The Defining Play....

by GreenInBaltimore on Jan 16, 2012 10:28 PM EST

As my screen name would indicate, I do not live in Philadelphia. I was born there, have family there, and grew up there for the first 10 years of my life. Many of you know that. So although that may help validate my fanship, it does absolutely nothing for me on Gameday when the Eagles aren't on the National Schedule.

So what does one do when he moves from his convenient downtown Baltimore location that has Sunday ticket in every bar, on every block?

He embraces county life, finishes off a man cave, gets DirecTV, and then invites the other county dwelling Eagles fans over every week to watch our beloved birds, eat too much food, and drink too much beer.

So anyway, I'll get to my point. Every week I would have a few guys over. Some brought their typical Negadelphian views. Some spewed nonsensically and seemed to not really have a clue. Some of my dads friends that we here even made a few comments that made me feel like the jersey they were wearing was a gift from their wives and they had never actually seen a football game before. And then there was my father and I. Pretty rational. Strong Eagles knowledge. Pretty realistic. Always a fun time here; different people every other week...

But no matter how different all of these guys knowledge base was, there seemed to be one catch phrase that caught on like wildfire in my basement....

"Well that play right there sums up our season....."

The play could have been a long TD pass from Vick, a run for 0 yards by McCoy, a missed tackle by Mathews, or an INT by Asante. There was no rhyme or reason. It was a spur of the moment, emotional outcry that someone seemed to make every Sunday. It was sometimes good, other times bad. But it was always in direct relation to how we were playing that game, or maybe even more in that quarter depending on who said it....

And it got me thinking. What was the play that you would pick that would define our season? In such an up and down season, I figure that there are so many ways that this can go. So many plays that can be labeled this way, and could be done rightfully so with proper explanation.

So after a decent bit of thought.....I know my 2011 Philadelphia Eagles Defining Play.

Ronnie Brown. Run/Pass option from the 2 yard line. Ball fumbled, recovered by SF.

The reason I chose this play:

Miserable Play Call by the Coaches.
Miserable Execution by the Line, Ronnie Brown, Celek, Maclin, Jackso......Ok Yea...Miserable by the entire offense.
A turnover.
Ronnie Brown was one of the exciting off-season acquisition. I think its fitting that he was a key component to my"defining" play.
It happened so close to the end zone. Happening at the 50 or so wouldnt have felt as demoralizing. But on the 2 yard line? Yea...crushing.
It happened against a really good team. Another team we probably could have beaten, and probably would have beaten if we had just scored 7 on this drive. I think its fitting that the very same team we could have/should have beaten enjoyed a 1st round playoff bye and is now playing a home game for the NFC Championship.
It had nothing to do with the Defense. I am absolutely not an apologist for the way our Defense played this year. But at the same time, our offense turned the ball over entirely too much to ignore.
And this last reason isnt really a reason. Just kind of a question about that play that I had. How was that not an incomplete pass? If the ball even looks slightly like a pass when a QB has the ball throwing arm touched, its Tuck Ruled. I watched the replay a bunch. RB never gets to the line of scrimmage, it appears his arm is moving forward, and it appears that the ball moves forward and isnt caught by anyone. It hits the ground, and then recovered by the D. This is far from a plea to remove blame from any of the above parties. I just think it adds a nice complexity to the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles Defining Play.

I am happy with my play choice. Especially after re-reading all of the points I put together. (Didnt even sound that good in my head.) But I would love to hear some of your thoughts. After a rollercoaster of a year, I am sure that there will be plenty of plays you guys pick out.... Maybe instead, I should just invite everyone over to my basement and we can drink beer and share our Defining Play of 2011. But I digress.....I saw that there were over 13million hits on this site last year. So if even a small percentage of you actually take me up on that offer, I will be buying entirely too much beer....
So what is your defining play for 2011?

Poll

Is this the best choice for the Philadelphia Eagles Defining Play of 2011?

Yes

68 votes

No

10 votes

78 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Yup, pretty much is a microcosm of the season

Last name Ever
First name Greatest

#PayDeSeanJackson

by Djax10 on Jan 16, 2012 10:30 PM EST reply actions

So true

Is there really any other choice?

by Dave King on Jan 16, 2012 10:38 PM EST reply actions

I more than sold myself on this one play…but i am sure there is another. Off the top of my head…maybe the 27 missed tackles on Marshawn Lynch?

If you dont like Big Red, then F#%@ You!
-Ricky Bobby

by GreenInBaltimore on Jan 16, 2012 10:44 PM EST up reply actions

That would be it...

… but it was a completely forgettable game when it was all pretty much over anyways. If that happened during the losing streak, I guarantee you it would be #1.

by Dave King on Jan 16, 2012 10:49 PM EST up reply actions

We must not forget that many of the blunders that cost us games were committed by our best players, not just the scrubs like R. Brown, S. Smith and C. Matthews.

