32 Days in 32 Days - Day Five - The Philadelphia Eagles
by seton hall and steelers on Aug 3, 2011 10:55 AM EDT
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PrintThis post is likely to start up quite the conversation and debate because my opinion of the Eagles is going to be quite different then most. This quote is from a recent excellent article by one of BTSC's finest writers.
In contrast imagine the explosively talented Eagles defense. The highest paid player has never played a down for the team. All together you will have 4 new defensive starters: Jason Babin, Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Cullen Jenkins - all four were starters on different teams. Now they come to an Eagles team whose defensive star from last year, Asante Samuel, may be out of a starting job, and has been rumored to be on the trading block and whose defensive captains from the past two years, Quntin Mitchell and Stewart Bradley are both gone. Who steps up in that locker room? How much do the guys watch each other's backs? How much do they trust each other? How well do they communicate? How intuitive is their sense of what each will be doing during any given play? How well do the guys share in the responsibility of winning and losing? Who mentors the younger players? How cohesive is that unit?
Free Agent Signings
No doubt they made some huge signings here. Nnamdi is Nnamdi and he can lock up your number one corner. Dominique Rodgers Cromartie is a very good but not great CB. Jason Babin is a good DE but he has only had one good season, which does not discount it but he could just as easily revert to his average seasons as he could repeat his good season. Vince Young should be a good backup QB. Cullen Jenkins is a good DT but like Babin, he only had one good season. I think there best signings came yesterday with the acquisitions of Ronnie Brown, Jarrad Page, and Ryan Harris. They used their remaining money on three under-rated starting quality players. Brown will be a great compliment to McCoy and can be used in the wildcat. Page will compete for the open safety spot that Quintin Mikell left behind. Harris, who like Willie Colon, is a very good, very under-rated RT that struggled early in his year, then dominated one year, but has dealt with some injuries. If that signing pays off, they solidified Vick's blindside.
Season Preview
I think the Eagles will struggle early due to a lack of cohesion and practice together. However, by week 6 or 7 they will start to hit their stride and maybe pull of a 6 to 7 game winning streak. However, I don't think they will win the Super Bowl this year or even get there. I think they win 10 to 12 games, win the NFC East, and make a little run in the playoffs before losing to the Saints or Packers.
Players I Expect to Thrive
- Lesean McCoy: I think McCoy will have a big season this year. Like 1500 total yards and 13 total TDs
- Jason Babin: I think, despite concerns I stated earlier, Babin will have a great year and put up maybe six to eight sacks.
- Nnamdi, DRC, and Samuels: I think if they keep this unit together, they will be dominate. However, I think they are going to trade Samuels and then lack a nickel corner. It does not matter how good your first two corners are, without a good nickel and without good LBs, teams will just expose them.
Fantasy Players to Watch
- Michael Vick: I don't think there is any chance Vick is as effective as he was last year and their is a chance he is a big bust. However, in the first round, he could win your season for you or lose it for you.
- Lesean McCoy: See above. I would spend a late 2nd to 4th round pick on him.
- Desean Jackson: Depends on how long this holdout goes. However, even if Vick struggles a little, Desean will still be Desean.
- Jeremy Maclin: Maclin is a cheaper alternative to Jackson and could be had between rounds 6 and 11 depending on the league. I would take him anywhere between 8 and 11 as a 3rd WR/Flex.
Giants will be out tomorrow, then the Cowgirls, then the Redskins
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Wow I was watching NFLN and I thought they already awarded the SB to the Eagles.
My bad I guess.
If you buy a foreign made product you give money to a person who will not be buying an American made product that you get paid to make. Think about it next time you're at the store.
I'm still shocked Noel Devine is jobless
Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Can we just go ahead and concede the 2011 season to the Eagles?
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
And hand the world series to the Phillies
"We use WhipAss by the case, not the can" - RickVa
by chewiesteeler on Aug 3, 2011 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Phillip Hunt
Hunt was a DE in Winnipeg but he will be an OLB in the NFL. He, much like Cam Wake, is a sack machine. The question is whether he can make the transition to OLB. If he does then he will make 3rd and long a bitter experience for some teams.
"A Canadian is someone who knows how to make love in a canoe" Pierre Burton (historian)
"It is wonderful to feel the grandness of Canada in the raw, not because she is Canada but because she's something sublime that you were born into, some great rugged power that you are a part of." Emily Carr (artist)
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Aug 3, 2011 3:03 PM EDT reply actions
Actually, he might not have to play OLB...
