Play to Win
Posted: December 28th, 2017 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 198 Comments »Nick Foles is going to play on Sunday. And he should.
I understand the thinking some people have, that you can’t risk your only experienced QB in a meaningless game. There is logic in that thinking. Flawed logic, though.
The Eagles only shot to win the Super Bowl with Foles is if he plays well. Just keeping him healthy won’t be good enough. You need him to be able to run the offense well and lead the team to points.
Some people will argue that playing him for half a game on Sunday isn’t going to change who he is. That’s one million percent true, but misses the point (just like Foles did on Monday night – Zing!!!). Extra reps won’t make Foles more talented, but they can help him to play better. Maybe it helps him to make a read quicker in the next game. Maybe he gets into a good rhythm with his footwork. Maybe he improves his timing and chemistry with the receivers.
The point is that live reps with his teammates can help him to play better. There are no guarantees that will happen, but I prefer my QB to get in as much work as he can. QB is the position where experience makes the most difference. So much of that position is mental that the more you know means the better you should play.
There is risk, obviously, but I think the risk is worth it. The Vikings, Rams, Saints, and Panthers all have good defenses. If Foles is going to beat one of them, he will need to be ready. Give him at least half a game on Sunday. Throwing the ball to Alshon Jeffery in practice just isn’t the same thing as doing it in an actual game.
I mentioned playing Foles for a half. You want to get him some work, but you also don’t want to push things too far. Half a game should give him about 15 or so throws and a variety of downs and situations. That’s what he needs.
If the Eagles O-line struggles and Foles is getting pounded, you pull him early. If he’s red hot and goes 10 for 12 with 3 TDs, pull him early. Beyond something extreme like that, let Foles play and get some good reps.
With Foles playing, he needs the offensive starters around him. That means Zach Ertz, Lane Johnson and the key WRs all need to play. You want to give Foles good protection and the best weapons to work with.
It will be interesting to see what Pederson does with the defense. Fletcher Cox and Malcolm Jenkins are probably the most irreplaceable guys on that side of the ball. Both have a ton of experience and know the scheme inside-out. You can make a compelling argument to sit them. At the same time, Jimmy Bama wrote a good piece explaining that teams who rested players didn’t fare so well.
Teams get into a groove. They get accustomed to playing well and winning. Athletes are very much creatures of habit. Resting some guys might mess with the team’s mojo, for lack of a better word. I think you would need to be an insider to really make that call.
Pederson has had a good feel for his team all year, knowing what to do and say to keep them motivated and focused. I’ll trust him when he decides on who plays and who sits. If Foles plays the whole game and throws 56 passes, I might have a question or two. I don’t think Pederson is going to do anything crazy like that. He realizes what a special season this team has had and what a great opportunity is still there.
Pederson has been aggressive all year long and it has worked really well. He should continue coaching like that.
Play to win.
*****
Sean McVay: Rams will rest some starters in Week 17https://t.co/fKedV7MBsI pic.twitter.com/EfMjNZiwkL
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 27, 2017
Interesting.
The Rams success is more driven by star players than overall talent or depth. Jared Goff could be a Pro Bowl QB this year. Todd Gurley deserves consideration for league MVP. Aaron Donald probably will win Defensive Player of the Year. Cooper Kupp could get some votes for Rookie of the Year.
The Rams haven’t had to deal with key injuries. Sean McVay knows they’re lucky and must feel it is critical to keep his stars healthy.
There is also the fact the Rams will be the #3 or #4 seed. They will have to play a week from now. That extra game means Week 17 becomes somewhat of a bye week for them. Some people feel the Rams want to lose and be the #4 seed, thinking they would rather come to Philly and face Foles than to play the Vikings.
I’m not sure about that at all. It is likely going to be cold and nasty in Philly in a couple of weeks. The Rams can’t be excited about the idea of playing in that kind of weather. The Vikings are a tough team, but do play in a dome. Also, coaches tend to live in the moment. I’m not sure McVay would focus on the divisional round of the playoffs. Coaches can be superstitious. They might consider that to be tempting the Football Gods. Bad juju.
*****
QBs who faced the #Raiders the first 10 games had 113.3 rating vs Oak and 89.0 rating vs rest of NFL. QBs who faced Raiders since Pagano took over have 72.1 rating vs Oak and 91.6 vs rest of league
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) December 29, 2017
Interesting note. It doesn’t change the fact that Foles played poorly, but does add some context.
_
Eagles. Will. Go. All. The. Way.
You probably didn’t hear it first. But first from a German.
Technically a version of that was first uttered by Chris Berman………
God the anticipation is killing me. We have more than 2 weeks to wait until we play a meaningful game again, and whatever Foles does against the Cowboys isn’t going to change my attitude much for the playoffs.
