Philadelphia Eagles
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NFL Team Column |
Eagles play a complete 60 minutes, destroy Giants
On perhaps one of the best days of the geographical rivalry of New York and Philadelphia in my honest opinion, the Philadelphia Eagles took Lincoln Financial Field against their NFC East rivals from up the New Jersey Turnpike- the New York Giants. In what was anticipated to be a close, spirited contest, the Eagles proved that anticipation wrong with a 40-17 shellacking of Big Blue, in a game that was pretty much over before halftime.
For the second straight week, the Eagles dominated the first 30 minutes of play, scoring 30 points against a Giants team that went from 5-0 to now 5-3, leaving Big Blue scratching their heads after their 3rd straight defeat, as they sunk from 1st place in the NFC East to 3rd.
The Eagles victory, coupled with the Dallas Cowboys win over the Seattle Seahawks, puts them in a 1st place tie in the NFC East at 5-2, with a Sunday Night nationally televised showdown with the Cowboys on Sunday night in Philadelphia. This will be the 3rd consecutive divisional contest for the Eagles.
Despite being without star RB Brian Westbrook (concussion), there was no anxiety in the run game. They utilized who the Giants probably didn't expect- FB Leonard Weaver. Weaver opened the scoring early, in a drive that only took 3 plays, with a 41 yard up the middle touchdown run.
RB LeSean McCoy, quiet through most of the game, capped the Eagles scoring with a 66 yard touchdown run of his own. McCoy finished with 11 carries, 82 yards, and the TD. He added 2 receptions for 10 yards.
QB Donovan McNabb had another career day, going 17/23, throwing for 240 yards and 3 touchdowns (all in the first half) with a passer rating of 146.7. After CB Asante Samuel intercepted an Eli Manning pass, McNabb found TE Brent Celek for a 17 yard touchdown- 13-0 Eagles.
After the Giants pulled within 16-7 with five minutes remaining in the 1st half, on the ensuing play after the kickoff, McNabb found WR DeSean Jackson on a fantastic 54 yard catch and run touchdown. That was Jackson's sixth touchdown of the season. All six have come from 50+ yards. McNabb added a TD pass to WR Jeremy Maclin to cap the 1st half score at 30-7.
The Eagles 4 touchdown drives all ended in 3 plays or less. The offense only ran 49 plays.
The Eagles defense also played a big role in the rather enjoyable show for Philadelphia sports fans. CB Asante Samuel had the interception which led to the Celek TD, and free safety Quentin Demps added one of his own, his first of the 2009 campaign. Both INTs led to touchdowns. Samuel also forced a fumble on WR Domenik Hixon on the 2nd half kickoff which was recovered by LB Moise Fokou.
That led to a David Akers field goal from 35 yards. The defense recorded 2 sacks on QB Eli Manning, pressuring him into a miserable day (20/39, 222 yards, 1 TD, and 2 interceptions, with a passer rating of 55.7), they held RB Brandon Jacobs to another rush game of under 100 yards for him (20 rush, 86 yards). The only negative was that they gave up 215 passing yards as WRs Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith, and TE Kevin Boss all had 50+ yard days. But all else, a phenomenal effort on the defense, as well as on all units.
The Eagles did everything that a winning team is supposed to do to win. They pressured the quarterback, forcing him into mistakes, they created turnovers, they used those turnovers to their advantage by getting points (20 points off 4 turnovers). They exploited a weak secondary that's missing some vital players and that has absolutely struggled. The offense did short work all game, but the defense did their part. Also, special teams played a role on the Hixon fumble. They also won the turnover battle (3-2).
The Eagles focus is now on the Dallas Cowboys. The last time the Cowboys came to Lincoln Financial Field was on the final week of the 2008 season, which ended up being a Wild-Card play-in game, which the Eagles destroyed the Cowboys 44-6 en route to the NFC title game. The matchup on Sunday night ends up being the same, with the teams at identical records. Although I did predict to myself that the Giants game would be a good game, this should be even more interesting.
