You know you're old...

...when you realize you don't know the name of the Tenn. Titans kicker but you think it might still be Al Del Greco.

Fighting Hard

"In 2005, the Redskins closed the season at Philadelphia, where the Eagles were already eliminated from the playoffs and were without Owens, Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb and star running back Brian Westbrook. Yet the Eagles led 20-17 in the fourth quarter, before an interception -- one of six Washington takeaways in the game -- set up Portis's go-ahead score.

"They fought hard," Marcus Washington said of the Eagles. "They fought really hard. No one here forgot about that game. In certain situations this week we've definitely talked about that game," reports the Washington Post.

"From Syracuse University...."?

So it's an hour and a half before kickoff. Has Donovan McNabb played well enough in the past two back to back victories to warrant the offense being featured in the pre-game introductions today? Or is he still such a controversial figure that the Eagles don't dare risk having #5 announced to plenty of boos mixed in with the cheers? Would there be a lot of booing?

And what will NovaCare-ologists make of the omens of a McNabb intro? A fitting final home farewell for the best QB in franchise history? A confidence builder for next year if the reception is as it should be - lots of cheers and support? What to make of it if the defense is - once again - introduced to the home crowd. We'll leave it to Hoffman and Sheridan for the expert analysis.

Gasperson Gak

What to make of former practice squad WR Michael Gasperson being released this week to make room for a Titan practice squad CB? For a reserve player, Gasperson sure saw a lot of time on Sunday vs. the Saints. Maybe the coaches saw enough. He flat out dropped one ball, not a good sign for a guy who needed to make an impression at every opportunity. Who knows. The Eagles have made it routine to cycle players on and off the practice squad throughout the year to keep them somewhat connected to the organization and to give them some pay. Maybe this is another example of this, or they've just totally given up on Gasperson.

The real wonder was what Gasperson was doing on the field for so many (first half) snaps on Sunday. The Eagles only dressed one TE in rookie Brent Celek with Matt Schobel and LJ Smith inactive. So it's understandable they added a receiver to the roster for that open spot, especially a big target like the 6'4" Gasperson. That explains why he dressed. What it doesn't explain is why he was playing more than Jason Avant and Greg Lewis who presumably are ahead of him on the depth chart and, you know, have played in plenty of real games already this season.

NFL Network

Shocking turn of events for the NFL Network, which will now try to salvage their reputation by simulcasting the Pats-Giants game on Saturday evening on CBS and NBC. I wonder why Fox turned it down?

Danny Downer

Rich Hoffman plays Danny Downer to the Eagles feel good final. I take his point. Just because they beat a banged up Saints team and look like they can take a similarly mediocre Bills team is not a reason to think all will be well for the 2008 Eagles. Still, I don't dismiss the Cowboys victory as easily as Hoffman does. And I do agree with Reid when he suggests the Eagles would have been a tough first and/or second round opponent had they made the playoffs. (Hoffman notes that they are 2-3 the last five weeks, though two interceptions kept them from 5-0).
Bottomline, the team isn't as bad they're record, but not as good as the Eagles themselves think.

3-4?

A stunning defensive reversal of fortune for the Eagles' defensive line and linebackers, where the quality depth is now at LB. So much so that Jim Johnson could play a 3-4 next year? Let's see Akeem Jordan and Stewart Bradley play several good games, and not just one against a Saints team without Deuce McAllister before tapping them as starters and letting proven veteran Takeo Spikes go.

Bad LBs

Since Reid is now grudgingly acknowledging the obvious regarding personnel pratfalls at LB, maybe he'll own up to a similar WR problem on offense.

High Praise for Jean-Gilles

Fun to think how good both the Eagles guards could be next year. Jean-Gilles should give Herremans a run for his money at starting LG. Said Reid about Jean-Gilles' play on Sunday, "he was dominant, I mean absolutely dominant, in the run game." With Andrews and Jean-Gilles as road pavers next year will the Eagles run the ball next year? Uh, probably not.

Poor Decision, Bad Reasoning

Assuming Rich Hoffman is right, the Eagles are being incredibly short sighted in not playing Kevin Kolb these last two weeks. According to Hoffman, the Eagles are going to play McNabb in order to give the appearance that he will be there QB next year so as not to weaken their bargaining position with teams that might be interested in acquiring him in the offseason.

 

I’m the biggest McNabb booster in the world, but this makes no sense. What, the Eagles aren’t going to give the QB heir apparent important game experience in the final two games of the season so that they can try to squeeze another 3^rd rounder instead of a 4^th or 5th round pick from the Bears or Vikings wanting to make a deal for McNabb. Please. Forget the negligible increase in value from that pick. It’s vitally more important that the coaches see what Kolb has in actual game conditions and Kolb see what how a real game feels than whatever improved draft pick the Eagles might get from pretending that they are committed to McNabb.

A Long Season

I continue to marvel at the length of the NFL season and the twists and turns that can occur through its entirety. The Saints were given up for dead after an 0-4 start and disastrously poor play in games like the season opener vs. the Colts. And yet, now they are one of only 4 teams still alive for one of the two wild card spots.

 

Which brings me to the 6-8 Panthers, whose season appeared over after Jake Delhomme was placed on IR and the team went through a round robin of quarterbacks. And yet, they too are one of only four teams still alive for the playoffs.

 

The Steelers started strong but are now staggering to the finish line, and literally limping into the playoffs after starting RB Willie Parker broke his leg and is done for the season. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are coming on strong after surviving the early controversy about jettisoning starter and former #1 pick Byron Leftwich in favor of the inconspicuous David Garrard.

 

But perhaps the biggest surprise among the winning teams is the Chargers. Everyone was making the Norv Turner jokes earlier this season as the team floundered and hardly resembled last year’s 14-2 juggernaut. And yet, here we are with two games to go in the season and they are 8-5, Rivers is starting to play better and LT remains LT. They would be a tough second round game for either the Pats or Colts. Indeed, they and the Jags may be the two teams that could give the two AFC favorites a run for their money in the second round games.

 

The NFC team that might most resemble the Chargers is the Vikings, with dominant offensive and defensive lines, a punishing defense, a strong running game, and a barely competent QB. To think the Eagles beat the Vikes in Minnesota and yet it is Tarvaris Jackson that is leading the team with playoff aspirations.

