• March 29, 2024

Thoughts From Eagles-Packers

110413_Foles_Cooper_600Eagles Solid In Another Road Win

A shorthanded Packers team gave a pretty good effort on Sunday, but the Eagles were able to come away with a solid victory to improve to 5-5 on the season.

The Eagles not only didn’t have to face Aaron Rodgers today, but they didn’t have to see much of his top backup Seneca Wallace. Wallace left the game after the first Green Bay drive with an injured groin and was replaced by Scott Tolzien.

Tolzien did a pretty good job for Green Bay, throwing for 280 yards and driving his team into scoring position throughout the game. However, the Eagles managed to only give up 13 points despite giving the Packers four redzone opportunities.

Facing a third-string quarterback on a team that had already had more than there share of injuries, this was a game that the Eagles needed to win handily and give them credit for coming out and taking care of business.

Although the Packers kept things close through the first half, the Eagles made a lot of big plays in big moments in this game, and got themselves back to .500.

Another Good Start For Foles

Nick Foles had another good showing today.

Foles threw for 228 yards and three touchdowns. His three touchdown passes went for 32, 45, and 55 yards.

Foles has established a good rapport with Riley Cooper. Cooper had another huge game, with three catches for 103 yards and two more touchdowns.

Foles looks like a very confident player right now. He’s had so much success with his deep passes, that he’s practically salivating at any opportunity to air out the football.

Foles also picked up 38 yards on eight carries. For a guy who doesn’t have great speed, that’s a solid amount of rushing yards to tack on to your passing total.

Now, there was a bit of a downside to Foles’ effort today. The quarterback got a little lucky on a couple of throws that could have been intercepted.

On the first touchdown pass, Foles was actually a little late on the throw to DeSean Jackson. The pass could have been intercepted, but the defenders ended up tipping the pass to Jackson.

Before the half, Foles made a mistake by throwing a ball up for grabs. He threw across his body, and left a ball out there that floated for a couple of seconds but fortunately no Green Bay defender was close enough to make the play.

Foles also lost a fumble in the second half that gave the Packers a short field to work with.

Overall it was a solid showing for Foles. It was another game where he made some big throws, and led the team to a road victory. He continues to state his case to be team’s starting quarterback.

Bend But Don’t Break Defense Succeeds Again

It was a bit of a mixed showing for the Eagles’ defense today, but overall I thought they did a good job.

On one hand, they allowed third-string quarterback Scott Tolzien to move the ball on them throughout the game. They gave up 280 passing yards to the backup quarterback, and were on the field for over 34 minutes.

But on the other hand, they didn’t allow the Packers to score on any of their four redzone opportunities. They came up with a 76-yard interception return from Brandon Boykin on one drive, and stopped the Packers on fourth down again with more than 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

They were able to play pretty well despite missing three of their starters (Bradley Fletcher, Mychal Kendricks, Earl Wolff), and they held powerful running back Eddie Lacy to just 73 yards on 24 carries.

DeMeco Ryans was the guy who stood out most once again. Ryans played a strong, physical game, making plays throughout the day. He finished with 13 tackles, was involved on several big stops on Lacy, and made a great diving interception on a tipped ball.

Even though it was against a third-string quarterback, the results that the defense put out today were consistent with the improvement that we’ve seen over the last month. What Billy Davis is doing right now is working, and he should be given credit.

Quick Thoughts

Offense

  • Jason Peters left the game in the first quarter with a shoulder injury. He returned to the game late in the quarter, but was quickly left again with a leg injury.
  • Allan Barbre was called for a holding penalty that nullified a big run from Bryce Brown.
  • First and goal with over a minute remaining, and not one carry for LeSean McCoy before the half? Kelly put the ball in the hands of Nick Foles three times, and the offense stalled. I know Foles has been great in the redzone this year, but Kelly hasn’t done a good enough job involving McCoy in the redzone.
  • Speaking of McCoy, the running back picked up 155 rushing yards on 25 carries. He gained 41 yards on the final drive, helping to run 9:32 off of the clock to end the game.
  • Jason Avant only had two receptions, but one of them was a key catch for 23 yards that helped extend a drive.
  • The tight ends went back to being a non-factor this week. Zach Ertz was held without a catch, and Brent Celek and James Casey combined for just two catches for 15 yards.

