Five Eagles numbers that matter
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Five Eagles numbers that matter
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Here's another edition of Five Eagles numbers that matter:
5 - The number of times the Eagles had the lead entering the fourth quarter last year, only to end up on the losing end.
We've dissected, at length, the struggles of the defense. But in those games (against the Falcons, Giants, 49ers, Bears and Cardinals), the offense had 13 possessions in the fourth quarter and came away with points just once, on a field goal.
The Eagles were outscored 60-3 in the fourth quarters of those games. The offense turned it over on downs four times; the quarterbacks threw three interceptions; there were three punts; one missed field goal (a 33-yarder); one made field goal; and one fumble (by Jeremy Maclin). Yes, Juan Castillo and the defense deserve a lot of blame, but don't let the offense off the hook. They did nothing to help this team in the final 15 minutes.
0 - The number of game-winning drives and fourth-quarter comebacks led by Michael Vick in 2011. He was the quarterback on 10 of the 13 drives mentioned above, and the numbers were not pretty: He completed 59.8 percent of his passes, averaged 6.93 yards per attempt, threw three touchdowns and was intercepted three times for a quarterback rating of 77.7.
When we talk about the differences in the 2010 version of Vick, compared to the 2011 version, fourth-quarter performance stands out. In 2010, he completed 59 percent of his passes, but averaged 8.53 yards per attempt with six touchdowns and no picks for a QB rating of 106.8. Vick led four fourth-quarter comebacks and had three game-winning drives in 2010.
Obviously, the fourth-quarter struggles aren't all on him. I mentioned the missed field goal and the fumble above. Two of the three interceptions were thrown by Mike Kafka. And Maclin also had a costly drop. But Vick clearly needs to play better late in games.
22 - The number of runs by LeSean McCoy last year that resulted in a loss of 3 yards or more, according to Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders. That was twice as many as any running back in the league, other than the Titans' Chris Johnson.
In many ways, McCoy was a hit-or-miss running back, as he led the league with 14 runs of 20+ yards. But the losses should cause some level of concern - not only for McCoy, but for the offensive line, which will have Demetress Bell and not Jason Peters at left tackle.
"The really good running backs are willing to take zero," running backs coach Ted Williams told Rich Hofmann last month. "When you’re young, you think you can make a big play out of every play. That’s kind of where he is. He’s not, per se, not willing to run it up in there -- he just thinks he can make a play out of every play. There are time when that doesn’t happen. It’s my job to make sure he understands there are going to be days where that ain’t going to happen, where you’re not going to outrun ‘em all, you’re not going to fake ‘em all out, they’re not all going to miss you. What are you going to do then? We talk about that constantly."
McCoy is already one of the best running backs in the league, but it'll be interesting to see how much he's able to improve on the specific aspects of his game that still need work.
10 - The number of points the Eagles' defense allowed in their Week 11 matchup against the Giants. If you're looking for a ray of hope for Castillo, it's that game. The Giants averaged 24.6 points per game, ninth-best in the league, but they only managed 10 (tying a season-low) against the Eagles.
The defensive line led the charge for the Birds, hitting Eli Manning 10 times and notching three sacks. The damage was done almost exclusively with the front four, as the Birds blitzed just once on 39 dropbacks.
It took awhile, but we saw what the Eagles' defense was supposed to look like. Pressure up front, full effort for 60 minutes and big plays down the stretch (Jason Babin stripping Manning). The Giants, of course, went on to win the Super Bowl, averaging 26.8 points per game the rest of the way (counting the playoffs).
If the Eagles want to carry anything over from the 2011 season, forget the final four games. It should be that Week 11 matchup against the Giants they should look to build on.
29.9 - The percentage of pass plays Brent Celek was used as a blocker for in the first five games last year, according to Pro Football Focus. It's easy to forget now, but Celek was a non-factor in the passing game early in 2011, averaging just 14.6 receiving yards per game in the first five.
The final 11 games were a different story. Celek was used as a blocker on just 23.0 percent of the Eagles' pass plays, and he and Vick formed great chemistry, as his yards-per-game average jumped to 67.1.
