SB Nation - Jason Peters

The Linc - Eagles' tackles stepping up in a big way

JasonB — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:00:32 -0000

Gonzo: About snowball problem: Lighten up | Philadelphia Inquirer | 12/21/2009
The Eagles clinched a playoff spot yesterday, but my guess is that the national pundits will spend more time today talking about the fans and their behavior than they will about the Birds' postseason aspirations. That's typical. It's also a little lame. There are probably more important things to discuss. No one should ever throw anything onto the field, but otherwise - so long as no one got hurt and everyone made it home in one piece - it was largely harmless. "It looked like they were having fun," Jeremiah Trotter said. "I put my hoodie up. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't in harm's way."

Man Up: Peters, Justice protect McNabb | Philly | 12/21/2009
Jason Peters - Peters was pretty much flawless in pass protection, not allowing the 49ers to get any pressure on McNabb off the edge. McNabb had three completions of 35 yards or more. The Eagles have killed defenses with big plays all season, and a lot of credit has to go to the tackles for providing McNabb time to find receivers down the field. Pretty amazing how smooth this transition has been in the pass game to two new bookend tackles. Offensive line coach Juan Castillo deserves a ton of credit, as does the front office.

Uncharacteristic: Weaver Apologizes for Jawing
Weaver, who is in his fifth season, called the lapse "very uncharacteristic." And, he said, "I owe my team an apology, as well as the fans – even the fans that were talking trash to me (as he left the field at halftime). I’m sorry."

NFL Notebook: Bad Tackling is League-Wide
How did we get to this point? If we accept the fact that today’s athletes are bigger, faster and stronger – which they are -- why can’t they tackle?

More after the jump

Eagles-Cowboys headed for prime-time? - NFC East Blog - ESPN
As Barry Horn notes in his DallasNews.com Sports Media Blog, there's a great chance the season finale between the Cowboys and Eagles will be moved to Sunday night. The way it's looking now, that game will probably have playoff implications for both teams.

Westbrook should be cleared, Reid says | Philadelphia Daily News | 12/21/2009
Andy Reid said he expects Brian Westbrook to be cleared to play against Denver on Sunday, although he said he won’t know for sure until tomorrow. "Right now it looks pretty good," Reid said.

McNabb flourishes outside the numbers - NFC East Blog - ESPN
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was 21-of-36 for 306 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. But most of his success came on outside throws. Check out these numbers provided by John Fisher of ESPN Stats & Information:

Eagles Notebook: Eagles expect emotional homecoming for Dawkins | Philadelphia Daily News | 12/21/2009
There was one thing other than playoff talk that the Eagles weren't quite ready to face yesterday. That would be the prospect of welcoming Brian Dawkins to Lincoln Financial Field next weekend in a Denver uniform.

49ers-Eagles: Q&A with Bleeding Green Nation

Fooch — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:00:30 -0000

We're back this week with a few questions and answers with JasonB and the fine folks at Bleeding Green Nation. The 49ers face off against an Eagles team that has put up quite the mix of impressive performances, followed up by stinkers as seen in their rather ugly loss at Oakland earlier this season. Personally I'm not expecting a stinker from Philly, but let's hope for the best (or the worst if you will).

NN: The Eagles have struggled the last couple weeks with McCoy and Weaver leading the rushing attack, but the Eagles continue to win. Is the team simply beefing up the passing attack to cover for the rushing and can it be effective the rest of the season and into the playoffs?

BGN: Well, they ran well against Washington and they ran petty well against the Falcons. The Giants game ended up being a shootout, but they ran well at the end of that game when they needed to. I guess I don't really feel like they've been struggling. They've run when they needed to, whether it be with McCoy or Weaver or even Mike Vick. It's no secret that this is a pass first offense, but in that context I think they've done well enough. It could always be nice to see more though.

I guess to answer you question, the Eagles ability to win from here on out is and was always going to be predicated on their ability to throw the ball.

We continue with a few more questions after the jump...

NN: The 49ers have gone pass-heavy lately, which would seem to play into the hands of a solid Eagles pass defense. Asante Samuel remains the big name in that secondary, but what else will Alex Smith and the 49ers receivers have to account for on Sunday?

