Eagles' defense finally wins one
Eagles 26, Dolphins 10
Eagles' defense finally wins one
Rich Hofmann, Daily News Sports Columnist
MIAMI -- In the absence of several lightning strikes, the Eagles’ 26-10 win Sunday over the Dolphins was pretty much the working definition of meaningless as far as the 2011 playoffs are concerned. In a broader sense, though, there will continue to be a debate.
For the Fire Andy people, this was a win/win situation. To go on the road and win a game against a Miami team that had won four games out of five will be viewed as a waste of talent and of opportunity; of course they show up when it doesn’t matter anymore in the standings. Then again, if the Eagles had rolled over and lost, they would have been labeled as quitters. But the thing is, you get to play it both ways if you control the conversation, which the Fire Andy people currently do.
For everyone else, though, there is an ongoing search for something that might suggest that the overall evaluation of this 5-8 team’s talent was not entirely incorrect. To completely implode here would suggest the need for a massive overhaul of the roster. It is why these games do matter.
And, against the Dolphins, what we saw was an Eagles defense that played much closer to its supposed capabilities. On short-yardage, there were a half-dozen plays when the Eagles stuffed Miami running backs for little or no gain. In passing rushing situations, the Eagles recorded nine sacks -- three for Jason Babin, giving him 15 for the season, and three for Trent Cole -- and a safety.
Overall, one Eagles touchdown was the direct result of an interception by Kurt Coleman and a return to the 1-yard line. A field goal came after Asante Samuel -- no, this is not a misprint -- forced a Miami fumble and then recovered it. Another touchdown drive began after Babin sacked Miami quarterback Matt Moore and forced a fumble. And then there was the safety in the fourth quarter. In all, the defense helped to set up 19 of the Eagles' 26 points.
On offense, Michael Vick came back after missing three games with broken ribs and had a pretty quiet afternoon overall: 15-for-30 for 208 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The touchdown was a 34-yard pass to DeSean Jackson, which gave Jackson only his third TD of the season. The running game, too, was quiet. LeSean McCoy did get two touchdowns and he did carry the ball 27 times, but he had only 38 rushing yards.
The Eagles' defense really did win this one.
Longer than you've been alive Petie. I've been waiting since 1961 for a championship. I started following the Eagles when I was in second grade. I will be turning 60 and I'm still waiting to see a parade pal.— schnitzelboy- @4thand10, you really expected them to give up on vick, when they invested 40 mill guaranteed in him? And for those who are rooting for this team to lose, you might as well not be a fan. This fanbase really expects them to roll over and die, like pride doesn't matter. Like being the laughing stock of the league after such an insane spending spree this summer. They most likely aren't going to the playoffs, but I want to seem them finish strong. I see 6 and 10 or 7-9 as a likely finish.— Omorales510
- The only the second time this season, the defense showed some heart. But, this is all for nothing because this defense can never play like this for the next 3 games. However, I have a feeling that they might have saved Andy his job.— therock0829
- Omorales - I want a SB. You have to have a strategy. We need better players. Can we win the SB with the QB ranked #20? Don't think so.— 4thand10
- This was Andy's Xmas gift, Miami were clueless. Hard to see this team holding the Jets run game next week - Reggie Bush looked like Jermoe Bettis against our LBs, and O line couldn't handle the Dolphin DLine. O play calling has to discover a quick passing game real fast if they keep trying to run out of a spread formation. What was that throw on a punt return?— GHem
- do you guys even watch football? The Packers got in the playoffs (with a LOT of help) on the last game of the season last year. I'm not saying the birds are SB bound, but they get paid to WIN!...the minute you plan to lose you become a loser...— ziggy
- mixed emotions on this one. Helps AR keep his job (rats!) but it also shows the defense at least is playing with heart. Is that Juan's doing? (rats again!)
Jets at home, then Skins and Boys on the road. Can they win out? maybe. Will I be happy if they do? I dunno.— rad205 - A win is a win. I'll take it.— tpizza
- a win is a win...and the Eagles 5-8 record is awful..Go Dream Team....LOL.— frank105
- Had to go out to a Christmas Concert as the second half started. LOkks like I didn't miss very much!!!!!— atp2007
- Yes, the deck chairs will look much nicer this way for their trip to the bottom of the Atlantic.— 2ndNlong
- Frank105 i wish you would go to some other site you are not a real eagles fan so find a team you can like and stop being so miserable.....good win by the eagles no one picked them to win this week it may be too little too late but i feel better after a win— positive eagle
- Frank105 i wish you would go to some other site you are not a real eagles fan so find a team you can like and stop being so miserable.....good win by the eagles no one picked them to win this week it may be too little too late but i feel better after a win— positive eagle
- they're still absolutely terrible— Ryan
- Highlight of my day is watching Angry Greg at PJ's looking at Meredith Marakovits prized TaTa's— Drew777
