Great Win For The Eagles: But The D Needs Help

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Great Win For The Eagles: But The D Needs Help
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It's been a while since I've written an Eagles article, but I just couldn't help myself after the Eagles win over the Giants.

It was a great victory no question. But what is going on with the Eagles defense?

Before my critiques, let me say that early in the game the forced fumble off Brandon Jacobs that put six on the board was awesome. It helped the Eagles get the early lead that they would need to win this game.

The defense also had a total 4 recovered fumbles (2 that were forced) that would continue to force the Giants to play catch-up.

So what am I writing this article for?

512 yards of Giants offense thats why.

391 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions for Eli Manning thats why.

Two 60+ yard touchdown catches by Nicks and Smith because of pooooor, poor tackling thats why.

Before Hakeem Nicks 68 yard touchdown, Manning threw him two other beautiful passes while he was wide open. The only reason those weren't touchdowns was because of his own mistakes, not good defensive play.

Quintin Mikell played poorly. He had two pass interference plays in the same drive that led to Giants first downs and ultimately a touchdown. 

Darren Howard is the defensive MVP in my opinion. He was the only player to record a sack. He ended the night with two. He also caused a fumble on the final defensive play of the game.   

Finally the real reason I write this article is because I'm excited for how well the offense is playing. They are still making huge plays even when defenses scheme for them. Also they showed tonight that they can effectively drive the ball down the field when they need too. In the fourth quarter with a lead by six, the Eagles drove 91 yards to get the touchdown (and two-point conversion) that won the game. That drive chewed up 7 and a half minutes of valuable fourth quarter. 

If the offense is "final gelling" as I hear so much, what about this defense? Haven't they had just as much time(minus the middle linebacker position) to pull together? I don't know why we still have struggles tackling or covering some of these WR's. 

I won't blame it on McDermott, because I respect him and his stepping into the defensive coordinator shoes so well. Instead I worry for the defensive unit as a whole.

If the Eagles defense doesn't step up and perform better, what I really worry about is the playoff run. They cannot expect to perform this way and get away with wins against complete teams such as New OrleansIndianapolis, or Minnesota. I fear that if the Eagles had to play one of those teams in a playoff game right now, it would be the defense that would let us down, not the offense.

On a final note, I still miss Brian Dawkins. I love Sean Jones, but there's just no replacing the Wolverine.

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