Taking A Look at the Eagles Offense
Posted: March 31st, 2015 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 366 Comments »We’ve seen a few changes on the Eagles offense. Let’s look at the lineup and talk about things.
WR Jordan Matthews
WR Miles Austin
WR Riley Cooper
TE Brent Celek … Zach Ertz
RB DeMarco Murray … Ryan Mathews … Darren Sproles
QB Sam Bradford … Mark Sanchez
LT Jason Peters
LG Evan Mathis
OC Jason Kelce
RG Allen Barbre
RT Lane Johnson
We don’t know for a fact Austin will play in the slot. On a conference call with the Philly media, Austin estimated he’s played the slot about half of his career, but did spend last year more outside. That was due to the presence of someone who was strictly a slot receiver.
Watch these 2014 highlights of Austin and you can see even though he played outside, a lot of his catches came over the middle. He can play in traffic. He can make catches while covered.
Austin is a solid blocker. He’s not going to dominate defenders, but has the size, strength and effort to win most of his battles. Both Cleveland and Dallas would at times walk him in close to the formation and have him block bigger guys. Andy Reid used to do this with some of his bigger WRs. You don’t expect the WR to control the LB, but just get in his way for 1.5 seconds. You do need the WR to be willing to do dirty work for this to succeed. Austin is willing to do whatever is needed.
Chip Kelly has a big set of WRs. Austin lists at 6-2, 215. He looks closer to 225. Riley Cooper is in the 225 range. Jordan Matthews is the midget, at only 6-2, 212. These guys can all deal with physical DBs. They can all block.
That’s great, but where is the speed?
Matthews is the blazer and he ran 4.46 at the Combine. That’s not going to scare many DBs. Jeremy Maclin wasn’t as explosive as DeSean Jackson, but Mac was a better vertical threat than most people gave him credit for. Can Matthews now take that role?
We do need to remember that stretching a defense is about more than just pure speed. Cooper had some success as a downfield guy in 2013. He tracks the ball very well and is big enough to fight for contested balls and win them. I certainly wouldn’t count on Matthews becoming a deep threat, but that was part of his game in college. As a rookie, he played in the slot. You don’t run many vertical routes from the slot so this is an unknown part of his game right now.
There are reports that the Eagles looked into veteran WR Mike Wallace before deciding to look elsewhere. That shows that they do have some interest in speed, but don’t feel it is an overwhelming need. They can try to find someone in the draft that is a good vertical threat and could help with that part of the offense.
The Eagles do need chunk plays. They can get them in the form of RAC gains rather than downfield throws. DeSean Jackson and Matthews both had the same number of catches of 20 or more yards last year (16). Jackson used speed while Matthews used RAC ability. The difference is that Jackson had 13 catches go for 40 or more yards while Matthews only had 2 of those.
Zach Ertz and Brent Celek form a good TE duo. Ertz is a terrific receiver. He has the speed to get deep and is a gifted downfield receiver for a TE. Celek is more blocker than pass catcher now, but still is a threat in the passing game. Ertz had more catches of 20 or more yards last year than Jimmy Graham or Jason Witten. He’s still scratching the surface of how good he can be.
I think the RB trio of Murray, Mathews and Sproles will deliver chunk plays. Murray had more runs of 20 or more yards and more runs of 40 or more yards than LeSean McCoy did over the past 2 years. Mathews has the speed to break long runs. Sproles is a threat to create a big play any time he touches the ball.
Obviously the key to all of this is having the right trigger-man. We’ve talked about Sam Bradford quite a bit. All we can do for now is speculate. If things go as Kelly envisions them, the offense will be even better. You’ll have a veteran QB with a strong and better accuracy running the show. He’ll get the ball to the open receivers and run the explosive attack at a high level. If things go as others fear, we’ll see Mark Sanchez on the field too often and being as erratic as he always has through his NFL career, meaning the offense is in trouble in critical situations. Time will tell on this.
The OL looks to be in good shape, assuming Evan Mathis sticks around. The Eagles let his agent talk to teams about a trade, but we’ve heard no progress on that front so it seems like Mathis will be an Eagle in 2015. Allen Barbre at RG should be okay (or better). The Eagles are likely to spend an early pick (or two) on OL. They know they need youth and depth up front.
It is certainly hard to believe the Eagles could have as much turmoil up front in 2015. The 4-game suspension of Johnson last year combined with constant injuries and the ejection of Peters in the first WAS game to create a non-stop shuffling of players. That was simply insane.
One thing we have to remember is that offense is Kelly’s baby. This is his offense. He made these changes. Kelly chose Byron Maxwell over Jeremy Maclin. He dealt Nick Foles for Bradford. He felt the defense needed a certain amount of attention and that the offense could still thrive even with change.
Kelly added veteran players that are smart, tough and physical.
They also have serious durability issues. And this is where Kelly loses more than a few people. He’s betting that his Sports Science program and new surroundings can help keep these players healthy. Kelly does see the risk, but he feels the risk/reward makes it worth it. As Kelly has explained, if Bradford were completely healthy, he’d have never been available in a trade.
Kelly is trusting his Sports Science and training ideas. We’re (most of us) trusting Kelly. That trust could look awfully dumb if things go horribly wrong.
One final note…Kelly is continuing to bring in high character players. WR Michael Crabtree is on the market right now. He is a gifted young player. But Crabtree has had some issues over the years. Kelly signed Austin, who is older and less talented. But Austin is coachable and can help the young players around him develop. Kelly still believes in the importance of the right football culture.
* * * * *
Not everyone is on board.
I'm calling it right now: Someone from the Eagles is winning 2015 Comeback Player of the Year.
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffMosherCSN) March 31, 2015
Now that I've had a chance to wrap my head around it, nothing whatsoever makes sense to me about the Eagles signing Miles Austin.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) March 31, 2015
My question to the #Eagles is why sign him to a deal worth $2.3M with $700K in incentives? Who was their competition this late in FA?
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 31, 2015
_
Here is is hoping that we get 2 of the following WR in this draft:
N. Agholor
K. Bell
C. Conley
DGB
Tre McBride
Jaelen Strong
breshard perrimen looks pretty good as well. was just watching him the other day
Yea Id be down with it. Hoping we get a 6′ ish Burner and a thick baller i.e. Conley DGB Strong. This list has players all over the place projection wise.
Would love if we traded back again this year unless Chip has is OBJ type in mind that could be had. The value suggests we trade back. Would love OL, DB, 2 WR’s in rounds 1-3.
idk about conley, hed be a mid round guy for me,
right now i have stuck in my mind imagining Perrimen and Devin Funchess. Beshard on the outside getting reps behind matthews and Funchess in the slot with Huff. With Ertz Lining up all over.
Chip said he wanted to get 2 when he lost lesean, he got 2 Rbs. Think he might of said it when desean left and then he got 2 with jordan and josh. Im thinking he wants another 2 to replace Maclin.
He does that, and we could be a better offense. Ya know if bradford is healthy.
Kelly is going ‘old school’ this season and bringing back the T formation only instead of a FB between Murray and Matthews he’ll put in Sproles at the FB position as a passing option at times and use Polk in a modified FB role.
Who needs stinking WRs!
not a bad idea at all as FB does a lot of blocking and Sproles is great at that too!
Tommy, is Josh Huff someone that the Eagles could use to stretch the field?
Kelly mentioned him a few times in regards to the Austin signing and yeah it seems like they are counting on him to be an important contributor.
He has better measurables than Antonio Brown in every facet and there is no doubting his toughness and heart. I think Huff is goin to be a beast.
Agreed. I guess a according to Chip, Huff, Jordan Mathews, Taylor Hart, Beau Allen, will all go down as brilliant “Howie roseman draft picks”, since last draft wasn’t chips and he didn’t draft Marcus… Huff is going to be a beast, that Howie sure knows how to pick em
He only ran 4.51 at the Combine so he lacks special speed. I think he’s more of a RAC guy. Get the ball in his hands and he’ll make a big play.
I’m interested to see what kind of progress he makes this year. Huff could be a big help to this offense.
Also, is anyone else impressed that there’s a Miles Austin 2014 highlight video?
Kudos to Browns fans.
Of which 92% wanted him back!
I guess that’s it.
Who sits around and makes this stuff? It boggles my mind. I mean these days, with all of us obsessing over draft prospects, and all the college FB hype, I get the highlights of College “skill” position players, but relatively obscure NFL pros? I know I can google this, but is there a “Brad Smith 2014 highlight real”? Where does it end?
And I mean, with the music and “effects” too… mind boggling.
“We’re (most of us) trusting Kelly.”
What has always confused me about the “In Chip We Trust” mantra (and those who disagree with it) is that there isn’t exactly an alternative. If you don’t trust Kelly, what are you doing? Rooting for another team? Or is this a question about whether to shell out money for season tickets or not?
The option is to rip him relentlessly as some kind of a fool that is in over his head and then secretly hope you’re wrong about that.
More than a few fans let me know Chip is an idiot and these moves are dumb. Even some smart fans feel that way.
Well, yes, but talk is cheap (for most people). I guess, in your case, Tommy, that you are placing some trust in him — you are risking your reputation as an analyst to a certain extent. Most people don’t have that kind of skin in the game.
This does help answer my question, though, because what most fans risk are emotions. As I think about it, I don’t trust Ruben Amaro (or pretty much anyone in the Phillies braintrust), so I’ve mentally checked out. I’m only marginally paying attention to the Phillies. I’m not risking any emotions on their season this year.
Talk is cheap. That’s what Chip does. Talk, in a way that confuses and amuses some people. 0-1 is what matters to the real fans right now not 10-6.
“Real fans” being defined as those who think like you?
Do “real fans” not want a Superbowl?
It’s a journey not a switch.
If you’re going to use the term “real fans” – please define the opposite. That term irks me because I think the beauty of big time sports (in that – pro or college – sports that we can follow together, all talking about the same team regardless of how differently we view/perceive/judge/assess them) is that so many people can get so much entertainment, joy, excitement, fulfillment (of many different flavors) etc… from them.