I just don’t get him sometimes. I’ve seen him play like a near pro bowler, and I’ve seen him play like a deer in headlights. What makes him tick? What makes the difference? I just don’t know.
He throws like crap when you heat him up a lot. He’s hardly alone in that shortcoming, but it is an insane difference with him. So if the O-line plays with consistent effort and the coach calls plays correctly, Foles should be able to get us wins.
His footwork and mechanics break down under pressure or when he has to free lance. He is also more susceptible to confidence swings.
If the protection is good, the offense executes well in the first couple of series, he can operate from the pocket and the team builds a lead, he normally is ok for the game and can be very good.
But, if the offense bogs down from the start, the protection is inconsistent, he has to throw on the move or at different angles and he has to throw a lot to catch up from behind, he normally does not do well during the game.
TOP and building a lead are very important elements for an Eagles win, that has been true all season with and without Wentz.
I think he is pretty good on the move with short passes, or anything that resembles a fast break in basketball. He is a talented basketball player, perhaps that’s why.
I think the Sixers would have to be ahead by 50 going into the 4th and they’d still only just barely hang on for the win.
I completely disagree. We would lose by 20 with only a 50 point lead at the end of 3. We would barely win with a 75 point lead. That I would agree with.
Technically, if the Rams drop to the 4th seed don’t they get stuck playing the 5th seed on wildcard week that in theory could be a tougher matchup for them?
No, it would be Carolina. They suck.
I personally think they are just looking at it from a rest stand point. Now injuries and fresher legs will give them their best shot wild card weekend more than worrying about who they play.
I keep reading where people believe resting star players is not good for a team’s momentum. There is one glaring exception that should make people question that theory, the 2004 Philadelphia Eagles.
That’s right, the only Andy Reid coached team to make it to the Super Bowl. That team was 13-1 and already clinched the number 1 seed with two regular seasons remaining. Reid decided to rest his star players for both games and all we heard for 3 weeks was how rusty the Eagles would be once they played. Undoubtedly, Reid’s decision was influenced by the loss of Brian Westbrook the previous year to a season ending injury that very likely cost the Eagles in their loss to Carolina on the NFC Conference Championship game that year.
Not surprisingly, not only did the Eagles lose their last two games, but the games weren’t even close. As it turned out rust wasn’t a problem when the Eagles easily handled the Vikings in the divisional game 27-14. McNabb and other players spent much of their time after the game joking about how rusty they were.
I not saying either way what’s better as far as resting key players, other than players nursing injuries, but just like almost everything else there are usually at least two sides to the argument.
Geoff Schwartz wrote an interesting piece on resting vs. playing guys. It really isn’t cut and dry either way.
“Undoubtedly, Reid’s decision was influenced by the loss of Brian Westbrook the previous year to a season ending injury that very likely cost the Eagles in their loss to Carolina on the NFC Conference Championship game that year.”
F-ing triceps vs. Washington. KILLER bad injury. I was at the Eagles game at Carolina over Thanksgiving weekend and the Eagles did a nice job in that game. No Westbrook and McNabb being injured via a cheapshot that should have been repaid via public hanging of Greg Favors (I had to look up the offending party), was lethal in that choke loss in the NFC title game.
Not that I disagree with your point, but the NFC was really terrible that year. The Falcons were our toughest opponent and they were pretty much a one man show with Vick. That 2004 team was vastly superior to everyone in the NFC which makes it so tough looking back while lamenting on our missed opportunities.
If it wasn’t for our current QB situation, I’d be all for resting the majority of our starters. However, I think it’s crucial that Foles gets some much needed reps. He definitely doesn’t need a full game of reps, but most certainly one half of football imo.
Agree
Whatever strategy Pederson deploys that doesn’t result in either a major injury or a choke home loss in the division round was the correct one.
They should rest Wiz, BG and anyone else who has a lingering injury. All the other starters should play the first half and then mix in backups.
I think that’s the best way to go, but I’m prepping for Pederson doing some full scale sit downs.
I think Foles and the offensive starters have to get a good amount of PT in this game. He needs every rep he can to get his processing speed, timing, and rapport with receivers (especially Alshon) down. As I’ve said before, yes we will lose in the playoffs if he gets hurt and we have to play Sudfeld. But we will also lose in the playoffs if Foles isn’t better than he was against the Raiders.
