Q & A
Posted: July 29th, 2011 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 77 Comments »Someone asked about LB. Who’s where? Any changes coming? Right now Casey Matthews is your #1 MLB. They’ve got Jamar Chaney at SAM. Moise Fokou is at WLB. Let’s start in the middle. Reuben Frank said on Twitter that he’s heard the Eagles have no interest in Stephen Tulloch and minimal interest in Nick Barnett. I’ve said for a while that Tulloch doesn’t seem like a likely target. He’s a tackling machine, but wants playmaker money. We’re never going to pay our MLB the same as a DE. Won’t happen. Part of it is that I genuinely believe Juan Castillo really wants to see Casey Matthews play. I know many of you think starting a rookie MLB is dumb. Maybe. Think about this. What happened last year? We had our veteran in the middle for most of the year and he was completely unimpressive. We put in a 7th round rookie and were definitely impressed. That doesn’t mean Matthews will be as good, but it does show you that going with a rookie isn’t necessarily a foolish decision. If you really believe in the guy, play him. It’s possible the Eagles have some other player in mind. I get questions about Barrett Ruud. I’ve watched 2009 and 2010 games. Not all that impressed. Finesse MLB. Better in space than vs inside runs. For now, learn to like Casey Matthews.
We spent the whole offseason talking about Jamar Chaney at WLB. Now they’ve got him at SAM. What gives? I’m not sure. Chaney seems like more of a natural WLB to me. My best guess is that the Eagles wanted to put his speed at SAM so that he can cover TEs. In the new scheme, the OLBs both will play off the ball. That greatly lessens the difference in the positions. Castillo made reference to the interchangeability of the positions back in March.
Fokou is WLB is the guy I wonder about. Moise has the ability to play there, but is he the guy they really want there? My big question is if Fokou is enough of a playmaker at WLB. That’s a spot where you’d like someone who can make things happen. Keenan Clayton could challenge for the job. He’s got big time playmaking potentia. Clayton has to show that he can be a functional run defender. It would not surprise me to see the Eagles go after someone at this spot.
Should we be concerned about RT? What’s going on? The situation bears watching, but putting Justice on the PUP list isn’t a huge deal. The Eagles can pull him off at any time prior to final cuts and have him practice/play immediately. Putting him on PUP is a precautionary measure. The unknown factor is the state of his knee. Is this a case where he’ll be fine in 7-10 days or is this a matter of his knee being an issue that will linger for a while?
We know the Eagles put a premium on OT play. If they have genuine concerns, they easily could make a move for a RT. Howard Mudd is getting a chance to coach and work with King Dunlap right now. Mudd will decide very quickly if he thinks that can work. If he’s not happy, Mudd will push the Eagles to bring in some help. Someone yesterday mentioned the idea of having Mike McGlynn play RG and rookie Danny Watkins play RT. Possible, but not ideal. I think Dunlap gets the job first, unless he struggles with the new blocking scheme.
Any chance of adding a veteran Safety? I’m not so sure. There is going to be a numbers crunch, as always. Do we keep 4 or 5 Safeties? Nate Allen will be the FS, assuming his knee continues to improve. He’s practicing some now. Marlin Jackson is practicing and looking good. He could be the veteran. Kurt Coleman isn’t giving up his starting job without a fight. Rookie Jaiquawn Jarrett will push for a starting spot. And remember that Colt Anderson was our best Special Teams player last year. He’s got to be active on gameday.
It’s possible we just keep 4 guys and Jackson gets cut. Maybe we keep him and go with 5. Maybe we replace him and go with 5. Is there a point to keeping a veteran if he doesn’t play? The Eagles want Allen, Coleman, Anderson, and Jarrett to play if at all possible. The vet would force someone to sit.
There is a strong chance that the first week or so of practice will determine what happens here. If the young guys do okay, the Eagles may stick with what we’ve got. If they struggle, go get a band aid player. And Jackson is a wildcard. He is a good player when healthy. Maybe Marlin will have a Correll Buckhalter-like resurgence and stay healthy for the next 5 years.
