• April 30, 2024

Eagles Need Way To Take Pass Rush Pressure Off Vick

The Eagles have no idea what type of defense the Giants are going to employ against them.  Will they come with all out blitzes the way they did the last time?  Or.  Will they send their front four after Vick and keep their secondary deep to prevent the Eagles speed from getting behind them?

New York made it a point to pressure Vick from his left side and force him to roll to his right.  It’s much more difficult for the lefthanded quarterback to throw the football downfield when he rolls to right as opposed to rolling to his left.

Can they execute that strategy again and will they Birds have a counter strategy if they do?

The key for the Birds will be quickly deciphering what the New York game plan is, then countering it.

“We watched the film”, Vick said yesterday. “I’ve watched it over and over again on things that they did. If it worked for them I would expect them to do it again, but we won’t be surprised if they don’t. We just have to go out and execute our game plan, take care of our assignments and responsibilities, and make plays at the end of the day.”

The Birds are confident they can control the Giants upfront then pick apart their secondary.  Their secondary isn’t anything to write home about but controlling that front four isn’t an easy job and that will be the key.

“Obviously, they’ve got a great front four”, Vick acknowledged. “[Justin] Tuck and [DE] Osi [Umenyiora] and [DT] Barry Cofield—those guys do a great job in getting to the quarterback and getting after him. And they’ve also got [DE Jason] Pierre-Paul and some other guys who fill in, so [it is] a very tight-knit group, very strong and always willing to enforce their will.”

I think the Birds have to slow down the Giants pass rush with a solid running game.  If they can hand the ball to LeSean McCoy and open some gaps so that he can slice through that pass rush with quick hitting traps up the middle, it will force the New York pass rushers to check the run before coming after Vick.

Draw plays or screens might be other ways to slow down that New York pass rush.

However they decide to get it done, it will allow the speedy quarterback to get outside of the pass rush at times by utilizing play action passes.  Once he gets outside, he and the Birds wide receivers can do some damage downfield versus New York.

“I’ve gotten a lot better throwing the ball on the run”, Vick said. “Here, I just try to make sure I’m as accurate as can be, and put our receivers in the best position to get yards after the catch. Like I said, they do a great job of uncovering, they do a great job of finding holes and lanes in the defense—and making the plays when we need them. I think it’s important that I’m accurate when I’m outside of the pocket, and whether I’m inside the pocket.”

GCOBB

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ozzman
ozzman
December 16, 2010 6:28 am

Run the ball …come on thats the last thing Reid will do. If anything he will pass 80% of the time like he did in the first game. I am not falling for this Reid does what Reid does especially in big games, pas pass pass. Lets hope they are short quick passes and not the 7 seven step lose in the playoffs scheme. Assante maybe the biggest key in this game.

rcp1936
rcp1936
December 16, 2010 7:59 am

As I have posted the Eagles do not have the quick 3 step pass over the middle
With the safeties deep it should be there whenever they want to use it
However Vick does not have it in his arsenal whether because of his height or because Celek has to stay in to block

paulman
paulman
December 16, 2010 9:02 am

Screen plays don’t work well vs this quick,athletic Front 4
DT B Coefield and C CAnty read the Screen play as well as any DT in the league
I also don’t expect them to play do deep with their Safeties this game like they did in the 1st..
IF D-Jax doesn’t play, Then I expect them to crowd the Line of Scrimmage a lot and come after VIck
like last game.. Eagles must be able to run the ball, have the the 3-5 step drops passes and utilize the TE/Avant/Copper in the middle of the Field in that intermediate area..
The Giants D has been playing as well as any Defense over th e last month or so,
Points will be hard to come by and the Big plays will be difficult to make if D-Jax doesn’t play or is not a 100% speed wise

greenfan
greenfan
December 16, 2010 9:07 am

Screens and draws….I like establishing the running game. Did anyone notice how Dallas’s pass rush slowed down in the second half after Shadey ripped off a few big runs?? If we can get him rolling early, it will open things up, and hopefully keep Vick healthy. That being said, Coughlin is no dummy (although he does usually sport a stupid looking expression on his face during games), and they will be looking to shut our running game early too. It comes down to what team executes best…a classic NFC East showdown….CAN”T WAIT….GO BIRDS!!!

btc24
btc24
December 16, 2010 9:28 am

Reid will give up on the run after 1-2 stuffs. The only reason we ran it at the end of the game against Dallas was because we had a ton of success with it. Reid needs to be patient with the run.

scorpiodsu
scorpiodsu
December 16, 2010 10:30 am

If Andy stops trying to throw the ball all the time then maybe he can keep some pressure of him. Why not surprise a team and actually try to establish the run in the beginning of the game? That would be a shocker that no one would see coming. Your offensive lineman would much rather run block than have to keep trying to pass block Osi And Tuck all game. Keep it balanced and it will open up things down field for Jackson and Maclin which will then open things back up for McCoy.

jroc757
jroc757
December 16, 2010 10:32 am

I would stack the offensive line up this week….. Let the Giants know that we are going to run the ball down there throat…….. SMASH MOUTH TIME>>>>>>> Jerome Harrison’s name will be called apon this week….. I have that feeling….. Due to the weather…….

