Eagles must learn to run before they can soar

The Eagles have one more chance to solve the Cowboys' riddle on Saturday night, or their season, which began with Super Bowl expectations, will end well short.

Considering the Eagles were shut out, 24-0, at Cowboys Stadium last week, they must do plenty of things better to have a chance to win Saturday night. Many of them are simple, fundamental football tasks, but none will come easy against the fast and physical Cowboys.

1. Stop the run. The fact Dallas running backs Marion Barber and Felix Jones were both effective last week in the power rushing attack (91 yards each) threw off Philadelphia's defensive plans.

"By them running the ball well, it basically killed us," Eagles safety Quintin Mikell said.

The Cowboys passed effectively off the success of the run and kept the aggressive Eagles off-balance, leading to big holes for Barber and Jones. On Saturday night, Philadelphia will work on getting defenders in better position to fill those lanes before Barber or Jones can run into the secondary.

"We need to get a lot more guys around the ball," Mikell said. "We have to tackle better and we have to get off of blocks better."

To that end, don't be surprised to see some lineup changes, such as giving more reps to veteran run-stopping middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter on early downs.

2. Get out to a fast start. The Eagles didn't quite get started Sunday. Looking at their talent and typical offensive prowess, getting a quick score this week would give the team confidence and much-needed momentum.

"Everybody says start fast, finish strong," Eagles running back Brian Westbrook said. "But there are going to be ebbs and flows to every game. Even if you start fast, you have to try to continue that throughout the whole game."

For all their big-play ability, the Eagles are at their best when Donovan McNabb gets into an early rhythm to where he's consistently connecting with all receivers, methodically moving the ball downfield. When the base offense is working well, it opens up more opportunities to hit big plays.

3. Run the ball more. Most teams tend to abandon the run when staring at a 17-0 halftime deficit, and pass-first Andy Reid tends to fade it out in some games no matter the score.

The game's outcome shouldn't completely rest on McNabb's arm, and the running game doesn't have to be all about Westbrook, either. Expect speedy rookie backup LeSean McCoy and Pro Bowl fullback Leonard Weaver -- both performed well when Westbrook was sidelined by concussions -- to be more involved.

Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said the Eagles wanted to run more last week, but the early deficit limited their options.

"We had a plan last week, and we tried to get back into the game," Mornhinweg said. "So we didn't really get to that plan for the three backs that we have that carry the football."

There's also the added dimension of Michael Vick, who didn't play last week but is healthy enough to contribute Saturday night. Even if the Cowboys are prepared for the "Wildcat" offense, a fresh and versatile Vick still poses a challenge.

4. Get a spark from special teams. From kickoff specialist David Buehler's touchback boots to solid punt coverage that gave the Eagles' DeSean Jackson little room to operate on his returns, the Cowboys easily won the battle for field position last week.

A big return would allow the Eagles' offense to operate with a short field, which could make the difference in what figures to be a much closer game.

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Jarrett Payton to play arena football

The son of Bears Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton has signed a deal to play indoor football with the Chicago Slaughter. Jarrett Payton signed for the 2010 season to play at running back for the Slaughter, which will begin Indoor Football League play on Feb. 27. The team will be coached by former Bears defensive lineman Steve McMichael, who announced the signing Thursday.

Interlake hires Jason Rimkus to coach football

Jason Rimkus received so many calls and text messages Thursday, his cell phone died.

But, no matter how many people called to congratulate him, the news that he is taking over as Interlake's head coach had yet to hit him.

"To be honest, I'm not sure if it's set in yet," said Rimkus, who spent last season coaching Bothell's defensive backs. "It's been a day like I've never had in my entire life. The support that I have is tremendous and it's the reason why I'm in this situation."

The 26-year-old takes over for Sheldon Cross, who left the program to become a graduate assistant at Washington State after taking the Saints to the 2A playoffs each of the past two seasons.

"His energy, his background as far as being around guys like Tom Bainter and being around Frosty and Scott Westering and that type of mentality," said Interlake athletic director Art Kuehn, describing what Rimkus will bring to the program. "He's passionate about what he does. His references were impeccable. I think we got the right guy. It was a tough decision. We had a couple of really good candidates."

Rimkus played at Bothell and was a team captain during Bainter's first season with the Cougars in 2001. Rimkus played at PLU and then did his student teaching at Bothell where he coached linebackers.

He spent time as an assistant at Western Washington and PLU before returning to work under Bainter.

"He's a young, enthusiastic football junkie who has great people skills and he will do a great job," Bainter said. "I think it's going to be a great spot for him to start his head coaching career."

Under Cross, the Saints ran a wide-open, fast-break attack on offense. Rimkus said he will tailor his attack to the players in the program.

"Really I can't say. We won't be as run-and-gun as they were last year, but I think all good coaches fit their talent to a scheme and they don't try to have their scheme dictate everything," Rimkus said. "We'll run what fits our personnel the best offensively. Defensively, we will give it tremendous effort, I can tell you that."

This is Rimkus' first head coaching job and he is looking forward to meeting his players and preparing for the 2010 season.

"Things will come up that you've never thought of before and I'm really looking forward to those things and learning those things," Rimkus said. "As far as the game of football goes, I'm pretty confident in that, but just all the little administrative things that you never really learn until you're a head coach."