Eagles-Niners: Second Take
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Eagles-Niners: Second Take
Paul Domowitch
Some day-after observations after reviewing the tape of the Eagles’ 27-13 win over the 49ers:
After-Thoughts
* Asante Samuel does a lot of gambling, or, perhaps more accurately, anticipating. We saw that again in the second quarter Sunday when he left his own man (Jason Hill) and jumped an underneath out route by Niners tight end Vernon Davis and registered his eighth interception of the season. He did the same thing against the Redskins late last month on one of his two interceptions in that game.
"He’s got tremendous instincts and he watches film and he gets what he needs to get out of the film to be successful,’’ Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said after the game. ``My hat goes off to him. He’s a tremendously gifted player.’’
Occasionally, Samuel’s instincts are wrong and he gets burned, and it’s left for a safety to try and clean up the mess. But he’s been right far more often than he’s been wrong.
* It’s not going to happen because it’s just not the way the Eagles do things. But if I were Jeff Lurie, I’d instruct Joe Banner to tear up Sheldon Brown’s contract after the season and give him a new deal.
Yes, I know he’s the one who signed that outdated long-term deal five years ago, and yes, I know that he’s going to be 31 in March and probably only has a couple of good years left. But the guy’s been an absolutely inspirational player for the defense this season, and his career-high 5 interceptions have been just a small part of it.
I’m talking about his willingness to play through a torn hamstring that would have sidelined 99.9 percent of the league’s corners for at least two games. I’m talking about his forced fumble Sunday that saved Andy Reid’s bacon after the coach’s curious decision to go for it on fourth-and-1 at his own 29. I’m talking about him hurting his ankle late in the third quarter, limping off, getting it taped, then returning to the game 3 plays later.
In the NFL, you’re paid for tomorrow rather than yesterday and today. But every now and then, you’ve got to make an exception. This guy is the exception. He put his unhappiness with his contract aside this season and played as hard and as well as if he were the highest paid player on the team.
* Niners safety Michael Lewis was benched his last year in Philadelphia because he became a liability in coverage, and as he proved Sunday, that’s still his Achilles heel. He’s terrific as an in-the-box safety, but doesn’t have the speed or instincts to cut it in the passing game. Why he was playing so close to the line of scrimmage on McNabb’s third-quarter overthrow of Jackson and his 59-yard fourth-quarter completion to Jackson, God only knows. Jackson blew by him both times like he was standing still.
McNabb’s Day
It wasn’t one of the quarterback’s better days. He threw two picks for just the second time this season and his 72.2 passer rating was his third lowest in 12 starts. It was McNabb’s lowest complete-game passer rating in an Eagles victory since October 23, 2005, when he had a 69.0 rating in a 20-17 win over the Chargers. That doesn’t include his 0.4 rating in a win over the Dolphins in ’07 that he was knocked out of early with ankle and thumb injuries.
McNabb also overthrew a wide-open DeSean Jackson on a deep pass in the third quarter that should’ve been a touchdown.
That said, he did make some nice plays, particularly his 19-yard touchdown pass to Jackson on the Eagles’ first possession and a 59-yard completion to Jackson early in the fourth quarter that set up the Eagles’ final touchdown.
Other McNabb factoids
* He was 4-for-8 in the red zone, including the TD toss to Jackson. He’s got just a .437 completion percentage in the red zone this season (21-for-48), but hasn’t thrown a red-zone interception yet. The line of scrimmage on that end-zone interception in the second quarter Sunday was the San Francisco 29.
* McNabb threw two interceptions for just the second time this season. The other time was the Dallas loss. Since 2004, McNabb has just 10 multiple-interception games in 76 regular-season starts.
While I’m on the subject of McNabb, I wanted to give him a thumbs up for his Christmas charity event on Saturday. Despite the snowstorm, McNabb bused more than a hundred homeless children to a local Wal-Mart and let them each select $150 to $200 worth of Christmas presents for their families. The children were then bused over to Chickie’s and Pete’s in South Philly, where they wrapped their gifts and had a party.
Did You Notice?
* Vernon Davis caught a 19-yard pass from Alex Smith on the Niners’ third offensive play of the game. The tight end would catch just 2 more passes (for 24 yards) the rest of the game.
* Cornerback Dimitri Patterson had a good game. Broke up a couple of passes, including a third-and-four throw to Jason Hill on the Niners’ first possession that forced San Francisco to kick a field goal.
* The Eagles opened their second possession with a spread-option look, even though McNabb was at quarterback rather than Michael Vick. Lining up in the shotgun, McNabb handed the ball off to LeSean McCoy, but carried out an option fake to the left. McCoy gained five yards on the play.