 

And of course, the NY Giants remain the enigma. They remain on the verge of another late season swoon. Manning shows flashes of brilliance and extended periods of mediocrity. Coughlin is still a volcanic “leader.” Weirdly, though they technically have the inside track for one of the last two playoff spots, they lose every tiebreaker to the three other remaining teams: Saints, Panthers, Redskins.

 

If they don’t make it this year, I would imagine Coughlin is gone. Eli’s fate would be uncertain. But what are their fates if they do get in to the playoffs only to bow out after another 1^st round loss? I could easily see the Giants finishing strong and winning a first round game on the road vs. the Bucs or Seahawks. And I could just as easily envision them losing their last two games of the season and not making the playoffs.

 

Like I said, 16 games is a very long season. And we still have 2 to go. A lot can happen in two weeks. Just as a lot has already happened in the preceding 15.

Mich. Man

How weird is it that now that the University of Michigan has now hired both their basketball and football coaches from West Virginia U.? Looks like the “Michigan Man” is actually a beardless “Mountaineer Man.”

Young Guns

The Sports Guy rates the current state of QBs in the NFL. Of particular interest is his take on the young guns coming up in the league: JaMarcus Russell, Kevin Kolb, John Beck, Aaron Rodgers, and Brady Quinn.

 

The SG places the odds on each of these “great unknowns” succeeding: “2-to-1 for Rodgers, 3-to-1 for Kolb, 4-to-1 for Russell and Quinn and 15-to-1 for Beck. The best bet on the board is Kolb -- high-percentage numbers in college, perfect for the West Coast offense and the natural beneficiary for the Ewing Theory Eagles next year after McNabb finally leaves.”

 

The odds and comments on Kolb are encouraging, but take them with a grain of salt since Simmons has proven himself to be no fan of McNabb over the years.

 

(FYI: McNabb is in the “friends with benefit” class (i.e., taken for granted now, but will be missed at 3 a.m in the future) and AJ Feeley is in the “just competent enough to kill you,” which means they are “great for three-and-half quarters until they kill you with a pick at the worst possible time" guys, as personified by Feeley's "timing pass" in the Pats-Eagles game this year.”

Final Cowboy Thoughts

It was Troy boy Aikman who made an observation about Donovan McNabb’s passing accuracy during an Eagles broadcast several years ago, a criticism that has amazingly lingered through today. Before Aikman’s remark, no one seemed to notice or rather excuse one of McNabb’s occasionally errant throws. Ever since, fans, particularly the McNabb detractors have been fixated on his inability to hit a receiver in stride. In truth, it’s a fair knock against McNabb though not the huge problem some make it out to be. Just look at the tapes and you will see McNabb hitting his receivers in  a good spot plenty of times – and just as often they drop it. And isn’t it funny how McNabb always got the ball to Terrell Owens in a place where he could make a play after the catch?

 

All of this brings me to last week’s game and two comments made by the broadcast crew. The first was the “controversy” served up by Pam Oliver. I’m not going to delve into the exact quotes of what she and/or McNabb may have said. But suffice to say that what really caught my attention was Oliver’s suggestion that McNabb thinks he won’t be back because of management’s concern about “negative fan reaction” to McNabb. A couple of things. 1) I seriously hope that that isn’t a consideration for Lurie and Banner, but it is the reality of today’s NFL and the Eagles corporate mindset that the business interests of putting fannies in those luxury boxes and PSL seats can affect on the field decisions. For all the talk otherwise, the NFL is a business, and a big business at that.  2) McNabb is finely tuned to the displeasure, I would argue downright hatred, many fans have for him right now. It’s unfortunate, it’s disgusting, but it’s real and it’s palpable. It’s the reason why the offense – with McNabb in the lineup – has not been introduced during the pregame for most of the season.

 

And then there was Aikman. He absolutely skewered the Eagles’ wide receivers on Sunday. Considering how reluctant former players turned broadcasters are to offer anything but the mildest criticisms, Aikman’s critique that Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis, “the number 1 and number 2 receivers” on the Eagles would be “number three and number 4 receivers” on other teams is both amazing and devastating. He went on to say that Eagles receivers created very little separation. Perhaps because Aikman’s comments merely affirm what many have already concluded is the reason this hasn’t been given more coverage – certainly not like McNabb’s “accuracy.” But if anything Aikman may have been too polite and understated the problem. Anyway, once again it is a reminder that even with Kevin Kolb in the lineup, a new QB won’t solve the WR problem.

My Brother's Power Ratings

1.      Patriots

2.      Colts

3.      Cowboys*

4.      Chargers

5.      Jaguars

6.      Steelers

7.      Packers

8.      Browns

 

*My brother remains unsold on Tony Romo, especially in a big game or the playoffs. He admits he may be one of the last people in the country not convinced of Romo’s abilities.

Points Per 100?

Here’s a stat I haven’t seen much made of before: points per 100 yards of offense. “The Eagles are 26th in that category, averaging just 5.73 points per 100 yards. The six teams behind them - the Bills, 49ers, Panthers, Rams, Chiefs and Falcons - have a combined record of 27-57,” writes Domowitch.

"Benedict" Westbrook?

As further evidence of how popular fantasy football is, the Chicago Tribune runs a piece from a fantasy football owner not happy about B. Westbrook’s kneel down at the one last week, in the playoff round of nearly every fantasy football league. Indeed, I have him on my team, natch, and fortunately his foregoing of the 6 points did not affect the outcome of our game. Not the case for some other owners, though.

Rookie Play

When rookies on winning teams don’t get on the field, it’s evidence of the superior playmakers on the starting roster. Such teams are “grooming” talent for down the road. When you are a team out of playoff contention like the Eagles, rookies not playing means you haven’t drafted “impact” players.

Roy Williams: Dirty, overrated and/or stupid

“Dirty, overrated and stupid is no way to go through life in the NFL. And Roy Willy is at least two of them,” says this Fort Worth Telegram piece, which goes on to brutally note “He never excelled in coverage, but nobody noticed because he was so busy kicking butt everywhere else. What happened to that player is one of the great mysteries of the universe. He has fallen so far, even Pro Bowl honors -- typically an exercise in rewarding reputations, not seasons -- were denied….What nobody seems to be able to answer is why Roy is involved in so many "horse-collar" tackles while everybody else seems to be able to avoid them. Possibly because Roy chases a lot of plays from behind.”

 

Starting "over"?

"Being able to start fresh, start all over again, and then come back with a whole new attitude knowing that I am healthy, those are the type of things we can do," says McNabb. Does “starting fresh” and “all over again” mean a new team? Or just a new season?