What I personally despise is when one fan thinks he’s “greater”, or “realer”, or “more objective” than others. Not saying I haven’t been guilty of it (I personally love the term “ID People” in reference to many Philly (negadelph) fans – Mark Bowen) but stil…
The bandwagon Oregon fans that want only Chip to have success. What do I mean by that? They’re satisfied with a gaudy record, beating bad teams and no playoff success. Look at the Falcons and Texans a few years back ago with Smith/Kubiak (albeit they’re still superior to what Chip has done so far). Their window closed and they have to rebuild.
You think there’s a single fan out there that’s satisfied? Heck, if (at any point in history, with any coach) the Eagles were to miraculously win 5 superbowls in a row, you think any fan would be satisfied? Heck no, baring a disaster or severe change in culture, the following year, an NFL season would occur. And we’d be hungry for more success for that season. I won’t be satisfied nor do I expect any fan to be, with the Eagles ever, including the last second before I die – nor do I expect anything from anyone else. Period.
Believe it or not..there is. People believe that there’s only upside for this team. There’s no concrete trend for sports and yet people pretend that nothing ever could go wrong.
I guess you’d hate talking Eagles with me then. I get real depressed when seasons end (given that I was born long after 1960), and for a few days following a tough Eagles loss. But I’m constantly accused of being overly optimistic and a “cool-aid” drinker by my friends/fellow fans.
For me, the fun of being an Eagles fan is forever. I love all parts of the offseason (ok, except for negadelphia speculative media and always negative fans), transactions, roster moves, the draft, reading Lawlor, Kempski, BGN, Birds 24…etc… and I love every game. Heck I love the build up on game days. I don’t think anything will ever change that. Period.
I also think that winning a SB would be incredibly amazing. But I DO believe that the obsession with championships (all sports) is overrated. I’m no big baseball fan, but I certainly enjoyed the Phils WS. And god knows most of our Philly brethren did. But let me ask you this – given the current pathetic state of the Phillies, how much comfort does the 08′ WS win give Phils fans? From where I’m sitting, precisely ZERO. ZILCH. NADA right now.
It’s about the long haul. It’s an identity thing. I’m an Eagles fan. And I’m gonna enjoy that (and sink with the lows) till the day I die. There’s nothing more complicated than that.
i think the window closed with that 2012/2013 team, we’re rebuilding, but face the same problem as the texans, no QB.
The problem is that we’re rebuilding the team that actually had success and now head into like the abyss of the sea.
you’re a hypocrite dude. Talked about wanting to win championships now you said Kelly is heading the team into the abyss because Shady, Jackson, and Foles gave us “success.” Face it. You’re a negative nancy. You’ll only praise the head coach unless he wins a SB. I’ll hate to be your loved ones.
Did I strike a nerve because you’re just a Chip fan?
Yep, I hate those ‘winning record’ teams. I much prefer teams that lose loads of games but win all the playoffs that they aren’t in…
All I want. Considering I have 8 hours a shift with Ahole giants fans to work within all they do is talk smack………
even after missing the play offs again and doing nothing in F/A
You know what else is cheap, free blogs on the interwebz. Real fans donate $$$ to Tommy.
Upvote for this, actually.
Kind of oxymoronic to be a smart fan and call Kelly dumb, at least at this point. Most smart people aren’t good at admitting they don’t understand something or someone.
I’m excited by a lot of the moves, thought I don’t fully understand all of them. But why should I, or anyone who isn’t in on all the meetings? Kelly clearly doesn’t care about NFL standard procedure, which is pretty much the only way “accurately” judge a teams moves. Even then, calling offseason winners is usually pretty inaccurate.
Should be a fun season, most I’ve been excited since we were perennal favs to make the SB. Heck, might even have to go back to Gang Green. Something about a team that makes it’s own rules.
Better to have tried and failed, etc etc
Some smart people can’t think out of the box….
I’m a fan of Chip Kelly, but I absolutely hate the “In Chip We Trust” mantra. To me, the issue with the mantra is that it is used far to often as a catch-all defense of any Chip Kelly decision without providing any analysis. Look, I know for a fact that Chip Kelly knows more about football than I do, or basically anyone posting here. At the end of the day, I trust that any decision Chip Kelly makes has logic supporting it, was carefully thought out, and isn’t just Chip throwing darts at a dart board. Still, with any move, there are risks and benefits. When Chip makes a move, he obviously believes those benefits outweigh the risks, but even he doesn’t know that for a fact. So when debating whether a move was a quality one or not, I think most fans like to argue the risks vs. the benefits. The “In Chip We Trust” mantra basically ignores that debate and says, “Chip knows better, therefore clearly the benefits outweight the risks.” Fine… but why not try to explain what he is thinking and be convincing that he is right.
On top of my dislike of it as a conversation ender is the fact that the same mantra wasn’t used for Andy Reid (or previous coaches), at least not with the same enthusiasm. Somehow, with that mantra, Chip earned a status of being unquestionable. To me, the only coach that even comes close to that status is Belichick, not a coach who has been in the NFL for only two years and has yet to even win a playoff game. That’s not to say I don’t believe in Chip’s ability to be successful, I just don’t think his moves (or any coaches moves) are beyond questioning.
not sure why people went there with it originally, not sure if it’s worse how fast people jumped on the bandwagon or how fast they jumped off just b/c they don’t like what he’s doing.
If that’s your logic, why don’t you defend Kelly not giving us the full story by pointing out the Reid was the master of non-answers?
I get that Kelly is a risk taker, and the average person is risk averse. But that’s not all. The local beat guys don’t like him because he doesn’t stroke their egos. That makes for negative stories that sway the average fan, just like liberal and conservative media sways average voters. But why would you want him to tell the whole truth. Does that help us become a better team? I would argue the opposite. Besides, Kelly is never going to make everyone happy. His job is to run the football team, and he works his butt off at that. So far the results have been solid, and he clearly has his sight set higher. Nothing wrong with giving him the benefit of the doubt, or “trusting” him at this point. It certainly beats trusting most of the petty local writers and their whiny self-serving opinions.
my comment “Fine… but why not try to explain what he is thinking and be convincing that he is right.” Wasn’t meant for Chip to explain. I meant for those who use the mantra In Chip We Trust, I’d rather hear why a certain move makes sense than just hearing Chip knows better so trust him, period. It just is an argument that leads no where and one that we never used for AR (Nor should have used)
Fair enough. I think it goes back to his unorthodox ways in Oregon. Let’s face it, he’s way outside the box. Thus, most people don’t have a clue as to what he’s doing until after it’s done. But he’s also been highly successful. Thus, people trust him and admit they don’t understand what he’s doing. I understand avid fans thinking they can understand every move, but that’s kind of arrogant, isn’t it? Heck, NFL pros don’t even understand all the moves other teams make. Doesn’t make them wrong.
So far, Kelly has failed to have a crash and burn season at any level. That may happen this year. But until it does, I don’t see anything wrong with fans trusting him to make the team better.
Nobody is saying you can’t be critical of Chip. Of course you can. There have been plenty of things I didn’t like. This isn’t blind obedience.
“In Chip I Trust”, as I see it, is more of a person waiting to hear Chip’s explanation or waiting to see how something works before totally judging it. So often we react to something without understanding it.
Chip built up good will by what he did at Oregon and then going 10-6 the past 2 years. We also know he’s an unorthodox coach. Him doing surprising things makes sense, so to speak.
Things could be very different a year from now. If the Bradford moves proves to be a disaster, that will eat up a lot of the trust in Chip.
There is also the natural change that comes with time. The longer Chip is here, the less patient people will be.
I’m sorry Tommy, but we’ll have to agree to disagree. I don’t view “In Chip I Trust” as a person waiting to find out whether or not a a move will work. I view it as a person viewing that it will work unless proven otherwise. To me, that subtle difference is meaningful. The former takes a neutral position and waits for the outcome while the latter takes a positive position. I understand being optimistic, and I know you are generally very optimistic, but when you are debating the logic of a move, that also doesn’t mean you are “totally judging it.” At least to me, the logic of debating is to understand, and even if I take an opinion different from Chip Kelly’s doesn’t mean I am unwilling to see how a move works itself out.
As for Chip building good will, sure, he has built up some good will, but “In Chip We Trust” has been a mantra waaaaay before this offseason.
http://igglesblitz.com/2013/02/in-chip-we-trust/
The date of that post, title “In Chip We Trust,” was February 8th, 2013, less than a month after he was hired.
At the end of the day, I am hopeful and optimistic that Chip is a good hire and will be a positive force for this team, but when a move occurs that I disagree with or don’t understand, “In Chip I Trust” to me is insufficient evidence that I should be optimistic about any given move.
But Iskar, what about the – “neutral position” – but with the caveat of “I’m going to enjoy seeing how this plays out”? Sometimes I get the idea that the “glass half empty” crew is bitter that they don’t have guaranteed happiness/satisfaction coming down the pike. Well heck… if that’s the standard…
I’m in the “trust” camp, generally. But I’ve also been very explicit that the criticisms are valid, and that no one is 100% certain of how this plays out. He’s taking risks, but from what we know of him, I think they’re calculated risks. It’s fun to watch, for now. Like TL said, if it all blows up on him, no one should be able to say “nobody thought THIS could happen!” But just the same, I can see the upside in all his moves, and think I can see the basic outlines of how all these pieces will fit into a very successful whole. But the only time we’ll even be close to an answer on this experiment is game 16 of the season.
“…or basically anyone posting here.”
You are lucky you included that “basically” qualifier, Mister. Lucky.
I think you’re reading too much in it. We have ZERO superbowls. Us Eagles’ fans are desperate. We see a highly intelligent football man who is extremely dedicated to his job. All he does is watches film, talk to other football gurus, and read books on leadership and organizational management. My god. It should be more #InChipspotentialwetrust
I am very skeptical, but obviously I hope it works out.
I was solidly aboard the Chip Kelly coaching bandwagon. It’s the Chip Kelly as GM thing I am having trouble getting behind.
Excellent point. We have yet to see the yields of his moves as GM. He has zero “built-up trust” from his college coaching days because FA is not recruiting.
But as a coach, he’s done things a majority of coaches in the NFL, even some who’ve won a SB, couldn’t do. Hopefully his GM tenure is as successful as his coaching has been.
