Good and Bad From the Opener
Posted: August 11th, 2017 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 375 Comments »Just looking at the scoreboard, the Eagles did not have a good preseason opener, falling 24-9 to the Packers. The scoreboard rarely tells the story in the preseason and that was very true on Thursday night.
Both teams were very sloppy, but the Eagles had a lot of key things go right and they stayed healthy for the most part. Let’s start with the positives.
Carson Wentz was tough and elusive in the pocket. He finished the game 4 for 4 for 56 yards, with a TD and no picks. Green Bay got good pressure on him, but Wentz handled it well. His TD to Mack Hollins was a terrific play by both guys.
Get ready for Macktion. #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/UFbThS8olm
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 11, 2017
The WR who stepped up was Bryce Treggs. He got open and caught the ball smoothly. He looked good. Treggs was 7-91 and had a deep ball for a 38-yard gain. He is trying to prove to the coaches and front office that he belongs on this team. Treggs was very impressive. Hollins also had a strong showing. He finished 4-64, with the 38-yard TD. His stiff-arm on that play was a thing of beauty. Hollins caught the ball well and just looked natural. That’s not always easy for a rookie receiver, especially one who didn’t catch a ton of passes in college.
The Eagles defense had a good game. Aaron Rodgers sat out, but the Packers still had plenty of firepower on the field. They didn’t get over the 200-yard mark until the middle of the 4th quarter. The Eagles finished with 5 sacks and 3 takeaways.
Derek Barnett was the star up front. He played backup RDE and got regular pressure on the Packers QBs. He finished the game with 2 sacks. Barnett used a power rush very effectively, driving back the LT on multiple plays. He even did this to their starting LT.
I was shocked that the CBs seemed to play fairly well. Jalen Mills had a good game. He was a strong tackler and broke to the ball very quickly on a couple of plays. Patrick Robinson did not look smooth or natural at all. He did tackle well, but he’s still got a long way to go. Ron Brooks was solid in the slot. C.J. Smith bit hard on a fake and was burned for a TD. He bounced back from that and played well in the 2nd half. Rasul Douglas made one good play. I didn’t see him get burned, but could have missed something.
There were some problems in the game.
The OL did not play well. To be fair, part of that was due to the Packers aggressive gameplan. Dom Capers blitzed a lot and ran creative pressures and fronts. The Eagles didn’t prepare for any of this (you never do in preseason) so that gave an advantage to GB. This is a catch-22 situation. If you are a 3-4, blitzing team, you need to practice that. Doing it in preseason makes sense. At the same time, you don’t always get an accurate evaluation of your players because there are times when your scheme wins and you don’t know if the player did.
Still, the Eagles need to do a lot better up front. There was no run game, whether starters or backups. The Eagles have a talented OL. Playing in the first extended live action did not bring out the best in them. They’ll study the tape and get ready for next week.
STs was a mess. The Eagles gave up a couple of long punt returns, one for a TD. The refs did miss a block in the back (or two), but you still don’t want to give up a TD. The Eagles had a long PR negated by penalty. Caleb Sturgis missed a FG. The Eagles only finished with 3 punt return yards. Dave Fipp will get this fixed, but it was an ugly start.
Turnovers were an issue. There were a pair of interceptions and a pair of lost fumbles. You must have better ball security.
Backup QB play wasn’t good. Matt McGloin is the number three QB, but played almost three full quarters. It wasn’t pretty. Dane Evans played late. He showed physical talent, but wasn’t accurate and looked nervous. Nick Foles needs to get healthy.
The rookies were a mixed bag. Donnel Pumphrey made several mistakes and took some big hits. I worried that he might get overwhelmed, but he kept on battling and never looked discouraged. That’s crucial for a rookie when his debut goes poorly. He’s got the physical skills to be a good role player, if not more. Greg Ward was up and down. He did show good potential. Nate Gerry had one outstanding sequence where he got in on three straight tackles. He also missed some tackles in space. Corey Clement had a couple of very impressive plays, but then dropped a pass in the Red Zone. TE Billy Brown caught the ball well, but failed to get out of bounds late in the half and then fumbled the ball away. Double whammy.
None of those guys looked completely in over their heads.
The only major injury concern is Halapoulivaati Vaitai suffering a leg injury. Keep your fingers crossed on that.
Meanwhile, my understanding is that the Vaitai knee injury is not serious.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) August 11, 2017
Ron Brooks did have a hamstring injury. We’ll have to wait and see what that means.
_
I think what I learned most is that I don’t know anyone’s number anymore.
“Why is Trey Burton playing linebacker?”
So he won’t fumble!
Yeah…that fumble was awful…dancing on the sideline like he was going to juke someone when he should of just ran out of bounds…instead he got popped and lost the ball…disappointing for guy that is definitely projected to be on the 53 and been in the league for several years…was happy to see him scurry off to the bench somewhere…hope he doesn’t act like “its just pre-season…no big deal fumbling the ball”
Mike Glennon with a 0.0 QB rating tonight.
I can post a 0.0 QB rating for 45 million dollars. Life isn’t fair sometimes.
Are you 6’7 with a neck like a giraf?
I would be willing to do it for half of that. Sign me up!
Samaje Perine: 6 carries/15 yards/2.5 YPC
Lol.
Clearly a blocking issue! At least that’s what my boy Brian Mitchell was saying on Twitter.
I missed the game due to traveling, so I’ll have to catch it when I get back. Sounds like a mixed bag of results, but nothing that really alters anybody’s views on most guys.
Hollins has my eye again. Early in camp I was on the Hollins hype train. Then I checked myself, “Weeeell, he was completely invisible on a UNC offense that got his QB picked #2 overall, he was just brought here for ST’s for now, it’s just TC against our corners annnnnd…..”
Hollins stiff-armed my hesitation into the ground. I’m all aboard the Hollins hype train again.
Wasn’t it Hollins early in the week who responded to the Ags/Mathews talk with “just wait until it’s game time” or something. Way to walk the talk haha. Nice.
didn’t hear it, but I like the swagger if he did.
I was, and remain, deeply concerned about the quality of our OL depth despite the claims to the contrary. They do not look good at all right now. Let’s hope it improves.