He Said, She Said, Part 2

Oliver was “paraphrasing” McNabb.

Jessica Simpson might not be popular in the Cowboys locker room right now, but Eagles fans sure do appreciate her good looks and how she makes Tony Romo play all googly eyed.

Peterson vs. Westbrook

Pro Bowl voters must have been super-wowed by the fact that Adrian Peterson is a rookie. That, or voters singularly focus on rushing yards - to the exclusion of all else - in evaluating running backs, unlike fantasy players and real football coaches who know the true value of a well-rounded, versatile back that is a threat to run AND catch the ball out of the backfield.

How else to explain Peterson's selection as the NFC starter at the expense of Eagle Brian Westbrook chosen as the reserve?

Peterson leads all NFC backs in rushing yards (1,278) and is #3 overall. However, Westbrook is the second leading NFC back (5th overall) with 1,191 yards. Yes, Peterson is averaging 5.9 yards/carry to Westbrook's 4.7 yard average. And Peterson has scored 12 rushing TDs to Westbrook's 7 - owing to a season long offensive stumble in the red zone for the Eagles.

But Westbrook has caught 83(!) passes so far this season for 705 yards and tacked on another 5 TDs. By contrast, Peterson has only 17 receptions for  247 yards - and one TD.

Peterson has also fumbled twice as many times as Westbrook for good measure. Peterson's fumbled four times and lost 3 of them. Westbrook has 2 fumbles and lost 1.

So yes, perhaps as a "running" back Adrian Peterson is a more deserved choice to start in the Pro Bowl, but as an "offensive" back Westbrook is clearly the cream of the conference.

troubling stat of the week

David Akers has missed 8 field goal attempts from 40+ yards this year.
On the other hand, he hit one 53 yarder, doinked a 57 yarder off the
right upright in poor conditions vs. the Giants is otherwise 22 for
22.

Old Idea

The idea for Brian Westbrook’s kneel down didn’t come from last month’s Redskins game but from a win against the Bills back in 2003. At the time, it was McNabb who raised the issue of whether it might have been better if he hadn’t scored but came up just short. And Peter King calls Westbrook the “most versatile back in football.”

Worst Call?

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, it appears that the officiating this year has been mediocre at best, more likely atrocious, and possibly incompetent to criminal. And I’m not just counting all of the calls that have gone against the Eagles and the no calls that haven’t been flagged on their opponents. It’s a league wide problem only highlighted by the Eagles.

 

To wit, Ken Hamlin’s helmet to helmet hit on Matt Schobel was an inexplicable no call. If Hamlin does that to a quarterback he’s probably ejected from the game. But against a defenseless tight end there’s no penalty? I’m still waiting for the fine he should incur from the league office.

 

But the award for the worst penalty of the week has to go to the intentional grounding called on Kyle Orton last night (coincidentally, it impacted the Eagles since it cost the Bears a scoring opportunity and with the Bears loss knocked the Eagles out of the playoff picture).

 

Orton threw a pass 20 yards DOWN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD while in the pocket. But because he underthrew his receiver by 10 yards the officials bizarrely ruled it intentional grounding. Now the apologists will point out that the Bears were also called for holding on the same play that the Vikings declined, but it’s important to note that they accepted the intentional grounding because of the loss of down provision. The Bears were then forced to punt on 4^th down.

 

I have never seen an underthrown pass that landed 20 yards downfield called intentional grounding, though I might again this year with these refs.

Browns Line

From a reader in response to a Browns' story on the Plain Dealer website: “Lewis' comment of, "I just kept trying to deliver the blow". Isn't that what got you into a lot of trouble a few years back, Jamal?? Hey just kidding, GO BROWNS.”

 

Hasta Luego Rodriguez

Former WVU coach Rich Rodriguez doesn’t want to pay the university its $4 million buyout cause…the school didn’t waive the $5 admission fee to home games for high school coaches?

Pro vs. Promise

Be careful what you wish for in trading a solid pro for a promising rookie. Jake Plummer’s record last year with the Broncos: 7-4. Jay Cutler’s record with the Broncos since replacing Plummer as the starter: 8-11.

Lovie's Clock Mismanagement

Can someone explain why Lovie Smith did not use his final timeout last night with 15 seconds to go and the Vikings facing 4^th and 12 from their own 37 yard line?

 

The Bears only have the best punt returner in the league. And a loss means they are out of the playoffs. Even if Hester can’t return it, the Bears will get one chance for a Hail Mary. Why didn’t the Bears bother to call timeout and attempt any of this?

 

Quite honestly, after the Sharper interception I didn’t pay that much attention to the final minute. In fact, at one point I looked up and thought the Bears did use their final timeout. But looking at the box score, I see now that 1) the Bears had one last timeout and 2) they didn’t use it. If there is any team in the league that would want to try to extend the game anyway they can to get a punt and the ball back, you would think it would be the Bears.

 

My brother and I talked about it this morning. He wasn’t sure the Bears had a TO and is as mystified as me as to why they didn’t use it.

 

Likely the answer is that it is another example of clock management incompetence. And it gives the lie that the NFL is the “most competitive” in the world. How can it be the most competitive when head coaches don’t grasp or execute basic time management?

 

McNabb and PO

He said, she said.

Good news, Bad news

Bad news on Spikes, relatively good news on Andrews (the MRI didn’t show much).

Horse....!

Good for Goodell in suspending horse collar tackler #1.

Have to Play Kolb

So that’s how the Eagles’ season ends, or at least the meaningful portion of it. Not with a bang, but with a crappy Kyle Orton interception to Darren Sharper. (By the way, how does Bernard Berrian allow Sharper to catch that? I mean, yeah it probably would have been a touchdown had Orton thrown it more to the right, but Orton basically threw a jump ball. And with the Bears season on the line, Berrian was unable to knock it away.)

 

Now it’s time to play Kevin Kolb. If he truly is your quarterback of the future, the heir apparent to Donovan McNabb, then he has to play on Sunday vs. the Saints and the following week – at home – against the Bills. Kolb needs the experience and the coaches need to see his baseline starting point in actual game situations. Donovan McNabb started games toward the end of his rookie year. So it must be for Kolb. And while they’re at it, Abiamiri, Hunt, Justice, Jean-Gilles, and Stewart Bradley all should be getting lots more playing time in the next two weeks. Indeed, with Takeo Spikes’ torn rotator cuff Bradley’s reps should be increasing regardless.

