Thoughts on ht eEagles 33-10 victory over the 49'ers...
* There is talk of the Eagles being "aggressive" in trade talks this week, as the NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, October 31. Most notable rumors are talks with retired ex- Detroit Lions receiver Calvin (Megatron) Johnson. He is 32 and if healthy, could prove to be a big target for Wentz, especially in the red zone.
The Eagles now have a solid corps of receivers but upgrading with Megatron wouldn't hurt.
Could they fit him under the salary cap? Who would take a backseat to Johnson? The other Johnson? Hollins and Agholor are playing too well. Jeffery and Smith maybe haven't been as productive as expected but they have opened up the middle of the field for tight ends Ertz and Burton.
Beefing up the offensive line, especially the left tackle position, with a proven veteran, should be the focus. Joe Staley form the "Niners, even though he suffered a fractured eye socket in the game with the Birds yesterday, should be a target. He's an all-pro lineman. San Francisco is rebuilding. The Eagles have three 4th-round draft picks next spring. Justsaying.
A better blocking running back would also fill a need, as would linebacker depth. Either way, I'm sure GM Howie Rossman will go all-in and take advantage of the Eagles standing at 7-1.
* WR Alshon Jeffery has not produced as expected but Sunday afternoon he played well, catching a Wentz touchdown pass and playing defensive back on a Hail Mary try at the end of the 1st half, batting away a pass in the end zone.
* Angels outfielder Mike Trout, an avid Eagles fan, was at the game again yesterday. Zach Ertz awarded him with a football after a TD catch , Ertz joking later that continuing to give Trout footballs may help sway him to sign with the Phillies in a few years when he becomes a free agent.
* Weather-wise, it was an ugly day at the Linc. Raining constantly, at varying degrees all afternoon. The field held up well, and it was surprising that more turnovers or slips didn't occur. The fans were out strong and loud, basking in the inclement weather. It had to be miserable to be there, and the lackluster game didn't help. Fun to watch, but not as much fun as a snow game.
It was actually raining harder before the game ( wonder what that did to the tailgating) and after, so it could've been worse during the game itself.
* The referees did not play a major factor in the game, which was refreshing. No big stops and starts or reviews. The refs let the guys play, as they should. I guess they wanted to get out of there as well, with the rain and wind.
* OT Vitai played OK. Naturally, he is a down-grade from Jason Peters. He should be OK, but I wouldn't mind the front office upgrading the position this week.
* Kicker Jake Elliot set an Eagles record by kicking his 5th field goal of the season 50 yards or better. He missed two extra points, however, the first try holder Donnie Jones didn't get the ball down correctly, probably because of the wet football..
* Fletcher Cox may get a fine or even suspension for his hit on Joe Staley which fractured Staley's orbital bone near his eye. Cox is plying so well, it would be a shame to see Cox out for any amount of time.
* Jalan Mills returned an interception for a touchdown, He is becoming a solid corner back,which has suddenly become a position of strength, with injured corners Ron Darby and Sidney Jones waiting to come back.
*DE Derek Barnett is coming on. The teams' 1st round draft pick has 3 sacks and blocked a field goal attempt against the 49'ers. Vinny Curry is finally playing well, giving the Birds an explosive set of ends who are putting constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Back-up QB Nick Foles finally got playing time late in the 4th quarter. He didn't throw a pass, so we still don't know the condition of his once- sore shoulder.
So, the Eagles stand at 7-1, solidly on top of NFC East. They have one more home game left in this stretch, against the Denver Broncos next Sunday at 1:00. The game was rumored to be flexed to Sunday night, but Miami and Oakland will play Sunday night. That's good news for me. I'm going to the game, and I like the 1:00 games better.
Denver plays a tough game at Kansas City tonight. Next week will be the third of three road games for the Broncos, who have not been playing well. The Eagles can go 8-1 before their bye week, getting ready for a key Sunday Night match-up with the Cowboys in Dallas.
Every victory now brings Philly closer to a division title, a playoff bye and home field advantage. My analysis and prediction for the Denver game will come later in the week.
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