Did Eagles get fair value for Kolb? Someone posted comments from WalterFootball yesterday that the Eagles should have gotten a 1st round pick instead of “just” a 2nd. Maybe. The Eagles could have pushed the deal. Arizona might have caved. They didn’t have great options. That thinking discounts one key point…the Eagles really wanted DRC. He was a player they had specifically targeted. And they wanted to get him here ASAP. They want him on the field, adjusting to the new team and defense. I don’t blame the Eagles one bit for not pushing the negotiations further. That becomes a game of chicken. Maybe you win. Maybe you lose. Maybe you get the same results you did, but several days later. Be aggressive, but also smart. Take a good deal when you can.
Improving the overall quality of the team. This is a goal for the Eagles every offseason. The tricky part is knowing what is an upgrade and what is just change. Too often I think we undervalue our own players and overvalue others. We see our guys, good days and bad. We know other players largely through highlights and complimentary articles. We don’t always know the warts they have.
I’m all for the Eagles making changes that improve the team. If the right Nickelback was available and would be an upgrade on Joselio Hanson, go for it. That said, don’t just assume some starting CB can move inside and bet better. Some players struggle in the slot. That’s a whole other world than normal CB.
So what needs to be upgraded now? We must get a good backup RB. I’m wide open to adding a veteran WR who can help in the Red Zone or as a RS. We might bring in a P to challenge Chas Henry. I already mentioned LB and S. I don’t see us pursuing DTs unless the perfect guy comes available. Now, after a week of working with our guys, Jim Washburn may feel he needs a player who can penetrate better than the current group. If so, that could be an area to address. The flip side is that Patt, Bunk, and Laws may thrive in the new system.
Any position that could be problem? I’m curious to see how Brent Celek plays early on. He was terrific in 2009. He wasn’t as good last year. He blocked a lot, but wasn’t the same when he was out as a receiver. There were some not so flattering pictures of him this spring. Is he in top shape? Is he ready to go? I think Clay Harbor could be sneaky good this year. He’s got a lot more potential than most people realize.
I don’t understand moving Chaney to SLB at all. He’s best in space. Fokou is best attacking blockers …
Can anyone explain this?
In a Cover 2 type defense, there isn’t a significant difference between OLBs. One covers TEs, the other covers RBs. Both have to be fast and able to turn their hips (think Brooks/Quarles in TB, Briggs/Hillenmeyer in Chi).
I’d rather keep Fokou at SLB because he’s played there the past 2 years though.
I also prefer Fokou at SAM and Chaney at WLB.
Wonder if we’re following the Vikings where Greenway plays SAM (good athlete) and Leber played WLB (bigger guy). Leber had been SAM in past, but Vikings changed to get Greenway on TEs.
To me, the LB situation right now is a huge hole on this team. Regardless of if JC likes Casey Matthews, handing the job over to a fourth round pick without at least having him fight for it is never a good idea, and that ignores the fact that we are talking about the QB of the defense in a season where Matthews didn’t benefit from OTAs. On top of that, Chaney is a question mark at best right now. There is no denying he played well at the end of last season, but we only have a limited sample size, and he was playing in the middle, not the outside. Then Fokou, the guy who has the most experience of our LBs, is playing out of place. Finally, with the change to the wide 9 Dline look, there is added pressure on the LBs to make plays on RBs.
The point is, even though I like the potential of these guys, I think the coaches are asking for way to many things to fall into place with our LBs.
Tommy, I was under the impression that the Vikes played Leber at WLB because Allen was so poor in run defense (great pass rusher, but he doesn’t play the run). Greenway can play inside or out. Is Chaney going to be that much better than Fokou at covering TEs? Our best cover LB is Clayton, then Matthews IMO. I’d put Rolle in that discussion too, but he’s too small to play on neutral downs.
