Anthony Mazziotti
I can count two (!!) members of the national media that chose the Eagles to beat the Falcons at home. Tony Dungy and Dan Graziano. That’s two out of eighteen people asked.
I’m getting a lot of love in the Philly airport this morning because I picked the Eagles. But this team has been playing together and with heart all year. And they have some really talented players. Don’t know why everyone was discounting that? pic.twitter.com/65kzQ9fo4j
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) January 14, 2018
Good lawd!! 1 out of 16 ain’t bad ?? pic.twitter.com/ukouELGlkS
— PhillyInfluencer.com (@Sean_Brace) January 14, 2018
Not pictured was Rodney Harrison picking the Falcons in the pre-game show.
I can see how some people would like the Falcons in this game. They were fresh off a big win in the Wild Card round where they held the number one offense in the NFL to 13 points. They have a fast defense with a hot hand. Their offense contains a handful of Pro Bowlers including last season’s MVP (Matt Ryan), and a consensus top-two receiver in football (Julio Jones), and one of the best running back tandems in the league (Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman). But 16 out of 18 people? That’s straight up disrespect and negligence on the part of those analysts. Let me break it down for you.
The Eagles defense, in the last three home games leading up to their playoff game against the Falcons, allowed a total of 19 points. That’s three points against the Bears, ten points against the Raiders, and six points against the Cowboys. I know, the Bears were a bad football team, but the Birds held them to three points and 153 total yards. Against the Raiders, a team with a capable offense, the Birds’ defense held them to 277 yards and ten points. Finally, the Cowboys only managed six points on 308 total yards of offense. That’s shut down defense no matter how you slice it.
Take this into consideration as well, the Eagles have the best home record at home since Doug Pederson took control of the team.
The Eagles have a 14-3 record at home under HC Doug Pederson. Best home record in the NFL over the last two seasons (including playoffs).
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) January 14, 2018
With that knowledge and a track record of winning at home, I don’t know why the Eagles are getting disrespected by the national media. At any rate, not many people thought the Eagles could defend their turf.
Enter the Falcons, favored by anywhere between 2.5-3.5 points, with all the weapons I mentioned above. What did the Eagles defense do? Just held an explosive offense to 296 yards and ten points. They scored ten points off the Eagles two turnovers. The first three after a bad Jay Ajayi fumble, the second seven after a punt bounced off the heel of Rasul Douglas, Patrick Robinson’s foot, and Bryan Braman’s back. Then the Falcons were gifted an unsportsmanlike conduct (which I ever-so highly disagreed with), to give them a first and goal.
What is Rodney McLeod supposed to do? pic.twitter.com/G6N8feQGTE
— The Bitter Birds (@AdrianFedkiw) January 13, 2018
Later that drive Matt Ryan escaped the grasp of Derek Barnett to toss Devonta Freeman the ball into the endzone.
This Eagles defense is real. They are damn good and they play even better in South Philly.
Inhale. Exhale.
Doug Pederson and his coaching staff deserve all the credit in the world for creating a strong united locker room. Credit to Howie Roseman and Joe Douglas as well for bringing in talented players for the coaches. Dougie P has been the best coach in football all season long. He is getting the best out of his players, he is creating (and winning) mismatches with his offense, his game plans have been borderline flawless all season long. He got the best out of Nick Foles, just like he said he would. Yet he, and his team are still getting no respect or love from the national (and sometimes local) media.
.@RealMikeRob doesn’t need to wait until next Sunday ??
?: @NFLGameDay Morning pic.twitter.com/QaIi99yXsQ
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 14, 2018
While this is insanely disrespectful to an Eagles team that is known to be damn good at home, I guarantee this won’t phase Pederson or this Eagles team. They’ve been counted out and discarded for weeks now. This isn’t anything new.
Go ahead and doubt us. pic.twitter.com/0CNhvBdA7d
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) January 14, 2018
THAT’S. MY. COACH. They keep adding fuel to the fire. Even without Carson Wentz the Eagles are still one of, if not the, best team in the league, just like Pederson said.
“If you don’t believe it yet, man, go home.”#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/9Nn6rmesxA
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 14, 2018
Embrace the disrespect, it’s gonna keep on coming. The Eagles players, lead by Malcolm Jenkins have been saying it all season long. We all we got, we all we need. Fly. Eagles. Fly.
You can follow Anthony Mazziotti on Twitter (@AntMazziotti) and e-mail him at [email protected]. Follow Philly Influencer on Twitter (@PHL_Influencer), Facebook and Instagram.