The Means Effect
Posted: October 5th, 2018 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 1 Comment »We can talk about the talent and potential of the Eagles, but there is no denying the fact the team isn’t playing up to the level they should be at. But why is that?
Tough, tough question. One thing occurred to me recently. I was thinking about Lane Johnson and why he’s been so inconsistent this year. Last season he was the best RT in football and arguably the best OL period.
Lane Johnson hates practicing against Steven Means.
Lane Johnson knows Steven Means helped him become a first-team All Pro.
On the journeyman DE's journey and his behind the scenes role with the Eagles: https://t.co/BI82A3bcro pic.twitter.com/HQTZ5sHp72
— Sheil Kapadia (@SheilKapadia) August 22, 2018
Lane Johnson on practicing against Steven Means: "I think he makes me a better player come game time just because every day is a rodeo out there. It’s like I’m riding a damn bull." https://t.co/PE84KWXE4F
— The Athletic (@TheAthleticPHI) November 17, 2017
Means is gone and rookie Josh Sweat now has that spot. Anyone who watched Sweat this summer could see his potential, but also that he’s very raw and needs a lot of work. It is fair to wonder if someone like Sweat is a strong practice player. Means had a limited ceiling, but was a relentless player who treated practice like the Super Bowl. That helped Johnson and the other O-linemen to play at a high level.
Joe Ostman is on the practice squad, but he’s an undersized rookie. I doubt he’s having the impact that Means did.
The interior OL were practicing against Beau Allen at times. He combined effort and talent. Allen is gone to Tampa now and Destiny Vaeao might be the best practice DT on the roster. He’s a solid role player, but isn’t as good as Allen.
Bryce Treggs was on the practice squad last year. He had NFL experience and talent. He was also an overachiever type who shined in the preseason. I’m sure facing him in practice helped the DBs. Now they have new guys like Braxton Miller and Dorren Miller. Are they the kind of practice players who can really push starting DBs?
Last year Wendell Smallwood was the RB who probably got the most reps in practice against the starting defense. He had talent and experience. Now that guy might be rookie Josh Adams. Sure, he’s got upside, but he’s still learning pro football. Is he going bring out the best in the guys facing him each day?
The Eagles are still loaded with top notch talent. Unfortunately, they are simply not playing to that level on a consistent basis.
Think back to last January. At the conclusion of the regular season, the players pushed the coaching staff to have tough, physical practices. That set the tone for the playoffs and the Eagles played some of their best football over the next month. Practice does matter.
I certainly don’t know for a fact that practice is part of the problem right now, but I think it is a real possibility.
*****
#Eagles Thursday Injury Report
DNP: DE Barnett (shoulder), RB Clement (quadricep), RB Sproles (hamstring)
Full: DT Cox (ankle), WR Jeffery (chest), T Peters (quadricep)— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 4, 2018
This is a game where you definitely want Barnett to play. Kirk “Don’t call me Kurt” Cousins has been sacked 13 times. The Eagles have gotten good pressure on Vikings QBs in each of the past two years. It is critical that the DL win the battle up front this week.
Today’s #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/Wd40Z76B9Y
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 4, 2018
Griffen won’t be playing. Cook is battling a hamstring issue and I’m sure they’d love to sit him so he can get healthy for the long haul. At the same time, this is a desperate team so don’t rule anything out. We’ll have to wait and see with Waynes. Doesn’t feel like he will play, but again…this is a desperate team.
It is going to be interesting to see which team responds better on Sunday. The Eagles are disappointed to be 2-2. The Vikings are shocked that they’re 1-2-1. Both squads have injury issues and some tough challenges to deal with. Both squads also have lots of talent.
The team that can eliminate mistakes and make plays is going to win this game.
For all the Eagles issues on defense, the Vikings have given up 29 more points this year. On the flip side, they are scoring more as well, but not nearly as much of a difference.
I would feel really good about the Eagles, but playing a desperate team that also has a significant revenge motive does make me nervous.
*****
If you prefer hearing my sultry voice to reading my words, here you go.
https://twitter.com/PhiladelphiaPST/status/1047947356342300679
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[…] The Means Effect – Iggles BlitzMeans is gone and rookie Josh Sweat now has that spot. Anyone who watched Sweat this summer could see his potential, but also that he’s very raw and needs a lot of work. It is fair to wonder if someone like Sweat is a strong practice player. Means had a limited ceiling, but was a relentless player who treated practice like the Super Bowl. That helped Johnson and the other O-linemen to play at a high level. Joe Ostman is on the practice squad, but he’s an undersized rookie. I doubt he’s having the impact that Means did. The interior OL were practicing against Beau Allen at times. He combined effort and talent. Allen is gone to Tampa now and Destiny Vaeao might be the best practice DT on the roster. He’s a solid role player, but isn’t as good as Allen. […]