** Official 2014 Philadelphia Eagles Thread ** (2 Viewers)

[ShaHBucks]

In other news, Dallas does not look that good IMO

So the last 2 critical replays both go in Dallas' favor. With Jerry in the house. Needing a win to stay even with the Eagles, who they play in a prime time game billed as "for the division"

Before watching the Sunday night game I thought we were going to lose on thanksgiving but after seeing them again I believe we win that game. 2 times I have seen Dallas in prime time games and they seem to try to lose the games. They did lose the Washington one and if the Giants DC watched 2 minutes of the Dallas/Washington game a few weeks ago they would have lost this one too.

I don't think they are that good but man our D is bad. Keeping Murray in check will be crucial but will have to hope Sanchize can handle a shootout.

Our D is nothing to write home about but neither is their D. One thing about our D is that it usually does well against RB's and #1 WR's. I just dont like what I see from Dallas in prime time games. If we get pressure like we have been getting we should win this game IMO

Our defense does what the coaches want. We traditionally look at stats like total yards or points against to grade performance, but I think that is the wrong way to look at this team. The philosophy is to get sacks, turnovers and score points on defense. There hasn't been a better team at doing that this season. Will that win us tough games vs good-great QBs? I don't know, but the bad teams get ran out of the building quickly. There is obviously enough bad teams to go around to make the playoffs consistently. We don't have the Andy Reid vs 0-10 Raiders type of moments.

No but we do have Minnesota Vikings moments.

Good point, but Cassel didn't look like a scrub on that day while Foles actually played like a human. That all ties into my second point, somewhat.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

In other news, Dallas does not look that good IMO

So the last 2 critical replays both go in Dallas' favor. With Jerry in the house. Needing a win to stay even with the Eagles, who they play in a prime time game billed as "for the division"

Before watching the Sunday night game I thought we were going to lose on thanksgiving but after seeing them again I believe we win that game. 2 times I have seen Dallas in prime time games and they seem to try to lose the games. They did lose the Washington one and if the Giants DC watched 2 minutes of the Dallas/Washington game a few weeks ago they would have lost this one too.

I don't think they are that good but man our D is bad. Keeping Murray in check will be crucial but will have to hope Sanchize can handle a shootout.

Our D is nothing to write home about but neither is their D. One thing about our D is that it usually does well against RB's and #1 WR's. I just dont like what I see from Dallas in prime time games. If we get pressure like we have been getting we should win this game IMO

Our defense does what the coaches want. We traditionally look at stats like total yards or points against to grade performance, but I think that is the wrong way to look at this team. The philosophy is to get sacks, turnovers and score points on defense. There hasn't been a better team at doing that this season. Will that win us tough games vs good-great QBs? I don't know, but the bad teams get ran out of the building quickly. There is obviously enough bad teams to go around to make the playoffs consistently. We don't have the Andy Reid vs 0-10 Raiders type of moments.

No but we do have Minnesota Vikings moments.

Good point, but Cassel didn't look like a scrub on that day while Foles actually played like a human. That all ties into my second point, somewhat.

The main issue in that game was that there was absolutely no pass rush. Less of an issue this year.

 

[massraider]

Posted about Eagles cap situation, would love fans thoughts:

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=714452

 

[ShaHBucks]

Posted about Eagles cap situation, would love fans thoughts:

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=714452

I don't know what they will do with the 2015 FA class. I was the first one here saying Desean should have been cut last season. Maclin could be replaced as well. I won't say it will happen because he's a different guy then Desean off/on the field. Graham is going to go somewhere and become a star. I've been defending him for years as well. Everyone is out of there minds with this Sanchez crap. I won't get into that, but if he's fine being a backup then let's do it. Even if you have to overpay. The QB position is too important. I can't imagine Matt Barkley playing today. The core of the team is the 2016 FA you highlighted that was drafted in 2012. Those guys aren't going anywhere. Most of the moves we've made was to free up space for them. Foles is getting paid. I'd bet anyone that he will. Sanchez will only drive up the price.

The potential cap casualty is LeSean McCoy. I've been saying this since last season. Smart teams just don't pay RBs these days. I consider the Eagles a smart team.

Chip is in love with Celek. I don't know if he'd be cut. I'm all for upgrading the position though.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

I guess that we are rooting for Seattle tonight? Since SF has the tiebreaker over us (if necessary) and we can still beat Seattle?

