Wrapping Up
Posted: September 3rd, 2014 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 124 Comments »The Eagles play in a real live game on Sunday. Time really flies. Before we start talking about the Jaguars, I want to wrap up the offseason talk. I went back and re-watched the Jets game to see how the backups looked. We won’t be talking about some of these guys for a while, if at all, so let’s give them a final discussion.
Matt Barkley – Up and down game. My biggest issue with him isn’t arm strength. I think he throws the ball well enough to succeed in the NFL. Decision-making is an area where Barkley has a long way to go. Going back to his days at USC, he’s had an issue with wanting the big play. Great QBs will tell you to focus on moving the chains and the big plays will come. There were a couple of plays in the Jets game where Matt forced the ball to a covered receiver downfield when he had a checkdown target wide open. That’s just not smart football. Obviously you don’t want either extreme. You need a QB who will throw downfield and you need someone who will take chances and throw to covered receivers. But don’t do that if you’ve got someone wide open underneath who also has room to run. If the defense is just handing you 5 to 10 yards, take it. There were also a couple of plays where Barkley’s accuracy on short throws wasn’t good. Had one game management mistake. Failed to stop the clock late in the 1st half by spiking the ball. Then he was slow to call a timeout.
Barkley failed to take a big step forward this year and that is disappointing. That doesn’t mean he’s a bust and has no future. His arm was stronger this summer. He did make some good throws in the Jets game. He does seem more comfortable in the offense. Barkley is his own worst enemy. He is so desperate to look great that he focuses on more difficult plays. Be smart. Take what’s there and the offense will move up and down the field. The big plays will come in this offense. You don’t have to force them.
Henry Josey – One thing occurred to me as I watched him, Josey did a lot of straight-line running. The plays either went right up the field or were outside runs where he would start parallel to the LOS and then turn upfield as he got outside. We didn’t see much in the way of cutting. You can’t run straight against starting defenses. You must be able to make sharp cuts and move well laterally, especially at 5-8, 194. Does he fully trust his knee? It is possible the coaches studied the tape and saw something like this and that is part of the reason they didn’t even try to keep him on the PS.
Jeff Maehl – Good game. He used his size well a couple of times. Went up over a CB to make one catch on a downfield throw. Another time he ran an inside route and fought through contact to get open and make the grab. Damaris Johnson just couldn’t do that stuff. That’s part of the reason Kelly likes bigger receivers. We’re all frustrated that Maehl is back, but there is at least a case for him.
Ifeanyi Momah – Up and down game. 1 catch for 12 yds. That was a nice catch. Problem is that there are too many plays where he looks awkward. Sometimes this is route-running and other times it will be run plays where he is blocking and even on STs. Not a smooth, fluid athlete. Herky-jerky. I think that is part of the reason he’s not on the PS. You need players who can simulate opponents in practice. They need to run crisp routes. Momah is inconsistent. Has a hitch on his release that slows him down. Also is just too upright at times.
Will Murphy – Played in the slot most of the time. Had a couple of catches outside and got some RAC yards. He does run hard with the ball. Broke one arm tackle to get a 1st down. Hustled downfield on a KO and tripped up the returner at the 8-yard line. That was impressive. Tied for 3rd on the team in STs snaps (15). I still don’t like him on the PS.
Quron Pratt – Mostly a good game. One mistake. Slowed down (almost stopped) while running a route in the end zone and the ball was picked off. The throw as behind him, but Pratt slowed down before the ball was close. Caught 2 passes for 37 yards (22, 15). Had a chance for a long TD, but the DB held him and threw off the timing of the play. Drew a flag. Sold his fake well to get the DB to bite on the play. Lined up in the slot and outside. Made a dumb mistake late in the half. Caught a pass near the sideline (:17 left) and turned inside instead of going out of bounds. Needed to stop the clock. Trying to make something happen when he didn’t need to.
Trey Burton – I’ve written about him recently so I’ll keep it short despite the fact he had a good game. Caught the ball well, in traffic or while tightly covered. Showed some RAC ability. Athletic. Good effort as a blocker, but technique ranges from mediocre to awful. You can work with a player who gives effort. Technique takes time. Brent Celek wasn’t a good blocker until the last few years. Played a lot on STs.
GJ Kinne – Made one impressive throw, when he hit Burton for a TD. Burton was covered, but Kinne gave him a chance to make the grab and that’s just what Burton did.
Josh Andrews – Played LG and C. Has good feet. Does a good job of extending his arms and engaging the defender. Moves well laterally and is an active blocker. If no one is across from him, finds someone to block. Must get stronger. Doesn’t anchor as well as you’d like. Limited push at the LOS. Does a solid job when blocking on the second level.
Kevin Graf – Played LT and LG. Love his effort. Plays every down as if his life depends on it. Very limited athlete. Isn’t pretty when he pulls, but he will block someone. Had a couple of nice blocks on outside plays. I don’t know if he will ever be good enough to play in the league, but it won’t be from lack of effort. Does have NFL size and strength. Footwork and agility are the big issues.
David Molk – Has gotten better each game. Good athlete who loves to get in space and mash on DBs and LBs. Could prove to be a solid backup C for a long time. Excellent scheme fit. Smart player who uses angles and leverage to his advantage.
