Back To Work

Posted: October 6th, 2016 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 108 Comments »

The bye week is history and the Eagles are focused on getting back into action, against the Lions this week. This game has a weird feel to it. Some think the Eagles will want revenge for last year’s game, a 45-14 beatdown. Some think Jim Schwartz will want revenge for the Lions firing of him following the 2013 season. Honestly, that all feels like ancient history.

I think this Eagles team will be focused on winning. Carson Wentz doesn’t care about last year. Nor does Rodney McLeod. Or DGB. Or Jalen Mills. The 2016 Eagles aren’t really an extension of last year’s team. Different players, coaches and schemes. The Eagles were 4-6 when they took on the Lions last year. This team is 3-0.

I do think Doug Pederson will have the challenge of keeping the Eagles focused. The team has gotten 2 weeks worth of praise. The players were on vacation last week and that meant traveling and doing non-football things. It is good for players and coaches to have some time away, but you hate for that to come when the team is playing at a high level and injuries aren’t a major factor.

The Eagles are rested and relaxed. We’ll have to see if they are ready to roll. Playing a 1-3 team on the road could be a trap game for a team coming off a huge win and a bye. I think a couple of factors work in the Eagles favor. First, Schwartz is an incredibly demanding coach. He will not let his defense sit around reading press clippings of their 3-0 start. Schwartz will talk to them about the mistakes that led to some long plays and extended drives.

The offense will benefit from the fact that there aren’t elite players. That means there will be 4 RBs all wanting touches. There will be 3 TEs all wanting the ball to come their way. There will be 4 WRs hoping Wentz looks for them on pass plays. Wentz is very driven himself so I don’t expect him to come out flat.

This isn’t to say the team won’t make mistakes or play a bad game, but I’m guessing it won’t be due to lack of focus.

*****

This could be an interesting matchup.

*****

Pederson had a PC today. The most interesting thing he had to say was that the team was considering going with rookie Halapoulivaati Vaitai at RT if Lane Johnson is suspended. The biggest reason for this is that it would allow the other 4 OL to stay in their current spots. Stability and continuity are crucial elements to good line play. If you can leave Allen Barbre at LG and only have to replace the RT, that is ideal.

I completely agree with that logic.

The question is whether Vaitai is ready for the job. He struggled mightily in the spring and Training Camp. I wasn’t impressed with him until the preseason finale. He wasn’t great in that game, but it was his best performance and he did finally show the potential that got the Eagles to spend a 5th round pick on him.

Vaitai has excellent size at 6-6, 315. He has good feet and is comfortable as a pass blocker. He’s more natural in a 2-point stance than he is getting down in the dirt and firing off the ball. Vaitai keeps his arms too close to his body for my taste. That lets defenders get to his body, which makes him vulnerable to a variety of moves. He has the potential to be a good run blocker, but needs work in that area.

Pederson said Vaitai has been practicing against the starting DL and that has brought out the best in him.

It would be easy to dismiss this as a highly questionable move, but the coaches have done terrific work this year with getting young or new players to improve their level of play. Wentz barely played in the preseason and he’s playing incredibly well. Wendell Smallwood didn’t see much action, but has looked really good so far. Jalen Mills was forced into action and has done a solid job. Kamu Grugier-Hill has only been with the team for a month, but he’s already become a key STs performer.

If the coaches feel it is worth taking a chance on Vaitai, I am interested to see what he can do. Pederson and his staff aren’t going to roll the dice randomly. They’ll only make this move if they think it can realistically work.

We still have to wait and see what happens with Lane Johnson’s situation. The arbitrator could dismiss his suspension or the league could offer a lesser suspension if they think he might win his case.

108 Comments on “Back To Work”

  1. 1 Back To Work - said at 12:49 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    […] Tommy Lawlor The bye week is history and the Eagles are focused on getting back into action, against the Lions […]

  2. 2 Anders said at 2:20 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    Regarding Big V, the Eagles can also help him out with all 3 TEs healthy and have Celek help block on that side.

