Eagles Add Ajayi

Posted: October 31st, 2017 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 187 Comments »

The Eagles made a deal on Tuesday.

I like it.

The Eagles ground game was good, but needed to be better. Ajayi is the type of runner the team needed, someone with a good combination of power and speed. Blount is powerful, but slow. Ajayi can give you more explosive runs than him.

There are risks involved. First, chemistry. The Eagles have been a very tight team this year, with seemingly every player on the roster contributing in some way. Any time you bring in an outsider, there is a risk of affecting the chemistry in the locker room.

Adding Ajayi to the RB group makes the team better, but he will affect the roster and how the RBs are used. You can bet the coaches will talk to the players to try to smooth things over and to keep everyone happy. The team is winning and that generally goes a long way to keeping smiles on everyone’s face. Still, we can’t be naive and say we know things will be all hunky dory.

Ajayi is a good player. Teams don’t let go of good players unless there are some less than ideal reasons. Coach Adam Gase was not happy with Ajayi, on or off the field. It sounds like he didn’t like his running style (going for too many home run plays) and wasn’t thrilled with his attitude and work ethic off the field. One writer in Miami said Ajayi would complain about his number of carries even after a win.

The Eagles know that Ajayi is available for a reason. They are comfortable with the risk, likely based on the fact the Eagles have such a tight locker room and such strong player leadership. Miami has been a dysfunctional organization for a while.

Ajayi is young (24) and cheap. He’s on his rookie deal, with a year left on that. You do hate giving up a 4th round pick, but that was going to be a pick at the bottom of the round so that takes some of the sting away. And you do have to roll the dice a little. This team is playing beyond our expectations. You would hate to get to the postseason only to be held back by a struggling running game because you didn’t want to pony up a late 4th in October.

I like Ajayi because I like physical runners. They tend to succeed in the postseason. Blount isn’t a guy I want getting 20 touches on a regular basis and I don’t trust Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement right now in more of a heavy role. Ajayi is also a better pass blocker than the other RBs. Don’t overlook the importance of that with the way teams have been blitzing the Eagles recently.

While there is some risk, I like the move.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/925402400889774080

We know the Eagles are a more talented team after adding Ajayi.

Time will tell if the Eagles are a better team.

_


187 Comments on “Eagles Add Ajayi”

  1. 1 Someguy77 said at 2:25 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Eagles can take some time to integrate Ajayi this week too and let him have 2 full weeks to digest more of the playbook before using him in a more extensive role vs Cowboys.

    This also addresses RB for next year since I doubt they resign Blount or Sproles this offseason.

    Maybe Pumphrey has some value but I kind of doubt it. See him as just a reach who was a mistake.

  2. 2 Charlie Kelly said at 2:37 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    i can still see sproles being resigned.. if he doesnt retire

  3. 3 TO BLACKS said at 3:00 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Sproles is done.

  4. 4 Tumtum said at 2:32 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Best Halloween ever.

  5. 5 DanJ3645 said at 2:33 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Big challenge for Pederson, Duce and Wentz to get him to behave himself?

  6. 6 Masked Man said at 2:56 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Nah… He’ll be a good boy or Blount will punch him out.

  7. 7 Benny6968 said at 11:16 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Pretty sure a guy named “Duce” will keep Ajayi in check.
    I think he will teach Ajayi to become a better player and perhaps a better man.
    Any way you want to analyze this trade, it was a low risk high reward deal and the Eagles are obtaining a proven talent.
    IMO he’s a significant upgrade.

  8. 8 Someguy77 said at 2:33 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Something to keep in mind about Ajayi trade: Dolphins don’t believe he has much left in his knees. Longer-term play. Something to watch for.— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) October 31, 2017

  9. 9 Tumtum said at 2:35 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    This morning good ole Vinny Cerato said on Baltimore radio that he hears Gase is a guy who once he goes sour on a player there is never a chance to change his mind. Sure his knees could be poop, but I won’t put too much stock in it yet.

    They said Trotter’s knees were crap for his whole career.

  10. 10 Someguy77 said at 2:37 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Doesn’t even really matter that much too.

    Eagles can take a ‘prove it’ stance next year with Ajayi if he wants to get paid in 2019.

  11. 11 Dave said at 2:43 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Gase seems a lot like Schwartz. They both want their players to reflect their own personalities and conform to their system.

    I’ve read lots this morning that Ajayi like to run outside zone reads while Gase’s offense is based on inside zone reads.

    Pederson seems like the anti-Gase in that he tries to get the most out of a player and will adapt to their strengths, e.g., the Mathews trade and placing Ags in the slot, or adding plays from Wentz’s college playbook.