Dennis Kelly – There are times when you see Kelly get into his pass set and he looks so good. He’s got a wide base. He’s bending his knees. Kelly has a huge frame and looks like he’d be impossible to get by. And then you see him reach for a rusher. Ugh. Simply doesn’t do a good job of getting his hands on defenders. Had one play in the Jets game where he failed to read a stunt and the guy looping around went right by Kelly. He needs to see that. Mixed results when blocking on the move or at the second level. Potential is there, but you just feel like he should be better than he is.
Taylor Hart – Led the Eagles with 5 solo tackles. Had a TFL and FF. Active player who isn’t afraid of doing the dirty work. Good looking athlete at Oregon, but has been more physical and rugged than athletic in the preseason. Does show a great motor. Absolutely earned his spot on the roster this summer and looks like he could develop into a solid rotational DE.
Wade Keliikippi – Big guy with good feet. Can anchor vs the run, but isn’t great at it. Surprisingly effective when Eagles ran stunts/loops. Kelli moved well laterally and looked comfortable on the move. Could develop into a backup NT in time.
Beau Allen – Didn’t stand out as much this week as in previous games. Played both NT and DE. It was interesting to see him play DE.
Emmanuel Acho – Had 3 solo tackles. Broke up 1 pass that came right to him. Would have been a nice INT. Big issue with Acho is movements skills. Very straight line. Needs to move better laterally, so he can flow to the ball. Has to open his hips and run to the ball, which doesn’t work in tight spaces. Also doesn’t deal well with blockers. Needs to use his hands to pop blockers and keep them off his body. Instead looks like he’s slap-fighting with a friend in the pool. ILBs must be physical.
Marcus Smith – More of the same. Played the run well. Showed coverage ability. Pass rush was only so-so. Did have a couple of good moments. Was borderline held by a TE on a pass rush in the 2nd Qtr. Showed good burst on a rush in the 2nd half and got the best of the OT.
Bryan Braman – Looked good as a pass rusher. Got very low with his dip and beat the OT a couple of times. Quick off the ball. Had one sack.
Chris Maragos – Best showing on defense. When things are in front of him, does a good job of attacking downhill. Strong, physical tackler. Had 3 solo tackles in the game.
Ed Reynolds – Solid outing. Flashes potential, but just didn’t do enough to win a roster spot. Had 2 tackles. Came upfield aggressively on both plays. Had a chance for an INT. Read the play, a downfield pass, and got into proper position. Reached out to make the grab, but somehow the ball went through his hands and turned into a TD for the Jets. Would have helped himself by making that play.
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After this, we’ll get back to talking about starting players and Sunday’s game.
Real football is only a few days away. Crazy.
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Some ? To Ponder (with real evidence to scrutinize just days away!)
— how will shady be spelled this year? Sproles, or Polk at RB2? Is Sproles going to see majority of snaps alongside shady (2back sets)?
— the Logan and Allen split at NT (aka 642* lb elephant in room). how much will each see field? situational rotation?
— OLB performance behind Cole. Will Graham see the field more? or some OLB combinations feat. MS2 and Barwin? Nickel looks to mask weakness?
— how much (or, how soon) does Carroll see the field? does he claim a starting role?
— how many snaps is matthews seeing a game? he’d most likely be off the field in any 12, 21, or 22 sets (meaning 1RB2TE, 2RB1TE, and 2RB2TE sets; none have >2 wr).
*wikipedia
The sad part of that Elephant is that Allen is about 350lbs of it.
First, your title isn’t very Christian. It nearly gave me a heart attack. Second, to answer your first question, S-H-A-D-Y.
Don’t view Sproles as Shadys backup. Think Polk backs up shady(spells him), while Sproles plays a complimentary role to whoever is in the game holding down Shadys spot.
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It’s not a question about How much will Allen replace Logan, I don’t think it will work that way…Expect the DL to substitute in Waves, so the question is how much to the #1s play, and what percentage do the #2’s get(talking about Base Defense)… Nickel has it’s own different rotations…for example Curry is 2nd team base defense! 1st team nickel.
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As for OLB you will see all of those combo’s as the season evolves. Wouldn’t expect much from Marcus in the first 4-6 weeks, but somewhere around mid season his role should grow. Barwin will have to spend alpt of time in coverage with BG and Cole across from him, so later in the season Marcus will be used to free up Barwin to rush the passer more… I can’t imagine BG not seeing more snaps than last year, but then again I said the same thing a year ago. I don’t view it as not liking BG, I just think for some inexplicable reason our coaches adore Cole.. Think it would benefit both, to give Graham a bigger percentage of Trent’s snaps certainly bigger than last year… More opportunity for BG, one of our better pass rushers,and hopefully it also provides a fresher Cole so maybe we don’t see him wear down like being dominated in a playoff game by a puppy.
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No startng roll for Nolan, but I think even off the bench, Nolan and Wolff will be getting snaps every game, both via subpackage, and some substitutions….tho I will say, if Bradley continues to struggle, he might switch role with Nolan, since they both can conveniently lineup outside or in the slot
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No idea about your Jordan Mathews question…. Think your answer relies soley on our opposition. Chip just doesn’t run some offense, he tailors his offense on a weekly basis to attack the weakness of the defense we are facing. We have our bread and butter plays that we dress up to make look different, but what formations we use and snap count should change from week to week when you have such a stacked arsenal of weapons….. By middle of these season Jordan should have taken all of Brads snaps, but I’m curious to see how those twos divide reps early in the season…it would assume Brad starts in the slot on Sunday, but I haven’t heard anything about it either way
Apologies if this was brought up in the comments on the previous thread, but what do you think of McNabb’s comments about Foles, Tommy? I find it harder & harder to remember the days when I used to cheer wildly for him every time he says something now.
