Die Hard Sports Fan

The Redskins came into Lincoln Financial Field and out muscled the Eagles to walk out of Philadelphia with another big NFC East victory.

1^st Quarter

The Eagles received the ball first to open the game.  The Eagles took the ball and marched down the field, with authority.  The Eagles set the tone early, equally mixing up the run and the pass.  The Eagles capped of the 80-yard drive with a Brian Westbrook Touchdown run putting the score at 7-0, Eagles. 

The Redskins took their first possession and right away were pressured by the Eagles swarming defense.  The Redskins were forced to punt and rookie sensation WR DeSean Jackson fielded the punt, starting his return to the right, and then turned direction, headed back left and was gone, a 68-yard Touchdown punt return.  The Eagles now led 14-0.
Being down 14-0, Washington took their 2^nd possession and after a few plays, were forced to punt again.  This time, DeSean Jackson waived his hand in the air and took the fair catch.  For the 3^rd Eagles possession, they were on the move yet again.

The Eagles 3^rd possession stalled though and David Akers missed a 50-yard field goal that was just shy to the right.  The score remained 14-0, Eagles.

2^nd Quarter

The Redskins opened up the 2^nd quarter with a few big pass plays to TE Chris Cooley who for the day would kill the Eagles.  The Redskins were forced to settle for a Shaun Suisham field goal, cutting the Eagles’ lead to 14-3.

The Eagles went three and out and Punter Sav Rocca boomed the ball to the Redskins where the Eagles downed the ball inside the 5-yard line.  The Redskins’ running game go things into gear with RBs Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts taking charge, moving the ball down the field.  The Redskins were finally stopped and settled for another Suisham field goal.  The Eagles now led 14-6. 

After a poor kickoff by Suisham where he sent the ball out of bounds, the Eagles started at their own 40.  The Eagles blew the opportunity to move the ball and went three and out.

The Skins took over at their own 18 with less than 1 minute left in the half.  The Skins moved the ball quickly down the field and got into field goal range as time in the half ran out.  Suisham kicked his 3^rd FG of the game and the score was 14-9 at the half.

3^rd Quarter

The Eagles and Redskins exchanged a few possessions until the Redskins struck for the first time with a Touchdown, where Redskins WR Antwaan Randle El took a reverse from Campbell but then fired a strike to a wide open Chris Cooley who walked into the end-zone for the TD.  For the first time of the game, the Redskins took the lead with the score now 16-14.

4^th Quarter

The Redskins moved the ball again on the Eagles defense, taking the ball to the 4-yard line where RB Clinton Portis scooted in for the score.  The Redskins increased their lead to 23-14.

The Eagles got the ball back inside their own 10 after a blocking in the back penalty by WR Jason Avant.  The Eagles went to work right away moving the ball down the field, mostly thanks to a head’s up play by WR Reggie Brown.  Brown caught a pass from QB Donovan McNabb, was on the ground but still untouched.  He smartly got up and rumbled for 40 yards down into Skins’ territory.  Later, Brown caught another McNabb ball down to the Skins’ 2-yard line.  The Eagles Red Zone offense failed again where Westbrook was stuffed two straight times and the Eagles settled for a David Akers field goal, cutting their deficit to 23-16.

With 7:18 remaining in the game, the Redskins received the ball and ran out the clock.  The Redskins won 23-16.

Wrap-Up

• Redskins QB Jason Campbell had zero turnovers. 
• Eagles WR DeSean Jackson was held to 1 catch for 8 yards.
• Redskins TE Chris Cooley had 109 yards and 1 Touchdown.
• The Redskins were without starting CB Shawn Springs, LB Marcus Washington, and T Stephon Heyer.

NFL.com Game Center post game is attached.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

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The Eagles started the game with very high energy. Donovan McNabb took his team the length of the field to score early. The Eagle defense held the Redskins offense to two three-and-out series to start the game. After a quick second touchdown on punt return by Desean Jackson, the Redskins settled down. By half-time, they cut the Eagles lead in half after a trio of field goals by Shaun Suisham. After finally taking the lead towards the middle of the third quarter, the Redskins never looked back as they continued to impress on both sides of the ball.

1st Quarter -

Redskins start off the game with an strong special teams effort, but it was immediately forgotten as Brian Westbrook popped off a 16 yard run after catch on a screen pass from Donovan McNabb. The Eagles proceeded to march down the field with short passes and the running of Westbrook. One play, a double reverse to Desean Jackson would have been a touchdown if not for the tackle by The Predator, Chris Horton. Three plays later, Westbrook fights through some arm tackles on the Redskins defense and get the first touchdown of the game.

After a three and out series by the Redskins offiense, and a questionable non-call, Desean Jackson out runs the Redskins special teams for a touchdown.

