Investments Paying Off

Posted: September 27th, 2016 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 205 Comments »

The Eagles have arguably the best defense in football right now. They have allowed the fewest points (and one of the 2 TDs scored against the Eagles actually came on STs). The defense is 4th in yards allowed. They are top 5 in just about every key category.

The entire defense is playing well right now, but you really have to single out a pair of guys. Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham are playing at an All-Pro level. They have combined for 6 sacks, 2 TFLs, 2 FFs and a FR. And those numbers only tell part of the story. These guys are disruptive even when they don’t make the play. Each guy has drawn multiple holding calls this year and they have generally given blockers fits.

What do they have in common?

The Eagles traded up in the 1st round to draft Graham in 2010 and did the same thing to draft Cox in 2012. Graham’s path to being a highly-regarded defender is longer and more complicated. Cox was a stud from Day One. Regardless of how they got there, both players are playing at the level the Eagles expected when they drafted them.

You need stars to play like stars. The Eagles have that with Graham and Cox. Those are the foundation pieces of your defense. They allow less than great corners like Jalen Mills, Nolan Carroll and Ron Brooks to do their jobs effectively. You’d love to have elite players all over, but that is rare. That’s why Gang Green was so brilliant back in their day.

The Eagles didn’t draft Malcolm Jenkins, but he was also a 1st round pick coming out of college. He has been terrific this year.

Good Safety play is crucial to good defense. Jenkins is second on the team in tackles and tied for the team lead in PDs. He also has a sack. The numbers tell part of the story, but he’s just as good on tape.

The Eagles hit a major home run when they signed him in free agency.

The good news to all of this…no one is overachieving. This isn’t luck. These are very talented players performing as expected. That means that this level of play is sustainable. There are no guarantees, but I think we’ll enjoy this defense all year long.

_

205 Comments on “Investments Paying Off”

  1. 1 Investments Paying Off - said at 11:29 PM on September 27th, 2016:

    […] Tommy Lawlor The Eagles have arguably the best defense in football right now. They have allowed the fewest […]

  2. 2 三五营销 said at 11:30 PM on September 27th, 2016:

    仔细瞧瞧再说！

  3. 3 CrackSammich said at 11:39 PM on September 27th, 2016:

    JJ Watt out for likely the year with a back injury. Looks like Cox might get the respect he deserves this year without Watt eating up the limelight.

  4. 4 John Galt said at 12:00 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Cox is just huge for this team.

  5. 5 Rambo said at 10:41 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    This team has a huge Cox?

  6. 6 John Dunkerley said at 7:01 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Cox be huge for this team

  7. 7 Howie Littlefinger said at 12:28 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Well they play different positions now…

    We keep dominating and he will def get the respect he deserves

  8. 8 Anders said at 2:30 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Never understood why he rushed back from a back injury

  9. 9 Media Mike said at 4:23 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    And I never saw it explained how it happened.

  10. 10 Anders said at 4:29 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    That because the only way you recover that fast is by using HGH

  11. 11 Rellihcs said at 7:26 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Lindsey Vonn…

  12. 12 Media Mike said at 6:15 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Is tainted filth.

  13. 13 Mitchell said at 12:11 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    So there is arguably pro-bowl/all-pro on the line and in the secondary but what about the LBs? Is Bradham or Hicks playing well enough for pro bowl consideration as of now. An all-pro player at each level of the defense whould be incredible.

  14. 14 Insomniac said at 1:02 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Bradham has been our best LB so far IMO. Hicks has been kind of quiet.

  15. 15 eagleyankfan said at 7:47 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    I’ll agree to disagree with the “Hicks has been kind of quiet”…..That dude is flying everywhere. Just because his name isn’t mentioned doesn’t mean he’s playing well….

  16. 16 Gian GEAGLE said at 1:36 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Yeah im very pleased with how Hicks has been playing, and Bradham has been really good… But it’s a long season, there will be games we play a lot of Base and Kendricks will have to play well. can’t assume hicks and Nigel will stay healthy for 16 games

  17. 17 John Dunkerley said at 7:03 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    One weakness I have seen is the screens have had success against the Eagles defense.

  18. 18 D3FB said at 8:33 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Bradham and Hicks have been both playing well. Not alot of runs faced and not alot of passes over the middle of the field mean the ball isn’t really coming their way alot but they’ve both played well when called upon.

  19. 19 Rellihcs said at 8:39 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Really? I mean the D is playing lights out. Who needs an all-pro at each level – I want unit success. I think the LB play has been very good. But if the DL makes the play, LBs don’t have an opportunity to. Or if the pass goes deep and the DBs make a play, Lbs don’t have an opportunity to.

  20. 20 Gian GEAGLE said at 1:23 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Bradham and Hicks have been lights out so far. They play so well that im not sure how to view Kendricks lack of snaps? Has he been that much behind hicks and Nigel, or is it just that they are playing too well to take off the field for Kendricks?
    ..
    It DOESNT look good that KEndricks only had 9 snaps sunday, but what do we really expect when it was a blow out and the steelers had to try and throw their way back in the game in the second half which logically means that we are probably going to play much more Nickel, than base defense… We keep playing with Big second half leads, that means we aren’t playing much base defense, we have been in a lot of nickel when teams try to throw their way back in the game, and even if Kendricks is playing Great, Bradham and Hicks are playing too well to take them off our nickel package… Bêtween our Time of possession dominance keeping the defense off the field, and playing with Big Leads forcing teams to throw their way back in the game, It has been the perfect storm of not playing much base defense, which hurts Kendricks snap count
    ..
    But as long as our two LB are playing Great in Nickel, I don’t care what the name on the back of their jerseys is

  21. 21 Call Me Carlos the Dwarf said at 12:51 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    I’m so happy about Graham’s emergence this season.

    He may well be my favorite player on the team…non-Wentz category.

  22. 22 Dave said at 7:29 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    The guy is really easy to root for as he always seems to have a smile on his face.

  23. 23 Koy: The Legend of Neckbeard said at 9:17 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Sexist.

  24. 24 Gian GEAGLE said at 1:19 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I also respect him because he didn’t hold it against us how down we were about him early in his career. No passive aggressive anger towards the fans for how he was treated, he just kept grinding and playing better and better each year. Gotta respect that

  25. 25 Insomniac said at 1:00 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Loving the defense so far. They couldn’t get home last week during the first half but man did they get Big Ben good this week. One stud CB and one light bulb to light up in Kendrick’s head and then this defense might be good enough to win it all.

