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
74 comments
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?
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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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 Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 4, 2009 10:55 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
can you elaborate on your "any number of mismatches"?
Just curious to see what you think. I do not deny there will be some mismathces exploited by both teams Sunday night.
by TEXMSMRFC on Nov 4, 2009 11:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Will do... (focusing on the passing game, which I don't think the Cowboys can stop even if they know it's coming)...
I’ll start with DeSean Jackson. Nobody on the Cowboys is covering DeSean Jackson 1 on 1. Not happening. If Wade Phillips wants to take him away, you’re going to have to cover him with Newman and shade one of your safeties (likely Sensabaugh) over to help over the top. That’ll leave 1 on 1 opportunities all day with Jeremy Maclin on either Jenkins or Scandrick all day, and if I’m Andy Reid, I’m exploiting that to death.
So now that leaves the Cowboys with the following group of safeties and linebackers to contend with either Brian Westbrook or LeSean McCoy; in addition to Leonard Weaver and Brent Celek…
- Anthony Spencer
- Bradie James
- Keith Brooking
- Ken Hamlin
- DeMarcus Ware – Not an option. If you don’t have him rushing the passeer, that’s a huge win for the Eagles, plus he’s not exactly a great cover LB anyway.
Not a single one of those guys is staying with Westbrook or McCoy, and I also love the matchup of Brent Celek on any single one of those guys as well. Furthermore, if you use too many of those guys to contend with Westbrook/McCoy and Celek, you’re gonna get no pass rush whatsoever and give McNabb all day to throw, not to mention that Leonard Weaver is also a significant weapon.
SIDE NOTE – Before anyone laughs off Brent Celek, please note he has 37 catches for 447 yards, and 3 TD, which if you put those numbers on the Cowboys, he’d be tied for 1st in catches with Witten, and only 2nd to Miles Austin in yards and TD receptions.
Anyway, that’s just how I see it from a very basic perspective. If you want to play “We can stop this guy away by doing this,” I’m game. It’ll be fun. Let me know how you’d defend this O with your personnel, and I’ll venture a guess as to how the Eagles might counter.
by Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 4, 2009 12:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Only Jackson
Is a threat anymore. Mayeb I am missing something but I don’t see why Macklin needs more than a Jenkins on him. The key will be pressure on McNabb and a consistent rushing attack on offense.
by King Man on Nov 4, 2009 12:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OK...
If you think Jackson is the only weapon, I can only assume you haven’t been watching the Eagles. And that’s fine. Next.
by Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 4, 2009 12:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
if you think Jackson's our only weapon
I’ll grant Austin as your only weapon, and I’m fairly certain our secondary can slow him down. Do you think you’re hopeless if we shut down Austin? No, you’ll rattle of a host of names like Felix, Barber, Witten, and even the illustrious Roy Williams.
To say that Jackson’s our only weapon of concern is to show you have not studied your opponent.
"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 1:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If you think Austin is Dallas' only weapon
shows you haven’t watched the damn games.
Tom Landry=the greatest football mind ever.
by DIRE WOLF on Nov 4, 2009 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think you should read his post again.
by Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 4, 2009 2:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"I'll grant Austin as your only weapon"
WTF do you read
Tom Landry=the greatest football mind ever.
by DIRE WOLF on Nov 4, 2009 2:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Do you think you’re hopeless if we shut down Austin? No, you’ll rattle of a host of names like Felix, Barber, Witten, and even the illustrious Roy Williams.
He’s saying you have other weapons too.
by Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 4, 2009 3:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess it was the accent...
I didn’t read it that way. I think both teams have a number of weapons. It’s just Dallas has more and better ones.
Tom Landry=the greatest football mind ever.
by DIRE WOLF on Nov 4, 2009 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s just Dallas has more and better ones.
You have to include a :) so I know you’re not serious next time.
by Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 4, 2009 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
serious as the clap
Tom Landry=the greatest football mind ever.
by DIRE WOLF on Nov 4, 2009 3:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I actually disagree completely
I think we have more and better ones…but I guess that’s why we’re both homers.
"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 6:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
it really doesn't matter
the team that executes exploiting those mismatches will win the game.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Nov 4, 2009 6:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/tag/_/name/dangerous-player-09
"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 5, 2009 9:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and? You have one very dangerous player……that makes your point how?
by sduncan24 on Nov 5, 2009 9:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
sorry,
that was a reply to the guy who was extremely confident that TNew was going to ‘easily’ shut down DeSean 1 on 1
"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 5, 2009 10:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He won't shut him down 1 on 1
but then again he won’t be asked to. If you want to know how Dallas will approach Jackson, just see the Carolina game this year. Newman on Jackson, shade Hamlin over the top. Jenkins on Maclin and most of the time Scrandrick on Celek, Sensabaugh deep on the strongside of the field.
