2015 Eagles: What the hell is going on here?!

[Average Reds]

It didn't happen very much here, but anyone assigning predictive value to it needs two things -- a blindfold and a cigarette. The line for that starts with the two bozos who anchor ESPN every morning from 6 to 10

I know better, but I got sucked in as well and feel like an idiot.

Still time to turn it around, but Chip Kelly must be feeling a bit queasy. Bold moves need to pay off or you pay the price, and Philly is not a town renowned for patience.

 

[LondonSox]

Well also I think there is a big difference between taking a step back but moving in the right direction and whatever the hell that was last night.
 
That was all time ineptitude. We've seen it at Oregon where when they play badly and can't get into rhythm it looks terrible but this was another level.
 
The good news is that anyone who was the wrong side of arrogant in terms of confidence, yeah that shouldn't be an issue. 
The other is that if you go 8-6/ 9-5 from here winning the remaining division games you have a shot. Pre the Romo injury you were thinking you need to go 10-4 or better.
 
The o-line isn't THIS bad, but it's not good. I think Kelly really really screwed up not addressing the guards. One would think this will be the focus next draft. And given the team is young and talented (not that it showed) at WR, D line, linebacker and old and talented at RB and who knows about the secondary the obvious holes are oline and qB. If they flame out maybe you can find that QB!

 

[Hendoo]

Maybe it is the lack of a line, but the fact that DeMarco Murray is on pace for 88 total rushing yards this season after leading the league with 1845 yards in 2014? Wow.

 

[ShaneTrot]

 
Maybe it is the lack of a line, but the fact that DeMarco Murray is on pace for 88 total rushing yards this season after leading the league with 1845 yards in 2014? Wow.
 

Really seemed like the running plays were taking a long time to develop and the Cowboy defenders were shooting the gaps while the offensive linemen were pulling.
 
Philly should be ashamed, their offense acted like this was the first day of practice. At home, no less. Plus Chip leaves his defense out to dry, they cannot play 40 minutes a game. Of course, that will happen when your offense gets 1 first down in the first half.

 

[Bosoxen]

Really seemed like the running plays were taking a long time to develop and the Cowboy defenders were shooting the gaps while the offensive linemen were pulling.
 
Philly should be ashamed, their offense acted like this was the first day of practice. At home, no less. Plus Chip leaves his defense out to dry, they cannot play 40 minutes a game. Of course, that will happen when your offense gets 1 first down in the first half.

 
And that first down was by virtue of a penalty.
 
Murray is an excellent downhill runner, so I have no idea why they are constantly making him run with his pads parallel to the sideline. Just seems like a waste to me and I'm starting to think that contract was as much about keeping him away from the Cowboys as it was about strengthening the team.

 

[LondonSox]

 
And that first down was by virtue of a penalty.
 
Murray is an excellent downhill runner, so I have no idea why they are constantly making him run with his pads parallel to the sideline. Just seems like a waste to me and I'm starting to think that contract was as much about keeping him away from the Cowboys as it was about strengthening the team.

 
No it's because the guards have been a disaster and they can't run the ball inside at all. I mean did you see how far in the backfield Murray was being hit, there was an untouched D line player busting through all the time.
It was fairly bizarre to be honest, it was like the Eagles lost a bet and couldn't block one player every play.
 
the solutions are not obvious, the guards are (probably) not THIS bad. Just because that's next to impossible. Kelce has been bad, you have to fear Peters suddenly acts his age and no one is trusting each other. It's a major problem. There are other similar level guards, maybe one of them is better. Maybe that just doesn't change anything but sets back communication again.
 
If they keep running to the outside it's desperation. Some is fine, but the offense is built on the inside run, if they can't do that they won't win very much. At least Mariota is.... oh...