(Slowly rolls eyes) What the hell did he say now??
He said Foles is a flash-in-the-pan punk
He said you cant call Foles a franchise QB after 1 season and because it was McNabb who said, everybody is going crazy
I don’t really think those are the comments that people really take exception to… It’s the innacurate bullshit that flows out of his mouth that people don’t like.,,
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If you want to give educated analysis on FOles and criticize him, do it, but ATleast keep it real and dwell on his true faults like maybe holding the ball too long, refusing to throw the ball away… But if you speak negatively about someone and it’s not true, it just makes you a hater…only a hater would talk about a first year QB as if he were check down Charlie, when he broke the greatest show on turfs record for big plays in the history of the NFL. This check down Charlie non franchise QB who hasn’t had a full season of experience under his belt at the time had more explosive plays in one season, than Mcnabb was ever able to accomplish! and the scary thing is FOles didn’t even play 16 games… He would have shattered record books had he player all year… FOles already has a few historic records at the hall of fame..Mcnabb has none to show for his entire career.
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FOles has a lot he needs to work on and improve on.. Keep it Real and point out his Real faults..but when you say things like the most explosive offense in the history of the franchise and the NFL had a QB who just dinked and dunked his way down the field is bullshit.
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If Andrew luck EVER accomplished some of the things Nick Did last year, He would be a KING with Goodell fanning him all day, while the national media members feed him grapes..and Phil Simms and Heath Evans give him foot massages.
McNabb didn’t seem to know the the 27-2 didn’t occur over a full season, backing it up to like 25-8 for 2014…either he’s uneducated or he’s a hater expecting serious serious regression without backing it up with any of his arguments.
Like Geag said, it wasn’t the “I don’t know about Foles” part that was stupid, it was all the stupid stuff he said that was stupid.
Making one reasonable statement and being a former very good Eagle doesn’t excuse the flow of idiocy that follows.
It’s less the exact thing he said and more the way he said it. It’s the same thing that struck me as off about him all along where he almost doesn’t feel comfortable saying what he says and being himself. Like he’s trying to be something and not just being himself. There’s a disconnect somewhere in his personality.
Classic passive-agressiveness. Something he seems to have perfected to an art.
It’s kind of funny that McNabb said he’s not a franchise QB and added “I see him more being a 25 touchdown, maybe 8, maybe 10 interception guy” because 25/10 would be better than just about any season McNabb played, except 2004. So I guess McNabb doesn’t think he was a franchise QB.
Thats actually pretty funny. I read your comment and the first thing i thought was that he was better then that. So i googled his stats and besides 2004 they are very mediocre. Matter of fact 25 td’s and 10 int is arguebly better then any year he had besides 2004. In 2004 he had 31 td and 8 picks. That is very good, but by todays standards putting him up against other elite QB’s it doesnt really wow you.
yea lets compare eras, when McNabb was in his prime (2004) there was 3 QBs who threw more than 30, last year Andy Dalton threw 32.
So yea, now 25/8 is not a franchise QB split, it was in McNabb’s time
I think McNabb is just showing his personal QB bias. He’s very clearly
looking at the kind of *explosion* that makes a play explosive from a very narrow
perspective … with his version of *explosion* resulting in a pass with a high arc and a long
trajectory. He believes spelling *explosion* with the letters YAC is
introducing a foreign language that isn’t part of the proper Football
vernacular.
I would love the next time someone interviews Mcnabb to ask him to please pull out the factual data that he bases his statements on. I can already picture the stuttering and him just repeating his opinion over and over while sounding worse each time. #5 i loved you on the feild!!!! I stuck up for you through the years when you were at times unfairly scrutinized (besides the air guitar, i had to shake my head on that one). But damit man, you are making it harder and harder for me to still like you.
Eagles broke the NFL record for most explosive plays in one season… The previous record holder was the friggin Super Bowl champion greatest show on turf offense… Chip Kelly in his first NFL season, and a young inexperienced QB broke the record set by one of NFL histories most prominent offenses and I have to listen to McMoron talk about our QB. Like he is check down Charlie… What a joke
I don’t mind what he said, it was how he said it. For somebody who is so oversensitive about what is said about himself, he’s just as insensitive talking about other players.
The following comment was made by a poster in another thread:
“I think once Foles fully masters reading a D he’s going to be even
more deadly…this will lead to possibly a few more mistakes because
he’s going to bounce through his progressions a lot quicker. A lot of
the pre snap reads I think involve the QB deciding his natural
progression pattern in this O. There is also a lot of blatant motions
or on the flipside, subtle things we do to ID coverages and whatnot as
well.
This is why last year before the season I was on the Foles bandwagon,
having a cerebral QB in a system that if you 3 and out too much your D
is gonna die is paramount. You need a guy that can orchestrate these
quick drives in pieces and protect the ball. We have exactly that.’