Defense

  • Bradley Fletcher was inactive for today’s game with a pectoral injury. Roc Carmichael saw an increase in reps as a result.
  • Mychal Kendricks went down on the team’s first series after teammate Earl Wolff collided with his knee. Najee Goode took over for Kendricks.
  • Goode dropped what should have been an interception on a pass from Tolzien to Andrew Quarless in the second quarter.
  • Nate Allen made a nice open field tackle on a screen to Lacy in the first quarter.
  • Patrick Chung took over for Earl Wolff. Chung broke up a pass in the flat to Quarless on third and inches.
  • Brandon Boykin picked off Tolzien in the redzone and returned it 76-yards. Boykin had a nice hit on Jordy Nelson before the half.
  • Damian Square made a nice play chasing down Lacy in the third quarter for a short gain.
  • Another week, another sack for Vinny Curry. Curry has four sacks on the season, and has gotten sacks in three of the last four games.
  • Connor Barwin batted down a pass on 3rd and 4 in the fourth quarter in the redzone.
  • Cary Williams had seven tackles and broke up several passes.

Special Teams

  • Alex Henery missed a 39-yard field goal after the Boykin interception return. He did come back to hit his next two attempts.
  • Silly play by Colt Anderson who pursued a punt deep in Eagle territory that nearly turned into a Green Bay touchdown. The officials ruled that it was an illegal touch by the Packers. Anderson’s got to just get away from a ball like that and not take any chances.

Final Thoughts

In my pregame thoughts article, one of my final points was that the Eagles have been one of the most difficult teams to figure out. They’ve gone through hot and cold stretches this year. When it seems like they’re turning the corner, they take a step back. when it seems like the wheels are beginning to fall off, they get themselves back on track.

Right now, it looks as though things are beginning to come together for this team.

Nick Foles is stepping up and securing the quarterback job more and more every week, providing much needed stability at the position. The defense has gone from liability to strength. The Eagles are in the thick of the division race, and should be in the picture until the end of the year.

The next challenge for Chip Kelly and Nick Foles?

Win a home game.

Denny Basens is the editor of GCobb.com. Email him at dbasens@ycp.edu

 

 

 

Denny Basens

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Jon Hart
Jon Hart
November 10, 2013 6:41 pm

I’ve been impressed with the offense as a whole. They’ve really settled in and pay close attention to detail and execution. But I’ve been even more impressed with this defense. What strides they’ve made the past few weeks. Even when the offense has struggled, the defense remained relatively consistent. One guy who has stood out heads and shoulders has been the defensive leader Demeco Ryans. Another huge game from him. 13 Tackles 1int. I hear guys like Fraudman on here say Demeco is washed up and will be replaced but then you listen to the coaches and they label him as the glue to the defense and the team leader. You don’t trade or let guys like that walk esp when they’re in their prime. Great year so far, 76 tackles 2 picks.. Hes on pace for over 100 tackles. That’s the kind of production we’ve dreamed of getting from the MLB for years.. He’s been a huge bright spot.. Now we gotta hope Kendricks injury wasnt too serious..

Daz
Daz
November 10, 2013 6:51 pm

Denny, The Colt Anderson play was actually smart, a lot of people just do not know that rule, once a punt team touches the ball in this case twice, the return team can pick it and run with it even if they fumble it back, they keep the ball where it was first touched by the punt team. The 2 face mask non calls on McCoy stopped 2 drives. Foles non fumble, Avant pass interference at the 5. This officiating crew was rated the worst last season. I said before the game this was going to be ugly.

ridusofreid
ridusofreid
November 10, 2013 6:57 pm

One thought- a nine and a half minute drive at the end to secure the win. That was the most impressive thing the offense did.

Stevo
Stevo
November 10, 2013 8:34 pm
Reply to  ridusofreid

Yes!!!

