Dawk Talk

Brian Dawkins had his best game of the season in the win over Arizona. He came up with 5 tackles, a FF, and an INT. He helped the Eagles to control the middle of the field by coming up quickly and punishing receivers who tried to catch the ball.

I've talked about Dawk's struggles this year. He can no longer cover receivers or tight ends one-on-one with regular effectiveness. His speed and range as a centerfielder has really fallen off. Dawk is still a force around the line of scrimmage and as a hitter, but he's fallen to the level of a mere mortal in other areas.

What happened last week to make Dawk look so good? The circumstances of the game really helped out. ARZ is not a balanced offense. They cannot run the ball with any effectiveness. That meant Dawk could stay back and not worry about needing to fly up in a hurry.

Arizona doesn't throw to the TE very much. That helped. Dawk knew to mainly focus on the WRs. Not only that, but the Cards aren't a downfield attack. They throw a lot of intermediate passes. Those routes don't stretch the field, but they take long enough that the DBs have a chance to come up and get in on the play. Perfect scenario for Dawk. And he took advantage of it.

There is another scenario at work. Dawk has struggled early the last couple of years only to get hot late in the season. Look back at 2006. 3 of his 5 TFLs came in the last 5 games of the year. 3 of his 4 INTs came in that stretch. He had 6 passes defensed as well.

What about 2007? 2 of his 3 TFLs and his only INT of the year came in the final month. The defense played its best game of the year against Dallas, holding the Cowboys to only 6 points.

It could be that Dawk just plays with a heightened sense of urgency late in the year. Maybe Jim Johnson changes the way he uses him. I can't say anything definitively. I do know that each of the last two seasons Dawk looked done in October only to come alive in December.

He played great against Arizona. Let's hope this will be another season where he saved the best for last and he makes plays in the final month. A strong finish from Dawk will help this team to win some games and maybe even get back to the postseason.

Sunday's game against the Giants will be a huge test for the Eagles and Dawk. They have a complete offense. They can run and throw. They can throw short and long. They can throw to the backs, TEs, and wide receivers. The Eagles need #20 to come up big to come out of the Meadowlands with a "W".
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Game Preview

http://www.scoutsnotebook.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=9147#9147

One point I didn't cover in there that was brought up by someone on the EMB is that the game best not come down to a late FG. David Akers has really struggled with kicks at the Meadowlands. Add in the fact that the weather reports call for a cold, windy day (possible snow) and you don't want Akers kicking to win the game.

This is absolutely a winnable game, but the Eagles better not come out flat or play sloppy. You can't rely on the Giants to do anything other than play good football. You have to match their level and go one higher to beat them. We'd all love to see Eli be the guy from 2005, but that just isn't likely.
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Some Giants Talk

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=16852
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Eagles Add OL to Practice Squad

Yesterday the Eagles signed Chris Patrick from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster. To fill his spot they added OL Tala Esera of Hawaii.

Guess what position he played in college? LT, of course. He'll be a G for us. He was too short and not athletic enough to stay out there, but does have talent. He lists at 6'3, 310. Esera has spent some time with the Colts on their Practice Squad.

Why all the OL and not a RB? That is just Big Red's way of doing things. He loves his linemen. Don't complain too much. He could always cut Kyle Eckel and go sign another OL.
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Eagles Add OL

Adam Caplan of Scout.com is reporting that the Eagles have signed Chris Patrick off the Practice Squad to take the roster spot of Max Jean-Gilles, who was injured in the Thanksgiving win over Arizona.

http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=9&c=2&cid=817564&nid=3323609&fhn=1

Patrick played LT at Nebraska. He didn't show the kind of athletic ability needed for playing on the edge, but he was a quality player. My big concern with Patrick as a prospect was his ability to handle athletic edge rushers. He has a chance to be an effective G in the NFL. The Eagles love to take guys who played OT, especially LT, and move them to C and G.

More on Gaither & the Running Game

Someone asked why the Eagles would play Omar so much as a starter if they truly intended him to be a backup. Excellent question.

The situation is complicated. Gaither played in 2006 because Matt McCoy was really struggling with a shoulder problem. They needed Omar on the field.

He moved to MLB last year because the team liked him and had high hopes. Plus, they wanted to get faster at MLB after seeing Trotter lumber around in 2006. I think we all have nightmares from that Saints playoff game. Gaither was up and down. Stewart Bradley really got our attention with his PT late in the year. They had to get Stew on the field.

Here was my review of Gaither's 2007 season:

* OMAR GAITHER - Began as our backup MLB in the summer and then got the starting job one day at Training Camp. The coaches had seen enough to know that playing him over Trot was the right move. Omar proved the coaches right. He had a good year. He led the team in tackles. The biggest concern most people had with Gaither was his ability to play the run. I'd say Omar handled the run just fine. Sure, he had some missed tackles and bad plays, but all LBs do. Considering it was his first year as a starting at MLB, you can say Omar had a very good season.

