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.
Comparing the '09 and 2010 Eagles
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
For much of the 2009 season, the Eagles leaned on their offense.
In their 11 wins, the Birds averaged nearly 33 points per game, and they finished the year averaging 26.8 points per game, fifth-best in the NFL
But in the back-to-back losses to the Cowboys in Week 17 and in the wild-card round, the Eagles managed just 14 points - total. And, well, you know what happened after that. Donovan McNabb was shipped off to Washington, Kevin Kolb was groomed as his successor, and yada, yada, yada... Michael Vick's name is being mentioned in MVP discussions ("I mentioned the bisque...").
So today, as Vick and the Eagles prepare to take on McNabb and the Redskins, I wanted to take a look at how this year's offense with Vick and Kolb compares to last year's offense with McNabb. Let's start with the basics. The numbers in parentheses indicate league-wide rank.
| YPG | PPG | Passing YPG | Rushing YPG | |
| 2009 | 357.9 (11th) | 26.8 (5th) | 255.6 (10th) | 102.3 (22nd) |
| 2010 | 376.3 (4th) | 24.8 (8th) | 238.8 (11th) | 137.5 (5th) |
The Eagles are better in yards per game, but down in points. The passing yardage is down, and the rushing yardage is up.
Part of that can be attributed to LeSean McCoy's improvement, but a big part is what the Eagles are getting from Vick's legs, and what they're getting from receivers on running plays.
On average, the offense is getting 53.75 yards per game on the ground from its quarterbacks/wide receivers. Last year, that number was just 22.4. The runs have been more effective this year, as the Eagles are averaging 5.1 yards per carry, which is tied for first in the NFL. Last year, they averaged 4.3, 14th in the league.
Here's a closer look at the passing numbers:
| Comp. % | YPA | Sacks/g. | YAC/reception | |
| 2009 | 60.6 (18th) | 7.9 (8th) | 2.38 | 4.81 |
| 2010 | 62.2 (15th) | 7.4 (8th) | 3.0 | 5.61 |
The completion percentage is up slightly this season, but the yards per attempt is down slightly. Both offenses ranked eighth league-wide in YPA, indicating that both were explosive and effective with big plays in the passing game.
For that last column (YAC/reception), I just took overall yards after the catch and divided by total number of completions. Initially, it looks like the Eagles are up in YAC this season, but that number is deceiving when you take a closer look.
48.7 percent of the Eagles' YAC this year is from running backs. In other words, the yards have come on plays where McCoy or another back made a catch near the line of scrimmage and took off. The number doesn't really speak to the timing of the offense and the theory that the QBs should be hitting receivers on intermediate routes and allowing them to make plays.
Here's the YAC/reception for the Eagles' top three wide receivers and Brent Celek:
| 2009 | 2010 | |
| DeSean Jackson | 6.54 | 5.77 |
| Jeremy Maclin | 4.36 | 3.38 |
| Brent Celek | 5.54 | 5.14 |
| Jason Avant | 4.88 | 3.96 |
As you can see, the numbers are down across the board for the wide receivers and tight ends.
If you're looking for a number that points to the 2010 version of the Eagles' offense being better than the 2009 version, it's probably third-down efficiency. The Eagles are better-suited to sustain drives because they are converting on 42.5 percent of their third-down chances, which is seventh-best in the league. As I mentioned in Saturday's post, much of the credit for third-down success goes to Vick. He's completing 61.8 percent of his passes and averaging 11.68 yards per attempt on third down.
In '09, the Eagles converted on 36.2 percent of third-down chances, which was 23rd.
The things that have stayed the same on offense this year: spread the ball around, hit on big plays downfield and don't turn it over.
The things that are different: a more dangerous run game, better third-down efficiency and the Vick factor, which points to his ability to make a big play with his arm or his legs from any place on the field at any time.
COMPARING THE DEFENSES
Here is how the 2010 defense compares to the '09 version:
| YPG | PPG | Passing YPG | Rushing YPG | |
| 2009 | 321.1 (12th) | 21.1 (19th) | 216.4 (17th) | 104.7 (9th) |
| 2010 | 318.8 (12th) | 22.6 (20th) | 214.9 (14th) | 103.9 (13th) |
It's amazing how similar the numbers are, huh? Here are some more:
| YPA | YPC | Passer Rating | 3rd Down% | Sacks/g. | |
| 2009 | 6.5 (6th) | 4.1 (11th) | 77.6 (11th) | 33.0 (2nd) | 2.75 |
| 2010 | 6.5 (6th) | 3.9 (12th) | 73.3 (4th) | 39.8 (20th) | 3.0 |
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.
Eagles now have over 50 pts. I think I they made my point.— watsonmr- We are not as good at air guitar...— Theo1980
- The Eagles are better as a team. There are more drives, less 3 and outs. Longer drives mean clock is moving, and the defense has more time to rest. This defense is less talented than the Trotter, Dawkins years, but they are benefitting from less 3 and outs. Look, they beat the Colts for the first time with Peyton, and part of that was keeping Peyton off the field, which longer drives do, better clock management, less 3 and outs, increased possibility to win games.— watsonmr
- tpizza,
Yes, I am extrapolating just as the author did. I think that's the point of the article... But beyond that, if your contention is that the Eagles of last year beat winning or good teams on the caliber of the Colts and Falcons of this year, I would submit that you are very clearly wrong. But as an unabashed McNabb apologist, I am sure reality is checked at the door.— daner92 
daner92, weren't the Giants [twice] and the Broncos [and without checking possibly others]+.500 when they played the Eagles? So the fact that the Eagles beat them and made them .500 teams is being held against McNabb? Curious logic there. Just trying to keep things straight.— tpizza- Irony is that all Eagles fans do is whine and cry, and then criticize McNabb for being immature. Get real. The real loser is in the mirror.— tbone pickins
Comment removed.- If Vick stays healthy and playing at the level he is, yes....