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
November 10, 2013 6:59 pm

Not Enough!

andrew p
andrew p
November 10, 2013 7:10 pm

Denny, you said its beginning to look like things are coming together for this team, like I said from day one, by mid season when this team gets this system down, were going to be one of the scary teams in the East, were past mid season but I knew it was only a matter of time. I loved how Chip managed the clock at the end of the game, it still seems like he’s learning on the job but he’s getting better in those situations which is a good thing, but the thing I love most about this coaching staff is, they know how to make HALFTIME ADJUSTMENTS! What a pleasure! We went into halftime with the momentum in the Packers favor and a QB we didn’t game plan for, they had some nice drives before the half because of it but we adjusted and came out the second half and shut them down, that to me is what impressed me most today.

Theone1
Theone1
November 10, 2013 7:13 pm

I like Foles’s toughness. Blue collar QB for a blue collar city. However he will be beat up by the end of the season. I will say it time and time again, The OL sucks The OL sucks the OL sucks. That was an ill advised toss to Dax that we are lucky fortune was smiling on us. Throwing into double coverage to a smallish Steve Smith like receiver is bone headed, but we got away it with help from the defense. Does it seem to anyone else like the defense for the past two weeks has laid down for the eagles? Sloppy play from two teams that are supposed to be contenders. I’m just saying.

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
November 10, 2013 7:33 pm
Reply to  Theone1

Seriously dude, have you watched the O line play lately? How can the Eagles hold the ball for 9:32 if the O line sucks. Foles was kept clean last weak, two sacks this week, one was on him because he held the ball waaay to long. Shady had 155 yards on 25 carries 6.2 ypc. Lacy had 74 yards on 23 carries- 3.0 ypc and GB was supposed to have a superior run game and superior running back. This Oline is good, even with injuries. Maybe the defenses are not laying down for the Eagles, maybe they are being put down by our offense. I recall you saying that the GB defense was good and you wanted to see Nick perform against them and win…well he did. As far as throwing the ball..you trust your receivers that they will make a play on the ball. Foles has 16 TD’s to 0 int’s. I”m not one for the Foles vs. Vick debate, but seriously, your argument is ridiculously weak.

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
November 10, 2013 7:36 pm
Reply to  Eaglehaslanded

Last week it was Oh, the receivers were open all day, anyone can make those throws..this week it’s Oh, why is he throwing to covered receivers..LOL. Bias and hate shining!

DMAN
DMAN
November 11, 2013 2:44 am
Reply to  Eaglehaslanded

Weak bro, weak

Xevious
Xevious
November 10, 2013 7:34 pm
Reply to  Theone1

You are nuts. He puts the ball in places where his receivers can make the catch. Djax fought for the ball that’s why that pass was completed. NFL defenses don’t lay down. Basically it’s another shitty defense but the kid is tough. This is an exciting time to be an eagles fan. I don’t see why people need to pour cold water on this. This is the NFL wins equal $. No one is laying down.

runtheball09
runtheball09
November 10, 2013 7:18 pm

I love Foles, I’m on board. He is progressing. What people view as not great passing is him putting the ball mostly where his receivers can get it. I think he was too cautious against Dallas. We will see. I like him though.

frankdialogue
November 10, 2013 7:28 pm

Colin Kaepernick was 11-22 for 90 yards and no touchdowns today.

He obviously choked, so expect Harbaugh to bring in Colt McCoy next week to re-invigorate the 49ers Super Bowl drive.

RegalEagle
RegalEagle
November 10, 2013 9:42 pm
Reply to  frankdialogue

Beautiful Man!

IrishEagle
IrishEagle
November 10, 2013 7:35 pm

Does it seem to anyone else like the defense for the past two weeks has laid down for the eagles? Sloppy play from two teams that are supposed to be contenders. I’m just saying.

It’s a conspiracy by the league to make Foles look good and to oppress and torment poor Michael Vick…. they are haters!!!

