The Importance Of Maclin & Jackson

When you look at last night's box score you will see that Jeremy Maclin and Desean Jackson combined for 6 catches, 85 receiving yards and just one touchdown.  Not impressive by any stretch but in order to get a real sense of how they impacted last night's game, one has to look beyond the box score.

Today on WIP, Michael Barkann and former Eagle Ike Reese were talking about how Maclin and Jackson do such a great job of stretching the field.  Reese brought up the fact that in an effort to prevent the big home run pass to either Maclin or Jackson, opposing defenses are dropping guys back into coverage and which means less guys in the box and more running lanes for Shady.  You definitely saw this last night as Vick didn't throw the ball far down the field at all and instead took what the defense gave him.

After the game Vick was asked about why he didn't throw the bomb to either Jackson or Maclin:

“Did you see how deep the safeties were playing? It was 500 yards back. Can’t throw a bomb against that. So you have to pick and choose your spots. Intermediate routes, try to get them to come up and try to put pressure on them to get what you want. Sometimes it’s tough. Each week you’re not going to see the bomb. It all depends on what you get.”

And that's exactly what the Eagles did last night.  They took what they could get both through the air and on the ground.  With safeties playing far back the whole middle of the field was wide open for quick passes to Brent Celek and Jasan Avant, and long runs for McCoy.  McCoy had 185 yards on 30 carries and took advantage of the glaring holes in the Dallas D.

Basically the box score doesn't tell the whole story.  While Maclin and Jackson may statistically have been non-factors last night, in reality they were the key to the entire offense, and the sole reason McCoy was so successful on the ground.

The Birds Are Back

Gimme the ball coach!

Last night was everything I had hoped for and more.  The offense exploded, the defense locked down, and the NBC cameramen did an excellent job of focusing in on Rob Ryan through out the game.  Directly after a big run from Shady McCoy, Rob Ryan's mug was sure to be front and center on your television set.

It truly was the game that all Eagles fans and players had hoped for.  The offense marched right down the field on the opening drive and basically every drive there after.  The Eagles absolutely attacked the heart of the Dallas run defense which before last night was the best in the NFL.  But on 30 carries Lesean McCoy racked up 185 yards while Mike Vick had 50, and the Eagles totaled 240 yards rushing.  The Eagles ran the ball right at the Cowboys and moved the ball at will.  The offensive line got great push and opened up huge running lanes for McCoy.  The Birds also did a phenomenal job of attacking the Cowboys linebackers through the air.  Vick attacked the center and utilized Brent Celek and Jason Avant for big plays over the middle.  Celek had 7 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown, while Avant had 5 catches for 74 yards.  No turnovers, clean efficient drives, and overall an outstanding performance from the offense.

While Shady McCoy broke off big play after big play, the defense seemingly went under the radar.  On the opening drive the Eagles defense got a ton of pressure on Tony Romo and made him feel extremely uncomfortable.  The defensive backs played awesome and held Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, and Jason Witten to under 100 yards receiving.  They let up a couple big plays including a touchdown pass to Laurent Robinson, but other than that they did everything they were supposed to.

Really there is nothing but positives to pull from this game.  The well rested Eagles took care of business in a crucial division game on the prime time stage and they did it in a big way.  To me, last night was a statement game for the Birds.  Last night they basically said, "We're back, try and stop us."  The key for the Eagles is to keep that drive and focus up for next week when they take on the Chicago Bears on Monday night football.  But for now, let's just enjoy this one.    

Jagr Time

Before the Flyers season began, I bought a Jaromir Jagr t-shirt jersey and most of my friends laughed at me.  They thought I was wasting money and they also thought the Jagr signing was a big joke.  But so far this year Jaromir Jagr looks great and is doing a lot to help contribute.

I have to admit that I was extremely disappointed when the Flyers signed Jagr.  I remember posting about all the possible free agents the Flyers might look to sign, and Jagr was not one of them.  But after the initial disappointment I began to read into Jagr's historic career and I was blown away.

