Archive for January, 2009

One down – three to go. That’s the approach once you get to the playoffs. It wasn’t a thing of beauty on Sunday but a win is a win. I thought the Vikings outplayed the Eagles in the first-half: they ran the ball, converted third downs, and kept the Birds from establishing any consistency on offense. In the second-half, the defense buckled down and stuffed the Vikings. Here’s yet another look from the Eagle Eye: Adrian Peterson‘s 40 yard touchdown run was the longest given up by the Eagles’ defense all season. Impressive. The Birds totaled only 67 yards on [...]

What a great way to begin the second season for the Eagles. Time to tell me your player of the game.

All it takes is one play. With 6:53 left in the 4th quarter with the Eagles leading 16-14, Brian Westbrook took a Donovan McNabb screen-pass 71 yards to the house to essentially seal the victory over the Vikings. Whew!! Up until that point, Wetbrook had 16 touches for only 32 yards. The Birds have relied on big plays all season and big plays decided this one. Asante Samuel returned an interception 44 yards for a score mid-way through the second quarter to give the Eagles a 16-7 lead. It was Samuel’s fourth post-season pick six and is exactly why he [...]

Man, this week has really flown by. Less than 24 hours from now the Eagles will take the field to battle the Vikings. The game WILL be broadcast in Minnesota after the NFL granted the Vikings an extension. I’m still baffled that a playoff game could not be a sell out, but I also realize not all fans are as rabid or dedicated as Eagles fans. There is news on the injury front too: Asante Samuel could be a scratch due to a strained hip, and mammoth defensive tackle Pat Williams will be a game-time decision. Other than that, both [...]

The Vikings have not allowed a single 100 yard rusher this season. This doesn’t mean Andy Reid should abandon the run on Sunday. If you study the numbers from Minnesota’s six losses in ’08, a pattern emerges. This pattern suggests a one-dimensional offense reliant on the pass is not the way to beat them. If you look at the rushing totals from the six opponents who defeated them, you’ll see what I am talking about. By the way, these stats do include QB scrambles. Week 1 at Green Bay: 27 rushes for 139 yards – Top rusher: Ryan Grant – [...]

There’s a great article and video over at NFL.com on the heart and soul of the Eagles, the wolverine himself, Brian Dawkins. It covers Dawk’s superhero alter-ego, his speaking in tongues during pregame warm-ups, and him not being “cushy.” I’ve seen a lot of pieces on Dawkins but I can honestly say this is the BEST. Do yourself a favor and check it out. It’s well worth your time.

Say goodbye to 2008 and hello to 2009! A new year means a fond (hopefully) farewell to the inconsistent and unpredictable 2008 Philadelphia Eagles. Sure they have at least one game left, but it’s never too early to look ahead at the work that needs need to be done before the kickoff to the 2009 season. Here’s nine resolutions I hope the Eagles adopt in the next 365 days. 9) End the “Will McNabb stay or go” debate – Frankly, I’m sick of this even being discussed. Donovan will never be perfect, but does any fan really believe another quarterback [...]