As Tommy said, GB blitzes more than normal for a preseason game and normally there is zero blocking schemes in pre season against run blitzes
I read that. I remain concerned. Let’s see how we look next week against Buffalo.
Preseason. Focus on individual players not the team/scheme
I wasn’t just the blitzes at the line, it was the delayed stunts. They look bad for the offensive line but when the QB makes them pay like Wentz did with Hollins, it forces teams to back off the blitzes in real games.
again delayed stunts is not something you focus on as a OL in the preseason
I have some concerns, but it was the first preseason game with a new LG and a different RG. If they still look like this in the third preseason game then my concern will be through the roof.
This is very valid. Basically the lack of game-plan/film study is no excuse in preseason week 3. We will be practicing with the dolphins all week and should have some familiarity with them. Also it’s the dress rehearsal, it’s not evaluation, it’s like the beta version of our offense about to go live when the regular season comes.
Don’t be concerned, there is no film study or game planning (there is but the plan is based on self-evaluation, not tailored to deal with the other team’s bs). It’s really hard to block a scheme if you haven’t prepared for what they like to do, or how their individual pass rushers play.
IE, Barnett was an absolute terror last night. They may have been able to blunt his devastation if they knew he is working with a limited tool kit. Knew what he is first class at and what he is still working on. But they didn’t, and they felt the wrath.
When he got his first sack I wondered to myself how long it took MS2 to be involved in even a preseason sack. Did he get in on anything even through his 2nd preseason?
yeah I don’t thinks so. MS2, god, that guy…. I don’t mean to diminish Barnett’s performance. I think he was an absolute beast. And I think he is going to be a star for us. Just saying 2 sacks on limited snaps is an outrageous bar to set, I’m attributing some of that to lack of prep of the OL’s side for both teams.
trying to figure this out now. looking through the game logs from NFL.com.
so far, in his first game (http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014080803/2014/PRE1/eagles@bears#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000376134&tab=analyze&recap=fullstory)
MS2 went 1-1, no sacks, int, ff.
duh, i’m an idiot. don’t go through each game one at a time. the player stats tell you easily.
http://www.nfl.com/player/marcussmith/2543725/gamelogs
no sacks in 2014, preseason or regular season (!!!!)
0.5 sack in week 15 (!!) of 2015 season vs ARI.
1.0 sack in week 17 (!!) of 2015 season @ NYG
Edit: so, yeah. Barnett already has more sacks than MS2 did in 2 full seasons + preseasons.
Yeah, it would be a mistake to read too much into this game for the line. Packers D had a big advantage, and it definitely does matter.
Some personal observations last night:
1. Mack Hollins is a big dude and moves pretty well for his size. He also looks like a very smart player (cut off slant route when McGloin scrambled and went back outside).
2. I’m not sure I can contain the Wentz Hype even after one series.
3. I think that’s kind of what we’re going to get from the corners this year. Lots of completed passes, not a lot of RAC on those completions, some plays, and disproportional number of finger wags. Also we’ll be susceptible to the deep ball.
4. Derek Barnett is extremely athletic. I can’t wait to see him in the regular season.
5. The Packers ran around 98798668907754367996 blitzes last night.
1) The TD has me all hyped about Hollins, that stiff arm against a starting caliber safety is great and he will most likely end up around 30 catches 500 yards and couple of TDs at max
Regarding the CBs, Im okay with giving up the short throw if we can contain RAC
I just want to see our corners stop biting on the short routes and getting burnt deep for the score.
Immediate fan favorite. Not to mentioned his name is Mack and he just Mack trucked those dudes.
Hollin also got creative on his TD. If you watch you can see him adjust as Wentz moves in the pocket to avoid Matthews. I think that’s a required skill set for an NFL WR. Good stuff.
Double55b
For those out of market – game is aired today at 4 on NFL channel. 1st preseason game is all about rust n health. Nothing more, nothing less. Fingers crossed on the injured players.
…
Wentz ducking, avoiding the sack and then finding the WR is as impressive as the stiff arm…
Seems like Wentz is the anti-Kolb. *fingers crossed*
Twice.
How am I not shocked that Ags’ had a drop for a 2 point conversion and Gibson had an easy throw bounce off his hands.
Gibson’s immediate future isn’t looking bright
Ag reverts back to the hands of stone we all remember
And the nerve of some people to actually anoint Aggy the Slot over JMatt.
The best news of last night was that I was very drunk.
#fakenews…really what did you think of the our OL against the 92342093480 blitz calls by Capers…concerned…not concerned???
Nah.
neither am I…
Concerned here. Though it did appear that there was a lot of just more guys coming than we had guys blocking.
Tied with Hollins. Cheers
That is good news! Thanks for brightening my day!
You are very welcome!
Did not realize this but was curious about when we would get to a 75 man cutdown and read that does not exist anymore…we will do one cut in going from 90 to 53…that 4th pre-season game is going to be even more of a slopfest if you believe that the reaction is that coaches will now have to figure out a way to play another 15 guys in that game…or its a distraction with another 15 guys on the sideline fighting over who gets to ride the back to stay warm and mutter “put me in coach…”
Just means more rest for the starters, fewer injuries that matter one week before the season.
It’s better for the guys that would normally be cut- games don’t mean anything anyway, so let the guys play that need a chance to catch on with a different roster.
Glad to see that they made this change; it’ll make the day more hectic but overall at least some more guys will get game film to further (or extinguish) their careers.
So even less work for starters across the league. Interesting. I never saw this either.
I don’t think it is less work for the starters…starters playing in pre-season is what you plan for first..then the rest of the time is spent substituting the backups…PS game 1 is roughly 2 series for the starters, PS game 2 is a quarter and I think PS game 3 is a half…This doesn’t change that….
It’s actually way better for the fourth game. You’ve usually got guys that are imprortant backups taking too many reps in slop time because you don’t have enough guys.
With all the talk about Matthews and Ags competition for the slot, this guy should be the #3 receiver on the field.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DG8hlUHW0AAdUUI.jpg
great play aside, that face-plant by #20 is incredible
I LOL’d.
#cantonorbust….also that picture of #20 faceplanted in the ground is a great meme for another bad day at the office…
Saved to hard drive.
