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Game Thread: Eagles @ Seahawks

Jj_flag_detail1_tiny by John Morgan on Comment 566 comments

Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks, Nov 2, 2008 1:15 PM PST


Backers, haters, recent detractors, today Tim Ruskell's creature is unveiled in near complete form. It's young and it's facing an opponent fit to rebristle its toothbrush with Seattle's short hairs, but the foundation, method and most of the defense of the future will be displayed today. Hold your breath.

Piecemeal and talent poor receiving corps

Some would say the laboratory exploded. Certainly the experiment hasn't been a grand success, but the poor play of Matt Hasselbeck didn't help. Whoever's to blame, I don't think Ruskell's philosophy of assembling a receiving corps with projects and castoffs is likely to change. It's taken some attrition, but two receivers have stuck: Koren Robinson and Kerry Colbert. Each is young, Colbert cost a pick and Robinson looks like a find so either could be around next season.

Three-headed power run game

Ruskell got his big back and well-rounded...eh...speedster, his thunder and lightning, now we finally see if a thumping lead blocker turns Seattle's rush game into something the offense can build around. I'm excited. I was as skeptical as anyone when Seattle drafted Owen Schmitt, but the preseason transformed my doubt into enthusiasm. The kid looks good. Schmitt looks like a unit changing force as a lead blocker, and after two weeks of sputtering against talented rush defenses, a running game revival is vital for Seattle standing a chance against the mighty Eagles.

Fast, small and hard-hitting defense

Yes, it's small. No, it's not that small. Ruskell isn't drafting a true Tampa 2. Sincerely, I'm still not sure what he's constructing. Whatever it is, it's expensive and it's young, with nine regulars drafted in the last four years: Two first round picks, three second round picks, two third round picks and two fourth round picks. Today, we see what if any production can be expected from developmental end Baraka Atkins. We see if Lawrence Jackson has refined his spin move, if he's getting it at all as a pass rusher and if he has legitimate hunger to improve. We see if Kelly Jennings can keep his feet and if Josh Wilson builds on his best game as a pro.

The creature might run amok. It might just suck. Whichever, win, lose or blowout, it's Tim Ruskell's team that takes the field today. I'm excited and fearful. Don't do us wrong Tim. This city's sports fans have suffered enough.

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KC wtf?

Just College trickery

You may gain some yards on the ground, but eventually Lofa will end up biting you in the ass.

by Scruffy Lefty on Nov 2, 2008 11:04 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

I'm still hungover from friday..... God Dammit

You may gain some yards on the ground, but eventually Lofa will end up biting you in the ass.

by Scruffy Lefty on Nov 2, 2008 11:07 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

I showed those trick or treaters whats up :)

You may gain some yards on the ground, but eventually Lofa will end up biting you in the ass.

by Scruffy Lefty on Nov 2, 2008 11:14 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

That video is hilarious.

That made my week. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. If the kid was face up and moving it wouldn’t be so funny, but he’s face down and motionless and you have to assume he’s dead. It’s like the message is don’t get too drunk or you’ll airplane a kid into a bookcase and kill him.

by John Morgan on Nov 2, 2008 11:22 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Not a effective ad when its that damn funny

You may gain some yards on the ground, but eventually Lofa will end up biting you in the ass.

by Scruffy Lefty on Nov 2, 2008 11:30 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Chris Johnson is the man.

I think he’s the NFL’s next great back.

by John Morgan on Nov 2, 2008 11:12 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

considering LENDALE WHITE is also putting up yardage...

….I’m inclined to think the OL has just as much to do with it.

by djafrot on Nov 2, 2008 11:13 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

well I thought Lendale always got a bad rap

I personally thought he would be better in the NFL then reggie bush.

You may gain some yards on the ground, but eventually Lofa will end up biting you in the ass.

by Scruffy Lefty on Nov 2, 2008 11:15 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I never thought White was that bad, but...

Sure the O-line is good, but Johnson is special. He’s compact and tough plus crazy fast. Johnson is an excellent receiver and can school a DB in space. He’s got a great build and keeps his legs under him. I’d take him straight up over Adrian Peterson.

by John Morgan on Nov 2, 2008 11:17 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Hightower emerging.

No touches for James, that’s bad for Seattle. Edge sucks.

by John Morgan on Nov 2, 2008 11:31 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

And bad for my fantasy team

You may gain some yards on the ground, but eventually Lofa will end up biting you in the ass.

by Scruffy Lefty on Nov 2, 2008 11:40 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

and good for mine...

…thank you waiver wire.

by djafrot on Nov 2, 2008 12:02 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Finally back home.

Saw the video from last week. Great game.

by BrianL on Nov 2, 2008 11:37 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

What were you doing in orlando?

