2014 Eagles: Chip Chip Chipadelphia

[LondonSox]

I don't have a problem with the hit. Technically Foles was pursuing the runner, so to me he put himself into the play and should therefor be blockable. Yeah, the tackle was made a split-second before the hit occurred, but it's a fast game. That said, if it were Manning or Brady instead of Foles then I suspect we'd see a different take on this from both the refs and the league office. But I'm a little tin-foily when it comes to the league office.

I'm excited to see Tobin at LG this week. I think he and Peters can open up the running game on the left side of the line a little. They liked Tobin enough to entertain trading Mathis, so it'll be interesting to see how he performs over the next 6-8 weeks.

Also hoping Matthews continues to build off his nice game last week. If Brock misses the game he'll have a huge size advantage on his replacement in the slot.

 
If that was Peyton or someone got hurt then it would be a huge deal. It's Foles and he got up so it's fine.
This should not be a results based response. They seem incapable of learning this. In this and many areas.
 
I agree re Tobin, but the loss of Kelce is bad. Without that they would be looking at having line 1A for week 5 (Peters, Tobin, Kelce, Herremans, Johnson as you say they like Tobin a lot). But Molk from Kelce is a big deal.

 

[dcmissle]

The League was correct on the hit. QBs in these circumstances who wish to avoid being hit either should run off the field or go down. You can't have it both ways, and I don't hear many sons of the authors of the "body bag" game arguing that you should be able to have it both ways. If Brady or Manning get blasted in that situation, I am fine with it.

I had no dog in the fight, but the WA/Phi game Sunday (along with Sea/Den) was the best thing that has happened to the NFL in months. It's too bad that both teams came out if the game with significant injuries.

 

[LondonSox]

If you think that's an appropriate hit on a QB jogging 10 yards plus from the play which was already basically over then I don't know what to say.
The rules have been repeatedly changed to protect those players from these kind of things, and if the NFL actually gave a shit about concussions and player safety they have no business being part of the game.
 
If you want to protect the players then this stuff needs to be stopped If you don't care, then sure go ahead. But maybe we could get rid of the QB flags on ticky tack stuff.
 
Finally, I think the reaction from everyone who saw the hit on the field tells me the players didn't think it was clean.

 

[johnmd20]

If you think that's an appropriate hit on a QB jogging 10 yards plus from the play which was already basically over then I don't know what to say.
The rules have been repeatedly changed to protect those players from these kind of things, and if the NFL actually gave a shit about concussions and player safety they have no business being part of the game.
 
If you want to protect the players then this stuff needs to be stopped If you don't care, then sure go ahead. But maybe we could get rid of the QB flags on ticky tack stuff.
 
Finally, I think the reaction from everyone who saw the hit on the field tells me the players didn't think it was clean.

 
I couldn't agree more. That hit was beyond cheap and it should have resulted in a suspension. That fact that it didn't will guarantee it will only happy again.

 

[Oil Can Dan]

Question - if that hit had been on any offensive player other than Foles would you still have as big of a problem with it?

 

[Reverend]

Question - if that hit had been on any offensive player other than Foles would you still have as big of a problem with it?

 
If it had been an offensive player besides the QB, would he have bothered taking the cheap shot?

 

[Marciano490]

 
If it had been an offensive player besides the QB, would he have bothered taking the cheap shot?

 
The guy's 6'6 250.  Let's not pretend it was Doug Flutie out there.  He's bigger than all the WRs the RBs and likely the TEs and some of the LBs too.
 
Edit:  That weight can't be right.  Gronk only has 20 pounds on Foles at the same height?  No damn way.

 

[Oil Can Dan]

 
If it had been an offensive player besides the QB, would he have bothered taking the cheap shot?

Ummmm...maybe?

I suspect it's easier for you to answer how you actually feel than it is for me to answer what #92 on the Redskins might have done in some other situation.

So, would YOU have a problem with the hit if it was on some non-QB?

 

[Shelterdog]

 
The guy's 6'6 250.  Let's not pretend it was Doug Flutie out there.  He's bigger than all the WRs the RBs and likely the TEs and some of the LBs too.
 
Edit:  That weight can't be right.  Gronk only has 20 pounds on Foles at the same height?  No damn way.

 243 at the combine.  Gronk was 264 at his but I suspect Gronk has put on meaningful weight since then. 

 

[Super Nomario]

 
If it had been an offensive player besides the QB, would he have bothered taking the cheap shot?

Yes, this happens all the time. Some may recall Kyle Love decleating Ryan Lilja (something reposted here with glee several times over the years):

 
Others may recall Warren Sapp blindsiding Chad Clifton and knocking him out for the year:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBpEIRaGq2U
 
To me, if this sort of thing isn't "unnecessary roughness," what is? But it does seem to be an accepted part of the game.

