They needed a win. That's what they got. Even if it wasn't pretty, they made progress toward the team they are supposed to be this year.
Passing Offense
McNabb has had better days, but he has also had much worse. He was a respectable 22 of 35 for 278 yards and the game's lone touchdown; a 75 yard catch and run by Kevin Curtis. McNabb did through one interception while backed up on his own goal line. He can thank the defense for that one not costing them. Reggie Brown showed that he actually is playing this year, making 6 grabs for 89 yards. LJ Smith made a catch, but as a unit, the tight ends are still invisible. That needs to change sooner rather than later. McNabb capped off the passing game on the final drive with a huge third down completion to Brown that kept the drive alive, and moved the Eagles out of the shadow of their goal line. Passing game needs to be sharper in the Red Zone
Grade: Solid B
Rushing Offense
Brian Westbrook continues to show why he is now being recognized nationally as one of the best backs in the game. He gained 120 yards on 20 carries, and had a 19 TD wiped out by holding penalty. The Eagles ran the ball much more than Andy Reid is known for, but they failed to rush successfully, or at all, in the Red Zone; resulting in 4 field goal attempts and no TDs. Westbrook needs to see the ball more inside the twenty. Offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage. I would like to see more Buckhalter, and maybe even a little Tony Hunt when the line is dominating like it was.
Grade: A-
Passing Defense
Just 109 yards allowed through the air on 11 of 21 passing. That's good. Add in a big interception, and even bigger defense on a possible game tying fade route in the end, by Sheldon Brown, and you've got a dominate performance by the Eagles' pass defense. And that was done without Pro Bowlers Brian Dawkins and Lito Sheppard.
Grade: A+
Rushing Defense
It was ugly at first, with Thomas Jones hitting the same cut back lane time and time again to the tune of 55 rushing yards on the opening drive. But they defense stiffened, and forced a field goal. They didn't allow much the rest of the game, including stuffing the Jets multiple times inside the five, on their final drive down by seven, to force a fourth down fade route that fell incomplete.
Grade: Solid B
Special Teams
Sucked. Needs to get better in all phases. David Akers' nightmares of the Meadowlands will only get worse, as he missed two more field goals from 41 yards. He did make two that turned out to be very important. But perhaps more concerning, is the kick coverage. Leon Washington returned one kick 51 yards, and had another return that looked to be shaping up dangerously until he tripped up with a shoe string tackle. With Devin Hester coming to town this week, this simply needs to be better. That, or they should consider kicking out of bounds on every kickoff.
Grade: D- (only because it didn't lose them the game)
Overall
If they convert those two missed field goals into touchdowns, we're looking at a 30-9 blowout. So, if the Eagles can get that Red Zone offense straightened out, they look to be back on track. The defense continues to be much better, much earlier, than expected. And they should only get better when (and if) Lito and Dawkins get back. McNabb should continue to improve from week to week, and that is good news for this offense. Andy Reid needs to trust the running game more, as Brian Westbrook is his best player, by far.
Grade: B-
Showing posts with label Brian Westbrook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brian Westbrook. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Who are the real Eagles?
As bad as everyone felt following that 20-12 Monday night loss to the Washington Redskins, that was how good everyone felt following the Eagles' 56-21 thrashing of the Detroit Lions. With their back against the wall, staring down a possible 0-3 start, the real Eagles showed up and saved their season. But was that actually the real team? Only time will tell, but there are plenty of reasons to believe that the 2007 Philadelphia Eagles are closer to the team in those Halloweenish uniforms than the team who's play was scary on its own through the first two weeks.
It's easy to get excited when your team's offense scores eight touchdowns and the defense records nine sacks. But let's not get too carried away. Sunday's performance was just an example of what can happen when an offense, eager to prove something, starts to click against a defense that simply isn't that good. But, on the other side of the coin, an offense has to be doing something right to reach the end zone eight times; no matter who is playing defense.
There really shouldn't have been any doubts that this offense would click at some point this season. There is only one difference from last year's number two ranked offense: Donte Stallworth is out and Kevin Curtis is in. It was figured that, while Curtis might not have Stallworth's pure explosiveness, he would provide more consistency and, at the very worst, should be an even replacement. The only question coming into the season was how would Donovan be coming off of that ACL reconstruction. How long would it take for McNabb to regain his form?
The answer appears to be three weeks. Granted, there are bound to be down weeks when that knee just isn't feeling as strong, but McNabb looked perfect on Sunday. As a matter of fact, he was perfect (158.3 QB rating). Was it a coincidence that he played better once he removed the knee brace that adorned his knee during preseason and the first two games? Not likely. By his own admission, McNabb said that the brace did limit his extension a little bit. And if he is admitting that much, it's a good bet that it affected his whole throwing motion at least a little bit. Removing the brace was a sign that McNabb feels healthy physically and mentally.
