*Official 2015 Philadelphia Eagles* - Winning when it doesnt count (4 Viewers)

[Ash]

by the way, Maxwell might as well be wearing a mask.

I think it's Bradley Fletcher wearing a mask.

 

[duaneok66]

by the way, Maxwell might as well be wearing a mask.

I think it's Bradley Fletcher wearing a mask.

touche'

 

[Ash]

Glad to Kiko will be back.

Help me understand what happened to the offensive line. Kelce has fantastic skills, as athletic as any Center in the league. Peters has been a wall for a decade. I get that's he's getting up there but has the decline been that rapid? Wasn't that long ago he was dominating. What's the story with the other three? They have a couple new guys who are just a serious downgrade? It's just shocking how bad they looked last night.

Buddy of mine posted this tonight, I was in tears. https://www.facebook.com/philadelphiaeagles/posts/956049234432850?hc_location=ufi As a Lions fan I know all about crappy starts and lousy O-line play. Not trolling here, I just thought the comments were

I can only imagine what Philly sports talk radio was like today.

Age is catching up to Peters. He wore down quite a bit toward the end of last year. He is still capable of high-level play, just not as consistently. I have heard commentary that Lane Johnson is not quite as good as his PFF numbers would suggest. Good player, but not necessarily a pro bowler.

And the guards are both new (well one has been around as a backup) and have been terrible.

Kelce is still very good (when he's not committing dumb penalties).

Agree on Peters, but disagree on Kelce. At least so far this year he's been poor inline, but has still been effective in space. Last week he had multiple 1:1 beats that got either pressure on Bradford or run plays blown up. Don't have a strong opinion yet on Johnson's play so far but saw some good and bad last week. Rewatching this game later today and will post a writeup on the offense again. Suspect I won't be as complementary of Bradford this time...

 

[duaneok66]

Has the line changed at all? How can Philly possibly be 2.5 pt favorites over an unbeaten Jets team? In New York?

no kidding - who in their right mind would take the Eagles??

 

[duaneok66]

OUTSTANDING piece on the Eagles offensive woes.

Greg Cosell breaks it down . . .

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/greg-cosell-s-week-2-review--what-ails-the-eagles--offense--025024320.html;_ylt=AwrSbDx24QFW9psAqelXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTByb2lvbXVuBGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg--

 

[ShaHBucks]

by the way, Maxwell might as well be wearing a mask.

I think it's Bradley Fletcher wearing a mask.

Who would have guess that, Ash..

 

[Ash]

by the way, Maxwell might as well be wearing a mask.

I think it's Bradley Fletcher wearing a mask.

Who would have guess that, Ash..

I kid, but I'm very curious about the techniques they're being told to play and where it's breaking down. The Williams TD is a great example. A bad HS coach wouldn't tell a CB to play off and outside with no middle help, so was there a S missing from the middle of the field, is Maxwell not doing what he's told to or is something else going on?

0-2 is bad, but to put it in perspective, when we beat the Colts last year they fell to 0-2 and still went 11-5, won their division and had a good playoff run. The season is still salvageable, but Chip has some work to do for sure. The next month or so I think could define his tenure in Philly. If we can somehow pull it together and win 3 or 4 of those games this will be just a "remember when" blip. if we're 1-5 things could get out of control.

 

[ShaHBucks]

by the way, Maxwell might as well be wearing a mask.

I think it's Bradley Fletcher wearing a mask.

Who would have guess that, Ash..

I kid, but I'm very curious about the techniques they're being told to play and where it's breaking down. The Williams TD is a great example. A bad HS coach wouldn't tell a CB to play off and outside with no middle help, so was there a S missing from the middle of the field, is Maxwell not doing what he's told to or is something else going on?

0-2 is bad, but to put it in perspective, when we beat the Colts last year they fell to 0-2 and still went 11-5, won their division and had a good playoff run. The season is still salvageable, but Chip has some work to do for sure. The next month or so I think could define his tenure in Philly. If we can somehow pull it together and win 3 or 4 of those games this will be just a "remember when" blip. if we're 1-5 things could get out of control.

I think that play showed how limited of an athlete he is. Imagine what Dez would have done to him.

 

[LawFitz]

OL OL OL. Fix it or die. Bradford is showing that he's not a transcendant talent.

Catch the ball before you move, Matthews.

These guys could be a great buy low if the OL can at least get to decent. If not, then you might be catching a falling knife.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

by the way, Maxwell might as well be wearing a mask.