    Also found this on DJ’s twitter, Danielle Hunter was a speed rusher and now he’s knocking people off balance. Why can’t Marcus Smith do that yet?

    https://vine.co/v/5ru3h156XHi

  26. 26 Anders said at 2:38 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Because as much as I hate to say it, he is official Danny Watkins type bust.

    Even Agholor is a better player now.

  27. 27 Buge Halls said at 8:01 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    We heard for years that Graham was a “bust” – give the kid some time.

  28. 28 Anders said at 8:05 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Graham actually showed something even when he was a “bust”.

    Also the bust part was more he wasnt Earl Thomas, than him actually been bad

  29. 29 Rellihcs said at 8:38 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    This is such an important topic and so timely! We are getting no pass rush, and our record is suffering as a result. If Marcus Smith were a better player right now, the Eagles would have more wins in 2016.

    I really can’t stand harping on a) the past, and b) negatives on individual players in the context of historic success and profound team promise.

    Sorry if that sounds harsh – but what’s the point? Nobody gets trophies for maxing out percentage of #1 draft pick success rates. Doesn’t get you wins either. Nor does “percentage of players on team who are playing awesome”.

    It’s like those who complain about the somewhat “quiet” LB play – or even remark on it – well no shit – they have had a sick pass rush, and teams have been playing from behind against us – either complete dud plays for opposing offenses or mid-range/deep passes. Our LBs have been very solid but haven’t made flash plays – GREAT – in context.

    Ok. That’s my beef. have a nice day. (not picking on you sleepstruggler)

  30. 30 bill said at 9:50 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Eh. Smith’s made some nice plays, when he’s gotten in this year. He’s got three guys who are playing very well in front of him right now, and the defense has seen very few snaps overall so far.

    It’s legitimate to say he hasn’t been disruptive to the level we’d want him to be, and he clearly still has some issues, but there’s been improvement (like just about everyone else on defense, now that there’s a good DC in place). There’s a good chance Smith will get an opportunity to play more as the season grinds on. Let’s see what he’s able to do then before completely burying him.

  31. 31 PacificPurl said at 4:14 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    How quickly we forget all the moaning about signing Jenkins. All the expert fans wanted a big name DB. Kelly wanted Jenkins. And Sproles. Remember? Team players.

  32. 32 BlindChow said at 10:43 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Here you are with the unprompted Chip Kelly again. And the scolding. It’s a two-for-one special!

  33. 33 D3FB said at 12:23 AM on September 29th, 2016:

    Don’t you know, the head coach who had been on the job for a month totally was the final say on FA targets. Not the GM or pro personnel department.

  34. 34 Gian GEAGLE said at 1:16 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Some of us actually expected the Eagles to sign him…. Of course most of us would have still prefered BYRD or WARD which proved to be way off base.
    .
    Wonder who deserves more credit for Jenkins? Roseman or chip?

  35. 35 parasolmonster said at 6:04 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Those memories come back every time I hear Byrd’s name during Saints games, usually for all the wrong reasons. Thank God.

  36. 36 Media Mike said at 4:22 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Amazing how well the middle of the D looks with Jenkins and McLeod back there instead of Coleman and Allen.

  37. 37 Gian GEAGLE said at 1:15 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Thought it was pretty clear going into the season how strong the middle of our defense would be with savage Mcleod, Jenkins, Hicks, Bennie, Cox
    ..
    TE’s have been non existent against Us so far. RB HAVENT done much damage in the passing game, other than a screen or two the first two weeks

  38. 38 Dan in Philly said at 4:52 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    On that run play, Graham took out 3 (FREAKING 3!!!) blockers and still got up and got in on the tackle. He looked like he was playing against the JV on that play.

  39. 39 Gian GEAGLE said at 1:13 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    They started the game double teaming BG and chipping him with a RB… Didn’t seem to help the steelers very much lol

  40. 40 knighn said at 6:44 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Just woke up a little bit ago.
    Now I read this article.
    Damnit, Tommy! I just got rid of my morning wood!

  41. 41 Dave said at 7:36 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    This will be Kelce’s last year with the team. He is now the weak link.

    https://twitter.com/JoshPaunil/status/780958477921447937

  42. 42 D3FB said at 8:51 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Yep he’s totally useless.

    https://twitter.com/fduffy3/status/780866560021921792

    Oh wait, that’s the same exact block, except he gets a pancake.

    Probably should just cut his ass.

  43. 43 Dave said at 9:25 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Your saying he’s not a weak link on the team?

    I don’t think he’s worth his $6.2M salary next year as he is no longer a top 10 center in the league.

  44. 44 D3FB said at 9:55 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    I’m saying he played much better on Sunday than he has in a long time.

    On the list of positions to bolster, it’s alot further down the list.

    Could you improve the position? Sure.

    Is Kelce worthless as narrative seems to suggest? No.

    Are you likely to make the roster with the $3.8 million in cap space?

    There are 0 starting C’s set to become UFAs.

    So you’re not improving it in FA.

    If there’s a C in the mid to late rounds go ahead and take him, but you’re not giving the job to a kid like that immediately.

  45. 45 Dave said at 10:17 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    “If there’s a C in the mid to late rounds go ahead and take him, but you’re not giving the job to a kid like that immediately.”

    Why not? Kelce started every game as a 6th round rookie. It’s really not hard to imagine a rookie unseating Kelce.

    Kelce was a late round to UDFA projection in the 2011 draft. Ironically, Wisniewski was projected by many scouting sites as a 2nd to 4th rounder and the top-rated center that same year.

  46. 46 D3FB said at 10:35 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    I think you’re overstating 1. Kelce’s struggles 2. the probability of finding a day 1 ready player.

    The Eagles didn’t cut Jamal Jackson and say screw it we’ll find some slapdick in the draft to play C.

    Richard Sherman was a fifth round pick, screw it let’s cut all the corners and draft one in the fifth. Fool proof plan.

    Interior OL are devalued. C’s especially so, but it’s also a position that’s fairly hard to project from college. The margin from good starter to not making the team are pretty slim in draft profile. It’s a position best addressed through internal promotion.

  47. 47 Dave said at 11:14 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Jamaal Jackson was an UDFA who tore his ACL in 2009 and then tore his tricep in 2010 and missed the entire season.

