Half Full, or Half Empty

McNabb was scattershot with his passes, locked in on TO all night, gave up three turnovers and worse, was injured with a nagging? chest hit. The defense gave up 200 yards rushing, allowed Vick to roam free but only gave up 14 points. Our all-pro kicker missed two FGs. and the running game was practically non-existent.

Still, the Eagles only lost to the second best team in the conference, on the road, by 4 points. Is that an encouraging or discouraging sign? The game was there for the Eagles taking. Akers makes the 2 FGs and they win. But they won't go far unless McNabb can banish the return of the overthrows and the doinks into the ground we were accustomed to pre-TO.

McNabb's health is the primary concern, but just behind taht is the running game, or lack thereof. Most of the Eagles yardage came on a nifty inside handoff to Westbrook. Other than that, the Eagles couldn't gain three yards on the ground when they really, truly need it.

I understand Reid's offense is pass first, run second, but this is getting ridiculous. I fear the Eagles o-line will become "Colt-ized" where they get so used to pass blocking that they lack the attitude, will and physical force to push the d-line off the line of scrimmage. And I can't believe I even had to write that last sentence with Jon Runyan and Shawn Andrews on the right side of the line. Indeed, that fact is probably indicative of the overall problem and attitude adjustment (to say nothing of the play calling) that needs to be made.

Finally, let me point out, again, that Jim Johnson's defense performed to expectations and necessity. They kept the Falcons at 14 points. It's all on Reid as to why his offense can't score more than that with the weapons they have.