* For just the second time this season, McNabb wasn’t sacked. But the Niners did manage to get a lot of push up the middle, particularly early in the game, forcing McNabb out of the pocket.
* Sean McDermott sent Joselio Hanson on at least a half-dozen blitzes Sunday. The first one was on Quintin Mikell’s first-quarter interception. The Niners picked it up and had a very favorable matchup, with defensive end Juqua Parker dropping off into coverage and trying – unsuccessfully – to cover Vernon Davis on a post route. But Mikell made a nice play, flying over from the right side of the field to pick off the pass.
* The nice blitz-pickup by LeSean McCoy on a play early in the second quarter.
* McNabb and his line continue to have problems with batted balls. The Niners tipped two Sunday.
* On Tracy White’s interception just before the half, White and Trent Cole both faked `A’ gap blitzes, then backed out into coverage. Smith was in the grasp of Juqua Parker and tried to dump the ball off to running back Frank Gore, but overthrew him and it went right to White.
* If Leonard Weaver hadn’t been jawing with Ahmad Brooks at the end of the first half, McNabb would’ve been able to spike the ball with 10 seconds left, which would have allowed them to run one more play before having to settle for an Akers field goal.
* Samuel’s poor tackle attempt on Josh Morgan on a third-down play early in the third quarter. If Samuel had executed the tackle, Morgan would’ve been short of the first down and Niners kicker Joe Nedney would’ve had a difficult 52-yard field goal attempt. Instead, Morgan broke free for a 22-yard gain and Nedney eventually booted a gimme 26-yarder. To his credit, Samuel prevented Morgan from picking up a first down on a third-and-7 play later in the drive with a big lick, though he lucked out a little on that one. He hit Morgan with a helmet-to-helmet shot without ever bothering to wrap him up. But the hit was hard enough to knock Morgan down.
Numbers Crunching
* Asante Samuel’s eight interceptions are the most by a player in the Andy Reid era. He had been tied with Troy Vincent, who had 7 in 1999.
* The Eagles converted of three of five red-zone opportunities into touchdowns Sunday against a Niner defense that had been ranked third in the league in the red-zone. Eagles have converted eight of their last 12 red-zone trips into touchdowns. In their 10 wins, they are 19-for-33 in the red-zone. In their four losses: 4-for-13.
* DeSean Jackson’s 19-yard TD catch from McNabb was his first red-zone reception of the season. Tight end Brent Celek has been the Eagles’ top red-zone receiver, catching 10 passes, 6 for touchdowns. Jason Avant is second with 9 catches and 2 TDs. Nobody else has more than 4 catches in the red zone.
* The Eagles 94-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter was the longest of the season. It’s the fourth straight game the Eagles have had at least one 80-plus-yard touchdown drive.
* The Eagles were 0-for-2 in goal-to-go situations, settling for David Akers field goals both times. They had converted 5 of 6 goal-to-gos in the previous 2 games. For the season, they are 16-for-26 in goal-to-go situations.
* The Eagles have allowed fewer than two sacks in a game just four times this season, including Sunday when the line pitched just its second shutout of the year. They gave up just one the week before in the win over the Giants and have allowed just five in the last four games.
*
To read our earlier report from Andy Reid's news conference, click here.