Jagr's point totals from year to year are astounding, and so far this year he looks like he is in the prime of his career.  After playing over in Russia for a few years, Jagr has returned to NHL and seemingly hasn't missed a beat.

In 11 games this year Jagr has 5 goals and 6 assists.  I think much of Jagr's early success can be attributed to the fact that he is on a line with JVR and Claude Giroux.  They clearly have a lot of chemistry and have by far been the most productive line this year.  Jagr has also done so well in the early going due to his knowledge of the game.  He knows certain certain gaps and slots in the defense and he just knows where to be.  His feel for the game also allows him to find the open man and make great passes to his team mates.

It should be interesting to see what Jagr does this year.  For now it's just fun to watch one of the best go out there and play great hockey.

How To Stop Dez, Miles, & Witten

Unfortunately, I think we all remember this play.

Tonight the 3-3 Dallas Cowboys will come to South Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in a Sunday night matchup.  The Cowboys bring a defense led by Rob Ryan, and an offense with a number of different weapons.

Among those offensive weapons are wide receivers Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, and tight end Jason Witten.  Those are three very talented receivers to say the least.  If only the Eagles had three lockdown corners.  Oh wait, they do.  In addition to stopping Demarco Murray on the ground, the key to tonight's game will be shutting down Dallas' receivers.  How do you shut down three talented receivers?  You put your best corners on them, and you one on one take them completely out of the game.

Up until this point the Eagles have done a terrible job of playing to the strengths of their defensive backs.  Instead of utilizing Nnamdi Asomugha in one on one matchups, they have mostly sent him back in coverage where he is clearly ineffective.  Tonight the Eagles have to play more nickel and try their best to keep Nnamdi, Assante, and DRC on the field at all times.

In my opinion, Dez Bryant is a much better receiver than Miles Austin so I would have Asomugha matchup against him.  I would put Assante on Miles Austin, and as much as they can I think the Eagles should utilize DRC in the nickel and have him cover Jason Witten.  The Eagles have gotten badly burned by opposing tight ends this year.  Tony Gonzalez torched them in week 2, and Fred Davis had 95 receiving yards in week 6.  The Eagles need to take drastic measures tonight to make Witten a non-factor.

Ultimately the Eagles have the players to shut down the Cowboys offensive weapons.  Tonight it will be entirely up to the coaching staff to utilize them the right way and put them in position to make plays.     

Who Is Demarco Murray?

Until last week, I had never even heard of Demarco Murray.  But this past Sunday he rushed for 253 yards in a victory over the Rams, and even though he is a Dallas Cowboy, I have to tip my cap to him.  253 yards is impressive enough, but when you add in the fact that he set the Cowboys single game rushing record, crushing hall of famer Emmit Smith's record of 237 yards, it makes it that much more remarkable.

But Demarco is still a rookie in this league and one great game doesn't prove anything especially when he did it against the lowly Rams.  On Sunday night Demarco will have his first real NFL test; facing a hungry, well rested  Eagles defense.  And in the Eagles last game against the Washington Redskins, I think the run defense finally began to find its stride.

The Eagles held the Redskins to just 42 yards rushing and they have finally found the right combination of linebackers.  Jamar Chaney is beginning to feel more and more and comfortable in the middle, and the Eagles will get back defensive end Trent Cole who was out with an injury.

Very plainly, Demarco Murray won't be facing a pop warner defense come Sunday night.  He will be facing a very strong and well rested Eagles defense that is finally beginning to piece it all together.  All the talent the Eagles put together during the off season is starting to click and the Eagles just need to capitalize and execute against the Boys.

In order to stop Murray, the Eagles need to get penetration and make him run east to west.  Murry is very good at running north to south, and when you give him an open lane he can really hurt you.  But if the Eagles can get into the backfield and disrupt his timing and rhythm, the Cowboys will be forced to throw the ball.

