Bleeding Green Nation

The Linc - Eagles win over Bears

2009-11-23T16:45:44Z

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

about 14 hours ago: Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb embrace after the Eagles' 24-20 win during an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Browse more photos »

TD redeems Eagles' McCoy | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/23/2009
LeSean McCoy failed and redeemed himself all in one quarter as the Eagles rallied to beat the Bears, 24-20, last night at Soldier Field.

Bears' Jay Cutler misses targets vs Eagles | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/23/2009
The Chicago Bears' receivers did not wear glow-in-the-dark numbers to help Jay Cutler spot them. Cutler did not walk onto Soldier Field wearing night-vision goggles, as plenty of Bears fans had suggested all week.

Eagles' Peters aggravates ankle injury but plays on | Philadelphia Daily News | 11/23/2009
Jason Peters, the offseason upgrade at left tackle, returned after a week off dealing with his ankle injury. He was leaned on heavily in the Eagles' first drive, which earned them a field goal, and he played flawlessly on that drive, which set the tone for him during the Eagles' first two possessions. The first brought a field goal, the second a touchdown. Then came the third possession, and the play on which he aggravated the ankle injury. He didn't come out. But his play got worse.

Bears look boring, Cutler sharp as a butter knife -- chicagotribune.com
The Big Sleep lasted almost three quarters. As usual, Jay Cutler was feeling around in the dark, not sure who he was or where he was during a night game. All that was missing was a stubbed toe on the dresser.

McNabb excels in play action - NFC East Blog - ESPN

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was brilliant on first down throws and play-action passes in his team's 24-20 win over the Bears Sunday night. According to ESPN Stats & Information, McNabb was 9-of-10 for 115 yards and two touchdowns off play-action. He had a passer rating of 154.2.

Philadelphia Eagles (finally) win a close one over Bears 24-20

2009-11-23T05:04:14Z

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

about 14 hours ago: Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Trent Cole (58) celebrates with teammate Darren Howard (90) after sacking Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Browse more photos »

A 4th quarter comeback. A win in a close game. A road win in the conference... It wasn't the prettiest game of the year, but it was a big win and the team showed some real guts tonight.

It really was great to see the Eagles finish this one off. Both offense and defense making plays at the end of the game... it's something we haven't seen from this team is far too long, but sometimes all you need is to get that monkey off your back. The Eagles did that tonight.

That said... I can't really write a recap of this game without acknowledging the monumentally bad game from Jay Cutler tonight. Let's be honest, there were Bears receivers running wide open down field past our secondary and had Jay Cutler been able to put a ball on target for at least one of them this could have been a different game. That was the worst QB play I've seen from an opponent all year. I don't know what was up with him tonight, but the Eagles secondary won't be able to get away with the things they did tonight very often.

Much more after the jump

You wanted a run game, you got a run game

The Eagles rushed for 157 yards as a team tonight led by rookie LeSean McCoy who gained 99 yards on 20 carries. He averaged 5 yards a pop and scored what ended up being the decisive TD. The kid did fumble tonight, but bounced back and seemed to run even better afterward. He looked much more decisive hitting the hole(especially in the second half), and overall looked like a guy that is going to have a future in this league as a feature back.

Short yardage? No problem.

Of course, you can't talk about the Eagles run game tonight without mentioning Michael Vick, who had by far his play as an Eagle tonight in the first quarter when he broke a run on third and short for over 30 yards. He also ran a sort of option play later in the game where he handed off to McCoy who gained a first down on a third and short. It was finally an instance where the defense was worrying about Vick and the handoff fooled them. There was also a McNabb sneak for a first down and a great effort play from McCoy who was hit and the line of scrimmage and through a great second effort just nudged the nose of the ball across the line for a first.

Gutty performance from Sheldon

Definitely have to give credit to Sheldon Brown, who still has never missed a game in his NFL career. Despite suffering a hamstring injury last week, Sheldon got himself on the field tonight and really played hard. To be fair, he was beat a few times down the field but Cutler was so terrible he couldn't take advantage of it. Brown did make a number of good pass breakups and had a great tackle at the end of the game which prevented Earl Bennett from getting out of bounds.

