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        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
        
(Message started by: Philly on Jan 9^th, 2004, 10:41am)

Title: EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
Post by Philly on Jan 9^th, 2004, 10:41am

The Eagles face the Green Bay Packers in a rematch of their Monday night game in week 10. Now, however, it's put-up or shut-up time for both teams.

The Eagles, the number one seed in the NFC, come into the game well-rested and well-prepared. Only Troy Vincent is in question for the game. He practiced, lightly, on Friday and, though listed as probable, will be a game-time decision.

The Packers are coming off an overtime victory against the Seahawks. Many Packers fans think this is a team of destiny with Divine guidance following the death of Brett Favre's father three weeks ago. Unfortunately for Green Bay, God is already pretty busy on Sunday and probably won't be able to make the game.

Green Bay sneaked into the play-offs when Minnesota allowed a TD to Arizona on the final play of their week 17 game. They sneaked past the Wild Card round when an overly-exuberant Matt Hasselbeck telegraphed a pass on the third series in overtime.

In their Monday night match-up two months ago, the Eagles scored two TDs in the 4th quarter to sneak out of Lambeau with a win. Ahman Green ran for 192 yards, but when it counted, was unable to carry the team. Brett Favre had a poor game, throwing for only 109 yards with a TD and an INT. The lack of a passing game, for both teams, was influenced greatly by a driving rainstorm during the game. The rain also caused the Packers to fumble six times (losing two), although the Eagles did not fumble at all.

This weekend, the weather should be sunny and bitterly cold. Temperatures may be hovering around 20 at game time with a light wind making it feel even colder. Neither team should be affected too terribly by the weather, although the kicking game will certainly be a bit more dicey.

In order for the Eagles to win, they need to do two do two things. First, they need to do a better job of stopping Ahman Green. Ahman Green ran for 192 yards and a TD and caught the ball 3 times and added another TD. Seattle was able to stuff the running lanes last week, so the Eagles will try to replicate their gameplan. Secondly, the Eagles need to be able to exploit the middle of the field with their passing game. Look for Freddie Mitchell and the TEs to get more involved this week.

PROJECTIONS:
QB: McNabb had some success (despite the weather) against GB in week 10. If he can avoid the mistakes that have ultimately hurt him in previous play-off games, he should succeed. And if McNabb succeeds, the team will win.

McNabb: 19-31 230 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 5 carries-24 yards
RB: The loss of Brian Westbrook (for the season) is a blow, but the Eagles have confidence in Staley and Buckhalter, both of whom have been used in the starting role throughout the season. In fact, Westbrook only managed one rushing yard against the Packers in November as he was coming back from an ankle sprain and wasn't quite ready. Look for Staley to get the most work this weekend.

Staley: 12 carries-61 yards, 4 catches-29 yards, 1 TD
Buckhalter: 9 carries-28 yards, 1 catch-8 yards
WR: The WRs will have to get involved this week in order for the Eagles to win. If McNabb is able to spread the ball around effectively, it will keep the GB defense off balance.

Thrash: 3 catches-25 yards, 1 carry-7 yards
Pinkston: 2 catches-51 yards
Mitchell: 3 catches-42 yards
TE: LJ Smith is healthy again, so look for the Eagles to use both him and Chad Lewis extensively, as blockers AND receivers.

Smith: 3 catches-44 yards, 1 TD
Lewis: 1 catch-16 yards
K: David Akers is as solid as they come. I wouldn't want to be the one kicking the (frozen) football this weekend though.

Akers: 2-2 XP, 2-3 FG
Defense: As much as they try, the Eagles don't have the manpower to shut down Ahman Green. They should be able to contain him and keep the Packers from scoring too much. They'll also force some turnovers, which, once again, should turn the game in the Eagles' favor.

Defense: 19 PA, 175 rush yards allowed, 215 pass yards allowed, 1 INT, 1 FR, 1 sack
Final Score:
Packers 19
Eagles 20

Title: Re: EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
Post by DirkDiggler on Jan 9^th, 2004, 4:56pm

I am SO frigging nervous. I think this may be like the Monday night game where the Eagles get out played yet still manage to win.

Title: Re: EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
Post by PrimeTime on Jan 10^th, 2004, 2:32pm

No need to be nervous. It won't be a cakewalk, but the Eagles will win and the outcome will never be in doubt.

My prediction

Eagles 27
Packers 17 (with the Pack getting a late garbarge TD)

Title: Re: EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
Post by StegRock on Jan 10^th, 2004, 3:30pm

Primer,

You didn't see my picks for this week's game on the "Playoff Picks" thread "between the 20's", did you? It is located at:

http://www.fantasyfootballer.com/cgi-bin/theGridiron/YaBB.cgi?board=56;action=display;num=1073013149.

