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Marty Talking Points; Seahawks Look at Heckert

While they might be a bit skewed by Sunday's 24-0 debacle, the numbers say the Eagles' offense has struggled mightily in the two losses against Dallas when compared to the other 14 games.

Consider:

* The Eagles averaged 8 points per game in the two games against Dallas; 29.5 in their other 14 games.

* The Eagles averaged 262.5 net yards vs. Dallas; 371.5 in the other 14 games.

* The Eagles averaged 62.5 rushing yards and 200 passing against Dallas; 108 and 263.5 in their other 14 games.

"Putting points on the board is my responsibility," offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said today. "I take that very seriously."

The Cowboys have "one of the very best fronts in the league," he said. "Excellent cover guys, linebackers have great instincts and are fast. They're very good against the run, can rush the passer, and they cover. That's a pretty good combination."

Mornhinweg said sustained drives will be the Eagles' focus after numerous three-and-outs Sunday.

He also said, "I think we'll be better" after game action and practice time getting used to the shuffled offensive line with Nick Cole at center and Max-Jean Gilles at right guard.

TALKIN' 'BOUT PRACTICE

DeSean Jackson again practiced, showing no ill effects of his Sunday groin tweak. (Between tweeting and tweaking, he's had quite the week.) Everyone was listed as a full participant in a shortened workout. Partly because it's a short week at the end of a long season, the coaching staff obviously feels the key work is going to be done in meeting rooms, not on the practice field

McDERMOTT ON THE BLITZ

Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said he "backed off a little bit" on blitzing after getting burned on a big run early. "[We] should not have done that."

"They won the one-on-one battles," he said. "We're going to look to change that this week."

The defense continues to face the challenge of shuffling players, especially at linebacker.

"You never want to have guys moving in and out of different positions, but you're forced to" by circumstance," he said.

SEATTLE AND HECKERT?

Cleveland is reportedly not the only team interested in Eagles general manager Tom Heckert.

Seattle has requested permission to speak with Heckert, ESPN's John Clayton reported. That report was confirmed to your Eagletarian by a league source.

Heckert is in Cleveland today to interview with new Browns president Mike Holmgren.

It wasn't immediately clear what sort of decision-making power would be included in the position Heckert is interviewing for with the Browns. A source said Heckert won't take the job if he doesn't have final say over personnel, except perhaps the identity of the head coach.

Though Heckert has the GM title here, Andy Reid has final say over personnel. Given that Holmgren's role apparently encompasses a lot of what team president Joe Banner does for the Eagles, it isn't inconceivable that Heckert might find more latitude in Cleveland.

Heckert's contract is up after next season and he has yet to be extended -- although Reid has been -- so he could be looking to move before he becomes a lame duck. Joe Banner protege Howie Roseman is expected to replace Heckert at some point.

LOOKING AHEAD

In case you are looking ahead to an Eagles victory, the Birds would visit New Orleans on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 4:30 p.m. (Fox) in the divisional round.

As the No. 6 seed, the Eagles would travel to the No. 1 seed if they won.