Demetress Bell, Vanquished Eagle

Posted: February 6th, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 71 Comments »

The Demetress Bell era came to an end today.  I’m fighting back tears as I flash back to all the great memories.  There was the time that Bell signed his contract.  There was the time he tripped the blitzing defender.  And then there was his release.  Amazing memories.  Truly a special player.

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Courtesy of Jason at BGN, here is Bell’s singular moment of greatness.

Bell was an awful player for the Eagles, but the signing was the right move at the time.  Bell had the ability and experience to come in and be the LT in 2012.  What none of us counted on is how s-l-o-w-l-y he would adapt to Howard Mudd’s blocking system or how poorly he would handle Mudd’s coaching style.  Bell and Mudd went together like brownies and tartar sauce.

I’m glad the Eagles didn’t delay on this move.  Bell might be a good fit for some team, but he definitely needs a change of scenery.

* * * * *

What’s the word at DC?  The Niners blocked Ed Donatell from interviewing for DC jobs.  Apparently Jim Harbaugh is the biggest prick in the NFL.  I fully get blocking Ed last year.  The team had just spent one season together.  You need to have some continuity.  I think blocking the guy 2 years in a row is going too far.  Jim Harbaugh is a more prolific blocker than Demetress Bell.

The block came in regard to a request from the Saints.  Still no word on if the Eagles had any interest.

Today is national signing day.  Still no word on if the Eagles are interested in a college coach.  More and more it seems that way, but no news.

The Saints are reportedly close to hiring Rob Ryan as their DC.  Last I heard, Rob was scheduled to interview there on Friday.  There are multiple reports that Todd Grantham will interview with the Saints on Thursday.  As Jay Glazer explained on Twitter, it is up to Grantham to knock it out of the park and steal the job from Ryan.

* * * * *

Speaking of Rob Ryan…funny thing happened last night.  I’m sitting there doing some football writing/research when a text comes over from Jimmy Bama.

“I’ve been thinking about your Rob Ryan comments lately (best crappy car in the lot). What do you know, Lawlor?”

I replied that I know nothing, just thought it was funny that perspective had lessened my anti-Rob Ryan stance.

Jimmy then hit back, “Better be nothing, Lawlor.”

Boy does he hate Rob Ryan.  So naturally I called today and told him Rob had the job.  The horror in Jimmy’s voice was pretty evident.  I quickly let him know it was a joke.  No telling what dire thing Jimmy might have said or done.

* * * * *

The Eagles signed LB/DE Chris McCoy today.  McCoy, 6-3, 261, played in the CFL the last 2 years after being drafted by the Dolphins in 2010.  Here is the PE.com write-up on the move.

This isn’t a huge deal.  McCoy had 3 sacks last year in the CFL before hurting his knee.  He’s not some impact player.  McCoy projects as a 3-4 OLB.  We’ll need bodies to help with depth.  He’s got the frame you want and has some pass rush ability.

McCoy played at Middle Tennessee State and was 6th in the nation in TFLs as a Senior.  He had 20.5 TFLs (7 sacks) and ran a fumble back 68 yards for a TD.

Here are some highlights for those who haven’t seen them yet:

* * * * *

For PE.com, I wrote about Chip Kelly’s challenge of fixing the Eagles.

I didn’t get into specific players.  I wanted to talk about the basics.  What mindset will Chip have, in terms of building the team to win now vs thinking long term?

I also touched on expectations for 2013.  I do not think we’ll challenge for a Super Bowl, but I do think there is enough talent for the Eagles to be a winning team and to look much better than the trainwreck of 2012.  I really do think the coaching change is going to make a big difference.  This isn’t to say Andy’s dumb or was a bad coach.  It was just time for a change.  That happened and I think we’ll see immediate benefits.

One really fascinating idea involves the upcoming draft.  No matter what you think of the 2013 draft overall, it does not stack up to the top of the 2014 draft.  DE Jadeveon Clowney is a freak.  WRs Marqise Lee and Sammy Watkins look special.  QBs Teddy Bridgewater, AJ McCarron, and Tajh Boyd could all be high picks.  OT Jake Matthews will be highly regarded.