It is true that this offense will go where McNabb takes them, but let's not forget the other aspects of the game. Offensively, the offensive line, which played relatively poor the first two weeks, played fantastic Sunday. And they are the strength of this team, having now started 19 consecutive games as a unit dating back to the beginning of last season. And Brian Westbrook continues to prove that he is one of, if not the most, dangerous player in the NFL. It almost pains me that it has taken me this long to mention him.
Let's assume that the offense continues to play at a level similar to what they achieved last season. They will be in the same exact spot next Martin Luther King Jr. Day that they were last year if the defense also plays at the same level that they played last year. And that's where the biggest reasons for optimism come in. Even through two losses to start the season, the defense looked much improved from last year. The weak spots from last year, defensive tackle and linebacker, look to be significantly better. Broderick Bunkley, who's rookie season was a complete wash, is playing at a dominant level, and the new linebacking corps has done a great job stuffing the run thus far. And if last year proved anything, it is that, with this offense playing the way it is capable of playing, an average defense should be able to make the Eagles a serious contender in the NFC.
So who are the real Eagles? Well three games, with such a wide disparity in performances, is not enough to make an informed decision. And an educated guess would put them somewhere in between the 0-2 and the 1-0, but I believe that they truly are closer to the latter. The offense has a track record dating back to last season, and now they seem to be back on track. And the defense - the reason for last season's loss at New Orleans on January 13 - looks much better. And with a lot of new faces, and injuries on the mend, the defense could become even better. The real offense may not score 56 points a week, and the real defense may not record nine sacks a week, but the real Eagles should be able to win each and every week.
It's easy to get excited when your team's offense scores eight touchdowns and the defense records nine sacks. But let's not get too carried away. Sunday's performance was just an example of what can happen when an offense, eager to prove something, starts to click against a defense that simply isn't that good. But, on the other side of the coin, an offense has to be doing something right to reach the end zone eight times; no matter who is playing defense.
There really shouldn't have been any doubts that this offense would click at some point this season. There is only one difference from last year's number two ranked offense: Donte Stallworth is out and Kevin Curtis is in. It was figured that, while Curtis might not have Stallworth's pure explosiveness, he would provide more consistency and, at the very worst, should be an even replacement. The only question coming into the season was how would Donovan be coming off of that ACL reconstruction. How long would it take for McNabb to regain his form?
The answer appears to be three weeks. Granted, there are bound to be down weeks when that knee just isn't feeling as strong, but McNabb looked perfect on Sunday. As a matter of fact, he was perfect (158.3 QB rating). Was it a coincidence that he played better once he removed the knee brace that adorned his knee during preseason and the first two games? Not likely. By his own admission, McNabb said that the brace did limit his extension a little bit. And if he is admitting that much, it's a good bet that it affected his whole throwing motion at least a little bit. Removing the brace was a sign that McNabb feels healthy physically and mentally.
It is true that this offense will go where McNabb takes them, but let's not forget the other aspects of the game. Offensively, the offensive line, which played relatively poor the first two weeks, played fantastic Sunday. And they are the strength of this team, having now started 19 consecutive games as a unit dating back to the beginning of last season. And Brian Westbrook continues to prove that he is one of, if not the most, dangerous player in the NFL. It almost pains me that it has taken me this long to mention him.
Let's assume that the offense continues to play at a level similar to what they achieved last season. They will be in the same exact spot next Martin Luther King Jr. Day that they were last year if the defense also plays at the same level that they played last year. And that's where the biggest reasons for optimism come in. Even through two losses to start the season, the defense looked much improved from last year. The weak spots from last year, defensive tackle and linebacker, look to be significantly better. Broderick Bunkley, who's rookie season was a complete wash, is playing at a dominant level, and the new linebacking corps has done a great job stuffing the run thus far. And if last year proved anything, it is that, with this offense playing the way it is capable of playing, an average defense should be able to make the Eagles a serious contender in the NFC.
So who are the real Eagles? Well three games, with such a wide disparity in performances, is not enough to make an informed decision. And an educated guess would put them somewhere in between the 0-2 and the 1-0, but I believe that they truly are closer to the latter. The offense has a track record dating back to last season, and now they seem to be back on track. And the defense - the reason for last season's loss at New Orleans on January 13 - looks much better. And with a lot of new faces, and injuries on the mend, the defense could become even better. The real offense may not score 56 points a week, and the real defense may not record nine sacks a week, but the real Eagles should be able to win each and every week.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Birds take flight
Unless the Phillies make the playoffs, it's the Eagle's time to own the sports landscape in Philadelphia. And they give it back until January (hopefully February). Training camp is here, and we are seeing the whole roster on the field for the first time since last January inside the Superdome. The Eagles made a lot of changes over the offseason, but perhaps the biggest change this year is there is no drama to start 2007. All the rookies are signed and at camp, and no veterans are holding out or missing time due to injury. No one with a two letter nickname is bashing his QB and anyone else he can. And we all saw how missing time in training camp can be detrimental to a rookie; i.e. Broderick Bunkley. It is rare in the NFL these days, but everyone is present and accounted for.
