This was a game that was pegged as a possible Super Bowl preview when the NFL schedule was released, but the Philadelphia Eagles have not held up their end of the bargain. Underachieving play, combined with a recent rash of injuries had the Eagles looking at this game with the New England Patriots as a “must win” if they hope to dig themselves out of last place in the NFC East.
It looked promising as the Eagles jumped out to a 10-0 lead behind a couple deep passes from quarterback Vince Young along with some early pressures against Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady. It was short-lived, though, as the Patriots offense took control of the game and went on to score 38 of the next 41 points.
The Patriots move to 8-3 and remain in a heated battle for the top seed in the AFC. They will continue their cupcake second-half schedule against the Indianapolis Colts next week. For the Eagles it was yet another chapter in a tumultuous 2011 season, and the impatient Philadelphia crowd burst into “fire Andy” chants throughout the game. Such is life for Head Coach Andy Reid after an offseason where the Eagles picked up any available player they wanted. If he hopes to be around to make another draft day trade with Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick, the Eagles need to show some life in the last five games of the season.
New England – Three Performances of Note
Back to Form
After starting the season with a PFF record-setting performance, Tom Brady (+7.1) has gone through a bit of a slump, by his standards, in recent weeks. Speculation had ranged from a possible arm injury to the NFL finally catching up to the Patriots’ offensive scheme. Sure, Brady may have been hiding something behind the tennis elbow strap he had worn since Week 8, and teams have certainly had some success playing press man coverage on the Patriots’ receivers, but Brady was back to his early-season form on Sunday. Perhaps the biggest difference in this game was how Brady handled pressure. After completing 42% of his passes when pressured in his last four games, he went7-for-9 for 146 yards and a +3.5 grade in such situations this week. It was vintage Brady as he sidestepped defensive end Trent Cole, redirected wide receiver Deion Branch, and fired a strike to hit him in stride for a 65-yard gain that set up the Patriots’ first touchdown. If there were any questions about his arm, he put them to rest by zipping a beautiful throw to tight end Rob Gronkowski between two defenders for a touchdown. For good measure, Brady decided to show his versatility by picking up a +1.5 Run grade, although the turf at Lincoln Financial Field needs repair after his poor sliding display. It’s tough to call a Week 12 game against a 4-6 team a “breakout” game, but Brady’s pocket presence and velocity throwing the ball are a very good sign as the Patriots get ready for the stretch run.
Playing Injured?
Playing with injury is a necessity in the NFL, but it may have hindered left tackle Matt Light’s performance. He was shaken up late in last week’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and this was easily his worst game of the season as his -5.4 grade attests. He had issues in all aspects, but his poor pass blocking was particularly alarming early in the game. Light gave up three QB hits and three pressures, most coming at the hands of defensive end Trent Cole. Cole beat Light on the outside rush at the 7:05 mark in the first quarter and came back two plays later to sneak inside Light and force a quick throw from Brady. It wasn’t much better in the running game as Light was unable to control safety Kurt Coleman at the second level at the 3:27 mark in the first quarter. Light’s struggles continued throughout the game until the fourth quarter when he picked up his first positive block on a screen pass. Whether injured or not, it was a day to forget for Light who now must turn his attention to Dwight Freeney next week.
Tight Ends Come Through Again
In a week where the stats show a rejuvenated wide receiver corps, the Patriots' tight ends continued their stellar play. When Brady threw their way, the ball did not hit the ground as TEs Rob Gronkowski (+4.6) and Aaron Hernandez combined for 10 catches on 10 attempts for 121 yards and a touchdown. Gronkowski is finally getting his due around the league, and this game was a great example of his all-around play. The league-wide tight end debate has generally centered on Gronkowski and another second-year player in Jimmy Graham of the New Orleans Saints, and while they are both incredible weapons in the passing game, it is Gronkowski’s blocking that sets him apart at the position. He set the edge nicely, despite the unsuccessful result on the direct snap to running back Danny Woodhead with 3:53 to go in the third quarter. Perhaps the most underrated aspect of Gronkowski’s game is his ability to pick up yards after the catch. He now has 413 Yards After Catch, 99 more than any other tight end and second in the entire NFL behind teammate WR Wes Welker.
