One Down, Two To Go

First things first, you absolutely cannot turn the ball over in the red zone twice. You can't do it. That being said, while there's no way to make an argument in favor of running the wildcat offense the first time, it did take a hell of a play to make the pick. The second time, it was the right play to call, and pretty well-executed throw as well. The DB made an awesome play on the ball and I didn't think Baskett fought for it enough.

Speaking of that pick, it was easily, EASILY, the most important play of the game. Not because the Eagles blew three easy points, but because Brian Westbrook saved a touchdown. I'd love to be able to show you the video, but I can't find it. (If any readers find it, please post the link in the comments). In a nutshell, Westbrook was in the pocket, protecting McNabb in between the hash marks when the ball was thrown. By the time he realized the ball was picked, McDonald was at least even with him, on the sideline. He took off at an angle as the clock ticked down to zero. If Westbrook doesn't catch up to McDonald it's 7 points and the Eagles go into the half with a tenuous 17-10 lead. If he does, the lead stays at 17-3.

Westbrook turned on his jets and actually got in front of McDonald at about the 15 yard-line. He wasn't able to push him out of bounds, but he slowed him up enough for Baskett to get back and make the play from behind. That could've been a disastrous turn of events and who knows how the game would've gone in the second half had the Browns come out with all the momentum and the ball to start the third. Humongous play by #36.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the play of Donovan McNabb and the play calling of Andy Reid. Reid first: 33 runs/38 passes. He set up the run early on and never abandoned it. Excellent job. The passes he called were smart passes against the zone defense. They used the underneath stuff when it was there, but more importantly, they attacked the seems and the soft spots in the zone.

McNabb threw the ball better than I've seen him throw it in years. He was threading the needle with fastballs all night long. It was amazing that the receivers were holding onto the ball he was putting so much heat on it. DeSean and Avant especially impressed me. They have a knack for finding the hole in the zone and getting showing McNabb a target. If only every team played soft zones like this against the Birds.

One final note: Did anyone else notice that Asante Samuel pulled a DeSean Jackson on his INT return for a TD? He put the ball on the ground at about the one yard-line, it's a good thing he picked it back up and it didn't trickle out of the back of the end zone. You're better than that, Asante.

Two big downers late in the game: Butterfingers in the secondary. Joselio and Sheldon both dropped sure picks late in the game. And also, up until Kolb took over the Eagles hadn't punted once all night. Then not only did he give up the INT TD, he stalled 2 drives and Sav was needed twice. That's unacceptable.

Player of The Game: Donnie #5
Team Record: 8-5-1
Up Next: @ Washington