Die Hard Sports Fan

This has been a decision I’ve been contemplating for about 24 hours now.  How do you decide who gets the game ball when the team as a whole pretty much won us the game?  Both sides of the ball were executed phenomenally, however my Die Hard Redskins Fan game ball goes to…Chris Cooley.

While I was quite impartial, debating between Cooley and Clinton Portis, I decided to go with Chris Cooley for a number of reasons. One, he had his first touchdown of the season yesterday, an 18 yard option toss from WR Antwaan Randle El that gave us the go-ahead in the third quarter.  Which, by the way, was the first visiting team touchdown scored at Lincoln Financial Field since last season. Two, he had a career-high 109 yards versus last weeks #9 power ranked Philadelphia Eagles.  Three, with the biggest concern for the Eagles defense being tight end coverage, Chris Cooley walked into the game ready to eat it up!

He credits “Tana Man” Santana Moss for his production in his official blog today.

“I finally put a touchdown on the stat sheet. I knew I was going to have a great opportunity to help the offense this week and really I felt it was a compliment to Santana Moss. Although he was catch-less, he opened up all kinds holes for the rest of us.”

Now, let’s move onto grading the team.  Beginning with the defense, I am handing out a B+.  Granted, Brian Westbrook isn’t healthy, but his presence did offer the Eagles their only touchdown in the game on Sunday.  Our defense was missing three key starters- Marcus Washington, Shawn Springs and Jason Taylor, however as a whole, they only allowed 58 yards on the ground.  DE Andre Carter recorded six tackles in the game, a team record so far this season.  And despite the mishap in the first quarter where WR Desean Jackson returned a kickoff for a touchdown, the most notable performance by the Redskins defense was when the Eagles pushed to the two yard line, followed by a no-gain second down and a 3 yard loss on third down, both on the account of Brian Westbrook. Ackers came in for the field goal where the Eagles were finally able to put up points after the Skins had posted 23 unanswered points.

Onto the offense. CLEARLY I am going to give the big O an A for their performance Sunday.  Between 204 yards on the ground against the #1 rushing defense in the league, along with a career-topping performance by Cooley, a brief taste of what may be to come with WR Devin Thomas, and the distraction methods used by Santana Moss, our boys worked together as a whole and executed beautifully in this win.

K Shaun Suisham racked up the points in field goals the first half yesterday, scoring us 9 points.  While at the time we were probably squirming a bit trying to catch up to the 14 points Philly scored early, those critical field goals won us the game in the end.  And they were all LONG balls too, and therefore I will be giving special teams an A as well.

CONGRATS TO COOOOOOOOOOOOLEYYYYY for having your best game yet in your career and scoring the Die Hard Redskins Fan game ball!

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Well, unfortunately for The Philadelphia Eagles, The Washington Redskins were exactly who the Die Hard Redskins Fans bloggers thought they were; and that is a tough, physical team that plays as one, making smart decisions and not turning over the ball.

Yesterday’s loss to the Redskins was painful and frustrating.  It was frustrating because I know how The Redskins needed to be us.  I hinted at it during last week’s blog posts.  On Offense, the Redskins were more physical than we were.  They took the ball and kept it, ramming it down our throats with RBs Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts.  They moved the ball in the air with clean, careful, and short passes, mostly to TE Chris Cooley.  As I had warned last week and throughout the first 5 weeks of this season; one of the Eagles’ biggest weaknesses is covering the opponent’s Tight End.  Yesterday was a clear example of that as Cooley rumbled through the Eagles defense for 109 yards and 1 TD.  QB Jason Campbell continues his most impressive journey to mastering Head Coach Zorn’s offense.  Despite dropped balls by WR Randle El and a disappearing act by WR Santana Moss, Campbell was steady and careful with the ball and went yet another game in this season with no turnovers.  He pulled the ball down and ran or threw the ball away when something wasn’t there.  He didn’t force things and kept his offense on the field and worse, kept the Eagles defense there with him.  By being successful at that game plan, it kept #5 QB Donovan McNabb and his offense watching like me, from afar.

This game hurts.  It was at Lincoln Financial Field.  We let the Washington Redskins walk into our home, be down by 14 points, and then walk out with our hearts squashed in their hands.  At this point, everyone and everything has to be questioned.  Can this team execute well enough to win big games?  Can this coaching staff adapt and adjust during the games?  Many questions loom and by the time we have our answers, it may be too late.  The competive nature of the NFC East doesn’t allow for teams and coaches to perform this way.  It is only week 5 and the NFL season has a long way to go, but one cannot help feeling a sense of doubt.  Here’s hoping the ship can get turned around this week…

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

 

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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 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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The Washington Redskins offense we saw that Thursday night that opened up the 2008 NFL Season against the New York Giants is forgotten and long gone.  After that week, out of no where, QB Jason Campbell and the rest of the Skins offense has gone through a metamorphosis, if you will, and has evolved into one of the NFL’s most consistent and steady offenses. 