 

[Mighty Mice]

Eagles 3-0 in division.

One over each of NYG, DAL, WAS

9-3

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Posted about Eagles cap situation, would love fans thoughts:

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=714452

I don't know what they will do with the 2015 FA class. I was the first one here saying Desean should have been cut last season. Maclin could be replaced as well. I won't say it will happen because he's a different guy then Desean off/on the field. Graham is going to go somewhere and become a star. I've been defending him for years as well. Everyone is out of there minds with this Sanchez crap. I won't get into that, but if he's fine being a backup then let's do it. Even if you have to overpay. The QB position is too important. I can't imagine Matt Barkley playing today.The core of the team is the 2016 FA you highlighted that was drafted in 2012. Those guys aren't going anywhere. Most of the moves we've made was to free up space for them. Foles is getting paid. I'd bet anyone that he will. Sanchez will only drive up the price.

The potential cap casualty is LeSean McCoy. I've been saying this since last season. Smart teams just don't pay RBs these days. I consider the Eagles a smart team.

Chip is in love with Celek. I don't know if he'd be cut. I'm all for upgrading the position though.

It would probably make sense for Celek to be re-structured.

Curry and Graham have seemingly not been favorites of the Kelly regime. I would suspect that Curry will play out the last year of his deal and Graham will walk.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Said it before and say it again. Dallas isn't that good. This division is ours.

 

[Awful Waffle]

Awesome win. Now we get Seattle at home. Can't wait.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

IMHO the worst case scanerio is a split in the next two and I'm fine with that

 

[unckeyherb]

Winning out the rest of the year. Top seed in nfc.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

IMHO the worst case scanerio is a split in the next two and I'm fine with that

agree. Hard to see them not being 12-4 with NYG and WAS to end the year.

 

[Insein]

Pretty good game. Still room for improvement.

 

[NajehHejan]

Defense looked dominant! Yes!!!

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Best the OL has looked all year too

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Happy Thanksgiving guys!

 

[Snotbubbles]

Win next week and we could be looking at a first round bye.

 

[Mighty Mice]

Fix the red zone efficiency and this team will be even more deadly.

Redzone/Goal line shortcomings prevented Philly from winning at SF and ARI...and being 11-1. On the doorstep both times, and numerous times tonight and this year, and unable to finish.

That being said, this team is on the rise. O Line getting better and Eagles establishing the running game lately; this was a running team before the injuries, and returning to that of late. Eagles just set the rushing record for a visiting team in Texas Stadium (250 yds)

Early on they were asking Foles to do too much, throw too much.

10 days rest, home game. Get healthy and rested for the stretch run.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

And as much as I love Foles I'm thinking a lot of QB's could function above average in this offense.

 

[NajehHejan]

Yes the O line beasted as well. Dominated both lines of scrimmage. It's a thing of beauty seeing them rip off 7-8 yard runs on first down. Love it!

 

[ShaHBucks]

And as much as I love Foles I'm thinking a lot of QB's could function above average in this offense.

If you're into a ton of FGs sure. Feels like the Mike Vick days

 

[Bigboy10182000]

And as much as I love Foles I'm thinking a lot of QB's could function above average in this offense.

If you're into a ton of FGs sure. Feels like the Mike Vick days

I probably should have elaborated more. When the running game is on I feel like a lot of QB'S can score points in this offense. TV wanted to make this about Sanchez but it was more about the running game and him not killing us.

 

[babydemon90]

Awesome statement win. Thinking we go 3-1 in our next 4, although 2-2 wouldn't surprise me - I think we might lose one of the away divisional games - maybe vs the Giants. We're in the drivers seat though. Great to see them come out to play. Sure, some redzone struggles, but they are playing very well.

 

[Billy Bats]

1 million kudos to the defense. Every last one of them. Thanks for ruining Jerrys thanksgiving!

 

[NajehHejan]

1 million kudos to the defense. Every last one of them. Thanks for ruining Jerrys thanksgiving!

An angle I never thought about. Ruin Jerry's day! Ha ha.

 

[Deamon]

Win next week and we could be looking at a first round bye.

Go Pats and Falcons!

 

[Snotbubbles]

Awesome statement win. Thinking we go 3-1 in our next 4, although 2-2 wouldn't surprise me - I think we might lose one of the away divisional games - maybe vs the Giants. We're in the drivers seat though. Great to see them come out to play. Sure, some redzone struggles, but they are playing very well.