Great minds think alike! [smiley=yes.gif]

Title: Re: EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
Post by Philly on Jan 10^th, 2004, 10:27pm

I heard an interesting point about the Eagles this year. The first time they played the Giants, the Eagles were clearly outplayed (despite winning the game). The second time around the Eagles were the much better team. The first time they played the Cowboys, they were outplayed again, yet they were in control the second game. The same thing occurred in the Redskins games.

So, the Eagles are able to take what they've learned from one game, and take advantage of that to control the second game.

The Eagles were outplayed (for 3 1/2 quarters) in Green Bay earlier this season. Now they meet again. (Not to mention that Andy Reid has never lost a game following a bye as coach of the Eagles.)

Title: Re: EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
Post by steelkings on Jan 11^th, 2004, 10:41am

This game is for a spot in the superbowl.
Packers 31
Eagles 10

I hope im wrong. I just have a feeling

Title: Re: EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
Post by DirkDiggler on Jan 11^th, 2004, 8:30pm

Forgive me a sec:

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!

I am so friggin happy!!!

Title: Re: EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
Post by StegRock on Jan 11^th, 2004, 8:40pm

Steve and Jeff, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to both of you on the Eagles' victory today. I am happy for you guys. [smiley=thumbsup.gif] Enjoy it! [smiley=ragin.gif]

Title: Re: EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
Post by PrimeTime on Jan 11^th, 2004, 9:30pm

Like I said above, the game would never be in doubt! ;)

Title: Re: EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
Post by Callie on Jan 11^th, 2004, 9:35pm

LOVED seein' the Eagles win it. God, I really hate Favre....
My big hope at this point is for an Eagles/Colts Superbowl !!!!

Good luck, Philly. I'm rootin' for ya.

Next season, some AFC West Action!!

Title: Re: EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
Post by StegRock on Jan 11^th, 2004, 10:37pm

on 01/11/04 at 21:35:29, Callie wrote:

God, I really hate Favre....

[offtopic][smiley=lost.gif] [smiley=ohshit.gif] ... I don't want to hijack your thread here or poop on you all's Eagles party, BUT I gotta know why Callie here "really hates" Brett Favre! Please, do tell![/offtopic]

Title: Re: EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
Post by Philly on Jan 12^th, 2004, 9:40am

Quote:

PROJECTIONS:
QB: McNabb had some success (despite the weather) against GB in week 10. If he can avoid the mistakes that have ultimately hurt him in previous play-off games, he should succeed. And if McNabb succeeds, the team will win.

McNabb: 19-31 230 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 5 carries-24 yards

Actual: 21-39 248 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 11 carries-107 yards
McNabb's performance mirrored his season. He played poorly in the first half, and was electric in the second half. McNabb avoided the costly interceptions that, previously, had cast doubt on his ability as a clutch performer. The surprise has to be the rushing yardage. While McNabb is often too reluctant to run the ball, it kept his team in the game yesterday. My prediction didn't anticipate so many passing plays, but I was pretty close with the yards and nailed the TDs.

Quote:

RB: The loss of Brian Westbrook (for the season) is a blow, but the Eagles have confidence in Staley and Buckhalter, both of whom have been used in the starting role throughout the season. In fact, Westbrook only managed one rushing yard against the Packers in November as he was coming back from an ankle sprain and wasn't quite ready. Look for Staley to get the most work this weekend.

Staley: 12 carries-61 yards, 4 catches-29 yards, 1 TD
Buckhalter: 9 carries-28 yards, 1 catch-8 yards

Actual:
Staley: 5 carries-45 yards, 3 catches-26 yards, 1 TD
Buck: 9 carries-12 yards, 1 catch-5 yards.
The Eagles need to use Duce Staley more than they did yesterday. When it counted, late in the fourth quarter, Duce ripped off a 22-yard run. He did score a TD on a shovel (shuffle?) pass to get the Eagles on the board. Buck was largely ineffective throughout.

Quote:

WR: The WRs will have to get involved this week in order for the Eagles to win. If McNabb is able to spread the ball around effectively, it will keep the GB defense off balance.

