Biggest Game Ever

Posted: August 8th, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 142 Comments »

NFL history will change tonight when Chip Kelly unveils the Eagles newest weapon…the Wishbone offense. Kelly has been secretly working on this for weeks. His goal is to have Nick Foles rush for 1,000 yards this year.

Okay, so nothing that dramatic is likely to happen tonight, but it is good to have football back, even if the starters will play very little. We do have to keep a few things in mind. The first preseason game can be a bit of an anomaly. Last year Fletcher Cox looked awful in the game. He went on to have a good season. Clay Harbor had a good game, but didn’t even make the team. Bryce Brown looked very good. He was up and down during the year.

This is the first game of the year. Some guys are going to be rusty because of that. Others will be sloppy because they are still learning the scheme/playbook and just aren’t comfortable. That was Cox last year.

Don’t make too much of this game, good or bad. It is the least meaningful of the preseason games.

Here are some quick thoughts on players.

QB – I want to see how Mark Sanchez and Matt Barkley look. Sanchez is a veteran and Barkley is in Year 2 of this offense. They should play well, assuming they get solid protection.

RB – We get to see Darren Sproles in action. Starters will only play 10 to 15 snaps and my guess is that will apply to Sproles as well. I’ll be happy with seeing 1 or 2 touches by him. Matthew Tucker will get a lot of work. He could have a big night. Henry Josey is the backup I’m interested in watching.

WR – Jordan Matthews.

TE – We know Celek and Ertz. James Casey will probably get a lot of snaps. Rookie Trey Burton is the guy I want to watch. He’s only about 230 pounds. I want to see how he blocks. It would be great if we could see a couple of passes go to Blake Annen. He’s been up and down in camp with catching the ball.

OL – I’ll be focused on LT Andrew Gardner and LG Matt Tobin on the backups. We need one of those guys to step up and show they can play. It would be great if both played reasonably well. Kevin Graf is the LT on the #3 team. I’m curious to see how he does. And I’m excited to see C David Molk with the 3rd team. I loved him coming out of Michigan. Can he play?

DL – Everyone is excited to see Beau Allen and Taylor Hart. They have played well this summer. I’m also curious about DE Brandon Bair and NT Damion Square. Bair is a #2 DE on the depth chart, but we haven’t heard a word about him this summer. Has he quietly played well or is he just there because he’s ahead of rookies? And Square should be bigger/stronger this summer. I want to see if he’s able to play with better power. Joe Kruger has not impressed anyone this summer, but I still want to see what he does in a game setting.

OLB – Marcus Smith time. Can’t wait to see him in action. The big thing I”m looking for is athletic ability. Does he look as quick and agile in the NFL as he did in college? I also want to see if Brandon Graham looks better this year. He’s now been a LB for 15 or so months. I’m hoping for progress. Travis Long is another guy I’m curious about. I’m hoping he is quicker than he was last summer.

ILB – Who will be on the #2 unit beside Najee Goode? I’m guessing Emmanuel Acho, but the coaches still like Jake Knott. They might not play him with the backups since he has the 4-game suspension coming up. Jason Phillips makes his Eagles debut tonight.

S – How will the 10 to 15 snaps rule apply to Nate Allen and Earl Wolff? Will they split reps in the 1st half? Neither guy has established himself as the starter so I hope they both play. We need to what kind of progress both players have made. I don’t know what to expect from rookie Ed Reynolds.

CB – With Nolan Carroll out, there is less excitement about the backup CBs. It will be interesting to see if Curtis Marsh has truly gotten better. We do get to see the NFL debut of Jaylen Watkins, which should be interesting.

STs – Alex Henery will be as scrutinized as any Eagles player. He needs a strong performance to keep fans and the media off his back. I’m excited about seeing Chris Maragos and Bryan Braman in action. There is no live STs play in camp. Tonight will be the first chance for these guys to go hit and really show what they can do. It will be interesting to see how returns kicks and punts and how they do. Sproles might lead for both jobs, but there is room for someone to step up.

The biggest key to the game is staying healthy. Do that and the Eagles will be winners, regardless of what the scoreboard says.

