Is this the week the Eagles attack with an unforeseen use of the, "Wild Cat" featuring Michal Vick?

by gee-roj on Nov 4, 2009 9:59 AM CST

Is this the week the Eagles unleash (no pun intended) Michael Vick? I certainly hope not because I think it will catch the Cowboys’ D “off-guard.” I fear that Andy just might have 4 or 5 choice plays he’s been developing (for Vick) and has been waiting for both the chemistry to come to together in practice and the right game to unpackaged them in. Could that be this Sunday?

Will we see the more pass happy explosive Cowboys of the past couple games this Sunday? Or will it be the bruising version that lead the league in rushing after week 3? Personally I hope it’s a balanced mix of both. I don’t expect the Eagles to play a one dimensional defense so neither do I expect the Cowboys to counter with a one dimensional offense. Garret has, so far, this season done a good job of taking what the defense gives him. The Eagles defense, however, presents the biggest challenge (so far), in that they make it very difficult to see what it is they’re keying on, (trying to take away) on any given down. The Eagles will be looking to stop the pass and the run on Sunday and Garrett should find himself in a very interesting chess match.

The Cowboys’ defense has improved but are they ready for the most explosive offense they will have faced so far this year? For a long time now the Eagles have been the masters of the screen pass. Reid seems to have an uncanny sense of when and where an opponent is blitzing from and he will offset that with a beautifully designed screen pass. Wade has done a great job these past few games of choosing when to dial up the blitz and an even better job of knowing when to call off the dogs and mix it up. In each of the past two games the Cowboy’s opponents have started out with long, impressive drives and in each of those games Wade and company have done an outstanding job of adjusting and shutting them out for their next several possessions. When playing chess against Andy, Wade will have to do some of his best “in-game” adjustments of the season so far; should be interesting.

Will special teams make the difference? The default thing to say is, “whoever wins the turnover battle will win the game.” But what if that battle is even when the final gun sounds? I’m anticipating that both teams will have a pair of turnovers this Sunday, so does this mean special teams could make the difference? Both teams have proven themselves capable of producing both points and great field position in the return game… Might a key 4th quarter punt return be the difference?

And finally will I be able to go to sleep on Sunday night once this game is over? Will I be tossing and turning with anger due to an obnoxious loss? Or I will I be wide-eyed with giddiness due to a remarkable win? Will my 4 month old son allow me sleep through the night either way? Time will tell.

Can’t wait for Sunday night.

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Comments

You won't see a great deal of Vick...

We used Vick effectively once last week against the Giants. He ran for 3 yards on a 3rd and 1. But otherwise, he’s been largely ineffective when we’ve tried to crowbar him into the offense so far this season. However, I’d venture to guess you will see Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Lesean McCoy and Brian Westbrook line up in the Wildcat every so often, which again, hasn’t exactly yielded big results yet.

Personally, I think we have already have any number of mismatches in this game as it is, so I’ll be extremely disappointed if the Eagles do anything other than run our regular offense.

by JimmyK on Nov 4, 2009 10:55 AM CST reply actions

I think it's called the wild dog not cat

Tom Landry=the greatest football mind ever.

by DIRE WOLF on Nov 4, 2009 11:16 AM CST reply actions

Original.

"THIS IS NOT COLLEGE NO MORE. THIS IS THE BIG MAN SPORT." ~Crazy Lady on BGN forums

by southjersey89 on Nov 4, 2009 11:25 AM CST up reply actions

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 5, 2009 10:06 AM CST up reply actions

It was at one time

Tom Landry=the greatest football mind ever.

by DIRE WOLF on Nov 4, 2009 11:31 AM CST reply actions

lol, at least it sounds better than the Wild Eagle. Talk about lame.

"THIS IS NOT COLLEGE NO MORE. THIS IS THE BIG MAN SPORT." ~Crazy Lady on BGN forums

by southjersey89 on Nov 4, 2009 11:48 AM CST up reply actions

Actually

unfortunately the word around the Eagles posts has been that the team calls it the ….. “Spread Eagle” Offense…..let the jokes begin

by PierrEagles on Nov 4, 2009 12:58 PM CST up reply actions

If Vick ever steps on the field Sunday

I’ll be one happy camper because that will be one less play that will hurt us.

