Eagles v. Cardinals: Debacle in the Desert
Photos
The loud crack heard just before halftime on Sunday in Arizona was the sound of the Eagles' collective backbone breaking. After yet another turnover by Michael Vick, after yet another misread by Michael Vick, the game was over.
The Eagles were soundly beaten by the Cardinals in every phase of the game. Every Eagles flaw was accentuated. Bad games happen for every team in the NFL throughout the course of a season, but this one may have ominous indications of problems to come.
Turnovers and accountability
It is becoming more apparent that with Vick at quarterback, the Eagles are not going to significantly reduce their turnovers. This issue prevented them from being a playoff team last year and could do the same this year.
On Sunday, Vick avoided throwing an interception for the first game this season; he compensated by losing two fumbles. Some would say there was nothing he could have done on the second one, which occurred on the Cardinals 1-yard line and was returned for a touchdown. That single play represented a 14-point swing that pushed the Cardinals' lead to 24-0.
Recapping the game, both Ike Reese and Ray Didinger noted that it is the responsibility of the quarterback to identify free rushers prior to the snap and flip the play to the other side. Vick did not, and the game ended right there.
After the game, Vick said that the Eagles ought to have taken better care of the ball. He said he saw the blitzer coming, but was trying to make a play. His words were as feeble as his passing totals on the day. Every week he says the same thing. Nothing changes.
Vick has courage, but is lacking in every other area that makes a quality NFL quarterback. He cannot read a defense, does not make good decisions, does not learn from his mistakes, and is incapable of saving himself from punishment.
At times Sunday, he was under intense pressure, victimized by a porous offensive line (which is worrisome in its own right, going forward). When given a pocket, Vick held onto the ball for an excruciating length of time, unable to make a decision. These are all flaws fans have seen in Vick for too long.
Old excuses, new problems
Now a new problem has presented itself: Vick is no longer a running threat. It has not been discussed nearly enough for how important it is. His ability to slip pursuers is not nearly what it was even as recently as last year. A running Vick softened defenses enough to open spaces on subsequent passing plays. Now, he is not fast enough to turn the corner and keep defenses honest.
Through three games, Vick has 94 rushing yards and is averaging 4.5 yards per carry—paltry numbers for a quarterback, let alone one known as a bona fide rushing threat. Watching the games, his explosiveness is gone; his speed greatly diminished. On his one positive-yardage run Sunday, Vick was caught from behind by a linebacker, which would never have happened previously. Without his running ability, Vick is a below-average quarterback, and that is what we saw Sunday.
Ominous indeed.
Mixed signals
Vick was certainly the biggest problem Sunday, but Andy Reid and his coaching staff were a close second. In the first half, the Eagles ran 30 offensive plays: 25 passes and five runs. They handed the ball to their best player, LeSean McCoy, four times.
That is inexplicable and inexcusable. Last week the Eagles balanced the offense and beat a very good Ravens team. This week they abandoned the run almost entirely and scored 6 points.
Might this be the week this obvious lesson sinks in?
Reid also bears responsibility for Vick’s second and game-sealing fumble at the end of the first half. With six seconds and no timeouts remaining, Reid should have been able to recognize Vick's sluggish decision-making throughout the day and sent in the field goal unit.
A close-range chip shot would have gotten the team on the board and into the locker room with a two-touchdown deficit. Instead, they ended the half down four scores and never sniffed a comeback.
Blame enough to go around
The Eagles were also undone against the Cardinals by other role players on Sunday.
For starters, Damarius Johnson fumbled a punt the Eagles did not recover and displayed a general discomfort in the role.
Those who thought that Desean Jackson's admitted unprofessionalism ended with his new contract were mistaken. At the end of the first half, when a dive toward the endzone might have spared the Eagles the Vick fumble, he turtled up to protect himself. Jackson also threw his hands up at officials while the ball was still in the air and he was still supposedly mid-route.
Fans have to accept the bad with the good when it comes to Jackson. Sunday was the bad.
The Eagles defense did not play great football on Sunday, backed into bad field position on four turnovers. The unit was victimized early, but allowed its last touchdown of the game halfway through the second quarter. The Eagles have not allowed a second-half touchdown this season, which is remarkable. They forced no turnovers and missed more tackles than they should have—unwelcome shadows of last year’s defense—but played decently overall.
