Eagles win not a surprise....

[Tarkus]

Now that all the hype & emotions are out of the way, reality has set in. The Eagles who should never have been questioned & been the hands down favorite have proven who should be SB bound...

Philly played the kind of D that the Rams were incapable of. A restrained aggressive D that had everyone staying in place & a LB corp that wouldn't allow Vick room to run. Making Vick be a QB was all they had to do to win & they did it to a T...

Highlites for me:

Dawkins hit that crumpled Crumpler...

Security guard hit that leveled the idiot fan....

McNabb showing he's one of the best in the game & not getting rattled or impatient....

Eagle D shutting down the run & Atlantas D playing tough to the bitter end...

The Eagles just being a better team...period...

Lowlights:

Hearing the inane banter from these announcers. Collingsworth questioning the Lewis TD being inbounds even after a highlite was shown where it seemed the question should have been "How could they think to overturn it?"......

Collingsworth questioning if Vick slipped on the INT when it never looked that way. What screen do these guys watch??

Pass ruled incomplete from Vick that all 3 announcers missed for a short time tho the ref was immediately waving it off. Once again, what screen???...

The network idiots that went for the realism of having the 4 Musketeers talk from a halftime sideline setup. It was hysterical to see them try to yell over the blaring AC/DC song in the background...

[FSUViking]

I think your beef with the announcers is a bit petty and nitpicky. For that Chad Lewis TD, every touchdown that close is pondered like that and for good reason.

And they have had the studio shows at the conference championship sites for several years now.

For me, Michael Vick continued to prove to me that he has no business playing QB in the NFL. He couldn't throw a football into the ocean if he were on the Titanic.

[doublee]

This is such a vindicating win for us Eagles fans and to do it without TO is that much sweeter. All we heard all week long was how unstoppable Vick and the Falcon running attack was. About how the Falcons were the top rushing team in the league and the Eagles were going to be hard pressed to stop the Atlanta ground attack. Supposedly Michael Vick is the Micheal Jordan of the NFL and he cannot be stopped, only slowed. The Eagles front seven was just dominant today and stomped a mudhole in the Falcons O-line and walked it dry. Neither Vick or Dunn were able to break loose for long gains and just about every time Vick dropped back there was an Eagle in his face harrassing him. Jim Johnson and Andy Reid proved that the Falcons are rather ordinary when Vick is forced to throw the ball.

This is also a sweet, sweet victory for Donovan McNabb as well. He came of age as a QB this year and he navigated the team through the playoffs without TO. He finally showed that he can win a big game and get his team to the Super Bowl. He had his moments out there but kept his cool throughout and even managed to outrush Vick. Imagine that.

Donovan touched on the offensive success being due to the O-line. The offensive line played incredibly well today. McNabb typically had a ton of time to throw the ball and the line paved the way for 156 rushing yards.

That shot by the security guard was awesome. One of the announcers said they thought it was the hit of the game. He just laid the guy out.

Oh and the funniest part about the studio setup down close to the fans was the Eagles fans chanting 'Dallas Sucks' when Jimmy Johnson started to speak.

[HibachiDG]

That Eagles defense continues to amaze me. After the game Brian Dawkins was asked if he thinks they'll get respect and he said "no". It truly is ridiculous that this Eagles defense gets overlooked.

The hit Hollis Thomas put on Vick when he was heading for the goalline was awesome.

Collingsworth and Aikman need to learn how to shut the **** up at the end of the game though.

I'm dissapointed that the Patriots are smacking the Steelers around. As an Eagles fan, just wanted so bad to play them again.

But, that said, the Patriots were in the exact same situation with the Eagles. Stunning loss to the Steelers with no one thinking the Steelers would win a rematch.

[jnmhayes]

The Eagles defense are the least discussed strength of their team, and the defense made the game the relative blowout that it was.

I'm disappointed that the Steelers couldn't put up more of a fight against the Pats. But it's back to the big game for Brady et. al.

[BurghGuy]

Originally posted by jnmhayes
I'm disappointed that the Steelers couldn't put up more of a fight against the Pats. But it's back to the big game for Brady et. al.

It hurts bad.

I really thought the Steelers could have done better. I know Ben is only a rookie, but it's going to be a long offseason for us Steeler fans...