We aren't losing to the Redskins or Giants. The Skins are in pack-it-in mode and the Giants don't get any pressure on the QB.

 

[Maggot Brain]

I was really worried about the season slipping out of out control next few games until I seen Eli do whatever he wanted with the Dallas defense defense. Sanchez and this offense should be alright.

Good call

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@derek_boyko: #Eagles have 1000-yd rusher (McCoy) and receiver (Maclin) AFTER 12 gms for 2nd straight year. No such instances in first 80 yrs of existence

 

[ShaHBucks]

And as much as I love Foles I'm thinking a lot of QB's could function above average in this offense.

If you're into a ton of FGs sure. Feels like the Mike Vick days

I probably should have elaborated more. When the running game is on I feel like a lot of QB'S can score points in this offense. TV wanted to make this about Sanchez but it was more about the running game and him not killing us.

You can't ask for much more from Sancheekz, even though the media spins anything he does well into controversial headlines. No way you just rewrite history by doing ok vs Carolina, Houston -2 starting CBs, Dallas, and Tennessee on and off. But, it fits the medias anti-Foles narrative so they run with it.If he handles Seattle, then I'll probably back off a bit knowing he can just stay out of the way and let the rest of the team make a run. If we lose and Dallas wins, that turns the next Cowboys game into a big one. They clearly weren't prepared for us with 4 days to prep. I don't know how many days they'd need to prep for us with their outdated football philosophies.

Seattle vs Philly = best two defense in the league playing each other?

 

[Long Ball Larry]

The Eagles do not have one of the 2 best defenses in the league.

 

[Insein]

And as much as I love Foles I'm thinking a lot of QB's could function above average in this offense.

If you're into a ton of FGs sure. Feels like the Mike Vick days

I probably should have elaborated more. When the running game is on I feel like a lot of QB'S can score points in this offense. TV wanted to make this about Sanchez but it was more about the running game and him not killing us.

You can't ask for much more from Sancheekz, even though the media spins anything he does well into controversial headlines. No way you just rewrite history by doing ok vs Carolina, Houston -2 starting CBs, Dallas, and Tennessee on and off. But, it fits the medias anti-Foles narrative so they run with it.If he handles Seattle, then I'll probably back off a bit knowing he can just stay out of the way and let the rest of the team make a run. If we lose and Dallas wins, that turns the next Cowboys game into a big one. They clearly weren't prepared for us with 4 days to prep. I don't know how many days they'd need to prep for us with their outdated football philosophies.

Seattle vs Philly = best two defense in the league playing each other?

Best defense vs the most opportunistic defense and special teams.

 

[fred_1_15301]

The Eagles do not have one of the 2 best defenses in the league.

I agree but they're pretty damn underrated. They can get to the QB and cause turnovers. Those are probably the 2 most important things to have in a defense. Now the problem is when they face a QB that doesn't make mistakes (like Rodgers).

 

[Insein]

The Eagles do not have one of the 2 best defenses in the league.

I agree but they're pretty damn underrated. They can get to the QB and cause turnovers. Those are probably the 2 most important things to have in a defense. Now the problem is when they face a QB that doesn't make mistakes (like Rodgers).

Rodgers in the NFC and Peyton in the AFC are the 2 that come to mind. Bellichek vs Kelly would be interesting though.

 

[fred_1_15301]

The Eagles do not have one of the 2 best defenses in the league.

I agree but they're pretty damn underrated. They can get to the QB and cause turnovers. Those are probably the 2 most important things to have in a defense. Now the problem is when they face a QB that doesn't make mistakes (like Rodgers).

Rodgers in the NFC and Peyton in the AFC are the 2 that come to mind. Bellichek vs Kelly would be interesting though.

I would add Brady and also Russell Wilson. I think the 4 teams in the league that would likely be favored over the Eagles on a neutral field are the Pats, Packers, Broncos and Seahawks. We will find out about the Seahawks next week but to me it looks like their defense is dominant again. The other thing these 4 teams have in common are very good QB play.

 

[renesauz]

In hindsight, nobody should be surprised to see the eagles dominate the Cowboys Thursday. Kelly's players are the most physically fit in the NFL and the team is schemed/designed such that they don't necesarily need a full week to mentally prepare. The short week was actually a tremendous advantage that I don't think anyone considered strongly enough.

