Eagles vs Falcons: Studs & Duds

It's not looking good for Andy Reid and the Eagles. Even the bye week magic is gone.

You get the sense that after 13 years this is how it is going to end - with an offense that can't get its act together and a defense led by an out-of-place defensive coordinator. That's where we stand after the Eagles 30-17 loss to the Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field.

It was an all-around debacle. Todd Bowles' first game as defensive coordinator was a disaster. The Eagles offense was subjected to dinking and dunking and never seemed to be on the field.

These, BGN readers, are your 2012 Philadelphia Eagles. Hate them or hate them. It's time to move on without Andy ... to this week's studs and duds at least. Again, thanks for the votes.

People's Dud

Jason Babin - Missing: Jason Thomas Babin. He was not seen often, if at all, on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. The final stat sheet says he was there for one measly tackle. I can not recall. There were no quarterback hits, no pressures and most importantly no sacks. All this against Falcons right tackle Tyson Clabo, a below-average pass blocker.

Other Top Vote-Getters: Andy Reid, Everybody, Defense, Jeremy Maclin, Nnamdi Asomugha

Raanan's Dud

Mychal Kendricks - The rookie strongside linebacker didn't start after missing a meeting. That alone could have landed him on this list. The Eagles needed all their best defensive players on an opening drive that lasted 16 plays, stretched 80 yards, took up 8:44 and ended with a Falcons touchdown. When Kendricks was on the field, his most notable contributions were negative. He was flagged three times for either holding or pass interference. One came on a third and long in the first quarter and was completely uncessary. It wasn't a stellar day for the rookie.

My Dishonorable Mentions: DRC, Todd Bowles, Todd Herremans

People's Stud

Cedric Thornton - There weren't many positives. So my guess is you reluctantly casted votes for Thornton because he did something that has become so rare - record a sack. The Eagles reserve defensive tackle notched their first sack in over a month when he bulled his blocker into the backfield and just got enough of Matt Ryan. It wasn't the prettiest of takedowns, but it was a sack. At this point any sack is a great sack. Overall, Thornton made an impact with four tackles and a quarterback hurry. He did play one of his best games of the season, and was one of the rare bright spots for a struggling defense.

Raanan's Stud

Dennis Kelly - At first glance it appears Kelly more than held his own replacing the injured Danny Watkins at right guard. (I'll know more Monday after breaking down the game.) The rookie didn't have any glaring mistakes and - even though the game plan had something to do with it - Michael Vick didn't face as much pressure as he had in previous weeks. Regardless, it didn't appear that the 6-foot-8 Kelly was anywhere close to a liability in his first career start. That in itself is an accomplishment.

Jordan Raanan has covered the NFL since 2005. Follow him on Twitter @JordanRaanan, on Facebook or email him at jraanan@hotmail.com.