2011 Philadelphia Eagles season


The Philadelphia Eagles season was the franchise's 79th season in the National Football League, and the thirteenth under head coach Andy Reid. The Eagles had high hopes of competing for a Super Bowl with several notable offseason acquisitions – new backup quarterback Vince Young commented that the roster was a "dream team" – but ultimately failed to improve on their 10–6 record from 2010 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2007. However, they did win their last four games, in an attempt to pull out a miracle playoff berth, finishing 8–8, only one game behind the divisional winners and eventual Super Bowl champions, the New York Giants. They also swept the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins for the first time since 2006 and 2009, respectively. The Eagles played all their home games at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Offseason

Personnel changes

On January 15, defensive coordinator Sean McDermott was fired. Defensive line coach Rory Segrest was fired on January 16. Former Tennessee Titans' defensive line coach Jim Washburn was hired to the same position by the Eagles' on January 19. Special teams quality control coach Jeff Nixon was hired by the Miami Dolphins as their running backs coach on January 20. Defensive backs coach and senior assistant Dick Jauron was hired by the Cleveland Browns as their new defensive coordinator on January 21. On January 25, linebackers coach Bill Shuey, who served on the Eagles' coaching staff for the past ten seasons, was let go after his contract was not renewed. On February 2, Juan Castillo, who served as the team's offensive line coach since 1998, was named the new defensive coordinator. That same day, Howard Mudd was hired as the new offensive line coach. Quarterback Coach James Urban left to take a job as the Wide Receiver Coach for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Roster changes

The Eagles made several high-profile additions in the offseason, including Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Nnamdi Asomugha, Vince Young, Ronnie Brown, Evan Mathis, Steve Smith from the rival New York Giants, and Jason Babin. With the numerous signings in addition to the previous years' players, Young later enthusiastically commented during a training camp interview, calling the 2011 Eagles a "dream team".

Free agents

Signings

2011 draft

Player selections

RdPickPlayerPosSchoolSignedNotes
123Danny WatkinsGuardBaylor–
254Jaiquawn JarrettSafetyTemple–
390Curtis MarshCornerbackUtah State–
4116Casey MatthewsLinebackerOregon–
4120Alex HeneryKickerNebraska–
5149Dion LewisRunning backPittsburgh–
5161Julian VanderveldeGuardIowa–
6191Jason KelceCenterCincinnati–
6193Brian RolleLinebackerOhio State–
7237Greg Lloyd, Jr.LinebackerConnecticut–
7240Stanley HaviliFullbackUSC–

Draft notes

Preseason

Schedule

The Eagles' preseason schedule was announced on April 12, 2011.
WeekDateOpponentResultRecordGame siteNFL.com
recap
1August 11Baltimore RavensW 13–61–0Lincoln Financial Field
2August 18at Pittsburgh SteelersL 14–241–1Heinz Field
3August 25Cleveland BrownsW 24–142–1Lincoln Financial Field
4September 1at New York JetsW 24–143–1MetLife Stadium

Roster changes

Signings

On July 29, the Eagles signed quarterback Vince Young, one day after he was released by the Tennessee Titans. That same day, the Eagles also signed former Oakland Raiders' cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha to a five-year contract.

Trades

On July 28, quarterback Kevin Kolb was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2012 second-round draft selection. On August 1, defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley was traded to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a 2013 draft selection.

Regular season

Schedule

Game summaries

Week 1: at St. Louis Rams

Week 2: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 3: vs. New York Giants

Week 4: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week 5: at Buffalo Bills

Week 6: at Washington Redskins

Week 8: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 9: vs. Chicago Bears

Coming off their divisional win over the Cowboys, the Eagles stayed at home for a Week 9 Monday night duel with the Chicago Bears. Philadelphia trailed early in the first quarter as Bears quarterback Jay Cutler completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Matt Spaeth. Chicago would add onto their lead in the second quarter as kicker Robbie Gould booted a 51-yard field goal. The Eagles answered with a 47-yard field goal from rookie kicker Alex Henery. followed by rookie linebacker Brian Rolle returning a fumble 22 yards for a touchdown, but the Bears would close out the half with running back Marion Barber getting a 2-yard touchdown run.
Philadelphia took the lead the third quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run from running back Ronnie Brown, followed by a 33-yard touchdown run from running back LeSean McCoy. Chicago replied with Gould making a 38-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Bears retook the lead with Cutler completing a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Earl Bennett, followed by Gould getting a 22-yard field goal. The Eagles tried to rally, including an unsuccessful fake punt by Chas Henry, but Chicago's defense held on to preserve the win.
With the loss, Philadelphia fell to 3–5.

Week 10: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week 11: at New York Giants

Week 12: vs. New England Patriots

The Eagles lost to the New England Patriots by a score of 38-20. Despite having a 7-0 lead to start the game, they were outscored by New England 38-13 to finish the game. During the third quarter, Eagles fans were heard booing on multiple occasions and chanting "Fire Andy" at one point. With the loss, the Eagles dropped to 4-7. They also fell to 1-5 at home and, dating back to Week 16 of 2010, the Eagles have lost 8 of their last 9 home games.

Week 13: at Seattle Seahawks

Week 14: at Miami Dolphins

Week 15: vs. New York Jets

Week 16: at Dallas Cowboys

With the win the Eagles improved to 7–8, and swept the season series of the Cowboys for the first time since 2006. However, they were eliminated from playoff contention thanks to the Giants' 29–14 victory over the Jets.

Week 17: vs. Washington Redskins

With the win not only did the Eagles finished 8–8, but closed out the regular season winning the last 4 games, while also sweeping the Redskins for the first time since 2009.

Standings

Staff

Final roster