More on the Defense

Posted: January 25th, 2016 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 431 Comments »

I rushed through the Jim Schwartz video post because I wanted you to be able to watch those videos without having to also deal with a bunch of my comments. Now that you’ve hopefully seen them, let’s talk about Schwartz and what he has to say.

First, that talk should give you a feel for just how much thought and work went into developing the Wide-9 front and package. It takes a lot of knowledge to come up with something like that and then to teach it the right way.

I love the fact that Schwartz developed that package to deal with a division rival. That’s the NFL way. When you have to play someone twice a year and they are the best team in your division, you should make plans for them. The first step in trying to make the playoffs is winning your division. That’s a tangible goal that you control.

Schwartz knew how to scheme around the weaknesses of his personnel. He also knew how to scheme to take advantage of his personnel. In that case, it was dealing with teams that ran away from Albert Haynesworth. By taking away outside runs, Haynesworth could make plays from the backside or clog the middle.

Schwartz told the Philly media that he wasn’t married to the Wide-9. He did a lot with under fronts in Buffalo. He mixed things up in Detroit. The Wide-9 was part of those defenses, but it wasn’t everything. Schwartz is smart enough to know you have to adjust to your personnel, but also to what your opponents do as well. Just running something because that’s what you want…not so wise.

*****

Will the Eagles run the 4-3?

I think so. Notice that they only hired one LBs coach. With the 3-4 you generally have 2 LBs coaches or one coach and one assistant. KC had Gary Gibbs as LBs coach and a young guy as assistant LBs coach. 3-4 teams generally carry 8 to 10 guys and they do multiple things. That usually requires multiple coaches.

I don’t know why the Eagles are so hesitant to talk scheme. Coaches can be weird and overly protective at times.

*****

Assuming the Eagles do go to a 4-3, there are a lot of tweeners.

Connor Barwin said he thinks he’ll move to DE. He could play SAM if they wanted him there.

Marcus Smith could drop to 250 and play SAM or stay in the 260 range and play DE. Playing DE in a 1-gap scheme simplifies a lot. You attack. Playing LB meant setting the edge or rushing or dropping into coverage. I hope the new staff has more success with Smith. He is talented. The fact he has shown so little in 2 years means I won’t be holding my breath.

Does Travis Long fit the 4-3? Could be DE or SAM. Better fit for the 3-4.

Taylor Hart might be able to play the 3-tech spot. Or they may like his length at LDE. Schwartz has had some big DEs in the past. Hart may be another guy that is better for the 3-4 and gets dealt.

Is Najee Goode a MLB or WLB?

*****

When Andy Reid came here from Green Bay, he brought his QB with him. Other Packers players followed. Will Doug Pederson want to bring some Chiefs to Philly?

The KC Star took a look at pending Chiefs free agents. Two players jumped out at me.

G Jeff Allen: Allen, 26, brought experience and nastiness to the offensive line. It’s not a coincidence the Chiefs went 11-1 once he returned to the starting lineup after a preseason knee injury. The Chiefs’ regime has shown a tendency to let offensive linemen walk — guards Jon Asamoah and Geoff Schwartz both left via free-agency in 2014 — but Corry isn’t sure history will repeat itself. “I don’t think they can afford to make the same mistake they did a couple of years ago when they let both guards leave,” said Corry, who could see Allen commanding a multiyear deal worth $4 million per year.

QB Chase Daniel: Daniel, 29, wants to be a starter in this league. Corry could see him gunning for a one-year deal worth a little more than $4 million a year.

If the Eagles want a veteran to plug in at LG, Allen would make sense. He’s in the prime of his career, won’t cost a fortune and knows Pederson.

I’m sure Daniel wants a chance to start. The Eagles could give him that chance, if Sam Bradford ends up elsewhere. Daniel would be a band-aid type of starter. Someone to keep the seat warm until a young QB is ready to take over.

The biggest name is Eric Berry, but I can’t see them letting him go.

*****

I wrote about Doug Pederson and the coaching staff he’s put together for PE.com. I explained why the hires make sense and how they fit together. Compelling reading for the whole family.

_


431 Comments on “More on the Defense”

  1. 1 daveH said at 7:49 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Morpnbdefense har

  2. 2 TypicalDouche said at 8:20 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Is that English?

  3. 3 daveH said at 2:09 PM on January 27th, 2016:

    Yes this one i actually got correct .. see how the headline is similar to line … yep im sofa king sick of my own stu pitt jokes that im almost done.

  4. 4 daveH said at 2:09 PM on January 27th, 2016:

    Mine not line. I hate my keypad

  5. 5 eagleyankfan said at 7:54 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    This is great stuff. You’ve mentioned some defensive players and how they may/may not fit. What about a few other names…like – how will Hicks/Kiko/Kendricks/Ryans fit? A lot of talk with the front and LB’s — is this a different situation for Maxwell? Is it a better fit for him?

  6. 6 Media Mike said at 7:59 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    By body type I’d like Kendricks at WIL, Hicks at MIKE, and Kiko at SAM. We’ll see how it shakes out.

  7. 7 D3FB said at 8:08 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Kendricks- See ball get ball WILL

    Hicks- Captain of the D, sideline to sideline MIKE

    Kiko- Has the biggest frame so is the most logical chocie to play SAM, lot of mixing it up with TE’s and blowing up ISOs/Power.

    Ryans- Hopefully retired on a beach somewhere.

    Goode- Probably backup WILL

    Hepburn- 6’4 probably competes for backup SAM

    Skinner- Flashed decent instincts in NE and here so probably competes for backup MIKE.

  8. 8 Ark87 said at 10:23 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    any idea if we will find a use for Barwin or do we drop him?

  9. 9 The original AG said at 11:44 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    What about Barwin, Graham, and MS2?

  10. 10 Fufina said at 11:45 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Rushing out of the wide 9 on passing downs hunting the QB.

  11. 11 D3FB said at 10:01 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Graham is RDE. That doesn’t change.

    Barwin and MSII are likely DE’s if we play more OVER and SAMs if we play more UNDER. You can tinker with Barwin at SAM in the over but it’s not surefire.

  12. 12 James Adair said at 5:25 PM on January 28th, 2016:

    Kendricks-See ball get ball overrun ball WIFF. I’d like to see him traded, though with his salary doubt they get enough.

  13. 13 D3FB said at 5:42 AM on January 29th, 2016:

    They literally cant trade him. He had a bad year but he’s talented and can thrive in the new role.

  14. 14 Media Mike said at 7:56 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Jeff Allen would be a good add at guard, but I think I like Alex Boone a tad more. I know D3 has been pumping up Sweezy as well.

    I’d really prefer to get Mitchell Schwartz for RT, move lane to LT, and have Peters compete at guard on a pay reduction………..but Kempski was saying that Peters is likely to be back at LT for another year.

    And scratch Rashad Johnson off of my list of possible free agents. His tackling and coverage yesterday was an abomonation.

  15. 15 TypicalDouche said at 8:19 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    My top interior lineman targets would be 1-Sweezy, 2-Boone, 3- Allen. If the Eagles make the correct offseason moves they could possibly get Allen and one of Sweezy or Boone which is what I hope they can swing because that’ll leave the draft to find a RT and move Lane to LT. That way they can finally cut bait with Peters.

  16. 16 Gian GEAGLE said at 8:39 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Rather draft our OL… Think we need talented youth on that OL, but as long as they fix the line, I don’t really care how they go about it

  17. 17 FairOaks said at 12:04 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    They need to draft OL regardless, but adding one vet to the mix can only help. There should be plenty of room for draft picks at backup spots if they don’t unseat veteran/Barbre/Andrews. But they can’t afford a big contract at guard, I don’t think, if they are going to keep both Peters and Bradford.

  18. 18 Weapon Y said at 11:20 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    One of those three guys MUST be an Eagle this offseason. That would go a long way towards fixing the biggest problem of the offense: the OL. LT Peters LG FA C Kelce RG 1st Round Pick RT Johnson (future LT), Top backup OL Gardner, Future RT 3rd Round Pick

  19. 19 D3FB said at 8:28 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Problem with Boone is he’s a pretty well known knucklehead. And he’s 29 in May. Compare that to 27 in April for Sweezy and just turning 26 for Allen.

    A low money option could be Amini Silatolu. He’s got 28 career starts for Carolina but injuries and inconsistent play have him as a depth guy right now in Carolina. The bad (remember the 2014 game where Barwin just put the G for the Panthers on blast and ragdolled him a bunch? That was Silatolu) The good? Pick 40 in the 2012 draft. Extremely high upside if it can ever be unlocked. Probably the most fun highlight tape I’ve ever watched for an OL. Could be the equivalent of a Nolan Carrol signing. Low investment (2-3 a year tops) with starter upside.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y1vMglvFlE

  20. 20 TypicalDouche said at 8:32 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    You think my situation in the comment below is plausible with cutting a couple of guys and affording 2 of those guards?

  21. 21 D3FB said at 8:42 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    If you don’t keep Sam lots of things become viable.

    Personally I’d target Schwartz first. Because he’s a RT and can also play RG. So you have versatility. Plus while it’s a very deep draft for OL, I feel much better about the interior OL than tackles. I’ve only got 8 T’s I feel comfortable with saying they’ll be able to play year 1. It means you would have to save one of the third rounders to keep and some other ammo to move up if a run happens in round 2. It limits your ability to move up on day 1.

  22. 22 Dan in Philly said at 7:58 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Watching the championship games, I really miss having a great defense.

  23. 23 Gian GEAGLE said at 8:36 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Once again, Defense is going to win a SB this year

  24. 24 Media Mike said at 7:58 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    The situation at SAM is going to be interesting. I need to see how they can find the next Carlos Emmons to come in here and dominate TEs and stop the run. I think allowing Barwin and Smith to focus on playing DE is the better move than trying to cross-train either at SAM.

    So is Kiko able to play SAM or do we need to bring that guy in?

  25. 25 D3FB said at 8:02 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    KJ Wright is similar size to Kiko and has played SAM for Seattle on and off (because they prefer to use twitched up edge rushers)

  26. 26 TypicalDouche said at 8:23 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    I’ve been saying this for days and for some reason people keep telling me Kiko is too small to play SAM. One fully healthy offseason with 4-3 trainers and he’d be fine in that position immediately.

  27. 27 D3FB said at 8:32 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Size isn’t going to be the issue. It’s going to be the knee health. People get worked up because Schwartz was going to use him at Will in Buffalo. No shit, the other two starting LBs were Brandon Spikes and Manny Lawson.

    https://twitter.com/Astonia67/status/691525811497799681

  28. 28 TypicalDouche said at 8:34 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Appreciate the insight and I agree whole heartedly. I’ve been preaching this since the possibility of going to the 4-3 came up.

  29. 29 Ark87 said at 10:09 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    wait, how did Kuechley get in that comparison? Was he ever considered small? Maybe Sean Lee would be more apt?

  30. 30 D3FB said at 9:59 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Clearly you don’t remember the predraft for Luke. Lotta people calling him small and undersized who made all his tackles downfield. All 4 players are within an inch and 5lbs of each other. Actually the biggest player shown is KJ Wright.

  31. 31 Ark87 said at 10:40 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    yikes, listed at 235!? Is there any way in hell Luke Kuechly is only 235?

  32. 32 D3FB said at 11:13 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Because listed weights aren’t accurate at all. That stuff is posted by the teams media department. It doesn’t tend to get updated and usually they just list combine or senior year of college stuff. It’s why people think Kelce still weighs 285, Cox and Logan weigh 300lbs and Vince Wilfork is 320.

    All 4 of the linebackers I used are all roughly 6’3 245lbs. In street clothes stnading in a group you wouldn’t notice any difference between the build of the 4.

  33. 33 Gian GEAGLE said at 8:35 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    It’s certainly not going to be Bawin or Marcus,,.. Kiko is much more likely,6’3 has some size to deal with TE and can run with TE’s, so why wouldn’t it be Kiko? If it’s not Kiko, then the player ismt on our roster yet… But as long as Kiko gets back to running like he was pre injury, he should be solid for us in the SAM role

  34. 34 A**neck said at 11:50 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    He will NEVER be the same as he was pre-injury.

  35. 35 Gian GEAGLE said at 8:27 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Kiko, if he gets his athleticism back

  36. 36 pitteagle said at 8:23 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Your making me worry that Schwartz will do so well as the DC that after the season we will have to either fire Pederson and promote Schwartz to HC ala Tampa this year or he will get a HC job after the season and we will promote his top assistant to DC thus keeping the same scheme but bringing the quality down for the defense. ….Do you think they should have just hired Schwartz to be HC to begin with?

  37. 37 TypicalDouche said at 8:25 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Too early to tell if he is the correct hire we all expect but having that problem that he may be so good that we may have to promote, although unlikely, is a very good position to be in.

  38. 38 Gian GEAGLE said at 8:26 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Do only Eagles fans think dumb shit like this, or is this moronic thinking found in every fan base?

