Too many turnovers. Too many penalties. Too many mistakes.
Too bad.
The Philadelphia Eagles shouldn't be losing football games to the Cleveland Browns. And they almost did. After losing the lead, the Birds rallied with a little over a minute to pull out a 17-16 victory.
A win is a win. But this should have been a blowout. The Birds are supposed to be an elite Super Bowl contending team while the Brownies are supposed to be the doormat of the National Football League.
That's why they play the games. And the game played by the Philadelphia Eagles against the Browns Sunday was one of frustration and disappointment.
While the Birds produced nearly 500 yeard of offense, the O committed five turnovers, including four interceptions by a rusty Michael Vick.
Some of his throws were inexcusable. A fifth was dropped in the end zone, which would have sealed the game. It looked like the same old Eagles.
You can't pin this one on defensive coordinator Juan Castillo and the defense. They held the Browns to three field goals and made four interceptions, including two by cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and two by Kurt Coleman.
The defensive line looked like a force with lots of pressure. The return of defensive end Jason Babin certainly turned up the heat, and middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans showed a lot more gusto than during the pre-season.
But Vick struggled. He didn't have a pre-season. And it showed. But at least Vick made it through a football game without an injury. That says a lot.
Still, there were some highlights. Vick sparkled on a long throw to Jeremy Maclin and tossed him a bullet in the end zone. Maclin had a solid game. DeSean Jackson got around 75 receiving yards. Shady McCoy went over 100 years even though Coach Andy Reid forgot about the running game for a little while in the second half.
A win is a win.
Hopefully, Vick can shake off the rust. The Birds play a tough Baltimore Ravens team, a top playoff contender. This game shouldn't have been this close. Vick isn't a rookie; he needs to play at a higher level.
The Birds got lucky. Luck isn't enough to save this season.
