Like the Redskins' Mitchell, Sherman represents a major personnel mistake for Philadelphia. The only reason he got a chance to play this season was because Kotite was forced to move Keith Byars to tight end in place of departed free agent Keith Jackson. Sherman replaced Byars in the two-back alignment and now has totaled 490 yards rushing in the last seven games. Against New Orleans, Walker, who is coming off a 1,000-yard season, carried five times for 12 yards.
Although Philadelphia is the league's No. 2 rushing team, Kotite too often has forsaken the run and tried to win behind Cunningham's passing. That put too much pressure on an offensive line that has allowed an incredible 63 sacks, although it has performed more consistently the past month. When the Eagles are more balanced, the line holds up better and Cunningham is more effective. Cunningham and his receivers have even begun teaming up for long completions, including two for touchdowns against New Orleans. That also had been a missing element from Philadelphia's offense.