Good stuff from the good young wideouts

Despite his fumble, Desean Jackson had yet another impressive outing tonight. He caught 8 passes for 107 yards including a 48 yard TD. He had a 53 yard punt return and threw in a 10 yard first down run on an end around for good measure.

Desean's big day overshadowed another solid outing from Jeremy Maclin who hauled in a solid 6 passes for 64 yards.

Eagles @ Bears second half thread

2009-11-23T02:54:53Z

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

about 16 hours ago: Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant reacts after his touchdown reception against the Chicago Bears in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Browse more photos »

Eagles up 10-9

Primetime in the Windy City - Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears

2009-11-22T23:30:15Z

Soldier Field
Chicago, Illinois
8:15pm
TV:NBC Radio: 94WYSP/610WIP/Sprint NFL Mobile Live

For a Bears perspective check out Windy City Gridiron

Did you know?

In 2007, the Bears' Devin Hester tied the NFL record held by Pro Football Hall of Famer ELROY "CRAZYLEGS" HIRSCH with eight 50-yard touchdowns in a single season.

Desean Jackson has already scored six touchdowns of at least 50 yards (four receiving, one punt return, one rushing) through the first nine games of this season and is poised to challenge the standard set by Hirsch and Hester.

Familiar Faces

Donovan McNabb, Joe Mays, & Jason Avant are all Chicago natives.

Matchup history

Eagles trail the historical matchup 11-28-1

Eagles Inactives

Running back Brian Westbrook (concussion), linebacker Akeem Jordan (hyper-extended knee), wide receiver Kevin Curtis (knee), offensive lineman Mike McGlynn, offensive lineman Stacy Andrews, quarterback Kevin Kolb (third quarterback) and running back P.J. Hill. S Quintin Demps

Bears Inactives

wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias, cornerback D.J. Moore, safety Kevin Payne, linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, offensive lineman Lance Louis, defensive tackle Matt Toeaina, tight end Desmond Clark and defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert.

1:00 Games Open Thread

2009-11-22T18:00:23Z

Washington will face off against Dallas without the help of Albert Haynesworth or Clinton Portis. Atlanta is coming into town to take on New York, who will be without star linebacker Antonio Pierce. Other matchups include Indianapolis at Baltimore, San Francisco at Green Bay, Buffalo at Jacksonville, Pittsburgh at Kansas City, Seattle at Minnesota, New Orleans at Tampa Bay, and in what will surely be a thrilling contest, Cleveland at Detroit.

UPDATE: Washington's Ladell Betts has suffered a game-ending knee injury. DeAngelo Hall is also questionable with a knee contusion. Tony Romo is playing through a hip contusion after a collision with Hall during a fumble return.

And on top of all that, the Browns are surprisingly crushing the Lions 24-3. Brady Quinn is 8/9 with 151 yards and 3 TDs in the first quarter.

The Linc - Eagles vs Bears news, "Ridiculous" penalties, & a Giant injury

2009-11-21T17:23:10Z

More photos » by Matt Rourke - AP

4 days ago: Philadelphia Eagles fullback Leonard Weaver, left, running back LeSean McCoy, and quarterback Donovan McNabb, right, meet during practice at the team's NFL football training facility in Philadelphia, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Browse more photos »

Eagles Notebook: Reid says Eagles' penalty situation has gotten 'ridiculous' | Philadelphia Daily News | 11/20/2009
Andy Reid doesn't throw around words like "ridiculous" every day. So when the coach, asked about being fourth in the league in penalty yardage assessed, reached deep into his bag of press conference responses, right past "I have to do a better job putting the players in position to make plays," and "everyone has a little piece of the pie," to "It's ridiculous" - well, you could tell Big Red was a mite peeved.

