Eagles Notebook

Posted: June 21st, 2020 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | Comments Off on Eagles Notebook

The most interesting nugget from recent days is an update on Andre Dillard. The second-year offensive tackle is the front runner to protect Carson Wentz’s blind side so any news on Dillard is of interest.

Dillard’s biggest issue in 2019 was his ability to anchor and play with NFL strength. He got pushed around in pass protection more than you want to see.

It sounds like Dillard did something about that.

So LT is all set now and there is nothing to worry about.

It would be great if that were the case, but history says this news doesn’t always pan out. Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad to hear that Dillard has bulked up. That will help him with his struggles from last year. It also shows that he was aware of the problems and dealt with them in an honest, intelligent way.

Some players are delusional. They don’t want to admit when there is a problem. They starred in high school and college. NFL struggles don’t make sense to them. They assume the problems will magically go away.

Successful players are accountable. They acknowledge problems an deal with them.

The problem is that we hear stories every year about how a player has added weight or gotten stronger or worked on some part of his game. While some of those stories pan out, plenty don’t.

The good news here is that you’re not asking Dillard to fix something impossible. Adding bulk and adding muscle is common among young OL. Adjusting to the physicality of the NFL is a common issue.

It would certainly help if Dillard had a full, normal offseason, but that’s not the case this year. At least he does have veteran teammates to lean on so that he knows what to do and how to do it.

This offseason will tell us about which young players really wanted to make it. Tough, motivated players will work out on their own and find a way to address their weaknesses. Dillard is off to a good start.

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Sticking with the OL, it sounds like Brandon Brooks is doing everything he can to help Matt Pryor.

“I had a conversation with [Pryor] Monday after I got the MRI to confirm (the Achilles tear),” Brooks said. “‘Hey man, you’re going to have to step up. Don’t look to be me. Look to be you. Whatever that takes for you to get ready from a mental standpoint, a physical standpoint, I’m here for you. Anything you need, I’m willing to help. When you get out there, do what you do.’ I have a whole bunch of faith in him.”

It certainly sounds like everyone expects Pryor to have the first shot at the job. The Eagles have several young guys who should compete for the spot. I do not anticipate any trades or signings of veteran OL for now. The team wants to see what their young players can do.

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The weirdest story of recent days is this.

The strangest offseason in recent history continues to find ways to surprise us. Goedert wasn’t hurt so we can just laugh this off. Who knew South Dakota was more dangerous than South Philly?

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One of the hot stories is Jets star Jamal Adams pushing for a trade. He is one of the best safeties in the NFL, especially up around the line of scrimmage. Adams has a list of teams he would like to be dealt to. One of them is the Eagles.

Would the Eagles be interested? Not likely.

Of course the Eagles would love to have Adams. Who wouldn’t want a star DB? And Howie Roseman could talk to his old pal Joe Douglas about what he’s looking for, but Adams won’t come cheap. This makes for a fun idea, but it won’t be happening.

Adams would prefer to go to Dallas. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. He is a darn good player.

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