I think it's Bradley Fletcher wearing a mask.

Who would have guess that, Ash..

I kid, but I'm very curious about the techniques they're being told to play and where it's breaking down. The Williams TD is a great example. A bad HS coach wouldn't tell a CB to play off and outside with no middle help, so was there a S missing from the middle of the field, is Maxwell not doing what he's told to or is something else going on?

Billy Davis

People can complain about every DB we have had for over 2 years. They all look the same and there's been only one constant.

 

[JetMaxx]

by the way, Maxwell might as well be wearing a mask.

I think it's Bradley Fletcher wearing a mask.

Who would have guess that, Ash..

I kid, but I'm very curious about the techniques they're being told to play and where it's breaking down. The Williams TD is a great example. A bad HS coach wouldn't tell a CB to play off and outside with no middle help, so was there a S missing from the middle of the field, is Maxwell not doing what he's told to or is something else going on?

0-2 is bad, but to put it in perspective, when we beat the Colts last year they fell to 0-2 and still went 11-5, won their division and had a good playoff run. The season is still salvageable, but Chip has some work to do for sure. The next month or so I think could define his tenure in Philly. If we can somehow pull it together and win 3 or 4 of those games this will be just a "remember when" blip. if we're 1-5 things could get out of control.

I think that play showed how limited of an athlete he is. Imagine what Dez would have done to him.

How does a CB play off man, allow the reception and not not lay a hand on the WR for a 40 yd TD?!? Either press at the line to disrupt early and take the chance at getting beat on a double outside move or play off and tackle after the reception for a 10 yd gain. Backup to backup Brandon Weeden to Terrence Wiiliams on that play is the definition of embarrassment for your top CB.

 

[Ash]

by the way, Maxwell might as well be wearing a mask.

I think it's Bradley Fletcher wearing a mask.

Who would have guess that, Ash..

I kid, but I'm very curious about the techniques they're being told to play and where it's breaking down. The Williams TD is a great example. A bad HS coach wouldn't tell a CB to play off and outside with no middle help, so was there a S missing from the middle of the field, is Maxwell not doing what he's told to or is something else going on?

Billy Davis

People can complain about every DB we have had for over 2 years. They all look the same and there's been only one constant.

I'm starting to think this might be a thing.

As good a job as he's done with the front 7, the coverage lapses are really what blew last season and it looks like it's continuing. Still hopefull this turns around but watching with trepidation now.

ETA: Still, this is supposed to be an offense based team, and the offense has stunk worse than anything since the Hoying/Peete/Detmer year (Duce can tell Chip all about it) and that's a bigger problem.

 

[GoBirds]

by the way, Maxwell might as well be wearing a mask.

I think it's Bradley Fletcher wearing a mask.

Who would have guess that, Ash..

I kid, but I'm very curious about the techniques they're being told to play and where it's breaking down. The Williams TD is a great example. A bad HS coach wouldn't tell a CB to play off and outside with no middle help, so was there a S missing from the middle of the field, is Maxwell not doing what he's told to or is something else going on?

Billy DavisPeople can complain about every DB we have had for over 2 years. They all look the same and there's been only one constant.

Agreed it's time for someone new. Wasn't excited when he was hired and he has been average at best and terrible in the secondary.

 

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Has the line changed at all? How can Philly possibly be 2.5 pt favorites over an unbeaten Jets team? In New York?

Still laying 2.5 if you take the Eagles. http://www.vegasinsider.com/nfl/odds/las-vegas/

However, three casinos have 'XX' as in they pulled the line. Originally, they all had PHI -2 or -2.5. Now, only one (Westgate) is taking bets.

After a road MNF game the NYJ have a 'short week,' so that helps. Nevertheless, putrid offense 6 of 8 quarters vs. a team that has forced 10 TO's and is at home.

I don't get it. Homerism aside, I take the NYJ +2.5 all day.

You and everyone else in the world, apparently. As of this morning the line has already moved FIVE POINTS and it's the Jets who are now -2.5.

 

[babydemon90]

So, is the offense that predictable with study? Sounds like based on the formation, defenses who study know exactly what's coming...

 

[BobbyLayne]

Glad to Kiko will be back.

Help me understand what happened to the offensive line. Kelce has fantastic skills, as athletic as any Center in the league. Peters has been a wall for a decade. I get that's he's getting up there but has the decline been that rapid? Wasn't that long ago he was dominating. What's the story with the other three? They have a couple new guys who are just a serious downgrade? It's just shocking how bad they looked last night.

