During the 14 year Andy Reid era the Eagles have never lost a game coming off the bye...... that gave a lot of fans hope going into Sunday’s game versus the Falcons. The Eagles had blown back to back 4th quarter leads and fired defensive coordinator Juan Castillo leading into this game. This game was a chance to change the season and the prove Eagles should be considered a threat in the NFC. While the Falcons had struggled in their last two wins before going into the bye against bad football teams, they still managed to get the W. All before kickoff it was the Eagles, team that needed a win and was desperate; against the undefeated Falcons who struggle away from the Georgia Dome.
From that point on the Eagles never had a chance, Atlanta scored touchdowns on their first 3 possessions. The Eagles were only able to run three plays on offense in the first quarter. The defense was not capable of stopping Ryan and his high flying Falcons. On the first two Falcon drives, they were able to convert first-downs on 7 third-down situations. Obviously, Juan Castillo was the problem. The defense was finally able to end its sack less streak, mustering only two sacks. The defensive line still does not look as impressive as it did last year, and I don't want to hear about three step drops and quick releases. This scheme that is used is a Jim Washburn technique and teams have figured out the gimmicky defense. So maybe Castillo wasn't the only one who should have been let go.
While the defensive line has had its struggles, so has "superstar" corner Nnamdi Asomugha. The Eagles corner was brought in as a free agent last offseason, and has been a total disappointment. While rumors of "Nnamdi Island" were thrown around before the start of last season, Asomugha is nowhere near the shut-down corner we all expected. Asomugha is targeted in this defense, instead being avoided. He has allowed big touchdowns week in and week out. Watching him blame safetys and coaches have worn on me as well as a city who was excited to have him.
The lack of play from the safety position has also had a significant impact on this defense. I like Kurt Coleman but his football I.Q. is awful. He gets caught guessing and god forbid he doesn't bite on a play action, stop getting caught in the looking in the backfield. Nate Allen actually looked healthy and when healthy is decent corner. He had an ok game against Atlanta, and is needed to help sure up the back end of this weak secondary.
On the offensive side of the ball it all starts with the offensive line. They have looked horrendous and look like they are getting worse as the season progresses. They can't run block, and they sure as hell cannot pass protect. Michael Vick is running for his life every time he drops back to pass. Shady can't cut back or make a move because defensive linemen are blowing the gaps and penetrating the line. Positively, the Eagles didn't turn the ball over, ha.
The Eagles will have an extra day before taking on the Saints in New Orleans, Monday night. While many have been calling for Nick Foles to start that game, I think people should be careful what they wish for. Vick is a quarterback who has the ability to escape a little pressure, where as Foles is a 6'5 pocket passer. With the state of the offensive line the team currently has, a pocket passer just may get killed. Vick gets abused behind the make shift offensive line and I don't really see Foles as the answer, not unless he can block for himself as well. However a loss this week and the fans may get what they want, because at 3-5 the season could be all but lost.
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