Eagle Eye Observations: Week 16
Well, that was exciting, huh? Internet problems precluded me from wrapping what was probably the Eagles most exciting game of the season, but I’m back, baby! Lots to cover in this one, so I’ll get right to it. Here’s another peek from the Eagle Eye:
- Mike Carey and his crew made the correct call on Maclin‘s game-deciding catch. That being said, almost everything that came before that review was an abomination. I thought the second Giants game was poorly officiated. This game was a joke. At one point Carey admitted they “were too slow spotting the ball.” Geesh. These December contests are kinda important. It would be nice if the NFL could field officials who know what the hell they’re doing.
- Speaking of that Maclin catch. It was a thing of beauty. The kid has hands, feet and toughness. Great draft pick by Heckert and Reid.
- Welcome back Brian Westbrook! He didn’t set the stadium ablaze, but it was nice to see #36 scooting around out there. Nine totes for 32 yards is a start. He and Dawk had a nice little battle going. Let’s hope he can show a bit more next week.
- The DeSean Jackson/Champ Bailey matchup was fun to watch. DJax got the better of him in the first half, but Champ rebounded nicely in the second half with a pick and a couple passes defended. The fact that the Broncos elected to shadow Jackson with Bailey shows you the respect they have for him.
- I’m concerned about the third quarter woes the last couple games. Actually, it’s been a problem with this team all season. If they want to defeat the really good teams, they are going to have to put together four quarters of sharp, mistake-free ball. Blowing a 17 point lead is inexcusable.
- So, what happened to the offense during the second half? It looked to me like Denver made better adjustments at halftime. Stupid penalties and turnovers are not hallmarks of championship teams.
- Another Asante interception and at least two missed tackles on Brandon Marshall. Just another day at the office for #22. He’s equal parts dynamic and frustrating.
- Victor Harris should retire his nickname for a week. His unnecessary roughness penalty (which was total BS) and the fumbled kickoff was nearly enough to cost the Birds a win. If not for his roughing infraction, the offense might have been able to seal the game. Oh, and he fumbled again late. He owes Victor Abiamiri a dinner or two for bailing his ass out. Needless to say, not a good Sunday for the rook.
- The defensive game plan by McDermott was lacking in the aggressive department. I realize Kyle Orton is all about three-step drops and short, quick passes, but why the hell were the defensive backs giving the receivers so much cushion? None off them are speed merchants. At the very least tackle them once they catch the ball. That 3rd and 22 conversion by Buck was embarrassing, as was just about every grab Jabar Gaffney made.
- Trent Cole had a tough game against Ryan Clady. He was smothered most of the day, but did come up huge late with a sack and a couple nice stops on bubble screens.
- Jason Peters had his difficulties with Elvis Dumervil. It doesn’t get any easier with DeMarcus Ware up next.
- It was another one of those weird games for McNabb. He was spectacular in the first half, struggled most of the second, then donned his superman cape by running for 27 yards and floating a perfect ball to Maclin on the game-winning drive. I scratch my head sometimes watching him play. His inconsistency can me downright maddening.
- I dislike kickers, but I’m glad David Akers wears midnight green. He’s been money all season. Hell, he’s been money his whole damn career.
- I missed the postgame pressers. Is Jamaal Jackson‘s injury serious? If so, that could be a problem next week and beyond. He’s far from perfect, but Jamaal is still the glue on the offensive line. The botched exchanges between Nick Cole and Don were disturbing.
- Sav Rocca had another of his shankfests. Although, his boot late in the game was key in the defense being able to force a three and out.
- Jason Avant‘s hands need to be bronzed when he hangs up his cleats. How the hell did he snag that ill-advised rocket by Don? Amazing.
Here we go again, folks. The trip to Dallas will decide the NFC East champ. I would imagine the ‘Boys have been waiting for a shot at redemption for last year’s week 17 drubbing. This has the makings of another classic.
Don’t sleep on Dallas. They are playing quality football right now. Especially Tony Romo. The Birds can ill afford to sleepwalk through any portion of next Sunday’s tussle or they will find themselves on the losing end. Dallas week is officially under way.