I can't put my finger on it. I just really was at a loss of words after last nights game. Firstly, great job for Dallas to not give up. There are some things I can't fathom about last nights game. Rushing Attack Amazing, it looked revamped and Lamar Gordon has stepped his game up. BW ran much better, and recieved the ball like the Westbrook of last year. But why pass the ball on 2nd and 9? Kill the clock, or one of Dallas' timeouts. Honestly, I usually stand by Andy's playcalling, but not this one. Passing Attack Far from a great performance, but when you run as much as they did, who needs it? Chad Lewis looked slow early, but got his reception. L.J. is still showing that he is a weapon, but Reggie Brown dropped that big pass late in the game that would've lined up a sure Akers FG. The offense looks VERY close to the 2004 team. Now it looks like McMahon will be taking the helm next week O-Line and D-Line Great job, it's what got them to their 13 point lead. The Eagles controlled the line of scrimmage most of the game, and on both sides. The O-Line kept McNabb safe, and kept lanes open for Gordon and BW to run, even without their starting center. I expected a bit more out of Kearse, but the rookie Trent Cole did a very nice job. Linebackers Great job shutting down the run, Trotter once again came to play. Besides that huge 26 yard run late in the game, they were totally shutting down the run. Keith Adams and Dhani need to step it up a little, and they need to get rid of Simoneau. He missed so many tackles, again, and couldn't seem to figure out how to bring anyone down on his own...again Secondary Like the LB's, great until the end. They let up that big pass to Peerless Price, but I thought they played great. Dawkins (sad to say it) looked a bit, well, old. Seemed he was a step behind a bit too much. Lito played alot better, so did Sheldon. Michael Lewis was playing great D, and I think he's starting to really develop into a great player. All these great things, and then you look at penalties. Mostly due to the new center, but unacceptable none the less. They just totally blew up. They looked like a team again, and were really clicking on all cylinders. Yet, they lost. Here we go again, we'll try again next year...
1. With the way the Eagles were running, I agree it is hard to call a 2nd down pass in that situation. However, I think Dallas was starting to control the run a little better, and a first down would have just about sealed it. From the Eagles games I have watched over the years, this pass call doesn't seem to have a big surprise. 2. Reggie Brown will come around with more experience, but McNabb needed more help from his WRs. 3. Both lines did a good job of controlling the line of scrimmage. The offensive line probably looked a little better than they really were because the screens were working so well, but they still did good. 3b. I thought Philly did a good job to overcome a lot of penalities. 4. Trotter did so well, I'm not sure I noticed the others too much. 5. I'm not overly impressed with their corners this year. The games where they have a good pass rush going, they look better. When the rush isn't working, the secondary looks vulnerable. PS - Its clear to see that there is a big difference when McNabb is mobile. Getting Westbrook involved more is a must. If the running game isnt working, a 4 yard screen is just as good and maybe easier with him.