I was most concerned about Chip the GM because I feared two things: (1) too much loyalty, holding on to players he likes too long – well, how did that work out? Lol
(2) Does he has a feeling for value? We can’t answer that yet, there are moves where the feeling is he judged the money side wrong. But he didn’t let himself get played by Maclin, f.e. That gives me hope.
Have to wait for the draft, though. I liked Howie dealing during the draft. Don’t think Chip will do that. I’m not against him being unorthodox when it comes to picking players, it’s just, if you want to pick Fisher in the 1st, f.e., try everything to trade back. Even if it’s just to 24-28 and there is only a 4th offered. Take advantage of you not having the same board as others.
1) lol indeed!
2) I think not just the draft, but the season as well. IF he’s going to be judged on these FA moves, then we have to see if the bet hedged on Byron Maxwell, Demarco Murray, and Sam Bradford, pay off. If those hit, and produce anywhere close to how much they’re paid for, then I’ll feel much more comfortable. But his ability to appraise talent and value it will be very important this April as well.
I think of it as a bus on the path to the superbowl that we’re all aboard. Chip changed out the tires, threw a on a spoiler and turned this bad boy onto a short cut that involves jumping a ravine. Some of ya’ll threw on a sleeping mask and turned on some tunes. All know he’s probably the most qualified person anywhere to even attempt the jump, but realize he’s also sitting on a golden parachute as well. No one is getting off this bus, just some are going to yell and scream the whole way. I’m quietly preparing for the worst. Make no mistake, everyone wants Chip to succeed.
I’m pretty sure I’ll survive regardless of what happens to the Eagles this year. Actually, I’d be willing to bet that Chip would face more negative consequences for a losing season than anyone posting on this site.
nah, Chip will land a job of his choosing and be building a contender, living and loving life long before the Eagles ever get out of the crater. So many of us will actually lose years of happiness as the franchise flails about looking for a coach and qb for who knows how long. The emotional tie might be ridiculous, but it is real.
I would like to see Miles go for 1,760 yards in our offense.
It’s probably more likely that Austin will run for 1,760 Miles.
Well played. At first, I thought you missed the joke. I was going to blame the metric system. But then I saw that Miles was capitalized. Nice work.
I thought is was 1641 Miles to Austin?
Duly noted.
Mr. Math!
He would have to go for at least 3520 yards, since his name is plural.
Mr. Grammar!
Oy, that is the last thing I want to be known as. Was attempting a joke, but I guess that is your role anyway.
No no! I love your joke! I was just in a crazy “Mr.” barrel in which I had just labeled A_T_G “Mr. Math”… I would be “Mr. Detention.”
Posted this in the old thread. Feel free to discuss!
GE’s favourite draft scenario for the Eagles in round 1 [provided staying put at #20 or downtrade]:
1. DeVante Parker [WR]
2. Bud Dupree [LB]
3. TJ Clemmings [OL]
4. Downtrade
> 4a. Fisher [OL]
> 4b. Jaelen Strong [WR]
> 4c. Byron Jones [CB]
Not big on another LB, I still fit hope for MSII. Also like those corners from wake and LSU if trade down
Yes, understood. However getting such a pass rushing threat at #20 would be too good to pass on.
Especially one that’s a freak athlete like Bud.
And that name…!
MSII is an afterthought at this point. Travis Long is ahead of him in the pecking order. MSII might not even survive preseason cuts if one other OLB emerges.
Is Chip Kelly commenting here? Otherwise, how in the world would you know that?
Durrrr we can’t be allowed to speculate at all durrrr. Durrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Watch the preseason tape. Long looked way better than Smith. I’ve never seen Chip show more disdain towards any player when he talks to the media than he does when he talks about Marcus Smith.
Nothing against speculation, mate. You just wrote it like it will be a fact.
And of course Smiths rookie season was bad. Being healthy and barely playing at all is bad for a 1st rounder. But he was a rookie nonetheless. If he doesn’t contribute at all in year 2 like he did in year 1, he’s really close to being a bust despite the 3 year rule. But it’s waaaay to early for that.
I think and I hope that Smith will get the Graham role, with 30-40 percent of the snaps. Because I don’t want to draft an edge rusher early. We have two players who we signed long term + our 1st round rookie from last year + Long. Add an edge rusher in the 4th or 5th, for competition and depth, but I don’t want one early. Imo, it’s too early to give up on Smith and being OLB #4 in Year 2 is like giving up, imho.
I would prefer a trade down for Byron Jones and hope Fisher falls to us.
Jones + Fisher?! Now we’re talking!!!!
I’m not a fan of “hoping”. If you want someone – get him. They “hoped” in last years 1st round and lost all of them.
I haven’t heard any talk here of La’el Collins and Erick Flowers as possible first round targets.* I would prefer either of those two guys, Brandon Scherff or Cameron Erving to Jaelen Strong, TJ Clemmings, or Jake Fisher.
* reading the last few comment threads but offline for a while..
My board right now has it 1. Scherff, 2. Flowers, 3. Collins, 4. Erving.. one of those guys will probably be there, and if not I’d be looking at any value that fell in other areas or a trade offer. Fisher seems like a solid guy and Clemmings has some long term potential so I wouldn’t be distraught if they were picked.
Another thing about Austin is that the Sproles pickup and the near-signing of Gore showed how Kelly values veterans that have made use of their experience to learn more every day, so they can learn the angles of his offense wonkishly. Kelly will find a way to get Austin open and Austin is an elite route runner who wants to get even better.
anyone think we got outbid for bowe? he’s basically the same size as austin and probably a better WR at this point, though hard to tell
Bowe stinks though. I would have paid up for Britt.
Yeah cuz chip would sign that idiot, unfortunately chip doesn’t care about talent if you are a jackass… Me, I like my players like Lawrence Taylor, savage and batshit crazy, so I’m down for Britt, doubt chip feels the same, thus miles Austin over Bowe/Britt types
Bowe is not chip character
I remain convinced that Molk > Barbre and Tobin (despite D3FB’s persuasiveness to the contrary) and that Herremans was better than both of them. I would prefer to see a 1st round rookie get the starting nod and add to the depth, as there are quality guys who can play guard, a few that have OT potential in the long run (Flowers and Collins).
As much as I like the Toddfather, but truth be told he was the weakest link in our starting O line last year.
Don’t actually expect a drop off with either Barbre and/or Tobin to be honest.
wht makes you think herremans was better, he’s super old, coming off season ending injury and was majorly on the decline.
He played perhaps his best football last year before he had a freak injury. The Colts know what they’re doing. It’s a bit of a moot point now. Bowe btw got a ridiculously high contract that is way too much for the Eagles cap room and Austin will almost certainly be better.
yeah contracts this year have been a little silly generally
remember his roll block miss on the last play of the cardinals game?
nick had to scramble backwards 10 yards thanks to herrimans.
that was the worst play I ever saw an olinemen make….
Come on now. That is a little hyperbolic. It was bad, but Winston Justice? King Dunlap?
Watch #77 in this clip
https://youtu.be/1tbbpSi5r9Y
LOL
I am pretty sure we can all think of someone we work with who is our own version of 77 in that clip.
Namely Trash Can
How dare you speak negatively of the 4 year 28 mil San Diego Whale’s…Va JJ
Demetress Bell, we haven’t forgotten you, botto didn’t mean that, Demitrius I mean..
Fireman Watkins you too are in our thoughts this holiday season
Molk is terrible. He spent entire games getting blown into Foles lap
Thank god you said “into”.
I’ll just leave this here, but I don’t think Molk is “awesome.”
http://www.mcall.com/sports/football/eagles/mc-video-sports-eagles-center-david-molk-excited-to-be-starting-sunday-20140923-premiumvideo.html
I’m back….
although none of the QBs in my username are..
time for Sam or Mark?? lets hope not..
3 quick views on the offseason:
1. Defense over offense- clearly a good strategy, makes too much sense.
2. Taking risks and going for players with high upside.
NFL is as unpredictable a league as you will find in professional sports. You can go from bottom dweller to division leader in one off season with the right additions + luck. I grew weary of the constant mediocrity that plagued the Eagles. It was time for drastic measures. They may work. Or they may lead to a top 5 pick in the 2016 Draft. For me, that’s a win-win.
3. Biggest miss of the offseason?
Nope, its not Maclin, its not even Mariota (eventually).
Its being unable to steal McCourtey from the Patriots.
Before you go through the trouble of updating your name, you can just hold out a few weeks for Mark or Marcus, or maybe S&M?
Mark or Marcus does have a nice ring to it…..
But S&M has the safety and security of working for Sam & Mark or for Sanchez & Mariota. With S&M, you won’t be bound to one outcome.
With the added benefit of being a decent Metallica album.
…so a Samoan, a Mexican and Sam walk into a bar….. something is a miss
Sarcasm aside, I would imagine Bradford is the Vegas fav for Comeback player at this point. But I don’t see anyone else on the team who has any shot at it, so Mosher’s comment is kind of silly.
Brandon graham came back…he could be good
oh yeah and sanchez came back too..
Neither of them could win a Comeback award in 15.
If anything happened to Murray maybe Mathews could be a candidate.
I think if we limit Mathews carries he could go for 600yds+ and 6-8TD’s, for a backup that wold be beautiful, but i agree he just won’t get the volume.
Wait, wait wait. Sarcasm aside? I didn’t agree to that.
A good shot at it?
Bradford
Alonso
Would technically qualify?
Mathis
Kelce
Barbre
Ryans
Thurmond
Long
Goode
I’d say there’s a decent chance.
Can you comeback after having just one season? I suppose Alonso has an outside shot. Realistically though, I’d say just one guy. I’m betting that Vegas ranks him #1, though.
I just read Austin fixed his hamstring issues… phew.
so he’s got that going for him, which is nice
he’s in the best shape of his life
He’s never felt this good at this point in the offseason ever before in his career.
He found a way out of Cleveland.
Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know. And he says, “Oh, uh, there won’t be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness.” So I got that goin’ for me, which is nice.
He can’t tear it if he’s on the bench?
I’m among those who doesn’t really get any angle to the Austin deal at all. He hasn’t played special teams in forever, so unless he is here to replace Cooper, which seems like a lateral move at best is he even going to dress on gamedays? his contract makes little sense, he’s 4 or 5 years removed from being a quality starter, and as Mclane said, who exactly were we bidding against at this point?
