Marty Mornhinweg On Why Sunday's Game Has Meaning
by JasonB on Dec 29, 2011 3:19 PM EST
in Philadelphia Eagles News
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PrintWhile the fans and media throw around the term "meaningless" in reference to this weekend's game, the players aren't. Nor are the coaches. Marty Mornhinweg taked about why.
"It's certainly important to the football team. We have an opportunity to go 5-1 in the division and dominate the division. We have a chance to go 8-8. There are some team and offensive things that they can accomplish together, and they are proud guys. I think they'd like to do that. There are some individual things that can be accomplished with a pretty good game. [snip] The reason is that this is important to the guys. These guys are pro football players and they're paid to play the game. There are only a certain amount of games in their career. They're working hard on the field and they're doing a heck of a job with the preparation. Throw in some character there and they're in pretty good shape."
So... amongst all that, there are a few good points in there. For one, some players do have performance incentives so this game is very meaningful for their finances and they certainly don't want to sit. Some guys like Jason Babin have a chance to get a franchise record or lead the league in sacks.
But more than anything, I thought his point about guys only having so many games in their career was telling. If these guys care enough about football to make it to the NFL, then they don't want to sit on the sidelines. And as a coach, how do you tell them to turn that off?
But then again, if LeSean McCoy tore an ACL in a game like this... Angry mobs might march on the NovaCare complex.
How would you play it? Would you rest starters to prevent the chance of an injury for next year? Or do you let the guys loose to do what they do?
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We have an opportunity to go 5-1 in the division and dominate the division.
And yet…..
Clear eyes, full bologna sandwiches!
YES
we all understand this. We had our chances and must move on and I would like to see these guys go out and prove to everyone why they get paid to do what they do. Lets play the game like we would any other time. It has been a bad year but it would be great to go out on a 4 game winning streak and just lay out the Rex Grossman confidence. Cause if he has the most confidence he has had someone better wake the poor boy up and remind him that he sucks ass
nothing to play for...
Sit’em… dont wanna see anyone injured and become a shell of their former self for a game that literally means NOTHING. I hate you Morning-hairpiece.
by BleedinGreen116 on Dec 29, 2011 3:38 PM EST reply actions
No it doesn’t mean nothing. There are things that can be accomplished- like improving their play.
Eagles: Season, but they'll be back with a vengeance next year. #KeepAndyReid
Flyers: On a nice roll
Phillies: Looking to next year
Performance incentives are huge to the players
They only have so long to play this game as everyone knows. Alot of contracts are laid out with incentives, so the player plays hard each and every game. The players want to play and play hard.
That is where the normal fan doesn’t get it. I say let them play, let them get what they can while they can. They bust their butts and get in train wrecks every weekend. Why not let them go out there for the last time this season and do it again, that’s what they want to do.
If someone gets hurt everyone will be saying “I told you so!” But hell you can tear an ACL in the grocery store. Their athletes, let them be athletes.
What about the backups?
Do they not work as hard? Do they not bust their butt? When you have an opportunity to see what you have in your younger players who havent seen much action, then play them!!! Thats what drives me nuts. We play the “oh the players have too much pride to sit sidelines, so we’ll let them play” then turn around and say “its a business”. Well, which one is it? To me, start Kafka, Harbor, Cooper, Mathews, Clayton, Landri, Hunt (over Cole), Marsh (over Nnamdi). Give McCoy and Babin the first half then sit them. This is how you build depth! Give us tape next summer so we can review these guys in LIVE NFL action. To me, its absolutely ridiculous to start anyone over 30 in this game or has been on this team for 3+ years. Get the young guys some game experience please!
by Mike Will is DoubleDown on Dec 29, 2011 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
Did I ever say the backups don't bust their butt?
No I don’t believer that I did. I say put your best team on the field. If a backup is playing better or as good as a starter put him in, fine. Say Matthews is just really coming around, fine put him in. Or if Shady’s ankle is just too much of a concern, sit him get Dion more carries.
Yeah it’s a fine line for sure. I’d still like to see Dion get a few more touches. Sit Brown he won’t be back next season anyway. But I wouldn’t just put in any backup because they are busting their butt. What about the PS group? I’m sure they tear it up every week, probably more then the backups because they want on the active list. But I wouldn’t put them on the field now.
Well
according to the poll results, you are in the small minority
I grew up in Pa. but my job has taken me deep into the swamps of louisiana where all you here is "who dat, who dat" and on clear nights when the wind is gently blowing from the northwest you can hear the wimpers and sobs of jerry and his herd of cowgirls.
by eagleflownsouth on Dec 29, 2011 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
It’s certainly important to thefootball teamcoaching staff. We have an opportunity to go 5-1 in the division and dominate the division. We have a chance to go 8-8. and hopefully save our jobs, despite the absolutely terrible job we did for three-quarters of this season.