His strength came in playing the pass. Omar had 8 passes defensed. He had one INT. Picked off a pass intended for Shockey. Ran the ball back 49 yards. Broke up a pass in the endzone vs the Jets. Played the pass very well in the Pats game. Omar covered well, whether dealing with backs, receivers, or TEs.

On the negative side...Omar did show his limitations. In the second WAS game he read the play and yelled "screen pass". Omar knew what was coming, but still overran the play and gave up a gain of 12 to Portis. He's got to play under more control there. Gaither blitzed up the middle all year, but never got a sack. He only had 4 TFLs. That number should be closer to 8-10 the way we let our MLB attack up the field. Omar lacks natural power and closing speed.

I think the team loved the thought of a young set of LBs. Spikes got the heave-ho and Omar went back outside. The hope was that he'd be a better fit there. He had shown some promise in 2006. The biggest problem I have with Gaither is the lack of "plays". In 3 years he has 3.5 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 FFs, and one FR. That's more like a great game than a 3-year span.

Akeem Jordan has 2 FRs in his limited PT this year. Speed can make things happen. Omar is smart. He's a leader. He's not fast or athletic.

Gaither started 32 straight games from '06-present. Going from that to just STer is hard. Ike Reese didn't have to make that transition. Ike got precious few starts early in his career so being a backup was easier to accept (not easy though).

At this point just as important as the why of Gaither's benching are the results. Jordan has played well. The team allowed only 13 points in 5 quarters in his first start. In the next one he was part of an effort that slowed down the #2 offense in the league and limited them to 20 points. Those are good results. He's playing good football and the unit is too.

This is far from an ideal situation. Gaither has always been a high-character guy. Now he's put in a tough position. He is being told "we want you to sign an extension and to be part of our future" at the same time he's being told "you're not good enough". That has got to bewilder him. I know it would me.

Omar can complain about the timing, but he can't complain about not being given a chance. The Eagles have made moves each year to get him on the field. They wanted him to work out. This is a player they liked a lot. The problem is that they can't seem to find anywhere that he's suited to start and thrive in their system. Having him as a backup and STer would be ideal for the team. It just isn't ideal for Omar.

I hope something gets worked out and he stays around, but I have a bad feeling he'll go elsewhere. Omar could be a solid MLB in a different system...I think. I don't know if any team will be completely comfortable with the way he plays in space. I don't know if anyone will pay him what he wants and guarantee him a job. No matter what happens, I hope Omar finds his niche somewhere.
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THE RUNNING GAME

Playcalling had a definite part in the success of the running game. The coaches stuck with the rushing attack. ARZ stuck with their Nickel defense for basically the entire 1st half. That gave us a running advantage. Our passing attack was effective enough to keep the Cardinals thinking that the way to go was keeping their Nickel in the game.

It also helped that we ran from base formations and exotic looks. Shotgun could mean passing or running. That kept their defense on their heels and allowed our OL to control the line of scrimmage.

Clancy Pendergast, Arizona's very good Defensive Coordinator, was kept off balance throughout the 1st half. He didn't know what to expect. Our balanced attack and good line play kept him from ever getting a good read on exactly what we were going to do. We could run and throw with equal effectiveness.

That sure was a fun offense to watch, huh?
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Misc Stuff

More on Shawn Andrews

This is a confusing situation. On one hand you've got me saying Shawn is done with football. PE.com is posting articles about him still trying to play this year.

What the heck is going on?

I've gotten info from multiple sources. They agree that depression is the main problem. It is causing him to not want to play football. Or I guess you could look at it that playing football is causing the depression. Either way, there is no passion for a game that requires a great deal of passion.

Shawn has never given less than 100% on the field from what I've seen. His weight and conditioning have gotten better each season. This is a focused, hard working young man. The problem is that he simply doesn't like football and all that goes into it.

Some fans will be shocked to read this. "He's getting paid millions to go play a game for Christ's sake". I understand that mentality. The key point I would tell them is that football is all encompassing. The season starts around July 4th and goes through New Year's, longer if you're lucky. Players are "off" from February through June, but even then they have mini-camps and passing camps to go to. They have to work out the whole time. You can't take time off. Do so at the risk of losing your job.

That puts a constant sense of pressure on players. I remember Shannon Sharpe talking about how he couldn't wait to retire so he could go to the movies and eat some popcorn drenched in butter. He was such a fanatic about his body that he wouldn't do that while playing, whether in season or not.

I don't think the average fan understands the level of dedication some players have to the game. They are handsomely rewarded for that, but it doesn't make it any easier.

I haven't spoken to Shawn himself. I'm going off reports I'm getting from sources. This isn't a 100% lock, but the sources I'm getting the info from are completely independent of each other. They also have no agenda with making the comments. This isn't a situation that makes anyone happy.

If true, why are the Eagles handling the situation so passively? Why is Shawn still on the roster?

I can only offer my thoughts. I don't have any inside info on that perspective.