Week 11 Preview: Eagles (5-4) @ Bears (4-5) - Windy City Gridiron
The Bears get to "show off" once again on national TV Sunday night vs the Eagles. Maybe the rest of the country will learn from last Thursday night's ugliness, and watch something else.

Hugging Harold Reynolds: SI's Andrew Pefloff: McNabb's Not as Good as He's Perceived Nationally
This morning on 610 WIP in Philadelphia, Sports Illustrated's Andrew Perloff defends the McNabb haters' perspective.

NightLinks: Turner Says Cutler's Struggles Aren't Vision-related - Windy City Gridiron
In what has been a hot topic for both main-stream media and small football blogs, offensive coordinator Ron Turner addresses the speculation that Jay Cutler's struggles this year could be sight-related.

Antonio Pierce out indefinitely - Big Blue View
Giants middle linebacker Antonio Pierce was diagnosed with a bulging disc in his neck this afternoon and will be sidelined indefinitely, according to the team’s medical staff.

NFL Week 11 Power Rankings: Colts Back On Top, San Diego Makes A Charge - SB Nation
The Colts and Saints continue their stranglehold on the top two spots of SB Nation's NFL power rankings, while a few fresh faces populate the top ten.

Eagles vs. Bears Preview

2009-11-21T07:14:31Z

Eagles vs. Bears Preview

Eagles shuffle linebackers again

2009-11-21T03:14:56Z

Last week, due to even more injuries at the already injury plagued LB positions, the Eagles; fielded a corps of rookie Moise Fokou at SAM, Chris Gocong at MIKE, & Will WItherspoon at WILL.

That didn't exactly work out...

So this week they'll shuffle the deck once again with Akeem Jordan still out. Chris Gocong moves back to SAM, Joe Mays mans the middle, and Will Witherspoon stays at WILL. At least in this setup, each guy is in the position he's most familiar with.

Philadelphia Eagles Week 11 Odds

2009-11-20T10:00:36Z

We have our weekly set of Eagles related odds from Bodog.

Jay Cutler – Total Interceptions thrown Week 11 vs. the Philadelphia Eagles

Over 1.5 -150

Under 1.5 +120

And I figured you'd all get a kick out of this prop which features a couple of our most disliked players who have fallen on hard times this year.

Player Props

What will happen first in the 2009 NFL Regular Season?

Brandon Jacobs records 100 or more Rushing Yards in a game 5/4

Terrell Owens records 100 or more Receiving Yards in a game 3/2

The Linc - Must win for McNabb & Jay Cutler at night

2009-11-19T18:15:10Z

More photos » by Paul Sakuma - AP

4 days ago: FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2009 file photo, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler sits on ground after almost being sacked by the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game in San Francisco. Cutler has been battered behind a struggling offensive line, and now, he is throwing about as many passes to defenders as receivers. This, clearly, isn't the way the Chicago Bears envisioned things. Their franchise quarterback is struggling and their playoff hopes are fading heading their game Sunday night, Nov. 22 against the Philadelphia Eagles. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

Browse more photos »

Daily Herald | Cutler's pickoff propensity something he can control
You can blame Jay Cutler's league-worst 17 interceptions on any number of things.

Bears' Cutler talks about reducing red-zone picks - Chicago Breaking Sports
"We have to put ourselves in good positions and be careful with [the ball]. If we've got to take three points, we have to take three points, except in situations where we have to get a touchdown, we're down, trying to win a football game. At the end of the day, if you get down there, you want to at least get three."

Jay Cutler can be scary at night -- chicagotribune.com
In three night games this year -- all Bears losses -- Cutler has thrown 65 percent of his interceptions. And the Bears will play their fourth of at least five night games Sunday against the Eagles at Soldier Field.

Eagles Notes: Brown practices despite hamstring injury | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/19/2009
Three days after suffering a strained hamstring during the Eagles' loss at San Diego, the veteran cornerback participated in individual drills and said afterward that there was "a good chance" he'd be able to play Sunday at Chicago.

