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        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  EAGLES - Week One Analysis
        
(Message started by: Philly on Aug 30^th, 2003, 10:07pm)

Title: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by Philly on Aug 30^th, 2003, 10:07pm

Coming soon...

8)

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by Jetdoc on Sep 2^nd, 2003, 5:04pm

You foul temptress! ;D

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by Philly on Sep 4^th, 2003, 11:50am

[smiley=victory.gif] [smiley=drummer.gif] [smiley=drummer.gif] [smiley=drummer.gif] [smiley=drummer.gif] [smiley=drummer.gif] [smiley=drummer.gif] [smiley=drummer.gif] [smiley=victory.gif]
With much fanfare and exaltation... here it is!
[smiley=victory.gif] [smiley=drummer.gif] [smiley=drummer.gif] [smiley=drummer.gif] [smiley=drummer.gif] [smiley=drummer.gif] [smiley=drummer.gif] [smiley=drummer.gif] [smiley=victory.gif]

The marquee matchup of Week one, the one the NFL felt was most worthy of a prime-time, Monday Night venue, is a rematch of last year's NFC title game.

The Eagles and the Bucs still look to be two of the best teams in the NFL and a burgeoning rivalry will add to an already interesting matchup.

The Bucs, as Super Bowl champions, feel they've been disrespected by the NFL. Not only did they have to play a 5 game pre-season schedule--one that included a flight to Japan, but they have to go on the road in their first regular season game and open a new stadium against a team (and city) that clearly has it in for them.

The Bucs have added Thomas Jones to an offense that really began to click late last season. The offensive line is still average, their starting receivers may be the slowest in the league, and their quarterback among the least mobile, but Coach Gruden is a master of creating mismatches to help his team succeed. On defense the Bucs look to continue their domination of the NFL, although DT Warren Sapp is miffed that the Bucs brass felt he was less important than a Booger in contract renegotiations.

The Eagles have 19 new faces on their 53-man roster, including six undrafted rookie free agents. The offense, ostensibly, is a better one than last year. The defense, however, has taken a different approach. The team is faster with Mark Simoneau and Michael Lewis, but also less experienced. The deep DE rotation took a hit in pre-season with injuries to Derrick Burgess, first-round pick Jerome McDougle, and a season-ender to his Miami Hurricane teammate, Jamaal Green. The loss of 3rd CB Al Harris will be felt as the Eagles will have to use either Lito Sheppard or Sheldon Brown (2nd year players) in nickel situations.

QB - Donovan McNabb - Has not had great passing days against the Bucs in the past, but this multi-threat player should still be started. (220 PaYds, 1 PaTD, 1 INT, 50 RuYds)

RB - Correll Buckhalter - Will get the bulk of the carries this week as Staley is still getting into playing shape and Westbrook is coming off an injury. (75 RuYds, 25 ReYds, 1 TD)

RB - Duce Staley - Only rejoined the team a week and a half ago, so he will be used a little more sparingly than usual. (20 RuYds, 25 ReYds)

RB - Brian Westbrook - Will be used primarily as the team's KR. Might be used on third down a few times. (10 RuYds, 15 ReYds)

WR - Todd Pinkston - Has had some nice games against the Bucs and should continue that trend. (85 ReYds, 1 TD)

WR - James Thrash - The forgotten man on the Eagles offense. (30 ReYds, 15 RuYds)

WR - Freddie Mitchell - Mr. Hype and pre-season stud is a regular season dud. (15 ReYds)

TE - Chad Lewis - Will be pushed by LJ SMith, but not yet. (25 ReYds)

K - David Akers - Going straight to the Hall of Fame. (2-2 XPs, 2-2 FGs)

Defense/Special Teams - The defense might struggle a little bit against the run, which will pull safeties up closer to the line. Dilger and Jurevicius might find some openings for the Bucs. Be very wary of the Eagles special teams for the next few weeks. (150 PaYdsAllowed, 110 RuYds Allowed, 16 PtsAllowed, 2 Turnovers)

Must start: McNabb, Akers
Should be decent: Pinkston, Defense
If you don't have anyone else: Buckhalter

Final Score
Buccaneers 16
Eagles 20

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by BarnabyWilde on Sep 4^th, 2003, 12:04pm

Nice report Philly. This should be a great game!!

