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What I Know About the Eagles
By Craig Berosh
phillypage2 columnist (12-23-2003)(written after Eagles 49ers Loss)
Let’s keep it upbeat. Let’s focus on the positive. If there is one thing I know about the Eagles, it’s that you can’t count this group out. You can knock them down, but you can’t keep them down. When the going gets tough, they get going. They will respond. They will answer the bell. When it comes to…oh, forget it, we got troubles. Unfortunately, the troubles we got might not be able to be fixed in two (or three) weeks. After 15 games, here’s a positive spin on what I know, or think I know, about the 2003-2004 Philadelphia Eagles.

I know there is now even more pressure on Donovan McNabb. He has a very small margin for error because our defense is unreliable (nice way of putting it, remember, we’re trying to keep it positive). Obviously, he can’t throw interceptions to start and finish a game and take as many sacks as he took. (Boy, those sacks were frustrating, especially when Troy Aikman points it out after every sack. It’s so great to watch the game on TV and hear the Eagles fans chanting AIK-MAN SUCKS! It’s like a Christmas present.) McNabb needs to be very, very good or the Birds chances of winning a playoff game are very, very slim. It sounds cliché, but the Birds need to posses the ball and make first downs or our defense is in even more trouble. Positive Spin: McNabb is capable. He can do it!

I know Brian Westbrook can’t touch the ball enough. If he touches the ball a dozen times (he had 5 carries, 5 receptions and 2 returns against the 49ers), he needs to get the ball at least five more times. The pecking order of Eagle playmakers is currently as follows: Westbrook, McNabb, Staley, Pinkston (believe it or not) and then Buckhalter/Mitchell/Tight End/Thrash (looks good on kickoff returns) Positive Spin: Draw it up Andy!

I know Lito Sheppard is not very good in the air. The guy has good, tight coverage. He’s right there on every play, then the ball goes in the air and he doesn’t make the play. It’s scary and you know every team in the playoffs is aware of this. Positive Spin: Troy Vincent has three weeks to rest.

Speaking of scary, I think Ike Reese is our new starting outside linebacker. I like Ike. I’ve enjoyed his “aggressiveness” while he’s been on special teams for several years now. Positive Spin: Reese has been waiting years for this chance. Go for it Ike.

I think Mark Simoneau has overtaken Todd Pinkston as my new whipping boy. Where is he? Why doesn’t he make any plays and why can’t he get off a block. Positive Spin: Don’t have one. Draft a middle linebacker.

I don’t think Michael Lewis is as good a tackler as Brian Dawkins. Lewis is good, and he needs to be. Simply stated, Lewis is up to stop the run while Dawkins is back to stop the pass. He made a lot of hits and tackles against San Fran but I remember the ones he missed more than the ones he made (except for the one that ended Terrell Owens’ season, good job). Positive Spin: He’s going to cause a big turnover somewhere important down the line. I can feel it.

Speaking of close to making a play. I think N.D. Kalu leads the league in almost. Positive Spin: Keep trying N.D. Remember, the outcome of a game can hinge on one play (getting kinda sappy now).

I know David Akers won’t miss a clutch field goal again. Two weird misses really. He got winded on the one and mis-stepped early (?) on the other. Positive Spin: He’s fine.

I think the offensive line is playing well. Those sacks seemed to be more McNabb’s fault than the fault of the line. The holes seem to be there for Duce. Can John Runyan play defensive tackle too? Positive Spin: I feel good about this group.

Jerome McDougle, please do something. Okay, now it’s getting negative. I better stop. Happy Holidays!

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