It would show a lot of foresight to trade back this year and acquire an extra 1st rounder for next year.  That might give you the ammunition to move up high and land an elite player.

There would be risk in acquiring resources for the future instead of focusing on the present, but that might be a brilliant move.

_

  • gainesville_flyer

    I’m president of the “trade back” club.

    • Homer Frizzell

      I’d like to support your campaign.

    • D3Keith

      Hadn’t given it any thought, but it sounds wise.

      That’s a lot of delayed gratification, when you wait an extra year to pick, then a year or two for the rookies to maybe be good. Obviously if you can package the two firsts in 2014 to go get a stud then it’s great, but if you just have two stabs at getting someone good, it does take a hell of a lot of patience.

      Maybe makes sense at this time though because the Kelly hiring has bought some time.

  • Anders

    I really want to trade back badly, mostly because the difference this year between the 4th overall pick and lets say the 16th pick is none and there is some great player to be had in the 2nd and 3rd round.
    Also a 2nd 1st round pick next would be the icing on the cake.

    • PK_NZ

      Trade back to around 20-25. Get one of the top Safties and load up for next year…

    • holeplug

      “difference this year between the 4th overall pick and lets say the 16th pick is none”

      trading back is fine and all but lets not get carried away and start saying stuff like this

  • shah8

    One offense, I think we’ve mostly just killed ourselves and wasted time in the last six seasons because we can’t get ROG going straight. I think the decision on the fireman is a more important one than at QB. It determines how we use the first draft pick, and it determines how we use Kelly. I’ve been wondering if it’s not a good idea to kick Kelly to the inside and go with Peters, Evans, Kelce, Kelly, and Herremans.

    • TommyLawlor

      Kelly struggled at RG. More likely would be Kelly at RT and Herremans at RG. Kelly was far from perfect at RT, but most of his issues there were being a rookie. AT RG, he just didn’t look comfortable.

      Watkins didn’t do well under Mudd. A new OL coach can make a difference with him.

      • ICDogg

        True, but if I’m not mistaken Kelly’s OLs have run stuff very similar to the type of stuff Mudd runs, inside zone blocking and such.

        • Anders

          Mudd teaches zone blocking, but he got some thing different is pass blocking particular. Even in a normal zone black scheme you take a kick step (I think), where Mudd teaches something different.

          Im pretty sure Tommy can explain much better than me (stuff for a future topic maybe)

  • bdbd20

    “Jim Harbaugh is a more prolific blocker than Demetress Bell”

    Well done, sir.

    • TommyLawlor

      Why thank you.

      • bdbd20

        I just knew there’d be a good Bell joke in this column. You delivered quite nicely.

  • TommyLawlor

    I added this to the main post a few minutes ago.

    Bell’s highlight: http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1471083/rolletrip_medium.gif

    • http://twitter.com/MFlicker Mike Flick

      This is also a good example of Vick’s lack of awareness. He would have gotten crushed.

      He also was never in the middle of the pocket. He was riding the hip of the o-line in this one.

      • Ark87

        It was an embarrassing play for all parties involved except Bell, amazingly enough. The O-line is triple teaming 1 guy while leaving bell on an Island with one of the Giants vaunted DE’s. One of the Giants Vaunted defensive ends is getting handled by Bell. A giant’s blitzer is on his face, and Mathis and Vick might still not be aware that this ever happened…uhg, and this is when we were still winning games!

  • ICDogg

    What would you think of Cox as a nose tackle in a 1-gap-type 3-4?

    • TommyLawlor

      Not optimal, but Dallas had excellent success with Jay Ratliff. Could work. I just wonder if a guy like Cox isn’t better served to play in space where he can be more productive.

  • Arby1

    Also at this time, Demetress has announced a name change to Demetrissy. No further details provided.

  • ICDogg

    With a name like Clowney, he’s got to be a bad-ass. I grew up with a kid named Ronald McDonald. He was one of the most humorless, nastiest people I ever met. Stared right through you like an angry Joe Frazier.

    • ACViking

      “. . . an angry Joe Frazier.”

      Is there another kind?