  12. 12 Guy Media said at 3:41 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Armando from ESPN verified that on his trade story as well.

  13. 13 Buge Halls said at 3:15 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Funny how there wasn’t a word spoken about his knees by anybody until the trade went down. Seems to me like Miami is blowing smoke trying to cover up how badly Howie robbed them in this deal!

  14. 14 or____ said at 3:27 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Uh, there was plenty of talk about his knees before the trade went down…. let’s be honest.

  15. 15 Guy Media said at 3:41 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    correct!

  16. 16 Guy Media said at 3:42 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Darlington didn’t like being called out on being a plant for pro-Dolphins spin.

  17. 17 Sean E said at 4:56 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    People act like you acquire players for life. Unless his knees explode within a couple of years, it’s a moot point.

  18. 18 T_S_O_P said at 2:36 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Crazy times. Do you think Howie has to deal, like it’s an addiction? Not bashing the move, nor his style, it’s just always happening. Not too happy that he’s a Goooooooooooner (aka an Arsenal fan).

  19. 19 Crus57 said at 2:38 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    If he’s an Arsenal fan he’s suffering enough as it is currently, all the more reason for him to buy in to the Eagles culture so he can taste some real success.

  20. 20 D3FB said at 11:18 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Next year:

    For we’re the famous Eagles and we’re going to Wembley
    WEEEEM-BBBBEEE-LEEEEEYYYY

    WEEEEM-BBBBEEE-LEEEEEYYYY

    For we’re the famous Eagles and we’re going to Wembley

  21. 21 Benny6968 said at 11:24 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I love the fact that we possess an active GM that has learned from his mistakes and wants to make up for them.

    Let’s face it, the Eagles roster that Chip Kelly left him with had some talent but Howie was able to identify the weak links and upgraded them across the board.
    What he did to get Wentz in the draft was even more astonishing.
    I don’t get any of the Howie hate.
    As far as I am concerned Howie been managing this team better than anyone ever has.

  22. 22 Tumtum said at 2:39 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Speaking of Smallwood, I was meaning to check his box score when I was going to make a post complaining that our run game has been bad the last 2 weeks. Well this trade happened before I could do it. He had 1 run. So either he isn’t right or the coaches really don’t like him.

    I lean toward the latter due to the trade, or he really, really isn’t right. I admit I am bias because I have never liked him.

  23. 23 Masked Man said at 2:46 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I think Smallwood is hurt. But he has never consistently produced. I think he is the odd man out. I don’t believe Doug will dress 5 RBs every week.

    Ajayi, Blount, Clement, Barner is a nice rotation where everybody has a role and a strength.

    Everybody above can do something Smallwood does as well or better than Smallwood.

  24. 24 Jernst said at 4:31 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Smallwoods a pretty decent pass blocker and probably the best pass catcher of the group, but certainly not so compelling at either of those to pound the table for him over Clement.

  25. 25 Sean E said at 4:54 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Someone posted a stat saying he is the worst RB in the league at pass blocking, worse than Blount

  26. 26 Charlie Kelly said at 2:39 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Def like the move, never thought of it as a possibility

    going into the year during our FF draft he was a guy i was trying to get, glad i missed out on him though, he hasnt produced like last season

  27. 27 Dragon_Eagle said at 2:47 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7a9890a43d787442219c51d93d15db8e7546bddaf3b565c6d4e1baa433e9dd15.jpg

  28. 28 Masked Man said at 4:24 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Haha. Why is Fletcher looking at people and thinking crazy stuff??

  29. 29 Masked Man said at 2:53 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    “I like Ajayi because I like physical runners. They tend to succeed in
    the postseason. Blount isn’t a guy I want getting 20 touches on a
    regular basis and I don’t trust Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement
    right now in more of a heavy role. Ajayi is also a better pass blocker
    than the other RBs. Don’t overlook the importance of that with the way
    teams have been blitzing the Eagles recently.”

    Jimmy Kempski has a link to a highlight video of Ajayi under 4 minutes of viewing. He looks like a young Marshawn Lynch when he rushes…

    Can beat the linebackers to the edge and turn the corner. Can run the cut back. Can bang it up between the tackles. Breaks free for extra yardage. Combines power and speed. He’s a great looking back.

    Blount and Ajayi rushing it together will put a lot of pressure on defenses to bring safeties up. Ertz and Agholor will have more open space.

    And deep threat receivers like Smith or Hollins will have to deal with less safety coverage over the top. Who is the second safety going to cover? Jeffery on the outside or Hollins or Smith going deep?

  30. 30 TO BLACKS said at 3:00 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    JAY HAS BAD KNEES AND IS A CANCER IN THE LOCKER ROOM.