I’ll Line-up: Peters Herramans Mcglyn Max-Gean Reggie (Wells or Nick Cole) and W. Justice with B. Celek as TE……….. Riley cooper as outside receiver and Maclin on the other side…… Either McCoy or Harrison at running back….. In a single back set……… This will open up for playaction game for one on one with Maclin with a corner………. But thats only if D-Jax is a no go for sunday…….. But I think Riley Cooper will get alot of burn this week……. He’s a better run blocker on the outside!!!!!!

scorpiodsu
scorpiodsu
December 16, 2010 10:33 am

rcp1936, or maybe because Andy doesn’t call it? Ever think about that? Even when Kolb was in there he wasn’t taking 3 step drops and then passing. He would drop back about 5 steps, not see anyone and dump it off to Own Schmitt. Have you even considered that the Eagles just don’t run those kinds of plays? I’m not saying that shouldn’t but I think it’s the play calling and Reid wants big plays. How many steps was that out that Desean took 90 yards? Vick didn’t drop that far back there and it wasn’t a long developing play. I think Andy just don’t call a lot of them because that’s not how he wants to play.

greenfan
greenfan
December 16, 2010 10:52 am

3 step drops might be difficult with Vicks relatively short height and the TALL D-line of the Giants

paulman
paulman
December 16, 2010 10:54 am

Excellent point Greenfan and to be honest, this is not Vick’s strength..

jroc757
jroc757
December 16, 2010 10:54 am

I think through all the years of not having Wr’s through the AR era…… with the likes of…..(Long list of guys who were bums/not so good/decent WR ( James Thrash, Todd Pinkston, Billy Mcmullen, Freddie Mitchell, Na Brown, Half a season with Dante Stallworth, Greg Lewis, Kevin Curtis (solid), Down town Reggie Brown (BUM) Torrance Small, Charles Johnson (solid) but old and Sean Morey…… And Terrel Owens (Best receiver since the early 2000 era) Between him and Westbrook

I think that is the reason that AR is so pass happy……. He sees this line-up we have currently….. He’s just doing what he’s always wanted to do since 2004 superbowl run…… I think????

paulman
paulman
December 16, 2010 11:01 am

To Jroc
With no D-JAx,
I would have 6 OL in as follows to start the game
From L to R
Peters,Herremans,McGlynn,MJG,Justice,Dunlap
I would line up TE Celek on the left side nex t to Peters and have WR Maclin wide right
In the Backfield, I would line up FB Schmitt on the left wing (behind Celek) and then have
QB Vick and RB McCoy in a single back set and run the ball all game long, and then take a few shots with Maclin down the field, and or Celek down the middle or even Schmitt out on the left flat
to keep the Giants secondary honest and keep them on thier toes

jroc757
jroc757
December 16, 2010 11:12 am

@Paulman….. I feel you on the 6OL……. So do you think AR will activate more OL this game……???? Maybe Reggie Wells will be suited up for this game as well……. Or Nick Cole…. My thing is we have to watch out for Osi Umenyoira…….. He has the nack of knocking balls out of the hands of the Qb…… Justin Tuck sometimes takes off on plays……. But you may never know when he’s not taking off…….
Good point tho!!

drummerwinslow
drummerwinslow
December 16, 2010 11:13 am

I’m re-watching the 1st Giants game. It’s funny how my memory fades. During the 1st quarter, we owned them. Vick made all the hot reads to avoid the blitz and the 2nd drive took 7:09 for a TD. We had decent balance, 11 passes, 6 runs (65% passing).

