Miracle comeback & miracle playoff run both fall short
by JasonB on Jan 18, 2009 7:12 PM EST
in News
102 comments
No interference? Really?
I hate complaining about refs. I really do. In the end, if a bad call screws your team it's usually only because you put yourself in a position to have it affect you. That said, a bad call is a bad call. To not flag Rod Hood when he slips and tries to drag Curtis down on that 4th down play is a bad call. We called it. Aikman and Buck called it. It was a pass interference plain and simple. To not call it is wrong. It shouldn't matter what the situation is. We still had a long way to go and there's no guarantee whatsoever that we would have gone on to win the game... but it was pass interference. What's worse, Curtis still had a shot to catch that ball and a pretty good shot at that.
Bad call aside, the first half and the defense killed us
Make no mistake about it, that non call was horrible... but we lost this game because we didn't show up in the first half. The offense did next to nothing and the defense was dominated. They made a valiant effort in the second half to redeem themselves but the hole they dug was too big.
That said, in the 4th quarter of this game we had the lead. We took the lead, the defense had a chance to shut the door and they came up small. They allow Arizona a 7:46 minute, 72 play TD drive. A championship defense doesn't allow that to happen. If there was a pivotal game deciding drive in this game, that was it.
How do we rate McNabb in this game?
After the Viking and Giant game I gave McNabb a lot of credit. I specifically said that final stats aren't where playoff performances are judged. The final score is. He may have not had great statistical games, but he made 3rd down plays and did what he needed to win. You could say he did enough to win this one as well. His stats were impressive. 28-47, 375 yds 3 TDs, 1 INT(on a tipped pass no less).
I thought Howie Long made an interesting point before the game. When a team wins all the credit goes to the QB and when they lose it's all his fault. He's correct and QBs really do get too much of the praise/blame... Certainly no one can point to McNabb as THE reason we lost this game. He had a poor first half, but he certainly led that second half comeback with some great throws. That said, there is a time when QBs really do make their money. When their legends are made. At the end of this game, McNabb didn't make the plays he needed to. Let's put that 4th down non interference play aside. He had two open WRs on second and third down and missed them with bad throws both times. Sorry, but all those second half heroics tend to be forgotten when you can't hit an open receiver with the game on the line.
Missed opportunities, bonehead plays
I just have to list these because they really blew me away. Greg Lewis dropping a wide open pass downfield in the second quarter. Demps falling down on the gadget play that resulted in the Fitzgerald touchdown. Quintin Mikell dropping an INT at the end of the first half. Demps blatant cheap shot on Warner that gve them 15 free yards on the final drive of the first half that ended in a FG. McNabb wormburner to Baskett in the second quarter where Hank had the entire middle of the field wide open to run. This didn't hurt us, but what was Abiamiri thinking trying to field that kickoff that was headed out of bounds? Incredibly dumb. Badly overthrown McNabb pass to Curtis who was wide open behind the defense on the first drive of the 3rd quarter. Bad drop from Baskett on perfect pass on second and long in the 3rd quarter. Akers missing an extra point and a FG. Right after the Eagles TD in the 3rd quarter Akers sends the ensuing kickoff out of bounds. Two consecutive terrible passes to wide open WRs on the final drive. McNabb threw way over the head of a wide open Desean Jackson and well behind a wide open Hank Baskett.
Let's not forget what we have
Just because the Eagles did not win the superbowl, doesn't mean Reid should be fired and McNabb should be traded. There's an element that calls for everyone's head after every single loss. We simply can't act like a run to the NFC title game is meaningless. We destroyed Dallas in a virtual playoff game. We beat the NFC North winners on the road and we beat the NFC east winning/defending champs on the road.
That is an accomplishment. A comendable accomplishment. An accomplishment 28 other teams are jealous of this year.
What does the future hold for this team? I don't know. We'll clearly be discussing that in the weeks to come, but "blow it up, get rid of everyone" clearly is not what should or will happen.
