Eagles vs Pats: My insight and keys for the Eagles
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by TehLoki
It's not going to be the best article, but I have a small bit of time to write.
Keys to victory:
1) The Offensive Line must hold up against a very strong and fast Defensive front. Richard Seymour is a beast. He'll be lining up with Thomas/Herramans. These two need to keep him at bay all game. Reid should NOT under-estimate the power of Seymour/Wilfork/Warren. All are young, in their primes and seem unstoppable.
2) The WRs need to GET OFF THE BUMP! Reggie Brown has FAILED when he gets bumped. I'm still waiting to see this tremendous skill of his and have his breakout year. Kevin Curtis is doing a good job this year, playing the bump OK. When he gets open he's hard to catch and does make people miss. If the Eagles were smart they would utilize their height advantage in Hank Baskett(6'4") and Jason Avant(6'1") and line them up against Ellis Hobbs who is a mere 5'8". That's not to say Hobbs isn't a good corner, but height is helpful.
3) RUN THE BALL! If there's ANY "weakness" in this Pats defense, it's their Run defense. It's not a glaring or huge weakness, but they can be prone to giving up the big plays. Especially in the red zone. They've given up quite a few red zone TDs. I can't find the stats(not my computer, don't have it bookmarked). Use Brian Westbrook as always. Run screens please! Split him out wide and run a 2 back formation with Buckhalter and Hunt. That's another thing. USE HUNT! He's a big big RB and can power for some good yards especially in the red zone.
4) Contain the WRs! Force the Pats to run the ball. Force them to have Maroney beat you. The Eagles are allowing 97.8 RYPG while the Pats are averaging 131.5 RYPG. Lito Sheppard will have his hands full with Moss but Joslieo Hanson MUST CONTAIN WES WELKER! I have confidence that Sheldon Brown will do his part on Stallworth. Remember, if you can shut down the passing attack, you've given yourself a great chance to win.
Those are, what I believe, are the keys for the Eagles to win. I know people may laugh at the thought of the Eagles even scaring the Pats, but I have faith.