    Howard Mudd was hired after Juan became the defensive coordinator in 2011. The change in scheme, his age (31), and injury history all led to Jamaal losing the starting job to Kelce.

    When Kelce tore his ACL in the 2nd game of the 2012 season, this is what free agent Jamaal Jackson had to say about coming back to the Eagles (which did not happen):

    “We had our shaky, shaky start,” Jackson said about Eagles offensive line coach Howard Mudd. “I’ve had that when Juan first put me in there. I just arguing blitz pickups and strategies, and so on and so forth. Because when you are relaying it to a coach, you gotta like, relay it to them how you see it on the field, not how they drew it up, because it could change. We had our problems early on, but right now … I wouldn’t say we’re best friends but I would speak to him on the phone.”

    Depending on the 2017 draft, I think Isaac Seumalo has the best shot on the roster to be the starting center next year.

  48. 48 anon said at 11:00 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Isaac Semaolo isn’t going to play Center next year?

  49. 49 D3FB said at 12:25 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Maybe, but Barbre’s going to be 33 and has been a journeyman.

  50. 50 Gian GEAGLE said at 1:33 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Possibly, but that’s not a given… Think he is going to take over for Barbie at LG when he moves to RT. hopefully Seumalo plays well enough at LG to become the LG of the future long term
    ..
    If Kelce gets hurt, I think Wis will replace him, not Semalo, but I think Semalo might get the nod ahead of Wis at Guard

  51. 51 BobSmith77 said at 12:18 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Depends on how he plays the rest of the way but he certainly is a possible cut target.

  52. 52 D3FB said at 12:19 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Possible, but far from a necessary move as was suggested.

  53. 53 D3FB said at 1:42 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Sure, but I’d also list him behind Barwin on that list. And nobody is going gah Barwin is so shit here’s like 3 bad plays that prove it.

  54. 54 Gian GEAGLE said at 1:10 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Im saying you are way off base

  55. 55 Dave said at 1:56 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Your posts tend to blow my mind in volume, length, and grandiose viewpoint.

  56. 56 meteorologist said at 3:12 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I’m no expert but it looks like his guy was controlling him but tripped…

  57. 57 ChoTime said at 3:22 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Dude. It’s like judo.

  58. 58 D3FB said at 12:20 AM on September 29th, 2016:

    Nah, he has that block won. It’s a reach block. He’s throughly overtaken the man and has him walled off. And got vertical push. It’s a W before the pancake.

  59. 59 Gian GEAGLE said at 1:09 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    That is ridiculous… If you said that to the Eagles I think they would look at you as if you are crazy.
    ..
    Anyone who has played OL knows you don’t dominate offensively the way we have if your center is Incompetant like people seem to think

  60. 60 Dave said at 1:53 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Never said he was incompetent, just undersized. Although I’m not a fan of Chip, he was correct in saying “big people beat up little people”.

  61. 61 Corry said at 7:38 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    I forget who said it, may have been Jim Johnson, but they said that the defense has to be strong up the middle to be effective. Our defense is VERY strong in the middle at all 3 levels. Fletch and Bennie on the line, Hicks behind them and then Jenkins and McLeod at safety. That’s a lot of talent stacked up.

  62. 62 eagleyankfan said at 7:53 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Dolphins RCB Byron Maxwell spent most of last week’s game giving up catch after catch to Pryor (8-144) — He didn’t just suck on the Eagles. He’s sucking everywhere….
    Met a guy wearing a Prescott jersey. I was wearing my Cox jersey. He asked who Cox was. Some people pay attention, others are front runner fans….
    Comment after the Steelers game from Rams fan “Eagles defense is good, but not that good – most of that was Ben having a bad game”. SMFH. Again, some people pay attention, some just watch highlights of games…
    When I’m wrong, I admit it. I did not think a team can ‘rebuild’ with a rookie qb and holes at WR. They have proved me wrong. Having Celek and Sproles on this team has been huge(against my armchair thinking that these guys aren’t needed while rebuilding)…

  63. 63 SundayAfternoons said at 8:21 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Pryor made him look siiilly, but let’s not sleep on Pryor they seem to have found his position.

  64. 64 anon said at 10:59 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    SHould I grab him in fantasy? Does he get Josh Norman this week?

  65. 65 Dan said at 11:51 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Bigger question is does he lose targets to Gordon in after this week.

  66. 66 Dave said at 12:01 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Wow, could you imagine Cleveland’s offense of Gordon and Pryor at receiver with Wentz throwing them the ball;-o

  67. 67 SundayAfternoons said at 12:26 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    No fantasy insights. I didn’t think he was in the league anymore, so to see him do well against us and the Dolphins was a surprise.

  68. 68 xmbk said at 12:15 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Perfectly explains Cowboy fans.

  69. 69 Gian GEAGLE said at 1:07 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Funny considering:
    ..
    One Steeler player told BG that they will see us in the Super Bowl because he said No one will be able to block us..
    ..
    Another Steeler said “Carson played like a freakin Hall of Famer”
    ..
    Steelers playërs sure gave us plenty of respect for what we did to them, funny how silly fans dont recognize..

  70. 70 SundayAfternoons said at 8:19 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    They remind me a little of those early aughts New England defenses. With the exception being all-pro/hall of fame LB play.

  71. 71 BobSmith77 said at 12:08 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    How so? They played a 3-4 and a completely difference scheme. The early aughts didn’t have All-Pro/Hall of Fame play at LB either. Most consistent one was Vrabel but he wasn’t an All-Pro any year. It was a very good group though with McGinest, Phifer (overlooked veteran), and Bruschi.

    They just didn’t have any real weaknesses, stayed healthy for the most part, and were sound veterans who for the most part could cover/tackle/play the run well. Only real liability was Johnson who was a sure tackler and run defender but stunk in coverage as a MLB.

    Strength of that defense wasn’t the DL either especially until Seymour came into his own and got moved to DE. It was in the secondary with Law at CB and Milloy at S and later with Harrison & Wilson. Also got very effective & underrated play out two veteran CBs – Otis ‘My Man’ Smith & Poole.

  72. 72 SundayAfternoons said at 12:35 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Point taken, and it was their strengths that led me to think that, those being defensive line and safety. I also remember McGinest, Seau and Bruschi being good to great linebackers and Wilfork and Seymour being ya know hall of famers. (I guess that makes it mid-aughts than early.)

    Not a stringent comparison but, looking at the blueprint there are familiarities nonetheless.