You may gain some yards on the ground, but eventually Lofa will end up biting you in the ass.

by Scruffy Lefty on Nov 2, 2008 11:40 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Business conference.

Well, that’s the excuse anyway. First night my boss managed to get tickets at the Trop for Game 7 of the ALCS.

After that it was five days of conference, five days of vacation.

by BrianL on Nov 2, 2008 11:44 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

What conference?

You may gain some yards on the ground, but eventually Lofa will end up biting you in the ass.

by Scruffy Lefty on Nov 2, 2008 11:50 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Gotcha

I was at NACFC. I got to play golf with a Alligator

You may gain some yards on the ground, but eventually Lofa will end up biting you in the ass.

by Scruffy Lefty on Nov 2, 2008 11:51 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm really sick of governor ads

You may gain some yards on the ground, but eventually Lofa will end up biting you in the ass.

by Scruffy Lefty on Nov 2, 2008 11:39 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

I love election season

but I hate political ads during sports. Bah.

Budweiser ads too, for that matter.

by katal on Nov 2, 2008 11:56 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I've never seen it on this level.

Even the smallest contests are running attack ads.

by John Morgan on Nov 2, 2008 11:53 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The average voter?

Pretty damn stupid.

by BrianL on Nov 2, 2008 12:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

how do you know?

it’s 90% subliminal.

by djafrot on Nov 2, 2008 12:06 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Without naming candidates

I have to wonder at what point do attack ads begin backfiring? Sort of the Mac vs. PC effect at play.

by BrianL on Nov 2, 2008 12:06 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

There seem to be a handful of candidates (again, not naming names)

who seem to be running an 80/20 ratio of attack ads to positive ads. I’m somewhat interested in seeing how this all plays out in two days, but mostly I just can’t wait for the commercials to vanish.

by BrianL on Nov 2, 2008 12:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I have no idea why (the candidate) is running that strategy

You want to run positive ads so you can get your approval rating to at least 50% (the idea being that if at least 50% of the people like you, you have a good shot at being elected). If you run negative ads, you’re going to drag your opponent’s approval ratings down, but your own rating is going to slip some as well. That’s why a good campaign will run positive ads, while the 527’s attack.

Anyway, it’s going to be great when I can go back to watching sports without being reminded that this quarter has been brought to me by Rossi/Gregoire/etc.

by katal on Nov 2, 2008 12:13 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Not looking forward to that.

Speaking of the American public, I read that the majority of Simpsons fans reported that what they liked best about the show was the colors and when Homer got hurt.

by John Morgan on Nov 2, 2008 12:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

That explains why the show is still on the air

Or for that matter, how it survived past, like, season 10.

by katal on Nov 2, 2008 12:16 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It also explains all the imitators.

The colorful and slapstick formula is surprisingly easy to copy.

by John Morgan on Nov 2, 2008 12:23 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

well no

simply put… the show’s been on for two decades… YOU try coming up with new ideas for that long.

by djafrot on Nov 2, 2008 12:28 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Not an excuse

There are plenty of other similar shows that have had no trouble coming up with ideas. And those shows have done it without bastardizing half their characters.

by katal on Nov 2, 2008 12:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

See the episode where the writers completely change the show's canon

and turn Homer into a grunge musician and Marge into a college liberal arts major instead of both of them being high school sweethearts.

by BrianL on Nov 2, 2008 12:32 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

argh

I’ve heard of that episode. And thankfully, I’ve never actually seen it.

by katal on Nov 2, 2008 12:57 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

please, name one that's been on for 20 seasons.

Or even 10.

What the Simpsons have done is completely unprecedented in popular culture.

by djafrot on Nov 2, 2008 12:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Longevity doesn't necessarily mean it's good.

The Simpsons has been stale for years and it’s because the writers chose to deviate away from the formula that made the first seven or eight seasons successful.

by BrianL on Nov 2, 2008 12:46 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Most of the core writers left.

I don’t blame the show for sucking, I just don’t watch it. To me, The Simpsons are like a great band that broke up. The lead singer added some retreads in their place and now they tour under the same name. Technically, it’s The Simpsons still, but the real show ended halfway into season 5.

by John Morgan on Nov 2, 2008 12:52 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

holy pass interference in Tenn

even Goose called it. Not even close to looking for the ball.

by djafrot on Nov 2, 2008 12:07 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

The NFL Network would be more successful

if I felt like it could improve my life more than 16 days a year.

by katal on Nov 2, 2008 12:09 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Ouch

I’m starting Morris, Wallace, Duckett and Carlson for my FG fantasy team. I think I’m going up against John this week, I’ll give you an early congratulations on the W.

by MFAN on Nov 2, 2008 12:14 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I need it.

