Back To Football
Posted: December 7th, 2011 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 39 Comments »Okay, the Andy Reid/organizational discussions were very interesting. Sam’s post was great, as you would expect. There’s a reason he graduated from both high school and college. Thanks for all the feedback on my posts. I appreciate the compliments and the criticisms/questions people had. The point here isn’t for us all to agree on everything. If you don’t like something that is posted, feel free to be critical. Keep it civil and all is good. There are going to be some real controversial decisions made in the next 3 months. We’re not going to agree on all of them.
There’s still a month left in the season and the Eagles are technically alive. I’m not buying in right now. Give me a win and then I’ll start to dream. That said, we do need to get back to talking about the team and games. Offseason situations will be mixed in, but can’t be the focus for the final month.
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The Eagles signed Safety Tom Nelson to replace Colt Anderson. Nelson was a star of the Bengals summer on Hard Knocks. He came out of nowhere to make the team and show good potential. Nelson was with the Bengals for 2 years before they cut him in August.
Nelson has potential as a STer and DB. He also has some KOR experience. We’ll see what happens. I posted something about him on Twitter and someone asked why the guy was on the street. This isn’t Troy Polamalu we’re talking about. Nelson is a young guy who has yet to make it. That doesn’t mean that he lacks potential.
Too often fans want to label players as failures when they don’t have immediate or substantial success. Some guys take longer to develop. Some need the right situation. And some guys, sadly, are failures.
I think it is fair to say Vern Gholston is a failure. He was given a ton of chances. He was on multiple teams and played for multiple coaching staffs. Never worked.
A guy like Nelson is still unknown. He might turn out to be a bad player. But…just because the guy is on the street right now and didn’t light it up in Cincy doesn’t mean he’s a failure. Let’s see what he can do here. After all, who the heck was Colt Anderson last year when we signed him off the Vikings Practice Squad?
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I did re-watch the Seahawks game. I will post a limited game review. It wasn’t pretty.
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There is going to be a lot of draft talk from here on out. The 4-8 record is part of that. Also, I’m a draftnik. That means I always want to write/talk about the draft. I made the draft the subject of my PE.com column. Lots of RG3 talk and some LB discussion for you to enjoy.
Right now the Eagles have the 6th pick in the draft. Simply shocking.
Speaking of the draft, make sure to regularly visit http://scoutsnotebook.com/ . I’ll be posting player notes there on a more regular basis now that the college season has wrapped up.
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Someone posted a link to his blog in the Comments section yesterday. He wasn’t sure if that was okay. The answer is yes. We’re a community of Eagles fans. If you write something, feel free to post a link. I don’t consider it spamming for one of us to share something. Now, if you’re coming here to sell sunglasses…that’s a different story.
The sunglasses comment reminded me, I entered my credit card info for the in-home LASIC surgery weeks ago. When can expect the surgeon to arrive at my house?
We’re still finalizing dates. How does Feb 30 sound?
As soon as I get a 2012 calendar, I’m marking that down. No take backs.
I’m sure many of you got this in your email today. At least the Eagles won something this year.
Dear Friends,
We want to share a bright spot with you. The Eagles today were named the 2011 Sport Team of the Year by Beyond Sport, an organization dedicated to using the power of sports to bring about social change around the world. The competition for this award was global, with entries from dozens of countries, including professional sports teams in the U.S.
We are proud to be judged the best in the world at making a difference in our community. Officially, the Eagles were recognized for the combined contributions of the Eagles Youth Partnership, our Tackling Breast Cancer initiative, and the Go Green! environmental program.
But what this award really does is recognize the many, many contributions of everyone in Eagles Nation to the success of these programs since 1994.
Without our employees, players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and partners, the Eagles Eye Mobile and Book Mobile would not be on the road helping 50,000 children a year.
Without the generosity of fans and partners, Tackling Breast Cancer would not have raised $1.5 million, enough to fund a dedicated treatment center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals.
Without the concentrated, creative effort of vendors and fans, Go Green! would not be the leader in green business practices for sports.
So we want to take a minute to salute everyone who has taken the time to make a difference. The incredible passion and power of the Eagles community does make a difference in the world.
We thank you all for everything you have done to help these programs over the years. Every hour, every dollar, every friendship and kind word, has helped us show the world what a very special place Philadelphia is – and how much better we can make it when we work together.
