The 2006 run, how did we do it?

by captain nodar on Nov 19, 2008 11:13 AM EST Comment 27 comments

After week 12, we were 5-6. Here is a breakdown of the win streak:

Week 13: 23 rushes, 37 passes (22-37 for a 59.5% CP, 3TD's, no picks)
Week 14: 22 rushes, 23 passes (15-23 for a 65.2% CP, 2 TD's, no picks)
Week 15: 30 rushes, 28 passes (19-28 for a 67.9% CP, 1TD, 1 int)
Week 16: 42 rushes, 23 passes (15-23 for a 65.2% CP, 1TD, 1 int)
Week 17: 17 rushes, 36 passes (23-36 for a 63.9% CP, 3 TD's, no picks)

The one obvious stat that sticks out is the run/pass ratio. Sure, in week 17 we had 36 passes to 17 runs, but we were coming off 2 weeks in which we ran more than we passed, including a whopping 42 rushes to just 23 passes the week prior. This left teams unsure what to expect.

Garcia was also very efficient over the win streak, although I feel he had it a bit easier with the balanced play calling.

Another thing the stats won't show - the morale of the team just seemed to be better. You could just tell that the new balanced attack had rallied the team, and the players were enjoying themselves and playing with more heart. Garcia's leadership didn't hurt either.

An interesting article from the time -

"We were in a rut offensively, and I call the plays," Reid said. "It starts with me. You take a hard look at yourself in that situation, and we weren't moving the football. If I'm in a rut, I feel very comfortable turning to Marty. So that's what we did."

The full article is here.

So, we are obviously in a "rut" once again, so where is the adaptation? Where is the change? Why did he recognize his shortcomings in the 2006 season and make a change, but insists on feeding us the same old "keep firing" nonsense this season?

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Nice

Thats a great question. Id say we are in a pretty big f-ing rut right now. Quit calling plays ANDY!!

by EaglesPhan on Nov 19, 2008 12:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

good post

i think Reid should look back and see that Mac cant do it all o his own…we need Bwest, Buck…and hopefully a little of Booker to show up and play

Fire the Fat One
Fire Andy Reid

by XxBleedGreen5xX on Nov 19, 2008 6:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

the play calling is terrible. it may be a stretch but at this point i’d prefer mcnabb just call the plays as he sees them at the line. take a page out of the peyton manning book. cant hurt based on the way things have been going.

www.WorldF-ingChampions.com
www.VintageUnis.com

by sixrfan on Nov 19, 2008 10:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

nooooooo, we caaaaaaant do that or he mite actually run a running play on accident…

Fire the Fat One
Fire Andy Reid

by XxBleedGreen5xX on Nov 20, 2008 7:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The problem I see is I think Westy was healthier in ‘06 than he was now, and Garcia really just had to be a game manager. I don’t recall Garcia winning games moreso than not losing them (don’t get me wrong — I was really, really pleased with how he played, I do in general think Donnie Mac is a better QB).

Between Westbrook’s health and/or the struggling O-line, I’m just not sure I can see 36 putting the team on his back and carrying these guys to the playoffs.

But I hope I’m wrong. I fear this could be the last ride for two of my favorites, 5 and 20. I don’t want it to end w/o at least postseason berth.

I wonder if I can bill Jeff Lurie and Peter Angelos for the years of therapy their teams are going to put me through.

by BrianS on Nov 19, 2008 12:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The struggling O-Line is a big difference – just a guess, but I think that we could run the ball because our O-line was actually good.
Take a look at the Adjusted Line Yard tables for ’06 – the Birds had the 3rd ranked run blocking line in the NFL by FO. We still had some issues converting short yardage, but we rarely got stuffed.

’06 was Andrews first Pro Bowl and Tra and Runyan were 2 years younger…

by cavortingEagle on Nov 19, 2008 12:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I dont know man... Garcia played pretty well in my opinion.

And for the first and only time in my recent memory, i felt like we would win everytime he started. He just exuded confidence… mcnabb exudes fear i think

"and with that play the Philadelphia Eagles complete the most improbable run to a Superbowl Crown in NFL history"
-Merrill Reese (February 1, 2009)

by 700 Level on Nov 19, 2008 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I didn’t mean to imply that I didn’t think Garcia didn’t play well. I just think we used the run to set up the pass more than w/Mcnabb.

I wonder if I can bill Jeff Lurie and Peter Angelos for the years of therapy their teams are going to put me through.

by BrianS on Nov 19, 2008 1:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

2006

The run pass ratios you show are a bit skewed from all the Garcia scrambles and kneeldowns. It also helped that in the Redskins, Giants, and Cowboys games, we held a significant lead and could run out the clock at the end of the game.

