Carson is the Key

Posted: August 6th, 2017 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 114 Comments »

The Eagles, barring some strange developments, are not going to have good CBs this year. They might be fine in the future with a healthy Sidney Jones, a more experienced Rasul Douglas and a proven Jalen Mills. While that group could be good, 2017 is going to be a struggle at corner.

It is easy to focus on that. CB is a critical position in a league that is based on the passing game.

But CB isn’t the most important position. The Eagles had a pair of outstanding CBs from 1996-1999. Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor were a dynamic duo that did great things for the Eagles. And yet the team went 24-39-1 in that span. Why? Poor QB play. The best CBs in the world don’t do you much good when you have bad QB play.

The Eagles had both good CBs and a good QB starting in 2000 and they were a Super Bowl contender for years.

With Carson Wentz at the helm, the Eagles do have a good QB. Don’t ignore the CB situation, but also don’t lose sight of what is most important. Wentz had a terrific day of practice on Sunday and showed just how good he can be.

All those dimes on the field means…

If you want to forget about Patrick Robinson, focus on Carson Wentz.

*****

Let’s look at some highlights. 

https://twitter.com/PhiladelphiaPST/status/894294690350215168

https://twitter.com/PhillyFreck215/status/894274522173648898

There are some really impressive throws in those clips. Wentz has come a long way from last summer. Sure helps to have good targets, but don’t overlook how much better Wentz has gotten.

*****

Let’s check out a few practice notes. First is Fran Duffy, who has praise for Jalen Mills.

B. Agholor’s successes this summer have been well-documented, but I believe Jalen Mills’ play has been a bit undersold. I believe he’s been the best corner in attendance this summer. Mills plays with confidence and swagger, fans know that, but his route-recognition skills allow him to match receivers in man coverage and break on throws early in zone. The former LSU star showed off his ball skills in this drill, making what may have been the play of the day in any other practice, running step for step with Torrey Smith down the near sideline, staying hip-to-hip with the speedster while keeping his eyes on the ball. Mills climbed the ladder, attacking the football at its highest point, and came down with an outstanding interception right at the goal line in front of Smith.

Later, Mills made a great pass breakup on an in-breaking route where he read the play and broke on the football, playing through the upfield shoulder of the receiver to get the ball on the ground. On the final play of the drill, the previously mentioned miss to Agholor, Mills read the route perfectly and dove to try and disrupt the pass, creating just enough interference for Agholor to lose the ball on his way to the ground. That play was all on Mills, who posted multiple pass breakups in team drills as well later in practice.

No one is comparing Mills to Eric Allen, but the question is whether Mills can be an effective starter. He was up and down last year. Now he’s more experienced and should be in top shape, ready for the grind of the NFL. We’re going to find out if he is meant to start or is best suited to being a backup.

The ball is underthrown, but Mills makes a nice INT. Mills doesn’t have ideal speed so he is vulnerable to deep throws. The flip side of that is that not all QBs are good at deep throws. Mills was trailing by a step, but never gave up and made a good play on the ball.

Fran also had some love for Shelton Gibson. This is encouraging.

F. Speaking of rookie wideouts, I thought Shelton Gibson had his best day as an Eagle, going up and making a contested catch over a defender on the left side before winning on a comeback route in the same spot on the field, drawing rave applause from the fans on both occasions. Gibson has admittedly struggled thus far but has slowly improved, which is a good sign as the rookie makes the tough transition from his college offense at West Virginia to a much different beast of an NFL playbook.

Gibson has an uphill battle to make the team, but you love hearing that he had a good day. It is easy for a young player to get down on himself and stay in a bad place. Gibson has to show he can build on Sunday. For once, he can go to sleep with a smile on his face and look forward to the next practice. That can create some confidence and help him to play better.

*****

Jimmy Bama had info on some young guys.

• Bryce Treggs caught a ball with a little bit of space, then accelerated through two defenders who collided while trying to converge on him. There may not be room for Treggs on the roster, but he has had a very good camp.

Like Gibson, Treggs may have an uphill battle to make the team, but he’s got a shot. He also is auditioning for the other 31 teams. The Eagles do like his speed so that helps his cause.

