressure is what gives this defense the most trouble. But if you remember, the birds were right with the Saints in the first half and would have been tied or leading if they didn't have to settle for FGs in the redzone.

IIRC they had 3 or 4 turnovers in that game too. Kolb threw 3 picks, one of which went 90+ yards the other way.

If they do a better job of limiting turnovers and I don't see why we couldn't win in a shootout.

The Saints were better when (A) their DBs were 100% (they've had injuries and are just getting better now) and (B) when the rest of the league thought that if you shut down Colston and Shockey they can't go deep and beat you. With Meachem and Henderson doing well (or anyone with a pulse and hands with Drew Brees) the Saints are a high-scoring team.The best chance for Philly is to go to MIN and win and then hope GB or AZ bumps off the Saints. That's their best hope, and it would put the NFCCG in the Linc.

Stranger things have happened (like a 5-4 team winning 4 in a row....)

 

[dhockster]

I think both the Vikes and the Saints are not as good as people make them out to be. I'd welcome Favre in the playoffs and we've already shown we can scheme to limit ADP, and can win in Minnesota. Allen vs. Peters scares me, that's all.The Saints are good (obviously). Playmakers all over the field and a QB who is unaffected by pressure is what gives this defense the most trouble. But if you remember, the birds were right with the Saints in the first half and would have been tied or leading if they didn't have to settle for FGs in the redzone. IIRC they had 3 or 4 turnovers in that game too. Kolb threw 3 picks, one of which went 90+ yards the other way. If they do a better job of limiting turnovers and I don't see why we couldn't win in a shootout.

Agree with your points. The nicest development for the Eagles offense this season has been the use of Michael Vick in the red zone and short yardage situations. They have taken an obvious weakness and are now really giving defenses trouble in those areas. This will definitely help as the Eagles will most likely have to outscore both the Vikings and Saints (as you pointed out).Hats off to Andy Reid for figuring out how to use Vick effectively, and to McNabb for not complaining about it (yet).

 

[gonzobill5]

I think both the Vikes and the Saints are not as good as people make them out to be. I'd welcome Favre in the playoffs and we've already shown we can scheme to limit ADP, and can win in Minnesota. Allen vs. Peters scares me, that's all.The Saints are good (obviously). Playmakers all over the field and a QB who is unaffected by pressure is what gives this defense the most trouble. But if you remember, the birds were right with the Saints in the first half and would have been tied or leading if they didn't have to settle for FGs in the redzone. IIRC they had 3 or 4 turnovers in that game too. Kolb threw 3 picks, one of which went 90+ yards the other way. If they do a better job of limiting turnovers and I don't see why we couldn't win in a shootout.

Agree with your points. The nicest development for the Eagles offense this season has been the use of Michael Vick in the red zone and short yardage situations. They have taken an obvious weakness and are now really giving defenses trouble in those areas. This will definitely help as the Eagles will most likely have to outscore both the Vikings and Saints (as you pointed out).Hats off to Andy Reid for figuring out how to use Vick effectively, and to McNabb for not complaining about it (yet).

Good point. It's easy to make the case that the Eagles have improved in the red zone and its not just that they've played some weaker competition. Do people feel that Saints offense >>>> Eagles offense? Also, haven't the Eagles notoriously played better on the defensive side of the ball once the playoffs start? Aside from the Arizona game (and one play in the TB game) I can't think of playoff games where the defense let them down. Not trying to say this year's Eagles defense is what it once was...just that they have been known to step it up.

 

[renesauz]

The Eagles have enough weapons on offense that they can beat anybody in a shootout. This is a team nobody will want to face in the playoffs, including the Saints.

That said, both the Saints and Vikings have been better, more consistant teams this year. It would take a solid defensive effort to knock off the Vikings (NOT what we saw against the Giants!). To knock off the Saints, we'll need at least a couple of defensive turnovers and a special teams play or two...certainly not out of the realm of possible.

The Eagles have a real chance, but will not (and should not) be favored against either team right now.

 

[dhockster]

Good point. It's easy to make the case that the Eagles have improved in the red zone and its not just that they've played some weaker competition. Do people feel that Saints offense >>>> Eagles offense? Also, haven't the Eagles notoriously played better on the defensive side of the ball once the playoffs start? Aside from the Arizona game (and one play in the TB game) I can't think of playoff games where the defense let them down. Not trying to say this year's Eagles defense is what it once was...just that they have been known to step it up.

Because I think Drew Brees is better than McNabb, I would give the Saints offense a slight nod over the Eagles. If DeSean keeps playing the way he is, however, he can be an equalizer, especially since he gives the Eagles a chance to score on special teams.As for the defense, yes, historically, they have stepped up in the playoffs. Last year, against the Cardinals, they were awful in the first half, as for some reason, Jim Johnson decided not to blitz Warner. Once he started blitzing in the second half, they started to stop the Cardinals and were able to come back to take the lead.This year's defense has played pretty well, despite the poor tackling in the Giant's game on Sunday. Unfortunately, they will not be able to do anything about the hole at middle linebacker, and will just have to make due with Trotter. As long as the defensive backs remember how to tackle, and Will Witherspoon stops trying to strip the ball rather than tackle when there is no one to defend behind him, the defense should be adequate in the playoffs. Adequate, however, may not be enough alone to get the Eagles a win against the Vikings or Saints. I really think it will be incumbent on the Offense to score enough to win versus those two teams.

 

[Please See Mine]

Is this really happening? A realistic shot at a first-round bye? This league is nuts. (but I'll take it . . .)

 

[dhockster]

Is this really happening? A realistic shot at a first-round bye? This league is nuts. (but I'll take it . . .)

Minnesota plays at Chicago next Monday night and then home against the Giants. They could definitely lose one of those. Then the Eagles just have to take care of business and sweep the Broncos and Cowboys. Stranger things have happened.

 

[CentralPA]

They'd need to win out and the Vikings to really crumble (which it sounds like is happening). That would be huge for some already hurting members on the team. It'll be tough though, Dallas is running on all cylinders and they will be jacked to play the Eagles at home for the last game of the season. And of course there is Denver and this guy named Dawkins to worry about. It's going to suck seeing him come out of the vistors tunnel but I hope the Eagles fans give him a very warm welcome back followed by a butt whipping!

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I like our chances against anyone in the NFC playoffs except NO and ARI. Brees and Warner are the kind of QBs who kill us -- accurate throwers with quick releases and an excellent ability to read defenses. They beat the blitz much more often than it beats them. Ditto P. Manning, which is why I don't think we could hang with the Colts if we faced them in the SB. The rest of the AFC save maybe SD is inferior, though.

Minny is falling apart, GB's O-Line is still terrible and now its pass D is showing cracks, and we know what happens to Dallas in December and January.

 

[Jason Wood]

Hard to believe the Eagles are sitting at 10 wins with two to go, considering all the ups and downs of the season. Great stuff. The offense is just explosive, whereas it's the defense - for a change - that I could see letting us down in the 'offs.

 

[Lehigh98]

The offense is just explosive, whereas it's the defense - for a change - that I could see letting us down in the 'offs.

A change from when?... sounds a little familiar to lat year.