  39. 39 TypicalDouche said at 8:30 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    I hear ya man, I wouldn’t go as far to call them mans comment moronic but like I told him we just hired these guys so it’s impossible to think of outcomes already.

  40. 40 Gian GEAGLE said at 8:32 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Shwartz is sooooo great and Doug is soooooo horrible that we have to worry about Schwartz replacing doug next year????. If that’s not moronic it’s only because Moronic is an understatmemt
    ..
    How dysfunctional do we have to be to have shit like this even cross your mind a week after we hired a new coaching staff?

  41. 41 pitteagle said at 8:35 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    It is cool dude is just trying to troll.

  42. 42 Gian GEAGLE said at 8:36 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Your comment seems way more like the Troll to be honest… But have it at…

  43. 43 TypicalDouche said at 8:36 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Yea I agree I just don’t like to go too far in calling people names although it was a ridiculous comment to think about the end of the year when we just hired new coaches not even a week ago.

  44. 44 Gian GEAGLE said at 8:43 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Would you call that an intelligent comment to make a week after hiring a new coaching staff? We don’t know ANYTHNG about Doug, is it intelligent to just go with the default negativity? If it’s not an intelligent comment, it’s a BLANK comment lol
    ..
    I actually assumed he was the troll who changes his name every day saying some dumb shit like that,,, if he isnt the troll and was actually serious, THATS a little more disturbing, but Appologies if he isn’t our resident troll boy

  45. 45 pitteagle said at 9:09 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    I don’t think my comment was moronic or ridiculous maybe the timing of the comment could be questioned with the him just being hired not to long ago. I know Everyone wants to give Doug his Honeymoon phase and the only reason I have questioned it is because this site and other media outlets have been hyping up the Schwartz hire like it was a better move than hiring the head coach. Well If Schwartz is so great why didn’t Mr. Lurie make him the leader of this organization?

  46. 46 A Roy said at 10:04 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Your comment was worthy of a response without being called moronic. Youngster’s generally an asshole. Just ignore it.

  47. 47 Bert's Bells said at 10:25 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    The irony is that Youngster says a dozen things twice as ridiculous every couple of days.

  48. 48 A Roy said at 10:29 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    FOlezzzzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  49. 49 D3FB said at 11:09 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    MATT BARKLEY IS GONNA BE AWESOME (this was in like fucking July)

  50. 50 scratcherk said at 9:59 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Honestly I think thats a problem with hiring a young coordinator thats good. Always the potential he can be plucked in a couple years to be a HC. Reid lucked out with Johnson being older and no interest in HC. But having a desirable coordinator is probably a good problem to have.

  51. 51 Gary Barnes said at 10:42 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    It was not luck, that was part of the reason Reid hired JJ

  52. 52 scratcherk said at 10:52 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    and now sutton

  53. 53 Gary Barnes said at 3:13 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Exactly

  54. 54 Mike Cappelli said at 10:04 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    I think we can all agree that the biggest question mark this offseason is Najee Goode and his place in the new defense.

  55. 55 scratcherk said at 10:05 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    I know he’s not available but bringing Washburn back wouldnt have been the worst thing. The problem we had with Washburn was that he was running the wide 9 with his Dline but the DC wasnt on the same page. But I think (and its been proven) thats hes worked very well with Schwartz.

  56. 56 Ark87 said at 10:20 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Agreed. Schwartz thinks of him as the best position coach of all time. They obviously got along.

  57. 57 Bert's Bells said at 10:22 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Who’s to say he wouldn’t show the same gross disrespect to Pederson that he did to Castillo?

    He also intentionally alienated his unit from the rest of the team, last the last thing the Eagles need.

  58. 58 laeagle said at 11:40 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Exactly. Not to mention the fact that he played weird favorites with his own linemen. Graham never had a chance because of the man-love for Babin, and I don’t think we’ll be getting great production out of him now, either. Frankly, I’m tired of weird coaching psychological problems preventing good players from being used effectively. Graham’s a great example. I think Chip had a few as well. I’m thinking Marcus Smith may have suffered from that.

  59. 59 iceberg584 said at 12:45 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Yeah, Graham has actually come out over the past couple years and ripped Washburn. It would be very awkward for a guy you just signed to a big extension if Washburn were rehired.

    But, to be fair, we must remember that Washburn was one of the big proponents of drafting Mr. Fletcher Cox in 2012.

  60. 60 Buge Halls said at 12:56 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    And Smith had a pretty good game against NY after Chip was fired.

  61. 61 nicolajNN said at 10:26 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Zach Ertz's 5-year, $42.5M contract extension with $20M in guarantees from the Eagles makes him the NFL's 4th highest paid TE.— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) January 25, 2016

  62. 62 Fufina said at 10:27 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Yep and probably the first of many to get done in the next few weeks. $$ wise is about what i would expect in the FA market that is going to set new bench marks in 2016 and 2017.

  63. 63 Ryan Rambo said at 10:29 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    I hope Curry and Cox are next.

  64. 64 Media Mike said at 10:51 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Curry, although tricky for a lot of reasons, is going to be easier than Cox.

    Curry is due to hit the street in a few weeks. Does he want to play the field or sign here? Does he need the 5 year / $42 mil deal that Everson Griffen got from the Vikings under similar circumstances?

    Cox is probably going to be, at least, in the 6 year / $95 mil range of Marcell Dareus.

  65. 65 Fufina said at 11:02 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    I offer Cox the same exact deal as Dareus and hope he is willing to take it now before free agency starts.

  66. 66 NinjaP said at 11:13 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Does Curry a life long eagles fan really want to leave if the eagles offer him the starting LDE position?

  67. 67 Media Mike said at 10:28 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    That had better be backloaded and include a lot of “funny money” to get to that $42.5 number.

  68. 68 Fufina said at 10:29 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Think you are going to be unhappy about a LOT of contracts that will be signed in the next 2 months…. we are going to enter a new normal where contracts start to catch back up with the cap.

  69. 69 Fufina said at 10:32 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Congrats to Eagles on Ertz deal. Player will be sick when he realizes how much money he left on table. The old market deals are irrelevant— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) January 25, 2016

  70. 70 Media Mike said at 10:49 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Thank you for the Banner update. Let’s me know that Howie is on the case!

    And I don’t mind the contract catching up with the cap, as the contract goes on, but the overall structures of those deals hopefully match what Banner used to do. I like when we dump a bunch of bonus money into a guy up front, but have it set so we can walk away mid-deal positive vs. the cap if we need to cut a guy.

  71. 71 FairOaks said at 12:10 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Roseman has seemed a bit more player-friendly than Banner was, but still kept the cap in line.

  72. 72 Media Mike said at 12:12 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    True. But the general idea to get them early, pump a bunch of money up front, get lower cap charges up front, and have it structured for an easy cut going into season 3 is the best way to go.

  73. 73 FairOaks said at 12:20 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Yeah… the CBA these days does not allow contracts to be renegotiated until after the third year. I wonder if that was partly to prevent teams from trying to sign guys to below-market extensions after two years, in order to take away two years of injury risk… a player is much more likely to get closer to market value with just one year left on the contract.

    Most every Roseman contract does seem to allow the team to move on after two years, though. Point in case will be Cooper this year. That’s even true of Murray and Maxwell — there would be some dead money pain if we cut either after year 2 but there would also be noticeable cap savings.

  74. 74 anon said at 11:29 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    $20m only in guarantees

  75. 75 Ryan Rambo said at 10:26 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Ertz signs 5 year extension…..

    http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Zach-Ertz-Signs-Five-Year-Extension/9600f241-b714-44d9-baea-672b8423b9ec

  76. 76 oreofestar said at 10:37 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Seems like about 1M a year too high but with the cap rising I guess I shouldn’t be surprised

  77. 77 oreofestar said at 10:39 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    But man he got more money than Olsen did less than a year ago seems like way too much

  78. 78 Fufina said at 10:51 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Thing is that this extension is really for 2017, and needs to be put in the context of that cap which will be nearly 20% higher than 2015 when Olsen signed. Add in the fact that he only committed to a 3 year deal so could hit FA again it means that Olsen did not have any ‘funny money’ at the back end of the deal to pad the value.

  79. 79 Patrick said at 10:53 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Olsen is 30 years old, Ertz is much younger and got paid for his potential. I think it looks decent, but obviously in preparation of and with the expectation that Ertz improves. Expected Julius Thomas numbers, even though Thomas hit the open market.

    Thomas might have a shit ton of TDs from Denver, but he has now missed several games in the last 3 seasons and failed to break 50 catches/500 yards in the last 2. His best season came with a dominant Broncos offense led by Peyton Manning.

    We’ll probably see some big TE contracts soon, starting with Gronk, cause damn he is underpaid as shit right now. Also, 2016 will be Eiferts, Kelces and Jordan Reeds contract years, they should get PAID. Coby Fleener is a FA this year I think, thats a decent contract.

  80. 80 oreofestar said at 10:55 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Kelce, Eifert and Reid are all eligible for extensions now, Gronk should be getting at least 5/60 IMO

  81. 81 Fufina said at 10:59 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Damn Gronk is getting paid $3mil next year new cash and only $5mil in 2017. If i was Gronk i would be firing my agents ass lol.

  82. 82 oreofestar said at 12:05 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    $9M a year for a TE was record breaking at the time thats not his agents fault lol

  83. 83 Patrick said at 11:00 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Yeah Kelce, Eifert and Reed are probably all looking to cash in and the orgs want to lock them up without them hitting the market, I expect at least 2/3 to get paid this off-season.

    Ground is just ridiculously underpaid. I could see him getting a lot more, but the injuries, discount for a hometown team thats a contender as long as Brady/Belichick are there and a team that accepts his quirky nature might make you right. 12 million/year for Gronk with a decent bonus and a good amount of guaranteed seems pretty fair to me.

  84. 84 RobNE said at 11:04 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Brady is underpaid too. How do they do it?

  85. 85 Patrick said at 11:08 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Being good right? I definitely remember Brady restructuring with a huge discount in order for the Pats to keep a lot their players and keep them competing.

  86. 86 anon said at 11:29 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Brady’s got a wife worth more $ than him, assume he wants to win.

  87. 87 RichEagle said at 2:54 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Kraft will take care of Brady when he retires.

  88. 88 Nailed It! said at 12:48 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    His average per year is less than Olsen you are crazy.

  89. 89 oreofestar said at 12:50 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    uuuuh I may be dumb but I am pretty sure 22.5/3 is 7.5 per year while 42.5/5 is 8.5 per year

  90. 90 Nailed It! said at 1:13 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    My mistake someone on twitter had the wrong numbers

  91. 91 oreofestar said at 10:43 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    So whats Eifert getting then…6 years $57M or something

  92. 92 Dave said at 10:50 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Eifert scored 13 TD this year as his OC obviously made him the first read in red zone situations. Ertz has much better stats across the board and has no injury history like Eifert. Hopefully, Pederson will make him and JMatt a focal point in the offense and not just a piece of the cog.

  93. 93 wee2424 said at 10:52 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Would like to also see Agholor used more like he was used against Giants in week 17. Very curious to see how he looks with a new coach.

  94. 94 Dave said at 11:05 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Honestly, I just want to see the receivers expecting the ball. How many times this year did Reilly Cooper, Huff, and Austin not actually turn around or turn around not expecting the ball which led to an incompletion. Find your pecking order and stay with it. Matthews #1, Nelson #2…No more rotating receivers. Keep Matthews and Ertz on the field for every play.

  95. 95 The original AG said at 11:35 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    I would think 11 personnel could work with what we have and using a rotation.
    Matthews/Agholor/Huff
    Ertz
    Murray/Sproles/Mathews

    Or we have 21 personnel using the same rotation of players.

    Or one of the RBs gets traded. We have glut of RBs and if the OL gets fixed, we should be running it quite a bit.

  96. 96 Howie Littlefinger said at 6:33 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Seems like only last year we were wondering why our DBs weren’t looking for the ball

    WTF was going on in philly with basic football. its like CK came in and everyone had Danny Watkins fundamentals/ awareness

  97. 97 Insomniac said at 11:07 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    I’d take the touchdowns over the yards in hindsight this year. 77 points > 240 yards.

  98. 98 Dave said at 12:18 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I don’t think anyone would disagree with you on that.

  99. 99 wee2424 said at 10:48 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Ertz with the extension. Edit: very late with that.

  100. 100 Insomniac said at 11:14 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    I hope Chip was just misusing Ertz since Ertz has not earned that big of a contract.

  101. 101 NinjaP said at 11:15 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Ertz seemed to really come into his own at the end of the past 2 seasons then the injury hampered him at the beginning of this past year. I think there’s a good chance Ertz ends up being worth every penny.

  102. 102 Insomniac said at 11:18 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Really now? He has two good games against some piss poor defenses and he’s coming into his own? Yea sure he became better at blocking but where’s the RZ production?

