After an ugly first quarter, the Eagles bounced back to
bludgeon the Seahawks and finally move themselves out of last place in the NFC East. The Eagles finish the first half of their season at 5-3, which is probably right where this team belongs. The Cowboys continued their implosion with a 35-14 loss to the Giants. They fell to 5-4 on the season.
More about the necessary win after the jump.
This is the second game in a row where McNabb looked lost, or rusty, or maybe like he hadn't warmed up in the first, then looked like the second coming of Joe Montana the rest of the game. He finished with 349 yards and 2 TDs. The other offensive stars were Kevin Curtis, who finished with 6 catches for 83 yards, and Brent Celek who went off for 131 yards on 6 catches.
I know plenty of Eagle fans and bloggers fell in love with Celek's game during training camp last season. Then he fell completely off the radar. He came back with a great camp this season, but still the Eagles seemed hell-bent on not using him in actual games. Today was the first time I can remember when he's been targeted more than once or twice, and he answered the call. I seriously hope they'll give him a bigger role going forward. I'm sick of LJ Smith's potential, I want some production out of the position.
On defense, other than Lito's disgusting play on the first snap, they were stellar. Asante Samuel continues to blanket everyone he covers and show unbelievable ball skills for a corner. The birds stuffed the run, and put adequate pressure on Seneca Wallace, but didn't make any game-changing plays. They weren't needed today, but I think the personnel is just too good to not force turnovers. They're going to have to come up big next week against the Giants.
David Akers was perfect on the day, although he wasn't tested from distance (he hit FGs from 39, 24, 42 and 39). DeSean's one brain fart didn't come back to hurt them, but he wasn't really a big part of the offense either. McNabb spread the ball around to 10 different receivers.
This game wasn't all roses. The offense stalled in the red zone, they settle for 4 field goals, they couldn't convert another third and one. Greg Lewis saw too much action.
All told, it'll be good to see the Cowboys in last place tomorrow morning. The Eagles won, convincingly, so let's just build on that and get ready for the Giants next week.
Offensive Player of The Game: Celek
Defensive Player of The Game: Asante
Team Record: 5-3
Nice solid win over a terrible Seattle team.
Is it just me or did it look like westbrook was falling forward the whole game? Maybe protecting the ribs ?
I dunno.
A win is a win..
I will start believing the Eagles belong in the playoffs if they beat down the Giants next week.
Another crap start from Mnabb in that game and it will be over in the 1st quarter.
curits looked good, as did Celek. I hope LJ never comes back.
He still isn't 100%. His moves are there, but his breakaway speed isn't. There were two runs today that he would've broken for huge gains, but he got caught from behind. You're probably right about protecting the ribs, I didn't really notice it, but it makes sense. I think the bigger issue for him is the ankle. I also thought Reid could've gotten him out of there a little earlier and used Buck to close the game down once it was out of reach and it was clear Seattle had no prayer of coming back.
Baldinger did a really good job on the broadcast today, meant to mention that in the post. Made a lot of really good points.
Baldinger is my favorite analyst. He really seems to know what hes talking about---see if you can catch pro football weekly on comcast sometime. Hes very well read and really understands and studies the game.
This is a game we had to win. You have to beat up on the bad teams to stay with the rest of the NFC bEAST. But even though we won, the fact that we had to settle for all those field goals instead of touchdowns will not fly against a good Giants team next week. Lets face it, that Seatle team was junk and they reduced us to just the field goals. The Giants next week are a much better team and we have to step it up. gdog2004, I did notice that Westbrook kept lunging forward at the end of runs, maybe it is to protect his ribs but it always seems to get us a few extra yards too. I still think Westbrooks ankle is the problem. He has not made the quick cuts on linebackers on the outside like he usually can. It seems like he is just heading toward the sidelines instead of cutting back in on them. Also, why was he even in the game half way through the 3rd. Buck has proven his worth and should have gotten those snaps rest Westbrook. Also they should reduce LJ Smith rule. Every time Celek has a chance to be in the game he has proven himself.
One think I like about Celek...he ALWAYS looks for the extra yards. Unlike LJ who seems to instantly go into fall down mode as soon as he catches it.
I am not sure how many yards the SeaHawks rushed for but it seems to me whenever Julius Jones touched the ball they just manhandled him. I like the one play where the whole defense just picked him up over their heads and slammed him to the ground. It was like "how dare you even CONSIDER rushing up the middle on us ?!? " Loved it.
Samuel seems to be the best cover corner we have had in 20 years. Id like to see him shut down Burris next week. We will need all 3 of our corners against the best team in football...the NY Giants.
O line also had a VERY nice game.