The question coming into Sunday's Eagles vs. Cardinals game was who was going to steal the spotlight, Michael Vick or Kevin Kolb? The story leaving the game for Eagles fans..."What the heck just happened?"
"It is going to be a long year", many Eagles fans were thinking after watching Sundays 27-6 loss at Arizona. If this squad expects to have a deep playoff run and ultimately a chance at their first Superbowl title, the first thing that must stop is the amount of turnovers per game.
On the day, the Eagles coughed up three fumbles, one of which resulted in a 93 yard fumble return to end the first half and kill the Philadelphia momentum. With another three turnovers on Sunday, the Eagles now have 12 turnovers through their first three games of 2012. The last time the Eagles had 12 turnovers in their first three games was in 1977, when they finished with a 5-9 record, according to ESPN.
On a slightly sarcastic and positive note, Michael Vick left Sunday's game without an interception for the first game this season. Although it is clear that Vick did not have his greatest of games Sunday, I will not credit the loss entirely to the franchise quarterback.
With each offensive snap, Philadelphia's offensive line seemed to fall like the Berlin Wall. Michael Vick spent more time on his back against Arizona than a flipped over turtle, as he was sacked five times in the game, and hit hard after most of the passes he made. And along with the terrible line offensive line play came terrible play calls.
Early in the game, it was clear that the Cardinals, led by wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Kevin Kolb, would have much of the offensive momentum in the game. But what was unclear was many of the poor offensive play calling on third down plays by the Eagles.
I clearly remember one play, which was a 3rd and 20 for the Eagles. Although I do not remember the exact situation, I do remember that the play call on 3rd down was a run to LeSean McCoy. The play resulted in no gain and ultimately defined the afternoon for Philadelphia.
If the Eagles want not only to win the division but also live up to their sky high 2012 expectations, the turnovers must be reduced, the defense must stay with receivers (ex. Nnamdi Asomugha vs. Larry Fitzgerald) and the play calling must change before the coaching staff does.
The next match-up for the Eagles will be Sunday, Sept. 30 at 8:20 against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. In their past eight meetings dating back to the 2008 season against New York, the Eagles have won seven of those games.
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