 

[Tony C]

It seems there's a similarity in re teams run by the 3 guys supposedly at the cutting edge: BB in NE, Carroll in Sea, and Kelly in Phi: each seem to think they can just plug and play at the interior of the OL, without having to invest serious resources. It seems to be working for BB this year (I'm still astonished that the Pats are starting an UDFA at C and rotating 4th and 5th rounders in this year's draft with an UDFA from a few years ago -- still holding my breath, to be honest). But Seattle and Philly sure seem to be paying a price. Maybe those equivalencies are false -- certainly the Pats are doing something different -- but it is strikign to me.

 

[dynomite]

Well, I think there's a difference between employing the same strategy and executing said strategy, which involves coaching and scouting as well.

Belichick's teams -- especially under Dante -- were always able to maintain strong offensive line units despite numerous personnel changes over the years, but the jury is still out on the other two.

And don't forget how bad the Pats interior offensive line looked through Week 4 last year, only to dramatically improve as the season wore on.

 

[soxhop411]

Mike Garafolo ‏@MikeGarafolo  11m11 minutes ago
Following tests today, there's a possibility Eagles LB Kiko Alonso will be lost for the season with a knee injury, sources say.

 

[Marciano490]

Is anyone actually in Philly?  I remember their sports radio being brutal, but I'm wondering how much leash Kelly has especially since his groceries are starting to spoil and the rest of the team is underperforming as well.  Does he make it through a putrid season assuming things don't turn around quickly?

 

[DanoooME]

Is anyone actually in Philly?  I remember their sports radio being brutal, but I'm wondering how much leash Kelly has especially since his groceries are starting to spoil and the rest of the team is underperforming as well.  Does he make it through a putrid season assuming things don't turn around quickly?

 
The local papers are starting to rip him.  I don't listen to sports radio in Philly, but here's a good example of what's going on.

 

[dbn]

Sounds like RG3 will be available cheap.

 
This is hilarious. Or brilliant. Or both.

 

[LondonSox]

No one in any town is getting away without some serious fan rage after a performance that bad, at home, vs the biggest rival in the division recently. Everyone in the NFC East hates each other to be fair, but this is the recent biggest rivalry.
 
Philly has a lot of terrible HOT TAKE journalists and a bias to be negative so...
 
My favourite is the guy who keep referring to Fole's win loss record as to why Kelly made a mistake. Pitcher win loss records are calling to see if they can hang out with him. 

 

[Oil Can Dan]

I really don't think things are as bad as everyone is making it out to be. I thought the defense played great. If the OL can get straightened out then all will be fine. I hope the players aren't as wound up as everyone else seems to be.

 

[LondonSox]

Well a win.
 
Not a good win but a win.
 
The good news, the front seven held up despite missing 3 starters and a key back up (Kendricks, Alonso, Thornton, Hart) and really have to be encouraged by the play of Jordan Hicks the Rookie. A sack/ FF and hitting Romo and breaking his shoulder in half of his first game. A fumble recovery and INT in the second. Encouraging as I think Ryans is nearly done and Alonso is a injury concern going forward at best. 
The D generally played well, aided by turnovers including the WTF was that lateral from Marshall, which was just horrendous.
The secondary held up pretty well, Carroll played well and Rowe saw the field and even had a pick on great coverage play.
 
Again they wore down late, in part due to the failure of the offense. The D is good. Still concerns about the secondary but the safeties look good, Thurman has been very solid. 
 
The bad side was again offensive. 
Not a good game, a bit better but that's really a LOW bar. Bradford did not play well, but once again was victimized by drops. I saw a report saying with some luck and players holding the ball he could have had 4 tDs, but to be clear that would have been flattering in the extreme. Matthews (RB) has horrible hands, and he dropped a potential wide open TD, with no one around. He did catch the Wheel route TD at least.
The receivers really have to step up here it's unacceptable.
 
Gardner the RG was hurt in the game, hard to argue that this hurts the team other than if some chemistry was developing but they were able to run the ball a bit. 
 