That looks like something from Tecmo. Awesome shot.
In time.
After watching Jordan play through contact last night, I remebered why I think anyone willing to part with him is crazy. Alshon is already showing why he didn’t get paid this off season.
Agreed. If they trade Jordan for a late pick or slop, I’m going to be really pissed.
Jordan has always been a tough player willing to take a hit and keep going. His actual receiving skills are what’s lacking.
Alshon’s salary is $9.5M with incentives he will be paid top 5 WR money. I’d say he got paid.
Yes, he did. For 1 year. I think when guys refer to getting paid they mean for a longer contract worth more money (ie. The never worry about money again contract).
Dunno about that, I think guys would clearly say Kirk Cousins has been getting paid.
It was a poor choice in vernacular. I must have misinterpreted the slang. The meaning of the statement was that he is showing why no team made a long term commitment to him this off season. Sorry I am bad at communication.
Are you saying no team offered him a multi-year deal because of injury concerns?
That’s what I think, yes.
Got it.
This was the worst game in regards to punt coverage I can remember since Fipps got here. Gave up a TD and another long return.
In all fairness the TD should have been brought back. The block in the back was kinda obvious..
With a coach like Fipp, it is a very coachable moment.
the eyes will fix it, guaranteed
I was in the kitchen and heard my father in law say something like “look at the eyes on that guy”. About lost it.
HAH, love it. Not many opportunities to bond with dad-in-law, but that is a quality one
How quickly does Kelce lose his job this season?
He largely sucked 2 years ago (BS Pro Football Focus 7th best C) even by his own admission and last year struggled yet again in the run scheme & with snapping the ball for portions of the season. Not nearly as mobile as he was when he was a Pro-Bowl caliber C nor does he has the strength to take DTs on 1-on-1 with consistency.
Popular to dump on Kendricks and why he is still here. I was really hoping they would trade Kelce this offseason. A lot of other teams saw game tape on him the last 2 seasons and concluded he wasn’t worth a 5th or 6th round pick either.
Think the snapping issues were on Wis last night.
They were and Kelce hardly played. He just got manhandled when he did.
Meh, looked like they were blitzing the A gap an awful lot. We don’t know what the offense was trying to work on, but line calls for things like that might not have been on the agenda.
I think you’ll finally see his real value when he does leave and you’re spouting off about his replacement. He has been a very good Eagle and player and is still the best C we have on the roster.
Maybe so. From everything we hear, Kelce has real value as the brains on the line, in addition to whatever mobility he (used to) bring.
On the other hand, Seumalo is said to have some of the same skills with some more power. With Wiz and Warmack in the fold to fill in at G, it might make sense to get the Seumalo/Wentz connection going sooner rather than later.
I’m not saying the criticisms have no validity, I think we all know Kelce’s weaknesses, but people seem to overlook his strengths at the same time and the reality we have no other viable C to replace him. Somehow, Kelce has become a fan whipping boy which mystifies me since all he does is play hard, put the team first and help the younger players.
We have a young QB in his vital 2nd year of development and having smart, savvy vet like Kelce to help him is good IMO.
I also think it was smart for the Eagles to keep Kelce this season to allow Seumalo to play OG, get comfortable and gain experience so he may be ready to take over next season.
I think it’s because he’s been part of some spectacular failures mixed in with his heady play and highlight reel agility. But when your fat guy gets pushed back into the QB’s breadbasket and is part of multiple snap-fumbles a year, you remember that. Right or wrong.
How would we know he is the best center on the roster when Isaac Seumalo is playing guard. There is a reason they tried to trade him on the offseason.
They tried to trade him mainly for cap reasons. Other aspects reported were his age and injury history and the presence of Seumalo on the roster.
The problem with that is Seumalo has never played C at this level and thus we have no idea if Seumalo would perform well or not.
A little history lesson on the past 16 years of the Eagles starting center…
2000 – 2005
In 2000, undrafted free agent Hank Fraley was claimed off waivers by the Eagles and did not suite up for his rookie season. Fraley then went on to start for the next 5 years.
2005-2010
Undrafted free agent Jamaal Jackson spent his rookie year on the practice squad and his 2nd season on IR.
He replaced an injured Fraley in 2005 having no game experience up until that point. Jamaal has several major injuries and was replaced by Nick Cole sporadically when he missed time.
2010 – 2017
6th round pick Kelce was chosen to start as a rookie by new OL coach Howard Mudd and has been the starting center since.
These 3 centers had zero starts before they were named the starting center. Seumalo would be fine if asked to play center regardless if he never has played in an NFL game at the position.
No one seems to be mentioning the pouting session by Treggs. Doesn’t bother anyone else? Hated guys like that on teams of mine and hate them from the fan perspective.
Unfortunately he probably cemented a roster spot last night.
I couldn’t watch and don’t know what you are referring to. Can you elaborate?
same here (is ‘poutinf’ a typo of ‘poutine’? or ‘pouting’? either way, i want to know more about this)
Treggs was on a deep route (go route I think), McGloin McGloin’d by panicking and dumping it off. Treggs had a step on his defender and ripped his helmet off. It was either a) a hissy fit from a player who otherwise had a good game or b) him pulling his hamstring as he started doing a weird gallop at the end of the route. I’m inclined to go with A on this one.
I read elsewhere that Treggs suffered a hamstring injury last night, so it seems like B is the likely answer. I could definitely see how someone trying to make the roster would be pissed when he hurt is hamstring during a game in which he was playing really well.
If that is the case I’ll take it back. If he doesn’t show up on the report though…
hmm. was kind of hoping it was poutine, not pouting. that would be a pretty great story.
Us enginers dunt ned to now how to spell ne way
With McGloin throwing short passes off his back foot, he would have been unable to throw the ball that far in the first place.
He came back in the game. Sucks, but DGB’s drinking buddy was throwing a fit.
Sorry, big hands. Samsung garbage flagship phones don’t auto correct. Never buying Samsung again.
Replied one up
What are you talking about?
Streaks up the sideline 1 or 2 plays after a catch. Not involved in the play, Mayock said he pulled his hammy. Camera followed him and showed a replay. He was actually just having a tantrum because he was open due to blitz, and didnt get the ball. Continued bitching on sideline.