* * * * *

In case you don’t know a player or number, Chip Kelly will tell you that depth charts can be an invaluable resource. Here is the one that he painstakingly did to get Eagles fans as well-informed as possible. Chip believes that football coaches shouldn’t be measured by wins and losses, but rather by the quality of the depth charts they put together.

Kudos, Chippah.

_

142 Comments on “Biggest Game Ever”

  1. 1 ICDogg said at 7:22 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Just get through with no injuries! Anything more is a bonus.

  2. 2 GEAGLE said at 7:31 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Amen

  3. 3 jtre said at 7:26 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Dolphins running the exact same offense as us. Just went down the field with ease on their first drive. Bill Lazor didn’t change very much. It weird just watching it.

  4. 4 GEAGLE said at 7:29 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Irrelevant… They don’t practice like us, so I doubt they can run their offense like us… They may be able to run it effectively in spurts, but their entire organization isn’t geared to their offense the way ours is

  5. 5 jtre said at 7:33 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    I agree, just saying how weird it was to see another team run our plays. Chip’s influence will be all over the league in a few years.

  6. 6 Dominik said at 7:26 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Thanks, Tommy. This got me pumped up even more. I’ll watch re-live in a few hours (it’s very late at night here), but I damn sure can’t wait to see our young guns in action.

  7. 7 shah8 said at 7:28 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Gotta watch other teams, so have to follow this thread.

    No injuries, please. Indy had bad enough luck.

  8. 8 GEAGLE said at 7:30 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Eagles brought “slip n slide” to Novacare so FOles can work on sliding…
    …
    A decade of NFL play and not a single coach could think of slip n slide as a fun way to teach that dope Vick how to get down?

  9. 9 ICDogg said at 7:36 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Interesting approach, though I have heard that slip n slides are not recommended for adults or even teenagers because of the greater risk of injury.

  10. 10 GEAGLE said at 7:32 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Enjoy the games boys…let’s have an injury free game. Cheers I’m ghost

  11. 11 LAEaglesFan said at 7:51 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Excited to see Jordan Matthews in action. Although all the hype has been surrounding him he was able to hold his own and win some against Boykin when playing against the 1s. We just seem to have forgotten that Matthews is a rookie and well Boykin was arguably the best slot corner in the game last year. FLY EAGLES FLY this should be a good season!

  12. 12 SteveH said at 8:02 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    bah, nfl.com’s preseason coverage is the bears local stream.Guess the home team’s stream gets used.

  13. 13 jtre said at 8:05 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    this is the best link i’ve found http://www.vipboxam.co/american-football/239819/3/philadelphia-eagles-vs-chicago-bears-live-stream-online.html

  14. 14 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:09 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Man, I have missed football.

  15. 15 shah8 said at 8:11 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Watching the scores…what happened on the INT?

  16. 16 Crus57 said at 8:12 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Ball got tipped by a D Lineman just beside Foles I think

  17. 17 shah8 said at 8:13 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Better than some scenarios I can envision

  18. 18 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:14 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Sure looked like it. Time to remind Nick about getting rid of the ball fast – a point of emphasis I thought.

  19. 19 Crus57 said at 8:14 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    True, but hard to do that on 3rd and 18 when the DL gets pressure

  20. 20 Crus57 said at 8:14 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    If you’re unsure if which player is which, remember you can check out the roster sorted by jersey number at http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/roster.html?sort_by=2

  21. 21 Crus57 said at 8:15 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    (This is probably more relevant in the second half than right now, admittedly.)

  22. 22 SteveH said at 8:16 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Momah was out there with the first team, that was shocking.

  23. 23 Crus57 said at 8:18 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    From what I read of the training camp coverage he’s done that a few times since Cooper and Maclin were banged up

  24. 24 SteveH said at 8:15 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    OL a little shaky to start, Mathis with the hold, pressure on 2 other pass plays. Hopefully this is all just part of the gelling process.

  25. 25 Corry said at 8:19 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Wow, they’re sloppy. I mean that’s to be expected, but WOW.

  26. 26 SteveH said at 8:21 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Yeah man, that was putrid.