Thrash: 3 catches-25 yards, 1 carry-7 yards
Pinkston: 2 catches-51 yards
Mitchell: 3 catches-42 yards

Actual:
Thrash: 1 catch-9 yards
Pinkston: 7 catches-95 yards, 1 TD
Mitchell: 2 catches-37 yards
Todd Pinkston came up huge yesterday. His 45-yard grab in the 2nd Q set up the Eagles first TD. He also managed to grab a TD pass to tie the game on a broken play where Pinky nearly stepped out of bounds, but stopped short, and then settled into the corner of the endzone where Donovan found him for the TD. Freddie Mitchell will be remembered for years to come by the simple phrase "4th and 26".

Quote:

TE: LJ Smith is healthy again, so look for the Eagles to use both him and Chad Lewis extensively, as blockers AND receivers.

Smith: 3 catches-44 yards, 1 TD
Lewis: 1 catch-16 yards

Actual:
Smith: 2 catches-31 yards
Lewis: 4 catches-37 yards
Both TEs made key grabs throughout the game.

Quote:

K: David Akers is as solid as they come. I wouldn't want to be the one kicking the (frozen) football this weekend though.

Akers: 2-2 XP, 2-3 FG

Actual: 2-2 XP, 2-3 FG
Right on the money here. Despite the early miss by Akers on a very makeable FG, there was never any doubt at the end of the game (2x) when he saved the day. The end of the field he kicked all of his FGs is the most difficult one, as the wind is pretty fierce at that end.

Quote:

Defense: As much as they try, the Eagles don't have the manpower to shut down Ahman Green. They should be able to contain him and keep the Packers from scoring too much. They'll also force some turnovers, which, once again, should turn the game in the Eagles' favor.

Defense: 19 PA, 175 rush yards allowed, 215 pass yards allowed, 1 INT, 1 FR, 1 sack

Actual: 17 PA, 210 rush yards allowed, 180 pass yards allowed, 1 INT, 1 sack
The defense played rather poorly most of the game. They tightened up on an important goal-line stand at the end of the first half, although that was aided by Ahman Green stumbling over his own lineman.

Quote:

Final Score:
Packers 19
Eagles 20

Actual:
Packers 17
Eagles 20 (OT)

Title: Re: EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
Post by Callie on Jan 12^th, 2004, 6:38pm

I don't know if this is the right thread for this, but you asked, Steg, so here goes:

Why do I hate Favre.

1. Pure emotions. I hated Elway, too. But I like Plummer. Not a Bronco thing.

2. For the same reason I love the NE D but hate the NE O. The NE defense does the work, the NE offense gets the credit. Favre has great receivers and RBs, but everyone does all of the encomiums for Favre. Even my darling boy, Madden. Sure, they praise Favre's teammates, too. But when Favre gets a pass anywhere near his receivers, they catch it. Oh, gee. Favre was great. And Green, et al, had low expectations early on due to the schedule to come after Week 4 or 5. Didn't happen. Gee, Favre was great.

3. He's a good field general, but if a team put a lot of pressure on him, he slumped. Not a warrior like McNair or McNabb. If these guys had at least 2 of 4 appendages, they played a great game.

4. Other QBs who are just as good or better get shadowed by the media syrup about Favre (see above).

5. It has nothing to do about his production anyway. I'm a typical football fan, and I just hate him.

6. I loved seeing a down-in-the-dirt team like the Eagles beat the darling Packers. I remember how Staubach told a story about a game they played against the Raiders. The Cowboys showed up in nice little matching jackets and dickeys or something. The Raiders got off the bus in leather and chains, looking like a prison league team. Roger said the Cowboys were intimidated in the parking lot and were intimidated all through the game. That's the kind of football I like. No, I'm not the biker chick type. I'm the traditional, woosie type. But this is about football.

I could go on, but this is already a long post. I'd love to see a Colts/Eagles finish. The Colts probably don't match up with what you think I'm thinking, but I really like the Colts, too. Go figure.

What do you guys think?

Title: Re: EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
Post by PrimeTime on Jan 12^th, 2004, 10:48pm

Callie, I loved your post. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Will you marry me? [smiley=smitten.gif]

Oh wait a minute. I'm already married. Damn! [smiley=stars.gif]

Title: Re: EAGLES...........DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFF ANALYSIS
Post by Philly on Jan 13^th, 2004, 9:45am

[smiley=gunsablazin.gif]HELP... My Eagles thread has been hijacked! [smiley=rifle.gif]

C'mon Callie, you have to admit that Brett Favre is quite a talented actor as evidenced by his role (it was nominated for an Oscar, wasn't it?) in "There's Something About Mary".

Anyway, I think Favre is a good QB who is as tough as they come. But I think he gets a bit over-hyped, especially in light of his play-off performances over the past three years. And that punt he threw up there in the Eagles game was one of the worst throws I've seen in a long time (especially in OT when it really counted).