    • A_T_G

      I heard about that guy. Billions stepped up to him, billions got served.

    • laeagle

      “My name is Sue, how do you do?”

  • ACViking

    T-Law wrote:

    “The Demetress Bell era came to an end today. I’m fighting back tears as I flash back to all the great memories.”
    ________________

    T-Law, only a handful of your readers may remember the eras of OTs Lane Howell and, more recently (mid-’80s), of Tom “look out Jaws” Jelesky.

    Great times to be sure.

    But I’m left wondering as D-Bell drifts into the rear-view mirror if he was worse than OT Kevin Allen (1st-Rd pick in April 1985; convicted rapist in November 1986).

    They played about the same amount. At the same position. Pretty close to push, I’m thinking.

    • ICDogg

      Forgot all about Jelesky. I think Buddy Ryan finally cut him.

      How about Ed “Holding, Number 64″ George?

      • ACViking

        Give ICDogg a cigar! Great memory.

    • A_T_G

      There aren’t many nice things to say about Bell. I am willing to say that he is not worse than a convicted rapist, however.

      • ACViking

        I tried to keep the comparison strictly on the field.

        Like a vote for Canton.

        • http://twitter.com/alex_karklins Alex Karklins

          That made me laugh!

  • Eagles_Fan_in_San_Fran

    “Bell and Mudd went together like brownies and tartar sauce”
    Mmmmm, sounds delicious to me!
    Sincerely,
    Homer Simpson
    New OL Coach, KC Chiefs

    • TommyLawlor

      Now that’s a coach I can get behind.

  • ACViking

    Re: Trading Back

    Great idea.

    But with whom? What player is worth next year’s No. 1 plus this year’s No. 1?

    T-Law . . . time’s yours.

    • TommyLawlor

      Maybe a team like the Rams is desperate for a LT and move up for Joeckel.

      The Saints are moving to a 3-4. Maybe they’ll fall in love with Damontre Moore.

      Maybe Dallas will covet Star Lotulelei since they’re going 4-3.

      • Alistair Middlemiss

        Ooh WTB trade with Dallas for our number 4 pick! they will suck next year so anyone we can trade with for a stone cold lead pipe lock for a top 10 pick next year makes me take that deal!

    • Ark87

      I would take a 1 and 2 next year for nothing this year. That would leave us with 2 1′s and 2′s next year. Still sort of doubt anyone would trade their future out to us like that…maybe someone that is really close to the superbowl, with a closing window (see Falcons with Julio Jones). Maybe the Broncos. Who they’d be after at 4, I don’t know.

  • http://twitter.com/alex_karklins Alex Karklins

    My god, at the time of the signing I thought that, with a little “Mudd magic,” Demetress Bell would blossom and make Jason Peters redundant. What a disaster.

    I’m getting a little concerned with the DC search, but I just need to remind myself that Jim Johnson was on the street when Reid hired him . . . gotta stay positive.

    • P_P_K

      I felt the same way about Bell. Rather than admit I might have been wrong, I am continuing to blame Mudd.

  • A_T_G

    I ate at a Chinese buffet this weekend. My fortunes said “A bell molded in mud will never ring true.” It is all so clear now.

    Now, if only I can decipher my wife’s: “Deep penetration into middle gap brings ecstasy.” Maybe ICDogg was onto something about trying Cox at NT.

    • http://twitter.com/alex_karklins Alex Karklins

      My fortunes always say: “The chef spit in your food.” Have no idea what that means.

      • ICDogg

        …

        • TommyLawlor

          Now that’s funny.

    • TommyLawlor

      So wrong and yet so very right.

  • D3Keith

    Re: DC at this point, worth kicking the tires on Spags? I mean if Rob Ryan can get re-hired, nobody’s too far down the chain.

    A young up and comer would be nice. Whoever it is, it seems like it’s going to be out of left field.

    • A_T_G

      I hope not. Isn’t left field where you hide the guy that is terrible on defense?

      • D3Keith

        Well played sir.

  • ian_no_2

    I like the idea of getting the feeler out that you will trade for 2014 if you get blown away with an offer. There have been teams that trade a pick a round higher for a current pick because they are so into a player. In any year there are good players. I would like to see a guy at 4 make play after play so fans can thank the 4-12 record.