 

[kolbitr]

I'm certainly on the side of 'it's mostly unnecessary roughness', but doesn't the Love hit come just as Lilja is about to have a shot at the ball carrier? It is dramatic and memorable, but also served a purpose--maybe I'm wrong. The Clifton hit seems more of the Foles variety, in that it was a hit without purpose in the play, and was made on a slowing and inattentive player.

 

[Soxy]

Yeah, I don't see how anyone could lump the Love hit in with an obvious cheapshot like Sapp's hit. Love's hit was violent, but he was blocking a guy who was actively pursuing the ball carrier and attempting to make a tackle. Sapp took a blindside shot at a guy who was nowhere near the play and had no bearing on its outcome. Not even close to the same thing.

I don't buy the argument that merely being on a football field makes one fair game. Context matters. Maybe it's not technically against the rules, but I'd say hits like Sapp's and Baker's, at the very least, fall under the umbrella of: "you're not wrong Walter; you're just an asshole."

 

[Marciano490]

To me, it's the same as boxing - protect yourself at all times.  Want to turn to complain to the ref?  Expect your opponent to keep punching.  Want to kiss your opponent on the cheek and shake hands like Victor Ortiz?  Expect a Mayweather to walk you out.

 

[kolbitr]

To me, it's the same as boxing - protect yourself at all times.  Want to turn to complain to the ref?  Expect your opponent to keep punching.  Want to kiss your opponent on the cheek and shake hands like Victor Ortiz?  Expect a Mayweather to walk you out.

 
I know you were a boxer, so I ask respectfully: is this really a fair analogy? Don't you ever let your guard down a bit in the ring, e.g., between rounds?

 

[LondonSox]

 
I know you were a boxer, so I ask respectfully: is this really a fair analogy? Don't you ever let your guard down a bit in the ring, e.g., between rounds?

 
Didn't you see million dollar baby?? At ALL times.
 
I would have a problem with that shot on any player, personally, but I have a problem with the QB specifically because they made rules SPECIFICALLY TO STOP HITS LIKE THAT ON THE QB.
The QB is NOT treated the same in the pocket. The rule on blocking a player away from the ball has different rules for the QB.
 
I ask anyone why SHOULD that play be allowed. I'm fine with blocking a guy making a route to the ball, or involved in the play, I don't agree you can blow up a guy who is jogging around clearly not involved. He's hitting the guy to send a message or to hurt the team's most key player.
 
If you can't take a QB to the ground after giving him a cuddle, or hit them a fraction late when running at them at high speed, why can you destroy him from the blindside off the ball? I just can't accept the dual standard.
You want to protect the QB then this is unacceptable. You don't fine sure but you can't have it both ways. We really want to protect the QB unless he's jogging around 10 yards away from the ball. Then though, go nuts.
 
And I say again if Foles had been knocked out of the game, or concussed etc, the result of the ruling would be different, IMO. And that's bullshit. Rules should not be results based.

 

[SMU_Sox]

I vacillated from having Philadelphia as my best bet this week (again) to leaving them out of any Sunday consideration. 
 
It killed me not to tease Philadelphia +11.5. 
 
The Eagles defense is so fascinating... Are they good? Bad? Somewhere in between?
 
PFF rates them 14th overall at +0.6. 
Run Defense: 14.9, 3rd overall.
Pass Rush: -5.7, 25th overall.
Pass Coverage: -3.8, 17th overall.
 
Football Outsiders DVOA ranks them 7th overall at -7.0%. (DVOA, now no longer VOA, is not yet adjusted for opponents)
Run Defense: -35.9%, 3rd overall.
Pass Defense: 16.8%, 21st overall.
Pass Rushing: adjusted-sack-rate:  2.6%, 32nd overall.
If you're curious... FO rates the offense of the Eagles' opponents: 8th, 16th, and 31st overall. That should make for a sizable opponent adjustment next week given Jacksonville's -34.0% offensive DVOA.
 
Traditional Stats
Overall Yds/gm: 386.0, 26th overall.
Overall Pts/gm: 26.0, tied for 25th overall.
Rush Yards/GM: 105.7, 14th overall.
Pass Yards/GM: 280.3, 30th overall.
Sacks: 3, tied for 27th overall.
 
The problem with traditional stats is that the Eagles score so quickly that the other team can have more drives than they normally would. That tends to hurt both the yardage and points statistics and doesn't look at it from a points per drive perspective or efficiency in drives. Both those aforementioned perspectives are more useful to me evaluating Philly's D. 
 
