Previewing the Preseason Finale

Posted: August 28th, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 145 Comments »

The Eagles take on the Jets tonight in the preseason finale. Originally this looked like an interesting game because it would put Mark Sanchez up against Michael Vick…the former Jet against the former Eagle. But Chip Kelly ruined that by sitting Sanchez. Actually, Kelly may have done us a favor. The Sanchez/Vick angle would have been good for some casual fans, but would have annoyed other fans who are more interested in the young players that need tonight’s game to win a job.

Let’s talk about some of the guys who have a lot on the line tonght.

Matt Barkley – He will play most of the game. The Eagles want to see how he plays in an extended showing. Will this bring out the best in Barkley or will it expose him as being a mediocre player? Barkley can help himself if he just runs the offense and doesn’t try to force things. It will be a good sign if he’s willing to check the ball down to underneath receivers. Barkley can also help his reputation with some good intermediate or downfield throws that show some arm strength.

Arrelious Benn – On the bubble. Benn is a good STer. He can be a good blocker. But Benn has yet to show much as a receiver this preseason. He needs the ball to come his way tonight. I’d love to see some WR screens thrown to him so we can see his RAC skills. The Eagles will probably keep Brad Smith as the #5 WR, but things are wide open after that. Benn would make the most sense, but he’s got to play well tonight.

Ifeanyi Momah – I’m not real sure if Momah has much of a chance for the roster. He can catch. He can block. But we haven’t seen Momah do much on STs and that’s critical for a role player. Momah does have a real chance to make the practice squad. If he has a big game on offense and can show up on STs, maybe he does get roster discussion.

Trey Burton – Talented player with good potential, but not sure where he fits in for this year. Isn’t a functional blocker right now so couldn’t play in a real game as a true in-line TE. That said, Burton is an intriguing athlete who has shown serious potential as a pass catcher. If you value Burton’s potential enough, you might carry him on the roster as a project. A strong performance in Jets game could make the Eagles decision complicated.

Chris Polk – Will he play? Can he play well? Polk needs to do something to help his cause. I could write about all of the RBs since any of them could really help themselves. Polk is the biggest name and has the most on the line tonight.

Dennis Kelly – Kelly has played a good amount of reps already so I’m not sure how much he can help himself in one game. That said, with Lane Johnson going away for 4 games, Kelly could get that roster spot. Must play well enough to make the Eagles comfortable with him as an option on Sundays.

Marcus Smith – Get after the QB. Simple as that.

Travis Long – Will play ILB and OLB. A good game from him could be enough to make the Eagles want to keep him on the roster. Biggest thing is to play well on STs and to look comfortable and effective as an ILB.

Emmanuel Acho – After a great summer in 2013, Acho has been somewhat quiet this year. Not bad, but quiet. A big game from him tonight would go a long way to helping his cause. Biggest thing is to play smart and be active. Be in the right spots and make plays when the ball comes his way.

Ed Reynolds – Reynolds will be on the field a lot tonight. I’m curious to see how he looks. The Eagles will carry 4 Safeties for sure (Jenkins, Allen, Wolff, Maragos). They might keep 5, but only if the team feels Reynolds can either contribute this year or is too good to risk losing if cut. I don’t think he’s shown anything to make the Eagles fear losing him so his best bet is to shine tonight.

Jaylen Watkins – There is no question about Watkins making the team. He is trying to win playing time. Watkins has had some impressive moments this summer. Unfortunately he has had some rough moments and missed time due to injuries as well. More than anything, this game will be a measuring stick for where Watkins is. The better he plays, the more the coaches might look past the previous mistakes and see a player who is developing at a good pace.

_

145 Comments on “Previewing the Preseason Finale”

  1. 1 BC1968 said at 5:48 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Continue on with the Simpsons’ marathon or watch this very meaningless game because Vick will be playing? Life is full of tough choices.

  2. 2 Media Mike said at 6:08 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    I love me some Simpsons, but I need to see as much of this game as possible so I have irrefutable proof that my final 53 man roster is far superior to that of anybody else’s.

