Opening weekend in the NFL is a time of excitement and hope for teams and fans alike, but while the game between the Eagles and Browns was exciting, it hardly offered much hope for fans of either team. A game filled with turnovers and penalties, it will ultimately be known for terrible quarterback play on both sides. The Eagles ended up snatching a victory from the Browns late in the game, but many of the same issues that haunted the Eagles last year showed up again on Sunday. There is some hope, however, that the momentum gained in the fourth quarter will carry over into future weeks.
Credit does need to go to both the Browns and Eagles defenses that played very well and made life hard for the opposing quarterbacks. The Browns' defense gave up a ton of yards, but managed to make big plays when needed, including five turnovers. The Eagles' defense did a great job harassing rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden, and kept the Browns out of the end zone all game, despite being forced to defend a short field on multiple occasions.
On the day known as ‘Overreaction Monday' it is important not to go overboard because of one game, but there are some things we should take away from this opener.
Philadelphia- Three Performances of Note
The Michael Vick Experience
The talk all offseason was about Michael Vick staying healthy and avoiding unnecessary hits. After Week 1, there is a new concern with Vick and that is his lack of ball security. He was intercepted four times and looked off for most of the game. His struggles were most apparent when under pressure–he completed only 31.8% of such passes and had a -7.1 rating when under pressure. When he had time to throw, he completed 64.7% of his passes with a +0.1 rating. Vick seemed out of rhythm most of the game and was late making reads and unloading the ball. Only taking 12 preseason snaps may have contributed to his lack of timing. As poor as Vick was for most of the game, (-9.2 overall), he did engineer an impressive game-winning drive.
Breakout for DRC
Last season the Eagles were unsure how to use Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and he appeared lost for most of 2011. Now he is back starting on the outside and a breakout season is underway. DRC was fantastic yesterday, and allowed only one reception for a meager twelve yards while being thrown at seven times. Even more impressive is that Rodgers-Cromartie had two interceptions, which means he caught more balls than the receivers he was covering. The Eagles' defense was solid all day and DRC led the way with an overall grade of +5.1 and a mark of +4.7 in pass coverage. There were flashes of brilliance last season, but with Rodgers-Cromartie now playing in a defensive style that supports his freakish athletic ability, 2012 could be special.
Wide-9 Difference
Last season teams attacked the middle of the Eagles' defense and the gaps created by the Wide-9 alignment. The scheme was under scrutiny for most of 2011, but after one game with DeMeco Ryans at middle linebacker it became apparent that the scheme works with the proper personnel. Ryans was all over the field, playing 60 of 62 snaps and leading the team in tackles. His performance garnered a +1.8 overall, but the more important grade was his +2.3 in run defense. If he can continue to be the force in the middle that he was in Week 1, the Eagles' pass rushers will thrive on an increase in 3rd-and-long situations.
Cleveland- Three Performances of Note
Not out of the Weeden
It was a rough NFL debut for Brandon Weeden that began when he got trapped under the American flag during the National Anthem. Little did Weeden know that his receivers would be just as covered during the game as he was by the flag. Making matters worse, on the few opportunities he did have to find a receiver, he was off target. He finished the day with four interceptions (not all of which were totally his fault) and an overall grade of -9.4. His main struggle came getting the ball down the field, as he failed to complete a throw more than 10 yards from the line of scrimmage. He also only completed two passes outside of the hash marks, which was partly due to the lack of separation his receivers had from coverage. It will be interesting to see how the 28-year-old rookie responds next week.
No Protection
Part of the problem that led to Weeden’s terrible day was the constant pressure he was under. One of the key matchups in the game was Mitchell Schwartz going against Jason Babin. Predictably, the rookie right tackle struggled to slow Babin down and finished with a -4.7 overall grade and a -2.9 pass block grade. Both offensive guards struggled to handle the Eagles' defensive tackles in pass protection too. Shawn Lauvao (-2.4) and Jason Pinkston (-1.4) will both need to be much better if Weeden is to get a chance to develop.
Dominating Defense
The shock of the day came from the Browns' defense that stifled a potent pass attack and was superb in pass coverage. The Browns picked off four passes, three by linebackers, and were stout in coverage all day. Even on the balls that were completed, the Browns' coverage was very tight; going against some of the most explosive weapons in the league. Joe Haden shadowed Desean Jackson for most of the day and was very solid in coverage, intercepting a pass and ending the day with a +1.8 coverage grade.
Game Notes
• The Eagles used a defensive line rotation that had seven players get 20 or more snaps and none getting more than 42.
• The Browns' defense was on the field for an astonishing 95 plays. Haden, Eric Hagg and D’Qwell Jackson played all of them.
• Eagles punter Chas Henry was an unexpected hero, punting six times and averaging 55.0 yards per punt
Game Ball
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. It has to go to an Eagles defender and DRC was a standout with two picks and suffocating coverage all day. This could be the start of a special season for him.
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