It was unthinkable that the Eagles could lose to the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday night with a third-string QB named Joe Webb. But in the grand scheme of things, it’s really not that big of a deal. If the Bears beat the Packers this weekend, then the Eagles are right where the would have been had they won out. As far as not getting a bye week, the real complaining should be about the loss to the Bears a few weeks ago. That’s what essentially doomed them to playing a Wild Card game.
I hear a lot of people complaining about the lost opportunity for a bye week, but the bigger concern is how this team is playing right now when it counts the most. Let’s take a look at the game:
What I liked…
-I have to give Joe Webb a lot of credit. He looked very sharp for someone buried on a depth chart for just about the entire season. He didn’t make the costly mistakes and he put his team in position to win. I’ll take him over Tarvaris Jackson any day (not sure that’s a huge compliment). I’m not saying they should enter 2011 with Webb as their starter, but he looked like a guy that can play at this level. Can I say that for sure after one game? Of course not. But, for this one game, he went on the road against a team favored by some 15 points and got a 10-point win. Well done.
-If I knew the Eagles definitely wouldn’t get a bye, I’d prefer they lose to Minnesota and know they could rest their guys next week.
-To try to keep this in perspective, think back to the day before Kevin Kolb and the Eagles were to take the field against the Packers on opening day. If someone had said that the Eagles would have locked up the NFC East a day or so after Christmas, would you take it? I thought this team would be lucky to win six or seven games this year.
-While he’s far from a top player, anyone else notice that Darryl Tapp finds a way to make a play or two every week? He does something every week, which is more than I can say from some of those guys on the defensive line.
-Have to give it up for Kurt Coleman. He made several huge stops of Adrian Peterson that could have resulted in touchdowns had he whiffed. Credit to the Eagles brass for finding this guy in the seventh round. He provides nice depth at a position where the Eagles really need it.
-Same with Jamar Chaney. At this time of year, almost every single NFL team (not named the Falcons. You see that they haven’t made a single roster transaction since September 21st? This has nothing to do with this column, but I wanted to throw it in there. That’s unreal) has third and fourth stringers thrown in at certain positions. And they aren’t going to cancel late-season games because you are banged up somewhere, so the dudes have to play and be effective. Chaney has been a nice fill-in player.
-Hey! What do you know? Brent Celek showed up! I’m aware that his numbers are down because he’s been kept in to pass protect, but even still he hasn’t really been himself this year.
-Speaking of tight ends, that was a brilliant grab by Clay Harbor on what really was a poor throw by Michael Vick. It was a laser that was too high and I’m still not sure how Harbor got his feet down while being pushed.
-I really like having guys like Colt Anderson on the team. He’ll never be the most talented guy on the field, but he’s all effort and will do the little things. He’s great on special teams, plays his rear end off when called upon on defense, and guys like him will do whatever you ask him to do because he’s just happy to be on an NFL roster. He’d probably try his hand at punting if you asked him.
…and not so much…
-I mentioned last week that it was nice that the Eagles could get a win after Vick and the offense didn’t play very well. Well, now looking at the last two games, this has become a concern. Other than those eight or so minutes in the Meadowlands, Vick has been relatively poor. Do I know why? I might have a guess or two. While Vick has looked like the Atlanta Vick, I don’t believe for a second that he’s simply reverted to his old ways of scattershot throws and run-first mentality. He had some excellent games in Atlanta, but they were usually only two at a time. He’s played too well this year for too long for me to think that he had us all fooled.
But, the poor passing is absolutely a concern. He should have been picked off about four times Tuesday night. What would WIP sound like if Donovan had a game like that? Treat Vick the same. It’s only fair.
So, what’s happened? Is it possible that he peaked too soon a la the 2007 Patriots? It’s possible, that could be part of it, who knows? Is it possible that he just happened to face two of the best front fours in all of football in back-to-back weeks? Yes, he did. Justin Tuck and Jared Allen aren’t playing around. They are studs for a reason.
But, if I had to wager my own money on where the accuracy has gone, I’d probably say it has more to do with the beating he’s taken than anything. In sports, if you don’t have your legs – your entire foundation – then you don’t have much. Whether it’s your thigh, knee, foot, ankle, whatever, if your legs aren’t right then you probably won’t play well. I don’t know the degree to which he is banged up, but his passing these last couple weeks compared to earlier in the season is night and day. He made some good tosses last night, but there were a ton that he missed by miles. Rest him up during this last week and see if that helps.