I think our offense is going to struggle to get YAC this year, not just because we don’t have any speed on the outside anymore, but because we lack much real talent at all on the outside now. Teams are going to play real close to the LOS against us because we have no one to respect.
No guaranteed money. He either stays healthy and looks good or he won’t even make our roater
I get your point, but with Murray, Matthews and Sproles I think teams will be playing close to the line of scrimmage no matter who we have at receiver.
Wait, I slept that much? Who did we draft? And what about Sproles on wheel routes/screens? Matthews and Huff and Ertz suck? Chip is a sub-par offensive schemer?
Assuming YAC and RAC are the same, I will have to disagree because between Murray, Matthews, Huff, Celek and maybe Pooper, we got some tough mofo’s on this team.
Matthews ran a 4.46. Maclin ran a 4.45. Not sure why everyone looks at Maclin as more of a downfield threat. I disagree about Cooper tracking the ball well. He does it occasionally, but not consistently. Of course, he didn’t do anything consistently well in 2014. I’m ok with the Austin pick up, but McLane nailed it – why are we overpaying him? By the way – Schaub signed for $1 million. One-fifth of what we’re paying the Sanchize. I’d rather have Schaub.
no you wouldn’t
1m? Schefter says 3m. And Schefter is always right.
$2mill -> bumped to $3mill if he plays
Austin was terrific for a short time with Dallas. He really looked like a player during that stretch but most of the time, not so much. Surprised that we were even interested.
Really? He seems like a reliable possession receiver with size. You’re saying we were in better shape at WR without Austin than with? I don’t get that. It’s like saying, I’d like $100, so I’m going to refuse your no strings attached offer to give me $65 just for spits and giggles.
Not saying I’m against it… just didn’t expect it. I would be more than happy for every move that Chip has done that has befuddled me to work out for the Eagles. It may well be that Austin is just what we need.
So, if you were going to buy a jersey to replace the jerseys of all the guys Kelly has gotten rid of, which would be the safest to buy at this point? I’ll say Lane Johnson.
Dawkins.
No mention of Huff in this great offense?
….
Had a discussion about Chip wanting to sustaining drives with the team he built.. Which I don’t agree with… And here’s an atrial saying how explosive it will (can) be…. Hmmmmm……
I’m not arguing that it won’t be explosive. I’m arguing that the explosiveness comes as the result of, not at the expense of, sustaining drives (as measured in plays, not time). And against good teams, who can limit, if not eliminate, explosive plays, you have the ability to use sustained drives to “score some *&^%ing points!”
If the Eagles score say on 3 or 4 or 5 plays, is that sustaining a drive? If so, we’re on the same page. Chip is not putting together an offense to look for 4 yard chunks and move the sticks every 3 plays. Does Chip use some plays to set up bigger plays? Sure. Every coach does. But Chip isn’t designing an offense to go 3 yards, 3 yards 30 yards. Chips motto seems to be — score points(as quickly as possible) ask questions later… with the team he’s building, he’s in position to do so.
…..
Good teams – can eliminate any offense.
Some possible trade-back scenarios
1. Winston drops to 20 so the QB needy teams will trade up. The Bengals at the 21 spot could have interest in Winston despite Dalton’s monster contract. The Cardinals hold the 24 spot and Arians would love Winston. The Broncos at 28 need a heir for Manning.
2. Seattle/Detroit wanting some cheaper DL/LB talent and wants to move up if guys like Beasley/Shelton/Armstead/Brown/etc are there.
3. ????????
4. Trade Bradford for picks, draft Hundley, Media Mike jump off a bridge, and the media has a field day by using Hundley to prove that Chip needs a running QB.
Winston and MM aren’t making it out of the top 5.
As much as Miles Austin is not very good at all, to say Crabtree has more talent is laughable. Crabtree is dirt. He’s always been dirt. He doesn’t even deserve to mentioned in the same sentence as Riley Cooper, that’s how bad he is.
*he’s “sorry.”*
Tough to judge Crabtree too harshly when he’s had Smith and Kaep throwing to him. That’s not a good scenario for WR success.
I think Chip should do an entire interview with Joe Dirt quotes.
Okay okay, I’m rubbing the lotion on the skin! Where’s that magazine you promised me?
McLane: Everyone think’s it’s crazy that you gave up next year’s 2nd round pick in the Bradford deal.
Chip: Life’s a garden, dig it.
Kempski: How certain were you that you could get a deal done with top flight RBs to replace McCoy?
Chip: You can’t have no in your heart.
Eskin: How hard are you going to pursue Mariota?
Chip: You like to see homo’s naked? Whatever man.
hahaha, The Eskin one is great
Yuck. The receivers are terrible. Honestly, Austin might not even make it out of training camp (think Kenny Phillips). If he does, he’s likely our #4 or #5 receiver. We need Huff to be a legit starter in such a bad way. This is not a good position to be in.
over/under : 4 new ROOKIE players (draft or not) between the OL and WRs on the final 53. not starters; depth guys, clearly (like say 2 rookie OL and 2 WR)
Over. 3 OL and 2 WRs. This is going to be another offense-heavy draft. Hoping the Eagles get a stud WR in the 1st round who can start right away, at least so Cooper is out of the lineup.
No safety drafted?
2 of the OL are probably late picks, as is 1 WR. Safety comes in first three rounds.
OL guys who are very likely to make roster: Peters, Mathis, Kelce, Barbre, Tobin, Johnson, Molk. That’s 7. Kelly and Gardener are probably gone.1 rookie for sure. Depending on where the second young OL comes from it’s either Graf or rookie for spot 9. So 1.5 for OL.
WR: Cooper, Matthews, Huff are locks. If healthy Austin is probable. Depends on if we carry 5 or 6 receivers then I guess.
1.5 WR.
It’s way too early right now. Let me see the final 90 in June.
2 for sure
3 is likely
4 only if we get injuries or somebody flat out takes a job.
Assuming no trades. Part of me wonders if Cooper is available, if Austin is healthy.
Available, sure. But there’s nobody buying.
gotta eat dead $ in a trade
everything Chip has done, eating dead money would be the least surprising. There are a set of guys on the roster that we all think will be here opening day(not including the injuries) but giving Chips pre-season so far, I think there are more surprising coming…
If they get a OL that can play C in the draft (I’m figuring G/C), do you think Molk gets cut?
Aren’t too many quality backup Cs in the league. As much as I bash Molk’s play last year, his mobility allowed them to continue using certain plays in the run game. He was a flat out liability in pass pro, but it’s possible he’ll be stronger after a full year in Kelly’s program. Plus, he might look better with someone not named Gardener next to him.
I’d love to see him replaced by someone better, I’m just not sure that they’re going to spend the necessary resources to get someone better.
It’s certainly possible but I would see that more as somebody beat him out for his spot.
Molk is a limited player but he’s ok in the run game and has the mobility to keep our playbook open.
I Will be very disappointed if we don’t have a different starting WR/TE/QB
In that order. ERTZ needs to start ,let the blockers block and play makers make plays
This year’s contracts are just sick:
Rolando McClain returning to the Cowboys. $3m Base plus another $1m in incentives.
Why? Too much? Too little? I have no clue what his value is
Just need to include an embarassing perp walk termination clause and you’re good.
I think it’s too much. Especially for players signing with teams that late in Free Agency.
Not as bad as some contracts. I agree I wouldn’t want him, but his performance last year certainly warranted that. And the Cowboys have never cared about off the field baggage. North Dallas Forty, anyone?
I think you are going to see this more with the cap expanding. It not that shocking when you consider that. Bigger cap, bigger salaries.
True dat. And in the end: It’s not my money!
Cowboys had to beat out the Patriots. We didn’t have to beat out anybody, it’s confirmed by Austin.
McClain is a head case, but he played well for them last year. Would have prefered that Patriots signing him.
And they don’t pay him a fortune, imo.
Throw in the fact that I’m pretty sure he’s suspended for the first 4 games…seems like a lot of $$
Which off season move do you most wish was revealed to be an April Fools joke today?
Frank Gore to Eagles.
Well I’m starting to like the move about bradford but the scenario was such a terrible drama. First it was like, sam bradford + 1st round swap aka bradford plus mariota or big time prospect and then the reality emerged and I didn’t like it, not one bit.
Perception and expectation is one hell of a drug. I always liked Murray as a player, but I didn’t like his contract. It appeared as if there isn’t a huge market for him. Cowboys are low balling him, nobody wants to play for the Raiders. I thought we could snatch him for 6.5m base + 500k incentives or something like that. Then the 8m happened. And 18m full gar. happended.
This + Bradford, altough Bradford was brutal with the 1st round swap and all that. I was right there. On this board. And I will never forget it.
Losing Maclin
trading 3 first round picks and Cox and Kendricks for MM
That move where the “doctor” told me to lean over the table so he could check something. Oh, wait, football stuff!
The first 30 seconds of that Miles Austin video is of him stretching and looking good for the camera. They could have cut that down to 90 seconds for all that.
The instagram filter also cuts out most of the catches on the edge of the frame, too. Cleveland, amirite?
I think being in Cleveland cuts most of his catches. ,amirite lol
Wait, how do you cut 30 seconds flown to 90seconds?
I’m not feeling well today and my grammar is horrible (not that it’s great on other days). I meant to say that they could have cut 30 seconds of the fluff and cut the video to 90 sec instead of 2 minutes.
Sorry, I figured it was a typo but I couldn’t resist
By using time-outs the Andy Reid way.
So guys, what do we learn about the (reported) interest in Mike Wallace? A pure speedster with bad work ethic and a big cap hit? That’s literally DJax all over again. Except, ähm, yeah, the Dolphins got a pick.
There are two options here: (1) The report is false. (2) Kelly is desperate about adding a WR, which could lead to drafting one in round 1 or even trade up for one.
Wallace >>> Austin.
Cap space >>>> Wallace
Contract re-structure >>> Wallace
*Cooper contract re-structure >>> Wallace.
Pooper scooper >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Cooper
Have you watched Cooper play at last year? Niners game?! He stinks so bad.
Not using a bunch of inequalities to make a point >>>> using a bunch of inequalities to make the same point.
Ahh sorry. But I do think a restructure there would really help this team.
