Eagles Cards Recap

It took a few days, but I think I'm finally ready to talk about what can only now be known as "The Disaster in the Dessert"

For Eagles fans, Sunday was a day of huge ups and downs. The excitement leading up to the game was huge. For once, after the Phillies were crowned champions in October, we didn't feel like we were leading up to dissapointment. There was no curse waiting to kill our dream. We were the team of destiny, and the Super Bowl ticket was ours.

Then, it all went to shambles.

I mean honestly, who would have ever guessed Larry Fitzgerald would have 3 touchdown passes and over 100 yards recieving- let alone in the first half! Did Jim Johnson even bother scouting the Cardinals. I swear I did more research for this game then Johnson. By half time, I had accepted the season was over. Then, just like they did in the regular season, the Eagles got me right back.

In a span of 10 mintues, the Eagles scored 19 points, to pull ahead 25-24 after a circus touch down catch by DeSean Jackson. They really were a team of destiny. They were going to the Super Bowl.

Then, the biggest play of the game. On 3rd down, the Eagles stopped the Cardinals to force a 4th and inches. After all the research I did, and all the talking I did about how the Cardinals couldn't run the ball- they did. First Down. In my heart, I knew that was ball game.

The Eagles lost. Their season is over. Once again, there season falls one game shy of the Super Bowl, and Andy Reid will rock the hawaiin shirt once more.

So, for the last time this season, here is what I liked and what I didn't like:

What I Liked:

DeSean Jackson: Jackson had a great game in alot of ways. First, he caught the ball 6 times for 92 yards, and did a great job of keeping his feet in bounds on a number of side line catches. He also did a great job sticking with that touchdown ball. I know it looked like an easy catch, but he still made it. But what impressed me most about Jacksons day was when he hustled down and got the ball back after the interception in the first half. As he rookie season came to a close, I think its save to say he is the Eagles best receiver, and should be a star next year.

Larry Fitzgerald: He really is that good. Hands down the best reciever in the game today. The Eagles just couldn't stop him. I haven't seen somebody single handedly dominate the Eagles like that in a while. That first half was like a personal highlight film. And to think, the Eagles almost had him.

Brent Celek: He might not have as much "potential" as LJ Smith, but he's made more big plays in these playoffs then Smith has in his entire time here in Philly. His 2 touchdown catches on Sunday was enough to do that. He can really be a weapon for this team next year.

Donovan McNabb: Did he miss some throws? Yeah, he did. If he throws for 375 yards and 3 touchdowns, should the Eagles win the game? Yeah, they should. You cannot pin this loss on McNabb. You just can't. He engineered that comeback in the 2nd half, leading the Eagles to 3 straight touchdowns. If the defense hold the Cardinals from scoring on that last drive, everyone is talking about how great he is. Its not his fault he didn't.

What I Didn't Like

The Defense: Wow. I never saw this coming. Not only did the Cards just go up and down the field on this defense, they made it look easy. I can't believe this defense fell for that stupid trick play. And why did they single cover Fitzgerald on the goal line. What sense does that make? Then, with all the momentum in the world on their side, they left the Cards take 8 minutes off the clock, go down and score the go ahead touchdown. This loss is on the defense.

Jim Johnson: As poor as the defense played, his game plan was even poorer. Why would you not double Fitzgerald? And for all of this talk about how great of a coordinator he was, the Eagles got NO pressure on Warner in the first half. He was completely out coached by the Cardinals offensive staff. And I blame him for all those mistakes made by Quinten Demps, because he should not have been in the ball game so much. Especially after that personal foul on Warner.

Brian Westbrook: Everybody gets on McNabb, but could Westbrook had come up any smaller? 45 total rushing yard? He was a complete non factor in this game. Buckhalter looked way better then Westbrook did when he was in the game. It might be because he was hurt, but at what point do you say maybe he will just allways be hurt, and that 1 great game he gives you every 4 just isnt worth it? He is a huge reason the Eagles lost on Sunday.

Lito Sheppard: When did he become somebody who you just couldn't put on the field? Why play Demps over him? Sheppard is a 2 time Pro Bowler. I don't know if things would have been different had Sheppard been in their, but they couldn't have been worse. Are the Eagles even trying to get anything for him this off-season? I don't see how any team gives them anything higher then a 4th round pick for him, if were lucky.

Sav Rocca: It was his fault that Akers missed that extra point. Now was not the time to forget which way the laces on the football are supposed to face.

Another Season Lost: God damn it sucks they lost.