• If the Eagles traded Mychal Kendricks today (I’m not saying that’s happening, to be clear), for what they ask their linebackers to do, I don’t think there’d be much of a dropoff (if at all) to rookie Nate Gerry, who is already better in coverage (Kendricks sets a low bar there) and competent in run defense.

I think Jimmy is being overly harsh on Kendricks, but it is an interesting observation. Jim Schwartz actually lauded Gerry while talking to the media. He said they were very pleased with what they had seen from Gerry so far. Schwartz also mentioned that Gerry had played his best during the tackling days. That’s interesting because the question about a S moving to LB usually involves whether he is physical enough. I’m now looking forward to seeing Gerry in action on Thursday.

*****

Good OL/DL stuff from Jeff McLane.

  1. Defensive tackle Tim Jernigan twisted Isaac Seumalo with a series of moves that ultimately forced the guard to grab his jersey during one-on-ones. Barnett, now on the left, tried his outside speed rush on Halapoulivaati Vaitai, but the tackle tossed him to the turf. The rookie end pulled out his spin move on his next rush, but Vaitai kept his hands inside and contained Vaitai. Long’s stutter-step move from the right had tackle Dillon Gordon beaten. Dallas Thomas drove rookie defensive tackle Elijah Qualls to the ground. Center Aaron Neary did essentially the same to Qualls.

Barnett spent a lot of practice at LDE. We’ll have to wait and see what to make of that. He played mainly RDE in college and has mostly practiced there. Still, Barnett did play both sides in college and has moved during practices. The Eagles could be looking at him as a LDE or simply cross-training him. They do like to move DL around.

Qualls is not having a strong summer. Let’s hope the games bring him alive.

*****

_

114 Comments on “Carson is the Key”

  1. 1 daveH said at 11:11 PM on August 6th, 2017:

    I do like Mike Vick’s comment to Kaepernick

  2. 2 CrackSammich said at 1:50 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    Vick doesn’t.

    “I think at the end of the day, what I said, I never should have said. I
    think it was taken out of context in what I was trying to convey, but
    you know I only want to help Kaepernick,” Vick said. “I’m not a general
    manager, I’m not the guy that makes the decision about getting him
    signed. And I’m truly sorry for what I said. I think I should have used a
    better choice of words. Obviously we know his afro has nothing to do
    with him being signed.”

    http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/07/michael-vick-colin-kaepernick-nfl-hair

  3. 3 daveH said at 7:51 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    Damn, didnt know that .. nice. Thanks

  4. 4 ChoTime said at 12:58 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Damn, Kap’s reply was hardcore.

    You know, I like Vick; I mean, he’s a likeable personality given everything. What he did was awful, but in terms of his actions since getting out of prison, you couldn’t ask for more. I have no idea if he’s just playing the game very well or if he’s genuinely contrite, but from an exterior perspective, you can’t ask for more.

    That being said, in another sense, he has made himself into that inoffensive, harmless, mild black man that white America likes so much. He has made himself so the conservative NFL fan can be comfortable with him.

    His success in his second act is due to both of these aspects:
    1. socially acceptable behavior, hard work, expressions of remorse
    2. adopting an identity for a black man that white folks can be comfortable with

  5. 5 Julescat said at 2:28 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Kap wears Castro shirt to after game interview in Miami.
    Miami’s fanbase includes Cubans who hate Castro
    Miami needs a QB and doesn’t sign Kap

    keep acting like a clown, Kap. You just lost another opportunity to get paid.

  6. 6 Stephen E. said at 2:50 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Vick has a professional, humble attitude, and has transformed from a liability to society to an asset.

    Malcolm Jenkins is also a modest professional who has simply chosen to be an outspoken activist.

    I, as an Official Cracker, am comfortable with both of these guys. I’m sure your cartoonish, bigoted peckerwood straw man is not really comfortable with either. And I’m really not comfortable with letting people make prejudiced statements on what white folks are supposedly comfortable with.

  7. 7 Guy Media said at 2:56 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    “I’m sure your cartoonish, bigoted peckerwood straw man is not really comfortable with either.”

    Have you been in the comments section of Philly.com and/or ESPN lately. Cho ain’t building a straw man, man.

  8. 8 ChoTime said at 4:05 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    If my statement isn’t about you, then it’s not about you.

  9. 9 Bert's Bells said at 6:43 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    I love this.