I don’t mean to take this out on you – so don’t take it personally. It doesn’t matter. Do you really think in 1 game – Foles will magically be in sync with the offense? IF he plays the whole game. Will 1/2 game matter? No. Foles has a few weeks to prepare – like few weeks of spring training…if THAT time can’t be used wisely to prepare for a playoff game – shame on Foles/Pederson/rest of coaching staff. A “riding the fence” article doesn’t help. PLAY HIM – unless things get out of hand – than pull him. Wait – what? YOU want him to prepare – but not prepare for a beating? Silly. Win or lose — nobody is going to look back to this coming Sunday (wait – look back to the future? lol) and say “man, only if we played Foles the whole game, we would have won or say “man, only if he rested we would have won”. Eagles offense will be dumb downed and Dallas D will be half-assed….there is nothing for Foles to gain…everything to lose…I personally don’t care if he plays or not — but the notion that Foles becomes MVP of the playoffs due to 1 game is — silly (to be kind)
There is no perfect answer. It took Wentz a while to get comfortable with Alshon and Torrey as well so I understand the thinking process. I don’t think anybody is claiming Foles will be MVP of the playoffs, but a little confidence in what he’s doing can go a long way IMO.
He doesn’t need to be an elite QB – he just needs to not be bad.
I agree that playing 1 game won’t help Foles magically flip a switch. Adjustment to game speed is a gradual process. But every rep counts, and full speed reps under actual game conditions give you something that practice reps against a scout team defense can’t.
I don’t agree. Live NFL reps aren’t the same as practice. If practice were everything, Sammy Bradford would be the best player who’s ever lived. There is a reason teams are rusty after byes and there is a reason guys like Case Keenum can excel when they’re actually given a chance to start, as opposed to come off the bench cold.
Foles has played at a Pro Bowl level, and he can again, and getting more live reps and taking some hits are the best chance for him to find his footing.
My fantasy road to SB:
Panthers and Falcons advance to divisional round. We play Falcons, beat them. Panthers beat Vikings.
We then beat Panthers at home and wola, we are in SB and I like our chances against Brady because he has been historically bad against excellent DLine.
ONE can only dream 😉
I likey.
I’d enjoy seeing Cam lose by 100, lose his temper, and lose some years off of his career via the beatdown he took by Wade’s guys. We can rough up the Vikings / Rams winner here.
This scenario is not completely out of the realm. Could happen.
So, we beat down the last 2 conference champions before ending the Titans miracle run.
Completely disagree. The Rams offense is built around Gurley. A monster running game gives a team a huge advantage in bad weather. The Rams would LOVE to play in that kind of weather.
I agree 100% with Tommy. This team plays in LA. Goff is a skinny ass Cal Berkeley guy. I’m not confident he will play way in that cold environment. Gurley should be fine in the cold, but if we make them one dimensional we can shut Gurley down.
In addition to the cold, the West Coast travel and Crowd noise should make that a very difficult game for the Rams.
Don’t underestimate Goff’s experience playing in bad weather. Berkeley isn’t exactly LA when it comes to weather.
It’s also not Philadelphia in January.
Neither did TB in 2002 or New Orleans in 2013…all the weather issues are over-rated; Eagles will need to earn every victory on the field.
Why are so people here refuse to ignore generalizations. It happens every day and it is so annoying. I know there are exceptions. Everyone knows that anything can happen. We are talking historical probabilities. Saying they have to earn every victory on the field is useless.
Bottom line is some teams are better suited to play in cold windy weather. Some teams have to travel farther for away games. The Rams game sets up somewhat favorably for the eagles because Goff has a very average arm and no mobility. Our DL feasts at the Linc. They also struggle against the run which should have a big impact in a cold weather game.
It is not useless at all. Weather issues are fan and media fodder. They mean zero to the players and coaches. They need to focus solely on earning every victory regardless of weather or fan noise or temperature or any other issue. No excuses. Win.
I’m not talking about mentality. I’m talking results.
Some teams have a losing record in cold weather outdoor environments (mainly dome or warm weather teams) West Coast teams have a lower winning % on the road when traveling to the east coast that more local trips. These are not made up, but historical trends. They don’t guarantee anything, but it does prove that these elements have an impact. With these elements stacking up against the Rams it does make it a more favorable match up. Still need to show up and play, but it’s a little advantage.
The Rams’ passing game makes heavy use of the deep throw, which is one of Goff’s best skills, so wind would hamper them significantly. Goff also has quite small hands for a QB which will affect his grip on the ball if it’s cold.
Gurley is a great RB and won’t lose effectiveness in bad weather, but that doesn’t mean their offense won’t be adversely affected.
He’s still an acurate passer than make throw on the run.
I’m not saying he’s bad. But I think there’s good reason to believe cold and/or windy weather will negatively affect him.
That’s just not true. Goff’s air yards numbers are middle of the pack.
Yeah, it is true. There are two problems with concluding otherwise based on a stat like air yards: (1) that number is deflated by the number of screens and TE throwbacks they run, and (2) you don’t necessarily have to throw a lot of deep balls to make heavy use of it as a component of your offense – you just need to use the threat of it to influence the defense on a frequent basis, which the Rams do. Goff throws the deep ball really well and the Rams use the threat of it to keep defenses from crowding the LOS and keying on Gurley even when they only actually throw it deep a few times a game.
