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10-27-2005, 08:12 PM
PREPARING YOU FOR GAME TIME
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ESPN.com OFFICIAL PREVIEW
Eagles go for AFC West sweep
DENVER (Ticker) -- Despite their offensive inconsistency, the Philadelphia Eagles can complete a sweep of the AFC West division on Sunday when they meet the Denver Broncos.
Philadelphia has victories over AFC West foes Oakland, Kansas City and San Diego.
Last week, coach Andy Reid again showed a complete disregard for the running game but the Eagles escaped with a 20-17 victory over the Chargers when Matt Ware returned a blocked field goal 65 yards for a touchdown with 2:25 remaining.
Against the Chargers, Donovan McNabb completed 35-of-54 passes for 287 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. He has attempted at least 45 passes in four of six games.
Since Reid has refused to commit to running the football, the Eagles are last in the league in rushing offense, averaging 57.5 yards. The Eagles have thrown the ball 268 times, compared to just 102 running plays.
Reid again may be in a throwing mood since the Broncos rank 26th in the NFL in passing defense.
Philadelphia, which ranks 12th in total offense, has scored just one offensive touchdown in its last two games.
The Broncos are facing an NFC East opponent for the second straight week after having their five-game winning streak stopped last Sunday with a 24-23 loss to the New York Giants.
It was a disappointing loss for the Broncos since they dominated much of the game before squandering a 23-10 lead in the second half. Mike Anderson rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown and Jake Plummer completed 18-of-29 passes for 194 yards and a score last week.
Plummer, who used to face the Eagles twice a season while he was with Arizona, has thrown for 2,012 yards in 11 games against them, his highest total against any opponent. He is 6-4 in 10 starts against the Eagles.
Matchup to watch: Eagles Pro Bowl wide receiver Terrell Owens, who caught his 100th career touchdown pass last week, against Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey.
Series: The Eagles lead, 6-3. The teams have not met since 1988.
Next week: Philadelphia visits Washington, November 6; Denver has its bye
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NFL.COM OFFICIAL PREVIEW
Philadelphia at Denver
NFL.com wire reports
Matchup Breakdown | Game Notes
(Oct. 26, 2005) -- Maybe running the ball effectively isn't something the Philadelphia Eagles need to do as long as they prevent the opposition from doing it.
After shutting down arguably the NFL's best running back, the Eagles try to hold one of the league's most potent rushing attacks in check when they visit the Denver Broncos.
Coach Andy Reid's refusal to call more rushing plays has made opposing defenses focus that much more on Donovan McNabb and the passing game, resulting in two straight unimpressive performances from the Eagles offense.
The first of those games was a 33-10 loss to Dallas in Week 5, and the bye week did not make Reid alter his game plan because McNabb set an Eagles record with 35 completions in 54 attempts last Sunday as Philadelphia escaped with a 20-17 win over San Diego.
"You need to balance it up a little more. We are a little too heavy with the passing," Reid said.
Philadelphia pulled off the win thanks to Quintin Mikell 's blocked field-goal attempt, which was returned 65 yards for the game-winning touchdown by Matt Ware with 2:25 to play. The Chargers drove to the Eagles' 19 on the ensuing possession, but cornerback Sheldon Brown stripped San Diego receiver Reche Caldwell, and defensive tackle Darwin Walker recovered.
While the play on special teams saved the day, the Eagles never would have won if not for their run defense.LaDainian Tomlinson was held to a career-low 7 yards on 17 carries, and had his NFL record-tying streak of games with a touchdown stopped at 18.
Philadelphia knows stopping the run will be just as critical this week, facing a Broncos team which is second in the NFL with 158.7 yards per game.
Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell make Denver the only team with two players to have rushed for at least 450 yards. Anderson tops the team with 478, and Bell has 455, including 301 on just 33 attempts in the past three games.
"Those guys run downhill and each guy presents a different challenge for us, but they both run hard and both can break tackles," Eagles safety Brian Dawkins said. "It's going to be a physical game. This is a team that certainly sticks behind the run."
Philadelphia certainly doesn't.