I manage to pick the wrong guys to start every week. It’s like, as my life has improved, my fantasy skills have cratered.

by John Morgan on Nov 2, 2008 12:16 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Inactives

K Brandon Coutu
QB Matt Hasselbeck
LB Lofa Tatupu
G Mansfield Wrotto
WR Deion Branch
TE Will Heller
DT Howard Green
DE Patrick Kerney

by MFAN on Nov 2, 2008 12:22 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Oh Timmy

if only you could figure out how this whole special teams thing works.

by BrianL on Nov 2, 2008 12:25 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Dammit

Orton’s hurt, Chicago’s losing.

There goes my season in suicide football.

by katal on Nov 2, 2008 12:27 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Cardinals beating the rams 31-7

Wonder if the Jim Haslett love fest is going to end.

by MFAN on Nov 2, 2008 12:29 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

weirdly, not as bad of news as it could be

since it should stick a fork in the Rams and kill any momentum they have… we still need a win in St. Louis.

Of course, we need a win today MORE.

by djafrot on Nov 2, 2008 12:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah.

Except in Seattle. Mike Holmgren thinks the shotgun is a gadget.

by John Morgan on Nov 2, 2008 12:35 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I love Walrus

but there’s a large part of me yearning for someone a little more…progressive to call the shots.

by BrianL on Nov 2, 2008 12:36 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

When does it work?

It seems like a long time since I’ve seen that play be successful.

by John Morgan on Nov 2, 2008 12:40 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

very few plays are successful on 3rd and long

and by the same token, how many INT’s and sacks happen on 3rd and long when you pass?

how many QB’s get injured?

by djafrot on Nov 2, 2008 1:13 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

He's a great coach.

I would give a limb for someone else calling the plays. If Seattle could retain Holmgren but get a new, creative offensive coordinator, I would be very happy.

by John Morgan on Nov 2, 2008 12:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yes there does

I wanna see Wallace to Frye for a 45 yard score on the Hawks 1st drive.

by MFAN on Nov 2, 2008 12:35 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

With Lofa out as well as Matt, playing the eagles

with both westbrook and mcnabb, winning this game will be a miracle.

by redwolf75 on Nov 2, 2008 12:35 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I love Lofa, but I don't think him being out kills us

D.D. Lewis is decent enough. I’m more worried about Kerney being out.

by MFAN on Nov 2, 2008 12:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm just annoyed that we'll be hearing

“Lofa the Eagle Killer is out today, Seahawks doomed” from the announcers all game.

by BrianL on Nov 2, 2008 12:38 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I dunno if anybody saw it on FoxSports.com

but they were ranking the most injury-riddled teams in the league. I can’t find a link, but it was only a few days ago if anyone wants to search for it.
Anyway, somehow we came in third behind the Cowboys and the Pats. Apparently, losing Hass, Lofa, Kerney, 7 wide receivers and a bunch of others isn’t as bad as losing Tom Brady or Romo for three weeks? Can you say East Coast Bias?

by SeaTownBlueDevil on Nov 2, 2008 1:00 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

No kidding

I’d been standing there cussing at the TV because they didn’t switch at 1 o’clock, and then they switch (and to a commercial no less) right as he’s lining up to kick

HA HA HA, your Grandpa's an ASS!- Tourette's Guy (R.I.P)

by tootthekazoo on Nov 2, 2008 1:13 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Probably not the last

I usually hit about 10 on days I’m required to watch them for sports

HA HA HA, your Grandpa's an ASS!- Tourette's Guy (R.I.P)

by tootthekazoo on Nov 2, 2008 1:17 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The rain just hit here

Let it somehow affect Donovan.

by katal on Nov 2, 2008 1:13 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Awesome

Great start there.

by katal on Nov 2, 2008 1:16 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Hey thanks for the replay at Tennessee, FOX.

Even though you could have waited ten seconds to cut to commercial.

by BrianL on Nov 2, 2008 1:19 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

O HHHH MYYYYG ODDDDDDD

CREAMMMING MSYELFFF FUCKKKSDM;ZDJKL;SDMKLSDFKLSDFJKL;SDFJKL;SDFJKLSDJKLFJKL;SDFJKLSDFJKL;SDFSDFSDF

by redwolf75 on Nov 2, 2008 1:20 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

HOLY SHIT!!

Best start to a game ever.

by LantermanC on Nov 2, 2008 1:21 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Actually, last year's NFC Divisional game against the Packers was the best start to a game ever.

As for the rest of the 55 minutes of that game, that’s another story.

by Wilder. on Nov 2, 2008 2:20 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Hooray for BluRay

my PS3’s only redeeming value.

by BrianL on Nov 2, 2008 1:22 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Eh.