  103. 103 Fufina said at 11:28 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Ever see Chip actually try to feature a TE in the redzone? No thats not the way he worked, so obviously Ertz did not get particularly high production. Think you will find that Ertz gets a lot more next year back in a pure west coast.

  104. 104 Insomniac said at 11:34 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Actually I think Chip knew what he had in Ertz. An awful blocker that needed work and not very good at grabbing jumpballs.

  105. 105 Fufina said at 11:37 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    He was an awful blocker when he came into the league.. he was pretty good this year.

    Even if he is not a great jump ball catcher (not sure on that personally) you can use the size and frame to box out in the end zone.

    Does not help when you have a QB who would rather check down than take a risk throwing at a tight window either.. no surprise his TD numbers went down with Bradford.

  106. 106 The original AG said at 11:39 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Ertz had dropsies this year too with everyone else. I’m not ready to put all that blame on Bradford for Ertz low numbers.

  107. 107 Insomniac said at 11:46 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Ertz would have benefited from Bradford checking down if Chip would have used him more.

    None of our WRs/TEs can are extremely reliable or physical enough to consistently box out or dominate the high point of a throw. So I don’t think you can even blame Bradford for trying to make guys out for what they aren’t.

  108. 108 Fufina said at 11:16 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    800+ yards and quality blocking is pretty fair for $8mil a year. People need to readjust their expectations. If he was paid $6mil 2 years ago no one would have blinked once considering his age/upside/production so far.

  109. 109 RobNE said at 11:18 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    I hope rising tide lifts our boats including all of ours.

  110. 110 Insomniac said at 11:19 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    He hasn’t even justified 6 million a year. The Chip Kelly offense has proven to pad stats.

  111. 111 Nailed It! said at 12:48 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    He absolutely has.

  112. 112 Insomniac said at 1:33 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    No he hasn’t. Garbage time stat padder like Jordan Matthews.

  113. 113 Nailed It! said at 1:56 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I diagree completely. I think we will see this deal as very team friendly when the market gets reset for TE’s in free agency. But i guess we should let or promising home grown talent go…

  114. 114 oreofestar said at 1:58 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    That draft ended up being great for TEs, we will see Kelce, Eifert and Reed possibly get extensions in the coming weeks/months

  115. 115 Nailed It! said at 1:59 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Great draft and I think this was a good deal for the Eagles.

  116. 116 oreofestar said at 1:59 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I mean its hard to gauge the deal because I dont know the TE market rn…we have to see what the other guys get

  117. 117 Insomniac said at 2:20 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Uh no. The market is not going to reset since Ertz’s and Charles Clay’s contract just set the mark for average TEs. Promising homegrown talent is Fletcher Cox. Ertz is a poor man’s Jason Witten at best.

  118. 118 Nailed It! said at 2:22 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Go home you are drunk.

  119. 119 MS said at 3:38 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Ha a poor man’s Jason Witten is one of the two best case scenario at TE!

  120. 120 A**neck said at 2:15 PM on January 26th, 2016:

    It took a while, but now we see who we are dealing with. I would be drunk too if I had to deal with the Cowboys being WORSE than the Eagles. But that’s on you. Hahahahaha silly Troll.

  121. 121 RobNE said at 11:17 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    we really need our own Von Miller.

  122. 122 BobSmith77 said at 11:27 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Eagles never really have had a pass-rushing LB like Miller.

  123. 123 The original AG said at 11:27 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    His name is Fletcher Cox, and now he’s going to be turned loose instead of 2-gapping all the time.

  124. 124 MattE said at 12:48 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    we need a lot of our own things.

  125. 125 Media Mike said at 12:50 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I really need Von Miller to have a career defining game in two weeks. Like game MVP type game.

  126. 126 anon said at 11:23 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    pederson couldnt take any staff makes me doubtful he could take players

  127. 127 Insomniac said at 11:25 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Yep the only way we’re luring players here is either drafting them or backing the Brinks truck up for them this year. Now if we start winning that makes everything better.

  128. 128 NinjaP said at 11:25 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    He took Chung.

  129. 129 BreakinAnklez said at 11:52 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    That’s ridiculous

  130. 130 Donald Kalinowski said at 11:52 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Andy’s guys are really old.

  131. 131 laeagle said at 1:47 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    well, he can sign free agent players without an interference from KC, but he can’t take coaches at a certain level without it being blocked. Apples and oranges.

  132. 132 anon said at 11:27 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Like Ertz deal, usually i don’t like coming out first, but gotta assume other TEs are getting big deals – don’t want to have to compete with that.

    Celek is gone?

  133. 133 Insomniac said at 11:35 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Celek will probably take a pay cut. There’s no way that he’s going to get a contract elsewhere at this point of his career.

  134. 134 Fufina said at 11:39 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    Vet tough blocking TE’s who can make the odd play when called upon have a place in the league… not $5mil ofc, but there are plenty of teams willing to give $2-3mil for that kind of role.

  135. 135 oreofestar said at 12:04 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I mean if he is willing to cut to 2-3M we will probably keep him

  136. 136 Fufina said at 12:06 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Well i would like to do some kind of deal that spreads his $5mil deal over the next 2 years and guarantee this years half. Player can have a lot of pride however.

  137. 137 oreofestar said at 12:07 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I’d do that….if he has so much pride he can go Mathis it, but I dont think hes that kind of dude but IDK

  138. 138 Ankerstjernen said at 5:20 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Celek has been a class act in Philly for as long as I can remember. Always hard at work, never in trouble. I dont remember a single article in the philly news where Celek talk yapping to a reporter about something. Also a very good player for Reid, difference-maker in some games. I agree that he needs to take a pay cut, but I really wouldnt mind it, if they gave him the opposite of a home discount to keep him in philly for his final years. I think there is a lot to gain from having that kind of entrenched professional veteran on your team and in the locker room, especially as you try to establish a new culture with a new regime. Thats worth something and its not like he is a liability on the field yet. I think Howie will see that and work something out.

  139. 139 Donald Kalinowski said at 11:54 AM on January 25th, 2016:

    I was watching some clips from 2009. Celek just doesn’t have the same speed.

  140. 140 Nailed It! said at 12:47 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I hope he takes a pay cut. New regime would be foolish to just release a well respected vet like Celek.

  141. 141 MattE said at 12:48 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    If I’m Celek I’m takin a pay cut and signing with a contender next year,

  142. 142 Media Mike said at 12:16 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Does anybody have a decent salary comp for Lane Johnson at this point? I know what Curry and Cox should be worth, but I can’t find a guy in a similar situation to Johnson in terms of hitting the rookie option year, potentially moving from RT to LT, but not having proved himself with any type of accolades yet.

  143. 143 Media Mike said at 12:19 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    And for some context, Lane’s 2016 cap number is a shade north of $6 mil.

  144. 144 Dave said at 12:21 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I doubt he signs an extension. In reality, he has 2 years left on his contract since he has a 5th year option as a top 15 pick. He wants to play left tackle and wants left tackle money. I don;t blame him.

    If Peters remains at left tackle this year, that only devalues Lane for one more year. If he doesn’t get injured, he will be playing left tackle in 2017, if not 2016.

  145. 145 Media Mike said at 12:23 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Yeah, that lack of clarity is on who is playing where is going to muck up that negotiation badly.

  146. 146 Media Mike said at 12:22 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25140831/agents-take-a-guide-to-fifth-year-options-for-2012-first-round-picks

    And here is what 5th round options would be costing teams for 2016. Lane, if he was a year earlier, would be in line for $11 mil. I assume that’ll be $12 for next year.

  147. 147 oreofestar said at 12:48 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Lane if he signs this year will likely get anywhere from 10-12M a year

  148. 148 Media Mike said at 12:53 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    That number seems plausible, but do you have a player’s contract to whom we can compare?

  149. 149 oreofestar said at 12:55 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Well….I cant think of any similar situation but I would keep an eye on Cordy Glenn’s contract this year

  150. 150 TypicalDouche said at 1:31 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    The highest paid RT is Buluga from QB at 6.7 mil a year. Actually here is a perfect link for you brother.
    …..

    http://overthecap.com/position/right-tackle/

  151. 151 oreofestar said at 1:37 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    but Lane is gonna want a LT contract

  152. 152 Patrick said at 1:37 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Then he shouldn’t have sucked when we put him there this year.

  153. 153 Insomniac said at 1:39 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Well said

  154. 154 oreofestar said at 1:41 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    its not that I want to give him a LT contract or that he deserves one I am just saying that the price is going to be that of an LT most likely

  155. 155 Insomniac said at 1:45 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I doubt it unless he has a great season next year then he’s getting top 10 RT money.

  156. 156 Patrick said at 1:45 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Sure, but theres definitely room for negotiation. We can’t pay you as a LT when you’ve predominantly played RT and when you did slide over you didnt play very well. In fairness, one game was the rout against the Lions where the entire team sucked and he did face Ziggy Ansah who is very good, but still.

    Argument for LT contract sure, not guaranteed and definitely not a paycheck like a top LT. Best deal for both might be a shorter extension or just to wait it out. IIRC we have the option to keep LJ here through the 2017 season, meaning next year wont be a contract year. Use the option, play the 2016 season and evaluate after the final game.

  157. 157 oreofestar said at 1:50 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    He won’t get top of the line LT money…if it was up to me I’d make him the highest paid RT in the league but he wouldn’t be sniffing LT money. Like 5/42 or something but I just do not think that is all that realistic

  158. 158 laeagle said at 1:45 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    ouch, but truth hurts

  159. 159 Patrick said at 1:46 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    As mention below, one of the games was the Lions where no player on our team actually did anything and he did face Ziggy Ansah who is great.

    Still, he got the chance and he fell, maybe not flat on his ass, but he definitely didnt hold his own.

  160. 160 laeagle said at 1:49 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    One could argue that the reason you pay a guy top dollar at LT is to stop guys like Ansah who are pretty good to great.

  161. 161 TypicalDouche said at 1:40 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    With Howie Roseman learning from Joe Banner and with getting a contract done with Ertz already I really see the Eagles getting back to handing out contracts at perfect times where they get the most value. If Howie can get Lane locked up before FA, a potential Peters release, or the draft then he will give Lane a slight raise on RT money and they’ll have Lane playing LT for just under market rate.

  162. 162 anon said at 2:55 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    who knows, some agents are open to given discounts, JP not moving so can’t pay like a LT if you don’t play LT. He needs to talk to JP about messing up his $$.

  163. 163 Mac said at 12:20 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I like Sam Bradford, but at this point I think I’d be more excited about signing Jeff Allen and Mitchell Schwartz.

  164. 164 Media Mike said at 12:21 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Got to block!

  165. 165 TypicalDouche said at 1:28 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Toss in my boy JR Sweezy and I am with ya budy.

  166. 166 Media Mike said at 12:40 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Not sure if we’re going to sing enough O-linemen, so I had to draft some.

    Round 1 Pick 18 (IND): Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State (A)
    Round 2 Pick 17 (IND): Max Tuerk, C/OG, Southern California (B-)
    Round 3 Pick 14: Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn (A)
    Round 3 Pick 16: Spencer Drango, OG/OT, Baylor (A)
    Round 4 Pick 15: Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State (B+)
    Round 5 Pick 14: Kevon Seymour, CB, Southern California (B+)
    Round 5 Pick 23: Matt Judon, DE/OLB, Grand Valley State (A-)
    Round 6 Pick 13: Travis Feeney, OLB, Washington (A)
    Round 7 Pick 12: Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska (A+)
    Round 7 Pick 31: Arjen Colquhoun, CB, Michigan State (A)

  167. 167 Mac said at 12:43 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    You think Tuerk goes that high? I was hoping we could get him in the round 4 area due to injury.

  168. 168 Media Mike said at 12:45 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    That’s a great question. I guess we’ll have to wait until closer to draft day to find that out. I just like the ability to get a guy who “could” start at year one at guard and then get Kelce out of here in 2017.

  169. 169 D3FB said at 11:00 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    No. Look at Ogubedhi this last year. He went pretty much where he should’ve if healthy despite basically missing the whole rookie year.

  170. 170 Mac said at 1:19 PM on January 26th, 2016:

    I know it’s early, but what’s your take on Tuerk?

  171. 171 D3FB said at 10:05 PM on January 26th, 2016:

    Love child of Lane and Kelce. Big fan.

  172. 172 Mac said at 9:31 AM on January 27th, 2016:

    thanks

  173. 173 mksp said at 1:01 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I’ve seen Wetnz mocked to CLE at #2 already. Nuts.

  174. 174 Dave said at 1:25 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    We get to see Wentz this week at the senior bowl.

  175. 175 Baloophi said at 1:12 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    SEND TOMMY TO THE SENIOR BOWL!
    (Over halfway there!)

    Fellow Igglesblitzarians –

    It’s the time of year when our very own Tommy Lawlor stumbles out of the tobacco stalks of North Carolina on his annual trek to the Senior Bowl to scout draft prospects, haze Bryce Petty, trail a weaving Rex Ryan in his rental car, and initiate his very own power struggle with Howie Roseman on the sideline.