I like our chances covering your receivers. Just me.
by sduncan24 on Nov 5, 2009 10:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and you ought to like your chances
no point going into a game thinking you don’t have a chance.
"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 5, 2009 10:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
you forgot Carp, ByeDawk
He actually is our nickel cover backer in passing downs.
BTW, your secondary faces the same type of mismatches as well. You’re kidding yourself if you think Samuel can cover Austin 1 on 1 or your backers can hang with Witten.
And Felix out in open space he be much scarier for you than Westbrook in open space against us.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Nov 4, 2009 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll address those one at a time... First, Carpenter...
I didn’t forget Carpenter. If I wrote about every single solitary defensive package, it would be a 3,000 word post, people would read a sentence or 2, then quit.
For now, let’s just focus on 1st and 10 scenarios… How would you scheme to stop the following personnel package (and bring in whatever defender you want)…
- Jackson
- Maclin
- Celek
- Westbrook
- Weaver
by Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 4, 2009 2:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
our base 3-4 would be fine with that unit
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Nov 4, 2009 4:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And now our secondary...
- Asante Samuel (aside from his horrific tackling) is having an incredible season. I like our chances of Samuel keeping the ball away from Austin, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified about Asante’s ability to bring him down if Austin is able to get his hands on the ball.
- Sheldon Brown man up all day on Roy Williams. No concern there at all.
- Witten – Yup – Big mismatch there. Quintin Mikell is too valuable in the run game and as a center fielder to man him up on Witten all day (and despite how good Mikell is, it’s still a mismatch in Witten’s favor anyway). The Eagles will be forced to take their chances with Witherspoon and Sean Jones on Witten and Bennett, which isn’t ideal. And on a side note, Bennett has been a stiff so far this year.
- As for Felix Jones, this isn’t a good matchup for him. Jones is most effective against slower defenses, and the Eagles’ defense has speed, speed, and more speed. Jones isn’t the kind of guy that’s been effective out of the slot running WR routes like a WR yet in this league, like Westbrook has done for so many years. If he was, I’d be a lot more nervous about him. If Dallas wants to get the ball in Jones’ hands in the passing game, it’s typically in the form of a swing pass or a screen, which Philly defends extremely well.
Roy Williams is killing your offense, because if you have a halfway decent #2 CB, most teams will feel comfortable manning him up 1 on 1 all day, which frees up other defenders to make plays. Your whole offensive passing scheme will be dependent on one thing, and not to over-simplify it, but… How well can they pick up the blitz?
by Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 4, 2009 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
For starters…
Whoever covers Jackson has to absolutely punish him at the line of scrimmage. Man up, on the line with very physical press coverage. If you have to take a couple of illegal contact flags, of the 5 yard variety so be it. The Cowboys will get killed if they allow this guy a clean release off the line. Unfortunately the Cowboys play their corners a good 10 yards off the line far too often for my liking and I’ll be screaming at my television if I see that again this Sunday night. I’m guessing they’ll start Newman on him who has had some success against faster opponents, i.e. Steve Smith (Panthers). If that’s not working than they could be in for a long night because they absolutely have to have the other guys free to Blitz, cover etc…
Another key will be if they can get some pressure rushing only 4. If Ratliff and Ware are getting to McNabb and collapsing his pocket from one side and up the middle it go a long way towards helping the secondary.
The Cowboy offense might be wise to run a ball control style of offense and not try get into a shoot out with the Eagles. I’m expecting a heavier dose of Felix on Sunday night and can only hope Choice will get more carries than he’s been getting. If Garrett goes pass happy this game will get out of hand. Blitzing is what the Eagles do best, (that’s not to say that they aren’t stout against the run as well).
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 4, 2009 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Contrary to popular belief, it’s the smaller, quick, shifty guys that are harder to check at the line of scrimmage. Jackson has destroyed teams that have tried it. Most teams will go bump and run with the bigger, slower receivers because they’re easier to hit at the line of scrimmage. Obviously, there are a lot of bigger receivers historically that are just way too physical to bother trying to bump and run (Michael Irvin is a prime example), but for the most part it’s the quick guys that’ll kill you.
by Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 4, 2009 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree somewhat
Yes, shifty guys can be difficult to jam, but the inexperience of getting off the line for both your guys can offset that. I watch every Eagles game believe me, and it’s much worse to allow them free release to run wild and weave through the secondary.