BGN: I would expect that they're going to come after him pretty often. When the Eagles have played young or inexperienced QBs this year, they've amped up the blitz. In fact, against the Bucs I swear they blitzed almost every down. I wouldn't be surprised if they tried a similar thing this weekend. The guy to watch on the Eagles D in that department is definitely Trent Cole. I'd say all around the best player on defense and clearly the best pass rusher.

The secondary has been up and down. The safety positions have been iffy, but the corners are both having fantastic seasons. Asante Samuel has 7 picks and Sheldon Brown has 5 (and a couple of TDs). They both like to jump routes and can be susceptible to the double move at times.

NN: Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb often face a steady stream of criticism, and yet the keep on winning. How do Eagles fans currently view the two of them?

BGN: The amount of criticism they face is always overblown. It's generally a vocal minority that you hear complaining. For the most part, people are behind McNabb and Reid... but mostly all Eagles fans have some level of frustration with the lack of a superbowl this past decade. With how good this team has been and how many times they've been in the playoffs, you'd think they'd would have got one by now.

NN: One of the 49ers problems has been in pass protection. It's improved since moving to more of a shotgun offense, but is still something they'll be battling. Can you tell us a bit about the Eagles pass rush?

BGN: I guess that answer to #2 is the same here.

NN: What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Eagles offensive line?

BGN: They're generally a very good pass blocking line and an inconsistent run block line. Running off the left side where Jason Peters and Todd Herremans are is usually where they're most effective. The line is probably weakest trying to get a push straight up the middle in the short yardage.

What they're saying - Eagles beat Bears

JasonB — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:31:55 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

about 1 month ago: Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (29) races to the end zone past Chicago Bears safety Danieal Manning (38) to score the winning touchdown in the Eagles 24-20 win during an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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LeSean McCoy talked about what his TD meant to his confidence

"In terms of my confidence, it definitely boosted it. Having the opportunity to make a play, even after a mistake, it was awesome. It's also on the shoulders of the line. There was some excellent blocking to make some room for us."

Donovan McNabb was asked what he said to Jay Cutler after the game

"I got a chance to talk to Jay a little bit. What we talked about, we are going to keep between us. It's a fraternity of the quarterbacks. I've been through a different situation, but somewhat similar to what he is going through right now. I will continue to provide confidence for him and let him know that he's not the only one who has been through a situation like this. Everyone's been through a situation where you struggle a little bit, but he will bounce back."

Andy Reid talked about what the win meant

"We haven't had a lot of luck in the close games. This time, the guys battled through. They really weren't worrying about what was happening, and just keep banging on. I am proud of them for that. The coaches never got down and they kept pushing. I thought the coordinators did a nice job. Ted Daisher (special teams) really had to deal with a tough card, having to deal with Devin Hester and Johnny Knox."

More after the jump

Jason Peters talked about re-injuring his ankle during the game

I rolled it," Peters said. "I just kept going. I tried not to think about it."

"Brown was getting off the rock," he said of Brown's quickness. "I was late off the ball. But man, when I'm healthy, nobody can beat me."

Sheldon Brown talked about his gutty performance playing with an injured hamstring

"Troy Vincent would be proud of me," Brown said. "I’ve seen him play with some wraps and bandages and all kinds of stuff. I looked up to Troy in a lot of ways and this was one of the ways he always taught me – sometimes you’re not going to feel 100 percent, but you have to put it in your mind that you can get it done and you just have to play smart, play to the defense’s strength. You can’t gamble as much as I would like to, but you play smart you can get through."

Bills' battered O-Line takes another big blow

Brian Galliford — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:05:47 -0000

More photos » by Stephen Morton - AP

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We knew, as the Buffalo Bills entered the 2009 regular season, that the team's top-to-bottom re-structure of the offensive line was a huge question mark. Jason Peters had been traded. Derrick Dockery and Langston Walker had been released. Melvin Fowler and Duke Preston were unceremoniously allowed to test the free-agent waters. Demetrius Bell made a seemingly miraculous leap from 16-game healthy scratch to starting NFL left tackle, Geoff Hangartner was signed from Carolina, Eric Wood and Andy Levitre were drafted early, and Brad Butler moved to the position he manned in college.

Presto change-o! Buffalo had the NFL's most inexperienced offensive line. It was painfully clear that bumps in the road were expected - and they came in the form of drive-killing penalties and inconsistent blocking. But through it all, we decided by and large that it would be entertaining and interesting to watch these young guys develop as individuals and come together as one cohesive unit.