A lot of others reported that he really did have a hammy. Whatever, diva ish emotional WRs? Big f-ing deal. If it’s your pet peave, fine, but I’m glad he was actually catching balls and looking like more than just the deep threat long shot.
Yeah he did look good, just dislike him so I look for any opportunity.
Haha. Fair
I didn’t get a chance to watch until mid 3rd quarter but the Packers 3rd and 4th teamers were killing our 3rd and 4th teamers. Our QB was always running to avoid pressure while our D line exerted no pressure at all. The Packers went for it on 4th and 2 on their own 30 yard line and made it the first down! It doesn’t seem like the Eagles are very deep in talent.
The Packers blitzed all game long. 2nd and 3rd stringers are going to struggle with their assignments against the blitz.
moreso when, as Tommy noted, the team isn’t going to prep for any blitzing in the preseason.
our D line put little pressure on their QB. Even the announcers were saying the Eagles D got away with pass interference a few times. Once it was a long pass into the end zone. The score should have been much worse. If our scrub D line can’t get pressure on their scrub O line then cut them. They’ll never get pressure on better linemen.
Always wise to draw conclusions from the preseason – especially not about individuals, and especially just from the first preseason game.
https://i.imgflip.com/1txtz6.jpg
Meh. There was a lot of good and bad. Wouldn’t be to results oriented.
Schefty reporting that it is six games for Zeke
6 eh? I like
HAHA!!
NFL suspended Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott six games for violating the league’s domestic violence policy.
Good. Were they evaluating him for another issue separately as well?
Not sure bro. I hope he’s out all 6 but def nothing less than 4.
Wow. Our division title hopes just got a lot more realistic.
https://twitter.com/EagleFanProbs/status/896044172075053061
Arguably the nicest pick 6 in the whole off season.
JMatt is gone
https://twitter.com/CharlesRobinson/status/896051573981290497
the fu- Darby better be good. Yo, anybody know if Darby is any good?
Take it back. Howie is a genius and analysis will show this trade to have been a masterstroke, even if it doesn’t work out.
Yeah, I feel more pain coming in the future. No way Howie lets us go into next year without a 2nd or 3rd. Bye Fletcher Cox. Look he got us a 2nd and freed up all that cap space, Cox was basically over the hill at 26, masterful!
Wow Jordan Matthews to the Bills for CB Ronald Darby!
IS he good????
Wow I wasn’t ready for this
Darby finished his rookie season with 68 combined tackles (61 solo), 21 pass deflections, and two interceptions in 15 games and 15 starts, while also being named Pro Football Focus’ Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Darby finished the 2016 season with 69 combined tackles (60 solo) and 12 pass deflections in 14 games and 14 starts.
Hopefully those numbers aren’t from 2001…
Oh well that is awesome
Bills also traded watkins, fans look really upset
Best player under 25 years old at every defensive position…Darby #3 at CB
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-best-player-under-25-years-old-at-every-defensive-position
Bryce Treggs just made the roster…
Perhpas. Johnson is in play too I’d imagine.
They’ll keep 6 WR this year:
1. Jefferyzzzz
2. Smithzzzz
3. Agzzzzz
4. Hollinzzzz
5. Johnsonzzzz
6. Treggzzzz
Ward has a possibility to shake it up though.
Ok Agholor will be our starting slot wr now.
Mack Truck Hollins will take Ags’ playing time
he had everyone feeling so good, he had to have that drop just before this trade.
Darby, Mills and Slot with Ron Brooks sounds allot better.
throw in SD when he returns…
http://phi.247sports.com/Bolt/Eagles-trade-WR-Jordan-Matthews-for-CB-Ronald-Darby–106013503
This is my formal apology to Guy Media. I was wrong. You were right.
I can’t help but be sad that JMatt is leaving, I know he was limited but damned I loved the guy.
They would have never paid him next year.
Wow. We give up a 2018 3rd Rd pick as well? Who is Ronald Darby??
https://twitter.com/caplannfl/status/896053987903848448
Ok!! Well thanks for that!
A lot of people thought that he should have been DROTY over Marcus Peters, because Peters might make a load of INTs but didn’t actually cover that well, while Darby did the opposite.
Wasn’t as good last year, but struggled with a nagging injury, but I still think he was very good and struggled mostly because Rex Ryan ruined that defense the more time he got. IMO, he makes a hell of a lot more sense than a Kyle Fuller, but obviously more expensive as well.
People keep talking about fuller…but Chicago writers that follow the team think that he might not even make the team…why trade for that guy now…wait till final cuts to see if we can get him…unless compensation is a very low pick to offset him not getting through waiver priority for us…
Eagles acquired CB Ronald Darby from the Bills in exchange for WR Jordan Matthews and a 2018 third-round pick.
What is the contract situation of Darby? Anyone?
Drafted in 15
Signed through next season.
This is a great video breaking down his play! Check it out!
https://youtu.be/jn7JTD8C-1Q
one of the highlights is against JMatt hahaha
Lol yeah I saw that!! He did well against some really talented WR’s. I’m happy to have him! Didn’t know who he was before today!
Eagles Logic, trade every pick for good young players producing in the NFL and then say in the next draft, you need to count him as a first round pick ah.
If that logic worked I’d be for it. I think today you see they trade good young players away too.
HOooooly shit! I was hoping we would trade for a decent CB, maybe picking up Fuller if he was released….never would’ve thought we would land a young stud like Darby….I watched a lot of Bills games and he always stood out, making plays…LOVE It
Kendricks for Fuller 🙂
Sad to say I don’t know Darby. Would we really get a 3rd if he were a stud though?
No…that’s why we had to give up a 3rd
holy shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m assuming Darby stays at LCB and the right side become a competition…or does Mills slide into the slot with Ron Brooks injury history?
I’m sad. At least we got value.
Darby is real good. But I hear you.
That is good to hear. Need to research him. They also gave us the 3rd which makes me wonder. Maybe Jordan is just that highly regarded, and I see why.
We GAVE up our 3rd rounder…
Makes sense…NFL mobile app misworded I guess. Can’t copy the text, but re read and they def said Darby and 3rd for JM.
Not quite, but again, Darby dat good.