Towards the end of the first quarter, the Redskins find a way to stop the Eagles, mostly by the inaccuracy of McNabb and the wide right field goal attempt by David Akers.

2nd Quarter -

To start the second quarter, the Redskins get a first down, the first of the game. They followed that up with their first points of the game; a field goal by Shaun Suisham.

Westbrook had left the game midway through the first quarter, but made his return in time for the Eagles first possession of the second quarter. Carlos Rogers dropped an interception, which may have turned the momentum. Still, the Eagles are forced to punt one play later. Antwaan Randle-El allowed the punt to bounce, expecting it to touchback in the endzone. Instead, the Eagles cover the ball and give the Redskins terrible field position on the two yard line.

After running the ball out from deep in their own territory, the Eagles dial up the blitz and sack Jason Campbell for a loss of 16 yards on the missed pickup by Ladell Betts. Still, they find a way to keep the drive alive on a nice strike to the rookie Devin Thomas. Later, on the same drive, on third and six, Campbell attempts a quick pass only to have it batted down at the line of scrimmage. Suisham makes the field goal from 48 yards.

After forcing the Eagles to a three and out series, Washington takes the ball with under two minutes to convert another field goal by Suisham.

Halftime Score: Eagles, 9-14

3rd Quarter -

Both defenses of the teams came out strong to open the third quarter. The wake up call came on a violent run up the middle by Clinton Portis; a tremendous run for 10+ yards. Devin Thomas had a nice pickup on a WR screen to bring the ball inside the Eagles 20 yard line. On the next play, Randle-El took the reverse, faked the run and threw down the field to Chris Cooley for a touchdown. Redskins take the lead.

On the Eagles next possession, they go three and out and give the ball back to Redskins. After a third dropped pass for the game by Randle-El, he leaves the game with an apparent hand injury. The Redskins rookie WR, Devin Thomas commits his third offensive pass interference to negate the first pass reception of Santana Moss. Because of that penalty, the drive stalls.

The Redskins defense stops the Eagles again for three and out. On the resulting punt return by Randle-El, a penalty against the Eagles gives the Redskins the ball at midfield. A monster run by Portis takes the ball all the way inside the Eagles 10-yard line. While Portis is resting on the sideline, Betts takes the ball down inside the five yard line for 2nd and goal.

4th Quarter -

After an incompletion, on third and goal, Portis walks into the endzone for a touchdown.

The next series by the Eagles featured Westbrook and a catch and run by Reggie Brown. After marching deep into Redskins territory, the Redskins make a goal line stand to force the Eagles to kick the field goal.

On the next series by the Redskins, they pick up two consecutive, critical third downs to run the clock down to under three minutes. On yet another critical third down, the offense wastes a down on a broken play, which set up a fourth and one at the Eagles 39-yard line. Clinton Portis takes the hand off up the middle, pushes the pile ahead for the first down!

The Eagles without a time out remaining, run out the clock to win the game.

Score: Redskins, 23-17

Wrap Up -

• Jason Campbell was 16 of 29 for 176 yards.
• Clinton Portis rushed 29 times for 145 yards and a TD.
• Chris Cooley had 8 receptions for 109 yards and a TD.
• Six different Redskins caught passes today, except for Santana Moss.
• Redskins defense held the Eagles, the sixth ranked offense in the league, to only 196 yards passing and 58 yards rushing. 

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The Washington Redskins will face the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
TV & Radio Info:
Game: Redskins (3-1) at Eagles (2-2)
TV: FOX (Joe Buck, Troy Aikman)
Radio: 610 AM WIP All Sports Radio (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick)

Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Game Notes:

• Last Regular Season Meeting: The Eagles beat the Redskins in Washington, 33-25.
• The Eagles have not allowed a touchdown at home in over 3 games.
• The Redskins have yet to turn the ball over on offense this season.
• OG Max Jean-Gilles will replace injured OG Shawn Andrews.
• Current Eagles players K David Akers and DE Chris Clemons started their NFL careers with The Redskins.
• Eagles QB Donovan McNabb is 10-5 all time against The Redskins.
• The Eagles are 12-5 when RB Brian Westbrook rushes for over 100 yards.
• RB Brian Westbrook grew up as a Washington Redskins fan.
• Eagles Punter Sav Rocca currently ranks 1^st in the NFL with a 44.1 net punting average.
• Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid is 2 wins shy of 100 career wins.
• Eagles Safety Brian Dawkins is 1 interception short to tie Eric Allen and Bill Bradley for the franchise lead in career interceptions of 34
• The Eagles lead the NFL in sacks (17)
• The Line: The Eagles are favored by 6.  Over/Under is 42

Injury Report:

Redskins - Out of Game: DE Jason Taylor (Calf). Doubtful: T Stephon Heyer (Shoulder). Questionable: LB Marcus Washington (Hamstring), CB Sean Springs (Calf). Probable: DE Andre Carter(Non-injury related), OG Randy Thomas (Toe).