So much for that pipe dream. Through the first ten games of the season, Buffalo has been absolutely ravaged by injuries up front. They've been forced to field eight different line combinations during that time frame. The tackle position has been hit so hard by the injury bug that it's now affecting the guards; add in the latest and most brutal injury, a double fracture to Wood's lower left leg, and the verdict is simple. Buffalo can no longer hope to see tangible development from this offensive line. It is in complete disarray.

By the way, folks - Wood's surgery was successful. Seth McKinney, meanwhile, was lost for the season on Sunday as well. Buffalo now has one healthy guard - Levitre.

The line combinations
Look, I tried to comb through each of the Bills' ten games to chart each and every line combination the Bills have used this season. I went through each game twice to fleece out every minor injury that forced a player in for even a snap or two. I'm fairly confident I still missed something, so keep an eye on Ron From NM's comments in this post, if he has any. He's the line guru, after all.

The original starting five didn't even get through two full games. Four opening-day reserves - Seth McKinney, Jonathan Scott, Kirk Chambers and Jamon Meredith - have seen significant playing time.

1. Bell - Levitre - Hangartner - Wood - Butler
2. Bell - Levitre - Hangartner - Wood - Scott
3. Chambers - Levitre - Hangartner - Wood - Scott
4. Scott - Levitre - Hangartner - Wood - Chambers
5. Bell - Levitre - Hangartner - Wood - Meredith
6. Bell - Levitre - Hangartner - Wood - Chambers
7. Levitre - McKinney - Hangartner - Wood - Chambers
8. Scott - Levitre - Hangartner - Chambers - Meredith

Where the Bills once had continuity - in the interior - that's gone by the wayside. Only Geoff Hangartner has been the constant, and even he has been battered, dealing with a back injury earlier in the season.

Not much more development to be had
If you've seen the replay of Wood's injury, you're painfully aware of just how over his rookie season is. He suffered fractures to both his tibia and his fibula - word is one or both were compound fractures - and stayed in Jacksonville last night to have metal rods inserted to stabilize the leg. He'll end up on IR, and will have played a little under ten games. He got some development and played reasonably well this season, but there's no more development to be had for Wood this season - hopefully, just a lot of healing.

Bell might get a little development time if he ever gets healthy, but he's been in and out of the lineup so much this season that any development he's made has been negligible. Levitre might continue to develop, so long as he isn't forced to play two different positions each and every game. The guy is a guard, and while he's to be commended for capably manning both spots, it's best if he sticks to left guard.

Hangartner is what he is. There's no development to be had there, though the guy deserves a steak or something for finding a way to make it through ten games. That's a rarity in Buffalo. The rest of the players that have seen field time aren't worth considering, as they're not the types of players around which championship-caliber offenses can be built. For the young players that really matter - Wood, Levitre and Bell - hopes for further development this season are minimal at best.

Buffalo needs a franchise quarterback. It is, without doubt, the organization's biggest issue from a personnel standpoint. Given the sheer amount of upheaval along the offensive line, that unit rates a very close second.

The Linc - Eagles win over Bears

JasonB — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:45:44 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

about 1 month ago: Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb embrace after the Eagles' 24-20 win during an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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TD redeems Eagles' McCoy | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/23/2009
LeSean McCoy failed and redeemed himself all in one quarter as the Eagles rallied to beat the Bears, 24-20, last night at Soldier Field.

Bears' Jay Cutler misses targets vs Eagles | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/23/2009
The Chicago Bears' receivers did not wear glow-in-the-dark numbers to help Jay Cutler spot them. Cutler did not walk onto Soldier Field wearing night-vision goggles, as plenty of Bears fans had suggested all week.

Eagles' Peters aggravates ankle injury but plays on | Philadelphia Daily News | 11/23/2009
Jason Peters, the offseason upgrade at left tackle, returned after a week off dealing with his ankle injury. He was leaned on heavily in the Eagles' first drive, which earned them a field goal, and he played flawlessly on that drive, which set the tone for him during the Eagles' first two possessions. The first brought a field goal, the second a touchdown. Then came the third possession, and the play on which he aggravated the ankle injury. He didn't come out. But his play got worse.

Bears look boring, Cutler sharp as a butter knife -- chicagotribune.com
The Big Sleep lasted almost three quarters. As usual, Jay Cutler was feeling around in the dark, not sure who he was or where he was during a night game. All that was missing was a stubbed toe on the dresser.

McNabb excels in play action - NFC East Blog - ESPN

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was brilliant on first down throws and play-action passes in his team's 24-20 win over the Bears Sunday night. According to ESPN Stats & Information, McNabb was 9-of-10 for 115 yards and two touchdowns off play-action. He had a passer rating of 154.2.

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/20

MattRichWarren — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:44:59 -0000

Stefanie Spielman dies at 42 | ProFootballTalk.com
Former Buffalo Bill Chris Spielman's wife has died after a very public battle with breast cancer. She beat it four times but the fifth was too much to ask after 12 years. Heartfelt condolences to the Spielman family.

The Associated Press: Bills owner tells AP big changes could be coming
"It's not about money, it's about winning," Wilson said by phone from his home in suburban Detroit. "If it was about money, we wouldn't have brought in and paid for somebody we know was a great player [Terrell Owens]. Anybody that says I'm cheap is looking down the wrong side of the street."

Scott unlikely to bump Levitre from LT – Inside The Bills
Jonathan Scott practiced at every position except center yesterday in preparation for what Chris Brown terms a "backup role". Coach Fewell did leave the door open for Scott to start at LT.

Search for a Coach
Bills' head start could force Snyder's hand | ProFootballTalk.com
Mike Florio speculates that the Bills entering the fray for Mike Shanahan could force not only the Redskins to make quick decisions but the Bears as well.

An adjustment for Fewell – Inside The Bills
Coach Fewell will have to adjust to calling his plays from the sideline this week.

Bills' job might be tough sell : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Mark Gaughan outlines the hurdles to hiring a big name coach like the small market, lack of quarterback, and tight purse strings.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - John Clayton On Bills Coaching Search
ESPN's John Clayton was on with Schopp and the Bulldog yesterday. Here's what he said about the coaching search.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Tasker, Lodish dish
Former Bills Steve Tasker and Mike Lodish talk about Dick Jauron, GM candidates, and potential head coaches moving forward.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - OPINION: Fear of Fewell
Joe Buscaglia is afraid that if Perry Fewell puts together a 4-3 run over the next seven games that Ralph Wilson may remove his interim title.

Scott Pitoniak: Sounds like Ralph Wilson means business
Scott Pitoniak doesn't think the Bills should wait until the end of the year to get their new coach in place if he is available.

Bills-Shanahan summit savvy for both sides - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Tim Graham speculates that Mike Shanahan may be using the Bills as leverage (then why didn't he do that with the Redskins?) and the Bills may be using Shanahan to placate the fan base.

POLLOCK: Way more than change of coach needed by Bills | Olean Times Herald
Chuck Pollack questions and defends the Bills over a myriad of issues related to the organization.

Memo to Shanny: Just say no to Buffalo | All Things Broncos
Jim Armstrong gives the usual "there's nothing in Buffalo" routine imploring Shanahan to stay away from Buffalo because of "snow".

Non-Coach News
More on the QB decision – Inside The Bills
Alex Van Pelt discusses benching Trent Edwards and promoting Ryan Fitzpatrick.

McGee’s knee taking longer to heal – Inside The Bills
Terrence McGee is already past the expected 14 day healing time window on his knee scope. He says there have been no setbacks but he doesn't want to push it.

Touchdown Turkeys helps Food Bank | BuffaloBills.com
The Buffalo Bills Women’s Association comprised of Bills player and staff wives, fiancées and girlfriends did some early Thanksgiving food shopping for the Food Bank of Western New York on November 12th.

Levitre set to man left tackle | BuffaloBills.com
The timing couldn’t be better for Andy Levitre as the Bills are facing the worst pass rush in football.

Buffalo Bills NFL News Updates - CBSSports.com Rapid Reports
- Bills interim coach Perry Fewell on DT Kyle Williams participating in individual work today: "I was very encouraged. It's always good to have him on the football field. Just to have him in a limited fashion was good."
- After learning of Buffalo's offer to QB Brian Brohm, the Packers offered a deal of their own to the QB. But Brohm thought it would be better to part ways with Green Bay. "I just wanted a fresh start, a new start and I think Buffalo gives me that," he said.

