Be Creative

Posted: January 16th, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 142 Comments »

We all agree the Eagles must fix the secondary. But how? Do you try to get Cary Williams to take a pay cut and keep him? Do you sign a pair of free agents? Do you spend multiple high picks on CBs?

There is no set formula for how to fix a secondary.

The biggest thing for me is that the Eagles need to be creative and aggressive. With that in mind, I was happy to read this.

Breaux is a star DB in the CFL and he’s now getting all kinds of NFL interest. He is 6-1, 196. He has good feet and breaks quickly on the ball. Breaux shows good coverage instincts. He is a willing tackler and will mix it up on run plays in traffic.

Russ Lande has worked as na NFL scout and is currently the GM of the Montreal Alouettes.

The line about physicals is referring to a serious neck injury that sidetracked Breaux’s career.

I don’t know if Breaux’s neck will check out. I don’t know if he’ll turn out to be a good player. I do know that the Eagles need CB help in a big way and Breaux is a very interesting option. He won’t cost a draft pick. He won’t demand a huge deal. But he could help right away. At the very least, he could be good depth.

I hope the Eagles are aggressive in looking into this situation and strongly consider signing Breaux.

* * * * *

One interesting angle to this is the process of negotiating. How will that happen right now?

Les Bowen wrote a good piece about how agents aren’t sure who to talk to right now. Chip Kelly might have the power, but he’s not a guy that is used to talking to agents about players. This is something the Eagles need to figure out soon. No major business happens at the Senior Bowl in regard to contracts. The Combine is when things really start to happen. That said, it still would help for agents to have a clear picture of who to call before then.

_

142 Comments on “Be Creative”

  1. 1 Greg Richards said at 8:33 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Concerning that we’re just “interested” and haven’t brought him in for a visit yet. Maybe that’s because they know he can’t sign until February and want the Eagles to be one of his last visits, not his 1st.

  2. 2 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 9:10 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    We are interested in every DB the world over.

    If Fletcher starts next year we riot!

  3. 3 MaggieOnMars said at 12:51 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Fletcher had more snaps than anybody except Jenkins. In the whole NFL. Even with missing the last game and dealing with a lingering pectoral injury. He was beaten on maybe 15-20 of them. An average to below average number in the league. He never once complained publicly and was being coached to face-guard. Just a thought.

  4. 4 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 12:17 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Its not that he was beaten its how badly he was beaten and when it happened.

    How many 3rd and longs did we give up? 3rd and 2? no sweat. Fact is I hate Fletcher, Late Allen, and Sconces in that order. They kept us from being a very good team.

    QB and Oline kept us from being great.

    And our DBs were getting toasted since Jacksonville, so no I don’t care how many snaps they played. Our D couldn’t wouldn’t start the game strong either (except the shut out 🙂

  5. 5 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 12:23 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    I admire his toughness and the fact he doesnt bitch about anything. I would love to see him go to the cowboys or redskins, or giants lol

  6. 6 GEAGLE said at 11:42 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Good news: Bradley won’t be a starting CB of the Eagles.
    ..
    Bad news: Cary and Nolan will start out corner in September…
    …
    Asking me to endure Nolan/Bradley as the starting CB, is asking a little too much of my patiemce. I can live with Cary and Nolan with improved safety play behind them while our young corners are being groomed to eventually take over, but what I can NOT accept is cutting Cary. Replacing him with Brad, and starting Brad and Nolan in september, I’ll burn Novacare to the ground…
    …
    The ONLY, I repeat ONLY way Brad should be welcomed back is as a depth backüp, but even that is hard considering we need roster spots to get some young corners to start developing to take over on the outside

  7. 7 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 12:07 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    I’m ok with whatever they wanna do with sconces and carrol getting a look is fine too. I want them to spend a high pick or two on DBs unless we go the free agent look.

    Not sure I want Fletcher back at all, does he impact S/T? I’m ok with Late Allen coming back but he def needs REAL competition for the safety spot

    I really hope Watkins can make an impact next year.

  8. 8 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 12:08 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    LOL @ burning nova care to the ground, haha we r all on the same page. Maybe we should buy the billboard and express our diehard frustration with the secondary

  9. 9 GEAGLE said at 12:58 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Lol that would be awesome until we piss off Kelce and Mathis lol

  10. 10 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 3:48 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Whatever motivates the team lol I always love the team but not the players. This team is packed with players I love rooting for!

  11. 11 Greg Richards said at 8:35 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    News update:

    Jeremy Maclin injury replacement for Demaryius Thomas at Pro Bowl. Jon Dorenbos selected as need player(LS).

    Bears have requested to interview Vic Fangio for DC. This doesn’t make a ton of sense because Fox’s background is defensive and he’s always been a 4-3 guy. I’m pretty sure Fangio has strictly coached the 3-4.