...a long offseason for us Steeler fans...

...a long offseason...

...long.


Damnit...we were so ****ing close.

[Tarkus]

Originally posted by FSUViking
I think your beef with the announcers is a bit petty and nitpicky. For that Chad Lewis TD, every touchdown that close is pondered like that and for good reason.

And they have had the studio shows at the conference championship sites for several years now.


& it sounds like you must have lost some money on the Falcons today....

That would explain why you put up with "petty, nitpicky" announcing at the playoff level cuz your attention was on your money relocating out of your pocket. & as far as being "pondered like that", the "pondering" was that he wasn't inbounds not that that was a question. I like my announcers a bit smarter & not to be blind...

& yes, they've been doing the studio shows at field level for several years & I've always thought it was a stupid idea. Today was a classic example of why. Maybe for you having them on the sideline at halftime makes you think "you're right there " but I'm not so easily influenced...

[StealthElephant]

Take away Big Ben's 3 turnovers though, and you have a pretty close game.

The defense has always shown up for the most part year after year, the problem has always been the offense stalling. 14-3 loss to Carolina, I mean, your offense should put up 14 points.

The recievers looked good, G. Lewis' pulling in the long ball, Chad Lewis FINALLY being used like the Pro Bowler he was a few years back for some clutch TD catches. Fact of the matter is, there were no dropped passes. If Mcnabb can play a turnover free game, it could be close in 2 weeks.

[doublee]

They did not have Brian Westbrook last year either though and that made a difference for the Eagles. He was the only game breaker they had on offense last year and without him the offense was rather stagnant. This was essentially the same offense that got shutdown by the Panthers last season. The only real differences are Greg Lewis at WR and Dorsey Levens at RB. That and Donovan playing with sky high confidence right now. Greg Lewis has really stepped it up the last two weeks with two 40+ yard catches to set up TDs.

The defense continues to get little respect because of the goofy way they rank defenses in the NFL. I said it before I don't care if they are 10th in yards allowed or whatever they are second in points allowed and that is the stat that really matters.

[StealthElephant]

Good point, Westbrook has definately been the difference. Just watching the offense work today though, it looked methodical as opposed to Mcnabb always having to make an overly athletic play like in the past. He had a few good scrambles but for the most part they just stayed with the plan and kept moving down the field, thats something I dont' think they had the past 3 failed attempts.

I find it funny with all the talk about the defense, who disrespects the defense? All I ever hear in the media is what a genious Johnsons blitzing defense is.

[doublee]

Well, I think what Dawkins was referring to was all of the media hype surrounding the Vick and the whole 'DVD' schtick of the Falcons' running game. The past week all we heard about was Vick is Superman, he is the Micheal Jordan of the NFL, he cannot be stopped, if they think Kearse can catch him they are crazy, on and on about how great this running game was. The Eagles defense was being given very little credit or much of a chance for that matter. It was basically a question of whether the Eagles would be able to outscore the Falcons in this game.

I am just so happy that they were able to expose Vick for the fraud that he is as a passer. I found it kind of funny to hear some of the backtracking after the game. Last week Jimmy Johnson was jabbering on abot Vick being 'Superman' then this week, well it just was not his time but he will be back again in the near future. Well, gee if he is so freakin' awesome then he should of won the game then shouldn't he? I also love the fact that McNabb outrushed Vick today.

[MountaineerDave]

I was never in doubt about the game. I didn't know anyone with a brain and a strong knowledge of the game ever was.

That said, I still don't believe in the Eagles D. I understand that Eagles fans adore their defense. I don't get it.
The Patriots will torch said D. It shouldn't be close. Right now, I'd say I'm thinking the Pats will open as 8 or 9 point favorites, and by kickoff, the line might be closer to 11 or 12.

And, the Pats will win by 14 or more.

But, at least the Eagles were able to get over the hump. That's something.

Dave

[StealthElephant]

Originally posted by MountaineerDave
The Patriots will torch said D.

But who's D have they not torched?