Rich Hofmann: Eagles QB McNabb calls for must win vs. Bears | Philadelphia Daily News | 11/19/2009
"I've been in the league for a while now, 11 years, and at this particular point in my career, as well as this point in the season, this is a must win for us and that's the way that we have to approach it. I wouldn't care if it's at Soldier Field, I wouldn't care if it's playing in Champaign, Illinois, or we can play in Oklahoma, it doesn't matter. This is a game that we need to win. That's the way I'm approaching it and that's the way the other guys are approaching it as well."

More after the jump

Rex Grossman's dad tees off on Chicago Bears organization; feels bad for Jay Cutler -- chicagotribune.com
Rex Grossman's dad tees off on Chicago Bears organization

Weaver Eager to Assume Heavier Workload
The Eagles’ most valuable offseason addition is neither tackle Jason Peters nor guard Stacy Andrews. It’s not safety Sean Jones. It’s neither rookie running back LeSean McCoy nor receiver Jeremy Maclin. Instead, it’s fullback Leonard Weaver.

Eagles' McCoy says he's ready for starting role | Philadelphia Daily News | 11/19/2009
Standing in front of his locker stall yesterday, LeSean McCoy was able to shrug his shoulders, apparently without dislodging the Eagles' playoff hopes. So there is that - the 21-year-old rookie doesn't appear to be in shock or overawed by the moment. "I've kind of been in this situation before, so it's not really a big difference," said McCoy, who should get his fourth career start Sunday night at Chicago.

Phil Sheridan: Eagles can't use injuries as an excuse | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/19/2009
His team went to the Super Bowl just once and has been a mediocre disappointment ever since. No wonder Lovie Smith jumped at a question about the Eagles' injury problems in order to make a point about his own team.

Doctors: Brian Westbrook "to make full recovery"

2009-11-19T14:48:58Z

More photos » by Matt Rourke - AP

Browse more photos »

This week Brian Westbrook traveled to Pittsburgh to see two specialists who evaluated his latest concussion. One of the specialists was the very neurosurgeon who developed the NFL's protocols for head injuries. The news Wesbrook received was very encouraging. Doctors released this statement.

"The UPMC doctors report that Mr. Westbrook's symptoms have improved significantly over the last three days. He was retested today with a battery of neuro-cognitive tests, including ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), a computerized tool that is used by all NFL teams for evaluating injury recovery. He also underwent comprehensive physical and neurological exam, results of which were favorable,"

"We are very encouraged by Brian's progress, we believe that he has an excellent prognosis and we expect a full recovery. We developed a comprehensive physical rehab plan for Brian, and we will repeat the detailed testing in the next two to three weeks."

The statement also said that Westbrook's latest concussion was much more mild than the first one he experienced against Washington. He was knocked unconscious and suffered some memory loss on that play, however the symptoms of most his recent concussion were just a "headache and some dizzyness."

Obviously Westbrook won't play for the next "two or three weeks" but after that time he'll have tests and I suppose if he passes them he could be cleared to play again.

Comparing the Rookie Seasons of Jeremy Maclin & Desean Jackson

2009-11-18T20:00:20Z

Jeremy Maclin ranks among the top NFL rookie WRs this season.

View full size photo »

We're just past the midway point of the Eagles' 2009 campaign and I was looking at a PFW writer's list of the top rookies in the NFL so far. Jeremy Maclin was listed as "on the cusp" of the top 10, which included the Giants' Hakeem Nicks, who actually sits just behind Maclin in almost every statistical category(Less rec, less yds, same TDs). Percy Harvin is listed as #2 on the list and his stats are nearly identical to Maclin, although Harvin has been a great return man as well. The articles' omission of Maclin from the top 10 despite a very solid start and the fact that he's been twice nominated for NFL rookie of the week, got me thinking. There's been a general lack of excitement about Maclin both here and around the league, unlike last year when Desean Jackson was a near instant star. I figured that must because Jackson had an even better start...