Hernandez usually makes his impact in the passing game and he graded at +2.7 in this game. Defenses have completely given up on covering Hernandez with linebackers and safeties and he is a big reason why the Patriots have now seen a nickel or dime defense on 79% of snaps over the last seven games. Like Gronkowski, he can turn the short pass into a big gain and he forced three missed tackles while picking up 59 of his 62 yards after the catch. The Patriots’ tight ends remain some of the most difficult matchups for defensive coordinators around the league.
Philadelphia – Three Performances of Note
Replacing Nnamdi and DRC
Perhaps the biggest issue with everyone’s preseason love for the Eagles is that winning in the NFL often comes down to depth as much as it does the play of superstars. The Eagles found this out the hard way on Sunday. With cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie out, and fellow CB Nnamdi Asomugha limited to playing only dime situations (20 snaps), the Eagles turned to CBs Joselio Hanson (-3.9) and Brandon Hughes (-2.6). Hanson has had success in the past, but he’s played sparingly this year and his 76 snaps were a season high. He covered the slot in nickel situations and struggled in coverage on WR Wes Welker. For Hughes, it was his first extended action of the season as he had only played four snaps coming into the game. He was the culprit on the aforementioned big gain to Branch as he lost track of him during the scramble drill. On the day, Hughes allowed four of seven passes to be completed for 97 yards, including one drop. If the Eagles ever hope to take advantage of their talented roster, they will need better play from their role players and backups.
It Wasn’t Just the Cornerbacks
The Eagles’ secondary was so bad, they get two sections dedicated to their lousy play. Free safety Nate Allen (-5.2) had a miserable day, particularly in the second quarter. It started at the 14:08 mark as he looked completely lost in coverage, but was bailed out by a dropped pass by wide open WR Tiquan Underwood. The very next play was the big pass to Deion Branch where Allen wasn’t directly responsible in coverage, but he did over pursue the play trying to track him down. Fast forward to the 7:15 mark and Allen pulled out his worst play of the game on a play action pass where he was caught looking into the backfield. Wes Welker ran a nifty double move, faking the deep dig before breaking it deep. With Allen way out of position, it was an easy 41-yard pitch-and-catch for Brady and Welker. Topping off Allen’s worst day as a pro was his late arrival on Brady’s touchdown pass to Gronkowski with 8:42 to go in the fourth quarter. On a day where the cornerbacks needed all the help they could get, Allen was unable to come through.
Best in the League?
It feels like a down year for offensive tackle play, but LT Jason Peters (+2.3) has started to separate himself in recent weeks. He’s been dominant since Week 8, allowing a mere 4 QB Pressures in that time. On Sunday, Peters cooled-off DE Andre Carter who had been on a pass-rushing tear coming into the game, holding him to just two pressures in their 36 matchups. While Peters did not have a lot of signature blocks in this game, playing left tackle is about keeping the quarterback clean and Peters is doing this as well as any in the league. He is now fourth in the league in our Signature Stat Pass Blocking Efficiency (PBE) at 96.7 and his +20.5 overall grade is tops among all tackles.
Game Notes
– The Patriots sent only 14 blitzes on Vince Young’s 56 dropbacks, but Young was only 3-for-13 for 8 yards and a -4.5 grade on those plays.
– Eagles safety Kurt Coleman made a game high 11 tackles, but he also missed four.
– WR/DB Julian Edelman played 23 snaps at WR and 16 snaps in nickel and dime defenses. He also returned two punts.
PFF Game Ball
Tom Brady played his best football in weeks, showing great mobility in the pocket while firing passes with authority.
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