The playoff pictures are going to start to shaping up, as we are now at the midway point of the 2009 season and the games become more meaningful. Expect the Eagles and their fans to come out in real full force. It is the Cowboys coming to town, after all, all the NFC East probably despises the Cowboys more than anyone. Expect a physical, high-scoring game.
The defense has to contend with emerging WR Miles Austin (26 rec, 563 yds, 6 TD). That will probably be the assignment of Cornerback Asante Samuel, who over the years with the Super Bowl dynasty of the New England Patriots has been a shutdown corner and continues to be such.
My prediction is once again a toss-up, but expect again, a close game. Eagles, prove me wrong again.
Eagles Explode early and Defeat the Sinking Redskins
The Eagles manhandled the dysfunctional Washington Redskins 27-17 in a game which was practically over by the end of the 1st quarter, in front of a national television audience on Monday Night Football. WR DeSean Jackson had 2 TD, including a 67 yard reverse run to open the scoring 4 plays into the contest. He finished with 2 catches for 69 yards, 57 of which came on a beautiful double move on CB Carlos Rogers, leaving Jackson wide open late in the first half to put the Eagles up 27-7. However, Jackson left the game late in the first half with a right ankle injury. But he has shown why he's a leader on this team, by his phenomenal work ethic that he brings to each game. His 2 scores bring him to 3 touchdowns on the year, with 21 catches for 423 yards.
After a frustrating 13-9 loss to the lowly Raiders last week in Oakland, the Eagles came out and dominated the first half, scoring all 27 of their points before halftime. They went into Landover, MD (a suburb outside of our nation's capital) and took the fans out of the game (their contingent aside who made the 2 1/2 hour trip down I-95) while fans were still filing into FedEx Field. They played a very complete game. The defense blitzed all night long, sacking Redskins QB Jason Campbell 6 times, and recovering 3 fumbles with constant pressure and holding a clearly frustrated (on TV) Clinton Portis to 14 rushes for 43 yards. Newly acquired linebacker Will Witherspoon had a 9 yard pick-6, igniting the romp before the end of the first quarter.
QB Donavan McNabb finished 15-25 for only 156 yards, while Michael Vick came in for a few wildcat (or "Wild Eagle") plays, which have been rather ineffective for the run offense (Last night: 3 att, 9 yards). However, the run game didn't do a whole lot in general. Brian Westbrook (3 rush, 13 yards) left the game after the 1st quarter with a concussion, but was seen on the sidelines later on. His status for next week is uncertain. LeSean McCoy finished with 14 rushes for only a dismal 37 yards.
This game, despite that this was a divisional game, was probably easy for the Eagles as the nation knows that the Redskins are a mess on both sides of the football. Despite having talented players in Santana Moss and Antwan Randle-El, Jason Campbell has been proven ineffective, Jim Zorn was just relieved of offensive playcalling (we all know that fans in D.C. have been calling for his firing), the team giving 4 of their 5 losses to previously winless teams, among many other problems. Albert Haynesworth called out his team last night after the game, questioning his teammates desire.
Next Up: The New York Giants:
Next week for the Eagles comes the hated division nemesis. The New York Giants (5-2) march into the Linc in what should be a crazy fun-filled New York/Philadelphia Sunday, with (in all likelihood) a World Series Game 5 between the Yankees and Phillies (let's face it, the World Series will not be a sweep). Pattison Avenue and Broad Street, as well as Chickie's and Pete's, should be in complete and utter chaos because of the geography between the two cities in which probably a huge New York contingent will be traveling down the turnpike.
Also, this battle is for 1st place in the NFC East, so all the more it's going to be quite interesting.
With the run game all banged up, expect McNabb to be coming out with more throwing. With the Giants secondary banged up, McNabb should be able to exploit the pass defense, which in 2 losses to the Saints and Cardinals respectively, have come up ineffective, primarily with Corey Webster out for the season. The Giants will probably do their homework on Jackson, so Jeremy Maclin should be able to pick up some more plays.
