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Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Circus comes to Dallas

IRVING, Texas -- Sometimes, a football game is a circus. And sometimes, the calliope crashes to the ground.
I mean, exactly what was DeSean Jackson thinking?

It was a fabulous game. It was a ridiculous game. For the final time at Texas Stadium, Eagles-Cowboys was big play piled upon big play, lightning bolts at 20 paces, seven lead changes, just outrageous. The Eagles will rue how it ended even as the Cowboys celebrated into the night (and morning). The numbers themselves, the numbers in the final score - Cowboys 41, Eagles 37 - will always tell a remarkable story. They will require no embellishment.

And then there is the case of Jackson, who seemingly cannot do anything that fails to cause jaws to drop.
The rookie receiver from Cal who lit up Lincoln Financial Field last week in his pro debut, and who now has become the first player in the NFL since the Eagles' Don Looney in 1940 to open his career with consecutive 100-yard receiving games, also made an embarrassing mistake, casually tossing away the ball at the end of what should have been a 61-yard touchdown strike in the second quarter.

The problem was that Jackson had not yet crossed the goal line, and a replay challenge by the Cowboys resulted in the play being ruled a fumble. At that point, only the vagaries of the NFL rulebook saved the rookie. The Eagles were given the ball at the Dallas 1-yard line and scored anyway on the next play. That left the situation to be classified as embarrassing rather than disastrous.

But what is it with Jackson? You hope he learns. You hope he realizes, after such a national-television faux pas, the downside of pride. You hope he knows now that hot dogs can result in worse things than indigestion. You hope, but you do not know.

Only time will mature him. At the same time, say a prayer that maturity does not diminish him. Because Jackson is a star-in-training and no one can doubt. He finished last night with six catches for 110 yards. It would appear that the only thing that can stop him are an injury or, well, himself.

