What about the running game?
Correll Buckhalter (medial collateral ligament) said he would not be able to play Thursday but hopes to be ready for the next game, Dec. 7 at the Giants. Brian Westbrook (knee and ankle) also sat out Monday's practice. It's clear Westbrook is limited, but Andy Reid said Westbrook can't make his injuries worse by playing on them, and can still be useful.
What about the running game?
Daily News staff
With all the appropriate attention on the Eagles quarterback situation, the news on the running backs fell a bit under the radar.
Correll Buckhalter (medial collateral ligament) said he would not be able to play Thursday but hopes to be ready for the next game, Dec. 7 at the Giants.
Brian Westbrook (knee and ankle) also sat out Monday’s practice. It’s clear Westbrook is limited, but Andy Reid said Westbrook can’t make his injuries worse by playing on them, and can still be useful.
“There’s certain things he can do and do well, and we just have to utilize him in those areas,” Reid said.
Reid said Lorenzo Booker and possibly extra fullback Kyle Eckel will be activated. Booker has been inactive three games in a row and has only 16 carries (for 32 yards) this season.
“I think he’ll be OK,” Reid said, when asked about Booker’s inactivity. “Protection was the main thing [Booker struggled with], and that’s what he’s worked on. I think he’ll be all right there.”
A limited Westbrook and no Buckhalter won't make life easier for Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb or anyone else for that matter, assuming the Eagles' offensive coaches want to run the ball at some point.
The Eagles ran the ball 21 times and threw it 41 against the Ravens. That works out to 32.8 percent run and 64 percent pass (along with two sacks). For the season, the Birds are running it 36.6 percent and throwing it 60.9 percent.
Those pass percentages are higher than the percentages in each of the last two seasons. In 2007, the totals were 40.2 percent run, 55.1 percent pass. In 2006, the totals were 42.1 percent run and 55 percent pass.
Also, consider the play calls made over the last two weeks on third down. Against Cincinnati, the Eagles were 3 for 18 on third down, with all 18 as pass plays. Against Baltimore, the Eagles were 3 for 12 on third down with 11 of them as pass plays.
Overall, the Eagles are 26th in the NFL in rushing at 94.5 yards per game.
Get rid of Dr. Frankenreid...keep McNabb and give him some people who can help..moat importantly like a top flight tight end...not the invisible man, LJ Smith...rework the O line as needed...and most important insert a rational running game...get some runners who can get the job done...a stud receiver would be nice...after that, I bet the D would play even better and they aren't that bad as it is...but it all starts with keeping Mr.#5 and canning Mr.#355(lbs)...— jachanin- I just have to laugh b/c the same people who were for paying Westbrook for what he is really worth, are now calling him soft and overpaid...— phigglesfan75
- "A limited Westbrook and no Buckhalter won't make life easier for Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb or anyone else for that matter, assuming the Eagles' offensive coaches want to run the ball at some point." Summed up perfectly. Signing Alexander (knows WCO) for a game or two actually not a bad idea. At Washed Up, he could still be the best back on the field Thursday. "Fire Andy and Marty, trade Donovan and Westbrook and start completely over." Now this a bad idea. The roster is actually in good shape, it's not a tear-down that's needed. "Overall, the Eagles are 26th in the NFL in rushing at 94.5 yards per game." Teams 27-32 should instantly have their offensive coordinators fired. Preposterous that this team runs better than six others.— D3Keith
- it would be nice if hanksperka would stop signing his posts. his comments are always terrible, and they include a stupid -hs at the end. He's probably old and doesn't understand the newfangled internetz.— falese
Comment removed.- stop complaining just need a healthy westbrook!— billgfc
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- have Kleco run the ball... all day and just beat up on the cards.. why not??? the season is over before december again!— osi is hurt boohoo
- What about what running game? Everyone scoffs at Andy's personnel decisions but no one gives him credit for this brilliant move. He's just assuring he has an explanation for this week's throw throw throw debacle. In the post-game news conference Andy will explain (just after the cliche "I've got to put them in better position.." line ) that the 75/20/5 play calling ratio (pass/run/opposing defense's TDs) was really forced on him by injuries and the lack of healthy running backs. ugh. Let's go Flyers!— raoool
Lets just lose out, and hope that Carolina does the same so we can have 2 decent 1st round picks...sorry, what was I thinking. They'll just get traded for seconds or thirds. Fire Andy and Marty, trade Donovan and Westbrook and start completely over. Thank God for the Phillies.- Comment removed.
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- dreinterests- we should have kept Hunt- he was so good that no other team in the NFL picked him up.— ilario
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- Should never have gotten Booker, kept Hunt and a fullback.— dreinterests
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