I can’t believe the front office over-looked their greatest accomplishment this year… Saving Jerome Harrison’s life! I am proud to be part of an organization that produces miracles like that.
“I think it is fair to say Vern Gholston is a failure. He was given a ton of chances. He was on multiple teams and played for multiple coaching staffs. Never worked.”
Seems Maybin has somewhat turned the corner. His second stint with the Jets has been a fruitful one. Some people are obviously aided by having better players around them.
Thank again Tommy. That was my most read article so far.
Anyways, if Nelson is a CB/S tweener as I peeped somewhere, wouldn’t that mean that we could try and groom him to take over a Safety or Nickel back position for next year? Obviously would be banking on hitting a home run with a FA signing but we’ve done it before…
We need Nelson to show he can be a good STer first. Baby steps. If he handles that role, then we’ll talk about defense.
Colt was a great STer, but didn’t play on D this year.
In all seriousness though… we do need someone to step up and challenge Hanson. His play as slot corner has been on the decline the last couple of years. (and I am assuming as many are that DRC will replace Asante).
Let’s not forget our project CBs Marsh and Hughes.
Anyone know what happened to Lindley?
I could see Hughes moving into that role he is a little shorter and Marsh has really high hips which is fine for turning and running on the outside but not so much the constant readjusting in the slot (think DRC). Lindley is on the street.
I’m willing to let the sunglasses go…for now.
But I do have some amazing vacuum cleaners and steak knives that I think you’re readers would be interested in Tommy!
If I just enter my credit card info here, can you pick out a nice assortment to send me? Obviously I’ll pay extra for gift wrapping. I can’t think of anythingmore romantic than a vacuum that I didn’t shop for and which was purchased through an Eagles blog.
So true.
Women eat that stuff up.
If the Eagles take a WR, we need someone who is different from what we have now. Cooper is our largest receiver and he is more a possesion receiver. If we could get a better version of Hakeem Nicks, I wouldnt complain at all.
A couple that spark some interest that I’ve seen with good measurables so far:
Nick Toon
Alshon Jeffery
I’m sure Tommy has a better idea than I do though…
I wouldn’t mind a guy like Floyd. Probably won’t burn too many people, but seems to be a big, strong guy with good hands. I think he would be a good addition for this team.
What are the odds of moving up for a guy like Luck if the Eagles still have #6-10 come draft time? Obviously, that plays into the Reid discussion as well.
If he’s gone, a new coach would want to make a splash. If he stays, AR may see a top 5 pick as the opportunity to bring in an impact rookie.
It would be a shock if the Colts allow Luck to slip through their fingers.
I think Luck goes #1. We’d have to pay a steep price for the pick. Not worth it in my mind.
As an Eagle fan living outside of Miami, I can tell you if we win this game I would be both shocked and awed. Please don’t even consider Miami’s record going into this game. I am personally jealous of the Dolphins They have a core of good young players sprinkled with some veterans who really play solid, disciplined football.
The problem Miami had/has is all in QB position. However, M. Moore has really upped his game since taking over there, and he has the team believing in him. He is just another example of Tony S. making due at QB with the crap the front office has given him since being named head coach.
T. Sparano is the one coach I would not hesitate in the least bringing in here to replace Reid. He is smart, innovative, and coaches to win. I have never seen him coach a game not to lose, he always coaches to win; no matter the situation.
Tony is a real strong in-game manager. He doesn’t make many mistakes in game. He also will quickly change game plans, if something is or isn’t working. He is also very good at player development. He gets rid of guys quickly if they are not NFL material and keeps players who he thinks can be a good to great player on the roster. He also respects veteran leadership and uses that leadership well. Watch players like Will Allen and Jason Taylor. Special veterans who may only play 10-12 snaps, but are on field coaches.
Tony Sparano is the one coach ( Miami wants a name) who may become available this off-season, that I would not hesitate for second bringing in as head coach for the Eagles.
No I don’t watch Sparano a lot, but he sure looked like he was coaching to lose on Thanksgiving… (not going for 2, etc.)
Didn’t say he psychic or perfect ..lol
My point is if he were come available and if I owned a NFL team, I would have full confidence he would get the most out of my roster and he is a good in-game manager.
But the extra point was the right play at that point in the game, because if you don’t convert then two field goals beat you with more than a quarter left in the game. The extra point is the right call there. Too much game clock left.