    This will be his fifth trip to the nation’s premiere all-star event where representatives from the Eagles will scrutinize the country’s top senior talent in hopes of unearthing the next maddening disappointment (SEE Hunt, Tony). Like other 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 his trip. That’s where we come in…

    CHALLENGE: If we can generate 45 donations (one for every point Tampa/Detroit scored on us), I will donate $200 ($1 for every crushing third down drop!). Any donation, large or small, will go a long way toward helping Tommy out. Think of it as buying him a beer in exchange for his unique, on the-ground reporting that we all enjoy so much.

    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 son of a gun.

    Hard to believe that just last year we were looking for an OT and a CB. Now we just need an OT and a CB, QB, WR, TE, GM, mascot, JUGS machine, and a defensive philosophy…

    Fly Iggles Fly!

    ******************
    SENIOR BOWL ALL-STARS
    (looking for 21 more…)

    TXEaglesFan
    DanJ3645
    A_T_G
    Koy: The Legend of Neckbeard
    Alex Karklins
    daveH
    GaEagle1023 – Tom
    damccomas
    pkeagle
    scratcherk
    BobSmith77
    FairOaks
    laeagle
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    DJH
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    jshort
    Mac
    CMR80
    Caligreenbirds
    since1961
    The original AG
    jethrojonz
    P_P_K

  176. 176 Ryan Rambo said at 2:08 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Sign me up.

  177. 177 Baloophi said at 3:48 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Thanks Rambo!

  178. 178 anon said at 2:54 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Done.

  179. 179 Baloophi said at 3:47 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Thanks, anon!

  180. 180 Telmert said at 4:04 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Donated!

  181. 181 Baloophi said at 11:07 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Nice work, Telmert!

  182. 182 ChoTime said at 8:05 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Sure I’m in

  183. 183 Baloophi said at 11:07 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    ChoTIME!!!

  184. 184 Ankerstjernen said at 5:31 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Sign me up (Scotty?) !

  185. 185 Baloophi said at 10:51 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Live long and prosper, Ankers!

  186. 186 oreofestar said at 1:14 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Lane, Cox Curry are gonna be expensive probably $35M a year between the 3 of them and we just gave Ertz a ton of cash, might need to forget about Bradford and pray we can get one during the draft because all of this plus throwing 20 a year on Sam will have us completely strapped

  187. 187 Fufina said at 1:18 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Well Cox, Lane and Ertz’s money don’t really kick in 2016.. just their signing bonus is added to the cap really . But yes down the line we will need to make some tough other choices if we want to keep our core young talent together and Bradford… I think Logan is a priority to extend as well imho

  188. 188 oreofestar said at 1:19 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    crap forgot about Logan got to pay him too, I’m sorry but I really don’t want to be one of those teams giving big money to average QBs, those teams are mediocre

  189. 189 Fufina said at 1:23 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Well that’s my opinion as well.. saying that i do understand the other side, having no QB at all is a depressing wilderness where there is no hope all.

  190. 190 oreofestar said at 1:25 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Thats how I felt at first, but there is not a single great team in the league with a BIG MONEY QB thats average, don’t see why we would be any different

  191. 191 RobNE said at 1:41 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    do you consider Dalton average? I mean if he hadn’t broken his thumb, they may have been number 1 seed and who knows in the playoffs.

  192. 192 oreofestar said at 1:42 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    this year? No

  193. 193 RobNE said at 1:44 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    no he wasn’t average or no you don’t believe they could have won in the playoffs?

  194. 194 oreofestar said at 1:44 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    no he wasn’t average

  195. 195 oreofestar said at 1:44 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    This year Dalton had 25/7 while completing over 66% of his passes he was not average

  196. 196 RobNE said at 1:45 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    ok but he was average before right, how do you know early what the person’s upside is? It seems really, really hard to me. Not many win their SB their first year of starting. When they do, it’s because of tremendous defensive help.

  197. 197 oreofestar said at 1:48 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    the thing is by the time a QB is ready for a big money contract 3-5 years into their career you at least have a decent idea of their upside. Dalton was about average his first couple years and despite having a stacked team that is why they were first round fodder. Now that Dalton was playing great you could argue that if he was healthy they would be in the SB right now and not the Broncos.

  198. 198 RobNE said at 1:59 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    ok we agree on all this, I guess I’m not sure what you are arguing for/against. Or is it don’t re-sign Bradford because you think he can’t make that jump?

  199. 199 oreofestar said at 2:00 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    That’s really it, I am not convinced enough in Bradford’s upside to think he can ever make us more than decent

  200. 200 Fufina said at 2:01 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Dalton is the mendoza line for QB’s…. better than him and you are good… worse and you don’t have a chance. Gut says he never wins the whole thing even with a stacked roster currently. But yes Dalton scenario is the Bradfords most likely upside.

    However i would still contend it is easier to find a top 10 QB than to find a roster without a top 10 QB to carry them to the superbowl.

  201. 201 RobNE said at 2:03 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Denver doing it this year right? you need elite edge rushers. I love Fletcher and I hope he goes crazy with sacks but it’s not the same.

  202. 202 oreofestar said at 2:06 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I don’t think its fair to say Dalton is the Mendoza line if he continues at the level he was playing this year he was on pace for 31 TDs 9 Ints 4000 yards and 66% completion percentage that’s great stuff, he was playing like a top 5 QB early in the season

  203. 203 Fufina said at 2:08 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    well true… but i mean Dalton tends to start hot and then get colder… and he has a top 3 OL, Top 3 WR, Top 5 TE, solid run game and a creative play caller. If he could not put up decent numbers in that situation then when would he.

  204. 204 oreofestar said at 2:10 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    And we don’t have nearly as much talent and Bradford is worse than Dalton, which is really my reasoning for not wanting to throw 4/80 at him….you get Wentz/Lynch/Goff whoever the hell you like and pray he can become a top 10 QB because thats our only hope rn

  205. 205 anon said at 2:49 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    we need to be one of those teams that drafts better so we aren’t constantly having to dip into FA.

  206. 206 Dave said at 1:25 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Ertz on Bradford in his press conference was asked if he talked to Sam about coming back, “I think he’s excited…he wants to be in Philadelphia…but at the end of the day, I think he does want to be here”.

  207. 207 RobNE said at 2:05 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    by the way, imagine if Manning has Brady’s game last night. Two interceptions plus a 3rd on the play of the game. Here it would be “Manning choked again, can’t play in the big games”.

    Back when Ty Law had 3 interceptions in the AFC championship game and the NE corners tackled the Colts’ WR’s at every snap, the headline was Manning chokes not NE plays great defense.

  208. 208 oreofestar said at 2:07 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Brady was getting beaten the whole game, elite pass rush vs crappy injured O line, I don’t like Brady but its a somewhat valid excuse

  209. 209 RobNE said at 2:47 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    it’s totally valid I’m talking about the narrative.

  210. 210 Gian GEAGLE said at 2:52 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Even the greatest QBs look average if you put a beating on them.. What the Broncos did to BRady is basically how the Giants beat the Pats..
    ..
    What’s really amazing about what the Wade Phillips defense did yesterday is that a week ago, the elite KC defense only hit BRady once all game. Yesterday the Beoncos hit BRady almost 25 times more than KC defense did.. That’s some impressive defense

  211. 211 Insomniac said at 2:53 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Houston wasn’t healthy while Miller was. Broncos arguably have the better pass rush too.

  212. 212 Gian GEAGLE said at 2:58 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Houston, Tamba, Ford, Dontari… Even if they weren’t healthy, shouldn’t have been AS BIG of a DISCREPENCY… Even injured, hitting a QB once all game is HORRIBLE, especially against a Patriots OL with some suspect holes

  213. 213 Insomniac said at 3:21 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Maybe Taco Tuesday kicked in after a long season?

  214. 214 anon said at 2:53 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Brady if you can hit him early in the game, his play really falls off. If you try to play coverage you won’t win.

  215. 215 Insomniac said at 2:32 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    You know what’s disturbing? A guy like Kurt Coleman might get a ring before Jason Peters and I like Kurt Coleman. Thanks Chip Kelly.

  216. 216 RobNE said at 2:47 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Mathis or Coleman will get one.

  217. 217 The original AG said at 3:25 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    It’s going to be Coleman. Cam will win, piss off a lot of people for 1) not bowing to the Manning family (or first family as they’re called), 2) being better than what people want him to be, and 3) ruining the storybook ending for Peyton.

  218. 218 Will:↑↑↓↓←→←→BA said at 2:53 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    You make it seem like Chip ruined JPs entire career

  219. 219 Insomniac said at 2:55 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    He did blow up a team that was winning so maybe he did?

  220. 220 Will:↑↑↓↓←→←→BA said at 2:56 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Your Chip hate is turnt up a little high. Yes Chip made the Eagles worse but that team still wasn’t winning a SB with that shaky D

  221. 221 Insomniac said at 3:00 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    But everything is Chip’s fault if you look at it hard enough and that’s disregarding my dislike for Chip. He gambled and lost like 70% of the time.

  222. 222 anon said at 3:03 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Chip churned the roster made a ton of tough cuts that no one else had the balls to do, he fixed the secondary and gave us the best chance at having a franchise qb we’ve had since 5 left.

    2015 he was a horrible coach, but i can’t discount the good he did for the team.

  223. 223 meteorologist said at 5:16 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    “Fixed the secondary” … And broke the receivers, offensive line, and our proud tradition of great running backs

  224. 224 bill said at 8:45 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    I’m not sure that offense was built to produce in January, either. Rack up stats in the regular season? Yep. But to really grind out points against good to great defenses? Not convinced. And that’s why I was okay with Chip blowing up the offense.

  225. 225 Gian GEAGLE said at 2:49 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I don’t want To hear a word about not being able to pay Bradford, after you see,the type of monster contracts on the Broncos. They spent like 300mil in Free agency on Peyton(96million), Aqib Talib 30 plus Mil, TJ Ward 40 mil, Emannuel Sanders, Demarcus Ware… And this doesn’t even take into account their home grown contracts like the 70mil they gave to Demaryious, VON Miller..
    ..
    Even if for one yeàr our Cap is tight, next year we cut Demarco and Maxwells big deals along with peters and that more then pays for Bradford….
    ..
    One thing about Howie is he learned how to design contracts from the best in the business (Joe Banner). So even the monster contracts HOWIE hands out are written in team friendly favorable ways..
    ..
    Flacco demanded MONSTER MONEY, and now two years later he is talking about a pay cut because he wants to play for a good team.. Pay SAM now, the one thing hOwie will make sure is that our Cap is heakthy no matter who we pay..
    .
    Ertz got paid, which means Celek has to take a pay cut or get cut… Since he spent his entire career here And has a restaurant here, maybe he is willing to play ball to retire as an eagle..
    ..
    Mufasa contracts needs to be Axed, Coops contract needs to be axed, Celeks contract needs to be Axed
    ..
    Keep in mind we rolled over some Cap space.. Sproles contract will be axed in the next year or two…
    ..
    But we will only be as successful as our DRAFTING! If you want expensive playërs, need to counterbalance it with kids who can play on Cheap rookie contracts

  226. 226 anon said at 2:53 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    if we had drafted better we wouldn’t be in this spot. Interesting that people complaing about tight caps also want Maclin @11m Djax @9-10, Mathis @6m.

  227. 227 Gian GEAGLE said at 2:56 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Don’t think our drafts have been horrible… Just so damn hit or miss..
    ..
    We need to find 3-6 new starters in the next two drafts

  228. 228 anon said at 2:58 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    prior to 2013 no bueno. Even 2012 which is heralded as our best draft of the last decade isn’t looking great. Cox, Curry might be the only people deserving $$.

  229. 229 Gian GEAGLE said at 3:07 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Dude, give me a 2012 typr draft every year and I’ll build a monument to Roseman… Of course im under the Impression that a few players like Curry will break out now that chip is out of the way..
    ..
    Kendricks has never been as bad as the second half of this year. I assume it was an ANOMOLY down year… If KEndricks,and Curry get back on the right path, along with all Pro Cox, Boykin who as a good player for us from day one, 2012 starts looking good again… FOles isn’t our QB anymore, but he was still a solid pick for a round 3 QB… Im not ready to start undervaluing the 2012 draft..
    ..
    2013 was a pretty good draft… Hit on our first 3 picks like Lane, Ertz and Logan, and i will never complain about a draft
    ..
    Curious to see what the 2014 draft looks like with chip out of the way.. Im not ready to give up on Marcus and Huff, but if Marcus doesn’t have a breakout year, Im going to always be sick that we passed on Roby or Kelvin Benjamin…. If we had Kelvin Benjamin, Agholar and Jordan to go along with Ertz, we would be sitting pretty right now.. I still have hope for huff, but when I watched the steelers in the playoffs without ANTONIO Brown, all I kept thinking was NO WAY could huff step up and carry us in the playoffs the way Matevis BRyant did in Antonios absence..
    ..
    Hopefully Roseman makes a splash and gets this draft right.
    ..
    Haven’t really hated a draft since DANNY Watkins

  230. 230 anon said at 3:14 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Kendricks stats were in line with his prior years. He’s always suffered from same issues, injuries too much freelancing. Hopefully going back to 4-3 graham and him will earn ks.

