The wheels are coming off

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

I hope I'm wrong, and I do hope they have a great season. Unfortunately, I think the defense is going to be a big let down this season.

 

Why? Andy Reid's inability to plan for the future. Namely, the complete lack of depth at key spots. Granted, the salary cap kinda keeps teams from from stockpiling good players throughout the roster.

 

But here's a prime example: MLB Stew Bradley goes out for the season. Arguably the most important guy on the field this year because he's the man in the middle, QB'ing the defense in the post Jim Johnson era.

 

NO ONE steps up their game to take over the job. That job goes to a holdover (Omar Gaither), who's been moved to the outside, who's been out for most of the preseason with injury. His backup for today, Joe Mays, is OUT.

 

So who's backing up Gaither today? Chris Gocong and Akeem Jordan, neither of which can play in the middle. Moises Fokou? Holy sh!t they're in trouble. (I do think, however, that Macho Harris is going to be a really good player someday. Great ball instincts.)

 

This is going to be an issue throughout the season, just like the year where they had fat LEVON FOCKING KIRKLAND in the middle, and they couldn't stop the run.

 

They are gonna get beat today, and it's a pre-cursor to what they're gonna expect this coming season. As a fan, it pisses me off that they're ill prepared, again, for the season opener (anyone remember Greg Lewis returning kicks against Green Bay?).

 

So they're carrying 7 wide receivers, only 2 QB's, and two TE's today (both guys are injury prone).

 

Between this kind of roster sh!t and the Michael Vick thing, I believe Big Red focked up again. Way too many question marks for me to take them seriously this year.

 

I'm hanging by a thread of faith. Please, Eagle fans, convince me that they'll be ok this year. I'm just not seeing it.

[Kilroy 0]

Andy Reid's inability to plan for the future? He's led the Eagles as one of the best franchises in the NFL for a decade now.

 

You're claiming they don't have depth without even watching the players play? You're worried about them not having an emergency QB on the roster? If a team is reduced to their emergency QB in a game it likely means they are going to lose anyways (unless they hold a nice lead and/or it's late in the game).

 

And since when is Brent Celek and Alex Smith injury prone tight ends?

 

As for Omar Gaither, he actually played MLB fairly well when he was plugged in there as a rookie.

 

If the the Eagles fail to make the playoffs this season, it won't be for the reasons you mentioned. It will be due to the Oline falling apart (the starters didn't practice or play together at all during the preseason) and/or Westbrook breaking down, and/or McNabb playing poorly (possibly due in part to issues with the Oline).

 

Now, that said, Andy Reid has always had good depth along the Oline, so hopefully even if a starter or two goes down the back-up will fill in nicely. The major problem is with Shawn Andrews and the fact Winston Justice is starting at RT in his place. If Justice proves he can't play in this league, it's going to be a big problem at RT should Shawn Andrews' back be an issue throughout the year.

 

The Eagles might lose the opener today, but even if they did, it's one game. They've gotten off to slow starts many times under Reid only to play their best football down the stretch when it matters most.

 

I'm worried about the Eagles in this game due to not knowing what to expect from the Oline and Westbrook (although McCoy has looked pretty good in the offense, but who knows how his blitz pick-up will be). Gaither will need to give them something, but I wouldn't be overly concerned with that right now.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

Andy Reid's inability to plan for the future? You gotta be kidding. He's led the Eagles as one of the best franchises in the NFL for a decade now.

 

The season hasn't even started and you're bailing? You're claiming they don't have depth without even watching the players play? You're worried about them not having an emergency QB on the roster? Hate to tell you this, but if a team is reduced to their emergency QB in a game it likely means they are going to lose anyways (unless they hold a nice lead and/or it's late in the game).

 

And since when is Brent Celek and Alex Smith injury prone tight ends?

 

As for Omar Gaither, he actually played MLB fairly well when he was plugged in there as a rookie.

 

If the the Eagles fail to make the playoffs this season, it won't be for the reasons you mentioned. It will be due to the Oline falling apart (the starters didn't practice or play together at all during the preseason) and/or Westbrook breaking down, and/or McNabb playing poorly (possibly due in part to issues with the Oline).

 

Now, that said, Andy Reid has always had good depth along the Oline, so even if a starter or two goes down the back-up will fill in nicely. The major problem is with Shawn Andrews and the fact Winston Justice is starting at RT in his place. If Justice proves he can't play in this league, it's going to be a big problem at RT should Shawn Andrews' back be an issue throughout the year.

 

The Eagles might lose the opener today, but even if they did, it's one game. They've gotten off to slow starts many times under Reid only to play their best football down the stretch when it matters most.