  3. 3 FairOaks said at 5:27 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    Was Pederson here to learn how to *not* handle a rookie at tackle with the Winston Justice example?

  4. 4 Anders said at 6:00 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    No

  5. 5 D3FB said at 8:47 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    HC at Calvary Baptist High school. But he was Offensive Quality Control here in 2009 so I’m sure he’s well acquainted with it.

  6. 6 Media Mike said at 6:57 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    I really should have read down before posting what I just did. I agree with you 100%

  7. 7 BlindChow said at 10:07 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    Yes, but you called HPV by his correct name in your post.

  8. 8 Rambo said at 6:31 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    I figure this is the best place to ask this FF question. I have Agholor AND DGB but really need to drop one if possible. Who do you think will have more value for the rest of the season? Is it just a matter of time before Agholor breaks out (lol) or will DGB be catching td passes from Carson like we hope?

  9. 9 Anders said at 6:42 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    I put my faith in DGB over Agholor

  10. 10 eagleyankfan said at 3:41 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    you mean — your faith is with the guy who has 0 TD’s and about 1/2 of the yards of the other guy?

  11. 11 Gian GEAGLE said at 4:41 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Im extremely excited about a future with Jordan, Dorial, and Nelson all growing together with Carson, Ertz and Burton.
    .
    I expect Jordan Mathews to really have a monster season even tho we manage to spread the ball around. He should have a Big game against Detroit and Washington
    ..
    Im pretty excited about both Nelson and DGB.. I always thought all the Agholar hate was way too premature, and he still has plenty of time and talent to grow into a really nice starting Caliber WR who is just scratching the surface of what he can become, if we just learn to have some damn Patience with kids and start having some realistic expectations about the player development process usually taking some time… Not Every quality NFL player was lighting the league up in his first two seasons..
    ..
    as for DGB, skies the Limit, a Raw super talent who can become as great as he wants to be especially growing with an accurate yoûng QB Who has been a monster with his ball placement so far, and is not at all afraid to give his WRs a chance to make some big plays… The Development of DGB could turn a great offseason, into a LEGENDARY offseason especially when considered the slop we traded For such a Special yoûng talent Who has a chance to grow into a strong player in a few different important categories:
    1) Obviously, he has the talent/Size package to grow into one of the top jump ball Recievers in the game with Rare Ability to “Randy Moss” his way over a double team whether it’s down the field or a Redzone fade..

    2) size/Speed package to become a big play weapon down field. it’s not all about his size, he can also run by a lot of NFL corners with impressive speed.
    .
    3) he also has the talent to become a high caliber possession WR as he sharpens his understanding of route running and the nuances of the WR position. For example, using his big body to sheild a defender from the ball when we need to run a slant to convert on 3rd and 8, or the big 3rd and long dig route he converted for us last week
    .
    4) he has a chance to become a dangerous screen weapon, who can catch a short pass and turn it into a huge play with his speed, Physicality and ability to break tackles
    ,.
    5) obviously a lot of those skills are also applicable to becoming an effective red zone weapon
    ..
    I just think a lot of teams would love to have three young WRs of Jordan, Nelson, and DGB’s caliber,… When these kids get to years 4 and 5 of their careers after a year or two of continuity in this Scheme, playng with this young developing QB, I think they have a chance to become a top notch group
    ..
    Heck even Josh Huff looks like he has some potential to grow in this pro style offense, with professional coaches. Bob Bicknell shouldnt have a job in the NFL after his time in Philly, and it’s pretty Embarressing when Pederson already seems to have a much better understanding of how to use Huff, than Chip ever did even Tho he has known Huff since he was a high school kid. I don’t know how good our WR group will be this year, but im still very much excited about their future, and with our TE’s and RB’s causing a lot of trouble for defenses in the passing game, we can afford to be Patient with the development of our young WR talent

  12. 12 Brendan Ekstrom said at 7:46 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    Not sure how many teams are in your league but I’d think there have to be some wr’s with better up side than either of these guys. My main thinking with the Eagles is that there are too many average to good players on offense and no real elite players outside of possibly Matthews and Mathews and sproles. If those are the best players you can already see from their production that you’re in for a roller coaster of inconsistency with any eagle fantasy wise. Eagles just seem to want to spread the ball around too much.