Basically though the offense still sucks. The second half was horrible, 5 3 and outs and a four and out I think. There was one burst where the Eagles played ok and it was all that they needed plus D and Sproles and the ST unit. 
 
If and it's a big IF, Kelly can get the offense to competent, the D and ST units suggest they're ok. But that's a lot of hope for now.
 
Finally, the sproles punt return was insane. There was no lane, he broke 4 or maybe 5 tackles. Just ridiculous. 
edit
 
the embedded version wont' work so here's a link
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25318795/watch-darren-sproles-is-still-fast-scores-on-89-yard-punt-return

 

[GeorgeCostanza]

FYI video won't play embedded.

 

[Mugsy's Jock]

Was at the game and don't disagree with any of LondonSox's analysis. OL was very good, LBs played well esp. considering no Alonso, and DBs were better than I'd have expected.

I would say the analysis on Bradford, while hardly kind, is still generous. He was the second best QB playing that game. Continually locked in on receivers and almost never hit anybody in stride. Very often threw behind receivers, ruining chances for any YAC, and setting them up to get killed.

 

[LondonSox]

Current oline
Tobin, Kelly, kelce, babre, Johnson.

Not good.

Playing worse.

The season is already borderline over and chip Kelly needs to get his shit together. An oline would help.

Injuries to maxwell and Kendricks and Bair and Peters so far in the game.

Horrendous. Just awful

 

[LondonSox]

Full on farce.

New kicker missing 33 yard fg.
Turnover on a end around reverse after a big play.

Awful.

 

[luckiestman]

When will Sanchez be allowed to rescue the Eagles?

 

[LondonSox]

Sanchez can't help the oline. Worst oline in the league with Peters out esp with kelce playing like ass.

The failure to address the oline is killing the team. D has been good and some decent early flashes from Rowe and hicks the rookies and Thurman too.

Bradford has been bad but so has the running game and the oline is the base problem and it's not going away.

 

[tims4wins]

Alive

 

[LondonSox]

Missed 33yard fg and a missed extra point kind of mattered.

The last drive was amazing. Could not block a simple 4 man rush. Like at all.

Season likely done for me. Oline is a disaster and no help in sight. I think the team has a lot of talent and the d has taken a big encouraging step forward. But chip gambled hard on bradford and the oline and lost.

 

[Ralphwiggum]

Alive

 
Dead.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

You know what the best designed play in football is?

The sweep. I wish the Eagles did that more.

 

[canderson]

My Eagles fan friends want to murder Kelly - they are beyond pissed.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

Is Evan Mathis available?

 

[LondonSox]

Evan Mathis is busy being awful for Denver, and Herremans is a healthy scratch for a terrible Colts line.
 
It's not that cutting the guards was a horrible decision. It's the lack of replacements. Herremans especially. They cut him a long time ago and never added anyone. Mathis I don't know how toxic the situation got, but again if they had replaced Herremans then Mathis could have been a lesser issue.
 
On top of this there is not tackle on the roster worth a crap after Peters (old) and Johnson which is frickin scary.
 
Maybe Kelly bought into his own hype, any guard will do and no one gets hurt with my amazing sports science. Maybe they tried and failed. I don't know.
 
It does seem like they had a number of guards targeted in the draft and got unlucky with them being taken ahead and they stuck to their board. On the plus side that netted them Hicks, at a position of depth, and yet he's already been key and looks like a great prospect going forward. On the negative side... THEY DON'T HAVE ANYONE FOR THE LINE!!!!
 
Given they have cap space, the failure to add some depth to the line looks a huge error. Spending this much on RB and so little on the guards is just everyone bad for me. That's not smart nor ahead of the game. 
 
Bradford, I think it's hard to tell! He's looked awful but he's had such constant pressure, the line played not like shit for a quarter and Bradford had multiple deep throws and several big play TDs. Was it a mistake? It seems like putting a guy with his history behind a crap line isn't exactly a great idea. We've seen he can't do that. Pretty clearly. For years. 
 