I was commenting on the whole conversation, not just your comment. And, yes, Cooper’s contract is like a solid gold fishing lure: it costs to much and you know it won’t catch anything, you are just casting money away.
Maybe they regretted the djax move just a bit after losing Maclin.
Odighizuwa is an interesting prospect – not sure if i want him at 20 but in a trade back scenario he is a guy i think who has that speed to power conversion that scouts rave about as a required skill to make it in the pro’s.
He’s really just like a younger version of OLB Trent Cole.
happens to be just what we need then
Hopefully that means we can get him in the 5th round.
uhm, how does one pronouce that name? Merrill is going to love him.
“Double ‘O’.”
And if he’s really good . . . “007.”
I don’t really know where he would fit here though. Maybe as a replacement for Curry but I don’t think he can play in space well and is more suited as a 4-3 DE for sure. He has a high motor and a fantastic first step but he is limited as a pass rusher. Very smart player though, Chip would love that.
I agree. I have been looking at him as a possible “Curry replacement” as well… One of the few DE/OLBs, that we would want to move to interior pass rusher instead of edge rusher which is where we move most 4-3 DE’s..
..
I like this kid a lot, but Its hard for me to pound the table for him, because I cant come to grips with losing Vinny… Its going to kill me, for me its worse then losing Dawkins, TO, Trotter…. those are all better players then Vinny, but for me personally Losing Vinny is worse
Dawkins?! He was the heart and soul of this team and the undisputed leader of the defense for years. How can Curry compete with that?
awesome post, i had no idea curry wasnt better then Dawkins. Thanks for setting me straight
Why would you say “…for me its worse then losing Dawkins,…” in a discussion forum if you didn’t want a response?
PERSONALLY!!! as in I understand and dont expect ANYONE to agree… but I PERSONALLY will be crushed to lose him. leave it at that…
Right, PERSONALLY, I read that. That is why I was intrigued as to how, in your mind, a fairly new supporting cast player could compete with arguably the greatest Eagle since they started playing the games in color.
And so, I asked.
This is how discussions are designed to work. You take in what the other person said, and then respond to it. Discussions are not just making a plethora of absurdly confident claims, like declaring who will be drafted in 2016, or something, and then berating anyone who disagrees.
To learn more:
https://www2.uwstout.edu/content/profdev/rubrics/discuss_etiquette.html
Has anyone seen Malcom Jenkins’ interview on NFLN?! He didn’t sound very optimistic about Mychal Kendricks and our defense in total.
Kendricks? I’m trying to sever my attachments to him but it’s too hard.
The defense? Still need to plug in some holes but we’re so much better compared to last year.
Thanks, mate.
Can’t seem to find it. Can you paraphrase?
Re Kendricks: “Let’s see how it works out”
Re Defense: “We will be solid again”
Thanks. Doesn’t sound too bad.
I was also kind of surprised by his remarks regarding the McCoy trade. “I think everybody thought we would have gotten more – Kiko, plus a couple draft picks, you know, somebody else.”
I understand that he’s just talking up his former teammate in McCoy, but that’s quite a tepid endorsement of Kiko Alonso.
Yahoo! Sports’ Rand Getlin reports Tony Romo has agreed to restructure
his contract, clearing “nearly” $13 million in cap space for the Cowboys. uh-oh
that should just move the problem to a future year
Romo will be a cowboy until he’s 45 b/c of all the dead $$.
The next Farve?
Let’s hope so. Except Farve eventually left GB and went to the Packers hated enemy. I am unwilling to even imagine Romo in an Eagles uniform.
He can go to the Deadskins.
I heard on the radio (Baltimore) that Murray was upset he didn’t restructure so they could sign him. Romo said they never asked, and Murray forgave him. Then I guess Romo blabbed and they asked… they must have really just not wanted Demarco.
The rest of the report said Romo would have taken a pay cut for Murray, but this $13m might be for another player….
Gotta keep Dez so he can remain somewhat relevant!!
I was thinking AP, but could also be a dez contract.
Im totally on the Chip Wagon. I want the guy to succeed and bring us a SuperBowl. I think he is a nifty coach. I think it is great he is doing his own thing. I just don’t agree with….. well…. any of the off-season moves. I think I know why he is making them. I just don’t agree. Fortunately Football isn’t Math so there is no “best” answer.
Get it done Chipper!
if you take injuries out of the equation do you still hate our roster moves?
We’ve been taking guys coming off injury for the last couple of years — hard to think people are still surprised by that stuff. ACLs are way different than micro-fracture surgeries.
“The Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero reports the Eagles are “willing to trade” slot CB Brandon BoykinThe
former fourth-round pick is just 24 and has finished second and 19th,
respectively, in PFF’s cornerback rankings each of the past two seasons.
At 5’10/185, he’s a slot corner-only, but a good one. Salguero
mentions the Dolphins as a team that would have interest in Boykin.” Roto – I think this is just coming from MIA, but who knows.
Boykin for Jordan and a 5th or no dice.
That would work for me or a higher pick, do they have any good talent except their Dline?
They have some solid guys but I wouldn’t want their contracts. Billy Turner (OG) and Jarvis Landry (WR) were rookies but were very liked here.
I do like Landry. I don’t know how he would fit here. Very similar to huff if my impressions of both are correct.
Landry would be the slot WR.
Awesome. We’d then have 4 slot WRs on our team!
Nice. We’ll have so many slot receivers, teams will forget about the outside!
defenses will never know who’s the slot WR!!!!!
I know you jest but JM has always truly been an outside receiver. He just played slot last year.
I don’t know if you are being serious. To me though I would need to at least see that. I honestly take Boykin over Jordan every day of the week though.
I would too but if they’re bent on getting rid of Boykin then we might as well get something back.
You may overstate Boykin’s trade value. We will be lucky to get a 4th round pick for ‘I’m just a nickl’ who’s in the last year of his rookie contract…
You or me might be overestimating Jordan’s value though.
Lol. I don’t think the Eagles are really interested in DJ.
is that like, “im just a caveman”?
More proof Kelly is full of it when he says its not about his idea of a player or the system, but about what the players can do. Boykin is a stud. You don’t trade studs for draft picks…unless you are getting something stupid.
Keep in mind that this is the same guy who reported that we had interest in Wallace and Jordan.
OOoooo
more proof? from a beat reporter from the dolphins? WTF does he know?
..
i take this as Proof that we will have discussions about ANY PLAYERS, and that no one is off limits if the price is right.
.,.
Just because Chip and the Dolphins discussed Boykin, doesnt mean that we are trying to dump boykin at all costs…
,..
we SHOULD listen to deals for ANY player with the exception of Cox, Ertz, Lane and the Pope….
no exceptions
Ok more circumstantial evidence…. yeesh I’ll try and be less lazy in my blog responses GE lol. No its not proof. Didn’t really mean it that way. The proof is what Kelly has allowed Boykin to do since he came here though.
who knows what really will come of any of this… i know we were having discussions with the bears last week, yet nothing came of it yet…
..
even tho boykin hasnt been traded to Miami, we could end up seeing talks start backup when it gets closer to the draft, discuss trade parameters and if a team like miami doesnt end up getting the CB they want in the draft, they could end up agreeing to the trade…
..
I assume we will be engaging in some serious trade talks discussing all types of trade parameters for acquiring and trading away a bunch of players. a deal might not be agreed upon now, and a month later a team calls back up ready to pull the trigger on previously discussed deals,. I assume there is some more trade activity in our near future, things will really heat up the two weeks going into the draft…and until the draft passes, I dont think many eagles are safe, anyone is available if a team offers enough…
Malcom Jenkins:
“In the locker room a lot of guys weren’t surprised by the trade, what we were more surprised of was that it was just a player-for-player trade,” he said. “I think everybody thought we would have gotten more — Kiko, plus a couple draft picks, you know, somebody else.”
Kinda funny to see that not only the own fans, but also the players are overestimating the trade value of their former teammates…
Dont believe Mykal Kendricks is in any immediate danger… What I am worried about is Mykal Kendricks past this season. Would feel so much better if we had a 5th year option on his contract, or if Howie would have extended him before losing his power… Kendricks better take care of himself and find a way to stay on the field for 16 games..Really hope we dont lose this kid after the season.
If he and Kiko tear it up as a combo, I think it’d be pretty hard not to bring him back as long as it doesn’t break the bank. They still need to extend Bennie who’s just as important.
he better stay healthy this year… If he misses another 4-5 games I’ll be worried… But im not worried about losing him now,. i dont view that as very likely
Well we have time with Logan as we have him locked up until 2016 plus the fact that Chip actually drafted him bodes well for his chances of staying so I wouldn’t worry too much about him. MK is a different story, I am with Geags on the part that I am not really worried about him not being here this year. I am more worried about him playing lights out and the Eagles not deciding to bring him back, which would be terrible.
yeah i think Logan is one of the last players we have to worry about losing, especially with his versatility of being able to play NT or DE for us…. Kid has really had a quality first two years of his career, and Im expecting another two years of improvement out of him before he reaches his veteran level of play. Hope the fanbase gives that kid the respect he deserves.
…
I would assume that Thorntons longterm future would be more at risk then Bennie’s..
Absolutely agree with you brotha that Logan is just scratching the surface of his potential and the fanbase definitely undervalues him.
…
As for Thornton, I really don’t know what Chip thinks of him. If a player like Taylor Hart starts playing good minutes I can see Chip letting Thornton walk. Hope that doesn’t happen though.
Chips been raving about Thornton for a while, but his future certainly isnt a lock. I think it complicates things, that both Cox and Logan will require a pretty penny to extend.. Hart is definitely going to get every opportunity under Chip, and I believe in that kid.. Bea Allen is here to stay… You can bet Chip will draft 3-4 DE Deforrest Buckner in the 2016 draft. You can write that down right now…. I think we would love to keep Thornton, I just dont know if its possible considering we will have to pay Logan and Cox… but hopefully we work it out
Looks like Kendricks will either be gone in a week or signed long term. He just got #GEAGLED!
Kendricks is as good as gone. Get used to it.
Tell me again what sources you have besides the national media bringing up the rumor that Kendricks will be gone? You must be really plugged in to the Eagles huh.
