Analysis: Eagles Defense Struggled Down The Stretch

by Brandon on Jan 4, 2011 7:01 AM CST in Green Bay Packers Analysis

Yesterday I noted that the Eagles are dealing with substantial injuries to their defense. It began in week 12 against the Bears when Pro Bowl CB Asante Samuel missed the first of three games. He came back for their games against the Giants and Vikings, but rookie 2nd round FS Nate Allen was hurt against the Giants and is out for the season. Rookie 1st round DE Brandon Graham is also injured and out for the season. They also lost their starting middle LB Stewart Bradley in week 13 and he's not expected back against the Packers. They will have Samuel back, but it's clear that their defense is battered.

According to NFL.com, during the regular season, the Eagles defense allowed 327 yards per game, an 80.8 QB rating against, 4.2 yards per carry, 34 turnovers (just over 2 per game), and as a team allowed 23.6 points per game. Here's how they did in weeks 12 through 16 (week 17 against the Cowboys is not included because Andy Reid rested nearly his entire team and the box score looked like a preseason game):

Opponent	Total Yards	QB Rating Against	Yards Per Carry Against	Points Allowed By Defense	Turnovers Forced
Bears	349	146.2	4.7	31	0
Texans	431	99.0	4.2	24	1
Cowboys	349	83.3	4.6	27	2
Giants	364	105.6	3.2	31	2
Vikings	337	87.8	5.2	17	1

It's clear that the Eagles defense did not play well down the stretch. The only two quarterbacks they slowed down were QB Jon Kitna and QB Joe Webb, and they did their best to make Webb look like a competent NFL quarterback. Except for their performance in shutting down the Giants rushing attack, they've played worse than their season averages in recent weeks.

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off topic

just remembered that the new overtime rules take effect this weekend.

“packers/eagles tied at 20 going to overtime——-rodgers/vick get the ball first and lead their team to a field goal on 1st drive, but wait——the game isn’t over——the other team gets a chance to score as well.”

i hope i get to witness one of these debacles this weekend.

by hermitcrab on Jan 4, 2011 9:18 AM CST reply actions

didn't know that..

thanks

I love wins. Wins are good for the soul.- Barry Alvarez Sep 25, 2005

by White92 on Jan 4, 2011 10:25 AM CST up reply actions

OH snap! I totally forgot about that! I can’t believe they have a different rule JUST for the playoffs. That is NUTS.

The Green Bay Packers...Putting bad coaches out of their misery since 2010

by TrevorR on Jan 4, 2011 10:52 PM CST up reply actions

I have been waiting all year to see how this works out....

Too bad that wasnt in effect when we played the redskins and the dolphins…

by SpaceGhost34 on Jan 5, 2011 12:55 AM CST up reply actions

It wouldn't have mattered in either of those games

Both teams got the ball.

Greinke: "It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win."

by GoGregGo on Jan 5, 2011 7:10 AM CST up reply actions

Well, technically,

games going beyond one OT, when still tied, is a different rule JUST for the playoffs. :)

The glass is still more than half-full!

I'd rather be correct, than politically correct.
I'd rather be right.

The Bears still suck!

by NorthStarr on Jan 5, 2011 2:41 AM CST up reply actions

true true. I had to read it three times before I figured out what you are saying. I think that one is a necessary evil. You can’t end in a tie in a loser goes home tournament. But point taken! :-)

The Green Bay Packers...Putting bad coaches out of their misery since 2010

by TrevorR on Jan 5, 2011 10:32 AM CST up reply actions

I like how the picture looks like the four eagles are out for a morning jog

And Forte goes running past them like a douche sprinting out in front of a marathon.

It’s funny

"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"

by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Jan 4, 2011 10:59 AM CST via mobile reply actions

LOL

The only glove he needs is a batting glove. - RWShow on Adam Dunn signing.

by blackoutsox on Jan 4, 2011 11:16 PM CST up reply actions

SOOOOO....

Culter
Schaub
Kitna
Eli
Joe Webb…

Averaged near a 105’ish passer rating against the Eagles, although skewed by Cutler. Looks like they shut down the Giants good run game, but teams were still getting nice YPC. They are giving up a lot of points as well.

I don’t want a shootout like last year. Hopefully we can match those offensive numbers (OR BETTER!) and keep Vick in check.

by Bush League All Star on Jan 5, 2011 12:35 AM CST reply actions

dont have to bother watching

we is gonna blow the eagle out

by fn_cold_ak on Jan 5, 2011 1:26 AM CST reply actions

I agree....

I dont think this is going to be as close as people think…Michael Vick vs the Packers….There Defense is suspect…Not to mention, this time around Capers is going to be game planning for Vick….Not Kolb….I also heard (probly a rumor) that Kolb might be starting because Vick’s hurt ankle…Or as i like to call it a flat tire for him lol

Packers over the Bears, Illini over the Badgers...

by SpaceGhost34 on Jan 5, 2011 1:59 AM CST reply actions

sucks that Packers do not have running game

it looks like the Eagles have had problems stopping the run lately, with 3 teams averaging over 4.5 yds/carry.

but I think your D can defend against the big pass and limit Vick’s running enough to win the game

Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all

by Rickfansince76 on Jan 5, 2011 7:37 AM CST reply actions

Maybe Starks can go off on their shaky Run D

by Wiedmann on Jan 6, 2011 3:10 AM CST up reply actions

I'm hoping thats the case!

If Hall is inactive again due to injury, that puts Starks on the active roster and in line for some carries! If he gets a good run or 2 early, then McCarthy might continue to feed him the ball… That would go a long way to getting us a W!!!

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Jan 6, 2011 12:32 PM CST up reply actions