Comparing the '09 and 2010 Eagles
Is the Eagles' offense operating better this season without Donovan McNabb? The numbers might surprise you. Here's a look at the 2009 version and the 2010 version.
It's amazing how similar the numbers are, huh? Here are some more:
Let's start with the passing defense. The Eagles are allowing exactly the same yards per attempt as last season, but opposing quarterbacks are completing 55.9 percent of their attempts, compared to 61.0 percent last season. The defense is on pace for 26 interceptions, which would be one more than '09, but they're on pace to allow one more touchdown through the air also. In other words, the numbers are very similar.
Sacks are up slightly, and the run defense is nearly identical in terms of yards per carry.
Like on offense, third down stands out. But not in a good way here. The Eagles allowed opposing offenses to convert on 33 percent of their third-down chances last season, which was second-best in the league. This year, the 'D' is having more trouble getting off the field, allowing offenses to convert on 39.8 percent of those attempts, 20th in the NFL.
Of course, the Birds are only at the midpoint of the season, and much can change in the next two months. Much has changed in the last few weeks alone with the improvement against the run.
The second half begins with tonight's matchup against the Redskins. As always, I'll be live chatting the game so join me around 8:15 p.m.
And if you missed it, I took a look yesterday at what the Giants' loss means to the Eagles and the NFC East. Also, over the weekend, I posted on who's picking the Eagles and offered up my midseason awards.