NE will probably put up 24 points, that isn't any surprise. But don't expect much more than that. The problem hasn't been the D, it's always been the offense, and I think that is still the problem. That NE defense is scary. Whenever the eagles score 24+ points they are almost undefeated, the problem is when they lose, they normaly score under 20 points. They lost 31-10 last time, so what, 31 points is to much to give up, but only scoring 10 points is an even bigger problem.

[HibachiDG]

Dave...what is it exactly that you don't get about this Eagles D?

I asked you a while back to compare it to the past few seasons, I don't think you ever answered. Now, the D might not be as good as 4 years ago, the first NFC Title game, but it is certainly the best defense they've had in the past 3 years.

I guess my new question is, what aspect of the Eagles defense do you NOT like, Dave? Or, to put it how you did, what part of the Eagles defense do you NOT believe in?

[HibachiDG]

I will say though that I think NE has little chance to put up 24 points against the Eagles defense. To me, that is just unfathomable. The Patriots might win, but against the Eagles secondary, 24 is not likely to happen.

[StealthElephant]

See, I think that depends TOTALLY on the eagles offense. If Mcnabb cannot sustain drives and keeps going 3 and out or has bad turnovers, NE is going to take over the game.

I think this is going to be more about how dominant NE's defense is, than how dominant their offense is.

I guess its pointless for me to discuss anymore. Before the playoffs everyone said they would be rusty. Then they said that beating the vikings mean't nothing. Now that we've handled the falcons, everyone is just going to say that it was all for nothing since the AFC is the master of the NFL. So whatever, game day will come, and everyone will see if the eagles show up to play or not.

[FSUViking]

Originally posted by Tarkus
& it sounds like you must have lost some money on the Falcons today....

That would explain why you put up with "petty, nitpicky" announcing at the playoff level cuz your attention was on your money relocating out of your pocket. & as far as being "pondered like that", the "pondering" was that he wasn't inbounds not that that was a question. I like my announcers a bit smarter & not to be blind...

& yes, they've been doing the studio shows at field level for several years & I've always thought it was a stupid idea. Today was a classic example of why. Maybe for you having them on the sideline at halftime makes you think "you're right there " but I'm not so easily influenced...

I don't gamble on sports. I don't gamble period. I also don't need to "feel like I'm there." I never said I like the studio being there.

Are there any other blind assumptions you wish to make about me? :rolleyes:

[dirtywhiteboy]

Originally posted by FSUViking


For me, Michael Vick continued to prove to me that he has no business playing QB in the NFL.


They guy has talent, no doubt. He will improve. No business playing QB in the NFL? Hardly. He just needs to learn not to lean on his feet....and to trust his arm. He needs to develope a complete game.

Remember, he was playing against a very good, very inspired, and very hot Eagle defense today.

[StealthElephant]

I find it funny that some of the things they say about Vick they used to say about Mcnabb. Give me a break, Vick is a world class athlete, he just needs time. Mcnabb is just starting to come into his own after 6 years.

[Tarkus]

Originally posted by FSUViking
I don't gamble on sports. I don't gamble period. I also don't need to "feel like I'm there." I never said I like the studio being there.

Are there any other blind assumptions you wish to make about me? :rolleyes:

The only question I have is why you're being a bit "prickly". Instead of commenting on the game, you want to find me being "a bit petty & nitpicky" & then don't like my response.

Argue with the rest of the board when you're in your mood, will ya??. I've been nice to ya before but I can always ammend that...:)

[buckeyefan78]

Pats 31 Eagles 14

McNabb is less "Vickish" than ever before, but the "purer" pocket passer always win the big one. I'm not sure how many more big game examples we need to have before people believe this, but I'm sold, despite the hype on the qb with feet, and an inaccurate colorblind set of eyes.

2 INTs for McNabb

0 turnovers for the Pats

Westbrook held to less than 100 total yards

Eagles held to less than 250 total yards

Brady with less than 200 yards passing and less than 25 attempts

X Factor- Pats special teams over Philly

and for the hell of it, 50% of the pre and post game media coverage on McNabb,when the guy eats, poops, and walks his dog.

[Brad O.]

I agree with FSU Viking. The announcers weren't any worse than usual this week.

Also, I fall between Dave and Doug on Philadelphia's defense. I think you've both staked out pretty extreme positions on this one. I think New England will win the SB, probably by double-digits, and quite possibly with at least 24 points, but Dave's lack of respect for the PHI defense puzzles me.