  31. 31 laeagle said at 3:08 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    As I said yesterday, it was going to be a left field move. This one was WAAAAY out of left field, more so than even I expected. I expected more of a low risk, medium reward depth signing. This is better than that.

  32. 32 Masked Man said at 3:15 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Calvin Johnson? Frank Gore? Haha.

  33. 33 xeynon said at 3:12 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I like Ajayi as a player, but I don’t really like the idea of a guy who bitches about touches even after a win. Hopefully that is competitive fire and not a prima donna attitude, and can be channeled on a winning team.

  34. 34 Insomniac said at 3:13 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Doug will be like “earn it punk” but in a more subtle friendly way. If he doesn’t work out then Howie would probably just look at his contract and laugh at how expendable he’ll be.

  35. 35 nicolajNN said at 3:36 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    While I’m slightly worries about why Miami would give him away for a 4th, I’m certain that part of what we’re hearing now is coming out of there, trying to justify it, and shouldn’t be taken as facts

    Remember when we traded Shady, or released DeSean?

  36. 36 Dragon_Eagle said at 9:10 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    While I’m not certain about that, you make a good point.

  37. 37 Someguy77 said at 4:28 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    That’s the only issue I see.

    Ajayi isn’t going to get 20+ carries a game consistently and likely is going to be in the 15-17 range splitting time with Blount.

  38. 38 Sean E said at 4:52 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    this year

  39. 39 or____ said at 7:46 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Paging Coach Staley

  40. 40 Benny6968 said at 11:31 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    You hit the nail on the head.
    Duce is going to challenge Ajayi to earn more carries.
    I doubt he will be a problem with Duce leading the RB’s.

  41. 41 GermanEagle said at 3:13 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    WHEREs our ‘Wilder Tuesday’ title?!

    What a f+++ liberty! 😉

  42. 42 Insomniac said at 3:15 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    We need a new nickname for our stable of RBs. Something about injuries and bad knees might fit.

  43. 43 Masked Man said at 3:15 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    FEAR THE DREADS

  44. 44 or____ said at 3:24 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Rolling (J and Blount) Thunder?

    Or Thunder Thighs?

  45. 45 Masked Man said at 3:36 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Haha, Ground Round Offense?

  46. 46 Julescat said at 3:43 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    the new dream team

  47. 47 Stephen E. said at 4:24 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Flying J and Blount Force Trauma.

    Suddenly, I’m hungry for truck stop diner pancakes.

  48. 48 GermanEagle said at 3:16 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I wish I still had time on my hands to play Madden…

  49. 49 kajomo said at 3:42 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    You could spend less time at the bar….nah just kidding

  50. 50 GermanEagle said at 3:45 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    WHat?! N. Eva

  51. 51 Buge Halls said at 3:18 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I liked the quote by somebody else about how he likes the outside runs – seems like Pederson likes that play as well (most of the runs are to the outside). Perfect match! Hopefully!

  52. 52 ProbablyDrunk said at 3:25 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Vaitai is a starting-caliber LT when it comes to strictly pass blocking so far. I rally hope he can prove himself in the run game so we can continue setting the edge

  53. 53 CTbirdsguy said at 3:27 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    What would a typical game look like from now on? Ajayi for 12-15 carries, Blount for 5-10? It feels like Blount in small doses is pretty ineffective, and this would not be taking full advantage of Ajayi’s talent. But then how does Blount stay involved?

  54. 54 or____ said at 3:28 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Something like this:

    w

    or

    W

    or

    Win

  55. 55 Masked Man said at 3:38 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    At least 18 rushes for Ajayi.
    About 12 rushes for Blount.
    That’s 30 on the ground.
    That’s pounding the rock pretty good for Dougie.

  56. 56 Jernst said at 4:26 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    We’ve been averaging 29 rushes per game so that’s probably not far off. I’d be totally fine if we didn’t give anymore carries to Clement and Barner (and to a lesser extent Smallwood). Not that they’re terrible or anything but Ajayi and Blount are both clearly more talented than any of the others.

  57. 57 A_T_G said at 3:37 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    You know what?! I leave you guys alone for one day to hike around Hawk Mountain with a bunch of 6th graders and this is what I cane home to?

  58. 58 Masked Man said at 3:48 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Hahaha.

  59. 59 Guy Media said at 3:50 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    What was the sightings list?

  60. 60 A_T_G said at 3:58 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Not a lot, too windy, but we saw a sharp shined and red tail hawk, some vultures, and the highlight was a mature bald eagle 30′ off the ridge on the north side where he was really easy to see. Best look at one I’ve ever had there.