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
November 10, 2013 7:44 pm
Reply to  IrishEagle

LOL, I stayed neutral in this Vick, Foles crap…but seriously, this argument that teams are laying down is a joke. It’s affirmative action for Nick Foles by defenses all around the NFL, yeah.

frankdialogue
November 10, 2013 7:47 pm
Reply to  IrishEagle

IrishEagle
November 10, 2013 – 7:35 pm

“Does it seem to anyone else like the defense for the past two weeks has laid down for the eagles? Sloppy play from two teams that are supposed to be contenders. I’m just saying.

It’s a conspiracy by the league to make Foles look good and to oppress and torment poor Michael Vick…. they are haters!!!”

Not only that, but they are trying to make Billy Davis look good.

DCar
DCar
November 11, 2013 12:51 am
Reply to  frankdialogue

LOL!

paulman
paulman
November 10, 2013 8:04 pm

The Foles Era is here and the Vick Era is done,
Some of us wanted this to happen in the Pff-Season but Kelky wanted some experience at WB even though most of know that Vick’is track record of playing a full season are poor.. So now Foles has worked very hard, kept his chin up after a Poor performance versus the Cowboys and concussion and has played extremely well since then.. The OL is beginning to gel, the Wideouts (DJax/Coopet) are making Mays down the field, McCoy looks like he has found his rhythm again after a couple of couple of weeks..
Now if the Eagłes Pffense can incorporate their TE’s more in the middle of the field, they would have a very difficult Offense to Defend
Defensively, they are hanging in there, clamping down in the Red-Zone and for the most part, making Teams really having to earn TD’s..
Thornton, Ryans and yes Nate Alken are all playing very well,
Trent Cole/C Barwin played well today as well
The Eagłes still need more pressure from their DE’s in passing situations
Eagles keep playing hard and stay healthy and add a DE, & CB & Safety & OLB with OL Depth for next Season, they will be building a pretty good squad,.

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
November 10, 2013 8:25 pm
Reply to  paulman

Has your opinion of Chip Kelly changed since the beginning of the season? You wanted him to go bacxk to college and called him jelly kelly.

paulman
paulman
November 10, 2013 9:39 pm
Reply to  Eaglehaslanded

I am warming up a bit to Kelly..
I just don’t like the Read-Option as a base offense..and would still like to see more 2-Back Sets and Multiple TE sets where they can be utilized a little more, but he’s improved his game planning and time management of games which is good to see..

jakedog
jakedog
November 10, 2013 8:33 pm

Theone you little bitch. Just stfu

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 10, 2013 8:39 pm

Fine performance once again for a team that’s 5-1 on the road ….with confidence and a rabid Linc the welcome mat has been pulled up for the dead skins.long gone are the memories of wide nine defensive schemes ,replaced by a defense that has shown a high level of consistency. Foles has calmed down the debate and has the confidence of this team ,that’s obvious. He still will after 10 starts ,have a bumb or two in the road ,but utilizing shady ,will be a harbinger of good things to come .If there are any points. I’d like see the tight ends involved in safe routes utilized. If nothing else extending offensive drives and time of possessions ,to allow the defense to be fresher ..what’s evident is we made adjustments at the half ,and that’s refreshing to see. The pass rush and defensive pressure will be key this week against RG3 ,let’s welcome home the nick foles eagles this week and get a long needed win and a happy thanksgiving bye …

Stevo
Stevo
November 10, 2013 8:40 pm

Great game all around…

loves seeing lbs attack the oline… they said.. wanna beat us? Throw it!!

I think its funny that our DBs last year were afraid of contact… this year our dbs are going through wrs pocmets on every play. Still want to see them add cbs next year but LOVE how hard these guys work.

1 word…. BOYKIN!!!

LOVE how foles is working through his progressions… finding guys.

Love how good cooper looks right now. Is he for real?

Great bands by djax on the underthrown ball. All qbs do that… we need our wrs to do what he did.

They are having fun.