I just don’t buy into the hype of that game. It’s okay.

by BrianL on Nov 2, 2008 1:23 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm a game developer

and the tech impresses me so much I can’t keep the excitement down.

by GarethLewin on Nov 2, 2008 1:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

that was the first thing I saw on the play

by fender on Nov 2, 2008 1:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Defense is looking good.

Lots of almost sacks, pretty good coverage as well..

by LantermanC on Nov 2, 2008 1:25 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

That JF kid is good

I’m so happy we got him back.

by GarethLewin on Nov 2, 2008 1:26 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

HAHA

Seneca Wallace: 158.3 QB rating!!

by aerozeppelin on Nov 2, 2008 1:28 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

another three and out!?!

this is the defense I’ve been waiting for!

by hawkr on Nov 2, 2008 1:28 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I hate you Ryan.

I miss you, Plack.

by BrianL on Nov 2, 2008 1:31 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

But but

with Ryan we get to see him licking himself before every kick.

( I miss Plack more than any player in the last few years except for maybe Hutch )

by GarethLewin on Nov 2, 2008 1:32 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

#82 is an idiot....

look for the ball, don’t just get spun around.

by LantermanC on Nov 2, 2008 1:31 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Kent.

Dude’s a long, long ways away.

by John Morgan on Nov 2, 2008 1:33 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

now, do we have the time to wait?

a lot of decisions to make at WR this offeseason… care to hazard a guess anyone?

by djafrot on Nov 2, 2008 1:33 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Thats not exactly hard

Considering he was one step above poop earlier in the season, any step he makes should take him in the direction of the pro bowl

by SeaTownBlueDevil on Nov 2, 2008 1:35 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

TERRILL!!!

You go big boy!

by fender on Nov 2, 2008 1:35 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

link to game

Anyone have a link to watch the game online? I can’t find one on my usual sites…

by economista on Nov 2, 2008 1:35 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I used to use this.

REALLY undependable, I’d avoid it like the plaue.

by redwolf75 on Nov 2, 2008 1:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I use it to watch 'soccer'

But I make no promise that it’s any good, he just asked for a link.

by GarethLewin on Nov 2, 2008 1:38 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I was thinking about it

Could Holmgren be trying to force the pass because he expects them to be playing the run?

by GarethLewin on Nov 2, 2008 1:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I expect a spread draw next

by fender on Nov 2, 2008 1:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

sigh..

you can’t tell them you’re going to run and then run..

by fender on Nov 2, 2008 1:38 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

BEER TRUCK

SCHMITT+DUCKETT = 1st down.

by fender on Nov 2, 2008 1:40 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

OK: question

Koren catches the ball… with his feet past the first-down marker, but the ball itself not. That’s not a first down?

So why is it when a player runs into the end zone but the ball might be outside the pylon, it’s a touchdown?

by djafrot on Nov 2, 2008 1:41 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I don't like this commercial

“haha, Lowe’s is so cool! They can beat the prices of mom and pop stores!”

by katal on Nov 2, 2008 1:41 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

litmus test for the first quarter

This is Brian Westbrook territory (3rd and medium)

by fender on Nov 2, 2008 1:43 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Good COVERAGE

looks like he has some time, just nowhere to go.

by djafrot on Nov 2, 2008 1:43 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

So idiot question

Brian Russell is obviously very bad.

Why does he play?

by GarethLewin on Nov 2, 2008 1:46 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

He has pictures of Tim Ruskell

in a compromising position. He shared them with Brandon Coutu.

by fender on Nov 2, 2008 1:47 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

WHAT THE FUCK.

WHO MISSED THE SACK?

by redwolf75 on Nov 2, 2008 1:47 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

YES!

I fucking hate you Mariners

by kentroyals5 on Nov 2, 2008 1:47 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

FUCK YOU MARINERS!!

sorry..left over anger

I fucking hate you Mariners

by kentroyals5 on Nov 2, 2008 1:48 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

NICE

In the words of Al Michaels, that was YUUUUUUUGE.

by Strang on Nov 2, 2008 1:48 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

that's why trick plays suck

momentum… pbbbbblllphh….

loss of yardage.

by djafrot on Nov 2, 2008 1:48 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Damn you Seneca..IDIOT

I fucking hate you Mariners

by kentroyals5 on Nov 2, 2008 1:49 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

JESUS WALLACE

DONT EVER DO THAT AGAIN

by MFAN on Nov 2, 2008 1:49 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Augh

NEVER do that again

by Strang on Nov 2, 2008 1:49 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Seneca you have to stop playing Madden.

Seriously. You can corner exploit in the real world.

by fender on Nov 2, 2008 1:50 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

3 and out...

but close to an interception returned for a TD.

by redwolf75 on Nov 2, 2008 1:50 PM PST reply actions   0 recs