We’ve enjoyed some scintillating and deeply insightful analysis by our commenters here in the post-game look at the win over the Browns— for which I thank you all.
Most of what we’ve been looking at were the letdowns we perceived in the playcalling and execution of certain plays on offense in Cleveland. I think the coaches and players are looking at the same issues, too. If most of it’s on Vick’s downfield vision and decision-making, then so be it…Mike, perk up! But it’s usually a combination of factors which contribute to 4 INT’s, unforced errors, 12 penalties, etc. The Eagles just need to go out and play a much more disciplined game on offense against the Ravens this coming Sunday. And I think they’ll have that figured out.
But let us not overlook the really, really good things that we saw in Cleveland.
Vick bounced back from four interceptions to lead a 91-yard drive that ended with his 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Clay Harbor with 1 minute, 18 seconds left in regulation. That’s some pretty good focus and heart shown there by the entire offense.
They compiled 495 yards of offense— that’s pretty good against a fairly tough Dick Jauron defense— but couldn’t hold onto the football often enough or remain disciplined enough to put the ball in the end zone more than twice. Yeah, I realize, the Eagles’ offense committed five turnovers and the team was charged with 12 penalties for 110 yards. Still, you know your offense can move the ball pretty well…something’s clicking…and that’s a start.
Individual performances were outstanding on paper. Running back LeSean McCoy rushed for 110 yards on 20 carries. When he wasn’t throwing interceptions or getting hammered by the Browns’ defense, Vick threw for 312 yards and two TDs. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin fought through dehydration and a strained hip flexor to catch a team-high seven passes for 96 yards.
Nice numbers. Put numbers like that up on the Ravens this Sunday, and I like the Eagles’ chances…
Also don’t want to understimate how pleasing it was to see better-than-good performances on defense, especially by DRC and Nnamdi in corner coverage and Brandon Boykin in the slot…and the safeties (Nate Allen and especially Kurt Coleman) had very solid outings. Granted, they weren’t facing Peyton Manning or Aaron Rodgers, but the communication back there compared to most of last season was a dramatic improvement.
And DeMeco Ryans had a very solid showing at MIKE.
Middle linebacker Ryans, who was criticized for a lackluster preseason, showed why the Eagles obtained him in a trade with Houston. He never came off the field on defense and led the team with five tackles, including a pair of nifty open-field stops.
“I love it when the game is in the defense’s hands,” Ryans said after the game. “When it’s on us to close a game out, that’s why I play this game. There’s no more of a special feeling than getting out there and all of your teammates on the sideline are counting on you. I’m happy we got the win and I want to continue to lead these guys and continue to build on it and get ready for the next one.”
Keep building on performances like that, and nobody can beat the Eagles but themselves…
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Jai-Jar got released today (Tuesday)… I guess I saw it coming. Looks like what it really means is Colt Anderson is ready to be activated at safety and special teams. Jarrett played in the season opener at Cleveland and played 25 snaps on special teams. He did not record a tackle and whiffed trying to take down Josh Cribbs during one kick return.
Mardy Gilyard (#19 above) ends up the big winner in all this. He takes Jai-Jar’s place on the roster since Colt Anderson never left the active roster. At 5-11 and 194 in his 2nd year out of Cincinnati, Gilyard was drafted in 2010 in the 4th Round by St. Louis. He caught 6 passes for 63 yards last year for the Rams.
With Jarrett gone, David Sims becomes the likely top reserve safety behind starters Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman. The Eagles traded for Sims on Aug. 31, sending a conditional draft pick to the Browns for the one-time undrafted free agent.
Gilyard was signed Tuesday after he visited with the Eagles. The Eagles are light at receiver with Riley Cooper still out with a broken collarbone. Starter Jeremy Maclin has a hip pointer and his status for Sunday’s game against the Ravens is uncertain. Jason Avant has a wrist contusion but Reid said that he expected the Eagles’ third receiver to be healthy by Sunday. If Maclin can’t go Sunday, rookie Damaris Johnson or the newly-acquired Gilyard could start on the outside opposite DeSean Jackson.
The Eagles also announced that they signed tight end Derek Carrier to the practice squad, taking the place of tight end Chase Ford, who was released.
The release of Jai-Jar is the earliest the Eagles have ever given up on a 2nd Round draft pick.
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Many prognosticators who do it for a living are calling for close game between the Eagles and the Ravens. AccuScore.com is forecasting a close game with the Baltimore Ravens winning 52% of simulations, and the Philadelphia Eagles 47% of simulations. In close games, turnover margin is especially important. The Baltimore Ravens commit fewer turnovers in 56% of simulations and they go on to win 74% when they take care of the ball. The Philadelphia Eagles wins 76% of the simulations in which they commit fewer turnovers. Ray Rice is averaging 65 rushing yards per sim. If he can have a great game with better than average rushing yards and at least a 1 rushing TD (27% chance) then he helps his team win 78%. LeSean McCoy is averaging 74 rushing yards per sim. If he can have a great game with better than average rushing yards and at least a 1 rushing TD (38% chance) then he helps his team win 69%. SPREADS / TOTALS: Current Point Spread is PHI -2.5 — Over/Under line is 44..
I like computer simulations, but not to gamble based on their results. I like them because they give me a feel for the unique individuality of every game’s matchups. In other words, the Ravens 44 points last night against the Bengals don’t really mean a whole lot in the simulation against the Eagles. This game is up for grabs!
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BRI SUKS EGG Fancy Football League Week 1 Results…
Team BIG BONE 117, Jet Pack Ninja Dinosaurs (Jerky) 112…
Hoof Hearted Ice Melted (Spiffo) 143, The Great PPW 96…
Bri Slappers (JB) 119, Dirty Stinkin’ Bums (ATV) 106…
Splunker Valley Skunk Apes (Leo) 137, Bri’s Fantasy Boys (Brozer) 137 (TIE)
Palm Feathers FEAT 125, Harold HAHA Harmonica(Hairy Pianos) 118…
Evans Head Beanstalk (Beano) 135, Hudrock’s Hoe Stables (Hud) 129…
Play on, gentlemen…
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