  73. 73 RobNE said at 1:20 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    with the exception of not knowing the O’s plays

  74. 74 MattE said at 8:57 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Hopefully Mr. Curry can get it going too, I love our depth on the DL………
    and to top it off Beau-Beau playing FB is icing on the cake for this unit.

  75. 75 Gian GEAGLE said at 1:05 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Think Curry has been the most held Eagle DL this season. He got a few holding penalties called for him, but I have seen Multiple times so far that he was held by the OL and it didn’t get called.

  76. 76 Tumtum said at 2:09 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Curry looks like a monster out there to me.

  77. 77 P_P_K said at 9:08 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Another thing that Cox and Graham have in common is a DC that knows how to use their skill sets properly.

  78. 78 BlindChow said at 10:34 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    And a head coach that will let him.

  79. 79 ChoTime said at 9:28 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    Eagles at #1 in DVOA, opening up a nice lead on… Kansas City?

    Offense 5th in the league, defense 2nd.

    The beginning-to-be-maligned Jason Kelce listed as one of their stars:
    “C Jason Kelce, PHI: No sacks or hurries allowed; Eagles RB had 53 yards on 10 carries up the middle.”

    Our buddies in Minnesota are ranked #4 despite their #24-ranked (a very Sam Bradford number) offense. Dallas at #8, NYG at #18, WAS at #21. PIT dropped from #4 to #22.

    Given that CLE and CHI are 32 and 31, and opponent adjustments kick in next week, there might be some movement during our bye.

  80. 80 anon said at 10:58 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    **holds himself back from defending Sam Bradford**

  81. 81 ChoTime said at 11:19 AM on September 28th, 2016:

    **pretends like he wasn’t try to start shit with Bradford fans**

  82. 82 A_T_G said at 5:14 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    **smugly looks around for someone to tell that he deduced two asterisks (asteri?) indicate an action taken by the writer**

  83. 83 Baloophi said at 12:09 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Is Mychal Kendricks still on the team?

  84. 84 BobSmith77 said at 12:14 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    According to the roster and snap count, yeah but it is certainly easy to miss him if you are watching the game.

    One of the most puzzling Eagles’ players of the last 20 years including how the front office deal with him going from being rumored to trade him for the longest time only to resign him to a decent extension (Kelly’s doing).

  85. 85 Cafone said at 5:28 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Correct me if I am wrong, but he is missing snaps because the Eagles are going with two linebackers very often. Are there plays where there are three linebackers on the field without him?

  86. 86 RogerPodacter said at 5:32 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    i didn’t think of that. its a very good point. we’ve been up in the 4th quarter in each game, opposing teams are going to have to pass the ball, we’re going to be playing nickel or dime.
    before this year, i would have thought kendricks would be a good choice for a LB in such situations due to his speed. but Bradham and Hicks have been outstanding in coverage.

  87. 87 BobSmith77 said at 5:33 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Last week it was because of playing a lot of 2 LBs especially in the 2nd half. Not sure the first two weeks but I bet it was the same vs Bears in the 2nd half too.

  88. 88 Dave said at 12:47 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    A repetitive negative theme with Wentz is his lack of progressions while throwing mainly to his first read. My question is whether the first read was actually the first read before the play, or whether Wentz changes his first read based on the defensive alignment.

    If a QB can diagnose the defensive coverage and/or determine a blitz at the line of scrimmage, he may have effectively gone through his 1st, 2nd or even 3rd read before the ball is even snapped. This appears to be happening at the line of scrimmage quite a bit with Wentz.

    In this respect, I’m not sure how PFF and all the other statistical evaluation services can determine his effectiveness without knowing what the play call was in the huddle, what Wentz is thinking pre-snap, and if he changed the play based on what he sees from the defense.

    Wentz consistently seems to throw into single coverage or between zone defenders.

    https://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/screen-shot-2016-09-28-at-9-06-16-am.jpg?w=1000&h=288

    http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/09/nfl-quarterback-rankings-week-3-carson-wentz-dak-prescott-matt-ryan-falcons-cowboys-eagles

  89. 89 bill said at 12:50 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    It’s called making stuff up and then putting a number on it so you can do statistical manipulations and then the gullible will defend it as “objective evidence!”

  90. 90 Baloophi said at 12:51 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    As long as Wentz has wings on his helmet, his success will be attributed to good fortune.

  91. 91 Crus57 said at 3:55 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    and also all his mistakes are his fault, of course.

    .. and people say *we’re* negative.

  92. 92 anon said at 12:54 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    You’ll notice that almost every play he sets hard counts and re-sets. I think he was doing to us what Chargers did to us in 2013. Remember also that the DP is in their head for an extender period of time. So run to the line, set, see the defense, maybe you get some input on adjustments and then go.

    To be fair. Who cares if he’s been given a first read vs having to do full field progressions? Why would you do that to a rookie? Supposed to be developing, not overwhelming the player. It’s also about winning games. If DP can scheme one read or two-read plays where guys get open? Why not do that. One he’s master that go to half field and full field reads.

  93. 93 Dave said at 1:25 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Funny how Wentz has been critiqued for going to his first read too often, and then on the flipside, for holding on to the ball too long in other instances. Others have said he has patience in the pocket like a vet. It seems to be more of a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” when it comes to QB evaluations.

    I guess the bottom line is that as Tommy likes to say, he “passes the eyeball test” with flying colors.

  94. 94 Gian GEAGLE said at 1:26 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Passes the eye test? Wentz made the eye test his bitch 🙂

  95. 95 ChoTime said at 1:08 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I like Football Outsiders for things like this, because it takes every play and grades the result according to the situation. It has them in a virtual tie for DVOA and Wentz with a slight edge in DYAR.

    I have to admit being surprised, because I had assumed Wentz would be blowing him away. Dak is playing very well!

  96. 96 Dave said at 1:20 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    “because it takes every play and grades the result according to the situation.”

    I’m not trying to be critical of PFF, but how would they know the situation if they don’t know the original play call and who the first read is supposed to be? JMatt has stated numerous times this season that he knew the ball was coming to him based on coverage or how the defender was playing him right when he lined up.

    For instance, if the original play is a three receiver set with the QB progression to be the X receiver first, Z receiver 2nd and Y receiver third. However, once the QB gets to the line, he sees a LB on the Y receiver and then in his mind changes the progression to the Y receiver 1st based on the mismatch. Does/could PFF know this?