  3. 3 Media Mike said at 6:04 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    So will Casey Matthews be cut at halftime, immediately after the game, or with the rest of the cuts?

  4. 4 Media Mike said at 6:09 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Where is everybody at in terms of the total number of WRs and TEs they keep. At this point I’d like to see 10 combined, with a 5/5 mix.

    RB – Shady, Sproles, Polk, Josey, Tucker
    WR – Matthews, Huff, Cooper, Special Teams guy, Maclin

  5. 5 GENETiC-FREAK said at 6:23 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    5 RBs thats alot??

  6. 6 Media Mike said at 6:24 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    They run a lot. And we’ll be in double TE on a more frequent basis this year, so I think we can be one short at WR and have it be fine.

  7. 7 GENETiC-FREAK said at 7:06 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Yeah still think thats a lot even for a run based team.. Shady still will handle majority of the snaps so adding an extra 1-2 bodies bit much i reckon.. Unless they ST aces or contribute some other way

  8. 8 Media Mike said at 7:10 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    I hear you on that, but there is a strong chance they’ll need Tucker or Josey on this roster in a few years. The only two names in the WR group that’ll be here in a few years are Matthews and Huff.

  9. 9 GENETiC-FREAK said at 7:16 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Well we dont have to wait long to find out lol Gotta keep Josey he looks the part!

  10. 10 Anders said at 6:33 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Smith is the ST guy of WRs and I like to keep 4 TEs with Burton.

  11. 11 Media Mike said at 6:35 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    I have no beef if they go 4 RB (just NOT Barner), 5 WR w/ Smith as the 4th best, and 4 TE.

  12. 12 Dominik said at 6:48 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Burton? For me, that’s one of the ideal PS candidates. Nobody will snag him and he could push for a roster spot next year. He showed something, but not enough for other teams to be interested.

    + if he’s good next year, he can replace Casey.

  13. 13 Anders said at 7:13 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    One thing for sure, Jets front seven is clearly the best the 2nd OL has faced so far.

  14. 14 Corry said at 7:15 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Bennie Logan getting some work in before the season starts.

  15. 15 Crus57 said at 7:17 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    liking Jaylen Watkins so far

  16. 16 Media Mike said at 7:18 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Agreed, but sadly folks are saying he’ll be inactive for a lot of games.

  17. 17 Crus57 said at 7:18 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Such is the life of a lower round rookie, I guess. At least he’ll get to watch and learn for a while.

  18. 18 Media Mike said at 7:20 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    True. And he’ll be active for a few games considering the chance of Fletcher and Carroll getting injured at some point is high.

  19. 19 Anders said at 7:18 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Just me there wonder how the Jets backup guard is handling Curry with almost no problems?

  20. 20 Media Mike said at 7:18 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Curry is being slowed down by the number of fans on his nuts even though he’s never going to get the number of snaps he should.

  21. 21 Anders said at 7:19 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    based on the fans talk about him, he should dominate 2nd string OLs more than he does.

  22. 22 Corry said at 7:28 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    If he’s in the base package, he’ll be 2-gapping so I’m not sure how much pressure he’ll get. He should be living in the backfield on passing plays though.

  23. 23 Anders said at 7:29 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    So far he really hasnt even been near the QB

  24. 24 Corry said at 7:21 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Henry Josey has some speed.

  25. 25 Media Mike said at 7:22 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Unless he can run to Oregon to get a diploma, he’ll be cut.

  26. 26 Anders said at 7:24 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Why?

  27. 27 Media Mike said at 7:26 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Not what I would do, but there have been a lot of writers projecting: Shady, Sproles, Polk, and Barner as the RB group.

    Quack.

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

    Yea, but writers do not know shit and their only reason for Barner is “HE is a duck and we traded nothing for him”

  29. 29 Media Mike said at 7:29 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    I’m inclined to agree with you, but we were compelled to sit through another full season of Casey Matthews last year……….so I don’t trust the RB group to be put together correctly until I see it.

  30. 30 Anders said at 7:29 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Matthews makes more sense than Barner.