Overall the Eagles can't be afraid of Murray.  They have faced some very good backs this year and have been burned by that one big run.  Don't over pursue or try to get stops for a loss.  Keep him in front of you and hold him to one and two yard gains, and the Eagles should come out of this game victorious.    

Flyers Hurricanes Preview

Tonight at 7 the Flyers will host the Carolina Hurricanes.  After an ugly and disappointing 9-8 loss on Thursday night, the Flyers will be ready to get back out on the ice and prove to everyone that they know how to play defense.  While Thursday certainly was a disappointing display of defense, the Flyers showed that they know how to score.  The youngsters on this team got involved offensively and the stars of Danny Briere, JVR, and Claude Giroux all proved why they are so good.

For tonight's game the Flyers should have got to have a ton of confidence offensively.  Do what you did on Thursday and utilize your youth and speed.  

After losing three straight games, the Hurricanes shut out the Chicago Blackhawks last night by a final of 3-0.  They are sure to come in to tonight's matchup with a ton of confidence and the Flyers need to show them who's boss.

Overall the Flyers, who got off to such a great start, have struggled greatly in their last five games.  The Flyers allowed just 1 goal in their first two games, but in their last five have allowed 25 goals!  The offense is certainly doing its job, but now it's time for the defense, mainly Ilya Bryzgalov, to step up and keep the puck out of the net.

For tonight I hope head coach Peter Laviolette starts Bryzgalov.  The best thing to do with an athlete who's confidence is clearly shaken is to get him back out there and help him to regain his swagger.  This whole Flyers team needs to step up and rally around their goalie who clearly needs some support right now.  The Flyers can't get lazy in their own zone.  They have to be active in clearing the puck, and they can't let opponents get easy shots right in front of their own goal.  The winning goal on Thursday night came with 4 Flyers standing around and doing nothing.  Step up on defense and help out your goalie!

I think that the Flyers are just trying to put the pieces together and sooner or later they are going to find their stride.  Hopefully they put it all together tonight and can kick off a winning weekend in South Philadelphia.

Eagles Keys To Victory

I can't wait for Sunday night.  The prime time lights, the rivalry, and the overall intensity of South Philly are all going to add up to a great night of football.  But what are the keys to an Eagles victory?  The Eagles can win this game easily if they just stick to the basics and do everything listed in this article.

Shady, Shady, Shady: The Eagles have to keep giving the ball to Lesean McCoy.  I know it may sound a little redundant at this point, but in order for the Eagles to have success they have to stay grounded in the run game.  The Eagles don't have to give Shady 28 carries but they should definitely give him anywhere from 15-20 touches on Sunday night.  Also get McCoy involved in the screen game.  McCoy has just over a little over 100 yards receiving this year and the Eagles need to do a better job of opening up plays for him in the screen game.

Protect MV7: The Birds offensive line has to step up and protect Vick.  Coming off the bye, Vick will be relatively rested and refreshed and the Eagles have to keep him that way.  At the same time Vick should not be hesitant to tuck the ball in and pick up 10-15 yard on rushes through out the game.

Stretch The Field With De:  Even if you don't throw to him, send him on long fly routes through out the game.  When he goes deep, it stretches the field and opens up so many possibilities for the rest of the offense.

Pressure On Romo=Turnovers: The Eagles have to consistently apply pressure to Tony Romo which will result in turnovers.  Make him uncomfortable and force him to make lousy decisions and bad throws.

Samuel and Nnamdi:  Nnamdi Asomugha should cover Dez Bryant one on one all night long.  Dez is a monster and Nnamdi should do everything to completely take him out of the game.  That's why we pay him the big bucks right?  On the other side Assante Samuel needs to do a good job on Miles Austin.  Take them both out of the game and make the Cowboys one dimensional.