I’m really loving the fact Vick plays for Philly, just loving it.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Nov 4, 2009 2:01 PM CST reply actions

LMAO@Terry…Vick and the wildcat are realy “dog day afternoon” scary…lol..Dawkins, Jackson got his ass handed to him by the raiders 2 weeks ago…and Celek, well hes just going to be celek, and not much of a factor either way with Sensabaugh covering him…Its not a big deal when dealing with some high strung rookies, who had a good day against a team(NY Gnats) more focused on staying injury free than winning…I look for New York to come from their bye, with a mean streak a mile wide…Anyway, as for saying that nobody is going to cover jackson 1 0n 1, you just keep thinking that my friend, cause its really gonna be immaterial, when D-Ware opens up and starts “ribbing” your McFlabb…JMO FEAR THE STAR

by Hawgz, Bugz, and FilthyFowl Hater on Nov 4, 2009 3:30 PM CST reply actions

Jackson got his ass handed to him by the raiders 2 weeks ago…

I wouldn’t exactly call 6 catches for 94 yards “getting his ass handed to him.”

Celek, well hes just going to be celek, and not much of a factor either way with Sensabaugh covering him

I’m not going to sit here and say Celek has anywhere near the ability of Jason Witten, because he doesn’t… But do me a favor… Look at Celek’s numbers…

Celek – http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10605

And now Witten’s

Witten – http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=4527

Who’s having a better season? If the Cowboys want to cover Celek with Sensabaugh all day, I’ll be giddy.

Its not a big deal when dealing with some high strung rookies, who had a good day against a team(NY Gnats) more focused on staying injury free than winning

Uh… Yeah.

FEAR THE STAR

Oh no, you’re coming over here from yahoo, aren’t you?

by JimmyK on Nov 4, 2009 3:42 PM CST up reply actions

In all fairness

It was McNabb’s fault the receivers had such a bad game against Oakland. He had a 75% completion rate with the ground that day.

by ChrisRichey on Nov 4, 2009 3:54 PM CST up reply actions

dude, Vick sucks...big time

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Nov 4, 2009 4:11 PM CST up reply actions

The Key is

Containing Phillys big plays. I’ve come to accept that Desean Jackson will at least one big play against us. All we can do is pray we can get the big plays limited. I think Sensabugh can keep Celek fairly limited, with Jenkins and Maclin match up I can see Maclin possibly getting the better of the match up but not hurting us badly. Westbrook, and McCoy are a different story we can only hope to contain them. One thing is for sure, Philly is the fastest offense we will face so far and we will have our hands full with them.

by NDCowboy8 on Nov 4, 2009 4:42 PM CST reply actions

It's amazing how cocky Iggles fans are

I honestly do think we can play Jackson 1-on-1 with T-New. He’s shut down Pro Bowlers before. Yeah, Jackson is a burner, but T-New is way too physical and has some incredible speed of his own. None of Philly’s running backs scare me at this point in their careers. LeSean is going to be a great player, but this is probably the best D he’s seen so far, and Westbrook isn’t half as good as he used to be. Maclin vs. Jenkins/Scandrick is fine with me. Sensi vs. Celek I’m pretty comfortable with. He all but shut down the mighty Gonzo.

On offense, I’m sure JG will find a way to exploit Philly’s aggressive play calling. Seattle blitzed all day, and our guys took care of business.

I’m confident this ends horribly for Iggles fans. I’ve been wrong in the past, but I love the way the Cowboys are playing right now in all three phases.