Eagles - Doubtful: WR Kevin Curtis (hernia), DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist). Questionable: RB Brian Westbrook (ankle), TE L.J. Smith (back). Probable: QB Donovan McNabb (chest), S Quintin Demps (knee), RDT Dan Klecko (hand). 

Quote of the Week:

 ”The last few days have made me more optimistic.  I can feel myself getting better.  That’s what counts.  I am feeling very motivated right now.” - Eagles OG Shawn Andrews
Please feel free to comment below or in the tag board in the sidebar to chat with Eagles fans from around the world.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!

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In what looks like a must win game for The Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field; let’s take a look at how they match-up offensively versus the defense of The Washington Redskins:

The Eagles offense will have to be ready to go physically with the Redskins defense.  The Redskins play a physical, team defense that is stingy but can give up yardage.  Part of their team philosophy is to keep their defense off the field with a ball possession attack on offense which keeps their defense fresh and hungry when they return to the field.  Although the Redskins defense is not full of star, pro-bowler type players, they play well as a team defense, complimenting each other, knowing their roles and how each person’s responsibility and performance helps the others on the defense.

The Eagles have one advantage where Redskins starting DE Jason Taylor will most likely be out another game.  Over his career, he has been a special player, able to rush the quarterback as well as being strong against the run.  With him out, the Eagles have one less thing to game plan.

The Redskins front four is solid but not spectacular.  DT Cornelius Griffin may cause match-up problems for Eagles Center Jamaal Jackson.  DE Andre Carter is a speed guy who could cause problems going against the Eagles aging and slowing Tackles.  The Eagles would be wise to put a Tight End on Carter’s side to chip him on important passing plays. 

Against the run, they are nicely supported by their Linebacking core, where LB’s Marcus Washington, London Fletcher, and Rocky McIntosh are tackling machines.  The Redskins also benefit from these 3 LB’s being skillful in the art of dropping back into pass coverage.  The play of the Redskins Secondary will probably determine how well the Eagles do or do not do on Offense.  When CBs Shawn Springs, Carlos Rogers, and Fred Smoot play as one unit with Safeties LaRon Laundry, Reed Doughty, and “The Predator” Chris Horton, the Redskins defense is very successful at limiting opposing offenses to scoring chances.  However, this unit can be taken advantage of as Springs is a bit long in the tooth, Rogers is still trying to recover from a knee injury, and Smoot can be inconsistent. 

I look for the Eagles to come out spreading the field with WR’s DeSean Jackson, Reggie Brown, Jason Avant, and Hank Baskett.  The Redskins defense does best when they work together, swarming the ball, in numbers.  The Eagles will have the advantage if the field is spread and thus opening up things on the ground and in the air for RB Brian Westbrook (assuming he plays).  Westbrook is the wild card here.  If the Redskins have to focus on him, it will free up everyone else and take pressure off Eagles QB Donovan McNabb.  If the Redskins don’t worry about Westbrook, he very well may repeat his performance against them as he did last year where he single-handedly destroyed them with 183 total yards and 3 TDs.

The conclusion here is that although the Redskins defense is solid, they can be exploited.  They were only on the field a small portion of the game last week against Dallas but still gave up some yardage and big plays.  The Eagles need to be smart with the ball, create mismatches in open space, and keep the Redskins defense on the field as long as possible.  The Eagles know what to do; it is just a matter of how successful they will be at doing it.  Tomorrow, we will take a peak at how the Eagles defense matches up against QB Jason Campbell, RB Clinton Portis, and the rest of the Redskins offense.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

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The Die Hard Eagles Fan, known as “Vedder,” agreed to return the favor and allow us some insight into the mind of an Eagles fan regarding their season, the team, and the matchup this weekend.

How did you become an Philadelphia Eagles fan?

That one is easy.  My dad has been a die hard Eagles fan forever.  He was an usher at the famous 1960 Eagles-Packers championship game and I have been hearing about it since I was probably 5 years old.  Add in the factor that I started following sports at age 6, when the Eagles went to the Superbowl (lost to the Raiders), and it made it easy for me to get interested.  When I was a bit older, in the mid-80’s, some of the home games were blacked out.  So my dad and I would jump in the car and go scalp 2 tickets and watch.  Being at the Vet as a kid was exciting but scary.   For some sick reason, the experiences at the games as a kid helped me become a fan.