Galling for Eagles fans was watching Kevin Kolb quarterback the Cardinals against his former team. He looked downright surgical against the backdrop of Vick’s disjointed, error-filled performance. Just added insult to injury on a bad day for Eagles fans.
Plenty of ammunition for a rivalry match-up
The beauty of the NFL, especially early in the season, is that there is always a meaningful game next week. Week Four features a contest more meaningful than most. A primetime home game against the Giants offers plenty of intensity, but the energy of one before which fan favorite Brian Dawkins will be honored will shake the Linc to its core.
A win over the hated Giants would be at once a fitting tribute to lay at the feet of The Greatest Eagle and the balm for a chafing loss. Dispatch the Giants, and all that ugliness will evaporate like the sun dipping below the painted horizon; a ghost vanishing with the desert wind.
Larry O'Doyle
12:23 am on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Despicable performance from start to finish for the coaching staff and players alike. From the ill-conceived gameplan formulated by coaches to the ill-advised decision making of their cockeyed quarterback, the only thing the Birds did execute flawlessly was making me SICK. I agree with your sentiments regarding the defense who I thought displayed a respectable effort despite the hapless performance of their teammates. We're still 2-1 and I truly believe Mike Vick's immediate future as the starter is at stake in this next game against the Gints. Limiting the opposing quarterback is difficult enough without having to overcome the blunders of your own. I have nothing against Vick but the writing is on the wall and the ball is on the carpet... again... and again. Love your description of his play as "disjointed", very accurate. One way or another, Foles will be the starter and hopefully it's sooner than later. Pass the Foleslaw!
Mike Diviney
1:30 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Great analysis Larry. I think Vick gives the Eagles the best chance to win right now, if for no other reason and continuity. And really, Andy is fighting for his job- he's not going to bank on a rookie. But he won't have a choice soon because Vick will get hurt sooner rather than later. I think the beating he allows himself to take is a big reason he can't really run the ball effectively anymore.
Bo
12:55 am on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
When your best player gets 4 rushing attempts in the first half, then only 9 in the second half, along with 3 catches for 8 yards total, then your offensive coordinator failed miserably in making any necessary adjustments at half-time. Watching this game was a mind-numbing experience.
Mike Diviney
1:33 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
No doubt Bo. At least they doubled him up in the 2nd half huh? Really odd after they beat a really good team by balancing the offense. Question: does it seem McCoy is less involved and less involved in the passing game? If so, why?
Phil McConkey
6:13 am on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
well well well, typical Eagles fans already calling for Foles. Couple more fumbles from McCoy and you'll be calling for his job too
chris
8:58 am on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Gee Phil, trolling a patch thread makes you so cool
Mike Diviney
1:34 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Don't really need your input on this, but... it's not just the fumbles- it's everything, but begrudingly agree (gulp) it's too early to call for Foles. McCoy's job is quite safe thank you.
Larry O'Doyle
9:19 am on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
The only person who takes a more vicious beating on a weekly basis is my old lady. At this rate, he will be lucky to last until November. If the turnovers continue, might as well start the grooming process with Foles while still in a position to win games and make the playoffs. Now, does anybody know where one can purchase Kevlar lingerie? Please advise.
PS- I am officially withdrawing all support from the replacement refs. Please come home Eddie.
Reed Rothchild
12:09 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Great points Mike. Well said! This game showed the epic potential of the Eagles ability to be a complete and utter failure this season. Hopefully it was just a fluke game.
Larry, I might know a guy who knows a guy who can acquire some Kevlar lingerie for your old lady. He's ex Halliburton and has been known to shoot his "friends" as well as decimate morality and ethical behavior like #7 is on the path to do. I'll let you know. Pass the Foleslaw please!
Mike Diviney
1:37 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Hopefully, most of that was a joke- very funny if so, by the way. At 2-1, it's too early. We're not in grooming mode. The Eagles have a lot of talent around Vick. Yes, it was ugly, but it's one loss
Phil McConkey
9:22 am on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Cheer up Chris. It's a nice day. go outside take a walk. Tell yourself a joke.
And actually "Chris" (if that's your real name) I've been a loyal follower of this blog. Even though I'm a Giants fan, Mike Diviney is great and very informative writer. Since I'm in Eagles country and do follow the Eagles. I follow them to lose. Check out past blogs, you won't be disapoointed.............only in your team!! HEY NOW!!!.
chris
9:55 am on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
You're the coolest
Mike Diviney
1:39 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Again begrudgingly, I have to "thank" Phil for his loyalty despite the fact he is deeply flawed. Later in the week, we all be lambasting Phil on here- look forward to it!