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by DOLFAN on Sep 4^th, 2003, 12:05pm

I know Duce rejoined the team, but did he get his extension?

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by Philly on Sep 4^th, 2003, 3:08pm

on 09/04/03 at 12:05:00, DOLFAN wrote:

I know Duce rejoined the team, but did he get his extension?

[smiley=hellyeafunny.gif] [smiley=LMFAO.gif] [smiley=rollinwithlaughter.gif]

Nope... he's done wearing Eagle Green at the end of the season.

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by Noey21 on Sep 4^th, 2003, 11:48pm

Great analysis!

But, WR - James Thrash - The forgotten man on the Eagles offense. (30 ReYds, 15 RuYds)

Is Thrash even going to start? I thought he was a little banged up still.

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by Philly on Sep 4^th, 2003, 11:51pm

Thrash is fine... he was practicing with the team a few days after his injury. He's not even listed on the injury report for this week.

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by DirkDiggler on Sep 5^th, 2003, 10:43pm

Ugh...Derrick Burgess out for season after tearing Achilles.

Eagles defense is being decimated by injuries!!! Fantasy value going down quick.

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by Philly on Sep 5^th, 2003, 10:58pm

The important thing is that they are still strong up the middle with Corey Simon, Darwin Walker (who will slide out to end on running situations), Hollis Thomas (slimmed down and faster), and Paul Grasmanis.

The Eagles did sign free agent Marco Coleman to a contract today, so look for him to become part of the DE rotation. I don't know if he has anything left, but he is only a couple (2 or 3?)years removed from a Pro Bowl.

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by PrimeTime on Sep 5^th, 2003, 11:06pm

Well, Burgess was out almost all of last year and with his injury history I'm sure the Eagles weren't counting on him too heavily.

It basically comes down to swaping Douglas for Coleman which is a downgrade for the Eagles D vs last year. (At least until McDougle comes back).

I still wouldn't count out the contribution of N D Kalu.

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by Philly on Sep 5^th, 2003, 11:23pm

on 09/05/03 at 23:06:36, PrimeTime wrote:

I still wouldn't count out the contribution of N D Kalu.

[smiley=thumbsup.gif]

He reminds me a lot of Gbaja-Biamila... he put on 15-20 pounds in the offseason, but still has his speed and quickness. You heard it here, barring injury, he WILL have double-digit sacks this year.

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by PrimeTime on Sep 5^th, 2003, 11:31pm

With that extra weight he should hold up better against the run. [smiley=boxer.gif]

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by StegRock on Sep 8^th, 2003, 2:05pm

Here's what I don't get about this analysis though, or at least a couple of the predictions and recommendations therein

You say this...

on 09/04/03 at 11:50:47, Philly wrote:

Then, you go on to say this...

Quote:

Must start: McNabb
Should be decent: ...
If you don't have anyone else: Buckhalter

The #'s you predict for McNabb are decent, definitely not great; yet, you call him a "must start" at QB, a position most fantasy leagues only start one of. Whereas, the #'s you portend for Buckhalter are pretty darn solid and fantasy leagues usually start two RB's, making the position more saturated (than QB or even WR), but you label him "(only) if you don't have anyone else". I am puzzled! [smiley=lost.gif] I think I see some logic regarding "possible" upswing versus "potential" downswing, but I'd like to hear you out with regards to how you justify this. [smiley=shrug.gif]

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by Philly on Sep 8^th, 2003, 3:21pm

on 09/08/03 at 14:05:39, StegRock wrote:

...I'd like to hear you out with regards to how you justify this. [smiley=shrug.gif]

My predictions are just that, predictions. While I may follow the team more closely than others here on the Gridiron, it doesn't mean my predictions will be right on the money. If you'd like, I'll be happy to add a "For Entertainment Purposes Only" disclaimer on all of my Analyses. ;D

McNabb is an absolute, must start at QB every week, regardless of who he plays or who he is playing with. He is one of the fantasy elite. I don't think that he will put up Jeff Blake-esque numbers tonight, but he should still start on nearly any FF team.

