First Cuts Come Down
Posted: August 25th, 2013 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 71 Comments »The Eagles trimmed the roster down to 77 with some moves on Sunday afternoon.
UPDATED
Cuts
TE Derek Carrier
WR Nick Miller
OL Nick Purcell
DL Eddie McClam
DL Isaac Remington
TE Will Shaw
DL Daryell Walker
LS James Winchester
P Brad Wing
S Kenny Phillips (per PFT)
The team waived/injured CB Eddie Whitley.
Carrier is the name that surprises me. He is a gifted athlete and seemed like a guy that would play a lot in the season finale to show whether he was PS material, but I guess the coaches just didn’t feel like he deserved that shot.
Shaw showed some promise in the spring, but still needs time to develop as a TE. I hope he’s brought back in January. He only played TE for a year in college and still has some upside as an F-Tight End.
Wing was okay this summer, but just not as good as Donnie Jones.
I feel terrible for Whitley. He played well vs CAR. The Eagles got him in with the backups last night and seemed to like him. Whitley had a real chance to make the team. Hopefully he’ll clear waivers and can go to IR.
The Eagles need to cut 3 more players by Tuesday at 4pm.
It would make sense to let go of at least one QB. Either WR Will Murphy or Jeff Maehl is likely to go.
The tricky part is that you need enough players to get through the preseason finale. You must have plenty of WRs, OL, DL, DBs, etc. The team will keep some guys they have little to no interest in keeping long term because they need snaps eaten up in the game.
CB is a tough spot. Curtis Marsh and Brandon Hughes are hurt. If they can’t go this week, you have Jordan Poyer, Brandon Boykin and Trevard Lindley left. That’s not enough. You’d need to add a corner or risk playing a starter.
I still don’t know what the heck is up with Kenny Phillips. He wasn’t healthy enough to play Saturday. When he has been on the field, Phillips hasn’t exactly looked like the good version of Kenny Phillips. Is there any reason to keep him around? Safety is a weak spot, but is there really a chance he gets on the field and plays well?
* Update: As of 445pm, ProFootballTalk is reporting that Phillips has been released. Local writers have confirmed this. Makes total sense.
* * * * *
I haven’t seen many cuts by other teams that have caught my attention. I’m checking out CBs, Safeties and OLBs
Ronnell Lewis played DE for the Lions, but could be a 3-4 OLB. He’s one interesting name.
Seattle has some depth a CB. They’ll cut at least one guy that we could like.
Keep your eyes open.
_
Some team will pick up Wing tomorrow, I bet
yea
I am really surprised he didn’t put up more of a battle in camp. Very talented kid.
C’mon Tommy – give me a name I can use. CB is the glaring weakness but safety ain’t much better. Or a trade. Give me a trade that Howie is working on. You’re better than this.
Starting CBs are fine. I like Williams/Fletcher/Boykin. Problem is depth.
I’ve watched the Seattle CBs. I just don’t know who they’ll keep and who they’ll cut. They’ve got a bunch of young guys that are similar. You’d need to be a Seahawks expert to know which guys are likely to stay and which ones we should hope for.
Here are some thoughts from a SEA writer.
http://www.fieldgulls.com/seahawks-notes/2013/8/25/4657052/nfl-roster-cuts-2013-the-seahawks-first-15
He thinks they’ll keep the DBs as long as possible to see about trades.
I think there will be more cuts today, or in the morning before practice tomorrow. They probably just haven’t spoken to them all yet.
The fact that a limping Kenny Philips is still on the team while releasing an athletic and promising TE in Carrier tells you how weak our safeties are…
Sad but true.
and per PFT Phillips have been released
Tommy, do you think Foles plays at all next week? I don’t see any good reason to put him in. I think we know he can execute the offense.
That means Thursday night should see Barkley start and then either/both Dixon/Kinne. If you’re going to cut a QB, why not cut Dixon? He can’t still be PS eligible, and I don’t think Barkley has been bad enough that they plan to cut him based on performance in one game.
I’d like to see Kinne get some more play time to see what he can do.
I would let Foles play the 1st half and Barkley the 2nd. Nick is still a young player. Every rep he gets should help him. If you put him out there with the same OL and skill players as last night, he should be fine. There is risk involved, but you also want Nick ready to play if Vick gets hurt. I think it is worth it to play him.
Agree that I’d like to see Kinne some if possible.
I completely agree. Kinne deserves some time. He earned it.
Dixon to practice squad. We need someone to simulate the RGIII, Kap, and others.
Actually, Dixon is still PS eligible. http://igglesblitz.com/practice-syndrome/ If it’s me, I say Barkley gets the 1st quarter. Dixon and Kinne get roughly equal snaps for the rest of the game. Whoever does better between those two gets a spot on the practice squad.
I’m tempted to do that, except Barkley gets the first half, Dixon and Kinne get the 3rd and 4th quarters.
Seems fair.
I’m torn on the logic of it myself. On the one hand he’s more than good enough to be a back-up and none of the other back-ups are even close. Moreover Chip really doesn’t need Foles to go kill a bunch of back-ups, look like Joe Montana, and rekindle QB talk ( in the public and media).