As a child, I grew up in Redskins country. But, I still followed the Eagles running back, Wilbur Montgomery. Who is your favorite Eagle from your lifetime of experience? 

There were plenty of players I loved over the years.  Seth Joyner was awesome.   “Arkansas” Fred Barnett was a favorite of mine.  All time though, it has to be Safety Brian Dawkins.  He is everything and anything you would want in a Safety.  He’s a leader.  He’s a ball hawk.  He’s a hitter.  A future Hall of Famer in my opinion.

The Eagles have played in two Super Bowls, yet have failed to win. How do you feel about the season thus far? 

I feel that they are a good team but not a great team.  I feel they have the potential to be in the NFC championship if they could learn from their mistakes and apply those lessons successfully.

I’ve read some commentary that is calling for Andy Reid to resign and/or retire, especially after last week’s loss to the Bears. What do you think? 

Those callings are because Eagles fans are emotional and in dire need for a championship.  They are passionate and let their emotions get to them.  Coach Reid definitely has a lot of flaws, and I will be the first to call him out.  If he doesn’t win the big one soon, he will go down as a good coach for planning during the week, but a bad game day coach who was too stubborn and too ignorant to learn from the past.

I’m not certain, but Reid is probably the winningest coach in Eagles history. Are the fans being fair to be so down on him right now? 

I would say some fans are definitely down on him but if they consider the alternative, such as some of the junk coaches out there, they should be somewhat grateful for what he brings to the table.  Again, if he could work on his flaws, then the sky would be the limit with this team.  Unfortunately, time is running out.

I have lived in the midst of the fans of the Philadelphia Eagles for over 10 years now. I attended and graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia. I remember Buddy Ryan and the days of that defense with Reggie White, Jerome Brown, and others. It was a ferocious team. How do you compare today’s Eagles to those of yesteryear? 

That core of players from that era (late 80’s-early 90’s) was something special and nothing can compare to them, not the 2004 Eagles Defense nor this current Defense.  Defenses like that probably only come around once every 10-20 years.  I still have my old VCR tapes of the 1991 season and every summer I watch the “House Of Pain” game as well as the “Body Bag” game.  Sorry Warmontco, but with you being a Die Hard Skins fan, I had to bring up the “Body Bag” game!

The city seems to be split on their opinion regarding Donovan McNabb. How do you feel about him as a QB? 

I am pro McNabb.  His career currently reminds me of the 1st 10 years of the trials and tribulations John Elway went through out in Denver, only to a smaller degree.  Obviously Elway was a ton better, but the parallels are the same.  McNabb has a rifle arm, is mobile, and uses his ability to step up and around the pocket to make big plays.  I don’t blame McNabb not bringing us a championship on McNabb like others do.  It is not his fault that the team refuses to give him a consistent running attack.  It is not #5’s fault that they refuse to address the WR position with the exception of bringing in TO in 2004.  I believe Reid has wasted his opportunity with McNabb and blew it, not taking advantage of his skills and complimenting them with the right offensive philosophy.

Do you believe it is fair to compare him to Randall Cunningham? Why, or why not?

There’s really nothing to compare besides they were both quarterbacks here.  I mean, sure, both were athletic and impressive quarterbacks.  McNabb is intelligent and can read defenses.  Randall just went out there and used his athletic ability to get him by.  Randall didn’t have anyone coaching him for most of his career here.  McNabb will go down as the Eagles best QB in my book.  So no, its not fair as I believe McNabb earned the right not to be compared to another QB who didn’t win much here.  

Many speculate that McNabb could be traded after this year to the Chicago Bears. Is this the last year for McNabb in Philadelphia?  It very well may be and I certainly hope not.  I think Eagles fans who want Kevin Kolb in there are suffering from “don’t know what you got until its gone” syndrome.  Kolb might be good sometime in the future, but McNabb brings so much more to the table.

Brian Westbrook, when healthy, can dominate a game. Why isn’t he featured more in the offense? Is it because he has trouble staying healthy?  Possibly but I say no.  I believe it’s because Andy Reid’s stubbornness to having a balanced attack.  Can you imagine the numbers Westbrook could put up if Reid didn’t come out throwing 50 times a game?  

With the exception of the acquisition of Terrell Owens, why, in your opinion, do the Eagles seem so reluctant to acquire a top-rated WR’s for McNabb?

I believe its all part of Andy Reid’s philosophy to prove to the world and the rest of the NFL how brilliant he can be.  It’s no coincidence that the only year the Eagles brought in a true stud, star WR, they went to the big dance.

Many people, including me, believe that if T.O. was still with the team, the Eagles would have won a Super Bowl by now. Do you agree? Why, or why not?  

If TO was still here, this team would be in the toilet.  He is a cancer and a time bomb, waiting to explode and break up a team. 

