“All-or-Nothing” Offense Fails to Get Going

Coming off an impressive victory against the Giants, the Eagles fell flat against a Cowboys team who took advantage of their opportunities to steal first place away from the Birds at Lincoln Financial Field. While this loss is nothing like the dreadful Oakland disaster, it still had all the traits of a typical Eagles loss. Inconsistent offense, costly penalties, and giving up the big play on defense.

The offense, which has looked so good at times in 2009, just could not get going. Critics around the league talk about the Eagles and their “all-or-nothing” offense. Sometimes they are clicking on all cylinders, just unstoppable, but on another Sunday they could look frustrated and lost. In the Week 9 battle for first place, they failed to put the dagger in a Cowboys team who were having some trouble of their own in solving the Eagles defense.

A good argument could be made that the Eagles just weren’t meant to win this game. How on Earth could Andy Reid lose two close challenges and find himself without a timeout at the end of the game? And your telling me he still decided to kick a field goal, to come within four points of Dallas, with just 4:27 left on the clock? Haven’t we seen this before? Time/Game management has been a heavily criticized part of Reid’s tenure as head coach. On this night, I have to second guess the call to kick a field goal (52 yards, by the way) with 4:27 and still need four points to win.

There were some bright spots Sunday night, and they should be recognized.

In his third career start, LeSean McCoy continued to show why he was deserving of a second-round selection. The rookie was the Eagles leading rusher and receiver on the night, amassing 115 yards on 18 total touches. He deferred some to Leonard Weaver, who carried eight times to McCoy’s 13. Against a tough Dallas front seven, McCoy did his part to move the chains for the Eagles offense.

Every time David Akers lines up beyond 40 yards, my heart rate kicks up a few beats. On Sunday, the ageless Akers kicked three field goals of 45, 48, and 52 yards. On a day where points were scarce, Akers was important for keeping the game close. Hopefully he has found his stroke and continues this deep accuracy for the remainder of the year.

..And there were some not-so-bright spots out there too..

Moise Fokou made the start for Chris Gocong at strongside linebacker, and had two huge 15-yard penalties. The rookie out of Maryland has impressed the coaching staff throughout his time with the Eagles, but made two big mental mistakes in this game. Gocong will likely be back in the lineup next Sunday, so Fokou will go back to being a special teams player and backup linebacker.

The offensive line continues to struggle as injuries and ineffectiveness are leading to sacks. Jason Peters left the game with an ankle injury, only to return later in the game. It was an ugly looking injury, but the prized free agent acquisition returned to battle DeMarcus Ware. Peters needs to stay healthy if the offensive line wants to have any success. Todd Herremans shifted to left tackle while Peters was sidelined, and gave up a sack to Ware. The injury also forced Nick Cole to shift to left guard and Stacy Andrews into the right guard slot. Andrews gave up a sack to Ratliff and just could not block the interior lineman for Dallas.

Does it seem that every Eagles win is a blowout and most of the losses are close? Well, how about the Eagles are 1-8-1 in their last 10 games decided by six points or less? That is a terrible stat for any team. In the NFL, where eeking out the close game is incredibly important, this record is staggering. Who is to blame for this? I have to say that the first two men you point to are McNabb and Reid. Both have the ability to win or lose a game late in the fourth quarter. Reid’s game management Sunday has to be questioned, while McNabb’s inability to deliver crisp passes on key third downs halted many an Eagles drive.

The end result of this game could have gone either way, but the Cowboys came away with a victory and sole possession of first place in the NFC East. Now sitting at 5-3, the Eagles still are in good position to reclaim the division or set themselves up for a Wild Card berth. There is too much talent on this team for them to fall off the wagon, but Reid needs to rally his troops for the second half of the season. It starts next week on a cross country trip to San Diego to face a team that held Eli Manning and the Giants offense to 20 points and 188 passing yards.

Injury Update

Several Eagles were banged up on Sunday. None look too, too serious, but there are some questions marks. Starting weakside linebacker Akeem Jordan left the game after his knee was bent backward. Another blow to an already injury-marred linebacking unit. If he misses action, he will likely be replaced by Tracy White. Gocong should be ready to go on the strong side by Sunday but if not, Fokou will get his second consecutive start.

Ellis Hobbs suffered a neck injury which will require further observation, and his practice status for the week is unknown. Backup safety Quintin Demps sprained his ankle and will likely be limited in practice.

On a positive note, Brian Westbrook, Victor Abiamiri, Chris Gocong, and Kevin Curtis should be back on the practice field this week. All of these players are significant contributors when healthy, so there is some optimism on the injury front.

Tags: Akeem Jordan, Andy Reid, Brian Westbrook, Chris Gocong, Dallas Cowboys, Demarcus Ware, Donovan McNabb, Ellis Hobbs, Jason Peters, Kevin Curtis, Leonard Weaver, LeSean McCoy, NFL, Nick Cole, Philadelphia Eagles, Stacy Andrews, Todd Herremans, Tracy White