Demarco Murray:  Sure, Murray looked great last week but I think if the Eagles keep him in front and don't allow him to break off the big run, Murray won't be that much of a threat.  Plus if the Eagles can neutralize Witten, Austin, and Bryant, the Cowboys will become extremely predictable and the Eagles should be able to contain him.  

Overall the Eagles have a very good opportunity this weekend to gain some ground in the division.  If the Eagles win they would improve to 3-4 and would be very much alive in this close division race.  As long as the Eagles don't try and do too much on Sunday night, I think they will win big.  Final score: EAGLES 38 cowboys 16.     

Flyers, Where To Go From Here?

Aw crap, I let another one in?

After the Flyers 9-8 defeat tonight to the Winnipeg Jets, Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov stated that he has "zero confidence" and feels "lost in the woods."  Certainly not something you want to hear from any player let alone your starting goalie.  After Bobrovsky gave up 5 goals, Ilya Bryzgalov had just 6 saves on 10 shots.  It was an absolutely crazy game in which the Flyers were actually down 5-1 at one point, and at another point led 7-6.  Eventually the Flyers would lose by a final of 9-8 and fans, players, and coaches are all left scratching their heads.  So where do the Flyers go from here?  Are there any positives to pull from such a crushing defeat?

Offensively the Flyers definitely can pull some positives.  JVR had two third period goals and Danny Briere had 2 goals and 2 points totaling 4 points.  Others scored and contributed assists as well and the Flyers got some great pressure.  But defensively the Flyers had no answers.  One can argue that they had some unlucky bounces especially when Bobrovsky was in net, but 5 goals is simply unacceptable.  And when your star goalie, the guy you cleared space for and gave the huge contract to comes in and allows 4 goals on just 10 shots, there are definitely some alarming concerns.

Currently the Flyers are 5-4-1 and although they are still second in their division, they have struggled greatly on defense in their last few games.  After starting out the season with some shutdown performances, the Flyers have surrendered an abnormally high amount of goals in their last few games.  Whether it's the goalie, the defense, or a combination of both, the Flyers need to figure things out in a hurry before they fall into a drastic slump.

In regards to where the Flyers go after this 9-8 defeat, I think the key is not to panic.  Although Bryzgalov is clearly shaken, he is still an elite NHL goalie and although he claims to have "zero confidence", I'm sure he will come out with a ton of fire come his next start.  Offensively the Flyers should just keep doing what they are doing.  Young guys as well as veterans are evenly contributing and they just need to stay persistent and keep getting consistent pressure.

For Saturday I would put Bryzgalov right back in net.  His interview after the game suggests to me that he is hungry to get another shot, and I think starting a hungry Bryzgalov in net on Saturday gives the Flyers the best chance to rebound from this ugly loss.

Eagles Fantasy Fix: Week 8

It's been a long time since my last Fantasy Fix posting.  I haven't posted in a while mainly because I'm fed up with fantasy football.  I have Mike Vick, Desean Jackson, Lesean McCoy, and Greg Jennings and somehow I'm still 2-4-1 in my league (I didn't even know you could tie; shout out to Dononovan.)  So at this point I'm pretty fed up with the whole concept of fantasy football especially coming off the Eagles bye week in which I lost by just one point to one of my friends.

But the Eagles are back for week 8 and I'm extremely optimistic.  Vick, De and Le are gonna do big things this week coming off the bye and under the lights of Sunday night football.  Here is a breakdown of each individual player and how I think they will do against the Cowgirls.

Mike Vick:  I drafted Vick primarily because I thought I was getting a two in one RB and QB combo.  I also foolishly thought that Vick was going to consistently put up 30 points week after week.  But after 6 games Vick is averaging just 18.2 points and is far from the 30 point stud I had predicted him to be.  Having said that I feel that Vick is going to have a strong second half mainly because the Eagles are going to run the ball more and thus less opportunities for Vick to get hurt.  Vick was pretty banged up in the first half and hopefully the extra week of rest and the re commitment to the run will result in a huge second half for MV7.  This Sunday I think Vick throws for 300 yards and 2 TD and also runs for 70 yards good enough for 27 fantasy points.

