Eagles at Redskins: Owens Suspended

I know I already wrote about this game (see post below), but there is news regarding a certain egotistical wide receiver that came out earlier today that has an effect on the game. As most know by now, Terrell Owens has been suspended indefinitely by the Eagles and will not play against the Redskins. I touched briefly on what would happen if T.O. didn’t play due to injury, but the same applies for suspension.

His loss will force the Eagles to run the ball more and become a balanced offense. With him, the Eagles throw 69% of the time. No team in the NFL is going to consistently win with that kind of ratio.

When the Eagles play balanced football, they are the most dangerous team in the league. Even more dangerous than the Colts. But the problem is, they rarely play balanced football. When the Eagles first started this run of dominance in the NFC, they were a run heavy team. Duce Staley was the main option for Andy Reid’s offense. They had no deep threats whatsoever. Donovan McNabb was one of the most inconsistent passers in the league. He routinely had one of the worst completion percentages in the NFL.

Now enter Owens and L.J. Smith, and subtract Staley, Buckhalter and Levens. The Eagles are a pass heavy team with no bruising back. Despite having a lot of success the past four seasons, they could have been even better with a balanced attack. They were able to win in 2001, 2002 and 2003 because they were run heavy, and the NFL style of play allows a run heavy team to be successful. But not a pass happy team.

But what about last year you say? The Eagles were good last year and they had an attack that favored Owens. Ah...but the Eagles were so good last year because they were balanced. They only threw 58% of the time (still a bit high, but compare that ratio to this season’s). Plus, McNabb and Owens actually liked each other. Now, with their relationship in taters, and the offense unbalanced and favoring an air attack, McNabb is getting killed because linebackers and linemen have more chances to hit him. Because of this, the Eagles are struggling to win games, and struggling to be consitent on offense.

However, just because Philly will have a more balanced offense, don't assume that they are going to be better without T.O. He is one of the league's most dangerous weapons when he is on the field. The Eagles are going to have a hard time replacing him. In fact, it will be nearly impossible to replace a receiver who produces like Owens.

So in conclusion, look for a more balanced attack out of the Eagles this week. I still think the Redskins can win, but they must also be balanced. Clinton Portis must have a big role in this game to keep that dangerous attack of Philadelphia’s off the field.