It is not uncommon to see big wins serving as a veil that hides the flaws of the team that comes out on top.
Think about it. The fact that the Packers got hot at the right time last year washes away all memories of how much of a mediocre team they were at some points during the regular season.
Likewise the fashion in which the Patriots were smashing teams late last season masked the fact that their defense was mediocre and that their skill players on offense, while as a unit looked good, were not particularly great as individuals, meaning they could be exploited using a man-to-man defense with zone principles, which is exactly what the Jets did to them in the playoffs.
Whether or not overlooking these “issues” is something to criticize is not the question, after all, how much can people be blamed for thinking the Patriots were unstoppable when they played like it?
The fact of the matter is that certain flaws will be disregarded if the team as whole does exceedingly well, that is unless one of those flaws are as glaring as can be.
Such is the case with the Philadelphia Eagles linebacking corps.
Criticize the O-line if you will, but on Sunday they at least showed signs of significant progression late in the game. With the Eagles’ linebackers however, there’s no two ways about it, they stunk, and stunk badly.
The fashion in which they were sealed on Steven Jackson’s touchdown run was absolutely astounding, but as the game continued the unfortunate reality sunk in.
For all the talent that is on the Eagles defensive line this year (they really did look great on Sunday) there are occasions where they will be broken through and when running backs do get past the Philadelphia’s D-line it just seems like as an Eagles fan, you must be prepared to have your hands on your forehead in frustration, because the linebackers just do not get any push.
With the Eagles playing in a 4-3 for the majority of the game, it just seemed like every counter step and misdirection worked like a charm against the three starting linebackers while the tackling was not exactly awe inspiring itself.
Against the Rams, the Eagles may have been able to count themselves a tad fortunate that Steven Jackson was out for the majority of the game, but with Michael Turner and the Falcons awaiting the in Atlanta for next week’s primetime game, there’s much cause for concern.
Having said this, if there’s one thing that precedes any evaluation of the Eagles’ linebackers it is the word “inexperienced,” and while fans could think that should be able to expect more from third-year player Moise Fokou, Casey Matthews and Jamar Chaney in their first and second years respectively so this is by all accounts a young crew playing behind the D-line.
To put it bluntly, if there’s any time to stink it up as a player it’s when they’re young, when the magnitude of their errors could be accounted for by their lack of playing time and experience.
These are not 31-year old certified has-beens, and their age would indicate that we can expect some type of progression as the season goes along, especially considering Matthews’ case.
The off-season is over and we are as likely to see a trade as we are to witness Jaun Castillo remain calm for an entire quarter.
If by the middle of the season, these linebackers still look as bad as they did against the Rams then alright, the panic button could be fiercely pressed with both hands.
For now though, fans should take a wait and see approach on these players, and with the D-line and secondary that the Eagles have, the Philly faithful could be more comfortable in doing so than most fans would.
beat horse, now beat horse some more, beat horse until horse is dead, continue beating. rest. beat horse, continue beating dead horse, dead horse has flies, beat dead horse more. Cntinue beating dead horse. dead horse not dead enough, beat dead horse, did dead horse move, continue beating, beat dead horse, beat dead horse with opposite hand, find small child to help beat dead horse, find many willing people to help beat already dead, not moving, dead horse. rest. sleep. next day, restart beating dead horse. go to local retirement home to find dementia patients so the beating of the dead horse can seem fresh and knew – ignore smell, continue to beat dead horse. find gasoline, pour on dead horse, burn dead horse, beat dead horse some more. continue beating dead horse using backhand technique, switch to a whip and restart beating dead horse…………………………………………………….
well put navy, well put!!!
Pretty funny navy but the linebackers stink worse than that poor dead horse in your post
I agree Jaekdog they must play better – but until they play Atlanta, its just beating the dead horse –
Question – what must the defense do THIS WEEK in Atlanta to spare the poor dead horse from being beaten some more – clearly going on the road, to play a team many felt would win the NFC West, and hold them to 13 points, be perfect in the red zone, record 5 sacks, has not spared the horse at all
So, what must this defense do to spare the poor horse?