My attempt at who they are on defense:
 
Against the run: The Eagles are solid to spectacular defending the run. PFF, FO, and traditional stats agree.
In coverage: Right around average (PFF and FO) to slightly below average (traditional stats) but they look worse because...
Pass rush: 

 
It sucks. PFF, FO, and traditional stats give the Iggles pass rush 1 out of 5 stars.
 
PFF, FO, and traditional stats are all in the same ballpark for the components of the Eagles defense but come to three different stark conclusions about the overall defense.
 
My conclusion: Philadelphia's defense performs at an average level overall but is taxed more which results in more points and yards given up.
 
I don't like the injuries and suspensions on the O-line this week. That and the thought of SF playing to 2013 form at home is terrifying. 
 
I ended up bailing on the game because I think the range of outcomes are wide and spread out. 

 

[Oil Can Dan]

 
Didn't you see million dollar baby?? At ALL times.
 
I would have a problem with that shot on any player, personally, but I have a problem with the QB specifically because they made rules SPECIFICALLY TO STOP HITS LIKE THAT ON THE QB.
The QB is NOT treated the same in the pocket. The rule on blocking a player away from the ball has different rules for the QB.
 
I ask anyone why SHOULD that play be allowed. I'm fine with blocking a guy making a route to the ball, or involved in the play, I don't agree you can blow up a guy who is jogging around clearly not involved. He's hitting the guy to send a message or to hurt the team's most key player.
 
If you can't take a QB to the ground after giving him a cuddle, or hit them a fraction late when running at them at high speed, why can you destroy him from the blindside off the ball? I just can't accept the dual standard.
You want to protect the QB then this is unacceptable. You don't fine sure but you can't have it both ways. We really want to protect the QB unless he's jogging around 10 yards away from the ball. Then though, go nuts.
 
And I say again if Foles had been knocked out of the game, or concussed etc, the result of the ruling would be different, IMO. And that's bullshit. Rules should not be results based.

Here's the thing - he's no longer the QB in this situation. He's not in the pocket. And he WAS making a route to the ball. At that point he's a defender, just like every other player in the field. UNLESS he's completely out of the play, which he wasn't. Which is why I have no problem with the ruling from a technical perspective.

I still think Baker is a rat and I'm beyond happy that Peters went after him. And it was great seeing them get unzipped last night.

 

[Stitch01]

I vacillated from having Philadelphia as my best bet this week (again) to leaving them out of any Sunday consideration. 
 
It killed me not to tease Philadelphia +11.5. 
 
The Eagles defense is so fascinating... Are they good? Bad? Somewhere in between?
 
PFF rates them 14th overall at +0.6. 
Run Defense: 14.9, 3rd overall.
Pass Rush: -5.7, 25th overall.
Pass Coverage: -3.8, 17th overall.
 
Football Outsiders DVOA ranks them 7th overall at -7.0%. (DVOA, now no longer VOA, is not yet adjusted for opponents)
Run Defense: -35.9%, 3rd overall.
Pass Defense: 16.8%, 21st overall.
Pass Rushing: adjusted-sack-rate:  2.6%, 32nd overall.
If you're curious... FO rates the offense of the Eagles' opponents: 8th, 16th, and 31st overall. That should make for a sizable opponent adjustment next week given Jacksonville's -34.0% offensive DVOA.
 
Traditional Stats
Overall Yds/gm: 386.0, 26th overall.
Overall Pts/gm: 26.0, tied for 25th overall.
Rush Yards/GM: 105.7, 14th overall.
Pass Yards/GM: 280.3, 30th overall.
Sacks: 3, tied for 27th overall.
 
The problem with traditional stats is that the Eagles score so quickly that the other team can have more drives than they normally would. That tends to hurt both the yardage and points statistics and doesn't look at it from a points per drive perspective or efficiency in drives. Both those aforementioned perspectives are more useful to me evaluating Philly's D. 
 
My attempt at who they are on defense:
 
Against the run: The Eagles are solid to spectacular defending the run. PFF, FO, and traditional stats agree.
In coverage: Right around average (PFF and FO) to slightly below average (traditional stats) but they look worse because...
Pass rush: 

 
It sucks. PFF, FO, and traditional stats give the Iggles pass rush 1 out of 5 stars.
 
PFF, FO, and traditional stats are all in the same ballpark for the components of the Eagles defense but come to three different stark conclusions about the overall defense.
 
My conclusion: Philadelphia's defense performs at an average level overall but is taxed more which results in more points and yards given up.
 
