Michael Perez / Inquirer Staff Photographer
Eagles Brian Westbrook picks up 12 yards on a third-quarter carry.
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Eagles Chat: Uphill climb depends on Westbrook
The Inquirer's Ashley Fox says the running back is key to saving the season.
Ashley Fox: Good morning everyone. Let's get after it.
Francois: Without Westbrook can this team win a game?
Ashley Fox: That is an excellent question. And you know what? I don't think they can. Westbrook is invaluable to this team. He's option one, two and three. He has got to stay healthy for the Eagles to be competitive.
Peter: What happened to the Eagles proficiency in the red zone? Lack of talent? Poor play-calling? Don't tell me it was the Jets defense.
Ashley Fox: Another good question. The Jets were 31st in red zone defense, and the Eagles couldn't get the ball in the end zone. That's a problem. Part of it is talent. Part is play calling. It's tough to rely on Jason Avant to catch a pass in the end zone. Westbrook's touchdown run was called back for holding. Schoebel? Makes you wonder.
Gene: It appears that Donovan is getting sacked so much because of our receivers not getting seperation and his reduced mobility since returning from ACL surgery. Aren't there any adjustments which can be made to offset this continuing problem?
Ashley Fox: Gene, the receivers definitely bear responsibility for that. One sack yesterday could've been avoided had McNabb, who was scrambling, would've just thrown the ball away. He wanted to make something happen, but no one was open. Reggie Brown, to me, has been a huge disappointment so far this season. L.J. Smith should help as we keep going and he gets back in game shape. Cindy: Does Andy Reid have any other answer to the Eagles problems except to say "We need to do better......."blah blah blah
Ashley Fox: I'm sure he does, but he's not sharing with us, and, by extention, with you.
Peter: How serious is the injury to Dawkins? Could it end his career?
Ashley Fox: I don't think so. It's a nerve thing, so that makes it tricky. But from what I've been told, he'll be back. I won't say absolutely 100 percent for sure, but I think he'll be back.
Brian S: After seeing Dallas and NE PATS play, it became apparent that the Eagles are a second tier team with a great running back. Do you think the Eagles talent evaluation is also second tier?
Ashley Fox: Well, Brian, when compared to those two teams, yes, I think the Eagles are second tier. After losing to Indy in the AFC title game, the Patriots went after people. They understood that their defense could be very good, and still the offense would need to score in the high 30s, low 40s. And look at them.
Steve: As I sit here at work, wasting taxpayer dollars, all I can think of is that 75 yard TD dash that Curtis made yesterday. It seems this year that the pass plays for 20 plus yards are non existent.(Save the Lions game) Where are the throws up the sidelines and over the top. Don't we atleast have to try and these quick strike options seeing how our redzone offense is so inept?
Ashley Fox: Good point. I remember at about this time last year writing that the Eagles were relying too much on the big plays. That's been a big part of their offense. I'll have to go back and do a comparison between this year and last year to see where exactly they are.
Brian S: My fear is that the Eagles will need to rebuild to get to the next level or where they were a few years ago. Do you agree or can the Eagles supplement their existing situation in the draft and free agency to get to the next level and become a potential super bowl team again?
Ashley Fox: I think their D is pretty solid. They've only given up six touchdowns in five games. But they could use a big-time linebacker, and they'll have to get another safety or two. On offense, they need to spend money on a receiver. So they can probably supplement, but they're going to have to get a few more impact players, and that will be expensive. Will they do it?
Troy Ernst: You guys are finally getting it! The Eagles are a tier two team and this is not the first year. The head coach clearly is outclassed by other coaches. He does not strategically adjust well during games to other teams' tactics. He fails to pay attention to opposing defenses when calling offensive plays throughout the games in that he does not make the best calls during critical plays. They also make poor draft-day decisions and are too cheap concerning good draft picks. Those picks are on other teams and hurting the Eagles efforts to achieve a good NFC record towards a spot in the playoffs. They may get to the post-season but they are not going anywhere because they are losing too many games to earn a bye.
Ashley Fox: I don't disagree. Anybody else? Last call ...
Tommy James: Why aren't Baskett's height and jumping ability used in the red zone?
