Eagles Chat: Keep that intensity going
More efforts like Sunday's could make the team a playoff factor, says the Inquirer's Bob Brookover.
Bob Brookover: Hi all. Sorry I'm a little late. Hit some traffic coming to the NovaCare Complex. Here we go.
Bob: what is McNabb's condition?
Bob Brookover: He's not practicing, Bob, so I don't think he's playing.
Ed: I felt juiced for the first time this year watching the NE game. Are the Eagles going to bring the same energy and focus to the SEA game? Or is there something that you have seen to say the NE was a one and done game?
Bob Brookover: It was a fun game Ed. The test for the Eagles now is to see if they can carry over the way they played against the Pats into a tough game against a good Seahawks team. If they can't, then it was just a good game by a bad team against a great one. That happens in this league, too.
George: Where has the intensity the Eagles showed on Sunday night been all season and are people being unrealistic in expecting that this Sunday?
Bob Brookover: I think the Eagles didn't want to be embarrassed by the Patriots and that really showed Sunday night. Can they duplicate it? If they can't through the final five games, then they're probably not going to make the playoffs. If they can, then they have a shot to not only make the playoffs, but also make some noise once they get there.
tim: he seems fine to me
Bob Brookover: Who seems fine to you? McNabb? Let me know and I'll give you a better answer.
TD: Why have to Birds been so inconsistent this year?
Bob Brookover: If I knew the answer to that one TD, I'd quit my job and replace Andy Reid. I think some of it has to do with injuries, but the good teams and bad teams in this league are separated by consistency. The teams that can bring their A game week after week are the teams that win. Does Andy's situation have something to do with it? Possibly, but there's no way to know for sure.
Chris: If we don't make the playoffs, will both McNabb and Reid be gone next year?
Bob Brookover: I believe Reid is going to be back regardless of what happens. As for McNabb, his future here could depend on what happens if and when he does return to play as well as what A.J. does in Sunday's game. If A.J. plays well and McNabb remains erratic, then I think there's a good chance he'll be traded after the season.
Wingo: do you think Brian Dawkins will retire after this season?
Bob Brookover: Absolutely not. I think he wants to play the game as long as he can.
Jim: Seems like Gocong had a breakout type game. Do you think Johnson will keep changing the looks? 3-4 or 3-3-5?
Bob Brookover: I'd be shocked if we didn't see some more of the same alignments against the Seahawks that we saw against the Pats, especially since Seattle is a team that also relies heavily on the pass.
Mike: Do you think that this weekend we'll see the Eagles that showed up against NE, or the Eagles that showed up against Dallas a while back?
Bob Brookover: If I knew that, I'd quit my job, go to Las Vegas and bet everything I have on my gut feeling. It should be interesting to watch.
Michael Hammons: do you think the eagles will defeat the seahawks this week and why
Bob Brookover: I do think the Eagles will win. The Seahawks tend to struggle on the road and I'm not sure getting Shaun Alexander back helps them or hurts them from the standpoint of what direction they want to go as an offense. It should be a close game because I think Hasselbeck is a really talented quarterback. The Eagles need to pressure him the same way they pressured Brady.
Tyson: Aside from McNabb, are the eagles really more healthy now than 5-6 weeks ago?
Bob Brookover: They're definitely more healthy. Four of the five offensive linemen were nursing injuries five weeks ago and that created some real problems for the offense. Dawkins is healthier and Lito is able to run with wide receivers again.
mark: why was buckhalter sent back to return a kick? Is it because they are so thin at S or are they dissatisfied with Reed's returns?
Bob Brookover: It was strictly because they wanted Reed to concentrate on playing safety. I think you'll see more of the same Sunday.
Brian: Who starts this week? Mcnabb or Feely?
Bob Brookover: Feeley.
GW: Do you think the Birds could be a little too overconfident after a loss when they play Seattle?
Bob Brookover: That's funny GW. How often do you get to say a team might be too overconfident after a loss? I don't think the Eagles are. If they don't win this week, I think it goes back to them not being consistent enough for some mysterious reason. I think they are definitely taking the Seahawks seriously. Somebody should be reminding them how Seattle crushed them two years ago at the Linc.
