After a Week 1 thrashing of the Carolina Panthers, the Eagles were flying high off the success mainly their energetic defense that produced seven turnovers and helped produce 17 points off turnovers. Trent Cole was a monster on defense that exploded right through the line and forced a fumble for a touchdown and sacked Jake Delhomme another time. He tackled everyone and everything in sight and that caused Delhomme to seek other options of throwing. Once Delhomme went to the outside, Sheldon "Give Me More Money" Brown picked up two interceptions, one being a shoestring catch stalling a Carolina drive.
As for the offense, Donovan was consistent throwing for two touchdowns and running for one. But it was that one touchdown run that caused problems for this past week. While diving into the end zone, a Carolina defender gave McNabb a shot to the ribs, cracking a right rib that left Donovan "doubtful" all week. As it was, McNabb was not suited up and Kevin Kolb took the reigns for Sunday.
If you take a look at Kolb's overall stats Sunday (31-51, 391 yds, 2 TDs and 3INTs) it wasn't as bad as the interceptions would leave you to believe. His last pass was a last resort past high in the sky for an interception and on the drive before, he threw a misguided weak missile that Darren Sharpen took to pay dirt. In the first half, Kolb made the throws necessary to keep the Eagles within reach. He had DeSean Jackson catching a 71 yd touchdown early, "Shady" McCoy averaging 4.4 yds/carry and Brian Westbrook looking like Brian Westbrook.
Then came the second half. Kick off returner Ellis Hobbs fumbled the opening kickoff of the second half and gave the Saints the ball on the 2 to walk right in. The Eagles then took over and went three and out twice in a row, while Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees found the endzone twice. The Eagles "D" was MIA pretty much all afternoon.
Even though Jim Jackson is no longer with us, his style is what the Eagles succeed with: intensity, ferociousness, and a chip on their shoulder. For a team known for that to not blitz until 2:30 left in the first half (not first quarter, but half), the Eagles officially gave into the Drew Brees persona.
Therefore, I conclude that the Kevin Kolb, and not even Andy Reid are to blame for the Week 2 demolition, but rather the absence of the defense and their pride.
Definitely the defense is to blame. And this will be a recurring theme ALL SEASON LONG! That defense is thin with lots of HOLES! McDermott might be a good defenseive mind but he doesn't have enough experience yet. No consistent pass rush, linebackers who can't cover any Tight End or RB out of the backfield, a safety named Macho- enough said. Speaking of Macho Man, Brian Dawkins has 17 tackles and a forced fumble in Denver. Macho has 3 tackles, 13 blown coverages, and some old beef jerkey commmercials. Oh wait, that's a different Macho Man. Either way, this D is SUSPECT. Asante is constantly cheating and trying for the big play only to GIVE UP the big play time and time again. Andy Reid's LAST season in Philadelphia is gonna be a loooooong one!
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