I don't like the injuries and suspensions on the O-line this week. That and the thought of SF playing to 2013 form at home is terrifying. 
 
I ended up bailing on the game because I think the range of outcomes are wide and spread out. 

Love Philly this week, already bet it because Im feeling a move back to Philly as game day approaches.  Foles is going to throw for approximately all the yards and I dont like the Niners offense against teams that are going to stop the run.  Less scientifically, I think there's something fundamentally off with SF right now.

 

[Marciano490]

 
I know you were a boxer, so I ask respectfully: is this really a fair analogy? Don't you ever let your guard down a bit in the ring, e.g., between rounds?

Between rounds would be analogous to a timeout, a break between quarters or halfs or at least a huddle. In any of those situations, players wouldn't be allowed to contact one another.

Read about Dempsey's knockout of Jack Sharkey. Dempsey hit Sharkey low, Sharkey dropped his hands to turn and complain to the ref and Dempsey knocked him out. After Dempsey asked, "what was I supposed to do, write him a letter"?

 

[kolbitr]

Between rounds would be analogous to a timeout, a break between quarters or halfs or at least a huddle. In any of those situations, players wouldn't be allowed to contact one another.

Read about Dempsey's knockout of Jack Sharkey. Dempsey hit Sharkey low, Sharkey dropped his hands to turn and complain to the ref and Dempsey knocked him out. After Dempsey asked, "what was I supposed to do, write him a letter"?

Ok, this makes more sense to me now than last night, thanks. And it does make for an interesting thought process regarding "dropping one's guard" on the field. QBs would seem to be liable to do this, especially after an int when they might be trying to figure out what went wrong...

 

[Marciano490]

Ok, this makes more sense to me now than last night, thanks. And it does make for an interesting thought process regarding "dropping one's guard" on the field. QBs would seem to be liable to do this, especially after an int when they might be trying to figure out what went wrong...

 
Right, which is totally understandable.  And I agree with LS's point that given the lengths to which the league has gone to protect QBs, it's odd that there isn't a rule to further protect them on plays like this.  However, practically speaking, on a field full of 300 pound men flying around violently, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a professional athlete to have the same situational awareness that a tourist displays on a Manhattan street corner.  It's like the slide rule.  If a QB wants to tuck and run, he's fair game.  If he goes into his slide, hands off.  If you want to be safe, jog off in the other direction.  If you want to stay near the action and put yourself in harm's way, prepare to be trampled. 
 
For what it's worth, didn't the NHL recently put in place some rule about when goalies can be hit when outside the crease?  I don't follow hockey too closely, but I remember the rule changing.

 

[Devizier]

Question - if that hit had been on any offensive player other than Foles would you still have as big of a problem with it?

 
yep
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBpEIRaGq2U

 

[Reverend]

Here's the thing - he's no longer the QB in this situation. He's not in the pocket. And he WAS making a route to the ball. At that point he's a defender, just like every other player in the field. UNLESS he's completely out of the play, which he wasn't. Which is why I have no problem with the ruling from a technical perspective.

I still think Baker is a rat and I'm beyond happy that Peters went after him. And it was great seeing them get unzipped last night.

 
I also agree that he's no longer a QB in that situation, so that's a non-issue for me.
 
What I meant earlier was not so much that players never take the cheap shots--I had been thinking about the Sapp play--but when they decide whether or not it's worth it to them to do so. Also, a non-QB might not have been running so defenseless so close to the ball--basically, he ran that down guy like a QB.

 

[DukeSox]

I don't care if your running game hasn't been working, you have to let Sproles or McCoy try to get in the end zone from one yard out on a couple plays in a row.  You were having success throwing 15 yard passes with a wide open field, not with everyone jammed at the goal line.  Kelly, too smart by half on that series.  Ugh, should have won.

 

[LondonSox]

Should have won despite playing like dog crap. Which would have been nice.

You need one offensive touchdown in a game to win it, and you can't. That's really bad.
They did this last year with the vick excuse. But shady has been no where and foles is not getting it done.
Next week you are down to only missing kelce, if they do like Tobin as a long term starter.
Hopefully the line can settle down.
Because they have been very lucky.