On the other hand I feel for the offensive playmakers as they fight for a roster spot. They suffer from poor QB play, whether it’s not being seen while open or just bad ball placement that doesn’t allow for YAC. Also, selfishly, the games are just easier to watch when our offense scores points.
I think the chips are stacked pretty heavy in favor of sitting him for preseason #4.
I’d love to see Foles own the Jets defense.
But besides that, it’ll only help the roster-bubble receivers to have a high-functioning QB. It’s much easier to show what they can do if the ball reaches them accurately and on time.
I’ve watched a couple of documentaries about fringe college players hoping to get drafted, and about guys on the bubble of NFL teams hoping to make the roster. Watching these young men work really humaizes the sport for me. Most of these guys have been busting their humps for 4-8 years, high school and college. It comes down to a brief window in which their future is decided. One way leads to big bucks and the life of a pro athlete. The other way leads to the life of an ordinary schmuck (present company excluded). It’s a very poignant time for these young men; a real thrill of victory or agony of defeat.
I can’t imagine what a roller coaster the whole month of August must be for these kids.
Here are some thoughts on a trio of players cut by the Lions.
http://eaglesblog.net/2013/08/lions-of-interest/
I think Long makes it to the PS? From what my untrained eye have seen, I think he have shown good potential for coming in so late.
Long could be PS material. Nobody would claim him. Would be ideal if he could have a minor injury and go to IR. He just tore his ACL in November. Give him time to heal and workout.
I’be been waiting to read that the Eagles have claimed Lewis off of waivers since I first read he was cut. Detroit is kinda deep at DE so I don’t see anything wrong w/ him being let go, even if its in the 1st wave of cuts. Plus I still would like this team to carry 5 OLBs cause I’m not really feeling Trent. Move McCoy to where he belongs, SOLB, and Graham to where he belongs, WOLB and throw Lewis in the mix w/ Cole and Graham.
Also impressed by Myron Lewis’s speed and size and the fact that he’s a tweener…since we’re going to be running some 3 safety looks. What do we have to lose w/ bringing him in. Can you explain how the “claims” work on the waiver wire a little? I know we are in a good spot cause we were terrible last year, but what about the timeframe and other little stuff?
You wouldn’t hear it until tomorrow, since he only just got cut today. (Second time he’s been cut this PS).
I think too many people get caught up in that. I’m not an optimist by any means, but I tend to take the one “man’s trash” approach w/ players and especially for players w/ impressive measurables. He was good enough to get drafted in the 3rd so somebody saw something there. And the league is funny like that…too many factors can go into why a player has not “made it” yet. Coaches, schemes, already established players a head of you, etc. etc. We of all teams should know how players can get stimied, then released, and then go on to have decent careers as we’ve seen that w/ numerous players that were our cast offs. And we really have nothing to lose…look at our current DB situation. No one’s asking him to come in and take Fletch’s or C-Will’s spot. Just adequate depth and hopefully better than Hughes or Marsh.
You can find a guy on the street occasionally who can help. I figure Howie’s got his eye fixed on the waiver wire.
And that’s where he is…on the street. Lol!
I get really tired of you and one or two others calling human beings garbage. As PPK and Tommy say, all of these guys have been working for a shot at the NFL for years, with “fans” like you bellyaching and dissing constantly; being measured and examined like livestock; then being told they are just not talented enough. I’d love to see a group of your so-called “trash” people stand oevr you day in and day out whining and complaining about how you do your job. If, in fact, you have one.
O-M-F’n-G!!! This is exactly what I’m talking bout, socio-political BS! As a matter of fact what the hell are you even talking about??? When did I call anyone garbage or Trash??? Re-read my whole convo…I’m lobbying (amongst us fans) for Lewis to be on our squad!!! The lol part was to Jack, due to what he said and my way of showing that although he and I may disagree, that I’m not trying to be confrontational in my disagreement. On the street is a figure of speech…um…meaning not to be taken literally. For every player who doesn’t have a team, we say he’s on “the street”…Jesus…get a f’n grip lady! Please, just stop hopping in on my comments and posting your nonsense. Please just stop replying to anything I say! And to think…Tommy took issue w/ what I had to say previously. SMH!!!
Huh? Football players being objectified by people is like antelope being mealified by lions.
I think it was Roob who mentioned this, but if it wasn’t, someone on Twitter mentioned that some teams will cut a player in the first cut downs that they intend on keeping on the practice squad. This lets them sneak a player through while other teams are focused on cutting down their own rosters. I have no idea how affective this is or how often it is done, but it potentially could explain the Carrier cut.
I was starting to wonder if that was done for Carrier. No idea if teams actually do this, but you have to respect the logic.
Especially for players who shined enough in camp you want to keep them, but have little film in preseason games.
Carrier may be a victim of numbers of skill position players on practice squad (at least what Chip may want his PS to be). They still have Momah, Igwenagu, Maehl, Tucker who are potential PS candidates.
