The Sky Really Isn't Falling, Folks

I still think the Eagles are better than the Cowboys.

I could be wrong about this.

If I were someone watching my first football game of the season on Sunday night, I'm not sure I would feel the same way.  After all, the two teams seemed pretty evenly matched and Dallas won the game, on our home field.  Edge Cowboys.

But that wasn't the first game we've seen.  We're almost halfway through the season, which means we have a pretty good idea of what this team's true level is -- if not what its ceiling will be.

It is therefore with a pretty high degree of confidence that we can say the Eagles didn't play anything close to their best game on Sunday night.  They did some nice things, and Dallas looks like it has a pretty good squad too, but we know our guys can play a lot better than they did. 

Of course, the same argument works in reverse.  I haven't watched Dallas enough this year to really get a handle on what their true level is, either.  So I guess we'll see.  But right now, there's nothing that makes me think we can't go down to Dallas in a couple months and whup some tail at the JJF.

- - - - - -

While we're here, let's talk about Donovan McNabb for a moment.  After any big loss in which he doesn't play outstandingly, there's always some sentiment to chuck him over the side and start fresh.  I understand that.  And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't wondering some of the same things as our offense stuttered around the field on Sunday.

Big picture, I think there's even an argument to be made that the Eagles have the type of players to run a very successful Kevin Kolb offense.  The team is loaded with speedy catch-and-run guys who can make plays with the ball in their hands.  You don't need an awesome quarterback to take advantage of them, just a guy who'll be accurate and take care of the football.  Then let Maclin/Jackson/Celek/We--McCoy do the rest.

The thing is, though, that it seems like this is really an argument for running the same type of offense with McNabb.  Rather than asking him to be Superman every week, set things up so it's a bit easier for him and then only call on him to be DONOVAN MCNABB when you really need him.

Here's an actual example of what I mean.  The NFL.com highlight cuts out the good part, so I'll cover this again in the video rewind, but take a look at the third-down play at the end of the game where McNabb got "sacked" as he was trying to scramble out of the pocket.  Here's the play-by-play.  Scroll down to the bottom and then it's the one right before the Akers field goal.

Pre-snap, the Cowboys have eight guys jamming the line of scrimmage.  The two corners are locked up outside and there's a safety deep.  The Eagles only need 10 yards for a first down.  So what do the coaches call?  A slow-developing post-corner route to DeSean in the end zone.  Complete Ryan Howard call.  Either you're hitting that one out of the park or you're striking out.

Now, if McNabb had gotten i------ earlier in this game, do you think there's any chance that's what the call would have been on that play?  No bleepin' way.  They probably spread the field a bit more, send a few guys to the sticks, and try to pick up a first down or at least get close enough to go for it on fourth (I'm expecting yet another Mike Lombardi "game management" column to that effect, actually).

But because they have McNabb and because he's freakin' Superman, they try to tie the game right there. 

- - - - - -

Speaking of David Akers, one of the untold stories of that game is that he drilled a 52-yard fourth-quarter field goal.  Sure, I still worry about him too, but he's putting together a really nice season.  He's already 9-of-11 from 40-49 and 1-2 from 50+.  That ain't bad.

- - - - - -

I like that Bowen's not letting this one drop.  I really don't understand how Walt Coleman could look at that second replay and not see that the ball needed to be re-spotted and measured.  I don't think it was as obvious that McNabb got it as maybe a lot of other people do, but you at least have to measure and see.

On the other hand, not totally sure about this one:

Starting weakside linebacker Akeem Jordan, the only starter remaining from the group that began training camp, suffered a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise against the Cowboys, Andy Reid said. Reid didn't offer a prognosis, but it would seem unlikely that Jordan would be able to play this Sunday at San Diego. It isn't clear who would step in - Tracy White? Joe Mays? Moise Fokou, with strongside starter Chris Gocong expected to return to practice tomorrow (and then to play)? Suddenly, you have to wonder about that roster spot Jeremiah Trotter is occupying.

Unless Trotter starts this week and Witherspoon moves to his natural weakside position.  Yes, you still have the same Trot issues as before, but he has to be feeling better than he did a month ago when he'd just gotten off the couch.  And you can still play plenty of nickel or dime to get Witherspoon back in the middle.

- - - - - -

Sheridan mentions something from Andy's presser:

But yesterday, Reid said something slightly different. And yes, this may be desperation, but it was enough to go on.

"As coaches, we have to make sure that we are putting the players in the right positions to make plays," Reid said, before adding, "and make sure that the right players are in the right position to make plays, and that's my responsibility to make sure that happens."

Did you catch it? "Right players in the right position."

Not the first time Andy's done that.  Following the Colts loss in 2006:

"We just didn't make the plays out there. I'm going to step up and tell you it starts with us, as coaches, and I've got to continue to take a close look at that and make sure we're putting the right guys in the right positions."