  97. 97 ChoTime said at 1:23 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Sorry, I was talking about DVOA, I don’t know much about the PFF stats.

    The guy in the article did admit that it’s not possible to tell about the first reads all the time. I wouldn’t put much stock in that chart you posted for that reason. Anyway, if Wentz is doing most of his analysis pre-snap, that’s good in my opinion.

  98. 98 D3FB said at 1:40 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    The Eagles are also running a ton of Levels. They don’t know if he’s reading hi to low or low to hi (and he’s also usually taking the middle route)

  99. 99 RogerPodacter said at 1:48 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    “The guy in the article did admit that it’s not possible to tell about the first reads all the time.”
    you’re joking, right? what a waste of time

  100. 100 ChoTime said at 1:55 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    What are you talking about?

  101. 101 RogerPodacter said at 5:18 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    he charted plays where each QB did or did not throw to the first read, and then says its not possible to tell if this actually happened or not.
    That makes the chart pretty worthless in my mind, unless i’m misunderstanding something you said.

  102. 102 ChoTime said at 9:40 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Whether it’s the first read or not is a judgment call, and I don’t know anything about the guy’s credentials. Probably it just means that it _looked_ like Dakota turned and threw to someone else than the first guy he looked at 20% of the time.

    Probably pretty worthless.

  103. 103 ChoTime said at 1:21 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Another of my favorites: Adjusted yards/attempt. Very good shorthand to see how good the QB is.

    Wentz: 8.5
    Prescott: 7.9 (but note his first game, at 5.0, is really dragging him down and he is above 9.0 in the following two games)
    My boy Bradford is slinging it at 8.8.

  104. 104 Dave said at 1:29 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Curious, does the word “adjusted” mean that it takes into account drops and pass defenses? Otherwise, wouldn’t this stat be highly skewed based on completion percentage?

  105. 105 ChoTime said at 1:37 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    It actually turns out that long-ballers have the advantage in this stat. It is not completely system-independent. If anything, guys like Eli or Newton are helped out by it.

    Y/A is one of the stats that exposes completion % as being not very useful.

    Here’s PFR’s formula:

    “AY/A — Adjusted Yards gained per pass attempt
    (Passing Yards + 20 * Passing TD – 45 * Interceptions) / (Passes Attempted)”

  106. 106 Dave said at 1:48 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Interesting, that formula seems to be reversed engineered based upon a predetermined outcome when it was first developed. “Hey, how can we develop a formula that shows players X, Y, and Z are better than players A, B, and C.”

    It also doesn’t take into account yards after catch. I imagine Carson Palmer, Brett Favre, and Donny would have (had) pretty good numbers using this formula.

  107. 107 ChoTime said at 1:54 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I’m sure it is reverse engineered, probably using regression analysis. The people who do great in this stat are the great players, the ones who perform the best, who get the most yards and touchdowns with the least attempts while throwing the least interceptions. The people who do badly are the bad players. Check it out:

    http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_adj_net_yds_per_att_career.htm

    Donny only looked like a truly elite QB in stats in 2004, irc. He just missed too much.

  108. 108 Dave said at 2:10 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Damn, when you look at 2010 and 2011, you can really see his regression as a QB. Thanks for the info, very enlightening.

  109. 109 RogerPodacter said at 1:51 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    i like a system that tries to eward the QB for a TD pass from the 1 yard line a little more than just saying “+1 yard passing”.

  110. 110 Tumtum said at 2:05 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Looking at these numbers tells me that these guys are running two VERY difference offenses. Pretty clear one is running a system catered to a rookie and the other is the focal point of the entire attack.

  111. 111 Gian GEAGLE said at 2:14 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I can’t wait to play Dallas.
    .
    I got the Niners upsetting Dallas this week. It’s not just wishful thinking, I actually kind of belíeve that. Although if opponents know all of chips plays, what’s going to happen with Cedrick Thornton linning up against them. For the Niners to win, Their run game has to have a big night.
    ..
    Inexplicably, BLAINE Gabbert is like top 10 in QBR. San Fran at home, dallas having a weak pass rush, Dallas may not have Dez this week. Beating Dallas is The least charlatan chip could do for us

  112. 112 Birds4Life said at 3:58 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    While I would love for the 49ers to beat ‘allas, I don’t feel confident picking them. ‘allas’ defense actually played well against Chip’s offense. Which was surprising because they didn’t have much of a pass rush but they were able to apply pressure against us. 49ers just have no talent, but I will be rooting for them this weekend!

  113. 113 Tumtum said at 9:38 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I don’t see those teams all that far off from one another.

  114. 114 Ark87 said at 3:27 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Last week Pederson said all of the fade plays, DGB is the first read, however Wentz never looked his way to make the read. When I looked at the tape, in every case it was Man coverage with a DB to give help to DGB’s CB, Wentz skipped that read and went right to the single covered guy.

  115. 115 A_T_G said at 5:25 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Regardless of the questions about how to tell who was the first read, what is the problem? If Wentz is throwing to a receiver and getting completions, he isn’t supposed to go to the next read. Sticking with the first read is only an issue when passes are being broken up or picked off.

  116. 116 Dave said at 5:49 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I agree 100%. I think it’s more about people trying to tear him down.

  117. 117 Nailed It! said at 12:56 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    https://twitter.com/JohnBarchard/status/781118996531802112

  118. 118 Tumtum said at 2:03 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Pretty damn cool.

  119. 119 Bert's Bells said at 2:34 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Carson has a real problem with the language, tho.

  120. 120 parasolmonster said at 6:03 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    What is this from??

  121. 121 Nailed It! said at 6:35 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    From here.

    https://cdn-e1.streamable.com/video/mp4-mobile/4xdq.mp4

  122. 122 Gian GEAGLE said at 1:52 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Assuming we go 4-2 in the division, sweep the Giants, and split with Dallas n Skins, that takes us to 7-2, which leaves 7 more games. At the very worst we should go 2-5 in those 7 games, which would take us to 9-7
    ..
    So we probably end up somewhere between 9 and 11 wins
    ..
    But there is no reason why we can’t win more than two games against
    Lions
    Vikings
    Bengals
    Seahawks
    Ravens
    Packers
    Falcons
    ..
    I went into this season expecting to win the division, and there is no reason I should change that now, however im pumping the breaks on getting carried away farther than that at the moment.
    .
    However, if Wentz can outduel Bradford and get us a win against that scary Vikings defense, then all bets are off, and I will officially be done putting limits on what this team can accomplish. beat the Vikings without Lane Johnson who has played some of the best ball of his career this year, and I go all in and become a believer

  123. 123 P_P_K said at 3:11 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I’m saying Eagles sweep Dallas and the Skins, lose one of those tough NFC East contests to the Giants. That puts the team at 8-1. I can see a 4-3 or 3-4 record against the rest of the schedule. That’s 12-4 or 11-5, Division Champs, homefield for at least one playoff game, maybe even a bye.
    P.S. If everyone stays healthy and Wentz continues to develop and soar, there’s not a team in the NFC that worries me. My buddies here in New England are already talking about the Pats taking on the Eagles in Feb.