I believe the real issue that set off T.O.’s immature emotional stability was McNabb’s refusal to acknowledge T.O. as the MVP of the team. What do you think? 

I disagree.  I think TO’s a selfish, child who may be bi-polar.

This week the Redskins come to town. What is your prediction, and why?  

My prediction is both teams feel each other out in the first half where it will be a defensive struggle.  I think one team adjusts better than the other in the 2nd half and it opens up the scoring.  I think the Eagles come out in a close game, winning 20-16.  I think the Redskins are put in a tough position, having two road games in a row and might be still flying high and living off the past weekend with their victory over the Cowgirls instead of focusing on the present and the Eagles.

You must have noticed that the Redskins are playing with more confidence and effectiveness. What concerns you most about the Redskins offense? 

Lots of things.  They like to grind it out, wearing down the opposing defense while keeping the ball and thus the other team’s offense off the field.  The Eagles for years have been killed by other teams’ Tight Ends and this year is no different.  TE Chris Cooley makes me nervous.  QB Jason Campbell’s athleticism makes me worry.  The Eagles have been troubled in the past by QB’s who are athletic.  They need to contain him and make him throw off his back foot.  WR Santana Moss will be successful in getting behind the Eagles CBs which makes me nervous.  How many times he is successful at it will probably help determine the outcome.  RB Clinton Portis is a concern but if the Eagles continue to fill their gaps and be agressive at the line of scrimmage, they can limit him and hopefully put the Redskins in 3rd and long positions.  If that happens frequently, with the aggressive nature of the Eagles Defense, it would only be a matter of time until they force QB Jason Campbell into making a mistake.

The Redskins defense is playing extremely well, also. In the past three games, they have been effective in minimizing three powerful offensive teams in the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, and Dallas Cowboys. What will the the Eagles game plan against this surging Redskins defense?

It depends on if Westbrook plays and is at 100% or not.  If he’s there and back 100%, I would expect the Eagles to set up some screens to Westbrook, especially with some misdirection and fake reverses.  The Cowboys still moved the ball downfield many times in the air last week, so I would expect Reid and company to attack in the same fashion.

Who do you think will have the better game: Donovan McNabb or Jason Campbell? 

It depends which McNabb comes out in the beginning of the game.  He can come out, over pumped and hyped up, throwing balls into the ground and at the feets of receivers or over their heads.  This will lead to the sound of the early boo birds which only will feed into McNabb’s performance.  If he comes out calm, cool, and collective, then I believe McNabb has better odds of having a better game.

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Everywhere I go, at work, at home, in the car, when I am awake and when I am asleep, I have one vision in my head and I cannot shake it from my thoughts.  The harder I try, the more it keeps replaying, over and over again.  That image is Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter being stuffed at the Bears 1 cm line in Sunday’s loss to the Bears.  I want to yell at Buckhalter to reach the ball over the goal-line while you are getting stacked up.  I want to jump into the vision in my head myself and help backup TE Matt Schobel block Bears DE Alex Brown.  In my vision, I want to run onto the field, over to the sidelines and beg Head Coach Andy Reid to run his 230 pound quarterback on a QB keeper.  I want to tell him to get his head out of his arse and run a bootleg or some kind of quick hitter instead of the slow, developing running plays to Buckhalter that they called. 

The NFC East is up for grabs.  It will probably come down to the final week of the NFL season.  With the development and improvement of QB Jason Campbell of the Redskins and their upset victory over The Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, there are now a total of four teams in the NFC East that could win the division.  Just a week ago, we thought it would only come down to The Giants, Cowboys, and Eagles.  Not so fast and now we face the Skins this Sunday in what is looking like a must win game.  Now I fear The Eagles loss to The Bears on Sunday may just come back and bite us in the rear come the end of the season where that we will look back and say “what if we only dialed up the right play calling when the game was on the line that September evening in Chicago?”

You think I am being too hard on Coach Reid?  Check out this article and let me know your thoughts (click here)

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!

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The Eagles and Bears fought out a tough, competitive game with the Bears doing a better job of taking opportunity of some turnovers and earning the win.

1^st Quarter

The Eagles received the ball first to open the game.  The Eagles went 3 and out and were forced to punt after being sacked on 3^rd down by Bears Safety Daniel Manning.  On the Bears’ first offensive possession, they marched right down the field ending the drive with a Touchdown strike to Tight End Greg Olsen, who beat Eagles LB Chris Gocong in the endzone.

On the Eagles next possession, QB Donovan McNabb came out on fire, standing tall in the pocket, hitting rookie WR DeSean Jackson on multiple big plays including a 22 yard TD making the score 7-7.  Jackson also had a big run on a reverse, helping set up the Eagles’ first TD.