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
players are playing for their jobs too. while the front office may have made up their minds on a few (djax), there are some question marks out there.
NOW HIRING- NFL HEAD COACH
I agree. Those would be the guys getting playing time if they didn’t send the starters out for all 4 quarters. Why send Shady out on a bum wheel, when we can safeguard him and get a feel for how Dion does when he gets the starting RB’s 15 carries. Get Kafka at least a full half of playing time to see if he can handle being the primary back-up next season. Get Marsh and Jarrett a lot of reps.
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
agree on jarrett, but i’d like to see nate allen keep getting work too. for guys like watkins and kelce the more reps the better. rotate the entire d-line, who cares what you do with the LBs because if those guys are back we’re gonna suck again…
i agree on letting shady have a seat, esp after what happened the AP last week, but outside that i see no reason to sit guys. i want to watch the birds win before our 8-month break.
NOW HIRING- NFL HEAD COACH
play them
these guys already took their time off against the cardinals, pats, and seahawks…
NOW HIRING- NFL HEAD COACH
You have to play them. They want to play, and the injury risk isn’t a big deal.
Plus, finishing strong will help going into next year.
Eagles: Season, but they'll be back with a vengeance next year. #KeepAndyReid
Flyers: On a nice roll
Phillies: Looking to next year
Michael Vick tearing his ACL in a meaningless season finale isn’t a big deal?
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by PhiladelphiaEagles on Dec 29, 2011 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
What if he does it in training camp? Or the “dress rehearsal” Game 3 of the preseason? Point is, whatever is going to happen is going to happen. Next man up.
I agree that it can happen any time. I’m not contesting that. But those are situations where he needs to be out there, and if it happens, it’s unfortunate and you have to move on. It couldn’t be prevented. Tearing an ACL in a situation where he doesn’t need to be out there is a whole different situation because it’s something that can be prevented.
And separately: to say it’s not a big deal? How is a Michael Vick (or Shady, or any critical player to this team) injury that could jeopardize next season “not a big deal”?
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by PhiladelphiaEagles on Dec 29, 2011 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
Your 100% right
Plus, to me the biggest issue is NOT preventing injuries. Its getting our back-ups/rookies real live NFL experience. How valuable would it be for our rookies to go back this summer and watch film of themselves playing against NFL starters??? Could pay off big time. You can only get experience one way, so why not let these guys get it in a meaningless game. We may not have another meaningless game for a very long time (hopefully) or unless you count pre-season. But pre-season is such a joke I dont think that even qualifies as meaningless as it does “open try out” or “scrimmage”.
by Mike Will is DoubleDown on Dec 29, 2011 5:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That’s a good point as well.
I’d definitely like to see what Kafka could do taking a full week of starting reps and starting a game.
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by PhiladelphiaEagles on Dec 29, 2011 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
Me too!!!
Build your depth! Get guys some experience. As said, its not often we play in meaningless games. As soon as Giants beat the Jets last week, I started yelling “Put Kakfa in!!”. It just seems like we are not taking advantage of having a meaningless, but yet REAL NFL game to get our backups some time. Its really mind boggling that anyone would want our starters to play this game. Babin I can see. And somewhat can see McCoy. But what good does it do to play Vick, Nnamdi, Cole, Peters, Patterson, Desean and/or Maclin, Celek, Herremans, Fokou, Jordan, Hanson? I get starting some of these guys due to depth issues and what not. But PLEASE dont have them play all game.
by Mike Will is DoubleDown on Dec 30, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
Plus, finishing strong will help going into next year.
And this again…
I think it’s a nice theory. It makes sense, and I can see why you believe it. But it doesn’t mean it’s real.
Let’s look at the 2009 Giants, who lost their last 2 games. (I’m using 2 games because you said losing our last 2 games, Cowboys + Redskins, could have a significant negative impact on the Eagles 2012 season.) In a broader scope, they finished 2-4 out of their last 6 games, and didn’t make the playoffs. By your theory, the Giants should struggle going into the 2010 season. So how did they do? They started the season 6-2.
I think momentum may have a factor. But you know what has a bigger factor? The starting QB (and other significant players) being healthy and able to play.
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by PhiladelphiaEagles on Dec 29, 2011 4:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
All the reports have the players talking about they finally clicked on defense and so did the DC. The chemistry is the biggest confidence and dynamic play builder. Look at the Steelers and Ravens every year. We need a leader on the field and healthy players.
by Dr Phil E Fan on Dec 29, 2011 5:16 PM EST up reply actions
Of the 45 Super Bowl winners
Only 10 had won the last 4 games of the season preceding their Super Bowl victory.