I really wanted Kalil and Greenway, ugh, why did they have to be franchised?
Who would rather not see end up with Aso, the Jets or the Cowgirls?!
Tommy,
Are you truely comfortable with the Defensive Tackle position? We don’t have any player on the line who has shown a consistent ability to pressure the QB. Isn’t that something that Washburn has had in the past?
@ iskar…
You bring up relevant points. Eagles would be rolling the dice. It’s possible we could go get a veteran MLB to come in here and challenge Casey. We might push for Casey to keep the job.
I’m completely fine with Chaney, whether at SAM or WLB.
Fokou at WLB…that’s the spot I’d try to upgrade.
@ Zack…
Our guys weren’t allowed to attack upfield the last few years. That doesn’t mean they can’t do it.
Patterson was great penetrator in college. Ditto that for Bunk. Laws was good pass rusher last year. Dixon showed some promise. I really think this group is better than many realize.
Doesn’t mean I’m 100% right. Patt and Bunk might be so far removed from attacking upfield that they don’t get back to where they were. If so, we would need to go get a DT or two to help.
Do we necessarily have to have a specific SAM/WLB? If, as JC has suggested, OLBs are interchangeable then maybe he’s just going to have (for example) Chaney on the left and Fokou on the right on every snap regardless of where the TE is?
As I’ve said the few times I’ve posted things here before, I’m relatively new to following football, but we don’t seem to switch our CBs about to react to the opposition line-up, what’s to say we couldn’t do the same with LB?
When you listen to SS Marlin Jackson, you can’t help but want him to make it all the way back as a starter and good player. Real likable guy.
I like Matthews, but it is a lot to ask to have him come in learn the playbook and start day 1. But I do trust Castillo and the staff there. Still wouldn’t mind Tulloch, as he I has already played behind Washburn’s line before.
I need an edit button 🙂
Who would some potential targets at right tackle be if Mudd decides Dunlap is a bum?
I know I’d feel a lot more comfortable with Jared Gaither, Jamaal Brown, or Matt Light competing to defend Vick’s blindside than the King…
Assuming any/all of them would be willing to take short term deals with little money guaranteed.
@ degooey…
Some teams flop LBs based on the TE. Some teams play them as LLB, MLB, and RLB.
Under Reid, our guys line up based on the TE most of the time. SAM is with the TE. WLB is on the open side. Part of that was to have the SAM be able to jam the TE at the snap and not give him a clean release.
New system will have all 3 LBs several yards off the ball. We will still match-up with the TE, but that could be more about speed than size. Get guys to run with TEs instead of match their height.
RE: Matt Light
Close to re-signing in NE. Will stay at LT.
RE: Tulloch
Wants big bucks. Isn’t going to happen unless he drastically lowers his rate or something crazy happens.
Tommy:
I know we’re set on DE but would it be worth giving Derrick Harvey a cheap one year contract, and see what he does in the wide nine? (Former 8th overall pick)
It’s absurd to me that the Eagles saved MILLIONS by trading for DRC (instead of signing Joseph or Nnamdi) and signing Babin (instead of Edwards) and seemingly won’t use the savings to get a major veteran upgrade at LB and another good piece for the o-line.
I know they’ve got to pay Vick and Jackson, but this is just a no-brainer, IMO. If you have the resources, why potentially leave yourself short?
@LT
If the Eagles resign Vick & Jackson with the cap savings, as well as have money next year for Shady.
Keep in mind that DRC will get a big extension, and Cole = underpaid.
Another reason I want Marlin Jackson to make the team is I just like the name Marlin. Ah, but “Colt” Anderson is pretty good too. Damn.
This proverbial veteran LB we should bring in to solve our problems – who would that be?
Tulloch? If we thought he was all that he’d already be here – Washburn would have told Andy.
Barnett? Over 30 and coming out of a 3-4 system.