  13. 13 Rambo said at 9:35 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    This is all very true. It’s a 12 team league w/ fairly deep benches so the best FA WR out there currently is Brian Quick if that helps lol!

  14. 14 MattE said at 12:56 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    no beuno lol

  15. 15 MattE said at 12:55 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Apples vs. Oranges

    DGB = TD Dependent
    Ags = Probably gonna be a chuck yardage type play

    …personally I take TD upside all-day

  16. 16 Media Mike said at 6:56 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    The other thing that would help HPV on the right side would be having Celek over there to chip block the DE on his way out in a pattern on pass plays. Peters can hold his own over on the left. Having Ertz back is also helpful; I’d like to see us in 2 TE more than 3 WR anyway.

  17. 17 Dave said at 7:38 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    Funny how that seems logical but then we all remember the Winston Justice debacle under Andy.

  18. 18 Corry said at 8:04 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    …is HPV really the nickname were going to roll with for Vaitai?

  19. 19 Media Mike said at 8:08 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    Yes. I don’t know who started that on here, but I like it.

  20. 20 Ark87 said at 8:35 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    Particularly if he makes a Winston Justice style debut

  21. 21 Cafone said at 9:35 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    Vaitai is easy to spell and easy to say. Maybe we should go with “Vaitai”.

    Of course like any real fan, I’ve been able to say “Halapoulivaati Vaitai” since the day of the draft.

  22. 22 Blackfoot said at 12:31 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    yeah really. is it that hard?

  23. 23 ChoTime said at 12:33 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Human Papilloma Virus. Very catching, I mean catchy.

  24. 24 A_T_G said at 1:33 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    We are taking back those letters.

  25. 25 Sean Stott said at 1:44 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Everybody on the team seems to call him Big V

  26. 26 Anders said at 3:54 AM on October 7th, 2016:

    Im not a fan, but thats because HPV for me is a disease that gives women cancer.

  27. 27 sonofdman said at 9:52 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    More FF questions for anyone who has an opinion:

    1) right now I have Sproles and Artis-Payne at running back this week (my top two are both on bye). L. Murray is out this week against San Diego. DeAndre Washington is not available but I could pick up Jalen Richard. Is that a better option than Sproles or Artis-Payne? Which two of those three would you suggest?

    2) there may be some bias here ( which I definitely have) but Stafford against the Eagles or Hoyer against the Colts?

  28. 28 Birds4Life said at 10:16 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    Sproles is tough to predict. He could go off like he did against Pitt or barely put up any fantasy points like he did the first 2 weeks. I might feel more comfortable with Payne and Richards. If the Eagles build a big lead, I would think they play Smallwood and Barner more.

    The Colts D is terrible, I think Hoyer puts up more points against that D than Stafford puts up against our D.

    Those are my opinions anyway, best of luck to you.

  29. 29 sonofdman said at 1:46 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Thanks!

  30. 30 A_T_G said at 1:49 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Agreed on the variability issue with Sproles. Of course, if you think your opponent is better than you and solid and consistent is going to lose, maybe roll the dice with Sproles.

  31. 31 The original AG said at 11:15 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    This is why we like Schwartz:

    https://twitter.com/Jeff_McLane/status/784042908940992512

  32. 32 ChoTime said at 12:33 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Dayum, I just was scanning through and thought of Lane. Maybe it was the “McLane” thing.