 

[LondonSox]

I would say that's Chip's time spent focusing on special teams, and the fact he demands good special teams play from the depth players, and from some starters too for that matter, is paying off

 

[LondonSox]

So of the pre seasons/ off season major concerns
 
1) Pass rush. Wow 8 sacks and 16 in the last three games, and without Kendricks, who is the best MLB pass rusher. Cox has been great, Curry and Graham have been earning more playing time and Cole and Barwin have been great too. We shall see but really encouraging
2) Secondary. Well Jenkins has been all you could ask for and more. But the CB play (yesterday aside) has been up and down. Big lead and the corners get tested and yuck. Boykin is the best corner on the team, but maybe the best slot corner around. But he is not getting on the field. Drives me crazy.
Incomplete. Still a concern.
3) O-Line depth. Well wow. This was a huge concern and while the line has not cleared running lanes for Shady and co as well, given the level and seriousness of injuries you have to say very good. Tobin and Molk were very solid last night, and Johnson was excellent. They survived 4 starters and the backup tackle all being out at once. Kelce and Mathis are ahead of schedule to return, and you wouldn't panic about Tobin, Molk, Kelly etc filling in. If you get 3+ backups in then I think it's inevitable there is a downgrade. But it's not a disaster to lose someone now.
I'm giving an a+ for this, because this has gone from a major concern to negliable with almost no money spent.
4) Foles.
He isn't getting it done. The Giants just showed what happens if you don't load the box, no one will repeat that mistake. Now the O-line is getting healthier and better, so I expect the running game to improve even on loaded boxes, but the system says if they load the box then make them pay. Maclin has been great, Matthews looks good and Cooper finally has his head out of his ass. Casey got a TD(!) and Ertz is awesome.
This is all on Foles right now. Too many turnovers, and not on great plays but on crap (the slide last week, two horrible passes this week). Unacceptable.
 
Special team focus. Hot damn. I mean just wow. Best Special teams play I can remember over 6 games for anyone. Every punt is an opportunity for this team, blocks, returns boom. Hitting. Kicking. Just great stuff. The Eagles need a blocked FG for a TD to score in all 8 possible ways in one season. 10 games to go!
 
Feel like the offense hasn't clicked yet and the team is 5-1 despite horrible injuries to the o-line and to the best linebacker. The defense is improving, if still vulnerable in the secondary.
The bad news it will need to improve because post bye the schedule looks ugly
@ Cardinals
@ Texans
Panthers
@ Packers
Titans
@ cowboys
Seahawks
cowboys
@ Lolskins
@ Giants
 
OUCH, not many gimmes there. That Cooper drop vs the Niners could really matter in the end and the wildcard looks like it's going to be a battle with the losers of the Lion/ Packers almost certainly being in the mix, the loser of the Cowboys Eagles too and the cardinals/ Seattle/ Niners mess too (although they could all beat each other up) with the Saints and Bears wanting in and the Panthers of course.
Eagles could have a first round bye or miss the playoffs with not a lot of wins between the two.
 
I'd take the cowboys schedule the rest of the way though

 

[Oil Can Dan]

Got to like 5-1 at the bye, especially considering the OL injuries (and LJ suspension) to start the year.  It stands to reason that once Mathis and Kelce are back that things will get even better, but who knows who the injury bug bites between now and then.
 
I thought Foles' footwork was much better last night.  His play is still somewhat uneven, but he's still a very young QB and it seems reasonable to think that he can improve over time.
 
Shady looked much better last night too.  Seemed like the Giants dared the Eagles to run with only six/seven in the box for much of the game.  So, they did.  But regardless there were quite a few nice sweeps where Tobin & Molk were pulling and getting to the 2nd level just as we've seen Mathis & Kelce do.  If they can do that, the Eagles should be able to run regardless of the defensive gameplan.  Seems like the AZ game will tell us a lot more about all that.  And, if there's a better LT than Peters in the league then I'd like to see him.
 
All in all couldn't really be happier about where the Eagles are right now. You can't really forecast in todays NFL, but I see 11/12 wins out of this team.  It all changes week to week/injury to injury of course, but I would have taken 5-1 at the bye in any scenario.

 

[lambeau]

Best thing about Thanksgiving this year: Eagles @ Cowboys 4:30 on Fox; both could be 10-1 or 9-2.

 

[LondonSox]

Really good All-22 review on the defensive side of the shutout
 
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Eagle-Eye-Anatomy-Of-A-Shutout/6e23942b-1130-4a45-b76d-2133f591e304

 

[LondonSox]

General expression of rage.
Foles is killing this team right now. Two huge touchdowns on 80 yard plus plays and horrible red some play (two red zone turnovers) just unacceptable.

This team should and could have dominated and could have really set up the season. Instead it's more likely a wild card battle, and a good team is missing out in the nfc.

I can't imagine turning to Sanchez, but right now it's hard to imagine teams not loading the box and asking foles to try to win and frankly he can't right now. He looks a totally different player than last year and there is no good excuse.

Gah. Swear words.

