Time for Change in the Eagles Front Office?

There's no doubt that the Andy Reid era has been the best ever in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles. He runs a great organization, has generally drafted well, makes good financial decisions, and wins football games--lots of them. He has not, however, won the one that matters most, and many fans, including myself, wonder if he can.

I would personally support Andy Reid returning as head coach next year, whether they make the playoffs this year or not. (And I think his soulmate Donovan should return as well). What I would like to see, however, is some change on the coordinator front. Yes, Jim Johnson has been one of the great defensive minds in the NFL over the last 10 years, but I think he's past his prime. The Eagles haven't been able to stop the run in a long time. The Giants embarrassed us last week and so did Clinton Portis. If you can't stop the run when you have to, you can't win in the NFC East, let alone the NFL. A few years ago, when TO was on the team, Pittsburgh destroyed us by running the ball down our throats. And that was generally a common theme that year. I said then that it was time for Jim Johnson to go, and I still believe that now. He has the personnel and everyone is healthy, so there's no reason other than the fact that people have figured out the weakness in his scheme and are exploiting it.

On the offensive front, it's unclear who's been calling the plays this year, but I also think it's time to bring in some new blood. Marty Morningwhig is not a winner, and our pass-happy scheme has also been figured out to a certain extent. Again, the personnel exists here too, but we can't get yards when we need them, we can't sustain drives to chew up clock, clock management is terrible, and our WRs drop too many balls. Reid is no doubt a great offensive mind, but I think the team needs a yin to his yang. We need to try something different if we want to regain our seat at the top of the NFC.

So, bye bye JJ, and bye bye Marty. Thanks for your service, and best of luck to you in the future. We voted for change on November 4, and now it's time for some change in Philly.

Eagles 2008 Season Log: Week 10, Another Big Fat WTF!

I'm officially nominating "Heartache Tonight" by the Eagles (as in Don Henley Eagles) as the theme song of the 2008 Eagles. Every game, without fail, the team causes themselves and all the fans out there far too much heartache than is healthy. Last night was no different.

The game started great, for a change, and within the first minute, the Eagles had an INT, which led to a quick rushing TD by DeSean Jackson. We typically spot the other team points, but last night, the Giants spotted us a TD. In typical fashion, however, the lead didn't stand long as Eli Manning marched his team down the field with a series of completions and 7-10 yard runs by Brandon Jacobs. That would be the theme of the night.

Because the Eagles either go 3 and out, or score quickly, the D was on the field for much of the 1st quarter--in fact, for much of the game, as the Giants held the ball for almost 40 minutes. Every time they got the ball, it seems like they scored. I only remember 2 punts. We couldn't stop the run, we didn't get to Manning, and their wideouts were open far too frequently. On the other side of the ball, despite a paltry 15 carries by the RBs all night, the Birds did put up 4 TDs and a field goal. A very very respectable performance that would win most weeks in the NFL. But not on this night. The D was terrible for the entire game, and when it mattered most, we couldn't get a couple yards to keep a drive alive.

Some people would say that we hung tough with the defending Super Bowl champs (just like we hung tough with the hot Cowboys in Week 2) and we should be happy. You know what I say? FUCK that. There's no consolation prize in the NFL, and last night's loss basically removes any chance we had to win the division--especially with our 0-3 record against NFC East opponents. There's nothing to feel good about.

What I don't understand is why the Eagles continue to be so reluctant to run the ball. If you haven't run the ball all game, do you honestly think the O-line is going to have the rhythm and confidence to get those crucial yards in the 4th quarter? OF COURSE NOT. Sure, the defense couldn't stop the Giants all night, but the real reason they were on the field for 40 minutes is that the Eagles either score quickly or go 3 and out. Why? Because we don't run the ball. We have one of the most talented RBs in the league, yet he only had 13 carries last night. It's insane! We did, however, run a reverse to Desean 3 times.

On top of this heartache, on a key Giants drive we gave them 30 yards as a result of two penalties. In a close game, shit like that matters. And it's not supposed to happen at home.

The curse of being an Eagles fan is this exact heartache. 4 TDs by the offense on a week the D gives up 36 points; not being able to run the ball when we need to; short offensive drives; stupid mistakes on special teams; bad playcalling. On that last point, actually, whoever has been calling the Eagles plays needs to stop, and turn the responsibility over to someone more capable. We had some success with Marty Morningwhig doing it, so if it's been Andy Reid this year, give it back to Marty. Enough already.

Next week, we play the lowly Bengals, who are without their star QB. Yes, it should be a win, but I'm not holding my breath. There will definitely be some heartache.