  31. 31 Media Mike said at 7:31 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Matthews makes sense if I need a useless human being for an experiment about what happens when trains run over people laying down on the tracks.

  32. 32 JulesP13 said at 10:52 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    you speak with the gusto of a man who knows what he’s talking about, just without the whole, ya know, knowing what you’re talking about part

  33. 33 Crus57 said at 7:31 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    A small part of me wants Momah to make the team just to hear commentary teams struggle over pronouncing his name.

  34. 34 Media Mike said at 7:31 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Benn doesn’t share your idea!

  35. 35 Corry said at 7:32 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Dick Stockton would be pure comedy gold with Momah’s name.

  36. 36 GEAGLE said at 7:32 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    So happy for Rejus

  37. 37 Media Mike said at 7:33 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Philbin?

  38. 38 Anders said at 7:36 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    That wasnt PI, that was holding….

  39. 39 Media Mike said at 7:37 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    ball in air = PI

  40. 40 Anders said at 7:37 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    No, also needs to be catcheble, else its holding or illegal contact

  41. 41 Media Mike said at 7:38 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    That was so flagrant and in the middle of the field I don’t think they even had a chance to determine how catchable it was.

  42. 42 Anders said at 7:40 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    If you go by letter of the rules, its still only a holding

  43. 43 Media Mike said at 7:41 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    If that was always the case the Seahawks would have won the Superbowl over the Steelers after the 05 season by about 30 points.

  44. 44 Anders said at 7:44 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    True, but PI is the one play where they often over call it imo.

    Really often see plays where the ball wasnt catcheble and still gets PI call instead of holding or illegal contact

  45. 45 Media Mike said at 7:45 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Agreed.

  46. 46 Corry said at 7:37 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Damion Square got zero push on that play.

  47. 47 Media Mike said at 7:37 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Not a problem because he’s getting cut anyway. Beau Allen has been killing it.

  48. 48 Mitchell said at 7:40 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Can someone tell me how the Benn td played out? I can’t watch the game.

  49. 49 Crus57 said at 7:40 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Deep pass down right side, CB thought he had S help when he didn’t, easy catch a step in front of the CB by Benn in the endzone

  50. 50 Mitchell said at 7:41 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Thank you

  51. 51 Media Mike said at 7:42 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Barner, Maehl, and Casey Matthews cleared out the entire side of the field so they’ll be kept and Benn will get cut.

  52. 52 Media Mike said at 7:44 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Wow, Baldy has zero clue on this roster. His 53 man “projections” are a joke.

  53. 53 Crus57 said at 7:45 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    What did he say? Gamepass has stuck me with the Jets feed

  54. 54 Media Mike said at 7:46 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    He only did number by position, but did 10 O-line and 6 d-line. Is Baldy really cutting Beau Allen or Bair?

  55. 55 A_T_G said at 7:47 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    For one, he gave Marsh as an example of a guy who could make the roster if the numbers work out for him.

  56. 56 Crus57 said at 7:48 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    If any of the QBs he’s played against this year have a say, he will.

  57. 57 Media Mike said at 7:52 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    And now he claimed that Square was the Eagles starting nose for most of last year.

  58. 58 Crus57 said at 7:53 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Is he high on the fumes of his makeup?

  59. 59 Media Mike said at 7:54 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Neither. Inoperable mental birth defects due to being from Pittsburgh.

  60. 60 the midatlantic said at 7:48 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Scott Graham really isn’t that bad, Baldy is adorable but quite bad. Shame the Phils fired Graham like they did, even if Franzke is effing great.

  61. 61 Media Mike said at 7:49 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    I might offer getting rid of Wheeler YEARS ago would have solved your Graham issue.

  62. 62 Anders said at 7:50 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    One thing is clear, Sanchez is miles better than Barkley. So happy to have him and not just Barkley as backup

  63. 63 Corry said at 7:53 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Back shoulder throw or Barkley’s weak arm?

  64. 64 Media Mike said at 7:54 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    #Kempskifacts

  65. 65 Crus57 said at 7:54 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Yes.