And for anyone that thinks the old meme that lack of a "#1 WR" is why we didn't win... Curtis caught 4 passes for 122 yards and Jackson caught 6 passes for 92 yards and a TD. I believe we need another playmaker on offense, but we've got WRs that can play.
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Excellent read (and write) Jason – thank you much
by jemagee on Jan 18, 2009 7:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Can I just add to the list of maybe not ‘boneheaded’ played but WTF plays – Sheldon Brown ‘covering’ Larry Fitzgerald on that touchdown – i mean he just sort of looked like he was watching
by jemagee on Jan 18, 2009 7:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That has to be one of those Jim Johnson head scratchers.
Methinks we’ve seen them before – Dawk in single coverage on (TO?)…
anyway…
by cavortingEagle on Jan 18, 2009 7:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. I’m not sure whether he could have done much either way… but he certainly didn’t get himself in a position to have any type of shot.
by JasonB on Jan 18, 2009 7:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good perspective
I think another playmaker on offense besides WR – a RB and a TE – could really help the offense.
by ajay on Jan 18, 2009 7:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
you really think we need a new TE?
after the monster game Celek had?
by keithk on Jan 18, 2009 8:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
One good game doesn’t erase a season of suspect hands, poor blocking, and slow feet. He’s a decent player and could develop into a Chad Lewis type safety valve… but he’s not a threat and never will be.
by JasonB on Jan 18, 2009 9:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This game
was a microcosm of the whole season, if not the last few years. Not showing up before the third quarter, terrible akers play, inability to stop #1 receivers, missed tackles, allowing points before the half and allowing the other team to march down the field and win the game when it really matters.
by fleeb on Jan 18, 2009 7:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Also a good summary of mcnabbs career
He is certainly not to blame for this loss, but once again he comes up short when given the chance to win that big game.
by fleeb on Jan 18, 2009 7:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
amen to that
red zone problems… passing on 3rd and 1 and dink pass on 2nd and 5… these are some of the things that drove me nuts this year.
mcnabb is a good qb and still a playmaker but he just doesn’t have the accuracy to be an accurate passer in a west coast offense.
the two pass interference no calls may have played a factor in the final score but we’ll never know…
the eagles are like the buffalo bills of nfc… 1-4 in conference championships…. i’d give all of them up for one superbowl win.
by ringordietryin on Jan 19, 2009 12:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
very nice
but i disagree that we dont need a number 1 receiver … granted most of larrys tds this game where 1 on 1 … have you watched this kid all year ? warner has practically just thrown it up rolling dice and this monster of a receiver comes down with it in amazing coverage … i hate to compare to when we had TO but cmon ? look what he did to help our offense … mcnabb is a dam good quarter back … but look at how many plays hes throwing into risky d? and to have a receiver of that caliber to throw to on risky is a lot better than avg receivers hands down … i think nabbin TJ whozamacallit will do WONDERSSSSSSS for this team .. and thats what im pushing for this off season … get TJ and draft offensive linemen …
If football had a church, Brian Dawkins would be my preacher !
by NorthPhillyKid on Jan 18, 2009 7:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
How much is he going to cost – and are the eagles willing to pay it – do they have ‘buyers concern’ over how the TO thing worked out and do they convince themselves that they don’t need to upgrade at WR by saying ‘well TO never was on the field when we wont a playoff game’?
I think the eagles have a ‘quality’ WR core but I think adding a major threat just makes everyone better and is important to the long term health of this team.
by jemagee on Jan 18, 2009 7:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
getting housh would
give us a redzone threat
i mean honestly, how jealous was everyone when they saw how easily Fitz caught that TD over sheldon brown?
we need something like that
by Manoovi on Jan 18, 2009 9:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
With a true number 1 wide out this offense would be unstoppable.
by cavortingEagle on Jan 18, 2009 7:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And the ability to convert 3rd and 1 (and calling runs on 3rd and 1) i totally agree
by jemagee on Jan 18, 2009 7:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
should be willing to pay it
Housh would be a major asset. What we don’t needis another TO/Ochocinco/randy moss type receiver who will positively gobble up cash and hurt the team with antics. We don’t want a superstar…just another weapon that can take some pressure off of our otherwise solid corps of receivers and come up with the big plays every once and a while. Donovan already does a great job spreading the ball around, I’d like to see us do a better job of spreading the coverage thin.
by daiggles on Jan 19, 2009 2:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sucks doesn't it???
