The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly From The Eagles Season Saving Victory Over The Cowboys
That was a big one, folks. It wasn’t easy and I still feel like I could and should throw up, but a win is a win is a win. The Eagles took care of business
The Good:
Sammy B – Statistically it doesn’t show that much. 25/36 for 295 and 1 TD. But, for once, Sam Bradford has played well enough to step up, take over the game, and win one for his team. He’s done fine all year, but he obviously didn’t whip it out and start slinging dick in the first 7 games. We finally got flashed a little in Dallas. Credit the O-Line and running game helping him out, but Bradford’s pocket presence, accuracy, and how he steps into throws while facing certain death
Well, Shit, The Entire Offense – Just knock it all out in one category. The banged up O-Line, without Jason Peters, kept Lucifer Hardy and the rest of the Dallas DL in check. 172 yards on the ground with Bradford only being sacked once says it all. DeMarco and Ryan both ran ANGRY. Jordan Matthews has finally removed his head out of his ass. Oh, and the last 4 games the Eagles are averaging 34 carries, 173 yards, and 5+ yards per rush. Uh oh, NFL…
Dennis Kelly – Needs to be individually recognized for his effort of performing well after being thrown at RT. And this:
Special Teams – Donnie Jones is maybe the most underrated player on this team. 4 punts inside the 20 last night was such a sneaky Caleb Sturgis came through with a HUGE 53-yarder AND didn’t boot the ball out of bounds on the ensuing kickoff.
Jordan Hicks - Big time players make big plays in big moments. And this kid’s pick-6 might have saved the season. Yeah, there’s Diggs out of Maryland and a handful of other surprises, but for my money this 3rd-rounder out of Texas (who everyone said the Eagles beyond reached for) is the steal of the entire 2015 NFL Draft.
Brandon Graham – Earl Thomas never got a stupid, possible season ending taunting penalty, but other than this this kid was EVERYWHERE. If he puts up 7 tackles and 2 sacks every game he can taunt over then piss on my own grave if he pleases.
Chip Kelly In The 2nd Half – Adjustments and execution. That’s what Chip Kelly does in the 2nd half of games. Kelly could’ve been MURDERED for sending out Sturgis to kick that long FG and going for it on 4th and 1 in OT if either didn’t work out, but to his credit his balls were doing the thinking instead of his brain. He even stuck to the run, for the most part. Sure, the Andy Reid booklet of shitty clock management is still an issue, but he got the job done when it mattered.
The Bad:
Byron Maxwell – Overall he didn’t play THAT bad trying to tame that Thoroughbred of a WR all night. But, again, when you’re paid to be the guy, be the fucking guy. Awful PI calls in the end didn’t help Maxwell’s image, either.
The Defense, Overall – When Matt Cassel tosses up 299 and 3 TD’s with Darren McFadden pretending like he’s at Arkansas again by going over the century mark on the ground, you didn’t play a good game. 411 yards is too much to give up and expect to come out on top. They did enough to not blow the game, but Billy Davis’ unit didn’t play well enough to win the game.
The Ugly:
Chip Kelly In The First Half – Gameplanning 101, Chip. Call up UNH or Oregon and take that course again. Another shut out in the first quarter (outscored 40-10 overall in the 1st 15 min of each game this season) and only 7 points in the first half is UNACCEPTABLE. Something’s gotta change.
Malcolm Jenkins – A team high 9 tackles, but inbred Cole Beasley absolutely BUNDLED Malcolm Jenkins time and time again. #27 will be the first one to tell you he played like dick when he want mano y mano in the slot with #11. He’ll be alright, but that was bad.
Ed Hochuli And Crew – Holy. Hell. Lotta phantom PI calls on that final drive, as well as soft flags flown against the Cowboys early in the game. Relax those guns and pump out another secretary, Ed. No need for that many penalties.
And that’s that. Bring on the Dolphins at the Linc. If Dan Campbell doesn’t show up in pads, the Eagles should be alright.