These are important numbers as we look ahead to 2012. How much more help will Bell require than Peters in pass protection? Depending on the answer, Celek could be called on to stay in and block more, which would put more pressure on the Eagles' wide receivers and limit the tight end's receiving numbers.
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A real telling number for a team is the number of 3rd down plays. The magic number for a QB is 9 or under for the game. Does anyone have the Eagles totals per game for last season?— farley- Wow - that run-down on Vick's (and the rest of the team's) 4th QTR offense is telling. I think I was able to selectively forget all of those blown leads...until now!
What's the fix? I wish I knew then I'd be earning a whole lot more money!— gdibig - Spelling Shady in QTR's 1-3, the kid is a natural closer. Feed him the rock in QTR's 2 + 4 and spell him to be fresher later in the games and that should solve some of the problems. Lets hope the draft helped solved the defenses part as well. But the 60-3 part is terrible, Marty and Reid need to be called out for that as well. — xlGmanlx
- I'm so tired of all of you rehashing last year, especially when it comes to Vick, its dead and gone so move on. This is new season with full offseason to practice and get things work out I expect a far better season than he's had in the past two years here. I wish this foolishness would die with this being the last comment on past performances but unfortunately it won't be.— realtruth
- No doubt, Vick took a huge step backwards. At the same token, our defense was built to play with a lead. Based on that fact alone, the primary blame must lay at the feet of the defense.
As for McCoy's losses, are you kidding me? That guy created holes where there were none. It's hypcritical to put a running back in a position where he MUST create, then criticize him for losses based on that same demand.
Numbers can say a lot about nothing. Anyone who watched McCoy last couldn't really criticize him. Yet, the numbers do.— Lonewolf11 - And the biggest number is 100,000,000. as in $$$$'s. That's what they paid this loser.— sackvicknow
- I guess you missed the article from Forbes, which list the highest paid athelete in Philly, well according to Forbes Michael Vick is a long long way from being a loser. Now don't take my word for it, the Forbe artical is acutally posted right here on Phily.com, I guess the reporters decided to post it here because they knew most of you fools wouldnt be able to afford the magazine. No Vick's not the loser here, you on the other hand, well that an entirely different story. — charmaine
- Why do the Eagles want to force other teams to pass, but they, themselves, want to pass much more than they run? Just a thought.— Lonewolf11
- Nice try lonewolf11. But they want to stop the other team from passing with a solid pass defense. They think the run isn't going to beat them. Thus no LBs for so many years.
- WOW,the fantastic and amazing dog killer only led the eagles to three,that's three points a field goal, in five,that's five 4th quarters of games.Let me figure this out 3 points divided by 5 4th qtrs times 16 games minus 4 games not played due to injury multiplied by the sq root of a 100 million dollar contract equals ummmm....ahhh...2 less points than qtrs played....way to go vick you're sure gonna lead the eagles to a SB,you and Andy boy,yep guarrrrrranteeed.Keep drinking the koolaid suckers.They will NEVER EVER win it with this QB,HC,DC and FO.MORONS.— sewell guy
Well Lonewolf, if you force a team to pass that means they are usually behind and have to catch up. That plays into what the Eagles want to do on defense.... get after the QB, with the front 4 and not having to blitz much. If there are 6 or 7 guys in coverage, you either get a sack or interception.- People search hours to find every little problem wit Mike. They think they can move him out as starter, not gone to happen. Just haters tryin to put in one of they own. Andy want Mike and may even bring in Donavan as backup. Haters need to move to New Englend, cus Andy do not want your slow stiffs at QB.— Tyrone7
- Who is suprised by this? Vick has faded in the 2nd half of games his entire career.
Over his career he's thrown 72 TDs in the first half and only 38 in the second half. Can you believe that? WHy suprised he is still fading in the 4th? (Vick only threw 3 4th Q tds last year - and 2 came in the final game against a Wsh team that was on the bus by the start of the 3rd. Good times.
As for 4th Q comebacks. Vick has 10 over his career. Since 2001. 10. Did everyone read that? 10. And we're suprised that he;s not doing it on the Birds? For perspective....remember that David Carr has 7 since 2002....good company!! (Tom Brady has 25)— vinnietheevictor
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