The one guy I could see is Manny Lawson, with Chaney moving back into the middle, but if they want Chaney outside, then Lawson is not much help.
Finally, strong and weak don’t matter much any more and even less in the wide-9 where the DE is on the outside shoulder of the TE and both OLBs are five yards deep. It’s not like either LB will line up right on the TE.
Babin – 5 years, 28 million.
Ray Edwards – 5 years, 30 million, no calls from Philly.
There’s a lot of cases around the league of rookie LBs playing well, and Casey should be prepared to do what he does. Fokou played well at SAM last year after the team had struggled for years there so I don’t know why they don’t leave well enough alone.
Fokou’s much better than Chaney whose more of a finesse type. We’re gonna need our LBs to shed blocks this year with 1 gap. At the moment only 1 guy definitely can. We need to get Tulloch in here asap.
Interesting how Stew is not even part of the discussion. We were all so high on him prior to his injury.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that to win the NFCW, you have to sign Eagles backups.
– Kolb lost his job to Vick
– Akers lost his job to Henery
– Bradley lost his job to Matthews
– Mikeel lost his job to Jarrett (or Coleman)
Tommy I think you need to get a panic button installed, or better yet maybe a panic room… lol
Ray Edwards not a fit for our new D-line scheme and also a mediocre performer on an elite D-line = no thanks
We got:
3 Pro Bowl players
DRC
Babin
Vince Young
2 of which were identified on most Eagles sites as positions of great need.
I’m sorry, but I just don’t get all the complaining… But then again I’m not a normal Eagles fan.
off topic and I discussed this yesterday, but i’m not sure who i would rather NA go to. Maybe the Jets, cos we wouldn’t have to play them much. As scary as that team would be, we would only potentially meet them in a game that matters at SB time. Please don’t let him go to the Cowboys.
looks like NA is going to the jets. 3 guys jus restructured their contracts to make cap room. crazy!
Tommy
We have to talk. As much respect I have for you I just simply don’t see how you cannot want Tulloch on our team. It is nice to have so much young guns already but as far as I remember youth has not brought us any super bowl so far. That’s why I think you have to break with tradition sometimes in order to win it all. And if you look at Beason’s recent contract 6 mio $ per year for a young and rising tackling machine is not that much!
I just don’t have a good feeling going with such a young LB trio into the season which is supposed to be our year.
And Tulloch is MUCH better than Beason.
I think you make 2 excellent points here.
The first, regarding the value received for Kolb. Personally, I think DRC and a 2nd is GREAT value to begin with. But for those that disagree — ask Denver what can happen when you procrastinate and get into a staredown. Jeff Ireland and the Dolphins called Denver’s bluff regarding Orton, and now Denver is stuck with him. I don’t think us being “stuck” with Kolb would’ve been a bad thing, but I’m much happier having DRC and a 2nd round pick in our pockets right now.
The second, your point on free agency. It seems to be a common misnomer–especially after the long lockout layoff, leading into this huge free agency frenzy–that “different” means “better.” More often than not, that isn’t the case at all. Even though players were barred from the facility all off-season, I still trust our coaches to know OUR guys and their potential more than anyone. If they stand pat at certain positions, I’m giving the F.O. the benefit of the doubt–they’ve earned it.
Would I like to add a potential veteran upgrade to the LB corps? Sure. But don’t do it for the SAKE OF DOING IT, you know? Take the Jaguars, for instance. Added two nice players in Poz and Session. But they damn near broke the bank to add them, when they’re really just that–“nice” players. I’d much rather see one of our guys like Clayton, Matthews, Rolle get to sink their teeth in and fight for a job, rather than throw a $10 million signing bonus at a mid-level veteran.
Tulloch is Not a mid level veteran and you wouldn’t have have to break the bank for him.
Ray Edwards signed a 5-year deal worth 30 million with 11.5 guaranteed?? Overall value of the deal is only a little more than Babin, with about 5 million more in guarantees. Babin might be a better fit for the nine-wide, but Ray Edwards youth (26 vs Babin’s 31) and the fact that he might actually be able to get better (as opposed to Babin who shot his load last year with his one and only good season in his whole career) didn’t factor in?
