Thinking about the Eagles' big win over the Rams, and what lies ahead...
- Nick Foles threw the ball downfield more than Carson Wentz last Sunday. He also spread the ball around more, including to Alshon Jefferies, who caught eight passes. Was this a coaching decision? Did the Rams play eight men in the box and dare Foles to throw long? Or did Wentz have those same downfield plays and just didn't attempt them?
The offense also ran the ball more, which opened up the long ball. Running the ball with Adams, Smallwood and Sproles kept the L.A. defense honest. Running the ball controlled the clock and kept the powerful Rams offense off the field.
- Notice that Foles wasn't sacked? Aaron Donald may be a MVP candidate but he was kept a tbay by the Eagles' offensive line. Foles also made quick decisions and got rid of the ball in a hurry. Wentz has a tendency to hold onto the ball too long. Sacks happen when that happens.
- The Eagles are 4-0 all-time vs the Texans. Last time they played, in 2014, Foles was also the quarterback. He broke a rib that day, didn't play again for Philadelphia that season, and was later traded to St. Louis.
- If he plays, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will be someone to keep an eye on. The Houston receiver is one of the best. Whatever the Birds did on Sunday to stop the Rams' deep passing game they will need to do this week against the Texans. Keeping J.J. Watt away from Foles will also help.
- Of course, the Vikings need to lose one of their last two games for the Phillies to get into the playoffs. But keep your eye on Seattle.If Philly finishes ahead of the Seahawks and grab the No. 5 seed, they would likely play the Cowboys instead of the Rams or Bears. The Birds know Dallas better, plus it's really hard to beat a team three times in a season, the task the Cowboys would have.
*******************************************************************
The Flyers won last night, 3-2, over the Red Wings. It was rookie goalie Carter Hart's first game, and he stopped 20 of 22 Detroit shots. He gives the fans hope and a look at the future.
*******************************************************************
Andrew McCutchen was introduced by the Phillies yesterday. He is a solid, professional guy, still good on offense and flexible on defense.
I like what the Phils have done this off-season so far, but honestly, I would be disappointed if the organization doesn't get Machado or Harper. To me, Philadelphia is still behind in NL East. Getting lefties Andrew Miller and/or Zach Britton will help but a game-changer would be a Machado or Harper in the line-up.
No comments:
Post a Comment