Of course I am. There’s a reason why I have actually 5 alias names, 7 different email addresses and 187 different sources..and news flash: GermanEagle is not my real name. *jk
It’s called a gut feeling, and my guts have been pretty reliable as of late. Also if there’s smoke there’s usually Fire on Chip’s ship.
if you are also GEAGLE and OD and ACViking, well damn that would be good.
No Offense to OD and AC please!
“Ich bin ein Berliner.”
_____________
When the GermanEagle is being challenged, we’re all Berliners.
Sehr gut!
my gut is reliable too. i can rely on it to come out the bottom of my shirt when i stand up
Must feel good!
depends on the waistband, really
This deserves a lot more upvotes
What is your reliable gut saying the post Kendrick ILB roster will look like?
Kiko
Mufasa
Goode
Jones
Rookie
That looks substantially weaker than the current ILB depth chart. So if Kendricks is moved soon, we won’t look to fill the vacated spot with another starter? Doubt that a rookie will start.
Guys like Stephone Anthony and McKinney would start from day 1.
You seem really sure of this happening, what are your sources besides useless articles just stirring the rumor pot?
G-U-T-S 😉
Well played sir.
*BREAKING NEWS*
The Eagles have just signed Restricted Free Agent S Tashaun Gipson to a 5 year offer sheet. The Cleveland Browns have now 7 days to match.
Awesome. Please make it happen!!
Cmon man I know its april fools day but please don’t torture us like that!!!
…
On a serious not if that did happen oh boy I would be beyond ecstatic.
i remembered the date after several minutes of unsuccessful googling
You did!? At least one I got. lol 😉
Don’t troll us
You guys are boring. I haven’t seen one prank on here at all today.
I normally leave the trolling to other posters..
sad face
Boo. April Fools jokes are the lowest form of entertainment known to man.
What about women?!
Im getting pretty excited about this roster’s potential. The problem is the bust potential is so worrisome. I go into the season a nervous wreck praying that perfectly healthy players dont get hurt… now our entire roster is practically one giant unfavorable injury history and I dont know how to even feel about it.
…
Injuries are such a big part of this game, and I worry about perfectly healthy players not getting hurt, dont know what to make of this… Hard to know which of our players are the Jeremy Maclin types who overcome the injury and go on to give us 16 games at a high level, and which are the Kenny Phillips types who’s body wont even make it thru our offseason healthy..
..
but in a world where we didnt have to worry about injuries, I would probably like the way most of our positions are looking right now,.. WR is a glaring question, but thats a position thats in transition anyway, we arent even close to seeing what this next era WR corp will look like. This is probably a position that wont even be set this year, with having to cut Coop next year, and Austin isnt longterm.
…
TE position is probably also going to be in transition for another year or two. Celek is a warrior, but that body cant hold up forever.
..
As Long as Mathis is on this roster, our OL looks good, but its pretty certain that we will see young talent added via this draft..
..
Defensively, I like our improved Depth, and I dont think we have all that many desperate immediate Needs..
.
1) Obviously we still have questions about the safety position, I dont think the coaches are sure of who the safety will be next to Jenkins yet, Id be curious to know who the leading contender is in their minds right now. We have some youth at the position, hopefully competition and another offseason of growth and maturity provides us with solid answer.
..
2) curious to see how they feel about OLB depth. Doubt they can count on Travis Long after two offseasons of camp injuries.. so right now its Barwin, BG, and MS… and you really need at least 3, preferably 4 guys you want to rotate and unleash on opposing QBs. Even if we just add a 3rd down pass rush specialist, hoping to see us add the 4th rusher.
..
Those are really the only major defensive issues going into next season. Im sure we will probably draft an outside CB at some point, but i highly doubt he will be contributing on defense as a rookie… So to have improved depth, another year of defenders gelling, and quality young defenders continuing to Mature, only having questions at 1 safety spot and a 4th 3rd down edge rusher.. This is probably by far the best projected defense we have had going into a season since like what 2008? 2009?
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This is like a weird spot to be in as fans… I dont recall ever going into a season having No clue what this year will look like… But if Bradford and our OL stay healthy, I think we could be pleasantly surprised… But if we have an injury riddled season like last year, Its hard to not be pissed when we added so many injury questions….. but this years Defense, Special teams should be good enough to win as long as our OL stays healthy.
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when you dont have a top QB, best way to contend is building a top defense and run game
yeah our best “projected” defense was the dream team….
those guys got projectiled right outta here
I dunno I feel like I never felt better about a defense than the 04′ defense going in. I probably didn’t become an Eagles fan till a couple years after Buddy (being an out of towner and 5 when he got fired….hope you can forgive that!).
I really believe that this young defense that Kelly is assembling has the potential to be great. If the rumors about trading Kendricks are accurate, my only hope is that his replacement is at least as good. The Alonso pickup should show measured improvement, and though he overpaid for Maxwell, the net effect of his moves so far should help this D greatly in getting off the field.
overpaying doesn’t harm production though, its not my money, he just better do well.
yeah we were good that year and for quite a few others
Ill Take a top Defense over a top Offense any day… Im even more concerned about our Defense now that our HC is an Offensive specialist.I dont think we will ever see Chip field a terrible offense, just like I dont think we will ever see Buddy Ryan field a terrible defense as long as he is a headcoach..so I feel much more comfortable with having questions about our offense instead of our defense this time of year, because chips offense will always be solid i assume..
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If you arent fortunate enough to be one of the teams getting Elite QB play, the best way to compete is building an elite Defense, quality OL and Top running game.. So I hope we see Chip just leave the QB position alone, and dump our assets into building the strongest team around the QB that we possibly can these next two years,,,
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If Chip really makes playing the QB position easier then everywhere else, then build a top defense, and keep taking fliers on NAME BRAND QB’s every offseason til you find the right one that steps into the elite team we built and catch fire,,, If Bradford doesnt prove to be the answer, then Next year we take a run at Phillip Rivers, Eli Manning, or whoever flames out with his current franchise that wants to get younger…Trade for Glennon, try to rehabilitate RG3, Kapernick or Dalton… Keep Sanchez as our #2. give him a top team around him,. and we can win some games wit him.dont love him, but I assume he should be better with another year in this offense..
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stack the team, around the QB position, and keep taking fliers on guys til we find one that clicks with this offnse, steps into a quality team and ends up looking better then he did in his previous offense like most players do when they get in chips offense so far..
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would love to get Phillip Rivers in this tempo offense
I think CK is willing to try as many QBs as possible until he finds that fit.
looks that way doesnt it….I dont rule out him being able to make a QB look much better then he did at his previous stop… but if thats the direction we are headed, continuing to play musical chairs with the QB position then I hope to see a stacked roster built around the QB, so we can offer a top QB whos career is winding down like Rivers, a top Offense ready to win now, for him to step into..and if we cant get QBs of his caliber, then hopefully we have a stacked roster in place for QBs to have the best chance at proving to be the solution to our problems.
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Im really really hoping Bradford can stay healthy, because if Chip can keep that kid on the field, this can go down as an epic offseason… The kid is a serious young QB talent, in the hands of a Coach who should put him in a better position then Fisher did. If Sam stays healthy, he could be a bigtime addition for us. He is as talented of a QB as we can ever hope to get our hands on. a kid we would NEVER have, if he hadnt gotten hurt.. fingers crossed he stays healthy
I thought when he brought in Sanchize, he wanted to see if he could be the guy here. I think that was the 1st clue he wasn’t sold on Foles. I wouldn’t be surprised he went after Hundley or Petty in the draft. If he’s bringing Tebow in for a workout, than he’s willing to try anything there.
I think you are correct. try it all, nothing has ever worked before without a number 1 pick for number 5.
I want to see petty as a back up too. or hundley whatever
I don’t watch players like that, but I def think he needs to get one or 2 young arms in camp to see if anyone sticks.
then why is barkley still on this roster?
cause its march
and? why wasnt he waived?
its a wait and see situation maybe
draft hasn’t happened yet, could be no qb taken and barkley stays put…. or something else could happen
I agree, this isn’t really the year to waste any picks so we have to see what chip is thinking.
but we will know after may2nd
Can’t go into draft with just sanchez and bradford, you lamost HAVE to take a qb then, especially since SB might not be ready and MS could get hurt.
Like you can’t see a QB getting taken early.
also if they cut him teams know we go into the draft going for a qb no?
I should add for me hindsight is 20/20. I’m not suggesting I knew he didn’t like Foles.
Doubt we are drafting any QBs… but if they did, I would assume it would be petty..
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Chip has proven that he is willing to make the tough cuts,.. If Barkley wasnt going to be on this roster next year, I assume he would be cut already, I dont think we will see the eagles cut any more current players unless they get hurt in camp or something..
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Barkley isnt so good that you have to hold on to him in case you cant get a QB in the draft. He is either good enough to continue to work with or he isnt, because i doubt we have delusions of bim being some grand trade chip…
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If we were going to draft a QB, Id assume chip would have treated Barkley fairly, cut him early in the offseason and give him a chance to find a new team…
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Chip; already proclaimed MM and Winston are the best QBs in the draft… Are we really going to take a high pick away from building this team and spending it on the 3rd, 4th, 5th best WR prospect in the draft?
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hope not…
I agree, its always better to have a top defense, feels better going into games and makes the team tougher.
Better not say that to Heath Evans. You didn’t mention FB.
who is heath evans?
He is an analyst on NFL Network and he said the Eagles weren’t a tough team because they don’t have a FB. Jenkins took him to task.
sorry I meant who the eff does heath evens think cares what he says?
LOL – got it! I think Evans likes the sound of his own voice.
Under Reid offensive master mind, both the Eagles and the Chiefs in general had better defense than offense and last year the defense according to more advanced stats was better than the offense.
Boys restructure Romo contract…clears 12.8, AP due 12.4. Lovely.
It makes sense. They have to get all the criminals on that team.
That’s bs. Peterson does not deserve to be lumped in with the Hardy’s of the world.
They’re each their own kind of douchebag.
No way. Peterson seems to be an upstanding citizen and teammate. That charge was complete bs, and his NFL penalty even more so.