  61. 61 Guy Media said at 3:58 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Good stuff. Even a slow day there is great for the views.

  62. 62 GermanEagle said at 3:51 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    So why don’t you hike around with 6th graders while I am watching my daughters at soccer training. You know the recipe for SB success?!

  63. 63 lonfident said at 5:15 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I haven’t been there for ages. Really nice place.

  64. 64 Mac said at 3:48 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Pain Train here we come.

    Our running backs will bring pain to someone, (Wentz with poor blocking) (themselves with knee injuries) (the other team with a hard hitting running style)

  65. 65 Masked Man said at 3:56 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Check out Ajayi’s top 10 2016 rushes courtesy of Jimmy Kempski.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv9Nnqoj9t8

  66. 66 or____ said at 4:06 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    On #2 – only guy that saves the touchdown – it would have been a 90+ yard TD – is some guy named Ronald Darby.

  67. 67 Masked Man said at 4:20 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Fastest man on the field!

  68. 68 FairOaks said at 6:19 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Of those 10, 7 were from under center, with 3 running out of the shotgun. But none of the top 5 were from shotgun.

    Still, he has run out of shotgun a fair bit.

  69. 69 A_T_G said at 4:07 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    A lot of the comments make him sound like Jerome Bettis. I don’t see that (from a very small sample). I see a guy a few notches over from Shady on the power vs shifty continuum, but not all the way over at battering ram. He also looks to have the Shady trait of more quick than fast, in that he gets caught from behind.

  70. 70 or____ said at 4:08 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I actually see Kareem Hunt. Good balance.

  71. 71 Masked Man said at 4:19 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    To me he reminds of a young Marshawn Lynch. The dreads. The shifty feet. The combination of acceleration and power.

  72. 72 BlindChow said at 4:53 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    He also does a really weird arm wavy thing while he’s running, like his guy just keeps hitting the stiff-arm button in Madden.

  73. 73 A_T_G said at 5:21 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Great visual imagery.

  74. 74 unhinged said at 6:44 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I think it’s part of his aggressiveness. If you’re approaching from the side or front you’re going to be stiff-armed or pushed, unless it’s head-on in which case you’ll get a shoulder. If you’re going from his blindside to try and cause a fumble, you may well get a hatchet-arm. The guy runs a tad angry.

  75. 75 or____ said at 4:21 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Wow, #36 for Ajayi, Westbrook sacrelige…. don’t know how I feel about that

  76. 76 Masked Man said at 4:22 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Last Eagles RB to start a Super Bowl wore #36 so maybe it’s an omen.

  77. 77 Dragon_Eagle said at 9:14 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    No. No. No.

  78. 78 Ryan Rambo said at 4:22 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Wow!!

    Bills acquired WR Kelvin Benjamin from the Panthers

  79. 79 Sb2bowl said at 4:31 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Just saw it- haven’t seen the details yet, but that’s shocking

  80. 80 A_T_G said at 4:39 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    A 3rd and a 7th rounder.

  81. 81 Jernst said at 5:39 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Why on Earth would Carolina make that trade?

  82. 82 Dragon_Eagle said at 9:14 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Have you seen Kelvin’s beer belly?

  83. 83 Someguy77 said at 4:23 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Les Bowen talked on Monday on CSN about how Wentz continues to take his share of hits and highlighted a few plays on Monday.

    Added that Vaitai played pretty well providing pass protection and the only sack he allowed was due to Wentz holding the ball too long. Just got flagged for the one holding penalty.

    Bowen said the real issue in pass protection has been blitz pickup by the RB all year (and Wentz holding on it to it). Blount struggles with it and Smallwood has been terrible including highlighting 2 plays where Smallwood screwed up his assignment on Sunday.

    Added how Brady won’t play with a RB who can’t pick up the blitz and it was an issue at times last year when they used Blount.

    Given the Ajayi pickup and Smallwood’s reduced role already on Sunday, I doubt we are going to see much of Smallwood at all the rest of the year. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if he gets deactivated since he isn’t a special teams contributor.

  84. 84 anon said at 10:31 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    String words Tony loves Smallwood

  85. 85 Mr. Magee said at 4:38 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    This has probably already been discussed on here, but Tommy seems to think JA (vs AJ, lol) is good in pass pro… Anyone here find any corroborating or contradictory evidence? It’s gonna be key in terms of overall performance.

  86. 86 Dave said at 5:09 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Adam Caplan said on Twitter that Ajayi is a good pass blocker.

  87. 87 FairOaks said at 5:33 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I think someone posted some grades on that (PFF?) in the previous thread. He was something like 19 out of 44 runners. But our other backs are far, far worse.