-This defense wasn’t as big of a worry when the offense was lighting up the scoreboard. Now, it’s just banged up and poor.
-Speaking of poor, Dimitri Patterson would fall under that umbrella. What happened to him? He was playing pretty well not too long ago, but he’s been an unmitigated disaster these last two weeks. Time to invest a relatively high pick in a corner? Probably.
-Sav Rocca isn’t a bad punter, but I think it’s safe to say he’s hardly Shane Lechler or Mike Scifres. I wouldn’t mind some competition for him this offseason.
-Anyone have a plan to block Antoine Winfield? Anyone? No?
-It is absolutely ridiculous what the Eagles did at the end of the first half…again. Last week, they tried to move the ball from deep in their own territory with about :40 on the clock. It resulted in a Maclin fumble and a Giants TD at the end of the half. This week? They got lucky to attempt a long 54-yard field goal, but they should have taken a knee…again. Beyond stupid. The downside is just not worth the opportunity for a long FG in that situation. Especially against a defense that’s been bringing heat the whole time. Maddening.
-Down two scores I don’t think you punt there. Then again, just being in that situation is bad news. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
-I’ve been tough this week on Vick and the offense, but the return teams don’t help a lick. Every kickoff starts between the 20- and 25-yard lines. You are asking your offense to go 80-some yards every drive. Talk about putting yourself in a hole.
-Is it me or does DeSean seem to dog it every so often? He doesn’t strike me as a guy that will dog it when he gets paid (like Haynesworth), but he does strike me as someone who might dog it until he gets paid. It’s not all the time, I just get that feeling some times.
That’s it for now. JV game this week against the Cowboys and then we’ll see what this team is made of the following week when the playoffs start.
Aaron Rodgers has had two concussions this year and one good shot on him by the Bears this week or the following week against us could turn this thing around. I’m not saying I want him to get hurt, but I have to assume he’s extremely vulnerable for a third concussion. However, doesn’t appear that we have the personnel to lay a hit on him.
Good points Micah,
I agree that the continual pounding the Vick has taken the last 3-4 weeks have caught up to him and he
didn’t have that extra bounce in his step last evening, he has become more inaccurate as the Season has gone along and was really off last night… Lito Separd shuold have had a pick-6 and te VIkings
dropped at least 2 other easy passes that should have went for Int which would have made this game a real laugher..I actually thought that bringing in Kolb for the 2nd half may have been a good idea for Vick,Kolb and the entire team fir he was getting killed out there.. If Vick had to play Sunday vs the Cowboys, how effective would he be…
My Likes
TE B Celek- looked like his former self and had a very strong game.
RT W Justice – looked ok in his first action since tweaking his knee a couple of weeks back
WR J Maclin – caught some balls in traffic, ran hard and fought hard for yardage
RB L McCoy- never got into a rhythm since Coach AR ignored him the 1st Half again,but had some nice runs in the 2nsd half and some great blocks
MLB J Cheney – played a strong game again, (S Bradley will not line up at MLB again and will be shifted to the OLB to replace E Sims who will be gone free-agency for 2011)
S K Coleman – played a strong game and single handily keep Vikings AP from 2-3 longer,TD runs
DE D Tapp- was the only active D/L all night for the Eagles DL probably played their worst game
Things I didn’t like and that concern me
Vick’s play of late, missing open Receivers, running outside instead of up in the pocket to deliver to ball, fumbling the ball a couple of times. The 1 fumble before
the 1st half that Vikings returned for a TD was the game changing play of the game..
The Play of the Interior Line of the O/Line.. Center McGlynn & MJG looked like they were back in Pre-Season form and were beat off the line of scrimmage, didn’t communicate well and rotate off of defenders to pick-up inside blitzers..
