will we ever win?

A special night

In a break of what we've come to expect, the Eagles special teams won a game. Quentin Demps returned a kickoff 101 yards for a TD which was followed by a DeSean Jackson 76 yard punt return for a TD. In both cases crappy Patriot coverage and/or excellent blocking allowed nearly untouched runs <cliche>to the house</cliche>. Also contributing was a perfect David Akers (although his FGs were only in the 20-30 yard range) and an out of his mind Sav Rocca. Rocca kicked three straight coffin corner punts in the 4th quarter. The first went out of bounds on the 8, the second on the 9 but was negated by a penalty. He responded by kicking the rekick out of bounds right on the 1. The Eagles sideline was even excited.

But the most exciting player in the game was once again DeSean Jackson. I was very skeptical he would amount to much as a receiver, but I have been won over. He has the rare ability, at least among Eagles receivers save TO, to make the necessary adjustments to catch the ball while maintaining his balance and stride. If McNabb tosses one a little behind or down around the knees he'll just reach down or around and grab it while continuing to run. He doesn't have to fall down or slow down to make the catch. And because of that ability he also is able to make the crucial yards after catch, which he's also really good at.

Other trends in the game that were positive:

• Several Patriot runs ended up in losses. When was the last time so many opponent's running plays ended in their own backfield?
• Westbrook looked good and in form and there was even a running game. I think the first team even had 4 or 5 running plays in a row.
• McNabb was really good again and should have had 2 TD passes if Baskett wasn't a dumbass.
• Andrews also looked pretty good.
• The receivers didn't drop a pass and Avant even made a great catch for a TD.
• McDougal continues to dominate the scrubs.

Other notes:

• Again, way too many penalties.
• Patriots are doomed if Brady gets hurt.
• "In the redzone Avant really controls the hash." Is that what Shildaro said?
• Considine still sucks.
• Told you Quentin Demps should be the returner.