Great game… love where this is headed.

mhenski
mhenski
November 10, 2013 8:40 pm

“Eagles can’t run with foles at quarterback” tsjohnson

Hahahhaahaaaa what a donkey

paulman
paulman
November 10, 2013 8:51 pm
Reply to  mhenski

Ooh and the Eagłes deep passing attack and D-Jax will dissapear and become non-factors and distractions…

mhenski
mhenski
November 10, 2013 8:54 pm
Reply to  paulman

Hahaha what a no nothing dope

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
November 10, 2013 8:54 pm
Reply to  paulman

What’s that about?

mhenski
mhenski
November 10, 2013 9:06 pm
Reply to  Eaglehaslanded

What don’t u understand

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
November 10, 2013 9:09 pm
Reply to  mhenski

It was to paulman’s post…Ooh and the Eagles deep passing attack and DJAX will disappear and become non-factors and distractions.

mhenski
mhenski
November 10, 2013 9:19 pm
Reply to  Eaglehaslanded

That’s what tsjohnson said would happen when foles took over for vick

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
November 10, 2013 9:22 pm
Reply to  mhenski

Oh, lol…ok thanks for explaining.

DMAN
DMAN
November 11, 2013 2:51 am
Reply to  mhenski

Hahahahahahaha ya, where you at tsjohnson? Haven’t heard much chirping from ya lately..

paulman
paulman
November 10, 2013 8:56 pm

Marcus Vick Tweeting that Coach Kelly is Racist’s and that his Brother Mike
wants out and play for AR in KC and is going to ask for his release tomorrow after Team Meeting… Stay Tuned ..

paulman
paulman
November 10, 2013 9:03 pm

Reports that Songs is down in DC with his buddy RG3
And watched the Eagles Game and now watching the Cowboys game..

bugsyhawk
bugsyhawk
November 10, 2013 9:19 pm

I have never seen an Eagles team close out a game like that on the ground. Say what you want about the oline in pass protection, they look pretty good on the ground. GB is a strong run d, but Shady and Brown found a lot of lanes to run today.

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
November 10, 2013 9:23 pm
Reply to  bugsyhawk

The O linewas fine in both pass and run assignments. Overall really good day.

Everz11
Everz11
November 10, 2013 9:20 pm

Frank you stole my sarcasm posting Kaepernicks stats today. I’m hearing SF is still not sure if he’s the future of the team. Word is the pressure of the Panthers/49ers rivalry game got to him. Some quick thoughts on the game. While I’m still skeptical of Kelly, mainly because I’m not a fan of the RO as the base offense, I was pleased to see Foles under center quite a bit more today. Perhaps Kelly will in fact adapt his offensive attack to his QB’s skill-set. Ironically, even with Foles as QB, and in a conventional offense, McCoy had over one-hundred yards rushing. You know why, because he’s good at football and the style offense or QB under center doesn’t make a difference to a RB of his ilk. Ryans has played lights out this year so far. Lane Johnson continues to improve. Peters has some serious injury issues. Both he and Herremans need to be gone next year. Who would have thought by playing Foles, we can both evaluate/build for the future AND win now.

RegalEagle
RegalEagle
November 10, 2013 9:48 pm

Glad to see the team playing as a whole.

paulman
paulman
November 10, 2013 9:59 pm

A few big announcements by the Eagłes Tomorrow

1) Injuries to Kendrick’s & Wolfe appear of the serious nature and both Players are possibly done for the Season
2) Jason Peters will be evaluated and most likely out next week vs Redskins
3) GM Roseman announces long term Contracts to both Nick Foles and WR Cooper

mimitaro
mimitaro
November 10, 2013 10:15 pm

Wonder what Jeff has been thinking the last two weeks after writing this article…

http://18.208.40.39/2013/11/01/beneficial-eagles-lose/

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
November 10, 2013 11:18 pm

Wow….Drew Brees just threw a bomb that was under thrown…his receiver adjusted, made the catch and went into the end zone. Looked familiar. Foles did that today and it to worked.

andrew p
andrew p
November 10, 2013 11:31 pm

On another note, how good does Sean Mcdermott have the Panthers D playing?

paulman
paulman
November 11, 2013 6:31 am
Reply to  andrew p

Very well indeed..
Panthers have invested top/high Draft Picks on MLB (Kuechley)
DT’s Star Lotuleike & Kwann Short and have paydirt with Mid/Late Picks
In Greg Hardy & AJ Klien and are getting sting seasons from Veterans Charles Johnsom, Thonas Davis, Chase Bkackburn and Quinton Mikell

DCar
DCar
November 11, 2013 3:10 am

Just for $#!ts & giggles. Nick Foles career so far-
GP 13
Attempts 235- Completions 383 61.4%
2727 yards.
19 TD’s 5 int’s.