    That’s actually the biggest reason to make the trade, I think. We didn’t have a guy back there who could survive in pass protection very much, which makes it hard to disguise the play.

  88. 88 xmbk said at 6:37 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    PFF is useless.

  89. 89 A_T_G said at 4:42 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    And to make sure we are all on the same page, Uh-JIE-ee, right?

  90. 90 or____ said at 4:44 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    This is the town where people speak as though Agholor the first letter in the word is the last vowel – AgoLAR is how most say it…

  91. 91 A_T_G said at 4:47 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I secretly say AG-hole-er in my head because that is how I remember how to spell it.

  92. 92 or____ said at 5:02 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I remember a detailed video when he was drafted of Nelson himself saying it aloud, with linguistic technical notation included below – Ag ho lore

  93. 93 Sean E said at 4:48 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Aww man don’t get me going on the Philly accent. Mike Mayock (and probably 90% of the commentariat here) still call it R-uh-gin instead of Or-uh-gin

  94. 94 Ark87 said at 5:41 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I pronounce the whole name like something that a fox might say.

  95. 95 Someguy77 said at 4:55 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Maybe Hollins turns out to be a good player but the last time the Eagles drafted a meaningful long-term contributor in the 4th round was Avant in 2006 and Herremans in 2005.

    Maybe you could argue Boykin in 2012 or Henery in 2011. I wouldn’t.

  96. 96 FairOaks said at 5:03 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Good depth guys have a fair amount of value. You may not get stars too often, but you can get contributors. Say the Eagles had used one on a backup OT who was at least passable, and had him last year when Johnson got suspended (and especially after Vaitai got injured)? Could have made a huge difference that one season.

    Jaylen Watkins (better as a CB than S), Brandon Boykin (significant contributor early though disappeared quickly), and Quinten Demps are some of the contributors we drafted there since the ones you mention.

  97. 97 Someguy77 said at 5:05 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Demps largely stunk here. Watkins hasn’t been anything to right home about either.

  98. 98 FairOaks said at 5:25 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    No, it would have just been worse without him. Demps was a good return guy for a while. He may not have developed here, but that may have been more on Eagles coaches at the time.

    The main point though is that a guy who doesn’t make the team at all is far different than a guy who provides solid backup play for a number of years. It’s not like those are worthless picks just because they are not starters.

    In this case, we probably did get a guy we’d have needed to draft for, so we would have needed to use a pick somewhere on a RB we may no longer need to.

  99. 99 Ryan Rambo said at 5:55 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Celek and Cole were 5th rounders and Mills is a 7th. Mid to late rounders can contribute and do all the time.

  100. 100 Jernst said at 5:35 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Imagine it? We did his name was Halapoulivaati Vaitai, haha

  101. 101 FairOaks said at 6:20 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Sorry, someone who had gotten a couple years of experience and wasn’t so raw and mistake-prone.

  102. 102 RC5000 said at 5:02 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Carolina traded Kelvin Benjamin to Buffalo for a 3rd and 7th! They’re 5-3 so that’s good news for us. Strange move.

  103. 103 FairOaks said at 5:03 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Wonder if it was the 3rd we sent Buffalo for Darby…

  104. 104 Dave said at 5:04 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I feel bad for Cam…ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

  105. 105 or____ said at 5:05 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    You know that’s funny coming from a man….

  106. 106 RC5000 said at 5:10 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    He averages 14.8 ypc. Funchess averages 10.8 ypc, McCaffrey 7.7 ypc.

    Dickson averages 15.9 ypc but is it sustainable plus he’s a TE.

    Curtis Samuel only has 7 catches for 47 yards so he ain’t likely to step up. But they have ex Eagle preseason star Russell Shepard.

  107. 107 Guy Media said at 7:11 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    He’s fat/lazy, drops too many passes, can’t run routes properly, and wasn’t likely to be signed there when his deal was up.

    I don’t blame them.

  108. 108 RC5000 said at 9:23 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    They knew that when they spent a 1st on him. Now they’re getting a 3rd.

    They don’t have anyone else so they basically threw in the towel against the Saints and us and Seahawks.

  109. 109 RC5000 said at 5:18 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Ot – Browns owner gonna be livid again lmao! Browns and Bengals thought they had a deal for A.J. McCarron but no deal, they didn’t beat the clock! Per Schefty.

    Bengals and Browns actually agreed to AJ McCarron trade at 3:55 pm, per source involved. Bengals approved trade to NFL, Browns did not.

