This was a poor performance by the Birds. They clearly didn't look like they were prepared for the Ravens. I told you about Rex Ryan and his love of the blitz. The Birds never adjusted to the Ravens blitz package.
I was afraid that Ryan might put in an automatic blitz package to attack the weaknesses of the Eagles offense and I was right. This was much like his Dad did "back in the day". We used to have automatic blizes against specific formations. Whatever formation the offense comes out and lines up in, is wrong because we automatically run a blitz which takes advantage of the weaknesses in the formation's ability to protect the quarterback. I know Buddy would have been smiling while looking at all those well designed bltizes.
The Eagles didn't really spend much time preparing for the Ravens defense because Baltimore gets so complicated that it's not worth spending all of that time preparing for it.
I wasn't happy about the way the first defense let Baltimore drive the length of the field for a touchdown. They just weren't sharp when they had the Ravens backed up on their goalline. This was a great example of poor defense because at least one player messed up on each play. It's like they took turns screwing up as the Ravens drove the ball for over ninety yards for a touchdown. It's not the way to start the season, if you're supposed to be a new defense.
I'm not going to get too disappointed by the performance because they weren't out there that long. Still the first defense has to play better, much better.
On the offensive side of the ball, the offensive line deserves a failing grade for their performance against the Ravens. That was pathetic. I know it seemed that the Ravens defense treated the game as if it were a regular season game but there's no excuse for the offensive line playing so poorly.They didn't open any holes for the run and didn't get any movement upfront. You would have thought the Eagles had not been practicing by the way they played.
Brian Westbrook did break a screen play. He may be the best back to run screen plays in all of the NFL. BWest shows great patience while following his blocing and giving them a chance to do their jobs.
Brent Celek made a good catch after a good throw by Holcomb, then he showed some speed and running ability for a big play to set up a field goal. Along with the Westbrook screen, this was the best offensive play of the night for the Birds. This kid had a great training camp, then he comes out and makes a big play during the game.
Kevin Curtis made a catch on the first play, he didn't do much after that.
Kevin Kolb has been struggling against the blitz for the mini camps, OTA's and training camp. He's got to realize the speed of these big guys rushing him. He doesn't have a sense of urgency which could get him hurt. He wasn't getting much protection becasue Ryan was running automatic blitzes which take advantage of any weaknesses in the pass protection. In a regular season game the QB has to get rid of the ball on those plays. Too many of those plays looked like a jail break.
Tony Hunt didn't really get the chance to do much.
Jeremy Bloom was okay while returning kicks. He was sure handed when catching the ball and got the chance to open up and show some of his speed just a bit. The return game needs to improve on it's performance. There were too many unblocked coverage men.
The missed field goal was unexcusable. The snapper has to get the ball back. It's his only job.
The Eagles have to be pleased by the play of Brodrick Bunkley. He was able to get penetration on a number of his plays. He made a play in the backfield and knocked down a pass. Gocong did a decent job but showed his inexperience on the touchdown pass. Victor Abiamiri made a few good plays and continues to be strong at the point of attack. He got into the backfield a couple of times.
On the second defensive unit, Stewart Bradley had a solid performance but Tank Daniels looked lost out there. He played very poorly and his only hope is his special teams play. I liked what I saw out of Matt McCoy who was getting off blocks and making plays. Matt was recognizing the play and staying around the ball. Omar Gaither didn't play his best football and missed a tackle on Troy Smith that would have kept him short of a first down.
That big Australian punter Rocca made quite a statement with the punts out of the end zone. He also took the shot by the Baltimore linebacker pretty well. This big dude is tough. It's not a surprise if he played rugby. Dirk Johnson should also be commended for pinning the Ravens down inside the ten yard line before the defense let them drive the length of the field for the first touchdown.