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
November 11, 2013 3:38 am
Reply to  DCar

NOT ENOUGH!

DCar
DCar
November 11, 2013 6:37 am

Not yet. But I’m warming up to him. Decent stats thus far. Let’s see the rest of the year, before putting him in the HOF.

greenfan
greenfan
November 11, 2013 8:44 am

Monday mornings after a win….it doesn’t get any better.

Looking back I guess it is easy to see that the team and coaches needed some time to “get on the same page”. After 10 games it is starting to look like they are all working together much better than earlier in the season.

There are some imprortant injuries that we need to find out about this week. Needless to say, depth is not a strongpoint of this team.

Redskins next week!! Can’t wait! GO BIRDS!!!

antitrust32
antitrust32
November 11, 2013 8:47 am
Reply to  greenfan

Very concerned with Kendricks, Wolff, and Peters. All of them looked like they could be serious. What was up with that field yesterday? Looked like many players from both teams were going down.

antitrust32
antitrust32
November 11, 2013 8:45 am

Great to see another overall team victory. Coaches coached well (besides not challenging that one first half pass, though the drive ended with a Boykin interception). The pass game was working well, the run game was working well, our Defense playing very well during crunch time especially! I know Alex Henery missed a gimme kick, but even the special teams had some moments, I remember Boykin playing very well on some punt coverages. Go EAGLES! Keep it up! Players of the game – Boykin, Ryans and Shady!

jakedog
jakedog
November 11, 2013 8:49 am

Demeco Ryans is on fire, a leader on the defense, averaging ten solos a game , 13 against the pack, with a very athletic interception, no doubt this defense is playing much better in large part because of his play, influence

If the eagles are to make a playoff run and if they do the talk will be about chip Kelly, the offense, nick foles but it will not happen unless this defense continues to improve

bugsyhawk
bugsyhawk
November 11, 2013 9:02 am
Reply to  jakedog

They did a pretty damn good job against the run yesterday, but they still can’t get any pass rush which is concerning to me.

paulman
paulman
November 11, 2013 3:58 pm
Reply to  bugsyhawk

I agree Jake and have been hard on LB D Ryans since he arrived to Philly,
but he is playing his best Football this Season and is making great calls, taking on a bigger leadership role and simply just making plays..
This Defense Scheme is really set up for te ILB’s t o make the Plays and for the most Part this Season, Ryans has done so..

Any Word on Eagle Injuries to Kendricks,Wolff, Peters, etc,etc

jakedog
jakedog
November 11, 2013 8:50 am

Why did Boykin run out of bounds

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
November 11, 2013 9:24 am
Reply to  jakedog

He looked winded…may have run out of gas and did so to protect himself and the ball.

frankdialogue
November 11, 2013 3:40 pm

Anybody notice what the Saints did to Dallas yesterday?

I tell you, Drew Brees goes against the grain for QBs, because he is relatively short, but his line helps him, and he has that football vision as far as finding receivers and knowing when to air it out…Have to give this guy his props.

Saints are a team to be reckoned with now that Sean Payton is back…Payton is an offensive wiz, and he obviously unites his team behind him, and can adjust…Hopefully, Kelly will take a few cues from Payton.

jakedog
jakedog
November 11, 2013 7:38 pm

Drew Brees is very smart, motivated, great arm, with a nice arc on his passes that gcobb likes to rip foles about because he doesn’t sling it sideways like Vick, which is ineffective particularly in the red zone