Brohm signing could push Edwards out : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Allen Wilson profiles new quarterback Brian Brohn and his impact on the future of the QB position in Buffalo.

Bills notebook: Defense aims to be sharp against Jags' "ball of butcher knives' : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Maurice Jones-Drew is fourth in the league in rushing and will be trying to plow through the Bills defense this week.

Why the Bills signed Brian Brohm - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Brohm gives the Bills the longer-range prospect they were lacking and the hope they no longer see when they consider Edwards' future.

Root of Buffalo's problem easy to tackle - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Tim Graham traces the timeline of the left tackle position from the trade of Jason Peters to Dick Jauron's firing.

Sunday's Jaguars vs. Bills game will be blacked out | Jacksonville.com
It's the fifth regular season game and the seventh, counting the two preseason games, that has been blacked out.

Bills looking for turnaround against Jaguars - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Marcus Stroud and Perry Fewell both got their starts in the NFL in Jacksonville. They are both featured prominently in this game preview.

Bills' receivers give Fitzpatrick a thumb's up : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
His receivers seem genuinely excited about him taking over again. And Trent Edwards' chances to ever become "The Man" in Buffalo appear all but over.

This Bud Says F* You - Front Office Fans
Front Office Fans, a SBN blog, openly mocks Bud Adams' double-barreled salute as outdated.

SB Nation's Week 11 NFL Picks - SB Nation Bloggers Pick Jags
Maurice Jones-Drew will be the latest beneficiary of the Buffalo Bills' generous rush defense. Buffalo interim head coach Perry Fewell will have to wait to get his first win, according to our bloggers.

BallHype - NFL/Pro Football Blog Rankings
Every once in a while I check in at Ball Hype to see how Rumblings is doing. Buffalo Rumblings is currently ranked 13th on the internet as the most-linked to NFL weblog. Among individual team blogs, BR ranks fifth by an owe-so-slim margin.

Bills Tweets
Terrell Owens
2day ws a good day! A lil insight as 2 wht new head coach Perry Fewell's thought process is...it is 2 practice & play w/a purpose!!

Fake Perry Fewell
If I can go 4-3, I will have the 4th highest winning % in the history of Bills HC's. Sounds like $3 million/year to me. When I go 5-2, I'll be #1. Bills fans, I think you found your big-time coach. It's me!

Jodn DiTullio
I was told today my a source that Shanahan encouraged the Bills to sign Brian Brohm away from the Packers. More on this at 3:00 at WHTK.com

Aaron Maybin
Today was a good day. A great day of practice and good vibe in the locker room. Today was a good day. A great day of practice and good vibe in the locker room.

The Linc - Must win for McNabb & Jay Cutler at night

JasonB — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:15:10 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sakuma - AP

about 1 month ago: FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2009 file photo, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler sits on ground after almost being sacked by the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game in San Francisco. Cutler has been battered behind a struggling offensive line, and now, he is throwing about as many passes to defenders as receivers. This, clearly, isn't the way the Chicago Bears envisioned things. Their franchise quarterback is struggling and their playoff hopes are fading heading their game Sunday night, Nov. 22 against the Philadelphia Eagles. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

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Daily Herald | Cutler's pickoff propensity something he can control
You can blame Jay Cutler's league-worst 17 interceptions on any number of things.

Bears' Cutler talks about reducing red-zone picks - Chicago Breaking Sports
"We have to put ourselves in good positions and be careful with [the ball]. If we've got to take three points, we have to take three points, except in situations where we have to get a touchdown, we're down, trying to win a football game. At the end of the day, if you get down there, you want to at least get three."

Jay Cutler can be scary at night -- chicagotribune.com
In three night games this year -- all Bears losses -- Cutler has thrown 65 percent of his interceptions. And the Bears will play their fourth of at least five night games Sunday against the Eagles at Soldier Field.

Eagles Notes: Brown practices despite hamstring injury | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/19/2009
Three days after suffering a strained hamstring during the Eagles' loss at San Diego, the veteran cornerback participated in individual drills and said afterward that there was "a good chance" he'd be able to play Sunday at Chicago.

