In Defense of the Defense

Can we all stop the gnashing of teeth over the Eagles run defense. It is what it is. Besides, should it really be that much of a surprise that they surrender chunks of yardage on the ground (like last year) when they've still got undersized LBs (the QB outweighs the starters!) and a quick but not particularly big d-line.

The fact is that this defense is a front-running defense. It's specialty is rushing the passer. This year more than ever the defense needs the offense to score points so opponents have to throw. And it appears we finally have an offense that can score in bunches.

If anything, the most disturbing aspect of the loss to Pittsburgh was the ineptitude of the offense. The nearly unstoppable attack early in the season has practically ground to a halt. TDs in the red zone are down and 3rd down conversions are way down. Sure, Westbrook is hurt and Baltimore is a top defense, but c'mon. Also, the play calling has gotten much more conservative. Remember the 3rd and 5 sweep to Westbrook Reid called? And they were down by 3 TDs at the time!? Heck, in Cleveland Reid was passing on 3rd and 1. What happened?

Bill Parcells is no dummy. On Monday night we'll probably see a similar game plan like the one last December at the Linc. Ball control running game. Hopefully, like last December, the Eagles can score early and often to make him put it in the air. At which point, Kearse and company can get after that statue to QB immobility, Vinny Testaverde.