2^nd Quarter

On a Bears’ possession, they were forced to punt.  A Bears’ 38 yard punt was muffed by DeSean Jackson at the Eagles 24 yard line.  2 Plays later, Bears QB Kyle Orton found WR Marty Booker open in the end zone for a 23-yard Touchdown breaking the tie.  The Bears led 14-7.

The Eagles offense responded on their next possession by marching down the field.  WR Reggie Brown had multiple catches helping to get The Eagles down into The Bears’ Red Zone.  RB Correll Buckhalter then took a screen pass from McNabb 19 yards down to the Bears 1 yard line.  Buckhalter then took the next carry and plunged into the end-zone making the score 14-14.

On another possession, The Bears capped off a 60 yard drive with a 20 yard TD to KR/WR Devin Hester where The Bears took the lead 21-14 at half-time. 

3^rd Quarter

The Bears received the ball to start the 3^rd quarter and were forced to punt after a few plays.  The Bears punted the ball down inside the Eagles 10 yard line where McNabb through a costly interception with RB Correll Buckhalter getting hurt during the interception return.

Inside the Eagles 20 yard line, on the 2^nd play after the turnover, Bears QB Kyle Orton forced an ill-advised pass into the end-zone and right into the arms of Eagles Safety Quintin Mikell.  The Eagles defense gave the Eagles offense back the ball where the score still remained Bears 21, Eagles 14.

On the next possession, the Eagles went 3 and out and P Sav Rocca sent a booming punt deep into Bears’ territory where KR Devin Hester let it go over his head where he finally scooped up the ball and ran backwards, being downed at his own 4 yard line.

The Eagles defense stuffed the Bears down at the Bears goal-line forcing the Bears 3 and out.  On 1^st down, McNabb missed on an attempted pass to WR Greg Lewis.  With 3^rd string RB Lorenzo Booker in for injured RB Correll Buckhalter, Booker was creamed for a 3 yard loss on a screen play.  The Eagles failed to convert on 3^rd down with a pass to TE Brent Celek.  On 4^th down, K David Akers missed by dinking the upright of the goal post, giving the Bears back the ball with decent field position.

On the first play of the Bears’ next possession, Eagles DE Trent Cole sacked and stripped QB Kyle Orton forcing a fumble recovered by LB Omar Gaither who returned it to the Bears 28 yard line.

Almost giving up on the running game, the Eagles moved the ball inside the red zone, sometimes using 4 receivers in the formation.  On 2^nd down and 4 from the Bears 10, McNabb and the Eagles tried some trickery with a shovel pass to WR Jason Avant who took the ball down to the Bears’ 2 while picking up the first down.  On first down, McNabb rolled right, miss-firing on a pass in the end-zone to WR Hank Baskett.  On 2^nd down, McNabb tripped coming out from center and lost 4 yards.  With 3^rd and goal, The Eagles threw an incomplete pass in the end zone, bringing out K David Akers for another field goal attempt.  The Eagles cut the lead to 21-17 after Akers hit the 24 yard field goal.

The Bears responded with a Devin Hester kick return all the way to mid-field with a 51 yard kick return.  The Bears squandered the good field position, ending the 3 and out with a sack by Eagles DE J. Parker.

Upon the next Eagles possession, Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter returned to the Eagles backfield, carrying on first down for no gain.  The Eagles were unproductive, going 3 and out on this possession as well.  The Eagles were forced to punt and on the Bears very next offensive play, Bears RB Kevin Jones fumbled the ball, with it recovered by Eagles LB Stewart Bradley.

4^th Quarter

The Eagles ended the 3^rd quarter with a nifty reverse run to WR DeSean Jackson, who took the ball down to the Bears 15-yard line.  McNabb was sacked on the 1^st play of the 4^th quarter, by Bears LB H. Hillenmeyer.  The Eagles failed again to take advantage of the turnover and were forced for a David Akers field goal, cutting the Bears’ lead to 1 point at 21-20.

The Bears responded with finally their 1^st down of the 2^nd half and moved the ball down to the Eagles 24-yard line.  They stalled there and settled for a 41-yard field goal by K Robbie Gould.  The score was now 24-20, in the Bears’ favor.

The Eagles responded by marching down the field with a nice mix of runs by Buckhalter and pass plays by McNabb.  With 3:40 left in the game, the Eagles offense ran out of gas after calling a time out to discuss the next play.  On a crucial 4^th and goal from the 1, Buckhalter was stuffed by the Bears and their swarming defense, turning over the ball back to the Bears.