 

I'm worried about the Eagles in this game due to not knowing what to expect from the Oline and Westbrook (although McCoy has looked pretty good in the offense, but who knows how his blitz pick-up will be). Gaither will need to give them something, but I wouldn't be overly concerned with that right now.

 

No one said anything about bailing. Yeah, great, they have 7 receivers on offense today. How many of them can stop the run at MLB?

 

The offense is going to be fine. If the line has problems pass blocking, Marty will change the playcalling to alot of three step drops and screens. Even if Westbrook falters, they still have weapons on offense to utilize. Offense will not be a problem. Maybe they should bring back TO and Garcia?

 

The defense doesn't. It's very thin. And the constant over the past 10 years that could fix the issues in personnel was Jim Johnson.

 

Again, Gaither missed most of preseason. He's played sparingly in the middle over the past two years. On a hot day in Carolina, against a formidable running offense, he's gonna struggle. If he goes down, it becomes a committee approach led by Moises Focking Fokou, who really isn't very good.

 

I hope Sean McDermott is the second coming of Jim Johnson. I really do. I don't think it helps, though, that two key components to his defense today are Omar Gaither and Macho Harris. Frankly speaking, I think Gaither sucks. Almost as much as Gocong.

[Eagles Green 34]

For whatever reason, the LB position has been in flux during most of the Reid rea. He just doesn't seem to care who is in there sometimes. Kirkland, the Trotter situation, Dhani, Emmons......It's a carousel....and a circus. But they always seem to play well with whoever they plug in.

 

But without Jim Johnson, I have my questions as well. But I have a wait and see attitude right now.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

For whatever reason, the LB position has been in flux during most of the Reid rea. He just doesn't seem to care who is in there sometimes. Kirkland, the Trotter situation, Dhani, Emmons......It's a carousel....and a circus. But they always seem to play well with whoever they plug in.

 

But without Jim Johnson, I have my questions as well. But I have a wait and see attitude right now.

 

I hear you. It just puzzles me how he handles the roster. Two TE's (both of which are brittle)? One legitimate guy to play MLB against a stellar run offense?

 

He kept 7 WR's on the active roster only to de-activate Brown and Gibson today.

 

With what happened with Greg Lewis in that Packers game (returning kicks when he's never done it before), which essentially lost them that game, you'd think he may have learned a lesson about roster balance.

 

We'll see, I guess.

[NorthernVike 2,080]

I hope you are wrong. It seems every year I have McNabb as my starting QB, Philly shats the bed. You guest it, McNabb is my QB this year. :pinsandneedles:

[Kilroy 0]

No one said anything about bailing. Yeah, great, they have 7 receivers on offense today. How many of them can stop the run at MLB?

 

And who would be starting at MLB over Gaither had they cut one of those WRs?

 

The offense is going to be fine. If the line has problems pass blocking, Marty will change the playcalling to alot of three step drops and screens. Even if Westbrook falters, they still have weapons on offense to utilize. Offense will not be a problem. Maybe they should bring back TO and Garcia?

 

I'd love to have Owens at WR. He's the best WR that ever played on the team. Why wouldn't you want him? As for Garcia, I would've had no problem starting him last season. But anyways, there really isn't any reason to be discussing either of those players.

 

It is rather funny how you state the offense will be fine, yet you pick on Andy Reid. Andy Reid runs the offense (along with Mornhinweg). And your comments about the Oline and how to correct it is laughable. The Oline is the most important unit an offense needs. You act like you can succeed with a bad one simply by running screen passes. I don't think so.

 

If the Oline doesn't perform, everything behind it will struggle as well.

 

The defense doesn't. It's very thin. And the constant over the past 10 years that could fix the issues in personnel was Jim Johnson.

 

I love Jim Johnson. You won't see me discount him in any way. Sean McDermott has some difficult shoes to fill. Nonetheless, Andy Reid is the Head Coach that has steered and guided this franchise for the past decade. At the very least, he deserves just as much credit as Jim Johnson for the teams success over that span.

 

Again, Gaither missed most of preseason. He's played sparingly in the middle over the past two years. On a hot day in Carolina, against a formidable running offense, he's gonna struggle. If he goes down, it becomes a committee approach led by Moises Focking Fokou, who really isn't very good.

 

I'm not stating it isn't an issue. I just pointed out that Gaither played well as a rookie at MLB. Hopefully he'll do the same now.

 

I hope Sean McDermott is the second coming of Jim Johnson. I really do. I don't think it helps, though, that two key components to his defense today are Omar Gaither and Macho Harris. Frankly speaking, I think Gaither sucks. Almost as much as Gocong.