Buddy of mine posted this tonight, I was in tears. https://www.facebook.com/philadelphiaeagles/posts/956049234432850?hc_location=ufi As a Lions fan I know all about crappy starts and lousy O-line play. Not trolling here, I just thought the comments were

I can only imagine what Philly sports talk radio was like today.

Age is catching up to Peters. He wore down quite a bit toward the end of last year. He is still capable of high-level play, just not as consistently. I have heard commentary that Lane Johnson is not quite as good as his PFF numbers would suggest. Good player, but not necessarily a pro bowler.

And the guards are both new (well one has been around as a backup) and have been terrible.

Kelce is still very good (when he's not committing dumb penalties).

Agree on Peters, but disagree on Kelce. At least so far this year he's been poor inline, but has still been effective in space. Last week he had multiple 1:1 beats that got either pressure on Bradford or run plays blown up. Don't have a strong opinion yet on Johnson's play so far but saw some good and bad last week. Rewatching this game later today and will post a writeup on the offense again. Suspect I won't be as complementary of Bradford this time...

This is a pretty interesting observation. Kelce is so athletic, you see him pull out and take out two guys 5-10 yards downfield and you're like "wow! this guy is amazing" - but obviously the interior stuff is more about technique, strength and leverage.

 

[Old Smiley]

Robert Mays made a neat point on the Grantland pod from Monday. Both PHI and MIA (same system) running games are stumbling this year. Mays wonders if coaches have found some weaknesses.

 

[ShaHBucks]

So, is the offense that predictable with study? Sounds like based on the formation, defenses who study know exactly what's coming...

Basically. Chip tips his plays presnap. Post snap the plays direction is dictated by what the defense does. There have been coaches that shut down his offenses back at Oregon. Stanford comes to mind. I remember Shane Skov after one game saying "We can count too". Meaning they know where the play is going based on what they show presnap as well.

The struggles have more to do with execution than not having a phonebook size playbook. Oline is in shambles and Bradford just isn't good(mainly due to the accumulated injuries). Now we see Chip isn't the best talent evaluator like we thought. The system was fine when Howie had control over personnel.

 

[ShaHBucks]

by the way, Maxwell might as well be wearing a mask.

I think it's Bradley Fletcher wearing a mask.

Who would have guess that, Ash..

I kid, but I'm very curious about the techniques they're being told to play and where it's breaking down. The Williams TD is a great example. A bad HS coach wouldn't tell a CB to play off and outside with no middle help, so was there a S missing from the middle of the field, is Maxwell not doing what he's told to or is something else going on?

Billy DavisPeople can complain about every DB we have had for over 2 years. They all look the same and there's been only one constant.

Agreed it's time for someone new. Wasn't excited when he was hired and he has been average at best and terrible in the secondary.

The defense isn't the problem. Maxwell isn't who they(or Deamon) thought he was.

 

[Deamon]

by the way, Maxwell might as well be wearing a mask.

I think it's Bradley Fletcher wearing a mask.

Who would have guess that, Ash..

I kid, but I'm very curious about the techniques they're being told to play and where it's breaking down. The Williams TD is a great example. A bad HS coach wouldn't tell a CB to play off and outside with no middle help, so was there a S missing from the middle of the field, is Maxwell not doing what he's told to or is something else going on?

Billy DavisPeople can complain about every DB we have had for over 2 years. They all look the same and there's been only one constant.

Agreed it's time for someone new. Wasn't excited when he was hired and he has been average at best and terrible in the secondary.

The defense isn't the problem. Maxwell isn't who they(or Deamon) thought he was.

When did I ever say Maxwell was a stud CB? I said he's better then what we had last year and that cap space means nothing to me. If our only option was him or our CB's last year with tons of cap space, I take him.

 

[Deamon]

So, is the offense that predictable with study? Sounds like based on the formation, defenses who study know exactly what's coming...

Basically. Chip tips his plays presnap. Post snap the plays direction is dictated by what the defense does.There have been coaches that shut down his offenses back at Oregon. Stanford comes to mind. I remember Shane Skov after one game saying "We can count too". Meaning they know where the play is going based on what they show presnap as well.

The struggles have more to do with execution than not having a phonebook size playbook. Oline is in shambles and Bradford just isn't good(mainly due to the accumulated injuries). Now we see Chip isn't the best talent evaluator like we thought. The system was fine when Howie had control over personnel.

How was the system fine? Was Foles/Mccoy winning us a super bowl? We weren't going anywhere past the first round, give this system and the new team some time to gel already.