If I’m coordinating the Dallas D, I’m pressing them with two deep safeties and taking my chances with McNabb’s inaccuracies. Also, I’m having an extra d back in the game. Dallas has done this in the past with the Eagles since they are so unbalanced. I believe we handle whatever runs come our way.
by grey9er on Nov 4, 2009 3:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Also, I’m having an extra d back in the game.
Not a bad thought. If it’s a 3rd safety that can also play the run, that might work. But Pat Watkins? That’s not the answer. However, if you’re thinking of having Newman, Jenkins, Scandrick, Hamlin, and Sensabaugh all on the field against the Eagles base offense, they will gash you (badly) in the run game.
by Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 4, 2009 3:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tied for 4th in yards per carry.
by Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 5, 2009 11:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree grey9er...
I do not want to see these Philly wide outs getting a clean release.
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 8:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not only a clean release
but also the bubble crap that Philly treats as a run. I hate giving up free yards.
by grey9er on Nov 5, 2009 10:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Celek is becoming a legit TE but
the Cowboys have shown the ability to shut down some good TE’s over the past few weeks. T.Gonzalez was held to 4 catches for 37 yards while J.Carlson got only 3 catches for 36 yards. If Celek produces these numbers i will be happy and he will be a non-factor in the game.
As far as Jackson he can be contained with Newman with help over the top. Maclin will see Jenkins all night and I think that may be where the Eagles can gain some yards. McNabb will have to be on-point though bc Jenkins has a few picks this year (nothing compared to your secondary however).
Westbrook and McCoy will have to be addressed through scheme and Wade timing blitzes rather than one-on-one matchups.
by TEXMSMRFC on Nov 4, 2009 2:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
4 catches for 40 yards is not a non-factor
when they convert 3rd downs
"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 5, 2009 8:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
To elaborate on Miles Austin...
Really solid player, nice ability to run after the catch, might be a great player eventually. This is the first real test though. If he puts up great numbers on our D I’ll concede he is legit. Also I’d rather have Sheldon on Austin all day rather than Samuel but neither is going to happen. McDermott follows JJ’s school of Defense. Samuel plays one side Sheldon plays the other they don’t switch. Scariest matchup for the Eagles on D will be Felix catching passes out of the backfield. Really like what Spoon has brought to the team I have faith in him. Jordan might be able to keep pace but I doubt it and Gocong will be toast against Felix in pass coverage. Witten will torch us because he is one of the best TEs in the games and even if he wasn’t we make all the teams we play think their TEs are as good as Witten. Should be a fun game though.
by IgglesFanDeployd on Nov 4, 2009 2:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I was gonna ask
If Samuel has such atrocious tackling, why not put Sheldon on him? What I’m most afraid of in this game is Romo reverting back to Giants game form. He can’t afford to be off-target against this secondary.
by Joon on Nov 5, 2009 7:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 4, 2009 3:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would assume
Scandrick will cover Celek on a pretty regular basis
by sduncan24 on Nov 5, 2009 9:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's a mismatch made in heaven.
Scandrick – 5’10, 192 lbs.
Celek – 6’4, 255 lbs.
by Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 5, 2009 11:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Scandrick covered Gonzo a great deal against Atlanta if I'm not mistaken
Along with Sensabaugh. I think that combination will do just fine.
I do think Celek’s a great athlete and bound to make a couple of plays, much like Gonzo, but I do think the Cowboys can keep his impact on the game to a minimum.
Epic Fail since 1985
by the red scare on Nov 6, 2009 2:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
dude, Vick sucks...big time
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Nov 4, 2009 4:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
"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 5, 2009 8:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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?
"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 6, 2009 3:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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.
"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 6, 2009 3:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
"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 5, 2009 8:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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.
"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 5, 2009 8:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
*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 Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 5, 2009 8:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought you were above playing the injury card, guess not. Suck it up and deal with it, we had a lot of injuries last year too, especially when we played you at the end of the year, but you choose to ignore that as will I ignore your current injuries.
by sduncan24 on Nov 5, 2009 9:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You’ll never hear me use injuries as an excuse for a loss… ever. All I’m saying is that it’s impressive what they’ve been able to do despite their extremely long list of injuries.
by Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 5, 2009 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just sounded like
you were setting it up for an excuse for WHEN you lose Sunday
by sduncan24 on Nov 5, 2009 12:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not at all, brother. An enormous part of building a great football team is having great depth, which the Eagles have in spades. Injuries are no excuse at all. Besides, McNabb, Westy, and Herremans are back now, so that list above isn’t as bad as it was a few weeks ago.
by Bye, Dawk :( on Nov 5, 2009 12:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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.
"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 5, 2009 10:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
"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 5, 2009 3:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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