Where was the D???

[lawdog]

Thought they had maybe stumbled onto something on D last week so we could at least make a game of it. Of course, I didn't realize just how much the Eagles had improved their defense from last year either. I knew they were better, but our offense hasn't been shut down like that in years...

Oh well, didn't really think they'd get too far this year. They really need to spend some money and get a QUALITY linebacker or two in free agency. Another GOOD man coverage defensive back would help too (unless Irvin will be healthy and good then maybe they won't need this). I wouldn't mind another pass rusher too, maybe we trade Bennet for something...

Frustrating year again, flashes of brilliance but too many moments of the agony of defeat! AT LEAST WE ENDED THE PACKER'S SEASON, THAT'S SOMETHING GREAT TO REMEMBER!!!!!

[Stratosman]

I agree, we have got some horrible linebackers, I think all the touchdowns Philly had were when our linebackers were in coverage, throughout the entire season they gave up big plays because they cannot cover anyone. Philly exploited our weakness, that's what good teams do. And if anyone thinks offense wins Super Bowls, look at the remaining teams. Even the Colts couldn't win with the best offense of all time! I think the only team I can even remember winning based on offense was the Rams, but the had a pretty good defense at the time as well.

It goes to show, the fans like offense, but those fans will be watching other teams come the playoffs. I hope management get thier heads out of thier collective arses and make some moves to improve, I can't take another season like the last!

[james_walleye]

Dont forget the Defense was put behind the 8-ball in 2 of the 3 TD drives yesterday. The eagles had to only go 50 and 40 yards on those drives. The defense also stepped up time and time again in the 2nd half yesterday. They gave the offense the ball back time and time again in the 3rd quarter giving the offense plenty of opportunities too get the team back in the game. As we saw in the first game its extremely hard too drive the length of the field and punch it in on that defense. They seem too make that one big play along the line somewhere too put us in bad 3rd down situations. The announcers were right on when watching Trotter, as hard as he was coming on the run game the vikes should have been able too take advantage more of that. And they should have immediately in the game, it may have forced Trotter too be less aggressive. They vikes also should have taken more shots downfield. Robinson proved that you just dont have too take the shots too Moss either. Anyone see Burleson yesterday? That said you guys are right, our linebackers arent worth a dump in pass coverage and that has too be addressed.

[lawdog]

I agree the offense was stymied, but I don't know if I'd give too much of the credit for those stops to the D. They often came off Philly mistakes rather than our good D (like the fumble out of the endzone from the one foot line...). Our special teams hurt us too, you are right Philly had a couple short fields off punt/kick returns.

Looked like their D had Daunte pretty fooled with their running guys in and out of the box and messing up his reads. Also, didn't look like he could throw outside in the wind worth a hoot either...

[JIvers]

After last week's unexpected victory over the Packers, I suspected that the "defensive improvement" shown by the Vikings was more about Brett Favre and Mike Sherman's incompetence than any sudden breakthrough by the Viking defense. After yesterday, it looks like that was the case. Both teams made mistakes, but in the end the Eagles made fewer, and had more breaks go their way. The better team clearly won, so I have no complaint there. Andy Reid and his coaching staff also out-coached Mike Tice--the worst thing about the win over Green Bay is that it probably bought us another year of Coach Duh.

[james_walleye]

I believe the D only gave up 122 yards in the 2nd half. Thats very acceptable. The play that Mitchell lost the ball out of the endzone was very fortunate indeed. But remember that was the first play after an interception return too about our 35 yard line, another short field.