 

This isn’t a question about loyalty to McNabb or playing to win cause the Saints are still in playoff contention. This is about 2008 (and beyond). Like it or not, the 2007 is essentially over. Preparations for the 2008 season begin now. And that means getting a look at Kolb in the final two regular season games.

 

I take no pleasure in advocating this, but I do bow to reality. And it would also meant that—if McNabb were to leave after the season – that his win on Sunday at Dallas would be a fitting coda to his Eagles career. It was the 41-14 2000 opening day thrashing in Big D that was an emphatic coming out party for the Eagles and their franchise quarterback and signaled a new era for the NFC East. Sunday’s gutty 10-6 victory with McNabb scrambling for 53 yards would serve as a perfect bookend to his pro bowl quality body of work for the Eagles.

But for One Mistake....

One mistake a game is the difference between 11-2 and the current 5-8.

Big Win in Big D

Great win for the Eagles yesterday. Everyone I talked to was sure the Eagles could not keep it up after halftime. I mean, we all figured the Cowboys would eventually score some touchdowns. Um, actually, no.

 

In the bittersweet department, Westbrook’s kneel down at the one could cost me my fantasy conference championship game this week. Hopefully Antoine Winfield will have a big game.

 

What is it about the Eagles owning the Cowboys in Dallas around Christmas time for the past half decade?

A change in the balance of power

Notwithstanding yesterday’s surprising win, the Eagles won’t win the NFC East this year. “The Eagles won the division five of the previous six seasons. Philadelphia beat the Cowboys nine times in that span by an average of 22.1 points,” notes the Morning News. More distressingly, “Once a team loses its grip on a division title, it's hard to regain. The Cowboys know. The franchise won the NFC East six times in a seven-year span in the 1990s. It had to wait nine years before returning to the top this season.”

Tapes? What Tapes?

This NY Times story asks the amazingly unanswered question: Why did the NFL destroy the tapes provided by the Patriots as part of the spygate investigation? It’s a question TMQ’s Gregg Easterbrook has been raising since September, but that incredibly the national media hasn’t bothered to ask till now by the Times.

 

The Times reports thusly: “The tapes arrived sometime between Sept. 16, when Goodell said he had yet to receive them, and Sept. 20, when the N.F.L. announced all material from the investigation had been destroyed “to ensure a level playing field.” The league has not addressed the tapes since.

Two crisis-management experts used the same word — fishy — to describe the league’s handling of the situation, saying the destruction of the tapes raised questions about what they contained.”

 

And the Times also predicts something that I have been asserting since this scandal was first revealed. If the Pats make it to the Super Bowl, this incident will be getting a whole lot of scrutiny. “Spygate will be the biggest story if they win the Super Bowl,” says a crisis manager interviewed by the Times.

 

Cowboys Pregame

An Arizona Republic (?) reporter listened in on Donovan McNabb’s Cowboys’ pre-game conference call. “He was defiant, a little paranoid and a bit sensitive. But when you're Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, those are all emotions you need to get from week to week in the City of Brotherly Hate.”

Brute Smarts

So it was Jon Runyan who told Brian Westbrook to take a knee on the one yard line and not to score. Glad to see the Eagles’ right tackle has more clock management acumen than the head coach or offensive coordinator. Runyan isn’t just a mountain of a man but proved himself as someone with an impressive football intellect.

Note: it was only last month when Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was quoted as telling his defense that if the Eagles were dumb enough to try to score from the Redskins 10 yard line with 2:24 to play and the Skins out of timeouts that they should let the Eagles score. The Eagles were, the Redskins did, and the Skins were able to get the ball back with 2:18 to play and a chance to tie the game with a TD and 2 point conversion.

Duuuuuce!

The honored former Eagles RB Duce Staley at halftime of last Sunday's game. Several thoughts came to mind as they replayed highlights of his career with the Eagles on the Jumbotron. First the highlights. There were three that stood out: flashbacks to the Vet's playing field, the second of him dragging some unnamed Giant 6 yards while on his knees, and several plays from the 2000 season opener between the  Eagles and Cowboys.

Man, reflecting back on that 41-14 ass whupping, that game had so much symbolism. It was the pickle juice game. It announced the Eagles were an up and coming team and it also was a harbinger of the demise of the Cowboys for the better part of the ensuing 5 years.

A couple of other things. It was clear by the fans' reaction, "Duuuuuuuuuuuuce!" that Staley remains a fan favorite. Left unsaid is that the Eagles made the right move in not re-signing Staley and letting him get a big contract with the Steelers, a contract that he unfortunately never played up to. Indeed, I'm not sure he ever cracked the starting lineup, certainly not on a consistent basis. But that's the game and career expectancy of a running back. Staley already had some miles on him and then nagging injuries started pilling up and he never returned to his Eagles glory form.

My fondest memory of Duce was at an Eagles-Skins game about 2001 or 2002. I was sitting with a friend who was a Redskins fan in the lower endzone seats at what at the time may still have been Jack Kent Cooke Stadium. The Eagles were driving toward our side and Staley was running it down their throats. There were two Eagle fans several rows lower and across the aisle in Staley jerseys. Everytime Duce reeled off another 5 yard game they would clap twice real quick and then hold up two fingers - like the victory sign. The Eagles got it down to goal to go and ran Staley who was stopped just short, but when he got up he trotted into the end zone and started shaking his head in the affirmative at the fans in the stands - like he would be back in just a moment. Sure enough, he scored on the very next play.

Anyway, the thing that dawned on me as they honored Staley was this. The media makes a big deal about how McNabb was booed when the Eagles drafted him cause the fan base wanted Texas RB Ricky Williams instead. McNabb has been asked on a regular basis - or at least it is cited ad infinitum - about the boos that rained down on draft day.

But really, why hasn't anyone asked Staley about the fans' demand for Williams? After all, Staley was the starting running back at the time and presumably the fans wanted Williams to replace Staley. The fans didn't boo McNabb cause they thought he was a lousy player. They booed cause McNabb wasn't Williams. And they wanted Williams cause he was an all-american running back, and, well, Staley wasn't. I don't think I've ever read or heard anyone comment or connect the McNabb draft boos and what it actually implied for Staley. Staley appears never to commented or revealed his feelings on the matter.

All is forgiven now anyway - on both sides.

Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuce!