-I think the three blown game-winning drives by Maclin could be put up there with the “summary of our season” plays. That drop in the Atlanta game came on a career day.
-Avant had those two ridiculous turnovers in the Buffalo game that also came on a career day.
-Our kicker had a spectacular season for a rookie. Only missed two FG’s, neglecting that 63 yard attempt. Obviously, either of those kicks would put us right in the playoffs with a chance to beat SF a second time.
-Babin had some backbreaking penalties. One ruined our last chance in the NYG game. Another (which wasn’t really his fault) was a turning point in the 4th annual Chicago debacle.
-Nnamdi… ‘nuff said.
-Desean didn’t have a great season, but he’s still a great player and his season was pretty good. His drops and the fumbled punt return vs. Chicago were devastating.

by MikeCampy on Jan 17, 2012 2:02 AM EST up reply actions

oh and let's not forget all the freakishly unlucky breaks.

All the tipped passes that landed right in the hands of defenders. I’ll never forget the int in the Arizona game where Vick made a poor throw and a defender jumped up to swat it down. He batted it with his arm and miraculously the ball bounced into his midsection so he could intercept it.

Also the 3 deflected passes that Fitzgerald caught on their game-winning (or tying?) drive. Once we saw that shit, we all knew there’s no way the Eagles were going to win that game.

by MikeCampy on Jan 17, 2012 2:06 AM EST up reply actions

I think you are missing the point. All the things you list out are absolutely reasons why are season wen to shit…..but which one, just one, would you say is most reflective of our season.

If you dont like Big Red, then F#%@ You!
-Ricky Bobby

by GreenInBaltimore on Jan 17, 2012 6:25 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

right, but I just mean the difficulty of picking one play is that there are several different “types” of disasters that summarize our season.

- blunders by our best veteran players (i.e. bad penalties, Maclin’s 3 blown drives etc.)
- ineptitude by scrubs (R. Brown, K. Devan, J. Page etc…)
- freakishly bad luck (bad officiating, tipped pass ints, Fitz’s catches, Vick’s injury in ATL)

by MikeCampy on Jan 17, 2012 4:17 PM EST up reply actions

While that play is probably the best choice

I still think Vince Young’s INT returned for a touchdown by the Seahawks should be considered. It also featured a lousy free-agent pickup and a turnover-prone offense.It also highlights the Michael Vick injury, which ended up being another ’Murphy’s Law’ event that helped make up the disappointing season. Unless I am wrong, it happened when the Eagles were attempted a late-game comeback. To me, that play really sums up the futility of the team this year, where they truly seemed to try their best to lose.

Another play that could be considered was Larry Fitzgerald’s bobbled go-ahead touchdown reception versus the Eagles, another fourth-quarter lead they blew at home.

"This game is...over!" -Chuck Bednarik

by Matt Harkenreader on Jan 21, 2012 10:33 AM EST up reply actions

yeah

think of how much that 1 play changed this season. if ronnie brown didnt do that. we would have won that game. we would have won the division. the saints wouldve been the 2 seed. 49ers the 3 seed. giants wouldnt be in the playoffs. and the 49ers may not have beaten the saints on the road. 1 play changed this season so much more than people realize.

then again, there were many many many many plays that would have handed the eagles another win. but that ronnie brown play completely shaped the playoffs

claude giroux and shady mccoy. the future

by griffeagles on Jan 16, 2012 10:39 PM EST reply actions

It hurts...

Being so close. If the team had done just one thing differently, it could have been the Eagles hot going into the championship game, and not the Giants.

That really bites.

by Dave King on Jan 16, 2012 10:50 PM EST up reply actions

it’s astounding how many single fluke plays could have been the difference between making the playoffs and not making the playoffs.

by MikeCampy on Jan 17, 2012 2:08 AM EST up reply actions

Interesting idea.
I might go with Juqua Parker going offsides against the Bills. I think it epitomized the frustration of watching the team do obviously stupid shit that cost them and tortured us.

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.

by KByars on Jan 16, 2012 11:02 PM EST reply actions

Very fitting choice.

I guess the glory that was the Philadelphia Eagles off-season counter-acts the dump that was the Flyers. Hmph.

by Lip-Out on Jan 17, 2012 12:08 AM EST up reply actions

Yes

Just watching the Eagles defenders at the line of scrimmage right before that disaster was torturous enough. They all looked like they had ants in their pants and were dying to jump offsides. I was thinking there’s no fucking way they’ll make it through the last 20 seconds of the play clock. Sure enough, they didn’t.

by MikeCampy on Jan 17, 2012 2:13 AM EST up reply actions

Agree

The Parker offsides play gets my vote.