I think we have to find a way to draft either Griffin or Blackmon up high. Desean may well be out the door and I can see our offense thriving with Justin and Jeremy on the outside, and Griffin just seems to have special ability–he’s the real guy to target, imo. We need LB help like a mo tho. I’d love to move up with our early second round pick and secure Kuechly. He and Griffin would make a dream draft (offensive and defensive key players for next generation).
I’d love the thought of having a big, tough, talented WR in our offense. Blackmon would be like a slightly smaller version of TO.
Can we post links to our sun glasses blogs?
I’ll be disappointed if you don’t.
http://www.eyegoodies.com/blog/
Far and away the best blog about eye wear…..well my person favorite at least…in that is was the #1 search result on google !
I’m not saying this is why I love Trent Cole so much… but the man is giving it his all this year.
http://phillysportsdaily.com/eagles/2011/12/07/cole-fined-for-out-of-line-hit-on-okung/
Also the Midgets place Stacy Andrews on IR. lol
don’t laugh too much, he has a legit season ending concern….he has blood clots in his lungs, started coughing up blood in a team meeting…
Wasn’t laughing at the injury. I was laughing at the Giants for attempting to retread the Andrews brothers. I hope Stacy is o.k. but it’s time for him to hang up the cleats… he has made his money.
Draft talk only covers QB, LB and WR. Shame on you Tommy. You know we’re taking an OT this year!
We better not!
There are some interesting mid-round OT prospects that could fit our system. I don’t have any favorites yet. With Todd, Jason in place, we’ve got time to develop backups.
We need at least one more starting caliber OT.
That way the Eagles can deploy the Super Ace Formation. Putting Jason Peters and Todd Herrimans at both TE spots! They both have experience in that area…
Soooo, will 8-8 win us the division???? Back to football!
If Desean is traded or just allowed to leave, how does the offense change?
Even if we can get Blackmon, Desean’s deep speed seems to open things up over the middle?
Assuming Reid stays . . . imagine an offense more like what we had from 2003, when Westy became integral, though 2008 — before DJax. In a word, something more akin to the classic WCO “Reid style”.
IMO. But I defer to Tommy and others.
We’ve seen this offense numerous times, it’s AR’s fallback.
2000-2003, the best was 2002 with Duce off the Liz Franc, Thrash, Pinkston, Freeman, Chad Lewis and Thomason. Not exactly awesome talent, still averaged 25 ppg with McNabb and Feeley at QB.
2003, when McNabb’s thumb healed, he threw for 64% the last ten games and 8 YPA, about the same as his numbers the next year with TO. Guess we always underestimated Fred-ex!
2004 playoffs, no TO, no problem
2006 after McNabb started 5-4 with the big play offense, Garcia took over. The deep threat that year was Reggie Brown with 4 catches > 30 yards in the air.
2008 after Baltimore, they went 6-1 on the way to the NFCCG, DeSean had one catch over 20 yards during that stretch, Curtis, Avant, Celek, LJ Smith, short passes to Westbrook and Bucky.
Maclin had 4 catches > 30 yards in the air in 2010, he’s a legitimate deep threat, he’s not as fast as DeSean, but 6’1 you don’t have to be as fast. As Cooper showed, a big WR with average speed can get deep, Burress made a living doing that with 4.6 speed.
Biggest problem the last two years has been the lack of a stable red zone package, in previous seasons there was usually one WR and one TE who were the primary targets, with the RBs as an option. The last two years, other than Maclin in 2010, the TDs have been spread around to almost everyone, but that’s a sign of a lack of confidence in the base package, Celek had 6 red zone TDs in 2009?, and is a forgotten man since, Harbor has 2 in two years. When you have Cooper, Avant, Celek and Harbor, why are you throwing to DeSean, Hall, etc in the red zone? They need to teach Vick how to throw a fade (no, under throwing it to a 6’2 WR is not really a good idea!).
Tommy:
Since you’ve dragged us back to football . . . any thoughts on Tebow — specifically, (a) the anticipated life span of the Denver Single Wing (w/ Tebow playing Sid Luckman), and (b) Tebow as a Billy Kilmer-type QB. Kilmer, like Tebow, was a great college run/pass threat before a vicious car accident after turning pro as 1st rounder. Kilmer was a truly mediocre passer who did nothing but win w/ the ‘Skins and get them to the 1972 SB, albeit surrounded by some great and HOF quality players. (Of course off the field, there’s no comparison. Kilmer knocked back more than his share.)