Taking the ball at their own 1-yard line, The Bears successfully moved the ball, gaining 1^st downs and making The Eagles burn up their time-outs.   The Eagles were successful in forcing the Bears to punt, but it was too little, too late.  The Eagles got the ball back with 17 seconds left after a DeSean Jackson punt return.  The Eagles ran one last play to WR Reggie Brown.  Brown didn’t get out of bounds and the game ended with the Bears winning 24-20.

Wrap-Up

• Bears QB Kyle Orton threw 3 first-half TD passes for a career high.
• Eagles WR DeSean Jackson caught his first NFL TD in his career.
• Eagles RB Brian Westbrook, TE L.J. Smith, and OG Shawn Andrews did not play.
• The Eagles Defense held RB Brian Forte to just 43 yards rushing, however, Forte also had 42 yards receiving.

NFL.com Game Center post game is attached.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

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There are many tangibles that make this game between The Philadelphia Eagles and The Chicago Bears an interesting match-up.  Will Eagles RB Brian Westbrook play?  Will Eagles QB Donovan McNabb play?  Can you imagine the Eagles high flying offense without both of its two key pieces?  Which Chicago Bears defense will show up Sunday night?  Will it be the Bears defense that went to Indy and squashed the high octane Colts offense?  Or will it be the Bears defense that last week gave up huge passing yards last week to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home?  We won’t know until Sunday night but let’s take a peak at how the Eagles offense could match-up against the Bears defense:

The Eagles offensive line will have to set the tone for the game.  The Bears have talented players who function well in their aggressive scheme.  The key offensively for the Eagles will to be to try to neutralize DT Tommie Harris, DE Alex Brown, LB Lance Briggs, and MLB Brian Urlacher.  When these four players are in their groove; making plays, being disruptive, and swarming the ball; the rest of the Bears defense feeds off of them and makes plays.  If the Eagles can keep these guys off balance more times than not, then they will have opportunities to move the ball down field, keeping the Bears defense and the field, and wearing them down.

Assuming Westbrook does not play but McNabb does, the Eagles will have to rely more on the pass.  Backup RB Correll Buckhalter is a solid replacement for Westbrook.  He will be able to get his nose in there and run hard for some extra yards after contact, but he doesn’t have the speed and skill-set to be a threat the way Westbrook would be against the Bears.  I expect the Eagles to come out trying to mix up the run and pass, keeping the Bears defense honest, and then open up the passing game and try to take advantage of the Bears defense the way Tampa Bay’s passing attack did last week.

With that thought process, the Eagles receivers and tight ends will need to be consistent and not have one of those games where they are looking over their shoulders, dropping key passes and making constant mistakes.  The Bears have a very underrated but talented player in CB Charles Tillman.  I would expect the Eagles to come to the line of scrimmage, find where Tillman is, and throw to whoever he is not covering.  I also expect the Eagles to game plan around the thought process that the Bears will bring the heat with some blitz packages that might make McNabb have to look for the hot read and get rid of the ball quickly.  If the Eagles can get the right match-ups and pick up on the Bears’ blitz, it could mean a big play or two for DeSean Jackson or maybe even Tight End L.J. Smith down the middle of the field. 

Last week, Tampa was successful passing the ball, taking advantage of open space that was there because the Bears were using blitz packages.  Quick hitters and quick slant plays might be the best way for the Eagles to beat the Bears aggressive style of play and help bring our record to 3-1.  Tomorrow, we will take a peak at how the Eagles defense matches up against QB Kyle Orton, RB Matt Forte, and the rest of the Bears offense.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

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The date was October 21, 2007.  After a rough start, the Philadelphia Eagles were 2-3 and looking to get back to .500.  This was the game where everything lined up for our beloved Birds to turn things around and get back into contention in the NFC East.  One way or another, this game could be the turning point for the 2007 Philadelphia Eagles.

The Chicago Bears came into the game 2-4.  A lot of people, including myself, expected this game to be a blowout, sending the Bears to a dismal 2-5 record.  How could I not think this way?  Bears QB Brian Griese versus Eagles QB Donovan McNabb?  At Lincoln Financial Field in Philly?  Stinking Brian Griese?  Are the Bears serious?  Who would have known….

The Eagles pretty much dominated almost all game long but could not capitalize on their opportunities.  The Eagles only points in the first half were due to K David Akers and his 3 Field Goals.  In three first half possessions, the Eagles gained 199 total yards on offense, but had zero TDs to show for it, something that surely came back to haunt them later in the game.  Getting to the Red Zone was one thing, but being productive in the Red Zone was something missing from the Eagles offense on this day.

Coming into the game, the Bears had the 5^th most awful offense in the NFL, ranking 28^th out of 32.  In the second half of the game however, the Bears offense started clicking on all cylinders.    The Bears gained 244 yards of total offense in the last two quarters.  Griese lead the Bears to a 4^th quarter lead before McNabb and the offense took charge and gained the lead back, putting hope back into Eagles fans everywhere that the victory would be ours.

