November 26, 2015
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Unfortunately for the rest of the country, our floundering Philadelphia Eagles took the national stage against the Detroit Lions to kick off Turkey Day.
And boy, the Birds continue to be just a brutal football team, as the Lions lead 24-7 at the break. Here’s what I saw in the first 30 minutes:
• Sometimes, all the Eagles need is one big play in the running game to hit one through the air. After DeMarco Murray’s 19-yard run late in the first quarter, the Eagles sprinted back to the line and Mark Sanchez hit Trey Burton for a 43-yard gain.
• Great effort by Brent Celek on the touchdown catch, but I’m not sure 53 tight ends is the roster construction you want:
Incredible effort by Celek there. If the Eagles had 53 Brent Celeks …
— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) November 26, 2015
• Caleb Sturgis from 50 yards out… DOINK!
• After shooting themselves in the foot on the first drive, the Lions offense marched 65 easy yards on eight plays. On the touchdown pass, Mychal Kendricks got his ankles broken by Theo Riddick on what looked like an option route.
• Nolan Carroll went down with an ugly injury, so Matthew Stafford and Golden Tate immediately started picking on Eric Rowe. Later, Rowe was in decent coverage on Calvin Johnson's touchdown catch. A second-round pick, Rowe has certainly not started his career off on a promising note. Poor drafting is part of the reason the Eagles are where they are.
Eric Rowe can't play...He doesn't have the foot quickness to stay with NFL WRs
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 26, 2015
• The offense is poorly constructed and that starts up front, but man, watching DeMarco Murray run at this point is not a particularly fun experience. He finished the half with 22 yards on 11 carries. Billed as a “North-South” runner, Murray makes LeSean McCoy look like Mike Alstott.
• After starting out the year as a legitimately good unit, what the heck has happened to Billy Davis’ defense? Stafford carved them up, and the Lions finished the half with 253 yards and 24 points.
• Miles Austin is a greater tanking weapon than anyone on the Philadelphia 76ers. Savvy move, Chip!
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