- Would anybody be surprised that Mac has a great game after his $78 mil steal from the Skins? I would not. The D better rush him off his new found legs.— Koons
The only thing better about this offense is Vick, and that's because he can do what #5 used to do and that's beat you with his arm and his legs. We basically inserted the old McNabb w/a little better accuracy into this current offense. Which tells me if McNabb had this kind of offense his first 6 years we probably would have won a SB by now. Birds Win tonight 27-17 GO BIRDS!!!— Big#5- I think its pretty obvious that if you look at the numbers no the offense is not really better without McNabb. Its pretty much the same over-all. Better with Vick but worse with Kolb. McCoy is a much better runner this year I don't think its fair at all to try to attribute his improved year to the quarterback change.— brannigan73
- So, the Deadskins just re-upped Donowhine for 5 yrs, $78M eh? SO WHAT? Is this a pitch to get him on the Deadskins page because of the benching? SO WHAT? Will this motivate McSagg for tonight's game? I don't see how it would'nt. Makes no difference! Mike Vick will do his thing and the Deadskins with the all-of-a-sudden-moneyman-Donowhine will STILL LOSE to the Eagles tonight! Go Eagles!!!! Mike Vick is way better for the Eagles than McNagg!!! GO MIKE VICK GO!
- yea 5-3 is almost .500 Much like like his .615 winning % almost .500 there too. If only he would lose 45 in a row he would be .500. You are one strange hater, dude.
uh Cspangler..Reid hand picked Marty to tbe the OC because he does what Reid wants. he calls 60% garbage passing plays, if you look at the pass percentage it is EXACTLY the same whether Reid is the official playcaller for the game or not, he is charting out every play, he picks every play they run to start the game with the scripted plays, and he makes every critical 4th and short and goalline decision. Reid calls the plays. Marty just goes along with what Reid wnats. there is no difference. the both of them, Neither one WILL EVER WIN A SB. how did Marty do as a head coach. you think hes gonna win one ? Reid is .200 percent in championship games and .00 in superbowls...cowboys just fired wade and all of a sudden , big difference against a good team..well reid is not 1-7 , he is about .500 but he wont ever get over that hump, that he is bad against the best teams in the playoffs. Until a change is made there will be no superbowl. Maybe you are insane I dont know.- for how bad the redskins D is ranked, they sure are fast and create a lot of turnovers. Vick needs to play smart and this should be a win. Home field and a bye should help skins but I still think we should dominate both sides of the ball. Still prob a typical NFC east win by a FG game.— peteike
- voytas got it RIGHT although left out vomiting and clock management and oh yeah rules regarding tie games!— george22
- Different players, same coaching staff, same problems in the Red Zone. The running game has to improve, running is part of Vick's game but we need to focus on running the football, with draw plays. Good old fashioned smash mouth football. Nearly all of the teams that have won superbowl's have done it because they can run the football and control the clock. I wonder if Reid will remember this in next year's draft, draft a O-lineman you fool.— bobf876
- we have to hang in there tonite as Mcnabb will run outta gas— Onlineps2beast
- Hey Charlie I guess the fact that Marty calls the plays isnt gonna stop you from a ridiculous rant. Dont let any facts get in your way.
- the team is now vomit free...unfortunately Reids playcalling is still terrible and its only a matter of time before he cant hold down his cheesesteaks on the sideline....if I had to run his crappy offense for 5 years I would be vomiting too. REID and MCNABB will NEVER WIN THE SB. THE BOTH OF THEM. EVER.
- Hey SK, you are missing the stat that over half their games this year, they have won the time of possession battle (5 already, I believe) whereas last year they won 6 (5 with McNabb, 1 with Kolb)... that was one of the biggest reasons the D was so banged up and unable to do anything the last couple of weeks.— Clt Philly Fan
- I'd like to see these same stats, but with only Vick's contribution (not Kolb's skewing the results).
- The problem with the comparison is you have separate the Kolb offense from the Vick offense for 2010— sbdons1982
- Comment removed.
daner92 -- and what you said makes this the better team- Given the problems the Eagles have had with the O-line the first 8 games this year compared to last, they had to make it up elsewhere to get to where they are about even with last year. The bulk of that improvement goes to the QB position with McCoy improving his overall play from last year. Maclin appears to have improved a bit as well.— borntosuffer
- Here's the only pertinent stat - Record versus >.500 teams -
2009: 1-4 (lone win against 9-7 Atl without Matt Ryan)
2010: 3-2
— daner92 - Yes they are better----even with BIG BUBBA's favorite bunk mate at the helm--sorry to say.— jwatson
- Nice work but I agree, there are too many variables to factor in to really be able to make an effective comparison. Here is what we do know, the offense seems generally more energized with Vick running the show. We also get those big plays Mc5 use to get us with the legs. We haven't seen them past couple years b/c Mc5 was fading. That said, the offense still has red zone troubles but that is systemic in my opinion (i.e. not necessarily a QB issue) and something Reid and Co. have traditionally struggled with.— DennyP
- The simple fact that I don't have to look at smilie the clown after every incompletion, interception, low throw, behind throw, inaccurate throw and have to deal with his whining like I would a three year old alone makes the offense better.— Voytas
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