  27. 27 Crus57 said at 8:21 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Seriously. 3 holding penalties and a facemask on the O in the first 5 minutes?

  28. 28 Anders said at 8:20 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    To people who gets pissed Eagles OL wasnt ranked no. 1 by some, the OL has just had worst start ever

  29. 29 Insomniac said at 8:21 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    This ain’t practice “first stringers”

  30. 30 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:22 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    OK. Get out the bubble wrap and sit Shady.

  31. 31 SteveH said at 8:22 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    lol, the down is correct, it is 4th down… preseason for the refs too I see.

  32. 32 Insomniac said at 8:25 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Ced doing what he always does. Pay the man.

  33. 33 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:26 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Nate Allen piles on.

  34. 34 iceberg584 said at 8:26 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Though I acknowledge that the O-line has looked shaky, it does seem a bit excessive that there’s seemingly been a flag or two on every play.

  35. 35 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:29 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Was that 2 plays in a row without a flag?

  36. 36 Corry said at 8:32 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Refs are going to need ice for their shoulders after throwing all these flags.

  37. 37 Crus57 said at 8:33 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    That was a nice block alshon jeffrey just threw while the ball was in the air

  38. 38 shah8 said at 8:34 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Reid found out about that last year…

  39. 39 Crus57 said at 8:35 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    I naively thought that running into a DB such that he staggers back 2yds was OPI, more fool me.

  40. 40 SteveH said at 8:38 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Early impressions: Our OL not off to a good start, our pass rush still an issue, run defense is strong. the officials are super flag happy.

  41. 41 Anders said at 8:38 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    And Ryans cant cover

  42. 42 SteveH said at 8:38 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    I thought he had very good coverage there, Cutler just back shouldered him.

  43. 43 Anders said at 8:39 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Not just on that play

  44. 44 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:40 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Were last night’s preseason games also flag fests?

  45. 45 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:42 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Huff is not a KR.

  46. 46 Dragon_Eagle said at 9:35 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Oops.

  47. 47 Corry said at 8:43 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Hey that flag wasn’t on us! yay!

  48. 48 Crus57 said at 8:44 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Nice catch by Momah

  49. 49 Insomniac said at 8:44 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    MOMAHHHHHHHHHHHHH

  50. 50 shah8 said at 8:45 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    It just took four men to take down Bryce Brown. He broke two tacklers but good. Next run, almost took it to TD. The third run TD.

    Dude is totally going Bo Jackson this preseason game.

  51. 51 shah8 said at 8:45 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    And I *do* mean Bo Jackson. That TD run, he stuffed his intended tackler and drove him back into the end zone.

  52. 52 Insomniac said at 8:46 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    I hope it’s highlighted

  53. 53 shah8 said at 8:47 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Wrong dude, fullback dixon drove for the TD.

    Be good if that first run was highlighted.

  54. 54 shah8 said at 8:50 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    In general, Buffallo has had an awesome rushing day. Only disappointment is Fred Jackson.

    Seantrell Henderson is doing a good job as a rookie lineman

    Derek Anderson was accurate, and took off for first downs–surprising play from him given what he was like in Arizona.

    EJ Manuel did alright, nothing too flashy, but efficient.

    error correction. Brown did drive someone back almost to TD. He was ruled to be down inches before TD. Fullback then finished it off. Preseason and keeping up with stuff.

  55. 55 shah8 said at 8:52 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    scoreboard is incorrect, I believe wrt to Brown and Dixon carries.

  56. 56 shah8 said at 9:02 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    And there’s a couple no where to go, E-W runs from him, as well…

  57. 57 shah8 said at 9:04 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    And goes out of bounds third down inside the two minute warning… Gotta concentrate!

  58. 58 shah8 said at 9:06 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    And one quality play before the half with reception, fall to the ground, and TO for last minute FG attempt.

  59. 59 SteveH said at 9:15 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    So flashes of bigtime potential, mixed in with frustrating outside runs and mental lapses? Sounds like bryce ;).

  60. 60 shah8 said at 9:33 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    still doing that, yeah, third and one, he danced instead of doing that dive. Came up slightly short.