Posted by Rich Hofmann @ 12:29 AM  Permalink | 27 comments
27
Comments   
Posted 12:11 AM, 09/16/2008
rbm7528
For the love of God... Andy, please leave the city tonight. Hook and Lateral? Then you're smirking, when shockingly it failed? Did you honestly think it would? You are horrendous.
Posted 12:16 AM, 09/16/2008
gordy
WHY IS SEAN CONSIDINE ON THIS TEAM?!!!!!! HE IS ALWAYS GETTING RUN OVER OR RUN PAST. IF ANYONE LOOKS AT THE FILM THE WILL SEE IF HE IS THE FIRST AT THE ATTACK HE GET'S RUN OVER OR WILL TRY TO ARM TACKLE. HE RARELY IS THE FIRST ONE TO INITIATE CONTACT AND SHY'S AWAY FROM TACKLES. HE IS TERRIBLE, WHEN HE IS ON THE FIELD WE MIGHT AS WELL BE PLAYING A MAN DOWN, SURELY REED IS A BETTER OPTION!!! (I realize I have cap lock on so it seems like I'm screaming THAT S BECAUSE I AM!!!!)
Posted 12:18 AM, 09/16/2008
shoeshineboy
How about the horrific 4th quarters by both Brian Dawkins and Jon Ruynan? Dawkins showed his age, lack of speed, and is a a liability on the pass coverage. Runyan got abused by the Cowboys pass rush and gave up several key sacks. Sure the Westbrook-McNabb fumble hurt, but both of these key veterans played terrible foobtall when game was online. Other questions: Why is Schobel on active game day roster? What happened to Lorenzo Booker in the offensive looks? Entertaining game nonetheless.
Posted 12:18 AM, 09/16/2008
Blackacre
Two things: 1) Yet again, McNabb comes up small when the game is on the line. The guy is an outstanding QB for the first 55 minutes of a game, but once it's time for a game winning drive, he is aweful! 2) Lurie should force Reid to give up the play calling after that atrocious hook at lateral call.
Posted 12:21 AM, 09/16/2008
rbm7528
Bright side, is this is definitly a good team... I think we'll beat them at the Linc and wouldn't be shocked if we met again in the playoffs... maybe then Andy can bring out the Puntrooskie when the game is on the line... Hook & Lateral!!! Fire him!
Posted 12:22 AM, 09/16/2008
psv
Gotta say, McNabb did choke on that throw to Westbrook. However, Westbrook is the checkdown and he was going to get hit on that play, so it's mostly moot. Seriously though, hook and ladder? This a pop warner game?? With the game on the line, that's not a serious play call. Good grief.
Posted 12:28 AM, 09/16/2008
Blackacre
rbm...I agree this is a good team! That said, the LB's were horrible in coverage, I mean HORRIBLE. Also, the front 4 generated almost no pass rush at all. The few times Romo messed up were when we blitzed, which was rare. Eagles need to trade their up with the two first round picks we have and grab a pass rushing stud in the draft.
Posted 12:45 AM, 09/16/2008
PhilCali
psv...McNabb's throw was high but catchable - Westy should have had it. Agree with Blackacre in that it was 5's fault on the two fumbles which really did cost us the game. Defense will get better as the year goes on so there's no doubt we can beat the scums from D. However we STILL need more pressure from the front four. HATE THE F-ING COWBOYS. Tony Kornhaiser is an a-hole and Dallas lover who should not be in the booth. That last play was embarrassing. Can't we win one of these games, just once? If we can beat Pittsburgh, this team is for real. Peace, and go Birds!
Posted 01:01 AM, 09/16/2008
nrf000
The O Line is not to blame in any of this... McNabb should have gotten rid of the ball for 2 of those crucial sacks. He did not. He threw the ball at the receivers feet 2 or 3 times. He blew an easy pass to Westbrook down the stretch. He choked down the stretch. There are so many times during the game when McNabb comes up huge, then blows it big time later on. I can't take it any more!
Posted 01:17 AM, 09/16/2008
CupCRAZE23
Sean Considine Needs to go. Not one, not two, but AT LEAST 3 times he screwed up coverage. He is horrible. I understand Strong safeties need to be substituted in and out to take a breather. Why not put J.R. Reed in there instead of Considine I mean seriously the guy is horrible.
Posted 01:17 AM, 09/16/2008
Huge
Reid : why not a pass downfield for a first down at the end of the game? Idiot.
Posted 01:29 AM, 09/16/2008
JGT
Yeah,it was all Mcnabb's fault. Never mind the fact that his top two receivers are hurt, and he's throwing to guys who should be in the Arena League. In fact, are you haters sure it wasn't his fault that the defense played so poorly? What about the attacks on the World Trade Center? Were they Mcnabb's fault too? God, if only our quarterback were perfect, and could complete 100% of his passes instead of only 65%. You people are idiots. If you "can't take any more" of the greatest quarterback in Eagles history, then maybe you should follow a new team. Like one of the 20 or so teams in the NFL whose QBs couldn't hold McNabb's jock.
Posted 01:31 AM, 09/16/2008
phillyinboston