Epic Fail since 1985

by the red scare on Nov 4, 2009 8:15 PM CST reply actions

A few notes

1. I would be glad to let the Cowboys play DeSean 1 on 1. Whether or not it could be done (which I doubt it could, this kid is likely the most explosive player in the league right now), it would be stupid to test it.
2. yeah, Westy’s been banged up a bit this year, but his leg issues are behind him, he was only out against the Giants for a concussion, he should be good to go.
3. I agree that LeSean has shown spark to be good but has a lot to prove still.
4. I also am not sure what we have with Maclin. He’s also shown flashes, but I just haven’t seen enough to be confident.
5. Celek is very under the radar, and very underrated.
6. I wouldn’t use your success against Seattle’s blitz as proof that you’ll be fine against ours…Philly’s blitzing schemes are a different animal and McDermott is blitzing more than Jimmy Johnson (although he hardly blitzed against the Giants and kept people in coverage instead…he adjusts well)

7. It’s fantastic how you start your post with how cocky we are, and then go on to say you’re “confident this ends horribly for Iggles fans”…you sound a lot more cocky than most Eagles fans I know. We like our talent, but we remember Oakland, and are still a little unsure of ourselves. We don’t really know what’s going to step out onto the field. You don’t even seem to think the Eagles are worth respecting.

"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs

by jalarsen1 on Nov 4, 2009 10:47 PM CST up reply actions

I do happen to think the Eagles are overrated

Didn’t exactly wow against Washington, lost to Oakland, beat a battered Giants team that had just been exposed by NO and Arizona. Not saying they’re a bad team, but they’re honestly not as frightening as people have been making them out to be.

Epic Fail since 1985

by the red scare on Nov 5, 2009 5:06 AM CST up reply actions

I could look at a couple of your games this season

and say the same. A big win over Seattle doesn’t scare me. BARELY beating Kansas City doesn’t scare me. I don’t even think the Falcons are fantastic, their defense has holes all over the place.

by jalarsen1 on Nov 5, 2009 8:00 AM CST up reply actions

I think Dallas shutting down Atlanta's high powered offense is what made that win so impressive

But I agree, the Falcons defense was suspect to begin with. We already assumed Dallas’s offense was going to score points on Atlanta’s defense. It was our defense stopping Matt Ryan and company that came as a bit of a surprise, and was certainly impressive. Atlanta can score on anybody, and they struggled a great deal against Dallas.

Epic Fail since 1985

by the red scare on Nov 6, 2009 2:49 AM CST up reply actions

ATL put up 300 yards and 21 points

that’s hardly “shutting then down”. In fact, the only teams that allowed Atlanta to score more than 21 were Carolina (28), and San Fran (45).

Miama held them to 19 pts and 280yds

New England held them to 10pts and 250yds

Chicago held them to 21 points and 250yds

That’s 3 out of 5 teams that “shut down” Atlanta’s high powered offense even better than you guys. If Atlanta’s offense “struggled a great deal” against Dallas…how did they do against Miami, New England or Chicago?

by jalarsen1 on Nov 6, 2009 3:01 PM CST up reply actions

i’m not taking away from your win, it was a great win, and you guys looked good doing it…all i’m saying is that as far as both teams bragging rights go, we’ve struggled and we’ve done well. You can’t say that your win over Atlanta was more impressive than our win over the Giants. And even though we lost to Oakland, your win over KC wasn’t much more impressive.

I’m just saying we’re even as far as opponents go.

by jalarsen1 on Nov 6, 2009 3:04 PM CST up reply actions

Nope, disagree with everything 100%

Kidding.

But seriously, since the off season, I’ve seen comments from Eagles fans on THIS board touting the Eagles as the Cowboys’ superior. Now it’s looking like you guys don’t have the team you thought you did a few months ago, and Dallas is far exceeding expectations.

Epic Fail since 1985

by the red scare on Nov 5, 2009 3:51 AM CST reply actions

We are currently tied for first in our division...

I think this is what we expected as fans.

by IgglesFanDeployd on Nov 5, 2009 3:54 AM CST up reply actions

Your guys lost a mere two weeks ago to a team that's fighting to stay out of the bottom 3

C’mon man. Beating the Giants isn’t quite as big of an accomplishment as it would have been 3 weeks ago. They didn’t exactly look impressive against Washington, and Oakland beat them before that. I would say the Eagles have been a big disappointment so far this year, they simply benefit from New York being an even bigger disappointment.