Note: The Giants/Eagles game was originally scheduled for 4:15, but due to the World Series, the game has been pushed back to 1pm.
Eagles Make Some Moves in the 2009 NFL Draft
PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles not only got some quality players in the 2009 NFL draft, but they got busy in doing so as a number of moves were made.
Here is a quick synopsis.
-To the Eagles: 1st round (19th overall) ... To the Browns: 1st round (21st overall), 6th round (195th overall
)
-To the Eagles: 3rd round (91st), 5th round (164th) ... To the N.Y. Giants: 3rd round (85th)
-To the Eagles: 5th round (137th), 7th round (213th), 3rd round in 2010 ... To the Seahawks: 3rd round (91st)
-To the Eagles: CB Ellis Hobbs ... To the Patriots: 5th round (137th), 5th round (141st)
-To the Eagles: 7th round (222nd), 5th round in 2010 ... To the Saints: 5th round (164th)
-To the Eagles: 6th round in 2010 ... To the Colts: 7th round (222nd)
Of the moves, trading out of the third round seemed the most interesting. Here's how general manager Tom Heckert said it worked out.
"If there was a player there in the third round that we thought was a really good player, we probably would have stayed there and done that (made a pick). We just thought that there were a ton of players still on the board and we had the extra fifth-round picks -- at one time we had six picks in that round, and I'm not sure we had six players up on the board at that time -- but it worked out really well for us," said Heckert. "We were able to get Ingram, who we had rated a lot higher than the fifth round. I'm sure he fell because he didn't play last year (at Florida) and we knew those guys were starting to fall, so we thought we could move back and still get our players, along with picks next year. It all worked out in the end, I think."
He talks about Florida tight end Cornelieus Ingram. But perhaps the top two picks of the draft are ones Eagles fans will be talking about for years.
Jeremy Maclin was taken with the first pick, while LeShon McCoy was nabbed with the second pick.
Maclin, who went to Missouri, is an explosive, playmaking prospect who is a threat to score whenever he handles the ball. This will add some spark to Donavan McNabb's arsenal. He is also young, at 20, which means he will only get better with age.
During his collegiate career he was outstanding. His freshman year he tallied 2,776 all-purpose yards, which was an NCAA Division I-A single-season freshman record, and was the fifth-most ever by any player in a season in Division I-A history.
He followed it up 2,833 all-purpose yards in 2008 and when drawing comparisons, it is to Joey Galloway when he was younger.
As for McCoy, well he was Pitt football the past few years. A native of nearby Harrisburg, this is a player that Eagle fans will enjoy watching.McCoy, who rushed for more than 2,700 yards and 35 touchdowns at Pitt, may not have gotten the recognization that a Chris Beanie Wells did, but he is a special player. I expect him to have a very productive rookie campaign.
"I'm excited. I think we brought in two really good athletes," head coach Andy Reid said. ”I think they're explosive players and should add a little bit to our offense there."
The Eagles got the tight end they were looking for in Ingram with the first of its fifth round picks. While Ingram was highly regarded in the pre-season rankings, he was also injured and must show he is recovered. Asked about this on draft day, he had this to say.
"I think it is just more of a mental thing coming off of an injury like this. Nine times out of ten with some guys it might happen differently as far as getting hit a certain way but when I got hurt it was just me catching the ball and someone pulling my shoulder pads," Ingram said. “It’s more mental so I think once I start playing and I get going I will be fine. I will have no fear of going out there and just turning loose and being myself."
The Eagles also took two other players in the fifth round, with cornerback Victor Harris being the most intriguing. Harris played in 13 games last year for Virginia Tech and registered 46 tackles, caused two fumbles and recovered another. He also intercepted six passes and took two of those back for touchdowns. He can also return kicks and punts and may eventually move over to the safety slot.