CB >>> WR.
The Eagles may have overpaid a bit, but it was for a (good) reason.
I disagree. JM is a nice — good player. Replaceable. And he was probably gone after this year. Great trade. (Unless he goes Nnamdi on us lol). Number 2/3 WR for solid starting CB? Any day of the week. Throw in Zeke suspension — good day 🙂
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE this trade.
And who ends up better we can only find out in a couple of years…(looking back at the Dennis Kelly DGB trade)…
the horror…lol
“Replaceable.”
This couldn’t be more true
This hurts…
https://twitter.com/ccsauriol70/status/896056520655355904
Doesn’t look like he fit the “long player” measurable mold of the Chip Kelly era. He’s 2 inches shorter than Rowe.
…and taken 3 picks after Rowe.
Fucking Chip Kelly and his measurables. He wanted to build an army of robots to play football.
Hmmm. Tell me about these robots and are there cheerleaders?
Behave!
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/31/1e/9f/311e9fcda2a7196e6f4dc74c74d8b814.jpg
They say Schwartz killed the Death Rowe era.
Ran out to get lunch and found out JMatt got traded. How much food do I have to pick up before Kendricks gets traded????
Damn, 4.38…Darby’s got some wheels
https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/ronald-darby
We actually have someone with the speed to play outside? Third still stings with no second already, but if he balls out none of us will care.
oof, yeah next year’s draft will be slim unless Nick Foles goes 27-2 in the preseason.
Having a healthy Sidney Rice will be like getting a draft pick.
Jones
I think I’ve made that mistake at least 20 times since the draft.
Yeah, I have trouble with it too because it’s a common enough name that it’s possible to second guess myself if I’m thinking of someone else, and we don’t really talk about him. I’m hoping he gets to the point that he’s a (eagles) household name.
I know I’m going to have even more name issues with the trade. Now I’ll mix up Ron Brooks and Ron Darby to go along with mixing up Ron Brooks with Brandon Brooks.
If he even plays. Watching Pat MaGroin (yeah I know, real mature) throw off his back foot all night looked awfully familiar.
We definitely needed a young legit starter at corner more than we needed Matthews, that said I’ll miss that overly earnest doofus. He and Wentz had a good connection. But you got to give up something to get something.
I agree, but don’t know anything about Darby. Is he good?
Never watched him play to be perfectly honest. Everyone says at the very least he is young and a legit starter. Regarded at one of the top rookie defenders of 2015. Took a step back last year with the rest of the Bills defense. But he has the upside to be that pro-bowler type.
Yeah, the more I read the more I like.
He’s Darius Slay level player.
Been waiting for you to show up. What do you think of the price we paid for Darby? What do you think Darby would cost in straight picks?
I assume we paid a premium due to our dire need at CB.
I think the price is probably right. It’s hard to know for sure because good guys with two years of cost control left
Jernigan only had one year left of control and went for a late 3rd. So a 3rd and a 5th for Darby is probably in the right neighborhood.
Basically you’re not going to be able to draft a player with his expected talent level in the third, particularly the later half of the third.
Yeah, so far the hot takes have generally been Bills-centric, given it’s discussed in tandem with the Watkins trade, but generally we’ve gotten the thumbs up by the National media. I feel good about this one.
This post sums it up nicely. I really liked Matthews – good, solid player who produced. But WRs are easier to find than CBs – by far. Wish Jordan all the best, but this was the right call.
really wanted to see AJ, Tsmith and Jmatt do their thing but oh well … ill take it. Sydney darby with our dline, with hicks bradham, jenkins mcleoud. Nice
You step out for a few hours and…
http://billswire.usatoday.com/2017/07/18/buffalo-bills-2017-breakout-players-ronald-darby/
Ty for that.
Zeke suspension crazy huge! Wonder what will come out about the investigation.
Well his behavior since the incident hasn’t exactly been exemplary. May have taken that into account.
Yeah that might have mattered. Still, If anything new about the situation comes out… Maybe re-open legal proceedings? Is it hoping for too much?
I’m with ya.
I feel like we really got the Upper Darby side of this trade.
Wow….Sammy Watkins to the Rams
Bills acquired CB E.J. Gaines and a 2018 second-round pick from the Rams in exchange for WR Sammy Watkins and a 2018 sixth-round pick.
Fire sale in Buffalo!
I like their RB…
nice.
Can’t say it’s the worst move. They’re probably looking at a Brady decline/retirement in a 2-3 years and seeing a window opening to stock up on picks while moving pricey young players they’d lose in FA.
I’m assuming you don’t read previous posts before you post 😉
idiot
FAGGOT NIGGER DUCKSUCKER
It depends on what kind of time I have on my hands. I’d assume the large majority of ppl on here don’t read every post before posting. 😉
I would disagree. I always read before I post.
You’re one person.
And I definitely don’t feel bad about missing a post as fast as things get posted. It’s Friday….you should R-E-L-A-X.
What are you referring to?
Something Dave was attempting to chastise me for.
So are you.
So you can’t read or don’t choose to. Either way….”Times yours!”
Not being a smartass, do you just come here to post and not read what other’s have to say unless it is in response to your posts?
I’ll let you do that research. I’ve invested far too much time responding to you as is.
It’s a TL;DR world, Dave–for some people.
i was so confused at frist, i thought we got Gaines in a 3-team trade lol
I guess in the end we weren’t going to pay Jmatt anyhow, so 1 year rental wasn’t necessarily worth it.
Marcus Johnson now #5 WR, #Hollins moves up to #4, Agholor #3.
https://twitter.com/caplannfl/status/896063974600351744
Is Marcus Johnson really ahead of Treggs? Treggs looked awesome last night.
And I said further below, I am pretty sure Eagles will keep 6 WR, with Treggs….
We have three preseason games left. And hopefully McGloin won’t be throwing 3+ quarters when evaluating the WR talent. #6 comes down to Ward and Treggs. Still interested in the CB battle with Smith and Grymes. Also Ron Brooks’ injury could allow one of them the slot job.
Lots of thoughts but with the Darby addition, I can definitely see Rasul Douglas in the slot. Great ball skills and lack of long speed.
With Ward & Gibson on PS . Watford is ok too for practice squad.