The Eagles offense had 10 rushing attempts last week, excluding McNabb's scrambles and kneel-downs. Despite all of his pass attempts, McNabb threw for just 287 yards and one touchdown as he often settled for short throws.
Leading rusher Brian Westbrook had as many carries, 10, as he did receptions. Though he leads all NFL running backs with 35 catches and 367 receiving yards, Westbrook is averaging just 10.8 carries and 42.7 rushing yards per game.
In the last four games, he's run 25 times for 52 yards and has not scored a touchdown.
"You have to run the ball, you definitely do," McNabb said. "When you get into a rhythm you have to stay with what's working. It's going to get better as this season continues on. It's only been six games."
This might not be an ideal time for Reid to change things up.
The Broncos own the league's fifth-best run defense, allowing 89.6 yards per game. Meanwhile, they're 26th against the pass and their eight sacks -- none in the last three games -- are tied for fewest in the NFL with Cleveland.
"If you really studied the film, you'd feel pretty good about our rush," Denver coach Mike Shanahan insisted. "Obviously, you'd want more sacks. If you studied our guys and how hard they're working, those sacks will come."
Denver had a five-game winning streak snapped last week, losing 24-23 to the New York Giants on Eli Manning's 2-yard touchdown pass with 5 seconds left.
The Broncos blew a 23-10 lead in the fourth quarter. They've been outscored 68-29 in the final period this season.
"Hopefully, we've got the same opportunity next week," Shanahan said. "I'm hoping that we're up by 14, 21 points so I can find out if my words of wisdom have sunk in or not. That's the problem I want."
STANDINGS: Eagles - 1st place (tied), NFC East. Broncos - 1st place, AFC West.
EAGLES LEADERS: Offense - McNabb, 1,751 passing yards and 12 passing TDs; Westbrook, 256 rushing yards; Westbrook and Lamar Gordon, 1 rushing TD; Terrell Owens, 44 receptions, 609 receiving yards and 5 receiving TDs. Defense - Dawkins and Darwin Walker, 2 1/2 sacks; Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown, 2 INTs.
BRONCOS LEADERS: Offense - Jake Plummer, 1,335 passing yards and 8 passing TDs; Anderson, 478 rushing yards; Anderson and Bell, 3 rushing TDs; Rod Smith, 37 receptions and 483 receiving yards; Kyle Johnson, 3 receiving TDs. Defense - Gerard Warren, 2 sacks; Champ Bailey, 3 interceptions.
EAGLES TEAM RANK: Rushing Offense - 57.5 yards per game (32nd in NFL); Passing Offense - 299.7 ypg (1st); Total Offense - 357.2 ypg (7th). Rushing Defense - 101.8 ypg (T-10th); Passing Defense - 219.2 ypg (22nd); Total Defense - 321.0 ypg (20th).
BRONCOS TEAM RANK: Rushing Offense - 158.7 yards per game (2nd); Passing Offense - 181.4 ypg (25th); Total Offense - 340.1 ypg (13th). Rushing Defense - 89.6 ypg (5th); Passing Defense - 240.6 ypg (26th); Total Defense - 330.1 ypg (22nd).
LAST MEETING: Oct. 4, 1998; Broncos, 41-16. At Denver, Terrell Davis rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns, and ex-Eagle Bubby Brister threw for four TDs.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Eagles - McNabb's 1,751 passing yards are two fewer than his total through six games last season, but he has 41 more attempts. ... WR Owens is tied for the league lead with 44 receptions but is averaging just 8.6 yards per catch over the last two games, compared to 15.8 during Weeks 1-4. ... K Jose Cortez was claimed off waivers from Dallas and will take over for Todd France, who was released. K David Akers (hamstring) is expected to return in the next few weeks. Broncos - K Jason Elam has missed six field-goal attempts, one more than all of last season and two more than in 2003... Under Shanahan, the Broncos are 17-4 at home against NFC opponents. ... WR Smith needs one TD to tie Davis for the most in team history with 65.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Eagles - 1-2 on the road; Broncos - 4-0 at home.