PS--When I was in college, we used to say that if PSU lost, so would the Eagles. And vice versa. Obviously there's no real correlation between the two, but we believed it anyway. It certainly was the truth last weekend. The Eagles likely lost their shot at winning the division, and PSU certainly lost their shot for a national title by being upset in Iowa.

Eagles 2008 Season Log: Week 9, Win @ Seattle

Week 9 in Seattle was another game that was marked with a "W" as the Eagles and their fans reviewed the schedule before the season. As the season progressed, this became even more true with Seattle struggling mightily without their starting QB Matt Hassleback.

But, we're talking about the 2008 Philadelphia Eagles here, and the game started off accordingly. Eagles elect to receive, go 3 and out, and Seattle scores on their first play with the longest play from scrimmage in team history.

Fortunately, despite the slow start, the Eagles D got it together and dominated the rest of the game. And McNabb, who needs to figure out how to start faster, played a masterful 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarter and finished with 349 yards passing and 2 TDs. And for a change, we got some great play from the TE position, with Brent Celek have a career day . A win is a win in the NFL, so that's what important. But this season's Eagles just cause me too much heartache.

Next week, we have the Giants at home in a game that matters. If we win, we'll be 6-3 and in the hunt for the division. If we lose, we'll be 0-3 in the division and barely in the hunt for a wildcard spot. I'll be rooting for my boys to win, but I don't have a lot of confidence that they won't lay an egg in this important game.

We shall see...

Eagles 2008 Season Log: Week 8, Westbrook Leads Birds to Victory

Every year after the Bye Week, it's always said how strong Andy Reid and the Eagles coming out of the break. Prior to this year, Reid was 9-0 after the Bye, which is very impressive. I get nervous when people bring stats like that up though, partially because I'm superstitious, and partially because no streak goes on forever. On that first point, when they said how unhittable Dennis Eckersly was in the 1988 World Series as Kirk Gibson limped to the plate, I called home run. But that's neither here nor there.

Playing the Falcons in Philly is one of the games that Eagles fans marked with a "W" before the season started. Since we lost to the Bears in Chicago and the Redskins at home, the margin of error in the games that we're supposed to win is almost nothing. We have to win them all, and we have to win some of the games we probably shouldn't.

The Birds didn't start strong on Sunday. McNabb looked Rusty, particularly his timing with WR Kevin Curtis, who got his first playing time this season after recovering from a sports hernia. Brian Westbrook, also returning from injury, was another story. Westbrook lit up the Falcons for 167 yards rushing (2 TDs) and another 40+ receiving. It's amazing how different the Eagles offense his with him on the field. McNabb warmed up as the game went on (and even got his first rushing TD of the season), the D had a couple takeaways, and the Eagles won 27-14. Unfortunately though, the Giants, Cowboys and Redskins all won as well, leaving the Eagles in sole possession of last place in the NFC East.

The next 3 weeks are crucial for the Eagles chances at making the playoffs. First we play Seattle on the road, then the Giants at home, and then the Bengals on the road. If we can win all 3 of these games, we will make up ground in the division b/c of who everyone else is playing. The Skins host the Steelers, have their bye, and then host the Cowboys. The Giants host the Cowboys, play us in Philly, and then play the Ravens at home. The Cowboys play the Giants, have their bye, and then play the Redskins. There is no longer any margin of error left for the Eagles--they are 0-2 in the division, and 3-3 in the conference--and I think they have to win all 3 of these next games to gain some ground and stay in the hunt. Unfortunately, the losses to the Bears and the Redskins put them at a disadvantage, because those are both games they should've won.

Seattle is 2-5 and is one of the worst teams in the league right now, so I expect the Eagles to win. But with this team, especially this year, you never know.

Back soon....

Eagles 2008 Season Log: Week 6/Bye, Phew!

Since the Eagles got a week off, I decided to take one too. I needed it after the gut wrenching first 5 games of the season.

In week 6, the Birds snatched victory from the jaws of defeat by beating the Niners 40-26. While our total points, and the margin of victory, are both impressive, for 3 quarters of the game, it was much closer. The Birds at a 1-point lead after the first half, but the margin should've been 17 points were it not for a blocked FG and subsequent TD that happened as time expired. The second half didn't start well either, with the Birds giving up a quick 10 points to a Niners offense that was playing very well. After 3 quarters, the score was 26-17 in a game the Eagles absolutely had to win.

Something clicked in the 4th quarter though. McNabb was steady most of the game, completing nearly 2/3 of his passes, and throwing for 2TDs with one INT. It was the defense, though, that let the game get to 26-17. They couldn't stop the Niners in any facet: no pressure, Frank Gore had huge holes, and their passing game was solid. Either Mike Martz decided to stop running in the ball in the 4th quarter (doubtful), or the Eagles just finally figured out how to stop the Niners game plan. Doesn't really matter, but the D really turned up the heat in the 4th. The wreaked havoc on QB JT O'Sullivan and picked up a couple sacks. The run game was stopped in its tracks, and our CBs played well. The 55yd INT return for a touchdown by Juqua Parker didn't hurt either.