Tyson: Who is doing the Eagles offensive play calling these days? Morinhweg or Reid? Who's more preferable?
Bob Brookover: Mornhinweg is still calling the plays and I think he does a good job at it for the most part. Mornhinweg and Reid see eye to eye on how to run an offense, so I don't think there's that big of a difference.
Mike: Where is Kevin Kolb at, and when do the Eagles plan on letting him play?
Bob Brookover: Right this second, he's on the practice field. As for when he'll play, there's a lot of factors that go into that. It mostly depends on how well the two guys in front of him on the depth chart play. There's nothing written in stone that if and when McNabb leaves Kolb becomes the starting QB. If Feeley plays well, he's probably going to get a chance to hold down the job.
Jim: If McNabb is gone after this year, is it Kolb's job or does Feeley hold the spot warm for another year?
Bob Brookover: That's similar to the last question and, again, it depends on how well Feeley plays. Look at the situation in Cleveland. Derek Anderson wasn't supposed to be the Browns' long-term solution at quarterback, but he might be now. This game is all about how you play.
Joe: What was the bigger mistake: Keeping Sav Rocca as a punter, or not having a solid kick-returner on the roster? Both have really contributed to poor field position for the Birds all season.
Bob Brookover: I think the return situation has been the bigger mistake because Rocca has at least shown signs of improvement over the last month. When I go back and look at the Eagles from 2000-03, it's amazing how much of an impact Brian Mitchell and Brian Westbrook had as returners. That has been sorely missed in recent years.
Cormac: We can make the playoffs if we start AJ regularly.
Bob Brookover: That's a comment, not a question and I'm not sure I believe it. I do think A.J. played very well against the Pats, but answer this question honestly: If McNabb had played the same game as A.J., then thrown that interception at the end of the game, how would you have felt about his performance?
Tyson: Is it possible that the eagles play worse at home?
Bob Brookover: They haven't over the years, but this year they've definitely been a better road team. I don't know the reason why.
efm: What has Kolb shown to make anyone think he can play in the NFL?
Bob Brookover: The answer is nothing. He also hasn't done anything that makes you think he can't play in the NFL. He hasn't played period. There's no way of knowing anything about a guy's ability until he starts playing.
Mike: On the return game: Do you think the Eagles might go after a speedy WR in the draft (like a Ted Ginn) to return kicks and see regular playing time?
fm: What has Kolb shown to make anyone think he can play in the NFL?
Bob Brookover: I think it's a good idea. Just look at the impact Hester has had in Chicago. I don't think there's another Hester out there, but having a good return game has such an impact.
Wingo: Anything new with McNabb today? Hard to believe a guy who once played an entire half with a broken ankle is taking this long to come back from something far less significant.
Bob Brookover: I answered the first part Wingo, but I think it's important to remember that after playing on that broken leg, he missed the remainder of the regular season. It's also important to remember that he was only one year removed from major surgery on his right knee when he suffered the ankle injury. That could definitely factor into any decision about putting him out there.
Jimmy: What are the top 3 positions the Eagles need to address this offseason? Are there starters that need to be found or is it added depth?
Bob Brookover: I think they could use some help at wide receiver and they certainly need some young depth in the secondary at both safety and cornerback. With Spikes entering the last year of his contract, a linebacker isn't a bad idea either.
ken pierce: did you notice best people eagles had like jeff garcia is doing great with tampa bay and terrel owens is doing great with cowboys,eagles get rid of best players,andy reid and donovan mcnabb should be let go there hurting eagles winning games
Bob Brookover: I did see that Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens are playing well. Could Garcia have done better than A.J. against New England? Is it possible Feeley could have done the same thing as Garcia last year? I don't know the answer, but neither does anyone else. The Eagles had no problem with T.O.'s ability. They correctly thought he had become a disruptive force.
Brandon: To answer, your question, I would have been very pleased if McNabb had made the same quick reads and accurate throws as Feeley did, even if he had thrown the interception at the end. Of course, McNabb has never and will never be able to make the same reads/throws.
Bob Brookover: Did McNabb play a similar game to Feeley in that Super Bowl against the Patriots? The answer is yes and he was still blamed for the loss. Did McNabb have some great seasons with the Eagles? Yes. Everybody always loves the backup quarterback, but it's not as easy when your job is to play all 16 games year after year.