Advanced stats are great but don’t tell you everything about how an offense works. You have to watch the tape too.
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Eagle-Eye-The-Definitive-Analysis-Of-The-Rams-Offense-Under-Sean-McVay/630f19f6-79c2-4ecf-bcb8-9878aed244a2
Assuming Foles plays a half, I think the defensive starters need to play the same. I don’t want Foles getting the rust off while backed up in bad field position and down a score. Part of this is a confidence game, so don’t make it harder than it should be.
The play calling can certainly help with that.
thoughts should be directed towards playing Sidney Jones…if healthy – and if he’d play at a level that’s an upgrade – get this young man ready to play in the playoffs…
I’d rather have his contract under control for another season. He is not likely to be more than a #5 CB right now and as a result wil provide minimal impact. He practiced, he’s healthy, now get him ready to start next year.
I agree.
I thought about whether they should activate Jones to see if he can elevate the defense to a new level, but I think it’s right to view that as overly optimistic given that he hasn’t played full-speed football in a full calendar year.
I don’t think he could possibly be ready to play at a level that would elevate the team, but it would be good for his personal development to get into an NFL game this season. Like priming the pump for next year.
Agree x 10000000000000000000
He was the best CB in the draft pre-injury (and my favorite target at 14) and will be back next year learning how to lock down one side of the field. It’ll make Darby that much better as CB2 and allow much more appropriate use of Mills and Douglas. And considering Mr. Robinson is about to get paid for real by another team, I’d like have a 100% healthy and ready to go group of 4.
Like that vision of the future.
Howie has them very well set up.
He needs to play 6 games to have an accrued season, so he could play all the way to the Super Bowl this year and still be an RFA at the end of his contract.
That’s good info. Hopefully he can get some snaps and we can see some of his mojo.
That’s an important distinction, thank you. But I’m not sure if having him sprint around at full game speed in a really cold game on a rock hard surface is the best way to ease him back into playing. I still see it as too risky.
Did not know that. Thanks
He’s under control no matter what at this point. We got the extra year if he played six games or fewer.
Man, I don’t get this. Rookie CBs usually suck, and people want him to come off an injury and be a difference maker. It’s… not happening.
Agreed. They got the 3 weeks practice out of him allowed under the rules and he served as emergency depth if something bad happened to an active CB. Shut him down until next year as the dynasty begins to flex its youthful muscles.
They should also be practicing outside, not in the NovaCare complex so they are used to the cold. The weather should be Philly’s ally in the coming weeks – especially against warm-weather and/or dome teams!
They have an outdoor practice field at Nova Care.
I doubt they are practicing in the bubble. It’s tiny and can’t get much more than a walk thru done in there
I have good news for you:
https://twitter.com/JimmyKempski/status/946749941862498304
Good stuff.
Smart. Why lower yourselves to a warm weather/dome team by practicing inside?
I’ve argued for resting the starters who don’t need playing time, but I agree Nick needs to be on the field with his wrs before the playoffs. Also, Foles and Kelce need to iron out whatever was causing those crappy shotgun snaps. Throw often and early with great success, prove the passing game against the Raiders was an aberration, then bring in Sudfeld to enjoy a taste of Eagles-Cowboys football.
Kelce, and Kelce alone, needs to iron out whatever was causing those crappy shotgun snaps.
Fixed it for you.
No. It takes two to tango. The goal of the snaps is to get the ball in Foles’s hands – not awkwardly. Practicing a point A to point B procedure – without using point B is (pun intended) pointless (and that’s being generous).
Kelce aiming at point G(round) is the issue.
So to correct the issue he should switch the goal from the ground to the target – without using the target?
The target doesn’t move. There is negligible height difference between Foles / Wentz and the issue wasn’t one of timing, rather it was one of hitting the target. The target is X yards away and Y inches off of the ground in shotgun; one could put a pair of gloves tackling sled at the exact right point and ask Kelce to better aim at it.
Plus when all things are equal, blame goes to the player I like less.
This is why we don’t mix. But yeah practice decisions in preparation for big games should be determined by emotional fan’s blame preferences.
Happy new year brother. Go Eagles
Well it’s clear whatever else they were doing wasn’t working last week, so I get to insert whatever preference I have into a vacuum that is empty of success.
You sure do buddy.
Plus, Mike Bartrum used to practice shotgun / long snapping at all kinds of things without using the punter / QB.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK11WK2aVQE
Thanks for that. Pretty awesome.
But that ain’t the same.
You’re welcome, but I’m still going to see long and shotgun snapping as a skill of accuracy rather than on of timing and collaboration.
Sure. But QB. v punter is different, and blocking DTs/blitzing LBs is different, and sample size per game is different. And stamina/sustained accuracy needs are different.
Not to mention setting the line duties.