  33. 33 MattE said at 1:01 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    …in that respect this is probably why Schwartzy is better severed as a DC vs. a head coach gig lol

  34. 34 Anders said at 3:53 AM on October 7th, 2016:

    Imagine Schwartz as a HC in same division as Jim Harbaugh and back in days with Byddy Ryan?

  35. 35 TXEaglesFan said at 2:35 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Schwartz probably more PO’d then anybody. First year with organization and he vouched for the guy.

  36. 36 Sean Stott said at 2:42 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    lol it got bleeped out on the PE.com video

  37. 37 P_P_K said at 11:22 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    The Eagles match up so well against the Lions that if they come out with muscles flexed, they should soundly beat Detroit into a pulp. The only thing I can see going wrong, as Tommy mentions, is if the team has gotten fat and lazy during the bye, buying into their own hype. It’s up to the Coaches to keep the fire under everyone’s butts.

  38. 38 mksp said at 11:24 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    Yeah, I’m expecting a blowout.

    A loss would be crushing, you have to take the easy Ws on the schedule, particularly considering how tough the road gets during the 2nd half of the season (Hi Minnesota, GB, SEA, DAL x2, Cincy).

  39. 39 GermanEagle said at 11:53 AM on October 6th, 2016:

    And again and again and again:

    there are no gimmies in the NFL.

    Wouldn’t surprise me if Eagles lose this week. And Vegas sees it similarily.

  40. 40 Cafone said at 2:02 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Bet your childrens’ college education fund on the Eagles this week.

  41. 41 GermanEagle said at 2:50 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    You did? Thank you.

  42. 42 Dragon_Eagle said at 7:53 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    No

  43. 43 Gary Barnes said at 12:07 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    I expect a close game. DET is at home and desperate. If they fall to 1-4, their season is cooked. I doubt we play clean football for a 4th straight game; the odds are against it + we know a crazy call here or there can mess things up too.

    October is going to be a good test for our Eagles – DET, WSH, MN and DAL. There are few easy games in the NFL.

  44. 44 Mitchell said at 12:18 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    its nice to actually beat a playoff team soundly, its something we didnt really experience with Chip

  45. 45 ChoTime said at 12:32 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Damn guys. I’ve got a bad feeling about this game. It’s the expectations they’ve built up! You can hardly go up from what they’ve already done!

  46. 46 iceberg584 said at 12:41 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    I’ll gladly take a sloppy win…that’ll get us to 4-0 and prevent any complacency from setting in.

  47. 47 Mac said at 1:32 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    This would be a typical Andy Reid trap game. We’ll see if Doug can keep them focused.

  48. 48 iceberg584 said at 2:51 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Except for the fact that Reid was like 13-1 coming off the bye…

  49. 49 unhinged said at 12:42 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    My mind keeps going to the change of venue from Lions to Vikings. Off for a week, the Eagles could catch a pissed off, damn the torpedoes opponent and still beat ’em. Then you’re meeting a rested, SB contender who will be stoked to meet their toughest road opponent. The lack of adversity thus far may be ending soon.

  50. 50 HawaiianEagle said at 12:49 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    “The lack of adversity thus far may be ending soon.”

    Yeah, for the Vikings. A young and fired up Eagles team fresh off of road victories over Detroit and division rival Washington is eager to face a true test in an effort to silence those who say the Eagles are not for real.

  51. 51 unhinged said at 12:59 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    My bad. I was thinking the Eagles were facing Minnesota at home next week. Actually, Minnesota could end up not being undefeated when we meet them. Houston can yawn their way to that division title, but if they have any pride, after being scandalized by NE, they may bring their A game to Minnesota sunday and tell Sammy where to get off. Special teams and turnovers could decide that one.

