The Good, The Bad, The Ugly - Game 6
So I needed a little break from football after the devestation that was Dallas. And it looks like the Birds needed it too - at least the defense appeared to use that time off wisely. Judgement is still out on the offense. But in the end, we got another thrilling victory over a quality opponent. Winning 20-17 over the potent San Diego Chargers is nothing to sneeze at - no matter how lucky you want to call that ending. But as they say, “I’ll take an ugly win over a pretty loss.” But what does all this mean in the grand scheme of things:
The Good
- SHUT-DOWN - Yes, the Eagles defense completely shutdown arugably the greatest player in the NFL today. In fact, they dominated him more than any other team has in his career. This was the first time since entering the NFL that Tomlinson was held to single digit rushing yards. In fact, his total producton (33 yards) was almost equal to his previous career low rushing. And don’t ignore snapping his scoring streak, either. LT already had 11 touchdowns this year, had scored in every game since week 3 of last season, and put up points in 32 of his previous 35 contests - including 13 games with 2 or more. That is impressive to say the least.
- Receivers’ Delight - TO is on pace to break the records he set last year. Greg Lewis has already topped his number from last season. Reggie Brown and Billy McMullen are both contributing. Aside from wideouts, Westbrook and LJ Smith both look to have career receiving years. Heck, even Josh Parry looks infinitely better than last year catching the ball. In other words, we have the weapons to back up our insane passing attack.
- Secondary Dreams - After giving up way too many yards to an average Terry Glenn, it was business as usual for the top secondary in the league. Sure they gave up nearly 300 yards, but they made the plays when necessary. The few times Brees beat them, he really beat them - you can’t win every play. 5 passes defensed by these guys is damn good, and that strip by Brown was perfect.
- Honest-to-goodness Linebackers - The biggest weakness of the Eagles defense for years has been the linebacking corps. But now, it’s not just Trotter who’s looking good. Dhani Jones has turned out better than anyone expected, and suddenly Adams and Simoneau have stepped up their play. Did you notice those two combined for 9 tackles?
- Special teams? I’ll say - Mikell saw the flaw in San Diego’s blocking, and executed perfectly. That was the play of the game. And, of course, major props to Matt Ware for keeping his eyes on the prize on that runback - a first in the history of the club. Not enough can be said about these two guys who made me lose my voice once again this season.
- True Grit - I’ve said it over and over again: This team is showing more determination than ever before.
The Bad
- Zero yards and a cloud of dust - The Eagles were never down by more than a touchdown, and yet they only ran the ball 10 times. Granted Westbrook only averaged 2.5 ypc, but if his number isn’t called regularly, how is he supposed to develop a rhythm. On top of that, what was the point of signing Gordon if Reid isn’t even going to pretend to involve him? Which leads me to…
- Playcalling woes - Andy has regressed. The offense is showing the same the same inability to maintain a drive that we complained about 3 years ago. Too often they left points on the board - too many in such a close game. I’d like to think that he sees something I don’t, but this refusal to mix it up could end the season for McNabb early. Afterall, we could all see…
- Hitting the broad side of a barn - McNabb was inconsistent. I would hardly call it struggling, but Donovan just plain overthrew some wide open receivers. While it didn’t kill them, how confident are you that the offense could have won the game if special teams hadn’t saved them?
The Ugly
- Return to me - Everybody who called for Moats to return kicks got a glimpse as to why he’s been inactive. He’s bound to improve, but we are missing JR Reed more and more each week. Aside from the incredible finale, our special teams continue to give me nightmares. Bad returns, weak blocking, unnecessary penalties (12 men on the field!), a kick that needed the post’s help, shanked punts and fumbling return men; Jim Harbaugh’s got his work cut out for him as this unit has put us in a hole multiple times.
- My kingdom for a rulebook - What was up with all of those penalties? It wasn’t a badly called game, the players just seemed to space out every other play. Above all else, could they get the line to stop holding on every run play?
Parting Shots
The Eagles have now one 3 close games against the AFC - something they never seem to do. The 1-2 NFC record certainly hurts, but for the first time they’re finding a way to pull out the close ones they used to lose. But their inconsistancy certainly leaves more questions than answers after yet another thriller. This is not a good year to be flooded with question marks in the NFC East. If the Eagles can build on this victory when they travel out to Denver next week, dreams another division (and possibly conference) title will seem that much closer.
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Posted on October 25, 2005 by Thom | Filed Under Eagles, Philadelphia
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