  10. 10 P_P_K said at 11:19 PM on August 6th, 2017:

    This was regarding Mills: “He was up and down last year. Now he’s more experienced and should be in top shape, ready for the grind of the NFL. We’re going to find out if he is meant to start or is best suited to being a backup.”
    It also applies to Wentz

  11. 11 Dude said at 12:36 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    Either way, I want him here. He really is a Philly-type player; play hard no matter what happened on the last play. The game vs Julio proved that. And he appears suited to handle the endless Philly scrutiny. I fully expect to see him in a press conference, rejecting questions from ESP with a finger way.

    He is the anti-Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. That’s a pretty cool thing to be.

  12. 12 Anders said at 2:45 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    I think Mills will surprise most people this year.

  13. 13 P_P_K said at 10:05 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    He’s got the potential.

  14. 14 P_P_K said at 10:04 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    I think what you write is true of both Mills and Wentz. And I’m with you, I want both guys here.

  15. 15 Bert's Bells said at 4:04 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    The hard nosed “Philly-type player” is a myth. The town mostly hates on grinders and goes ape for the superstars.

  16. 16 Dude said at 9:56 AM on August 8th, 2017:

    That’s just not true. Take Iverson, for example. Philadelphia loves him, then the “practice” rant happens and suddenly Iverson is a lazy, entitled locker room distraction.

    Or how about Lindros? Dude was a star, then gets his grape squished one too many times, and he’s the most hated man in the history of Philly hockey. If only we knew then what we know now, we’d probably still crap on him for wasting a draft pick.

    I’d say the “Philly-type player” label is even more clearly defined (maybe important) when looking at a player’s entire career. Cunningham and McNabb (and to a lesser extent, Vick) were some of the premier talents to ever play QB in Philadelphia, or even the NFL. But every single conversation about them has a big “what if” cloud hanging over it. Philly loved them at the time, but, well, there’s always a but when you’re talking about them.

    And the idea that “grinder” and “star” are mutually exclusive is faulty too. Pete Rose is the ultimate example there. Sproles is a terrific current example. Dude’s broken 1k rush/rec just once in his career, yet he’s top 10 in total yardage from scrimmage. I think Trent Cole falls into this category too because he won with motor and technique more than athleticism.

    Anyway, sorry for the rant.

  17. 17 ChoTime said at 12:44 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    Wow, so true. Clear-eyed.

  18. 18 eagleyankfan said at 8:10 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    and, the rest of the team..including the coach. Thinking we can count on 1 hand how many players who were(was?) “up” all season.

  19. 19 Duracell said at 8:09 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Wentz had his share of struggles last year, but he also showed that he could do things that maybe 3-4 other guys on the planet are capable of. He showed why he is an elite prospect. I’m hoping Jalen Mills pans out, but at best he showed flashes of being a competent starter last year.

  20. 20 Dude said at 12:40 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    Bravo, Tommy, for the shitload of dimes. I’m trying to quietly read while my wife sleeps and you lay that on me. Well done, sir.

  21. 21 CrackSammich said at 1:38 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    Counterpoint: on that Burton throw down the seam, both safeties would have lit him the fuck up if it weren’t friendly fire. Would he have held on? Celek would have. Matthews wouldn’t. I don’t know where on that continuum Burton lives.

  22. 22 DrGeniusPhD said at 3:26 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    I’m not sure how much experience will benefit Jalen Mills when he was a 4 year starter in the SEC. I’m pretty sure the barrier to Mills becoming a starter (on a team with decent CBs) is his physical ability.

  23. 23 Anders said at 3:31 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    Most guys coming out have 3-4 years experience. Pretty sure NFL experience matters consider the difference in the holding rules, PI etc.

  24. 24 ColorSgt said at 7:51 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    I think that’s why you don’t see many CBs dominate in their rookie year like other positions can. They might be solid, but it takes time to adjust to the NFL game speed and offensive looks most colleges don’t face/run.

  25. 25 Anders said at 7:59 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    and add in the illegal contact rule is totally different

  26. 26 DrGeniusPhD said at 10:07 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    My point is that four year starters for one of the best programs in the best conference in college football usually go before the seventh round if they have the physical ability to play in the NFL.

