Eagles Must Regroup on the Run

When the Eagles went down 17-0 against the Cowboys, as they did against the Chiefs two weeks ago, I thought they still had a shot. Sure enough, they moved the ball down the field early in the second quarter. A touchdown here and they would have been right back in the game. But Donovan McNabb and the Eagles were forced to kick a field goal, and would not be heard from for the rest of the game.

When it was all over, I was left sitting stunned, as the Eagles were completely dominated by a team they had beaten by an average of 20 points in seven of their last eight meetings.

There wasn't much that went right for Philly in Week 5 against the Cowboys. Coming into the game, the Eagles were the top-rated offense in the league. All they could muster against a Dallas team that had lost to Oakland in the previous week was 164 total yards and 3 points (7 on defense). McNabb, with his injured sternum, abdomen, shin, etc., has been starting slow in most games this season, but he never even got going against the Cowboys.

His poor play in the game is now prompting critics to wonder if he should have gotten the surgery for his sports hernia earlier in the season. If he continues to play as he did against Dallas, there is no doubt that he should go under the knife and try to get ready for the playoffs (if they make it).

For the time being, I think that he should give it another shot against the Chargers in Week 7, and if the injuries are still affecting his ability to perform on the field, they should put him on the shelf for the rest of the season and hand the keys over to Koy Detmer or Mike McMahon.

Without McNabb, the Eagles would attempt to feature a more balanced attack, as they did in 2002 when McNabb broke his leg. Koy Detmer and A.J. Feeley combined to lead the Eagles to a 7-2 finish, giving the Eagles homefield advantage, and allowing the Eagles to trade Feeley.

This time around, whoever fills in may find the job even easier, as the Eagles now have Terrell Owens, L.J. Smith, and Greg Lewis to throw to, instead of James Thrash and Todd Pinkston.

Regardless, with or without McNabb, I think it's time the Eagles start running the ball more consistently. Seven rushing attempts in a game is ridiculously low, even in a blowout. The Eagles need to shoot for 20-25 rushing attempts per game, if nothing else to give the defense a rest.

Even if they are not moving the ball, they can churn some time of the clock so the defense is not on the field for two-thirds of the game, as was the case against Dallas

The Eagles even outdid the Houston Texans in Week 5, who were able to produce their highest yardage output of the season, 262 yards (although it should be noted that the Texans were playing the Tennessee Titans and still only managed to pick up six first downs).

Philly matched the Texans' six first downs, and their six three-and-outs, as well.

The Eagles must forget the debacle in Dallas and move on. Every team has a couple bad games during the season, and the Eagles are no exception. It just so happens that their bad game was the worst game they have ever played since Koy's brother Ty was the quarterback of the future for the Eagles.

Moving forward, look for coach Andy Reid to get Bryan Westbrook and Lamar Gordon going against the Chargers, although the Chargers' run defense is one of the best in the league. He knows that teams will continue to play with five and six defensive backs to stop the Eagles' vaunted passing attack. The Chargers will look to put a lot of pressure on McNabb and one of the best ways to slow them down would be to run the ball.

In order to set up the pass, the Eagles must show a concerted effort to run, or it won't even matter if McNabb is healthy or not.

For more Stephen McFadden, visit my blog at nflhq.blogspot.com

Comments and Conversation

October 18, 2005

Larry Matl:

Nicely put, the Eagles have some of the biggest O Linemen in the game. They should be able to open some holes if not put the DL on their heels. Why has Andy put so much emphasis on the pass? It seemed to start late last season, and continued into the playoffs, where eventually it was shutdown.

October 19, 2005

Kevin Connelly:

stevo,

you know that song that goes:

“I can fly higher than an eagle because you are the wind beneath my wings?”

I used to love that song, man. So inspiring. Has the same effect on me as that “eye of the tiger” song and the muzak on jane fonda workout videos.

if only they used another bird as a metaphor for triumph, though…

a condor maybe?

a hummingbird?

a finch?

its just that your eagles have looked so bad this year, i now associate the animal with complete futility.

so, for what it’s worth, thank you donovan mcnabb and company for ruining a perfectly beautiful song.

-k-

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