Jim Johnson visits Sesame Street

It's time for the Eagles recap. Let's took a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly (injuries) for the "Battle of PA." Yesterday's 15-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers was a must win. Not because of standings, both the Giants and Cowboys are 3-0. It was a must win, because we needed to bounce back from last week's loss, to play another very good team. Losing this game could have put us in an aweful place (last in the NFC East).



The Eagles defense physically dominated the Steelers offense in every way possible. We held the Steelers to just 33 yards rushing on 19 attempts. We didn't just stop the run, we forced a team to abandon their running all together. "Fast" Willie Parker, who ran for 243 yards in the first 2 games of the season, was held to 20 yards on 13 carries. It's quite an accomplishment to take away the Steelers running game.

The Eagles controlled the passing game too. Jim Johnson sent blitz after blitz at Roethlisberger (13/25 for 131 yards, 1 INT, 2 fumbles), sacking him 9 times. The pressure came from everywhere. Johnson sent linebackers (Gaither 1.5 sacks), safeties (Dawkins 1 sack, 1 forced fumble), and let us not forget the defensive line. They were all over Ben for the entire game, forcing him to move all around.

Amidst all the sacks, the Eagles defense recovered 2 forced fumbles, made1 interception, and got a safety. The Eagles defense appears to be much improved in the takeaway column from a year ago.

On the other side of the ball the Eagles looked good in some areas, and not so good in others. Donovan McNabb completed 24 passes to 7 different receivers, but no one went over 100 yards receiving (Baskett 85, Buchalter 44, Jackson 40, Avant 24, Hunt 12, Booker 5, Lewis 4). To the credit of the Steelers they were able to get pressure on Donovan/Kolb, and forced 2 interceptions. After Brian Westbrook left the game with an ankle injury, Correll Buckhalter filled in nicely with 87 all purpose yards and the games only touchdown.

The Eagles won the game on both sides of the ball, but it wasn't a glamorous win by any stretch of the imagination. The Eagles sustained some injuries in yesterday's win. Donovan McNabb missed most of the opening drive of the second half, but did return. Westbrook is scheduled to have an MRI today, and we are all waiting to hear the outcome. McNabb and Westbrook were joined by: L.J. Smith (back), Tony Hunt (concussion), and Shawn Andrews did not play. A win is a win, and that is a good thing. Next week we face Kyle Orton (kneckbeard) and his Chicago Bears.

GO BIRDS!!!!!

These are some views from the other side of the Steel Curtain:

• OFTOT has just added some names to his list.



• She's only got one thing to say. [Hockey, Football, and Stiletto Shoes]

Quick Hits

Don't have a great deal of time today. On my way to a wedding in Long Island. Three cheers for open bar!

Here are some Philadelphia/Pittsburgh nuggets that are worth your time. Take it easy, and I'll see you on Saturday.

• Meeting People Is Easy[OFTOT].  I'm the only Eagles panelist, but you may have hear of the other 13 panelist. 
  
• It's the Mini Pony of the Day[PSAMP]. He's known as Tecmo, and he knows a thing or two about Pittsburgh Sports.S
• Apparently their are girls out there who know a thing or two about Stiletto. And Sports [Hockey, Football,and Stiletto Shoes].
• Week 3 Preview: Eagles vs. Steelers[Bleeding Green Nation].
• Ed Barkowitz presents 5 Minutes with Trent Cole[Philly.com].

GO BIRDS!!!!!!

Eagles vs. Steelers: A Battle for PA.

Two cities, Two blogs,

Two friends, One game. The winner retains some quasi-bragging rights over the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Bio: The voice of reason and Pittsburgh sports happens to the Chief and Editor of One For The Other Thumb, but most importantly is the fact the he's one of my best friends. He simply goes by the name Cotter (No Welcome Back jokes tolerated). We've decided to put on a little show here in light of the Steelers vs. Eagles week 3 matchup. We gave each other 5 questions. What you have below "Are the non-sensical ramblings of a man obsessed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, The Big Lebowski, and Lager...."

On with the show......

1. There have been numbering reports about Benny from the Block's shoulder injury (Sprained vs. Separated). Worst case scenario, how would this injury effect Sunday's game with the Eagles?

Whatever, man. Ben’s always nursing something. A shoulder, a knee, a concussion, a scorching case of herpes. I mean, he knows how to play through pain. Plus, we don’t ask him to throw too many bombs, especially when our deep threat San Antonio is also ailing. So I don’t think it’s going to have a huge impact. That said, it’s never good when your QB’s shoulder is sore during the 3rd week of the season. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little worried.