Timing is Everything

It's funny how only the most egregious of coaching timing/time out blunders draw any scrutiny (see Gibbs, Joe, second time out to freeze the kicker), while blatant but not definitive mismanagement of the game clock barely elicits a tut tut from the fans and media. And even then, most of the press get it wrong. The last three minutes of the Giants-Eagles game is a case in point.

David Aldridge wrote earlier this week about the Eagles last desperation drive that culminated in David Akers' 57 yard figgie clanking off of the right upright. "Starting from their 11, the Eagles had 53 seconds left and no time-outs. On first down, McNabb completed a 19-yard pass to Reggie Brown, who was tackled inbounds with 47 seconds remaining. Coach Andy Reid opted to call another play from scrimmage rather than have McNabb spike the ball to save time," writes Aldridge. "McNabb then hit Greg Lewis over the middle for 18 yards to the 48, but there remained only 26 seconds. Again, the offense had to scramble...Making matters worse, Westbrook still was 20 yards upfield, having been corralled by Giants cornerback Sam Madison. By the time Westbrook extricated himself and sprinted downfield, and McNabb spiked the ball, only 12 seconds remained."

You would think, reading this, that the Eagles totally squandered the last 53 seconds. Note Adlridge's desription, "the offense had to scramble" after Lewis caught an 18 yard pass. Well....yes. The Eagles had no timeouts and Lewis was tackled in the middle of the field. Of course they had to scramble. Here's the timing sequence as I reviewed it:

:53 seconds - ball snapped
:47 tackled after pass completion to Reggie Brown
:30 snap
:24 tackled after pass completion to Greg Lewis
:12 snap
:06 Reggie Brown completion out of bounds.
 
In short, each pass play takes 6 seconds from snap to tackle. It takes 12-13 seconds from the time of the tackle for the offense to run up the field, get set and for McNabb to spike the ball. So in deciding to run another play rather than spiking it after the first Reggie Brown reception, the Eagles cost themselves 5 seconds. I'm not discounting that 5 seconds. If they had had the extra time they would have been able to run one last play to get Akers a couple of extra yards before sending him out for the field goal. And even 3+ yards would likely have meant his kick would have cleared just inside the right upright. But my larger point is that all in all, Aldridge is arguing over the difference between spiking the ball and running another play which in the end was the difference of 5 seconds.

If Aldridge really wanted to highlight Andy Reid's clock ineptitude, he should have focused on the prior series that ultimately and needlessly left the Eagles only :53 seconds for the last drive.

On 2nd and 5 from the Giants 43 with 2:55 to go, Reid called a running play - Westbrook off right tackle for no gain. Inexplicably, Reid called another running play to Westbrook - over left tackle on 3rd and 5 with 2:20 to play (rookie TE Brent Celek missed his block and totally blew the play up). Inexplicable cause the week earlier Reid had called a pass play against the Seahawks on 3rd and 1. It is downright bizarre that the pass happy Reid called three straight running plays with under 4 minutes to go and down by 3.

The net result of the three straight running plays was that the Eagles had to run their 4th and 5 play AFTER the two minute warning. This was absolutely critical because the Eagles only had two time outs left.

The end result was that after the Eagles failed to convert on Antonio Pierce's pass interference on Jason Avant, the Giants took over with 1:57 to go. The Eagles called their last two timeouts to make it 3rd and 5 with 1:47 to go. After stopping the Giants run one yard short on 3rd down, the Giants were able to take the clock all the way down to 1:03 before punting. Westbrook's return left the Eagles :53 seconds.

Had Reid called a pass play on 3rd and 5 with 2:20 to go, the Eagles would have likely gotten the first down or if it was incomplete been left with 4th and 5 with 2:15 to BUT WITH THE CLOCK STOPPED. (note, the other pass possibility was a dump off to Westbrook, but if that occurred I'm assuming that it would have been in the flat and that Westbrook would have gained approximately 3 yards to make it at least 4th and 2 and/or gotten out to the sideline rather than being tackled in bounds.)

Game planning it out from there, the Jason Avant pass interference play takes the clock to 2:10 but stops it with the change of possession. The Giants first running play then takes the clock down to the 2:00 warning. The Eagles would have called timeout after 2nd down, say 1:55. After the last Giants run, the Eagles would have called their last timeout with 1:50 to play and the Giants facing 4th and 1 would then have punted.

If the Eagles had passed on 3rd and 5 with 2:20 to play and everything played out the same after that, the Eagles would have gotten the ball back with 1:40 remaining and not the :53 seconds they actually did. That was the clock blunder of the game. Not the final frantic seconds of the last drive. But because Reid's time mismanagement didn't result in a 15 yard penalty a la Gibbs, or because it occurred in the series before the last drive,  and it was merely the difference between a pass and a run, his gross incompetence has been overlooked.

Bears QB1

Pics sure to instill his teammates confidence about his judgment and taste in women. Nothing to be ashamed about – except maybe that the Bears starting QB should be able to do better than the hoochie mama in the limo who, even with the soft focus, appears to be about 40.

 

President Mitchell

The big winner of the George Mitchell report is….George Mitchell. Man, what a commanding, serious, studious presence at the lectern this afternoon during his press conference releasing his report. I thought he looked, dare I say, presidential.

 

On the other hand, we have Bud Selig, the second biggest loser in today’s events – behind Roger Clemens. What a joke. Only baseball could install this boob as commissioner. Seriously, for those who saw his weaseley response he was the antithesis of Mitchell. His hair needs brushing, the tie is kind of askew, and his suit is all rumpled and doesn’t even look like it fits right. This is the biggest crisis of his tenure and he couldn’t even groom himself properly for the press conference.

 

Maybe not President Mitchell, but how about Commissioner Mitchell?

 

Balco East - (Baltimore)

Looks like Baltimore was Balco East.

 

Raffy, Tejada, Brian Roberts, Larry Bigbie, David Segui, Jack Cust, Tim Laker, Jason Grimsley, Gregg Zaun, Jerry Hairston, Jr., Howie Clark are all major leaguers named in the Mitchell Report and all have in common steroids and that they at some point played for the Baltimore Orioles.

Steroid Report Link

Here’s a link to the full Mitchell Report.

Get Outta Here

Baseball economics are so out of whack, or inflation so great, that Pat Burrell’s albatross of a $15 million per contract looks almost reasonable now. What else to think after the SF Giants gave career .286 and 19 homers per season over the past four years Aaron Rowand a 5 year, $60 million contract?