However, after 9 games in their rookie seasons, the young Eagles WRs stats look as follows.

Maclin 31 catches 413 yards 4 TDs

Jackson 38 catches, 586 yds 1 TDs

When you considering that Maclin barely played at all and didn't register a stat in the first game of the year, while Jackson started from week one in his rookie year it makes Maclin's start look very good compared to Jackson's. Jackson has an extra game in there.

Right now Maclin is tied for the most TDs receptions among NFL rookies, ranks 3rd in receptions. 3rd in yardage, and 3rd in first down catches.

So why don't I feel nearly the excitement from fans for the start Maclin has had versus the excitement level over the start Desean Jackson had in his rookie year? Their receptions are almost the same, Jackson racked up more yardage, but Maclin already has twice the TDs than Jackson did his entire rookie year. Based on the TD stat alone one could argue that Maclin has had an even better start to his Eagles career than Jackson did. Now, Desean did display a special teams flair early on that Maclin has not, which probably did help raise Jackson's profile quickly. He's also a lot more of a flashy player and personality than the generally low key and humble Maclin, I'm sure that helped drum up the excitement for Desean as well.

So I put it to the Nation... Do you sense the same thing I do? What is exactly is it about Jackson that had you more excited than you are about Maclin? Are we just getting spoiled with good young WRs?

The Linc - Head injuries, penalties, and complaining Giants

2009-11-18T17:00:25Z

We have to play AWAY games?! Are you F@$%ing serious!?

View full size photo »

Football, dogfighting, and brain damage : The New Yorker
Neuropathologists examining the brains of ex-N.F.L. players have found trauma-related degeneration.

Westbrook to visit Pittsburgh specialists | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/17/2009
Brian Westbrook will visit with two concussion specialists tomorrow in Pittsburgh, according to the Eagles.

Penalties again a problem for Eagles | Philly | 11/15/2009
The Eagles were called for nine penalties, totaling 70 yards. The breakdown was: four on defense, three on special teams and two on offense.

Penalty! Unnecessary Blandness! Redesigning the Worst NFL Helmet Graphics | Yes to Less | Fast Company
Today's high-tech helmet with its wireless headset and polycarbonate visor has come a long way from the padded leather ones of yesterday. It not only serves its essential protective function but is also a gleaming sign for a team's brand. Yet in many cases the graphics are blunt and formulaic, usually involving slapping the team's primary logo on both sides of the helmet.

Giants owner complains to NFL about playing on Thanksgiving - Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
John Mara will apparently be having some whine with his Thanksgiving dinner.

More after the jump

Rich Hofmann: As usual, red-zone woes costly for Eagles | Philadelphia Daily News | 11/16/2009
It has played on a seemingly endless loop for years now, the same song. The Eagles get down near the goal line and they cannot cash. They lack physicality and cannot get a yard on the ground when they need it. They lack the big outside target and cannot convince the quarterback that anybody else can make an athletic play in a tight spot. Over and over it plays then, slowly, mournfully, forever: the red-zone blues.

Dave Schultz, The Player Who Defined An Era - Broad Street Hockey
Dave Schultz defined the glory days of Flyers hockey. He'll be inducted into the team's hall of fame tonight.

Metro - Season of giving in tame NFC East
Forget the Colts, Bengals and Vikings. The Giants actually had the best result in Week 10, and they didn’t even take the field.

The Sports Network - National Football League
The Dallas Cowboys were once again able to stop the snowballing hype machine that inevitably followed the current NFC East leaders' recent run of success, in much the same way that the team's offense was shut down by the Green Bay Packers in Sunday's 17-7 loss at historic Lambeau Field.

Common theme arises in Eagles' losses | AP | 11/16/2009
An inability to run the ball effectively, score touchdowns in the red zone and convert short-yardage situations cost the Philadelphia Eagles again.

PhillyBurbs.com: Defense failing at critical times
Two weeks in a row, the Eagles' defense faced a critical situation. The Eagles needed a stop to have a shot at winning the game. Two weeks in a row, the defense failed.