That’s all correct, but that prevent Kelce from delivering the ball in an accurate manner in a more consistent manner; Kelce controls that.
By your logic most things should be individual drills all the time.
That’s absurd. Not everything is a repetitive muscle memory skill like snapping the ball to an exact immovable point.
Alright buddy.
Cognitive psychologists, neurologists, coaches, trainers… well most everyone else would disagree – and do disagree. But again, you and I tend to differ.
No, you tend to disagree. Just you.
Bit of a change up pitch here, but I think I’m all good with seeing everybody’s well thought out POV on who should play how much vs. Dallas…………
if the worst happens and we choke in the division round, we’ll be picking 26th-28th (assuming Steelers and Pats both win on Sunday).
Any of you have any names I need to start creeping on at that spot? I know there isn’t a huge variance from 25th through 32nd at this point and the “get another teams entire draft class for moving down a few spots” is the general pipe dream.
So all in all, who do y’all like in that area? We’re going to need starters at OT, G/C, DE, OLB, S, and RB in the near future.
With all due respect – not to harsh your mellow – but do you actually think that anybody has any sniff of accuracy in terms of who will be “in that area” right now? History says that they don’t have a clue – DURING the draft. Just sayin
There is always good info and conversation on players available. Even if we’re just on “might.” Plus you and I aren’t ever going to see eye to eye on accuracy of valuation of players as a judgement method on drafting.
(haha) I see eye to eye with you on that last point.
http://www.phillyvoice.com/2018-nfl-mock-draft-roundup-who-will-eagles-take-first-round/
Seems like people are picking random OT. Senior bowl and underwear show will change everything.
Thank you. I was reading a mock the other day that had the Eagles taking a RB and the comment was that they’d prefer an OT, but anybody worth it wouldn’t be there.
BPA but OT has to be a priority this off-season. I’d love to see JP back for another season with a rookie learning and waiting to take over.
What’s funny about that is that I 100% agree that Peters is going to try to get back to play LT here for another year. I’m not sure if that’s possible medically, but it’s going to be interesting from a roster, draft, and cap standpoint.
I hope he can, wins the big one, and retires. He has never won a playoff game. That was my first thought when he went down this year. I really wanted some playoff victories with his dominance on display.
I learned to not count Peters out after he returned from the achilles injury. I’m not counting on anything, but I know he’ll give it a shot.
It’s almost unimaginable that a guy with his career has never won a playoff game. Here’s hoping he returns for one more year and plays on the Eagles team that wins its second straight SB. Oh, yea, and he’s the SB MVP.
There’s 5 more months to think about that. At this time in 2013 Lane Johnson wasn’t even considered as a first round pick.
You’re not wrong, but I think we’re kind of in a weird lull until we see who we’re hosting for the divisional round.
Technically, this time in 2012. In December 2013 Lane had most of his rookie season under his belt as a first-round pick. 😉
I’m trading down into the second round to recoup extra picks and then drafting BPA, with a focus on OT, LB, S, and/or TE.
I think the trade down would ideal, doubly so if teams get in QB panic.
I would have loved to have solved the TE issue with Kittle or Sprinkle in the 2017 draft, but sadly we didn’t get either guy.
And I’m curious as to who Howie could use on the existing roster for some draft moves.
Personally, I think they should just play. Maybe think about pulling starters after halftime. It’s not like we have 100 man roster; important people will be at risk, like always. Football is more about creating units that can execute precise plans under the duress of brutal, vicious action rather than individual players’ brilliance (usually; there are exceptions of course). This team has not been impressive lately. I think they should try to play themselves back into shape.
Rest everybody.
Take an OL.
This is one of those largely unfair “judged after the fact by the results” situations for Pederson. If he starts Foles and others and someone gets injured, he’ll get roasted, but, if he rests them all, and they play badly in the first playoff game, he’ll get roasted. So, like you said Tommy, he just needs to go by his pulse on the team and what would help them succeed most.
You’re 100% correct on the “judged after the fact” aspect, but that comes with the territory when you take a high profile specialized job that only 31 other people have.
And exactly why you can’t get too wrapped up in the opinions of every jobless armchair coach that will undoubtedly judge you the day after.
And Pederson does a nice job turning that out I think, But it gets to get said, and said repeatedly, if you’re in zero sum undertakings like professional sporting events.
if we win the first game, then he made the right decision.
exactly! Coach of the year level playing time management!
Except for the opinions of guys like us who know better than the coaches.
I trust his insticts on whether Foles needs more reps. You’re at a disdvantage with a back up QB anyway. I would risk the injury to see if I could thread the needle.
Anyone else find it hilarious that Chase Daniel bitched his way out Philly this past off season because he didn’t have a chance to be a starter. And as a free agent he was only able to get a deal to be the backup of a future Hall of Famer. And now if he had just kept his mouth shut the entire time he woild be starting for the #1 seed in the playoffs with a HC whose system he has been in his for 5 years?