 

[Oil Can Dan]

On the other hand, Foles had an outstanding game aside from the two intercepted passes. He led the offense 78 yards to a 3rd & 1 from the 2 and stupid play call aside (shotgun on 3rd & 1, Chip?) actually had the 1st down were it not for a) a bad spot and b) Chip not challenging the spot. Either of those two things change and Foles just led the team to a win. Even without that, you can't let a WR get behind you on 3rd down with under 2 to play, but it happened. Foles then took them from their 20 to AZ's 16 in 1:22 and had three shots to win it. He didn't, but he at least got them into position.

Any one of these doesn't happen and Philly likely wins:

1. Huff doesn't fumble inside the 10
2. Foles doesn't throw the Red Zone pick (terrible decision)
3. Refs properly call the pick play on the Fitz 80 yd TD
4. Chip challenges the 3rd & 1 play (or those refs get the spot right in the first place)
5. Nate Allen doesn't pull a Nate Allen on the 75 yd winning TD

I admit that's a lot of excuse making from me, but my point is that they really shot themselves in the foot today. I think this was a pretty flukey loss today, and while it sucks that they lost I'm still pretty encouraged overall. Definitely not conceding anything to Dallas at this point.

 

[LondonSox]

According to PFF foles is ahead of only gino Smith as a qb, among qbs who have started at least 75% of the teams snaps.

That's not good. At all.

He's been worse than the numbers for me as he has been regularly missing open guys.

I don't disagree that the Eagles really should have won that game and it was a bit of a perfect storm. However, if foles wasn't shit then they win anyway.

The Eagles are close, basically some secondary help and better qb play from being a real contender.
That secondary help isn't likely, but we know foles can play better. He did already. I can't imagine going to Sanchez. But I think right now the Eagles know that they need a plan b at qb.

And I expect the rest of the season go with foles. The d is ok but vulnerable to the pass (but good vs the run) and the special teams amazing. Defences are going to load the box (and start doubling maclin more!) and make foles beat them. See the 62 attempts passing.

 

[Oil Can Dan]

Foles is nowhere near the 2nd worst QB this season in my opinion.  He's just not.  He's been up, he's been down, he's very inconsistent.  No question.  But he's not the 2nd worst QB in the league.
 
That aside we're in agreement overall.  Nowhere else to go at QB this season.  Sanchez is not likely the answer.  I think we need the OL to be back together, which should open up the run game and allow the Eagles to go back to a more balanced offense.  I think I read earlier that Foles only attempted more than 30 passes four times last season, and he's done that in all seven games this season.  I have to think that a function of that is the fact that the run game has been crap up until the last two games.  As Kelce & Mathis get back in there it stands to reason that the line play will improve, which improves the run game and improves Foles' comfort level.  We'll see in short order.
 
They're a weird team so far this season.  A couple of plays from 7-0 but also a couple plays from 3-4.  I don't mind the inconsistency so far so long as they seem to be moving in the right direction offensively.  I think we'll see that.
 
Defensively, I hold my breath every time a QB drops back to pass.  I'm sick of that.  We need serious CB upgrades and a stud S.  Not easy to find those these days. Very interested to see what getting Kendricks back more full-time does for the D.
 
On to Houston...

 

[LondonSox]

I think the increase I pass attempts is a function of oline issues but also how other teams are loading up to stop the run.
Kelly's whole system is based on the idea the defense can't take away everything. They are trying to take away the run and foles has to perform and he isn't.

I agree he's not that bad, but Pff ranks missed opportunities not just results. An incomplete throw away is not equal to an incomplete throw on a wide open deep receiver that was likely a touchdown.
I can actually believe that foles has left more yards and points on the table than anyone.

The Jacksonville game us probably the best example, analysis shows wide open receivers running in space being missed completely etc.

Kelly is creating opportunity foles is missing them.

Also Herrmans may be hurt now, bicep. Could be out for a while.
I think he's the less important lineman but sucks just as everyone is coming back.

 

[LondonSox]

Another game another 4 turnovers... and a win on the road.
 
I don't really know what to make of that game. Kelce looked rusty and perhaps shouldn't have started and I'll note that once Herrmans went off the run game really exploded, but that could also be the wearing down effect (Kelly talked about that in the after game I believe).
Foles is out for 4-6 weeks it's being said, so Sanchez will be the starter. He looked amazing on his first drive, the TD to Matthews was really amazing, I thought the Huff INT was not great throw but unfortunate to be intercepted. I missed the other. He did throw several balls that should have been picked though.
He was ok considering the prep time. It will be interesting to see how he does from here. Even more reason to load the box now. 
 
Losing Ryans for the season is not good. The D is really playing very solidly bar the occasional horrendous big passing play.
 