MATTHEWS STINK!
GET ROLLE IN THERE AND WE’LL BE 100 % BETTER……AT LEAST HE’LL BE AROUND THE BALL.
vote for McCoy ground player of the week…NFL.com
lol…astounding is the word for it. When the Rbs were breaking thru to the 2nd level, I didnt even see any linebackers anywhere on the TV screen… I thinking “where are they?’ just open space between the Dline and the secondary… I dont know about Matthews, he got pushed outta there and Fokou looked lost too..
Songs – that doesn’t answer the question – I am conceding Matthews need to play better – all the LBs do -but this is a team game. When I coached we always had a chart or poster on the wall as to what our ‘goals’ were for each game. Can’t worry about what is going to happen 6 weeks from now, 10 weeks from now or in the SB – what is the goal for this week –
I have no problem with Rolle – but what makes this defense 100% better – what metric are you using – will they now get 10 sacks, hold the opposition to 75 yards rushing, and 7 points?
So let me personalize the question – and remember you proclaim yourself a realist – what – realistically, should be (and you don’t seem to like Castillo much either) the team goals for the defense this week against Atlanta – or Navy’s way of asking Songs – what would it take for you to shut your pie hole for a week?
But Rasheed – happens to every team at certain points – look at what Miami and NEw England did to each others D – look at what Balt did to Pitt – NO and Green Bay – the object of team D is to prevent the other team from scoring.
So what do you think – Hold Atlanta to under 120 yards rushing, 200 yards passing, under 50% on third downs, under 14 points….. right now the Eagles are ranked #5 in pts allowed…. what should be the goal
hey interesting fact – the Eagles are the #1 rushing team in the NFL – what do you think the odds would be on that after the first week
Yeah points are the most important thing… keep them off the board. and I did notice how we got in a goalline situation and didnt give up a touchdown… That is a definite plus for us…. but we also cannot have Rbs gashing us like that on a regular basis. It’ll keep the defense on the field and have them worn out in no time… Teams will try and control the game by running it down our throats, and we dont have the size to play that game… we have a good rotation, but even that will get worn down if we keep taking a beating in the running game like that… Im sure Juan is working on it… we’ll just have to wait and see how it pans out against Atlanta
Total agreement Rash – so you think hold Atlanta to under 300 yards total O – and less then 14 points and we can spare the horse (for a week at least)? Remember – we are rushing 4 and they get there pretty fast – but that means someone somewhere is locking down the TE and RBs (it is a given that our CBs are taking care or the WRs)
navy i don’t think people understand you. i am with you.
get better every week and win the game. i think they will do it.
I think we CAN have running backs gashing us all they want if we keep winning games. I really really do. It’s about winning games, not perfection. Maybe that’s just me. That includes in the playoffs. If they lose a game, including a playoff one, due to it, then it’s a problem.
lewD – appreciate that – its about setting TEAM goals – first and foremost – win the game – for the D – there are certain metrics you set for yourself – who is to say (knock on wood) they lose 21-14 but if it was 2 punt returns and a fumble recovery – the D pitched a shut out – set TEAM D goals. I don’t know if Rolle is better or worse then any of the 3 we have playing, I just think as a Team D – 13 points on the road, 1 TD first game – not bad – not perfect. Sacks happen when all the recvrs are covered – long TD runs happen when 8 or 9 people are blocked (do all the Ram LB suck because Shady really broke it off on them in the 4th Qtr)
it only works if we are ahead going into the 3rd quarter……If we are behind this blueprint is out the window…\\
Teams will get up on us and pound the hell out of the likes of Matthews. We don’t play teams like st Louis all year.
l
Matthews better get help this week because if it’s just him and turner he’s either going to get drug 10 yards or end up on his ass. This is the kind of stuff that makes me hate Andy. There is no damn reason this kid should have to shoulder the load. We better go get a veteran to help this kid.
did i mention i hate his faggy hair too?
Asante better never blow a gift like that again. That was some lazy ass bs.