Factor in the trade: Mack Hollins looks beastly already.
I think Matthews was worth a 5th maybe a late 4th so trading a 3rd & 5th for a starting Cb which can’t be easy to do at this point is a must do move to me.
You just won the internet, today, my friend.
So mega jackpot?
Of upvotes.
Nah. Just powerball.
As I stated below, the 3rd stings because the lack of a second already. But you’re right. Hopefully the kid can play. We’ve got some good receivers in our division.
For now. Kendricks still yet to be traded.
With that pick his trade value is up! Maybe a 6th now?
Well Sidney will give us two firsts hopefully so that lessens the sting and hopefully Jeffery stays healthy and gets signed. Maybe we’ll go into next year’s draft with no real urgent needs , that would be new! I still wish we had a full allotment of picks too, that sucks but we’re not paying as harshly as I feared for moving up for Carson.
LT, WR (depending on Alshon and Torrey), Center, DT, LB (depending on Bradham), and of course RB. We will have needs…
LT isn’t an urgent need as of now . They have Lane and they like Gordon and Vaitai at RT and Peters.
WR isn’t a need if they keep Jeffery. Hollins, Agholor, Johnson, Gibson, Treggs, Ward can develop. I’m not concerned about Torrey Smith any more than anyone else.
They have Seumalo, Wisniewski and Orlovsky was a top center in last year’s draft. Not a position I feel you have to necessarily use a high pick on anyway.
If they re-sign Jernigan, DT isn’t an urgent need.
If Bradham is back and they develop Walker and Gerry , they could be ok at LB. This would be the one position that is most cloudy but they’ve never placed a big value on linebackers in the 4-3 anyway.
They could re-sign Blount and Smallwood, Pumphrey, and Clement can develop.
The more I think about it the more I think it was a can’t pass move. The only thing that scares me is that he is a favorite of Carson and the most known commodity we have. Clearly the coaching staff feels they know what they have though, so I trust it.
Darby has been on the rise and might be a pro bowl CB some day. Matthews most likely hit his ceiling and he is what he is.
The Paul Turner Era now truly begins.
Was he in last night?
Secret weapon
Too bad, I was kind of hoping JM would stay and play well and catch everything and prove me wrong and his supporters in denial right, just like I was hoping Marcus Smith would prove me wrong, and Maxwell, and Bradford, and… being a hater is such sweet sorrow.
I agree in that I thought maybe Alshon’s attitude of making the play on the ball in the air would rub off onto Jordan and take his game to the next level.
Huh… would have been nice to see. I myself, am not a believer in the Swagger Theory of Football.
Feel like if you liked Ertz in fantasy before, you better LOVE him now.
Why? Our WR squad has been upgraded so thoroughly that we got rid of by far the best WR from last year (or so the FO thinks).
Jordan and Ertz shared the safety blanket role. Sure Ertz could never catch a single pass, but I would project him to see more looks now. TE is a position where I personally only think the first 5 or 6 are worth anything. Anything that increases the separation of one of those top guys from the schmucks only makes him that much more valuable.
Wait, what? Zach Ertz led all TEs in the league catch% compared to expected catch%. He was literally the best at catching when they were controlled for distance.
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2017/2016-receiving-plus-minus
Good shit. Knew he was good, but that good, even better.
By saying he may never catch a pass, I was just leaving it open that I could be totally wrong.
Okay, I actually misread what you meant there. Yeah, Ertz is really good. He doesn’t need to “break out.” He just isn’t a dominant, game-changing guy.
He could be, and that is where idea of a “break out” season comes into play.
OK, I just don’t get that. To me, he’s really good, just not great, end of story. People find their level.
And in ppr leagues his value went up today for sure. He can easily be the top TE this year. I think like 5th though.
I’d love to see Ertz take that productive step up commensurate with his salary status.
Howie wouldn’t rule out signing Matthews next year in Free Agency.
Lol…
now THAT would be funny
Trollololol
maybe he’s just trying to do JM a solid, and boost his value in FA to get him some more money. haha
As one who saw/heard great things about both Sammy Watkins and Ronald Darby in college, is their being shipped out of Buffalo a simple $$ matter or is there more to it?
new regime gets a grace year before people start holding them accountable. Might as well build for next year’s draft.
They’re loading up to make a post-Brady-era run. They’re also assuming both these guys will move on in FA.
According to Adam Caplan, Darby is much better at man coverage and McDermott is looking to employ much more zone coverage in Buffalo.
Evan Silva thinks Buffalo is in tank mode. I don’t blame them; just run the BS out of Shady and Tie Rod and then go all-in with a draftee next year. McDermott only gets to have latitude as a new coach once, might as well use it.
Wonder if Taylor cussed when he found he lost Sammy and found JM. I would think that veterans like Taylor and McCoy might think better of playing hurt or opting to stay in-bounds when the sidelines beckon. Shady knows McDermott from Philly, and he has said nice things about him, but it has to sting realizing you’re going nowhere.
Buffalo now has two 1s, two 2s, and two 3s now. They are going full tank rebuild.
Disagree, they are carefully making sure the commodities they are giving up are being replaced with adequate players. They are just doing a great job.
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.
Redskins OLB Trent Murphy is out for the season with a torn ACL and MCL.
Damn
Knock on wood man. We got the injury bug last year, I don’t mind if it visits someone else this year.
You know Howie is mad this didn’t happen before Smith’s bonus was due.
Uh I don’t see the connection, Smith can replace a guy with 9 sacks in one season? At least there was reason to suspect Bradford was as good as Bridgewater.
https://youtu.be/gNs7Gxu40ak
no wonder Howie ponied up the player and pick for a dude who wasn’t on any of our radars, the dude was a menace to the Eagles it looks like.
Very nice. Was getting worried there because the first part was highlights against garbage – Cleveland, Jacksonville, Nelson Agholor, but plenty of highlights in the latter half against OBJ. Those count.
I’ve trashed Jordan Matthews too much, and now feel bad about it 🙁
He’s a good kid, now he gets to join Shady in the Eagle’s retirement home, and we can safely root for them to be great and beat the Patriots with no real risk to us.
reposting this, since its going to get drowned in the recent news.