Week 1, Campbell looked lost.  Campbell came into the season with a lot of pressure, due to learning yet another system in his young career.  However, this time, after 4 weeks, it looks like he has mastered the beginning stages of his journey into his new offensive education.  In 4 games, he has yet to turn the ball over.  He looks cool and collective; progressing through his reads and calmly getting rid of the ball or dumping it off to a short receiver when being hurried.  It looks as if the game has slowed down for him and he can see things before they happen.

With that said, the Eagles defense will bring an entire new test to his journey of learning Redskins Head Coach Zorn’s offense.  The Eagles rotate an almost an infinite amount of Defensive Ends and Tackles to wear down opposing Offensive Lines and get constant pressure on the other team’s Quarterback.  If the Redskins focus too much on pass rusher DE Trent Cole, then it will free up a Juqua Parker or even a Darren Howard.

The Redskins offensive weapons could present dangerous challenges to the Eagles defense.  If TE Chris Cooley is allowed to run free, underneath, and around the line of scrimmage, he could become Campbell’s safety valve, and help the Skins keep McNabb and company off the field.  To date, the Eagles have not been the greatest at shutting down the other team’s Tight End.  Cooley has the advantage as I don’t believe anyone on the Eagles can consistently cover him and effectively make him a non-threat.

WR Santana Moss is a speedster but a quality possession receiver as well who can take a 3-yard underneath pass and turn it up field for bigger gains.  Although he is dangerous, and will have his moments, I think CBs Asante Samuel, Sheldon Brown, and Lito Sheppard will be able to keep his involvement and productivity relatively low.  If the Eagles pass rush and blitz packages can get to Campbell often, it will help limit Moss’s effectiveness.  Moss isn’t the big, strong, and physical receiver that causes more issues for this core of CBs.  However I do expect him to come up with one or two big plays, even one for a long TD if he sneaks by a CB, deep down field.  I can’t expect the Eagles trio of CBs to completely take him out of the game.

The goal for the Eagles should be a steady list of the following combination:  Stay true to their position and hold their gaps to frustrate RB Clinton Portis.  Send the world and blitz to try to confuse Campbell on third and long passing plays.  Be mindful of the underneath routes run by TE Chris Cooley and WR Santana Moss.  The Eagles need to force the Skins into 3^rd and longs, by taking away the run and the short passing game.  If they are successful in the aforementioned, I like their odds, more times than not.

Tomorrow- Die Hard Sports Fan’s version of the Redskins-Eagles Pre Game notes and comments.

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 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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The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. TV & Radio Info: Game: Steelers (2-0) at Eagles (1-1) TV: CBS (Jim Nantz, Phil Simms) Radio: 610 AM WIP All Sports Radio (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick) Time: 4:15 p.m. ET Game Notes:

• The Steelers have won their last 15 regular-season road games when leading after three quarters
• The Steelers are 13-2 in their last 15 games against the NFC
• Last Regular Season Meeting: The Steelers beat the Eagles in Pittsburgh, 27-3 in 2004.
• OG Max Jean-Gilles will replace OG Shawn Andrews.
• The Steelers and Eagles have not played a regular season game in Philadelphia since 1997.
• Eagles QB Donovan McNabb is 1 TD shy of passing Ron Jaworski for the Eagles franchise lead in TD passes.
• Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid is 3 wins shy of 100 career wins.
• Eagles WR DeSean Jackson can become the first WR ever in NFL History to have 3 straight 100 yard receiving games to start his career.

Injury Report: Steelers - Out of Game: DE Brett Kiesel (Calf), LB Donovan Woods (Hamstring), CB Deshea Townsend (Heel). Probable: LB James Farrior (Back), G Chris Kemoeatu (Ankle), DT Casey Hampton (Groin), QB Ben Roethlisberger (Shoulder) Eagles - Out of Game: WR Kevin Curtis (Sports Hernia), DE Victor Abiamiri (Wrist) . Doubtful: OG Shawn Andrews (Back). Probable: FB Tony Hunt (Hamstring), DT Trevor Laws (Quad), DT Dan Klecko (Hand), WR Reggie Brown (Hamstring), S Sean Considine (Hand), LB Tank Daniels (Wrist) Quote of the Week: “The guys have just been out there having fun, putting up points. I just want to go out there and have as much fun as they’ve been having. The past two games, you just see everybody feeling good. Everyone’s clicking and coming together as a team. I just want to be out there with my teammates contributing toward our goals.” - WR Reggie Brown Feel free to chat with other Eagles fans in the Tag Board in the right column. With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!! EAGLES!!”