2007 was such a career year for Rowand, with huge leaps in the number of homers, RBIs, and doubles that it would not be a surprise to see his name in the about-to-be release Mitchell report. Even if he is able to duplicate his 2007 production (which statistically speaking appears unlikely), are 27 homers, 89 rbis, and 45 doubles worth $12 million a year?

Surely there will be gnashing of teeth and laments galore about losing Rowand on WIP, and charges of the miserly way the Phillies keep the clamps on the payroll, but in this instance it is hard to argue against their refusal to overpay Rowand no matter how gutsy and intense he was. Could you imagine locking up $27 million in your left and centerfielders for 29 HR, 95 ribbies, and a .265 average worth of offense? Uh, no.

More Pics

A closer view of the tailgate Xmas tree.

Pics from the Parking Lot

A view of the tailgate scene from Sunday, sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Tejada and Palmeiro

With Miguel Tejada’s reported inclusion in the Mitchell steroids report, does that give any credence to Raffy Palmeiro’s allegations that he tested positive for steroids because of a “B-12 shot” Tejada gave him?

Dallas Scouting

From the Dallas Morning News “scouting report:” “The Eagles have snapped the ball 845 times on offense in 2007 and put it in Westbrook's hands 310 times. That's 37 percent of the time. And his workload is increasing.

Westbrook has averaged 27.5 touches per game in the last month. He clearly represents Philadelphia's best chance of winning. It's up to the Dallas linebackers to deny him – and the Eagles.”

Stop Westbrook. Does anyone not know that’s the key to beating the Eagles?

Emmitt Up

Shocking that Bobby Petrino didn’t last a full season with the Falcons. Though I doubt had he known his star quarterback would be sent to federal prison for dog fighting and his backup would be traded before the star’s arrest he would have taken the job. Petrino’s assistant and former Eagles defensive coordinator Emmitt Thomas takes over the wreckage of the final three games.

Mad as Hornets

Espn’s Tuesday Morning Quarterback gave a shout out to recently crowned Maryland state football 4A champion Quince Orchard high school (down the street from Eagleseye’s abode). But he failed to mention that, in addition, this year’s 3A Maryland football champs – Damascus – is also located in Montgomery County – up the street from Eaglesye. Not only is Montgomery County Public Schools the best school system in the state and one of the best in the country, it is also turning into a football factory! In fact, two of the three schools with the most football titles in state history are from MCPS – Damascus and Seneca Valley.

 

Or in haiku form:

 

Ye Gods! T.M.Q

Overlooks Swarmin’ Hornets

Championship Title

Black and White and Terrible All Over

The Eagles have had to endure some terribly officiated games this season. Sunday was just the latest example. Overall, it appears that officiating has been mediocre across the league this year.

 

Here are some examples of questionable calls from Sunday’s game:

 

·         The 15 yard “unnecessary roughness” call on Lito Sheppard for his body slam. Neither player ever went out of bounds and no whistle blew. If refs are going to call that, then they need to be doubly sure not to give offensive players the extra yards if they manage to escape such holds in the future.

·         The defensive encroachment called when Juqua Thomas (?) jumped offsides and was jumping back onsides. It was getting back onto his side of the line of scrimmage that prompted the Giants offensive line to then jump. I knew defensive players could be called for enticing lineman to false start, but I didn’t realize that it could be called on a delayed basis or that the actual move prompting the false start could be jumping back into position.

·         The Antonio Pierce-Jason Avant pass interference at the end of the game. Some have tried to excuse the no call by suggesting that even if Avant had been allowed to catch the pass he would have been short of the first down. Nonsense. Avant was standing on the 38 yard line - exactly where the first down marker was. The only reason he "wouldn't have made the first even if he caught it" was because Antonio Pierce knocked him back to the 41 yard line.

·         Sam Madison holding Brian Westbrook in the backfield during the final frantic drive. Whey the referee did not call this blatant penalty is beyond me.

·         There were two others that I’m not sure about and have to review. Did the Giants d-line line up in the neutral zone on Akers’ kick? It was a penalty called earlier on the Eagles. The other is that at the game, both the Eagles holder Dorenbos, Akers, Rocca, and Reid were all pointing to the ball after the kick hit the upright. Not sure what that was all about – if the refs didn’t get the right “K ball” into the game under time pressures or what, but they were very animated though nothing was said after the game.

Jets Taped Pats

New twist in spygate. The Pats caught Mangini’s Jets taping the game from the mezzanine level of Gillette Stadium last year. This doesn’t make either coach or team look good. Indeed, it makes it look that this was a standard practice among Belichick and his acolytes. So when Pats fans say that “everyone” does it, “everyone” probably means everyone who Belichick trained.

Battle of the B's

Philly columnists Les Bowen and Bob Brookover take diverging opinions on what ails the Eagles. Bowen says it isn’t just the WR problem nor McNabb’s knee but that the quarterback isn’t fully engaged. Alternatively, Brookover identifies a litany of breakdowns that impacted Sunday’s game that were not committed nor caused by #5.

interestingly, both writers cite the McNabb incomplete to LJ Smith in the redzone. Bowen says it was McNabb throwing it away cause he felt pressure and didn’t have confidence in throwing to G. Lewis on a slant. Brookover lays the blame on the coaches for calling a crappy, go-nowhere play.

Running Backs Amok

Peter King continues to cherry pick misleading stats to bolster his argument that teams should not waste high draft picks on running backs. The latest from yesterday’s Tuesday’s Edition of the Monday Morning Quarterback: “By the way, the last six Super Bowls have been won by teams without a running back picked in the top 25 of the draft.”

 

Interesting that King chose the unusual cutoff number of 25 when there are 32 picks in the first round. In any case, King is flat out wrong. Jerome Bettis was the #10 pick overall in the 1993 draft (by the St. Louis Rams). In other words, of the last two super bowl champs, one had a running back taken in the first 10 picks.

 

Of course, had King expanded his criteria by just 7 spots and included all running backs taken in the first round on super bowl winning teams, the results would look much different. Joseph Addai, taken by the Colts in the first round last year means that the past two super bowl winners have had first round running backs on their rosters. Hardly the open and shut case King makes his argument out to be.

Baby Sapp

Dana Pennett O’Neil shows some love to the lug in the middle of the defensive line- Mike Patterson. However unobtrusive you can be at 300+ lbs, “baby Sapp” has quietly helped shore up the run defense (along with fellow first-rounder Brodrick Bunkley). He doesn’t get the stats, but gets high praise from defensive guru Jim Johnson. That’s perhaps the best recognition of all.