Matt Skoufalos
1:39 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
In case you missed it earlier today, apparently State Senate President Steve Sweeney is also sick of the replacement officiating:
http://collingswood.patch.com/articles/sweeney-says-nfl-must-sack-replacement-refs
Mike Diviney
2:53 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
I know this guy is the Senate President, but I think somehow, Federal Law would supersede any legislation he proposes. I'm not a lawyer, but I'm sure the NFL has hundreds on retainer and isn't going to allow a state to stop them from doing what they want to do. Their hand will not be forced by one guy, in one state- they're dug in.
Mike Diviney
1:40 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Let's step it up Chris and start the onslaught against Phil and his Giants. GO BIRDS!!
Phil McConkey
1:57 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Yeah this week's game is going to be great. I'm not sold on the Giants. They have had a great last 6 quarters but division game you never know. With that said i can't wait to see the Geeeee-MEN (in my Chris Berman voice) clip your Eagles and have you cry twice. Once when you see B-dawk and relive your first man crush and again once the game ends.
PS-I'll be wearing my #89 Mark Bavaro jersey that I had when I was 12 during the game. If you see me out and about I'm the guy in the Bavaro Jersey that is 5 sizes too small
Mike Diviney
2:46 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Phil, you're not sold on your team in the first sentence, then your team is going to clip the Eagles? You're schizophrenic and so are you. Since Bavaro later lived in Haddonfield and played for the Eagles, maybe you should invest in a jersey that fits?
Phil McConkey
3:54 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
I'm not sold on the Giants and not sold on the Eagles but I do know the Giants are going to knock the EAgles out just like Jim Burt did to Joe MOntana.....and I was at this game wearing the same Mark Bavaro jersey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORAE66ZsEH8
Bo
10:41 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Phil I imagine your a little unsettled on this path that the Giants are on and looking like the best team in the league so early in the season. I'd assume you and many Giant fans are more comfortable with the similar path that the G-men followed in route to their last two Lombardi trophies. I sense you all rather have your boys peak late instead of early. Good luck this week, and though I've long had a healthy respect for the Mara family and how classy an organization they've run since Tim founded it in 1925, I hope we win big, but my gut is telling me something else which I am trying to ignore as we speak.
Phil McConkey
1:59 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Skoufalous (can I call you SKoooooof for short?) - my guess is this guy Sweeney is for betting on football in NJ? I'm sure he has a motive behind this
Matt Skoufalos
2:01 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Of course you may.
My suspicion is he's in a PPR league and his boys are getting murdered on the non-pass-interference calls. Either that or he kept Aaron Rodgers and Chris Johnson.
Mike Diviney
2:22 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Phil that hit on Cool Joe was unbelievable. Unfortunately, for the Gints, I don't think Burt's playing Sunday (though our QB has been known to take a few hits.)
Larry O'Doyle
2:25 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
I will definitely be contacting you offline for more information Reed. My old lady's birthday is right around the corner and her battered ribs could use a break. As for Foles, the sooner he gets seasoned, the sooner he'll be ready to lead us into the playoffs. It's early and Vick certainly deserves one more chance but Foles is a viable option to win now and in the future. Go Birds!!!!
You're soooo cool with your Bavaro jersey and ghetto booty Phil.
Mike Diviney
2:50 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
We're not there yet Larry. Gotta try to win with what you already have at this point, rather than working on seasoning a young QB. He'll be here.
Mike Diviney
2:49 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Obama weighed in and said the 2 sides need to get it settled. I would say never mind the Chicago teacher's strike, but we don't do politics here. The pass interference calls are the biggest problem- some are called, some are not and there's seemingly no rhyme or reason.
Bo
4:37 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Hey former CPS employee here, needless I am certain all are glad the kids are back in a learning environment, and hope many aspects of the CPS improve as a direct result of the strike settling and the dialogue which took place during it. There's no politics there or here, in simply wanting kids to learn and grow and be in the best situation to do so. Yeah back to the Eagles and Shady, how he only get three receptions for eight yards is quite disturbing. That Shady got 4 rushing attempts in the first half was just foolish. To then be down 24 at the half, and I assume part of Marty's adjustment for the 2nd half was to double Shady's rushing attempts. That's as stupid a strategy as I've ever heard. Wouldn't an effective short passing game give some cover to that O-line and Vick. No matter this whole idea of balance in the run to pass ration, whether your RB or your WR is your best player on the field, your first objective as a playcaller is to get him the ball in any way possible.