  61. 61 anon said at 12:18 AM on August 9th, 2014:

    Appreciate the bryce brown updates my fave ex-eagle. really pulling for him.

  62. 62 Corry said at 8:46 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Foles just matched his INT total for last year (they don’t count, but yuck).

  63. 63 Crus57 said at 8:47 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    That was a weird one, two receivers in the same area. He threw behind on a crossing pattern, same problem he’s been having in camp so far.

  64. 64 Crus57 said at 8:50 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    On the replay, Momah dragged his defender across into the path of the throw to Ertz.. somebody ran something wrong I think.

  65. 65 Anders said at 8:53 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Ertz was open if he had kept running a corner route instead of stopping

  66. 66 Corry said at 8:53 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    yeah that whole thing looked weird.

  67. 67 SteveH said at 8:49 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    blechhh.

  68. 68 Bob Brewer said at 8:49 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Eagles miss DeSean. Offense is a failure without him.

  69. 69 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:50 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Beau!!!

  70. 70 Insomniac said at 8:50 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Warpig!

  71. 71 ICDogg said at 8:53 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Vinny Curry time

  72. 72 TommyLawlor said at 8:53 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Ugly game so far. Starters looked very rusty. But tonight is much more about the backups.

  73. 73 Insomniac said at 8:54 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Vinny’s hungry. Watch out Cox.

  74. 74 Anders said at 8:59 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    I much rather Curry-Thornton-Cox, should still be very good against run and much better against pass

  75. 75 shah8 said at 8:59 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    No.

    Ha-el no.

  76. 76 Corry said at 8:55 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    The refs are confused. Good to see they’re in midseason form.

  77. 77 Insomniac said at 8:57 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Tucker looks very unimpressive so far.

  78. 78 Mitchell said at 9:02 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    The whole offense looks unimpressive lol.

  79. 79 Insomniac said at 9:03 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Momah looks good

    ……..

    compared to where he was at last year

  80. 80 Mitchell said at 9:05 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Absolutely. He was the only one catching passes againt the fist team defense.

  81. 81 Crus57 said at 9:01 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Brandon Graham looks a bit ugly in coverage

  82. 82 Corry said at 9:01 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    He looks soooo much better as a 4-3 end.

  83. 83 Crus57 said at 9:02 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Looks better rushing the QB too!

  84. 84 Dragon_Eagle said at 9:03 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Agreed. We need to trade him for something.

  85. 85 Mitchell said at 9:02 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Holy shit Nate just got an int!

  86. 86 Insomniac said at 9:02 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Marcus looks great so far. Recognizes plays and hustles.

  87. 87 Mitchell said at 9:03 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    He looked fast off the edge on that int

  88. 88 ICDogg said at 9:04 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Ertz and Ertz

  89. 89 SteveH said at 9:04 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Curry and Graham are too good for backup OL to handle.

  90. 90 Anders said at 9:07 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Problem is both seems too good against 2nd string, but not quite good enough to be full time starter in a 3-4

  91. 91 Dragon_Eagle said at 9:05 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Give that TD to the left-side of the OL.

  92. 92 Crus57 said at 9:05 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Good drive from Tucker too

  93. 93 ICDogg said at 9:06 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Tobin pushed Tucker into the end zone

  94. 94 shah8 said at 9:07 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    ah

  95. 95 Crus57 said at 9:08 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Yeah, I meant in the “good job keeping your feet moving and pushing forwards” sense of good drive

  96. 96 shah8 said at 9:07 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    whut? stats shows that Ertz and Sanchez had a big play

  97. 97 iceberg584 said at 9:07 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Gotta love the suggestive cut to Foles on the sideline after that Sanchez touchdown.

  98. 98 Crus57 said at 9:07 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Henery’s kicks still hook to his left after about 30yds.. that still worries me.

  99. 99 Corry said at 9:08 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Maragos just popped the return man.

  100. 100 Dragon_Eagle said at 9:11 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    They have got to get Curry on the field more this year. I know he’s playing 2nd string, but he’s in the back field every play.

