No NFC team wants the Eagles in it's house

[McNabbOwnsFedEx]

Dan Pompei--Yahoo Sports and The Sporting News


No NFC team wants the Eagles in its house
By Dan Pompei - SportingNews

Tis the season to identify visitors you would rather not see on your doorstep. And the No. 1 visitor NFL teams would like to avoid this January is Andy Reid's Philadelphia Eagles. Trust me, they will raid your fridge, mess up your beds and aim poorly in the bathroom.

This is why you don't want the Eagles in your team's house, and it's why the Giants are looking forward to going to Philly like a trip to their mother-in-law's.


They've been making a lot of noise.

The Eagles -- clang, bong, boom! -- have been the noisiest team in the NFC, winning five straight.

Quarterback Jeff Garcia's fiery leadership has given this team a jolt of energy, and the adjustments the team made in offensive philosophy because of Garcia have put the Eagles in a sweet groove. "When you do certain things offensively well, then the defense can do certain things," Reid says. "It works hand in hand. You're not playing from behind and the offense is controlling the ball a little better, which allows the defense to do some things in the blitz game. It's both groups working together."


They will make themselves at home in your house.

This is a team that won three straight away games in December. They know how to thrive on the road.


They will show up with mud on their shoes.

They lost quarterback Donovan McNabb and defensive end Jevon Kearse, Pro Bowl-caliber players. They kept trudging on. They were 5-6 and looked like they were playing for next year. They kept trudging on. They have been through heartbreak, losing one game to the Giants after leading by 17 in the fourth quarter and being beaten in Tampa by a 62-yard field goal. They kept trudging on.

This 10-6 team easily could be 12-4. But that mud gives them more character.


They are pushy.

In fact, nobody is pushing defenders around better than the Eagles' offensive line, and offensive line play is critical in the postseason.

The right side of the line has become the equivalent of the Seahawks' left side before Steve Hutchinson left. Center Jamaal Jackson, right guard Shawn Andrews and right tackle Jon Runyan are creating huge holes in the running game. Andrews has become the best guard in football, and the Eagles finally have developed an attack between the tackles.

"The fact they've been able to run the ball inside has helped them get to the outside," says Ron Jaworski, an ESPN analyst. "People used to scrape a lot and stop the outside running game and Brian Westbrook's speed. Now they can't do that because they're successful running inside."


They have staying power.

Since Garcia took over for McNabb, the Eagles have transformed their offensive personality. They have become more of a ball-control offense that stays on the field and wears down defenses. That's the kind of offense that often finds success in the postseason. In Garcia's five starts before the team's meaningless regular-season finale, the Eagles averaged three drives of eight plays or longer. They have gained more yards on first down than any team in football, which leaves them with reasonable second- and third-down lengths to convert.

Really, Garcia didn't replace McNabb as much as Westbrook did. Now, Westbrook is the centerpiece of the offense. Westbrook averaged 15.6 carries per game in McNabb's starts and 19.6 in Garcia's first five. According to research by Jaworski through Week 16, in the first half of games when the game plan wasn't affected much by the score, the Eagles called pass plays 67 percent of the time with McNabb, and only 58 percent of the time with Garcia.

The profile of their passing game also has changed somewhat. While McNabb averaged 8.4 yards per attempt, Garcia has averaged 7.0.

The offense also has been molded by the play-calling of offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who gradually has assumed the responsibility as the season has gone on and has positioned himself to be considered for another head coaching position.


They will disrupt your routine.

The Eagles have blitzed more late in the season, and defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has become more comfortable with his personnel. On Christmas against the Cowboys, for instance, they blitzed 33 percent of the time; their average over the first nine games had been 18 percent, according to Jaworski.

So expect the Eagles to be bold if they visit -- and expect to wish they had never come.



I wonder if Andrews is still overrated?

[Alabama Man]

Just let the analyst keep forgetting the eagles. Not that I think it hurts the eagles, but it doesn't help them.

[kevin11]

These are the same guys that think the bears are the only team in the nfc to win and get to the superbowl.

[bubba9497]

I wonder if Andrews is still overrated?



yep :yes:



and then some




I won't be surprised if the Giants win

[NOVA2Tampa]

These are the same guys that think the bears are the only team in the nfc to win and get to the superbowl.