Joe: In the Patriots game, I was surprised by the Greg Lewis who thrived and shined on the field. Another long lost receiver Hank Baskett also appeared. Why do these guys drop off the radar on offense for long periods? Are they still fitting into the system, or simply under-utilized?
Bob Brookover: That's a good question Joe. Lewis has been invisible most of the last two seasons with the exception of Sunday night and last year against the Packers. I think the Eagles should get Baskett more involved. This offense is supposed to be about spreading the football and it hasn't happened as much this year.
Jack from Seattle: Comments: 1. Almost all NFL teams are "inconsistent", Demonstrates the result of Bert Bell's "on any given Sunday, anyone can win". Salary cap effects depth, and injuries then effect consistency. Just one more reason to measure heart and find "gamers". 2. Until our young guns on the o-line learn to run block, Seattle is a more dangerous team with Morris. Lack of skill position size in the red zone is an issue. 3. Seattle is 2 and 3 on the road. They could easily be 4 and 1 and be considered elite, but they are the same inconsistent team on the road - regardless of the Won-loss result. 5. With Matt Hasselbeck Seattle is a 10 and 6 team. Without him they are a 6 and 10 team. Without Josh Brown also, that drops to 4 and 12. They are 3 and 0 without Alexander.
Bob Brookover: Thanks for the Seahawks scouting report Jack.
Larry's Boy: What are we to make of Reggie Brown nine games into in what was supposed to be his breakout season? Do you think he will ever be a legitimate number one receiver. Is he a legitimate number two?
Bob Brookover: Reggie has had a disappointing season so far. I think he needs to show some more toughness, but I still think he is a guy who can help your team win.
Jimmy: Are Runyan and Thomas signed for the near future? Can Justice overcome that Giants performance and be a starter?
Bob Brookover: Runyan and Tra are signed through next season. The next time Winston Justice starts, it's going to be fascinating to watch.
Terry: Was I the only one who thought during the game that if McNabb had so many passes that receivers had to dive and slide for, making it impossible for them to run after the catch, he would have have been vilified? more over, McNabb had a better game this SEASON (Lions) than Feeley has ever had in his career. maybe when brian westbrook calls McNabb "superman" we should listen.
Bob Brookover: Terry, those are good points. I think A.J. did a terrific job actually, but it's much easier to have one good game than it is to have a good season or a series of good seasons.
Larry's Boy: Chris Gocong appears to be turning a corner in his development. Do you expect him to emerge as more of an impact player now that he has gained confidence and the trust of Jim Johnson?
Bob Brookover: I like Gocong's speed, intelligence and football instincts. I think he's going to get better the more he plays.
Steve: Despite what Hugh Douglas said on the Eagles Pre-Game show J.R. Reed played a pretty solid game...Do you see him continuing to have positive play in the secondary?
Bob Brookover: I don't know what Hugh said so I won't comment on that, but Reed played a really solid game. I still think the Eagles are better off with Mikell at strong safety, but J.R. is going to get another chance to start Sunday.
ken pierce: keep aj feely,if bring mcnabb back then eagles will go nowhere hes the worst quarterback in the nfl
Bob Brookover: ken, I can honestly say you have an opinion.
Don/University City: If we think we've got a controversy now (Andy notwithstanding), how about next week if Feeley goes out and has a real good win Sunday? With the playoffs on the line, shouldn't Reid be more flexible?
Bob Brookover: If your scenario plays out, it's going to be incredibly interesting to see the coach's next move and comments.
Chuck: Reid has now been Head Coach for almost 10 years and many a coach say that after a number of years the team has heard everything he has to say -it is now time to re-group and make another run in the next two to three years. Finally, lets start spending the money it takes to WIN and not skimp in certain areas of the team - re-evaluate the budget they created for each position and see if what they estimated is providing the results they want for the dollars they want to spend. I think they need to spend more, not their whole budget, because I know they like to lock in growing talent after a few years under thier first deal, but they could spend more and everyone knows it, including them!!
Bob Brookover: The one thing I agree with is that the Eagles might want to re-evaluate how they spend their money. I think paying for a stud wide receiver is a good idea in this offense after what we've seen from Moss in New England.