    Mills was able to come in and play at a higher level than most 7th round picks because of the high level of competition he played with and against in college. But I think you guys are kidding yourself if you think there’s some sort of hidden upside here that is going to reveal itself and Mills is going to become a respectable NFL starter at CB.

  27. 27 Stephen E. said at 2:52 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Because he is slower than optimal.

    Seriously, this is a question that was answered last season. He has to mitigate his marginal foot speed with superb agility and play recognition.

  28. 28 D3FB said at 4:13 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Mills would have been a fringe top 100 guy if not for his off field.

    I’m not the biggest Mills fan in the world but you could do worse for CB2.

    Long term I think he’s best as a CB3/S3 who is a real asset in terms of experienced depth.

  29. 29 Anders said at 2:31 AM on August 8th, 2017:

    Mills went in the 7th round because he has terrible straightline speed. That does not mean he cant overcome some of that and become a respectable NFL starter. Its not like we are hoping for pro bowl level, just good starter.

  30. 30 PacificPurl said at 4:30 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    Blazing Saddles. Still makes me ROFL.

  31. 31 Guy Media said at 7:07 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    “Mills doesn’t have ideal speed so he is vulnerable to deep throws.”

    Isn’t this why we employ safties? If you’re not wasting Jenkins in the slot, he or McLeod should be back there protecting against that. If Mills can be functional on everything but deep routes, that can be protected.

  32. 32 or____ said at 7:18 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    I generally agree, but not it’s not necessarily that simple. If the offense uses 4 wide, or even 3 in some case, and any deep route would need safety help, that could lead to relatively easy first down opportunities… Could leave the middle of the field open, etc…

  33. 33 Dave said at 8:45 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    As long as they slow the receiver down and don’t sidestep them like last year and let run free down the field. Mills and McKelvin looked more like matadors last year, not allowing the safety time to get over the top.

  34. 34 or____ said at 9:58 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    Hope you’re right.

  35. 35 Guy Media said at 1:44 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Yeah, there are a small minority of pass plays where that is the case. But by and large, deep completion = trash safety play.

  36. 36 xmbk said at 8:17 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    Absolutely. Wentz is far and away the key to the season, followed by injuries. CB may get the press (pun intended), but if everything else is clicking the team can go far.

  37. 37 Gary Barnes said at 9:01 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    Yes, QB is very important and Wentz’s development encouraging, but again the successful teams either have a very solid roster in all phases or they are truly elite on either O or D. The elite unit covers for the less productive other units.

    So it’s either be very balanced throughout the roster i.e. good in all phases or exceptional in 1-2 of the phases. I do not see our O or D being truly elite this year, but I think there is the possibility for us having a solid to good roster across the board.

    Wentz’s development will aid the O’s improvement just as the CBs should help the D. This also mandates that our ST stay at a high level while these other two units gain experience. It can be a tricky line to walk and, like all teams, we’ll need our share of luck too.

  38. 38 ChoTime said at 12:51 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    32 teams want to be the best team in the league. Your assets are your players and your coaches, and secondarily, your organization of them. The way I see it, we have a top 10 defense and what will probably be an average offense. We should probably be a weakish contender for a wild card or division title, and shouldn’t expect much more than one-and-done.

    But this isn’t a bad thing. Shore up CB, maybe find another piece on offense–and if Wentz develops into a good QB–we’ll be in a good position to continue to improve.

  39. 39 Gary Barnes said at 1:35 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    I agree one and done if we make the playoffs at all is most likely. I think the Top 10 D is hard to support with our current crop of CB and depth at S and LB. If Jenkins or Hicks or any of the CB go down, we are in real trouble. Average O I also think is selling them a bit short – I think with Wentz, the better WR and improved OL, we should be more potent and unpredictable. The RB concern me, but if Blount, Sproles and Smallwood stay healthy, we should be ok.

    I was also making the larger strategic point of how Roseman & Co. are going to build this team. Under Reid and now under Roseman, it has appeared we continue to pursue the “very balanced throughout the roster” approach. I think that works well for the regular season, but in the playoffs it does seem like the teams with elite units do better. Think of the 2000 Ravens, 2001 Rams, 2013 Seahawks, 2015 Broncos, 2007/11 Giants – those D and O carried those teams to victory. They had a clear team identity everyone helped develop and rally around.