  231. 231 Ark87 said at 3:21 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    seems to almost always over pursue, if you’re going to aggressively run like your head’s on fire you need to take an aggressive angle at least. Once he starts going horizontal, yeesh.

  232. 232 anon said at 3:24 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Think Jim will be good for him. Talked about building around players that weren’t scheme sound. Billy / Cip probably expected everyone to be perfect, think Jim will say “Jenkins – take gap X unless MK takes that game, then take gap Y”. Not sure how you get Kendrickcs to wrap up instead of launching at guys.

  233. 233 Gian GEAGLE said at 6:07 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Forget Stats, this was easily his worst play since his rookie year. Not just the stats and the results, but how piss poor his Technique was way too often. I like the kid, im happy he will get a chance to rebound, but he was terrible post yearly hammy strain

  234. 234 anon said at 6:13 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    agree

  235. 235 RobNE said at 2:56 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I’m so much happier with Howie making these decisions. Imagine the scenario where Chip makes these decisions for another year. And I like Chip.

  236. 236 Gian GEAGLE said at 3:14 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I hear You!
    ..
    During a time when we have a lot Of big contracts to hand out. You can’t do better than Roseman… If Chip was still in charge and gave Bradford 80mil deal, Id bet the contracts looks very different than Roseman giving SAM an 80 mil deal.. banner and Roseman have an ability to make a 35mil contract look like a 55mil contract….. Roseman can hand out 20mil a year deal that only counts for like 15 mil against the Cap… He is a wizard writing contracts, learned from the best in the business.

    Plus Howie grasps the concepts of proper value, opportunity costs. Things chip never seemed very interested in… Id be scared to have so many big contracts to hand out with Chip still in charge

  237. 237 anon said at 3:18 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Those deals look great until you get to the ballon years — when dudes aren’t trying to take a paycut. Sadly we haven’t drafted quality replacements. Can’t be that we don’t have quality backups fro guys drafted or acquired in the 00s/’10/’11

  238. 238 Gian GEAGLE said at 6:05 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Who do you want to replace that has no backüp in place? Peters will be replaced by Lane in the next two years
    ..
    Lol I’m sure we can replace Cooper
    ..
    Ertz is replacing Celek (contractually ATleast)
    ..
    Bennie is replacing Thornton now that we are playing a 4-3
    ..
    ROWE will replace Maxwell next year when his contract can be axed (saves us a shit ton)
    ..
    Hicks replacing Mufasa
    ..
    The a only position we really DONT have youmg Backups in place is RB, one of the easier and cheaper positins to fill via the draft (chip didmt get the memo).. Demarco and Sproles won’t be here much longer, curious to see if we start drafting RB this year or just wait Til next year and go into 2017 with ryan Mathews, Barner and a Rookie RB?
    ..
    The Only other positions we don’t have young replacements for in place is for the Safeties, Fortunately at the very least Jenkins should remain in Philly 2-3 years via extensipn at some point… NO IDEA what happens with Thurmond, but I wouldn’t scoff at retaing a guy who can start anywhwre in the secondary

  239. 239 anon said at 6:12 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    RB, RG, LG, LT, WR1, CB (we only have 1 drafted), either safety position (both FAs), QB.

  240. 240 ACViking said at 3:16 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Not remotely a good comparison . . . .

    The Broncos maxed out their cap to acquire the following players:

    * QB Peyton Manning – HOF

    * OLB DeMarcus Ware – likely HOF (best sack numbers during his era)

    * CB Aqib Talib – All Pro

    * TE Vernon Davis – overpaid former All Pro

    And the Broncos paid big money to keep:

    * WR Demaryius Thomas – 3x Pro Bowl

    * OLT Ryan Clady – 4x PB, 2x All Pro

    * CB Chris Haris – 1x Pro Bowl
    ________________

    The Eagles’ current situation — talent and capwise — is nothing like the Broncos since 2012.

  241. 241 anon said at 3:18 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Don’t forget Tj Ward, Evan Mathis

  242. 242 ACViking said at 3:20 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Yes.

    Ward’s deal was for $22 Million — not $40M (as claimed).
    http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/denver-broncos/t.j.-ward/

    And Mathis’s was relatively cheap.

    Both were Pro Bowlers.

    And Denver was loading up to win now.

  243. 243 anon said at 3:22 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    2 SBs in 3 years w/ 2 different coaches seems unprecedented. Speaks to quality of roster.

  244. 244 ACViking said at 3:23 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Great point!

    And 1 terribly defended Hail Mary from a likely 3rd SB in 4-year period.

  245. 245 anon said at 3:26 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Its interesting b/c i dind’t think Kubiak was a good coach, and maybe he’s not if you look at the offense. Maybe Elway is just a great GM.

  246. 246 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:57 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Elway has proved to be a great GM either way… That roster is STACKED, and they let talemt like Decker and Julius Thomas walk… That’s how much talemt they have

  247. 247 Media Mike said at 3:33 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    And they had better f-ing do it.

  248. 248 Bert's Bells said at 3:43 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    NOT ANOTHER WORD

  249. 249 TypicalDouche said at 3:43 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Also Sam Bradford isn’t and never will be on Peyton Manning’s level, so for the fact that someone is honestly comparing breaking the bank for a player like Bradford who could never put a team on his back is ludicrous. Geagle I usually enjoy your post but you completely threw me off with saying you want to stay away from free agency and signing free agents but want to back the brinks truck up to Bradford’s front door. If you are sticking to building through the draft then a rookie QB is the only way to go.

  250. 250 ACViking said at 3:56 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    TD:

    Exactly

  251. 251 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:53 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Doesn’t mean anything.. Entering a new era of QB pay… Curious to see how much the Jets give Fitzpatrick… can you really give the king of Journeymen Fitzy STUPID MONEY like 17mil?

    Soon every team with a QB ranked 15-23 will be paying at least 15mil for their QB. The cap is going up too… I have a feeling whatever Sams contract ends up being will be like a Maclin situation where it looks like a lot initially, but in the next year other QBs will sign Deals and end up making his contract look better, especially if he also plays as well as I THNK he can. Two years later you restructure it anyway
    .,.
    Kirk Cousins is going to get PAID, but I’m really curious to see how Fitzpatrik makes out since the Jets are said to want to retain him…
    ..
    Id bet NO QB makes it to the open market, of course more than half of the best free agents probably won’t reach free agency whether it’s an extension or Tag TIL and extension can be worked out

  252. 252 Gian GEAGLE said at 2:54 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Someone remind me why Lurie didn’t break the bank open for Wade Phillips as our DC the moment he was fired from the Cowboys? I don’t remember who our DC was at that time, but he damn sure Wasnt better than Wade Phillips (pretty sure Jim Johnson passed away before the Cowboys fired Wade)

    What an amazing Job Wade,did with that defense. They have so much talent, but Wade really got the most of young Talent and older players like dEmarcus Ware who was balling yesterday

  253. 253 anon said at 2:57 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    The old boys network in the NFL is really stupid. If you aren’t a hot name or if you’re out of the game people don’t call. Also young HCs might be intimidated by hiring a guy with that much success — do you give DC full autonomy, what happens if team not playing well, is he getting you fired, etc.

  254. 254 ACViking said at 3:02 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    The Cowboys fired Phillips mid-way during the 2010 season.

    Phillips has always run a 3-4 defense (when not working for Buddy from ’86-’88).

    In 2010, Reid was still the HC.

    Reid was running a 4-3 defense.

    And McDermott was still the DC.

    Bottom line . . . Lurie had nothing to do with any of this.

  255. 255 Media Mike said at 3:30 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Wade wasn’t working in 2014……………….but I guess that was too early to fire Billy no matter how badly Sean Payton stole his lunch in the playoff game.

  256. 256 ACViking said at 3:58 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    ” . . . stole his lunch . . . ”

    nutshell smack down.

    very nicely done.

  257. 257 botto said at 3:35 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    yeah if the other team doesn’t block him on his way to the QB that’s pretty nice of them

  258. 258 RobNE said at 2:55 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Josh McDaniels: hey guys I’m free to interview now? Guys? guys?

  259. 259 Insomniac said at 2:56 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Do you think McDaniels is the heir of Belichick? If so are you going to enjoy the miserable people in the New England area?

  260. 260 RobNE said at 3:00 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I don’t think that’s the deal, I honestly think Brady and Belicheck think this is too good right now and I won’t think about retiring until it’s not good anymore. I really doubt Belicheck has some set clock in his head and then Kraft has a verbal with Josh. I just really doubt they are looking that far ahead.

    Brady thinks he’s playing for 4 more years. If you are Belicheck unless you one day are burned out, you wouldn’t think about retiring until after (or same time) Brady does.

  261. 261 Insomniac said at 3:05 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I can’t see Brady playing for another 4 years at a high level. I think Belichick might think of retiring if he can’t win in the playoffs without Brady. He has nothing left to prove, enough money to make multiple generations of family live well, and no soul. Unless Kraft has enough dirt to make him coach until Belichick goes senile that is.

  262. 262 RobNE said at 5:41 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I agree my point is just that until Brady really slows down, like he can’t get it done, Belicheck is not going anywhere. And so no, I don’t think there is a side deal with Josh. And I’m not sure he’d be Kraft’s first choice.

    I think McDaniels leaves next year. And fails again.

  263. 263 ACViking said at 3:04 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    The Patriots fans should prepare for a long, cold winter once Brady retires — whoever the coach is.

    And when both Brady and Belichick are gone?

    Prepare, if you’re in NE, for another Ice Age.

  264. 264 Insomniac said at 3:06 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    May Karma be real and let them have McDaniels as their next head coach. Maybe drafting multiple Tim Tebows in a 20 year span might be good too.

  265. 265 Greg Richards said at 3:00 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Pat Shurmur is going to be the Vikings’ TE coach. Their current TE coach, Kevin Stefanski, was shifted to RBs coach.

  266. 266 anon said at 3:01 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    damn. disrespectful.

  267. 267 Nailed It! said at 3:03 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Really wish we could have kept him. Even if he was QB coach for us.

  268. 268 Greg Richards said at 3:13 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Interesting. Jim Washburn was reportedly going to be hired by MIA as senior defensive assistant. The Dolphins just announced their complete coaching staff and Jim wasn’t one of the announcements(his son was hired as asst OL coach). This after we were rumored to be hiring Segrest and that mysteriously falling through. What are the odds….?

  269. 269 Fufina said at 3:17 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I want no part of Wash… he builds a great DL.. he sucks at helping build a team. Take the video’s yesterday – if they did not get sacks he was in the office with excuses already listed down before hand. The reality is that there needs to be harmony and unity between the from 4 and the back 7 and having a them and us will not help you win in the end.

    Wash has never coached a team that has gone deep in play offs and at time struggles for jobs.. think that is for a reason.

  270. 270 Greg Richards said at 3:25 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    That’s why you need a DC who’s an expert at meshing the DL with the LBs and secondary and one who has the balls and fire himself to keep Washburn in check

  271. 271 Media Mike said at 3:28 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Good. Keep him there.

  272. 272 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:47 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    After How Washburn behaved, and everyone hating Chip, I have a hard time believing Lurie would allow them to bring Washburn back… Some of our current players DIDNT like him… We NEED to unify this franchise first and Formost, Wash is a threat to that.. I doubt it, but crazier Ish has happened

  273. 273 Nailed It! said at 3:44 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Sorry Media Mike, but I am all aboard the Panther Wagon! Cam has really turned the corner over this year and he is a hell of a player and seems now at least that he is a hell of a person too.

  274. 274 The original AG said at 3:46 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I’m on this same train this year.

  275. 275 TypicalDouche said at 3:46 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Mike has some serious anger issues towards random things. Kenjon Barner, not keeping Henry Josey, Cam Newton, the Steelers, the entire state of New York and some other things. Mike my brother I think a doctor can prescribe some Xanax or give a marijuana prescription to help ease all the hatred in your heart my friend lol.

    Oh and to make you slightly happy I am all on the Denver bandwagon.

  276. 276 Media Mike said at 3:47 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I hate what I hate and it stays hated.

  277. 277 TypicalDouche said at 3:48 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Touche my friend.

  278. 278 Dude said at 4:53 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    You’re the Popeye of hate.

  279. 279 Media Mike said at 4:54 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Although I’m more of an arugula guy than spinach.

  280. 280 Media Mike said at 3:55 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Some other classics of mine are; Scott paper – layoffs in the Philly area, NBC 10 (but was CBS at the time) – cutting into sporting events for snow coverage at a time (93-94) when my parents didn’t have cable in the house, the designated hitter rule – fake baseball, etc…………

  281. 281 RobNE said at 5:45 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Scott Paper – I was an outside accountant and was there for a couple weeks with the auditors, after a lot of the layoffs. We had a whole wing. Empty offices after empty offices, like whole hallways. This would be…1995 maybe?