Bob Brookover: Folks, I have to go. The Andy Reid news conference is about to begin. Thanks and we'll talk next week.
Bob: what is McNabb's condition?
Bob Brookover: He's not practicing, Bob, so I don't think he's playing.
Ed: I felt juiced for the first time this year watching the NE game. Are the Eagles going to bring the same energy and focus to the SEA game? Or is there something that you have seen to say the NE was a one and done game?
Bob Brookover: It was a fun game Ed. The test for the Eagles now is to see if they can carry over the way they played against the Pats into a tough game against a good Seahawks team. If they can't, then it was just a good game by a bad team against a great one. That happens in this league, too.
George: Where has the intensity the Eagles showed on Sunday night been all season and are people being unrealistic in expecting that this Sunday?
Bob Brookover: I think the Eagles didn't want to be embarrassed by the Patriots and that really showed Sunday night. Can they duplicate it? If they can't through the final five games, then they're probably not going to make the playoffs. If they can, then they have a shot to not only make the playoffs, but also make some noise once they get there.
tim: he seems fine to me
Bob Brookover: Who seems fine to you? McNabb? Let me know and I'll give you a better answer.
TD: Why have to Birds been so inconsistent this year?
Bob Brookover: If I knew the answer to that one TD, I'd quit my job and replace Andy Reid. I think some of it has to do with injuries, but the good teams and bad teams in this league are separated by consistency. The teams that can bring their A game week after week are the teams that win. Does Andy's situation have something to do with it? Possibly, but there's no way to know for sure.
Chris: If we don't make the playoffs, will both McNabb and Reid be gone next year?
Bob Brookover: I believe Reid is going to be back regardless of what happens. As for McNabb, his future here could depend on what happens if and when he does return to play as well as what A.J. does in Sunday's game. If A.J. plays well and McNabb remains erratic, then I think there's a good chance he'll be traded after the season.
Wingo: do you think Brian Dawkins will retire after this season?
Bob Brookover: Absolutely not. I think he wants to play the game as long as he can.
Jim: Seems like Gocong had a breakout type game. Do you think Johnson will keep changing the looks? 3-4 or 3-3-5?
Bob Brookover: I'd be shocked if we didn't see some more of the same alignments against the Seahawks that we saw against the Pats, especially since Seattle is a team that also relies heavily on the pass.
Mike: Do you think that this weekend we'll see the Eagles that showed up against NE, or the Eagles that showed up against Dallas a while back?
Bob Brookover: If I knew that, I'd quit my job, go to Las Vegas and bet everything I have on my gut feeling. It should be interesting to watch.
Michael Hammons: do you think the eagles will defeat the seahawks this week and why
Bob Brookover: I do think the Eagles will win. The Seahawks tend to struggle on the road and I'm not sure getting Shaun Alexander back helps them or hurts them from the standpoint of what direction they want to go as an offense. It should be a close game because I think Hasselbeck is a really talented quarterback. The Eagles need to pressure him the same way they pressured Brady.
Tyson: Aside from McNabb, are the eagles really more healthy now than 5-6 weeks ago?
Bob Brookover: They're definitely more healthy. Four of the five offensive linemen were nursing injuries five weeks ago and that created some real problems for the offense. Dawkins is healthier and Lito is able to run with wide receivers again.
mark: why was buckhalter sent back to return a kick? Is it because they are so thin at S or are they dissatisfied with Reed's returns?
Bob Brookover: It was strictly because they wanted Reed to concentrate on playing safety. I think you'll see more of the same Sunday.
Brian: Who starts this week? Mcnabb or Feely?
Bob Brookover: Feeley.
GW: Do you think the Birds could be a little too overconfident after a loss when they play Seattle?
Bob Brookover: That's funny GW. How often do you get to say a team might be too overconfident after a loss? I don't think the Eagles are. If they don't win this week, I think it goes back to them not being consistent enough for some mysterious reason. I think they are definitely taking the Seahawks seriously. Somebody should be reminding them how Seattle crushed them two years ago at the Linc.
Tyson: Who is doing the Eagles offensive play calling these days? Morinhweg or Reid? Who's more preferable?
