Ashley Fox

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RON CORTES / Staff Photographer

Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb congratulate lineman Jason Peters and Todd Herremans (right) after an Eagles touchdown.

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Ashley Fox: Win didn't mask flaws

By Ashley Fox

Inquirer NFL columnist

As we cruise toward what should be an electric Sunday in South Philly, let's take a couple of Eagles questions I couldn't get to during yesterday's chat on philly.com. And remember, folks, the Eagles actually beat the Washington Redskins on Monday night by double digits.

If you wake up and see the score from [Monday] night, everything looks all right. Dig a little deeper and watch the game, and you see the foundation is cracked.

- Derek

There were some troubling aspects to the game, that's for sure. Two huge plays could not erase the other offensive inadequacies. Take away the end-around by DeSean Jackson, and Donovan McNabb's touchdown pass to Jackson on third and long, and here's what you got: 11 first downs, 138 yards offense (just 60 yards in the second half), and an otherwise flat performance.

The cracks? The offensive line is patchwork at best at the moment, and who knows when that's going to change. The Eagles made a great pickup in linebacker Will Witherspoon, but he'll need help defending the middle of the field. They lucked out that Redskins tight end Chris Cooley broke his ankle midway through the game. And with Brian Westbrook probably sidelined with a concussion, how are the Eagles going to generate yards on the ground?

Lots of questions.

Ashley, it was a good win, but it's so frustrating to see McNabb throwing to shoelaces and missing open players.

- T.J.

I'm sure McNabb would be the first to admit he hasn't had the best stretch of games. Last week, I wondered how exactly he was feeling against the Raiders. He took a beating, had to throw 400 times, and wasn't that far removed from having broken a rib.

Against the Redskins, McNabb benefited from those two big plays by Jackson. But his throw to Jackson took forever to get there. Had Jackson not so thoroughly faked out Washington cornerback Carlos Rogers with that double move, he probably would've been covered and that would've been an incompletion.

Over the last two games, McNabb is 37 of 71 for 425 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. His completion percentage of 52.1 is low, even for him.

We've seen lulls from McNabb before. We've also seen him throw it in the dirt and overthrow guys by miles. He'll need to be sharp to beat the Giants on Sunday.

The difference between mediocre teams and good teams is that good teams finish their opponent. The Birds had multiple opportunities [Monday] night to end that thing early and not only couldn't do it, they went three and out. Did anybody ask Andy/Donovan how they plan to fix their now two-week inability to sustain drives on offense?

- Joe P.

It was an ugly second half, that's for sure. The Eagles had five first downs in the second half, 39 rushing yards, and 21 passing yards.

Here's what good teams do: When they've got an opponent on the mat, they put their foot on the throat and end it. The Eagles didn't, or couldn't, do that on Monday night. Against a better offense, it could've been disastrous.

At this point next week, we will be celebrating our back-to-back World Series championships. Phils in 5!

- Terb

Never thought I'd live here long enough to see such optimism. Confidence is high, at least for one franchise.

If the Phillies win the World Series, would anyone care if the Eagles finished the season at 4-12?

- Guest

Um, yes. A lot of people would care a whole bunch, particularly the folks at the NovaCare Complex. But, fans, too, would care. There are more than 60,000 people who show up at the Linc for every home game, and they're not there for the expensive beer or the ambience. They want to see a winner.

But 4-12 isn't going to happen. This team might not be much better than 8-8, but I bet they find a way into the playoffs. Usually do.

Contact columnist Ashley Fox

at 215-854-5064 or afox@phillynews.com.

Comments

Posted 09:36 AM, 10/28/2009

Jacinto

From an objective POV, the Birds are in trouble against the Giants. They couldn't block the Raiders or Skins and the G-men's d-line is significantly better than both. I hope McNabb doesn't get hurt again (but don't be surprised if it happens). The play calling and DBs are very suspect right now.

Posted 11:17 AM, 10/28/2009

SJDevilBoy

As long as we pass the ball 50 times everything will be fine. Right Andy???? Look for the Wildcat to be unvieled in soooo many diabolical plays by Coach Reid. He has been in his dungeon drawing up these gems and we are going to finally see them. The two teams that whooped the Raiders in the games before and after we played them ran the ball like 75% of the time. What did our passahlic coach do?? We will never win a super bowl with this stubborn coach and QB worm burner out there. Let's Go Phils!!!

Posted 11:30 AM, 10/28/2009

DaVinci

If you want something you never had, you have to do something you've never done. Send Reid and McNabb packing...bring in Tony Dungy and put Kolb in there. If Kolb flashes and burns, put in Vick. Do SOMETHING to try to put together a winning season. This team is going nowhere in a hurry. Another 8-8 year...if they're lucky! Anymore Andrews brothers available???

Posted 12:11 PM, 10/28/2009

tornadoh

Unless Reid WANTS to be remembered as the Marv Levy of this decade, just getting to the playoffs is not good enough, dammit.

Posted 12:47 PM, 10/28/2009

potus

"Did anybody ask Andy/Donovan how they plan to fix their now two-week inability to sustain drives on offense?" Why bother, do you think you'd here anything other than "it begins with me, we've got to do a better job there"

Posted 12:50 PM, 10/28/2009

starbird

Remember the last time McNabb had his contract extended? He sucked for quite a while. He and Westy are are sucking the cash cows breast.

Posted 01:09 PM, 10/28/2009

rickrick

GREAT YEAR FOR THE THE BIRDS THEY SUCKED WHEN YA ACQUIRED THE SO CALLED TALENT NOW THEY ARE FALLIN APART GO GIANTS

Posted 03:21 PM, 10/28/2009

KGKoons

Our gal is correct: if , if the O line gets tough, it could mean the Eagles stay with the Giants at least in the first half. And with no Westbrook, will Eldred and McCoy be the only runners? Why not? As to passes, Mac simply has to connect and not throw passes into the ground when the WR's are open. Still, the Giants are favored and should be. And of course, if the Birds win, it will be because the D stood tall. Go Birds and Phils.