A GIANT Victory for the Eagles

Photo courtesy of bleacherreport.com

Close your eyes and picture this: Vince Young rallying his desperate Eagles team to an 18-play, 80-yard brilliant drive against a very solid New York Giants defense late in the fourth quarter.  Sounds ludicrous, right?  Now, open your eyes and believe me when I say that the Eagles didn't give up another fourth quarter lead, winning through their defense by a score of 17-10.  That is exactly what had occurred last Sunday night.

Vince Young, who was previously 2-0 against the Giants when he was a member of the Tennessee Titans, wiped off a three interception performance with a clutch fourth quarter touchdown pass to Riley Cooper.  Young threw touchdowns to two wide receivers whom haven't been used significantly all season; one to former Giants wide receiver Steve Smith and the other to Cooper.  Both were used more frequently due to the injury to Jeremy Maclin. Judging off Young's performance in the fourth quarter, I believe they should start Vick during the first three quarters and pull in Young for the fourth.  A formula worth trying, I must say. (joking moment)  

Defensively, the Eagles looked mighty impressive.  This is the defense that all Eagles fans imagined to see before the season had started.  It looked like defensive coordinator Juan Castillo and his defense were tired of the media portraying them as a "soft" defense, deservingly so.

Jason Babin was the star on defense, making this game-sealing sack as well as forcing a fumble on Eli Manning as he was trying to even up the game at 17. Derek Landri played well as a reserve tackle, picking up the key turnover created by Babin seen below. 

• The Eagles defensive line stole the show Sunday night as they made Eli Manning's life a living hell in the pocket; they were persistent on their pressure and made sure Manning felt the hits.  As a group, they recorded three sacks. Cullen Jenkins, Trevor Laws, Darryl Tapp, Juqua Paker and Mike Patterson produced constant pressure and closed in on the run game.
• The linebackers played well too as Jamar Chaney picked off Manning and Akeem Jordan made a crucial stop on a 3rd and 1 against Giants running back Brandon Jacobs.
• Secondary played decent minus Nnamdi Asomugha.  He was penalized for pass interference and lost coverage on Giants wide-out Victor Cruz.  Cruz is known for picking on Asmougha as he torched him in their first match-up.          

Hopefully, the Eagles find a way to show some consistency in their play, which they have lacked all season.  I know the playoffs are still a long shot, but I have a feeling this game is the game that will turn their season around.  Momentum will swing into the Eagles favor.  It happened last year with the Miracle of the Meadowlands II, so what's so different about this year?

The Eagles Gods are looking down on us.    

  

Eagles, Bears play on MNF...What more can you ask for?

Photo courtesy of Eastbay.com

Monday night football with potential playoff aspirations on the line tonight; can't get any better than that, now can it?

The Philadelphia Eagles look to reach .500  in tonight's battle against the Chicago Bears.  Chicago is coming off a 24-18 win in London last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Philadelphia is coming off a 34-7 win, whooping the Dallas Cowboys in every aspect of the game.

The Eagles need to continue the style of play they displayed against Dallas for tonight.

Matt Forte is a dangerous threat in the running game for the Bears.  Defensively, the Eagles need to prevent him from having a field day from the first snap.  Jay Cutler can be a nuisance if his offensive line protects him.  Players like Trent Cole and Jason Babin need to create havoc and cause him to turn the ball over.  The linebacking core needs to fill the gaping holes and close on them as quickly as possible.  Any mistake in their assignments could lead to crucial points on the scoreboard.  Special teams wise, the Eagles need to be smart and not punt to the best special teams player in the game, Devin Hester.  He is guaranteed a touchdown almost every time he touches the ball.  

Offensively, Michael Vick and his high-powered Eagles offense look to strategically dissect Brian Urlacher and his strong Bears defense.  The Eagles need to firstly, get Lesean McCoy started in the run game.  He is a perennial back that has risen up in the rankings as one of the best running backs in the league.  They need to use him in the passing game as well.  Jeremy Maclin will look to be the go-to receiver as Desean Jackson will try to find a hole in the Bears defense to create a big play opportunity.  Jason Avant and Brent Celek will be targeted in key situations when a first down is needed.  Finally, when none of that is available, Vick needs to use his lightning speed and create plays with his legs.

A balanced attack as well as a zero in the turnover column on offense will win this game for the Eagles.

Prediction: Eagles 31-Bears 17