Oh and here’s your answer for #2 -

2.Scenario: You are a super hot chick in Pittsburgh, and you are looking to have some FUN (FUN=SEX). Who would make the better lover? Mike Tomlin, Dick LeBeau or Jeff Reed

I don't know. That sounds like a question for Domski. Personal reference and all...

3. So far the Steelers are 2 - 0, and the pregame show that you and Tecmo broadcast doesn't have a name. Coincidence, or good luck charm of for the 2008 campaign?

Now that you point it out, I’m gonna have to say - “good luck charm.” Two shows, two W’s. I’m a superstitious person. So it’s only natural I’d feel that way. I mean, our inconsequential 5 minute YouTube show probably doesn’t have much impact on the Steelers karmic state of affairs. But there’s a reason I wear the same exact clothes to watch every single Steelers game. Why would this be any different? Why mess with a good thing? And I use the term, “good” very loosely...

4. Who's the most indispensable player in the Steeler's defense, and Why?

Man, that’s a really tough question. I mean how does one evaluate indispensability? Speed? Toughness? Tackling ability? Four-square prowess? I guess I’d have to say Casey Hampton. It’s no secret that Big Snack is my favorite Steeler. And he’s most indispensable because without his ability to tie up two Offensive Lineman, most of the Steelers blitzes wouldn’t work nearly as well. There’s a reason why the Steelers picked him in the first round of the ‘01 draft – he’s a monster. 6’1,” 340/350. He eats Centers and Guards for lunch...hence the clever name. Plus, it is my professional opinion that he’d win the NFL Big Man Dance Challenge, hands down (link to - http://images.burntorangenation.com/images/admin/drunkcaseyhampton.jpg). Warren Sapp, who?

5. Steeler fans travel well all over the country. You have a significant number of fans located throughout the country too. If the Steelers are in town you are sure to see a plethora of terrible towels at the game. Shouldn't your shear numbers and terrible towels protect you from the "Roman Mob" that is Philadelphia?

Not even Chuck Norris could protect us from the Killadelphia “Roman Mobb” (whatever that means). Come on, man. I know how this works. Every Steeler jersey they see is going to draw not only boos, but also off color statements about injured players, cleverly calling Pittsburgh - “Shittsburgh,” and since there’s no snow yet, probably plastic bottles full of piss (fingers crossed that no one gets entrepreneurial and tries glass). I kid, I kid...well, kind of. In all seriousness, I’m sure there will be plenty of Black & Gold representatives at the game. Let’s just hope we can all treat each other with respect. If not, I’ve instructed Matt to bring an industrial strength taser for crowd control.

And there you have it. What makes a displaced Steelers fan tick. For those who may read this, and wonder what was meant by "The Roman Mob that is Philadelphia" I am referring to Veteran Stadium, and the inhabitants of the 700 Level. It bares a striking resemblence to the Roman Coliseum

"Are you not entertained? Isn't that why you are here?" For more adventures, go here.

Thanks is in order to my life long friend Cotter. His portrayal of the Immortal Silky Johnson are shockingly accurate. Here's to you my friend. I know you're not drinking!

GO BIRDS!!!!!!

Steagles

Hey guys, I have some observations from Friday nights game between the Eagles, and our PA bretheren Steelers. There were a few things that came out of the game. Brian Westbrook got his deal, and some grass stains. Did Brian Dawkins show his age? How did the offense look? DeSean Jackson: He's not just returning punts.

In the first quarter "Big" Ben hit Santonio Holmes with a quick hit, and he took it 19 yards to the house on Brian Dawkins. Was that an indication that Dawkins is over the hill? It was just one play. It was the first preseason game. I think that it is too early to tell. Dawkins gave Holmes the sideline, and he took full advantage of it. He took a bad position, and got exposed. Perhaps a few years ago Dawks could have chased him down, but he's a smart guy. I would be extremely suprised if that happens again.

On the brighter side of things. The Eagles first team offense looked good. McNabb completed passes to 6 different receivers for 97 yards, and a touchdown. The running game wasn't dominant, but it looked strong. What really stands out to me is that the first team offense was missing: Westbrook, Curtis, Brown, and Andrews.

Amidst the offense I had the opportunity to watch DeSean Jackson at receiver. He had 5 receptions for 51 yards, and played most of the game. What impressed me was his elusiveness. He definitely has the potential for being a big play receiver.