Second perhaps to Bradford's knee the oline was the biggest most obvious concern, esp in the depth. The fast pre season games made people think the Babre Gardner at guards move could work. It never explained the lack of depth. If a guy like Kelly (the guard not the coach) is making your roster, which is deep in many areas, you have poorly allocated resources. 

 

[Oil Can Dan]

The offensive line situation is a mess.  I guess when you've not drafted a single OL in the past two drafts this should be expected though.  No offensive linemen taken in the last 20 picks.  Only two OL taken in the first three rounds in their last NINE drafts.  And one of those was Danny Watkins.
 
You don't do more with less, you do less with less.  And they're doing less and paying the price because sometimes injuries happen regardless of what flavor smoothie you drink.
 
Speaking of less, they're keeping that kicker that missed the 34 yard FG and the extra point.  What's David Akers up to these days, anyway?
 
The Eagles have the 3rd highest dropped passes percentage in the league.  Bradford has been inconsistent at best, but nobody has been doing him any favors whatsoever.
 
I'd like to think it's not over and there's some hope that the team can improve as it goes along, win the shitty division with 9/10 wins then this theoretically improved team could make some noise in the playoffs, but unless the OL can get healthy and stay healthy quickly, I don't know.  It isn't like they've been good when they've been on the field...
 
What a mess.

 

[EricFeczko]

Kelly should certainly be removed from the role of choosing who stays on his team.

Bradford had the same problems with the Rams, who drafted a lot of O-line help while he was with the team. Unfortunately, Bradford has a slow release, has trouble with accuracy, and he's slow in the pocket (or has trouble reading the defense, not sure which). Worse, these issues always seem to appear in games that count, as opposed to practices or preseason games. Not surprisingly, his current 2015 numbers are completely in-line with his career averages.

I haven't counted how many, but a significant number of "dropped" passes aren't entirely on the WRs; a number were under/over thrown or just a bit behind or ahead of the receiver. I'd be interested to see whether the Rams in 2012 also had a top-ranked percentage of drops as well.

 

 

[EricFeczko]

All things being equal, the Eagles still have a shot in this division. The giants are a mess, Dallas is severely injured, and the redskins are the redskins. Even with a 1-3 start, the Eagles are only a game behind (sort of). Furthermore, the defense has looked decent on the field. If Kelly can fix the O-line. the offense should be ok enough (with three solid RBs) to keep the defense fresh.

Assuming he doesn't keep running those damn sweeps. They are getting predictable.

 

[Kevin Youkulele]

Sanchez can't help the oline. Worst oline in the league with Peters out esp with kelce playing like ass.

The failure to address the oline is killing the team. D has been good and some decent early flashes from Rowe and hicks the rookies and Thurman too.

Bradford has been bad but so has the running game and the oline is the base problem and it's not going away.

Sanchez can help the o-line
 
...
 
cause more buttfumbles!

 

[soxhop411]

mike freeman ‏@mikefreemanNFL  2m2 minutes ago
Ashley Fox reporting that Chip Kelly in danger of losing locker room. For putting blame on players and not his scheme.

 

[dcmissle]

Chip > USC speculation already starting. He'll be linked to every major program in difficulty until things get sorted out, or don't.

Maybe Eagles players taking their cue from Dolphins or, closer to home, Washington Nats. Underperform and then rally around the coach losing the clubhouse or locker room.

 

[LondonSox]

If he's losing the locker room I feel like that would be another failure as gm. He's gone after high character players and cut any problem players.

We shall see.

There's no o line help coming and the better players are all hurt.
The way the d has been playing really should help a bit. I mean they have been awful and had a shot to win two of the three losses and frankly even the Cowboys game they had chances despite that first half.

But if the team stays this bad all year. Ugh. Lurie is one to give guys time but not sure this bad can survive.