Yes… I am a Giants Fan
by Biggs77 on Jan 18, 2009 7:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i shoud say fu
but i cant agree more …yes it does suck …
If football had a church, Brian Dawkins would be my preacher !
by NorthPhillyKid on Jan 18, 2009 7:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
jason good read but i dont agree with the mcnabb missing wide open wrs with game on the line part he got us the lead in the second half what else u want him to do . no qb hits every pass . and he made the throw when it counted on that last play just didnt get the call . this was just a good game by the cards
by FLAeagle on Jan 18, 2009 7:23 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
It’s almost like you have not watch any of Mcnabbs performances in any of these huge games of the last 8 years. Yes he can bring you to that point where you feel you have a shot, but he is always just a few accurate passes away from the win. Obviously he is a great QB and one of hte best int he NFL, and they did not lose this game because of him, but he had the chance to win and threw a bunch of wobblers.
by fleeb on Jan 18, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
PLAYOFFS
gotta hit them when it counts…he missed three in a row on that last drive- thats not excusable. That said, that 4th down play is on Curtis, that ball was in his hands, even if he was on the ground. He’ll be reliving that one for a while.
by daiggles on Jan 19, 2009 2:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I know that. I’m not asking him to throw every pass perfectly…
I’m asking him to him throw those two passes perfectly. Either of those two completions would have been first downs and extended that final drive.
by JasonB on Jan 18, 2009 7:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The loss is not completely on D-Mac, however, he was in a position where he could have won the game for them in the fourth quarter, and he did not. It is hard to deny that.
by quakerfan on Jan 18, 2009 7:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The same statement could be made about the defense as well.
by jemagee on Jan 18, 2009 7:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not either or. They both came up small on the one drive they needed not to.
by JasonB on Jan 18, 2009 7:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
if he hadn't missed the throws in the first half
we would most likely not have been down 18 to begin with.
by Eagles need to run on Jan 18, 2009 7:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that one is on curtis
but when you put yourself in 4-longs with the whole fucking season on the line, expect some passes to be dropped.
Mcnabb has always come up small with the game on the line, thats just a fact. That being said, he is one of the best in the league. I sincerely doubt we will win anything any time soon.
by fleeb on Jan 18, 2009 7:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
then go away!
i believe in this team!
If you dont believe in this team why come around here?
The cards were the better team. theres no refuting that
however, next year how do u not like this team???
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES
by 700 Level on Jan 18, 2009 7:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hey 700
would love to know your thoughts on my post below….and BTW I AGREE go away haters …if your only here to bandwagon PlEASE jump off , run in front of it and get run over
DMAC ...now THATS my quarterback man!!!
by northern eagle on Jan 18, 2009 7:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good job, Jason...Thoughtful write up.
Strangely I agree our receivers are OK, MINUS GREG LEWIS. Wouldn’t be sad if Reggie went elsewhere either.
Celek had a monster of a game and hopefully LJ is on a fast bus outta town. I still think we need another monster TE. If we can’t get Pettigrew in the draft, maybe we can get Chase Coffman. (poor man’s Pettigrew). His daddy was a TE for Green Bay and someone else (can’t remember who). Would have liked if he would have played at UCLA or Florida or Michigan instead of U of Missouri but he’s got size and strength and can block. And he’ll be available when we our turn comes up.
I’m not jumping on the dump Donovan bandwagon either … he didn’t lose this game for us (didn’t win it either). He’s still better than Kolb. He showed some guts and didn’t puke on the field. He deserves another year.