    It would be fun again to have a dominant D in this town or a dominant O that hammered opponents consistently. I’m not saying the “balanced” approach is wrong, but do believe that a strong and clear team identity is important and the team confidence and chemistry it breeds can make the difference. Think of the 1974-6 Flyers or 1993 Phillies or 1983 76ers….they were not always the most talented etc., but they played their system very well and dared teams to beat them. That is the kind of Eagles team I want eventually.

  40. 40 since1961 said at 3:55 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Agreed, but part of getting dominant is hitting on, developing and/or acquiring true impact players. Pursuing a balanced approach fills in the cracks in the foundation until you luck into, or have the cap room to acquire, the impact players.

  41. 41 ChoTime said at 4:03 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    According to Football Outsiders’ DVOA, which I do put a lot of stock in, we were the #4 D last year. That defensive performance was with CBs no worse than what we have this year… and perhaps we have even upgraded our line. So we may already be a dominant defense, because of the front 7 (and good safety play) even with our awful CBs.

    I agree that specializing in something is the way to go. Since we have the talent on D, it makes sense to me to load up there. Unfortunately, the CB situation is probably what will prevent them from reaching the top. Missing time after time, as Howie has, can really ruin everything. Imagine if Reid had hit on more of those 1st rounders he kept swinging at!

    Football Outsiders had ranked our passing offense ranked #25. I expect Wentz to perform better this year, but how much? Is it reasonable to expect him to jump from bottom of the barrel to top? I would think his progress would be somewhat more gradual than that.

  42. 42 or____ said at 10:09 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    Don’t look now Media Mike/Guy… Kempski has a good article about how Gerry is impressing Schwartz with toughness in run support in addition to his coverage skills. Obviously no verdict yet (for at least a year or so) but you might have to start reaching for your bib — eating crow can get messy.

  43. 43 DrGeniusPhD said at 10:19 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    Just like Kempski to sink Kendrick’s trade value.

  44. 44 or____ said at 10:22 AM on August 7th, 2017:

    It don’t work like that.

    I did find it interesting however that Brandon Lee Gowton (in latest 53 roster projection) pinpointed two specific divisions for potential Kendricks trade partners…

  45. 45 Guy Media said at 1:42 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    There isn’t anybody capable of feeding me that meal, so you can wipe your own rear end with that bib and feed it to yourself. Let’s see Jerry cover people in game situations and not get blown up / run over playing against the run.

  46. 46 Ryan Rambo said at 12:10 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Eagles Training Camp Highlights: 8/6/17

    https://youtu.be/woteDLCF_LY

  47. 47 DJH said at 12:26 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    I think it’s interesting that for both practices open to fans, Wentz looked amazing. But in some of the team practices, especially in the RZ, he has been up/down. My thought is that in those team practices he and the WRs (possibly) are working on things—techniques—that they weren’t in the fan practices.

  48. 48 Bert's Bells said at 1:17 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Good point, they almost certainly use the open practices to work on different things than they do in the others.

  49. 49 James said at 12:50 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Not saying he would be our savior, but the Eric Rowe trade was so horrible. Should at least be Rowe and Mills competing on the outside. Another bad move by Howie despite his other mostly positive moves. Howie just cant hit CBs so I’m praying Joe get this going in the right direction.

  50. 50 or____ said at 1:14 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Apparently Jim Schwartz really disliked Rowe and wanted him off the team. Blaming Howie seems misguided to me.

  51. 51 Bert's Bells said at 1:16 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Right. Taking up a roster spot so the DC can make a player ride the bench doesn’t seem like good GMing.

  52. 52 or____ said at 1:22 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Right, but blaming GM of Philly team always seems like good Philly fan-ing.

  53. 53 Guy Media said at 1:41 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Is is warranted at times. Like with the Phillies not calling up players who are ready while keeping dead end players on the ball club. Or with the Flyers not moving certain players into the dumpster in favor of better/younger talent.

  54. 54 Bert's Bells said at 2:24 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    I understanding keeping guys like Hoskins and Crawford down for another year if the team really has a window in 4-6 seasons. If all these guys leave arbitration at the same time it’ll make it harder to add pieces in free agency.