 

[Oil Can Dan]

It's easy to see the contrast between he and Andy Reid when it came to press conferences. Reid always, always, always put the bad stuff on him and his staff ("we need to put the players in a better position to succeed") whereas Kelly seems perfectly happy to put it on the players ("it was a lack of execution"). I appreciated that Reid would go to great lengths to shield his players,and I thought it was smart as that's the type of coach I'd want to run through walls for. I'm not giving up on Kelly but I don't like many aspects of his style.
 
All that said, winning cures lots of problems.
 
Important game on Sunday.  New Orleans outside of the dome with a limited Brees and a leaky defense should translate to a win.  If not, the next week they've got the Giants on Monday Night Football that should they lose would set them at 1-5 and all but end their season.
 
Giddyup.

 

[Shelterdog]

It's easy to see the contrast between he and Andy Reid when it came to press conferences. Reid always, always, always put the bad stuff on him and his staff ("we need to put the players in a better position to succeed") whereas Kelly seems perfectly happy to put it on the players ("it was a lack of execution"). I appreciated that Reid would go to great lengths to shield his players,and I thought it was smart as that's the type of coach I'd want to run through walls for. I'm not giving up on Kelly but I don't like many aspects of his style.
 
All that said, winning cures lots of problems.
 
Important game on Sunday.  New Orleans outside of the dome with a limited Brees and a leaky defense should translate to a win.  If not, the next week they've got the Giants on Monday Night Football that should they lose would set them at 1-5 and all but end their season.
 
Giddyup.

 
And BB blames himself and the players (we all need to do better, coaches need to coach better, players need to play better) but never throws any particular player or group under the boss.

 

[soxfan121]

 
And BB blames himself and the players (we all need to do better, coaches need to coach better, players need to play better) but never throws any particular player or group under the boss.

 
Except Kyle Arrington. 

 

[LondonSox]

 
And BB blames himself and the players (we all need to do better, coaches need to coach better, players need to play better) but never throws any particular player or group under the boss.

Which is exactly what Kelly does. He has blamed himself and coaching and general execution etc. I can't remember him throwing anyone specific under the bus and has blamed his play calling and coaching and general performance.

I mean the performance has been so bad there's plenty of blame to go around. I don't see really any sign of him blaming the players. And frankly they've been shit. So they should be blaming themselves anyway. There is no one without blame on offense. Qb bad, line awful, wr drops and bad, te blocking and drops bad, rb maybe has less blame as have no chance.

21 of 29 carries Murray has been hit behind the line of scrimmage.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

I appreciated that Reid would go to great lengths to shield his players,and I thought it was smart as that's the type of coach I'd want to run through walls for.

 

[Shelterdog]

Which is exactly what Kelly does. He has blamed himself and coaching and general execution etc. I can't remember him throwing anyone specific under the bus and has blamed his play calling and coaching and general performance.

I mean the performance has been so bad there's plenty of blame to go around. I don't see really any sign of him blaming the players. And frankly they've been shit. So they should be blaming themselves anyway. There is no one without blame on offense. Qb bad, line awful, wr drops and bad, te blocking and drops bad, rb maybe has less blame as have no chance.

21 of 29 carries Murray has been hit behind the line of scrimmage.

 The comment that drew the attention was "We're doing the right things. We need to execute the plays better that's what we need to do" That's casting the blame entirely on the players and not on the coaching staff.

Generally he's been good at taking blame but not in the instance.

 

[LondonSox]

Some encouraging signs yesterday. 
 
Yes the Saints are bad but 519 total yards is the 18th highest ever for the Eagles. Two red zone turnovers (one HORRENDOUS) was the only thing stopping a much more extreme blowout. 
The D continues to be great, despite injuries, and produce turnovers and when they aren't on the field for 40 minutes can actually hold up.
 