  124. 124 The original AG said at 3:34 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Funny I had that same thought. I want to see how they adjust w/o LJ before making any bold proclamations. If we can win without LJ, yeah no team really worries me.

  125. 125 P_P_K said at 3:49 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Great minds think alike.
    I hate to mess with the mojo, but here’s my absolutely bold prediction. Even with LJ out, I think the Eagles can also sweep the Giants. If Rodgers doesn’t up his game, the Packers can be beaten. If Wilson’s ankle is bad, the Seahawks can be shot down. And the D will definitely knock Bradford out for the remainder of the year to beat the Vikes. Bold, baby, bold.

  126. 126 Gian GEAGLE said at 6:14 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Regardless of Russell Wilson’s health, I think our DL is going to go up to seattle and Rock the seahawks OL’s world! Mcleod and Jenkins will probably be jacked up with Earl Thomas/Kam on the other sideline…
    ..
    I don’t know how our offense will do on the road in noisy Seattle against that SEAHAWK defense, THATS probably going to be the toughest test Wentz will face all year…but I think our DL is going to make a statememt, feast on the seahawks OL and keep us in that game. Whether or not the offense can put up enough points in seattle to get us the win, THATS another story

  127. 127 P_P_K said at 9:23 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I agree with you about our D, with some trepidation about how the CBs will fare against talented QBs, including Wilson. It’s terrific, though, to even be discussing how to beat the Seahawks, Packers, etc. A month ago this would have seemed impossible.

  128. 128 Rambo said at 10:39 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Hopefully by then we can have some more weapons emerge. I wanna see Treggs and even Turner get some shots to make plays at some point. Pederson gave Burton a real shot so I’m sure if they earn it we’ll see them soon enough.

  129. 129 ChoTime said at 11:17 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Turnerzzz!

  130. 130 Gian GEAGLE said at 6:05 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    My measuring stick is the Vikings game, especially if Lane DOESNT play. if Wentz can beat that Vikings defense, then all bets are off and I’ll stop putting limitatiòns on what this kid can do

  131. 131 Gian GEAGLE said at 6:02 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Giants HAVENT beat us in 3 years, the last time they beat us was the game Matt Barkley played.l..The main reason for our recent dominance is our DL kicking their OL’s ass. They have done Nothing to upgrade their OL, while our DL is better than it was these last 3 years now that schwartz is on our side. So I don’t know why anyone would expect a different result when the Eagles and Giants play. I need to see them overcome our DL to believe it. If we sweep any Rival, my money is on the Giants, not because they are the worst team in our division because they aren’t, but because we have been a nightmare matchup for them and they have done nothing to address the reasons they keep losing to us
    ..
    I think Dallas and the skins ARENT good enough to where we can’t envision sweeping them, but im going off of recent trends the past few years:
    We sweep Giants
    split with Dallas.. I’d love to see us sweep them now that it seems like Wentz has energized the city and brought back a Homefield advantage to the Linc, to go along with our recent success in Cowboy stadium and the fact that dallas is like 1-9 in its last 10 games at home.
    .
    Split win skins, or the skins sweep us… Hopefully we change this recent trend this year. We owe the Giants a beating after the last few times they beat us

  132. 132 Rambo said at 10:24 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Thank you! Fuck Dallas!!

  133. 133 P_P_K said at 1:21 PM on September 29th, 2016:

    Anyone who so enthusiastically curses Dallas is alright in my book. If we ever meet in a bar, first round is on me!

  134. 134 Rambo said at 9:44 PM on September 29th, 2016:

    Thank you sir! I despise them, and living here makes it worse!

  135. 135 Sean Stott said at 2:00 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I’m proud that, maybe other than D3FB (whose BG jersey is probably #54) I was probably one of the only people in the world with a Graham jersey 🙂 Hope to be seeing more.

  136. 136 D3FB said at 2:06 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    You know

    https://twitter.com/Astonia67/status/780043263105523712

  137. 137 Gian GEAGLE said at 2:06 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I think I’m the only person I have ever seen with a Jason Peters jersey. Anyone else ever see them around? Of course I’m also probably the only fool with a Kiko Alonso eagle jersey… You win some, you lose some…
    ..
    Haven’t seen any McLeod Jerseys yet,,, that should change in the near future with him being such a savage

  138. 138 Ssakcis said at 8:48 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I have a green and black Alonso Jersey sadly

  139. 139 Gian GEAGLE said at 12:13 PM on September 29th, 2016:

    I feel your pain

  140. 140 Rellihcs said at 4:49 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I got a buddy who has rocked the 54 for a while now.

  141. 141 bwin29 said at 6:04 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I’ve got one too – bought it before he played a game.

  142. 142 Tumtum said at 2:09 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Can we give the Brandham int to Cox too?

  143. 143 FairOaks said at 2:13 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Wonder if we need a new stat like “int pressures” such as when he gets credit for a pressure and it ends up as an interception. May be a little arbitrary when DBs drop easy INTs but… so are td passes

  144. 144 Gian GEAGLE said at 2:15 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I wonder how many of those Cox already has in his career just from playing against Eli?

  145. 145 Gian GEAGLE said at 3:01 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    This has been pretty obvious, but it’s still cool to hear from such a great Eagle veteran player:
    Brent Celek: “This kid is inspiring me. he is adding youth to my game just by the way he is acting, being in the huddle and taking command, It’s beyond impressive. it’s Great. We have to keep it going. Im not going to sit here and say that we are the greatest team, but im excited with how he is playing. he is elevating everyone else’s play by the way he has handled it.
    ..
    BG: Carson Wentz is built for this and im excited to see Wentz prove Bart Scott wrong (pre steelers game Interview.
    ..
    After we beat the Steelers, BG had this to say: “I was looking for Bart Scott’s comments after the game lol…

  146. 146 P_P_K said at 3:05 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Very cool.