The Bears were EXPOSED by the Packers...they are done.

[we_want_56]

the saints will win the nfc. Write it down.

[HeHateMe]

Wow. I wonder why he didnt write this article after the Titans game.

[eagles78]

yep :yes:



and then some




I won't be surprised if the Giants winbubba, why is it that every one overrates Shawn Andrews in your mind? I'm not asking how you think he's overrated, just why in your mind he is overrated by everyone.

[redsand521]

Eagles are riding high. It should be interesting to see what the Giants can do.

[bubba9497]

bubba, why is it that every one overrates Shawn Andrews in your mind? I'm not asking how you think he's overrated, just why in your mind he is overrated by everyone.



everyone? :laugh:

the same way everyone overrates Roy Williams

one mediots says he's good, then the rest just parrots their comments



very few people understand OL play, Shame isn't a bum, but he isn't the best guard in the NFC, not even the NFC East

[HeHateMe]

everyone? :laugh:

the same way everyone overrates Roy Williams

one mediots says he's good, then the rest just parrots their comments



very few people understand OL play, Shame isn't a bum, but he isn't the best guard in the NFC, not even the NFC East

That award goes to Marco Rivera. :D

[Who Del]

We're jinxed.

[Alabama Man]

I doubt you even watch him play. But it sounds so good, it must be wrong.

Shawn was the best run blocking o-linemen coming out of college according to any scout you would talk to that year --- he was one of the few first day starters in the Reid era as a rookie. He was a pro-bowl alternate last year before anyone made 'too big' a deal about him. People were talking about him before he made the pro bowl this year. Guys don't make the pro-bowl for the first time, especially with the media outlook on the Eagles 3 weeks ago, on name recognition. Need I go on, like I said I seriously doubt watched him play anyway...

I haven't paid attention to the cowboys punter, I didn't even know his name until he made the probowl, I guess he is over rated.

[jrockster21]

I haven't paid attention to the cowboys punter, I didn't even know his name until he made the probowl, I guess he is over rated.


UH represent!!

[bubba9497]

That award goes to Marco Rivera. :D




:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:


good one

[jrockster21]

Shawn is a very good offensive lineman. However ranking offensive lineman is inherently subjective, because there are no concrete stats to back up your rankings - its all opinion. In my opinion, Andrews is an excellent guard, but I'd prefer Thomas and Dockery**.











**For 100% homeristic reasons. :)

[Alabama Man]

I'd take Shawn because he is versatile enough to play tackle on the spot if he has to, (well could do it full time if they wanted) and is only 24.

[bubba9497]

Shawn is a very good offensive lineman. However ranking offensive lineman is inherently subjective, because there are no concrete stats to back up your rankings - its all opinion. In my opinion, Andrews is an excellent guard, but I'd prefer Thomas and Dockery**.




Subjective? not at all if you know what to look for, and actually watch their play

there are some stats out there that help rate OL, but aren't the normal fantasy variety

but most people only see where the ball goes, without disecting how the play works.

Andrews was a #1 pick on a winning team so he has the rep, but it's the old perspective vs reality

[skinsngibbs4life]

No team will want the eagles no matter where the game is. They are the hottest team in the NFC right now, and are seen as serious contenders.

When the skins were on there 5 game win streak going into the playoffs last year, im sure most teams didnt want them. You can have a mediocur team, but if they are hot, anything can happen.

The eagles are good team that is on a roll, anything can happen

[Alabama Man]

Subjective? not at all if you know what to look for, and actually watch their play

there are some stats out there that help rate OL, but aren't the normal fantasy variety

but most people only see where the ball goes, without disecting how the play works.

Andrews was a #1 pick on a winning team so he has the rep, but it's the old perspective vs reality

So tell us Bubba, what is the reality?

The one where all the analysts I respect like Ray Didinger, Jaws, Michael Mayock, and Greg Cosell, that I like for their subjectivity, are all wrong.

[Westbrook36]

Rex Ryan, the defensive coordinator for the Ravens said he was the best Guard in football.