I was lukewarm on signing Babin since his contract was reasonable and easy to terminate, which offset the fact that I didn’t really want him at all as a starting end. But sheesh, to see Edwards sign for such a low number kinda irks me.
@Mac @#12:
Why do you trust Juan Castillo? He’s never been a coordinator before. I obviously hope he does well, but trusting him to do well would be blind faith.
Maybe I’d have a little more blind faith if we weren’t hearing hype about how the new O-Line coach is going to improve the unit that Castillo used to coach.
I wasn’t talking about Tulloch. I don’t consider him a part of the equation because the scuttlebutt seems to be that the Eagles don’t have any interest in him.
I was speaking more along the lines of a Nick Barnett or a Manny Lawson.
I’m interested to see what the market for Malcolm Floyd will be. It appears that some other chips, ie Braylon Edwards and James Jones, will need to fall before Floyd’s market value is set.
He’s on the older side, but if we could get him on a 3-year deal at a reasonable price, he could be a real asset in the red zone, couldn’t he?
i trust reid and co but dunlap really really worries me. if we got justice and dunlap i feel alot better that one of the two will work out. and i know dunlap gradd out good when he played last year (except the sanfran game)
MLB worries me too. i like mathews but i would rather have him be plan b. if mathews is plan a, who is plan b?
im actully ok with coleman/jarret and nate allen at saftey. we got two stud corners and should have a good pass rush.
just wondering what has edwards ever done that made him so great?
from what i know he complained about $$ all the time, was considering quiting football and had as many sacks as J Parker. and edwards was on one of the best dlines in the game. not saying he sux but him and babin was a toss up to me. babin showed he can kick a$$ in the system but edwards is younger. so i would have taken whichever was cheaper
I don’t think anyone’s AGAINST signing Tulloch. It just doesn’t look likely considering the Eagles’ personnel philosophy. But hey, Roseman’s running the show now, maybe he’s pushing for a LB.
I’m WAY more concerned with extending DeSean and finding a red zone RB than I am signing a LB.
Hey Tommy,
What are the chances Cornelius Ingram makes the team this year? They’ve obviously been keeping him around for some reason. I assume it’s his upside. Is he finally fully healthy?
maybe tulloch brings his price down once he realizes he doesnt have many options. im sure r edwards was looking for big $ and had to settle for less.
tommy have u ever seen that sackSEER thing? if u have what do u think about it. they love BG and like TEO alot
Dallas radio repirting Aso to the Cowboys…
42 comments and not a mention of Chas Johnson…err Henry ? What happened there Tommy? He remind you of Dirk Johnson ? lol
Noooooo
Now, ESPN Radio Dallas is backing off a bit. Ha!!!
If the Cowboys really got Aso the Eagles better get Tulloch! How the hell can they afford him any way? That is ridiculous.
Typical Jerry Jones behavior, if true. If Dallas signs Asomugha, they will have ignored far more pressing needs (like at safety) . I really don’t think this signing would help the Cowboys overall, and would probably actually hurt them, leaving them thin at key positions. Go for it, Jerry!
The #Eagles currently have 8 LBs on their roster, not one of them was drafted before the 4th Round. Clearly not a priority position.
Every year the same crap.
Tommy:
Could you write some on the two udfa picked up recently… locke, another rb, and the other converted wr. Many thanks
zach just became the happuest dude on earth
Nnamdi gets 5 year deal with … THE EAGLES!!!!
Wow…
Speechless…
knowing we stole him form dallas is just so much better. so what happens with asante?