Wow, hadn’t heard that. And let me just say – PHEW
I’d find it funnier if he got his teeth knocked out in a preseason game, but yes I find it funny!
I doubt that Daniel could have mounted the comeback vs Rams, so I don’t buy your premise. Daniel makes Foles look like a league starter.
I think the premise was to heap scorn on Daniel for being a douche. Donald did that well!
I will defer to your superior scorn-heaping abilities.
I think Guy is the GOAT in that category…
Who knows? For some reason there was a lot of hype around this guy and the Eagles gave him a $21 million contract with $9 MILLION GAURANTEED
But he’d at least be starting in the playoffs with tbe opportunity to showcase his skills.
I’d forgotten how expensive of a hedge he was.
And next year Nick Foles will have a $7.6 million cap hit with $5.5 million in dead money if he gets released.
But what about when Foles wins two playoff games and gets traded?
What skills??
And lack thereof. Stranger things have probably happened in NFL lore, but if I have three months I doubt I’ll uncover one.
Coach Doug Pederson said Eagles starters will play Week 17 against the Cowboys, but “at the same time be smart with how much they play.”
“The idea is to just keep the starters going,” Pederson explained. “I don’t want to not play them, and then it’s three weeks later and you’re playing a game. I think that would be foolish on my part, so I want to make sure that they stay in the moment, but at the same time be smart with how much they play, how long they play, and go from there.” Maybe Foles and Co. will play the first half before giving way to the backups. None of these guys are attractive fantasy plays.
I’m glad. They came out really flat after the bye week, even with the motivation of playing Dallas. I think Pederson is making the right call here.
Aren’t most fantasy leagues over for this very reason?
Yup, the historically horrible AFC South and AFC East killed ff during the Manning/Brady heyday. It seemed every year those 2 teams rested their studs for the final game because they had a bye sewn up during week 16.
Defense did step up and save the game along with ST vs Oakland, but the defense got gashed on the ground for most of the game and Oakland passed effectively too. On ST, Barner almost coughed one up near the 10, never gets much of a return and Jones’ punts were less than stellar. Execution needs to be a lot tighter in all 3 units.
Effective Carr: 15/29 (52%) 140 yards 1 TD, 2 INT
Was Foles also effective? 19/38 (50%) 163 yards 1 TD, 1 INT.
https://i.imgur.com/K8fC7YI.gif
Without Maragos, Braman, Sproles (punt), and Smallwood (kickoff), the special teams have suffered. Kickoff and punt returns are no longer a threat to opposing teams.
Oakland hit one passing play on a busted coverage. Other than that they sucked in the passing game. Carr’s stats were worse than Foles’ even with that one TD. I wouldn’t say they “passed effectively”.
Only 3 days until Black Monday. Let the speculation begin.
Jim Schwartz could be the next big hire in New York…
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/12/29/jim-schwartz-could-be-the-next-big-hire-in-new-york/
Two reasons why I think Schwartz won’t bite if it’s offered: Eli Manning and the prospect of NY needing to shed $$/rebuild.
If the Giants have the #2 pick, they will have Eli’s successor in this year’s draft.
Yeah…rebuild.
If they let OBJ walk, which I think they will, they’ll be in rebuild mode, with or without Eli.
Why would they not pay him?
1.) Because he wants to be the highest paid player in the NFL. At a minimum he’ll want to be the highest paid receiver, which is currently $17M per year.
2.) He is a nutcase.
Schwartz told Jalen Mills to allow that Cooper TD and similar advice before that Cooper Kupp play a few weeks back for a reason. He’s trying to not look that attractive.
Schwartz is not the right kind of coach for NYG. They need someone on the offensive side of the ball who an develop a young QB. Schwartz is not that guy.
Schwartz would be a good fit for a team with an established QB like Indy.
DeFillippo OTOH would be an excellent fit in NY or in Chicago.
“DeFillippo OTOH would be an excellent fit in NY”
I agree.
SHHHHH
I would bet that Lurie would give him a 30% pay increase and promise to succeed DP just to keep him from going to a division rival. DeFillipo would become a pariah in Philly if he went to the Giants as HC.
His contract is up so there isn’t much the Eagles can do about it if the wants to leave.
Dougie is a probably considered a top 10 HC in the NFL.
Well he would be in line for a 400% pay increase and and HC job right now, so that would be a shitty counter offer.
But the Giants don’t look close to contending with anybody at the helm. I do think he’s probably gone, but I don’t think it will be NY. Really 400%?
It’s actaully probably even higher than 400%. Head coaches make 4-5 million. Coordinators make about a million a guy like Schwartz might make close to 2mil. Position coaches make mid to high six figures.