  52. 52 ChoTime said at 1:04 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    I would really love to curb-stomp the Vikings and pitch a shutout. But wouldn’t you feel bad if the Eagles D-line ended Sammy’s season? Those matchstick legs…

  53. 53 Cafone said at 2:01 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    No, I want the Eagles to knock out the QB in every game. Unfortunately, they didn’t get Roethlisberger, so if they want to get to 16 on the season they are going to have to take out some backups too.

  54. 54 ATLeagle said at 3:25 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    im ok with the opposing quarterback trading no offensive touchdowns for the right to walk off the field.

  55. 55 Ankerstjernen said at 4:19 AM on October 7th, 2016:

    This is pretty much exactly what Eli did against the Vikings on monday night. And he will be doing it against us as well.

  56. 56 MattE said at 12:57 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Douggie P is a Andy Reid disciple…. which bodes well for coming out of the BYE WEEK

  57. 57 Gian GEAGLE said at 3:05 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    I would have liked to hear The media ask Doug what he learned from All of Andys success coming off the bye week..
    ..
    You can tell that the headcoach Pederson is rubbing off on his players. Listen to any Pederson press Confrence and you will hear the use of the word “tremendous” multiple times… And now we are starting to hear a lot of our players consistently using the word “tremendous” to describe a Job well done…
    ..
    Also starting to see that Fire and obsession with “Details” that Schwartz brings to the table starting to rub off on this defense. Notice how the defense is Not beating itself at all So far this year, and how their is an attacking style element we didn’t always see under chip
    …
    Love the job that HOWIE and the coaching staff have done up til now

  58. 58 MattE said at 12:57 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    only guy we gotta worry about is Jim-Bob Cooter, guy has the best name in the game

  59. 59 Blackfoot said at 1:26 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    any relation to the great ry cooder?

  60. 60 Blackfoot said at 6:00 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4KmbUCwkyE

  61. 61 A_T_G said at 1:36 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Hopefully Cooter doesn’t try and new and unexpected ways to take care of Cox this weekend.

    (Definitely the first time I have made that statement.)

  62. 62 MattE said at 1:43 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    so my roommate is a packers fan and he got a Clinton-Dix jersey and i got a Fletcher Cox jersey. We have tickets for the Nov 28th game vs the Packers…..we will see how many pictures of the phallic pairing will be “On-The-Line”.

  63. 63 A_T_G said at 1:47 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    I will be hoping for a picture with the Eagles head coach, DP.

  64. 64 MattE said at 1:57 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0ea876a8f6e075780f7581d752fcfdafc6fb208c5d5f44728978be8b96724319.png

    this may be the best combo ever though…..

  65. 65 Bert's Bells said at 2:10 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Especially not with HPV on the loose.

  66. 66 Blackfoot said at 12:59 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Carson Wentz can pick oranges from an apple tree and make the best lemonade youve ever tasted.

  67. 67 MattE said at 12:59 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    …..while spittin bars with Ice-T

  68. 68 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 1:41 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Its Lemonade!

  69. 69 Nick C said at 2:02 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Read the sign… Read it! Whats up with these people mannnn

  70. 70 Bert's Bells said at 2:09 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    I don’t know what that commercial is for (insurance I think? maybe?) but I laugh every time.

  71. 71 Gary Barnes said at 4:48 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Geico

  72. 72 Blackfoot said at 2:35 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Brett Favre can throw a football over 50 yards.
    Carson Wentz can throw Brett Favre even further.

