RS12
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- I didn’t believe that I oversold it during the week, but I really felt good about the potential production from Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory when paired on that right side. In the preseason it was a good combination -- even againstTyron Smith and Ronald Leary -- but in two series early in this game, it really amounted to the Eagles handling it without issue. That caused Rod Marinelli to have to search in another direction to generate a pass rush. Hardy wasn’t able to get enough penetration inside to allow Gregory to get around the edge without a blocker picking him up. The biggest problem was the execution was never as clean as it needed to be.
- The Eagles had two 4th-and-1 situations in this game and Rolando McClainwas only on the field for one of them. You would like to believe that one of your most physical defensive starters would be in the lineup when an opponent chooses to go for it in those situations, but McClain was only in for the one in overtime. What was disappointing on that particular play was that McClain didn’t step up to take on Ryan Mathews and was easily turned out of the hole, giving him the necessary space to pick up the first down. On the next play, Sam Bradford was able to complete the ball to Jordan Matthews for the game-winning score.
- If there is a defensive linemen that deserves a further look, it’s David Irving. I really wasn’t sure where he needs to play, but the coaches worked him as the under-tackle and end with some success. What is surprising about his game is with how long and rangy he is built, he shows some exceptional quickness -- especially that first step quickness. There were several snaps where he was playing on the Eagles’ side of the line of scrimmage while his teammates were struggling to get off blocks. I am curious to see if, the more he plays the less effective he really is, or is it just the opposite? When Irving played end, they lined him up on the right side and that could be the best spot for him due to his ability to rush. What is also surprising about his game is how strong he is. There were only one or two snaps where he got washed down on the play, and overall he was right where he needed to be to finishplays.
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