  12. 12 oreofestar said at 8:45 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Can Fangio really not get a HC j job

  13. 13 GEAGLE said at 8:48 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    You watching this game dude? Nerlens is playing like a beast. 5min left in the 3rd quarter and he already has 15pts, 10rb 5 blocks…
    …
    Eagles should sign him as a WR, ENDZONE threat 😉

  14. 14 oreofestar said at 9:03 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Endzone threat with those bad hands 😛 but yes he is on fire of his defensive plays don’t show up on the stats sheat.

  15. 15 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 9:14 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    When the DL coach leap frogs u for the spot somethings up.

    Wouldn’t mind brining him here as an assistant/advisor/consultant/ O line coach lol

  16. 16 Media Mike said at 6:41 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    As more time passes in the NFL it seems the better DCs can adapt between 3 or 4 man fronts depending on their best 11 guys and what they need to do to watch up with the personnel sent out there by the O. And then there is Billy Davis.

  17. 17 Bert's Bells said at 8:39 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Sconces is awful. He’s not the part of any solution.

  18. 18 GermanEagle said at 8:38 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Plus he’s a selfish stubborn boy who doesn’t give a f about the Eagles.

  19. 19 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 12:25 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    He’s got a ring, Chips probably keeping him around to show if a loser like that can win we can too!

  20. 20 EaglesFan1 said at 8:41 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    I say cut Cary and Fletcher williams and Nate Allen. Then try and sign Revis, but because that mostl likely won’t happen with this team, get Cox from SF or Jackson from the Texans. Draft Waynes in the first round and then get the MSU safety Drummond later in the draft.

  21. 21 GEAGLE said at 8:46 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    And I want a pink unicorn

  22. 22 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 9:04 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Why not midnight green lol?

  23. 23 GEAGLE said at 12:56 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Why stop there? Might as well go with Kelly Green Unicorns

  24. 24 Greg Richards said at 8:48 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Allen’s a FA. Don’t have to cut him.

  25. 25 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 12:25 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    I say we cut him anyways lol

  26. 26 GEAGLE said at 8:53 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    2015 Eagles secondary
    ..
    Cary Williams….Devin McCourty…..Malcolm Jenkins…Nolan Carrol
    Nickel: Boykin
    Dime: Jaylen Watkins
    …
    Bench:
    Jalen Collins CB
    UDFA CB
    ….
    Wolff Safety
    reynolds Safety
    Prosinski Safety

  27. 27 TommyLawlor said at 8:57 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    I just don’t see McCourty getting out of NE.

  28. 28 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 9:06 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Its NE, anything is possible and Bellicheats Ego lies on that side of the ball. He will say: “look what I did with Pat F’N Chung”

    McCourty walking is very possible

  29. 29 GEAGLE said at 11:20 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Yup, especially since I think Bill would rather keep his corners Browner, and Revis instead of having to replace one….

  30. 30 Media Mike said at 6:42 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Your lack of vision is depressing.

  31. 31 GEAGLE said at 11:18 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Chung has already been extended. If you don’t think McCourty gets out of NE, you have to think that either browner or Revis get out… They can’t keep all 3, my bet is they keep the corners, but we’ll see.
    …
    Don’t like McCourty, you can replace his name with Rahim Moore..

  32. 32 Greg Richards said at 8:57 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    I cut Williams, sign 2 outside CBs, and sign a next-tier safety.

  33. 33 GermanEagle said at 8:37 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Me too..

  34. 34 GEAGLE said at 11:19 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    I just don’t see the eagkes going that direction so I try not to think about it… But I wouldn’t complain

  35. 35 Mitchell said at 9:04 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Here’s a new draft for dissection:

    Round 1 Pick 20: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington (A)
    Round 2 Pick 20: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn (A)
    Round 3 Pick 20: Laken Tomlinson, OG, Duke (B)
    Round 4 Pick 14: Kurtis Drummond, FS, Michigan State (B+)
    Round 4 Pick 20: Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (Ohio) (A)
    Round 5 Pick 20: Jeremy Langford, RB, Michigan State (A)
    Round 6 Pick 20: Brandon Bridge, QB, South Alabama (A)
    Round 7 Pick 20: Deion Barnes, DE, Penn State (A)

    Sorry for these, this time of year is just so damn boring..

  36. 36 Greg Richards said at 9:08 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Shaq Thompson seems more of a 4-3 WLB. Maybe he could play ILB in our scheme.

  37. 37 Mitchell said at 9:13 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Yes, I fully expect him to play ILB. Too small for OLB in a 3-4. He has amazing coverage skills for a guy his size (was a top safety coming out of highschool). He is perfect for playing clean behind a big DL and making all kindz of playz. Sideline-sideline type LB.

  38. 38 D3FB said at 9:25 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    He’s going to be a 43 Will or box SS. He’s very similar to Shazier. He was playing around 220 this year. He may put on weight at the combine, but he would struggle to ever maintain 240+ and it would likely limit his strengths. He’s not good at taking on blockers.