  110. 110 Jernst said at 5:32 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    LOLBrowns

  111. 111 Jernst said at 5:33 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    The Browns aren’t even a real football team. Their name is The Browns for god sake…

  112. 112 Dave said at 5:49 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    http://www.sportsmemes.net/pics/6841.jpg

  113. 113 RC5000 said at 5:39 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    The Eagles worked out Dallas Thomas. I forgot about him. He can play some tackle. They should be able to go to him in an emergency if they liked what they saw.

  114. 114 SteveH said at 6:11 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    What’s Vandervelde doing? I think he’s ready for his 17th contract with the team.

  115. 115 Sb2bowl said at 6:15 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Mostly a guard prospect; if they wouldn’t have extended Warmack, I think he’d have a shot.

  116. 116 GermanEagle said at 6:24 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Upon returning from the annual trick or treat walk with my daughters it is always nice to find out that Howie gave the biggest candy on 10/31.

  117. 117 A_T_G said at 6:28 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Based on the observations of or ______ (who really should consider a name that fits better into sentences), is it too soon to dub The Dreaded Rushing Attack? Do we need to wait until they actually accomplish something?

  118. 118 unhinged said at 6:33 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I like how you got dub and dread in the same sentence. Priddy natty, mon.

  119. 119 or____ said at 6:53 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Nicknames don’t equal conclusions about what young players will become.

  120. 120 GENETiC-FREAK said at 6:28 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Smoking Jays and Rolling Blounts!

  121. 121 unhinged said at 6:29 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I liked Ajayi from the time he was at BS, but I am intrigued by the risk factor that you cite, Tommy. There’s a pretty nice upside to this deal. If both parties are happy, it reduces the need to go into the 2018 draft in search of an RB. Not to suggest that they would look past Barkley if he was somehow available when the Eagles are up, but one position has just been crossed off the “must address” list. Doug and Duce and everybody got a good look at Ajayi when Eagles and Dolphins scrimmaged in PS. Hope this works out.

  122. 122 Ryan Rambo said at 6:36 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    The Southern District of New York has denied Ezekiel Elliott’s request for an emergency injunction.
    Elliott is now waiting for a decision from the Second Circuit, something he hopes to receive by 7PM ET Wednesday. Fantasy owners should continue to plan to be without Elliott for Week 9 and beyond.

  123. 123 Guy Media said at 7:10 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Excellent!

  124. 124 GermanEagle said at 6:47 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    From all the different urban meanings of ‘dilly dilly’ I probably like the exotic handjob description the most.

    Dilly dilly!

  125. 125 SteveH said at 6:57 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I had to google that, I had no idea what about it made it “exotic” lol.

  126. 126 SteveH said at 7:06 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2017/10/31/16587180/janoris-jenkins-giants-suspend-cornerback-new-york-ben-mcadoo-locker-room-lol-what-a-mess-go-eagles

    If the Giants are fed up with him, we can always take him off their hands for say, a 4th rounder in the offseason.

  127. 127 FairOaks said at 8:19 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    4th!?!?

    Hopefully, we will be set next year at CB with Darby and Jones. No need to give up a pick for a highly-paid player. We gave up picks for Darby and Ajayi, but they were both in the 3rd year of rookie deals.

    Jenkins is athletic, but the Rams didn’t use the 5th year option on him, and let him walk in free agency. Certainly better than what the Giants had, but not something I’d give up draft capital for. (Last year another story.)

  128. 128 SteveH said at 8:30 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Dude, Jenkins is a guaranteed lock as one of the best corners in the league. I’m not wishing and hoping that someone else pans out when I could get a true beast for a 4th rounder.

  129. 129 Insomniac said at 8:58 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Yea not sure what he’s thinking. Janoris Jenkins is easily a top 8 CB in the league and maybe even better.

  130. 130 SteveH said at 10:32 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I would probably put Jenkins in my top 5 cbs in the NFL today.

    It’s all conjecture anyhow, the Giants aren’t trading him.

  131. 131 FairOaks said at 9:39 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    If you think of him as that good, OK, but not sure everyone does. He’s an 11+ million cap hit so you’d have to start subtracting big-time from other parts of the team. And he’s out of guaranteed money so he may be angling for a new deal.

    He had a good year last year, but that was his best year by far. Not as good this year, from afar anyways, so you are risking that his one good year was a career outlier. When we have Darby and Jones, both of whom we gave up significant resources for, I don’t think I’d bring in another outside CB starter like that. If we had a gaping hole or a big injury, might make more sense.

  132. 132 wee2424 said at 10:23 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I don’t see how we wouldn’t be. Mills is a solid NFL CB, and Douglas had shown some good things in limited action. Tere are going to be plenty of teams in this league that will be envious of our CB situation.

