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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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 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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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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Week 3 of the NFL Season brings us an interesting match-up of our Philadelphia Eagles hosting The Pittsburgh Steelers. Let’s take a peak into how The Birds Offense matches up versus that Steel Curtain Defense. The Eagles Offense comes off a tale of two stories from Monday night. In the first half against the Cowboys, their offense was almost unstoppable. In the second half, and more specifically in the end of the fourth quarter, it was not as productive. Now the Eagles have a short week to game plan for one of the AFC’s most dangerous teams; the Steelers. It is my opinion that the Eagles will need to throw the ball to beat the Steelers. As much as I get frustrated with Head Coach Andy Reid and his pass happy philosophy, I have to give him this one. I think the Steelers will game plan to shadow RB Brian Westbrook and force QB Donovan McNabb to air it out and beat the Steelers. The Eagles will need to spread the ball around consistently to all receivers. McNabb will need time, protection, and throwing lanes to step into as the Steelers can bring heat with their Linebackers as well as Safety Troy Polamalu. Eagles Receivers DeSean Jackson and hopefully an available Reggie Brown must have a solid, productive game. If McNabb is given time, protection, and passing lanes consistently, I believe the receiving core will have solid games as I am not confident that the Steelers Cornerbacks can keep up with the Eagles spreading the ball around the field. This would be a nice game for Tight End L.J. Smith to earn his paycheck and be a constant, down the middle of the field target for McNabb. One thing that worries me is if Eagles Guard Shawn Andrews is unable to play at 100% due to the injury he suffered on Monday. It all starts up front and teams that have solid lines have done well versus the Steelers. Not having the Eagles best offensive lineman is a huge plus for the Steelers and I am sure they will game plan to exploit his replacement in Max Jean-Gilles. There’s no doubt about it, the Steelers have a tough and stingy defense. The Eagles offense might as well get used to playing versus these types of defense as the Chicago Bears and the Washington Redskins are next on the schedule. Sunday’s performance will be a nice indicator on how things are to come and hopefully the outcome of this Sunday and in the future is of our Eagles’ Offense flying high. 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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I know, I know. You looked at the title and said to yourself: “Michoel Botwinick, you heartless S.O.B., Kevin Curtis is unquestionably the Eagles best wide receiver and is extremely vital to the team.

But is he?

True — he’s been the Eagles best wideout since T.O., but what exactly has he done in terms of creating match up problems, or stretching the field for D-Mac? While Donte Stallworth didn’t exactly put up the numbers that Curtis did, he did make the other receivers next to him better, and why? Because he spread out the field, created match up problems, and generally took some of the pressure off his fellow wide receivers. Remember, that was the year in which Reggie Brown had a breakout season.

In other words, he made the whole corps better, something that Curtis did not do.

Furthermore, Curtis would be a second or third wide receiver with most teams, where he be largely ineffective. Remember St. Louis when he played behind Torry Holt? And those years were supposed to be the prime of his career.

But still, what does Curtis’s injury do in terms of helping the Eagles’ already shoddy wide receiver corps? Here are the top three possibilities:

1. First of all, DeSean Jackson will have to be utilized more. I know Andy Reid has an unpleasant habit of not playing rookies, but how can you ignore this guy?! Already a standout wide receiver at Cal — in addition to his electrifying punt returns — he is clearly the play maker that McNabb has been asking for. And the more touches that D-Jax gets, well we’ll see… But I see great things coming.

2. Reggie Brown came to the Eagles with high hopes three years ago, but hasn’t quite been what he was cracked up to be when the Eagles drafted him in the second round in 2004. He did, however, have a great year in 2006, playing behind Stallworth, but received diminished attention with the arrival of Curtis in the next year. Now we will see what he can do in a starring role, and if his college tapes prove correct, he may be in for an excellent year. The talent is definitely there, that’s for sure.

3. Unless you hadn’t been listening to Philly sports radio around the time of training camp, you may have heard rave reviews about Hank Baskett’s red zone capability. I mean, you look at a guy who is 6′4 and can jump 7 feet high and you see the potential. While he may not be a major factor in the offense other than the red zone, he can definitely be a huge asset in terms of getting 6 points on the board.

The basic premise of these three points is that by the time Kevin Curtis does come back, in about a month or so, Donovan McNabb will have greater confidence in his current set of wide receivers. And then McNabb will depend on Curtis less, spread the field more, and correctly implement the West Coast offense.

And if not…

Well, one of these two things will have to happen:

1. The Eagles will have to finally get a true No. 1 wide receiver. And that’s always a good thing!

2. The Eagles will have to give the ball to Westbrook more. Which, of course, is fine with me, as that would mean a more balanced attack. Just makes you wonder how much longer Westbrook can accommodate being the centerpiece of the Eagles offense…

Or…

The injury plain sucks. Another wasted season. Oh well.

However, with the recent game against the Rams, I doubt any Eagles fan will have to worry about another wasted season. Especially with DeSean Jackson, Hank Baskett, heck, even Greg Lewis playing the way they did! Now lets just see if they can keep it up against the Cowboys…

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Arguably, no fans are as loud as Eagles fans, and these past few weeks were no exception. It is indisputable that no fans screamed louder, gnashed their teeth in frustration, or publicly ripped their team more than Eagles fans did this past off-season in their vain attempt at a No. 1 wide receiver.

How ironic.

Now, with Week One in the books, we can look back and laugh. Because, which ever way you slice it, here are the facts:

1. The Eagles were the only team in the league to have three receivers who each had 100 yard games.

2. It was only the second time in franchise history the Eagles’ wide receivers accomplished such a feat.

3. It was the only time in league history a combination consisting of or anything like two undrafted free agents and a rookie reached that prestigious goal.

4. It was also the first time a trio of these likes each had a play for over 45 yards - Hank Baskett for 90, DeSean Jackson for 47, and Greg Lewis for 76.

Wow.

Wasn’t it just a couple of day ago that we were complaining about the Eagles wide receivers? Wasn’t it us who said they had no big-play capability? So much for that. So what if it was against the St. Louis Rams, a team with one of the worst pass defenses in the league. It won’t be the worst team the Eagles will face this season, nor do they have the worst pass defense.

Now, with the forthcoming returns of Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis, the Eagles’ wideouts suddenly become a position of depth, a noticeable strength. And hopefully they can prove themselves once more against Dallas, when it really counts, and chase away any last shreds of doubt in the minds of Eagles fans about the current Eagles’ wide receiving corps.

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