Every Eagles fan, hater, and underground citizen knew that a loss on Sunday to division rival Dallas would produce about 1,400 questions. As we head into the Monday following a disastrous 38-23 loss to the Cowboys, there stands to be about 14,000 questions. And, without surprise, about 80% of those questions stem from the quarterback and head coach positions.
Normally, a recap of the game would consist of a long-winded rundown of each quarter. But because so much went on in this game, and because I'd like to get to your thoughts on this team, I'll give a few points of action from each quarter.
1st Quarter:
- Impressive drive overall; Riley Cooper with fantastic TD catch. 7-0 Eagles.
- Long Dallas drive. TD pass to Felix Jones. 7-7.
- Jeremy Maclin gets hurt on long throw by Vick. Cringing landing; neck injury. 3 and out.
2nd Quarter:
- Dallas finishes 3 and out.
- Mo Claibourne makes first bonehead play.
- Eagles drive ends on Mike Vick concussion after being hit.
- Dallas scoreless drive.
- The Nick Foles era begins after two McCoy runs. Incomplete to Jason Avant, who is taken out of the game with a hamstring injury.
- Other than a Dallas field goal, a relatively quiet finish to the quarter.
At this point, the crowd is very excited to see Foles finally get into the game. He looks pretty impressive, completing a few short passes while McCoy sees a few extra running plays. Back to the action.
3rd Quarter:
- Dallas 3 and out is followed by a second costly mistake by Claibourne.
- Nick Foles throws a 44 yard TD pass to Jeremy Maclin. 14-10 Eagles.
- Another 3 and out by the Boys leads to an eye-catching drive by Foles. Field goal is good. 17-10 Eagles.
- After review, 30 yard TD by Dez Bryant is upheld. 17-17 going into the 4th.
4th Quarter (spoiler alert – things get ugly):
- If it weren't for Mo Claibourne's third jarring penalty, Foles would have thrown a pick-6. Forget that.
- On the punt, Cowboys Mat McBriar runs the ball back for a TD. 24-17 Dallas.
- Philly's next drive would end in a real pick-6 by Foles. Oh boy. 31-17 Dallas.
- Following two lifeless drives, the Foles throws a 32 yarder on 4th and 9.
- Stanley Havill with a 1 yard TD run. Extra point hits the upright (a sign?). 31-23 Dallas.
- Eagles get the ball back with 53 seconds lefts, no timeouts, and behind by 8.
- Foles feels some sympathy pains for Vick and takes the sac. He fumbles and Dallas recovers in the endzone.
- Dallas wins 38-23.
Holy crap.
Overall, there were a few good numbers in this game. Foles was 22 for 32, with 219 yards, his first career NFL TD, an interception, and a fumble. Shady McCoy had 16 carries for 82 yards, which still isn't stellar. Jeremy Maclin went from scary injury to a 93 yard day with a TD. Now then.
I asked you, the readers, the give me one word to describe the Eagles season thus far. Here are some of our favorites:
Devastating. – Michele Cecilio
Embarrassing. – Amit Harushe
Circus. – Tony Gable (although I'd place that one on the Jets)
Humiliating. – Matthew Iwasko
Worthless. – Jesse Stoltzfus
Calamitous. – Pat Keenan
Disappointing. – Rebecca Glennan
Dynasty. – Rachel Clifton & Josh Watts (HA!)
Then I asked you guys who was to blame for both this game and the season. Instead of writing everyone's choices, I'll sum it up quite nicely:
Andy Reid. – Everyone
And for what our staff is saying:
Shame. – Christine Schramm
Heartburn. – Jake Pavorsky
Andy needs to go. I'm tired of this constant disappointment, this play calling, and the ridiculous decisions. On the bright side, we have a quarterback. – Shane Hussey
As for next Sunday…
So many questions. Questions on top of questions. Questions asking other questions some questions. Ah! For starters, have we seen Andy Reid's last game in Philly? Will Vick be healthy enough to play next week? Will his health even factor in to the starting QB role? Find out next week as the hit soap opera All My Philadelphia Eagles continues in Washington against RG3 and the Redskins, where the team hopes to end their 5 game losing streak.
As I wrap this up, I leave you with my favorite reply of the night:
The more important question is: Will Andy wear shorts when he's coaching in San Diego next season? – Pat Dougherty
Bazinga!
Follow Andrew Gillen on Twitter @BIG_G_48