Leave Him Alone?

Clearly Michigan is seeking Les Miles’ opinion of potential head coaching candidates. But these headlines given the appearance that Michigan is a stalker who can’t leave its apparent soulmate alone.

Play Calling

Sam Donnellon with a wonderful turn of phrase to describe Andy Reid's play calling: "A disciple of the system that made a household name of the late Bill Walsh, Reid has proved to be the equivalent of a student who studies hard but does not always test well. Or a pianist who can interpret the masters beautifully but can't write a lick of music himself."

It's important to remember that Reid was never an offensive coordinator before he became the Eagles head coach. He's a terrific head coach in keeping the team cohesive and focused. But as a play calling coach - not so much. That's why giving Marty Mohrninweg the playcalling authority was so important to many fans. Alas, his meddling continues to plague the offense.

And it is so telling that nine years after his arrival, with a franchise QB, and Reid's "offensive philosophy," that it is Jim Johnson's defense that has historically and continues to this day to be the best part of the Eagles squad.

A McNabb Compromise

I'm pleased to report a breakthrough in the tense standoff between the McNabb-haters and the McNabb supporters (such as eagleseye) in the aftermath of today's disappointing defeat. My friend called me as we were dejectedly walking out of the game. "Keep McNabb next year," he said. "He's no longer a top flight QB, but if the Giants are a playoff caliber team in the NFC, then the Eagles can be a contender next year with some roster changes. McNabb's not great, but he's a lot better than Kolb will be next year."

I said that McNabb didn't have a good game. He wasn't decisive and missed some guys that were open. It was the type of performance - statistically sound but uninspired that fuels the McNabb-haters. And I'm open to seeing what Kolb can do in the last two meaningless games of the season (New Orleans and Buffalo).

I think, too, though that to let McNabb depart is to give up on the 2008 season. And I agree that if the Giants are a playoff team, then some new players next year - along the defensive line and at WR especially - you know, the usual positions the fans have been clamoring for upgrades at for 3 years - will allow the Eagles to become a playoff team again.

If the McNabb factions can all get along in Philadelphia, maybe there is hope for the Middle East.

Season Post-Mortem, Week 14 Edition

Funny how all the flaws that were there all along on this team - flaws that nearly everyone overlooked, or wanted to overlook - have a way of becoming so apparent when you lose. As per usual, Phil Sheridan nails it:

"This wasted season is the result of a series of miscalculations. McNabb came back too soon to be at full go. That doesn't mean he will regain all the physical gifts that helped make him a special QB, but there is no doubt the injury hampered his mobility, which affected his decision-making, which in turn eroded his confidence.

McNabb's limitations were magnified by the lack of talent around him on the offense. Brian Westbrook is an exceptional player and will be excluded from another Pro Bowl only if there is a complete breakdown in the selection process. But the receivers, including injury-plagued tight end L.J. Smith, are ordinary at best.

Let's not even get into the play calling debate here. Even the most fervent anti-McNabb partisan will have to admit that Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg game planned and called plays as if McNabb were as healthy and effective as he was in 2004. So let's leave it at that: The coaches didn't factor in McNabb's physical limitations or the caliber of his wide receiving corps (which, of course, the coaches gave him in the first place).

Asked to carry the offense with one good leg and one good weapon, McNabb fell short. The only thing surprising about that is that anyone finds it surprising."

College Concussions

Note in this NY Times story about college football player concussions the primary concern of Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh about the concussion recently suffered by his QB. Harbaugh isn’t worried about the player’s health so much, but whether his injury will impact his performance. “If there was some kind of postconcussion effect, like being not as accurate with his passes, that would without question impact how much he plays,” Harbaugh said.”

Missing Games

Lito Sheppard has missed 14 games over the past 3 seasons. McNabb has missed 20 over the last 4 seasons.

 

Both are pro bowl players when healthy. And yet McNabb has the tag of “injury-prone” and Sheppard has gotten a pass while constantly rehabbing under the radar.

The McNabb Sweepstakes

John Clayton reviews the teams and rationale for each vying for the McNabb-sweepstakes if the Eagles do decide to move him this off-season (which Clayton doesn’t think they should). Clayton lists the two obvious suitors, Chicago and Minnesota, but adds the wild card of Baltimore. Clayton also places McNabb’s trade value as a 2^nd and 3^rd round picks, or two 2^nd rounders in consecutive years – a far cry from the reported 3 #1’s the Eagles were seeking in any mid-season trade earlier this year.

 

But for the McNabb-haters who think #5 is washed up and will never win a championship, Clayton argues that any team that acquires McNabb from the Eagles will seriously upgrade themselves, “the team that acquires McNabb becomes an automatic playoff contender and a top TV attraction.” Clayton doesn’t carry the logic any farther, but it’s also clear that the Eagles will have downgraded their QB position if they let McNabb go. Just something to think about.

Bush and Sayers: Poor Men's Eric Metcalf

More from Jason Whitlock: “It looks like the Saints organization is coming to grips with the reality that Reggie Bush is a utility player — a poor man's Eric Metcalf. Bush, the next Gale Sayers, wasn't overrated. He's every bit as good as Sayers. The NFL changed from Sayers' era. There are far more high-end athletes on the defensive side of the ball, which negates Bush's speed and elusiveness. In today's NFL, Sayers would be a utility player, too.”

Interesting take on Reggie Bush. Though I don’t see any reason why Bush couldn’t develop into a Brian Westbrook type player. Bush has as much, if not more, speed to the outside. I haven’t seen enough of him to gauge his pass catching ability, but he seems adequate there. Maybe the problem isn’t Bush, but Sean Payton and the offensive line. Methinks Bill Belichick would find a way to make Bush a lot more productive than he is right now down in New Orleans.

Who We Thought They Were

“A.J. Feeley is exactly who we thought he was. He's thrown six interceptions since Collinsworth wondered if Feeley should replace McNabb. Donovan McNabb, when healthy, is one of the five best QBs in the league. McNabb, when healthy and properly supported at receiver, is one of the three best QBs in the league,” says Jason Whitlock.

An Outsider Eye on McNabb

In preparation for the Giants-Eagles game Sunday, the New York media scrutinizes the McNabb-Eagles relationship and muses on his 2008 fate. Bob Glauber of Newsday offers the contrarian view that McNabb will be back with the Eagles next year. The relevant passage:

 

“Will he still be around next year? I believe he will, for a few reasons.