Donovan McNabb won't turn the ball over fifteen times like everyone else the Patriots play. That's a couple NE touchdowns gone right there. This is one of the game's best defenses, Dave. Philadelphia's offense will be the one that really struggles; the defense, I think, will be fine. Torched? Very unlikely.

Originally posted by buckeyefan78
the "purer" pocket passer always win the big one. I'm not sure how many more big game examples we need to have before people believe this
Which is why Montana beat Marino, Young beat Humphries, and Elway beat Favre. Oh, wait.

[Anthony]

If you had to point to one player on the Eagles who really stepped up, it was Greg Lewis, even though Chad Lewis had two touchdowns. If Greg Lewis can win the other starting job opposite T.O. in training camp in August, the Eagles could be in decent shape at wide receiver come opening day next season.

And speaking of T.O., now the T.O. Watch begins. Will he do what Willis Reed did in that famous NBA Finals back in 1970?

[MountaineerDave]

If TO shows up to play the game, he'll be a non-issue.

Regarding the Philadelphia defense, I guess it boils down to this: A deep, not-unfounded and full disrespect for the defenses in the NFC this season. Philly may be the best D in the NFC, but I just don't see that being anywhere near enough to contain an offense that, when clicking, is the best around.

The Eagles D line, Kearse sort of excluded, leaves me wanting LOTS more. I just don't think they're all that good. They're mediocre against a trustworthy running game, at best. The only linebacker of worth is Trotter, and I don't trust anyone in their secondary. I just don't. Dawkins, but the others, while better than I usually give them credit for being, go terribly untested in the NFC East.

The Pats will make Westbrook a non-factor, and the Eagles will be unable to keep up without him.

On the Philly O: I thought glaring evidence of the Eagles' O inconsistency was put on display when the Eagles picked off Vick on a Roethlisberger-type throw and had the ball at the 10, but were completely inept, and had to settle for a field goal. I loudly noted from my fat butt on my old couch that if the Eagles lost, it would be because they failed to convert on a TO from 10 yards away.
I don't believe that the Eagles can afford to leave points like that on the field against NE. Of course, it probably won't matter. Unlike Brad, I think Philly will turn the ball over several times for NE to take advantage of.

Dave

[FSUViking]

Instead of commenting on the game, you want to find me being "a bit petty & nitpicky" & then don't like my response.

I DID comment on the game. The same part that made up your entire "lowlight's section. Your getting awfully defensive over me not sharing your opinion that the announce crew should be publicly stoned. :rolleyes:

[HibachiDG]

This is one of the game's best defenses, Dave. Philadelphia's offense will be the one that really struggles; the defense, I think, will be fine.

This is how I saw it at the start of the season, the middle of the season and again here at the end of the season. A touchdown and two or three field goals for the Pats, and then we'll see what the Eagles can do.

Dave, you kill your argument with this...

and I don't trust anyone in their secondary.

Which is just boneheaded.

This IS the best secondary in the game right now. Not just by a small margin.

This secondary is also the best secondary Belichick and Brady have faced in the Super Bowl. Again, not by a small margin.

They're mediocre against a trustworthy running game, at best.

For the sake of this argument, Patriots and Eagles, though, the Eagles run stopping isn't something to call into question. I mean, they stopped a trustworthy running game this week and have been good against the run ever since the Steelers game, because they inserted Trotter into the starting lineup. The Patriots certainly have a running game the Eagles can, and likely will, stop.

Eagles are better on defense. Patriots are better on offense.

[MountaineerDave]

Doug, I understand being a homer. I really do. But, there is no way, repeat: NO WAY that the Eagles D is better than the Patriots D. It just isn't even fair to say. It's homeristic yahooism to its greatest extent.

I stand by my distrust of the Eagles secondary. They're good. But, not great. I completely, completely don't buy it. I think man for man, they're better than the Pats secondary, but barely, and as a unit, I'll take the Pats every day and three times on Super Bowl Sunday.

And I disagree on the run stopping. While they may have improved after Trotter entered the starting lineup, they remained a mediocre run stopping unit.
As I said, I completely, totally, and wholly believe the NFC to have been far inferior in EVERY WAY this season, that holding up the Falcons as beacons of running success is like suggesting Iraq is a strong democracy because they might have elections next week.