  66. 66 Anders said at 7:56 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    can it be both?

  67. 67 A_T_G said at 7:55 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Good hands there by Burton. Shame the field was too short.

  68. 68 A_T_G said at 7:59 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    No field goal competition there?

  69. 69 Media Mike said at 8:00 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    out of either guy’s range

  70. 70 Anders said at 8:00 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Kelly going for it on 4th down all year or punting? 😛

  71. 71 A_T_G said at 8:02 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    There must be something wrong with my audio. I swear I heard “a great play by Curtis Marsh.”

  72. 72 Anders said at 8:03 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    It was a drop by Hill

  73. 73 Media Mike said at 8:03 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Can somebody drop Carmichael off at the vet’s office to be euthanized at half time?

  74. 74 Crus57 said at 8:04 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Maybe have Marsh drive him there?

  75. 75 Media Mike said at 8:05 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    And there is room for Casey Matthews in that car. Nice whiff on that tackle!

  76. 76 A_T_G said at 8:11 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    So, Tucker can take a hit…

  77. 77 Corry said at 8:13 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Josey is making a pretty good case to be on the roster.

  78. 78 Crus57 said at 8:14 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Vick called being back at the linc as the opposition “bittersweet”.. that word is obviously the parting gift QBs get when they leave the organisation

  79. 79 A_T_G said at 8:15 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Really, Ryan? We need to get that call right, not just see more reps?

  80. 80 Corry said at 8:15 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Wanted to make sure his challenge flag throwing was in midseason form.

  81. 81 Corry said at 8:17 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    I wonder if they keep Burton on the roster until Johnson comes back then try to get him on the PS…

  82. 82 Media Mike said at 8:18 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Johnson? Lane at OT? I don’t see how that would work.

  83. 83 Corry said at 8:18 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Lane Johnson.

  84. 84 Media Mike said at 8:19 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Sorry I ninja edited that after I wrote it. I’m just not sure how a 4th TE helps with the overall OL group.

  85. 85 Corry said at 8:20 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    It doesn’t, but Lane is a roster exemption until he comes back from suspension, so why not use the spot?

  86. 86 Media Mike said at 8:21 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    If it helps us keep Burton on the PS after that rather than losing him to another team, I guess that’s fine.

  87. 87 A_T_G said at 8:18 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Hmm, 31 in green with the bad coverage and penalty…

  88. 88 Crus57 said at 8:21 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    So apparently tonight the Giants O starters vs the Patriots backup D: 2 drives, 1 first down, 2 punts, 1 pass completed.

  89. 89 BlindChow said at 8:22 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    That’s good enough for me. Cut Henery.

  90. 90 Corry said at 8:22 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Yup. I’ll help Henery pack.

  91. 91 Crus57 said at 8:23 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Put him in the car with Marsh, Carmichael and Matthews. Make sure it’s an old car, it’ll be a one-way trip.

  92. 92 A_T_G said at 8:25 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Aim it towards Dallas.

  93. 93 Media Mike said at 8:26 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Nope, New York.

  94. 94 A_T_G said at 8:35 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    NY is too close for comfort.

  95. 95 A_T_G said at 8:22 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Well, kicking battle is over.

  96. 96 GEAGLE said at 8:23 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Bwahahahahahahah players should go over to Alex and make him take his eagles jersey off on the spot!!! Stick a fork in him!!

  97. 97 Media Mike said at 8:25 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    How about a knife?

  98. 98 anon said at 8:30 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    did he miss one?

  99. 99 BobSmith77 said at 8:23 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Henery – nnnoooooooooooooooo!

  100. 100 Corry said at 8:25 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Casey Matthews is terrible.

  101. 101 Anders said at 8:26 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Matt Simms is clearly better than Barkley

  102. 102 anon said at 8:29 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    I’d put myself against barkely.

  103. 103 GEAGLE said at 8:27 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Attaboy Wolff

  104. 104 A_T_G said at 8:27 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Nice hit, Wolff.

  105. 105 GEAGLE said at 8:28 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Rejus!!!!