  73. 73 Gian GEAGLE said at 2:53 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    If this was the chip kelly Eagles defense, I’d be worried about this Detroit matchup, specifically the Lions completing close to 50% on 3rd n Long which was always a serious problem while Chip was here…
    ..
    They have some Big play ability at outside WR, and they have some pass catching Runningbacks we would have struggled to cover in previous years
    .,
    Of course, the single most maddening/Dissapointment of the Chip era, was I could have never imagined that chip would use Darren Sproles so poorly… It doesn’t look like Sproles has lost his speed yet, and after his frustrating time under Chip, I Imagine that Sproles has been rejuvinated by the excitement playing with what looks to be a Phenom of a rookie QB, under a coaching staff that knows how to use him, and prioritizes making him a big part of the the weekly gameplans.
    ..
    Im sure Sprolesly still has a punt return TD or two left in the tank!
    …
    Say what you will about our WRs, but it’s becomingone pretty clear that our 3 TE’s, and pass catching Runningbacks are going to create a lot of problems for opposing defenses this year, but im probably way more excited than most about our stable of young, developing WR talent… I really hope to see Jordan, DGB and Nelson spend multiple seasons growing with Carson
    ..
    Still laughing at how ridiculous the offseason narrative was about the Eagles not having weapons and being the worst team in the division. Shows a blatant sigń of Ignorance and a sever lack of understanding what is really important when it comes to this game, when people think the team Who is the strongest on both sides of the trenches could possibly end up being the worst team in the division. That’s just ridiculous
    ..
    Wonder if the media has learned that being strong in the trenches is so much more important than who has the flashy weapons..
    ..
    Props to the few who went into this season feeling as tho we had a damn good Chance to win this division, even tho everyone in the media was claiming that we were so weak that we would finish last in this joke of a division..
    ..
    How anyone can Rave about the Giants weapons while they continue to trot that Joke of an OL on the field every week is about as laughable as it gets

  74. 74 The original AG said at 4:42 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    I’m hoping we can routinely get them in 3rd and longs. That video Tommy posted would have me thinking that Fletch/Bennie/Honey Beau-Beau would have some success collapsing the pocket and closing the running lanes.

    If they decide to double team up the middle, I have to think Graham/Curry/Barwin/MS2 will have some success off the edge.

    More importantly is how long our offense sustains drives. If our defense stays fresh, I like this matchup.

  75. 75 meteorologist said at 7:33 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Guess they are depending on Eli’s ability to throw tha ball away and not get called for intentional grounding

  76. 76 Gian GEAGLE said at 4:01 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Considering the fact that the Eagles have made Tobin the backüp Left Tackle to a 33yr old who has been banged up the last few years, I take it as a very positive sigń that Vaitai has already leapfrogged Tobin as a potential #3 Swing Tackle
    ..
    I think it’s also a positive sign that he is being considered even tho we know Barbie can move to RT, and we have a backup Guard who has started in the NFL the next 4 years and a 3rd round rookie Guard on the bench . So while it’s certainly not ideal to have to change two positions on the OL, we DO NOT HAVE to start Vaitai unless we really think he is ready for it… It’s not like we are hearing his name mentioned because there are no other options whatsoever.
    ..
    It has to be extremely valuable from a developmental standpoint to have a rookie RT going full strength against the starting Eagles DL that features one of the stronger DE rotations. As a scout team member, he has Vinny Curry, BG, Barwin, MS2 and Means going almòst full force aganst him every day since the season started. You HAVE to grow and develope when thrust into a situation like that. Im sure he is becoming a little more adapt to dealing with that level of competitipn with each week that passes.
    ..
    I also like that he came to us as a much better pass rusher, than what he has was a run blocker. obviously keeping Wentz Healthy trumps creating big holes for RB’s. I would be much more worried about him playing if he was a much better run blocker than pass protector… I’d rather deal with a loss because the RT couldn’t open enough holes for the RB, than to lose Wentz to an injury
    ,,
    Both Doug and Reicht claim that they have seen some promising steady growth from Vaitai, and Reicht says the coaching staff make a big deal out of developing the scout team players and the great opportunity they are presented with playing against the starters every day while starting OL are typically facing MS2, Means, Destiny and Beau Allen every day. Apparently Stoutland has closely monitored how much the kid has improved going up against our Big Dog Defensive ends, and that has been the main factor in why he is being considered to possibly replace Lane
    .
    The coaches praise him as a naturally pass blocker, but claim that they have really been impressed with the growth he is showing as a run blocker which was the weakness in his game….If Big V ismt ready to play as a rookie, It won’t be because he isn’t physically strong enough yet, which is what kept MS2 off the Feild until now. The Kid brings some size and natural power, and he will also play next to a road grader in Brooks who is getting stronger and more comfortable each week. With Big Daddy Brooks next to Big V, and one of the top run blocking TE in the NFL, we may sorround the kid with enough talent to make It work, especially since Doug has shown that he will help make the game easier for his young players… We are also seeing a coaching staff that is already getting some nice production out of a handful of rookies even tho it’s still so early in the season… Coaches sure seem to have done a nice job with Carson, Mills, Destiny Vaiao, and Smallwood, so i won’t rule out this staff getting Vaitai ready to play…
    …
    All I ask, that if the plan is to start him, his first game CAN NOT BE AGAINST the Vikings defense! Either start him a week earlier and let him get his feet wet against the skins before putting him on the field for what should be a huge game against the Vikings, or just wait TIL after we play the Vikings to move him into the lineup. Part of me thinks that starting him against the Lions minus Ziggy Ansah would be the perfect time, but this week is too important to play without Lane if we don’t have to. Not only is this a winnable matchup and a great chance to improve to 4-0, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to gain some seperation from the pack with all 3 division rivals being underdogs this week… A chance to win, while dallas, NY and skins lose is too important to play without Lane who has been nothing short of an Elite RT 3 weeks into the season…. Hopefully Lanes suspension will start after this Lions game and get reduced to 4-6 games, since it looks like we should have a chance to win this division Going into DECEMBER, so Im hoping he can be back by the first week of december

