I learned a few things about the Eagles yesterday. For one, when they’re firing on all cylinders—offense, defense, special teams—they are arguably the best team in the NFL. Super Bowl caliber. The only thing that lacked is discipline. Penalties lose close games and Sean McDermott has to reign in the sometimes unbridled aggression of the defense, albeit difficult in the heat of the moment.

Nonetheless, the defense is first class. That is the silver lining no matter what happens this year. You have to admire the fact that Sean  stepped into shoes 10 sizes too big this preseason and he has almost grown into them. JJ would be proud. Correction, JJ is proud. Did you see the look on Eli’s face every time he took the field? I was waiting for Eagles fans to start the infamous “who’s your daddy?” chant! Great job, Sean.

The Eagles must bring yesterday’s offense to every game if they want to be playing post-Pro Bowl…that sounds weird. Sure, we beat the Redskins with one offensive TD, but that will only go so far against the high-octane Saints, who are scary good by the way. McNabb was quoted before the game as saying that he is “learning to trust the young talent that’s around him and to let them make good decisions.” They have to continue to be consistent in this aspect of the game. Otherwise, they’re just another first round pretender.

As an aside, isn’t it funny how Eagles fans were ready to burn Joe Banner at the stake for not spending big bucks/picks on Houshmandzadeh and Boldin, but havent said a word since week 1? Funny what a handful of electrifying 50 yard touchdowns will do. Oh and by the way, I think it was clever of the front office to clone Brian Westbrook and send the clone off to school at Pittsburgh so they could draft him when B-West got old. Good job Big Red!

Next week is critical. See you then.