And remember… our odds were 5% in Week 16 that we’d even make the playoffs! We were playing with house money, and were three minutes away from the Superbowl. Too bad the game is 60 minutes and not 57.
And BTW… what happened to Runyan?
by JJinPA on Jan 18, 2009 7:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nice...
Couldn’t agree more with this one…bad call, no guaranty, but horrible call. The way we are in the red zone, no guarantee, but the officials do owe an apology.
---AstrosFan (Austin Lawyer and Sports Fan)
by AstrosFan on Jan 18, 2009 7:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
If this game had been in Philadelphia
We get that call. Maybe we ought to actually try to PLAY during the regular season.
by ajay on Jan 18, 2009 7:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
just some thoughts on change
1. Fire Andy Reid? noway …however we should take him out of HC position make him a pure GM , hire gruden or Cower( if we could get either ) as HC a nasty combo if ya ask me.
2. #1 WR yes go get housh
3. Go get sprole ….westy NEEDS a break and Buck , while good and no sproles…ORRR go get brandon jacobs a good smash mouth back would be really nice to see.
4. While it would be cool to see suggs or lewis here on D …do we really need them?
5 McNabb….sighs….keep him , but seriously start priming Kolb NOW or else when McNabb does leave (whether throught trade or retire) Kolb is ready, or bring back Garcia
DMAC ...now THATS my quarterback man!!!
by northern eagle on Jan 18, 2009 7:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Jeff Gracia turns 39 in about a month…I don’t think the eagles should ever consider bringing him back and he’s just not as good as people remember
by jemagee on Jan 18, 2009 7:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure I want Darren Sproles – the half life of an NFL RB makes FA runningbacks hands off (if I’m GM), that said a 3rd rounder with a skill set similar to BWest…
Brandon Jacobs? Can’t catch.
by cavortingEagle on Jan 18, 2009 7:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention that there are rumors come out of San Diego that Sproles might be their guy…not that I buy that – but still – LT being shopped? Would you pay the costs?
by jemagee on Jan 18, 2009 7:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
noway
LT is done
DMAC ...now THATS my quarterback man!!!
by northern eagle on Jan 18, 2009 7:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know that LT is done – i mean his groin injury will heal – and you shouldn’t play with one of those – I just think that the cost would be too high to try and obtain him in a trade.
by jemagee on Jan 18, 2009 7:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Do you really think he’ll leave SD? He has been the face of their franchise for how long? one bad season does not mean he is washed up.
by AusEagle on Jan 18, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If the chargers are shopping him? IN the NFL it isn’t always about the face of the franchise as it is about salary cap and salary hits – it’s just a rumor i heard on a podcast last week – that they may be shopping LT – because of how sproles performed in the playoffs (most thought it was a bad idea and that sproles wasn’t a full time guy)…I’m just wondering if people here would give up what it would take to get LT
by jemagee on Jan 18, 2009 7:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True, Ajay
As in the NBA, with refs, there is such a thing as the home field advantage.
But still, can’t blame the loss on the refs. The refs weren’t responsible for stopping Fitzgerald.
by JJinPA on Jan 18, 2009 7:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
still the call did suck.
and you’re right… in our house, we get that call and stay alive.
by JJinPA on Jan 18, 2009 7:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
When your defense gives up scores so easily in the first half – that’ll happen
by jemagee on Jan 18, 2009 7:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
+1, JJ picked the worst possible time to have a horrible playcalling day.
They did not consistently blitz until the 2nd half and then he just stopped all of a sudden on the Cardinals’ final drive.
PLAYOFFS?!
by SSreporters on Jan 18, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think they blitzed quite often in the first half – Warner just got it off so damn quick they couldn’t get there…the eagles adjusted at half time and the cardinals adjusted on that last drive to the adjustments
by jemagee on Jan 18, 2009 7:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't bother me
I like the offense to have more runs, but in this game, we had no choice but to throw more.
by Blackacre on Jan 18, 2009 7:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah the score dictated the need to throw more.