Epic Fail since 1985

by the red scare on Nov 5, 2009 5:14 AM CST up reply actions

It’s NEVER about who you play…

It’s about who you play WHEN you play them (and sometimes where).

A few weeks ago both the Cowboys and the Eagles were not playing their best football. The Eagles losing to the Raiders and the Cowboys needed overtime to beat the lowly Chiefs. Now both teams seemed to have found a mid-season stride of sorts. In short, the Eagles having lost to the Raiders a few weeks ago will have absolutely no bearing on this game on Sunday and furthermore proves nothing in terms of their ability to match up against the Cowboys. There have been several Super Bowl champions that have dropped a game on their way to a title to an inferior team; it happens.

As a Cowboys fan I have not lost site of the fact that this game is being played in Philadelphia. More often than not, in closely matched contests like this, the home field advantage will make the difference. My other concern is that Dallas has not looked that good on the road to me this year. The Tampa game was much closer than it should have been; Denver was a loss; and Kansas City never should have been the nail biter it was.

This game will be a great measuring stick for the boys to see how far along they’ve come but if they are to lose it certainly won’t be the end of their season. I can easily see them face to face with the Eagles again, (regardless of the outcome of this game) with the playoffs and/or possibly the division on the line. But this time it will be in Dallas.

The 2009 Dallas Cowboys: Talk to me in December.
The NFC East has won 11 Super Bowls; oddly none of those have come courtesy of the Eagles.

by gee-roj on Nov 5, 2009 8:04 AM CST up reply actions

See, I can agree with this COMPLETELY!

We have evenly matched teams, and one of us is going to win. I can see this going either way depending on mistakes, QB play, and the Defense’s ability to pressure the QB.

It just drives me nuts to see Cowboy fans saying they don’t see how they could possibly lose…or that TNewman will easily shut down DeSean 1 on 1…or that we’re somehow overrated b/c we struggled with the Raiders 2 weeks ago, but just won 2 division games pretty convincingly…that stuff drives me crazy!

I go in to every season expecting to split division games. I think we take this one at home.

by jalarsen1 on Nov 5, 2009 8:11 AM CST up reply actions

How is a 5-2 team tied for the top of the division a disappointment?

This is the NFL. Anything can happen any week and a win is a win. Yes, we lost to Oakland…and your game against KC could have gone either way EASILY! Let’s not pretend like that “W” on your record is impressive. You haven’t played Washington, their defense is solid, and we still beat them convincingly. Granted DeSean was the only guy who showed up on offense to play, but still…

The Falcons were your best win, but their defense is hardly strong, so while their record was impressive at the time you beat them their team wasn’t.

Could you guys be overrated? We did beat the Giants convincingly, while you lost to them.

by jalarsen1 on Nov 5, 2009 8:07 AM CST up reply actions

*5-2...

Despite season-ending injuries to Stewart Bradley, ~~Shawn Andrews~~ the Eagle who shall not be named, Omar Gaither, Cornelius Ingram…

Not to mention a slew of other starters that have missed multiple games, such as Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Kevin Curtis, Stacy Andrews, Todd Herremans, Victor Abiamiri.

But yeah, we’re “overrated.”

by JimmyK on Nov 5, 2009 8:25 AM CST up reply actions

Just to talk weapons

QB’s Romo (7 Games) vs McNabb (5 Games):

Analysis: Virtually equal completion %. Romo averages about a yard more per completion than McNabb. However, McNabb’s 9TD passes in 5 games is slightly better than Romo’s 12 in 7 games. McNabb is more likely to throw a TD and less likely to throw a pick. McNabb’s rating is higher this year. Both have been streaky, and McNabb is coming off
one great game, while Romo’s coming off of two. So yeah, Romo’s been playing great, for TWO games, and McNabb for one…this is not a great body of data.