    While we don’t need a 2 down mammoth run stopper, both ILB’s need to be effective at plugging holes, fighting off lineman and playing the run game. I would be very surprised if he’s a target for us.

  39. 39 Greg Richards said at 9:32 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    True, but Shazier was drafted by a 2-gap 3-4 team.

  40. 40 D3FB said at 9:32 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    And now they are moving him to SS.

  41. 41 Mitchell said at 9:34 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    We do need safety help and he does have versatility.

  42. 42 D3FB said at 9:42 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Not our kind of mirrored safety. Box safety.

  43. 43 Mitchell said at 9:53 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Just want some play makerzzz.

  44. 44 anon said at 4:14 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    like buchannon?

  45. 45 D3FB said at 6:30 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    It’s hard to project Shaq back to safety. He hasn’t played it since high school. Buchannon at the very least was a good centerfielder on top of his box skills. With Shaq all you can say with certainty is he’s good in the box.

  46. 46 GermanEagle said at 8:36 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Thanks, mate. That changes my opinion as a Eagles draft target for me. Got almost excited anlut him. Don’t tell GEAGLE though. Lol

  47. 47 GEAGLE said at 11:21 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    As if I give a fuck and don’t have my own opinion lol.
    ..
    I have a feeling he puts on a show, And isn’t even availabke when we pick..l
    ..
    And if you are going to be on my nuts and speak my name, ATleast get my opinion correct, I’m a Kendricks guy, remember, the reason half of you know that Kendricks has a brother playing for UCLA LOL

  48. 48 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 12:29 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    I want Kendrick pairing, makes sense being in the city of brotherly love both guys can run, hit, and blitz. Demeco and Big bro as mentors, S/T would probably get a boost with him too

  49. 49 GEAGLE said at 12:55 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    I’m sure we will be interested. League is trending towards smaller LBs that can really run and cover, Mykal proved that he can handle the run behind our DL, I’m sure Kendricks and Kendricks can be fine behind our Front 3 who will continue to grow into bigger, stronger, beasts as those young players mature…
    ..
    Problem is the Greenbay Packers are going to want Kendricks too, since they wanted shazier last year and are being forced to play Clay Mathews at ILB. bengals could also take an ILB…… Kendricks is my Guy, that’s who I have wanted all year. Chip often talks about the conundrum that Mykal is such a good pass rusher, and he is so good at dropping into coverage, it sucks that he can only do one at a time, I’m sure chip would LOVE TWO Kendrick boys, MIRRORED ILBs, opposing QBs never will know which QB is blitzing and which we are dropping into coverage…. Front 7 is going to be sick:
    ……………..Thornton/Hart……………Logan/Beau…………Cox/Bair
    ……Barwin/Dion………Mykal Kemdricks…….Erik Kendricks……Marcus/COle
    cary…………McCourty(or Rahim)……………..Malcolm Jenkins…………..Nolan Carrol
    …
    I’m down with THAT defense!

  50. 50 GermanEagle said at 3:01 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    *sing

    Deez nuts

  51. 51 Greg Richards said at 9:41 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    I hadn’t seen that.

  52. 52 Mitchell said at 9:52 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    I don’t see him having to take on blockers very much in general and when he does he is too fast for most lineman. IDK all I see is him making tackle after tackle, constantly getting in the backfield, covering guys left and right, great special teams player. He is caught in between LB and S. I don’t really see why he couldn’t put on 20 lbs if he put at ILB permanently.

  53. 53 D3FB said at 10:03 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    He would absolutely have to take on blockers. And yes he can dance around them in the Pac 12, but NFL linemen are better than that. Also dancing around blocks gets you out of position.

    Also you don’t see why he couldn’t just put on 20lbs of muscle? And not let it effect his ability?

    https://twitter.com/MoveTheSticks/status/552623980704583680

  54. 54 Mitchell said at 10:12 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Aren’t our front 3 supposed to take on the blocks so linebackers can make plays? I don’t think anyone who works out as much as college LB’s/S can put on 20 lbs of muscle period, without PED’s. It would have to be a combo of fat/water/muscle. Everyone has their deficits and as I said, all I see is someone making plays and contrary to Jeremiah I think he is pretty good in the “trash.” I agree with getting off blocks, it depends on his coaching and the size he can get too.

  55. 55 D3FB said at 10:29 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    The front take on blockers to let linebackers make plays, but teams don’t have to double team guys. The linemen also do release up to the linebackers. Our linebackers will be getting blocked and having to shed linemen. Our linebackers aren’t truly protected like a 43 will is.

    http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/148/files/2010/02/4-3-Over-…-4-3-Under-Defenses.png

  56. 56 Mitchell said at 10:45 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Ok, I see. Can you provide an example of someone more suited for our scheme? Then, hopefully, I can get a better understanding.