  133. 133 A_T_G said at 8:20 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    This is an interesting tanking approach.

  134. 134 Corry said at 9:39 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I hope McAdoo never gets fired.

  135. 135 CrackSammich said at 12:25 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    We’ve got way too many young promising corners to be bringing in starters. To not even see what we really have in Darby and Jones would be to waste a lot of draft resources for no reason. I hope they trade him–just to someone in the AFC.

  136. 136 daveH said at 7:13 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Hey guys check out this catch from my best bud’s son. . 16 and also a heckofa lacrosse player. .. he lives in Giants Land but he has always been an Eagles Fan (rocked a Wilbert Montgomery jersey to his 1st game in Philly)
    ..yes he made the catch https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ec6adee5c14e0045ff1d58b03922b5d23569be3d72eca6afebeb7f03d1c88530.jpg

  137. 137 Guy Media said at 7:20 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    So his dad isn’t Jordan Matthews?

  138. 138 daveH said at 7:38 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Yes he isn’t, wait no he isn’t. . Wait thats a double negative trick

  139. 139 Tdoteaglefan said at 7:15 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Jeremy lane failed physical in the trade to texans…so seahawks had to add 2018 3rd rnder and the texans add a 5th rnder to the deal.

  140. 140 Dave said at 7:16 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Holy shit, the Browns were giving the Bengals a 2nd and 3rd round pick for AJ McCarron! Makes the 49ers deal look like a steal in comparison.

  141. 141 Will Ft. The Roots said at 8:11 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Makes you wonder what teams think about this QB class

  142. 142 A_T_G said at 8:16 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Based on the observation that the Browns apparently don’t like any of them, probably a handful of first ballot HoFers.

  143. 143 Will Ft. The Roots said at 8:24 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I wonder if they trade out of their first and keep stocking the team with(wasting) young talent

  144. 144 BlindChow said at 10:53 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    They’ll just keep trading back for more picks. In 2033, the Browns will have every pick in the draft and the NFL will finally declare them the winner.

  145. 145 BobSmith77 said at 11:25 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    No they’ll just just draft Bernie Kosar’s grandson on the 1st round and finally find an adequate QB.

  146. 146 Dave said at 8:17 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Darnold has been so bad it seems some are wondering if he doesn’t stay for his senior year.

  147. 147 Will Ft. The Roots said at 8:25 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I still need (want) the Giants to play themselves out of a top 10 pick.

  148. 148 CrackSammich said at 9:13 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    If only there were a USC quarterback he could learn from to show him how bad an idea that is.

  149. 149 SteveH said at 8:28 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    If I’m the Bengals I’m fucking pissed the Browns messed it up, that is TREMENDOUS value for AJ fucking McCarron.

  150. 150 BlindChow said at 10:51 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    If it were any other team but the Browns, I would be convinced it was a prank on a division rival.

  151. 151 Anders said at 6:41 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    The report is that it was infact the Bungals that messed up (They faxed in the wrong paper without the signature of the Browns)

  152. 152 Forthebirds said at 7:33 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Thunder and Roll are gonna tear the league a new a**hole. Enjoy the ride guys. This is the year!

  153. 153 Dave said at 7:57 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    The 4th round pick is conditional for Ajayi.

    https://twitter.com/AndrewSiciliano/status/925484307946156032

  154. 154 Guy Media said at 8:00 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I think the condition is whichever winds up being the middle of their 3 picks.

  155. 155 Dave said at 8:16 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Or if it was the Rowe conditional pick from New England.

  156. 156 A_T_G said at 8:45 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Food for thought: if Ajayi wasn’t an Eagle right now, would he be a Cowboy?

  157. 157 Will Ft. The Roots said at 8:48 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I dont think so. They could have gotten Carlos Hyde for cheaper. I dont think they really thought Zeke would be suspended and probably like Morris

  158. 158 Tumtum said at 10:45 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    If Hyde was cheaper or equal in price he would be an Eagle.

  159. 159 D3FB said at 11:26 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    No.

    24 games vs 8.

    Plus Ajayi is a better RB.

  160. 160 Tumtum said at 6:22 PM on November 2nd, 2017:

    I will admit I have seen more Hyde than Ajayi, but from what I have seen I think Hyde is superior. Looks faster, more agile, just as adept at breaking tackles, and catches the ball very well.

  161. 161 Will Ft. The Roots said at 2:26 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    I think Jay was only available because he doesn’t get along with the coaching staff.

    Also Hyde is on the last year of his deal. I think we could have had him for less than a 4th.

  162. 162 or____ said at 7:16 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    I think you are wrong, way wrong

  163. 163 Donald Kalinowski said at 10:18 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    No.