Jack Del Rio said he was the best player on the field in the game earlier this year between Jax and Phi.

[tr1]

Rex Ryan, the defensive coordinator for the Ravens said he was the best Guard in football.

Jack Del Rio said he was the best player on the field in the game earlier this year between Jax and Phi.

Well, that's two...were these quotes before or after they played Philly?

[Pocono]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/peter_king/12/31/week17/4.html


King thinks Andrews is an All Pro along with Jamaal Jackson[no tr...he's not Tito's brother...he's the Eagle's center]

G: Shawn Andrews, Philadelphia; Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota. The way Andrews played this year, you can't call Hutchinson the best guard in football.

C: Jamaal Jackson, Philadelphia. Remember how the Eagles steamrolled Dallas last week? Jackson was the man, clearing hole after hole up the gut and neutralizing Jason Ferguson.

[jrockster21]

Subjective? not at all if you know what to look for, and actually watch their play

there are some stats out there that help rate OL, but aren't the normal fantasy variety

but most people only see where the ball goes, without disecting how the play works.

Andrews was a #1 pick on a winning team so he has the rep, but it's the old perspective vs reality


No need for condescension; I'm on you're side. I know what stats to look at to rate the offensive line as a whole, but there is nothing concrete to evaluate individual lineman. Except maybe sacks allowed, but I don't think that's very relevant for a guard...much more relevant for Tackles, who go up against the speed rushers.

Trust me; I played offensive line, and I know what to look for in offensive line play. Personally, I think Chris Snee is average, Dockery is progressing nicely but still needs a fair amount of work, and Thomas is a monster when pulling, but is just above average on other things.

I've only seen Andrews struggle or miss a block a couple times, but that's only from watching a handful of Eagles games (including the 5-6 he's played against us). I know for a fact that he is better than Dock and that its laughable to compare Andrews to Snee. And he's probably better than Thomas, although Thomas' consistency is what makes him so great. I'd take Dock and Thomas over Andrews, but that's just because of chemistry reasons, and that they've played together for 4 seasons now.

But whatever...I don't want to trash you guys; but its seems like you're bashing Andrews because of the color of his jersey, not because of his actual play. :2cents: You can hate the player, but at least respect his abilities.

[sableholic]

The Bears were EXPOSED by the Packers...they are done.

didn't they rest their starters for three quarters?

[Westbrook36]

Holy crap. I'm going to have to start respecting jrock's posts if he keeps posting the facts, regardless of team affiliation.

[jrockster21]

Holy crap. I'm going to have to start respecting jrock's posts if he keeps posting the facts, regardless of team affiliation.

:finger:

;)

[thespaniard]

didn't they rest their starters for three quarters?

I'm not sure because I didn't see the whole game, but they sure did put Griese in early. I'm not sure if that's a downgrade though.

[sableholic]

I'm not sure because I didn't see the whole game, but they sure did put Griese in early. I'm not sure if that's a downgrade though.

Yea lol, Grossman is terrible.

[Who Del]

My favorite play from Shawn Andrews was on Buckhalters 1 yard run during the Christmas game. The dude blasted the linebacker on the Cowboys. It was funny ****.

[pointyfootball]

Yea lol, Grossman is terrible.

Stats for the Bears' QBs against the Packers:

7/27, 157 yards, 1TD, 5 INT, 1 lost fumble

[eagles78]

everyone? :laugh:

the same way everyone overrates Roy Williams

one mediots says he's good, then the rest just parrots their comments



very few people understand OL play, Shame isn't a bum, but he isn't the best guard in the NFC, not even the NFC EastYes everyone. He's on King's all pro team this year. You still have not answered my question. Give me one good reason anyone has to overrate this guy, just one. It's not like he's some grizzled old vet who has lost a step but still commands an enormous amount of respect around the league (coughFavrecough) or it's not like he plays on some media darling team like the Cowboys, Steelers or Packers. He's a guy playing in his second full season in the NFL. So go ahead, tell me one reason why everybody "overrates" him. Oh, that's right, there isn't a reason. He's just that damn good.