  57. 57 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 10:49 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Remember Matt Mccoy lol that guy didn’t shed one block his whole NFL career

  58. 58 D3FB said at 1:42 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    CJ Mosley.

  59. 59 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 12:31 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Matt mccoy(former 2nd) has burned into my brain. First thing I look at when evaluating line backers, can they SHED blocks or are they afraid of contact. We don’t need any “land sharks” or “fastballs” they belong in KC lol

  60. 60 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 9:08 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    I would be on board with this but I believe many players on here will go sooner than u think

  61. 61 Mitchell said at 9:14 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Yeh, I know, unfortunately. Might get Shaq at 20, MAYBE get Coates that far in the second, not sure Tomlinson’s value, Drummond and Rollins probably don’t last to the 4th…..

  62. 62 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 10:35 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    I hope that if we go ILB as our first pick than we would be better off trying to trade back and snag one while picking up more ammo.

    I don’t think I’ve ever dreaded/anticipated a draft this much. I will be shocked if Chip doesnt surprise us lol

  63. 63 GEAGLE said at 11:26 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Yup yup, trade back into the beginning of round two and drraft whichever ILB is left…. Eagles actually wanted to trade back twice last year, but they thought someone would steal marcus….hopefully they trade back twice this year, knowing there willl still be a good ILB on the board, but we have to wait and see who is still available when we pick, there has to be 3 or 4 ILB we like to have if we decide to trade back twice because the Packers and Bengals probabky draft an ILB, so we have to make sure an ILB or two will be left at the beging of round 2 if we want to trade back…

  64. 64 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 12:11 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Its funny that Reid would neglect linebackers and now we’re awesome at that spot.

    Chip (so far) has neglected DBs, but we used to have a kick ass secondary under reid, or at least 1 star in the secondary.

    Could u imagine a ballhawk like asante playing with Chips O (built to score baby)

  65. 65 Michael Winter Cho said at 1:36 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Yeah…. personally I prefer getting gashed up the middle than giving up lots of long TDs, but that’s just personal preference.

  66. 66 anon said at 1:59 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    It was like when people would bust long runs on us during the wide 9 days, depressing.

  67. 67 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 3:46 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Well we all like sex a little differently I guess 🙂

  68. 68 Dvon1 said at 9:30 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Boring! You must not see the daily Foles debates on Twitter and BGN

  69. 69 Media Mike said at 6:50 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Crap, really? My Twitter got suspended for telling Cowboys fans complaining about their bus getting egged to kill themselves. I need to make a new one. I’m missing out on some good stuff.

  70. 70 Media Mike said at 6:52 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    From CBS

    “Bridge shows the ability to work through his reads and is a quick thinker to make snap decisions. He displayed outstanding toughness playing through an ankle injury most of November 2014.”

    http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/24860921/meet-the-prospect-south-alabama-qb-brandon-bridge

    I can work with a QB who actually wants to work through reads.

  71. 71 Media Mike said at 7:29 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Here is mine from unrealistic trade down city

    Round 1 Pick 27 (IND): Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State (A)
    Round 2 Pick 22 (DET): Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State (A)
    Round 2 Pick 24 (PITT): Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA (A)
    Round 2 Pick 27 (IND): Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon (B+)
    Round 3 Pick 22 (ARI): Ben Koyack, TE, Notre Dame (B-)
    Round 3 Pick 24 (DET): Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State (B+)
    Round 4 Pick 14: Ladarius Gunter, CB, Miami (Fla.) (B)
    Round 4 Pick 20: Ibraheim Campbell, SS, Northwestern (B)
    Round 4 Pick 24 (ARI): Jake Ryan, OLB, Michigan (C)
    Round 5 Pick 20: David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa (B)
    Round 6 Pick 20: Titus Davis, WR, Central Michigan (C+)
    Round 7 Pick 20: Bryan Bennett, QB, Southeastern Louisiana (D-)

    So, I’m not fitting 12 guys on the 53. Here is who would replace who
    Waynes – B Fletcher
    Strong – Brad Smith
    Kendricks – Casey Matthews
    Fisher – Dennis Kelly
    Koyack – James Casey
    Smith – Bair
    Gunter – Cary Williams
    Campbell – Nate Allen
    Ryan – P squad
    Johnson – P squad
    Davis – P squad
    Bennett – P squad

  72. 72 ceedubya9 said at 9:17 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    After the first three picks, I didn’t even care anymore. That would be awesome. Anything after would just be icing.

  73. 73 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 9:07 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Feels like months since the Eagles played last…

  74. 74 nopain23 said at 9:16 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    marcus peters at pick #20..make it happen chip?..howie?. whomever?

