Eeeeeeeeegs responds to reader comments.
This week the Roundup received an e-mail from "Texas" who said:
I've never been so frustrated/disgusted with a win before! Kudos to the G-men for coming back, but it was just such an ugly win...
Now wait a minute! I will agree that this season seems to be littered with plays we seem to WIN, but don't end up winning. A couple of Garrard scrambles, the first half Manningham TD (called back by a Boss hold), and the late game stop (squelched by a questionable defensive hold on Aaron Ross) are some examples.
But our adjustments, offensive game plan and flat out resolve were pretty admirable yesterday. We ran the ball 26 times(135 yards at 5.2 YPC) and ran it MUCH better than the 19 runs we had against Philly (61 yards at 3.2 YPC).
Our makeshift OL made HUGE strides at a time when our opponent was clearly in a position to cheat against the run. In the passing game, Michael Clayton was just window dressing out there. But Hagan got a lot of targets again. We did a good job working Boss and Beckum into the game...and we still got the ball into the hands of 82--our lone playmaker--enough to make a difference.
By the way...did anybody notice how INFATUATED Derek Cox (#21) was with Manningham on the Boss TD? Boss had that ball at least two seconds before Cox took his eyes off Manningham. Cox never had a chance to make a tackle. Rewind it if you have it.
Defensively, we got beat on a lot of third downs...and MJD got his 100+...but we stayed patient. And when the chips were down (after that Ross penalty), we finished the game with three consecutive sacks...the third producing the game-ending turnover.
Remember how we were calling for Bill Sheridan's head last year when he tried to drop DLs in coverage? We pulled it off yesterday. I don't think Perry Fewell is going to hear any complaining about it. Tuck should have had a pick earlier in the game. But on that last play...Rolle and Thomas blitzed from the right side while Tuck and Osi dropped back in coverage on the left. They couldn't pick it up. We really confused/overwhelmed them when it was on the line. Heroic stuff.
Kudos to the coaching staff. Despite crippling injuries and a first half of frustration we schemed, executed and willed our way to a much needed victory. Contrary to the opinion of Texas, I think this was the most beautiful win. I don't believe I've ever been as satisfied/proud with a win before. The playoff mettle is there...now can we get the star talent healthy?
And what of those Eagles? Be they immortal? Nay. They are but men.