  147. 147 Tumtum said at 8:14 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    He said Wentz was a fraud.

  148. 148 Gian GEAGLE said at 3:03 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Dez Bryant has a “slight hairline fracture in his knee” and dallas thinks it’s a 1-3 week injury that doesn’t need surgery. “We are taking it day by day”…

  149. 149 Tumtum said at 8:14 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    1 week? What the hell? I hope he has the balls to wait until he is healthy.

  150. 150 ICDogg said at 9:11 AM on September 29th, 2016:

    4 weeks if they are not quacks

  151. 151 Gian GEAGLE said at 12:13 PM on September 29th, 2016:

    Some guys have been able to play thru the injury, dez played the rest of the game only missing 6 plays….

  152. 152 The original AG said at 5:21 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Jets cut Dee Milliner – any interest? Any good when not injured?

  153. 153 ICDogg said at 5:28 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    No interest. He’s gotten to the point where opposing QB’s look for him and throw his way.

  154. 154 Media Mike said at 6:17 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Sort of like then Billy Davis leaves Bradley Fletcher 1 on 1 vs Dez all game?

  155. 155 ICDogg said at 2:34 AM on September 29th, 2016:

    Very much so.

  156. 156 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:54 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Terrible.. One of the most predictable top 10 draft busts in the last few years

  157. 157 Media Mike said at 6:16 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    No. He’s trash.

  158. 158 Tumtum said at 8:13 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Not even a work out?

  159. 159 RogerPodacter said at 5:25 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    since Kelce gets a lot of hate around here, check out this play.

    don’t know how to embed this video… just click the link – first video.
    http://www.phillymag.com/birds247/2016/09/28/philadelphia-eagles-pittsburgh-steelers-offense-film-review/

    Thats Kelce blocking a guy almost 30 yards downfield.

  160. 160 The original AG said at 5:28 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I’m the first one to rip the guy and have been for a couple years. But I’m hard pressed to find anything wrong with his play this past Sunday. Now if he messes up against Detroit, I’m beating that drum again. Need to see some consistency from him.

  161. 161 RogerPodacter said at 5:31 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    only complaint i had about sunday was an untimely penalty. don’t even remember what it was. i know there was an illegal snap penalty, maybe another?
    either way, pretty clean game in that regard.

  162. 162 RogerPodacter said at 5:33 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    near the bottom of the link: Trey Burton’s run blocking. oof.

  163. 163 Media Mike said at 6:16 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I’m also a guy who loves to murder Kelce when he plays poorly. He stepped up vs. the Steelers.

  164. 164 Cafone said at 10:38 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    but it was only in response to your criticism, so keep it up.

  165. 165 unhinged said at 11:55 AM on September 29th, 2016:

    Nice and thank you for the topical change of venue. Kelce could probably have been a more complete TE than his brother. I’m pretty sure he’s faster.

  166. 166 BobSmith77 said at 5:54 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    http://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/09/27/nfl-ratings-drop-across-the-board-in-week-3/

    My sense is this going to be the year that NFL popularity in general culture has crested and is going to be in gradual retreat albeit very gradually.

    Agree with the author that it is largely because the product is slightly inferior right now while the NFL is going through a bit of transition some of the big names have left the game or aren’t what they were.

    The one team that does draw week in and week out is not ‘America’s Team’ but the Patriots. They continue to get huge ratings week in and week out including last Thurs. One team right now with an athlete (Brady) is is widely recognizable outside of football and a team that elicits very strong feelings.

  167. 167 John Galt said at 6:09 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Bob – Interesting read. I think he (and possibly you since you didn’t mention it) underestimate the backlash against the anthem protests (he just mentions it in passing and basically dismisses it). It turns me off for sure, and I am consuming less football than I normally do, although I will keep watching the Eagles because I am an addict there. I know a lot of people who are fed up with what they deem spoiled athletes making empty political stands when they are looking for an escape and some entertainment. I think it is showing in the numbers, but of course I could be wrong.

  168. 168 Dave said at 6:45 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I think the blackmailing cities for free public money to build stadiums, players bitching about the commish, commish salary, union bitching about the commish, globalization of the game in Europe and other countries are not helping at all.

  169. 169 Dave said at 6:49 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    One other thing killing the game is fantasy football. I’ve been in a league for years. When this years draft rolled around, all the sites I used to get draft info on are all paysites. Everyone is milking the NFl for all its worth. Not fun playing fantasy football when popups for gambling dominate every site.

  170. 170 BobSmith77 said at 7:55 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Disagree about fantasy and argue it had helped broaden the appeal especially to women. NFL has gone after that demographic especially younger female audience very hard the last decade.

  171. 171 Dave said at 8:08 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Yes, up until it costs money to play fantasy football.

  172. 172 BobSmith77 said at 7:38 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Sadly I doubt the overwhelmingly majority of fans care about much of any these fans.

  173. 173 Dave said at 8:10 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Until they grow up, buy a house, pay taxes, and watch their 401K sit stagnant.

  174. 174 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:25 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I would add, and although anecdotal, I’ve heard this from a number of people, but over the past few years the NFL’s appallingly poor response to domestic violence incidents has turned many, mostly women, off from the sport. Given that I think women were a growth market for the NFL, their poor handling of that component does not help. Not saying this is the major cause, but one other factor.

  175. 175 DJH said at 6:39 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    It looks like fall TV ratings are waaay down across the board, not just for football.

    “overall live tune-in on the Big Four networks falls double digits from 2015”

    http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fall-tv-premiere-week-ratings-933222

  176. 176 BobSmith77 said at 7:44 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    ‘Kevin Can Wait’ is the 2nd highest rated new show? If I still had cable, I would definitely rather watch CSPAN and some author taking about their book to an audience.

    Rather watch ‘Ow, My Balls!’ on the Violence Chanel.

  177. 177 Cafone said at 10:37 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    It’s like country music and Adam Sandler movies. Most of us don’t know anyone who would admit to enjoying them, but they keep making money.

  178. 178 Gian GEAGLE said at 6:08 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I don’t know how true it is, but if Wentz really has Photographic memory, that has to be one of the most valuable assets a QB could have.
    .
    If the Rams and Browns really passed on a QB who is the total athletic QB package, AND actually has photographic memory than every single person working in Rams and Browns Front offices and coaching staffs should be fired yesterday

  179. 179 iceberg584 said at 6:14 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I think that whole “photographic memory” thing is getting blown out of proportion by the fact that Doug Pederson doesn’t know what a true photographic, eidetic memory actually means.

