Eagles crash down to earth
When your ‘dream team’ no longer has the capability to control a John Skelton led Arizona offense, you know that there are some serious issues.
Andy Reid’s team, big bucks and all, have infuriated their fans and coaching staff alike, with a series of abysmal displays punctuated by the odd revelation of the team’s potential, like the 34-7 blowout of Dallas three weeks ago.
But what is the reason for this 3-6 inconsistency?
One person that many fans have pinpointed is their offensive coordinator, Juan Castillo, who, in his first season on the offensive side of the ball, has made some questionable calls and has not involved their best offensive producer, LeSean McCoy, as much as he could have.
While Castillo has tried to tailor the offense around Michael Vick’s athletic capabilities, and has had some success, there has been something a little off balance with the Eagles when they need to get points on the board.
Michael Vick’s inability to take care of the football has also contributed to some of Philadelphia’s worries, his 11 interceptions and eight fumbles have often put the Eagles in a difficult position. He has also thrown only 11 touchdowns for his 2,193 yards.
But the offense is a slight nick in the armour. The defense is the hole in the breastplate.
Their struggles against both the run and the pass are a real mystery, especially with the expensive free-agent acquisitions of Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at cornerback.
Asomugha probably hasn’t been playing the same system that he did in Oakland, but that doesn’t explain the sudden disappearance of the physical, intimidating style of play that he dished out to opposition recievers.
Philly’s linebacking corps leaves much to be desired though, and this could be the real reason for their struggles. Having to start rookie Casey Matthews straight out of the draft reflected exactly what a serious problem it was for the Eagles.
Opposition tight ends now love coming to the Lincoln Financial Field because they know they will get all the space in the world, and wide recievers, leave the danger zones of Asomugha, Samuel and Rodgers-Cromartie to find safety through the middle.
Running backs also enjoy a trip to Philadelphia these days, getting almost five yards per carry, and knowing that if they can break the initial line, then they have all the chance in the world to go a long way.
So it’s no wonder that Eagles fans are angry about their team’s level of performance this season, and with games against the Giants, Patriots, Jets and Cowboys to come, there is a very real possibility that they could end up with a 6-10 season.
Let’s not beat around the bush here, Andy Reid’s job is on the line now with every game that passes, and I know for a fact that defense will be his first port of call.
Sunday night’s game against Eli Manning’s Giants will show whether Philadelphia have the mettle to make a fight of the NFC East or not, and if they do, it will be on defense that the real improvements must be seen.