Plus, for the most part the pass was working.
by JasonB on Jan 18, 2009 7:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good post.
I agree. This team needs small adjustments, nothing major. Reid and McNabb should stay. DeSean has given us more than I ever expected – he can be our Steve Smith.
by Blackacre on Jan 18, 2009 7:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Whether it is Baltimore or the Steelers,
AZ shouldn’t get past them.
by JJinPA on Jan 18, 2009 8:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
this game summarizes the last 8 years for the Eagles
1 We’re just not good enough to win the Superbowl. Period. Over the course of the last 8 years, we have not been good enough. Year after year we consistently get tantalizingly close but end up falling short.
2 The reason for this failure varies in details from one year to the next but the overall theme for me has been the ineptitude and inability of the coaching staff to put the players, especially on the offensive side of the ball, in the best possible position to win the game. Going back through the years to all the other NFC championship games, we’ve talked about playcalling, lack of a run game, not being able to convert short yardage, not having enough playmakers, not being able to adjust in-game strategy etc.
3 This loss cannot be blamed on the D, which has carried the entire team all year. Even Pittsburgh D and Baltimore’s D get torched every once in a while. During those times, the offense needs to come through and carry the D for a little while. Unfortunately our offense has laid an egg consistently throughout the year, and that egg shone the brightest in this game. When the defense needed a pick me up, the offense couldn’t provide it.
4 Don’t be deceived by McNabb’s stats, one of the big problems with the Eagles is we pay too much attention to stats and forget the context in which they were attained. McNabb had almost 400 yards, however did not make plays in the first half and fourth quarter. Note he has always had a lot of yards and touchdowns in the post season games we have lost, its never been a question of yards, its been about wins.
5 The solution I propose is to man up, admit we’re simply not good enough instead of deluding ourselves into thinking we’re just one play away, year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year. Once we’ve done that we need to realize football sometimes is really just that simple and is a man’s game. Man up and stop all the gadgetry crap, get some damn running plays that work, get a damn #1 receiver to catch the ball so this same crap doesn’t keep coming up year after year.
6. Each year except the one in which we got to the superbowl, we played a team in the NFC championship game that met us there and passed us by. The Cardinals, Panthers, Buccaneers, Rams all did the same thing: took advantage of the fucking opportunities they had. The Eagles, whatever the reason may be continue to do the same things year after year hoping the results will be different, and continue to fall short year after year. At some point the folks running the team need to look inward and try to figure out some damn answers. After all, that’s what they are paid to do.
by Eagles need to run on Jan 18, 2009 8:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The D
Did the D carry us most of the year? No doubt…
Do all defenses get torched sometimes? Sure.
But this is the NFC title game. It’s not okay to get torched in that game.
by JasonB on Jan 18, 2009 8:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
same can be said for the offense
This is the NFC championship game. Its not okay to come out to lay an egg in the first half. Don’t forget the offense contributed to getting us in that 18 point hole by their inability to score any points.
by Eagles need to run on Jan 18, 2009 8:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No argument there. They both came up small.
by JasonB on Jan 18, 2009 8:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The only problem
is that offense came up big in the 2nd half. The D did not.
by ajay on Jan 18, 2009 8:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The D came up plenty big
They just took their foot off the gas on that last Arizona drive. Whether they thought they had in the bag or what, I don’t know, but before that drive they had forced three straight punts and gotten to Warner a bunch.
by NOLACuse on Jan 18, 2009 8:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
just my 2 cents for the "glass is half full" eagle fans
this was the year where everything was set up perfectly for the eagles. plax screws up, the cowboys implode, and the panthers pull a no-show in the playoffs. THIS was the year that the eagles HAD to win. their window of oppurtunity was very, very small…and now its closed.
the giants will heavily re-stock this year and be back where they belong. have to also assume the boys will be better too. the eagles are a good team, just not nearly a championship one. this was their year…and they blew it. mcnabb gets older, cheapshot artist dawkins signs somewhere else, and reid eventually loses his job without a title. oh well.