  282. 282 Media Mike said at 8:06 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Yeah, that hit in the mid 90s. I remember reading newspaper stories in horror about all of those workers laid off and had their lives ruined.

  283. 283 Media Mike said at 3:47 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Barf.

  284. 284 Nailed It! said at 3:49 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Do you know what I find very sad? Number of superbowls attended for Carolina since their exapansion; 2. Number of superbowls attended for Philly; 1.

  285. 285 Media Mike said at 3:50 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    That does suck, but it doesn’t alter my rooting interests. Or what type of football I want to see played / emulated league wide.

  286. 286 Nailed It! said at 3:50 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Oh absolutely.

  287. 287 P_P_K said at 4:54 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    ESPN is doing something this week on the Top 50 Super Bowl plays. Don’t look for any Eagles. Sigh…

  288. 288 Nailed It! said at 5:00 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I just hate that an expansion team has had more success than our beloved Birds.

  289. 289 Media Mike said at 5:01 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I hate everybody who isn’t our beloved Birds unless they’re useful in taking out a team I hate more.

  290. 290 ACViking said at 5:09 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    PPK:

    You’ll see the Eagles . . . as Rod Martin plays catch with Jaws 3 times in the 1980 SB.

    Jaws was never as good after that game as he was in the ’79 and especially ’80 season.

  291. 291 Media Mike said at 5:11 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Thanks Vermeil. Losing a Super Bowl to a team you beat in the regular season; classic.

  292. 292 ACViking said at 5:16 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    That Raiders v. Eagles 10-7 game at the Vet in 1980 was maybe the best, most phyical game the Eagles played that year.

    SI’s story was, “Preview of the Super Bowl?”

    (Dallas felt the cold in the NFC title game and wanted to quit before the opening KO)
    ______________

    Reid’s a close second, losing twice in the NFC title game to teams the Birds easily beat in the regular season.

    Carolina in ’03
    Cards in ’08

  293. 293 RobNE said at 5:47 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    we beat the Panthers in ’03? I don’t remember. I do remember that playoff game, so frustrating. We needed TO so badly, then we got him. Then we let him good.

    *single tear rolls down my face*

  294. 294 ACViking said at 6:04 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Eagles 25-16 over Carolina.
    http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200311300car.htm

  295. 295 Media Mike said at 7:51 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I was that game. Drove down with friends over Thanksgiving weekend. Eagles rolled, Carolina’s kicker missed every kick in sight, saw Don Tollefson drunk beyond function, and had a beer with D-Gunn in the Eagles hotel lobby.

    Other highlight was standing there and the team walked into the hotel in their travel attire and being flabbergasted as to how small Mark Simoneau was in person.

  296. 296 RobNE said at 8:37 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    good story

  297. 297 P_P_K said at 6:30 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    When non-Eagles fans ask about the SB drought, I think of Carolina in ’03, Cards in ’08, and I reply:
    “… the world’s more full of weeping than you can understand.”

  298. 298 Media Mike said at 7:48 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Carolina I’ll excuse because Westbrook didn’t play and McNabb got cheap-shotted out of the game.

    ZERO excuse for 2008.

  299. 299 P_P_K said at 6:27 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I just checked — still a SB record. Ugh.

  300. 300 Media Mike said at 3:48 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    And FYI, I don’t flame anybody for rooting for Cam……. I just flame Cam. So stay true to yourself at all times.

  301. 301 Nailed It! said at 3:50 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I never said you would, I just know the hate you have for Cam, it is all in good fun.

  302. 302 Media Mike said at 3:50 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    No doubt. I’m vile as anything topically, but typically won’t put another poster on blast personally unless they’ve got something direct at me personally rather than rhetorically.

    And totally all fun.

  303. 303 Nailed It! said at 3:52 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I had no intention of putting you on blast.

  304. 304 Media Mike said at 3:53 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Absolutely. I just find Cam, or any other QB, running with the football by design to be really low grade nauseating football that I don’t want proliferated across the league.

  305. 305 anon said at 3:56 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    too late.

  306. 306 Media Mike said at 3:59 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    F that. There need to be a few more of those dudes body bagged so that garbage can go away like the wildcat did.

  307. 307 RichEagle said at 6:47 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    To me it is another tool. I was never a Cam follower because until this year it appeared he would look for the first then maybe the second option then take off. I do not know what happened in the off season but Cam has become a reader of defenses and a lot more accurate. Even his off balance throws are on point. And if you can add pressure on the defense with a linebacker sized QB with power and speed in the run game, why not. It not like he is Vick or RG3 size and getting hurt. As far as the celebrations, keep him out of the end zone. I remember screaming at the TV when McNabb has huge lanes for 8 12 yard gains and he would throw an 10 yard worm killer because he didn’t want to be called a running QB.

  308. 308 laeagle said at 6:41 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    What exactly is “putting you on blast”? Is that like setting you down over top of Old Faithful between eruptions?

  309. 309 Allen3000 said at 3:55 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    This and I’d really like to see Rivera and McDermott get a ring.

    I don’t understand the hate for Cam. He’s hated for what? Being a showboat? So what. That’s par for course with most modern day professional athletes. Also, unless he’s a truly terrible person, why does it matter? Brett Favre by all accounts seems to be a pretty crappy person, but he never got a fraction of the hate Cam gets. John Elway and Dan Marino were no boy scouts either but that didn’t stop them from being revered.

    Cam is on another planet right now. If you listed the 10 other starters on offense in Carolina and said, is it possible for a QB to take this team to the SB, no one would even dare say yes. Not sure why it’s so hard for people to acknowledge this fact.

  310. 310 Media Mike said at 3:58 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Running with the football by design as a QB should never result in long-term success. I don’t like watching it and because it didn’t the the “Ultimate Weapon” a title here, it damn well shouldn’t anywhere else. The QB pulling the ball in and out and running by design isn’t a style of football I want to see take over the league. It would ruin what I like watching with quarterbacking. So Cam being pumped up in all quarters is something I see as a treat to playing the game the right way in future years of the NFL.

  311. 311 oreofestar said at 4:01 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I mean if its working for them can we really say its not “the right way” if your QB can have success with it

  312. 312 Media Mike said at 4:03 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    “the right way” is defined on what the fundamental difference should be between playing QB and RB. I like watching a game with guys in clearly defined roles attributed to a position. Seeing a passing league devolve into QB rugby isn’t interesting to me.

  313. 313 unhinged said at 4:44 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    MM, if you are the Eagle fan I take you to be, you would fall in love with Cam QBing the Birds. You’d get excited every time he tucked and ran. Hell, I am impressed when ANY QB/offense is damn near unstoppable, and his running is just another arrow in his quiver. I don’t think you need to be concerned that he’ll start a trend. Players with his ability – and his dedication to improve – they don’t come around every other decade. I put his football greatness in the same bracket as Jim Brown and maybe a few others, but like Bum Phillips said about Earl Campbell, “…He may not be in a class of his own, but it doesn’t take long to call roll.”

  314. 314 Media Mike said at 4:46 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Tall order.

  315. 315 oreofestar said at 4:03 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    This sounds a lot like the old dudes who complained about the Warriors style of basketball and their reliance on 3s when ultimately they won the finals playing that style of ball

  316. 316 Media Mike said at 4:04 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    The NBA has been dead to me for a long time. I don’t care for the breakdown of the clear 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 roles of guys on teams.

  317. 317 oreofestar said at 4:05 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    It really isn’t that defined most players in the NBA play 2 or even 3 different positions depending on the lineup

  318. 318 Media Mike said at 4:05 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    That’s what I mean. It used to be. I preferred that.

  319. 319 oreofestar said at 4:08 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I respect your opinion I just don’t see what you have against players being more versatile

  320. 320 Media Mike said at 4:10 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Just not like I like watching. I’d rather see a 6’10 goon for rebounds and catch/dunk the ball rather than be a wing.

  321. 321 oreofestar said at 4:14 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Hmmm so is it that you do not like stretch 4s? or any tall guy who shoots? or you hate a PG/SG or a combo forward or just anyone not playing strictly one position? I’m legitimately curious

  322. 322 Media Mike said at 4:24 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Yes. I dislike that in general. Give me some clear roles, like the greatest team ever had. Cheeks at point. Toney at 2. Dr. J at small forward. Moses at center.

    Like the Rock says……….know your role…..

  323. 323 RobNE said at 5:49 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Marc Iavoroni?

  324. 324 John Galt said at 6:15 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    You need some perspective on your “greatest team Evers”… That PSU O was good, but nowhere near best ever…Miami late 80s and the Andre Johnson/frank gore teams were both better and that’s one school. As for the 6ers, that team wasn’t even top 10. There are other geographic areas besides eastern PA.

  325. 325 RobNE said at 8:38 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    I think Bill Simmons did a list of top NBA championship teams, and I think that Sixers team was in fact top 10, maybe top 5. Not that this makes it true, but he knows the NBA.

  326. 326 Media Mike said at 4:04 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    And yes, I generally make “old dude” complaints when looking at what I like to see go on in sports.

  327. 327 P_P_K said at 4:48 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Old school is best school.

  328. 328 Ark87 said at 4:50 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    technically, wasn’t the QB primarily a runner in the true old school?

  329. 329 P_P_K said at 4:52 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Oh, I meant in music!

  330. 330 Media Mike said at 4:52 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    That’s ancient school…………and depends on how old you are.

    Old School for me is like Dan Fouts / Ken Anderson.

  331. 331 Allen3000 said at 4:10 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Michael Vick took a garbage team to the NFC Championship game. He ran much more so than Cam.
    Cam can throw the ball quite well. He just happens to be a phenomenal athlete who’s not afraid to use his talents. I’m sure he will cut back on the running as he ages. Also, as I alluded to in my earlier post, who else could have the Carolina offense looking this good??? I’m not saying he’s as good or even as close to as good as Manning, Brees, Brady, etc., but there’s absolutely no way you could convince me those guys would have Carolina’s offense playing this well. I’m sure he would pass the ball more if he had more talented WRs.

    I highly doubt we will see a revolution at the QB position. Cam is just a rare athlete in the same vein as Steve Young, John Elway (to a lesser degree), Russell Wilson, Cunningham, and McNabb among others.

  332. 332 Media Mike said at 4:12 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    If you can guarantee me

    this:

    “I’m sure he will cut back on the running as he ages.

    and this:

    “I highly doubt we will see a revolution at the QB position.”

    I’ll have a lot more respect for Cam and a lot less worry for the future of a great league.

  333. 333 Allen3000 said at 4:23 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Dual threat QBs have always reigned supreme in college football (and high school too). It’s not like this is a new trend or some new phenomenon. If you can attack and beat the defense in multiple ways, why would you hide that talent???

    Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are about as slow as it gets and they are still playing at a high level. Personally, I don’t think it should matter how a QB plays, so long as he’s effective and productive.

    The reason we are seeing more duel threat QBs in the past 10-20 years is because for so long these athletes (mostly Black QBs) were forced to play WR/DB/RB and not developed and groomed. Warren Moon and Steve McNair are prime examples of this.

    Again, my personal belief. If the results are there, why should it matter?

  334. 334 Media Mike said at 4:27 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Because style counts to me when it comes to what I like to watch. I much preferred all of the 6-4 NHL games of the 80s to the trap the Devils infested the league with in the 90s.

    And as far as college goes, I’d much rather watch 94 Penn State which was a very traditional system and was the best offense in the history of college than any dual threat stuff.

    And I’m happy to watch QBs of any stripe come out and be passing players. The dual threat stuff just looks like a disorganized blob of garbage to me.

  335. 335 Allen3000 said at 4:59 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Different strokes for different folks. No point debating further.

    I will say…both my parents went to PSU and I naturally grew up a die hard PSU fan – and still remain one to this day. That ’94 team was a treat to watch. I was young, but played and followed football at that time. One of the most complete teams ever. With that said, I would still take Charlie Ward over Kerry Collins.

  336. 336 Media Mike said at 5:00 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    And to me Charlie Ward is the guy Iverson used to foul out of the game all the time.

  337. 337 A_T_G said at 8:13 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Why would those things not be true? Teams will always look for the edge to win.

    Are teams suddenly going to notice that QBs that can run fast and hard in addition to throwing will give them an edge? No, they have been trying to find those guys for decades. They just aren’t out there for the taking.

    Are teams suddenly going to forget that being able to throw the ball really well offers an advantage that is unmatched by any other skill at any position on the field? Nope. Teams know that this is a QB driven league, and they know why.

  338. 338 botto said at 5:07 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    that’s right, you use what you got. never limit yourself

  339. 339 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:43 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    One of my favorite games will always be what DAWKINS did to VICK and Crumpler in the playoffs… Love watching that Eagle/Falcons game..

  340. 340 laeagle said at 6:37 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I still have the recording of Merrill and Mike announcing that game on my iPhone, and it will never be deleted.