The locker room is a shit show with some special personalities. They’ve got an opportunity to try to hold things together and kick the can with Eli for a year or two or you have a chance to take your guy at 2.
The D isn’t in that bad of shape. They’ve got great receiving options. The OL sucks but Richburg is good, Pugh is solid. Find a solid FA and a young guy on day 2 and things are much improved, which then makes the RB’s fine enough.
And they’ve got some cap space, especially if they move on from Eli.
I’m hoping that Gettleman is playing a short game. Show Eli some love, shore up the OL and expand cap space for 2019. If that is his approach, I don’t think De Filippo is his #1 target, and I’m not sure what Eagles’ response will be if he is. He would definitely be the darling of the Giants DC if he gets the gig. And I think this town will declare war.
Not to mention the defense worse games were probably both nyg games
Somebody like McAdoo?
McAdoo’s claim to fame was coming from the Green Bay offense which is how he got the NY OC job. I think you could spend 8 years doing nothing but picking your nose with Beau Allen’s left big toe as an offensive assistant coach and look good while doing so as long as Aaron Rodgers is the QB.
A poet in our midst!
Good for Schwartz if it happens, but we’d better drop big coin on getting Marvin Lewis or John Fox to come in here and keep building on our 4-3. I don’t want any 3-4 trash here!
I don’t know if I could handle seeing gum-chewer every week. I doubt Marvin will continue coaching as he said he has aspirations to be a general manager.
My biggest gripe with Schwartz (and the reason why I question his ability to be a head coach again) is that he is not a mentor for other coaches. Considering he was a defensive coordinator for 12 years and a head coach for another 5 years, he has an extremely-limited coaching tree.
There is no apparent successor on the current staff. If Schwartz does not get a head coach job this off-season, I still see no successor next off-season.
Howie is a big 4-3 guy. No chance that he hires a 3-4 DC. However I would have loved to have Wade Phillips as our DC.
I’d prefer that over Bill O’Brein
O’Brien is the most over-rated coach since Charlie Weiss.
Good, they can have him. Jim Schwartz was hired by the Lions because he was a good DC. Then, he failed miserably as a head coach. So, he gets fired and what did he become, a good DC.
My point being just because you are successful at being a coordinator doesn’t mean you will be successful as a head coach. In other words, if Schwartz succeeds this time as a head coach it will be because he learned from his previous failed stint as a head coach and have nothing to do with succeeding as a DC.
So Cowboys put Tyron Smith on IR. I hope Means, Curry, Barnett and anybody else has Dak running for his life all day long. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1279a1dc68289dbeb4d5e71e52664b14a857cf067f6191cf27476106cec541ef.jpg
Anyone know how serious Brandon Graham’s ankle injury is? He’s out this week.
Not serious by all indications, but there’s zero reason to play him in a meaningless game.
I’m sure he’d love the opportunity to go up against not Tyron Smith at LT and maybe do some stat padding.
True, especially with the new incentives they put into his contract. Hoping he gets a new deal soon.
Personally (not necessarily strategy, but more just for my preference), I’d love to see Jones and Douglass at outside CB spots exclusively for the entire game, with someone like Watkins in the slot or something.
Joe Walker placed on IR. BGN speculating that S. Jones will be activated.
https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2017/12/29/16831232/eagles-place-joe-walker-injured-reserve-roster-spot-sidney-jones-philadelphia-linebacker-cornerback
Ah. That is why he was listed as “out” on the injury report, when he was practicing all week.
There would be no reason to do that unless they were activating Sidney Jones. And a meaningless game is a great way for him to get some experience, to see if he’s worth putting on the field in the playoffs. (And if Mills is hobbled, it may be better to play Jones anyways.)
We need to play hard, as Jimmy wisely proves. I personally would have rested starters last week. For the following reasons:
-if you rest in week 17 then don’t play until week 19, you’re have 3 weeks between games which is begging for rust to form on your players.
-Rest in week 16, play week 17 on the other hand, simulates what will happen in week 18 and 19. I think it would have been a great motivating tool for Doug. This is what’s going to happen in the playoffs, a two week prep, lets get a taste for it.
-Raiders games don’t count much. Cowboys games we should be playing hard for no matter what. Let’s scar Dak.
-We didn’t have #1 seed locked up in wk 16, but it would have been a good carrot for wk 17.
Accepting a loss in week 16 on the condition of a win in week 17 doesn’t make sense to me.
Especially against a divisional opponent in 17. Even with the starters in there’s no guarantee of beating Dallas. Get the win against Oakland every time, worry about roster management after securing first seed.
Yeah, this.
Giving away a game before you wrap up the #1 seed is just dumb. If you’re worrying about the rest vs. rust debate at that point you’re putting the cart before the horse.