While I strongly believe the Eagles are the better team, that kind of one sided blowout is probably not indicative of the way the Cowboys have played this year. I expect them to come into Philly in two weeks fired up and ready to rumble and deliver a much closer game.

 

[proninja]

What are you guys expecting next week vs Seattle?

 

[unckeyherb]

A win

 

[Insein]

A win

A more competitive win, but still a win.

 

[Insein]

In hindsight, nobody should be surprised to see the eagles dominate the Cowboys Thursday. Kelly's players are the most physically fit in the NFL and the team is schemed/designed such that they don't necesarily need a full week to mentally prepare. The short week was actually a tremendous advantage that I don't think anyone considered strongly enough.

While I strongly believe the Eagles are the better team, that kind of one sided blowout is probably not indicative of the way the Cowboys have played this year. I expect them to come into Philly in two weeks fired up and ready to rumble and deliver a much closer game.

Mentally they'll be more fired up but how long will that carry the lungs of their defenders? It's obvious their defenses weakness becomes exposed the more plays they are out there. 75 plays yesterday when they were averaging 60. The key to stopping the Cowboys in total is stopping Murray. He keeps the defense fresh and the offense moving. Stop him, they fall apart.

 

[renesauz]

In hindsight, nobody should be surprised to see the eagles dominate the Cowboys Thursday. Kelly's players are the most physically fit in the NFL and the team is schemed/designed such that they don't necesarily need a full week to mentally prepare. The short week was actually a tremendous advantage that I don't think anyone considered strongly enough.

While I strongly believe the Eagles are the better team, that kind of one sided blowout is probably not indicative of the way the Cowboys have played this year. I expect them to come into Philly in two weeks fired up and ready to rumble and deliver a much closer game.

Mentally they'll be more fired up but how long will that carry the lungs of their defenders? It's obvious their defenses weakness becomes exposed the more plays they are out there. 75 plays yesterday when they were averaging 60. The key to stopping the Cowboys in total is stopping Murray. He keeps the defense fresh and the offense moving. Stop him, they fall apart.

Absolutely....only I don't think it will be so easy to dominate that O-line and stop him next time.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Its good to see you guys getting your swagger back.

 

[JetMaxx]

What are you guys expecting next week vs Seattle?

Who is your slot CB that Matthews will abuse?

 

[ShaHBucks]

Eagles have the #1 or #2 best defense in the league. They held Romo under 200 yards with no TD and 2 INTs. Murray was under 100 yards rushings and Dez was in a blanket. All week you heard about Dallas and their O-Line. What did our defense do? Held Dallas to 10 points, 3.7 ypc and got 4 sacks with 3 turnovers. Credit is due.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Eagles have the #1 or #2 best defense in the league. They held Romo under 200 yards with no TD and 2 INTs. Murray was under 100 yards rushings and Dez was in a blanket. All week you heard about Dallas and their O-Line. What did our defense do? Held Dallas to 10 points, 3.7 ypc and got 4 sacks with 3 turnovers. Credit is due.

No they're not and there is really no metric that would come even remotely close to supporting your stance. Using one game against Dallas does not negate stats from the rest of the season. Are they top 10? Perhaps. Let's be realistic here.

 

[babydemon90]

We also made Austin Davis look like Drew Brees....

 

[NajehHejan]

A guy flying under the radar who has been a key component is Chris Polk. I love his straight ahead no nonsense style of running. He has a great combo of power and speed and is quite slippery and agile too. To be able to give him 11 carries in the Dallas game so as to not overwork Shady was huge. They actually rested Polk late and gave a carry or two to Huff, shows you how valuable they deem Polk. I love me some Polk.

 

[Mighty Mice]

We also made Austin Davis look like Drew Brees....

And Kirk Cousins looked pretty good when the Redskins scored 34 and we beat them by a FG

(by pretty good I mean 30-48, 427, 3TD, INT)

I don't think this the same defense as week 2 though, and has been getting better.

The design of this defense is to get turnovers and score points, and in that regard, they are KILLING it IMO.

 

[NajehHejan]

Getting home field advantage would be key. Don't seeing beating GB or Sea on the road.

 

[need2know]

Our defense has been by far the biggest surprise to me