Through their first six games, the Eagles offense has put up allot of points. Jeremy Maclin and Desean Jackson are on pace for over 1000 receiving yards each, Lesean McCoy is off to his best seasons as a pro, and Michael Vick has put up some amazing numbers, rushing and throwing the ball. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story. The 
Eagles are 2-4, and most point to the defense, but the offense is far from innocent. Mistakes by the offense have killed this team in every single loss this season.
Before the Eagles even use the word “Playoffs” they must fix the mistakes; and yes, I’m talking about the turnovers. Before their win against the Redskins last Sunday, the Eagles have literally thrown away games with costly turnovers. Against the Bills, the Eagles turned the ball over five times, yet were still in the game in the 4th quarter.
The sure-handed Jason Avant, coughed up the ball while struggling for yardage after he had already picked up the first down. The fumble/interception which ended the game, was Jeremy Maclin’s fault because he didn’t clear out the area when Avant ran the out route. The guy who was supposed to be downfield covering Maclin caused the interception. Maclin also killed the team’s chances of winning against the 49ers, when he fumbled the football.
It’s ironic that Maclin, who has had a great year statistically, would be in the middle of two plays that cost them games. It epitomizes the Eagles 2-4 record. Great statistics but turnovers doom them to defeat.
The Eagles learned from these mistakes, and were better with the ball against the Redskins. They jumped out of the gate with 20 points in the first half. However, in the 2nd half, the offense could move the ball, or take advantage of turnovers caused by the defense. They turned the ball over with one interception by Vince Young, and one by Michael Vick, letting the Redskins back in the game. The Vick interception was in the red zone.
That should have never happened. The Eagles dominated the game, and it should have been a blowout. They ultimately won, but this is cause for concern. They have the worst turnover differential in the NFL at -17. Most experts say that if you win the turnover battle, most times you win the game. I agree with this 100%.
If you look at some the best teams in the NFL, like the Green Bay Packers, they NEVER turn the ball over. They sustain complete drives, and use balance to move the ball down the field. The Eagles must do some of the same. 
They must be balanced on offense. Against the Redskins, the Eagles offense did this in the first half, and they scored 20 points.
It’s pretty ironic, that when LeSean McCoy finally got over 20 carries, and had his best game of the season, the Eagles were able to sustain drives, and won the game. McCoy has been arguably one of the best backs in the NFL thus far. He takes plays where, it seems like there will be no gain, and turns them into first downs using precise cuts to make defenders miss.
There is no reason why he shouldn’t get at least 20 carries, if not more a game. He’s been the Eagles best offensive player on the field this year. If the Reid gives the ball to McCoy, it opens up the passing game, and makes Vick and all of his weapons even more dangerous.
Against the 49ers, the Eagles had the lead early, but in the second half continued to throw the ball. This is inexcusable, and not running the ball gave the ball back to the 49ers. This let them back in the game, and they took advantage to beat the Birds.
There is no doubt that this offense can put up allot of points, and this can be attained by using balanced play calling. I know the Eagles are a passing team, but like I said, there are some situations where they must run the ball. If they want to keep piling up Wins, they will be attained by using balance and giving the ball to Shady.
Turnovers may be a big problem, but the Eagles have had a history of struggles in the red zone. These struggles have continued through the first six games of this season. Red zone troubles have killed this team in games against the Giants, 49ers, and even against the Redskins. Last week, the Birds had numerous chances to put the game away with touchdowns. They were up 14-0, and then settled for two straight field goals.
28-3 vs. 20-3 after the 1st half is a big deal. It changes the opposing team’s mindset completely. This has been a problem that has hurt the Eagles throughout the Reid era. I blame this, more on play-calling by Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. The Eagles have been in the red zone more than any other team on the NFL going into Week 6. It’s obvious that the Birds just need to punch it in.