Rich Hofmann: Eagles QB McNabb calls for must win vs. Bears | Philadelphia Daily News | 11/19/2009
"I've been in the league for a while now, 11 years, and at this particular point in my career, as well as this point in the season, this is a must win for us and that's the way that we have to approach it. I wouldn't care if it's at Soldier Field, I wouldn't care if it's playing in Champaign, Illinois, or we can play in Oklahoma, it doesn't matter. This is a game that we need to win. That's the way I'm approaching it and that's the way the other guys are approaching it as well."

More after the jump

Rex Grossman's dad tees off on Chicago Bears organization; feels bad for Jay Cutler -- chicagotribune.com
Rex Grossman's dad tees off on Chicago Bears organization

Weaver Eager to Assume Heavier Workload
The Eagles’ most valuable offseason addition is neither tackle Jason Peters nor guard Stacy Andrews. It’s not safety Sean Jones. It’s neither rookie running back LeSean McCoy nor receiver Jeremy Maclin. Instead, it’s fullback Leonard Weaver.

Eagles' McCoy says he's ready for starting role | Philadelphia Daily News | 11/19/2009
Standing in front of his locker stall yesterday, LeSean McCoy was able to shrug his shoulders, apparently without dislodging the Eagles' playoff hopes. So there is that - the 21-year-old rookie doesn't appear to be in shock or overawed by the moment. "I've kind of been in this situation before, so it's not really a big difference," said McCoy, who should get his fourth career start Sunday night at Chicago.

Phil Sheridan: Eagles can't use injuries as an excuse | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/19/2009
His team went to the Super Bowl just once and has been a mediocre disappointment ever since. No wonder Lovie Smith jumped at a question about the Eagles' injury problems in order to make a point about his own team.

More of the same: Philadelphia Eagles fall to San Diego Chargers 31-23

JasonB — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:42:14 -0000

More photos » by Denis Poroy - AP

about 1 month ago: San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson slips through the Philadelphia Eagles defense while scoring on a 20-yard run during the third quarter of a NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

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The Eagles had a lot working against them today with a crushing amount of injuries and a cross country trip, but in the end what we saw was more of the same. The offense was inconsistent early on and once again the team can't make a play to win a close game. The lack of a play I'm referring to is of course the inability of the defense to stop the Chargers and afford the offense with a real chance to get down the field for a score.

The injuries can't be discounted in this game however. When Sheldon Brown went down with an injury in the 3rd quarter, the Eagles with one member of their regular group of corners. They didn't have one linebacker playing their normal position, they were without their best offensive lineman, and of course Brian Westbrook was lost with yet another concussion. More on what that probably means later.

The offense led a comeback in the second half to get it close and the defense tightened up for a while... but in the end both were too little too late. The team doesn't lack heart and fought until the end, but I don't really think they had the bullets to win this fight.

I suppose if you want to take any solace from this game, Dallas lost and the Eagles lost no ground in the division. Right now, the NFC "beast"(LOL) isn't looking so great. Anyone could still make the postseason.

Headlines after the jump.

Westbrook probably done for the year

I don't have anything official, but I doubt the Eagles or the NFL or pretty much any doctor is going to allow Brian Westbrook to play against this year after suffering his second concussion in 4 weeks. I fully expect him to be shut down for the year, but I hope this isn't the end of his Eagles career. At this point, his future health is what's most important.

Career day for Avant

Avant hauled in 8 passes for 156 yards including one of the most impressive grabs you'll see all year. Facing double coverage on 3rd down he leapt up, bounced the ball off one hand, stayed with it, and ended up pulling off an impressive one handed catch before hitting the ground just beyond the first down marker. Just a fantastic individual effort and an overall great day for #81.

It wasn't the loss of Peters, it was the loss of Herremans

For me, the worst part of the offense today by far was the interior of the offensive line. I'm not sure I saw them get a push once all day. This is where the loss of Jason Peters had a ripple effect. Todd Herremans did a sold job out at LT, but his absence on the inside was sorely missed. Stacy Andrews was in my opinion by far the worst of the bunch. You could give him the benefit of the doubt since he's less than a year removed from major knee surgery, but whatever the case he kills them out there. No series was it more evident than the first and goal when the Eagles ran up the gut two of the three times and the RB hit a wall each time. No push, no holes, no gain.

Speaking of lines...

