While I sounded congratulatory on the Eagles win over GB, frankly I was pulling for them to win because some friends of mine are annoyingly loyal to GB
They're SO into them, I should probably call them this AM because I suspect they've hung themselves from their rafters. Almost a Red Sox grade loss...... nah, strike that. No one looses like the Red Sox.
As a fairly unbiased observer to that game, GB beat them soundly up and down the field for most of it. Rather than the Eagles winning it, GB lost it on several bad decisions and their inability to finish the job last night. McNabb seemed to be half asleep for the better part of the first half. He DID eventually make several amazing run plays, and he undeniably does that better than ANYONE in the NFL right now. And in the second half, he was much better in his pass attack. Overall, very good protection from his offensive line. Defensively though, they were mediocre against the run. I think it was Chris Collins in the booth who mentioned that on several 3rd & 2 plays, had GB just stuck with running Green, they'd have made the conversions as he was averaging over 6 yards a carry.... and McNabb's great run plays wouldn't have occurred since he wouldn't have been on the field. He's right. Lastly on the Eagles, their receivers also looked very eh. On several replays, they almost seemed to be just going through the motions? McNabb had to run because his guys were so well covered by the GB secondary.
I think they definitely were the benefactors of some good luck in that game, although a win is a win nonetheless.
With respect the Pats, people mistakenly dismiss them as not having a running game. Their offense revolves around Brady's passing game. Between 6-7 downs out of every 10, Brady's throwing to someone. So how can someone expect either Antowain Smith or Kevin Faulk, sharing duties, to run 150 yards in a game?
But when (not if) their opponents gets too focused on Brady's passing, you find either Smith or Faulk busting a run. That's their success on offense, and their record this season speaks for itself.
I really doubt we're going to see a Pats-Eagles Superbowl. If it were to happen, I think you'd see the Pats putting up 28+ points offensively against the Eagle's defense (.......similar to the recent Buffalo game. And before anyone dismisses Buffalo, recall they had the #2 overall ranked defense in the NFL during the regular season, in spite of having nothing on offense), and McNabb & Co. would struggle to get a couple of touchdowns against the Pat's aggressive, stingy D, maybe only 1 touchdown and a field goal. The Pat's secondary takes a backseat to no one right now, so you could expect McNabb would have to be running the ball again......... think Washington & Bruschi, everyone.
Insofar as Philly's defensive secondary being so tough to throw against, I can only say: What ?!?!
For the most part, Favre had no problem whatsoever throwing against them yesterday? On a couple of plays, all he had to do was toss the ball up in the vicinity of one of his receivers and they usually got to it, save for that last horrible toss?
In any event, if the Eagles are going to beat the Panthers, they're going to need 4 quarters of outstanding play, not just the 1 or 2 output last night.
I'm practically drooling all over myself at the prospect of the Pats playing the Colts on Sunday. I know Manning is a talented hot quarterback right now, but he's so annoying to watch with all the audible calling he engages in. I relish the thought of McGinnest popping him........ several times,
As far as the Pats receivers are concerned, Brady has many fine targets and he finds them. Before anyone discounts their pass attack, just recall the pass Brady threw Saturday night in the bitter cold to Bethel Johnson as he blew past the Titans secondary, and into the end zone.
They just win