I don’t know if the able below will lose it’s formatting, but I’ll give it a try. UC stands for Under Center

1-10 1 UC, I formation, play action left, no time – Maclin sent deep but not open
2-09 1 Shotgun, false start
2-14 1 UC – McCoy off-tackle right – no gain
3-16 1 Shotgun, Vick to Maclin for 20 (dropped pass)
Punt – 3 and out for Giants
1-10 UC, false start
2-15 1 Shotgun, roll left, screen right (good play Tuck)
2-18 1 Shotgun, Jackson over the middle for 23 (took a long time to develop – good protection)
1-10 1 UC, fake dive, end around for 3
2-07 1 Shotgun, safety blitz, hot read to Maclin for 1st down
1-10 1 Shotgun, fake dive, QB keeper for 1
2-09 1 UC, check down to McCoy left flat for 10
1-10 1 UC, play action right, Vick throws too high for Clay Habor
2-10 1 UC, I formation, McCoy 2 hole for 1 yard
3-09 1 Shotgun, complete to Jackson for 15, hook pattern
1-10 1 Shotgun, play action up the middle, complete to McCoy over the middle for 6
2-04 1 UC, fake pitch right, McCoy up the middle for 5 (cross buck)
1-goal 1 UC, I formation, immediate pressure – throw away
2-goal 1 Shotgun, QB draw, hole closed, Vick outruns defense right for TD
TD, 7:09, 68-yard drive

drummerwinslow
drummerwinslow
December 16, 2010 11:15 am

Next time, I’ll globally replace the 1s with a “P” for pass and “R” for run.

drummerwinslow
drummerwinslow
December 16, 2010 11:17 am

Forgot to mention that the Giants went 3 and out twice, with Antonio Dixon, Steward Bradley and Ernie Sims all defending the run very well.

jroc757
jroc757
December 16, 2010 11:26 am

@Drummer…… Good analysis!!!!!! So do you think more dixon less Bunkley……… And do you think Chaney can fill the big shoes of Stewart Bradley…….

I think he can……. The first tackle is very important in this game…….

cbaldwin22
cbaldwin22
December 16, 2010 11:45 am

Last time we played the Giants we couldn’t run the ball until later in the game. I think we can run a lot better on the right side of the OL because Todd and Peters are doing great this year. Also the screen pass was not there because the DEs weresniffing it out and stop. Its going to be a tough game against a very good def.

drummerwinslow
drummerwinslow
December 16, 2010 11:50 am

Jroc

Sorry went back to watching. I’m not very good at determining who should start because I can only see what’s being shown on the TV. Coaches have film that shows every player on every play, but based on what I’ve seen, I think Dixon is a starter.

jroc757
jroc757
December 16, 2010 11:51 am

@cbaldwin22….. I feel you on that one……. It just seems Herramans is healthier with his foot problems early this season and Jason Peters has done an 180 thus far……… I like your analysis on that……..

jroc757
jroc757
December 16, 2010 11:55 am

@Drummer….. I think so too……. Dixon is (to me) a Shaun Rodgers……. Maybe I’m going too far but I can see it in him……. FUTURE……. Once he’s got the starting NOD…… Possibly next season…. He’ll be the guy……. Darwin Walker and Corey Simon weren’t that big of DT’s……. I just think he’s what the EAGLES have been missing with a big solid 322 pound beast to help with the run……. Thats my opinion!!!

drummerwinslow
drummerwinslow
December 16, 2010 12:01 pm

Some things about the game:

On successive plays near the end of the first half, Joselio Hansen made a great play for a near-pick as he wrestled the ball from Derrick Hagan. Then, Asante recovered a fumble by Ahmad Bradshaw. On the fumble, Stewart Bradley stood Bradshaw up and Brandon Graham stripped him. At that point in the season, Bradshaw had already fumbled 6 times. So, he’s susceptible to being stripped.

In the next Giants series, Asante intercepted Manning by baiting him brilliantly. Who was that guy that said Asante is traded next year? He needs to watch Asante’s play. I was never a big Asante fan because of his inability to run support. But he’s 6another player who has changed my mind. He gives this defense some swagger, not from a physical standpoint, but offensive coordinators must ALWAYS account for his whereabouts. You can’t just say okay, don’t throw to whomever Asante is covering, because Asante comes off of his man to make picks anywhere on his side of the field. Who else does that?

drummerwinslow
drummerwinslow
December 16, 2010 12:02 pm

Jroc

I can’t disagree.

drummerwinslow
drummerwinslow
December 16, 2010 12:06 pm

cbaldwin22

You’re correct. In the first half, McCoy’s run the ball 5 times for about 10 yards. Vick scored on a run from about the 3 yard and he’s scrambled for a few more. (not quite done watching the 1st half).\

What I like about these downloads is there are no commercials.

drummerwinslow
drummerwinslow
December 16, 2010 12:07 pm

One other thing, I believe I read that Samuel still leads in the league in picks this season, despite having missed 3 games.

drummerwinslow
drummerwinslow
December 16, 2010 12:12 pm

Interesting stat shown regarding Sheli:

In 2008, Manning threw 1 pick for every 48 passes.
In 2009, Manning threw 1 pick for every 36 passes.
In 2010, Manning threw 1 pick for every 25 passes.