13 had lost the last game of the season preceding their Super Bowl victory.
4 had lost 3 of the last 4 games of the season preceding their Super Bowl victory.
12 went 2-2 in the last 4 games of the season preceding their Super Bowl victory.
Momentum is not really a predictor of success the following year, particularly recently. In the last 10 years, the only team to sweep their last 4 games were the Steelers and the Patriots, both of whom did it once, the Patriots the year before their ’05 SB win and the Steelers before their ’06.
But do you know what WOULD have a significant impact on next year? If Vick or McCoy gets Adrian Peterson’d.
God Damn you, Andy Reid.
The fat queen has failed us again. Reid must go.
But do you know what WOULD have a significant impact on next year? If Vick or McCoy gets Adrian Peterson’d.
Yep, QFT.
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by PhiladelphiaEagles on Dec 29, 2011 6:21 PM EST up reply actions
Sit em
Prevent injury, possible higher draft slot, easier schedule next year. Seems like a no brainer to me.
Luxury rap, the Hermes of verses. Sophisticated ignorance, write my curses in cursive
Hmm made the mistake of trusting Cousin Sal on the BS Report. Which tiebreaker do the Giants have over us if they lose and we win?
Luxury rap, the Hermes of verses. Sophisticated ignorance, write my curses in cursive
by Eaglesadvocate on Dec 29, 2011 7:26 PM EST up reply actions
Are you saying that if the Eagles and Cowboys both finish 8-8,
the Cowboys will finish 2nd, even though we beat them 2x?
Are you certain your info is correct?
Can't be.
Assuming we win….
If Cowboys lose we win head to head.
If Giants lose we have a better divisional record.
If we win we finish second. If we lose, third. Schedule wise what’s the difference. I think that we play all south teams. So it’s Lions vs Bears and Cardinals vs Seahawks depending on who wins their game. I’m not sure that it matters all that much honestly.
Go Eagles!
That’s right we’d finish 2nd if we win. I didn’t realize that since the other game is for the division title. To be honest though I’d rather be 2nd just for the fact that one we finish ahead of the Giants or Cowboys & two we would finally play a couple different teams for once. We play the Bears every fucking year & if we finish 3rd we’d play them again
The Legend
I’d rather finish 3rd and get the better draft choice.
Besides that, I think you’re right that our place in the division won’t matter much in scheduling. We’ll get either Bears/Cardinals if we’re 3rd, Lions/Seahawks if we’re 2nd. (The NFC West teams could switch since they play each other this week and are both 7-8.) I want to say I’d rather play Bears/Cardinals, but after this year I could see them easily losing to either set of teams. And I, too, am sick of playing the Bears.
Luxury rap, the Hermes of verses. Sophisticated ignorance, write my curses in cursive
by Eaglesadvocate on Dec 29, 2011 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
Place within division does not factor into the draft order, but yeah, a 7-9 record would make a difference. Right now I believe we are sitting at 13. So depending on the outcome of the game this weekend we could move 3 – 4 spots in either direction.
Assuming that we win, we should root for Seattle to beat Arizona, because we would win strength of schedule tiebreaker over Seattle but not Arizona. Plus Arizona’s second round pick that we have would be lower. We should also root for the Cowboys to beat the Giants, because we would win tiebreaker over the Giants and not Cowboys. We would draft ahead of the Giants even though we finished ahead of them in the division. It’s strength of schedule.
Right now I think that there are around 13 or 14 teams with either 6, 7, or 8 wins so there is a lot of room for us to move around either way.
Go Eagles!
MOMENTUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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by PhiladelphiaEagles on Dec 29, 2011 4:11 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
im gonna fuckin flip if someone gets hurt
like need counseling flip
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."-Bill Shankly
Got bad knees and a high motor? Well cmon on over to PHILLY, we'll do our best to put you in the right position and do a better job!
by theaction on Dec 29, 2011 4:24 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Our starters haven’t earned the right to play football for performance only incentives on contracts.
by Saidrick on Dec 29, 2011 4:25 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Our starters haven’t earned the right to play football for performance only incentives on contracts.
by Saidrick on Dec 29, 2011 4:28 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Sit 'em
Let’s see the newer guys work. Marsh, Lewis, Jarret, Cooper, Ingram, Watkins, DRC (hasn’t really had many snaps), any LB that we have, Hunt, Tapp, etc. Let’s play it like we were the Saints or Greenbay. Why risk high dollar injury from a careless act because neither team “has anything to lose” by playing this game. I do not go for the injury stance often because ITS FOOTBALL but Vick is just too fragile and McCoy and Maclin are too valuable. Andy does not give many chances for young guys to play during the year unless there is an injury. Lets still beat them but do it while player evaluating.