 

[Deamon]

So, is the offense that predictable with study? Sounds like based on the formation, defenses who study know exactly what's coming...

Ya little mentioned in here about the Huff interview where he said Dallas knew/was calling out most of our plays before we even snapped the ball. If Dallas DID figure something out, I could see them making some calls and pretty open about it with the d-coordinators we face each week.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

So, is the offense that predictable with study? Sounds like based on the formation, defenses who study know exactly what's coming...

Basically. Chip tips his plays presnap. Post snap the plays direction is dictated by what the defense does.There have been coaches that shut down his offenses back at Oregon. Stanford comes to mind. I remember Shane Skov after one game saying "We can count too". Meaning they know where the play is going based on what they show presnap as well.

The struggles have more to do with execution than not having a phonebook size playbook. Oline is in shambles and Bradford just isn't good(mainly due to the accumulated injuries). Now we see Chip isn't the best talent evaluator like we thought. The system was fine when Howie had control over personnel.

You could be right but saying this after 2 weeks is just silly. Sounds like something the talking heads on ESPN would jump to...

 

[Bigboy10182000]

by the way, Maxwell might as well be wearing a mask.

I think it's Bradley Fletcher wearing a mask.

Who would have guess that, Ash..

I kid, but I'm very curious about the techniques they're being told to play and where it's breaking down. The Williams TD is a great example. A bad HS coach wouldn't tell a CB to play off and outside with no middle help, so was there a S missing from the middle of the field, is Maxwell not doing what he's told to or is something else going on?

Billy DavisPeople can complain about every DB we have had for over 2 years. They all look the same and there's been only one constant.

Agreed it's time for someone new. Wasn't excited when he was hired and he has been average at best and terrible in the secondary.

The defense isn't the problem. Maxwell isn't who they(or Deamon) thought he was.

If you go back and look at BIlly's D's prior to ours (SF and Arizona) it most certainly is the problem. Im not even sure that's debatable

 

[ShaHBucks]

So, is the offense that predictable with study? Sounds like based on the formation, defenses who study know exactly what's coming...

Basically. Chip tips his plays presnap. Post snap the plays direction is dictated by what the defense does.There have been coaches that shut down his offenses back at Oregon. Stanford comes to mind. I remember Shane Skov after one game saying "We can count too". Meaning they know where the play is going based on what they show presnap as well.

The struggles have more to do with execution than not having a phonebook size playbook. Oline is in shambles and Bradford just isn't good(mainly due to the accumulated injuries). Now we see Chip isn't the best talent evaluator like we thought. The system was fine when Howie had control over personnel.

You could be right but saying this after 2 weeks is just silly. Sounds like something the talking heads on ESPN would jump to...

"We're evaluating everything"

 

[ShaHBucks]

by the way, Maxwell might as well be wearing a mask.

I think it's Bradley Fletcher wearing a mask.

Who would have guess that, Ash..

I kid, but I'm very curious about the techniques they're being told to play and where it's breaking down. The Williams TD is a great example. A bad HS coach wouldn't tell a CB to play off and outside with no middle help, so was there a S missing from the middle of the field, is Maxwell not doing what he's told to or is something else going on?

Billy DavisPeople can complain about every DB we have had for over 2 years. They all look the same and there's been only one constant.

Agreed it's time for someone new. Wasn't excited when he was hired and he has been average at best and terrible in the secondary.

The defense isn't the problem. Maxwell isn't who they(or Deamon) thought he was.

If you go back and look at BIlly's D's prior to ours (SF and Arizona) it most certainly is the problem. Im not even sure that's debatable

They gave up 1 TD to Dallas. Just 1.. where I believe a top paid CB makes a tackle attempt with that angle on T. Williams of all people.

 

[JuniorNB]

by the way, Maxwell might as well be wearing a mask.

I think it's Bradley Fletcher wearing a mask.

Who would have guess that, Ash..

I kid, but I'm very curious about the techniques they're being told to play and where it's breaking down. The Williams TD is a great example. A bad HS coach wouldn't tell a CB to play off and outside with no middle help, so was there a S missing from the middle of the field, is Maxwell not doing what he's told to or is something else going on?

Billy DavisPeople can complain about every DB we have had for over 2 years. They all look the same and there's been only one constant.

Agreed it's time for someone new. Wasn't excited when he was hired and he has been average at best and terrible in the secondary.

The defense isn't the problem. Maxwell isn't who they(or Deamon) thought he was.