  75. 75 Dvon1 said at 9:26 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Not really creative when half the league has the same idea, but I get your point

  76. 76 ACViking said at 9:46 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Re: GM-speak and Breaux v. Duron Carter

    T-Law quotes a tweet attributed to Russ Lande that reads:

    “Breaux is VG athlete with starting talent. If he passes NFL physicals he will be a VG starting CB in NFL sooner than expected.” [my italics]

    I’m just wondering, “sooner than expected” by WHOM?!?!?!

    I mean, if Lande thinks the kid will do well, why does he think he’s ahead of the curve?

    (The comment is right there with, “They say the it’s supposed to rain today.” WHO is “they”?!?!?!?! Everyone but the person speaking and the person listening?)

    OK . . . on to two related questions.
    ______________

    First, I’ll take a flier and assume Lande’s talking about NFL GMs, scouts, and coaches.

    Apparently, Lande’s saying he’s seen enough of Breaux — who plays for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, not Montreal — to have formed a view that implies, having reviewed the film and watched a couple games from the press box, Breaux will (i) make a Browner-esque splash in the NFL to the shock of all the scouts and GMs who’ve watched him in person and reviewed the tape, and, as a result (ii) get underpaid because, no matter how much his agents seeks, the response from potential suitors will be he’s not ready for prime time.

    TRANSLATION: Lande knows something the NFL guys won’t see or haven’t seen.

    T-LAW . . . help me here.

    Question No. 1 (and 1a plus 1b):

    Breaux’s just finished his second season in the CFL.

    So how did he do in 2013 for the Tiger-Cats?

    Was his name circulating in NFL scouting circles last yeat?

    Did anyone work him out last off-season?
    _____________

    T-Law’s post says that, according to ESPN’s Adam Caplan, Delvin Breaux will be worked-out by the Eagles (presumably, the DB coach, maybe Kelly, hopefully the new personnel guy, and maybe others will either work him out privately or observe a group event).

    Breaux’s background is this: His senior year in HS, after LSU offered him a scholarship, he injured his neck and couldn’t get cleared to play in college.

    Nevertheless, LSU honored the scholarship. But Breaux, after assisting at practice, dropped out of college.

    Last year after the draft, Kelly talked about how he values kids who set a goal — like going to college — and then finish it.

    That said, the Eagles are giving Breaux a workout. Apparently, the Birds are interested — even though Breaux didn’t stick it out at LSU.

    (Totally get why. Just noting a fact.)

    QUESTION No. 2:

    What about WR Duron Carter?

    Have the Eagles worked-out Carter? Interviewed him, at least?

    Carter had some well-chronicled issues after high school before dropping out of the Ohio State and going to the CFL?

    Is the difference (if Carter’s not been worked out) that Breaux was hurt, whereas Carter’s problems have been non-physical?

    That’s an obvious difference.

    But the obvious resemblance (if my understanding is correct) is both kids QUIT on college.

    (There’s always the possibility that Kelly sneaked off to Canada and personally scouted Carter; or at least, has watched film on Carter and decided that — for example — Riley Cooper’s a better player. It’s possible [purposely ambiguous].)
    ____________

    Just wondering what the community’s take is.

  77. 77 Bert's Bells said at 10:00 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    I have no problem with an athlete quitting college -especially in the case of Breaux.

    But another question, should the team name be the Philadelphia Eagle-Birds?

  78. 78 MaggieOnMars said at 12:37 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Hamilton is in that industrial zone around the Great Lakes and probably did not want to be confused with the Detroit Tigers. Being a major steel town, they could have used Steelers…oh, wait…

  79. 79 Bert's Bells said at 9:18 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    I’ve been to Hamilton. Apparently it was originally resort town.

  80. 80 D3FB said at 10:23 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Carter actually went to LSU but the team doctors wouldn’t clear him. Big time liability risk, and frankly the negative headlines of “Les Miles let kid with broken back play and now he’s paralyzed/dead” outweighs the prospect of being 5 star number 30 in that defensive backfield.

    His grades slipped and he stopped going to class because he was frustrated by the whole situation, understandably. He found lower level schools to clear him but his academic transcript was pretty well shot by that point.

    He was incredibly persistent in trying to achieve his dream, by eventually playing semi-pro, working his way up to Arena League and the CFL.

    Contrast that to Carter who couldn’t make the cut at Ohio State, Alabama or Florida State (seriously, basketweaving can’t be that hard). His Juco QB tweeted “The team that drafts Duron Carter will get the most lazy, whiny, &
    non-work ethic player the nfl has ever seen. I played w/ him. Horrible..” Coaches and former players tend to knock him as a bit of a headcase who isn’t worth the hassle.

    As far as Lande saying he’s going to shock people, I would attribute that to the roundabout nature of his travels. He’s going to sign a contract for 3-4 million annually, and will be allowed to compete for but certainly not penciled into a starting job. The diehards in a fan base will know who he is, but if he’s starting week 1, 80% of the fan base is gonna go “who the hell is this guy?”.