And while DC/ OC evaluating- lets find out if they can get the job done no matter who is in on gameday, they practice the same play book make them work the same playbook.
Whoa
I guess I should break the news to you. Ingram has been on the Broncos practice squad for a while now, Watkins has been starting for a while and playing at a high level and Jarret already is starting because of the Coleman injury.
A thousand apologies (best voice from street vendor in Aladin)
The Ingram should have been Harbor, I was just throwing names out and not really putting thought. I actually thought about putting in Abiamiri for kicks. Thanks for being on it… I still believe Watkins needs more snaps oppose to Todd, Petters Mathis, that was what I was pointing out. Not everyone I have listed is a bum or Rook just individuals that need more reps in a Reg Season game.
by Dr Phil E Fan on Dec 29, 2011 10:05 PM EST up reply actions
Lets lay down for the Redskins
Not saying feed Shady 30 times a game, but come out firing, get ahead, THEN you can sit the starters. Let’s not forget that sports are played mostly between the ears. If they can come out and play well, they’ll have more confidence in the coaches and each other that can carry onto next season.
teo with a forced fumble
Wish this guy was coming out this yr….
by VRFC8 on Dec 29, 2011 5:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions
my poll shows 75%/24%
how does that math work?
Being an Eagles fan is like being friend-zoned by the girl you love
One number rounds up, the other number rounds down.
RIP Jim Johnson, best ever.
"WHY IS THIS PINK-HAIRED BITCH A CAR?!"
live in the moment . win the game.
go 5 and 1 0n the division. win the last four. get to 8-8.
make em all wish the eagles were in the playoffs.
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 29, 2011 6:29 PM EST reply actions
You can still try to win the game
Just try and get the backups experience. I dont see how starting Kafka means automatic loss. Besides, what if Kafka looks great agains the skins? Could mean that we feel A LOT more comfortable about the backup QB situation next year. Or if Kafka looks like crap, then we may know to get a veteran back up for Vick. Its so simple!!
by Mike Will is DoubleDown on Dec 30, 2011 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
I'd sit McCoy
mostly because if he’s even partially injured, I wouldnt take the risk. Everyone else should play though.
You play them
You don’t sit players during the end of the season just because your worried about an injury that could carry into next year. You play the game and hope for the best.
Not to mention that with a coaching staff that is under so much scrutiny they will try to grind out every win they possibly can to save their jobs. Also have to think about the fans in attendance who did not pay money to see a preseson performance.
The coaches
Certainly have something on the line for the game. Sub .500 season any many of them will be telling stories in the unemployment line. And again the ownership owes something to the fans who bought the tickets. if you are worried about suffering injuries in a lost year then why not have just sat the players 4 weeks ago and have ownership come out and say “we’re packing it in, don’t give a shit about this season anymore.”
Play the game like your supposed to.
If anyone thinks this game has ANY meaning to it a all
you’re a fucking moron… yes, the players have some individual things at stake (stats, future contracts , records etc)…. the team? no. the only thing that can come of this is injuries and a worse draft record — yay
JoeD AKA The Voice Of Reason
Bring on the “worse draft record” crapshoot…
I run alot, I often think about football while I'm out there.
http://letsrunhomey.blogspot.com
by cavortingEagle on Dec 29, 2011 9:30 PM EST up reply actions
i am a fucking moron
because it matters to me if the division record is 5 and 1. if the season ends on a four game win streak. if a losing season is averted. if a 500 record is achieved for the first time since week 2.
if the rest of the league is saying we are lucky they didn’t get in.
if mike vick and shady create some fresh highlights to remember during the off season.
a good win puts me in a good mood.
i would be pissed if they sat the stars.
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 30, 2011 9:00 PM EST up reply actions
I might some day write an entire fanpost about this, but..
I think this team was really hurt by the lack of a full offseason.
All of the new players and the “on the fly” development of chemistry wasn’t remotely helpful.
I think we’re starting to see what this team could have been with OTAs and a full/real Training Camp.
Oh Well. New team next year…
I want to see this one Smoke The Skins this weekend.
I run alot, I often think about football while I'm out there.
http://letsrunhomey.blogspot.com
you can destroy a young player’s moral sitting him with a chance to get a title like the rushing leader, shit happens but i hope he gets the chance
by rainvillefromottawa on Dec 30, 2011 12:31 AM EST reply actions
Marrty
Yes he sees it as a must, because his job can also be on the line for reasons we know like choking in big games and the worst play calling around next to garret at dallas. We need someone that loves to call running plays a little more. Every game we always start with a pass play, whats up with that!!!!
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