  180. 180 Gian GEAGLE said at 6:15 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Yeah I suspect the same thing… A QB with a photographic memory is almost too good to be true. Sounds more like the growing Legend of Wentz, than actually reality… Hopefully someone in the media gets some actual clarification on that because it would be a ridiculously big deal if that were true

  181. 181 The original AG said at 6:46 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    He does have an uncanny ability to know what the defense is doing right before the snap. He looks out and knows from the film study that he’s seen it before.

    The way to get to this kid it seems is to show him looks you haven’t done before. Now, if they do something another team does, of which they don’t do, and he recognizes it – we might have an argument for the photographic memory. But again, this could just mean he’s able to recognize a pattern based on something he’s seen before.

  182. 182 Cafone said at 10:34 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    He’s probably played a lot of Madden.

  183. 183 Blackfoot said at 6:54 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Carson Wentz can light a fire by rubbing two ice-cubes together.

  184. 184 jshort said at 7:23 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Carson Wentz doesn’t sleep in a bed. He levitates!

  185. 185 daveH said at 9:31 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Under Carson’s beard is a fist

  186. 186 ChoTime said at 6:44 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    It’s actually a pretty confusing concept.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eidetic_memory

    What’s clear is that some people just have good memories, and he seems to be one of those. Tends to help on those IQ test thingies.

    I would hold that the ability to process information in a dynamic, athletic situation is far more important. He seems to have that, too.

  187. 187 Dave said at 7:28 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Yup, having a good memory is great, but critical thinking is much more important.

  188. 188 BobSmith77 said at 7:53 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Spatial memory and cognition is arguably the most underrated and non-tested attribute of intelligence especially among kids. Geniuses almost always score very well on it too.

  189. 189 RC5000 said at 7:00 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    He had a perfect QB rating on 3rd down last week . I’m pretty sure only someone with super power can do that.

    Who cares if he doesn’t have diabetic memory! That sounds like a disease anyway.

  190. 190 Nailed It! said at 6:35 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    https://cdn-e1.streamable.com/video/mp4-mobile/4xdq.mp4

    Inside the NFL Steelers vs Eagles was absolutely awesome.

  191. 191 Dave said at 6:39 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChK3XrXW0AEVyhb.jpg

  192. 192 daveH said at 9:29 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    And they said Carson City, we say Wentz ylvania..

    they we have it — Carson City Wentz Sylvania

  193. 193 John Dunkerley said at 7:00 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Bennie Logan also had a pretty good game.

  194. 194 ACViking said at 7:35 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Re: Eagles’ 3-Game Streak of No Turnovers

    I posted in yesterday’s thread that the Eagles’ current run of no TO’s for 3 straight games is just the third time in franchise history that it’s happened. (Previous: 2009, 1979.)

    A comment by DRAGON_EAGLE about other teams led to . . .

    * All-time record:
    2010 Pats, 7 straight games w/ no TOs — only 10 all season

    [2nd best: 2012 49ers, 5 straight games, 12 TOs for the season]

    * The great dynasty Steelers of the ’70s — a ground-and-pound team with a great defense — had only 6 games total during their 4 SB seasons with zero TOs.

    * 1990 NYGs — a 3-game streak, 6 total for the year, only 14 TOs all season . . . and a SB title.
    ________________

    Under the heading of FWIW . . .

    3-game streaks, like the Eagles’ right now, are rare among SB winners.

    The majority of SB winners since 1970 have had 3-4 games total per year with no TOs.

    Some Exceptions:
    * 2014 Patriots w/ 7 games total — including a 4-game streak

    * 2001 Patriots — 6 games total
    * 2012 Ravens — 6 games total
    * 1993 Cowboys — 6 games total
    * 1992 Cowboys — 6 games total

    * 2010 Packers — 5 games total — including a 3-game streak
    * 2002 Bucs — 5 games total
    * 1998 Broncos — 5 games total

    * 2000 Ravens — 2 games total

    * 2015 Broncos — 1 game
    * 1986 Giants — 1 game
    * 1985 Bears — 1 game
    ________________

    I looked only at SB-winning teams because the data’s easy to collect.
    And why not think big now . . . right?

  195. 195 Nailed It! said at 7:38 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Wow, excellent work and research. Thank you

  196. 196 BobSmith77 said at 7:51 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Excellent stuff as usual. Teams that have opened 3-0 and won by the margins the Eagles have also have enjoyed some really deep playoff runs and their share of Super Bowl appearances.

    Funny how Kelly always emphasized turnovers and importance of possessions yet his teams were so turnover-prone generally here.

  197. 197 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:11 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    AC. Much obliged for all that. Fascinating stuff. Thank you for answering my curiosity.

    Think big. D_E

  198. 198 daveH said at 9:25 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    How many great team franchise QBs never established a quality nickname?

  199. 199 RobNE said at 7:56 AM on September 29th, 2016:

    Most of them?

  200. 200 unhinged said at 11:44 AM on September 29th, 2016:

    What jumps out from your list is the central role of the QB in not turning the ball over. The OL, obviously must be disciplined and in sync, but the QB must be precise and on time, and all of those teams got that from their respective QB’s. Sure-handed RB’s also on that list: Sweetness, Emmitt, Che Tay, Terrell Davis.

  201. 201 BobSmith77 said at 7:48 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Did like the nickname I heard from this team today – ‘Uncanny Wentz-Men!’

  202. 202 Cafone said at 10:32 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    I think Carson “Can’t Miss” Wentz is gonna stick.

  203. 203 levdog said at 8:12 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    So ironic that as predicable as Chip Kelly offense was, Doug P. use of misdirection in his play calling seems to confuse defenses. Chip’s use of 4 or 5 basic plays to Doug’s innovative use of misdirection, the two could not be more different.

  204. 204 holeplug said at 10:09 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Chip started out doing that stuff in 2013 then just went away from it for some inexplicable reason.

  205. 205 Dragon_Eagle said at 8:39 PM on September 28th, 2016:

    Is the bye over yet? Can we get some more Eagles football now? I’m a patient man, but this is friggin’ ridiculous. Aaaaaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/705b16dd2e0e32dd894ed0a05d0b5b665d8d7f0a2559a541eeb39d00e65bba1a.jpg