Fletcher Cox is a beast, when he's on he's just silly, and Benny Logan has (very) quietly become a fantastic NT. 
Thurman has 3 INT now and by PFF etc the Eagles have one of the better safety combos going. I buy this because Jenkins other than cinderblock hands is great and Thurman so far has been as good as camp suggested he might be. There's no depth, but barely any teams have two good safeties let alone more. 
 
Both tackles gutted through injuries and really set the tone.
 
Huff FINALLY had a good game. He's got so much potential.
 
Mathews vs Murray will keep getting press. Mathews has looked well better. I've never been a huge fan of the Murray signing, I liked the McCoy trade as you don't need to pay RB that much any more. I'd invest in the line and multiple options. I liked the Mathews signing and he looks like a great fit, also splitting carries should help him keep healthy and that's important. 
 
Bradford. Keeps on flashing, then doing something terrible. So far this season he's been dog turd in the first half and pretty damn good in the second. I have no idea why. The talent level that keeps showing in second halves is great, if someone can just tell him it's the second half ....
 
I mean look at this over 5 games
1st half : 56% completion, 524 yards, 3 TD 3 INT. Rating of 64.8 (ugh)
2nd half: 67% completion, 721 yards, 6 TDs, 3 INts. Rating of... 104.7! 
 
That's pretty crazy. He's got to stop with the picks, esp red zone picks, but he's throwing deep now and there are some encouraging signs.
 
Finally the Eagles started playing more 2 TE sets. Duh. Blocking issues more TEs to help. 

 

[EricFeczko]

I mean look at this over 5 games
1st half : 56% completion, 524 yards, 3 TD 3 INT. Rating of 64.8 (ugh)
2nd half: 67% completion, 721 yards, 6 TDs, 3 INts. Rating of... 104.7! 
 
That's pretty crazy. He's got to stop with the picks, esp red zone picks, but he's throwing deep now and there are some encouraging signs.

I'm interested to see what DVOA/raw EPA says about Bradford. Bradford's counting and completion stats look nice in the second half, but the split may just be random.  Right now, the Eagles are scoring on 30 percent of their drives and only average about 5 plays per drive. They also have the greatest number of drives of any team, which increases the raw number of good drives.

 

[LondonSox]

Top of the NFC East.... Obviously!
 
So good news first, the D is legit. The Giants had been playing well and after the first 80 yard drive they could do absolutely nothing. This is also while missing the two starting inside linebackers, who the defence is set up to showcase. Hicks the rookie had 10 tackles again and Ryans had his best half of the season before getting hurt. Graham and Barwin were good, Curry got his first sacks and Cox and Logan are becoming utter beasts. Cox is at 5 sacks and has had 3 sack strip fumbles in as many games. The guys is a stud. Logan gets less love but he's becoming a fantastic player. The Safeties were once again very solid, Jenkins is good hands from being a top top safety, even without they are both listed in the PFF top 10. Carroll has been excellent, and a great job on the pick 6 tonight. Maxwell has not been great, but that's really relative to a bloated contract, more than he's been bad bad. 
The team is second to the broncos in creating turnovers, and is just a solid unit. They are very very good vs the run (no 100 yard rushers for i think 18 or 19 games, average 3.5 ish a rush and this time there is a bit of a pass rush and a secondary on top.
 
Murray had his first game where he looked actually himself. Fast, burst yards after contact. About time but good to see. The o line also played better than the first few games, though it's still hardly awe inspiring.
 
The bad news. Is first and foremost Bradford. His 4th (!!!!!) red zone pick, no one else has more than one. The Eagles have lost close even when it was awful, and he's one of the reasons. The TD to Cooper was awful and underthrown. One pick had Cooper wide open and he just hugely underthrew it for a pick. The red zone pick aimed at Ertz was a horrible decision, he was covered very well and was nothing there. Aside from the 3 picks vs a bad Giants secondary missing it's best starter he missed wide open targets repeatedly. The receivers have not been good enough, and everyone seemed to get hurt today, but Bradford has been bad. Bursts of good but overall just not good enough.
 