Go Eagles!

by MRPH on Jan 17, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions

Maybe Maclin fumbling against the Niners? When you look back we were dominating a team that is now in the NFCC, and we came up short in part because of that freak play. Kind of epitomizes what could have been were it not for unlucky BS/stupid mistakes.

by P_Roach17 on Jan 16, 2012 11:15 PM EST reply actions

this is my vote, too

I had forgotten that the Brown fumble was in this same game, but when I saw the title of the post, this was the play that came to mind.

by philabronc53 on Jan 17, 2012 9:11 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah I think mainly because the Maclin fumble was at the end of the game.

by P_Roach17 on Jan 17, 2012 1:32 PM EST up reply actions

I still am in denial that was ever a fumble. When it happened I was sure his arm was moving forward.

"Get 'Em"
PSN Username: FlyEagles15....MW3!!!!

by FlyEagles15 on Jan 16, 2012 11:33 PM EST via mobile reply actions

The final pass to Maclin against the Bears.

Even with lucky breaks, the Eagles were juan yard shy of a first down. Eventually that led the Eagles being Juan game shy of a playoff berth. How the off season is going makes me believe we have to deal with juan more year of Juan Castillo. Only juan person was fired this off season…. Juan Castillo is one juan of a troll.

I think everyone should be bilateral coordinated.

by BIBTD on Jan 16, 2012 11:42 PM EST reply actions

Those jokes getting old to anyone else yet?

I guess the glory that was the Philadelphia Eagles off-season counter-acts the dump that was the Flyers. Hmph.

by Lip-Out on Jan 17, 2012 12:07 AM EST up reply actions

I got tired of them in September.

RIP Jim Johnson, best ever.
"WHY IS THIS PINK-HAIRED BITCH A CAR?!"

by Imp on Jan 17, 2012 12:13 AM EST up reply actions

It was my first and only time I did the name pun jokes. Not my fault everyone beat a dead horse.

I think everyone should be bilateral coordinated.

by BIBTD on Jan 17, 2012 1:34 AM EST up reply actions

You mean getting old to anyJUAN else? Hahaha… But yeah it is getting a little old.

"Get 'Em"
PSN Username: FlyEagles15....MW3!!!!

by FlyEagles15 on Jan 17, 2012 12:16 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Juan play did it for me

Looking back now, it was the press conference when big red announced that the I line coach was going to dabble in defense. Our first reactions were: WHAT THE FUCK! We should have stuck with our gut reaction , it was correct.

by Saidrick on Jan 17, 2012 4:36 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

yeah, some people blame that on Vick. But Maclin caught it cleanly in an upright position. He didn’t have to dive for the ball. When he suddenly flopped to the ground, it absolutely made me think “summary of the season.” He blew two other game-winning drives besides that too. Unreal.

by MikeCampy on Jan 17, 2012 2:17 AM EST up reply actions

Vicks injury in Atlanta. Not only did it kill that game, he was definately not right in the Giants game either. Him being slammed into a teammate defined the luck we had this year.

"you cannot think this 6-foot man is going to survive a full season if defenses have 904 chances to knock his block off"

by EaglesandRavensFan on Jan 16, 2012 11:45 PM EST reply actions

Good stuff, yet, sad stuff.

Other options.

“Idiot Punter” throws to open receivers feet against the Bears.
Maclin 4th down 4th quarter drop.
Maclin late 4th quarter fumble.
Darryl Washington rib breaker on Vick.

I’d also agree with every Casey Matthews missed tackle…

I guess the glory that was the Philadelphia Eagles off-season counter-acts the dump that was the Flyers. Hmph.

by Lip-Out on Jan 17, 2012 12:06 AM EST reply actions

I think your “Idiot Punter” is a really good one too.

If you dont like Big Red, then F#%@ You!
-Ricky Bobby

by GreenInBaltimore on Jan 17, 2012 6:28 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

The punter didn’t audible that, he just threw it like a punter would.

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.

by KByars on Jan 17, 2012 10:44 AM EST up reply actions

How about...

The very first run by Steven Jackson in the first game? Showed how far behind our defense really was.

by Kanade_Tachibana on Jan 17, 2012 1:26 AM EST reply actions

At first I thought that was just a repeat of the 08 (?) season where the Panthers killed us with a long TD drive on the first possession and then the Eagles proceeded to blow them out. The reality of how bad the defense was didn’t hit me until the end of the Atlanta game.

by MikeCampy on Jan 17, 2012 2:20 AM EST up reply actions

Game 2??