 

We'll see.

 

Now it's time to watch the game.

[Kilroy 0]

Omar Gaither ..... TOUCHDOWN!

 

(Just screwing around GOMM)

[kmccon02 1]

looks like the wheels are pretty secure as of right now!

 

I've still got faith. Its only game one though... its a long season

[NorthernVike 2,080]

Any werd on McNabb's back?

[Mephisto 15]

LMAO... did you write this article: Eagles Season Will Go Up In Smoke

 

Or this one: Week 1: Eagles Panthers Preview

 

[Kilroy 0]

Soooooo.... the defense was AWESOME today!

 

And that Omar Gaither guy.... 4 tackles, 1 sack, 2 Fumble Recoveries, 1 TD...

 

 

Update on McNabb: They just gave a game update and it's his ribs that are hurting. That's all the Eagles have said about it.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

Even though Carolina is awful, and Delhomme may be the worst starting QB in the league, I happily stand corrected.

 

McDermott did a great job today after the first drive. Trent Cole in the middle as a blitzing linebacker? Awesome!

 

Chris Gocong showed alot of improvement today. Gaither was adequate, as was Macho Harris. Why?

 

The defensive line is a definite strength for this team. Abiemiri and Cole played well, Bunk and Patterson played extremely well.

 

Suffice to say, if the Eagles get anykind of lead this year, they're gonna bring the heat on the opposing QB, that's for damn sure.

[GettnHuge 1]

Uggles have wheels?

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

Based on the awful performance by the defense yesterday, I have to resurrect this thread.

 

As Ray Diddinger said this morning, this was a bad matchup for the defense.

 

Understanding that, I still feel this linebacking corps will be the death nail in their coffin this year.

 

They cannot cover underneath, and ALL of their linebackers lack the athleticism to pass cover.

 

A team like Dallas is going to kill them, with 2 exceptional pass catching TE's and a RB like Felix Jones catching the ball in the flats.

[RoadLizard 73]

Im not an Eagles fan but I do like McNabb. Anyways, its early in the year but something tells me that they'll come up short at some point in the season or early in the playoffs. Im just not sold.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

Im not an Eagles fan but I do like McNabb. Anyways, its early in the year but something tells me that they'll come up short at some point in the season or early in the playoffs. Im just not sold.

 

I'm kind of in the same boat. Although I'm a huge fan of the team and #5, for some reason it seems like things will have a hard time coming together this season.

 

Maybe it will, again, at the end of the season. Given last nite's game in Dallas, though, I feel Philly can't wait again.

[JT 137]

Don't disagree that they've got issues. What teams don't?

 

The Reid regime seems to have the same regard for LB as WR; interchangable parts, if one goes down plug in another.

 

Yesterday wasn't pretty, but absolutely should have been expected. NO offense is going to carve people up all year long. Hard going in to think that a Kolb-led offense was going to be able to not only move the ball, but control clock as well.

 

Looking ahead? at home against KC, a truly horrible team. Then a bye week, home vs Tampa, and at Oakland. Donovan or not, I think that's a 2-1 run at worst. That sets them at 3-2 or 4-1 going to Washington (who has demonstrated that they have MAJOR issues).

 

Giants are likely the best in the division, regardless McNabb's injury. Birds are better than skins and the other team. Keep the faith.

[ed_jones 0]

Ghost, your Eagles will be fine, it's far too early in the season to hit the panic button.Yes, the East is a tough division but thats nothing new and at this point I dont think any of us know what team is best of the 4.Right now the G-Men have the division well in hand and everyone else is looking up but this early in the game that could change quickly.

 

My advice, keep rooting for your boys, I have no doubts that they will be in the division race up till the very end.

[donhaas 18]

Whatever you think about GOMM's post, you have to appreciate his honesty with his team...

 

Far too many homers on this board

 

 

[jerryskids 5,198]

Right now the G-Men have the division well in hand and everyone else is looking up but this early in the game that could change quickly.

The Cowboys dominated that game but lost. Happens sometimes. You can argue that Romo doesn't have what it takes etc., but top to bottom, the Cowboys have the best team in the East.

 

Note: I hate the Cowboys; this is in no way a homer comment. Just an observation.

[phan420 0]

The Cowboys dominated that game but lost. Happens sometimes. You can argue that Romo doesn't have what it takes etc., but top to bottom, the Cowboys have the best team in the East.

 

Note: I hate the Cowboys; this is in no way a homer comment. Just an observation.