This is upstanding? Sorry bro we disagree.
http://www.tmz.com/2014/09/12/adrian-peterson-indicted-for-child-abuse/
How easy to judge. I disagree with doing that, but I also disagree with judging a man for doing what he honestly feels was best for his son. By all means, educate him and give him the chance to make a more informed decision on child rearing. But everything I’ve seen on AP shows him to be a class act.
Again, show me the man who has lived a perfect life – and I’ll show you a liar. Comparing him to Hardy or Brent killing a man? No way, I’ll gladly agree to disagree with you on that.
So bruising your children is okay? Beating them until blood shows is what’s best for them?
Hey, I’m all for giving people 2nd chances. I was on board with Vick, and hey if it works for AP great. But let’s not pretend he was wronged here.
He did something heinous and he did it against a defenseless child. That’s not okay in any stretch of the imagination.
So, everyone has to do what you believe or they are heinous? No, I don’t agree with blood or bruises. But I also don’t think I know everything, and have made enough mistakes on my own to be willing to give others the benefit of the doubt, especially when they believe they are doing what’s right. Intent matters.
Again, educate him. But the NFL punished him more harshly than any other player, other than Hernandez. And that’s total BS.
“So, everyone has to do what you believe or they are heinous? No, I don’t agree with blood or bruises.”
So which is it? Is it blood and bruises are a bad thing or everyone has to do what I believe? I didn’t make a statement about an objective truth, there’s nothing objective that happened here.
Intent means shit when you do something bad, outcomes matter too. It isn’t like you baked a cake (intent) for your significant other and they didn’t like it (outcome). Regardless of his intent, the outcome ended up with a bruised child with welts all over his body.
It’s akin to a guy who hits his wife and gives her bruises (outcome), but he meant it out of love (intent). Same intent, same outcome.
So “don’t agree” equals “heinous” in your book? Not sure where you are going with this. Subjective/objective, intent/outcome – what is your point?
Don’t agree in this instance does equal heinous, because those were his actions. It’s a statement, I don’t know what you mean by where am I going with this. He did something really bad and it was against a defenseless child. That’s the very definition of heinous.
Subjective / objective
Your Point: He shouldn’t be compared to Hardy, what he did wasn’t the same.
My Point: Hardy beat a woman until she was bruised and bloodied, AP beat a child until he was bruised an bloodied. Objectively, that is the same thing. There is no subjective action here unless you are saying that beating children is okay.
Intent/Outcome
Your Point: He did what was best for his child, it’s the intent that matters.
My Point: Intent doesn’t outweigh the outcome. In cases like this outcome, the intent doesn’t matter.
I think you are very confused on what subjective and objective mean. Both of the your point/my point examples above are completely subjective. That is an objective statement.
Anytime you try to put words in someone else’s mouth, especially inflammatory crap like “saying that beating children is ok”, you are clearly not trying to have a rational discussion. Do that is just… heinous.
Let’s see about that:
Is this subjective or objective?
Is beating a woman until she’s bruised and bloodied the same as beating a kid that’s bruised and bloodied? If you’re answer is that this is subjective, please explain.
Is this subjective or objective?
Intent doesn’t outweigh the outcome. If you’re answer is that this is subjective, please explain.
Trying to put words in someone else’s mouth.
Your statements:
1 – That’s bs. Peterson does not deserve to be lumped in with the Hardy’s of thew world.
2 – No way. Peterson seems to be an upstanding citizen and teammate.
3 – But everything I’ve seen on AP shows him to be a class act.
4 – But I also don’t think I know everything, and have have made enough mistakes on my own to be willing to give others the benefit of the doubt, especially when they believe they are doing what’s right. Intent matters.
Let’s break these down 1 by 1 so you can understand the difference between accusing someone of putting words in your mouth and other making a deduction based on your statements.
1 – What Peterson did is the same exact thing as Hardy unless we are now differentiating the difference between woman and children. Is this what you’re doing here?
2 – An upstanding citizen that was indicted and found guilty of beating his child.
3 – Including beating his kids?
4 – So if his kids continue to get blood and bruises from his discipline are you suggesting that the intent is what matters here?
Please explain. I’m all ears. Rational is not a word you should use in a sentence when you seem to be either a) backing away from your original point or b) doubling down on your original point. Lot’s of waffling there and that’s not rational.
Yeah, you really don’t get it. Both of your examples are clearly subjective. There is not a definitive right answer, so that’s simple.
1) You are creating a false dichotomy. Just because you say this is what the choice must be does not make it true. They can be different things without suggesting that there is a
difference between woman and child. Btw, there clearly is a difference
between woman and child – despite the fact that there are also
similarities.
2) No Contest is not guilty, and that’s not just sophistry. Also, yes you can be an upstanding citizen and have this on your record. Unless I just happened onto the forum for perfect people, there is no one I’ve ever met in my life who could claim to be an upstanding citizen by your standards. Unless your qualification is only that you were never caught and no one knows about it. But let’s not throw hot button terms like child abuse about and act like it always means the same thing. Unless you think giving a child multiple broken bones is the same as this, or repeating an act over and over for years is the same. He spanked his kid with a switch. It’s happening right now somewhere in America. Look, it just happened again. Doesn’t make it right, but in this case it does mean there are perfectly rational adults who feel it to be so.
3) Again, the wording says you are more interested in the tabloid reports than the truth.
4) Again, putting words in my mouth. If he runs into a burning building to rescue 17 old ladies and their 100 cats, will you call him a decent man? Now I know why Kelly doesn’t like hypotheticals.
I’d love an example of my waffling. I am definitely backing away from the words others try to put in my mouth in order to “win” an argument. I will definitely double down on my original point – AP got a bum deal and does not deserve to be lumped in with Hardy and Brent. I realize people will continue to prefer simplistic black and white interpretations, but I prefer trying to get at the more complicated truths out there.
1 – You’ve said nothing here. Is beating a woman different than beating a child? If so, EXPLAIN the difference.
2 – No contest is not guilty. Wow, we’re really splitting hairs here. But I think the larger question here is that you seem to be defending his actions:
“Unless you think giving a child multiple broken bones is the same as this, or repeating an act over and over for years is the same. He spanked his kid with a switch. It’s happening right now somewhere in America. Look, it just happened again. Doesn’t make it right, but in this case it does mean there are perfectly rational adults who feel it to be so.”
Which means you must be okay with him spanking his child with a switch that ends up with bruises and blood. You seem to be begging the overall point here about whether or not it’s okay to beat your children until they are bruised.
Again, as before, this isn’t a false dichotomy. If it happens it’s wrong. Stop dodging the fact that it happened.
3 – Did he beat his child with a switch where the child ended up with bruises and blood? If the answer is yes (which it is), then this isn’t about tabloids. It’s about how he screwed up.
4 – Asking you to clarify isn’t putting words in your mouth.
Waffling – You said it’s wrong to have blood and bruises on a child, but AP isn’t in the wrong here. That my friend is a dichotomy.
Your quote: I realize people will continue to prefer simplistic black and white interpretations, but I prefer trying to get at the more complicated truths out there.
Please elaborate. Did it happen or not?
Some things in life are black and white – this is one of them. If he spanked his child (and I was too when I was younger) and that was it, that’s gray area. When the child has bruises and blood, there has been a clear line that has been crossed. I don’t need to put words in your mouth to win an argument, and I definitely know when black/white differs from gray issues. It’s apparent you don’t.
its a tough call, he was harshly punished for what many would call strict parenting, but at the same time beating 4 year old is so wrong and useless. and regardless of your life actions, it’s ok to judge people based on what they do. that’s how people are judged, by their actions.
I would hope that we judge people based on more than 1 action. Certainly courts of law look at intent. I’m pretty sure we all evaluate people’s intent every day, at least on some level.
The extent to which physical discipline of your child is acceptable is certainly something which not all Americans agree upon. I would say that using the word “beating” in this case shows a predisposition to judge AP a certain way.
Again, I feel AP went too far. But the NFL’s response was even more OTT, and less excusable. The NFL was covering their a$$ and protecting bank accounts. AP was doing it in order to raise his son the way he thought best, and I think the random snap judgement of people not in his shoes is inappropriate.
Well, first, you’re going to have to explain to me how his intent wasn’t to beat his kid with a stick in order to cause pain as a punishment before you can tell me he intended otherwise. Because clearly, a guy who used the defense that this is how he grew up knows that being beat with a stick hurts.
That aside, intent doesn’t matter once someone has been harmed. That’s the excuse of someone who thinks “Sorry if you were offended” is an apology.
I’m not sure why I have to explain facts to you. His intent was to hit his child with a stick and cause pain. There are many people who feel hitting a child in order to help them learn is an important part of preparing them for success in life. Doesn’t matter what I personally believe, I’m not arrogant enough to think that anyone who disagrees with me is wrong or heinous.
Courts of law disagree with you as to whether intent matters.
I was not on board with VIck at all. but I give the man some credit, he clearly changed his act.
defenseless animals, and kids, both trust you to not hurt them, and to beat them is gnarly regardless of the cultural context or what they think is right.
its not okay like you said.
I don’t intend to judge Peterson on anything more than this incident, which he is clearly guilty of. I don’t advocate ending the man’s life over “one mistake”, but that doesn’t make the alternative giving him the benefit of the doubt and letting him move forward unscathed.
So it’s just a matter of agreeing with what’s fair, in this case? Agreed. Jail time would have been inappropriate, as was missing the entire season. He paid for the sins of others, including those running the NFL.
This all started with a comparison of AP to Hardy and Brent. I disagree with that.
I remember seeing AP interviewed after just missing the rushing record. He didn’t give a crap, all he cared about was getting his team into the playoffs. Not all there is to life, certainly. But also the sign of a class act.
This is some shady defense attorney shit. “My client couldn’t have murdered anyone, because he helps little old ladies cross the street. In fact, here are 10 old ladies that he’s helped!” He hit his kid repeatedly with a fucking stick. He admitted it. Case closed.
I think I prefer “shady defense attorney” to your hanging judge mentality. But if it makes you feel superior, go for it.
His charge for child abuse was BS? Care to explain your reasoning? Because either you don’t think his actions met the criteria for the crime as it is currently written (they most certainly fucking did), or you think the law shouldn’t be on the books and you’ve got a lot more explaining to do. I’d hate to think you’re forgiving child abuse just because the guy smiles real nice and runs the football well.