Part of this should be attributed to their smaller offensive line that Howard Mudd likes, that just doesn’t cut it in many short yard or goal line situations. So, change your personnel. Maybe you bring in Jamal Jackson, who is bigger than Jason Kelce. Also, using two TE’s would help. Andy Reid can’t over think himself. Use balance and don’t be predictable.
It doesn’t make sense to give the ball to Owen Schmitt, when you have players like Michael Vick and Lesean McCoy to run it in. Also, using Brent Celek would do wonders. He hasn’t been featured much in the offense, because he has been needed to block with the Eagles current situation of the offensive line. Last week, he was used more, and the Eagles moved the ball down the field better. The screen in the red zone was a perfectly designed play, and it worked.
Good teams must be able to score in the red zone when it counts. The Eagles have improved on this, but have more work to do to get to the level that they want to be at, which is to be able to play with teams like the Green Bay Packers. To do this, the scoring in the red zone must be a priority.
I know the Eagles offense can put up tons of points and contend with the best offenses in the NFL. However, for them to be able to make a run at the playoffs, they must be consistent on offense. Winning the turnover battle, having balance, and scoring in the red zone could make this Eagles offense unstoppable. The problem is, they aren’t their yet. They can get there, but they must play a complete game on offense. This starts on Sunday Night.
wow- great job mat. I think i agree all around. there is enough blame to go around for this mess. Andy gets the bulk of the blame because he put this mess together but players share some of it too.
Matt I agree with your points. Now I think its time for the Birds to play a complete game a home. We must play 60 minutes at the Linc against the Cowboys. Run the ball, control the time of possession and play tough defense. Once we get in the red zone get touchdowns not field goals. This game will set the tone for the rest of the season. If we win then we are right back in the hunt. Vick must play smart and pick his times when he runs. I feel our players will be up for the challenge. Birds 35 Cowboys 21!!!!!!!!!!
Eagles get smoked by the Cowboys 38-23 as the usual Turnovers,Penalties,poor clock management continue this Eagle Team..
After dropping to 2-5 and now with 2 NFC East Divisional Losses and 4 NFC COnference Losses, they would have to run the table which will not happen..
Eagles go on to lose the Bears, Giants, Jets, Patriots and Cowboys again to finish a very disappointing 6-10 with wins aginst the crappier team like the Cardinals,Seahawks,Dolphins, & Redksins .. The Eagles finish with another losing recrod at home going 2-6 at Home and 6-11 over the last 2 Season at the “Linc”.. They are better off hosting Country Musci Concerts,Rodeo’s and Soccer events at this placid stadium for the Football spirit is now lost as Philly Teams and their fans have become soft like Gov Rendell stated last year…
Paulman, go freak yourself
Hey paulman i was going to stoop to your pathetic level but i changed my mind. the only thing i dont get is if you are not a Eagles fans why are keeping up with our team and on our sport sites? Times are that bad for you or your just so corny you cant help it. I hate the cowboys but i have to see what there site looks like or even listen to a texas radio station for that matter. Go Eagles all the way baby. We get better as time goes on and the time is now. I wil say this paulman, when i see you on here after the win i will rip you a new one with some words and i WILL stoop to your level them..lol But God forbid we kill ourselves this game then your post will saluted. I am a fair man but i BLEED GREEN babyboy and when you mess with my squad i will thrash whoever with words like no other..lol
this is the same paulman that said maclin had cancer, the eagles would lose last week, and the braves would win the nl east.
wake me up when he gets something right
While i am an Eagles fan. I aree with Paulman.
Too many changes and not enough practice.
Coaches, schemes and a weak defensive team. Not to mention alot of mistakes.
They need to run the ball as much as possible and dominate time of possession.
Trade Desean and Asante if you dont want them and acquire picks or upgrades.
I think as they stand 8-8 is possible.