If you go back and look at BIlly's D's prior to ours (SF and Arizona) it most certainly is the problem. Im not even sure that's debatable

They gave up 1 TD to Dallas. Just 1.. where I believe a top paid CB makes a tackle attempt with that angle on T. Williams of all people.

I heard Maxwell complain after the game that with Philly's speedy, no huddle offense and all the three-and-outs, that he was exhausted out there. Not really something you want to hear a professional athlete say, but I admire his honesty.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

by the way, Maxwell might as well be wearing a mask.

I think it's Bradley Fletcher wearing a mask.

Who would have guess that, Ash..

I kid, but I'm very curious about the techniques they're being told to play and where it's breaking down. The Williams TD is a great example. A bad HS coach wouldn't tell a CB to play off and outside with no middle help, so was there a S missing from the middle of the field, is Maxwell not doing what he's told to or is something else going on?

Billy DavisPeople can complain about every DB we have had for over 2 years. They all look the same and there's been only one constant.

Agreed it's time for someone new. Wasn't excited when he was hired and he has been average at best and terrible in the secondary.

The defense isn't the problem. Maxwell isn't who they(or Deamon) thought he was.

If you go back and look at BIlly's D's prior to ours (SF and Arizona) it most certainly is the problem. Im not even sure that's debatable

They gave up 1 TD to Dallas. Just 1.. where I believe a top paid CB makes a tackle attempt with that angle on T. Williams of all people.

I heard Maxwell complain after the game that with Philly's speedy, no huddle offense and all the three-and-outs, that he was exhausted out there. Not really something you want to hear a professional athlete say, but I admire his honesty.

FWIW Chip even agreed with him in the presser...the play differences at that time were lopsided to say the least.

And Im not talking about 1 game for the D....the same mistakes are being made over and over no matter who the DB's are. Billy Davis has been sheet canned after 2 seasons as a DC everywhere else, odd right?

 

[unckeyherb]

on radio, reporting that Murray went down with a hammy in practice today.

 

[JuniorNB]

Who would have guess that, Ash..

I kid, but I'm very curious about the techniques they're being told to play and where it's breaking down. The Williams TD is a great example. A bad HS coach wouldn't tell a CB to play off and outside with no middle help, so was there a S missing from the middle of the field, is Maxwell not doing what he's told to or is something else going on?

Billy DavisPeople can complain about every DB we have had for over 2 years. They all look the same and there's been only one constant.

Agreed it's time for someone new. Wasn't excited when he was hired and he has been average at best and terrible in the secondary.

The defense isn't the problem. Maxwell isn't who they(or Deamon) thought he was.

If you go back and look at BIlly's D's prior to ours (SF and Arizona) it most certainly is the problem. Im not even sure that's debatable

They gave up 1 TD to Dallas. Just 1.. where I believe a top paid CB makes a tackle attempt with that angle on T. Williams of all people.

I heard Maxwell complain after the game that with Philly's speedy, no huddle offense and all the three-and-outs, that he was exhausted out there. Not really something you want to hear a professional athlete say, but I admire his honesty.

FWIW Chip even agreed with him in the presser...the play differences at that time were lopsided to say the least.

And Im not talking about 1 game for the D....the same mistakes are being made over and over no matter who the DB's are. Billy Davis has been sheet canned after 2 seasons as a DC everywhere else, odd right?

It might not be easy to get a top defensive coordinator in Philly. The hurry up offense is despised by defensive coordinators. For the very reason Maxwell said he was gassed. If there's a three and out, they are getting virtually zero chance to rest and catch their breath. It was the reason Buddy Ryan punched Kevin Gilbride when he was using the run and shoot offense. It can really make a defense look bad.

 

[JuniorNB]

on radio, reporting that Murray went down with a hammy in practice today.

He must have broken loose for a four yard gain and his hammies weren't used to it

 

[ericttspikes]

on radio, reporting that Murray went down with a hammy in practice today.

Sucks for Murray owners if true, but might be best for the Eagles. The 3 headed monster doesn't seem like it's working and using a heavy dose of Mathews with Sproles on the field more would probably help them.

 

[Insein]

Who would have guess that, Ash..

I kid, but I'm very curious about the techniques they're being told to play and where it's breaking down. The Williams TD is a great example. A bad HS coach wouldn't tell a CB to play off and outside with no middle help, so was there a S missing from the middle of the field, is Maxwell not doing what he's told to or is something else going on?