The Play of WR D-Jax- who appeared lackadasical and VIck threw his way 12 times and D-JAx
only ended up with 2 Receptions for 32 yards.. Now some of Vick’s passes were in tight coverage or off target,but as a top receiver you have to go out and fight for it to help your Qb out, I saw no interest from DJax in fighting thru coverage to attempt to make a play, in fact, he seemed to shy away from it didn’t seemed like he wanted to play.. If the man has a bad foot, then get him out of the game and let Cooper Come in a get some snaps.. mix it up a little
O/Coord MM – a terrible game plan from the get go,no adjustments, it’s back to the predictable formations and plays again..where were the slants, the 10-12 yd outs, the crossing patterns, the middle of the field was wide open as against most defenses who are playing 2 Deep Safeties to negate the big plays
D/Coord SM – a terrible game plan, how to you allow a 1st Time NFL Starter come into your house and not fear for his life.. He should dialed up the blitzes and sent the kitchen sink after him from the get go to get him having happy feet, instead they say back and let him get comfortable and confident
DE’s T Cole & J Parker — both played poorly, Parker would make some nice moves but was unable to finish plays and missed 4-5 behind the line of scrimmage tackles on QB Webb, even if he makes 2 plays there could have changed things.. T Cole has not looked strong or explosice this last month in my opinion and is not the player he was a year or 2 ago, I think Cole has peaked and is on his way down
DT Dixon,Patterson & Bunkley– played ok but ran out of gas as usual
OLB- E Sims– hes fading too, J Chaney has more tackles in 2 games than I think Sims has made all-season– He is a 1 year pit-stop player and will not be offered a contract to remain an Eagle…
CB’s – Samuel was very tentative again last night, if he isn’t able to play full speed, he actually hurts this defense for he won’t make any tackles and has to give too much of a cushion to make up his lost of speed. Patterson is what he is, a back-up Caliber player who was thrusted into a Startes role due to Hobbs injury (plus Hobbs wasn’t playing well anyways)
Coach AR did a poor job of getting his Assistant Coaches and Players ready for an important game in which a better playoff Seed was possible and maybe even a Bye-week.. Same thing happned last yeard in the final game of the Seaon with a lot on the line and the team laid a golden egg in Dallas
I truly believe that when this young team is home for an extended period of time, they start believing in all the hype about thru the blogs.local raido,papers,etc,etc and seemed to be more focused when on the road… The Def/Line is a mess right now and appears the be the least effective one out of the NFC playoff teams and the Secondary is already suspect which we already know..QB Rodgers,Brees will eat this Defense alive..
3 key plays that lost the game for the Eagles
#1) Vicks Fumble before half-time giving the Vikings a cheap TD and some life and confidence
#2) The Eagles D having the Vikings down for a 3rd & 11 early in the 4th Quarter, then had to burn a time-out to get the right personnel out on the field, then give up a 19 yard pass to an open P Harvin..
The Vikes did go on to score a TD and take a 24-14 commanding lead
#3) The final straw for me.. Down by 10 with 6 minutes left, Eagles have a little drive going and get down to the Vikings 42 Yard line after 4 successive positive plays in a row,, On a 2nd A 10, Vick takes a sack losing 8 years making it 3rd & 18 yds to go.. (get rid of the damn ball) then to make matters worse
on 3rd Down & 18, most coaches would call a 10-12 yeard play to give you a manageable 4th Down attempt but instead the Eagles throw a deep pass to Avant which is incomplete leaving a 4th & 18 yards to go play and the Eagles punt pretty much sealing the game…
I never understood why the Eagle Coaches, when it gets close to the end of the game and especailly when it’s 3rd Down and long, you have to start thinking in terms of 2 plays to get the 1st Down yardage.. Ito keep the drive alive, if it’s 3rd & 8, try to get 5-6 yards leaving a 4th an 2 instead of trying to get it all on 3rd Down for if you fail, then it’s much more difficult to convert a 4th and long (the Colts/Patriots and now the Saints have done this for years and it allows to offense to still use the entire playbook instead of becoming predictable and keeps the Defenses more off-balance…
Here we go again. Andy Reid and Marty calling 55 passes 16 runs and wondering why Vick is getting his ass kicked. Vick looked like a crippled person by the end of the game. No punt or kick returner of any note (Chad Hall is a joke) Jackson running sloppy routes. Poor preparation and poor coaching once again in an important game similar to Dallas last year except we were 14 point favorites.