What that comment describes is exactly why I wanted Jeff Mathews here as a
developmental QB on the Eagles’ Practice Squad. I don’t see Kinne ever
developing into that kind of cerebral QB. He clearly has the athletic
talent, but he seems to be missing the cerebral part.
Exactly. Kinne defaults into scramble bum when he’s under pressure, which isn’t a real way to play QB in the NFL.
Lots of wisdom in those thoughts, Matt. Good stuff.
I didn’t get the sense that Matthews actually had a very high football IQ; albeit, this was based on one episode of “Hard Knocks.”
He clearly has a great arm, but based on the narrative the producers were running it felt like Matthews couldn’t read the defense, get through his progressions, make decisions, etc.
Just because he went to Cornell doesn’t mean that he has actually football IQ.
I didn’t get to see “Hard Knocks” but those comments are similar to some concerns raised during the East-West practice week, so I’m not discounting them. However, one of the important reasons for having a Practice Squad is to have the coaches determine first hand what the strengths and weaknesses of a developmental player are, and whether the weaknesses can be addressed and the strengths magnified. If Mathews had no significant weaknesses, he would have been drafted. Any player who ends up on the Practice Squad needs work.
With that said, Tommy’s interest in Tuel fit into the same category. it sounded like he wanted to be in Buffalo though. Can’t imagine why.
No review on Casey Matthews and his whiff sideline tackle attempt on slow (and now cut) Richardson?
I’d like to see a greater level of gratuitous attacks on Casey Matthews poor level of play until the Eagles upgrade that position.
Get real, us mere mortals aren’t qualified to even say his name…
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Anyone watch the awesome ADrian Brody “Houdini” last night? Casey Mathews is Hardin Houdini
What a terrible comment by McNabb. I wonder if he doesn’t want Foles to surpass his record. I hope it gets Nick fired up.
I’ve got to believe that Donovan still has a lot of bad feelings about his playing days. I can understand why after everything he went through. From the draft booing, to never having a stud receiver until “you know who,” to the Rush L comments, to being unappreciated by the fans. Still, he retired a respected professional, a multi-millionaire, and with a career in front of him. Hey, Don, get over it.
It’s sort of ironic, Limbaugh once doubted his ability to be a franchise QB in spite of his success on the field. When given the opportunity to play Rush for another young QB, McNabb took it. What happened to this guy?
Love how he was oh so eager to mentor RGvick, never says a word about trying to help Nick. He is such a clown. 40yr old man still is clueless..he won’t ever get it…
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Not spending another word on that imbecile.
Funny thing is, McNabb was 100% right about the whole RG3 situation.
Lol he was… It was like looking in a mirror for him
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Seriously believe they have character flaws that will put a ceiling on their success.
So maybe we should respect his word some more?
You can if you want. Be my guest.. Not my cup of tea
Don is not a dumb man. Unfortunately, he either mispeaks or needs to keep his bitterness to himself.
I know, man, it’s like black on white crime!
no mention of the puking during the SB? 🙂
I stopped reading anything McNabb says awhile ago. There’s no point.
That’s not true… He does have some “TRAINWRECK” appeal…
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is anyone really surprised he would make these comments? Just typical Donovan being Donovan if you ask me
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What does it say about him that we have come to expect comments like this from him? I find him to be ignorant and racist
yep but the car accident appeal for me was gone after a short time. He never, ever says anything interesting or informative. I just can’t be bothered.
But “5 will always Love you!!!”…
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You see all those prestigious division banners hanging from the rafters in the Linc? 5 Did That!!! Such an awesome accomplishment that even our non franchise young QB FOles was able to hang one of those awesome division banners in his first year. Lol
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I’m supposed to be impressed by his division banners, when even a QB who he doesn’t think is a franchise QB won one his first chance in the NFL?
I’ve moved on so quickly from Reid and McNabb, I almost feel bad about it. They weren’t bad people, they did a lot of great things, but I just don’t miss them (like I do Dawk and others).
I know the feeling…I do kinda feel bad for Andy tho and I’m happy he landed on his feet….but I don’t our era would have ever happened if Andy didn’t strike gold with Jim Johnson… Handing the defense over to JJ was literally the best move of Andy’s entire career
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But Donovan makes it impossible to like him..
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Dawkins is one of us, he will tell you he is one of us, he will shout it for the world to hear…Donovan never even pretended to be one of us.
It’s odd that we had so much depth at the running back position during camp and now we only have three on the roster, and one of them is unable to play.
So — people pick on Shady because he dances too much. Now we’re picking on OutLaw Josey because he runs too straight? If the holes were there and Josey didn’t have to cut n dance, why is it a knock that he didn’t? OMG, he had 121 yards of straight running — we can’t have that here. What we do need here is 6 wr’s though….
I think Chip kept so many WR’s around because he has too. Can you trust Mac a full season? Injuries happen. Some talk about depth all over the place but WR is not a spot with any depth. We are 1 injury away from being awful at WR.
Shady makes the best cuts in the NFL. He’s a freak. He’s so good at it that he does it too much. Like a QB with a strong arm who forces some throws.
It was great that Josey didn’t have to make those cuts this summer. But he was playing against backups. You can’t run like that against starters. Won’t work. You must be able to cut. He never showed that, at least from what I saw.
Shady is a freak.