Mike Diviney
10:40 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
It's not just this week with McCoy, he's only got 42 yards receiving this year. Gotta get him more catches with a chance to get upfield.
Jack Walden
5:19 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Great game analysis Mike. I only disagree with one thing. I think Vick has to sit for awhile and give Foles a chance. He is not helping anyway, and I think he is already hurt more than he is letting on. Anyway, his Qb ranking is so low he is not much help anyhow and is probably making the team worse by playing then not.
Mike Diviney
10:26 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
He frustrates me as well, but I think he gives them the best chance to win right now. We don't know what Foles is yet. Just for continuity's sake, it's better to have the guy you started with in my opinion. He has been terrible, but he did lead 2 game-winning drives, though they were necessary because of his turnovers. He's going to get hurt anyway, so let's just wait until then. I might play Edwards over Foles.
Alonzo Mosley
5:25 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
LOVE THIS BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mike Diviney
10:27 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
We appreciate your enthusiastic patronage Alonzo.
Phil McConkey
7:19 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
what's the story behind the punter situation today. Wasn't he booming kicks in the Browns game?
Mike Diviney
10:33 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
He was booming them against the Cardinals too. He averaged over 49 yards on 5 punts and had a 62 yarder. Did I miss something?
Matt Skoufalos
1:22 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
According to Macnow and Gargano today, the inside scoop is that he wasn't clutch enough. Now we have an added problem in that apparently McBriar is not that skilled as a holder...
Mike Diviney
10:35 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Once a guy no longer wears the Green and Silver I hate him (aside from BDawk- my 1st last and only man-crush Phil). It's only 3 games, but I had pangs of remorse seeing Kevin Kolb play the QB position efficiently, effectively and intelligently.
Mike Diviney
6:24 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
The Eagles cut Chas Henry and replaced him with Mat McBriar. I always through McBriar was pretty good, but I didn't think Henry did anything that deserved to get him cut. He was bad Week 2, but he averaged almost 50 yards a punt on Sunday. They did say in the Daily News, the Eagles were concerned he outkicked his coverage, which means he wasn't getting enough hang time. A little curious, but we'll see.
Mike Diviney
2:46 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Bo, the way things are now in the NFL, all fans should want their team peaking towards the end of the season. It worked for the Giants and oftentimes, the best team all year- GB in 2011- doesn't win it all.
Bo
7:26 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Mike I agree, as this idea appears to be similar in MLB since the advent of the wildcard team. I think the way the Phils finished the '08 season had them on that path too, and maybe the converse can be applies to last year's Phils team. I was begging them to lose that last game to the Braves, wherein the Braves would've been the wildcard team and the Cardinals would have been home fishing. I hope the Eagles can tightened up this offensive line and find some cohesion this week and going forward so some of Vick's imperfections are masked a bit, but really his foot speed is still a weapon, and it must be utilized in the game plan if for no other reason than what we see in the play of the O-line. I knew we needed to take a offensive lineman in the early rounds of the draft, and I would have chosen a left tackle, but it is what it is. If Andy wanted Foles he could have traded future picks to get him and that tackle in the 3rd round. I think Jerry Reese, the young GM of the Giants is already one of the best in the NFL, he was Ernie Accorsi's director of Player Personel before that, and that prior Super Bowl win was filled with his draft picks that came of age at the perfect time, playoff time.
Mike Diviney
10:14 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Bo, I don't think his speed still is a weapon. He looks slow to me- no explosiveness. He's been unable to turn the corner. Maybe we'll see something different Sunday, but so far, he looks much slower- the numbers back it up.
Mike Diviney
8:52 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
You can't draft a player at every position. Wouldn't make sense to sign Bell and draft a LT. Easy to say now, but wasn't then. Isn't that young whipper snapper Jerry Reese like 50 years old?