  55. 55 Guy Media said at 2:35 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    ding ding ding ding ding……and they’re the worst team in baseball anyway, exactly what’s the harm in calling them up?

  56. 56 Bert's Bells said at 3:31 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Circling back to note that Nola is looking like a legit top-of-the-rotation guy. Huge piece if he keeps it up.

    Also that OF they got from the O’s is now my least favorite player. I want to see Odubel/Altherr/Williams not some guy who will be a bench player for some other club next year.

  57. 57 CrackSammich said at 6:32 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    With the Flyers, we’re not winning right now with or without the youngins. I think Hextall is correct to leave them in the minors for now so that they don’t get the hockey equivalent of David Carr syndrome.

  58. 58 ChoTime said at 2:55 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    And you’ll always be here to let us know what bad fans we are…

  59. 59 or____ said at 3:08 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    I’m just expressing opinions brah

  60. 60 or____ said at 4:48 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    You’re a bad fan for letting me know that I let you know when you’re being a bad fan. Thought I’d let you know.

  61. 61 A_T_G said at 3:32 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    It is easy to forget these are people with personalities and instead just view them as chess pieces that Howie manipulates.

  62. 62 RC5000 said at 1:31 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Dawk as CB coach today following practice

    Brian Dawkins, currently serving in a front office position with the Eagles, watched all of Monday’s practice from the sideline and afterwards put several of the cornerbacks through some coverage drills.

    (with video)

    http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2017/08/watch_brian_dawkins_coaching_up_eagles_cornerbacks.html#incart_river_mobile_index

  63. 63 Koy: The Legend of Neckbeard said at 1:36 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Maybe not a great sign that our retired safety working as a scout is now trying to fix our CB’s, a week into training camp…

  64. 64 RC5000 said at 1:39 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    I don’t think we need a “sign” to tell us that OTOH.

  65. 65 Koy: The Legend of Neckbeard said at 2:26 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Lol

  66. 66 Bert's Bells said at 4:06 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Ha!

    Dawkins has reportedly been keen on “moving around” the organization to see what he likes best.

    You probably knew that, but the joke was too hard to resist.

  67. 67 D3FB said at 4:07 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    It’s interesting because Ozzie did the same thing, and we’ve got Ozzie guys in the hierarchy now.

  68. 68 RC5000 said at 1:43 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    https://twitter.com/PFF/status/894608102745657344

  69. 69 scratcherk said at 1:43 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Good breakdown on Jeffrey

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwUua_l0fdc

  70. 70 scratcherk said at 1:45 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Off topic:

    Did my yearly song and dance with Direct TV. My deal was:

    $55 off a month (so i pay $60/month)
    Free Sunday ticket Max
    Free $200 gift card
    Free HBO/Showtime/Cinemax x 3 mo.

  71. 71 Guy Media said at 1:55 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Excellent work, but the lack of CSN for Sixers / Flyers / Phillies would make that a no-go for me.

  72. 72 Bert's Bells said at 2:21 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    I feel I’d pay extra to not watch the Phillies.

  73. 73 Guy Media said at 2:24 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    They’re TERRIBLE, but they’re the only game in town and the only baseball team that matters. Basically F everybody and everything in sports that isn’t Philly.

  74. 74 Bert's Bells said at 2:30 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    And F Arnold Johnson for moving the only winning team in town.

  75. 75 Guy Media said at 2:31 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Well, not only. The Warriors should still be in Philly as well!

  76. 76 peteike said at 6:39 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    ugh, you reminded me I have to play that game with comcast. I cant put it off, I think I have like a week left here for that next over priced bill

  77. 77 Rambler said at 7:06 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Nice. Was just about to call them and “cancel” my auto renewal of Sunday Ticket. Do you take it a step further and say you are quitting them completely?

  78. 78 scratcherk said at 3:02 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Sad that we missed out on the Gase Chase.

  79. 79 Guy Media said at 3:03 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Ha. My first choice was Hue Jackson, who is stuck having to play all of the players the owner wants on the field in Cleveland. I can’t wait until they stupidly draft, and play from day one, trashy run around non-QB Lamar Jackson next year because the owner wants him.