On paper, yes. But, as the saying goes..."that's why they play the games".

Just had to say it.

 

[jerryskids 5,198]

On paper, yes. But, as the saying goes..."that's why they play the games".

Just had to say it.

 

My point was to the Giants having the division "well in hand."

[Eagles Green 34]

The Cowboys dominated that game but lost. Happens sometimes. You can argue that Romo doesn't have what it takes etc., but top to bottom, the Cowboys have the best team in the East.

 

Note: I hate the Cowboys; this is in no way a homer comment. Just an observation.

You are crazy. How the hell do you figure they have the best team on paper? That defense has be shredded by the Giants and the Bucs. Not exactly the greatest offenses in football. If we're going on paper though, I hate to admit that the Giants look to be the best on both sides of the ball.

[Kilroy 0]

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2009 Schedule)

 

WK 1 Sun, Sept. 13 at Carolina - W

WK 2 Sun, Sept. 20 vs. New Orleans - L

WK 3 Sun, Sept. 27 vs. Kansas City - W

WK 4 Bye

WK 5 Sun, Oct. 11 vs. Tampa Bay - W

WK 6 Sun, Oct. 18 at Oakland - W

WK 7 Mon, Oct. 26 at Washington - W

WK 8 Sun, Nov. 1 vs. N.Y. Giants - L

WK 9 Sun, Nov. 8 vs. Dallas - W

WK 10 Sun, Nov. 15 at San Diego - L

WK 11 Sun, Nov. 22 at Chicago - W

WK 12 Sun, Nov. 29 vs. Washington - L

WK 13 Sun, Dec. 6 at Atlanta - L

WK 14 Sun, Dec. 13 at N.Y. Giants - L

WK 15 Sun, Dec. 20 vs. San Francisco - W

WK 16 Sun, Dec. 27 vs. Denver - W

WK 17 Sun, Jan. 3 at Dallas - W

 

10 - 6

 

That last game of the season against the Cowboys could be the deciding factor for a playoff spot. If they get a W against the Redskins in WK 12 and/or the Giants in WK 14 it could be big too.

 

If they were to struggle real bad this year, I think it would have more to do with some combination of the following: Poor QB play, the OL falling apart, Westbrook breaking down and LeSean McCoy not being able to carry the same offensive load as B-West has in the past.

 

I don't think the defense will be what costs them a good year, not unless injuries mount up on the side of the ball.

[BirdBradyBobbyOrr 0]

Right now the best teams in the NFL are all in the NFC.

 

I mean out of the box the Giants, Saints, Vikings and Falcons have looked unstoppable. But some of the "contenders" such as the Eagles (McNabb), Pats (Mayo/Welker), Steelers (Troy Polomalu), Bears (Urlacher), Chargers (Jamal Williams) have had some serious injuries and have not played as they usually do, which is well.

 

If I was a betting man I'd bet on the Iggles making the playoffs but that Division is going to the Giants.

[Saint Elistan 106]

If they fail, I'll take full blame because of my signature. I cursed them.

[ed_jones 0]

My point was to the Giants having the division "well in hand."

 

 

 

No, perhaps I did'nt word it properly. I meant they have the division well in hand right now or at the moment but that it could change quickly. As a Cowboy fan there is no way I would say the division race is already finished (week 2) and the G-Men have it. They may well win it, but I'm not counting any of the teams in the division out.....not even the Skins.

[GridIronAssassin#1 0]

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2009 Schedule)

 

WK 1 Sun, Sept. 13 at Carolina - W

WK 2 Sun, Sept. 20 vs. New Orleans - L

WK 3 Sun, Sept. 27 vs. Kansas City - W

WK 4 Bye

WK 5 Sun, Oct. 11 vs. Tampa Bay - W

WK 6 Sun, Oct. 18 at Oakland - W

WK 7 Mon, Oct. 26 at Washington - W

WK 8 Sun, Nov. 1 vs. N.Y. Giants - W

WK 9 Sun, Nov. 8 vs. Dallas - W

WK 10 Sun, Nov. 15 at San Diego - W

WK 11 Sun, Nov. 22 at Chicago - L

WK 12 Sun, Nov. 29 vs. Washington - W

WK 13 Sun, Dec. 6 at Atlanta - W

WK 14 Sun, Dec. 13 at N.Y. Giants - L

WK 15 Sun, Dec. 20 vs. San Francisco - W

WK 16 Sun, Dec. 27 vs. Denver - W

WK 17 Sun, Jan. 3 at Dallas - L

 

10 - 6

I changed some of the outcomes to what I think will end up as the results. 12-4