For the second consecutive season, a pedigreed group in green is expected to survive deep into January.
For the second consecutive season, a pedigreed group in green looked lousy in its opener, on the road, against a pathetic opponent.
Both times, they won.
Neither time, should it matter.
The Eagles scraped past the lousy Rams in St. Louis last season, then dropped four straight.
This time, against perhaps a worse team, they won by one point.
"We dodged a bazooka," said defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins.
Michael Vick, who missed all but 12 plays in the preseason due to hand and rib injuries, threw four interceptions. He was as bad as he ever has been . . . but he didn't incur any of the 12 penalties for 110 yards. And he didn't fumble to end the first drive; that was running back LeSean McCoy, stripped clean on a cutback.
This, against perhaps the worst team in the league.
Cleveland is a perpetual expansion franchise, reloaded once again.
The Browns started five rookies, chief among them 28-year-old quarterback Brandon Weeden, a former minor league pitcher who lacked his fastball. He threw four interceptions. His 5.1 passer rating was exactly 10 times worse than Vicks.
Featured back Trent Richardson, who missed the preseason following two knee surgeries, managed just 39 yards on 19 carries.
Yes, the Eagles' defense played effectively.
No, the Eagles' defense did not play a real NFL team.
The Eagles led, 10-3, at halftime.
If they play like this in a week when the Ravens visit, they will trail by 30.
And they know it.
"We felt like we played one of our worst games ever," said wide receiver Jason Avant. "And won. We feel like we just won the lottery."
Well, that's a step forward.
Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20120910_Marcus_Hayes_.html#ixzz264DyglMo
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