Posted: Sunday, October 12, 2008, 7:34 PM | 51 comments |
 

Eagles remain alive
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The Eagles arrived in San Francisco injured -- both physically and made a little bit psychologically. They came here with a 2-3 record, without one of the league's best players in Brian Westbrook, without both of their presumed starting wide receivers (Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown), and in the midst of what might be called a crisis of confidence.

They arrived here, got their customary lead, and then kicked it away in spectacular fashion. David Akers had a 54-yard field goal attempt blocked at the end of the first half and the Niners returned it for a touchdown, cutting the Eagles' lead to 17-16. Then San Francisco knifed through the Eagles' defense on the first drive of the third quarter to take the lead.

This was a crisis as the Eagles headed toward their bye week. This was a very, very difficult situation coming together -- overshadowed by the question of if this Eagles team really was any good, and if this Eagles team really did have any heart anymore. It was that serious.

And then they came back. Led by a defense that absolutely smothered the 49ers in the fourth quarter, and by an offense that did just enough, they came back to beat the 49ers, 40-26. Donovan McNabb threw a touchdown pass to tight L.J. Smith to get them close, and then Akers kicked the 38-yard field goal that put them ahead again for good. That Akers had to wait out a replay challenge to see if the field goal really was good -- and it was ridiculously close -- was just par for his rocky 2008 course.

Yes, they are only 3-3 and still trailing by a bunch in the NFC East. Yes, it was only one game. But, given everything, it did feel like more than that.
Posted by Rich Hofmann @ 7:34 PM  Permalink | 51 comments
51
Comments   
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:50 PM, 10/12/2008
    I hope the Eagles go 8-8. Reid is calling plays like he's scared. When they were up 30-26 and couldn't get a couple of yards...it was deja vu all over again. This team gives me more heart attacks than any I can remember. Don aka the guy that just arrived at the hospital with symptoms of heavy breathing
    — don34
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:50 PM, 10/12/2008
    Unfortunately, if the Eagles played a quality team they wouldnt have won. But the good thing is there arent a lot of quality teams. If Andy stays alive, need to look for a new kicker. Seems like every other team has a kicker winning games with 50 plus FG's. We hold our breath for a 30 yarder.
    — Wise_Owl
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:52 PM, 10/12/2008
    I didn't go to the sports bar to watch today. Guess the Eagles are trying to regain my confidence in them. But... Bottom line this team is still going 8-8. I keep saying this team is only good enough to fill the seats and sell lots of burgers and dogs. I still belive that.
    — starman
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:53 PM, 10/12/2008
    Yeah, Yeah, they beat the 49ers, but I'm in Arizona and we just wooped the COWBOYS. AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
    — Ed_Tilton
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:53 PM, 10/12/2008
    Hot dogs, hey get your hot dogs, and while you are here watch the game as well. This squad is good enough to sell hotdogs and that is it.
    — starman
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:54 PM, 10/12/2008
    Buckhalter looked great. Nice to see Cowboys and Skins lose to teams they should beat. We gained a full game on both. We need everyone healthy and I think this offense will be really hard to stop. LJ Smith is terrible.
    — Theo1980
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:01 PM, 10/12/2008
    Well atleast our defense can score in the red zone
    — Depressed Eagles Fan
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:02 PM, 10/12/2008
    Reid is a bad game coach. It was a bad call to kick a field goal at the end on 4th and one. you are giving the ball back to sf. You need to get that first down and end the game.
    — swinger18
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:03 PM, 10/12/2008
    Seriously? The int was obviously LJ's fault. I appreciate the win, especially on a day when your divisional foes lose. Wondering if the glaring weakness at TE is enough to pull the trigger on a trade to KC?
    — bornlucky
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:04 PM, 10/12/2008
    i dont even know how we won that game, that is horrible against a sub par team we got by with our D once again, i guess that shows how good we really are. please andy or joe or somebody get us a real wide reciever.
    — allfillyphan
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:06 PM, 10/12/2008
    When I see David Akers line up for a long field goal, I think that he has the same chance that I do - basically none. Andy Reid may as well sign me - they can save some money as we know how concerned they are about being under the salary cap.
    — catnameddomino
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:07 PM, 10/12/2008
    Buddy Ryan - Ritchie Kotite - Ray Rhodes - Andy Reid. enough said...
    — starman
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:20 PM, 10/12/2008
    What is wrong with you knuckleheads? Didn't you just win a game and the Skins and Cowboys lose? Are you serious? Why do you even follow the Eagles, or are you just brain-damaged? You're causing your own stress with this ranting when you lose and when you win - what a miserable bunch. I'm enjoying the win, apparently I must be the psycho.
    — cuse


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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. E-mail Rich at hofmanr@phillynews.com

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