  • http://www.facebook.com/mitchell.binkley.3 Mitchell Binkley

    How far back do you think we could trade to still land Fisher? I really like this kid. Perhaps better than Joekel!!!

    • ceteris_paribus1776

      7th. My guess is Zona needing all sorts of line help will take him at 8th if he’s there.

  • D3Keith

    Uh, why is there some buzz in the comments on your Fan-Demonium link that you’re about to take Spadaro’s job? Is it open?

    • TommyLawlor

      I have no idea what that’s all about. Think it is just readers goofing/speculating.

      • bdbd20

        So you’re saying that you’ve had no “offical” contact with the team? We’ll see what PFT has to say about this.

        • xeynon

          Personally I think it would be highly unethical of Tommy to recruit commenters by saying that he’s going to continue to post here when he’s secretly negotiating to move to a more lucrative gig on the team website.

          • D3FB

            You mean I shouldn’t have gotten that Iggles Blitz tattoo?

          • Eagles_Fan_in_San_Fran

            Well, at least not across your entire face like that Russian gal.

      • phillychuck

        I think Tommy’s getting interviewed later this week, if Sam doesn’t block him again this year…or was it Jimmy who blocked him last?

        • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1514128048 Kristopher Cebula

          the team has no announcement regarding the hiring of new staff at this time

    • fran35

      I heard Spadaro was being groomed as Reid’s next great defensive coordinator with the Chiefs. Reid mumbled something about high motor and throwing fastballs.

  • ICDogg

    All of this talk of Jelesky and other bad Eagles down below leads me to want a reverse-all-star squad of some of the worst and most disappointing Eagles we can remember.

    Guys like Joe Conwell and Lawrence Sampleton. Tony Brooks and Jason Dunn. Mike Bellamy and Torrance Small.

  • Mac

    If we trade back n get a 1 this year and next and trade our second for a 2014 1st and all three teams including us suck hard next year we’ll be stacked!

  • DanJ3645

    Another advantage of trading back would be the chance to evaluate all the current players in the new systems.
    If we move to a 34 this advantage would be more significant I’d think. Given that Curry and Graham are recent high picks, but question marks in the 34 this could be very valuable.
    it also gives the coaches time to properly define to the scouts and Howie’s team what they need in their players.

  • George Zelenak

    Tommy, you are spot on with the analogies today. Brownies and tartar sauce….Jim Harbaugh blocking better that Bell….GOLD!!! Too bad Bell had to be cut. I was excited to see where your comedy muse would take you!

  • ceteris_paribus1776

    By winning team, you think they will be above .500? Wow, that’s pretty optimistic given the numerous questions facing this team. I’d be happy with an 8-8 season next year all things considered. I’m expecting 6 or 7 wins unless things fall perfectly into place.

  • BobSmith77

    Is Rob Ryan continuing to get defensive coordinator jobs the same as Kevin James continuing to get featured roles in movies? Baffled by both.

  • BobSmith77

    Bell should have an issued either a ‘non-contact’ jersey last year or more appropriately ’00.’ Too bad NFL rules prohibit the ’00′ jersey though.

  • BobSmith77

    Keith3 made the point about trading back and I think it would make great marketing slogan for the Eagles this year especially if they go to a 3-4 as wildly rumored: ‘Delayed gratification’

  • Chiptomylou

    Billy Davis new D Coordinator….

  • Baloophi

    Billy Davis = DC

    • 47_Ronin

      Looking like the Eagles are Cleveland East. Not a fan of this move. Davis’ 49ers and Cardinals’ defenses were bad, and it’s not mostly do to talent. Cardinals defensive personnel were largely the same in 2011 vs. 2010 (Davis’ last year in AZ). I think Davis was Plan C or D after a) other candidates were blocked by their respective teams, or b) took name out of consideration.

    • Chiptomylou

      He did run a great D in Arizona in ’09 but that is about it. I’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt but he does not jump out at me as somebody that is going to coach a great defense. But then again, who was Jim Johnson before he came here?

    • Mac

      We finally got a Bill!