The weekend of the Niners game was a good one for all my sports teams, actually. The Phils were in the process of defeating the Dodgers, PSU won, USC won, and I won my pool at work ($140). Of all those things, however, I'm most happy about the Eagles win.

Andy Reid is historically strong coming out of the bye week, so I feel good about tomorrow's game against the Falcons. Especially with Westbrook back, and Kevin Curtis likely to see his first game action of the year. Again, though, it is a must win. Even though the Cowboys are in a slump, we must keep pace and win all the games we're supposed to.

Eagles 2008 Season Log: Week 5, WTF?

Another must-win game, another loss by the Eagles. WTF can I say? I'm tired of the disappointment, the inconsistency, being outcoached, the emotional highs and lows, and most importantly, of the losing.

After a miserable road game loss to the Bears the previous week, one would think that the Eagles would've come out with a better effort than they did in their 23-17 loss to the Redskins yesterday. One would think, but apparently none of the Eagles coaches or veteran leaders thought.

In their two wins against the Rams and the Steelers, and in their loss to the Cowboys, the Eagles looked like they were the real deal. In their last two losses, however, the Eagles looked unmotivated, hurt, and poorly coached. I shouldn't be saying those things about a team that's been to 4 NFC title games, and a Super Bowl, this decade. They should know how to win a tough game on the road, protect a 2 TD lead at home against a division foe, and stop what by all accounts is a middle-of-the-road offense.

Typically, Philly fans unload their frustrations after a loss on McNabb, but he doesn't deserve the blame in this game. The D couldn't stop the Skins at all, our WRs dropped some key passes, and we had no running attack. That's why we lost--nothing else. I'd of course love to see Donovan lead the team to a victory in the 4th quarter, but those days might be long gone for Donovan. I don't know.

Like I said, I don't pin this loss on McNabb at all. But I'm beginning to lose faith. He needs to put this team on his shoulders like he used to do, and figure out a way to win. Instead, he looks so goddamn nonchalant all the time, and it rubs off on the rest of his teammates. Maybe it comes from Andy Reid? Again, I don't know.

We're 5 weeks into what I thought was a very promising season, and the Eagles are a long shot to make the playoffs. I don't give a shit that the Phillies made the NLCS. Philly is an Eagles town, and I bleed green. Next week, we have the Niners on the road. The last time the team travelled to SF, my wife's water broke and I didn't get to use the tickets I had. They kicked some ass that day though. I'm not sure if I'd even take free tickets to this game, cause they'll probably lose and I'll be out the $40 parking fee and whatever I drop on food and beer.

Bunk. That's all I have to say.

Eagles 2008 Season Log: Week 4, Choke in Chi-town

Another game the Eagles should have and could have won, and another loss. This, my friends, is the life of an Eagles fan. Ups and downs. One week, manhandling the class of the AFC. The next, a sloppy miserable loss to a team with a QB that should probably be teaching gym at some middle school.

The Eagles loss to the Bears (like any Eagles loss, actually), was tough to swallow. The team made Kyle Orton look like Tom Brady in the first half, and squandered too many offensive opportunities throughout the game. You can't spot the other team points in the NFL, and that's what the Eagles did with their sloppy play last weekend. I think last week's loss came down to coaching. Lovie Smith had a better game plan than Andy Reid, and his (healthy) team executed on it. There wasn't much else to it.

With Westbrook and LJ Smith healthy, the Eagles offense would have no doubt looked better, and they probably would've been able to turn Akers missed field goals into points. But the team needs to find a way to win, even when certain players are out. The NFC East is just too competitive to lose any games that you're supposed to win. We're lucky though, as the Cowboys did the same thing last weekend by losing to the Redskins. Thankfully, we're only 1 game back of each of those teams as we get set to face the Redskins in Philly.

The only other thing worth mentioning is that DeSean Jackson had a rough night. He muffed a punt, ran a bad route that led to a McNabb interception, and generally looked like the rookie that he is. Don't get me wrong--this kid is talented, and he deserves the playing time he's been getting. But Andy Reid will not tolerate gaffes like this much longer. Jackson can't make mental errors like the ones he made last week. We need him to act and play like the #1 receiver that he is. Yes, he's a rookie, and I'll give him certain latitudes because of that. But he needs to stay focused, limit his mistakes, and work hard in practice.

This Sunday, we got the 'Skins coming to town. This game very well might be a must-win. If we lose, we'll remain in last place, fall to 0-2 in the division, and 1-3 in the conference. Those are not the numbers of a playoff team.