Philadelphia Eagles opponents preview - Chicago Bears

2009-11-18T11:15:08Z

via www.scottkelby.com

View full size photo »

This is the next part in our series of previews of the Eagles 2009 opponents. Joining us for this feature is Dave Schwab, who writes about the Eagles at his site Eagles Lincs.

The Eagles will try to snap a few streaks this Sunday night when they face off against the Bears. They've lost two straight this season and are so far winless on Sunday night football on NBC. They've also lost a couple straight to the Bears over the last couple years... Can the Eagles break these streaks and get back on track?

Check out Dave's full analysis after the jump.

2009 Eagles Opponents- Chicago Bears

The 5-4 Eagles will try and snap a two game losing streak when they travel to Chicago on November 22nd to play the 4-5 Bears in front of a nationally televised audience on Sunday Night Football. Philadelphia is coming off another rough trip to the West Coast having lost to the San Diego Chargers 31-23. The Bears are slowly letting their season slip away as they lost their second game in a row, falling 10-6 to the 49ers last Thursday night. They have now lost four out of their last five games since their bye in week five. The biggest benefit they will have for this game, besides the extra few days rest is that they are playing at home where they are 3-1 this season. The last time these two teams played in Chicago was last season in week four with the Bears coming away with a 24-20 victory. The lowlight of this game was when the Eagles were stopped on fourth and goal from the Bear’s one yard line with 3:40 left in the game.

A lot has changed with the Bears between this year and last but not necessarily for the best. Chicago’s big off season acquisition was quarterback Jay Cutler from Denver. While he had some flashes of brilliance earlier in the season including a big win over Pittsburgh, lately he seems to have more completions to the other team than he does to his own receivers. In the game against San Francisco he threw five interceptions and zero touchdowns as the offense only managed to score six points. Most of the interceptions were avoidable as he made one poor decision after another, forcing the ball into spots where his receivers had no legitimate chance to make the catch. His last interception, the most costly one was at the end of the game in the 49ers end zone sealing the victory for San Francisco. This reckless behavior with the ball could play right into the hands of the Eagles’ secondary as they already have 15 interceptions on the year. Chicago’s running game isn’t going to scare anyone either as they currently rank 30^th in the league only averaging 85 yards per game. Despite this stat, the Eagles’ defense will still have to be wary of the run as they gave up 119 yards on the ground last week to a Charger team that was ranked last in rushing offense. The best strategy will be to stuff the run to create some third and long situations which will help to feed Cutler’s instinct to throw the ball up for grabs.

Defensively the Bears are a mere shell of their former selves as they have never recovered from losing All Pro linebacker, Brian Urlacher with a season ending injury to his wrist. In their last two games against teams with a decent offense the Bears’ D gave up 41 points to the Cardinals and 45 points to the Bengals which bodes well for the Eagles offense to have another big day. Chicago is currently ranked 9^th overall in total yards given up per game, but 19^th in points allowed and 21^st against the run. This could set up for Eagles RB LeSean McCoy to have a big day as it is doubtful Brian Westbrook will be back after sustaining another concussion in last week’s game. If the Birds can move the ball on the ground, it should open things up for some big plays down the field.

Heading into week eleven every game becomes a must win especially for these two teams who are hovering right around the .500 mark. Despite the fact that Eagles have lost their last two games, they are still a far better team than the Bears. They have more talent at the skill positions and a QB who knows how to take care of the ball. Defensively, despite being thin in the secondary, the only real threat Chicago has is Devin Hester. The key will be to shut down RB Matt Forte and put the ball in Cutler’s hands as right now he could be the Eagles best weapon to win this game.

