David Akers missed field goals, Lou Williams missed free throws, and Delaware's defense missed the second half. What could have been a weekend of elation for the fans of the Eagles, Sixers, and Blue Hens floated away as easily as a helium balloon let go by a small child (as inevitable too). As we sort through the ashes, there are a few things to discuss about each game.
People will use Akers at the punchline of many of their jokes over the coming days, much the same as I did ("Guess we can't call him David Makers.."). Though he is quite an easy scapegoat, he deserves little blame for the loss. Some may argue that the 6 points he failed to convert were the difference in the game, but they would be blatantly ignoring the certain touchdown that James Jones dropped in the closing minutes of the half that would have made those 6 points moot. True: Akers failed to do the one thing he is paid to do each week. Also true: Everyone else did too.
You can't pin a defensive/offensive/coaching implosion on the kicker, who may or may not have some family issues. The coaching staff fudged up yet again. 12 carries for McCoy? About 12 short. Packers running it up the middle all game with a rookie running back and you send your linebackers on an edge blitz? Why not make the safeties prevent as well. Reid continues to be out-coached every year, and it's getting old. The offense struggled again because they don't take advantage of their weapons or adjust, and no, Vick does not need to run more. Desean Jackson continues to take it easy in big games just because he doesn't get the ball on every out route. He took a loooong time getting healthy from whatever injury he had, but looked fresh as can be on his last catch. And the defense... well we knew what we had on defense coming in to the game. So please, don't blame the game on Akers or a low throw by Vick. The blame should be spread evenly, with a slightly larger portion going to the big man in charge.
KC Keeler gets to join Reid in his larger-than-average dog house. Delaware entered their 3rd championship in eight years as the clear favorite. Devlin and company got off to a hot start, leading 19-0 shortly after half-time. Then they took it easy. The Hens secondary were content to let Mitchell complete passes in front of them, playing basically a prevent defense for the rest of the game. There was no sense of urgency on offense either as they did not score for the rest of the game. This game was another example of a missed kick that had no bearing on the final score. Yes, Delaware lost by one point after not converting and extra point kick, but a defensive collapse and ineffective offense again relieve the kicker of all blame.
Lou Williams will get the last of my chiding for the moment. I haven't kept my dislike for Lou Williams hidden, and against Detroit he did nothing to change my mind. In the waning seconds of the game, he missed two free throws that would have iced the game (only 1 was needed since they were up three points with 6 seconds left). Then, when Austin Daye tied the game with a 3 pointer, Lou had a chance to redeem himself and missed a game winning shot. He is taking minutes from players that need to develop and trying to be a closer that he has not the ability to be. The Sixers have given him 5 years to prove something, and all he's done is proven that he is lightening off the bench sometimes. It's time to end the experiment and package him in a deal with one of the larger contracts (Iggy or Brand). The Sixers must recognize what they don't have and spend the next few years finding it.
So, cheers to the Flyers for not disappointing me this weekend. More on their season coming soon.
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