Rockies 3 - Phillies 0

We now return to our regularly scheduled programming.

 

Toward that end, here’s some interesting insights from NFL Films Greg Cosell regarding McNabb’s quarterback strengths and weaknesses – and that of his receivers. The verdict? Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis are weak WRs and “The 2007 McNabb is a pocket quarterback without the complete skill set to succeed that way. His lack of anticipation combines with his inconsistent accuracy to produce a passing game that can't function with any dependability against press coverage.”

 

 

“Watch film of the Philadelphia offense and what you instantly notice is how much press coverage opposing cornerbacks have played against wide receivers Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis. It has been the defining feature of the Eagles' three losses. The only team that did not play press coverage was Detroit; the result was a 42-point first half and the Eagles' only win of the season.

 

Curtis and Brown are both straight-line runners who do not have the great agility and strength to immediately defeat press corners. Consequently, they do not define their routes quickly enough for Donovan McNabb.

 

And McNabb has never been an anticipation passer. He is what I call an "uncover" quarterback. He waits until his receivers begin to break open before he pulls the trigger; he needs to see the throw. With his receivers blanketed well into their routes, McNabb is not comfortable delivering the ball.

 

The result is the pass rush closes in on him, and because of his ACL injury a year ago he has lost the mobility that allowed him to break down a defense on the move. The 2007 McNabb is a pocket quarterback without the complete skill set to succeed that way. His lack of anticipation combines with his inconsistent accuracy to produce a passing game that can't function with any dependability against press coverage.”

 

And the remedy? What many of us have long advocated. Utilize Westbrook’s versatility by playing him and Bucky at the same time. Split #36 out wide and force a mismatch or make the defense account for him, while keeping the option of power running Buckhalter over Andrews and Runyan.

 

In other words, run to set up the pass. C’mon Andy, it’s not rocket science.

 

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