by lovemygmen on Jan 18, 2009 8:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
We thought the window was closed
in 2002, 2003, 2004 and this year. It’ll close sometime, but it’s not closed yet.
by ajay on Jan 18, 2009 8:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Its really early to start talking about next season
But I’ll let you in on a spoiler, the eagles aren’t going to make the playoffs in the same way they did this year.
by fleeb on Jan 18, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
nicely done
how sweet it is…the window is closing quickkkkk
by canty99 on Jan 18, 2009 8:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So it’s safe for you to assume every other team will be better except the Eagles.
Nice one.
by AusEagle on Jan 18, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
never said the eagles wouldnt improve….just saying that its safe to assume the giants wont be playing with 3 back-up calliber lb’ers next year. and some guy named osi is coming back too.
by lovemygmen on Jan 18, 2009 8:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah osi is coming back
you prob won’t be able to say the same for both ward and jacobs though….
by keithk on Jan 18, 2009 9:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
no...
…but bradshaw is ok, and danny ware is probably the best pure RB on the team…..the offensive backfield is really the least of our problems. lb’er has to be seriously upgraded, and kenny britt in the 2nd rd wouldnt hurt.
by lovemygmen on Jan 18, 2009 9:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
THe window gets closed every year. We’ve been hearing that since 2002. The window is always closed…
We get it.
More wishes by a Giants fan than it is fact.
]
by JasonB on Jan 18, 2009 9:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Coming from a 'boys fan
I agree with you completely. The Eagles are the one team I never count out. The last few years I got hopeful when the Eagles were looking shakey, and they always seem to make a run. And especially not counting them out next year because: We have a world of chemistry problems and coaching problems of our own. Giants should be good, provided that Eli has an impenetrable wall when he drops back to pass (You guys should also know by now what happens to Eli when he gets pressured). And the Skins, well, other than that four game stretch this season, they haven’t really showed any signs of life. So counting the Eagles out is just absurd.
by witten82 on Jan 19, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So plax screwing up was the reason the giants loss?
Says a lot about Eli manning, and the giants team in general.
by witten82 on Jan 19, 2009 4:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
On a Random Note
did anyone see Boldin call Todd Haley (Arz Off. Coordinator) a pussy?
Looked like they was cussing each other out…you could see Haley saying “Don’t call me that” and then Boldin said, “Pussy”
I think Boldin was crying because Fitzgerald was KILLING everyone and Boldin did nothing all game
by damonmoore43 on Jan 18, 2009 8:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
yea
if that was T.O. it be all over espn right now..it be a huge story…its a joke
by canty99 on Jan 18, 2009 8:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah they had a real blow up on the sidelines.
by JasonB on Jan 18, 2009 9:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great Season Though.
I have to say, I thought that our season would be over about 4-5 weeks ago and to have 3 more weeks of football was great. This was a season of ups and downs but we made it to the NFC Championship game again, and that has to give our team, which has a lot of youth a desire to win that ring.
Yeah, this sucks, it’ll suck for a few more weeks, and then we’ll start talking about next season. But we got to the final 4 and that says something about our team.
This team does not suck, it’s got playmakers, and we’ve proven that in getting this far.
We’ve got a young core in the Defense, young receivers who can get open and make plays (Jackson, Avant, Baskett). A decent QB in McNabb, he gives me fits but he’s one of the best. We’ve got strong special teams play and good coaching in the latter half of the season. We’ve got good draft picks with two #1s and with a good free agency we should be right back in the thick of it next season.
For all the haters and the trolls, when everyone said we would end the season in Cincy, Baltimore, and Washington, we rose above the 28 other teams. I’ll take an NFC Championship loss than no playoffs at all.
We got this next year.