Running Backs: I brought up Barber, Jones, Westbrook, and McCoy…

Analysis: No surprise here. Eagles backs are utilized more as receivers, and Dallas backs are SIGNIFICANTLY more efficient running the ball. Felix Jones is especially productive averaging almost 8 YPC…he is the most electric back right now of the four.

3rd Running Backs: Tashard Choice vs Leonard Weaver

Analysis: Tough comparison b/c Weaver’s a full back. He has had only limited opportunity but has performed remarkably well in that time. He averages significantly more yards per carry, and a significantly larger % of 1st down runs. Choice has MUCH better receiving stats.

Wide Receivers: Miles Austin and Roy Williams vs DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin

Analysis: Good matchup here. Austin has 2 more receptions than DeSean, and 62 more receiving yards. However, DeSean has 115 rushing yards. Both have scored 6 TDs, both are averaging about 21 yards/reception (Austin 21.7 vs Jackson 20.9). Both players have 14 plays for over 20 yards (Austin’s are all receptions, Jackson has 12 receptions and 2 rushes for over 20). Maclin has better stats than Williams, but has played one game more.

3rd WRs: Jason Avant vs Patrick Crayton

Analysis: Crayton wins this one with stats easily.

Tight Ends: Jason Witten vs Brent Celek

Analysis: Same # of games, same # receptions. That’s where the equality ends. Celek averages 12.1 YPR vs Witten’s 9.4. Celek has 3TDs to Witten’s 1. Celek has 7 receptions over 20 yards to Witten’s 3. Surprise, surprise…if Cowboy fans didn’t know his name before, they should become familiar with Brent Celek

Overall:

QB: this is pretty even regardless of how high Cowboy fans are on Romo this week. If anything, McNabb’s stats are slightly better adjusted to the 2 additional games Romo has played.

RB: this one goes to the Cowboys trio of Barber, Jones, and Choice.

WR: even matchup with Austin and DeSean. Maclin gets the better of Williams while Crayton gets the better of Avant.

TE: Speaking of this year only, you have to give it to Celek. I’m even hesitant to do that b/c Witten is phenomenal, and Celek is still coming into his own, but the #s are the #s.

It’s easy to see that our weapons are similar. I think it comes down to defense, and while the Cowboys have a SLIGHTLY better Run Defense, the Eagles secondary is phenomenal especially in their ability to create turnovers. This game can go either way. I expect to split games with the Cowboys every year, and I give this one to us at home.

These stats are really just for the homers on either side that think this game will be an easy win because their team is just so loaded…we’re both loaded.

by jalarsen1 on Nov 5, 2009 10:50 AM CST reply actions

This is a fairly even-handed analysis

consider that high praise. And for the most part I’ll agree, both teams are pretty evenly matched up.

I’ll make one point on Witten and Bennet, our 2 TE combo. Yes, their stat production is lower than Celek’s, but their blocking has been key in getting our running game to where it is, something you won’t find in the stats. Also, there’s two of them. I have no clue what to make of your Alex Smith.

by One.Cool.Customer on Nov 5, 2009 11:22 AM CST up reply actions

The thing about McNabb's INT's....

Is that it seems like for as few as he throws, he has more INT’s returned for touchdowns than any other QB in the league. Off the top of my head, infamous examples:
-The pick six that sealed the ’03 NFC Title Game.
-The one Roy Williams picked off on MNF to steal a game that the Eagles were leading 20-7 late.
-And then there most recently was the ’06 game where Ronde Barber took two picks (66 and 37 yards) back to the house in a 23-21 loss by the Mean Green Choking Machine.

Come to think of if, though; that last one was really the last time a McNabb pick six cost the Eagles game and that was more or less three whole seasons ago. So I’d say he’s about due for another game-costing pick six.

McNabb may not gift the opponent very often but when he does, what splendid presents they have been.

by MadMick on Nov 5, 2009 12:04 PM CST up reply actions

Interesting

I don’t know where to officially find those stats, but before I’d go argue that McNabb was due for one, I’d be worried about Romo avenging the 3 turnovers he personally gave us in our last meeting.

by jalarsen1 on Nov 5, 2009 3:57 PM CST up reply actions