As far as the RBs are concerned... it is nearly impossible to tell what will happen with them. The general concensus is that Buck will get most of the carries this week because (1) Duce is still not quite in playing shape and (2) Westbrook is a little banged up and will be returning kicks. Last year Duce put up great numbers against the Bucs in the regular season. No one saw it coming against the top D in the league. No one could have predicted it.

As I've noticed on many threads, Steg, you've been patting yourself on the back for your predictions on which player to start. Unfortunately I am not clairvoyent and do the best I can without any supernatural abilities. [smiley=crystalball.gif]

My theory is you always start your studs. McNabb is a stud. Buckhalter is an unproven RB.

Modified to indicate that this was post #1500 for me... Didn't even realize I was there until I saw those red stars next to my name...

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by DirkDiggler on Sep 8^th, 2003, 11:41pm

Excuse me for a second:

FUCK FUCK FUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK

Ok.....I can not believe this debacle of an offense I am watching. I knew the Eagles would have a tough time this year, but this is pathetic. No OFFENSE and the Bucs might as well just walk to the end zone with their defense. The Def has been on the field the whole game.

I just had to watch Sapp get more yardage than most the Eagles receivers. UGH!!

Not a good start. The ONLY good news at this point is they are in the NFC east.

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by Philly on Sep 8^th, 2003, 11:53pm

Could Tra Thomas look any worse? He has whiffed on Simeon Rice nearly every play. McNabb still can't hit a receiver in stride. Lito Sheppard is a poor excuse for a corner. The DEs can't generate any sort of pass rush. This was really ugly.

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by BarnabyWilde on Sep 9^th, 2003, 12:10am

What the fuck does is that supposed to mean? ???

Wait, I know!! [smiley=gotanidea.gif] It means a 4-2 divisional record for the Eagles, with the 2 losses to New York... ;)

on 09/08/03 at 23:41:17, DirkDiggler wrote:

Not a good start. The ONLY good news at this point is they are in the NFC east.

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by Razzak on Sep 9^th, 2003, 12:47am

If McNabb doesn't at least threaten the run earlier in games, this will be a theme for the Eagles. I'm not saying run every down, but at least one to two scrambles in the first half should be enough to keep those linebackers guessing.

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by bgsgfan on Sep 9^th, 2003, 1:14am

on 09/09/03 at 00:47:53, Razzak wrote:

This is going too far IMO. It was the first game of the year and against the Tampa Bay defense.

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on Sep 9^th, 2003, 7:23am

McNabb who?

17-0 ;D

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by Philly on Sep 9^th, 2003, 4:05pm

on 09/04/03 at 11:50:47, Philly wrote:

QB - Donovan McNabb - Has not had great passing days against the Bucs in the past, but this multi-threat player should still be started. (220 PaYds, 1 PaTD, 1 INT, 50 RuYds)
148 PaYds, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 55 RuYds - Terrible game from McNabb who was under seige all 4 quarters.

RB - Correll Buckhalter - Will get the bulk of the carries this week as Staley is still getting into playing shape and Westbrook is coming off an injury. (75 RuYds, 25 ReYds, 1 TD)
0 RuYds on one carry. Where'd he go?

RB - Duce Staley - Only rejoined the team a week and a half ago, so he will be used a little more sparingly than usual. (20 RuYds, 25 ReYds)
14 RuYds, 46 ReYds, 1 FL - Looks like he is the man already.

