Youngsters Lead Eagles to Rare Close Win

A serious problem for this Eagles team in recent years has been their inability to win the close game. On Sunday night, it looked like it would be the same story as the Eagles fell behind 20-17 heading into the fourth quarter. Instead, the young core of the now 6-4 Eagles stepped up and led the team to their first fourth quarter come from behind win in the 2009 season.

Donovan McNabb played very well after struggling a bit in two consecutive losses against the Cowboys and Chargers. He finished with 244 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. What mattered most was his play in the all-important fourth quarter, where he orchestrated a 11-play, 62-yard touchdown drive to put the Eagles up 24-20. McNabb would not have been able to pull it off without the strong play of the trio of young offensive weapons who continue to step up in ‘09.

LeSean McCoy got his third start of the season, replacing the concussed Brian Westbrook, and showed again why the Eagles spent a 2nd-round choice on the Pittsburgh product. McCoy racked up 99 rushing yards on 20 attempts, including the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. Earlier in the game, the rookie tried getting to the outside on most plays. Toward the end, he took more of a north-south approach, which certainly worked. McCoy did lose a fumble, which at the time was extremely costly. Luckily, the Eagles defense held the Bears offense to a three and out, giving them another chance to take back the lead.

The forced fumble was the third of the game by the Bears’ Charles Tillman, who has always shown an incredible knack for ripping out the football. While many Eagles fans stress over McCoy running with the ball away from his body, this particular fumble was not caused by that style. Instead, he had two hands on the ball up high on his chest, but Tillman made a big play. McCoy avenged his fumble with his 10-yard TD scamper that eventually turned out to be the game winner.

With the news that Westbrook will miss at least another two weeks, McCoy finds himself with a huge role as the Eagles drive toward a playoff berth. As a 21-year old rookie, that might seem like to much to ask. But McCoy is brimming with confidence, especially after his big touchdown:

“In terms of my confidence, it definitely boosted it. Having the opportunity to make a play, even after a mistake, it was awesome. It’s also on the shoulders of the line. There was some excellent blocking to make some room for us.”

The other youngsters who had a tremendous impact in this win were DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. Jackson was the game’s leading receiver, hauling in eight passes for 107 yards and a 48-yard touchdown. The kid just continues to make big plays, enough said. On the other side, Maclin turned in another solid performance, grabbing six balls for 64 yards. He showed a fearlessness going across the middle, and was a favorite target for McNabb on third downs. You can just see the confidence growing in Maclin, who looks better with each start.

So the Eagles finished the game with 377 total yards. McCoy (99), Jackson (117), and Maclin (64) accounted for 280 of them. If you have been a frequent visitor here at EaglesHaveLanded, then you know of my obsession with the talented youth on this team. It’s just crazy how these guys are playing at such a high level this early in their careers. Fun, fun stuff to watch.

More Observations from the Big Win

-Extremely gutsy performance from Sheldon Brown, who was expected to miss the game with a hamstring injury suffered last week in San Diego. Although he did get beat in coverage on a few different occasions, Jay Cutler was unable to capitalize. On several other plays, Brown got his hand in their to make a breakup. On a few others he made a strong tackle. With Asante Samuel banged up as well, it is important for Brown to be in there.

-A feel good moment for defensive tackle Antonio Dixon, who blocked a long field goal attempt by Robbie Gould. Dixon has been a regular in Sean McDermott’s tackle rotation, and got his biggest play of the year with the blocked FG.

-Stacy Andrews did not dress, proof that the guy is just not ready to play. The Eagles signed him to a lucrative deal this offseason to play either right tackle or right guard. He settled at guard, but has been miserable every time he has been inserted into the starting lineup. Could his knee be bothering him still, after offseason ACL surgery? Either way, it is clear that the Eagles are better off without him in the lineup, and he could be a candidate to land on IR.

-Trent Cole continues to push for another Pro Bowl berth. On Sunday night, Cole drew two holding penalties, induced a big offsides penalty, and recorded a sack. He never gives up on a play. On one occasion, he was knocked down rushing the quarterback only to get back up and make a big tackle. The guy is beginning to get respect from the commentators as well, who admit that he is becoming one of the game’s best all-around defensive ends.

Tags: Antonio Dixon, Asante Samuel, Brian Westbrook, Chicago Bears, DeSean Jackson, Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler, Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Sheldon Brown, Stacy Andrews, Trent Cole