The 2006 point and laugh at the Eagles topic

[Eagaholic]

I always thought he got the name "Axe Man" from chopping wood.

[PhillyPhreak54]

What time/day does that episode go on TV? I wanna see Trotter running away from something

Just go re-watch the Jags game....

[Tomahawk]

What time/day does that episode go on TV? I wanna see Trotter running away from something

Sunday Nov. 12
10:00 PM EST

[Eagaholic]

Hope I didn't miss this in another thread: ( From Wed's Inky - Narducci)




The Eagles' receivers, tight ends and running backs have typified the team's struggles during a frustrating 4-4 first half of the season.

They have certainly made their share of big plays, but have often erred at the most fundamental part of their job - catching the ball.

They have literally dropped the ball when it comes to being consistent, and it's just one element that must improve if the Eagles are to make a playoff run.

The Eagles lead the NFL in yards per catch with 14.3 per game. They are fifth in scoring offense - only Indianapolis, with 17 touchdown receptions, has more than the Eagles, who have 16. Those are statistics that characterize a big-play offense.

So, on the surface, the receivers, tight ends and running backs appear to be having a banner year.

Except that the Eagles lead the NFL in the most dubious of receiving statistics - dropped passes. According to Stats LLC, which tracks these figures, the Eagles have 27 dropped passes.

Reggie Brown, who has 26 receptions for 502 yards and five touchdowns, is tied for the NFL lead with seven.

A dropped pass, according to Stats, is any incomplete pass that was catchable with a normal effort.

In addition to Brown, running back Brian Westbrook has six dropped passes, tight end L.J. Smith has four, and receiver Donté Stallworth, who has missed four games, has three.

"We have to definitely tighten up on the dropped balls," said Westbrook, who has a team-high 38 receptions for 401 yards and three touchdowns. "I have had a few, all the receivers and tight ends have some, and everybody has a hand in dropping balls."

All the players are aware of the problem, and just in case they weren't, the issue was addressed recently by the staff.

"The coaches have mentioned it, and they shouldn't have to," tight end Matt Schobel said. "Believe me, no dropped passes go unnoticed."

The drops don't come from a lack of effort. It's more a lack of focus.

"It's going to be colder in the second half of the season, so the ball is going to be a little harder," Westbrook said. "So we have to be focused on catching the ball all the way, and make sure we catch the ball before we try to get yards after the catch."

Westbrook makes a good point. The players are attempting to make big plays before hauling in their catches.

"I think sometimes you see openness and try to go before you have the ball totally," Westbrook said.

Of course, the dropped balls are just part of the problem.

"It's been penalties, turnovers, dropped balls - all that stuff culminates into losing ball games," Stallworth said.

The Eagles have only a plus-1 turnover differential. They have been penalized for 491 yards, 98 more than their opponents.

So to put everything on the dropped passes would be wrong. Still, a dropped pass is usually a lost opportunity, and the Eagles have lost more than any team in the NFL.

"I have heard that before about the drops," Smith said. "We throw a lot, too, and with that comes the possibility that there will be more drops."

While that may have some merit, the Eagles are still out of proportion since they are only eighth in attempted passes with 279. As a comparison, Indianapolis, which is right ahead of the Eagles with 281 attempts, has just 10 dropped passes.

While some players tried to downplay the drops, Westbrook was succinct when describing the situation.

"We need to focus and catch the ball," he said.

It sounds so simple, but as the first half showed, it wasn't always the easiest of tasks for the Eagles' receivers.

Dropping the Ball

Even though quarterback Donovan McNabb leads the NFL in passing yards with 2,312 in eight games, his receivers lead the league

in dropped passes.

According to Stats LLC, here is the breakdown:

Player             Rec. Drops

Reggie Brown      26      7   

Brian Westbrook    38      6

L.J. Smith          29      4

Donté Stallworth    15      3

Hank Baskett       9      2

Matt Schobel       8      2

Greg Lewis          13      1

Thomas Tapeh      9      1

Jason Avant      3      1


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I don't think the fact that the Eagles pass more than anyone really impacts the dropped ball stat as much as logic might suggest. I think things like dropped balls and bad penalties are more a result of lack rhythm. When an offense is predictable, a defense can more easily thwart the attack and  knock the team out of sync.

[Yeti]

I am very impressed with your cut and paste skills.

[Eaglez]

LJ, just admit it, your hands are made out of butter.

Indianapolis chokes hardcore in the post-season, but at least they are fun to watch during the regular season. Amazing that they only have 10 drops.

[Eagaholic]

I am very impressed with your cut and paste skills.

Thanks! I took 3 years of arts and crafts in first grade.

[GeorgeBushFan]

My computer is broken, if you are wondering whats going on.

[phattymatty]

eat shtein.

[hbionic]

 

[MDS]

I missed GBF. Must be in a tailspin since the election. Poor guy.

[SD_Eagle5]

Bump

Hey, at least we're not the taterskins.

[Eaglez]

So, do we play AJ for the rest of the year and then try to turn him into trade bait again?

I think the Dolphins still need a QB...

However, Joey H is actually playing pretty well right now.

[mussa]

pointing and puking

[The BIGSTUD]

I might edit this topic and call it the Official 2007 Eagles offseason topic.