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Today, we have exclusive privileges to interview a Steelers insider who wishes to remain anonymous.  To discuss the up coming week 3 match-up between the two Keystone State teams, we will now refer to him as “Steely McBeer”:

 Vedder:

Thanks for joining us today Steely.  We appreciate you risking your work with the Steelers to take time with us today to discuss what could be a preview of the Super Bowl.

Steely:  

Preview of the Super Bowl?  I thought the Steelers were playing the Eagles this week? All kidding aside this should be a great game with State bragging rights on the line.

 

Vedder: 

Steelers fans are known across the league as great traveling fans.  Eagles fans are known as great home team fans.  Do you expect a lot of Steelers fans to be waiving that yellow towel come Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field?

Steely:  

Steelers fans are spread across the country, and always make their presence known at opposing teams stadiums.  Add to this the fact that it is only a 4.5 hour drive across state on the PA turnpike to get here, and I am sure you will see plenty of Black and Gold in the stands.  I am not so sure about the Terrible Towels being waived; as such a display might trigger some unwanted criticism from the polite crowd supporting the Eagles.

Vedder: 

What were your concerns about the Steelers going into the season?  What concerns have disappeared now that you have seen what the Steelers are capable of after their first two games?

Steely: 

The biggest concern had to be the production (or lack there of) of the Offensive Line.  They surrendered almost 50 sacks last year and were unable to open holes consistently for the running game later in games when it mattered to help burn the clock and ice games when they had a lead.  Add to the fact that they lost 7 time All-Pro Alan Faneca to the Jets this off-season and the numbers from last year might not look so bad by seasons end.  They have already given up 5 sacks to start the season which is on pace for 40 which is an improvement, but one has to wonder how many hits Ben Roethlisberger can take before he starts missing games due to injury.  I imagine that Big Ben is having visions of green jerseys in his face all day as Jim Johnson will certainly unleash his multiple blitz packages, but they have to be prepared to handle this it or could be a long day.

There were 2 things that had me concerned prior to the season starting, but after watching the first 2 games it appears the concern was not warranted.  The first was the ability of Willie Parker to come back from the first major injury of his career, a broken leg.  Reports had him fully participating through all off-season workouts, but until the lights go on and you start hitting, you just don’t know for sure.  Plus they drafted Rashard Mendenhall out of Illinois in the first round which made us wonder if Parker was completely over the injury.  With back to back 100 yard games to start the season, he is showing that he is quite capable of picking up where he left off last season when he was leading the league in rushing after week 15.

The other had to be the status of Troy Polamalu.  He has missed multiple games the last 2 years due to a variety of injuries, and their defense just isn’t the same without him.  He already has 2 interceptions in as many games and has been making plays all over the field.  The Tasmanian Devil is officially back!

Vedder: 

What would have had to happen for the Steelers to keep Faneca?  Will losing him come back to haunt the Steelers this year?

Steely:  

The Steelers, just  like the Eagles, are always willing to let a player leave 1 year early instead of 1 year too late.  They felt he was on the downside of his career and had developed into a problem child for new offensive line coach Larry Zierling due to his displeasure over the Steelers hiring Mike Tomlin as their head coach instead of his long time friend and position coach Russ Grimm, who subsequently joined former Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Wisenhunt’s staff in Arizona.  Couple that with the Steelers signing of Big Ben this past winter to a long term extension worth over $100 million which ate up the cap room to sign him long term and it spells for a divorce between a great player and the only team he has ever known since being drafted in the 1st round out of LSU in 1998.

Anytime you lose a pro bowler at any position you will feel the effects on the field, but the organization feels good about the potential of Chris Kemeatou.  Time will tell as the season progresses if they made the right choice.  This is 1 person who does not feel they did, and I am not alone.

Vedder: 

Regarding another selection during the 2008 draft class, what are your expectations for 2nd round pick Limas Sweed, WR from Texas?