Bo
10:03 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Lets also just assume what you knew and I knew and most other fans who know, that Dunlap wasn't that good and probably below average to average. Now let's assume that Bell was going to be darn good, and his college roomie Jason Peters was gonna help him acclimate in the off season. Nether of those two things happened and we now know Bell sucks, and the irony is I am praying to hell that Dunlap is back at LT this week or Osi or JPP is gonna knock Vick into early next week.
Mike Diviney
9:17 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
The Giants D is 18th in the league and 22nd against the pass. Their supposedly ferocious pass rush has notched SIX sacks. The Eagles banged up O-line needs all the help it can get. Hopefully the Eagles find their vaunted screen game to get the ball in McCoy's hands more and to negate any rush the Giants do get.
Phil McConkey
7:42 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
plus Rolle didn't practice and may not play, the one corner that came in last week and played good is not playing with a hamstring. The Giants secondary worries me. The d line needs to step up and over compensate. But the G-MEN will prevail
Bo
9:47 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Late forties I think, so considering the age of many of the league's GMs, he's quite young. He is also one of six African-American GMs in the NFL. WR McNutt and OG Washington were taken in the 6th and subsequently cut, and McNutt wasn't picked up so he's now on the practice squad. Vinnie Curry was drafted in the 2nd round, and before Foles, and as much as loved him, we should have taken an LT there simply based on need, instead of a DE who gets on the field how much.
Mike Diviney
9:55 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Bo, I don't really think the need was apparent then since they signed Bell, who was highly regarded. I still can't figure out what's going on with him. I think Curry will be a good player, but they're stacked at DE right now- can never have enough good D lineman (or O lineman). Speaking of the draft- Fletcher and Kendricks early returns are excellent.
Mike Diviney
9:51 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
To demonstrate the importance of turnovers again:
Eagles are 5th in the league in offense (yards gained) AND LAST in the NFL in points scrored. Only one way to reach those numbers and the Eagles MUST change that pronto if they're going to go anywhere this year.
Gary B
10:00 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
The Eagles face mighty opponents weekly and must find various strategies to overcome those obstacles to achieve a win.... some opponents change, like the team from another city and others do not, such as Michael Vick.
Mike Diviney
10:16 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Yeah Bo, it definitely appears that Bell sucks. They said he couldn't pick up terminology, but that doesn't account for him beinga turnstile. Dunlap is average and I can't believe we're all hoping he's back. Maybe Bell will show at some point why he was thought to be the best available LT- hasn't yet.
Mike Diviney
10:18 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Gary B- welcome back. Thought you were a missing person (like Porter). Think you were saying you're sick of Vick's play and meaningless vows to take care of the ball going forward- if so, hear you loud and clear.
Gary B
10:25 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
I'm back! lol
And yes, your comment is spot on!
Bo
11:21 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
"Mama always had a way of explaining things so I could understand them." Forrest Gump
Mike Diviney
12:00 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Phil, the Giants secondary sucks. Their D line is very talented, but hasn't produced this year. I was watching a show on NFL Network of the top 10 highlights of the Eagles-Giants rivalry. Most of the moments belonged to the Eagles- but almost all occcurred at Giants Stadium. Number 1 was Miracle at the Meadowlands, Part 3. I hope this next chapter produces another triumphant Birds moment in front of their fans... and BDAWK!!
Reed Rothchild
6:23 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Can't wait for Sunday. Brian Dawkins is a LEGEND: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CO-EekXOZC4#
Larry O'Doyle
8:54 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Dawkins embodied the unbridled passion of Eagles fans on the field and was a model of pure class and humility off of it. He is a legend and I feel privileged to have witnessed the truth of his greatness amidst the infectious orbit of Weapon X. Can't wait to give you the EPIC send off you deserve Sunday night! Birds roll....
27-14
Mike Diviney
2:18 pm on Saturday, September 29, 2012
The halftime stampede to the men's room, the itching for the second half to start and the idle halftime chat will all cease this Sunday night. The Linc will transform into a bubbling cauldron as the Greatest Warrior once more takes the field. Hero worship is often missplace in sports, usually because the "heroes" are not so great off the field. Dawk is the exception and he will get his just reward for the player he was and the man he is.
Mike Diviney
2:22 pm on Saturday, September 29, 2012
One word of caution. The last time the Eagles had a "Night" for a player was a during a prime-time game for Reggie White. They lost 42-0 to the Seahawks. So Dawk's ceremony will be great, but all need to remember there's a game to play... and win. Dawk himself would remind everyone of that.