Billy DavisPeople can complain about every DB we have had for over 2 years. They all look the same and there's been only one constant.

Agreed it's time for someone new. Wasn't excited when he was hired and he has been average at best and terrible in the secondary.

The defense isn't the problem. Maxwell isn't who they(or Deamon) thought he was.

If you go back and look at BIlly's D's prior to ours (SF and Arizona) it most certainly is the problem. Im not even sure that's debatable

They gave up 1 TD to Dallas. Just 1.. where I believe a top paid CB makes a tackle attempt with that angle on T. Williams of all people.

I heard Maxwell complain after the game that with Philly's speedy, no huddle offense and all the three-and-outs, that he was exhausted out there. Not really something you want to hear a professional athlete say, but I admire his honesty.

FWIW Chip even agreed with him in the presser...the play differences at that time were lopsided to say the least.

And Im not talking about 1 game for the D....the same mistakes are being made over and over no matter who the DB's are. Billy Davis has been sheet canned after 2 seasons as a DC everywhere else, odd right?

It might not be easy to get a top defensive coordinator in Philly. The hurry up offense is despised by defensive coordinators. For the very reason Maxwell said he was gassed. If there's a three and out, they are getting virtually zero chance to rest and catch their breath. It was the reason Buddy Ryan punched Kevin Gilbride when he was using the run and shoot offense. It can really make a defense look bad.

There's no cap on coach salaries.

 

[Insein]

on radio, reporting that Murray went down with a hammy in practice today.

Sucks for Murray owners if true, but might be best for the Eagles. The 3 headed monster doesn't seem like it's working and using a heavy dose of Mathews with Sproles on the field more would probably help them.

I have Mathews in both my leagues for just this eventuality.

 

[ShaHBucks]

on radio, reporting that Murray went down with a hammy in practice today.

Sucks for Murray owners if true, but might be best for the Eagles. The 3 headed monster doesn't seem like it's working and using a heavy dose of Mathews with Sproles on the field more would probably help them.

I have Mathews in both my leagues for just this eventuality.

How long before Mathews is eventually hurt...

 

[Insein]

on radio, reporting that Murray went down with a hammy in practice today.

Sucks for Murray owners if true, but might be best for the Eagles. The 3 headed monster doesn't seem like it's working and using a heavy dose of Mathews with Sproles on the field more would probably help them.

I have Mathews in both my leagues for just this eventuality.

How long before Mathews is eventually hurt...

That's why you draft Sproles too And I may get preemptive and add Barner. He looked good.

 

[JuniorNB]

on radio, reporting that Murray went down with a hammy in practice today.

Sucks for Murray owners if true, but might be best for the Eagles. The 3 headed monster doesn't seem like it's working and using a heavy dose of Mathews with Sproles on the field more would probably help them.

I have Mathews in both my leagues for just this eventuality.

How long before Mathews is eventually hurt...

Can't that be said for every player?

 

[GoBirds]

on radio, reporting that Murray went down with a hammy in practice today.

Sucks for Murray owners if true, but might be best for the Eagles. The 3 headed monster doesn't seem like it's working and using a heavy dose of Mathews with Sproles on the field more would probably help them.

Yeah will be interesting to see how Mathews does and saves Murray from having to improve his 1YPC against an unbelievable defense.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

on radio, reporting that Murray went down with a hammy in practice today.

Sucks for Murray owners if true, but might be best for the Eagles. The 3 headed monster doesn't seem like it's working and using a heavy dose of Mathews with Sproles on the field more would probably help them.

I have Mathews in both my leagues for just this eventuality.

Yes, Sproles is going to get his 3rd down work in any case, but at least the 2 main backs might be condensed into one.

 

[ShaHBucks]

on radio, reporting that Murray went down with a hammy in practice today.

Sucks for Murray owners if true, but might be best for the Eagles. The 3 headed monster doesn't seem like it's working and using a heavy dose of Mathews with Sproles on the field more would probably help them.

I have Mathews in both my leagues for just this eventuality.

How long before Mathews is eventually hurt...

Can't that be said for every player?

no. Just him and Bradford

 

[Leroy Hoard]

on radio, reporting that Murray went down with a hammy in practice today.

Sucks for Murray owners if true, but might be best for the Eagles. The 3 headed monster doesn't seem like it's working and using a heavy dose of Mathews with Sproles on the field more would probably help them.

I have Mathews in both my leagues for just this eventuality.

How long before Mathews is eventually hurt...