The bar is low for Sanchize to be honest. The Eagles are at the worst turnover differential in the NFC and the best point differential. IF the turnovers just slow, this is a really good team.

 

[Tony C]

coached by Kelly rather than Ryan, I suspect Sanchez might be in better hands.

 

[LondonSox]

Sanchez has looked a LOT better with the Eagles, I mentioned it early in the thread re preseason and that got some laughs.
I think that exaggerated the improvement as he was generally against backups but there were flashes of both good and bad sanchez, the TD to Matthews was amazing.
 
(NOTE for fantasy Matthews and Sanchez in practice and pre season was a constant thing, they worked amazingly together if you are desperate for a WR)
 
However, there were several examples of him being determined to turnover the ball, eg a throw to Cooper in double coverage, or straight to the Texans.
He can't do that, this team would be better with a caretaker QB than a maybe TD maybe pick 6 type (Also known as Foles).
 
I'll be interested to see how he does with the reps and without Kelce trying to throw over his head on every snap. I think he's bought in and has a man crush on Kelly (just by body language and how fast he ran to celebrate with Kelly on that first TD).
 
This team is very odd, worst Turnover differential in the NFC yet has only lost two games both on the road to decent teams and in both losses had an almost play at the death to sneak it. I mean this team is a fingertip and a toe from undefeated (and yes admittedly they are probably about that from being 500). But to be playing sloppy with the ball and be prone to big plays on D and having had a chance in every game this season to win it suggests some real talent.
 
I'd go as far to say they have the best special teams in the league right now, which is helping. I'm borderline shocked at the pressure the D line can get at times. There is still a gaping hole at one safety position (though better than 2!) and Ryans will be hard to replace so it's not obvious how the D can improve much from here. Just stop turning the god damned ball over.

 

[LondonSox]

This quote from Barnwell at Grantland is pretty much how I feel about Sanchez and Foles
 

 
The other truth is that Sanchez doesn’t have to be a superstar to replace Foles. There’s no way Sanchez could match up with the Foles who averaged 9.1 yards per attempt and threw 27 touchdowns against two picks from 2013, but that guy wasn’t around this year. Foles finished his first half of 2014 with numbers down across the board. His completion percentage (59.9 percent) and yards per attempt (6.9) are underwhelming, and he’s thrown 10 interceptions in eight games after having just the two in 10 starts a year ago.
It was impossible to imagine that Foles would be able to keep up his 2013 numbers over a full season in 2014 — nobody could do that — but he’s been more disappointing than most expected. Foles has been extremely inconsistent on the tape; he doesn’t lack for arm strength or toughness, but his decision-making has been spotty and he’s missed plenty of throws downfield, notably struggling to make throws on corner routes to his tight ends for big plays. The perpetual question is whether he’s an above-average starting quarterback or a guy who happened to fall into the NFL’s best offensive system.

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/week-9-wrap-up-new-england-patriots-denver-broncos/

 

[LondonSox]

The pace at which Philadelphia is talking itself into Sanchez is pretty amazing.
 
I think there are a few valid points in there
1) When playing on a run first team with a solid defense he made the AFC champ game twice
2) He was actually ok until the Jets coaching lost the plot with what they were trying to do, he then got lost and then undercut by the Geno move (eh maybe)
3) Kelly and his system are very QB friendly
 
I actually agree with parts. Kelly's system is going to give him some easy opportunities and not going to ask him to do anything crazy.
 
However, he has never been accurate in the NFL. 55% completion percentage ain't going to cut it. But his only full season in college he had a 65.8% completion percentage. I'm going to take 4 years in the pros as better evidence than 1 and half years in college though, thanks.
 
He's much more mobile than Foles, which will be interesting to see if that has any impact.
 
I keep trying to tell myself he looked great in preseason and that this is a great situation for him but... I'm going to see him not throw at a random defender with no one around or not throw into triple coverage for a short gain attempt.
My only positive is that the bar he needs to pass to keep the Eagles competitive is low.

 

[tims4wins]

Should be interesting to watch tonight. Somehow Carolina is still hanging on in their division and the Saints loss yesterday opened things up again. But Carolina has been wildly inconsistent.
 
In a twisted way even though I hated Sanchez on the Jets I am kind of rooting for him to succeed just to make the Jets look worse (if that is even possible).
 
Like you said, with the Jets Sanchez had a knack for chucking the ball to wide open defenders, let's see him avoid that for a bit (after all he was picked twice in 22 attempts last week, albeit one wasn't his fault at all).

 

[LondonSox]

one wasn't his fault agree, but he did throw one right to a texan who flat out dropped it with no one around. And the other pick was a short throw into triple coverage.
 