  341. 341 mksp said at 4:52 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Cam is one of the great young rising stars in the NFL, and on top of that is a really good guy.

    He’s legit one of the most fun QBs to watch throw the ball in the league.

    Have no idea what your problem with Cam is, but I’m enjoying him proving you wrong.

  342. 342 Media Mike said at 4:54 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Collaborator.

  343. 343 botto said at 5:06 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    huge difference between cam and vick. vick is a twig cam is a beast

  344. 344 Media Mike said at 5:07 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    For the record, “The Ultimate Weapon” was Cunningham.

  345. 345 botto said at 5:18 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    true, another twig. but much better then vick

  346. 346 The original AG said at 9:12 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    The Ultimate Weapon’s biggest issue was his lack of coaching and the run of terrible head coaches he had here.

  347. 347 bill said at 8:34 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    I tend to agree with your sentiment, but I’m not sure Cam causes too many copycats. He’s pretty unique in terms of ability and durability, and they’re using him as a power runner, which most defenses are no longer geared towards. Even with his unique durability, I think the Panthers got lucky this year with how healthy he remained. I think sooner rather than later, it’s going to catch up to even Cam.

  348. 348 Nailed It! said at 3:59 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I feel the same way. Who cares that he does his dance. The guy has been phenomenal this year. This team going 15-1 then decimating the perceived best two teams in the NFC is crazy. If they route Denver we may be talking about top 5 team all time.

  349. 349 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:16 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I Can’t even believe how good CAm has become..
    ..
    But that Panthers OL, and the,Physical run game of Newton, Tolbert and Jonathon stewart is nasty… If the Panthers can run the ball on Denver, Panthers win… But if the denver Defense can hit Cam half as much as they hit BRADY, then I like Denver’s chances, because Denver’s secondary is awesome, Cam will need time to find holes in that secondary. Curious to see if Physical Panthers OL can give him time the way VON Miller and Ware are playing..
    ..
    But if Denver is going to win this game, I assume Demaryious Thomas will have to wake up…
    ..
    Should be closer to last years competitive Super Bowl than when Denver got Mollywhopped by Seattle. Two Elite defenses, but if the Denver offense turns the ball over, Panthers could run away with it
    ..
    Evan Mathis was solid, but I also saw him make some big mistakes on Twists and Stunts where Peyton was getting hit but Mathis ended up not blocking anyone because he was so confused… You can’t be having brain farts like that against Star, Kawaan, Kuechly, I assume Tommy is going to play with a broken arm..
    .
    Curious to see what Jared Allen can add to the Panthers with two more weeks to get healthy.
    ..
    The OL that handles the elite front 7 best will probably win the game..

  350. 350 anon said at 5:19 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Having cam runn means you can’t just drop everyone in coverage and rush 3 like Broncos against brady. They also have a speed guy that can stretch the defense. In this way i don’t fault Chip for not paying WRs, becoming clearer you can win w/ certain types of players. Good TE (still gets paid less than top WR), run game, speed guy to break defense. See Redskins, Pats and Panthers.

  351. 351 ACViking said at 5:23 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    The loss of Thomas Davis III — if he can’t play — would be huge.
    Takes a lot of luster off the Panther defense.

    Not unlike when Westbrook had to miss the ’03 playoffs. Completely changed the Eagles’ offense.

  352. 352 anon said at 5:26 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    That’s ok Denver can’t score. DT can’t catch this year. Question is whether Denver can stop Cam and his band of merry friends.

  353. 353 ACViking said at 5:31 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Anon:

    I think you’re dead-on.

    Carolina’s offense looks essentially unstoppable right now.

  354. 354 laeagle said at 6:35 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I still hate Carolina for ’03, but they’re an interesting team to watch.

    The conventional wisdom is that you need a dominant QB to achieve success. What’s interesting about the Panthers and Newton this year isn’t that they’re proving that wisdom wrong, but rather that they’re proving that “dominant” can have a different meaning than the traditional definition.

    Previously, a dominant QB was a Manning/Brady type, the kind of guy who can always find a way to fit a ball where it needs to go via a combination of football intelligence, accuracy, and arm strength. For a long time people thought that the “running QB” might be able to change that equation, or open it up to more non-traditional signal callers. It never really worked for the “running QB” who mainly ran, because running as a QB just takes too much of a toll on the body to keep that guy dominant for enough games in a season to win a championship. Thus, the accurate guys were still the only kind of “dominant”.

    Cam is fascinating because he can beat you in so many ways. He runs, yes, but on designed runs that sort of keep him protected, as opposed to broken plays where running is his only option. You don’t see him scrambling like crazy, like Vick or RG3, desperately trying to escape the rush and pull a Houdini move. He just runs right at you. He’s accurate enough when he needs to be as a passer, and that part of his game developing is what really puts him over the edge.

    But with him, he’s just so fucking big and strong, he just does what he wants. He won’t pull a miracle 4th and 26 style play that often, but he can will his team to a first down based on just sheer physical dominance. That diving TD yesterday was a great example. And gods forgive you if he really wants a conversion on 3rd and short. Someone on your defense is coming out of that play with a hurt on.

    So while other QBs have relied so much on passing to be dominant, Cam is really interesting because he’s relying on such a potent combination of factors. He’s not just the average “running QB” who can also pass OK. He can pass pretty darn well, he can run, and run with power, and he can physically dominate at the line of scrimmage in a way few QBs can.

    A really interesting example of a different kind of dominant QB, in short.

  355. 355 MagSaysWHAAT? said at 8:03 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Yes. Good stuff. And it took a few years. He didn’t become the QB he is today in just 6 months. I must admit it is difficult to cheer for him because of the air of arrogance he seems to project, but he and the teams’ coaches deserve every bit of praise.

  356. 356 Baloophi said at 12:03 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Plus, he’s from Auburn, so Mrs. Baloophi approves.

  357. 357 Media Mike said at 3:51 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    http://www.phillyvoice.com/10-players-who-could-interest-eagles-senior-bowl-offense-edition/

    GREAT list, sans Prescott, by Kempski.

  358. 358 ACViking said at 5:11 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    MM:

    I like the progress Dakota made as a college QB.

    Great tools.

    But I don’t think you can teach championship level accuracy. Either a QB has it. Or they don’t.

  359. 359 Media Mike said at 5:13 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I just don’t like the ratio of passes to runs over the past two years. It makes me concerned that the accuracy you mention won’t every develop because he’s not going to put a premium on keeping his eyes downfield, setting his feet, and making a good throw.

  360. 360 ACViking said at 5:18 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Do you think that kind of habit can be unlearned?

    I don’t get that sense . . . especially with big, fast, nasty guys trying to decapitate you.

  361. 361 anon said at 5:22 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Think you have to play to a guy’s natural (and nurtured) abilities. If you’re getting a guy at 22 that’s been dual threat and you try to turn him into peyton manning you’re wasting your time unless you can sit him for 3+yrs. If you’re going to draft a dual threat guy, gotta have build to withstand injuries, i think players can learn to be a functional passer, especially if they can throw downfield.

  362. 362 ACViking said at 5:25 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    have you seen Dakota this season?

    (saw a bunch of his games last year when MSU had that nice run . . . but nothing this season)

  363. 363 Media Mike said at 7:46 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    No, it often isn’t. Kevin Kolb never got un-scared for instance.

  364. 364 bill said at 8:28 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    I’ve always argued that if you don’t have a significant number of reps from inside the pocket before you reach the NFL, it’s highly unlikely that you’re going to develop it against the best, most creative defenses in football. Sooner or later, you’re going to get really popped and the lizard brain (subconscious reactions) will take over if you haven’t already developed the habits necessary. Some people, like I think Favre, probably just have defective lizard brains and therefore can overcome it, but I think that’s rare.

  365. 365 anon said at 3:52 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Via Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times, Florida State has settled a lawsuit
    brought by [Erica] Kinsman [against J. Winston] under Title IX, a federal law that requires public
    universities to investigate allegations of sexual assault. Florida State
    has announced that $250,000 will go to Kinsman and that $700,000 will
    go to her lawyers, presumably due to the presence in Title IX of a
    provision allowing a prevailing plaintiff to recover attorneys’ fees,
    which gives attorneys an incentive to take on cases of this nature.

  366. 366 ACViking said at 5:03 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    A few quick takes:

    1. The total pay out is less than the magical $1MM amount — which I don’t think matters to anyone outside the university . . . who’re trying to convince themselves that it’s not as bad as it looks.

    2. $250,000 — as a settlement — in a sexual harassment-assault case with zero economic damages is quite a big number.

    3. $700,000 in Attorney’s Fees sounds like a lot. But the victim’s lawyers didn’t make get paid dollar-for-dollar for their time . . . Nor would they have made a third as much as the University’s attorneys from Florida’s most high-powered and expensive law firms for (a) internal investigations, (b) the actual litigation, and (c) new compliance manuals. [New compliance manuals always make institutional defendants feel clean.]

    4. INSURANCE — very possible the University had insurance coverage for the officials responsible for oversight (insurance is required by law for state university system employees in many states, to protect both the employees and claimants) . . . and if an insurance company made this decision, then the evidence of wrongdoing was not insignificant.

    Lots of guess-work, to be sure.

  367. 367 anon said at 5:31 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Sometimes the lawyers are the only ones that win.

  368. 368 ACViking said at 5:33 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    The lawyers that won are the University’s lawyers . . . whose compensation remains confidential at the moment.

    The plaintiff’s lawyers? The one’s who took the case on contingency? With no promise of getting anything?

    The ones who stuck it out to get their client $250,000 — which spells “Winston is guilty” . . .

    Those guys earned every penny.

  369. 369 anon said at 5:42 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Is that what it spells? Undoubtedly they’re paying for their mishandling of the Title XI investigation. Looks to me like lawyers get paid and get some $$ to continue to advance their case against Winston (but given how long the suit has gone on, maybe not).

    Personally, I’m surprised that $250k is all she needed to drop the suit against the players with the deepest pockets.

    Given all the attention that campus rape has received recently $1m makes me think there was no merit to the claim and she got a nominal settlement and lawyers covered their nut. .

  370. 370 ACViking said at 6:02 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    A:

    $250,000 as a nominal settlement?

    She suffered no economic damages. All she can be compensated for is her emotional distress.

    But if Winston did nothing wrong — provably wrong, that is — then how could the University have botched the investigation in a way that adds up to $250,000 worth of emotional distress?

    Not saying the investigation wasn’t poorly handled. I’ll assume it is.

    Just trying to see how to get the numbers higher.

  371. 371 anon said at 6:10 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    I thought the Title XI suit was about the process. Maybe they can never prove Winston did anything right or wrong, but maybe they can prove that that university wasn’t thorough enough in investigating.

    Given the amt. of time and attention the case received, i’d say my emotional damage would be a lot greater than $150k after taxes (if taxed, i don’t know) — look what happens when you google her name, that’s forever.

  372. 372 ACViking said at 6:16 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Ok, I see what you’re saying.

    Liability is a “deliberate indifference” standard — preventing access to educational opportunities (including investigations, I guess).

    Victim’s name + reputation in tatters. True for sure.

    Hard standard of proof.

    For the victim, though, do you think $250K satisfies her interest in putting FSU and Winston in a bad light?

  373. 373 anon said at 6:25 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    For a big public university like FSU? I’d need 7 figures not 6.

  374. 374 bill said at 8:23 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    The big issue is knowing your jury pool. There are references for this that lawyers have access to. For example, I know that approximately 20 years ago (last time I looked at one of those references), for a 20 year old male in Harrisburg, PA, losing a left (non-dominant) arm in a car accident caused by defendant’s negligence was worth $700,000. Same circumstances in Philadelphia, PA, it was worth $7M. Since then, insurance companies have advertised relentlessly about a “lawsuit crisis,” and I’ve seen the evidence that in certain jurisdictions, the awards have been almost halved, while others have remained untouched or increased along with inflation. Coming to a settlement number involves (if you’re talking about a competent lawyer) a heck of a lot consideration of an immense number of factors. Any time a plaintiff outside of the small handful of plaintiff friendly venues gets more than a nominal settlement, you know they had a decent case. And generally speaking, federal venues are generally not plaintiff friendly, though I don’t know anything in particular about Florida’s disposition.

  375. 375 ChoTime said at 9:05 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Good call, Bill, over the last 20-30 years, the campaign against so-called “frivolous” lawsuits has had a huge effect, esp in the personal injury field. At one time, 3X meds was a decent rough estimate, but you are now lucky to get the responsible party to cover the medical bills they caused you. I live in Arizona, which is highly biased against plaintiffs. An equally important change is that health care providers have begun to initiate quasi-legal schemes to cash in on what little $ comes to the plaintiffs.

  376. 376 ACViking said at 6:22 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Anon:

    One other thing.

    It looks like emotional-distress damages for a Title IX violation may be capped at $300,000 under 42 USC 1981a(b)(2).

