4 Interceptions shut down Eagles offense

Maybe next year?

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It is hard to believe that I am writing about a 3rd Championship game loss. In many ways it is probably fitting that this game ended their season. Owner Jeffery Lurie said after the game that football is a "war of attrition" and that to win you need to be physically healthy. After all of the injuries this year, the one player that they could not afford to lose, was Donovan McNabb. There are those who may lay the blame on the QB's door, but how can you blame a warrior. You want to lay blame somewhere? The Coach? He can't run the routes or catch the balls or block. It's the players. In particular, the Number 1 and 2 Wide Receivers. If the team is dead set on losing 3 players this off season, they have to seriously think about these 2. But that is for another article and another time. Now on to the recap:

Andy Reid Watch In last year's NFC Championship game, Reid was outcouched by John Gruden, who had his team prepared for every play. The only thing you could fault Reid for was not completely committing to the Run. In the First Quarter, 3rd and 1, Reid calls a pass and McNabb throws to Staley which hit his finger tips. 3rd and 1 and you don't RUN??? In the First drive that opened the 3rd quarter, 6 of the first 7 plays were runs. The pass was a screen by Duce Staley which is virtually a run. Then inexplicably, perhaps because he felt the ghosts of West Coast Offense Past whispering, he threw twice while in the Red Zone. The first incomplete, the second an interception. This Interception was caused by Todd Pinkston breaking off his slant, allowing Ricky Manning to grab the pick. The only other coaching decision I questioned, was putting Lito Sheppard in at the end of the game to return a punt. Sheppard did gain 11 yards on the play, but fumbled which could have iced the game. Kotite-esque Sub-Par Servicable PlayoffBound Excellence ?? ??? ??? ???

Here's the Breakdown:

Place	Opponent	Oppt's Record	Network
Lincoln Financial Field	Carolina Panthers	11-5-0 (2-0 playoffs)	FOX
TIME	DATE	Philly Coverage	Philly Radio
6:45 (EST)	Jan 18, 2004	Fox 29	94.1 WYSP
NFL Site	Web Action	Eagles Site	Opponents Site
NFL Site	Web Action	Eagles	Panthers

	1	2	3	4	F
Carolina	0	7	7	0	14
EAGLES	0	3	0	0	3

HOAGIES -- Stars of the Game

1. WR - Duce Staley -- Duce had a big day, with 79 yards rushing and added 33 yards on 4 catches. His back mate, Correll Buckhalter had an additional 74 yards of total offense. Duce however probably caused Koy Detmer's interception by breaking off his route.
2. LB - Ike Reese-- The outspoken 2nd string linebacker was devastated after the game, but he had a couple of HUGE stops in this game that proved that he wasn't entirely a liability.
3. WR - Freddie Mitchell-- 4 receptions for 38 yards. Mitchell continued to make the big catches to keep drives alive. Unfortunately, he wasn't the intended receiver for any of the interceptions.

KRIMPETS -- Soft players of the Game.

1. WR - James Thrash and Todd Pinkston -- 1 catch for 9 yards. I repeat, 1 catch for 9 yards. This is absolutely unacceptable. Missed routes, couldn't get separation, and dropped passes. They have to make an upgrade here. Can anyone say TO?
2. CB - Lito Sheppard -- Bad players make bad penalties. Lito's pass interference call after a McNabb interception down 7-3, pretty much sealed the game for Carolina. Also, fumbled in the 4th quarter on a punt return. Terrible.
3. LB - Mark Simoneau -- While Ike Reese seemed to compensate his deficiencies with energy his linemate came up small on the DeShaun Foster touchdown.

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Keep an Eye on'em:

WR - Greg Lewis-- If you noticed in the 4th Quarter, he was out there for Thrash for significant time. Was it his time with Koy that gave him the playing time? Will Lewis take over a starting spot next year?

Numerology-- Key Stats

1. 5 sacks (13 Sacks total in post season). Many of these sacks were coverage sacks, because the Wide Receivers could not get any separation off the line. The offensive line, which had been so successful last year, has not had a terribly good year. But it's the receivers that caused the MOST damage.
2. 4 interceptions. In the National Football League, the team with the least turnovers usually win. The Eagles were moving the ball against Carolina, but mental mistakes caused huge turnovers.
3. 13 points. In the last 2 NFC Championship games at home, the Eagles have only scored 13 points. 10 last year against Tampa Bay. 3 points against Carolina. Offensive genius? Not if you think the Eagles Wide Receiver's were good enough.

Cheesesteaks -- Key Plays

1. Donovan McNabb was hurt on what looked to be a Late Hit at least an unnecessary hit in the 2nd Qtr.. This is the kind of hit that usually draws flags. He led with his head, when a two hand touch was all that was necessary. McNabb was lying there defensiveless. No retribution. At the end of the day we are left with nothing. McNabb's injury is not broken ribs, but torn cartilage.
2. Bobby Tayor and Brian Dawkins both came up small on a DUCK thrown by Delhomme. Both defensive backs turned around too late to stop this touchdown.