Just when you thought the Eagles were ready to join the elite of the
NFL which includes both the Rams and Raiders, the Eagles got an old
fashion whipping at the hands of the visiting Oakland Raiders. Despite
the loss, the Eagles remain in first at 3-3 thanks to the Redskins victory
over the Giants, 35-21. The Eagles only touchdown came late in the forth
quarter with game already but decided. The Raiders ran for 202 yards,
including 135 in the second half when the Eagles needed some time of
possession. The Raiders won that too, 40 minutes to 20. Donovan McNabb
finished the game with one of his worst games of his early career -
12 for 27 for 133 yards 4 sacks. Donovan only converted on one of 11
third downs too. The starting receivers combined for 2 receptions and 9
measely yards.
The Raiders started off quickly, but did not score their first touchdown
until the end of the first quarter. Charlie Garner dove into the endzone
with 28 seconds left to make it 7-0. The Eagles defense gave up yard after
yard, but the Raiders only held a 10-3 lead going into half. More of the same
in the second half, as this time the Raiders ran the ball more and controlled
the clock from start to finish. The Raiders pass defense was relentless all
day led by former Eagle Eric Allen and Charles Woodson on the corners. On the
defensive line, Hugh Douglas was held sackless by Barry Sims and the only Eagles
sack on the day was by linebacker Mike Caldwell. The Eagles' starting defensive
line now has only 1 sack in the last 3 games. The big play against the Eagles
defense came late in the 3rd quarter on slant pass to Jerry Rice that went
for 32 yards. On the next play, Charlie Garner ran for 22 yards down to the
Eagles 5 yard line. Soon afterwards, Zack Crockett scored from the 1 yard line.
That made it 17-3 and basically sealed the victory for Oakland, though there
was over a quarter left.
Donovan McNabb just did not get on track today, but give Oakland's pass
defense credit. They did not allow Donovan McNabb to get on track as
their relentless pressure and coverage caused incompetion after
incompletion. His receivers did not help much, as they dropped a many
a pass on day too. And when they were open, the pass only went for a
few yards gain. The Eagles only had 11 first downs on the game, while Oakland
wracked up 22 all told. McNabb did scramble six times for 30 yards, but those
runs were mostly too little, and far too late, coming after the pocket had
collapsed and the Raiders were always there to keep Donovan contained
for very short gains. Well, the Philadelphia Eagles are a young team and
will have games like this, but hopefully Donovan McNabb will have many
more games where he is the star instead of downers like this. Remember, he
is only in his third year and really only his second as the starter and
main guy. Duce Staley is just getting healthy again and his 3 receivers
have a combined 6 years in the league. It only can get better for
Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles.