    Could explain things.

  377. 377 anon said at 6:26 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    yeah maybe goes more to your point, it’s close to – but not the max.

  378. 378 anon said at 3:56 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Sunday’s early miss of an extra point — his first in 523 attempts — by kicker Stephen Gostkowski loomed over the entire game, with the Patriots eventually forced to go for two late in an effort to send the game to overtime.

    The many enemies of Bill Belichick will surely be pointing out the
    irony of what was, as Patriots nemesis Bill Polian described it last
    year, an effort to create a benefit for the Patriots.

    “This was originally, in a different form, proposed by the New
    England Patriots,” Polian said on SiriusXM NFL Radio, via CSN New
    England. “The reason they proposed it is obvious.
    In January, December and even late November, in Northern [climates],
    Foxboro, Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburgh — well-documented of
    course in Pittsburgh at the open end of the stadium how difficult it is
    to kick field goals — the team from the Northern [climates] that plays
    and practices in the harsher weather, the old Meadowlands being a prime
    example of that, has a decided advantage. [The Patriots] wouldn’t have
    proposed it if they didn’t think it wouldn’t help them.”

  379. 379 botto said at 4:37 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    PATGATE

  380. 380 ACViking said at 5:18 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Correction . . .

    The true “Deflate-gate”

  381. 381 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:40 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Carson Palmer really choked tbis post season. Last year he got hurt and wasted their entire year, then he comes back has an MVP caliber season and almost falls apart in both playoff games? Patrik Peterson had a down yeàr last year, came back and was fantastic this year, yet he kind of choked last night too.. Carson play didn’t deserve to make it this far, if they didn’t play at home last week, Fitzgerald probably doesn’t go Berzerk and Carry Carson to the win
    ..
    I hear a lot of good players talk shit that Josh Norman isnt a top shut down corner, but Boy has that kid stonewalled a lot of top WRs this season… Micheal FLoyd was one of the best WR in the league the last 6 games or so (allegedly he got healthy), yet Josh Mugged him only letting up 3 catches for 37 yards in the NFC Championship
    ..
    Palmer better hope he stays healthy and gets another chance next year because it was Embarressingly bad compaed to how he performed all year
    ..
    I understand that BRady was under pressure on the two poïnt conversion, but Gronk had just made a monster 40 yard catch for you on 4th down, and then he makes a clutch TD catch for you, basically putting the team on his back, how do you even look at anyone besides GRONK on that two Pt conversion? At that point if you lose,the game, lose it giving your Horse a chance to make a play. Under pressure like that, throw it up where only GRONK can get it

    Aqib Talib is a Monster. Doesn’t get enough credit like all the other top corners.
    ..
    Where did Chip get the idea that TJ Ward couldn’t cover and was only a box safety, That kid can play all over the field, Ward and that DANNY Manning kid were torpedoing patriots players all game, Edeleman and Amendola were getting crushed to pay for the catches they made across the middle… Wade Phillps had that defense Balliing..
    ..
    Hopefully Howie’s Drafting, with Schwatz coaching gets us back to the days of Nasty Philly defense…. I have no idea what positions on defense they add talent thru via the draft, but I hope it’s someone Nasty, with some attitude looking to,Knock blocks off!!! Our defense NEEDS some Fire… Although Hicks is a good kid, but he played with some Nasty this year

  382. 382 anon said at 5:43 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Honey Badger means a ton to that team. Defense isn’t th esame w/out him b/c they blitz him a lot and he can cover. Without that blitzer AZ’s pass rush is anemic, though I doubt if honeybadger could really hurt cam.

  383. 383 Fufina said at 7:16 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Ian Rapoport:
    #Patriots are parting ways with offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo, sources say. One day after Tom Brady took a record number of hits

    All season #Patriots OL coach Dave DeGuglielmo was lauded for his work with different lineups & injuries. Sunday, it was a different story

    Damn that’s cold man…

  384. 384 Ark87 said at 7:30 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Da googlie elmo is like a mix of cookie monster and Elmo I assume, this is a travesty

  385. 385 anon said at 7:37 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Life is cold in New England.

  386. 386 Nailed It! said at 7:38 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Scapegoat

  387. 387 Media Mike said at 7:44 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Up there, doubtful.

  388. 388 daveH said at 8:03 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    But that O line looked especially hor i fying ..so bad it was wierd..

  389. 389 Gian GEAGLE said at 7:44 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    That’s crazy…..dude spent all seasom patching holes and did a better job then I could have imagined… With all their OL injuries that line held up better than ours for most of the season. Of course Brady’s quick release is a big help, but im not sure what DeGuglielmo could have Done more

  390. 390 bushisamoron said at 7:47 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Tommy- really appreciate your energy and enthusiasm. While I live in SC and root for the Panthers,which is fairly easy recently, I’m born and bred in Philly and bleed green. Thanks for all you do for us fans

  391. 391 Media Mike said at 7:51 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Dig the screen name!

    And the pro-Tommy’s writing sentiments.

  392. 392 daveH said at 8:00 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    .

  393. 393 Media Mike said at 8:02 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    https://twitter.com/DudeFantasyBro/status/691785079169892353

    Derrick Henry’s agent is going to send a death threat to this dude. Nobody wants their client compared to Brandon Jacobs.

  394. 394 anon said at 8:20 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    And an Alabama rb .

  395. 395 Media Mike said at 8:21 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    True.

  396. 396 TypicalDouche said at 8:20 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Say hello to the Cowturds second round pick Derrick Henry.

  397. 397 Media Mike said at 8:20 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Nice. I hope the take the window jumper in rd 1.

  398. 398 Koy: The Legend of Neckbeard said at 8:37 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    This seems unfair. Jacobs had a great career for a fourth rounder with nowhere near Derrick Henry’s pedigree (Heisman at Alabama > one good season at Southern Illinois). Henry doesn’t really suffer in comparison, does he?

    http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/8524/brandon-jacobs

  399. 399 MagSaysWHAAT? said at 8:10 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Slight change of pace for the hockey fans. The Oiler who blocked a hard shot with his “balls of steel” (Jimmy Kimmel’s phrase). posted a photo of hos protective cup. Even made me queasy.

    http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/matt-hendricks-blocks-a-shot-with-his-groin-thanks-protective-cup-manufacturer-post-game/

  400. 400 Media Mike said at 8:18 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    ouch

  401. 401 The original AG said at 9:17 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    that looks scary

  402. 402 Cafone said at 8:39 PM on January 25th, 2016:

    Can we trade Sanchez for Chase Daniel? The Chiefs will need a backup, right?

  403. 403 Mac said at 12:31 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    If by trade you mean cut, then yes.

  404. 404 Dude said at 3:37 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    I would trade 2016 Sanchez for 2016 Charlie Batch. No questions asked. And I would consider it a steal.

  405. 405 D3FB said at 10:04 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Can you trade a player for a UFA?

    No.

  406. 406 Insomniac said at 3:21 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    http://www.phillyvoice.com/lane-johnson-inside-frustrating-2015-eagles-season-hell/

    Ouch, Lane coming out with the locker room drama.

  407. 407 Media Mike said at 7:59 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    “After Atlanta, we knew turnovers and penalties killed us. It wasn’t the way we wanted to start.”

    Yet nothing was done to fix that, and the dropped passes, all year. 100% controllable elements that this team refused to control. Truly the most sickening part of the year.

  408. 408 A_T_G said at 8:34 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Actually, Lane said exactly the opposite:

    “The things we spoke about were turnovers and penalties – and I led the team in penalties. We beat ourselves. Turnovers were something we worked on. We still made them. As far as myself, my position coach (Jeff Stoutland) spoke to me about the penalties. He was definitely right.”

  409. 409 A_T_G said at 8:36 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Honestly, this is about as well done as possible. It comes across as honest, Lane only points a finger at himself, and he points out that people are piling on a bit after the fact. It seems very fair and very mature.

  410. 410 D3FB said at 10:18 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    While I don’t love that he’s talking publicly about the drama, I at least respect it because he’s putting his name on it and not doing it as bullshit anonymous source.

  411. 411 Insomniac said at 10:50 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    I was disturbed by the fact that Chip lost the locker room that early in the season but that explains a lot now.

  412. 412 Eagles News: Lane Johnson wants to spend his entire career in Philadelphia - said at 6:11 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    […] More on the Defense – Iggles BlitzFirst, that talk should give you a feel for just how much thought and work went into developing the Wide-9 front and package. It takes a lot of knowledge to come up with something like that and then to teach it the right way. I love the fact that Schwartz developed that package to deal with a division rival. That’s the NFL way. When you have to play someone twice a year and they are the best team in your division, you should make plans for them. The first step in trying to make the playoffs is winning your division. That’s a tangible goal that you control. […]

  413. 413 Fufina said at 7:03 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2016/1/26/10832280/eagles-rumors-fletcher-cox-lane-johnson-vinny-curry-contract-philadelphia-extension-howie-roseman

    working on extensions for Cox, Curry, Logan, Johnson and Jenkins = I am a happy man.

  414. 414 eagleyankfan said at 7:21 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Wow – that’s a lot of money for Ertz. I don’t know if that’s in line with other TE’s. Just seems like a bit much.

  415. 415 Anders said at 7:21 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Currently 4th highest, but will be around 7th highest in a few months and that is perfect in line with his production

  416. 416 eagleyankfan said at 7:28 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    That’s what I wonder about — “his production”. I’m a fan of his and hopes he improves. Last season I guess we throw out because of CK. As of today, he’s still only a part timer….

  417. 417 bill said at 8:08 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    I doubt Ertz’s contract has any effect on Cox’s. They were always going to need to back up the Brinks truck to get that one done. At least now, with the promise of an attacking 4-3 scheme, they won’t have to overcome the lack of recognition 2 gapping DEs face as well. Not that it means there will be a discount, but they don’t run the risk of losing him to “a better fit.”

  418. 418 Media Mike said at 8:11 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    This is the deal that you have to be ready to work with to discussing Cox.

    6 years / $95 mil

    http://overthecap.com/player/marcell-dareus/1830/

  419. 419 eagleyankfan said at 7:30 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    The Eagles passed over the likes of Martavis Bryant and John Brown to get him. — That’s re Huff. Still hurts to read that. As much of a fan I was of CK, his “blindness” for Oregon players was brutal. You’d think with someone of his scholar, he’d be able to address evaluation of players without bias.

  420. 420 Fufina said at 7:43 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Well Bryant was not on their board probably.. he is hugely talented but even a super stable good organisation like the Steelers is struggling to keep him on the right tracks. You know it is bad when Big Ben needs to call you out in the media. Supreme talent with lots of baggage.. i understand why we passed… giving him an extension will be super scary.

    John Brown hurts more but i suspect it was Chips height/weight/size needs for blocking WR’s that limited his status on our draft board.

  421. 421 Anders said at 7:48 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    John Brown is also 5-11 180 WR who played for Pittsburgh State (Division 2) and was a late 3rd round pick.

  422. 422 CrackSammich said at 10:55 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Let’s stop the John Brown handwringing like anyone on this board even mentioned his name before he blew up for Arizona.

  423. 423 Media Mike said at 7:57 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Not taking Brown was foolish, but Bryant has already been busted at least twice with drugs of abuse. He’s very close to missing a full year.

  424. 424 oreofestar said at 8:14 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Let’s not act like everyone here was talking about John Brown at that pick, many people here hardly knew him

  425. 425 CrackSammich said at 10:54 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Captain hindsight is here, everyone.

  426. 426 BreakinAnklez said at 7:58 AM on January 27th, 2016:

    Stop. Hardly anyone had even heard of John Brown.

  427. 427 RobNE said at 8:36 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    It’s really telling that most of us expect better production out of important players in new scheme: Ertz, Murray, Cox, Curry (!!). I remember Chip saying he won’t design his defense to fit the players, if he wants to run 3-4 so be it, but he took that to an extreme. And there was no big trade off, not like you can say well Curry didn’t have 15 sacks but look how great the defense was b/c everyone 2 gapped.

    I just think more and more he did not do a good job coaching. Then he made it even harder by doing a bad job GM’ing. I was one of his biggest fans but I’ve really come around on this.

  428. 428 ChoTime said at 8:54 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Well, Collinsworth’ll be happy that Ertz got re-upped. When he was calling our game this season, he was gushing about Ertz like he was Gronk or something.

  429. 429 bill said at 8:56 AM on January 26th, 2016:

    Wasn’t he raving about his blocking right as Ertz was whiffing big time? Or am I misremembering that?

    I do think Zach will be better utilized in a more traditional offense, but if they don’t fix the OL, he’s still going to need to block a lot better.

  430. 430 truehaynes said at 2:07 PM on January 26th, 2016:

    if we resign or fanchise bradford you can say goodbye to vinny curry, nolan carrol and walter thurmond. and thats including the release of cooper mufassa and the sanchize

  431. 431 MS said at 3:24 AM on January 27th, 2016:

    Did you crunch cap numbers? Or are you just assuming?