Eagles Vs. Bucs: Gold Stars And Demerits
By Spike Eskin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Eagles have won a game more recently than ... every team in town! Yes! The "Phillies have won a game more recently," bit is dead!
Look, every word I type here is another word I'm typing before "Nick Foles," so let's do this.
Gold Star #1 - Nick Foles
Foles set Eagles rookie records for passing yards and completions, and led the team to a literal last second victory over the Bucs. He showed great command of the game, good footwork, and was good under pressure. He won't send any land speed records, but Foles seemed to have a good sense of when he had room to run. Is this a guarantee that Foles is the quarterback of the future in Philadelphia? Certainly not yet. But it was definitely a sign that things could be heading that way.
Demerit #1 - Nnamdi Asomugha
To his credit, Asomugha came back into the game after taking a pretty nasty hit and injuring his neck and thigh. That is to his credit, but to the team's detriment, as he was terrible once he returned.
Gold Star #2 - Jeremy Maclin
This was the first time Foles seemed to show some confidence in one of the starting wide receivers. The big surprise here is that Maclin, who caught nine passes for 104 yards and the winning touchdown, is still on the Eagles. I had no idea. Has he been on the team all year?
Demerit #2 - King Dunlap
Just King Dunlap being King Dunlap.
Gold Star #3 - Tommy Brasher
I'm not sure if not using the Wide-9 made all the difference in the world, but for the sake of discussion let's just say it did. I think we were all sick of seeing the defensive ends lined up within feet of the sideline, and it at least seemed to make a difference. Hope Washburn's enjoying his coffeemaker somewhere.
Demerit #3 - Eagles Special Teams
The special teams (outside of Alex Henery) have been pretty bad all year, so this isn't terribly surprising. Damaris Johnson muffed a punt, and Henery forcing to kick one with the laces in gave him his second miss of the day.
Who do you give gold stars and demerits to? Let us know in the comments.