Bob Brookover: Mornhinweg is still calling the plays and I think he does a good job at it for the most part. Mornhinweg and Reid see eye to eye on how to run an offense, so I don't think there's that big of a difference.
Mike: Where is Kevin Kolb at, and when do the Eagles plan on letting him play?
Bob Brookover: Right this second, he's on the practice field. As for when he'll play, there's a lot of factors that go into that. It mostly depends on how well the two guys in front of him on the depth chart play. There's nothing written in stone that if and when McNabb leaves Kolb becomes the starting QB. If Feeley plays well, he's probably going to get a chance to hold down the job.
Jim: If McNabb is gone after this year, is it Kolb's job or does Feeley hold the spot warm for another year?
Bob Brookover: That's similar to the last question and, again, it depends on how well Feeley plays. Look at the situation in Cleveland. Derek Anderson wasn't supposed to be the Browns' long-term solution at quarterback, but he might be now. This game is all about how you play.
Joe: What was the bigger mistake: Keeping Sav Rocca as a punter, or not having a solid kick-returner on the roster? Both have really contributed to poor field position for the Birds all season.
Bob Brookover: I think the return situation has been the bigger mistake because Rocca has at least shown signs of improvement over the last month. When I go back and look at the Eagles from 2000-03, it's amazing how much of an impact Brian Mitchell and Brian Westbrook had as returners. That has been sorely missed in recent years.
Cormac: We can make the playoffs if we start AJ regularly.
Bob Brookover: That's a comment, not a question and I'm not sure I believe it. I do think A.J. played very well against the Pats, but answer this question honestly: If McNabb had played the same game as A.J., then thrown that interception at the end of the game, how would you have felt about his performance?
Tyson: Is it possible that the eagles play worse at home?
Bob Brookover: They haven't over the years, but this year they've definitely been a better road team. I don't know the reason why.
efm: What has Kolb shown to make anyone think he can play in the NFL?
Bob Brookover: The answer is nothing. He also hasn't done anything that makes you think he can't play in the NFL. He hasn't played period. There's no way of knowing anything about a guy's ability until he starts playing.
Mike: On the return game: Do you think the Eagles might go after a speedy WR in the draft (like a Ted Ginn) to return kicks and see regular playing time?
fm: What has Kolb shown to make anyone think he can play in the NFL?
Bob Brookover: I think it's a good idea. Just look at the impact Hester has had in Chicago. I don't think there's another Hester out there, but having a good return game has such an impact.
Wingo: Anything new with McNabb today? Hard to believe a guy who once played an entire half with a broken ankle is taking this long to come back from something far less significant.
Bob Brookover: I answered the first part Wingo, but I think it's important to remember that after playing on that broken leg, he missed the remainder of the regular season. It's also important to remember that he was only one year removed from major surgery on his right knee when he suffered the ankle injury. That could definitely factor into any decision about putting him out there.
Jimmy: What are the top 3 positions the Eagles need to address this offseason? Are there starters that need to be found or is it added depth?
Bob Brookover: I think they could use some help at wide receiver and they certainly need some young depth in the secondary at both safety and cornerback. With Spikes entering the last year of his contract, a linebacker isn't a bad idea either.
ken pierce: did you notice best people eagles had like jeff garcia is doing great with tampa bay and terrel owens is doing great with cowboys,eagles get rid of best players,andy reid and donovan mcnabb should be let go there hurting eagles winning games
Bob Brookover: I did see that Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens are playing well. Could Garcia have done better than A.J. against New England? Is it possible Feeley could have done the same thing as Garcia last year? I don't know the answer, but neither does anyone else. The Eagles had no problem with T.O.'s ability. They correctly thought he had become a disruptive force.
Brandon: To answer, your question, I would have been very pleased if McNabb had made the same quick reads and accurate throws as Feeley did, even if he had thrown the interception at the end. Of course, McNabb has never and will never be able to make the same reads/throws.
Bob Brookover: Did McNabb play a similar game to Feeley in that Super Bowl against the Patriots? The answer is yes and he was still blamed for the loss. Did McNabb have some great seasons with the Eagles? Yes. Everybody always loves the backup quarterback, but it's not as easy when your job is to play all 16 games year after year.