So now people are guilty of everything they are charged? I can’t comment on the law, as I haven’t read it. Yes, I’m questioning uses of hot button terms like “child abuse”. Can mean a lot of different things to people, I’m betting that if you ask a 100 people you’ll get 100 definitions. Without a pattern of hitting his child too hard, I can’t condemn him as easily others seem to be willing to do. And there’s no way in hell I feel the punishment fit the crime.
We’re not talking about 100 different definitions. We’re talking about a law which defines child abuse.
I am in a position to condemn him for it. I’m a child welfare worker.
I think it’s great as a child welfare worker that you choose to error on the side of the child. For society as a whole though, we need some counterbalance in order to achieve justice.
And yes, we are talking about 100 definitions. I know, because I was talking about it.
And as a child welfare worker, I’m happy to know that you’re not in a decision making role in this instance, and I hope that you treat your own future or children better than Mr. Peterson did, or you will be hearing from my agency.
Just so you’re aware, the law in PA is that it is legal to strike your child as long as it doesn’t leave marks, injuries, bruises, or causes significant pain or impairment. Again, we’re not talking gray area. We’re talking about the law as it is written. He will be charged with whatever the definition of child abuse is in Illinois, which he’s obviously in every way guilty of, and there’s absolutely no chance he can be found not guilty based on “intent”. And unfortunately, he will probably receive an incredibly light sentence due to his celebrity.
I agree with you, btw, that the NFL should have nothing to do with this. Not one thing. If the Vikings want to make a decision as Peterson’s employer, that’s on them. The league should not be playing the role of disciplinarian.
I’ll hear from your agency? Damn, you sure are aggressive for someone in welfare. You are also blatantly incapable of separating rational thought from emotion, which I suppose perpetuates a stereotype.
“Obviously” guilty? Thank goodness there are legal experts to keep people like you in check. I find it mind boggling that someone in your position thinks all cases of child abuse are the same, and there is no difference. You truly feel exactly the same about each person accused? The guy who does it nightly for years while drunk? The guy who breaks bones with a bat? Every single case, exactly the same? Wow.
Since I didn’t say the things that you are asking me to justify, I will not justify them.
Peterson admitting to hitting his kid. There are photos of the injuries. Online, if you’d like to see yourself. He admitted to causing those injuries. That is obvious. Those injuries meet the standards of child abuse. He is therefore obviously guilty.
And yes, if you injure your child to the extent that Peterson did, you, and all of the other types of people you are speaking about, will hear from your local child protective services agency.
That’s not true, and I’m pretty sure you know you are being disingenuous.
I didn’t say anything about the following: “I find it mind boggling that someone in your position thinks all cases of child abuse are the same, and there is no difference. You truly feel exactly the same about each person accused? The guy who does it nightly for years while drunk? The guy who breaks bones with a bat? Every single case, exactly the same? Wow”
If you had asked my opinion on those things, I might be willing to answer them. You didn’t. You stated that I held an opinion in which I didn’t express, and then asked me to justify it. I won’t, because I didn’t express those opinions. So no, I’m not being disingenuous. Obviously everything is on a case by case basis. He abused his child. If you did the same thing, you would be abusing your hypothetical child.
So when a child who just turns 4 and has cuts all over his body, including his genitals that is not considered child abuse? Oh maybe when he stuffed leaves in his mouth while he was whipping him might put it in the category for you. The kid is 4. No one should be tramatized that much. and when the police talked to the 4 yr old he didn’t want to say anything because he told them he was scared his dad would hurt him more. You obvioulsy don’t have children. When i get upset and yell at my 4 yr old the fear you see in their eyes is enough. I can’t imagine how they feel and how scared they are while they are crying and choking on dead leaves and getting whipped until they bleed including his genitals. Kid will be messed up for life. but maybe in your eyes the little 4 yr old deserved it.
are there any potential cuts that would make sense for us to wait til June 1st to make?
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Chip has proven to try and do things the right way, with class for the most part:
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1) he tries to call players before they find out from someone else that they were traded
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2)whenever he drafts our signs a player he makes sure to call the current players at that position.
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3) when he realizes he cant get value for someone he doesnt want, he cuts them early enough to be able to land on their feet and find a next job. For example, He cut desean a week before free agency started which was a HUGE favor to desean that allowed him to get a nice deal from the skins.. he could have easily held on to desean and cut him if he couldnt get anything for him during the draft, which would be way worse for desean since most teams spend up most of their cap by then
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so Im wondering if we are done seeing cuts, unless it makes sense to wait for June 1st to cut someone… Guys that have no trade value are probably safe. At this point, we probably cant get anything for mathis, so I assume he will be on the team next year which is a beautiful thing, the down side is I dont think we can get anything for Matt Barkley, so if chip didnt want to continue to grow him, I think he would have been cut by now…
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there are players at positions that will be cut when we go from 90 to 53 players, like Acho or Brad jones, one will probably have to go…. But I dont really think it will work like that for the #3 QB… I dont believe in Barkley, never have, probably never will, but I wouldnt expect some mid round or undrafted QB to beat him out in training camp, I think when you use the #3 QB spot on a young player it will be decided by potential, not by some camp battle..if a camp battle decides our #2 QB, former Oregon QB Dixon might have been our #3… when it comes to Barkley, I dont think he will ever have to compete for a roster spot, he will have to compete for his place on the depth chart;… but when it comes to a young QB like him, I think it comes down to, does chip want to continue working with that young kid, yes or no? when the answer is NO, if we cant get value for him, I assume he would be waived and we would fill that #3 spot with the young player with the most potential we can find, whether it comes with a 5th round pick,or the best undrafted QB we can find….
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Unless chip has had offers or thinks he can get something for Barkley, and he ends up traded, I assume chip isnt quitting on grooming him yet. Especially since I cant rule out a QB, just because he sat on the bench his first two years on 10-6 teams..I have no clue what Barkley is at this point, or what we think of him, but I would assume that he would be waived already if he wasnt going to be back next year,,,
Riley Cooper. I can totally see Chip cutting him and rolling with Miles Austin as our #2.
its cheaper to keep Coop then to cut him…. I assume he is safe til next year
I read something that you could cut him after June with minimal cap hit??
maybe… i have no idea… dont see how we could trust Miles Austin over Durable Cooper. as we stand, we still need to fill Maclins spot, Austin Fills Brad smith… our WR core is depleted as it is, if we want to go creating another hole at WR, I would hope we are cutting Maehl before we cut Riley
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Plus, if we are going with fragile QB’s and all these RB’s, we can assume smash mouth run game will be a big part of next season, and the more we run, the more valuable Cooper is… If we pass 50 times a game, Coop probably isnt very attractive.. But If We can keep churning out yards with our power run game, 3 yards at a time and run the ball like 30-40 times a game, Cooper becomes a quality WR for 30 plays a game lol Dude blocks his ass off in the run game,. If there were stats to measure the best WR’s in run games, Coop would probably be a top 10 WR the way Cip has him beast blocking..
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they gutted the WR position so much, that it would take some Balls to cut Cooper too… we would have Huff,Pope,Miles Austin, Jeff Maehl, and two Rookies?
At this point, I hope we keep Coop for a year,. Miles Austin has no guaranteed money, I can see him not even making our roster if he doesnt stay healthy this summer… Id rather replace Maehl and Maclin with two rookies, instead of replacing Maclin and Coop with two rookies..
Miles Austin will hopefully haul in more than one pass for 11 yards all season.
What exactly is this “Brad Smith” role you keep going on about?
cooper had a bad year, he isn’t necessarily as bad as people like to make him out to be.
he is in the NFL for a reason, and its not because he is white, hey now
I thought this was the case, but I think they really like Cooper.
True. I have read that in numerous articles. Alot of them from CSN and Birds 24/7. I just don’t know how it works and there is still a decent sized cap hit however.
The June 1 deadline was brought forward to 15 May by the league this year.
So you’re saying we can get rid of Cooper May 15th?
I will have champagne on ice just in case.
You can’t cut cooper this year, no matter the deadline.
You may or may not have just ruined the month of May. 🙂
No, that was February. 😉
Charlie Cassrly was being asked about Jameison Winston and Charlie thinks really highly of him but that he is “No Andrew Luck or Sam Bradford”…
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when it comes to Raw Tools and Ability, its not easy for us to land a young QB with more potential then Sam. Sucks that to get such upside, we have to take on such a big risk, but by 2015 with no SB to show for it, this franchise should always be in superbowl or bust mode. 10-6, 11-5, conference finals shouldnt be good enough for us, and while we are taking a big risk, I LOVE that we have a coach that is truly in it to win it, and would rather fail, then to settle for good. no doubt this coach is all in every year trying to win a lombardi. there is no strategic cap planning.. the future is now with this coach, and as a superbowl starved fan, I can respect that…
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If we are going to really swing for the fences, Sam is certainly the type of talent to do it with….Hopefully it doesnt blow up in our face and end up having to count on Sanchez for 10 games…I think we can be a better team with Sanchez then we were last year. Put a serious defense, OL/run game behind him and run after the catch weapons and i think we can see a better sanchez then we saw last year or any other year for that matter. Im just not very confident that a “Better Sanchez” can ever be good enough? I assume he can be at least what Trent Dilfer was, but we are a long way from a dominant roster that the Raven had to be able to win with a guy like Dilfer..
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So hopefully we struck Gold with Bradford. This kid certainly has had the worst injury luck imaginable, hopefully that Black cloud didnt follow him here since “Its always sunny in Philadelphia”(allegedly) and the kid finally gets some good injury Karma …
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Some Media member tweeted this(cant remember who), But for all of Bradfords bad career luck, he could end up having the most financially luck imaginable lol… Kid was the last of the superpaid Rookie contracts, He made a boatload to do a lot of rehab basically.. and now he is going to be healthy (allegedly) and placed in the chip kelly offense, the offense that every great player so far has had their best years in. He could be in Maclin “Prove it” situation where if he stays healthy for 16 games, his talents can put up some numbers in this offense and he could end up smelling like roses when his contract expires at the end of the year, and this lucky bastard could end up getting PAID AGAIN!!!
Doesn’t happen very often, but I fully agree with your post.