    As far as why he didn’t attract attention before this, it was a single season in a league that isn’t exactly loaded with NFL talent. Who knows how much he played or what the transition was. Maybe he was just too polite (CANADA JOKE!) to leave after one year.

    Here’s a good article on his back story:
    http://www.arenafootball.com/sports/a-footbl/spec-rel/112112aad.html

  81. 81 Greg Richards said at 10:31 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Breaux went to LSU, correct?

  82. 82 D3FB said at 10:32 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Edited, good catch.

  83. 83 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 10:46 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    RE: Carter

    But what if all he does is catch touchdowns? 🙂

  84. 84 D3FB said at 1:49 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Well he has 12 in 2 years, in the CFL. So that would be unprecedented, unlike his poor attitude.

  85. 85 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 12:13 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    His father took awhile to mature and get his shit together, sometimes the guys need an ego check and not athlete treatment they grow up with.

  86. 86 anon said at 1:59 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    I mean when your dad is a HOF’er and you can even get on a team that probably says something. Like Jordan’s some

  87. 87 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 3:45 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Too true. Thats why I set the bar low for almost all rookies. Only rookie recently I would bet the house on was ODB 🙁

  88. 88 anon said at 3:48 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    he balled. Mike Evans was a quiet start. But yeah i’d give up huff and matthews for ODB

  89. 89 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 3:53 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Throw in Late allen and We made them much worse! 🙂 hahaha

    Im so sad now

  90. 90 anon said at 11:16 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Man, being a lawyer really is a gift and a curse.

  91. 91 MaggieOnMars said at 12:33 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    The Hamilton Tiger Cats are the team Donovan McNabb’s brother-in-law played for. Donnie’s wife is the sister of Richard Nurse, whose son is a draftee of the Edmonton Oilers. Confused? Never mind.

  92. 92 Baloophi said at 10:10 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    SEND TOMMY TO THE SENIOR BOWL!
    (Need 16 more! Any donation counts!)

    Fellow Igglesblitizens:

    Shake out your pockets, dig through the couch cushions, and sell your authentic Bradley Fletcher jerseys to the blind because it’s time to help Tommy make it down to the Senior Bowl. Six days hence he’ll descend upon Mobile to scout draft prospects, spy on Eagles’ personnel, and force some unsuspecting hotel maid to pick up empty Funyun bags like they’re flags in a Dallas playoff game.

    This will be his fourth trip to the nation’s premiere all-star event; the kickoff of the draft season for non-draftniks… aka 99% of us (hi, D3FB!). Like other reporters and bloggers, Tommy will patrol the sidelines during the practices and post his observations, but unlike the rest he won’t have the luxury of expensing the trip. That’s where we come in…

    CHALLENGE: If we can generate 36 donations (one for every turnover!), I will donate $100 ($1 for every disastrous Josh Huff blunder!). Any donation, large or small, will go a long way toward helping Tommy out. Think of it as buying him a tall can of PBR or a short cup of pudding in exchange for his unique, on-the-ground reporting that we all enjoy so much. Without him we’d be left with the musings of Howard Eskin and whatever Mike Florio’s “sources” manage to dig up. Yikes.

    To participate in this year’s Senior Bowl Challenge simply click on the “Donate” button along the right hand banner of the page (underneath the “Blog Roll”), give any amount, and then reply to this comment. No need to post how much you gave, simply that you have. And if you’re unable to donate at this time, please consider an up-vote so we can get eyeballs on this puppy.

    Hard to believe that only a year ago we were hoping to find a pass rushing OLB and some DB help. What a difference a year makes! Sigh…

    Fly Iggles Fly!

    ******************
    SENIOR BOWL ALL-STARS
    (looking for at least 19 more…)

    MAR2691
    Avery Greene
    RogerPodacter
    Nailed it!
    goeagles55
    Anders
    Dirty Harry
    Crus57
    HawaiianEagle
    pkeagle
    Caligreenbirds
    Ankerstjerne
    Spooonius
    BobSmith77
    anon
    Midnight_Greenville
    Kelce’s Beard
    SuPaFrO
    Vink
    CTZAPA

  93. 93 A Roy said at 10:24 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Donated. Try and give something to the guy who keeps this blog going strong.

  94. 94 Baloophi said at 10:56 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Thanks, A Roy!

  95. 95 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 12:47 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    This site is BY FAR my favorite Eagles place.

  96. 96 Baloophi said at 10:56 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    And thanks to CTZAPA! Apologies for missing you a couple threads ago…

  97. 97 A_T_G said at 11:29 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    I am in.

    You know, maybe the Eagles show consider you for that front office opening. Maybe you can be equally successful in getting the Eagles to the Super Bowl.

  98. 98 Baloophi said at 12:12 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    I wouldn’t last a week. They’d fire me for abusing the “free smoothies” policy, making a nameplate for “Trash Can” in the locker room, and for playing a delightful prank where I reorganize the draft board to match Mitchell’s latest mock.

  99. 99 P_P_K said at 12:45 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Baloophi, Thanks for taking charge of this. Count me in.

  100. 100 Baloophi said at 12:50 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Thanks, P_P_K… this seems to be the witching hour for our three_letter_initial friends!

  101. 101 Kelce's Beard said at 1:33 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    c’mon folks!
    hey ‘loophi – can I deposit twice? or sign in as a different body part? Maybe Ertz’s Eyebrows or Nick’s D**k?

  102. 102 Baloophi said at 1:44 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Love the spirit (and the pseudonyms!) but I want this challenge to be free and clear of any Belichickian aspersions. Though he does get results…

  103. 103 Avery Greene said at 2:40 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Sorry it’s late, but it’s done! I forgot earlier. 🙂

  104. 104 Baloophi said at 2:53 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    It’s never late!

  105. 105 CMR80 said at 8:32 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Donated.

  106. 106 Baloophi said at 12:31 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Thank you, CMR80! Now I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask whether you’re a protocol droid fluent in over six million forms of communication…

  107. 107 unhinged said at 10:27 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    In.

  108. 108 Baloophi said at 12:31 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Thanks.(!)

  109. 109 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 12:45 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Done,

    But I still contest we should send a case of PBR funyun smoothies 🙂

  110. 110 Baloophi said at 12:54 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Thanks EaglesD3rdandwrong! And sending beer to Alabama in any form probably violates some kind of archaic state law. Though if you could define it as some sort of ammunition I’m sure it’d be fine…

  111. 111 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 3:49 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    funyun gun has a ring to it now that u mention it lol

  112. 112 Ben Hert said at 1:19 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Count me in! Thanks for everything you do TLAW

  113. 113 Baloophi said at 1:45 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Thank you! That Hert so good! Yikes! I’ll show myself out! Exclam!

  114. 114 Michael Winter Cho said at 1:32 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    I’m in thanks to Baloophi’s nagging (I say goodnaturedly). Done!

  115. 115 Baloophi said at 1:46 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Thanks, Mikey Cho! (And I was raised by a nagging queen, so… you’re welcome?)

  116. 116 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 10:26 PM on January 16th, 2015:

    Everyone agrees we have the right coach/football czar for being creative right?

  117. 117 Baloophi said at 2:52 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    A quick Canadian scouting report on Breaux…

    DELVIN BREAUX – CB – TiCats – 185.4 cm, 89 kg
    Rangy back with fair length. Arms like two hydro poles. Understands all concepts of defence. Comfortable both on the ootside as well as the centre of the pitch. Exceptional closing speed and range seemingly bigger than Pancake Bay Provincial Park. Willing to mix it up and drop the gloves in a scrum – races to the ball as if it’s a fresh box of Tim Horton’s jam busters. Tackles low and grinds his legs like an out-of-control garburator. Excels in hoser-to-hoser but coverage skills coloured by lack of zone instincts – occasionally gets lost like a Newfie in Torono on May Two-Four. Team player – brings his poutine pail to work, eh.

  118. 118 GermanEagle said at 8:30 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    It’s refreshing to read cm and kg on here. Why can you not join the metric system, guys?! 😉

  119. 119 A_T_G said at 10:05 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    That’s funny, because my reaction was: this guy will never make it in the NFL, he is measured the wrong way.

  120. 120 GermanEagle said at 10:25 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    Ha.

  121. 121 MaggieOnMars said at 3:16 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Almost all industry has joined the metric system, including whichever auto assembly plants are in the US. As with many other facts about real life, the average Joe the Plumber is not informed. Some facts just don’t fit into the koolaid jug.

  122. 122 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 12:51 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Can he play safety? U know the coaches value that.

    Has he been coached to play the ball. If so we might pass as its hard to break such a terrible habit leading to too many picks and swatted passes

  123. 123 MaggieOnMars said at 3:14 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Wow, the only things you forgot were the back bacon, Molson’s, the beaver and the maple syrup.

  124. 124 Media Mike said at 6:46 AM on January 17th, 2015:

    “There is no set formula for how to fix a secondary.”

    True, but having Nate Allen, Cary Williams, and Bradley Fletcher as your starters in that formula is certainly a good way to make sure you do need to fix it.

  125. 125 EaglesD3rdandwrong said at 12:38 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    With a secondary like that and all the O line injuries early in the year:

    The fact we finished without a top 10 draft pick is a testament to this teams toughness and Chips Ability.

  126. 126 wee2424 said at 2:08 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    With the immediate need at secondary I dont think we are going to spend a first on it. I think they will attempt to fix it with a couple solid FA signings. Many people think ILB is a glaring need right now. While i agree it is a need i beleive due to the 2 gap system we dont need a big name FA or draftee next to Kendricks, just someone that is athletic and solid in all aspects. The 2 gap kept Mathews clean and made him look servicable, with someone that has better talent it will do them wonders also. As long as secondary gets a good amount of attention in FA it would not suprise me at all if the Oline is where early picks may get spent, with later picks going to RB, WR and secondary. Agree, disagree?

  127. 127 ICDogg said at 3:26 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    I agree as far as the secondary being a free agency priority where the other positional needs can be met through the draft to the extent they can be met. The other big question is whether Maclin is returning. If he isn’t, we may need to draft WR in the 1st round.

  128. 128 anon said at 3:42 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    but just has happy paying Vjax or Larry F. maclin’s money.

  129. 129 oreofestar said at 3:54 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    So you’d rather pay a 32 tear old in decline who had 780 yards and 2 TDs than Maclin?

  130. 130 Neil said at 4:13 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Depending on the dollars it would take to land each, yeah, you have to consider it.

  131. 131 oreofestar said at 4:15 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    He just said he is play paying them Maclin’s money. I’m not it would need it be signifactly lesa

  132. 132 Neil said at 4:22 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Yeah, Jackson isn’t worth what Maclin is. I didn’t read that in anon’s comment though. I took that more like “well if we were gonna have to pay Maclin 9mil, we can use that instead to give Jackson 6mil”.

  133. 133 oreofestar said at 4:49 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Oh I still would just play Maclin but if that is what he is saying that is somewhat more understandable

  134. 134 wee2424 said at 6:46 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    There is always the possibility he could leave but i highly doubt that happens. He seems to want to be here and everyone and their mother recognizes his on feild value to this team esspecially considering the talent level at the other starting WR position. He seems to be a hard worker which im sure the team appreciates. Off the feild he also seems to be a high character guy. Without him i highly doubt we would be 10-6 and im sure the FO is more then aware of that. If Cooper had another good year, Mathews did what he did and Huff had a good year, and we had solid depth beyond that then MAYBE it would be a different story. Unfortunetly only 1 out of 4 of those stands true. Letting him go would create another glaring need on this team in which the large majority of the secondary needs to be fixed, old Oline, old ILB that just tore his ACL, and possibly a hole at OLB depending on what happens with BG and Cole. We may have to slightly overspend on him because he does have leverage on the FO, but in this case the effects of not over spending would be much worse. To be honest with you i wouldnt mind over spending based on his 2014 production because i beleive with better Oline play and better or more consistent QB play he will be even better then this season.

  135. 135 Baloophi said at 2:19 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    PROGRAMMING ALERT – ALL-STAR GAMES TODAY
    – 4pm EST – East-West Shrine Game – NFL Network
    – 4pm EST – NFLPA Bowl – ESPN 2

    Astute readers will note that the games appear to be scheduled at the same time, necessitating DVR space for those of you not locked into an eternal domestic stalemate over how many “Bachelor” episodes to save. (Mrs. Baloophi insists on deleting all of them…)

    If you have to choose one, there are probably more promising prospects in the Shrine game, but the NFLPA Bowl will feature QB Brandon Bridge, meaning more opportunities for A_T_G-approved punnery. Though maybe he can “dig” up a few with Devin Gardner playing in the Shrine. That could be fertile ground…

  136. 136 anon said at 3:50 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Trent Richardson net even travelling to the game. When he gets cut at the end of the season should we take a look? He’s a 3rd down back, we need a 3rd down back. He scored a lot of RZ TDs in Cleveland.

  137. 137 Insomniac said at 4:07 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    He would be cheap so why not take a look?

  138. 138 Insomniac said at 4:09 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    Is anyone watching the Shrine game?

  139. 139 Alistair Middlemiss said at 6:18 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    I tried, but i the game is so bad i could not stick with it. will just read what people say after the game.

  140. 140 jshort said at 10:01 PM on January 17th, 2015:

    The 1st up vote was from me. Had to sign in, made me realize I have had nothing to say since our season ended. Yea, have this game on in the background.

  141. 141 Iggles Blitz » Blog Archive » Problem Solving said at 5:00 AM on January 19th, 2015:

    […] Eagles need to be creative and aggressive in fixing the secondary. I mentioned this the other day when writing about CFL corner Delvin Breaux. Use a variety of resources. Don’t add one star player and assume the situation is […]

  142. 142 John Moore said at 12:04 PM on January 19th, 2015:

    I wonder how many defensive free agents would choose playing in Philly over another team that could pay them the same. Playing 150 extra snaps a season plus the negative stats that go with that could discourage a lot of guys from coming here. Defensive linemen and LBs might like the extra chances to get tackles and sacks but DBs only seem to look worse on the stat sheet the longer their on the field. We might have to pay a premium to get a top guy to play for us or be stuck with the players nobody wants.