I know it’s fodder talk but did Josey get a chance to run vs. the 1’s? That’s where Chip n company know better as they get to see him during all those practices. I trust Chip but the unbalanced wr/rb’s is, well, hopeful I guess. If Josey made the team, nobody would have batted an eye. 6 wr’s and we have to wonder how much time the 6th wr will see the field. Who knows, maybe it was special team play…
jags don’t exactly have shady and Sproles in their backfield, and Josey couldn’t make that roster either..
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I don’t dislike Josey, I just personally would never chose him over Tuck or Polk…
Health considerations are the only thing that pushed Josey over Polk in the minds of most imo. We’ve heard, “Can’t make the club from the tub” so often, we believed it.
I never thought of Josey being ahead of Trucker. That would have bothered me.
Always figured Polk would be the 3rd back…more strange for me was how many fans thought we would keep 4 or 5 backs which i don’t get. Chip squashed that notion for future years by basically saying we will usually only be keeping 3’backs with one on PS
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Chargers were wacky enough to keep 5 RBs after final cuts, but they cut Grice and got down to 4
I don’t think it’s criticism as much as you can’t evaluate Josey that much for running straight thru big holes. Just that you can’t look at that and say, wow we need him on the 53.
Not that Josey should have stopped and made cuts.
No offense to Josey! but nwhat RB wouldn’t have had a nice game the way that line was parting 3rd string defenses like the red sea …Tom could have ran thru those holes holding an open PBR
Why would the Saints cut both their kickers to get down to 53? That’s an odd move. Do you think they were hoping someone would cut their rookie kicker and sign Graham?
To sign Graham, they cut their 3rd string QB Ryan Griffin. I’d rather him on the practice squad.
Was it one of those “cut you now, sign you in 3 days to a different contract” kinda deals to get out of paying him more money than they think he’s worth?
Marcus said he is actually surprised about how it’s starting to come together for him. He thought it would take longer, but sounds like the transition is getting easier for him which is music to my ears… Curious to see what week will be his coming out party…not sure what to think.. We could see us get his feet wet and play a few snaps on Sunday, on the other hand I wouldn’t be shocked if he was inactive the first few games…. Typically these rookies start to get their shot the game after the bye week so coaches have two weeks to get them ready for a specific game plan…curious to see if Marcus can start playing a role before then….it even took the great Polished Ertz a month or so to really start contributing..
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Which players won’t be dressing Sunday?
1) Barkley
2) Hart
3) Tobin
4) Huff
5) Burton
6) Marcus or Casey?
We’ve talked in past about keeping(or trading) players to keep them off another teams roster. Is that why Burton is on this team? So nobody can poach him?
yes. Maybe one day our Aaron Hernandez (without the killing, etc.)
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2014/8/29/6084025/report-trey-burton-makes-53-man-roster
I’m not at all familiar with his game…
So much for flying under the radar:
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Peter King has eagles winning home field advantage and losing to the Seahawks at the Linc in the conference title game.
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Sal Pal has us getting home field advantage and riding it all the way to the Super Bowl
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Golic has us going to the Super Bowl
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was enjoying that the old boys club doubt and hate for Chip and his innovative ways would allow us to fly under the radar. Was expecting another year of Phil Sims Blowhard and Heath Evans clown act, I like our young players being doubted and having to play the under dog role….Prepare to become a national darling….. After chips eagles start 4-0 with wins in Lucks house, Kapernicks house and against our rival skins driven by Jaccsons home coming, it’s going to become eagles this and eagles that… Nick FOles going on the road to beat Luck and Kapernick will put him on the national map as no longer a flash in the pan, but one of the NFLs top young QBs…
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Week 5 will be a scary letdown game against the rams. game Scares me, Lane has to be reincorporated into the line…don’t wanna have to shake the rust off against that defensive front.
No more offense for the Rams. Their D is dynamite(like JJ) but that offense is going to stutter … like Kenny(bonus points for that reference)
I see the ship still moving forward but not quite contenders to the crown yet.
Team is used to playing with NO. QB and they beat some good teams last year
I would think with all the extra reps we should start seasons off stronger than other teams (at least on OL play). I really expect a big win Sunday.
We usually lost the opener under Andy… Last years opener, Chip opened the flood gates of hell on to the skins in their house… Curious to see if being prepared to start the season becomes a trend under Chip…would be a welcome improvement from the Andy Era..
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Of course we have to introduce a new variable into the equation for this years opener: Which team will be more prepared to play under the new contact rules in the secondary? Which team has improved the most in this area since the starters played in the 3rd preseason game…. Our defense is going to fly around and make plays on Sunday, hopefully we don’t bail the jaguars out with silly contact penalties by the DBs.
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Curious to watch the Seahawks/packers to see if Refs lighten up a bit, or if they continue to call the game like Flag Nazi’s that officiated the preseason games
Right but then Chip thought it was college and backed off, and it became almost a tight game. I hope he learned.
Also curious to see if we will once again be one of the healthiest teams in the NFL..
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We were so close to dogging the Obligatory yearly torn ACL in Camp, and then long tears his knee two days before the final roster is set…SMH
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If we can enjoy last years good health during the season, then it can no longer view that as a coincidence and our trainers and sports science department deserve a raise
McNabb has us 1-15, due to lack of franchise quarterback.