Can't that be said for every player?

no. Just him and Bradford

Don't forget Gronk going into last year.

 

[GoBirds]

on radio, reporting that Murray went down with a hammy in practice today.

Sucks for Murray owners if true, but might be best for the Eagles. The 3 headed monster doesn't seem like it's working and using a heavy dose of Mathews with Sproles on the field more would probably help them.

I have Mathews in both my leagues for just this eventuality.

How long before Mathews is eventually hurt...

Hopefully the same amount of time until Murray is healthy

 

[ShaHBucks]

I'll take the Eagles + points. Not buying the Jets

 

[Ash]

Offense Observations from the Dallas Game:

Overall I don't think there's one goat, but the whole offense had their share of mistakes. Guys who are usually solid like Celek & Kelce have multiple bad plays. Bradford had more misses than last week for sure. I actually don't think the two OGs are as big a problem as I expected, but the overall decline in talent on the OL is a bigger issue. Those two guys are not as good as Mathis and Herremans, were in 2013, Peters is still good but declining. Kelce is no longer able to work as much to his strengths in space and at the 2nd level and his deficiencies as an inline blocker show up more.

The lack cohesion of a zone blocking unit as far as being able to handle line stunts and shifts in the run game is showing here too. We have less talented players who haven't played much together and the results are showing. The pass protection is holding up surprisingly well though, which gives some hope.

There are coaching and schematic issues as well. I just don't think you can run sweep plays repeatedly in the NFL without being found out. You can't run around NFL defences. The biggest issue though is how often we are behind the down/distance count due to loss plays in the run game. We have to cut those out, they're worse than penalties because we lose the yards and the down.

Anyway here it is, I stopped at the INT in the 3rd quarter, I thought that was a logical point, and it seemed like going over and over the same things by that point anyway. And it was making me angry.

1st Series

• 1st play at Q1 12:30 - Matthews in motion across the formation and settles into H-back position to block DE 1:1, which predictably fails and the DE makes the tackle. Otherwise pretty well blocked by the OL.
• 3rd down play on this series, Bradford badly underthrows an open Matthews on the corner route, almost an INT. Right read, bad throw Good pocket, no pressure.

2nd Series

• Inside Zone to Murray, MLB unblocked makes the tackle for short gain. Think Kelce got trapped a little bit by the flow of the play and couldn't release.
• 2nd down pass, Bradford didn't see Matthews was uncovered off the line and wide open in the flat until CB adjusted. Dallas penalised for PI on the play elsewhere
• At 9:03, they run a sweep to Sproles with R. Mathews also in the backfield, who lead blocks with Babre pulling. Celek fails to seal his man shooting inside, then Kelce can't reach Lee who makes the tackle for -4. Mathews and Babre both failed to block the same DB.
• 3rd and 8, play designed for Matthews who is open but drops a well thrown ball as Lee closes in with a solid hit. Probably 1st down if he makes the catch.

3rd Series

• Inside Zone to Murray for short gain. Lee made the tackle again. Cowboys aligned with him behind DE/DT, Peters tried to come off the combo w/ Babre on the DT but he's so quick Peters couldn't reach him in time and he gets there. Kelce blocked the other (closer to the ball at the snap) ILB.
• Inside Zone to Murray again. Kelce & Gardner had combo on the DT. Gardner seemed to miss and Kelce got shoved into the backfield. Babre gets to 2nd level but seems indecisive before taking the wrong (ie not Lee) ILB. Seemed like one of Gardner or Kelce should have released to Lee but they were both chasing that DT in the backfield. Lee makes another TFL.
• On 3rd and 10 Bradford makes a nice back shoulder throw to Austin who gets 2 hands on the ball but drops it as he hits the ground. Right side DE/DT twist, with DE looping behind DT. DE beats Gardner with bull rush, but not before Bradford releases.

4th Series

• Short pass to Sproles, couple of other places he could have maybe gone to Matthews vertical down the right sideline who beat press coverage with a nice move off the line, but wasn't wide open.
• Inside Zone to Mathews from under centre. Both DTs slanted toward the playside which left Kelce and Peters with tough blocks with players who were aligned outside and then slanted away to keep them under control. Neither really did, Mathews had to cut back into the unblocked #42 due to the Cowboys 7 on 6 numbers advantage. Both Gardner and Babre did get to the ILBs at the 2nd level on this play. No gain though.
• Tight man coverage across the board on 3rd down. Bradford missed throw to Ertz who wasn't open but did have inside position on his man. #97 put Kelce on the ground with a bull rush, Lee looped from open side A gap to opposite side B gap on the blitz. Babre picked him up pretty well after the DT crossed his face to Kelce. Solid pass protection again.