Songs, thank you for your insight. Then again I ask you, what should be the goal – the goal for this week – this game, this Sunday – for Atlanta –
what should be the Team D metrics – what do you Songs, want to use as the measuring stick? Points scored – yards per carry, time of possesssion, sacks, ints, passes defended, third down percentage –
I don’t see how playing great team D changes if you are ahead or behind. Team D is Team D – and it would grealty help my understadning of the conversation if I understood what ‘pound the hell out of the likes of Matthews’ – is the Team D goal of holding a team to 120 yards/game rushing (or whatever ‘realistic’ number, you the self proclaimed realist) different depending on who is playing linebacker, or if we are in a dime package or a nickel package or blitzing every down or ahead or behind? Its a TEAM goal
So Songs, to quote a famous Navy Admiral (Nimitz to Halsey in WWII – “The world wonders” – what would make you happy this week – this Sunday night – realistically. This is your chance to actually impress – provide a sound, realistic goal setting, I have thrown out some number – 14 pts, 300 yards total O for Atlanta – keep Atlanta to under 120 yards rushing, 5 sacks, 2 turnovers, 80 percetn in the red zone, under 50 % on thrid down. I think you do that the D will have done its job – now, hopefully we score more then 14 and the special teams and O doesn’t give up points right
RTB – we are in complete agreement on the hair thing – whatever happened to the day before camp starting you got a hiarcut so your helmet fit right – guess that went the same direction as thigh and knee pads…
but still ponytail and tuck it in the shirt –
run the ball – why are you concerned with a play that netted in 0 positive yards for the opposing 0 in a win last week?
I hate when players get lazy like the game is over. We almost lost a game like that last year. I can’t remember the game but the defense took there foot off the gas and we almost lost.
run – can’t disagree there. If laziness (or it sounds like fatigue too) costs a game, that’s a problem. I’m not sure that Asante was lazy go – that guy needs ego boosts (from ints) more than he needs food or water….
Please give me help on how this defense works. After watching the Replays of the game I need help with the system. I saw 3 offensive lineman for the Rams go untouched 5 yards down field and encounter our LBs. The LBs were expected to shed the blocks of the 315lb lineman and make the tackle. If they did shed the block it was only a 5-7 yard gain. If they didnt the RB was in the secondary. I personally think Matthews stinks but to be fair how can anyone play LB in a system like this? I gotta believe the DT has some accountability to atleast hold up the guard and center doesnt he?
Answer to your question…If we have a 14 point lead heading into the 4th quarter…I could care less what the rushing metrics are because Atlanta would need to pass the ball to have a chance of getting back into the game.
otherwise………If we hold Turner under 100 yards rushing while in a close battle that would be an acceptable showing. This way they are not chewing up valuable clock while moving the chains.
This week our Linebackers will be tested big time against the run as well as the Tight end, and seam game right behind the linebackers.
I’ll keep my eyes on them to see if there’s a vast improvement from week one.
Let me make this clear…Atlanta are frauds. Mattie ice is kevin kolb on crack.
I told everyone last year they were frauds and wasn’t surprised when we beat them without Vick.
If we jump on them early this game can get real ugly and at that point …I could care less if the run the ball once we’re up by 3 touchdowns.
Dog – I’ll answer you first – the defense works by NOT letting the opposing team get into the end zone. They were fairly successfull this weekend against St Louis, allowing only 1 entry into the end zone and 2 FGs (5th best in NFL after week 1.
I don’t know if you noticed but last year the eagles tended to bunch inside..
Let’s see how it works against Atlanta
Songs, that, my friend is a very soft, soft answer. Maybe that’s just the X coach in me. I want to set goals – you just admitted you could care less if Atlanta runs for 200+yards if we are ahead by 2 TDs – then why – if the eagles win by 19 are you so spun up over the LB play??
