Hope the Eagles don't take much solace or confidence from that Redskins game, which was one of the most dreadful games I've seen an opponent play. Redskins were just pathetic. Eagles scored on an end around gimmick that the Redskins completely blew, including a safety who couldn't seem to shake a Maclin block that started at the 20. Props to Maclin for sticking with the play, but the safety completely pussied out. Then they got the pick 6 from Witherspoon. Again, good play by him, but more pathetic by Skins. Then they get a long FG after a fumble recovery, but don't get a first down.
Up 14-0, Witherspoon sax Campbell and Mikell recovers at the Skins' 36. Eagles go 3 and out and cash in the gift FG. 17-0.
On the ensuing kickoff, they give up a long return, Cole jumps offsides on a 3rd and 3 midway thru the drive, and redskins manage to punch it in. 17-7 Eagles.
Eagles go 3 and out, then Randle El muffs punt and Eagles recover at Skins 25. They go 3 and out, losing a yard over 3 downs, and get a gift FG. 20-7.
Eagles hold skins to 3 and out on ensuing posession. Cole redeems his penalty by getting a third down sack. Eagles lose 7 yards on first two plays, then Jackson gets his TD catch, which is a ridiculously blown coverage. 27-7.
Skins get the ball at their 32 with 1:10 remaining. They overcome a holding penalty and march 40 yards to get a half-ending FG. 27-10.
First 4 possessions of the second half, Eagles earn 8 yards, 40 yards (15 by penalty), 0 yards and 28 yards. Rocca punts 46, 23, 25, and 49 yards, respectively, which ain't exactly what I would call consistent.
Fifth possession, Redskins drive down the field, beating Hanson, Jones and Mikell on consecutive plays for 53 total yards, inside the 10. Then the Redskins again implode and fumble pathetically.
Eagles takeover deep in its own territory, and after 2 holding calls in the series vs Herremans, Rocca delivers a 36 yard punt that doesn't clear midfield. Redskins take about 2 minutes to cash in after the 2 munute warning for final score of 27-17.
So while the Redskins were never in the game, Eagles really didn't do much on offense other than some broken plays. Maybe that still counts, at least when your opponent is the pathetic Redskins.
My impressions:
1) I think the wildcat, so far, has been bullshit. The last thing Andy needs is yet more menu options. I've said it before and I will say it again. Andy's greatest distinction is his distinct possibility of being the first NFL's on-field fatality if he doesn't drop about 150 pounds soon,
2) As bad as Skins played, Eagles offense did little except for broken plays. As explosive as Jackson and Macklin are, and as solid as Celek seems, the loss of Curtis is a big deal (esp with Baskett gone) and Eagles sorely need a more veteran presence. They should have gone after Bolquin. He would have made a much bigger impact than Hobbs, Trotter, Sean Jones or Jed Weaver.
3) Having said that, Witherspoon looked real good in his first action. How happy must he be, coming from the awful Rams? Good pickup. Can't blame Reid for injuries, but after losing Dawkins, Bradley and Gaither, it doesn't give me much confidence that Mikell now makes the defensive calls, even tho I think Mikell could be a good one.
4) Cole (DE) is unbelievably strong, tho he made a costly offsides. Was impressed to see Howard, Parker, Bunkley, and Patterson, as well as Cole, chasing downfield.
5) Not a fan of Macho Harris so far.
6) Where the hell were Jason Avant and Reggie Brown last night?
As to the Flyers, tonight. Why was Asham put back on the 4th line after scoring a bunch of goals. Briere still can't receive a pass cleanly on the breakout -- might as well just ice it and see if he can touch it up first. But he's useless in center ice.
Tho Carle currently somehow leads Flyers in scoring, he looked shaky tonight even if he is playing with more confidence. Flyers are going to wear out Pronger and Timonen the way things are going and can see them looking for another option.
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