GO EAGLES!!!
by thwalls on Jan 18, 2009 9:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
fuck that great season shit
win the COT damn Super Bowl
by damonmoore43 on Jan 18, 2009 10:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The saddest part for me is
that if we used this game as a stepping stone and took the necessary steps during the offseason to put ourselves over the top for next year, then this would have been a loss well worth it. However, here’s what will happen:
We’ll say we like our present core of receivers and that they will be better next year, then we will make some half assed attempt at a free agent WR, just so the fans won’t say the front office didn’t try. We’ll come back again next year with our 60-40 pass/run ratio and half-assed run game. Our coaching staff will continue to be bad at in-game strategic changes, and when we lose again in the playoffs next year, we’ll wonder what the reason is.
That’s been the most painful part of watching the Eagles, for me. I love the Eagles to death, and have enjoyed blogging here with you guys, but watching this team every year is like watching a train wreck in slow motion. You know its going to happen, but there’s nothing we as fans obviously can do to stop it. And we keep on making the same mistakes year after year and hoping something will somehow miraculously fall our way and maybe, just maybe by luck, we’ll win it. Oh well. Here’s to hoping. Maybe one day that hope will come to pass.
by Eagles need to run on Jan 18, 2009 9:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The interesting thing is
The Cardinals ran the ball 340 times in the regular season. That is the least amount of runs of any SB team in the history of the SB. They are at a 65-35 pass/run ratio. They may have something to do with the fact they lost 7 games in the regular season, which is a lot for a SB team. But so far in the playoffs, they’ve been pretty balanced. We’ll see how they do against the Steelers, who are much more balanced offensively – 52-48 pass/run ratio in the regular season.
Anyway, I agree with a lot of what you say.
by Blackacre on Jan 18, 2009 10:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe our only mission this season was to send the Cowboys and the Giants home… But either way, it still hurts!!!
by AnnieUS13 on Jan 18, 2009 9:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i saw quite a few pass interference non calls that should have went our way that didn’t. Not that i try to blame the refs cause the eagles did play poorly in the first half, but we could have used some of those calls. the other most blatant was on a third down when a cardinal was all over avant across the middle and there wasn’t a yellow flag to be seen
by bula412 on Jan 19, 2009 12:04 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
draft
we need more o-linemen… runyan and thomas are on there last legs and andrews’ got issues… i hope we shore up the line and pick up a te early
if booker’s not the answer then we need to consider drafting some rbs as well…
by ringordietryin on Jan 19, 2009 12:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Something's gotta change
I agree about fans getting too emotional after big losses, pointing fingers and demanding that certain figureheads be fired/traded but today’s loss is just more evidence that it’s time for change. Andy Reid has had more than a fair share of shots at the super bowl and he always comes up short! he can’t manage the clock and he makes horrible play calls. Donovan is just as bad. He can’t make the passes when it really matters and he acts so carefree about it – smiling on the sidelines after bad plays. The organization has to do something because we’re all getting sick of the same old shit!
by gobirds88 on Jan 19, 2009 12:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I cant read!!!
HOw does MCnabb break 5 tackles and make a hige play and not make 5 simple passes to Wide open players???
Why does our d not stop weak teams?
Why am I 3bills poorer?
Well, I really cant blame Andy( I really am not a fan bye the way). I really think we need samoe new coaches.
I mean who was taking care of business when JJ was in the Press box?? Not Ron ricera or Leslie or Spag or who ever…
I think our team is right there(and has been there for years BTW0.
We need someone to take over the top. I dont care if SLY made a movir called OVER THE TOP Either!!!
Same team plus 2 top coaches and impacy player =Coaches =Success or whatever!
I love DJAX!!!
I am getting all 3 colors of JErys of him.. No other player Deserves anytghing better!!!
EAGLES!!!!!! #! in 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
F%^& Tom Brady next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fu*** the Cards!!!!!!!!!! STUPID FANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am druck as a hecj!!!!!!!!!!!
E A G L E S EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please
SUperbowl !!!!!!!!!!
