Downside Only Game
Tonight's game against the Patriots is really not likely to tell us much that's positive. On the defensive side of the ball, if we look good, well, the Pats happen to be missing someone a little more important than even Kevin Curtis. And if, heaven forbid, Matt Cassel actually moves the ball on our guys, after a couple games when he didn't even look like he should be out there as a ball boy, well then we've got trouble.
On the other side, we'd all love to see the offense run fine without the two starting wide receivers. That would be encouraging. But the truth is that the Pats aren't going to be doing what they usually do on defense. It will all be very vanilla, there won't be much scheming, and it's not going to be a great simulation of what's coming in the regular season.
Of course, if the offense doesn't look good and the receivers seem to have some issues ... then I'm going to have to make sure my gmail account has room for all the "told you so" emails I'm going to get. Don't let me down.
Other than that, as long as Rodney Harrison doesn't end anyone's season with another one of his dirty, cheap shots, I'll consider this a game survived, no matter how it turns out.
The right side of the Pats' line is shot. John Welbourn may be their starting RG. If our LDEs look good tonight, remember that they are going up against weak weak competition. Conversely, if they don't have an impact, that is really frightening.
Again, same deal with our WRs. They are really shallow in terms of talent at CB. They usually compensate for this with scheme, but in the preseason, not so much. So the CBs' talent usually shines through. Again, our WRs should look good tonight. If they don't, that is a cause for real concern, because this will be as easy as it gets for them.
Posted by: shlynch | August 22, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Dont be so down. This is the game where the Philadelphia Gold Standard puts the petal to metal!
Posted by: MSE69 | August 22, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Well, with the O showing so far (late second quarter), no need to talk about Boldin any more - we ain't pursuing him, at least not this year.
And instead of talking about that (or any other move which won't actually happen), I will devote my weekend to building a shrine to DeSean Jackson in the hopes that it will ward off the injury bug from him ("Catch and duck, DeSean, catch and duck!").
Posted by: Eagles Fan in San Fran | August 22, 2008 at 07:48 PM
Well, I guess that runback by Q settles the KR position battle as well! What's next on the surprise list - McDougle gets 6 sacks in the second half??? And where do I sign up for SB tixs?
Posted by: Eagles Fan in San Fran | August 22, 2008 at 07:56 PM
I guess Rory still has a job?
Posted by: Eric | August 22, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Dude, print this post out and frame it.
Posted by: benZ | August 22, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Wow! The Pats looked like steamed shit tonight. You know what did it though? Did you catch Joe Banner on DNL? What a motivator! What passion and fire when he speaks about football! The question isnt how we're gonna win a Super Bowl but how many are we gonna win. How could the players not come out smoking?
Posted by: MSE69 | August 22, 2008 at 08:00 PM
HAHAH I think Igglesblog.com kicks ass. Just great stuff.
Man that post should be framed, I agree.
Posted by: danny | August 22, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Just to jinx us..
Isn't it nice that we finally stumbled onto a killer receiver? I'm not ready to get a Jackson jersey yet (okay, yes I am), but damn!
Posted by: danny | August 22, 2008 at 08:29 PM
I think we do need to keep in mind that the Patriots' secondary has been gutted the past two seasons. I know we all like to think their "system" allows them to just insert whomever they like and remain dominant. But when you lose starter after starter, and lack experienced depth, it catches up to you.
But, if I'm proven wrong when the season starts, GREAT!
Posted by: Eric | August 22, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Is this the twilight zone? Two special teams TDs, a McDougle sack, Rocca booting punts inside the 5?
Posted by: Eric | August 22, 2008 at 08:57 PM
This game was downside only for the Patriots.
Their schedule in the early part of the season is ridiculously easy but I'll enjoy it when they hit hard times!
The story of the game was the rebirth of Eagles special teams. Demps and DSJ have more speed and moves than I've seen on the Eagles special teams since... JR Reed in '04 returning kick offs? or Brian Mitchell returning punts?
I'm trying not to get too excited about Desean Jackson, but how can any Eagles not be? He seems to be what we've been waiting for for years! Explosive punt returner and a quick wideout who makes people miss!
Can we go right to the regular season next week please?
Posted by: slackerjoe | August 22, 2008 at 11:06 PM
So, how many screens are we going to run this season?? Westbrook is one of the best and Jackson looked phenominal (only going by the highlights on the NFL.com...not sure if they ran anymore screens) on the two I saw. Avant's endzone grab was spectacular but how many times is McNabb going to have that much time to wait for somebody to get open?? And, too bad for Hank on the fumble in the endzone...at least he's fighting to get the score.
Posted by: johnnyshaka | August 22, 2008 at 11:30 PM