The big story in training camp, and with good reason, is the health of Donovan McNabb. McNabb surprised many by returning earlier than expected and participating in mini camps. And barring any setbacks, McNabb will be a full participant in camp. I've said it a number of times, but it's worth mentioning again: McNabb will be fine, health wise, assuming it doesn't get re-injured. But it shouldn't. I don't understand when it become the norm to anticipate injury and no injuries would be a pleasant surprise. It seems like no one believes that McNabb can make it through the season anymore. Apparently he has a history of injury. Ok. But he also has a history of proving people wrong. Expect a big season from McNabb.
From McNabb to Brian Westbrook, we go from most important offensive player to number 1A. Just one year ago, Westbrook was in McNabb's situation of having many critics saying he couldn't make it through a season. Now, all of the sudden, he finished a season, and his durability isn't even a remote concern anymore. Westbrook can simply due it all. McNabb may be what stirs the drink, by Westbrook is the main ingredient. Expect a big season from Westbrook.
Staying in the backfield, things start to get interesting. The main players here are Correll Buckhalter, who overcame three major knee injuries in four years to be a nice contributor behind Westbrook last season; and Tony Hunt, the big bruising third round pick out of Penn State. Fans have been screaming for a "big" back for years; almost as much as a "go to" wide receiver. I have not been one of them. I personally liked the mixture of small, quick backs who can come out of the backfield and hurt you in the passing game as well. Plus I didn't see the need; Andy Reid never stayed true to his promise to run the ball more. So why go out and get a guy who is going to get two carries a game? However, with the drafting of Hunt, the Eagles are sending a loud and clear message that they plan on balancing the offense a little more. And Hunt could be the perfect guy for them too. He isn't gonna break any long runs, but that's not what they need or want from him. What he is going to do is give those third and three runs for first downs; allow the Eagles to run down the clock late in games; and he can also catch the ball out of the backfield, which is a must for any running back in this system. I expect Hunt to get those short yardage carries and late game/run down the clock carries, and Buckhalter to get everything else that Westbrook doesn't; which won't, and shouldn't, be much.
The wide receivers, like usual, are underrated. Reggie Brown is quickly becoming a very reliable target for whoever is throwing to him. He will never put up the huge numbers you see from big time receivers around the league because that's not the nature of this offense, but he is a true number one guy. And he is entering his third year; a year that is famous for break out seasons from young wideouts. Much has been made of losing Dante Stallworth, but in my opinion Kevin Curtis should be an upgrade. Yes, Stallworth provided an explosiveness to this offense, but he was far too inconsistent (mostly because of injury); a trait that led to his trade out of New Orleans. Curtis has good speed (maybe not as good straight away speed as Stallworth) and good hands. And he is talented over the middle, and has never had the injury problems that Stallworth has had. And behind Curtis on the depth chart is a number of highly serviceable guys in Hank Baskett, Greg Lewis, Jason Avant, and even Jeremy Bloom, who is expected to big things on specials teams. The WR corps will be just fine this season.
At tight end, LJ Smith is the man. And he is in a contract year, so I expect a lot from him. He never gets mentioned with the greats in the game like Tony Gonzalez, Todd Heap, and Antonio Gates because he is not the complete package; he is not a very good blocker. However, in this system, LJ is called upon to make plays in the passing game, and that is what he does. Matt Schobel is a guy who blocks better, but can also provide in the passing game. This is basically a two man show, but it will be interesting to see if Lee Vickers, Brent Celek, and Kyle Hunt can make any noise at training camp.
McNabb and Westbrook are obviously the key individuals on the offensive side of the ball. But the real key is the offensive line. This five man unit has the least amount of question marks going into training camp and the regular season. In fact, I can't think of any. And that is a very good thing. These guys all played all of the games last year, and in the process, became arguably the best unit in the NFL. The opened up huge holes for Westbrook and kept Jeff Garcia alive down the stretch. There, really, nothing short of fantastic. Bringing the same unit into a second straight season, should bring more of the same. Expect a big season from this line.
The Eagles offense is in great shape to repeat, if not exceed, last year's squad's performance. Of course the wildcard is health. Can the key players stay healthy. If they can, watch out; you're looking at an offense that beat team by itself. One last key to this offense lies with the play calling, whoever will have that responsibilty. Offensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg, finished the season calling the plays, and the offense ran much smoother while he did so. The better balance sustained more drives and, in turn, kept the defense off the field more. No matter who calls the plays this season, if Andy Reid can see that this balance on offense really worked, and incorporates that same strategy this season, the Eagles should cruise through most games.