I think play calls are to blame. They should have stuck with the plan and gained a few yards on first. When you get to 4th down, I hate the trick play. Get the ball to bwest 10 yards out and let him make a play. Halfway through the 3rd we had 'em... gotta develop the killer instinct. Still have a meeting in December to send a message. Dont mess that one up... GO BIRDS!!!
Posted 02:39 AM, 09/16/2008
WCPhan
they did try to get some initial yardage. on first down, lewis couldn't hold the ball, on 2nd, Jackson couldn't catch the ball, and on third, McNabb threw the ball an inch higher that Westy can jump. That hook and lateral play was a joke, why didn't they send DJax on a go route or two?
Posted 02:51 AM, 09/16/2008
poshnspice
Hey - anyone out there a Cowboys fan?? If so - how 'bout them cowboys!How great was T.O, first half catch - jumped 5 feet high - what an amazing catch ! 2 TD's...he IS THE MAN....Iggles you f'kd that up - should have kept the "stud" and the SB would have been yours for the keeping....along w/ a huge-parade down Broad Street - oh well get the "sticks" - and get ready to hit the links - and then sit back and watch Da Boyzzz - make the SB - and along w/ playing in the SB take that trophy back to Texas to continue on w/ the dynasty....Go Boyz
Comment removed.
Posted 04:18 AM, 09/16/2008
Blackacre
JGT - are you seriously going to try and say that McNabb is a clutch QB? Like I said, he is an outstanding QB for the first 55 minutes of the game. But the fact of the matter is that he has a history of coming up very small when the game is on the line. I think he is a great QB most of the time, but is terrible in the clutch.
Posted 05:55 AM, 09/16/2008
PhillyRox
Right on, JGT. The Eagles play this well and come this close to beating an excellent Dallas team IN DALLAS, in week two of a long season, and this comment board looks like the world is coming to an end. Relax, people.
Posted 06:50 AM, 09/16/2008
2wkderf
BRIAN DAWKINS got beat too many times...he's out of this league..hang it up while you can still walk away from the game. Best Eagles game in a long time! I would fine Jackson $$$$$$ instead of benching him....
Posted 07:30 AM, 09/16/2008
PhillyScott
GREG LEWIS GOT AWAY WITH A BIG ONE - With the naked eye, it looked like Greg Lewis was interfered with by the Cowboy defender near the Cowboy end zone in the first half. What the replay showed was Lewis grabbing the Cowboy defenders' jersey, and almost like a girlfriend getting her mates' attention, was like to the defender, 'hey, look at me.' Sure enough, flag came down, Eagles scored soon after. BTW, the Cowboys had two turnovers: the first resulting in an Eagles touchdown and second a Samuels pick. The Eagles had one: it came late in the fourth quarter and lead to the Cowboys winning score. It was crutial; the Eagles had held the 'Boys to a field goal and with a score would have gone ahead. Instead, game, over, Cowboys win, save one horrible Eagles drive to end the game.
Comment removed.
Posted 09:16 AM, 09/16/2008
Captain Splendor
How many playoff games has TO won? Idiot
Posted 09:25 AM, 09/16/2008
bbohannon
Figgures a Cowgirls fan would call herself poshnspice.....
Posted 09:40 AM, 09/16/2008
Gibba Mang
Consodine needs to be cut today, and the front 7 failed to get enough pressure on Romo despite his fumble in the EZ. I'm not that upset about Jackson's boneheaded play until I saw Westbrook almost land on his head on the TD. If 36 gets hurt, that play would haunt the Eagles all season.
Posted 11:17 AM, 09/16/2008
wambli
Jackson is a spoiled kid. If he doesn't grow up soon he will never reach the potential that he has. We call those guys "coach killers".
Posted 05:21 PM, 09/16/2008
craig123
When your team scores 37 points you are supposed to win. McNabb played great and anyone who thinks otherwise is an idiot.
Posted 10:32 PM, 09/16/2008
pa_and_va
I wish I had recorded both games to see whether all these fumbles by Westbrook, a player who is usually very sure handed, were also caused by stupid McNabb moves like his give take give on that last fumble. McNabb choking in the clutch. We should be used to that, along with the bounced 5 yard passes, after 10 years of them.
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About Rich Hofmann
Rich Hofmann arrived at the Daily News in 1980 for a job whose status was officially designated as "full-time, temporary." A senior at Penn at the time, he was hired to fill in on the copy desk during a staff illness. The notion of him covering the Eagles or being a columnist did not exist in anyone's imagination. It was supposed to be six weeks and out, but he never left. It is only one of the reasons why so many people have concerns about him as a potential house guest. Rich has blogged the postseasons of the Flyers and Eagles.

You can now follow The Idle Rich on Twitter.
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