I much rather have Carrier on the PS than any of the ones you mentioned.
I just don’t know if they feel they need to have any TEs on the PS with as many as they are carrying on the roster
I like Carrier but if Kelly would MUCH rather have Carrier he wouldn’t be in the first cuts. I don’t think Carrier is a standout over those guys and they aren’t locks either. Momah has more upside and hasn”t played so he’s the kind of guy you try to develop over the year.
He could like Maehl, I don’t know that for a fact but it’s possible because he’s a good blocker at WR and he’s gritty.
Right now if Igwenagu isn’t in these last 3 guys, Kelly obviously likes him better than Carrier I think.
I like Carrier a lot. I’m part of his fan club. I hope they PS him since he’s still eligible. But you’re not feeling Tucker? Kid runs hard. Hoping he makes it on the PS also.
Tucker is fast and talented for his size. Ran behind a similar blocking scheme at TCU. With Brown’s fumbling problems, he’s the guy I am most worried about losing (myself, Chip may have other ideas) along with Kruger. But that’s just what I think.
Thing is players like Kruger and Momah may not be showing a lot right now but they have upside and are guys I’d like to see make it to next year’s camp.
Not worried bout Brown at all, but I think it would be a shame to lose any of those guys right now. But that’s the risk w/ the PS. I like them all but if I had to rank them I would have to say Tucker, Kruger (if he’s putting on muscle/weight like he needs to be) Carrier, Shepard, and Momah. After that and other than Knott I really don’t see anyone else on this roster who I would want to keep for PS.
No question Brown’s fumbling is an issue. He’s not going anywhere yet but it must be resolved. Tucker runs with speed for his size and made a nice catch and run also last night.
I would keep Shepard on the roster. I would also keep Knott on the roster though Kelly may have different ideas with both guys.
I would think they keep an OL and more than one defensive player on the practice squad. We are pretty loaded at the skill positions on the roster and with 2-3 on the practice squad and you also have Maclin and Benn on IR.
I think you have a balance on the PS of players to develop and additional depth. Of course usually there are at least 3 or 4 players I like for the PS that don’t end up there.
I was really hoping Whitley would be OK. Looked like he had some potential.
Every time I hear the name “Whitley” I think of that show with Dwayne Wayne
Jamar Chaney was cut as well.
http://eaglesblog.net/2013/08/jamar-chaney-cut/
Take that Baldy
testing to see how Disqus uses syntax
I’d like to see Baldy on the broadcasting bubble.
I hate seeing players lose their jobs, but this is one player I’m happy to see go.
Man, Tommy, you f-ed with Jamar like that (with the drinking game)?You have to have some big cahones there to do that – did you ever encounter Mr. Chaney in person after you posted that?
No.
I didn’t tweet at him. Someone else did. I just tried to engage in a conversation at that point. I was reasonable.
But now Jamar has nothing better to do, look out Tommy
I think they’re down to 76
and will be at 75 when they put Hunt on IR
so that’s probably it until they’re ready to pick someone else up
So my guess is Vick and Foles will both not appear in the Jets PS game
Vick shouldn’t play. Foles is more 50-50. Barkley should play a ton.
I’m basing my guess on the fact that they still have five QBs after the first cut.
I didn’t realize Kelly was so anti-gun, cutting both Remmington and Winchester at the first chance. I thought he always talked about stockpiling weapons?
Can Colt Anderson feel safe?
Yes, as long as he doesn’t change his jersey number to 45.
Yes, and apparently Chip’s also cancelled the Gatlin Brothers halftime performance for our 1st game. The anti-gun bastard!
And Kenny Phillips will go back to the giants now that they lost their young starting safety are give them all our trade secrets, and probably get back to playing at a probowl level….the luck of a Philly fan…
If Kenny runs to NY, he’ll get there about 2016.
Meh. Philips is a name-player who will generate some headlines/buzz but he can’t even get on the field to practice.
Not a good sign for a defense though when a team is looking for multiple guys on the waiver wire who could play a meaningful amount of snaps in Week 1.
Oh dammit, we had an Eddie McClam!??! On the same unit as Fletcher Cox, how did I miss this!?!?!
Signed about a week ago
Kolb’s career may be over
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/25/report-bills-fear-kevin-kolbs-concussion-may-be-career-ending/
That’s sad. On the other hand, the wild boar wrestling can commence in earnest!
But truly, any concussion-related injury totally sucks. I hope for his sake that’s not true and he recovers completely. Good guy.
I’d definitely approve of bringing Ronnell Lewis in. He was a great special teams player for OU and a solid defensive player. Because of the possibility that Cole and Graham might never adjust to OLB, it’s important to have an experienced guy on the roster at that position along with Barwin. I still feel like Chris McCoy showed enough to make the team, but I wouldn’t mind carrying 5 OLBs.
what about demarcus van dyke? i liked his potential coming out of miami. i’m sure if the steelers cut him they had a good reason, i’m just curious if he has enough upside for us to try him out, or if he just doesn’t look like a nfl-level player.