Regardless i think Saints/Packers and Patriots/Ravens in the Finals.
zoltek – that’s the problem, he does get somethings right – around the 50% mark – you know, like flipping coins…. he’s as good at predicting the future as the best humans are – TERRIBLE. But he does take a little pleasure in ‘joking around’ ‘toying with us’ and posting provacative things. It rubs his ego. Instead of internet porn, that guy gets his kicks via ego fulfillment on this website.
Matt,
“Allot” is not a word. It is “a lot”. Two separate words.
While I’m at it:
There
This is a location. “Not here but there”. It also is indicative “There will be high scoring when the Eagles beat Dallas”
Their
This is possessive. “When the eagles scored their first touchdown, Dallas looked like a bunch of four-year-olds that wet their pants”
They’re
This is a conjunction of “They” and “are” meaning an action (verb) is coming. “When Dallas comes to Philly next week, they’re going to be sent home like a bunch of wet, whipped puppies”
Used together in a single sentence:
Andy Reid’s players will have their game plan ready, over there at LFF, when they’re going to put a whoopin on “America’s team” next week creating a lot of of headaches for the opponent.
Anyone noticed how the Carolina PAnthers manhandled the Redksins yesterday.. That’s Right, a Panther team missing 2 Starting OL, 2 starting Dl and 2 Starting LB,who start a Rookie QB and have 1st Year Head Coach with an entire new Staff and new Systems in place.. Yes this team, manhandled the Redskins.. What’s the Eagles Excuse… Times Yours..
Eric – um, wow, you’ve gone to the wrong place if you’re searching for grammar….You’d have better luck going down to Tony Lukes and trying to preach veganism…
This is one of the least exciting seasons for Eagles fans in recent memory.
What have made our team so stale which have the fans disinterested?
Maybe some of you guys can help me with answering this.
Pman… I will go with leadership and coaching. Eagles have neither. They also have a lot of overpaid selfish players who seem to take plays off.
Songs, that’s your take. But I don’t know that the fans are disinterested. I’ve seen no evidence of that at all.
It’s bye week of a so far shitty start to the season. It’s understandable for you to feel that way now, but if they go on a run and are in the hunt for the division, this feeling will subside.
songs, the team for the most part, especially the defense does not mirror the personalty of our town, the coach doesn’t, the philosophy doesn’t and the truly enlightened fans know this team as constructed and with this coach, even if very talented at certain positions, will fail again. bank on it
jakey chu – truly enlightened fans enlightened fans – dude – I can’t stop laughing – do you just make shit up, do you just have a word pop into your head and then go – today – this word is going to mean this! I don’t know what dictionary you use – probably the same one you found the definition of fan in – but to be enlightened is: based on full comprehension of the problems involved or freed from ignorance and misinformation – you calling yourself either enlightened or a fan is the equivalent of Reid being on the next top model, refering to Casey MAtthews as Ray Lewis or saying that Vince Young is the next Tom Brady –
Its just plan wrong – I am enlightened becuase the eagles will fail – wow man – you and 31 others teams fans are going to be right – aren’t you on the cutting edge of enlightenment – dumb ass
navy – I think you missed his point, by ‘enlightened’, he meant ‘those that agree with me because I know I’m right’
Songs – man up – you get to see your hero and favorite player (Romo) this week – you should be excited. Dear self – I am going to go on a blog and ask a bunch of guys why things are stale and disinteresting….. fellas, hey fellas, an you help me, why are the eagles stale……. Really, do you at least stand when you pee? Do you constantly stop and ask for directions – do you scream on roller coaster rides – fellas, why am I disinterested… jakey, snookie, can you help answer songs question as to why he is so disinterested – maybe Andy Reid stopped wearing form fitting clothes? Stale and disinterested – probaly use baby wipes – maybe some of you guys can help me —- geez silky – where do you crawl out from under.
fans of other teams have promise that their team will stand alone at the end, but the enlightened eagles fans realize that this team, with this coach, has no chance, enlighten yourself navy, don’t be a reidtard
So enlightenment is knowing the future as a human being? So you’re saying you’re psychic Jakedog? So how are we expected to not take you for a complete nutjob?