Lesean McCoy:  I just traded for McCoy and in his first week he didn't disappoint.  He rushed for 125 yards and was everything that I expected and more.  I feel that Shady is going to break out in the second half because of the shift in play.  The Eagles are going to run the ball more and as a result more fantasy points.  For this weekend I think Shady has 95 rushing yards and also 50 receiving yards and a td good enough for 20 points.

Desean Jackson: When I drafted De in the third round I knew I was taking a huge risk.  The guy will score 4 points one week and the next put up 20.  Although he is extremely frustrating he is at the same time extremely dangerous and always a threat to put up a huge lopsided number.  For this Sunday I think it's going to be the Desean Jackson coming out party.  So far he is averaging just 9.3 pts but I think this Sunday he's going to put up 20 points.

Jeremy Maclin: Maclin should put up a solid 10 points this weekend.

Jason Avant: If you have bye players and need someone to start Avant could be a solid option.

Overall I'm so confident in the Eagles this weekend for three main reasons:  they are coming off the bye, they are playing Dallas, and it's a Sunday night game.  The fact that the Eagles are 12-0 after the bye under Andy Reid, the fact that they are playing a bitter division rival, and the fact that it will be on the prime time national stage all add up for a Dallas slaughtering come Sunday night.

Shady, One Of The Best?

I love being the best!

At the beginning of the year, Eagles running back Lesean McCoy made a bold goal:  1,000 yards receiving and 1,000 yards rushing.  Although McCoy currently has only 129 receiving yards, he does have 569 yards rushing and is well on his way to not only achieving his goal but also becoming one of the most elite backs in the NFL.  But does he deserve to be up there with the likes of Adrian Peterson and Darren McFadden?  I personally believe that after this year Lesean McCoy will widely be regarded as one of the best if not the best running back in the NFL, here's why.

Statistically, Lesean is right there with the best of the best.  He is currently 7th in the NFL in total rushing yards, but you have to take into consideration the fact that he has about 40 fewer carries than Adrain Peterson and Maurice Jones Drew who are first and second in rushing yards respectively.  In terms of yards per carry, McCoy is currently tied with Darren McFadden and Matt Forte for second place with 5.4 yards per carry behind only Fred Jackson who has 5.7.

But those are just the boring statistics.  In terms of versatility Lesean is a great blocker and is probably an even better receiver.  Although his receiving yards are down this year, McCoy is still such a threat in the screen game and once he is in the open field, he is such a threat to take it to the house.  And in terms of ball security McCoy is probably the best.  In 467 career carries, McCoy has just 4 fumbles and has yet to cough up the football this year.  In Adrian Peterson's first three seasons he coughed up the ball 20 times!  Barring a tragic finish, I think it's safe to say McCoy is more safe with the football than AD.  And McCoy also has Maurice Jones Drew beat in this category as he has fumbled 6 times already this year.

Probably the biggest thing Shady has going for him at this point is his age.  McCoy is currently just 23 years old and is overall one of the youngest and most dangerous backs in the NFL.  Statistically McCoy is not at the top just yet.  But in the upcoming games and years I expect the Eagles to rely more and more on the running attack.  Against the Redskins, McCoy was given a record 28 attempts and not only did the Eagles win, but they were also able to control the game.  Running the ball does so much good for a football team and I think Andy Reid is slowly beginning to realize just how talented McCoy is.

When it looks like the other team has him for a loss, BAM he cuts on the dime and breaks open a 5-7 yard gain.  When it looks like the defensive line is collapsing in on him, he finds that little seam and accelerates through.  McCoy is such a fun and exciting player to watch and when it's all said and done I feel that he will go down in history as one of the greatest running backs in Eagles history.  And maybe in the years to come, he will be widely regarded as the best running back in the entire NFL.