But OK – so hold Turner (not Atlanta – just Turner) to under 100 is acceptable – see – Team game – hold ATLANTA to under 120 (the occasional QB scramble – maybe a reverse etc.) seems more ‘realistic’
I hope our LBs are tested big time – test them, test them, test them – but on every test you typically get the benefit of a grading scale…. you seem to have a very soft – pass/fail
Atlanta being fruads – could care less what Atlanta is other then the team we beat this Sunday after that they can go 10-4 or 4-10 makes no difference to me.
WAAAAAAYYYYYYY Over some heads in here… Navy
@Dag
Washburn wants the line to work on getting to the QB…haven’t seen enough of the team to really make an observation about the consistency of the pass rush from the front 4…so if the opposing offensive line doesn’t block our front four, they are in the backfield, during handoffs and the o line men are down the field blocking our LB’s…if this is occurring all of the time, adjustments will have to happen…its pretty much a counter from the opposing offense…trying to use the pass rush against us…
navy, your presence and performance here is SO refreshing. Thank you for being level headed
I think that was the Detroit Lions game last year that your referring too RTB…where Detroit scored 2-3 times in the final quarter to make it a barn-burner for the Eagles to win..
Great posts Navy! Yes, Stop Beatin’ the LB Horse. EVERYONE knows this team, as well as all others, have areas of improvement and the biggest for this team is the aforementioned area. So, let’s give them a chance to show improvement before we continue the beatings! When the beatings continue, and they will ’cause many just can’t help themsleves, I’m hoping the bitchin’ will be specific and for realistic reasons. I don’t want to read someone moaning that they gave up 180 yds rushing including a 60 yd gash if they only gave up 14 points and the birds still won for cryin’ out loud! Personally, I don’t care how much the opponent moves the ball up and down the field if the D keeps them outta the endzone enough so the Eagles O puts more points on the board!
As far as the hair is concerned, IMO, a player should not be permitted to cover the name and or number in the jersey. I have absolutley no problem how long their hair is, but it shouldn’t be allowed to cover the uniform. Grow it 6 ft long and wrap it around your schwantz for all I care, just keep it under your unifrom.
I will match our weakenesses with the weakenesses of any team in the league at anytime (Except maybe the Packers).
Last season very few RB’s got big numbers on us, but we were getting eaten alive on the pass and not getting a pass rush. Now we are nasty on the pass rush, and fearsome on the pass coverage. Let the young ones grow (For the Record they are weak), let them mesh, let them gain trust in each other.
I saw a lot of LB veteren cores look much worst than our young LB’s did Sunday, and please tell me who in the world doesn’t S. Jackson run right through, thats why he is S. Jackson. Just like who in hades is going to get consistent clean stops on McCoy this year? Or DJax when on the move? Or Vick when on the move or lasering to an opan WR? Or smith? or Avant?
Ya see most teams have more worries about us than we have of them, and I will settle for a weak but growing LB core if that is the price for what we bring to the winning table.
Monolith – Good points and I think that you’re generally right. The only concerns should be the match-ups against the coming Sunday’s opponent and all other concerns don’t mean a friggin thing. For example, who gives a crap how the Eagles match up against the Packers until the playoffs come or the Bears until week 9. Both the Packers and Eagles could be very different teams in the playoffs as the Packers showed last year. It’s a very long season with regards to weekly team changes and skill sets.
Chaney should be in the middle with Mathews on the weak side….
I disagree Jott1972
Move Chaney to MLB , have Rolle on the Weak side and Fokou stay on the Strong Side.. Then bring Matthews/Clayton in to replace Fokou in passing situations..
I don’t care if Larry. Moe and Songs line up at LB – beat Atlanta!
rolle is finally working in with the first team at weakside with fukou splitting snaps. i been saying this all along ..but mathews is still in the middle.. mathewis is better suited for the outside .. put either rolle or chaney in the middle and call it a day .
Matthews should get benched….Slide Chaney back in the middle and put Rolle on the field with Chaney and Fokou.
Cut Fabio
@paulsman –
forgot about Rolle… not a Mathews fan at all….watched him at Oregon and he was average….bench him and use only to cover people on passing downs
Good news Larrd…
Many of us wanted this to happen mid-way thru camp..better late than never I suppose..