  164. 164 Guy Media said at 9:07 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    You know how I know you’re a stupid fucking asshole?

    https://twitter.com/ChrisTrapasso/status/925527536708280325

  165. 165 bobeph said at 9:16 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    you had terrible parents, gm

  166. 166 Dragon_Eagle said at 9:35 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Seriously. Is that all Howie?

  167. 167 Koy: The Legend of Neckbeard said at 11:29 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    I feel Tommy’s apprehension here. What is it we don’t know about Jay Ajayi?

  168. 168 Ark87 said at 11:50 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Supposedly Ajayi was vocally bitter about not getting enough touches. Hopefully being on a winning team with a good culture and players’ coach will placate him. He will need to earn his touches by mastering the playbook and blocking scheme. Until then we will trickle snaps to him

  169. 169 A_T_G said at 7:31 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    I sincerely hope someone in the vicinity is mic’d up for the game if Ajayi ever complains to Duce about not getting enough touches.

  170. 170 FairOaks said at 12:00 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    We can hope it was the same thing the Bills didn’t know about LeSean McCoy.

  171. 171 D3FB said at 12:01 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    Pros:
    -He’s talented
    -He’s on a cheap contract for 1.5 years
    -A 4 isn’t a huge price

    Cons:
    -“attitude issues” (grain of salt)
    -His knees are a problem long term, unlikely to implode in next 1.5 years
    -In the last 2 years he has 6 games of 100+ yards, but 9 games with <3.5 ypc (and I think like 7 were <3)

  172. 172 anon said at 2:47 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    jay ajayi first half, blount second half?

  173. 173 D3FB said at 11:49 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    I’d give Ajayi 15-18, use Blount like Clement has been as a late game hammer, and Barner/Smallwood for recieving/occasional handoff.

    Ajayi just doesn’t need the runway that Blount does.

  174. 174 Ark87 said at 11:58 PM on October 31st, 2017:

    Hah, front page of reddit, had to share https://www.reddit.com/r/eagles/comments/79yhx9/the_philadelphia_eagles_logo_without_eyebrows/

  175. 175 Insomniac said at 12:05 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    Left Eagle – GM’s poker face when trading with Howie.
    Right Eagle – GM’s face after Howie laughs all the way to the bank.

  176. 176 Ryan Rambo said at 12:05 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    I found this interesting.

    https://www.reddit.com/r/DynastyFF/comments/6pjf2s/why_melvin_gordons_knee_is_in_worse_shape_than/

  177. 177 Benny6968 said at 12:17 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    Anyone need a laugh? check out this Dolphins fan LMAO
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieVFS-3dBRA

  178. 178 BlindChow said at 12:53 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    Old Chinese Proverb:

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/329699398082d2cf41ed3671c4ca4b7d393ff7dc7332f53cf5298186ab3887f7.jpg

  179. 179 Masked Man said at 1:13 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    Miami fans are angry…….

    http://lastangryfan.com/wp-content/uploads/Ray-Lewis.gif

  180. 180 A_T_G said at 7:54 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    “So I was thinking, well at least we got LeGarrett Blount and maybe a second round pick or something. Then I opened the article and we got a 4th round draft pick. A 4th round draft pick?!

    We really got poop game, bro…Every single coach and GM on that team needs to get drug tested.”

    I actually was starting to feel bad for the guy.

  181. 181 Masked Man said at 1:21 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    Hey how’s that Bob McAdoo hire looking now?

    And how’s that Adam Gase hire looking now?

    Haha.

  182. 182 BlindChow said at 1:26 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    Tom Coughlin, on the other hand, might have been a good pick-up by the Jaguars’ front office…

  183. 183 Masked Man said at 1:28 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    Old Mr. Grumpy Face himself. Haha.

    All joking aside, I like Coughlin even though I wouldn’t want him to coach in Philly. But he is building the Jags.
    But McAdoo as head coach is looking like a great OC right now. Haha.

  184. 184 truehaynes said at 1:37 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    Why did we let ajayi have 36? But we wouldn’t give him 25 because of shady. Westbrook means way more to this franchise than shady ever did. One of the reasons I fell in love with midnight green

  185. 185 GermanEagle said at 5:48 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    Because they’re running out of numbers. Simples.

    The nfl and the franchises need to look at the retiring numbers issue soon. That’s just not enough numbers to go around.

  186. 186 BC1968 said at 9:45 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    Maybe they could use letters. lol

  187. 187 or____ said at 7:09 AM on November 1st, 2017:

    One is the all-time franchise rushing yards leader. Not saying i like it. I mean, he should be allowed to wear 23, McCloud is on D…