Steely: 

When Sweed was drafted, everyone thought that he would fill the role as the “big” receiver that Ben Roethlisberger has coveted since Plaxico Burress left for greener pastures in New York.  The problem he has, which is a rather large problem for a receiver, is he can’t catch the ball consistently.  During the preseason they gave him every opportunity to win the #4 or even possibly the #3 spot, but his inconsistency has led to him being inactive the first 2 games of the season.  Turns out the big receiver role will be filled by Dallas Baker, a practice squad player last year that made the 53 man roster in 2008.  Looks like the Steelers will bring Sweed along slowly as he gains confidence.

Vedder: 

What matchups do you see favoring the Steelers this week and where would you say the Eagles have an edge?

Steely:  

I think the Steelers will have an edge in the running game on offense and defense.  They pride themselves on being able to run the ball and stopping the run, which is evident by top 10 finishes in both statistical categories every year.  Willie Parker will get 20-25 carries as long as the game is close.  He will get stopped for a lot of 1-2 yard gains, but he is a threat to take it the distance at any moment.  On the defensive side of the ball, Casey Hampton and Aaron Smith do a great job of occupying the offensive linemen so the 4 Linebackers can get to the ball carrier.  Throw in Troy Polamalu playing close to the line and it seems they have 12 guys out there at times.  The one thing that can throw a wrench in these plans is to spread out the defense with multiple wr’s and try to gash them inside.  They probably won’t see many carries however as we all know that Andy Reid favors the pass, but he would be wise to mix it up to keep this defense honest.

Two areas where the Eagles have the advantage in my opinion is their Pass Offense and their blitz packages when the Steelers attempt to pass.  As evidenced by the first 2 games of the season, Donovan McNabb doesn’t have a true go to guy and spreads the ball around very well to his receivers and backs.  The Steelers always have problems with teams that have multiple options in the passing game which doesn’t allow them to scheme towards one or two players.   You will see the Steelers play a lot of zone to keep everything in front of them and hope that Donovan McNabb makes a mistake as he methodically moves the team down the field.  The problem is, #5 will have many windows to throw into as the Steelers secondary isn’t necessarily a strength.  Also look for Troy Polamalu to spy Brian Westbrook as he is the one player that might have a prayer of staying anywhere near him in the open field.  If Reggie Brown returns this week, it could make things even more difficult.

As much as the running game for the Steelers offense is fueled by the offensive line, they are surprisingly average when it come to pass blocking.  RT Willie Colon is very poor against speed rushers, and with 2 new starters at Center and Left Guard, they are susceptible to blitzes up the middle as they are not completely comfortable with communicating and switches.  I look for Jim Johnson to bring pressure early and often to get Ben on the ground.  The one thing I will give Ben credit for is if the defense misses him with the initial wave, he is very dangerous outside the pocket making plays down field.  So if the rushers don’t get him, you better hope that trio of high priced CB’s have their guys locked down or it could be an easy 6.  I also hope the Steelers can find ways to get their receivers isolated on Brian Dawkins as he seems to have become somewhat of a liability in pass coverage.  On a side note, I am interested in seeing if the Steelers try to use Heath Miller over the middle of the field similar to how Dallas used Witten on Monday night.  Miller is an underrated receiver, but he has a knack for getting open and has great hands.

Vedder: 

What is your final prediction for the game (and do not reply with “Pain”)

Steely:  Birds 23, Lers 24!!

Vedder:
Thank you Steely for joining us today with your insider take on the Steelers and the great match up this weekend.  With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

Steely:

You are welcome. Um, I think.

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The Saint Louis Rams will face the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.

TV & Radio Info:

Game: New Rams (0-0) at Eagles (0-0)
TV: FOX (Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa)
Radio: 610 AM WIP All Sports Radio (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick)
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Game Notes:

• Rookie WR DeSean Jackson is scheduled to start for the Eagles.
• Under Head Coach Andy Reid, the Eagles are 3-6 on opening day.
• Last Regular Season Meeting: Eagles beat the Rams 17-16 at St. Louis in 2005.
• Although not practicing much of the pre-season, DE Chris Clemons is expected to play.
• Field conditions may be of issue with Temple playing on Saturday and rain in the forecast.

Injury Report:

Rams - Out of Game: WR Donnie Avery (Knee). Probable: CB Fakhir Brown (Shoulder), C Brett Romberg (Hand), RB Brian Leonard (Shoulder).

Eagles - Out of Game: DE Victor Abiamiri (Wrist), WR Kevin Curtis (Hernia). Doubtful: WR Reggie Brown (Hamstring). Probable: RB Lorenzo Booker (Hip), DE Chris Clemons (Calf), S Sean Considine (Hand), FS Brian Dawkins (Ankle).

Feel free to chat with other Eagles fans in the Tag Board in the right column. With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S! EAGLES!!”

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