  80. 80 A_T_G said at 3:25 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    I think I actually kinda…
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/32f8918353c2542e8375e1d07ec49fe2b22daab2b1d20a1c3bee4e403829bdfb.jpg

  81. 81 Guy Media said at 3:26 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Excellent game!

  82. 82 SteveH said at 3:28 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    It’s a shame Doug isn’t more skilled at communicating with the media, he seems to have the respect of his players and does well in his natural coaching environment, but his awkwardness during pressers and things I think helps color peoples perception of him.

    What I like the most about Doug is his aggressiveness, especially on fourth down. An aggressive mindset is so important to this sport I think, and so many coaches are risk averse. Sometimes it won’t work, the conversion will fail, but playing the odds and the math says over time it’s the right choice.

    Time will tell. Could be Doug gets canned after a year or two, or maybe he’ll end up being a really strong leader for the team, IDK, but it would be hard to make the case that he’s been a disaster hiring, at least so far.

  83. 83 Guy Media said at 4:04 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    “What I like the most about Doug is his aggressiveness, especially on fourth down.”

    I like that as well, but he really needs to hit me up prior to making the play call when he decides to go for it.

  84. 84 SteveH said at 5:54 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Yeah that one QB run with Wentz against the Giants in particular was ugly, just very ugly. I’m not sure if it was a broken play or what but if that’s how it was drawn up it was the 2nd worst playcall of the year after the swing pass to Sproles against the Cowboys.

    I wasn’t happy with running at Snacks the second time we tried it… Snacks was a monster against the run last year, we needed to try and run away from it or have some kind of trap block just to slow him down.

    Still, overall I had little problem with the playcalling, with a few notable exceptions.

  85. 85 Guy Media said at 7:58 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    The main issue with those bad play calls might also have something to do with a very soft and limited center.

  86. 86 D3FB said at 4:05 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Dougs main objective as coach has always been to deliever us 2019 Carson Wentz in the following form:

    https://twitter.com/NotAnosss/status/894531707323502596

    He’s on pace so far

  87. 87 SteveH said at 5:52 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    If that’s what happens then fuck yeah, right?

  88. 88 scratcherk said at 3:37 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Dougie’s not as bad as people make him out to be and I dont mind him. But I think the job Gase is doing down in Miami is commendable

  89. 89 Guy Media said at 4:05 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    He’s just goofy / simple when it comes to pressers. I actually enjoy that he says stuff that he’s really not supposed to. I don’t see him as off-track on getting to his 2nd deal.

  90. 90 P_P_K said at 5:45 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    If the team does well, he’ll be seen as cordial, unpretentious, and an all ’round regular guy who knows hot to succeed in the NFL. If the team does poorly, he’ll be criticized as a simpleton and bumbling fool who doesn’t have the chops to win.

  91. 91 or____ said at 4:45 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Correction- WAS commendable – until he voluntarily obtained Jay Cutler…

  92. 92 peteike said at 6:28 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    apparently hes always liked Cutler. I live out in Denver and the radio guys were saying that he would often bring up how great Cutler was to work with when Gase was in Denver. Gotta assume he just thinks hes best option as a backup plan over whats out there

  93. 93 unhinged said at 7:01 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Cutler could surprise people I think. I am not predicting it or betting on it, but Devante Parker has got a wide radius and can make apex snags. Cutler can get the ball to a receiver faster than Tannehill. Plus as a backup, Cutler should not feel much pressure. Fan opinion is pretty low and he knows it, so he could give a few DB’s fits…possibly.

  94. 94 GermanEagle said at 5:29 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Geez Louise

    it’s easier to win the powerball lottery than finding a complete TV Schedule for the NFL pre season.

    Where – and more like how – can I watch the Eagles @ Packers this Thursday night?

  95. 95 Dave said at 6:51 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    If you want to spend money, NFL Game Pass streams the whole preseason.

    https://gamepass.nfl.com/packages?redirected=true

  96. 96 Dave said at 7:57 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    I forgot, Thursday night NFL games are being broadcast on Amazon video. I just saw a commercial that indicated this will include Thursday night preseason games.

  97. 97 GermanEagle said at 9:27 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Do you need to purchase Amazon prime for seeing those games?

  98. 98 Dave said at 9:44 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Yes, I believe so.