More tomorrow on the defensive side of the ball.
The big story in training camp, and with good reason, is the health of Donovan McNabb. McNabb surprised many by returning earlier than expected and participating in mini camps. And barring any setbacks, McNabb will be a full participant in camp. I've said it a number of times, but it's worth mentioning again: McNabb will be fine, health wise, assuming it doesn't get re-injured. But it shouldn't. I don't understand when it become the norm to anticipate injury and no injuries would be a pleasant surprise. It seems like no one believes that McNabb can make it through the season anymore. Apparently he has a history of injury. Ok. But he also has a history of proving people wrong. Expect a big season from McNabb.
From McNabb to Brian Westbrook, we go from most important offensive player to number 1A. Just one year ago, Westbrook was in McNabb's situation of having many critics saying he couldn't make it through a season. Now, all of the sudden, he finished a season, and his durability isn't even a remote concern anymore. Westbrook can simply due it all. McNabb may be what stirs the drink, by Westbrook is the main ingredient. Expect a big season from Westbrook.
Staying in the backfield, things start to get interesting. The main players here are Correll Buckhalter, who overcame three major knee injuries in four years to be a nice contributor behind Westbrook last season; and Tony Hunt, the big bruising third round pick out of Penn State. Fans have been screaming for a "big" back for years; almost as much as a "go to" wide receiver. I have not been one of them. I personally liked the mixture of small, quick backs who can come out of the backfield and hurt you in the passing game as well. Plus I didn't see the need; Andy Reid never stayed true to his promise to run the ball more. So why go out and get a guy who is going to get two carries a game? However, with the drafting of Hunt, the Eagles are sending a loud and clear message that they plan on balancing the offense a little more. And Hunt could be the perfect guy for them too. He isn't gonna break any long runs, but that's not what they need or want from him. What he is going to do is give those third and three runs for first downs; allow the Eagles to run down the clock late in games; and he can also catch the ball out of the backfield, which is a must for any running back in this system. I expect Hunt to get those short yardage carries and late game/run down the clock carries, and Buckhalter to get everything else that Westbrook doesn't; which won't, and shouldn't, be much.
The wide receivers, like usual, are underrated. Reggie Brown is quickly becoming a very reliable target for whoever is throwing to him. He will never put up the huge numbers you see from big time receivers around the league because that's not the nature of this offense, but he is a true number one guy. And he is entering his third year; a year that is famous for break out seasons from young wideouts. Much has been made of losing Dante Stallworth, but in my opinion Kevin Curtis should be an upgrade. Yes, Stallworth provided an explosiveness to this offense, but he was far too inconsistent (mostly because of injury); a trait that led to his trade out of New Orleans. Curtis has good speed (maybe not as good straight away speed as Stallworth) and good hands. And he is talented over the middle, and has never had the injury problems that Stallworth has had. And behind Curtis on the depth chart is a number of highly serviceable guys in Hank Baskett, Greg Lewis, Jason Avant, and even Jeremy Bloom, who is expected to big things on specials teams. The WR corps will be just fine this season.
At tight end, LJ Smith is the man. And he is in a contract year, so I expect a lot from him. He never gets mentioned with the greats in the game like Tony Gonzalez, Todd Heap, and Antonio Gates because he is not the complete package; he is not a very good blocker. However, in this system, LJ is called upon to make plays in the passing game, and that is what he does. Matt Schobel is a guy who blocks better, but can also provide in the passing game. This is basically a two man show, but it will be interesting to see if Lee Vickers, Brent Celek, and Kyle Hunt can make any noise at training camp.
McNabb and Westbrook are obviously the key individuals on the offensive side of the ball. But the real key is the offensive line. This five man unit has the least amount of question marks going into training camp and the regular season. In fact, I can't think of any. And that is a very good thing. These guys all played all of the games last year, and in the process, became arguably the best unit in the NFL. The opened up huge holes for Westbrook and kept Jeff Garcia alive down the stretch. There, really, nothing short of fantastic. Bringing the same unit into a second straight season, should bring more of the same. Expect a big season from this line.
The Eagles offense is in great shape to repeat, if not exceed, last year's squad's performance. Of course the wildcard is health. Can the key players stay healthy. If they can, watch out; you're looking at an offense that beat team by itself. One last key to this offense lies with the play calling, whoever will have that responsibilty. Offensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg, finished the season calling the plays, and the offense ran much smoother while he did so. The better balance sustained more drives and, in turn, kept the defense off the field more. No matter who calls the plays this season, if Andy Reid can see that this balance on offense really worked, and incorporates that same strategy this season, the Eagles should cruise through most games.
More tomorrow on the defensive side of the ball.
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