SONGSRME2
SONGSRME2
December 16, 2010 3:56 pm

is it me or 2nd string players replacing guys who were supposed to be starters better in most cases?

Vick better than Kolb

Patterson better than Hobbs

Dixon better than Bunkley

Fokou better than Jordan

Parker better than Graham

and it would be marvelous if this Chaney guy would finally give us aggression in the middle and cut down tight end production.

That would be something…It would be better if we can find out the best talent on the team before the season and not because of an injury or lack of production that shows up in the lost column.

and I still think Coleman is a better and more intimidating force in the secondary in comparison to Nate Allen.

paulman
paulman
December 16, 2010 4:01 pm

Others you can add to the list Songs

Lindley better than Hanson
MJG better than N Cole
O Schmitt better than L Weaver
Coleman better than N Allen
C Hall better than ?????

SONGSRME2
SONGSRME2
December 16, 2010 4:32 pm

it’s funny how everyone is talking about the giants pass rush….You think Vick is more concerned about the giants line than Eli is playing against our rush?

Who can avoid the rush Vick or Eli?

Eli is going to get killed this game. All this talking about the Giants rush will only have our guys show the world that there’s a pass rush here too.

Monolith
Monolith
December 16, 2010 5:41 pm

Once again fellas I say “Something’s up”, whatever player was needed to emerge has been given a chance to do so to help this team win now or will make us stronger in the long run. Graham will be a player but his exit brings us Burgess who will be another unexpected element that will confuse the oppossing team, and give us a split second advantage. Remeber in the last game it was a series of split second moments that allowed us to win.

I am encouraged, I think that we are in a good place to beat the giants, we have more upside from the last game to look forward to then they do. They did all they could do to hang in there, while we left points and plays on the field that can be cleaned up and give us a better chance of winning.

Anyone agree? No matter becasue these Eagles are going to win, I am stocking Karma of the good kind and will be busting at the seams with hope and fire.

This I say my dear bird brothers with the utmost fury and intent “EAGLES- GET ‘EM”

As always LONG LIVE THE EAGLES and HAIL TO THE EAGLE NATION

paulman
paulman
December 16, 2010 7:01 pm

I hear Ya Monolith..players stepping up from all over the roster.. Good Coaching, Good Depth and hungry and opportunistic players making the most of the chances..
Let me ask you something, when is Chad Hall going to step up and make a play..
They are featuring him 3-4 plays a game which seem to go nowhere…
How about sharing the rock alittle and get J Harrison, C Harbor and R Cooper some more touches..
I think these guys have a better cahnce of making a big play than Chad Hall…

rcp1936
rcp1936
December 16, 2010 9:59 pm

Hall had 2 passes in the Cowboys game
The shuffle at the goal line and a 12 yard catch on the first drive to the 4 –then McCoy 1 yd to the 3 just before Vick went in
That isn’t like Reid is giving him a lot of plays

Monolith
Monolith
December 16, 2010 11:01 pm

Wait and see boys, not only does Reid see something there about Hall, but other coaches do also. Teams concepts of play change when Hall is put into the game for what ever reason teams hestitate a moment when he just suddenly slips into the game, like all these other players his moment will come when the oppossing team zips when they should have zapped and we gottem.

We all said Schmidt? We all said Harrison? We all said Anderson? We are still saying Hall? But I liked in and still do I darn well could be wrong and would admit it but i think that he is going to do us good.

On a side note though I agree the use of Harrison more in the game has greater potential and upside than Hall which is just what you get when you start beaming with latent talent. We are going to need that kind of late season mystery if we are going to muscle through the playoffs and eventually beat a another team with latent talent throughout its roster, that team would be the Patriots.

greenfan
greenfan
December 17, 2010 7:55 am

Hey Pman…I can agree to a point with your statement regarding players stepping up being credited to good coaching, good depth…but that is also a double edged sword because if it was soley an injury that allowed the 2nd string player a chance to play, and then preform better, shouldn’t the coaches also be blamed for poor evaluation of this players skills?? I think that much of our success this year can be attributed to the work of this coaching staff, but there have also been areas where they could have done better.

paulman
paulman
December 18, 2010 4:57 pm

Good points Greenfan,
But the way the practice week go once the season kicks off, game plans, scout squads, it really limits the ability of a back-up player to outshine and overtake a starters position, so unless a starter gets injured or is just playing poorly, it’s hard to see how good a back-up player is, under real game conditions in a real game.. Many of the those positions are really decided during the Summer Camps and Preseason games..