When you look at the game in retrospect, and I realize you cannot do this, because the other guys would have done different things if certain things had not happened, we did give them 2 TDs. The Marshall lateral and the ST TD by Sproles. Sproles TD was particularly infuriating because the punt was perfect, pinning him to the extreme sideline. Shoddy tackling. But without those we are in front. Hindsight is wonderful. And then Fitz blew some FG opportunities with Geno-like INTs. Shot ourselves in the foot big time. And it is true-a game like yesterday shows us the value of Ivory. He may not lead the league in yards gained but he is a tone setter in a game.
I knew there would be a ton of overreactionstoday from the lose, but here are a few level headed ( sober ) thoughts to pass onto you guys. First, now we know how important Ivory and Decker are to this team. Yesterday reminded me of the past few years of miserable offense. Memories of Greene rushing for 1 yard and Kerley getting no separation, no push from the o-line because the defense could key up on the short pass and the run. Trouble all around. People blaming fitz for the interceptions should watch the game. Did he force some throws? Yeah, did we have a working run game? Fuck No, down multiple scores = gotta push the ball. The pick off of Marshalls hands is what it is and the deep ball to smith in the endzone was more of smith being a rookie and not fighting for the ball and less on Fitz. Second: obviously Philly isn't as bad as all the critics were saying this week. The team looked disciplined, and played pretty much mistake free football. Ran the ball down our throats, made a huge play on special teams and moved the chains when they needed to. If Mathews does not drop that ball in the flat ( early in the 3rd quarter iirc ) he go's and scores and its a complete blowout from there on. Third: Our defense did not generate a ton of pressure. This I know will be a major disappointment to many, including myself, but it just shows us how important Richardson is to this d-line. Wilkerson is a "good" player, but he is not a "great" player. Never seen him take over a game and make a defense gameplan around his abilities, he does not have the same impact on the game as a lot of DE do, and therefore does not deserve the kings ransom he is demanding. Fourth: Its just an NFC game. If were going to goof ( first year HC remember ) lets do it early and against teams that will not effect tie breakers in the race for the playoffs. Resting Ivory and Decker was the right decision to make facing our first divisional opponent next week in London. Having all hands on deck against a hungry dolphins team will be necessary to move us 3-1 going into the bye.