It must be very annoying for Chip to see picks when the target is wide open for a TD and missing open guys etc. The Eagles running game and o lien has recovered a lot, and if stays healthy will be fine, but there is so superstar receiver here and Bradford needs to be solid and spread the ball around. How he's playing at the moment means even if the Eagles win the East they're a one and done. 
 
It's a bit surprising for me because Bradford has been accurate and safe with the football most of his career, and he gets a chance to shine and instead disappoints. Kelly has got him throwing downfield, but maybe we can see why he didn't! What is really odd is in practice he can make ALL these throws. It's hard to imagine Bradford getting worse, but if he did Sanchez is about what Bradford is right now. Bradford can get better though, so I guess you hope it clicks.
 
The D is the heart of this team right now. I thought they'd be improved but they are impressive. 

 

[gryoung]

What's the word out of Philly around Kelly being #1 on USC's list ?

 

[Oil Can Dan]

What's the word out of Philly around Kelly being #1 on USC's list ?

Happy to let USC have him if he agrees to bring Bradford with him.

 

[EricFeczko]

It's a bit surprising for me because Bradford has been accurate and safe with the football most of his career, and he gets a chance to shine and instead disappoints. Kelly has got him throwing downfield, but maybe we can see why he didn't! What is really odd is in practice he can make ALL these throws. It's hard to imagine Bradford getting worse, but if he did Sanchez is about what Bradford is right now. Bradford can get better though, so I guess you hope it clicks.
 

I agree with most of what you said regarding the present state of the team. However, I would quibble with this statement, depending on what you mean by "most of his career".

I watched Bradford play in St. Louis from 2010-2013 (I was living in St. Louis at the time, so I watched almost every Rams game).  He was always a poor decision maker, inaccurate on throws beyond 5 yards, slow, and loose with the football. The statistics confirm what I saw by eye; while in St. Louis, he completed less than 60% (~59%) of his attempts, couldn't scramble (2.5 Y/A), was immobile in the pocket (~35-36 sacks a year) despite added OL help over those four years, and was responsible for ~15-20 turnovers per year (65 over a four year period).

Bradford did the same thing in St. Louis vis a vis practice and preseason. I strongly suspect that he is slow at processing information and making a decision; when the game speeds up, he loses it.
 
Sanchez was much worse for the Jets than Bradford was for the Rams, but I'd argue that the Jets were a much weaker offensive team than the Rams over the same time period. So far, Bradford has not produced in 2015 what Sanchez produced for the Eagles in 2014; although such production may be offset by the fact that Sanchez produced ~30+ turnovers every season.
 

 

[dcmissle]

So am I the only one who feared early last night that they were one horrifically stupid penalty away from getting blown out of the building? 2 score difference and the fans jump ugly?

Oh, and so much for that stupid myth of Coughlin's teams being squared away on the discipline front. Everyone likes Tom; so Tom shits media ice cream.

From my vantage point with no rooting interest, fans in Phily need to chill out. The yo-yo there is almost as bad as it is here. Thankfully, you don't have an idiot owner who follows the yo-yo. And thankfully, Chip has BBian contempt for the gallery.

The team is a work in progress with significant potential upside. It's mid-October. Patience.

 

[DanoooME]

I didn't watch the whole game, but it seemed like the left side of the Eagles o-line had a hell of a game, blowing the Giants off of the line of scrimmage.  Was that consistent throughout the game and was that the unit finally healthy and jelling or is the right side of the Giants' d-line that bad?

 

[mauf]

Overall, I think Kelly took a calculated risk by trading someone he knew was a below-average QB (Foles) for a guy he thought might be a top-10 QB if he stayed healthy and played in a spread-type system (Bradford). So far, it appears he was right on Foles, but wrong on Bradford, so the Eagles have basically treaded water and are out a 2nd round pick for their trouble. That's a bad result, but that doesn't mean it was a bad bet ex ante.