  106. 106 A_T_G said at 8:29 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    I’ll tell ya’, if we play the Jets in the SB this year after both teams are decimated by 40 injuries each, I’m feeling good about our chances.

  107. 107 BobSmith77 said at 8:30 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Benn has had an impressive 1st half.

  108. 108 Corry said at 8:31 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    You could do worse than him for your 5th or 6th receiver.

  109. 109 A_T_G said at 8:31 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    “Spot the freakin’ ball!”

  110. 110 Media Mike said at 8:33 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Slap the freakin’ ref!

  111. 111 BobSmith77 said at 8:31 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    3rd time this half refs have dicked around with spotting the ball promptly.

  112. 112 Media Mike said at 8:33 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    One of our coaches should jump a ref.

  113. 113 Corry said at 8:34 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Fipp should probably just stare at them. That’ll get them moving.

  114. 114 Crus57 said at 8:40 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Corpses don’t move much.

  115. 115 Corry said at 8:32 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    So wait…the ball isn’t supposed to hook to the left on every single fieldgoal attempt?

  116. 116 Crus57 said at 8:32 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Cannot upvote enough.

  117. 117 A_T_G said at 8:33 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    I thought the dimples gave it a little extra distance if you hit a draw?

  118. 118 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:36 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Aaaaaaaarrrgh!!!! Just got out of work. On way home. What’s happening? Anything notable.

  119. 119 anon said at 8:36 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Parkey 54 yarder
    RBs look good
    Benn 44yd TD
    Barkley looks terrible.

  120. 120 Anders said at 8:38 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Burton looks good and overall the OL looks rock solid

  121. 121 Crus57 said at 8:38 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    saying Barkley looks terrible is a disservice to 3rd QBs of the past, he just looks very very average so far.

  122. 122 Corry said at 8:43 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    To be fair, he’s really good at hand offs.

  123. 123 A_T_G said at 8:37 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    The Eagles are playing.

  124. 124 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:37 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Oh is that all?

  125. 125 A_T_G said at 8:38 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Benn, Josey, and Burton are making themselves harder to cut.

  126. 126 Corry said at 8:37 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    I think Henery just lost his job.

  127. 127 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:38 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    How bad a miss?

  128. 128 Corry said at 8:38 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    He didn’t get a chance yet. Parkey hit a 54 yarder and hit a short one right at the end of the half.

  129. 129 Crus57 said at 8:39 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    and they both went straight, no hooks, draws or other benditure.

  130. 130 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:40 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Go parkey!

  131. 131 A_T_G said at 8:40 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    And is kicking kickoffs that would never be returned in games that counted.

  132. 132 BlindChow said at 8:37 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    I’d actually be surprised if they cut Henery. He just seems like one of those guys who inexplicably stick on the roster year after year…

  133. 133 Corry said at 8:39 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Well the 2nd half should be Henery’s to show he should stay on the roster.

  134. 134 Media Mike said at 8:41 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    No, he showed last year in the playoff game that he doesn’t deserve to be on the roster. We just needed to find a guy to play better.

  135. 135 BlindChow said at 8:39 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Kenyon Barner ankle injury. Looking better for Josey and/or Tucker.

  136. 136 anon said at 8:40 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    “ankle injury” IR tomorrow.

  137. 137 Anders said at 8:45 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    yep

  138. 138 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:46 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Home now. All is well. Go Backup Birds.

  139. 139 Anders said at 8:47 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Wtf 302 yards for the offense in 1 half… how did we only score 13 points?

  140. 140 A_T_G said at 8:47 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    TOD at the 10.

  141. 141 Corry said at 8:50 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Holy crap. You gotta catch that rook.

  142. 142 BlindChow said at 8:51 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Who was the one who whiffed on the INT?

  143. 143 Media Mike said at 8:51 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Reynolds

  144. 144 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:50 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    2nd half thread is up: http://igglesblitz.com/2014/08/nyj-2nd-half/#disqus_thread

  145. 145 A_T_G said at 8:51 PM on August 28th, 2014:

    Doh! So many things done poorly on that play.