From: jmd@cbnewsm.cb.att.com (joseph.m.dakes)
Subject: Eagles Report
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 8 Sep 1992 00:16:44 GMT


When a team misses two PATs and turns the ball over four times it
stands very little chance of winning.  Especially when it does so
against the reigning NFC West champion New Orleans Saints and the
second best defense in the league.  But the Eagles did just that
beating the Saints 15-13 in a game that shouldn't have even been
that close.

In the past the Eagles would lose games like that or rely on a
miraculous play by Randall to steal a win.  But not on this day.
It was a total team effort with Randall cast as a supporting
player only.

First, there was the defense.  Put all the questions about the
loss of Jerome Brown and the Eagles defensive line to rest.  The
front four was as awesome as ever stopping the Saints rushing
attack in its tracks.  The pressure on the QB wasn't as strong
as usual, but I fully expect that to pick up as Leon Seals
becomes more familiar with the defensive schemes.  LB Seth Joyner
left off where he did last season and let it be known that he
takes a backseat to nobody at the outside linebacking position.
And who was it that questioned the Eagles secondary?  Yes, Izel
Jenkins fell down and gave up an easy six late in the game, but
he made some good plays on the ball.  He should fill in nicely
for the injured Ben Smith.  And Eric "who needs training camp?"
Allen was his usual self on the right corner.  The defense gets
an A- for their performance on Sunday.

Second, there was Herschel.  Rushing the ball, catching the ball,
and blocking his way to over 150 total yards including 114 yards
on the ground.  Yeah, he fumbled deep in Saints' territory to end
an Eagles scoring drive, but he was fighting and scratching for
extra yardage every time he touched the football.  Walker gets an
A- in his Philadelphia debut.

Third, there was the much maligned offensive line.  They set the
tempo in the game's first series by blowing the Saints defense
off the ball.  Yes, Randall was sacked six times, but for most
part they held the Saints vaunted defense at bay.  They allowed
the Eagles to establish a much needed running game and to control
the clock.  The 600+lb combo of Antone Davis and Eric Floyd on
the right side had their best game as Eagles.  I wouldn't even
consider mentioning these guys in the same breath as the Hogs,
but they played alot better than anyone could have expected.
Give them a B for performance, but an A for effort.

Fourth, there was the newly formed special teams.  They deserve
an F for missing two PATs, but the cover and return teams played
better than any Eagles team in the past three years.  Plan-B
acquisition, Vai Sikahema just missed breaking loose for six
on a punt and Clyde Simmons reached his big paw out to deflect
a sure-thing FG from Morten Anderson.  Give them a C+ with the
PAT team getting extra work between now and next Sunday.

And finally, there was Randall.  He looked rusty, but that should
go away with more reps.  He held onto the ball too long at times
and coughed up the ball an unRandall-like three times, but it still
was good to see him back at the helm.  He had a couple good runs
and threw a perfect strike to WR Fred Barnett to just about seal
the game early in the fourth.  But his turnovers made the game
closer than it should have been.  Give Randall a C on his first
game back, but he shows alot of potential for improvement.

The Eagles retired Jerome Brown's #99 in a pregame ceremony to
honor their fallen teammate.  Reggie White addressed the Vet
Stadium crowd during the ceremony telling the 65,000+ in
attendance to make enough noise so that Jerome can hear us down
here.  If the Eagles performance on Sunday is any indication of
what is to come this year, Jerome will be in the market for ear
plugs!


Joe Dakes
AT&T Microelectronics
555 Union Boulevard
Allentown, PA  18103
alux2!jmd

Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro