Some Praise for the OL

Posted: June 21st, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 134 Comments »

We don’t know what to expect from the OL in 2015. We do know the OL played pretty well last year. They struggled for the first month due to injuries and the suspension of Lane Johnson. Once LJ returned and there was a bit of stability, the line settled down and was very good at times.

Per Matthew Berry, ESPN’s fantasy guru:

38. In the past two years, the Eagles averaged 3.28 yards before contact per rush, most in the league during that span.

39. Last season, the Bills averaged 1.97 yards before contact per rush, 28th in the league.

53. Last season, the Dallas offensive line averaged 2.8 yards before contact per rush. That was 10th best in the league.

54. Last season, the Eagles, with a constantly changing offensive line, averaged 2.9 yards before contact per rush. That was seventh-best in the NFL.

And this from PFF.

The obvious point to bring up is “Yeah, but Evan Mathis and Todd Herremans are gone now.” While that is true, they only combined to play in 17 games last year. The line had some success with guys like Matt Tobin, Andrew Gardner and David Molk on the field.

As for Peters, no surprise there. He can be physically dominant due to his combination of size, power and athleticism. And he’s got the nasty streak that you love to see in a big, strong O-lineman.

* * * * *

More from Berry:

21. Since Chip Kelly took over in 2013, Eagles quarterbacks have combined to score 594 fantasy points (18.6 per game).

22. During that span, the only quarterbacks with more fantasy points than “Eagles QB” are Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Andrew Luck.

23. Sam Bradford is also going outside the top 15 at quarterback. Mark Sanchez isn’t being drafted.

I’m not into fantasy football, but that’s pretty interesting.

(h/t to reader Gary for the Berry link)

_


134 Comments on “Some Praise for the OL”

  1. 1 GEAGLE said at 5:31 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    jason Peters double the amount of big plays in the run game more then Tyron Smith, trent williams or any other NFL tackle is amazing, especially that type of production with all the LG instability we had last year.. jason Peters rating in the run game probably single handed put us ahead of the Cowboys as the top Run blocking Line in the NFL last year according to PFF.
    ..
    The celebrated Dallas OL couldn’t beat us for the top spot when they were drastically more healthy then us? If they DIDNT rate higher then us last year, doubt they will this year if Lane, JP and KELCE play 16 games… If you are a Guard, it doesn’t suck to get to combo block defenders with a Tackle like Peters and Lane..
    ..
    Dallas OL is much better at run blocking, but overall, I Expect to run the ball much better then the Cowboys do, and I definitely expect to shut down opposing run games drastically better then they do. Sean Lee will help them, but they don’t have the horses on the DL to play elite run defense like us…heck they are counting on 2nd year Demarcus Lawrence and rookie Gregory to set the edge against Peters and Lane? LOL that’s a terrible idea…
    ..
    Let’s be honest, the Cowboys probably don’t have a single Runningback that would be able to make our team.. And THATS sad when that division rival also happens to run block at your elite level…
    ..
    I know people worry about our Guards, and it’s fair concern…. But there isn’t a front 7 in this division that should stop our run game, and there isn’t a run game in this division that can penetrate our Front 7…. We should win the division this year by outclassing all rivals in the trenches

  2. 2 Jernst said at 5:46 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    If peters had more than twice as many dominsnt run blocking grades than the guy who was number 2 on that list then he had more than Tyron Smith and Trent Williams combined! That’s insane.

  3. 3 GEAGLE said at 7:32 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    Curious to see how the run games in our division rank at the end of the year. even tho Dallas has the most highly touted run blocking line, I could see their run game finishng 4th in the division which I would get a kick out of… I understand they can run block, but they can’t get away with disrespecting the RB Position the way they have this offseason… Dallas doesn’t have a RB that could even make our roster LOL… the Skins OL should be a little improved, and Alfred Morris is better then any RB dallas has. the Giants OL has a lot of problems but they have a nice RB tandem in Rashard Jennings and Shane Vereen……
    ….
    Curious to compare the Giant run game with that of the Cowboys
    .
    Good Giant RBs and a crappy OL vs. crappy Dallas RB and good OL..

    We shouldn’t have a problem being the most complete team as far as Run games in our division. Best combo of RB talent/Depth and run blocking OL, and the best defense against the run,…and that should be a Big advantage for us In many matchups, especially in ugly DECEMBER weather… Should be able to make offenses 1 dimensional which should kill a team like the skins when we force the il equiped,RG to have to drop back and pass 30 times..

  4. 4 Engwrite said at 8:26 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    Keep talking. I’m getting excited.

  5. 5 Media Mike said at 7:41 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    Tyron Smith is very overrated. He’s a quality OT, but Peters is head and shoulders better.

  6. 6 D3FB said at 5:30 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Best LT in football? An argument can be made for Peters, and either one of the Joes (Thomas or Staley).

    Smith is the guy you would take if you were building your franchise because he’s 24. He’s very talented, and athletic, but he’s got some technical flaws. The main one being that if using your fully extended left arm to impede progress (which turns into a choke) ever becomes a point of emphasis, he’s cooked.

    http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/cowboys-corner-blog/phut3i/picture23101728/ALTERNATES/FREE_960/gregory%20photo

  7. 7 Media Mike said at 5:56 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    You in the same manner Chris Samuels used to hold every single Eagles DE for his entire tenure as a Redskin? That should be flagged every time.

  8. 8 GEAGLE said at 8:38 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Curious to see if Lane or Greg Robinson can eventually overthrow him as the best young LT in the game….. Tyrone is probably the better talent, but I prefer the silverback Trent Williams… He has been one of our rivals who’s career I have admired the most. Love the mean streak Trent plays with..
    ..
    Petes shows what an elite Hall of fame player is all about, while everyone gives him high grades from last year, Peters play down the stretch wasn’t good enough for Jason Peters standards, and he sounds like he is putting in the work this summer to clean some things Up… Incredible to see such a world class talent, hold himself to the highest of standards, I believe chip when he says in his a mind he had no doubts Peters will be the best LT in the game next year, which is a result of the crazy work ethic and attention to detail from a guy who is already a Hall of fame player

  9. 9 SteveH said at 5:42 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    Let’s hope the run blocking holds up, a dominant run game could take a lot of pressure off of Bradford to carry the load in his first year in the system.

  10. 10 Jernst said at 5:48 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    Plus when we have a dominsnt run game our play action passes are easy pitch and catches for 20+ yards a pop in this offense. If Bradford is as accurate as he seems and hits on those wide open passes instead of sailing them over their heads like Foles last year, he’ll put up insane numbers this year.

  11. 11 SteveH said at 5:48 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    Let’s hope.

  12. 12 Ben said at 12:00 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    I agree with you, Bradford has got be the most underrated QB in the entire NFL due to many reasons, most of which were out of his control.
    Just wait and see how good he can be with a more talented team and a coach who knows how to use his talents and hide his weaknesses.
    Sam has never had the odds in his favor since he arrived in the NFL, and that my friends, is about to change.

  13. 13 Insomniac said at 12:42 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Some breakdowns showcased that Bradford was bad at intermediate throws if I remember right. I can’t exactly remember where I read it though (might be BGN?).

  14. 14 unhinged said at 6:13 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    I’m not a big fan of Andy Reid, but I will always appreciate the fact that he brought JP to this team. May have been his single greatest decision in 14 years.

  15. 15 OldDocZOMGamazeballs said at 6:45 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    Drafting McNabb when Akili Smith and Ricky were allegedly viable options probably trumps spending a 1st on Peters, great though he is.

  16. 16 Media Mike said at 7:41 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    I am a big fan of Andy Reid and will agree the Peters move was epic.

  17. 17 Ben said at 12:06 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Thank God for Andy Reid and drafting of all those offensive linemen.
    It afforded Chip to concentrate on other areas of need.
    He was a good coach for many years and deserves praise.
    But now we have Chip Kelly, who I think is not only better, but much smarter than Andy and IMO will be remembered as one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time, when it’s all said and done.

  18. 18 Jernst said at 12:19 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    The only drafted Olineman on the team when Kelly took over were 4th rounder Todd Herremans and 6th Rounder Kelce. Peters was a trade, Mathis was a FA, and Chip spent his first pick on a Rather Than because the cupboard was bare there.

  19. 19 Insomniac said at 12:41 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    You can hate Andy but Andy handed Chip a very talented 4-12 team that gave up on him.

  20. 20 BobSmith77 said at 12:42 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Staying and drafting McNabb #2 (player they were linked to forever it seemed) in the ’99 draft hands down. Everything else is distant 2nd.

    Eagles spent nearly a decade trying find a franchise QB after Cunningham wasn’t the same player after his injury in ’91. Mired in the same situation now as they were in the 90s where they are going through a lot of middling QBs since McNabb left.

  21. 21 wee2424 said at 12:51 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    McNabb, Westbrook, Runyan, JP.

    You can hate on him but we did go to the super Bowl and how many NFCGs? Not many coaches can say that. He immediately made KC a solid team at the minimum.

    Made Vick into an almost season MVP. Arguably our best player on the team was drafted when he was the HC.

    Hate him for certain reasons but he revived the Eagles and got us closer to winning the SB then any other coach and made us a contender for a decade.

  22. 22 MagsMama said at 7:03 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    It’s hard to believe that Peters was an UDFA. A couple other tidbits from Wiki:

    “was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004, originally as a tight end.”

    “After the 2006 season, Sports Illustrated ‘s Paul Zimmerman debated selecting Peters to his All-Pro team. “I was rooting for the Bills’ Jason Peters, whom I would have loved to pick, but he isn’t there yet. Very athletic, but not enough of a roughneck.” Peters allowed only two sacks in that season and was not called for a holding penalty.

    “In 2007, Peters began the season entrenched as the starting right tackle. After Week 7, the Bills reshuffled their offensive line. Peters was moved to left tackle,”

  23. 23 Jernst said at 8:19 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    It’s crazy to think but when we traded for Peters, even a year into his Eagles tenure people were writing articles about how the Bills won that trade and Peters was a very flawed lineman that might not ever put it all together. Just craziness at this point.

  24. 24 Media Mike said at 8:31 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    Who wrote that? Elliot Shorr Parks? Sal Pal?

  25. 25 GEAGLE said at 10:27 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    If Elliot Shor parks Wasnt bad enough for the DEsean gangbanging story, or telling his poor readers that TEBOW is going to make the roster, now this hack is telling his readers marcus smith is getting cut… I honestly respect tabloids more then this irresponsible worthless hack.. A caring FANBASE deserves better then this moron who constantly pollutes fans minds with his fanboy trash… Irresponsible hack… He can’t be allowed to continue covering the Eagles. It’s a fuckin disgrace. Fans deserve so much better…

  26. 26 Bert's Bells said at 10:08 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    The only way I’d read that guy is if he spammed the comments sections of good blogs with his tripe.

  27. 27 Bert's Bells said at 9:50 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    I don’t remember any of that. Guy was a two time pro-bowler and a 2nd team All Pro.

  28. 28 Jernst said at 9:58 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/323415-jason-peters-trade-looks-better-and-better-for-the-buffalo-bills

    I swear it happened…

  29. 29 Jernst said at 10:08 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2009/4/1/817038/discussing-jason-peters

    http://articles.philly.com/2010-08-11/sports/24969791_1_reps-stacy-andrews-mistake

    http://insidetheiggles.com/2010/05/24/is-jason-peters-ready-to-dominate/

  30. 30 Tumtum said at 10:40 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    It’s true. I remember a bills fan coming to emb and saying he was talented but was soft with No heart. That dude is a lion.

  31. 31 Insomniac said at 12:38 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Bleacherreport article by a random contributor. Lol

  32. 32 Jernst said at 8:52 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Hey, I never said it was Pulitzer prize winning journalism, haha

  33. 33 Bert's Bells said at 8:56 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    There’s no end to the stupid out there.

  34. 34 wee2424 said at 12:32 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Really? I don’t remember that either.

  35. 35 Jernst said at 8:20 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/323415-jason-peters-trade-looks-better-and-better-for-the-buffalo-bills

  36. 36 Jernst said at 8:22 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    Eric Wood and Shawn Nelson for Jason Peters = a resounding win for the Bills …. Bhahahaha

  37. 37 wee2424 said at 12:43 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Lol

  38. 38 Dan in Philly said at 9:25 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    Sam Bradford might have a monster season this year. Monster.

  39. 39 P_P_K said at 11:07 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    Jason Peters. dominant, amazing — synonyms.

  40. 40 Ben said at 11:49 PM on June 21st, 2015:

    Ha !! Great read Tommy.
    dallas fans are in for a rude awakening when it comes to their stellar O line play and they have bought in to all of the hype about how good they are, without really paying attention to the facts.
    I guess that is the typical cowboy fan, god bless them.
    But what really gets me going is how oblivious they are to the fact that Murray helped that O line get all that praise and hype.
    They will try to convince themselves that McFadden, Randall and Dunbar will easily match what Murray, Mathews and Sproles will do in way of production, simply because their O line is just that superior.
    The truth is going to slap the entire misinformed dallas fan base collectively in the face this season and I for one cannot wait to watch it all unfold as our Eagles take flight.
    I hope we destroy dallas this season, as I always do, but it would be awesome if we can expose that stellar O-line to the tune of 60 yards rushing and 15 sacks.
    I think that would change the media’s perception and their fan base can come back to reality once we show them what a stellar D line can do to an overrated hype machine aka the dallas cowboys.

  41. 41 MattE said at 12:52 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Jason Peters for President.

  42. 42 P_P_K said at 9:07 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    For King.

  43. 43 MattE said at 1:53 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    when the Phils won in 2008 Charlie Manuel got a right in nomination on a ballot or two lol

  44. 44 BobSmith77 said at 12:57 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    As for fantasy, I generally dislike the Eagles this year unless Murray gets his share of red zone carries in the 5 and picks up his share of TDs. Lots of options but no real clear standout in the passing game too. Certainly can be a very good/good group but just not individual options for fantasy unless Sanchez is the QB.

  45. 45 Anders said at 6:23 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Unless you get Gronk, I would go after Ertz.

    Also Matthews should be a very good pick as WR2

  46. 46 eagleyankfan said at 9:11 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Celek too much in the mix to start Ertz…

  47. 47 Tdoteaglefan said at 6:28 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Yeah, it depends on how good the offense looks in preseason but as of right now i wont be targeting any eagles until the later rounds. bradford, matthews,eagles d/st, and cox, kendricks or alonso.

  48. 48 Insomniac said at 6:56 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Just take Parkey if you want an Eagles player.

  49. 49 eagleyankfan said at 9:13 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Bingo! Many of fantasy teams were hurt last year with a couple of late season replacements of Shady at the goal line. Not saying it’s going to happen with DM, but there’s no way I’m going DM round 1.

  50. 50 BobSmith77 said at 10:16 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Good point. I would take Parkey although if the changes the Eagles made on offense help them in the red zone that might limit Parkey’s value a bit. More TDs/less FGs

    They should be better there this season. Just a question of whether they will have as many opportunities.

  51. 51 Chiptomylou said at 8:45 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Ertz and Bradford could be the FF gems for the team. With Agholor/Matthews being sleepers.

  52. 52 Javi Echie said at 5:36 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Talk about a beast check out @PFF’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/PFF/status/612334141598732288?s=09

  53. 53 Insomniac said at 6:54 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Get him a god damn ring Chip.

  54. 54 OregonDucker said at 12:21 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Amen.

  55. 55 GEAGLE said at 8:33 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    The 2nd week of the season, the idiot Cowboys are going to ask Rookie Randy Gregory to set the edge in the run game against Peters. That should be a complete disaster for the Dallas Defense…
    ..
    just for the week 2 matchup against the Rookie, I wish we had an additional camera, that follows the Peters/Gregory match up during the entire game in week 2. be awesome to get a close look at Jason Peters dominance in that week 2 match up which I would expect ends Up being one of the most dominant games in peters impressive hall of fame Eagle career..
    ..
    Peters vs, Cameron Wake should be a fun battle between elite oldheads

  56. 56 A_T_G said at 9:04 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    I feel like I have seen this somewhere before…

  57. 57 eagleyankfan said at 9:09 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Do you think, if we get a petition, T-Law can do something like this in his article?

  58. 58 A_T_G said at 9:13 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Maybe. Unfortunately, since it is so small and inconspicuous, one would really need to read closely to even notice it in an article.

  59. 59 Javi Echie said at 1:58 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Yes I actually had multiple web pages open while trying to post this on another site and didn’t realize I posted it to the exact site that it was featured on.

  60. 60 Avery Greene said at 1:59 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Does this mean you post on Reddit too?

  61. 61 Javi Echie said at 2:04 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    I do not actually.

  62. 62 Avery Greene said at 2:07 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Great site. Eagles have way more blogs and stuff to follow, but that’s how I follow the other 2 teams and 1 team that I’m taking a break from.

  63. 63 Javi Echie said at 2:16 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Awesome, I will be checking it out. Thanks for the heads up.

  64. 64 ian_no_2 said at 7:20 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    I wonder how much the running style of the RB goes into Yards Before Contact. Obviously Shady is trying to dance around and find a hole where he’s not touched while one cutters embrace contact more quickly. The good news for the Eagles is I don’t think this makes a big impact in the statistics but I don’t know.

  65. 65 GEAGLE said at 8:28 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    week 1 of 6 of the NFL Dead Zone… Going to be a difficult 6’weeks to get thru, can’t wait for the open training camp practices, Dying to see That Howlitzer of a throwing arm Bradford has, as well as our DBs compete against the offense,

    Hopefully the NBA draft, NBA summer league, some big UFC Fights help these 6 weeks go by quickily..
    ..
    Hopefully Mathis signs a new deal soon. Seeing how much money listening to his scum agent cost him should be good for a weeks worth of discussions..

  66. 66 RobNE said at 8:46 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    what do you think Sixers do Thurs night?

  67. 67 Anders said at 9:29 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    My guess is that he thinks the Sixers take Mudiay (GEAGLE has an account Libertyballers, so my guess should be 100% correct)

  68. 68 RobNE said at 9:41 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    I read some stuff there but don’t post. Interesting times to be a fan.

  69. 69 GEAGLE said at 5:17 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    No sorry

  70. 70 Avery Greene said at 9:37 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    No one knows. Should make for an interesting night.

  71. 71 GEAGLE said at 5:19 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Pretty simple as far as im concerned,,, Assume they draft Porzingis, I’m just not sure if they are going to keep him, or trade back with Magic or Kings and end up with Mudiay…
    ..
    Don’t really care, sitting pretty as far as I’m concerned. can’t go wrong with Porzingis, Mudiay or Hezonja….. As long as they don’t waste the pick on Russell, I’ll be happy
    ..
    I’d be completely shocked if we spent the 3rd pick on a player that played college basketball this past season…the freshman are over rated with the exception of KAT

  72. 72 eagleyankfan said at 9:19 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    ESPN fantasy guru. Way to make me puke on a Monday. I guess now a days you can just give yourself whatever title you want. For now on, please refer to me as: Eagleyankfan guru and undisputed champ of the moon walk or egaucofmw for short…
    …..
    quotes from “guru’s” last year — Stay away from DM, he can’t stay healthy. Stay away from ‘Beast Mode’ because he’s an aging declining RB that can’t handle that work anymore.
    ……
    Guru from last year — Beast Mode is going to decline and I’m not going to be the guy to draft him this year(2014) and have him decline on my team. Do not draft him. (I’m not saying that was from Berry – but it was said)
    …..

  73. 73 Avery Greene said at 9:36 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    You should change your handle to “egaucofmw” for a few weeks. ESP said Marcus Smith won’t make the roster and Tim Tebow will. Lots of hot takes this time of year.

  74. 74 Bert's Bells said at 9:41 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    He also posts as philliepatriotsfan on The Good Phight.

  75. 75 RobNE said at 9:42 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    hey why isn’t Father’s Day during football season, wouldn’t that just make a lot more sense?

  76. 76 wee2424 said at 9:56 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    It should always be on a Sunday. Particularly on a day that the Eagles play at home so a surprise trip to the Linc is possible. Let’s just start a Philly father’s day separate from the rest of the nation.

  77. 77 RobNE said at 11:47 AM on June 22nd, 2015:

    yes I just meant a Sunday during football season. Even the first weekend of playoffs would be ok with me. But being able to say “well I just get to watch football all day guilt free” is better than a Sunday in June. I should start one of those petitions at change.org. or whatever that website is.

  78. 78 A_T_G said at 12:45 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Likewise, Mothers’ Day should also be on a Sunday during football season, but always secretly on the week the Eagles have a bye. That way we can skip shopping and volunteer a football-free afternoon as a gift.

  79. 79 ACViking said at 12:51 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Because when Father’s Day was made a holiday in 1910 . . .

    1. the football was still, essentially, a rugby ball

    2. the forward pass had only been legal for 4 years — but:
    * passes couldn’t be thrown over the line of scrimmage on five yards to either side of the center
    * An incomplete pass resulted in a 15-yard penalty, and
    * a pass that dropped without being touched meant possession went to the defensive team.

    3. the NFL was 10 years away

    4. the Eagles were 21 years from their birth.
    _____________

    Plus, a Sunday afternoon on the Clermont Ave beach in Margate is way better in June than October.

  80. 80 PerfectTrader777 said at 1:01 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    oh

  81. 81 P_P_K said at 1:43 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Margate beaches?! Wow, I haven’t been there for about 40 years. Those were the days of youthful folly. Now, it’s just plain folly.

  82. 82 P_P_K said at 1:43 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    At least back then, there was good reason the Eagles weren’t winning Super Bowls.

  83. 83 MattE said at 2:10 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    No kids, no wife. Everyday is a holiday lol.

  84. 84 Ark87 said at 12:20 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    So I’ve been doing a round up of a whole bunch of Eagles coverage lately seeing as there won’t be any news for a while so I took a look back.

    The striking thing is how simultaneously at times the lines can be blurry between positions for coaches, like the labels we use for positions as fans don’t matter, while other times the h/w/s is our god that can’t be defied.

    Example: A ton of our DB’s are contenders to play outside corner or safety. Again, maybe philosophically we don’t mind our outside corners having safety-type speed, or safeties with corner size, or maybe all of that is an illusion and this is forward thinking. Same with Acho taking snaps at OLB, he’s not big enough to set the edge against a tackle, not explosive enough to be an effective pass rusher against a starting tackle in this league (maybe I’m just cynical but I see that as Acho basically just got cut and is now a camp body because it’s so crowded at ILB and a little light at OLB). Or a 280 pound Vinny Curry getting OLB snaps with a possibility of dropping into the flats (hopefully the only time he comes in as an “OLB” is to put his hand in the dirt like Cole would sometimes do in passing situations).

    But the personnel side our scouting is dominated by h/w/s. It’s funny, bringing players we don’t ever break the h/w/s requirements: that’s an ILB, he needs to be this tall and this fast, but once we get them on the field the coaches can’t help but be creative and try all kinds of stuff out.

    Obviously we don’t have the full picture as fans, but it’s funny how this team is seen as visionary and creative while also uncompromising at times (heck you can make a whole other post exploring if the team is too rigidly conformed to an ideal or not and if either is good or bad).

  85. 85 A_T_G said at 12:41 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Good observation, and I think you hit on the reason there at the end. When we are spending resources, the guy has to fit the criteria. When a guy is free, or already ours, we seem willing to give a guy a chance to break the mold.

  86. 86 Ark87 said at 1:15 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    A bird in the hand…is freaking incredible, I think it goes.

  87. 87 PerfectTrader777 said at 12:21 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Do “yds before contact” take into account running backwards? :/

  88. 88 EagleNebula said at 12:36 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    That is actually a very good point. I would love to see the distribution on the numbers, I highly doubt it is a nice bell curve. The question really becomes what are the outliers, the negative runs or the big plays where no one was in sight. And even if we assume the mean is meaningful in this context, what was the per game variability? That would give us a better sense of the changing line-up (if you factor in the opponent, perhaps with a “against the average type metric).

  89. 89 EagleNebula said at 12:40 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Honest question, does anyone know where the raw data for these advanced metrics are? I would love to do a more thorough statistical breakdown now that I have the time but I need the data in an accessible fashion.

  90. 90 Bert's Bells said at 1:04 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Details like that are usually behind a paywall. The companies that track this stuff sell the data to the NFL.

  91. 91 EagleNebula said at 1:08 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    I hate that. And too many use proprietary tools without explanation so you can’t check their solutions. I have been spoiled by academia.

  92. 92 Bert's Bells said at 1:21 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Get your university to buy a subscription! Maybe they already have one.

    I do understand that these guys need to pay the bills, but I agree it would be fun to see the raw data.

  93. 93 CrackSammich said at 1:46 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    I suppose if you asked them to give it up for free, they’d tell you to watch the tape and put the numbers together the same way they did. Otherwise, pay them.

  94. 94 EagleNebula said at 2:00 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    They could, but I could counter with the fact that they are hiding their methodology and data as a means a making proper peer review of their conclusions impossible. I am not going to pay for something that can not be independently verified.

  95. 95 anon said at 2:03 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    they’ll say good enough for NFL teams, they wouldn’t buy it if it wasn’t jibing with in house analysis.

  96. 96 EagleNebula said at 2:10 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Maybe… But I can point out several seriously issues with the means by which they draw conclusions. The most basic of which is I have yet to see any proof or discussion of statistical significance. If I turned in a paper like that to a journal it would be rejected.

  97. 97 CrackSammich said at 3:20 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Again, and not simply to be a stick in the mud, all of their raw data can be independently verified by watching the tape. Their formulas are another story, if those aren’t common knowledge.

  98. 98 EagleNebula said at 3:44 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    I understand that argument, but that is where my issue really lies is that places like PFF who use grading systems that are not well defined or necessarily described. In those cases it isn’t simply doing film work because their assessments are clouded in ambiguity. there are plenty of people who do share methodology and the basis for their metrics (football outsiders & eagles review for example) which is the appropriate way to share information. There are a lot of basic information readily available, as well as play by play. I am just quipping because I am used to resources being shared because databases and the use of the data for anaysis are not always perform by the same people. Especially because the collection of data and its analysis are different skill sets.

  99. 99 EagleNebula said at 2:39 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    I know I sound cheep, but frankly, most of those websites do not produce products that I see as worth the expense. We get far better analysis from Tommy than I have seen in examples from places like PFF

  100. 100 CrackSammich said at 3:21 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Not really my intent to call you cheap. They went out of their way to do a lot of film work precisely because guys like us want that info. Nooooo way I’d ever give it out for free when people are willing to pay for it.

  101. 101 76mustang said at 1:00 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Only 3,649 days to Training Camp!

  102. 102 PerfectTrader777 said at 1:02 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    2025?

  103. 103 MattE said at 2:06 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    hahaha

  104. 104 PerfectTrader777 said at 2:58 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    That’s only 1 year after Tyron Smith’s contract is up

  105. 105 botto said at 1:47 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    how is mathis not being picked up by someone yet?
    I thought he would be signed right away..

  106. 106 anon said at 1:53 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Hopefully he’s not wondering the same thing. Rosenhause said he’s looking for something in excess of $5.5m/yr. I’m laughing.

  107. 107 MattE said at 2:04 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    I think Miami thinks, that they think they are all in because might have an impending suspension with Brady and they are gonna try to help Tannenhill as much as they can…. I think Miami is his best shot to get money but how do they have any left after Tannenhill/Suh deals.

  108. 108 MattE said at 2:05 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Denver because Clady is out? But he is a tackle….

  109. 109 MattE said at 2:05 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    ….i was impressed they shipped out Mike Wallace on that ridiculous contract.

  110. 110 GEAGLE said at 5:13 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Miami doesn’t have much money,… Doubt they pay what he is looking for

  111. 111 Ark87 said at 1:57 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    He’s looking for his last big pay-day, he’s going to take his time with this one. Some people think he can get a pretty nice 1 year deal, but he’ll be looking for a few years with nice guarantees. He’ll take his time with this one.

  112. 112 PerfectTrader777 said at 1:57 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    nobody wants to pay him 5M ldo

  113. 113 Javi Echie said at 2:00 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    But but but he’s the best guard ever, an offspring of Zeus himself. The Eagles were insane to let him go and being so good of course he was going to get picked up right away!!!

    Ok back to reality, from what I read somewhere he plans to take his time picking his new time. In other words that means he hasn’t gotten an offer anywhere close to what he thought and expected he would get.

  114. 114 P_P_K said at 2:15 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    $$

  115. 115 Avery Greene said at 2:06 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Mariota to Eagles confirmed! /s

    Tennessee's No. 2 overall pick, QB Marcus Mariota, is now NFL's only unsigned first-round pick.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 19, 2015

  116. 116 anon said at 2:07 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    what happens if you don’t sign a contract?

  117. 117 Avery Greene said at 2:08 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    I think he sits out a year. Not smart IMO.

  118. 118 anon said at 2:09 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    well if we don’t sign bradford, i’d be ok. Can he not talk to football people ever?

  119. 119 Avery Greene said at 2:10 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Let me Google the results of this. I’m not sure if he’d go back in the draft or if the Titans still own his rights.

  120. 120 MattE said at 2:13 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    i think he would have to re-enter the draft next year…. possibly supplemental draft?

  121. 121 Avery Greene said at 2:14 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Right. See my next post to anon.

  122. 122 Bert's Bells said at 2:38 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Timeline doesn’t work for supplemental draft. He’d go back into the draft next year.

    He’d lose a lot of money doing that so I wouldn’t count on it.

  123. 123 Avery Greene said at 2:22 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Looked it up in the CBA. These seem germane, but this section appears on page 17-20.

    https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/collective-bargaining-agreement-2011-2020.pdf

    Article 6 Section 6 (b):

    (i): The Titans have until 30 days before the 1st game of the season to sign him. After that date, they can’t trade his rights.

    (ii): The Titans after that date will be the only team that can sign him through the next League year.

    Article 6 Section 6 (c):

    If he’s not signed by Tuesday 4PM EST after the 10th week of the season, Mariota can’t play for the whole season.

  124. 124 ACViking said at 4:12 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    AG:

    Nice work.

  125. 125 Avery Greene said at 5:07 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Thanks!

  126. 126 botto said at 4:13 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    wait so when is he going to be at NovaCare?

  127. 127 MattE said at 2:08 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    I don’t understand this one good or bad.

  128. 128 Avery Greene said at 2:09 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    I’m just joking, but there’s nothing good about this for either the Titans or Mariota. If they don’t get this resolved from camp, he’s missing precious time with the team.

  129. 129 PerfectTrader777 said at 3:00 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    You actually got me with this one

  130. 130 GEAGLE said at 5:12 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    While you joke, those NJ.com hacks are still writing articles about this and how we shouldn’t assume we have no chance at getting Mariota yet…smh

  131. 131 Avery Greene said at 5:24 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    I guess they need to get a paycheck.

  132. 132 anon said at 5:36 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    yeah apparently people keep reading those articles…

  133. 133 OregonDucker said at 6:35 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Oh Chip, you shouldn’t do this.

  134. 134 dislikedisqus said at 7:02 PM on June 22nd, 2015:

    Amazing stuff! Thanks. Hope we see more of the same this year.