I think the real thing was that Garcia put the team on his back against the Panthers and won the game, with a big assist from Lito Sheppard. Garcia needed to prove himself to the team after the disaster that was the Titans and Colts games, with him looking totally befuddled out there and constantly checking down to Westbrook. The Panthers game was a game that was in doubt, with the Panthers leading most of the game and our season looking like it was going down in flames again at home until the late comeback.

That performance that night seemed to inspire a number of players and I thought Dawkins, Westbrook, and the O-Line all stepped up big time in the following three divisional games and against the Giants and Saints in the playoffs. Dawkins took over the Redskins game to singlehandedly prevent the Redskins offense from scoing in a way you rarely see a defensive player do. He was all over the field making big plays whenever needed.

The wideouts also got really serious about their downfield blocking from that point on, and we had a lot of successful big runs out of 3 and 4 wide receiver sets with Baskett, Stallworth, Brown, and LJ Smith spreading the field where Westbrook would score untouched from 30, 40, or 50 yards out because everyone on defense had been knocked flat on their ass. I remember Stallworth making a to-do list for one of the games and the first item was blocking downfield for Westbrook.

http://www.veoh.com/videodetails.swf?player=videodetails&type=v&permalinkId=v226434gPdzCF7E

by Andrew B on Nov 19, 2008 1:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Every time we’ve tried the big run out of the 4 wideout sets since then, it seems to get shut down immediately. In late 2006 when we ran them, we scored every time.

by Andrew B on Nov 19, 2008 1:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate Bill Simmons...

…but this is what he calls the Ewing Theory. Your best player goes down and the rest of the team steps up because you realize you’ve been relying on said best player too much in the past anyways.

by ajay on Nov 19, 2008 2:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

agreed

by damonmoore43 on Nov 19, 2008 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Eagles turned their season around in 2006 because...

Brian Dawkins and the Eagles defense. (leading the Birds to close-game WINS)

Dawkins played like a man on a mission those final six games. He was voted All-Pro by season’s end.

Week 13, Carolina Panthers (Win, 27-24)

-It was Dawkins who intercepted Jake Delhomme when the Panthers were driving with the score tied 24-24. Dawkins returned the interception 40 yards and put the Eagles in position to take the lead on an Akers field goal.
-On the Panthers’ next possession, Delhomme led his team to the Eagles 7 yard line. A field goal would have tied, and a touchdown would have but the Panthers ahead. But Delhomme’s fade route to Keyshawn Johnson was intercepted by Lito Sheppard, ending the game.
—POINT: No one would have been talking about the rushing attack, blah blah, blah, blah, Garcia’s “numbers,” blah blah blah…if the D, and more specifically Brian Dawkins…hadn’t been doing their job.

Week 14, Washington Redskins (Win, 21-19)

-The Eagles were outgained 415-263. They let Betts run for 171 yards, his career-high. Garcia threw 2 INTs.
-But Michael Lewis SCORED on an 84-yd INT return.
-The most important play of the game, however, came from Dawkins. The Redskins were driving and made it to the Eagles 3, with the score 21-16 Birds. It was late in the fourth quarter and the Redskins, just like the Panthers, were in position to take the lead. But a 3rd-down sack by Dawkins forced a field goal, and the Redskins never got the ball back.
—POINT: D was gashed and burned all game. But scoring a touchdown (cough, Asante Samuel, cough) and Dawkins getting that sack turned the tide.

Week 15, New York Giants (Win, 36-22)

-Again, the Eagles D came through with POINTS. Trent Cole effectively ended the game with a pick six off Eli Manning in the 4th.
-But…again, it was DAWKINS who was the MVP. He forced 2 fumbles and intercepted a pass. One of the fumbles ended a drive deep in Eagles territory in the first half. His interception set up Westbrook’s first touchdown.

—POINT: D was gashed and burned all game. But scoring a touchdown (cough, Asante Samuel, cough) and Dawkins playing like an All-Pro was enough.

Week 16, Dallas Cowboys (Win, 23-7)

-Eagles stuff ‘Boys on the goal line 3 straight times, make them turn it over on downs in the first, which protected a 7-0 lead.
-
—POINT: D dominated the game so the Offense didn’t have to play from behind. Dawkins made the play of the game with an over-the-shoulder interception in the end zone. The pass was intended for T.O. and would have cut the Eagles lead to 16-14 in the fourth quarter. When the Eagles got the ball after Dawkins’ interception, Buckhalter would pound it in to put them up for good, 23-7. All keyed of Dawkins’ interception.

—POINT: D dominates, Eagles win.

Disclaimer: Garcia was efficient. Westbrook was efficient. But it was the Eagles D that powered the 4 game win streak to end the season.

