Eagles vs. Packers: Behind the Numbers 2013

Another away game for the Eagles, and another dominating win! The Birds have proven they can win on the road, as they now have a 4-1 record away from the Linc. Despite heading to Lambeau Field, Philadelphia took care of an Aaron Rodgers-less Packers fairly easily, winning 27-13. The game was essentially over before the 3rd quarter for the second week in a row, and the numbers were closer than the score would indicate just like the week before. Let's take a look:

Well, this looks familiar doesn't it? Last week's results looked pretty similar, albeit with a few differences. Despite coming out on top in score (27-13), the Eagles ran fewer plays than the Packers, threw for about 75 less yards, had less first downs, and converted a lower percentage of third downs. The Eagles running fewer plays than their opponents has become a trend this season, but it is usually coupled with a better average gain (7.2 vs 5.3 here) and more total yards. In this game, the Eagles ran for over 100 more yards, since they gave up on the passing game once they built up a lead (also why the Packers out-passed the Eagles). The Birds continue to play fairly clean games, as they only committed 5 penalties and had once turnover (to 2 for Green Bay).

A simple solution

If you're like me, about half of the alerts from ESPN's ScoreCenter are about athletes getting a DUI or arrested. Which is ridiculous, but I'll comment on that another time. However, Green Bay Packer TJ Lang has a word for all those athletes, and I couldn't agree more:


From Buzzfeed

Vick #5 in QB Power Rankings

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers: The reigning Super Bowl MVP is coming off one of the most remarkable postseason runs in recent memory. He's handled his business deftly on the field and off -- reference the way Rodgers navigated the local minefield when then-iconic Brett Favre was traded in 2008 -- can make plays with his head, arm and legs and is just 27. If you had to pick one guy to lead your team for the next decade, hard to argue against the man currently wearing the championship belt.

2. Tom Brady, Patriots: He's coming off his second league MVP campaign in the last four seasons. But he struggled in the playoffs, where he's lost his past three starts after seeming nearly bulletproof early in his career. Rodgers by a hair, as in Brady's now shorter locks.

3. Drew Brees, Saints: He's passed for 22,918 yards during his tenure in New Orleans, the most prolific five-year stretch in league history. Brees' leadership skills, accuracy and dedication are off the charts. And it takes a special guy to supplant Archie Manning as the most beloved player in franchise history.

4. Peyton Manning, Colts: Admittedly, ranking the four-time MVP this low doesn't feel right. But he's coming off a season slightly subpar by his ridiculously lofty standards and, more troubling, dealing with a surgically repaired neck at age 35 which throws a dent into what has been his nearly bulletproof persona.

5. Michael Vick, Eagles: Unlike the QBs listed in front of him (and a couple below him), he doesn't have a ring. What he does have is the scariest skill set of anyone (maybe ever) at the position and, now, the dedication and experience to maximize his gifts.

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