Dave

[Tarkus]

Originally posted by FSUViking
I DID comment on the game. The same part that made up your entire "lowlight's section. Your getting awfully defensive over me not sharing your opinion that the announce crew should be publicly stoned. :rolleyes:

Quit trolling for attention, FSU. If you want to extend this defense of announcers so bad, start a thread......:P

[MountaineerDave]

Okay, so I painted myself into a corner on the Falcons running game. But, I'll be along in a day or so with numbers, etc., all the paperwork one would expect to see on why team A won't beat team B.

Dave

[HibachiDG]

Doug, I understand being a homer. I really do. But, there is no way, repeat: NO WAY that the Eagles D is better than the Patriots D. It just isn't even fair to say. It's homeristic yahooism to its greatest extent.

They don't have a flaw in their defense and Jim Johnson is the smartest defensive mind in football. The Pats ARE vulnerable in the secondary. Eagles are better in the red zone and better making in game adjustments. It IS fair to say.

They are certainly comparable in points per game, seeing as they both allowed the same amount of points...and oh yea, that includes the Bengals hanging 38 on the Eagles backups. So, the Eagles D was better in points per game.

And again, your failure to recognize how could the Eagles secondary is renders any argument you have about the two defenses obsolete.

I stand by my distrust of the Eagles secondary. They're good. But, not great. I completely, completely don't buy it. I think man for man, they're better than the Pats secondary, but barely, and as a unit, I'll take the Pats every day and three times on Super Bowl Sunday.

That's beyond ridiculous. The Eagles have better corners, better safeties. God, this is just...ugh, come on Dave...pathetic.

And I disagree on the run stopping. While they may have improved after Trotter entered the starting lineup, they remained a mediocre run stopping unit.
As I said, I completely, totally, and wholly believe the NFC to have been far inferior in EVERY WAY this season, that holding up the Falcons as beacons of running success is like suggesting Iraq is a strong democracy because they might have elections next week.

Disagree all you want, but this is a team that was only burned by the run once this season.

The Falcons came in with three different guys who could produce on the ground and came away with 99 yards.

Okay, so I painted myself into a corner on the Falcons running game

That you did.

[Tarkus]

This sure can't help the Eagles.....

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3348502

[HibachiDG]

Plus, Dave, and this might be more important than any on-field stuff...

Have you seeeeeeeeeeeen the VOODOO MAGIC I'm pulling in the pick 'em and point spread threads???

[buckeyefan78]

Brad...

I know we disagree with the mobile qb debate, if memory serves, but I'll now amend my statement...

The purer pocket passer always wins the big one, WHEN BOTH TEAMS ARE ATLEAST SOMEWHAT CLOSE ON OTHER LEVELS.

Montana didn't beat Marino...the 49ers organization, model of excellence, beat an amazing qb with no running game and no defense. ( Miami averaged over 34 ppg in their first 3 games of one of Marino's early years, perhaps 85 or 86, and started the season 0-3)

Since the merger, the development of complex schemes on both sides of the ball, the bulking of db's to mammoth lb size, when two teams somewhat equal in skill do battle, and one has a traditional pocket passer, place your bet there.

[Ross]

Originally posted by Doug Graham
Plus, Dave, and this might be more important than any on-field stuff...

Have you seeeeeeeeeeeen the VOODOO MAGIC I'm pulling in the pick 'em and point spread threads???

:lol:

So much so that you've clinched both titles!!!

[MountaineerDave]

Doug,

Actually, I haven't been either of the contest threads since mid-November, so that'd be a no.

You can say it's pathetic that I distrust the Eagles secondary all you want. That's fine.

But, when Brady hits Patten or Branch for a 40-plus TD pass in the first quarter, remember where you read it.... first or three-hundredth. Whatever fits.

Second: Suggesting that Jim Johnson is a better defensive mind that Crennel/Belichick is ludicrous. Complete idiocy. Sorry. But making such a stupid comment required a demeaning remark.

Did you see what the Pats D did to the greatest QB since sliced bread? Brad can make whatever excuses for Senor Manning he wants, but he looked like a rank amateur. He looked hardly better than the rookie from Pittsburgh.

