Smith And Peppers Unhappy about Effort from Eagles game

[iTzSMITH89 4TDx89]

Because of seven Carolina Panthers turnovers, the Philadelphia Eagles started two drives within 10 yards of a touchdown. Two other Eagles scores came without their offense lining up.

So it's a bit misleading to say Carolina's defense allowed 38 points. Except that's how Julius Peppers sees it.

"We gave up 38 points. ... There's nobody on this team that should skip responsibility'' for that, the Pro Bowl defensive end said. "We have a chance to stop them, no matter where they get [the ball]. And a couple of times we didn't do that."

Peppers finished with a sack, five tackles and two passes defended. Good productivity, but, as he put it, "not good enough to win."

While he was accountable for the loss, he refused to sound rattled by it.

"We've got 15 more games. A lot can happen," Peppers said. "We're not going to panic or worry about this game too much."

Smith quiet: Quarterback Jake Delhomme's struggles obviously affected star receiver Steve Smith, who finished with three receptions for 21 yards. Two of Delhomme's four interceptions came on passes aimed for Smith. Eagles defensive back Sheldon Brown picked off both of them.

Did Smith think he was open more than he was used?

"When I'm running, I'm always open," Smith said. "I'm open right now [answering postgame questions]. A wide receiver who doesn't believe he is always open is not a very good wide receiver."

Interesting postgame observation by Brown: Whenever Smith moves inside to slot receiver, it's a sure thing Delhomme will throw to him.

Davis a stopper: Linebackers Thomas Davis and Jon Beason missed portions of the preseason, nursing knee injuries. Davis looked strong Sunday, with 16 tackles. Beason had four tackles -- about half his productivity last season -- but did intercept a pass.

Beason said he could feel some aftereffects from his sprained knee but had no pain.

Mixed blessing: Punter Jason Baker's strong leg wasn't always a plus Sunday. Though he averaged nearly 56 yards on four punts, he was a factor in an 85-yard touchdown run by Eagles returner DeSean Jackson.

Baker appeared to outkick his coverage, and two punts became touchbacks when he booted them into the end zone.

Hold on: Panthers rookie running back Mike Goodson promised to wrap the ball better after fumbling twice in the preseason versus the New York Giants. But he lost another one Sunday. Although it happened late in the game -- well after it was decided -- it gave up possession in Panthers territory.

I agree with smith. He looked like a rookie sunday

[Baschski]

I'm really pleased to see Peppers stepping up, speaking out and taking responsibility. It seems he is really embracing his role as captain, performing on the field and making it clear to his teammates what needs to happen. With Pep going 100%, I'm not worried about the defense.

[frash.exe]

Interesting postgame observation by Brown: Whenever Smith moves inside to slot receiver, it's a sure thing Delhomme will throw to him.

that is the second fuging time, i've heard an Eagles corner tell the media about how he read where Jake was going to go pre-snap.

he's been figured out.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

that is the second f**king time, i've heard an Eagles corner tell the media about how he read where Jake was going to go pre-snap.

he's been figured out.

I'm pretty sure it's from the same initial comment. But yeah, I hate how predictable our offense has become -- especially with the talent the team has at its disposal.

[frash.exe]

I'm pretty sure it's from the same initial comment. But yeah, I hate how predictable our offense has become -- especially with the talent the team has at its disposal.

the other one was our last game with Philly in 2006.

Sheppard mentioned he read Jake's pre-snap audibles like a book to Keyshawn. It was an endzone fade and Sheppard knew what was coming and snuffed it out. One game ending INT later, Key Key throws his helmet

[PntherPryd]

that is the second f**king time, i've heard an Eagles corner tell the media about how he read where Jake was going to go pre-snap.

he's been figured out.

ummm....is he reading Jake or the guy building/creating/calling the plays?

:conehead:

[Mr ocho nueve]

ummm....is he reading Jake or the guy building/creating/calling the plays?

:conehead:

Good point

[panthers55]

That revelation about Smitty in the slot is hardly news. Most players when they go in the slot from the outside are thrown the ball. They move into the slot to get a better matchup against a safety instead of a corner. DUH. Guess whar else, when we put Smith in motion we are going to throw him the ball. Guess what else, when he lines up in the widcat he is going to run the ball.

Better question would be whether the 2 interceptions intended for Smitty were when he lined up in the slot so the Eagles doubled or tripled him knowing he was going to get the ball. And Jake still tried to fit the ball in. If that is not the case, then who gives a crap???

[CharlotteBeer.com]

the other one was our last game with Philly in 2006.

Sheppard mentioned he read Jake's pre-snap audibles like a book to Keyshawn. It was an endzone fade and Sheppard knew what was coming and snuffed it out. One game ending INT later, Key Key throws his helmet

Ah, my bad. Thought you meant you had read it on the Huddle earlier.

[panthers55]

the other one was our last game with Philly in 2006.

Sheppard mentioned he read Jake's pre-snap audibles like a book to Keyshawn. It was an endzone fade and Sheppard knew what was coming and snuffed it out. One game ending INT later, Key Key throws his helmet

Oh yeah I remember that one. A small 5'10" corner outplays a 6'4" receiver who outweighs him by 20 lbs, on a jump ball because Keyshawn didn't even go up for the ball and try to at least knock it away. Truth is even when the defense knows what you are going to do it doesn't necessarily give them any more of an advantage over the offense. The offensive players knows what they are going to do as well. It came down to who wanted it more, and it wasn't Keyshawn. That play and his screw up against the Bengals a few weeks plus the Henning issue were the reasons he got dumped.