Ashley Fox: They went to him on a third down play at the 29 in the second quarter. He's got to make some catches for them to call his number in the end zone. OK, everybody. Thanks for playing. See you next week.
Francois: Without Westbrook can this team win a game?
Ashley Fox: That is an excellent question. And you know what? I don't think they can. Westbrook is invaluable to this team. He's option one, two and three. He has got to stay healthy for the Eagles to be competitive.
Peter: What happened to the Eagles proficiency in the red zone? Lack of talent? Poor play-calling? Don't tell me it was the Jets defense.
Ashley Fox: Another good question. The Jets were 31st in red zone defense, and the Eagles couldn't get the ball in the end zone. That's a problem. Part of it is talent. Part is play calling. It's tough to rely on Jason Avant to catch a pass in the end zone. Westbrook's touchdown run was called back for holding. Schoebel? Makes you wonder.
Gene: It appears that Donovan is getting sacked so much because of our receivers not getting seperation and his reduced mobility since returning from ACL surgery. Aren't there any adjustments which can be made to offset this continuing problem?
Ashley Fox: Gene, the receivers definitely bear responsibility for that. One sack yesterday could've been avoided had McNabb, who was scrambling, would've just thrown the ball away. He wanted to make something happen, but no one was open. Reggie Brown, to me, has been a huge disappointment so far this season. L.J. Smith should help as we keep going and he gets back in game shape. Cindy: Does Andy Reid have any other answer to the Eagles problems except to say "We need to do better......."blah blah blah
Ashley Fox: I'm sure he does, but he's not sharing with us, and, by extention, with you.
Peter: How serious is the injury to Dawkins? Could it end his career?
Ashley Fox: I don't think so. It's a nerve thing, so that makes it tricky. But from what I've been told, he'll be back. I won't say absolutely 100 percent for sure, but I think he'll be back.
Brian S: After seeing Dallas and NE PATS play, it became apparent that the Eagles are a second tier team with a great running back. Do you think the Eagles talent evaluation is also second tier?
Ashley Fox: Well, Brian, when compared to those two teams, yes, I think the Eagles are second tier. After losing to Indy in the AFC title game, the Patriots went after people. They understood that their defense could be very good, and still the offense would need to score in the high 30s, low 40s. And look at them.
Steve: As I sit here at work, wasting taxpayer dollars, all I can think of is that 75 yard TD dash that Curtis made yesterday. It seems this year that the pass plays for 20 plus yards are non existent.(Save the Lions game) Where are the throws up the sidelines and over the top. Don't we atleast have to try and these quick strike options seeing how our redzone offense is so inept?
Ashley Fox: Good point. I remember at about this time last year writing that the Eagles were relying too much on the big plays. That's been a big part of their offense. I'll have to go back and do a comparison between this year and last year to see where exactly they are.
Brian S: My fear is that the Eagles will need to rebuild to get to the next level or where they were a few years ago. Do you agree or can the Eagles supplement their existing situation in the draft and free agency to get to the next level and become a potential super bowl team again?
Ashley Fox: I think their D is pretty solid. They've only given up six touchdowns in five games. But they could use a big-time linebacker, and they'll have to get another safety or two. On offense, they need to spend money on a receiver. So they can probably supplement, but they're going to have to get a few more impact players, and that will be expensive. Will they do it?
Troy Ernst: You guys are finally getting it! The Eagles are a tier two team and this is not the first year. The head coach clearly is outclassed by other coaches. He does not strategically adjust well during games to other teams' tactics. He fails to pay attention to opposing defenses when calling offensive plays throughout the games in that he does not make the best calls during critical plays. They also make poor draft-day decisions and are too cheap concerning good draft picks. Those picks are on other teams and hurting the Eagles efforts to achieve a good NFC record towards a spot in the playoffs. They may get to the post-season but they are not going anywhere because they are losing too many games to earn a bye.
Ashley Fox: I don't disagree. Anybody else? Last call ...
Tommy James: Why aren't Baskett's height and jumping ability used in the red zone?
Ashley Fox: They went to him on a third down play at the 29 in the second quarter. He's got to make some catches for them to call his number in the end zone. OK, everybody. Thanks for playing. See you next week.