Thank you, Tommy. Didn’t always get the impression that people are frustrated with Maehl on the 53. You’re right that there is a case for him (ST experience), but to me, it’s not a very good case and therefore I am frustrated.
You have to point out that Chip knows more about football than I do and even knows more than you, Tommy. 😉 But that doesn’t mean you can’t be frustrated about some of the decisions he makes.
Yeah… The “so and so knows more than we do” certainly doesn’t make them infallible…and heck, there are ALWAYS Examples where fans did know better…
Exhibit A: Alex henrey
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Must be a lot of special teams guru getting drunk in philly Bars, because I have been hearing that we needed to get rid of Alex for ATleast the past year.. Fans certainly knew better than our coaches who elected to bring back Alex without bringing in legit competition that would either force him to step up, or lose his job…instead we gave him a free ride until the last week until deciding that he can’t continue as our kicker…
…Exhibit B:
Heck how many years did fans scream at Andy that we can’t play with James Turash and Torrence Small at WR? After what 4 years of fans screaming and crying at the lack of WR’s, Andy Goes and gets T.O for one year, and that one year was the only time Andy/Donovan could get over the hump and play in the Super Bowl …
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That’s cherry picking at its best. Turn on WIP and you’ll hear someone who is wrong right now.
Well obviously more times than not the coaches will be right instead of the fans…..t…I would hope so(unless we talking KOTITE)… Just because coach knows better than you does that mean you can’t question any of his decisions?
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You think Chip Kelly is Infallible because he knows more about football than us?
Tell me where I said any of that.
Isn’t that what you Imply when you respond to me providing two examples as “that’s cherry picking at best”.. If not, then I misunderstood you
You need this.
http://www.logicalfallacies.info/
Infallibly.. Means you aren’t ALWAYS right… Doesn’t mean you are right half the time, or only once in while… It’s a term used to say that something that might seem perfect, makes mistakes once in a blue moon….by definition, you can only cherry pick, because you wouldn’t use infallible if they were wrong often and examples of being wrong weren’t rare occasions LOL
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I
Infallible: incapable of making mistakes or being wrong
Infallibility: the quality of never making an error
Have to agree that kicker was a blind spot for Chip at Oregon, and seems to have carried forward to the Eagles. That said, I think Cody is an excellent pick up and an upgrade at the position.
The whole bottom of the roster discussion is as much about philosophy as it is about talent. I think Chip has a real confidence in his schemes/systems putting players in a position to succeed, that he opts for players he can trust to do their job over talented potential – Lache Seastrunk couldn’t cut it at Oregon because he was undisciplined and kept doing things his way in practice. Cliff Harris was the same way – for all the talent he flashed, the coaches couldn’t trust him to play to his assignment.
Personally, I view Maehl as a Jason Avant type receiving/blocking option that will execute his assignment and not as a primary target. With his ST abilities, he’s a trustworthy bottom of the roster kind of guy the coaches can count on (ZERO career penalties!) to not make a silly mental mistake.
But at least we never had to complain that Andy and Marty didn’t run the ball enough.
It killed us.. Imagine how frustrating it had to be for guys like Runyan, Trotter, Dawkins…
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Everyone associated with the eagles knew to run the ball more in those big games except for the two men in charge with the offense…. And his former players always admit to times on the sideline they would be frustrated and screaming at Andy to run the ball….
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After the refusal to run for a decade, I feel blessed to be able to see a back like LeSean in his prime, under a HEADCoach who will run it all day
I actually like Maehl & was fine with him making the team. No frustration with that particular move. Now Will Murphy on the PS……
You sure are entitled to your opinion, mate, but I can’t understand how one can like this guy as a player. Maybe he’s a great human being, I don’t know, but as a WR in the NFL?
But like I said, you can like whoever you chose to. 😉
Looking over the jaguars, they are on their way to building a decent team, and they do present some challenges and good tests at certain positions. Strength is probably that they are a player or two away from a really solid front 7. It’s going to be a good test for our offensive line to start the season. Curious to see how Barbre handles himself, if he can hold his own! and if he can work well the Herremans to hold down the right side against a tough front 7 with a good mix of passrushers and run defenders:
Chris Clemons
Sen’darrick marks
red Bryant
Tyson Alu
Ziggy Hood
And MLB Paul Posluszny when healthy is a bad man and the leader of their defense.
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Going to be a good Barometer for life without Lane Johnson for the month of September… As crazy as it sounds, the Jaguars probably have the toughest front 7 we will face without Lane. Skins aren’t even close to jags level! Colt lack Mathis! Niners lack everyone,.. If we can impose our will in the run game against this team, we should be fine running against the other opponents we face without Lane
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If Blake BOrtles is the real deal and worth his high draft status, then the jags won’t be bad for long. kid flashed in the preseason and showed some promise as an NFL QB, but when you take a close look at that Oline, it’s pretty obvious why they aren’t starting BOrtles in September. Luke Joekel returns from an injured rookie season. They have a rookie guard and a center making his first start…Beadles I think was a Titan last year so that’s 4 Offensive lineman that have so little chemistry playing together.. That doesn’t have to be a bad OL, but it’s going to have some serious September struggles before it gets a chance to really gel… We should have a good showing this week in terms of getting pressure on the QB with an inexperienced line having to deal with our blitzing, twisting,stunting, and all the different looks we throw at them…but primarily, the jaguars really want to run the ball. They won’t abandon that run game easily. They will play physical and stick with that run game until they have no choice but to abandon it…..if we can force them into throwing on 3rd down, we should be pleasantly surprised by the pressure our boys get on henne and the turnovers will come… But first we will have to hold up and shut down a physical and persistent run game….