Comcast NFL Red Zone stat of the week - Eagles Running Game

2009-11-17T20:57:53Z

More photos » by Chris Park - AP

6 days ago: Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook is gets swarmed by the defense of the San Diego Chargers on one of his six rushing attempts during the Chargers 31-23 victory in a NFL football game Sunday Nov. 15, 2009 in San Diego. Westbrook suffered a concussion in the game. (AP Photo/Chris Park)

Browse more photos »

The Eagles "stat of the week" is brought to you by Comcast and the new NFL Red Zone channel

This week's stat comes from ESPN radio Eagles beat reporter Brian Seltzer

The Eagles 29 rushing yards on Sunday is the fewest since defeating...guess who...the Chargers on 10/23/05. They managed just 24 rushing yards that day.

Does that even necessitate commentary? That's just ugly.

Comcast is carrying the new NFL Red Zone channel. NFL Red Zone lets you follow all the red zone action on NFL Sunday as it happens. When a team gets inside the twenty, the network cuts to that game. It's a fantasy player's dream... Plus, I'm sure all the Eagles' rivals took great pleasure in watching our Red Zone futility on Red Zone last week. Sad face.

They don't ever break for commercials and the action literally never stops. They don't just limit it to red zone trips either... I was watching last weekend and they would show any game live if no team happened to be in the red zone. This is probably the best thing ever invented for an NFL fan that's looking for something to flip to when the Eagles game goes to commercials...

Maclin for Rookie of the Week

2009-11-17T18:08:21Z

Maclin for Rookie of the Week

Maclin is up for Pepsi's rookie of the week with his game against the San Diego Chargers. He is up against Clay Matthews (GB), Brian Orkapo (WASH), Bernard Scott (CINN) and Beanie Wells (ARZ).

Maclin had 6 receptions for 76 yards and a TD.

The Linc - Local media weighs on Brian Westbrook injury

2009-11-17T16:44:34Z

More photos » by Chris Park - AP

6 days ago: Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook is gets tackled by the defense of the San Diego Chargers on one of his six rushing attempts during the Chargers 31-23 victory in a NFL football game Sunday Nov. 15, 2009 in San Diego. Westbrook suffered a concussion in the game. (AP Photo/Chris Park)

Browse more photos »

After Concussion, Westbrook Faces Big Decisions
What should Westbrook do? The Eagles star running back has sustained two concussions in four weeks. He finished Sunday’s game on the sidelines staring blankly onto the field. The question is not when will he return but should he? What is the risk? Is it worth it?

Sam Donnellon: Westbrook should retire before another concussion | Philadelphia Daily News | 11/17/2009
I AM NOT a neurologist, nor do I play one in print or on television. But if "the No. 1 thing is Brian's health," as Andy Reid said yesterday, then there really is only one thing for Brian Westbrook to do: Retire. Immediately.

Phil Sheridan: Shut Westbrook down for season | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/17/2009
Maybe it is premature to write an elegy to Westbrook's career. Frankly, I hope it is. Maybe if he shuts it down for 2009 and rests his body - from his jostled brain to his knees to his chronically sore ankles - there's a chance for him to heal completely and regain that spark. Maybe.

Decision awaiting Westbrook | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/17/2009
Now the decisions become far more difficult for Brian Westbrook and the Eagles. After suffering his second concussion in as many games over three weeks, the veteran running back must decide what risk he is willing to take to continue his NFL career.

Phil Sheridan: With no Westbrook, it’s time for a youth movement | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/16/2009
The future of the Eagles offense is here, whether you (or they) are ready or not.

Jones-Drew Pulls a Westbrook

2009-11-16T20:47:25Z

Jones-Drew Pulls a Westbrook

In the waning seconds of the Jaguars' week 10 matchup against the Jets, halfback Maurice Jones-Drew chose to take a knee at the 1-yard line in order to let time expire and preserve a win. I'm thinking maybe he got the idea from Westbrook's kneel-down against the Cowboys back in '07?

Andy Reid addresses Brian Westbrook's concussion

2009-11-16T17:55:11Z

More photos » by Chris Park - AP

7 days ago: Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook puts a move on San Diego Chargers linebacker Kevin Burnett during the second quarter of the Chargers 31-23 victory in a NFL football game Sunday Nov. 15, 2009 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Park)

Browse more photos »

Unfortunately, Andy didn't have much to say...