And, finally... because of snow and work and such, I was never able to stack the numbers against the Eagles the way I wanted to.

But, let's just take this minor point into account when comparing the Eagles to the Patriots:

The Eagles played one team with an average margin of victory greater than (or equal to) three points. One. (They were oh-and-one in this game.)

The Patriots played ten teams with an average margin of victory greater than (or equal to) three points. (They were nine-and-one in such games.)

The Eagles will be lucky to still be in the game to start the second half. (Actually, it won't be luck, it'll be how Belichick likes to play these games sometimes. However, I think the Pats will be gunning to score 40-plus points, and hold the Eagles to fewer than 20, because Weis and Crennel are moving on...)

Just my opinion.

Dave

[HibachiDG]

Second: Suggesting that Jim Johnson is a better defensive mind that Crennel/Belichick is ludicrous. Complete idiocy. Sorry. But making such a stupid comment required a demeaning remark.

I didn't said Jim Johnson was smarter than the Crennel/Belichick combination. Individually though, I think he's a smarter defensive mind than Crennel...same with Belichick.

Is it still a stupid remark?

Did you see what the Pats D did to the greatest QB since sliced bread? Brad can make whatever excuses for Senor Manning he wants, but he looked like a rank amateur. He looked hardly better than the rookie from Pittsburgh.

At no point did I even come close to taking anything away from what Belichick/Crennel or the Pats D did against the greatest QB since sliced bread...or any other team for that matter.

But, let's just take this minor point into account when comparing the Eagles to the Patriots:

The Eagles played one team with an average margin of victory greater than (or equal to) three points. One. (They were oh-and-one in this game.)

The Patriots played ten teams with an average margin of victory greater than (or equal to) three points. (They were nine-and-one in such games.)

This would be valid, except that most people already take into account that the Eagles played a weaker schedule.

I mean, couldn't it then be argued that the Eagles have an advantage because the Patriots lost to a debacle of a team in the Dolphins and the Eagles starters didn't slip up accept for that one game in your stat.

Not to mention that it would be easy to say that if the Eagles played the ten teams with an average margin of victory greater than (or equal to) three points they could have gone 9-1.

I mean, I could throw out that the Eagles gave up the same amount of points as the Patriots defense this season. Then take into account the 58 points put up when the Eagles didn't have their starters in and weren't playing for anything, that the Eagles defense was better simply because of that.

But that argument discounts a lot of factors. Mainly that they did play a weaker schedule.

I've picked the Patriots to beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl since the start of the season. Still thinking that. Mainly just think a lot of the points you've made on this haven't been good. Discounting the secondary being the biggest of those points.

[MountaineerDave]

Doug,

Yes. I think hoisting Johnson over Belichick is ridiculous. Just plain ridiculous.

We don't much about what Crennel brings to the table by himself, so I'm not going to argue the point there, living in a land of ignorance on the matter.

But, Belichick's moments of solitude (NYG over the Buffalo K-Gun is merely a single example; Belichick is generally considered the author of the ruination of the Rams Greatest Show (personally, I think this is overblown, but not by much) ) shine brighter than anything Jim Johnson's ever done.
Ever.

Which isn't to say I don't respect Johsnon. But, come on.

You can say what you want about my distrusting the Eagles secondary. But the only team worth discussing that they beat (but didn't bottle) is Minnesota (I have major problems accepting GB as a truly legitimate offense, because their receivers are... okay, and their running game, while sometimes strong, is often just a means to an ends, the ends being more passing).

Dave

[HibachiDG]

Dave, you are right to say that Belichick is overblown when it comes to the Rams. I mean, the week before, the Eagles did virtually the same things against the Rams. Belichick didn't exactly pull the copy of how to stop the Rams out of thin air. Jim Johnson already had a copy sitting out there. If Troy Vincent wasn't hobbled with a hamstring injury, the Eagles would have been in the Super Bowl that year.

As for Johnson and Belichick...

The Eagles have had the better defense over the past four years when compared to the Patriots defense. Johnson does it alone. So even if you were to say Belichick does 100% of what happens with the Patriots defense, it is not an off the wall assessment to say the guy running the better defense is the better defensive mind.

