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The Linc - Marcus Mariota Stays at Oregon

Philadelphia Eagles news and links for 12/4/2013.

Jonathan Ferrey

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Marcus Mariota will return to Oregon in 2014 - Addicted to Quack
Mariota would have almost definitely been a top 10 pick in the 2014 draft. His combination of arm strength, decision-making, and top end speed had him moving quickly up the draft boards this season.

Late In The Game, It's All About Execution - Danta Klaus, PE.com
The Eagles, eerily, followed the exact same script against Washington and the Arizona Cardinals. They dominated the first half and first drive of the second half, then stalled out completely while trying to sit on the lead and milk the clock. In jumping out to a 24-0 lead over Washington, the final touchdown coming on their first drive of the second half, the Eagles amassed 341 yards of total offense. Over the final 25 minutes of the game, they put up just 62 yards and one first down on the next five drives. Against the Cardinals, the Eagles again scored on their first drive of the second half to take a 24-7 lead, amassing 277 total yards up to that point. Over the game’s final 25 minutes, the offense gained a paltry 30 total yards and four first downs – two via penalty – on six drives. While the Eagles were able to make stops on defense and hang on for the win on both occasions, they know they are playing with fire and engaging in a dangerous, likely unsustainable practice. For the coaches and players on offense, fixing the team’s second-half woes, and fourth-quarter woes in particular, is a central focus for the last quadrant of the season. The Eagles have proven they can be a dominant operation on offense, but they must consistently close out games in which they build a sizable lead.

Donnie Jones? More like Donnie J'owns - JimmyK, Philly.com
The punting game has been one of the biggest improvements from last year to this year, and Jones' play has not gone unnoticed by defensive coordinator Billy Davis. "The field position has been outstanding," said Davis. "That is a huge part of why we have had some success in the game against Arizona. Donnie putting it inside the 20 is really unbelievable. He's been as big a reason for us having success defensively as anybody." "Those plays are huge in a game," said Jones. "It fires the defense up. That's one thing that really makes me get excited, is when I see those guys running onto the field when they're excited about (the opposing offense) starting on the 8, or starting on the 2. That's what's rewarding to me, knowing that I'm doing everything I can to help them out, putting them in the best position to be successful."

Cary Williams To Cards: Let's Not Be Crybabies | Birds 24/7
Cary Williams took a long pause before giving his reply. A reporter brought up the fact that Bruce Arians submitted some 15 plays to the league for review following the Cardinals’ narrow loss to the Eagles Sunday. After digesting that news like one might a box of nails, Williams began. "Let’s not be crybabies, man," he said. "I thought the refs kept them in the game to some degree at times. But it’s football, man. It’s about going out there and executing. If they came in here with a different attitude, maybe not so nonchalant, thinking it was going to be a cakewalk…

NFL Team Rankings, Week 13 - RealGM
Our NFL Team Rankings are based entirely on the The Trench Counter, which is an objective formula measuring average yards per pass and run on both offense and defense, along with first downs registered and given up, turnovers for and against, and total penalty yards. Over time, The Trench Counter rankings begin to closely resemble the standings but goes even further to determine which teams are truly the best when on the line of scrimmage. The Philadelphia Eagles have ascended to No. 3 in our rankings despite having their playoff chances in serious doubt as they battle the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC East. The Cowboys, however, are ranked 25th despite having a better point differential. The Eagles have a more difficult schedule remaining and also must travel to Dallas for Week 17.

Let’s Talk RBs - Tommy Lawlor, Iggles Blitz
I’d love for Kelly to try and mix things up. Bryce Brown has the size and strength to be effective. Chris Polk was very good at this type of running while he was in college. I think part of Kelly’s hesitation is that Brown had major fumbling issues last year. Polk had some fumbling problems this summer. Kelly also seems to like sticking with his star RB. I’m assuming this is Kelly’s choice and not that of Duce Staley. McCoy can be a downhill runner when he wants to. You saw him attack the hole on the 4th/2 run late in the 1st half on Sunday. That was perfect. That’s what you’d like to see more of. Shady does have the NFL record for 50-yard runs in the 4th quarter, but that’s part of the problem. The Eagles don’t need big plays when protecting a lead. Just move the chains and keep the clock rolling. Shady’s instinct is to go for the big play. That means moving laterally and trying to get outside. Running wide against a stacked box is a losing proposition.

Week 13 DVOA Ratings - Football Outsiders

Philadelphia DVOA, Weeks 1-8 vs. Weeks 9-13
Weeks OFF Rk DEF Rk ST Rk TOT Rk
Weeks 1-8 6.0% 12 12.7% 30 -5.7% 28 -12.3% 21
Weeks 9-13 45.5% 1 -1.4% 15 11.0% 3 57.8% 1

NFL Week 14 Power Rankings - FanSpeak
11) The Eagles had a tough game on their slate, but they continued winning as they beat the Cardinals. The fear was that the Cardinals defense would dominate the game, and though they prevented the Eagles from putting up huge numbers, Philly showed their efficiency and protected the football.

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