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 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 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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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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After witnessing one of the best Eagles Defense’s performances in some time, all I can say is “WOW”!! After a tough loss to the Dallas Cowboys a week ago, the Eagles Defense had a statement to make and that statement is still echoing across the NFL today. There was no better time for this defense to stand up and take on their shoulders the burden of winning the game and they did so with reckless abandon. Most of the time, after a team loses one (if not two) of their star offensive players during a game, the rest of the team goes into what I call a “funk mode” where they just sleep-walk through the rest of the game to get it finished. Not so on Sunday against arguably one of the AFC’s top teams, The Pittsburgh Steelers. It was as if the defense recognized their offense needed a hand and took it upon themselves to keep Pittsburgh out of the end zone and lead the Birds to a very important victory. The Eagles defense registered 9 sacks, 3 turnovers, and even that rare safety. The amazing thing about the defense’s performance is they could have had even more sacks if not for some penalties and Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger’s ability to scramble away for some small, positive yardage or throw the ball away on more than one occasion. Like that bee’s nest that I accidentally hit with a basketball when I was younger, the Eagles defense came out flying and swarming Roethlisberger. They shut down the run and dangerous RB Willie Parker. They gave up minimum yardage to Steelers receiving threats in Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, and Heath Miller and kept them in check. The defense was simply amazing and as if the Eagles had at least 15 defenders on the field facing the Steelers’ 11 players. Nothing made me happier however when in the 4^th quarter, Eagles “Soon to be Hall of Famer” Safety Brian Dawkins came flying in, diving towards Roethlisberger and not only caused a fumble, but somehow used his ‘Jedi’ skills to fall on the ball and recover it too. “B-Dawk” is my favorite Eagle and he took a considerable amount of heat this week, especially after getting beat by Cowboys WR Terrell Owens for a TD in last week’s game against Dallas. With that single play against Pittsburgh, he showed us Die Hard Eagles Fans that although he is indeed older, he still has something left in the tank and he will leave nothing on the field with his hopes of bringing Philadelphia a championship. He is the heart and energy of our defense and despite some loss of speed; he proved yesterday he is very much needed on that field. To conclude, I want to be clear that Sunday’s victory was a true team win. Credit is due to the entire team, not just the defense. The Offense did execute well enough to get some points on the board. The Special Teams were fantastic both on kick-off coverage as well as punts. Punter Sav Rocca indeed had his best game with the Eagles. However, it was the fire and intensity that the Eagles defense brought all game long, and for that, we Eagles fans should be very proud and excited of what opportunities lie ahead if they can consistently perform at that level. All I can say is “WOW”!! With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!! EAGLES!!”

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The Eagles Defense earned the victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  In a physical, defensive battle, the Steelers could not find a way to protect QB Ben Roethlisberger from the ever attacking Eagles Defense.

1^st Quarter

The Eagles won the coin toss and QB Donovan McNabb moved the offense down the field.  FB Tony Hunt caught a ball out in the flat and tried turning it up field.  Hunt was knocked silly on the play, suffering a concussion.  Worse, he fumbled the ball and the Steelers were awarded possession after a challenge review indicating a fumble.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger then successfully lead the Steelers offense downfield and settled for a 37-yard field goal to earn a 3-0 Steelers lead.

2^nd Quarter

During the next Eagles offensive possession, RB Brian Westbrook went wide left on a running play and tried hurdling over OT Tra Thomas to avoid stepping on him.  When Westbrook came down, he landed awkwardly, spraining his ankle.  Westbrook limped off the field and did not return to the game.  X-Rays did not show anything broken and he will have an MRI on Monday.  A few plays later, McNabb found backup RB Correll Buckhalter open for a 20-yard TD pass.  It was McNabb’s 176^th TD pass, a new Eagles franchise record.  The Eagles lead 7-3.

On Pittsburgh’s next offensive possession, the Eagles defense turned up the heat and shut down RB Willie Parker and the Steelers Offense.  Roethlisberger was sacked 3 times and also fumbled where the ball was recovered by Philadelphia.