With about 2 minutes left in the game, and the lead, Eagles Punter Sav Rocca landed a devastating punt down to the Bears 3-yard line.  1:52 remained on the clock and the Bears had no time outs.  The Bears QB was Brian Griese, not Hall of Famer and 4^th quarter comeback legend, John Elway.  There was no way that our defense would let this putrid offense down the field, 97 yards in our house to break our backs.  No way.

One minute and forty-one seconds later, the Bears somehow miraculously were on the Eagles’ 15-yard line.  With nine seconds left in the game, Griese dropped back to pass and connected to WR Mushin Mohammad for the winning TD.  The stadium was dead silent.  You could hear a pin drop.  The only noise heard were the jaws of Eagles fans dropping to the ground.  The Bears went 11 plays and 97 yards in less than 2 minutes, all with no time outs.  

To this day, I still hurt over this loss as it never should have happened.  However, to quote a song of my liking, “and the sun is set….the sun will rise another day” - Pearl Jam’s “The Long Road“.  The sun definitely set on us early in 2007.  Well guess what Die Hard Eagles Fans?  The sun has risen and is shining brightly on our 2008 season.  We’re off to a great start at 2-1.  We have an aggressive defense.  We have an offense that can move the ball up and down the field.  Our special teams are exciting and impressive.  There’s no better way to heal the pain of last year then by walking into Soldier Field and paying back the Brian Griese-less Chicago Bears in front of a national audience and to continue making the statement that the 2008 Eagles are a team to be feared.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

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Feel free to rip me a new one in the comments section if you don’t agree but I think this is the perfect time for the Eagles to make a trade.  After 3 weeks, the Eagles have proven that they are a contender.  Unfortunately, in the NFC, the Cowboys, Giants, and Packers also proved they are contenders.  Worse, the Cowboys and Giants are in the same division as the Eagles, the NFC East.  Therefore, every game means something more this year than ever and the window of opportunity is wide open.  With the AFC so far looking like the lower of the two conferences, if the Eagles can make a move, they can further position themselves to win the Super Bowl.

Next year, the Eagles have two first round picks.  One was acquired last year in a draft deal with the Carolina Panthers.  Assuming major injuries can be avoided, the Eagles have the core of players and talent to win now.  There’s no point in keeping both of these two number one picks for next year.  Those picks can certainly help them in the future but it cannot help us win the Super Bowl this year. 

Hurry up and make the phone call to Detroit Lions GM Matt Millen before he is fired.  The Lions have been known to make some bad trades in the past (see Denver trading RB Tatum Bell and OT George Foster for CB Dre Bly as an example).  WR Roy Williams is struggling in Detroit’s new offensive scheme.  He can become a free agent at the end of the season.  With the Lions starting the season 0-3, they might as well blow up the team and get value for what they have now before they lose Williams and get nothing in return.  They would be crazy not too.  Offer a number one pick to Detroit for WR Roy Williams; conditional on him signing a long-term and cap-friendly contract with the Birds.

Yes, I know, receivers take time to learn the West Coast Offense.  Don’t tell rookie sensation WR DeSean Jackson that.  Let’s see how Roy Williams fits in.  Heck, use him as a decoy and let him run fly routes all game long.  Yes, I know, Head Coach Andy Reid insists we are fine with our current core of receivers and he does not value the receiver position as highly as other positions.  Hello Coach Reid.  The one year we had a stud receiver, we lost the Super Bowl by three points!  QB Donovan McNabb had his best year that season.  Can you imagine Roy Williams lining up with a healthy Kevin Curtis, DeSean Jackson, and any other combination of Reggie Brown, Hank Baskett, or Jason Avant?  The formation possibilities would be endless.  Reid could scheme and confuse opposing defenses by sending RB Brian Westbrook in motion, out of the backfield.  Having all these weapons on the field at all times makes it easier for others including Tight End L.J. Smith.  Having all these receiving threats would open up running lanes for Westbrook as the opposing defenses would have to further respect the pass.  It would give McNabb more choices and make the offense more of a threat.  In theory, a better offense gives us a better defense as they would not have that added pressure of keeping opposing offensive teams’ scoring down as they had to do this past Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

There’s no time like the present.  How much longer will the likes of Jon Runyan, Tra Thomas, and Brian Dawkins be around, playing at a high level?  McNabb could be gone after this season.  This city and the fans deserve a championship.  This core group of players on this current team deserves a chance at the Super Bowl.  It is now up to Reid and the front office to pull the trigger and make the move.  After all, half the time, number one picks wind up as busts.  The upside of the trade is worth the risk.  Do it.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

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