Tumtum:
When he got his first sack I wondered to myself how long it took MS2 to be involved in even a preseason sack. Did he get in on anything even through his 2nd preseason?
The answer:
http://www.nfl.com/player/marcussmith/2543725/gamelogs
drafted in 2014.
no sacks in 2014, preseason.
no sacks in 2014, regular season, granted was inactive a lot.
no sacks in 2015, preseason.
0.5 sack in week 15 (!!) of 2015 season vs ARI.
1.0 sack in week 17 (!!) of 2015 season @ NYG
Barnett already has more sacks than MS2 did in 2 full seasons + preseasons.
In MS2’s defense, he was playing LB and not purely rushing the passer on every snap.
Lolol way to go on the homework dude!
Do you think maybe we only keep 5 receivers this year? I think:
1. Jeffrey
2. Smith
3. Agholor
4. Hollins
5. Treggs
I hear a lot about the other guys from camp, but I need to see more from them before I could say they deserve to be on the roster.
Treggs was really impressive to me last night, plus he plays STs.
I want to see more, the 6 WR is always competing against the extra OL, the extra RB, extra TE, extra DB etc
I dont think Marcus Johnson loses his spot to treggs
What spot? Johnson doesn’t have the luxury of making the team from the trainer’s room.
Unfortunately you are probably right and Dreggs makes the team. Guess he will have to pick up the tab for DGB.
They’re just not going to keep 46th through 53rd guys on an NFL roster if they don’t play. I hope Johnson is back soon so we can see him in live action and not rely on clandestine evals done in inauthentic situations.
He balled out all through the off season and you want to cut him from missing the first preseason game?
I never got to see him play, and honestly haven’t read much on him, what’s his story? What kind of receiver is he?
I don’t want to cut him at all, but I don’t care what he does in practice. Games are what counts. And I’d love to see him make the team, but fringe guys cannot make a roster if they’re not able to play. They don’t get that luxury in this league.
I think Trey Burton makes the team, and they can’t really justify 6 WRs + Burton so it ends up at 5.
Holy shit I just found out about the Darby trade. Howie isn’t human.
Thank you. .i still don’t know about it and im like wtf, wtf wtf..
How are we going to pay Alshon, Jernigan, and Darby in the future?
Subtract Kelce, Kendricks, and Curry while allowing for cap expansion.
That only makes up like a little more than a third of what we might have to pay those guys.
not if you’re talking 5 year deals for all of them with the way you can slide the cap hits out to fit into the future higher cap.
True, who am I to question cap god Howie?
And D3 just explained it in way better detail.
You get Alshon and Jernigan done after this season. Kelce, Kendricks, Celek, Curry creates about $20 mil in space for next year, plus cap rollover. You can open probably $30 mil or so(And year 1 will have lower cap hits than the AAV).
You don’t have to worry about Darby until after 2018.
I would assume we would like to sign Wentz to a deal in 2018. I don’t know how the math will work out in the end but in Howie I trust.
You can freeze Wentz out until the end of 2019 without incurring any stupid cap charges. As that’ll be the end of the 4th year for both Wentz and Pederson, maybe we wait until then to see if we want to double down on their regime.
Adding in the 5th year option Wentz is under contract until the end of the 2020 season. I you can’t even renegotiate terms until the start of the 2019 league season. Realistically it will probably happen in the spring of 2020.
You’ve got Jernigan and Jeffery this offseason.
After those two it’s Hicks and Darby.
Those are the four on the horizon that need to be figured out.
Everything else is far enough down the line to not worry about.
I would rather Vinny play up to thw contract than be on that list though.
Tall order.
Bitcoin!!!
They will make AJ happen. Darby wont be for a bit and hopefully by then Douglas, Jones, and Mills will grow into their roles making the signing of Darby not too important.
Jernigan will be the issue.
Jones is a huge question mark for many reasons. Douglas is most likely a #2 CB with his speed limitations. Mills should be a slot CB or FS. Those three are not insurance for Darby. Darby is insurance for those three.
Zeke suspended 6 games.
They can look forward to a 1-5 start. Life is good.
Slow your roll, RBs ain’t worth that nearly that much…
Half of their offense is worth a lot.
They’ll do just fine with that OL.
We’re about to find out.
Sure they will, they went from scary balanced offense to average balanced offense.
Still top 10. Maybe better, if Dak takes the next step.
Maybe. Part of me hopes that Dak trips on said metaphorical step and lands on his funny bone.
They will do fine, but there is 100% going to be a difference. Elliot is special. On the field as well as mentally apparently.
The drop off isn’t so crazy because so much of his success was that O-line, and Alfred Morris isn’t a chump.
But honestly that is a tough schedule that they would have had trouble breaking above .500 anyway.
Anyway, Giants seem to have their number L
Broncos would have been a great game, I think the drop-off should give them an L
Cards I think are a dark horse, this suspension makes it a coin toss
They’ll beat the Rams W
Packers, another would have been a great game but L
49ers W
So they should be 2-4 or 3-3 going into week 8
Morris is one dimensional and can’t even do half the things Zeke did for that offense. I know people hate Zeke and say he’s overrated but he’s a top 3 RB. It’ll be Dak that has to carry that team and from what we’ve seen so far, he’s good but not good enough to carry a team alone.
1-5 is just my bias, not saying that I want things to go wrong for them but whatever wrong happens to them is ok with me.
I guess my point it that their offense is too stacked for a zeke suspension to sink them. It will hurt for sure. To the point that the Giants, GB, and Broncos should have an easier time winning, where those were set to be tough games initially. And the cards I would give them even odds now. But the offense should be potent enough to easily handle the 9ers. The Rams… well you never know, it’s a new year, I get the feeling they’ll either be total trash or surprisingly good, depending on if Goff is actually what we saw last year or if it was all Fischer.
I’m going to disagree with you. Dak and Dez didn’t have much chemistry last year and that may or may not change this year. No one is scared of Terrance Williams. Cole Beasley is a great slot WR but he’ll likely try to make up for Morris’s lack of receiving ability. Jason Witten can still get it done but he’s slower than my grandma at this point. Alfred Morris isn’t even half the RB Zeke is but could still rush for respectable numbers in 6 games because of the OL. Zeke made that offense run and it’s not really stacked if you don’t have Zeke.