  77. 77 The original AG said at 4:32 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Long term this is a win-win if he pans out. He stays at RT, LJ moves to
    LT, and we then just need to figure out how to upgrade each position
    moving forward. It doesn’t become a huge need in the offseason, because the replacement for Peters is already here, and now you have a replacement for when LJ moves over.

  78. 78 anon said at 7:43 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Malcolm Jenkins spitting hot fire:

    “Donald Trump is a divisive name in a locker room,” Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins said Thursday, via Josh Paunil of PhillyMag.com. “A lot of guys will talk politics, but usually not about Trump. Those might get a little heated depending on who you’re talking to… There’s some hardcore Trump fans in this locker room …which is fine.”

    The presence of Trump fans arises in part from the impact of Republican economic policies on those who are kicking ass economically.

    “Usually, in this locker room, everybody’s in the top tax bracket,” Jenkins said. “The Republican Party is usually nice on the pockets. That’s probably the No. 1 reason. But personally, the rest of my family is not in this tax bracket, so I usually tend to vote for the majority of who my loved ones are.”

    Jenkins is troubled by his belief that Trump’s campaign reflects a lack of empathy.

    “If I were to bring up the reasons that I didn’t like Trump — he says borderline racist things and says crazy things about women — the argument is probably going to be some way to justify it as opposed to understanding the impact that has on a person of color,” Jenkins said.

  79. 79 A_T_G said at 8:14 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Every time this man speaks, I like him more. Not only does he remind me of why I liked watching the defense play, but he is able to speak in an intelligent, non-inflammatory way about a topic that few professionals have been.

  80. 80 anon said at 8:17 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    100% Agree – amazing(ly cheap) pickup for the team.

  81. 81 PacificPurl said at 8:34 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Yeah. Chip’s pickup. Reviled at the time because the usual people wanted someone splashy. Let’s not forget team favorite Sproles too.

  82. 82 HawaiianEagle said at 8:35 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Thanks, Chip. Get back to the sidelines…

  83. 83 Blackfoot said at 8:53 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    still on with this?
    so boring.
    you are sounding like a bird: chip, chip chip

  84. 84 Rambo said at 9:53 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    The block user feature is awesome. I never even see the stupidity anymore.

  85. 85 BlindChow said at 10:49 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Howie’s pickup. Chip wasn’t GM yet.