5th Series

• Short screen to Ertz. Peters couldn't reach #42 in time, who read the play quickly and attacked it hard and made the tackle. Not Peters fault really. Otherwise, blocks were there.
• Inside Zone to Murray from centre. Cowboys with 7 on 6 numbers and the play is almost a carbon copy of the earlier IZ to #24 from under centre. Starts right, DL slants right. 1:1 blocks made but no real push and this time it's Lee unblocked who makes the TFL. Again. He really is pretty good.
• 3rd and long conversion on screen to Sproles called back by Ertz blatant pick on Lee.

6th Series (Q3)

• PA Pass to Agholor for 12 yards. Clever protection, with split zone action from the OL and Celek coming back across the formation to pick up the DE after Peters "released" to the 2nd level. He came back to assist. Protection held up a long time on this play. Cowboys playing Cover 2 here, and I think Bradford missed a bigger gain to Matthews as he cleared the underneath coverage from the slot on the other side of the play. Only 3 targets released which is unusual.
• Sweep to Murray, w/ Gardner and Kelce pulling. DE slanted hard inside and appeared to catch Celek by surprise who missed him. Johnson had DT under control and Gardner had pancaked somebody on the outside but the DE made the TFL.
• This was the series that ended in the punt block TD.

7th Series

• Cowboys showed man coverage pre snap but switched to Cover 2. Bradford had Murray wide open in the left flat, or Huff a bit later on the deep curl. Both were on the left side of the play, but Bradford appeared to be going through a progression on the right side and threw incomplete to Agholor short over the middle. Ball was behind him. Another DE/DT twist. Gardner lost the DE on the handoff from Johnson, who picked up the DT well. DE then got a hit on Bradford.
• 2nd down Eagles ran the play w/ 2 short crossers and one deeper. Cowboys in zone so everybody just ran into coverage. Could have had a completion for a short gain but Bradford seemed to try to pull the ball back and it hit the ground.
• Good read and throw to Cooper in the Cover 2 sideline hole on what should have been a 3rd down conversion. Cooper let it go through his hands.

8th series

• Another PA pass off the same split zone action as earlier. This time 3 verticals. Agholor had inside position and a step on his man with the S on the far hash. Protection was a little messier here but Bradford should have made this throw. Appeared to get spooked and rolled left and took a sack despite plenty of opportunity to throw the ball away. Bad mental errors on two counts here from Bradford.
• Well blocked screen for Murray for 18 yds on 2nd and long.
• Wide splits between Cooper, Matthews and Ertz on the wide side of the field appeared to stretch the seams in the Cover 2 here, Bradford could have had Cooper short or Matthews deeper with the S deep and the CB in no man's land but didn't pull the trigger. Luckily we got holding against Ertz.
• Sweep left this time and it failed exactly the same way as previously. Celek couldn't prevent the DE penetrating inside, which results in another big loss.
• Nice read and throw to Matthews down the sideline who drew a PI penalty. Clean pocket again.
• Quick read and throw to Ertz for 9 yds on first down.
• Nice WR screen to Huff for 9 yards couple of plays later.
• 1st and goal from the 3, threw high to Agholor out the back of the end zone, but should have gone to Cooper immediately, open on a slant underneath a pick from Matthews on the left side of the formation. Would have been a TD. Protection held up very well here too.
• Missed Huff open early on the shallow cross. Might not have got in but would have been better than what happened. Could also have had Ertz earlier off the line, Lee picked him up late. Bradford then forced the pass and it was picked off, ending the best series of the game so far.

 

[Insein]

Excellent breakdown, Ash.

I was thinking the pass protection looked good enough. Bradford is just not reading the defense and hesitating.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Anyone else feel like Ash should be coaching in the NFL?

 

[babydemon90]

Well, we'll see at the very least what Chip's coaching chops are made of. Can he adjust and counter? Or is this a downward spiral he has no answer for...

 

[Insein]

Anyone else feel like Ash should be coaching in the NFL?

Nah I think he's too smart.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Anyone else feel like Ash should be coaching in the NFL?

Nah I think he's too smart.

 

[Ash]

Anyone else feel like Ash should be coaching in the NFL?

Nah I think he's too smart.

Thanks for the compliment, but the more I learn about this game, the more I realise there is to learn. That's one of the things I enjoy about it.