I think the Walmart trip should not be a headline. Maybe it shouldn't be mentioned at all. The McNabb haters will never get it so it's not worth mentioning and knowing what kind of guy McNabb is, he probably doesn't want it all over the place every time he does something like that. He'd do it even if nobody knows about it. Hate to jeopardize that sort of thing. No matter what he does going forward, he's in my HOF already.— RichieAllen64- Sheldon has proven his worth, wether it produces any revenue for him is another thing, guess we'll have to wait and see, just sayin'...— DJ
- I think all the intelligent fans have stopped reading and posting on this medium.. I am beginning to also feel a waste of time with all these ignorant saboteurs that come on line. I believe the columns are designed to promote stupidanage. It sells— aden
Comment removed.- Giants look as if they will destroy the Vikings in the final weekend of the regular season..— mongoS
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I was not impressed by the Eagles win, other than they won despite some mistakes. Fighting for playoffs, Dallas has a better defense. Dallas always loses in Dec? I'm not buying it. After all, a few years back Tampa Bay couldn't win in cold weather. The Giants are not finished. The Giants take weeks off but played well against Washington. Skins, don't tank we need you to beat Dallas.— road515- When McNabb turned around and saw Weaver jawing with a 49er on the Eagles side of the line of scrimmage, why didn't he just spike the ball, take the offsetting penalties and save the clock? Even if you mistakenly thought you were going to have to eat the 5 yards, who cares? It's a chip shot FG regardless. Snap the ball, save some clock and take a shot at the endzone.— Ollie Brown
- defense is still suspect. there is no pash rush outside of cole and he just gets double teamed.— xlGmanlx
- Let's see,Asante Samuel has 8 INTS.,but hits like a little girl,like saying Dave Kingman had 40 Homers,but hit.190.Mike Patterson has 0.5 sacks,and is still a midget.McNabb still throws like a QB who pumped himself up with weights,because he's scared to get hit,and still throws like 1 that benches 450,with no touch.Jamaal Jackson is still the Michelin Man and gets blown into the backfield most plays,but we always have HOPE,HIGH HOPES!!!!— MJOLLNIR HAMMER
- Sheldon Brown has earned the right to talk about a new contract. Pay the man. Some more. Please let him stay in Eagles green.— hallux
- Sheldon Brown has earned the right to talk about a new contract. Pay the man. Some more. Please let him stay in Eagles green.— hallux
- definately agree sheldon brown needs a new contract. he has left his heart and soul on the field for the team and all us fans— moremaui
Once again, as somebody who has freely criticized McNabb for coming up small in big situations, I acknowledge that he has played well the latter part of this year. Against the 9ers he was good enough, and the comparison with Alex Smith was stark. If McNabb can keep doing it through the playoffs, I'll be willing to revise my opinion and admit I was wrong about him. But Andy should also admit he was wrong downplaying the running game for so long.- can't agree with this writer about reworking sheldon brown's contract. at 31 closer to 32 and with players lide d. patterson availible that's not going to happen. no doubt brown comes to play but that's why they pay him. now maybe if brown gave back the 9m dollar bonus something could happen. as ray rhodes use to say, "it's bes en nuss, just business".— JACK V
- Sheldon Brown's been the most under rated player on this defense since he was drafted. I remember went they went to the super bowl Belichek commented that he thought Brown was the best DB on the Eagles and that was the year all three other DB's went to the pro bowl.— thefadd
- The team won by two touchdowns when the QB didn't have his A game. Yet people only focus on the negative. Ask the Cardinals if the 49ers are a bunch of chumps. Plus when it counted and they needed another late game drive, the offense delivered.— tbone pickins
- Definately agree that Brown should be rewarded if he keeps up this level of play through the end of the season and is healthy. I thought McNabb played very well watching the game. The stats don't tell the whole story. He did try to stick a few into tight coverage but I don't have an issue with him taking some shots at the point of the game that he did and with how the defense was playing. Anyway, lots of offensive weapons but they aren't quite a fine tuned machine. If they want to set themselves up for a legitimate run at the Super Bowl, each player needs to really be prepared and execute consistantly. It's very tough to win out in the playoffs against increasing better teams if you aren't consistant. They'll have less chances to make plays and they can't blow any because someone made a "mental" mistake. You get out of it what you put into it. You want to be Super Bowl champs put in a Super Bowl champion effort. Otherwise, what's the point?— MikeP
- I have always been a McNaab fan and continue to wear his jersey! QB's make dumb mistakes all the time. Its not westbrook's fault that he got a knee to the head... he deserved the pay. Sheldon should get a bonus, so that younger players see that their is some loyalty left in the NFL. All weaver had to do was turn around and hold his spot for one second and then snap the ball... 5 yard penalty on the defense.— LoveMeSomeIggles
Wambishi— Morty Seinfeld- Comment removed.