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Curious to see how this game plays out.. Will we just control it from start to finish? Hard fought first half, blow it open in the second? Or one of those games when we blow them out the stadium early, don’t play with the lead well, let the, back on the game late and make it more difficult than it needs to be?
I think that defensive front is more name than substance. Ziggy Hood couldnt stay on a bad Steelers front and Chris Clemons is done. Poz is a super overrated LB. The only good player is DE Red Bryant, but he can only stop the run
Wes Welker tests positive for amphetamines and blames it on taking “Molly” LOL suspended 4 games for the season…good thing I drafted Emmanuel Sanders… Isn’t he a little to old to be rolling on Ecstacy? Wonder Peyton’s reaction? “Let me get this straight? You were out in a club glow sticking on Ecstacy?”
how can you fantasy people root for opposing players to score? sit him
I wouldn’t root for him during the game… You won’t see me screaming at the TV to throw the ball to Cecil, or celebrate his TD’s… If it’s a tie game and he scores, I’m just as angry about it as I would normally be…..I’m too much of an eagles fan to care about having a few dollars riding on another teams player…..
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Not sure what to think of my fantasy team this year yet. I have eagles defense, Maclin and I drafted Ertz in round 5…which is probably grossly over drafting him, but it’s a dynasty league so he will pay off big for me the next few years..
Eagles 36 — Jax 14 — two td’s for Cecil. It’s easy.
Yep. I never start opponents. It isn’t worth the complications.
As a result, I don’t draft players from other NFCE teams. A guy that I can’t use for three weeks out of the season isn’t worth drafting.
Oddly, it is much less difficult to pass on them than it was a few yeas ago…
Clearly, Welker’s judgement was impaired by his concussion.
He says someone must have spiked his drink at the Kentucky derby… I’m sure he would realize that he was on drugs if he unknowingly took Ecstacy… Wasn’t Brady at the Kentucky derby? Brady probably would have noticed if Welker was hugging him telling hm how much he loves him, asking Tom to rub ice cubes on his neck lol
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Wes is going to have to retire soon.. I don’t want to see him suffer a few more concussions,,,..of course I’m bias,cuz I drafted sanders lol
Did you not see the picture of him there? I think he was handing out 100 dollar bills.
Maehl looks good athletically. He has height and is solid on ST.
People just dog him because he doesn’t “look like” a WR, and you know what I’m talking about.
His arms aren’t ripped enough?
Riley Cooper Syndrome
Exactly.
He’s not athletic. Yea, he can run a sub 4.5, is 6’4 230, has long arms and very good vertical. But he’s just a scrappy gym-rat overachiever type.
Anyone follow Colton Underwood in college? Looks like an overachiever, but not a top athlete. A Kelly guy. Probably at best, develops into a special teamer.
I’m more interested in what Ted Williams did to “ruffle some feathers at nocacare(Mosher)” that made us discard Williams who we allegedly wanted to sign him bad…lWTF could he have possibly done for this change of heart?
That sounds interesting–maybe he came in with a DeSean Jackson me-first attitude. Hope somebody can fill us in.
Thought that was a done deal, first I heard of it.
It was a one night stand
Could be Mathis slipped Teddy a “Molly”.
Lol never know with that wacko… He did an interview with Fox and he said the best prank he ever pulled was hacking Marvin Lewis’s phone so he could send text messages to bengals players from marvins phone during the end of camp to tell them they had been cut. LOL that had to be fun
Read it ….that’s why i thunk it…
Sucks that we won’t ever see this eagles team on HardKnocks..
Gotta admit I’m curious too. How bad can you be to get fired on your first day at the job!
Also, maybe one of you guys understand this – (Tommy maybe) – Why does the NFL not allow all 53 players on the Roster to suit up on game day? Doesn’t make any sense to me to limit the available players since they are all on the roster and are being paid. Seems arbitrary to me.
Not as bad as getting fired on your day off for stealing Boxes…lol
How is he not a top athlete?
All his numbers would be top 10 at the combine for DL and are all better or just about the same as Marcus Smith who is considered a good athlete.
He’s not a top athlete– he went undrafted, didn’t he? Can’t compare to Marcus Smith. Smith runs like a safety.
Smith played for Louisville where Underwood played for Indiana State, when you play for a FCS program you need to be super outstanding to even get drafted
Are you telling me un-drafted Underwood in any way compares to Marcus Smith? Whoa? I only wish he did !
I love Underwood’s attitude but he’s marginal.
All I said is that his athletic profile is very much the same as Marcus Smith (at least in shorts)
Matt Barkley – It’s not a great arm, but it’s a good enough arm, better than last season, but he has to really work on his footwork because he lacks the strength for off balance throws. Barkley shouldn’t be looking for big plays, for one thing, he doesn’t have the arm to make some of the deep throws (no deep outs for you young man!).
Henry Josey – Can’t pass block to save his life either and doesn’t have a ST role. I think they probably felt the knee wasn’t stable enough to justify 2-3 years developing him into a NFL RB.