That last game against the Falcons don’t count because it was meaningless.

by damonmoore43 on Nov 19, 2008 3:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

that gives a little hope

those numbers give a sliver of hope for this season as this defense seems capable of rising to the occasion and carrying the team. so far the defense has been tough but they havn’t been making too many big plays for points. hopefully that changes

by njh3293 on Nov 19, 2008 4:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Some similarity to this year

Dawkins made a series of amazing plays in the Pittsburgh game and we won despite losing Westbrook, McNabb being hurt, and offense playing horribly.

Defense did not play well in the Cowboys game but Gocong’s fumble recovery in the end zone was a big factor in keeping the game close.

Defense also had problems in the Giants game but Patterson’s interception and return to the nine and Gocong’s hit on Jacobs that caused a fumble gave us great field position twice and led to two TDs.

We also broke the SF game open late with an INT didn’t we?

In losses to the Skins and Bears and the tie with Cincy, the defense played well, but didn’t have any game turning plays.

Problem is that you can’t count on a key turnover or devastating sack.

by MJW on Nov 19, 2008 4:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

good post mjw, that's a great point..winning's easier with those game-turning plays..

by damonmoore43 on Nov 19, 2008 4:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

game-turners

in the 49ers game, the eagles had 2 INTs and a forced fumble in the 4th quarter. Parker returned the INT for a touchdown which ended the game.

That Parker INT was huge because the 49ers were down 7, at midfield with under a minute to go. They could have tied it up.

Mikell’s INT came right when the Eagles had just taken the lead. (we were trailing 26-17 headed into the 4th) and led to the Eagles 2nd field goal of the quarter to make it 30-26

And then Cleamons recovered a fumble, which led to another field goal…33-26.

And then Parker ended the game.

So…even with the Offense stalling down the stretch…the D came up HUGE.

by damonmoore43 on Nov 19, 2008 4:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

dawkins' play..

against the Steelers was classic B Dawk. That left little doubt that his presence is needed on the field. just not in one on one coverage with the other team’s top receiver. hahaha

by damonmoore43 on Nov 19, 2008 4:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, no more

one on one for Dawk please. Just let him get up in the box and make plays.

by MJW on Nov 19, 2008 6:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

the sai nts game.. D was the reason why we lost. Trotter slowed up a bit and teams were running up and down the field on us..and while the dfense was good Garcia was running the offense a hell of a lot more eficnetly than mcnabb was at the time (despite mcnabb’s stats). mcnabs last few games were awful. and i DO remember us running the ball more and utlizing roll outs and play action efficiently. we can’t do that now.

by Joe_D on Nov 19, 2008 9:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree, Dawk stepped it up big time, but I believe the O had more to do with the win then is noted.

Week 13, Carolina Panthers (Win, 27-24) – Eags up by 3. Carolina had the ball at their own 24 with 3 minutes left. In the next 2 minutes, they drive all the way down to the Philly 7, and Delhomme puts up just an awful throw, easy pick by Lito. Game over.

Week 14, Washington Redskins (Win, 21-19) – Eags are losing 14-19 with 5 minutes left, Gathier gets a pick and takes it to the Wash 31. In 2 minutes, Eagles drive to the Wash 10, Garcia throws a TD to LJ Smith, Eagles take 21-19 lead.

Week 15, New York Giants (Win, 36-22) – Eagles are losing 16-14 at start of the 4th. Mahe (yes, Mahe) has a 64 yard return, Westy scores on a 28 yard run. Skip to 9 minutes left, Giants have the ball on the Philly 35. 2 minutes later, they are in the endzone, 22-21 Giants. 7 minutes left, 1st and 10 Eagles at their own 20. Garcia leads a nice 4 minute drive that ends with a 19 yard TD to Brown. 29-22 Philly. The Cole pick then seals it.

Week 16, Dallas Cowboys (Win, 23-7) - Eagles are up 16-7. About 14 minutes left in 4th quarter, 1st and 10 for Philly at their own 20. Eagles go on a clock-eating 7 minute drive that ends with a 1 yard Buckhalter TD run.

Week 17, Falcons (Win 24-17) – You did not include this game, as the Eagles had already clinched and Feeley was in, but I want to point out that the Falcons tied it in the 4th 17-17, and a Feeley – Baskett 89 yard TD was the game winning score.

I agree with you that the D, especially Dawkins, rose to the occasion during that win streak. But I think the O had much more to do with those wins then you give credit for. I will chalk the win streak up to a total team effort by the Eagles. Man, that was a great run.

by captain nodar on Nov 19, 2008 10:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Above, I meant to point out in week 13 against Carolina, we were losing 24-17 with 11 minutes to go. We got the ball on our own 27, and 1 1/2 minutes later, Garcia threw a 40 yard TD to Brown. That TD ties it at 24 all. Then comes the awesome Dawkins pick, 1st and 10 at CAR 37 with 7 minutes to go. We drive to the Carolina 7, then kick a FG to go up 27-24 with a bit over 3 minutes left.

by captain nodar on Nov 20, 2008 12:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs