The debate around Nick Foles this week: How much of his success on Sunday can be attributed to the fact that he was going up against the worst pass defense in the NFL?
The answer: We’ll find out Thursday.
The Bengals are ranked 10th against the pass and are sixth overall as a defense. They lead the league in sacks (42) and are considered one of the most disruptive units in the game. This is a big step up in class for the rookie.
Tim and Sheil debate how the Eagles should move forward if Nick Foles continues to show improvement. And would Chip Kelly prefer Foles or Michael Vick? Plus, plenty of thoughts on the dramatic win over the Bucs Sunday.
Download it from iTunes here and listen to it here.
You can listen to Birds 24/7 Radio on 97.5 The Fanatic from 6 to 7 every Monday. Or stop by Smith’s at 19th and Chestnut, where the guys broadcast live.
The Eagles’ fan base is a confused group right now. And in many ways, it’s understandable.
We hear from you in the comments section, via e-mail, on Twitter and during Birds 24/7 Radio on 97.5 The Fanatic (podcast links here).
This week, I’ve heard a variety of theories, all suggesting the same thing: Andy Reid is coming back as the head coach in 2013.
I’m here to tell you it’s not happening.
Let’s tackle the arguments one at a time.
Tim and Sheil get into the firing of Jim Washburn and what it means for Andy Reid. Plus, some thoughts on Nick Foles being named the starter, Bryce Brown‘s emergence and the defense’s collapse.
Download it from iTunes here or listen online here.
You can listen to Birds 24/7 Radio on 97.5 The Fanatic from 6 to 7 every Monday. Or stop by Smith’s at 19th and Chestnut, where the guys broadcast live.
Tim and Sheil discuss why the Eagles released Jason Babin, what’s next for Andy Reid and the future at quarterback.
Click here for the iTunes link, and here to listen online.
You can listen to Birds 24/7 Radio on 97.5 The Fanatic from 6 to 7 every Monday. Or stop by Smith’s at 19th and Chestnut, where the guys broadcast live.
With 13:05 left in Sunday’s game, the Redskins ran a toss left to Alfred Morris.
Trent Cole crashed inside and was immediately out of the play. Derek Landri gave chase, but couldn’t get outside quickly enough. Kurt Coleman attacked the line of scrimmage, but was taken out by the fullback. And Mychal Kendricks couldn’t get off the block of left tackle Trent Williams.
DeMeco Ryans, meanwhile, methodically made his way from the middle of the field to the right sideline. He fought off the block of the Redskins’ center, made sure he took the right angle and delivered a punishing blow to Morris, knocking him 5 yards out of bounds.
It was a 17-yard run. The Eagles were down, 24-6. They were minutes away from cementing a sixth straight loss, falling to 3-7 on the season.
But there was no letting up from Ryans.
Tim and Sheil discuss the loss to the Redskins and offer thoughts on what’s in store the rest of the season for Andy Reid and the Eagles.
Click here for the iTunes link or here to listen online.
You can listen to Birds 24/7 Radio every Monday night from 6 to 7 p.m. on 97.5 The Fanatic.
The Eagles do not plan on making a roster move at quarterback right now. They have had two QBs active for the majority of their games, and feel they can get by while Vick recovers from his concussion.
It is unknown exactly how long that will take. According to a source who had a recent conversation with the signal-caller, the 32-year-old sounded “alert and strong.” While that is certainly good news, it is not necessarily an indicator that he is nearing a return. This week is out. Beyond that is more hazy. Vick still has to go through the NFL’s concussion protocol to be cleared.
In the meanwhile, Nick Foles gets to audition.
Tim and Sheil dig into the Eagles’ loss to the Cowboys. They give their take on the debut of rookie Nick Foles, and whether it’s a lock that Michael Vick will be on the bench for the rest of the season.
You can listen to the podcast here and download it here.
Listen to Birds 24/7 every Monday from 6-7 p.m. on 97.5 The Fanatic.
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The defense allowed 21 points per game under Juan Castillo through the first six weeks of the season. Over the past two weeks under Todd Bowles, the edge has dulled and the unit has yielded 26 points per game. They gave up 763 yards of offense in that span and have not generated an interception.
Most Eagles players insist that the approach has not changed much at all since Andy Reid decided to make the switch at defensive coordinator. But their instant regression — particularly in the secondary — cannot be pure coincidence.
Turns out, the defense is working through some things as a result of the move to Bowles.
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Sheil Kapadia has been writing about the Eagles since 2008. His previous Philly.com blog, Moving the Chains, was named one of the best in the state by the Associated Press. Sheil's main joys in life are family, football and finding good parking spots.
Tim McManus is a bulldog reporter with a nose for news and story angles that will get people talking. He'll talk about it himself on 97.5 The Fanatic, where he serves as a host and Eagles beat reporter. Tim, an award-winning journalist, will be with the team around the clock.
