In what has been a tremendously rocky season, two of the few constants have been Brian Westbrook and Jim Johnson’s prepared defense. Sunday’s 10-6 win over the Dallas “Brokeback” Cowboys was the true definition of the Eagles playing to their strengths.
Lito Sheppard and the rest of the Eagles' D kept Tony Romo's Cowboys silent on Sunday. Is Romo about to lose Jessica Simpson too?
Though Dallas bottled up Westbrook for most of the day, Andy (and maybe Marty, too) kept dialing up the plays for number 36. And boy, did he deliver. Westbrook’s solid performance was only matched by the impeccable job the Birds did against the NFC’s most potent offense. Though many are forgetting about Donovan McNabb, this Sunday I find myself asking Tony who?
The Eagles’ offensive game plan was clearly ineffective for much of this game. They had a rough outing and the blame deserves to go around. The offensive line eerily resembled a thin slice of Swiss cheese whenever McNabb went back to pass. The times he was able to throw it, Donnie wasn’t exactly lighting it up. And how about those superstar (cough) receivers? No one was confusing them with the Patriots passing attack. Even their usually potent running game was quieted until the fourth quarter.
And that’s when something amazing happened. Something so miraculous that I truly believe time stood still and hell officially froze over. Andy realized putting the ball in B-West’s hands gave his team its best chance to win, even if it meant, gulp, rushing. A team’s running game isn’t just handing the ball off to its back and hoping he’ll gain positive chunks of yardage. A coach must approach the running game as a boxer approaches body attacks. If you work the body long and hard enough, you wear out the opposition. That’s exactly what running the ball consists of. Andy, I mean Marty, never completely abandoned the running game like he has in the past. A 60/40 pass-to-rush ratio isn’t too bad in a very close game. The result? Westbrook gained 60 of his 81 yards in the fourth quarter when they needed it most. Can I get a “DUH” please? That’s how it’s supposed to go.
My final note on Westbrook is definitely the most impressive. Picture being an NFL running back where every penny you make is based on your stats. Having one more touchdown a year could net you a million more dollars. That’s the nature of the business. Apparently that’s not what drives Westbrook. With just over two minutes left in regulation, Brian breaks away from the defense and is capable of walking into the end zone, thus padding his stats and further insuring a trip to Hawaii in February. Instead, Westbrook takes a knee at the one-yard line securing possession and a victory. Could you imagine Ricky Watters doing that? For who? For what? For your teammates and your fans; that’s who.
Considering the offense mustered only 10 points, none of this would be possible without the inconceivable play of the Eagles’ defensive unit. Jim Johnson’s boys have played pretty well all season. The last drive of the Chicago game not withstanding. And despite their lack of turnovers, the defense has kept them competitive enough to win. Their only poor game came in week 9 against none other than the Dallas Gyllenhaals. That’s where Jimmy earns his reputation as one of the league’s best coordinators. He made adjustments and put his players in the right places. Back in November, Terrell Owens had over 170 yards and a touchdown. This week O.D. wasn’t even a factor. In fact, he hadn’t made a reception until the fourth quarter. Lito Sheppard played the role of human blanket, allowing the rest of the secondary to cover the other feared Dallas receivers. The line managed three sacks, while the secondary produced three interceptions all while making the golden boy Tony Romo hang his head in humiliation while his girlfriend looked on in shame. Speaking of which, I find it quite humorous that the last time the Eagles traveled down to Dallas, Tony had a different blonde, pop star girlfriend watching him from a luxury box. However, the outcome was the same. Something tells me little Miss Jessica might not be sticking about for much longer.
Whenever the Birds play the Dallas Ledgers, it’s a special experience. This game proved to be extra special. We got the opportunity to witness the smart, selfless, nature of Brian Westbrook while also having the privilege of viewing Tony Romo being thrown back down to reality once again at the hands of Jim Johnson. This season may be ending in two weeks, but I’m proud to bleed green for at least one more week, or until I have to hear about the distancing relationship between the Eagles and Donnie Mac. I had to ruin it.
Game Notes
-How was the hit on Matt Schobel in the first quarter not a 15-yard penalty?
-Reno Mahe sucks. I hate him.
-At some point in the draft the Eagles should consider nabbing a kicker. Akers is at his limit. Thanks for everything, but it’s time to move on.
-After Reggie Brown ended up in the Salvation Army bucket, did anyone else think to themselves that not even they would want him?
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