The Eagles immediately went to work, mixing it up with the pass and some run.  They marched down to the Steelers’ 14 yard-line where they settled for a 31-yard David Akers field goal making the score 10-3.

The next possession for the Steelers was similar to the last one where the Eagles defense was flying around the field, causing constant pressure.  After being sacked 2 more times, Roethlisberger was intercepted by Eagles CB Asante Samuel, giving the Eagles offense back the football.

After 2 plays, it was third down and McNabb dropped back to pass.  Backup RB Lorenzo Booker missed a crucial block to protect McNabb and he forced a ball into coverage.  It was intercepted by Steelers CB Bryan McFadden, giving the Steelers great field position, at the Eagles 49-yard line.  The Steelers then took the ball forward and settled for a 53-yard field goal by K Jeff Reed, making the score 10-6 right before half-time.

3^rd Quarter

After the Steelers Offense came out and was forced to punt, surprisingly the Eagles offense was lead out onto the field by backup QB Kevin Kolb.  It was reported that McNabb was in the locker room with a chest injury.  Kolb’s first pass was intercepted by Steelers Safety Troy Polamalu.

The Steelers were unsuccessful on their next possession and were forced to punt.  Kolb started the offensive drive, but McNabb replaced him, coming back in on a 2^nd and 2 play.  The Eagles drive stalled a few plays later where P Sav Rocca dropped the ball nicely to the Steelers’ 10 yard-line.  The Eagles and Steelers then finished the 3^rd quarter by trading possessions, punting the ball back and forth to each other after each team failing to move the ball on offense.

4^th Quarter

A few more possessions were traded back and forth as the Eagles defense was too much for the Steelers and their offensive line.  The Eagles offense also had trouble in the early stages of the 4^th quarter moving the ball. 

After a 54-yard punt by Rocca, placing the Steelers at their own 6-yard line, the Steelers were shut down trying to move the ball out from their goal-line.  On 3^rd down, Roethlisberger was pressured in his end zone and flagged for intentional grounding, giving the Eagles a Safety and increasing their lead to 12-6.

The Eagles received the Steelers’ free kick at the Eagles’ 39-yard line but were unsuccessful in moving the ball.  On the Steelers next possession, Roethlisberger was hit by a Eagles Safety Brian Dawkins who forced the fumble and recovered the ball as well.  The Eagles settled for a field goal, extending their lead to 15-6.

The Steelers took the ball back but Roethlisberger left the game with a hand injury.  Backup QB Byron Leftwhich replaced him and was unsuccessful in leading the Steelers to a score.  The Eagles got the ball back, took a knee and ran out the clock, winning this physical battle over The Keystone State, 15-6.

Wrap Up 

The Eagles Defense forced 9 sacks, 1 Safety, and 3 Turnovers against the Steelers.

Besides injuries to Hunt, McNabb, and Westbrook, TE L.J. Smith suffered a back injury.

The Eagles Defense held RB Willie Parker to just 20 yards rushing.

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

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Where do I start?  How about with a nice video clip of my favorite hitting CB in the NFL, Sheldon Brown:

 

With that covered, let’s take a look back at yesterday’s great victory as our Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) now head to Dallas to face the Dallas Cowboys (1-0).

Offense:  McNabb was simply spectacular.  He started the season in fine fashion, on par with helping me be correct with my prediction that he will throw for 4000 yards and pass for 30 TDs.  1 game down, 15 to go with that prediction… He was on fire, completing 21 of 33 passes, lighting up the Rams Defense with 361 yards passing and 3 1^st half TDs.  He did well stepping up in the pocket and avoiding the rush, throwing spreading the ball nicely to his weapons. 

Very quietly, Westbrook had a nice game.  He had the TD reception in the first half and then really picked up steam running the ball in the second half, later adding a rushing TD as well.  There were points in the game where I was wondering if Reid and company forgot about running the ball, but those thoughts quickly disappeared each time the Eagles lead grew by another 7 points.