"We’re going to do everything the right way, and take every precautionary measure to make sure Brian’s OK," Reid told reporters. "In these types of situations, football is secondary. You have to look out for this kid for his future and make sure he is OK before he gets back out there."

Jeff McClane from the Inky noted the play where Westbrook was hit.

Reid said it's "too early" to decide if Westbrook is done for the season. He suffered the blow in the third quarter on a screen play in which he was sandwiched in between a block by Jason Avant and a Chargers defender.

Both Andy Reid & Donovan McNabb stressed that in these situations football in secondary. Head injuries are very serious and obviously their chief concern isn't whether Westbrook can play again this year, it's whether his future health could be affected.

So what's your gut feeling on the situation?

Poll

What will be the outcome of this latest injury to Brian Westbrook?

More of the same: Philadelphia Eagles fall to San Diego Chargers 31-23

2009-11-16T00:42:14Z

More photos » by Denis Poroy - AP

7 days ago: San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson slips through the Philadelphia Eagles defense while scoring on a 20-yard run during the third quarter of a NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Browse more photos »

The Eagles had a lot working against them today with a crushing amount of injuries and a cross country trip, but in the end what we saw was more of the same. The offense was inconsistent early on and once again the team can't make a play to win a close game. The lack of a play I'm referring to is of course the inability of the defense to stop the Chargers and afford the offense with a real chance to get down the field for a score.

The injuries can't be discounted in this game however. When Sheldon Brown went down with an injury in the 3rd quarter, the Eagles with one member of their regular group of corners. They didn't have one linebacker playing their normal position, they were without their best offensive lineman, and of course Brian Westbrook was lost with yet another concussion. More on what that probably means later.

The offense led a comeback in the second half to get it close and the defense tightened up for a while... but in the end both were too little too late. The team doesn't lack heart and fought until the end, but I don't really think they had the bullets to win this fight.

I suppose if you want to take any solace from this game, Dallas lost and the Eagles lost no ground in the division. Right now, the NFC "beast"(LOL) isn't looking so great. Anyone could still make the postseason.

Headlines after the jump.

Westbrook probably done for the year

I don't have anything official, but I doubt the Eagles or the NFL or pretty much any doctor is going to allow Brian Westbrook to play against this year after suffering his second concussion in 4 weeks. I fully expect him to be shut down for the year, but I hope this isn't the end of his Eagles career. At this point, his future health is what's most important.

Career day for Avant

Avant hauled in 8 passes for 156 yards including one of the most impressive grabs you'll see all year. Facing double coverage on 3rd down he leapt up, bounced the ball off one hand, stayed with it, and ended up pulling off an impressive one handed catch before hitting the ground just beyond the first down marker. Just a fantastic individual effort and an overall great day for #81.

It wasn't the loss of Peters, it was the loss of Herremans

For me, the worst part of the offense today by far was the interior of the offensive line. I'm not sure I saw them get a push once all day. This is where the loss of Jason Peters had a ripple effect. Todd Herremans did a sold job out at LT, but his absence on the inside was sorely missed. Stacy Andrews was in my opinion by far the worst of the bunch. You could give him the benefit of the doubt since he's less than a year removed from major knee surgery, but whatever the case he kills them out there. No series was it more evident than the first and goal when the Eagles ran up the gut two of the three times and the RB hit a wall each time. No push, no holes, no gain.

Speaking of lines...

The defensive line wasn't a whole lot better. There's no doubt that the decimation of the secondary and the LB corps to injury played a part in the Eagles weakness against the run, but it's also fair to say that Broderick Bunkley and Mike Patterson didn't have their best day. Normally those guys combine to be a pretty force against the run, but I noticed them getting moved around quite a bit today.

No rest for the weary

Next week, it's the Bears in Chicago in prime time.