Vindication - Eagles win 36-22

by JasonB on Dec 17, 2006 7:51 PM EST in Philadelphia Eagles News

Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Last year the Eagles lost McNabb and went 6-10. Six of those 10 losses came against the NFC East.

This year, they lose McNabb and they stand at 8-6 so far with only one loss in their division.

It's division games like the one that happened tonight that make the difference between playoff teams and 6-10 teams. Last year's Eagles were swept in the division, this year's Eagles served notice they are a force to be reckoned with in the NFC East.

The Eagles played inspired football today. They held one of the top running backs in football to only 75 yards rushing and the Giants team as a whole to under 100 yards on the ground. It was an effort both by a defense that stepped up and an offense that controlled the ball and won the time of possession battle for the first time in the second half of this season.

There were fantastic performances from Westbrook(who became the Eagles first 1,000 yard back since Duce), LJ Smith, Reggie Brown, a masterful job of playcalling from Reid/Marty and another solid effort from Garcia. The defensive line was more active, Gaither was fantastic... But one player shined above all others.

#20. Weapon X. Brian Dawkins. Two forced fumbles, Twelve tackles, and one INT. With three turnovers he was the dominant force in this game. He took this team on his back and won this thing. For a guy that's on the "wrong" side of 30, Dawk may very well be playing the best football of his career. He's a game changing presence that has now been the catalyst for 2 straight, hard fought division road wins. If this man is not a hall of famer, if he is not recognized one of the best safeties to ever play this game a crime has been committed. I simply can't praise him enough. He played like a champion today.

By the way, the huge amount of Eagles fans that went on the road to see the Birds play today started loud "Dallas Sucks" chants during the live postgame show on Fox. I have goosebumps.

Also, Jimmy Johnson is the biggest tool on earth. The Eagles have "no shot to make the playoffs?"

LOL!

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Comments

Big Congrats from a dedicated Colts fan

And, absolutely no argument about Jimmy Johnson being anything short of a moron.

Even though I want our little brother to do well, I cannot help it to chear for your re-energized team. GO GARCIA, GO EAGLES, BEAT THE COWBOYS!!!

by beester on Dec 17, 2006 8:07 PM EST reply actions

LOL

Still not over your Colts getting beaten by the Boys!

You better worry about getting knocked out of a 1st round bye, little man.

Go Cincinnati Defendants/Criminals/Repeat Offenders!

by Chunky Soup on Dec 18, 2006 3:42 AM EST up reply actions

I know one thing

If Marty M. was calling the plays tonight, he needs to keep doing it. Great team effort, but I agree, Dawkins was the standout.

Now we have a chance to win the division, but if not, there's four teams for two spots, us, NYG, ATL and MIN. Not bad for a team most "experts" picked to finish last in the NFC East.

by Blackacre on Dec 17, 2006 9:52 PM EST reply actions

Wow.

I'm numb. I could never believe the team that looked so lifeless against Tennessee, Jacksonville, and Indianapolis could pull this one out. What a game.

Brian Dawkins and Brian Westbrook were the best guys on the field. Another nice game from Garcia.

I watched the game with a Giants fan, and we both thought the pass interference they called on Sheldon on Burress to set the Giants up at the goal line was a crock. Would have been a crime if things had ended up that way.

Whatever I think about Andy Reid's play calling, this team has found its heart again, and I also think Jim Johnson did the best job of the season since the Dallas game. Of course, helped out by a lot of injuries to our opponent's O-line, we got pressure today. That was great to see. Tiki got his yards, but was contained. I thought this game was winnable, but honestly, in my heart my confidence level was low. I'm glad to be wrong, and I'm proud of the effort our guys gave today.

Lito, Lito, Lito, Lito, Lito, Lito...

by BrianS on Dec 17, 2006 9:54 PM EST reply actions

What a win...

I haven't stopped smiling. The Birds did everything they needed to do to win that game.

The most telling part of the game was our first touchdown drive after the Giants' punt return. You have to hand it to this club for not giving up.

That first drive seemed almost too easy. But it set the tone for the rest of the game. We'd use everyone to get the job done.

We used LJ, Baskett and Bucky more than usual. We threw a ball to Schobel...it wasn't caught but when was the last time he was involved?

Bring on the Cowboys... we're ready!

Fly Eagles Fly!

by klkatz on Dec 18, 2006 11:11 AM EST reply actions

we'll see what they're chanting

on Christmas Day when Romo personally delivers a big lump of coal in the Eagles stockings.

by Terry @ Bleeding Green Nation on Dec 18, 2006 11:43 AM EST reply actions

I hope he has presents for Sheppard and Dawk

They've been very good. I know they'd like some footballs to go with the ones Drew gave them. Romo seemed pretty generous against New Orleans and I hope he gives Lito and Brian some footballs, too.

The Cowboys offense is obviously (in general) playing better than they were in the first meeting. I've been unpleasantly suprised by Tony Romo, and there's not much bad I can say about him.

While I can't say the Eagles' offense is playing as well, they're sure playing more consistently, despite being less explosive. For what (little) it's worth, Jeff Garcia had the game of his life last time he faced off against TO's team. I can't imagine the TO angle will get as much hype without McNabb on the field.

Honestly, I think this will be a very exciting game that'll come down to the wire again. I don't think either defense can consistently stop the opposing offense. Unless Tony Romo plays Safety, too, of course.

Lito, Lito, Lito, Lito, Lito, Lito...

by BrianS on Dec 18, 2006 12:29 PM EST up reply actions

Garcia

I actually don't see much of a drop off between McNabb and Garcia in terms of production. Obviously McNabb is better, but Garcia is one scrapy dude. I really don't think Philly is losing all that much with him at qb.

by Terry @ Bleeding Green Nation on Dec 18, 2006 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

Depends on what "production is"

There's a sizeable dropoff in production. The difference is that the coach has finally been forced to call a balanced game and not surprisingly has paid off. Before Garcia Reid felt he could get away with 50 passes a game and hoping for a 300 yard, 3 TD performance from McNabb with every other pass 40 yards down field. McNabb is capable of it, but it's not a sound way to run an offense.

With Garcia, Reid has gotten back to running the ball and working the rhythm passing game. Don't get me wrong, I love what Garcia has done... but Andy and Marty Morninwheg are just as big a reason this offense is still good.

Bleeding Green Nation Philadelphia Eagles Blog

by JasonB on Dec 18, 2006 4:24 PM EST up reply actions

Well said

McNabb becomes a crutch for Reid, and when he's anything less than spectacular, Andy doesn't seem to have a plan B.

There are some things Garcia does better than McNabb. He gets rid of the ball quicker, I think his throws are little easier for our butterfingered receivers and tight end to catch since he doesn't throw as hard, and I think he's a good leader who gets everyone fired up (I don't think McNabb is a bad leader -- I just think he's more of a laid-back "keep everybody loose" type.) But if they ran the offense with McNabb the way they ran it with Garcia, they'd add more big play capability to a very efficient offense and be even better.

Lito, Lito, Lito, Lito, Lito, Lito...

by BrianS on Dec 18, 2006 4:58 PM EST up reply actions