Every dog has his day and thats what Sunday was all about. By no means is this team back to its potential. Castillo finally coached a good game by throwing in blitzes. He has laid off the blitzes throughout the year by depending on the d-line to get the job done. At times the lack of pressure from the front four put more pressure on the linebackers and secondary which we should know by now is the last thing you want happening. I liked the curveballs Castillo was throwing by giving different looks on passing plays. After reviewing the game film, Castillo had the d-line line up all over the place including defensive linemen such as Babin and Cole come to the line standing up. Linebackers would then fill the gaps caused by the rushing d-line and get to the quarterback. It definitely caused Moore and Losman problems all day since the Eagles D did get 9 sacks. Casey Mathews and Rolle got their first career sacks and the first by an Eagles linebacker in a very long time. Tapp and Hunt had great underrated games. Tapp was able to cause pressure on numerous plays and had a pass knockdown. They both got to the quarterback on the safety as Hunt was credited with the sack. Good to see Hunt finally be productive as he was a sack machine in the Canadian league a year before. Trent Cole reminded us why he is so valuable to this team. He gives the defense its face even though its not an intimidating one. He now has 9 sacks for the year while Babin has 15 and second in the league in that category. Nate Allen had a bounce back game, but I’m still not sold on him being the FS. He can not find consistency with his game and is still lost in rush defense. Derek Landri is the unsung hero of this defense this year. I praise about him all year for his effort and production against the run. He has been a nice replacement for the injured Dixon. Vick was so so with 208 yards by going 15/30 including one touchdown and one interception. Later he admitted his ribs were still giving him problems as he never seemed to settle in during the game. He became errant with his throws and got a little happy feet at times. The o-line was very disappointing in the run game as McCoy could only generate 38 yards on 27 carries. Peters seemed lazy at times as he made Jason Taylor look like the old Jason Taylor. I will give him a break, because at times Vick would just run into Taylor while Peters was in his normal position. Watkins is still a question mark to me as he is slow at times picking up his man. Todd didn’t seem the same as he was slow to react to his man, but that might be explained with his sprain ankle he got during the game. Mathis was not able to get push as McCoy at times would run into him while trying to run through the hole. Celek had a good game as he was targeted 5 times and received 4 of them for 39 yards. I always say he is the key to this offense and the more he is involved, the better the offense can convert 3rd downs. Jackson was able to use his speed to get his 3rd touchdown of the season and his first since week 5. This team is far from good, but a strong finish to the season will look encouraging for next year or “possibly” the playoffs if you believe in miracles. I did like the commitment to the run even though it wasn’t being productive. It balances this offense and McCoy was still able to get 2 touchdowns and one short of tying Van Buren for most rushing scores in a season for an Eagle.
3 stars
3. Derek Landri- Not only is this overdue but he made a great tackle on Thomas on 3rd down to cause a field goal. He broke through the line in the 2nd on the 4th and one play which led to numerous Eagles following through the gap. He hustles every game and puts the most effort on some games. Hopefully he is resigned after this season.
2. Jason Babin- He has been a stud for the Eagles in the pass game as he racked up 3 sacks and forced a fumble. He saved the Eagles after the special teams fumble.
1. Trent Cole-Not only did he get 3 sacks but led the team in tackles with 7 tackles which were all solo. He is the best all around defensive linemen the Eagles have and he proved that last game.