- ....and how well has it worked out for the Eagles to pay Westbrook for "yesterday and today"??— guit10
- well, i'd never thought i'd see bloggers giving mc'nabb some props here.only bashers.well done on showing the kids some cheer d-mac,and maybe.....show us fans some love too....get us the big dance..go e-a-g-l-e-s......get well mike......— t_darb_56
- I'll take the win but here's my rub with the Eagles.With about 3:30 left in the 4th qtr the Eagles had the ball.They ran a batch of plays that went nowhere and they had to turn the ball over. The good teams immediately go to a power running game to control the ball and run out the clock . Eagles don't have that. Wish they did.— MJPD345
- RE: Weaver jawing. What would have been the call had McNabb spiked it anyway? Brooks offsides? If another player is sticking around on the other side of the ball, it can't possibly be held against the offense, can it?— wkalive
- Sorry, just got home - what happened? Grandpa got outed?! I'd say that's awesome but really don't give a sh*t what she has to say. Anyway, on to real conversation: this offense has been proving it against honest-to-god NFC defenses the last three weeks. It's funny but the games they have lost were against mediocre defenses; the Raiders standing to be the more underrated of the four. That says a lot for Donovan and the hot-rod crew the last few weeks. Atlanta, New York, San Fran and feel free to throw in Carolina who were supposed to be a tough defense out of camp....despite individuals, those D's are well respected. Even Washington. The small, overly loud percentage of haters are driving me insane on this point. There is no reason for this fans base, who are the nations more intelligent and passionate group, to have to deal with these idiots and call them part of the club. This offense is for real. As for Asante, Sheldon and the D, who stepped up yesterday against a non-proven Alex Smith, we may be looking at a couple of shoot-outs the next two weeks and especially in the playoffs. GO BIRDS!!!!!!!!— dr.elektrika
- yes Donovan is the best we ever had. But please, has he overacheived or underacheived? For whatever reason this team should of had at least one, two or possibly three rings. It always falls back to the QB. I sincerly hope Donovan shuts his critics up and wins this years bowl.— bigphillydad
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- McNabb is a class act and is the best quarterback this city has ever had!— jpt58
- Wouldn't have said pay the man before the season, but I think he's shown his worth with all the other injuries/suspensions on defence. A small bonus would show the other players loyalty and work ethic is respected and prized.
- Glad to see whatever nonsense grandpa posted got yanked, who on Earth could find something bad to say about a man that takes a couple of busloads of kids to a walmart to buy xmas gifts in such a down economy? And for all of the McNabb haters out there, per wikipedia, he has the 2nd best Td-to-Int ratio of all time, behind only Brady. Given the targets #5 has had throughout the years, that's saying alot. I'll take some incompletions here and there, and punt versus giving up the big play and putting the defense on their heals. I think the Eagles are blessed having him lead the offense, and I do see the ultimate prize coming his way before he's done. Go Birds!— Bleue
- great gesture by McNabb on the WalMart trip - that should be the headline stuff. agree on Sheldon Brown - both that he deserves it and it's unlikely to happen. Banner's all about fiscal and the Westbrook re-do was his once-in-a-lifetime exception.— raoool
- According to an article in the San Francisco papers, it was not Michael Lewis' responsibility on the DeSean Jackson bomb. Bly admitted he was supposed to cover Jackson but "bit" on the out and couldn't make up the ground. Lewis apparently cleaned up his mistake.
- pay Brown! --- Banner and Reid and Lurie are professional, consistent, and predictable ----that's whats got em consistently in the top five of the NFL --- but they are also RIGID and uncompromising -- the true mark of greatness shows in one;s ability to learn and grow (witness Dave Montgomery) --- what is the price (and cost) of leadership? Sheldon Brown knows.— redsun
- I would love for you to point to another game within the last 10 years (better if within the last 5) where McNabb threw across his body into an INT. I can't remember it.. So if you want to yell at why people get so frustrated with McNabb, I suggest you find another issue where he CONSISTENTLY makes mistakes.. throwing across his body into triple coverage isn't one of them. Just goes to show you that people will jump on McNabb every chance they get. It's a predisposed hatred for the guy. By the way, Michael Lewis didn't make a horrific decision to play closer to the line on that DeSean play. Just to let you guys know... it was a 3rd-and-1! And the Eagles were doing well in those situations yesterday! (Not all the time, but well most of the time.) Michael Lewis played close because he was expecting a run, and the Niners needed a stop for any chance to stay close in the game. Not the best decision in the world.. but this is a case where the writers jump on a point the announcers make and combust it into something more, due to the fact that writers have such a tough time coming up with topic points by themselves.— trungy
- Yesterday is why people get so frustrated w/ McNabb. Throwing across your body into the middle of the field is a rookie mistake. It doesn't matter how well he plays though, because that D stinks. Anybody who thinks they are going into Minny or New Orleans and winning is smoking what Reid's sons are smoking.— Phils2Repeat
- Grandpa, McNabb's charity event was about making some kids' Christmases a little better. It had nothing to do with football and everything to do with being a decent human being. You oughta try it sometime.— EricJ770
- Grandpa shut up; Agree Paul Pay Sheldon.— JBP
- Sheldon Brown -- I would pay the man. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwiMtGsFHwA Bush was on crawling on all fours. That's worth the money right there.— fmMD
- Still nothing much going on in your life, eh, puke?— ahab
- shut up— vladamir
- Stay classy, Grandpa!— pizzzmoe
- Comment removed.