[lovellj]

Eagles fans won't like the comparison, but it's valid:

The Eagles are the Redskins of last year...with a slightly better offense. Your defense isn't quite as solid as the Redskins was around this time of the year, but your offense is in much better shape (Garcia > Brunell). The Eagles are a hot team and every team in the Conference would be scared of them. I'd still put my money on the Saints, but the Eagles are going to be tough. Plus, if Westbrook can stay healthy, you have an X-Factor that presents the toughest mismatch in the NFC (followed by Bush and Hester).

[Westbrook36]

I love how Bubba dismissed the football outsiders link that graded every play of the season and graded each offensive lineman. He said the criteria they used was for fantasy stat purposes...

WHAT FANTASY STATS DOES AN OFFENSIVE LINEMAN HAVE1?!? :laugh:

Andrews gave up ONE sack this year according to stats inc and the Eagles passed the ball over 400 times.

[Alabama Man]

This isn't even an interesting debate, it's more of a "why did you even say that?" deal.

[pherein]

As a Saints fan we want to fight the Eagles, not the Gmen. We want them, and we will beat them. We hope,lol.

[Alabama Man]

Thats and interesting point of view. What makes you think the Giants are a less favorable matchup? Honestly the scenarios where the giants have success in the playoffs have more to do with "well its the plaoyoffs, anything can happen" scenario then real football logic. Tiki Barber is really the only thing the giants have going for them right now. And the occasional deep throw to Plex.

[thespaniard]

As a Saints fan we want to fight the Eagles, not the Gmen. We want them, and we will beat them. We hope,lol.

The Saints can't play the Giants. If the Giants win, they go to Chicago and we face the winner of Dallas/Seattle. Personally, Philly is the team I least want to see. We beat them in a close game last time, but they are playing better football now, and of course Westbrook is very dangerous and could go off at any time. I would much rather be trying to stop Julius Jones and Romo or Hasslebeck and Alexander than Garcia and Westbrook..

[pointyfootball]

The Eagles are the Redskins of last year...with a slightly better offense.

With the way they're playing right now it is NO comparison. The Redskin offense last season in the final month was atrocious, although the defense was playing lights out.

[jrockster21]

The Saints can't play the Giants.

Why can't they meet in the NFCCG??

[thespaniard]

Why can't they meet in the NFCCG??

True. I was referring to this next round after the wild card round. I guess I should have made myself more clear.

[lovellj]

With the way they're playing right now it is NO comparison. The Redskin offense last season in the final month was atrocious, although the defense was playing lights out.

Not true...the offense played okay against the Eagles, and great against the Giants....it just struggled in the playoffs. The comparison is still valid though.

[Alabama Man]

I guess I can see a few similarities like a winning streak down the stretch, but really it doesn't go much further then that.

If thats the main similarity, whats the difference between saying the Eagles are the Redskins of last year or the Steelers of last year? The Steelers, won the super bowl, so we can't talk about it.

[McNabbOwnsFedEx]

Not true...the offense played okay against the Eagles, and great against the Giants....it just struggled in the playoffs. The comparison is still valid though.

It's valid in terms of how their seasons went and are so similar but not in the way the offensive units of each squad are playing. Our offense has been great all season long and finished the season at #2 overall. We've been dominating teams for the past 3 weeks and are going in on fire. Averaging 400 yards of offense for the last 3 weeks, and the last game was with our backups in, and our backup backup QB.

[Alabama Man]

Dawkins, Andrews Named All-Pro

Free safety Brian Dawkins and guard Shawn Andrews were named to The Associated Press' All-Pro team, which was announced Monday. The team was selected by a panel of 50 nationwide sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL. The team consisted of 11 offensive players, 12 defensive players (two inside linebackers), a kicker, a punter and a returner and is determined regardless of conference.

This was Dawkins' fourth All-Pro honor. The 11th-year free safety was also named to his sixth Pro Bowl after a career-high 155 tackles to go along with a team-best 13 passes defensed and five forced fumbles. Dawkins was also second on the team with four interceptions.

Andrews was rewarded with All-Pro honors for the first time in his three-year career. He was also named a first-time starter for the Pro Bowl squad. Andrews only allowed one sack during the regular season in 572 pass attempts and helped running back Brian Westbrook earn his first 1,000-yard rushing season.