I want some top coaches on the fat mans squad!!
by topcat6 on Jan 19, 2009 1:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
another year
of broken ENGLISH’
OF haitng in the fat man!!
of hating our owner!!!!
of loving BDawk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
of loving John Runyan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
of loving TRE ThomasQ!!!!!|
and of loving DJAX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ISNt CLemons a play maker????
I thinks oo
Where is BUCK halter when you need him?????? I DUNOO
I really mean that!!!!!!!
Reid needs help fast!!!!!1
EWho ccan he get as help???? (LURFIE willl never bail him out like our goverment bailed ou\t wall street!!!!!!!!!!!
I HATE KRUT WARERR!!!!!!!!!!
EAGFLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHY cant we win??? (HInt it starts with a A and ends witha D.)
by topcat6 on Jan 19, 2009 1:55 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
ISNR ANDRE JOHNSON Aval???
I dunno but we need somntone!!!!!!!!!
by topcat6 on Jan 19, 2009 1:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
i am drunck and i want to fight
I hate Cards fans fior life they are weaki!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by topcat6 on Jan 19, 2009 1:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
IGTG
I love yalll(even WHODIR)!!!!!!!
I hate WHODIRES condiscending nature but if he loves the birds I am cool with that!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 moves for the CHampionship!!!!!!!!!!
New Assistant coaches
new RBS
New 3rd and 4th corner and
new WILLL
ohh yeah, F*** the cowgirls
by topcat6 on Jan 19, 2009 1:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
am
westrbnn STANDARD TINE’
I AM IN vegas
Hit me up really
I WILL CHILL IF YOU WANR111
by topcat6 on Jan 19, 2009 2:04 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Jason,
I commend you for your analysis. I purposely did not read this board until this morning because I did not want to get involved in arguments about Donavon. Last night when I couldn’t sleep, I was thinking about all the shots we had to win this game. If Akers plays like he normally does in a dome, thats a 5 point swing right there. If one of the 5 (probably more) game changing plays gets made instead of blown BY SOMEONE OTHER THAN DONAVON, I don’t think we lose this game. And that no call on pass interferance was terrible, but to be fair, it was a pretty terrible rule the AZ couldn’t challenge the kickoff that “went out of bounds”.
There is one thing I will admit: 95% of the time, I would want Donavon McNabb as my Quarterback. The other 5% of the time, however, is when the Eagles have to Drive 70+yards to tie or win the game. It has never been his strong point, and I am not really sure why.
by Clyde Simmons on Jan 19, 2009 8:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
A Little Perspective
The Eagles had the top defense in the NFC (third in the league). They scored the most points in franchise history. And McNabb set the record for passing yards in a season. They won two road playoff games and eliminated the rival Cowboys and Giants from the playoffs. There is a lot to be proud of with this team. They have a young and talented defense. And on offense they have a veteran quarterback who had one of his best seasons and a rookie WR in Desean Jackson who could become a star. They have one of the best running backs in the league.
As for yesterday’s game, just think what would have happened if the Eagles stop the Cards on that fourth down and went on to victory? The story today would be all about McNabb’s heroic comeback, and everyone would be singing his praises.
As for the final drive of the game: on the throw to Baskett, he was getting hit and he had to rush his throw. The second one to Baskett didn’t look he had much space and then he throws a perfect ball to Curtis and he doesn’t make the play. He did overthrow DJackson.
But what about all the plays McNabb did make? He led the Eagles on six scoring drives (3TDs and 3FGs). And it would have seven scoring drives if Greg Lewis makes a catch right in his hands. And he did this without a running game for the third playoff game in a row! How many quarterbacks could do that without a running game?
I also think most fans overlooked how the Eagles were out-coached – especially on the defensive side of the ball. The D gave up long TD drives to start the game and late in the fourth. And they were both done the same way – crossing patterns and screens.
All I’m saying is that for people here to talk about McNabb as an afterthought is insane. I mean how many QBs could do what he did this year without much of a running game and an inconsistent group of receivers (either through injury or mediocre play)? I say not many.
by phillynyc on Jan 19, 2009 11:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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