OK – if anyone can tell me what the hell that last post was from Jakey Chu – anyone –
fans of other teams have promise that thier team will stand alone at the end – – – huh? Does this make sense to anyone? HELP how does any team not stand alone?
but the enlightened eagles fans realize that this team with this coach, has no chance – no chance at what Jakey chu – at what? enlighten myself – to what Jakey – you are waxing (yourself on and off clearly) but to what? And if by Reidtard, you mean someone that doesn’t make up new and different meaning to words, no thank you, if you mean sit around and write a bunch of negative commetns about the team, no thank you, if you mean make up a bunch of nonsensical bullshit that is not based in any fact, statistic or reality, ummm nah – if you mean refuse to look at the eagles from the perspective of the enitre league – can’t do it –
Jakey chu – the enlightened one –
I agree the eagles need to improve on scoring in the redzone and ball security. But to their credit, they did improve on the turnovers. Still they do need to get better. All of the things mentioned in this article for the Offense is going to be crucial if they are going to have a chance to win this game on Sunday. Because Despite the record, this Dallas Defense has been very solid.
Chevron…did you ever imagine our eagles would be in the basement of a mediocre NFC East nearly halfway through the season?
If you had to point to a reason we’re sitting here at 2-4 with every game a must win….what reason would that be?
other guys can give their opinion also.
the sky is fqlling the sky is falling – how can the eagles be 2-4 the sky is falling –
2010 started 4-3 through 7 won NFC East
2009 3-2 then 5-4 won NFC East
2008 2-3 Wild card
2006 4-4 half way thru – won NFC East
2003 2-3 Won NFC east
2002 3-2 won NFC east
2001 3-3 won NFC east
The Team reflects it’s Coach and the Team is undiscplined, lacks focus and is Soft like their Coach.. I am not sure there is much to say about them..
Navy, I would feel a little better if a 2-4 Record was sprinkled in there.
After seiing how Juan’s defense dominated Redskins powerhouse offense I can now admit Juan is a serious chessmaster who will vault his defensive talent into the top 10 defenses in the league by weak 12.
watch out!
Andy is a genius!
Paulman I kinda agree but I think it’s something more than them just being soft.
I just can’t put my finger on it. Is there anyone who thinks this team can win the superbowl oe even get there this year?
That’s what I think th e stale feeling this season is coming from.
Fans know this team can not win it all…What do you guys think?
Sorry I could not make you feel better Songs – I recommend the same fiber intake increase i recommended for da Pman becuase clearly your own sarcasm doesn’t make you feel any better – in case you missed it – I tried to find the birds records at the bye weeks – which is where we are now – typically the birds go on a run – an idea silky – instead of being a sarcastic ass – try being an Eagle fan – try it –
question – now on all this softness conversation for all you hard burly tough manly football men out there (where is Tim Allen when you need him) Up until this year, with this new CBA – Andy Reid was known for having one of the harder camps, with the most contact, including full tackling drills –
are we GCobb shufflin again – 1 year later after everyone complaining about injuries and wearing players out and the people over 30 getting a practice off and two a days – now Reid is soft???????? Guys CRACK ME UP! All you bad ass football watchin fans talkin bout being hard – kind of like my lilly white, blonde hair, blue eyed, lacrosse playing, living in the ‘burbs, from a 95% white high school son of mine listening to hard core rap with people busting caps and riding dirty and slappin hoes and pimpin…… like boy – go listen to some WHo or AC/DC or Kiss or something – that seen from the movie ‘The Office’
and songs – getting to the playoffs is going to be very difficult this year – not much you can do about that when you start 2-4 except win a bunch of games – probably need to go 8-2 to get there – is it possible – sure – the PAck started 3-3 last year and were the 6th seed – that’s what makes being a fan fun –
but why worry about the SB until after you get to the playoffs – everyone assumed the Phillies were shoo-ins – we saw how that turned out –
First of all, to the author of this article, the Eagles do not have a turnover differential of -17–it is -8. They have 17 turnovers and caused only 9. Second, the passing game in the 2nd half of the 49ers game did not cause them to lose. They lost that game pure and simple because the defense made Alex Smith out to be Joe Montana. Plus, stupid playcalling in the first half–like the Ronnie Brown play didn’t help.
And Paulman–we have a guy on another fanboard that is just like you–Mr Negativity ALL of the time.
Keep in mind Navy
There are a lot more teams involved this Season as far as playoffs go..
Eagles are behind all 3 NFC East Teams and then other teams like the Packers,Lions,Bears,in the North, Saints,TB Bucs, Falcons in the South
49ers from the West which is 10 teams they are already behind with and lose tie-breakers to the Falcons,49ers,Giants head to head..
Bottom lin is that teh Eagles will have to win the NFC East to get into the Playoffs (which I have stated since the SUmmer) the WIld Cards will come from the North and SOUth Divisions (as I stated since the Summer) and for practical purposes, if the Eages lose any one of there next 4 Games (Cowboys/Bears/Cardinals/Giants) they will not make the 2011 Season.. They must win the next 4 to get back to 6-4 and have a winning record within the NFC East and the NFC Conference, any loss over the next 4 games, and the Eagles will be out of it and will be playing for pride over the last 6 weeks of the Season… I will actually state that if Eagles lose to the Cowboys, they are doen, if they win then its the samwe scenario vs the Bears, then if they win that, it’s the same scenario versus the CArdinals, if they win that, then it’s the same scenario versus the Giants…
This is not like past Season where maybe the EAgles had to worry about 3-4 other competive teams.. There are 10-11 Teams ahead of them right now out of 16 in which they pick the top 6 Teams so it’s not looking too good..
Thanks for the info Bobbyuk and I’ll be on the lookout for him..
I wonder if the Eagles will actually hire a general manager with football pedigree next offseason, then actually get some linebackers who are inpact players.
Might as well look forward to next season team hoping linebackers and a new defensive coach can help as make a run.
With Spags team stinking up the joint I’m hoping he’s fired and hired here as defensive coordinator/Assistant head coach.
The eagles are.stale, as reverend songs aptly pointed out and the loyal fan base is tired, we have figured it out, we know how it will end and it is because of reid
jake, who made you the spokesman for ‘the loyal fan base’?
And how in hell do you ‘know how it will end’. Are you a wizard or a verifiable lunatic?
I thought I was the only “Wizard” here on G Cobb.Com..
Eagles Lurie/Banner just offered a “Lifetime Contract” with Coach AR
as long as Lurie owns the team… We are stuck with him forever…
I see you finally came out of your hole old “nutsack dummy bum”, what’s it to you; looking for a tyke to befriend?
I think this team has a chance to make the playoffs this year… they definitely have the talent to do it…This is Andy’s last chance to smarten up and balance the offense and give this team the best shot at winning a title… he may not get another shot (at least not here)…
The defense needs to keep their intensity level up and keep tackling…
its not over yet
Juan is one of the top defensive minds in the league…he use to have lunch with Jimmy Johnson.
there ya go Rasheed – exactly – one game at a time-
Pman – notice I said it was going to be very difficult – I am looking at the fact we are two down in the division with 10 to go and we play the giants once – I think we have to win the division –
again silky songs – why is it you always ask questions but never answer them – what is your ‘football pedigree’ and Castillo at least ate lunch with Jimmy Johnson – how close did you ever come to the Novacare complex – doesn’t stop you from thinking you know everything does it now!
