The Eagles defense can’t play scared on Sunday. They’re going to be challenged by the Packers and they’ve got to play confidently.
Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott did the right thing today. He stood up for his guys when asked if they were ready for the playoffs.
““Well, we’re in the playoffs so you better be playoff ready,” McDermott said. “You know, I’m extremely proud of what this defense has accomplished, so let’s not be mistaken. There are a lot of defenses out there that are sitting at home right now and our focus is on the Packers and beating a good Packer football team coming in here.”
Later on, McDermott put some statistics with his support of his defense.
“And look, we’re the 12th ranked defense in the [National Football League] so there’s 20 defenses behind us right now that wish they were in our position,” the defensive coordinator said. “So I’m proud of these guys. Like I said they give great effort, they play together and they play emotional football.”
The Eagles defense doesn’t have to apologize for being in the playoffs. Why are they any worse than any of the Eagles defenses of the past? All those Eagles defenses of the past have won exactly ZERO Super Bowls.
Jim Johnson’s groups were outstanding during the regular season, but never had big games in all those championship games. They couldn’t force turnovers in the post season.
It isn’t like this Birds defense is trying to follow the 1985 Bears, or any of those great Steelers defenses which helped them win six Super Bowl titles.
This year’s Birds defense has played well most of the time. They’ve got to play confidently, tackle well in the open field and take advantage of their opportunities for turnovers. This group must attack in the red zone and be aggressive. They can’t be afraid to make a mistake by being aggressive.
I think they can hold their own, if they make the Packers work for everything they get. No missed tackles. I repeat no missed tackles.
Yes, this defense is likely to give up some points, but they can make up for it with a turnover or two. I think they’re going to get the chance to pick off a pass or two. Rodgers will make throws into tight areas.
The Eagles secondary shouldn’t be shocked if they get some opportunities. If they don’t expect them, they’ll drop them. They must expect to get their hands on the football. Rodgers is so sure of himself and his reads, that he will throw the ball before he realizes he’s made a mistake.
Rodgers may even be bold enough to throw in Asante Samuel’s area once or twice, but we all know where he will attack.
We’ve won with a dynamic, big-play offense and an opportunistic defense. Let’s hope the trend continues.
play scared? i dont think so. were at home, were young, and were cocky
we have the league mvp-runner up / offensive player of the year candidate
andy reid is a great gameplanner, crafty, and we basically had a bye.
ive even bought into calling timeouts before the 2 min. warning, its a different perspective
our dline can beat this mediocre oline.
our offense plays better against a 3-4 defense
samuel cuts off a third of the field.
if cole gets doubled, thats one less wr to put on the field against us
mathews, chip or just flat out double him like we did in the 2nd half of week 1
woodson, mcglynn and vick need to locate him before the snap
GB run defense, barely competent. run offense, even worse. its their QB.
at least our QB is just a part of the rushing attack
lesean mccoy, should actually start in the pro bowl he is 2nd in the league in yards from scrimmage
wrs faster than their corners, esp. if woodson is spying vick. easier for us.
our oline slight better than theirs, nullify their extra man blitzes with screens and runs
or maybe marty calls a good game and actually throws short/intermediate
wmonell – I hope the D plays like they’re cocky, loose and ready to rock and roll. If so, they can handle the Packers O. If they’re tight they’ll hesitate, over persue after trying to catch up after the hesitation and miss tackles. Loose and fast needs to be the mantra for that game and they’ll pressure Rodgers, and keep him from getting good reads and uncomfortable. Not sure if they’ll get many sacks cause he’s faster than given credit for. If the pressure is consistent they don’t need many sacks. Just keep him rattled and make sure he hesitates.
BTW – The 12th man must come in play off form all game – LOUD, PROUD & STRONG!
ur right about the sacks, i jsut meant pressure in general.
the qb doesnt play the same when he doesnt trust his oline.
To Sean’s credit he has done a good job this season with what he has. Also taking into account that there’s alot of young players on the defensive side of the football.
G, tight windows don’t matter when Pattersons on the field…