My thinking is that the team is hoping that Shawn comes around and works his way through these feelings. They have been protective of him through this whole process. When you have a player who is one of the best in the entire league, you have to go out of your way to keep the situation positive.

Anyone who's read interviews with injured players knows that most of them feel like outsiders to the team. That's the way football is. You can't worry about the injured guys. The healthy players are the focus of the coaches and staff. They all work together toward winning games. By keeping Shawn on the 53-man roster you allow him to still be part of the team. You keep him in contact with his teammates. If there is a way to help Shawn through this it will likely be because of them. The bond in the locker room is strong and that can hold sway over a guy.

Just today the team put out an article talking about Shawn coming back this year. I think they are doing that in hopes that he will be drawn back to the organization, to his teammates.

I hope what I've heard about Shawn is wrong and he does in fact play. He is a great offensive lineman. He seems like a good guy who is battling a real tough situation. This is one situation where I hope my sources are 100% off target. I'd give anything to see #73 mauling defenders next year.

Here is the PE.com article on him still hoping to play in 2008:

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=16826

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Here is my newest PE.com article. There's some thoughts on division rematches and a look back at the Cards game.

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=16828

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OMAR GAITHER

Another complicated situation. Reports say that he was offered an extension, but turned it down. He was benched sometime after that. Are the two incidents related?

I've done some checking and they don't seem to be related. I think the team would love Omar to become the next Ike Reese. They'd love Omar to be a backup at all 3 spots. They'd love him to become the leader on STs.

The problem is that Omar sees himself as a starter. That is why there was a disagreement over his value.

Jim Johnson and the defensive coaches apparently weren't happy with the way he was taking on FBs or playing screen passes. Those factors led to the benching. Jim wants the best guys on the field. He doesn't care about money.

About Omar and his replacement, Akeem Jordan...I think Omar has been solid this year. He's looked really good in a couple of games, not so great in a couple of others. I don't think he needed to be replaced because he was a huge weak spot. I can't say that I noticed a specific problem with him and lead blockers, but the coaches know exactly what he's supposed to do and grade him accordingly.

As for screens, they have been a problem. Omar has struggled with screens going back to the CAR game in 2006. Deangelo Williams put moves on Gaither that probably still give Omar nightmares. I remember last year in the first Giants game Omar called out a screen. Sure enough, the Giants ran a screen. It went right at Omar and gained 8-10 yards. He knew it was coming but couldn't stop it.

I'm not going to tell you he's solely to blame for the problems with screen passes, but you do want the WLB to have enough speed, quickness, and agility to be able to get to the RB and make the play.

It doesn't help Omar's cause that the first game Jordan started he led the team in tackles and had 2 TFLs. I do like the added speed that Jordan brings to the lineup. Let's see how he does against a physical team like the Giants. If we handle the run better, then Jordan may deserve the job full time. If he struggles and the run defense isn't better, then maybe Omar deserves to get his job back.

I wish Omar had a hand in more turnovers. He has one FF and one FR. I'd prefer more than that from the WLB. Jordan has a FR in his 2 starts.

I am curious about Omar not playing at all. He went from starting WLB and being a Nickel LB to just STs. That is quite a drop-off. Is that a sign from the FO? Maybe. It could also have to do with matchups. Omar hit the bench against BAL, who likes to throw to RB Ray Rice, and ARZ, when our Nickel D was on the field a lot. Let's see if he gets any PT this week against the Giants.

They may just have to let Omar play out his deal and see what he can find elsewhere. Ike Reese was never thrilled with being a backup, but he made the best of the situation. The team benefited from that. I don't know if Omar is comfortable with the notion of "only" being the #4 LB and a STer.

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IMPROVED RUNNING

A combination of factors led to better running by the Eagles. The Cardinals defense really helped by staying in the Nickel for most of the 1st half. That allowed us to have some early success. When the run works early, we will stick with it (at least more than usual).

Westy ran better than he has in the last few games. He had some pep in his step. He was able to hit the hole better and get positive yards.

The OL got some confidence the more they got to run block. They also got into a rhythm. Jamaal and Todd especially worked well together. They had several combo blocks where they'd double the NT, then one guy would release and go get a LB.

The WRs did a fantastic job. You have Avant and Baskett blocking DEs on some plays. And I'm not just talking about chicken-fight kind of blocks. I'm talking about taking the guys on forcefully.

Blocking is contagious. Once the guys get going, it spreads and everyone gets involved.

Kyle Eckel and Lorenzo Booker fit in well. Eckel used his straight-ahead style (plus size and power) to be effective. There was no hesitation. He got the ball and went upfield. He only made simple cutbacks. On short yardage runs he simply attacked the line and fought for yards. That is what this team has needed. Booker used his speed and elusiveness to find seams and get through them in a hurry.

This was a total team effort. Everyone involved, including the Cardinals, had a hand in the Eagles success on the ground. I hope we get to see more of this in the final month. I'll go nuts if we completely get away from this. Like Charlie and Dee eating the "human meat" on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, I've had a taste of the running game and I can't go back to the way it was before.
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