Jakey chu – tell us how it will end PLEASE! or are you going to be just like your false prophet and correclty predict the day after how it ended or are you going with the all time ‘it will end with us not winning the super bowl’ wow – that would be a stretch – go to Vegas and find that bet for any team – just cutting edge minds at work! I predict we will end up like 31 other teams! my god how do you do it – if you know so much go on record – – what is the regular season record going to be – are they going to make the playoffs – how far into the playoffs will they go? Please – the world wants to know
Nutsack navy old man dummy bum; what up old buzzard?
Paulman’s Rankings for the NFC COnference after Week #7 (for Zoltek)
#1) Packers (7-0) – The best all around team in the NFL with the best QB
#2) 49ers (5-1) – Ever with a bye- still only have 1 loss this Season
#3) Saints (5-2) – A complete massacre of the NFL’s 2nd worst team (Colts)
#4) Detroit (5-2) – Losers of 2 Straight at home in close games, starting to feel the pressure, QB Stafford injured and they have no running game
#5) NY Giants (4-2) – Bye comes at a good week as they get healthy for the 2nd Half, their upcomign schedule is brutal so they may have peaked already
#6) Falcons (4-3) – 2 Wins in a row and starting to play better ball
#7) Bears (4-3) – Also 2 wins in a row and playing better, Forte is best all-around RB in the NFL and unlike the Eagles, they will keep feeding him..
#8) TB Bucs (4-3) – Up and down every week it appears, but 4 wins so far
#9) Cowboys (3-3) – Defense has played well, Is RB D Murray the answer..
#10) Eagles (2-4) – Getting Healthy along the OL & DL with return of Cole,Peters and maybe Graham, Safety play and overall D is improving, but is it too little too late, have 4 winnable and crucial NFC Contests in a row upcoming that they must win all 4 to keep any hopes alive of winning the NFC East.
#11) Redksins (3-3) Fading fast, J Beck played ok, but OL is horrible and has 2 key starters out, the lost RB Hightower for the Season with Knee injury, best WR S Moss broken hand and out 4-5 weeks.. Team is in trouble a ndwhat’s happened to their Defense as Panthers dominated the line of scrimmage on them most of all game yesterday…
#12) Panthers (2-5) Most exciting 2 win team in the history of the NFL, QB C Newton is the real deal, WR S Smith and TE Shockey are rejuventaed,.If Defense can create some turnovers, they will surprise a lot of team come 2nd half. as they have hung in tought in every game.. Coach Rivera doing a nice job with this club in his 1st year as Coach as they have taken his personality which is to play hard all 60 minutes ..
#13) Seattle (2-4) Even with no QB, to only score 3 points at Cleveland is horrible and now lost best RB M Lynch to knee injury..
#14) Vikings (1-6) At least played hard and came back versus the Packers.. QB C Ponder showed some glimpses as the Vikings continue to rebuild their team around RB AP & Ponder..
#15) Arizona (1-5) Losers of 5 Straight games even though they held the lead in 4 of those games in the 4th Quarter, Is Kolb the answer, very questionable as he and the team still need how to play a full 60 minutes
#16) St Rams (0-6) Have had a brutal opening Schedule and will start to play some NFC WEst Teams (Seahawks,Cardinals and 49ers) so they should havea chance to win a few games.. is HC Spags on the hot seat.. What happens if they end up with the worst record, do they Draft QB Luck when having Bradford or trade or address other needs, Also lost their best OL to a neck Injury as they can’t seem to get a break injury wise..
NFC Teams on the Rise for the 2nd Half of the Season
Falcons, Bears, 49ers, Cowboys, Panthers & maybe the Eagles
NFC Teams on the Fall for the 2nd Half of the Season
Detroit, Redskins, Cardinals,and maybe the Eagles
Teams that are Playoff Ready and gelling right now and look good so far
Packers, Saints, 49ers
Teams that are still finding their way on what kind of team they really are
Cowboys, Giants, Eagles,TB Bucs,Seattle
Teams that are rebuilding or Teams that should begin the process and start getting a good look at their younger players
Rams,Vikings,Cardinals,Redskins