[MountaineerDave]

You're suggesting the Eagles D's been better than the Pats? Based on what? The most meaningless stat of all, yards???

I'm fairly certain the Pats allowed the league's fewest points last season (maybe it was the conference's, I'm not sure).

I think you live too close to Broad St to really properly assess your team, Doug.

Dave

[HibachiDG]

I'm going on points per games the defenses gave up over the past four seasons. I'm not sure why you'd think I'd even bring yards into the conversation as I've always been down the path that yards is a meaningless stat.

Eagles have given up 249 pts per season over the past 4, Pats averaged 279. The Eagles defense was 2nd in ppg each of the seasons except last when they were 7th. The Pats were 2nd twice, 17th in that 9-7 season, and 6th in the first Super Bowl season.

I assess a defense based on points over anything else in terms of putting a statistic to it. Based on that I'd like you to tell me how I'm not properly assessing my team, Dave. Seeing as all through this I've said the Eagles defense had an off year last season and they slipped up to 7th.

EDIT - not sure why I said above Pats were 2nd twice, they were first once (last season) and tied for 2nd with Philly this season. Sorry.

[StealthElephant]

I think the Pats will be gunning to score 40-plus points, and hold the Eagles to fewer than 20,

40 points....that's funny. As an eagles fan I'll admit that the patriots defense overall is a better unit. But I think some people are putting far too much faith into tom brady. I believe even Belichick was quoted as saying the eagles defense is the type that tends to give them trouble, it's built like Miamis. The right pressure, and even mr. brady can throw a bad INT.

I'm worried about losing the game 21-3, not 40-20. The eagles D isn't going to give up 40 points....I just wonder if the eagles offense can put up 20 points on NE's defense.

The eagles don't lose alot of close games because when they lose, they score under 10 points. Look at their failures in past NFC championship games, the games that matter, 3 points against carolina, 10 against TB the year before, 24 points against the rams defense terrible defense the year before that. Lets be honest, the eagles defense doesn't lose games, the offense simply stalls. Factor in how much tougher it is on a defense when your offense goes 3 and out possession after possession.

[Shawndo]

Go Eagles :D

[Anthony]

Originally posted by Doug Graham
I'm going on points per games the defenses gave up over the past four seasons. I'm not sure why you'd think I'd even bring yards into the conversation as I've always been down the path that yards is a meaningless stat.

Eagles have given up 249 pts per season over the past 4, Pats averaged 279. The Eagles defense was 2nd in ppg each of the seasons except last when they were 7th. The Pats were 2nd twice, 17th in that 9-7 season, and 6th in the first Super Bowl season.

I assess a defense based on points over anything else in terms of putting a statistic to it. Based on that I'd like you to tell me how I'm not properly assessing my team, Dave. Seeing as all through this I've said the Eagles defense had an off year last season and they slipped up to 7th.

EDIT - not sure why I said above Pats were 2nd twice, they were first once (last season) and tied for 2nd with Philly this season. Sorry.


There is of course a third alternative for ranking defenses (and offenses) besides points and yards allowed (or scored) - and that is the earned vs. unearned points (http://www.sports-central.org/community/boards/showthread.php?threadid=4186) system I devised and posted here about two years ago.

And it just so happens that this year I kept a running total of every team's "earned" and "unearned" points, and the Eagles defense finished 6th with 231 earned points allowed; New England ranked first with 201 (until Jeff Blake threw an INT that was run back for a TD against Cincinnati, the Eagles had not allowed any outright points on turnovers or kick returns - not even a safety - the entire season, in large part explaining why they wound up tied for 2nd in points allowed while the 319.7 yards per game they gave up ranked 10th).

Miami, which was 20th in points allowed with 354 and 8th in yards allowed with 305.9 per game, finished 12th in earned points allowed, with 274 - was it the Dolphin defense's fault that A.J. Feeley, Jay Fiedler and Sage Rosenfels (mostly Feeley) allowed nine touchdowns among them on eight interceptions and one fumble?

Another notable anomaly was Buffalo's offense, which was 7th in points scored (395) but 25th in yards per game (293.2). The 259 earned points scored by the Bills ranked 21st.