Jeff Maehl – Biggest problem I saw last year was lack of strength run blocking, didn’t really see much this August. He can catch anything near him and can get open in a short area. A depth guy, no more.
Ifeanyi Momah – Probably should have been moved to TE where his lack of fluidity wouldn’t matter as much.
Quron Pratt – Shows the difference in depth, Hines on the Jags isn’t much different, but Pratt was buried on the Eagle depth chart, Hines got lots of preseason game reps because he was the last WR standing.
Trey Burton – I think they felt someone would pick him up as a Reed type receiving H-back because you’re right, he isn’t a NFL blocker right now – a year in the weight room and working on technique can solve that.
GJ Kinne – I think Kinne gets overexcited and tries to make things happen, he’s on the PS to imitate mobile QBs like RGIII in practice.
Josh Andrews – lack of strength stands out.
Kevin Graf – He’s almost a clone of Tobin in terms of measurables and workouts, and some of the same comments were made about Tobin last year. Arms are too short for OT. But I didn’t see much of a dropoff when he came in for Tobin, Stoutland knows how to prepare his guys. I can see Graf pushing for a job next year.
David Molk – He’s the closest I’ve seen to Kelce, obviously not as athletic (who is) but made a lot of second level plays, I think this is the perfect scheme for him.
Dennis Kelly – He’s made a lot of progress since his rookie year when he looked totally lost at RG. True freshman college LT still adjusting to playing inside, I think he’s a potential starter next year if he can polish his technique.
Taylor Hart – He’s like a weaker, younger version of Bair. When he grow sup, Bair becomes a coach.
Wade Keliikippi – Funny guy, really slow, but put up a great cone drill and plays like it, strong but not explosive, but agile in a short area.
Beau Allen – I think once they were comfortable with him as the backup NT they wanted him to learn DE, and I’ll bet his head is swimming, one gap 4-3 DT, NT, now 3-4 DE in three years.
Emmanuel Acho – Too stiff, Goode is stiff but much quicker.
Marcus Smith – I don’t expect much this season, didn’t expect much when he was drafted, needs to add strength and learn pass rush moves.
Bryan Braman – I don’t know why he didn’t get more reps in preseason, he may lack instincts to play off the LOS, but he can attack.
Chris Maragos – Still a bit of a disappointment, I was hoping we’d underearthed a hidden Mikell, but this is his 5th season, should have better instincts at S by now.
Ed Reynolds – He’s just not a flash guy, Best hope is he grows into a Ryan Clark type safety.
http://grantland.com/the-triangle/nfl-season-predictions-part-2-the-falling-stars/
I was laughing and nodding my head up and down as I read about how the Giants and Cowboys are going to take a step back this year….but then he has the Eagles on the list. Stupid article.
R.I.P Damaris. We barely used ye.
Seriously. I feel I am going to be having that couple years of anger that I had when Amendola was released. I’ve heard it said that he just isn’t a fit for this eagles offense but that doesn’t make sense to me. Someone who isn’t a fit for the offense wouldn’t produce so well when given the chance to do so. I hear the argument that he’s not going to block etc… but given the opportunity to play on Offense (less so as a returner) we’ve seen what he can do. He consistently makes backups look like backups and in my opinion clearly has starter level talent. If that can’t earn you the 5th wr. spot something is wrong. If chip is someone who we believe can get the best out of a players skill set and also loves diverse players I can’t see any reason he would be let go. Having at least the highest potential as a returner doesn’t hurt either. No one else on the team is exactly setting the return game ablaze. And frankly I’m not really comfortable with some of those other more important role players being subject to the abuse of the return game when their potential for a big play isn’t there. Side note wasn’t he picked up by the first team able to grab him off waivers? Sorry. Rant over. Had to leave it somewhere.
On the bright side I was able to draft McCoy again in my fantasy league and I’m looking forward to a fun year for this team.
I’m curious has anyone been keeping tabs on Lane Johnson’s play through preseason? How has he looked?
Johnson is still up and down as a pass blocker (but I argue better than Barbre), but is a great run blocker.
Jeff McLane @Jeff_McLane 5 t.
OC Pat Shurmur said the #Eagles like Trey Burton as a TE and RB. He’s been cross-training.
Most likely why we kept Burton over Tucker
I’m really excited about this kid, even though he’s done nothing to deserve that excitement yet.
Looks like Football Outsiders has us projected at 9th in the league, with 9.7 wins, to take the division. Offense ranked 4th (but way below Denver and ?GB?), Defense 21st and Special Teams–ouch–32nd in the league. 9th overall seems a pretty safe guess, although I wouldn’t complain if we happen to outperform that..
how the hell are we 32 in the league in special teams?!?! That is pretty harsh!
Blame Alex
I do, for everything!
Alex Henery was one of the worst kickers in FG% and touchback% last year
I know he was bad and the Vikings game didn’t help but holy cow, I didn’t think he was that bad.
Anyone actually think Jerruh signed Micheal Sam because of his football ability?mhe signed on to be exploited by jerruhs circus
I’m sure that is part of it but… have you seen the Cowboys’ defensive roster? He very well could get some playing time on merit there this year…
All I know is this first weeks episode of inside the NFL, with referee Mike Carey going over the new rules and you get to hear WRs thoughts represented by Brandon Marshall, and the DB point of view with Ed Reed is friggin fascinating