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minibronco's PHI@DEN SUPER PREVIEW!!!!
minibronco’s SUPER PHI@DEN PREVIEW
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ESPN.com OFFICIAL PREVIEW
Eagles go for AFC West sweep
DENVER (Ticker) -- Despite their offensive inconsistency, the Philadelphia Eagles can complete a sweep of the AFC West division on Sunday when they meet the Denver Broncos.
Philadelphia has victories over AFC West foes Oakland, Kansas City and San Diego.
Last week, coach Andy Reid again showed a complete disregard for the running game but the Eagles escaped with a 20-17 victory over the Chargers when Matt Ware returned a blocked field goal 65 yards for a touchdown with 2:25 remaining.
Against the Chargers, Donovan McNabb completed 35-of-54 passes for 287 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. He has attempted at least 45 passes in four of six games.
Since Reid has refused to commit to running the football, the Eagles are last in the league in rushing offense, averaging 57.5 yards. The Eagles have thrown the ball 268 times, compared to just 102 running plays.
Reid again may be in a throwing mood since the Broncos rank 26th in the NFL in passing defense.
Philadelphia, which ranks 12th in total offense, has scored just one offensive touchdown in its last two games.
The Broncos are facing an NFC East opponent for the second straight week after having their five-game winning streak stopped last Sunday with a 24-23 loss to the New York Giants.
It was a disappointing loss for the Broncos since they dominated much of the game before squandering a 23-10 lead in the second half. Mike Anderson rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown and Jake Plummer completed 18-of-29 passes for 194 yards and a score last week.
Plummer, who used to face the Eagles twice a season while he was with Arizona, has thrown for 2,012 yards in 11 games against them, his highest total against any opponent. He is 6-4 in 10 starts against the Eagles.
Matchup to watch: Eagles Pro Bowl wide receiver Terrell Owens, who caught his 100th career touchdown pass last week, against Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey.
Series: The Eagles lead, 6-3. The teams have not met since 1988.
Next week: Philadelphia visits Washington, November 6; Denver has its bye
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NFL.COM OFFICIAL PREVIEW
Philadelphia at Denver
NFL.com wire reports
Matchup Breakdown | Game Notes
(Oct. 26, 2005) -- Maybe running the ball effectively isn't something the Philadelphia Eagles need to do as long as they prevent the opposition from doing it.
After shutting down arguably the NFL's best running back, the Eagles try to hold one of the league's most potent rushing attacks in check when they visit the Denver Broncos.
Coach Andy Reid's refusal to call more rushing plays has made opposing defenses focus that much more on Donovan McNabb and the passing game, resulting in two straight unimpressive performances from the Eagles offense.
The first of those games was a 33-10 loss to Dallas in Week 5, and the bye week did not make Reid alter his game plan because McNabb set an Eagles record with 35 completions in 54 attempts last Sunday as Philadelphia escaped with a 20-17 win over San Diego.
"You need to balance it up a little more. We are a little too heavy with the passing," Reid said.
Philadelphia pulled off the win thanks to Quintin Mikell 's blocked field-goal attempt, which was returned 65 yards for the game-winning touchdown by Matt Ware with 2:25 to play. The Chargers drove to the Eagles' 19 on the ensuing possession, but cornerback Sheldon Brown stripped San Diego receiver Reche Caldwell, and defensive tackle Darwin Walker recovered.
While the play on special teams saved the day, the Eagles never would have won if not for their run defense.LaDainian Tomlinson was held to a career-low 7 yards on 17 carries, and had his NFL record-tying streak of games with a touchdown stopped at 18.
Philadelphia knows stopping the run will be just as critical this week, facing a Broncos team which is second in the NFL with 158.7 yards per game.
Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell make Denver the only team with two players to have rushed for at least 450 yards. Anderson tops the team with 478, and Bell has 455, including 301 on just 33 attempts in the past three games.
"Those guys run downhill and each guy presents a different challenge for us, but they both run hard and both can break tackles," Eagles safety Brian Dawkins said. "It's going to be a physical game. This is a team that certainly sticks behind the run."
