Philadelphia’s dramatic unraveling came to a predictable halt on Monday night as they were dismantled by an inferior Tampa Bay team. There is plenty of blame to go around; coaches in particular should shoulder most of the responsibility.
To examine the Eagles’ rise and fall, we enlisted legendary radio journalist Tom Scharpling and esteemed cultural critic Rob Sheffield to reexamine their case.
The History
The Eagles, one of the world’s most beloved bands, can be heard everywhere from taxicabs in Auckland to karaoke bars in Tokyo to tribute bands in London – yet once were America’s most contentious group.
This film chronicles five decades of the group’s life and its ups and downs with candid, sometimes blunt honesty.
Key players included Irving Azoff, Glyn Johns and Bill Szymczyk as key record producers; musical collaborators Jackson Browne and J.D. Souther; bassist Randy Meisner (who both played with Flying Burrito Brothers); bassist Randy Meisner and guitarist Bernie Leadon who both served on their respective records; as well as bassist Randy Meisner from Flying Burrito Brothers). Furthermore, all views are heard without political bias being taken into account – including those involved with Frey-Felder feud.
Glyn Johns produced their initial self-titled album and highlighted both their laid back Americana sound as well as their distinctive vocal harmonies that would soon become signature features of their music. Later that same year they released Hotel California, widely considered by many to be one of the greatest rock albums ever released.
The Lineup
The Eagles were one of the most celebrated rock bands ever, selling over 100 million albums worldwide since they formed in 1971 when Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner were recruited as members of Linda Ronstadt’s touring band.
Their debut album in 1972 was an instantaneous hit, producing the number 12 Billboard hit ‘Take It Easy’ and catapulting them to mainstream success. Their laid-back grooves combined with Hollywood studio calculation into an era-defining country rock-pop fusion; from One of These Nights directly country to Hotel California’s album-length intricacies their work became a reflection of Southern California’s emotional ups and downs.
After several personal disagreements led to their break-up in 1980, The Eagles reunited and released Hell Freezes Over in 1994, featuring live and new studio tracks; followed by a tour; they then released Long Road Out of Eden as their first studio album since nearly 28 years earlier in 2007.
The Coaches
Sirianni has assembled an experienced group of coaches for his Eagles under his direction. While these may not be among the league’s premier units, their coaching should not be taken lightly either.
When the Eagles are playing defense, they’re an impressive squad. They rank within the top ten in DVOA against both runs and passes and allow an unprecedented low total number of points allowed in league play.
On offense, they rely heavily on quick hitting throws to create space. Though these throws may not reach every target area quickly or consistently, they can make plays when opponents become over-aggressive.
Staffers coached Jalen Hurts, Brown and Smith to outstanding seasons last season and will lead the Eagles back into contention for playoff contention this season. Their biggest weakness will be in the secondary area; as such this offseason they have added two coordinators and an assistant defensive assistant with former defensive experience, as well as possibly seeking out additional defensive backs coaches and nickels coordinators to bolster this area.
The Final Score
On Monday night, Philadelphia Eagles maintained their unblemished record as they held on to defeat Atlanta Falcons by one score. Saquon Barkley played a pivotal role in this victory despite an uneven game where many things went awry before finally going well in Philadelphia.
As the second half started, Philadelphia Eagles found themselves deep within their own territory after C Cam Jurgens shot an incomplete pass into Jordan Hurts before he could respond properly. Luckily for them, DL Devonte Wyatt recovered it safely.
Buffalo started off its drive with a run from James Cook for one yard before Josh Allen connected with Stefon Diggs for 13 yards on third down near Philadelphia’s 25. Unfortunately, Buffalo could not capitalize and settled for kicker Brayden Narveson kicking a 46-yard field goal as their final resolution.
The Eagles took back control in the fourth quarter with an 11-play, 70-yard touchdown drive capped off by Hurts hitting Barkley for his inaugural rushing TD of 2019.