Do we know if Prescott is slated to play? If so, for how long? Dallas is blaming its record on injuries and a suspension, so I doubt that all starters will be on the field. The Jones’s may want to take a look at their back-up QB.
I hope at the very least a couple defensive starters are inactive for the game. B Graham obviously will be and probably Mills for injuries. But Cox, Bradham and Jenkins should be also. I understand the offense needing more reps with Foles, but these 3 don’t need it, and no sense risking injuries to them.
Since there is limited depth on the o-line, at least two starters would have to play anyway. But I still don’t like exposing them to injury either, especially Lane and Kelce.
But Foles needs to work with his OL including the starters. Plus, if you sit Lane, for example, that increases the likelihood of a Foles injury.
I agree on sitting the defensive stars – only giving them only 1 or 2 series at most, but first team offense needs to be out there working a good chunk of the game.
Then, we can let the Sudfeld era begin.
STUDfeld.
Excellent.
Would that it will come to pass…or maybe play action.
Kapadia/Banner interview article, joe says having bye week limits other team’s time to interview assistants. I like that.
Packers signed WR Davante Adams to a four-year, $58 million extension through 2021.
The deal includes an $18 million signing bonus, while the $14.5 million annual average makes Adams the NFL’s fourth-highest paid wide receiver behind only Antonio Brown, DeAndre Hopkins, and A.J. Green. Adams was headed for free agency, so this is a nice keep for the Packers. Despite missing three games to injury and playing with Brett Hundley, Adams averaged 63 yards per game in 2017 and is tied with Jimmy Graham for the second-most touchdowns (10) in the league. After a rough start to his career, Adams has developed into an elite run-after-catch and red-zone receiver. Adams turned 25 less than a week ago, so there’s still room for growth.
And who does Rodgers have blocking for him?
His offensive-line?
Good luck!
That’s none of my concern. Just thought the contract they gave Adams was worth posting since we just locked Alshon up.
No doubt, I just find it funny how certain teams keep doubling down on dumb stuff. That Adams contract might not be ideal given other team needs. Us with Wentz back next year > Rodgers w/ no O-line.
Bahktiari and Bulaga are the best T combo outside of JP-Lane
Their OL wasn’t so much bad this year as just beat to hell.
Let the HYPE begin!
https://youtu.be/K4kKF0bSsAI
I’m really amped to see this guy. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s this year or next. I just miss the days of Vincent, Taylor, and Dawkins making life a living hell for opponents. I’m hoping Sidney will be the start of something special.
Me too my man. Me too! Would love to see him and Darby giving offenses fits for years to come.
So Foles getting reps in the 2nd half outweighs the chances of him getting hurt and potentially missing the Divisional Round playoff game?
I just don’t get that logic. Play a few series with Foles and that is it. I would make it 4-5 series at the max. Maybe even 3 if they look good.
Foles is inconsistent but they can at least possibly win a playoff game with him starting. If it is Sudfeld, they basically have no chance.
Sudfield is the next Tom Brady. Dougie is going to get Foles injured on purpose and trade Wentz after STUDfeld wins a Super Bowl.
In ineffective Foles isn’t much better than an unknown in Sudfeld. If he plays well he earns the rest. If not he gets the play through his struggles.
The LeSean McCoy trade is probably one of the top 5 worst deals in the last 10 years. It hurts less because he’s wasting away in Buffalo and not thriving for a conference rival or playing for SB caliber team.
Patently stupid.
Cant include DeSean in your list because he just let him go for nuttin
Fuck Chip Kelly
Chip Kelly was one of the biggest mistakes this organization ever made and that is saying something.
Yet he ended up instrumental in getting the draft capital that got us Wentz. The NFL is weird.
If I’m playing the Eagles, I would stack the box, stop the run and dare Foles to beat me thru the air. Then I would focus on getting a lead on offense so I can pressure Pederson into passing even more so I can rush & punish Foles into submission. Call it the Carolina 2003 approach. Pederson needs to make sure he has options to mitigate this approach.
We have enough weapons to make them pay for that if we execute imo. How many times was Burton targeted last week I wonder. He’s a good mismatch for us.
Interesting point of view, however the main reason the Eagles lost that game was they didn’t have any wide receivers and Reid gave up too soon in running the ball.
That game haunts me even more than the loss to Tampa Bay the previous year. With the game 0-0, Staley dropped a perfectly thrown ball while in stride deep in Carolina territory.
With Carolina only up 7-3, the Eagles opened up the second half by driving deep into Carolina territory by running the ball successfully. Then, they called a perfect pass pattern, but the toothpick Todd Pinkston allowed Ricky Manning Jr. to easily push him aside and intercept the pass. If Pinkston ran his pattern as designed it was an easy Eagles TD.
The rest of the game Reid completely gave up running the ball to the point that Jon Runyan questioned why after the game.
https://youtu.be/GfnonifWhUk