RB - Brian Westbrook - Will be used primarily as the team's KR. Might be used on third down a few times. (10 RuYds, 15 ReYds)
5 RuYds - Did pretty well as a KR. He got a decent amount of playing time early in the game.

WR - Todd Pinkston - Has had some nice games against the Bucs and should continue that trend. (85 ReYds, 1 TD)
7 ReYds - Dropped a couple and was covered the rest of the time.

WR - James Thrash - The forgotten man on the Eagles offense. (30 ReYds, 15 RuYds)
47 RuYds, 46 ReYds - Looks like McNabb still favors Thrash.

WR - Freddie Mitchell - Mr. Hype and pre-season stud is a regular season dud. (15 ReYds)
15 ReYds - Woohoo! I nailed one exactly. :-X

TE - Chad Lewis - Will be pushed by LJ SMith, but not yet. (25 ReYds)
22 ReYds - Pretty close on this one. LJ Smith got a couple endzone looks, but nothing else.

K - David Akers - Going straight to the Hall of Fame. (2-2 XPs, 2-2 FGs)
1 kickoff. Can't blame him for this debacle.

Defense/Special Teams - The defense might struggle a little bit against the run, which will pull safeties up closer to the line. Dilger and Jurevicius might find some openings for the Bucs. Be very wary of the Eagles special teams for the next few weeks. (150 PaYdsAllowed, 110 RuYds Allowed, 16 PtsAllowed, 2 Turnovers)
238 PaYdsAllowed, 90 RuYdsAllowed, 17 PtsAllowed, 1 Turnover - Defense played well until they got tired in 2nd half. Injuries to Bobby Taylor, Brian Dawkins, and Brandon Whiting will be costly.

Final Score
Buccaneers 16
Eagles 20

Bucs 17
Eagles 0
The Eagles were outcoached by Gruden again. The weird part is that Andy Reid used the same game plan that didn't work in the NFC Title game last season. That whole 1st and goal at the 1 yard line was ridiculous. I thought that's why we went out and got a legitimate FB. Run the ball four times in a row if you need to. I'm not going to panic yet, but I'm very nervous about the Eagles at this point.

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by Philly on Sep 10^th, 2003, 1:15pm

More aftermath from the Monday Night Fiasco...

Brian Dawkins sprained his Lis Franc ligament in his foot - (Duce Staley's was torn when he missed the entire season) - and will miss 2-6 weeks. Clinton Hart will start in his place.

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNewsDetail.jsp?id=3957

Bobby Taylor has a foot strain and will be listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against New England. Lito Sheppard will start if Taylor can't go.

Brandon Whiting has a strained hamstring and is also doubtful for Sunday's game. Marco Coleman and ND Kalu will play DE (and I don't think they have any more backups other than Darwin Walker sliding over from his DT position).

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by StegRock on Sep 10^th, 2003, 5:46pm

Buckhalter... What was that [smiley=horse.gif] all about? >:( Guy almost cost me TWO GBRFL games this week. Thank God I eked out one. :P I guess we are now all to assume that Duce will assume the starting job again, and Buck will be... ??? What's your take on all this, Phil?

Title: Re: EAGLES - Week One Analysis
Post by Philly on Sep 10^th, 2003, 9:31pm

Andy Reid indicated that Buckhalter wasn't in the game because they were running other "packages" which means they abandoned any thoughts of running the ball very early and put Staley in as the pass-catcher and blocker.

Next week, the Eagles will HAVE to run the ball as much as they can. They need to keep the defense off the field because it is so depleted. Because of this, I wouldn't be surprised to see quite a bit more of Buckhalter this coming weekend. That's my read on it, but Reid's read is another thing altogether. And as we've seen, he often doesn't have any clue what to do (case in point, trotting out the same exact game plan that lost the NFC Championship game last winter).