T-RO
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In this thread I want to review and discuss what the Eagles and Cowboys have done in their recent first round playoff games dating back to 2004. I was very surprised when I looked at it. I think you'll be surprised too.
First up, the Eagles:
2008: Eagles 26 @ Minn 14 (Wild Card)
McNabb threw for 300 yards, almost twice the producion of Tarvarius Jackson. This more than offset the Vikings vastly superior rushing attack. It was clearly a case where Minnesota did not have a legitimate quarterback. The Vikings handily won the time of possession and the battle in the trenches but it wasn't enough to offset a very weak quarterback.
2006 @Eagles 23, Giants 20
Jeff Garcia started this game for Philly and the Eagles changed up their approach. They rushed 50% of the downs and did so with significant success. The Eagles won a close game against a team that was featuring a youthful Eli Manning and a Giants team that had only gone 8-8 during the regular season.
2004 @Eagles 27, Vikings 14
Again note: The Vikings were only 8-8 in the regular season! Philly played with a two touchdown lead or better most of the game. They lost the time of possession battle but got more efficient passing from McNabb than what Culpepper gave the Vikings. The Vikings started the game with a penalty and had over 100 yards in penalties for the game. Again...these Vikings, as with 2008, just didn't seem good enough to advance far. The team had only won 3 of 8 roadies before coming to Philly for the game.
Conclusions: The Eagles beat three mediocre opponents: two with 8-8 records and a third that was quarterbacked by Tarvarius Jackson. In winning these three games they did handle their business against mediocre teams. The way commentators had described recent Philly playoff success, however, I had been expecting something a lot more impressive.
Next up: The Cowboys (with video)
Note: I'm not going back to 2003 and beyond. We had Quincy Carter. The Eagles had 75% different roster. It's not relevant.
First up, the Eagles:
2008: Eagles 26 @ Minn 14 (Wild Card)
McNabb threw for 300 yards, almost twice the producion of Tarvarius Jackson. This more than offset the Vikings vastly superior rushing attack. It was clearly a case where Minnesota did not have a legitimate quarterback. The Vikings handily won the time of possession and the battle in the trenches but it wasn't enough to offset a very weak quarterback.
2006 @Eagles 23, Giants 20
Jeff Garcia started this game for Philly and the Eagles changed up their approach. They rushed 50% of the downs and did so with significant success. The Eagles won a close game against a team that was featuring a youthful Eli Manning and a Giants team that had only gone 8-8 during the regular season.
2004 @Eagles 27, Vikings 14
Again note: The Vikings were only 8-8 in the regular season! Philly played with a two touchdown lead or better most of the game. They lost the time of possession battle but got more efficient passing from McNabb than what Culpepper gave the Vikings. The Vikings started the game with a penalty and had over 100 yards in penalties for the game. Again...these Vikings, as with 2008, just didn't seem good enough to advance far. The team had only won 3 of 8 roadies before coming to Philly for the game.
Conclusions: The Eagles beat three mediocre opponents: two with 8-8 records and a third that was quarterbacked by Tarvarius Jackson. In winning these three games they did handle their business against mediocre teams. The way commentators had described recent Philly playoff success, however, I had been expecting something a lot more impressive.
Next up: The Cowboys (with video)
Note: I'm not going back to 2003 and beyond. We had Quincy Carter. The Eagles had 75% different roster. It's not relevant.