Mr. Goodell taking out the trash!
Shots for everyone! On me!!
That is so so nice.
So does this mean Patrick Robinson is getting thrown in the dumpster? What use do we have for a poorly performing veteran now? I guess depth but… does he play STs?
That’s hard to say right now given we don’t have to cut anybody until after the last preseason game and there are already too many guys on the fringes of this roster hanging out with the training staff instead of playing football.
So say Carson went sprains his knee and is forced to sit out a free games even though he wants to play. Is he all of a sudden a baby back bitch who is scamming the eagles for money just because he is a hand being with breakable parts?
No, he’s not a guy who might get cut if he doesn’t play. I’m trying to understand the depths of your illiteracy from lacking any understanding of “guys on the fringes of this roster.”
You tried. But you won’t knock down that wall with him.
Many have tried, none will succeed….
I don’t think he ever left the dumpster.
Ya NEVER want to be undefeated in the preseason yo
Double secret.
So all around a good day, eh? We got a legit starting CB and Dallas lost their best player, and complete turd, for 6 games.
Happy Friday!
am I the only one that thinks 6 games isn’t enough?
Dude beat his girl
Pulled a Trump on some random girl
Had that whole bar thing
And he only got 2 games more than the dude deflated a ball for vague competitive reasons
And 4 less games than the dude that put the wrong shit in his smoothies.
Or am I completely off-base?
Brady got the 4 for obstructing an investigation. If he would have simply humbled himself and admitted to wrongdoing, it would have been a fine.
10 games for the smoothie “wrong thing” seems right to me as well. These dudes know what they’re doing and just make up some BS when they get busted for it.
REALLY hard to give Zeke more than 6 games given the Columbus PD’s “thorough” investigation of an OSU player resulted in no charges. The league has a domestic violence policy that says “6 games” in this case, so I’m glad they used it. Jerry is totally enabling Zeke to do this again and again with his “not my Zeke” act, so rest assured that Zeke will mess up again and get a full year. Just a shame that there is going to be yet another women who will be abused by this turd.
go take a shower, you just defended Goodell’s disciplinary record. And brush your teeth a couple of times. Filthy!
Ha, I actually enjoy seeing Goddell suspend people. I just wish it was more aggressive across the board and included stiffer punishments for DUIs.
DUIs should have stiffer criminal punishments too. Big pet peeve of mine.
When everybody’s car is self-driving in 10 years DUI will be a thing of the past hopefully.
I think you’re spot on… Brady got his panties in a bunch because he wanted to protect his aww shucks goody two shoes image (which I had bought into, btw), so he used his deep pockets to do tremendous damage to the whole league, all for his personal benefit.
And the Brady effect is a big part of the reason Zeke will never serve a 6 game suspension.
Thank you, but I can’t agree with your conclusion that Zeke won’t serve those six. The ultimate court ruling in the Brady case gave Goodell really wide latitude in punishing guys under the CBA. Quite frankly, I don’t see how Zeke gets any reduction at all. He might delay the inevitable, but the case law is now well established against him.
Well you make some good points, and I hope you’re right, obviously. I’d like to think Zeke (and Jerry Jones, especially) would take a logical approach to this situation, but I wouldn’t expect either of them to act rationally. There was NEVER a solid legal basis for taking the NFL to court, but all you need is a liberal judge and a weak opponent. Hopefully Goodell and the rest of the owners stand their ground here (like they did against Brady / Kraft, ultimately), but I’m not holding my breath.
I might say enforcing the rules of a CBA is more of a liberal position than a conservative one in 99.999% of CBA cases that reach the courts, but that’s a convo for another time.
Any single crackpot judge can rule in Zekes’ favor, but he’ll lose on appeal. The Supreme Court declined to hear Brady’s final appeal, so the ruling in favor of Goodell’s mack daddy powers is law.
Too true. I’m about to crack open a few extra beers to end my vacation!
Vaitai with “leg” injury? Didn’t know about that one… Any updates?
Bowen said he was fine.
https://youtu.be/jn7JTD8C-1Q
Thank you for posting this, this guy is a strong player.
Yes sir. I like his instincts and awareness AND he’s fast. Awesome!!
The final play, covering Mattews was particularly appropriate.
I gotta say that Howie has truly killed it this off-season. Yea I know it’s like we always have said that during his time here but this is really his best off-season. You can hate his results but his methods and reasoning behind these moves are very hard to argue against. Two possible young cornerstone players via trade is insane and kudos to him for always scouring the phones for the best possible value.
I might catch the vapors and faint if he gets Kelce and Kendricks cleared out for some type of compensation.
I agree, however I must ask to the masses… In the last 18-24 months has Howie made any head scratching moves? And in this time frame have any of his moves been detrimental?
Drafting Blake Countess and Nate Gerry.
A 6th round pick that didn’t work out and a 5th that has yet to be determined… ok.
You asked / I answered. I hated both of those dudes / moves ,but as you point out they’re both very fringe.
I appreciate the reply. And in turn, if you feel that’s the worse Howie and the front office (including coaches) has done in your eyes over two years… that’s a very positive sign.
Indeed. I love the guy’s work.
I don’t get involved in draft emotions, however being in NC I did like Switzer. When the Eagles drafted Mack, I didn’t realize he could truck people like he did last night. That’s why I leave the draft to the real scouts.
I’ve been aggressively against “who the F is this guy” picks since the Jon Harris debacle.
Nope I can’t think of any off the top of my head. Even if it’s a bit detrimental, he still tries to negate or minimize it. He has had bad drafts (the draft is a crap shoot) and some big FAs blew up in his face (he also signed good ones).
The Eagles seem to be doing everything possible to improve this team regardless of outside wants and reactions. I’m very pleased with the logic the team is taking and thankful we have such a dedicated group of people focused on improving this team smartly.
I’m excited about Darby giving our pass rush an extra second or two to get hands on the QB. It seriously could be the difference between 7-9 and 10-6.
But I’m more excited for the long term, as he could be a solid #2 CB w/ Jones as the #1. And Mills and Douglas offering solid depth and flexibility.
Double55b