I agree big e. coudlnt agree more. They had one drive they shortened up the pass plays quick slants and curls and what not they scored a td. After that it was back to 20 yards bombs with no damn protection. How the hell do you let jared allen and winfield, the 2 best players on there team get unblocked on multiple plays. Not even touched. Same said with julius peppers against Chicago, i cant count how many times he came in unblocked. Thats ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Even tuck had couple free shots at vick. Its like they dont respect these players and they dont even block them
Maybe it’s just me, but I feel that Andy Reid is the WORST gameday coach. If his gameplan doesn’t work at the beginning, he cannot adjust during the game. I don’t know what it is, but whenever his scheme fails, everything goes downhill.
If you look at someone like Sean Payton or Bill Belichick, you’ll find a coach that can adjust on the fly, and can go away from their original gameplan in order to win a close one.
Geez paulman with the long posts. You really want to be one of the writers on this site. Sheesh.
Anyhow, I was at the game and one of the worst games I ever went to. We played terrible and the entire flow of the game with the penalties and refs getting calls mixed up was just an awkward game from start to finish.
We played horrible especially on offense. Vick was bad. Can’t have those turnovers. Once again, Andy needs to run the ball more and stop it with all the passing. Offensive line was awful. Desean was non existent again. Not surprised as he will only have a huge impact in a couple games a year. He’s as inconsistent as the entire team. Chad Hall? Seriously? Too small and slow. McCoy needs to touch the ball more. Period
The defense actually played well for most of the game but I didn’t like how Joe Webb kept juking our DEs when they were about to sack him. They just looked bad trying to tackle him. Also no pressure with the front 4 and most of the time we blitzed. Just no pressure. But they were shutting them down until the fumble recovery for a TD.
One of the typical things that the Viking did that we didn’t adjust to was them bringing down their safety when Desean wasn’t in the game. When he’s out it’s clear it’s a run or a play that isn’t designed to be a big one. So when Cooper was on the outside and Desean out, that safety drops down and gives them 8 in the box to stop our run. I have no idea why we don’t adjust to this or toss it up to Cooper to keep them honest.
I didn’t see any real adjustments and Andy cannot depend on the athleticism of Vick to bail him out every week. This is what we saw in the early years of McNabb and Westbrook and now what we see with Vick, McCoy and Jackson. When the system is not working, we are almost certain to lose because Reid can’t adjust. Anyhow, they need to use this week as the bye week and get ready for the Packers. Terrible play but everyone on offense. No more MVP talk. It’s not even close now.
-Paulman how can you complain that the interior of the O-line was getting beat real bad and in the very sentence before it complain that Vick wasnt attempting to step up in the pocket?
-I wasnt that disappointed with the defense. Despite the fact there was no pass rush they gave up only 17 points. Our offense should outscore that every time. There were only two plays the completey buffed. The Joe Webb TD where he made 4-5 defenders miss and the 3rd in long in the 4th quarter which gets converted and the drive ends in a TD to ice the game. But in that situation there was no way we should have taken a timeout and given them extra time to think about the play they were going to run.
Andy Reid is hardly the worst gameday coach in the league. Hehas been a consistently winning coach for 12 years in the NFL. I am 100% certain he knows more about the Eagles’ game plan, the opponents defense and football in general than any of the people who make generalized criticisms of his coaching.
MCoy 13 runs for 44 yds,10 runs 64 yds last 2 games
Did you know!! Patriots beat the Bears ran ball 35 times crushed 36-3
Eagles lost to Bears ran ball 10 times Mcoy 53 yds
I like Reid, i give him credit for all the wins over the years, especially this year with alot pieces of puzzle missing. Vikings game he wanted MVP numbers for Vick and i respect that and wanted it for Vick too.But by now he should know running opens for the pass. Patriots(who i hate) ran ball Sunday 38 times………… I love my dad very much, but if he coached Eagles and ran the ball 10 times every game( i mean main RB) I would fire his ass!!!!!!!
Here is something not many have mentioned (I know it’s water under the bridge but……)
Jason Babin + Chris Clemons = 24 sacks
Darryl Tapp + Brandon Graham = 6 sacks (their replacements fyi)
Sure you can give me the whole 4-3 3-4 bs but you would figure this coaching staff could have found a way to use these guys?!
What I like…
Turning on the TV set
Not so much…
Watching the whole game.