  101. 101 Crus57 said at 9:12 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Seriously, he was across the line in half a second that play

  102. 102 SteveH said at 9:14 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    our personnel on DL is so much more suited to the 4-3. Curry and Graham would be monsters if they were 1 gapping the 4-3.

  103. 103 ICDogg said at 9:16 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Tucker with a 24 yard run

  104. 104 ICDogg said at 9:16 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Matthews with his first catch

  105. 105 Dragon_Eagle said at 9:17 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    1,550 to go.

  106. 106 Insomniac said at 9:17 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Tucker should have cut right.

  107. 107 Corry said at 9:18 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Sanchez didn’t look too bad. your move Barkley.

  108. 108 SteveH said at 9:19 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Despite the 24 yard run, I see nothing compelling about Tuckers game. Average size, speed, vision, power… could do worse for a 3rd string back but I’d be looking to upgrade.

  109. 109 ICDogg said at 9:19 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Yeah, he’s nothing special.

  110. 110 shah8 said at 9:29 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Polk hurt?

  111. 111 Corry said at 9:31 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    yes.

  112. 112 ICDogg said at 9:32 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Cooper, Maehl, Carroll, Vandervelde, Knott, Logan and Polk.

  113. 113 Insomniac said at 9:19 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Huff got lucky. He knows it.

  114. 114 Dragon_Eagle said at 9:20 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Was that a Henery touchback?

  115. 115 ICDogg said at 9:21 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    I know it’s just backups but Beau Allen looks pretty impressive.

  116. 116 SteveH said at 9:23 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Agreed, I’m surprised how good he looks for a 7th rounder.

  117. 117 Corry said at 9:23 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    yeah he’s really holding his ground. Seems to be getting off blocks fairly well too.

  118. 118 ICDogg said at 9:24 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Gets under the center and pushes him up and back again and again

  119. 119 SteveH said at 9:23 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    lol, who fell down on that pass play?

  120. 120 Crus57 said at 9:24 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Marcus Smith in coverage I believe

  121. 121 Dragon_Eagle said at 9:24 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Smith. But he had better coverage the next play.

  122. 122 Dragon_Eagle said at 9:25 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    and it is Soldier field. Might as well play in the snow.

  123. 123 SteveH said at 9:27 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Yeah he made up for it, but it was still funny.

  124. 124 Crus57 said at 9:27 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    I’m thinking Roc Carmichael may not make the cut this year, unless he gets a lot better

  125. 125 Dragon_Eagle said at 9:30 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    You were saying?

  126. 126 ICDogg said at 9:31 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    ya think?

  127. 127 Corry said at 9:27 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    So we still can’t cover TEs.

  128. 128 ICDogg said at 9:34 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    H. R. Huffnstuff

  129. 129 shah8 said at 9:34 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Jordan Palmer is not good. What part of our depth is doing terrible?

  130. 130 SteveH said at 9:36 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Zach Miller is murdering us. Trouble covering TE.

  131. 131 Dragon_Eagle said at 9:34 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    I retract my earlier statement re Huff as a KR.

  132. 132 Corry said at 9:35 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    why does Henery hook EVERY field goal attempt?!

  133. 133 Insomniac said at 9:36 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Jeff Maehl caught up to him. I don’t know how I should feel about that.

    edit: ok it was Braman nvm.

  134. 134 Crus57 said at 9:37 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Byran Braman was stride for stride with him too

  135. 135 jpate said at 9:38 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Braman is a freak athlete

  136. 136 ICDogg said at 9:37 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Maehl is scratched today

  137. 137 Insomniac said at 9:38 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Yea I couldn’t find any other guy with long hair besides Cooper to think of.

  138. 138 Mitchell said at 9:36 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Holy shit our special teams DID SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!

  139. 139 ICDogg said at 9:41 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    well, that was ugly looking

  140. 140 SteveH said at 9:48 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Mathews had great strength on that near catch; was fingertip grab, but still almost held on despite the DB hacking his arms.

  141. 141 TommyLawlor said at 10:02 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    New thread is up.

    http://igglesblitz.com/2014/08/preseason-opener-thread/

  142. 142 homerunjrg said at 11:00 PM on August 8th, 2014:

    Jason Phillips sucks