Joe: In the Patriots game, I was surprised by the Greg Lewis who thrived and shined on the field. Another long lost receiver Hank Baskett also appeared. Why do these guys drop off the radar on offense for long periods? Are they still fitting into the system, or simply under-utilized?
Bob Brookover: That's a good question Joe. Lewis has been invisible most of the last two seasons with the exception of Sunday night and last year against the Packers. I think the Eagles should get Baskett more involved. This offense is supposed to be about spreading the football and it hasn't happened as much this year.
Jack from Seattle: Comments: 1. Almost all NFL teams are "inconsistent", Demonstrates the result of Bert Bell's "on any given Sunday, anyone can win". Salary cap effects depth, and injuries then effect consistency. Just one more reason to measure heart and find "gamers". 2. Until our young guns on the o-line learn to run block, Seattle is a more dangerous team with Morris. Lack of skill position size in the red zone is an issue. 3. Seattle is 2 and 3 on the road. They could easily be 4 and 1 and be considered elite, but they are the same inconsistent team on the road - regardless of the Won-loss result. 5. With Matt Hasselbeck Seattle is a 10 and 6 team. Without him they are a 6 and 10 team. Without Josh Brown also, that drops to 4 and 12. They are 3 and 0 without Alexander.
Bob Brookover: Thanks for the Seahawks scouting report Jack.
Larry's Boy: What are we to make of Reggie Brown nine games into in what was supposed to be his breakout season? Do you think he will ever be a legitimate number one receiver. Is he a legitimate number two?
Bob Brookover: Reggie has had a disappointing season so far. I think he needs to show some more toughness, but I still think he is a guy who can help your team win.
Jimmy: Are Runyan and Thomas signed for the near future? Can Justice overcome that Giants performance and be a starter?
Bob Brookover: Runyan and Tra are signed through next season. The next time Winston Justice starts, it's going to be fascinating to watch.
Terry: Was I the only one who thought during the game that if McNabb had so many passes that receivers had to dive and slide for, making it impossible for them to run after the catch, he would have have been vilified? more over, McNabb had a better game this SEASON (Lions) than Feeley has ever had in his career. maybe when brian westbrook calls McNabb "superman" we should listen.
Bob Brookover: Terry, those are good points. I think A.J. did a terrific job actually, but it's much easier to have one good game than it is to have a good season or a series of good seasons.
Larry's Boy: Chris Gocong appears to be turning a corner in his development. Do you expect him to emerge as more of an impact player now that he has gained confidence and the trust of Jim Johnson?
Bob Brookover: I like Gocong's speed, intelligence and football instincts. I think he's going to get better the more he plays.
Steve: Despite what Hugh Douglas said on the Eagles Pre-Game show J.R. Reed played a pretty solid game...Do you see him continuing to have positive play in the secondary?
Bob Brookover: I don't know what Hugh said so I won't comment on that, but Reed played a really solid game. I still think the Eagles are better off with Mikell at strong safety, but J.R. is going to get another chance to start Sunday.
ken pierce: keep aj feely,if bring mcnabb back then eagles will go nowhere hes the worst quarterback in the nfl
Bob Brookover: ken, I can honestly say you have an opinion.
Don/University City: If we think we've got a controversy now (Andy notwithstanding), how about next week if Feeley goes out and has a real good win Sunday? With the playoffs on the line, shouldn't Reid be more flexible?
Bob Brookover: If your scenario plays out, it's going to be incredibly interesting to see the coach's next move and comments.
Chuck: Reid has now been Head Coach for almost 10 years and many a coach say that after a number of years the team has heard everything he has to say -it is now time to re-group and make another run in the next two to three years. Finally, lets start spending the money it takes to WIN and not skimp in certain areas of the team - re-evaluate the budget they created for each position and see if what they estimated is providing the results they want for the dollars they want to spend. I think they need to spend more, not their whole budget, because I know they like to lock in growing talent after a few years under thier first deal, but they could spend more and everyone knows it, including them!!
Bob Brookover: The one thing I agree with is that the Eagles might want to re-evaluate how they spend their money. I think paying for a stud wide receiver is a good idea in this offense after what we've seen from Moss in New England.
Bob Brookover: Folks, I have to go. The Andy Reid news conference is about to begin. Thanks and we'll talk next week.
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