  99. 99 SteveH said at 5:55 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Wow, all kinds of rumors swirling now after Cris Carter talks leaks about the Zeke suspension. It’s starting to sound really bad, muiltiple instances of violence over a week long period, potential 4 game suspension…

    If the NFL was able to dig up this kind of dirt they better crucify the police department that decided to drop the investigation.

  100. 100 CrackSammich said at 6:24 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    “Multiple instances of violence over a week long period”
    “Potential 4 game suspension”

    Lol. What a stupid system Goodell is running.

  101. 101 SteveH said at 6:53 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Very, but hey they’re doing more than the police are. He also appears to have punched a DJ in his face and broke his nose recently and the police did fuck all to investigate that as well.

  102. 102 Guy Media said at 7:57 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    If the police department was Columbus, Ohio I’m not at all shocked.

  103. 103 Someguy77 said at 7:11 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    http://dailysnark.com/jets-qb-christian-hackenberg-kicked-practice-not-knowing-break-huddle-correctly/

    My favorites training camp story so far. Almost Onion-like.

  104. 104 CrackSammich said at 7:36 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Between him and Goff, it definitely makes me feel better about Wentz.

  105. 105 Someguy77 said at 7:25 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Cutler’s line today during his press conference about it is a good thing he doesn’t need to be in good shape because he plays QB was great too. Cutler would have had an all time press conference if he had a bucket of KFC and was just eating throughout the conference.

    There is probably some kernel of truth to it but why did the Dolphins sign a guy for $10M who his teammates will dislike and is not better than Moore?

  106. 106 daveH said at 8:12 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    KFC wudve loved that weirdness. . Burger King prolly not so much. . Him woofin down some KFC indeed wudve been all time.
    TY for that visual image.

  107. 107 Someguy77 said at 11:04 AM on August 8th, 2017:

    Yes they would and Cutler could cash in on another million advertising deal with KFC including trying to sneak it on to the sidelines.

    He could have starting drinking a sugary alcoholic mixed cocktail during the press conference too. Cutler was reported to do that a lot in Chicago even after he was formerly diagnosed with diabetes in 2008.

    Gase knows him really well and got an okay performance out of in Chicago. Just don’t see the upside on bringing him on board over starting Moore.

  108. 108 phillyrich50 said at 8:36 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    When the Eagles cut their starting corners from last season– what did they expect? Trevard Lindley to make a big comeback? They haven’t put a priority on veteran replacements. I hope Sidney Jones is good in “hop…hop” coverage. He may yet play this season.

  109. 109 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:56 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    8 PM Thursday can’t get here fast enough. F***!

  110. 110 CrackSammich said at 10:42 PM on August 7th, 2017:

    Didn’t see it posted here yet, but Marcus Smith got released by the Seahawks already.

  111. 111 GermanEagle said at 6:38 AM on August 8th, 2017:

    Maybe he thought their training camp was only voluntary…

  112. 112 or____ said at 6:41 AM on August 8th, 2017:

    You sure about that?

  113. 113 Someguy77 said at 11:09 AM on August 8th, 2017:

    He has to be a Top 3 Eagles all-time draft bust. Jonathan Harris is No 1.

    Mamula doesn’t even make my Top 5.

  114. 114 FairOaks said at 9:24 PM on August 8th, 2017:

    Like you say, it depends on how far you go back. Mamula shouldn’t be near the top 10. But far enough back, Smith probably doesn’t crack the top 10. And there are worse than Jon Harris.

    There were some excruciating drafts under Rich Kotite and Marion Campbell. Ray Rhodes (the three years he had control, 1995-1997) was not all that good either, though he did get some good players in later rounds.

    Antone Davis cost us two first round draft picks (used a future first to trade up). That basically destroyed two years of drafts (1991 and 1992), other than picking up William Thomas and Andy Harmon in the later rounds that first year. In 1994 they drafted Bernard Williams in the first round to replace him, who turned into another bust. 1996 they drafted Jermaine Mayberry to replace *him*, and that didn’t work either. Mayberry was a bust at tackle, but ended up being a very good guard for a number of years after they finally drafted a good tackle in Tra Thomas in 1998. Seemed like they spent the whole decade trying to fix the offensive line, which didn’t happen until Thomas and Runyan. For that matter, they spent a lot of the 1980s trying to do the same thing.