Eagle Eye Observations: Week 12
Two comeback wins in a row? What in the Sam Hill is going on here? Sadly, the Eagles wouldn’t have needed a fourth quarter rally if they took care of business in the red zone. Oh well. Such is life for the 2009 Birds. Here’s what caught the attention of the Eagle Eye:
- I’m sure this horse has been beaten to the bone, but why onside kick against a team that struggles to move the ball? Reid is lucky he pulled out a win, or the vultures would have picked him clean for making such a foolish call. And what exactly was Joe Mays doing on the play?
- More from Mr. Mays. Vacating his coverage on Fred Davis to chase Campbell was a horrendous decision. I wrote here last week that Mays is not an NFL player. I haven’t changed my mind. When does Akeem come back?
- Bad game for McDermott. He and his charges got caught in the wrong defense time and time again. I also didn’t notice many blitzes. It was a very un-Eagle like non-attacking scheme. Who or what was he afraid of on the ‘Skins offense? Allowing 8/17 third downs is atrocious. I hope he shredded and burned the gameplan after this one.
- Coincidence that Winston Justice played his worst game after inking an extension? Either he was nervous about living up to the coin, or he had one too many pressers during the week.
- I’m done writing about the red zone and penalties. It’s a given that they will fail at least twice per game inside the ten, and commit a minimum of seven infractions. Ho-hum.
- What was going on with Brent Celek? Three drops and a holding penalty that negated a fourth-and-goal touchdown. Yuck. He needs to bring back the Captain Morgan routine. Screw the NFL party poopers. To be fair, he did suffer a sprained thumb (some are reporting he tore ligaments).
- Broken record comment here: Vick is useless if he only gets four snaps a game. He’s had one, maybe two, good plays all season. Please stop.
- It seems as if Reid is afraid to call runs in the red zone. The heavy package featuring King Dunlap and Eldra Buckley did net a touchdown, but it didn’t look overly impressive. I maintain that it’s not the running back. It’s the line’s inability to dominate inside the ten.
- KEEP HANDING THE BALL TO WEAVER!!!!!
- The 35-yard pass down the right sideline to Maclin was one of the best I’ve ever seen from McNabb. Perfect arc and touch. Dropped it right over the shoulder. Beautiful. Don has been money the last ten quarters.
- Shady McCoy has really figured out how to run in the NFL. He looks so much quicker and more confident the last two games. 101 total yards. Kid has some seriously sick moves, like that run for two. Great balance.
- Tracy White is again getting reps on third down. Who would have thought that an injury to Akeem Jordan would be so debilitating? They have no MIKE backer right now. I still say give Fokou a shot at WIL and slide Spoon back to the middle.
- Speaking of Fokou. He made an outstanding tackle on the final kickoff. Gave the ‘Skins poor starting field position.
- Asante doesn’t need to tackle when he’s intercepting passes all over the field.
- Sheldon‘s hamstring is still bothering him. He was laboring throughout.
- Jason Avant is saving this team right now. Five more big grabs for 94 yards. He’ll become even more important should DeSean be unavailable next Sunday.
- How do you leave Santana Moss uncovered at the two-yard line? Macho and Trot are still scratching their heads.
- They are down to three healthy receivers. If Celek’s injury is worse than reported, this could be a serious problem. Can they bring back Hank Baskett? Perhaps we’ll get a look at Jordan Norwood, who is presently on the practice squad.
I predicted ugly and wasn’t disappointed. No matter how many times they shoot themselves in the foot, the Eagles are finding ways to comeback. Five games to go with a trip to play the wounded Falcons up next. Will DeSean be able to go? Probably not. What about Akeem? Maybe.
An entertaining December awaits. I’m just not sure gang green has enough bodies to make it through.