First, coach Andy Reid remains fiercely loyal to McNabb, a player he groomed from the start….Second, even if Reid isn't the coach next year - and there has been some conjecture he'll be gone, although there are zero indications from ownership that it plans to make a change - a new coach will want to give himself the best chance at success. And right now, McNabb is the best the Eagles have. Third, rookie Kevin Kolb is not ready to play….

Still, no matter what McNabb has done - see: four NFC Championship Game appearances, one Super Bowl appearance - it's never been good enough in the minds of many Eagles fans….

I do say that McNabb, when physically right, remains one of the league's top quarterbacks. And at 31, there are still three or four, maybe even five or six, good years left. He's not in a class with Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre or even red-hot Tony Romo. But he's good enough to win.”

Subtle Dig at Play Calling

Another article laying the groundwork for a McNabb-less Eagles team in 2008. All the usual suspects are touched on: Kolb, two teams that could use #5 (Minn and Chicago), the injury bugaboo, and the salary cap cost. Interestingly, though while everyone fixates on McNabb’s 2008 cap figure of $9.4 million, that is only $800,000 more than he currently counts against the cap. Surely, in his second year back from a torn ACL he will be performing at a higher level and better able to justify the cap cost than this year. Those that think McNabb isn’t worth the cost next year must surely think he isn’t worth his salary value this year. Yet, there have been very few calls to have him leave before or during this season – and even less after the failed AJ Feeley experiment.

 

But what really caught my eye was the quote by Brian Westbrook about the pending personnel decision. Note Westbrook’s criticism of the play calling while commenting on the McNabb situation.

 

“But whether McNabb will still have that job after this four-game run is something Westbrook and the longest-serving Eagle, free safety Brian Dawkins, acknowledged is something they -- and a lot of other interested parties -- will have no say over.

’It's almost like the run-to-pass ratio,’ Westbrook said. ‘I don't call the plays, I don't have any control over it, so I don't lose much sleep over it.’”

A Sad State of Affairs

My brother writes:

"The Eagles are still in it.  I don't say that with pride or even much hope, but it's a sad state in the NFC.  Bears lost last night at end of game too.  Unless someone at 5-7 goes on a run (doubtful), 8-8 probably gets in via tie-breaker with one or two teams.  It's embarrassing.

BTW – those who don't have the Sunday ticket probably don't get to see all the bad playcalling/decision-making/overall play that happens throughout the games.  The Eagles are far from alone on that one.  It's an epidemic. 

The 2 minute drill is a joke when run by 70% of the QB's playing right now.  The 3^rd and 2 empty backfield is almost common.

Although the worst yesterday had to be the reverse the Saints ran with less than 2 minutes left up 3.  Gave it to Bush who ran left and pitched it to the WR.  It was dropped, Bucs recovered on the 35 and scored winning TD about a minute and half later.  I think they ran a similar play against the eagles last year at end of game.  Unbelievable.  With all the other losses probably cost the saints the playoffs.

I'll put Gibbs a very close 2^nd to that.

Giants had bad calls towards end of victory too.  BTW – Eli is a MESS.  He did a good Feeley impression most of the day."

Playoff picture

If the Eagles actually get into the playoffs, this conference stinks so bad they could actually go pretty far. You don't think they couldn't beat Arizona? You don't think they couldn't beat Green Bay? (which they already should have if they had a punt returner). I'll take our chances in the playoffs and one shot at the Cowboys to go to the super bowl.

Now that McNabb is the "backup" coming into the game for the stretch drive, we should win four straight.

And the McNabb-haters are great. When their savior AJ Feeley winds up throwing 7 INTs in two games - including on back to back game winning drives, they just move right on to the next savior -  Kevin Kolb. What you saw with Feeley is what you are going to get next year with 2nd year Kolb - some good plays, some bad plays, some good decisions, some bad decisions, and some game killing turnovers.

Let's not give up on this season yet, since putting Kolb in essentially gives up on next season too.

Feeley to Tatupu

A friend writes: " That Feeley - Tatupu connection was unstoppable Sunday!!  Only 11 yards from being the leading yardage receiver
in the game.  The saddest thing of all is they are still in pretty good playoff position with Lions, Skins (way to go Coach Gibbs!) and Saints losses. And head to head wins against Vikes and Lions.  Does anyone want to see the Birds in the playoffs!?  Screw that! 
Put in the "Kid" to get him experience (we need a better draft pick not that that has helped) and SPEND money next year to build this club back up."

Half Full?

Domowitch reviews whether the Eagles' window of opportunity is half open or closed. As Domo notes, "With each close-but-no-cigar finish, with each departure of yet another popular player, there would be an offseason rush to declare the window closed, only to have the Eagles rack up another double-digit-win season, another division title, another shot at the ever-elusive grand prize."

And yet, the conventional wisdom of the NFL's "window of opportunity" is inaccurate. Sure it is a convenient cliche, and may have applied to past championship teams like those built on the Aikman, Smith, Irvin model, but in today's NFL teams, especially perennial playoff contenders like the Eagles, don't rebuild as much as reload. With free agency and teams with cap space, quality teams can make significant upgrades on an annual basis. For instance, by cutting Kearse and Howard this offseason the Eagles will free up $3.6 million in cap room. And they are already sufficiently under the cap to go after a DE like Jared Allen or Julius Peppers. Considering Kearse's disappointing production this year, that would be a huge upgrade.

Nevertheless, the trickiest part of upgrades and reloading is the QB position. It's the one where making a transition is most difficult and challenging. It's also the most important position on the field. For as much grief McNabb is getting, he remains the best option for this team into 2008. If the Eagles really are going to make wholesale roster changes - either reloading or rebuilding - it will be after next season. The McNabb haters will have one more year to boo the best QB in franchise history.

play calling

Another bravura critique of the Eagles' playcalling by Phil Sheridan. The key graph: "It has long been the feeling that play-calling and game-planning have combined to undermine McNabb over the last few years. Yesterday's 28-24 loss to Seattle served two purposes. It took McNabb out of the equation, and it showed that wacko play-calling is the Eagles' single biggest problem."

Once again, the Eagles preferred to pass the ball twice as much as run it on a cold and rainy day that usually favors a ground attack. But worse, was the 3rd and 1 pass play called in the 3rd quarter. But hey, at least it wasn't an empty backfield.