1989 Philadelphia Eagles season

Infobox NFL season
team = Philadelphia Eagles
year = 1989
record = 11-5
division_place =
coach = Buddy Ryan
stadium = Veterans Stadium
playoffs =

The 1989 Philadelphia Eagles season resulted in an appearance in the postseason.

Offseason

NFL Draft

Roster

Postseason

The Los Angeles Rams, ignoring the weather, the fans and the Eagles mighty defense, rode a quick start to defeat the Eagles at Veterans Stadium, 21-7 on New Years' Eve, 1989. The Eagles came into their first home playoff game in 8 seasons against the Los Angeles Rams with injury concerns. Several players came limping into the game, but perhaps the most concerning injury was that of Eric Allen, whose ankle had been injured a few weeks prior. Allen was an outstanding cover corner and without him, the Eagles would be forced to start reserve cornerback Izel Jenkins. The Rams at the time had a potent and versatile offense, especially in the passing game. Quarterback Jim Everett, running back Greg Bell and wideouts Henry Ellard and Willie "Flipper" Anderson rounded out the Rams offense. However, none of this seemed to concern head coach Buddy Ryan, who reportedly was asked the week leading up the game his impression of Rams running back Greg Bell. Ryan gave a curious vanilla answer to the reporter then turned and walked away saying, "Greg Bell my ass." Most of the media that had gathered exploded in laughter.

Eric Allen, as it turned out, did not start the game, which was played on an overcast, drizzly New Years Eve. The Rams immediantly attacked Allen's replacement, cornerback Izel Jenkins. Jenkins was burned on the Rams first touchdown; a 39 yard touchdown pass from Jim Everett to Henry Ellard on the Rams first possession. Jenkins was again burned for another long pass, this time to Willie Anderson and by midway through the second quarter, head coach Buddy Ryan had all but no choice to insert the limping Allen with the Rams already leading 14-0.

The Eagles offense, led by All-Pro quarterback Randall Cunningham had no answers for a unique zone implemented by Rams defensive coordinator Fritz Shurmer, who at times during the game only rushed two defenders and dropped everything back in coverage. Cunningham, while completing 24 of 40 pass, only threw underneath the zone for the majority of the game and simply was unable to get anything downfield. It certainly did not help matters not having All-Pro receiver Mike Quick unable to play due to a season ending injury earlier in the year. The Eagles had less then 100 yards of offense at halftime, and did not have a single first down till midway through the second quarter. The Eagles first four possessions where three (3) three and outs and an interception. When the Eagles finally did score on a one yard Anthony Toney touchdown plunge to make the game 14-7 with just under 11 minutes to go, there was hope. The Eagles defense, after their shaky start, had by in large held the Rams in check. Indeed, after the Eagles only touchdown of the afternoon, the Eagles defense held the Rams twice and gave the Eagles good field position on their next two possessions, which began at their own 31 and 40 yard lines. However, the Eagles would manage just one first down on those two possessions.

The Rams finally put the nail in the coffin with just under three minutes left, when Greg Bell ran for a 7 yard touchdown for the final score of 21-7. This touchdown run came a few plays after Bell ran 54 yards down to the 10 yard line. The Eagles defense, especially the front four, had finally collapsed after keeping the Rams in check for so long during the game.

After the game, Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham admitted that he was confused by the Rams complex zone and stated he had never seen anything like it on film. He also pointed the need for the Eagles to acquire some speed in the wide receiving department. The fans, who didn't have a beer to cry in during the game due to the Eagles banning beer sales earlier in the year due to "Bounty Bowl II", were frustrated, wet and as gloomy as the weather leaving the stadium. The Eagles were expected to take a step forward after the previous years' loss to the Chicago Bears in the "Fog Bowl", but once again were bounced out in the first round.

Awards and Honors

References

* [http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/phi/1989.htm?redir Eagles on Pro Football Reference]
* [http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/results.nsf/Teams/1989-phi Eagles on jt-sw.com]
* [http://philadelphia-Eagles.net/history/1989-index.html Eagles on Eagles.net]