The defensive line wasn't a whole lot better. There's no doubt that the decimation of the secondary and the LB corps to injury played a part in the Eagles weakness against the run, but it's also fair to say that Broderick Bunkley and Mike Patterson didn't have their best day. Normally those guys combine to be a pretty force against the run, but I noticed them getting moved around quite a bit today.

No rest for the weary

Next week, it's the Bears in Chicago in prime time.

Jason Peters out for today

JasonB — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:18:57 -0000

Bad breaking news from PE.com

Left tackle Jason Peters is out for Sunday's game against the Chargers with an ankle injury. Left guard Todd Herremans will slide out and start at left tackle. Nick Cole will start at left guard and Stacy Andrews will start at right guard.

Peters didn't practice this week, but said as long as the cross country flight didn't complicate things he would play. Maybe it was the long flight... but regardless Peters is out. It's good have Herremans there rather than King Dunlap but it's obviously far less than ideal against a good pass rush.

To further compound the rash of injuries, Quintin Demps will also miss today's game with an ankle injury. Not only was Demps slated to be the return man in the absence of Ellis Hobbs, he was also expected to see time at corner where he played fairly well at times last year.

This is arguably the worst shape the Eagles have been in since the start of the year. Couple with that with a cross country trip against a decent team... Let's just say we need a big gut check performance to win this game.

Gameday Lincs - Eagles at Chargers

JasonB — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:00:26 -0000

by Gene J. Puskar - AP

View full size photo »

Eagles-Chargers Preview - Nov. 13, 2009 - NFL - CBSSports.com Game Preview
Following yet another slow start, the San Diego Chargers have gotten on a roll. It's hard to figure which direction the Philadelphia Eagles are headed. Philadelphia failed to build off an uplifting win over the reigning NFC East champions and now looks to send San Diego to the same fate Sunday when these division title hopefuls meet at Qualcomm Stadium.

Didinger's Scouting Report: Eagles-Chargers
Ray Didinger breaks down Sunday's Eagles-Chargers matchup.

Video: Captain Morgan Responds to the NFL’s Guerrilla Marketing Crackdown: BLOGS WITH BALLS
This past week, the No Fun League acted quickly and decisively to crackdown on what is being deemed the first of its kind "guerrilla-style advertising campaign in an NFL end zone."

Westbrook 'playing' vs. Chargers, Reid says | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/14/2009
Andy Reid was asked yesterday to specify which of four NFL injury-report conditions - probable, questionable, doubtful or out - would apply to Brian Westbrook for tomorrow's game at San Diego. "Playing," the Eagles coach said.

Peters doesn't practice again; says he's playing | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/13/2009
Jason Peters, who has an ankle sprain, was held out of practice again today and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at San Diego. The left tackle, however, said that he's playing.

Much more after the jump

Scout.com: Chargers Bring Swagger into Eagles Game
Do they have it again? Do the San Diego Chargers have that strut that oozes from successful teams and players confident in their abilities and ability to win?

NFL Preview - Philadelphia (5-3) at San Diego (5-3) - KansasCity.com
The San Diego Chargers will set their sights on knocking off an NFC East member for a second consecutive week when the Philadelphia Eagles head to Qualcomm Stadium this Sunday for an interconference bout between teams with postseason aspirations.

Game Preview: Philadelphia Eagles at San Diego Chargers - Bolts From The Blue
Game Preview: Philadelphia Eagles at San Diego Chargers. Bolts don't matchup well, but it was the same story against the New York Giants.

Ochocinco's 'fun' costs him 20 grand | Philadelphia Daily News | 11/14/2009
Chad Ochocinco's pretend $1 bribe is going to cost him a lot more. The Cincinnati Bengals receiver was fined $20,000 and reprimanded by the NFL for taking a dollar bill onto the field during an officials' review of one of his catches last Sunday. Ochocinco held the dollar in his right hand at his side but didn't give it to the official, who motioned for him to stay away.

The Associated Press: Eagles-Chargers game sells out; blackout lifted
The Chargers say they've sold enough tickets to lift the local TV blackout of Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This is the earliest a Chargers game has sold out this season. Fox owns the broadcast rights to the game.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer: NFL/Football
The San Diego Chargers will set their sights on knocking off an NFC East member for a second consecutive week when the Philadelphia Eagles head to Qualcomm Stadium this Sunday for an interconference bout between teams with postseason aspirations.