"This kid, I don't know if you guys have had a chance to talk to him, he loves to play the game and he plays it very well," Reid said. “Now, his 40 (yard dash) time and all that didn't work out all-that well. I just took him because you can put him at safety or corner and he makes plays."
The other guy the team took Fenuki Tupou with the 159th overall pick. Big and aggressive at 6'5-315 pounds, he played left tackle in college and will be a project for the team.
If there is a sleeper in the draft, he comes to Philly via Maryland as the Eagles selected Moise Fokou. A linebacker, he is a kid with tremendous upside. He will contribute on special teams immediately, and as a strong side linebacker due to how athletic he is.
The 2009 NFL Draft Review: The Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles went into the 2009 NFL Draft with some specific needs, needs that kept them out of the Super Bowl and they filled most of those needs with smart and sensible draft picks. With the picks that the Eagles had, they ended up getting some great talent and may have given themselves some of the building blocks that they need to get to the Super Bowl next season.
The following is a look at the Eagles draft and who they drafted along with a final grade on this team’s draft.
Jeremy Maclin-WR-Missouri picked 1st (19th)
The Eagles traded up to land this top of the line wide receiver and a guy who should have an instant impact on their team right out of the gate. Maclin will help them stretch the defense and give quarterback Donavan McNabb a long range target. Not only is he going to help them out in the passing game but he can also return kickoffs and punt which will also help the Eagles out. This was one of the smartest picks of the first round.
LeSean McCoy-RB-Pittsburgh picked 2nd (53rd).
The Eagles went into this draft needing someone to help spell Brian Westbrook, the leagues most productive but overworked running back. McCoy, despite some issues he had while at the University of Pittsburgh, should be able to come in and help improve the Eagles running game by being part of the one two back offense as well as spell Westbrook. This was a smart pick although a critical one being McCoy has had some character issues but he should be just fine in Philadelphia.
Cornelius Ingram-TE-Florida picked 5th round (153rd)
This pick may be one of the riskiest picks that the Eagles made but could also be one that pays enormous dividends for them in the future. They needed a tight end and ended up getting Ingram, a player who played well in the Gator’s system but is coming off of a serious knee injury and may not be quite ready to go by the start of Eagles training camp this summer. However, if Ingram can return to the type of player that he was before the injury, he could be one of the leagues top tight ends in the not so distant future. It’s a bit of a gamble but one that could pay out big for the Eagles.
Victor Harris-CB-Virginia Tech picked 5th (157th)
Despite the fact that Harris had a poor showing at the combine the Eagles still went ahead and picked him up to at least add some depth at the cornerback position. With his height and some additional weight if he can add it, he might be a safety prospect but will take some time to develop. This is an interesting pickup for the Eagles but one that could pay off in the future.
Fenuki Tupou-OT-Oregon picked 5th (159th)
Although the Eagles did manager to beef up their offensive line thanks to the addition of Leonard Peters, they still needed some depth at the offensive tackle position and they got some by taking Tupou. He has a chance to make the team as a reserve tackle and could possibly start somewhere down the road.
Brandon Gibson-WR-Washington State picked 6th (194th)
The Eagles went for some additional depth at the wide receiver position by taking Gibson in the sixth round. Gibson‘s size is pretty decent and he could contribute either right away or in a year or two.
Paul Fanaika-OG-Arizona State picked 7th (213)
The Eagles went for depth again, for their offensive line, and grabbed guard Paul Fanaika. He is a developmental prospect that might end up adding some depth on the line at some point but perhaps not anytime soon.
Moise Fokou-OLB-Maryland picked 7th (230th)
The Eagles final pick in the draft will help add some depth at the linebacker position although he is a long shot to make the team.
Overall, the Eagles really got some good players at the top of their draft but still didn’t address many future starting needs with some of the later picks. Maclin and McCoy will be promising future starters and there are a few guys that could stick with the team in the future. Maclin was a huge selection however and will be the one who defines how this draft went.
Overall Grade: B+