Tommy what happens with Asante?!
when i heard dallas was out and NY was out. i was thinking the eagles would love this guy cuz he is such a good dude and obvioulsy a stud. and last time we thought we had enough corners, we picked up asante.
this is so amazing. well now i am ok with casy in the middle. even the most miserable fake eagle fan cant complain right now
Hahah! Unbelievable! I feel just like I did the night we swooped in and stole Cliff Lee back from the Rangers and Yankees!
What a savvy frickin’ move. Not only do we get the best corner in football, but we TAKE HIM from Dallas. I am going to get tennis elbow from how much fist pumping I am doing right now!
E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES!
@CVD
I had the same thought. As soon as the Cowboys and Jets were told they were out, I just knew. Awesome, awesome, Awesomugha news.
Crazyness. Once they said New York and Dallas were out, I JOKED that the Eagles should swoop in so we can upgrade our nickel corner spot. Not in my wildest dreams would I have thought we’d actually do it.
Really want to see what the numbers are going to be, and concerned with what this means for Asante (would hate to see him go) and DeSean’s holdout/extension.
Once I heard Dallas was the team left, I just thought, “the Eagles need to do whatever it takes to keep him from them.”
This probably means MmmmBop is gone.
Wow I am utterly speechless. Didn’t see that coming at all.
Isnt it coincidence that Asante has not shown up at camp yet? Any chance we can trade him for a stud LB?!
And I was resigning myself to the possibility that the Cowboys would get him! This is awesome news. WOW.
Eagles also brought in Johnnie Lee Higgins and Donald Lee
Do we trade Asante now?!?!
NNAMDIZZZZZZ
and for only 5 years 60 mill.
24 gar
I’m hoping Samuel’s personal reasons aren’t related.
Okay, so now we’re stacked at CB. People talking about converting AS or DRC to safety, but we’re pretty sorted there too; Could either of them convert to WLB? We were looking for someone quick to play there – they don’t come much quicker than DRC…
Where the JEFF is TOMMY?!? Did he have a heart attack?!?
So do we make anything more possibly out of Asante’s “personal absence”?
Frickin brilliant move…we keep him out of other people’s hands. We can move Asante for a high pick to a destination of our choosing so he is less likely to burn us or if compensation is not good keep him for best cb tandem in the league.
I’m really beginning to become a fan of Howie Roseman. This is turning out to be a brilliant offseason. Trade Kolb for a 2 and DRC. Sign Jason Babin as a guy who is familiar with Washburn’s system. And now, completely under the radar and completely by surprise pulling off the coup of the offseason in signing Nnamdi Asomugha. Incredible.
Its a great day to live in Dallas! Jerry and Stephen Jones were fist bumping on the practice field. McSimmons and Moseley were on ESPN Radio reporting Nnamdi was a Cowboy.
I’m proud of Howie for this one.
And, Kudos to Tommy for nailing this one…the Eagles simply wanted DRC. Not any CB. DRC. Signing Nnamdi proves it.
Wonder what all these dudes who restructured contracts for Nnamdi are thinking down…the ancillary benefits of this sneak attack are just excellent.
Howie Roseman is a bum!
*now….stupid typos!
Just got done watching Howie’s press conference. He was obviously psyched. Couple of things stood out for me. First, he acknowledged that the Eagles do not give out large and long contracts to older players, but stated that Nnamdi is a special athlete. Second, Asante’s absence is personal and excused, and had nothing to do with any of the fo activity. Third, he issued a public apology to Leonard Weaver, which I thought was a real classy thing to do.
If they do keep both DRC and Asante now, then Hanson will go.. Hanson gets a chunk of change. Hard to say since Hanson has the slot experience, but Hanson has had his problems lately and makes more than DRC. This reminds me a little of when Asante came in to supplant Lito as no. 1, but it’s unclear what the plan is going forward.
The team had plenty of cap room for something like this, and Aso wanted to be in a media market. The Eagles are moneyballin’, letting go the average vets and filling the team with kids and Value Over Replacement Player standouts.
I thank all the people who wrote GET ASO NOW!! in all caps in forums more inclined to all caps than this.