The receivers stepped up and gave McNabb what he needed.  Consistent players making the catches to keep the chains moving, or in Hank Baskett’s case, to add 7 points to the score when he hauled in a 90 yarder from McNabb shortly before half-time.  What was impressive to me, but probably not much noticeable was the receivers’ down the field blocking.  Whether blocking for each other after a reception, or for Westbrook on running plays, numerous times I looked up and saw the receivers blocking well.  Additionally, I was pleased to see LJ Smith play with at a level that I hope to see from him consistently.  LJ finished with 5 catches, which is a nice amount to receive from your West Coast Offense Tight End.

The Eagles Offensive Line had a great game as a total unit.  They kept McNabb’s uniform clean as #5 was not sacked at all.  They provided very good push upfront giving Westbrook time to hit the gap and average solid numbers.

Defense:  The Eagles frustrated and confused Rams QB Marc Bulger and the rest of their offense all day.  Bulger nor RB Steven Jackson got into a rhythm and the score shows that obviously.  Most impressive was the fact that the Eagles defense basically shut out WR Torry Holt who was held to just 1 catch for a whopping 9 yards.  The Eagles rotation on the defensive line did a solid job at containing Jackson as well as pressuring Bulger.  DE/DT/LS Darren Howard didn’t a lot of tackles, but he did create some pressure, which helps me get over the fact we kept him and cut Jerome McDougle.  The linebackers were steady.  MLB Stewart Bradley handled himself well in a year where the Eagles linebackers really need to step up and contribute better than in past years.

The Eagles secondary were most impressive.  Asante Samuels could have easily had two or three interceptions.  One would have been returned the other way for a TD.  Samuels, along with Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard were all over the field, as if the Rams were only sending out one eligible receiver with the Eagles covering him with 11 men.  Safeties Brian Dawkins and Quintin Mikell played solid support coverage against the run and held their ground in the passing game.

Special Teams:  Wow!  Night and day is the comparison here for this year’s season opener versus last year’s loss versus Green Bay.  I don’t want to remind Die Hard Eagles fans but last year, all the Eagles had to do was fair catch a punt and the game was their’s to win, but Greg Lewis (and not Brian Westbrook) didn’t and well, I will move on….

Punt Returner and Rookie Sensation DeSean Jackson was a breath of fresh air and brings a very much needed threat that the opposing teams will now have to game plan for.  What Jackson also does is makes the offense and defense better simply by giving the Eagles better field position.  He helps the offense by not making them have to work as hard if they have a smaller field to play with.  He helps the defense assuming the offense is productive off of where he gives them better field position.  Sunday, he was dazzling and came up on fire for his rookie debut.  Besides catching over 100 yards, he also returned 8 punts for 97 yards including an exciting 60 yarder that made me hold my breath, not wanting to jinx anything by saying he was going to score.  When something like a 60 yard punt return happens for the Eagles, I am used to something bad occurring immediately right after it, such as a penalty negating the return. 

Another Rookie bringing hope to the Eagles’ Special Teams was Quintin Demps.  Demps made two special plays on punt coverage that won’t show up in the stats today but made a huge impression on me.  On one punt, he made a head’s up play, jumping into the end-zone and batting the ball back into play for the other Eagles to down the ball.  It was most impressive.

Even Punter Sav Rocca did well.  I cringe every time he is back there to punt, I must be honest.  I was a Dirk Johnson guy last pre-season.  Rocca only had to punt 4 times, but averaged a nice 41.5 yards.    

So in conclusion, the Eagles did exactly everything (except a shut out!) that we Die Hard Eagles fans needed after waiting so many months for the season to start.  They demolished the Rams and beat the Rams in every portion of the game.  I don’t know about you, but I was nervous after every play, when the score was 31-0 and 38-0 and the Eagles still had first string players in there.  I got to exhale after Westbrook and company were safely on the bench but that leads me to a question for Andy Reid.  With the game obviously out of hand, even before it got to 31-0, what would have been the harm of starting to pull the 1^st stringers and give the younger guys some reps and experience versus the Rams’ first string players?  If this is McNabb’s final year (which I hope it is not), then getting Kevin Kolb in there before the 4^th quarter would have been wise to me for more than just keeping McNabb safe and healthy, ready for another day, specifically next week versus those Dallas Cowboys.

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

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