Philadelphia certainly doesn't.
The Eagles offense had 10 rushing attempts last week, excluding McNabb's scrambles and kneel-downs. Despite all of his pass attempts, McNabb threw for just 287 yards and one touchdown as he often settled for short throws.
Leading rusher Brian Westbrook had as many carries, 10, as he did receptions. Though he leads all NFL running backs with 35 catches and 367 receiving yards, Westbrook is averaging just 10.8 carries and 42.7 rushing yards per game.
In the last four games, he's run 25 times for 52 yards and has not scored a touchdown.
"You have to run the ball, you definitely do," McNabb said. "When you get into a rhythm you have to stay with what's working. It's going to get better as this season continues on. It's only been six games."
This might not be an ideal time for Reid to change things up.
The Broncos own the league's fifth-best run defense, allowing 89.6 yards per game. Meanwhile, they're 26th against the pass and their eight sacks -- none in the last three games -- are tied for fewest in the NFL with Cleveland.
"If you really studied the film, you'd feel pretty good about our rush," Denver coach Mike Shanahan insisted. "Obviously, you'd want more sacks. If you studied our guys and how hard they're working, those sacks will come."
Denver had a five-game winning streak snapped last week, losing 24-23 to the New York Giants on Eli Manning's 2-yard touchdown pass with 5 seconds left.
The Broncos blew a 23-10 lead in the fourth quarter. They've been outscored 68-29 in the final period this season.
"Hopefully, we've got the same opportunity next week," Shanahan said. "I'm hoping that we're up by 14, 21 points so I can find out if my words of wisdom have sunk in or not. That's the problem I want."
STANDINGS: Eagles - 1st place (tied), NFC East. Broncos - 1st place, AFC West.
EAGLES LEADERS: Offense - McNabb, 1,751 passing yards and 12 passing TDs; Westbrook, 256 rushing yards; Westbrook and Lamar Gordon, 1 rushing TD; Terrell Owens, 44 receptions, 609 receiving yards and 5 receiving TDs. Defense - Dawkins and Darwin Walker, 2 1/2 sacks; Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown, 2 INTs.
BRONCOS LEADERS: Offense - Jake Plummer, 1,335 passing yards and 8 passing TDs; Anderson, 478 rushing yards; Anderson and Bell, 3 rushing TDs; Rod Smith, 37 receptions and 483 receiving yards; Kyle Johnson, 3 receiving TDs. Defense - Gerard Warren, 2 sacks; Champ Bailey, 3 interceptions.
EAGLES TEAM RANK: Rushing Offense - 57.5 yards per game (32nd in NFL); Passing Offense - 299.7 ypg (1st); Total Offense - 357.2 ypg (7th). Rushing Defense - 101.8 ypg (T-10th); Passing Defense - 219.2 ypg (22nd); Total Defense - 321.0 ypg (20th).
BRONCOS TEAM RANK: Rushing Offense - 158.7 yards per game (2nd); Passing Offense - 181.4 ypg (25th); Total Offense - 340.1 ypg (13th). Rushing Defense - 89.6 ypg (5th); Passing Defense - 240.6 ypg (26th); Total Defense - 330.1 ypg (22nd).
LAST MEETING: Oct. 4, 1998; Broncos, 41-16. At Denver, Terrell Davis rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns, and ex-Eagle Bubby Brister threw for four TDs.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Eagles - McNabb's 1,751 passing yards are two fewer than his total through six games last season, but he has 41 more attempts. ... WR Owens is tied for the league lead with 44 receptions but is averaging just 8.6 yards per catch over the last two games, compared to 15.8 during Weeks 1-4. ... K Jose Cortez was claimed off waivers from Dallas and will take over for Todd France, who was released. K David Akers (hamstring) is expected to return in the next few weeks. Broncos - K Jason Elam has missed six field-goal attempts, one more than all of last season and two more than in 2003... Under Shanahan, the Broncos are 17-4 at home against NFC opponents. ... WR Smith needs one TD to tie Davis for the most in team history with 65.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Eagles - 1-2 on the road; Broncos - 4-0 at home.
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