You do not win the Super Bowl or make the playoffs in September. Instead those games are used as springboards to put you in the position to be able to do so.
So, while yesterday's game against another potential playoff opponent was not the prettiest, it was a win (31-13!) and wins in September count on your season record just as those in December so I will take it.
If Steven Jackson does not go out in the first quarter, this is a different game. Not saying Rams would win, but it would have been a different game. But injuries are part of football and those that overcome and adapt best to them tend to have the most success.
Michael Vick was 14-32 for 187 yards passing, but also had another 100 yards (ok I know, 98 in the box, but a few kneel downs took it back below 100) on the ground. His passing stats weren't great, but the Eagles were 8-12 on the third down, and a bunch of those came from the arm of Vick so that was a good thing to see.
LeSean McCoy started off slow, but his play in the fourth quarter sealed the win (15 carries for 122 and 2 receptions for 15 yards) and DeSean Jackson had a game high six catches for 102 yards.
The defensive line look very very good. Constant pressure on Sam Bradford, a solid push up the middle, and speed on the ends enable the Eagles to get five sacks and 11 hits on the young Rams QB. Jason Babin lead the way with two sacks and four hits and Juqua Parker scored his second career touch down on a fumble recovery after a hit by Darryl Tapp in the first quarter that really got the Eagles going.
Alex Henery made his lone Field Goal of 34 yards and was 4/4 in point afters. Chas Henry looked like a rookie punter having 3 punts with a long of 39 yards.
Now, there are plenty of things the Eagles need to work on and get fixed ASAP.
- 1) Time Management ... ugh! I mean come on, I know young and inexperienced oline and a loud dome, but ugh! It was terrible!
- 2) Linebackers...they were not terrible, but the middle of the field was wide open yesterday. Although Jamar Chaney had a nice game.
- 3) Offensive line. Again not terrible and played pretty well the second half, but it has to somehow do a better job especially on Vicks blind side.
- 4) I know Dion Lewis wanted to make a statement during his chance to return kick offs, but he needs to know to kneel.
- 5) Drops...too many. Celek and Jackson at two in particular.
- 6) Penalties ... 8 for 91 yards.
All in all, it was a "solid" win, not pretty but solid. Their first Prime Time game is up next at the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday Night in another dome. Atlanta took a drubbing at the hand of the Chicago Bears 30-12 so they will be doing everything ion their power to not start the season 0-2.
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