He was cold off the bench so I think you can give him some benefit of the doubt, but I saw a guy with talent who makes some bad decisions. Which is what foles was this year, if that's his downside then it's not great but not disastrous.

 

[LondonSox]

Well now.
 
I think the Panthers are a pretty terrible team this year, but still that was pretty impressive.
First: Sanchez to Matthews. As I've mentioned was a theme of training camp, and showed up in their game action so far too. Really great game from the Rookie and I love the quote in the answer to the pathetic "how do you feel" the answer was "like Jeremy Maclin". Yes
9 Sacks
5 takeaways
0 giveaways
A defensive TD
A special teams TD (why are teams still kicking to tiny Darren??)
The o-line being back healthy saw the re-emergence of Celek as he didn't have to block on every play!
 
Really the only disappointment/ surprise was that the run game didn't really show up. 37 yards rushing, against a team that ahs struggled vs the run all year? Hmmm bit odd.
 
Barwin has 10.5 sacks. Considering he was expected to be the all rounder, better in coverage than the other outside linebackers, this is a bit of a surprise. To see him behind only Justin Houston for the league lead in sacks is pretty crazy.
The sacks generally are racking up.
Trent Cole has 4.5, Vinny Curry 5, Graham 4.5, all solid numbers and this doesn't include Fletcher Cox who has a ton of hurries and hits but only got his first sack last night.
 
10 Eagles now have sacks this year. This was a major concern this year and the pass rush has been dominant vs the Giants (8 sacks) and now the Panthers (9). I am thinking this makes for an ever more interesting Cowboys/ Eagles matchup too.
 
edit: Oh yeah Sanchez!
The panthers provided less challenge that you might expect and I want to watch the full game tape, but the first results are pretty impressive. That's better than any line he put up with the Jets, no turnovers, stepped up in the pocket well etc. I frickin love Chip Kelly

 

[LondonSox]

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter 6m6 minutes ago
Mark Sanchez (61.1 QBR) threw for at least 300 yards, had multiple TD passes and no turnovers for first time in 63 career starts.

 

[IdiotKicker]

I'd be curious what kind of numbers I could put up under Chip Kelly.  I would guess my first game line would be something like 27/40, 228 yards (I have zero arm strength), 3 TDs, 1 INT, 78 yards rushing on 6 carries.

 

[luckiestman]

Good for Sanchez. I told a group before the game "I hope he throws for a thousand yards." Note: I am a self loathing Jets fan who hates the current regime and hate what they did to Sanchez. 

 

[LondonSox]

What Kelly has done at the Eagles so far, is pretty amazing. Kelly is putting up elite QB led offense numbers with Vick, Foles and Sanchez so far. I mean if he had Luck or Cam (healthy) I think it would be unfair.
I've almost never thought a team could go deep in the playoffs with an eh at QB but.... maybe

 

[DanoooME]

I'd be curious what kind of numbers I could put up under Chip Kelly.  I would guess my first game line would be something like 27/40, 228 yards (I have zero arm strength), 3 TDs, 1 INT, 78 yards rushing on 6 carries.

 
And 3 for 3 in field goals.

 

[Oil Can Dan]

Biggest positive for me from last night was Sanchez's footwork.  I was really impressed with it, but maybe that's because I've gotten used to Foles' terrible footwork.  Sanchez was better than I thought he'd be.
 
Biggest negative was the complete and utter inability to run the ball.  The OL is largely back, and while it was only the 2nd game back for Kelce and first for Mathis, it was atrocious.
 
On to Green Bay.

 

[LondonSox]

Football Central should have a piece up tomorrow or the day after which has some thoughts on that.
I think was clearly oline issues early, against SF and particularly Washington, when things were at their worst it was oline.
 
But it has also been, and last night was pretty clear, that teams are loading the box vs the run and asking Foles/ Sanchez to beat them. Foles has (except vs SF) done just enough. Sanchez was good last night, and if he can do that the opposition will ahve to play SOME deep 2 safety schemes.
ESP with Matthews emerging more and more to compliment Maclin.
 
The Panthers normally play 2 deep safeties but last night (and I need to watch the game again) they mainly played 1 deep with an extra guy in the box.
The packers will be interesting, they are horrid vs the run and I would expect similar from them. The line is good enough to run vs run heavy D but it's unlikely that Kelly will do that, if they are playing the run and he's confident in the pass he'll take what he's given.
 
Really looking forward to that game.
 
Sproles hasn't carried much but he's been good when he has, as has Polk. I don't think Shady is 100% right, but it's far more injury and o line related than it is Shady