If you dont like Big Red, then F#%@ You!
-Ricky Bobby

by GreenInBaltimore on Jan 17, 2012 6:27 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Haven't Watched Recently

but if my memory serves me correctly Brown is hit behind the line of scrimmage and gets turned around facing away from the endzone some what and throws the ball away from the line of scrimmage in a “lateral” motion. Laterals that hit the ground are fumbles. That would be my only explanation.

by BKing in the AZ on Jan 17, 2012 2:42 AM EST reply actions

I agree GIB… and I live in Towson so I’m a quick shot up 83 from you.
I tend to think another one would be the where Desean had his hands on the ball in the EndZone, he tried to do his famous self preservation TD dance known as “the recliner” to hide from a safety hit before he secured the ball. It’s personifies our team. A chronic case of potential. The season that could have been…if only.

Astra Inclinant, Non Necessitant

by EagleGreeninMD on Jan 17, 2012 7:40 AM EST reply actions

Towson? Very cool. I work in Timonium, and recently moved from Canton to Perry Hall in the Honeygo area.

If you dont like Big Red, then F#%@ You!
-Ricky Bobby

by GreenInBaltimore on Jan 17, 2012 8:43 AM EST up reply actions

I work in Timonium too. Smalltimore… so they say. Ever go to Jimmy’s for lunch? Their Muffaletta’s are killer.

Astra Inclinant, Non Necessitant

by EagleGreeninMD on Jan 17, 2012 9:48 AM EST up reply actions

Agree. stev smit stopping short would be my #2.

Bleeding Green Nation - Eagles
Blogging the Beast - NFC East
Follow @Jimmy_Beast

by JimmyK on Jan 17, 2012 8:50 AM EST reply actions

I really Henry throwing the ball short as my #2.

If you dont like Big Red, then F#%@ You!
-Ricky Bobby

by GreenInBaltimore on Jan 17, 2012 11:12 AM EST up reply actions

Maclin drop against Atlanta

Cowboys suck.

by stinkypants on Jan 17, 2012 12:36 PM EST reply actions

If we made one more field goal against the niners we would have been in the playoffs. That’s all it took.

Btw I’m not blaming Henrery for the loss. Just saying all it took was one fg.

I'm great like Gatsby.

by Clint Eastwood on Jan 17, 2012 3:24 PM EST via mobile reply actions

How about

Skelton to Fitzgerald for a touchdown pass.

He’s being covered by Jarrett, which is a ridiculous mismatch. Not only is this a scheme screwup (why isn’t Nnamdi on Fitz ALL GAME?!), but it also highlights a me-first problem with personnel (Asante was supposed to be on him but decided to gamble.) It lost us the game to a backup QB that we had NO BUSINESS losing to. And to me, it epitomized the problem of Castillo trying to fit the players to his scheme rather than the other way around.

by smeagle on Jan 17, 2012 4:31 PM EST reply actions

Good Juan

by Saidrick on Jan 17, 2012 4:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

DeSean's fumble

I forget which game it was in , but the punt “return” that Jackson fumbled like an idiot has many qualities of the entire year. First is the excitement… " Hell yes, they are giving him a returnable punt!" , then he starts running sideways and backwards, then the hits and a turnover, and finally the opponents now in possession and out D up against a wall.

This follows an actual STOP by the D. As soon as things seem to be turning in our favor, the talent on the team forgets how to play football, and a situation comes up that is near impossible to recover from.

by ATLeagle on Jan 17, 2012 4:50 PM EST reply actions

Nnamdi outmuscled by Cruz for a TD

It sums up our season perfectly. Top talent being humbled.

"I will never have my best season," Brian Dawkins

"Sometimes you have to kill the one you are with so you can be with someone better" William Shakespeare

"Nothing shows true love like delivering 16 stab wounds to the jugular" Henry Kissinger

by Talon Talent on Jan 17, 2012 6:54 PM EST reply actions

The worst play of the season?

Here goes…

::::::interior Nova Care::::::

Joe: Hey Andy, got a minute
Andy: Sure, Joe
Joe: Did you fire that special needs kid you had working for you at Defensive Coordinator yet?
Andy: Yep. The Make-a-Wish people were kinda pissed at me, but I let him go.
Joe: Any ideas about a replacement?
Andy: It’s down to the whirlpool maintenance man and the foreign guy who’s always hanging around with the linemen.
Joe: Makes sense. Flip a coin.

God Damn you, Andy Reid.

The fat queen has failed us again. Reid must go.

by EvilBanner on Jan 17, 2012 8:44 PM EST reply actions

Defining play of the year was when Desean dropped the catch in the endzone against the Patriots and he got booed the hell off the field along with Reid getting booed the whole game…. that was probably my favorite part, both people got what they deserved.

I'm all-in for the 2012 season !
Dwight Howard is coming to Philly. Maybe. Probably not. But we can at least hope, that's all we have.

by Eagladelphia on Jan 19, 2012 5:51 PM EST reply actions

The first Giants game where Reid went for it on 4th and 1 on the Giants 43 and got stopped setting up the giants with the go ahead score with plenty of time on the clock.

by whiskeybill on Jan 19, 2012 8:16 PM EST reply actions