  86. 86 iceberg584 said at 8:19 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Yeah, when I saw the headline, I was nervous to even open the article. But he was able to make his point and simultaneously respect the differing opinions of others.

  87. 87 Ark87 said at 11:26 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    He’s a leader, a real one, he needs to take a bi-partisan team with a need to succeed as a team. He needs every one on his team and has a The government has 2 parties with a hard-line zero sum mentality, success as a whole is a lost concept. It’s pretty depressing. Need to find a way to incentivize successful governance. Like a million bucks per approval % point congress gets overall for each senator.

  88. 88 Julescat said at 8:39 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    usually one is asking for trouble when discussing the R.A.P.E. issues

    Religion
    Abortion
    Politics
    Economy

    Jenkins is a brave man

  89. 89 CrackSammich said at 9:48 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Wow, you use that acronym on a regular basis?

  90. 90 Sean Stott said at 10:47 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    The problem is that when you analyze Trump’s statements – all of them – he is always in the corner of Americans. He doesn’t care what race or religion you are as long as you’re American. Hillary just wants to divide us and pit white vs. black and it makes me sick to my stomach.

  91. 91 Ark87 said at 10:59 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Err, well I suppose if you argue that only like minded people are truly Americans, which he does, so I guess? In his head anyway.

  92. 92 Sean Stott said at 11:58 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    I don’t know about that. All that I know is I want to put the priorities of all Americans first, regardless of where you come from, your race, religion, political affiliation, anything.

  93. 93 Ark87 said at 12:09 AM on October 7th, 2016:

    I don’t doubt you and your intentions , but I grew up in the Tri-state area where he’s been doing so sleazy stuff for a long long time. He’s a confidence man whose been suckering fools for decades and he’s never once had our backs.

    Don’t get me wrong, Hillary is a ruthless lifetime politician of highly questionable moral fiber. I just can’t get behind anybody thinking of their candidate as a white Knight in this all-time depressing election.

  94. 94 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:05 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Arians, you better knock the snot out of that college coach.

  95. 95 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 8:37 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Rather AZ lose. They can rebound and make the playoffs. SF is no threat to us

  96. 96 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:39 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    That’s the logical choice. I’m just spiteful.

  97. 97 HawaiianEagle said at 8:50 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Attendance at Levi Stadium looks a few buttons short of 501…

  98. 98 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 8:51 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Serves them right for moving the Stadium out of the City. They might as well be the San Jose Niners now

  99. 99 Sean Stott said at 12:14 AM on October 7th, 2016:

    Wonder why New Jersey Giants never caught on…

  100. 100 Koy: The Legend of Neckbeard said at 8:57 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    The NFL is going after Fran Duffy’s twitter spots.

    http://deadspin.com/report-nfl-threatens-to-fine-teams-if-they-use-too-muc-1787509578

  101. 101 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 9:00 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Ridiculous. Anything the NFL can do to cancel fun

  102. 102 Anders said at 1:15 AM on October 7th, 2016:

    It seems it’s up to games and during games not during the week

  103. 103 RogerPodacter said at 9:19 AM on October 7th, 2016:

    sure would be nice if they provided an example or two of what they don’t like.
    Edit: wow, that kinda sounds really sarcastic. no sarcasm intended.

  104. 104 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 9:19 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    This game is getting painful

  105. 105 Rambo said at 11:18 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    That’s what she said!

  106. 106 A_T_G said at 10:11 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Watching the 49ers reminds me how much I like Doug Pederson. The Cards have scoring drives of 14 and 21 yards, and one of the TDs came after a 4th down penalty gave them new life.

    Fast and sloppy.

  107. 107 Rambo said at 10:04 AM on October 7th, 2016:

    That’s what she said!

    (Sorry, I’m 12 today)

  108. 108 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 11:26 PM on October 6th, 2016:

    Gabbert…