For those who want to set themselves up for another disappointment, the Eagles are somehow still alive in the race to win the NFC (L)East. A Giants loss to the Jets next weekend coupled with the Eagles winning out the season and the Giants beating the Cowboys in the season finale would give the Eagles the division title with an 8-8 record.
Chances are slim, but slim has fit through the door before (see 2008).
No matter what happens in the end, Jason Babin and LeSean McCoy will have fans reminiscing about the 2011 season for years to come, and not just because of the Dream Team that created “Nightmare on Broad.”
With his second-straight, three-sack performance, Babin leads the NFL with 18 quarterback drops. With two games left, Reggie White’s franchise record of 21 is in sight, even if Reggie did that in less games.
Jason Babin's 18 sacks through 14 games has been a bright spot in a Nightmarish season for the Eagles. LeSean McCoy is also producing a season to remember.
Say what you want about the fact that Babin is all about sacks and does this only in Jim Washburn’s Wide Nine scheme, the fact is Babin’s high motor has allowed him to get to the quarterback and wreak havoc on offensive lines and coordinators all season long.
The Sack Monster does rank fourth on the team in tackles. That has to account for something. Not since the days of White, Clyde Simmons and Jerome brown have we seen someone come in and get after the quarterback the way Babin does.
William Fuller and Hugh Douglas were Pro Bowl caliber defensive ends, and Trent Cole has been a solid end for the Eagles recently. But, who has had a knack for getting to the QB the way Babin has? Cole’s career-high in sacks in 12.5, accomplished in both 2007 and 2009. For Babin, 18 sacks with two games to go is a season that will not be forgotten.
On the offensive side, LeSean McCoy continues to dazzle when given the opportunity. With three rushing scores on Sunday, the third year stud back from Pitt leads the NFL with 17 rushing scores and 20 overall. He holds the Eagles single season record in both categories.
What’s more, the man is just 60 yards behind Maurice Jones-Drew for the NFL rushing title. With games against the Cowboys and Redskins ahead, that is attainable — IF Andy Reid gives him the ball. In the eagles wins over the Redskins and Cowboys in weeks six and eight, McCoy combined for 311 yards.
Granted, he toted the rock 58 times over those two weeks. And, every time you think Reid realizes McCoy is his key to winning games, the man goes back to his Cheese-infested West Coast pass happy offense.
But, if the Eagles get to the finale and have a chance to have the league’s leading rusher, you have to think Reid gives McCoy a chance to go for it.
Philly fans might be ready to shed Eagles green for Flyer orange come the New Year, but that doesn’t mean Jason Babin and LeSean McCoy’s seasons will be lost. You have to respect what these two are accomplishing this year.