I mean, I didn’t check and see where he’s been practicing, so my whole point may be moot, but Philly utilizes undersized DE’s in their system (part of the reason a CB tandem of Samuel and Rodgers-Cromartie would have been tough on them, undersized DE’s and poor tackling CB’s in the run game).
At 6’1" and 248 lbs., he might be playing with his hand on the ground in the city of brotherly love.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Aug 3, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Interesting
I look forward to see where they play him. Maybe our visiting Eagle’s fans can let us know the scoop on Phil Hunt.
"A Canadian is someone who knows how to make love in a canoe" Pierre Burton (historian)
"It is wonderful to feel the grandness of Canada in the raw, not because she is Canada but because she's something sublime that you were born into, some great rugged power that you are a part of." Emily Carr (artist)
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Aug 3, 2011 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Hunt is being used as a DE. NYSteelersFan was correct about our usage of undersized, speedy DE’s. So far, Hunt is practicing with the 2’s and has acquired a few coverage sacks during 11 on11 drills. He is also getting good penetration. He seems to be looking strong and is impressing so far. He’s been held a few times which is probably more a fault for the struggling Tupou than a testament for Hunt… but if someone feels like they need to hold you, that mean’s you’re doing something right.
"I don’t know whether I prefer Astroturf to grass. I never smoked Astroturf." - Joe Namath
Mixed emotions
I like to see someone from the Blue Bombers do well in the NFL but I wouldn’t mind having him back with us again.
On an unrelated note: Former Eagle, Richard Harris (Defensive Line Coach and Asst HC for Winnipeg) passed away on July 26th, 2011. He was well liked and well respected here.
"A Canadian is someone who knows how to make love in a canoe" Pierre Burton (historian)
"It is wonderful to feel the grandness of Canada in the raw, not because she is Canada but because she's something sublime that you were born into, some great rugged power that you are a part of." Emily Carr (artist)
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Aug 3, 2011 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, I read about that
Sad news. He was before my time but I imagine he impacted your community quite a bit. Are you from Winnipeg? I hung out with a girl from there a couple nights ago. She is the singer in a group called Twilight Hotel. Beautiful girl, really cool, really talented.
"I don’t know whether I prefer Astroturf to grass. I never smoked Astroturf." - Joe Namath
Yes I am
I had not heard of the band though the guy looks familiar.
Here is a post about them from a local music blog.
http://paintingoversilence.blogspot.com/2011/02/in-featurestwilight-hotel-return-home.html
"A Canadian is someone who knows how to make love in a canoe" Pierre Burton (historian)
"It is wonderful to feel the grandness of Canada in the raw, not because she is Canada but because she's something sublime that you were born into, some great rugged power that you are a part of." Emily Carr (artist)
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Aug 3, 2011 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Little brother seems jealous of 6 rings
The moves are good, but signing the “dream team” doesn’t always work
"We're going to do all we can to get this team right, to go after that national championship" - Devon Still
by ICEICETHATGUY13 on Aug 3, 2011 3:21 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
i think vick will do well
of course he has to stay healthy and with his style and size that is by no means guaranteed. anything is possible, eagles might lay an egg or they could be really good. wouldn’t it be ironic if vick goes down and vince young leads them to the promised land.
either way, eagles defense can’t be worse than it was last year even if they get rid of asante. maybe they can trade asante for a good middle linebacker. eagles D was very small/quick last year and they got pushed around a lot. we should know soon, 2 months, can’t wait!
Redskins taking that division. Write it down!
"'If there isn't a bone sticking out of my leg, I'm playing" - Marshall Yanda
John Beck = Championship
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Aug 3, 2011 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions
We're kidding
Well, at least I am.
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Aug 4, 2011 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I am dead serious!!!!111
"'If there isn't a bone sticking out of my leg, I'm playing" - Marshall Yanda
Then this is for you
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Aug 4, 2011 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Defense got much better, but man, they have no one on offense.
Grossman might win the starting job. Seriously.
Stop picking on them, PLEASE!!!!
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Aug 4, 2011 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions
i thought both of you were kidding
but i am more than happy to take mr. malor’s $
Ugh
Just wrote a huge comment agreeing and disagreeing with lots of things you said but I accidentally clicked a link and lost it all. Can SBNation fix that? Maybe autosave comments? No? Ok.
Anyways, I don’t feel like going through that again, so here is my abridged version. Ahem.:
Good write-up.
"I don’t know whether I prefer Astroturf to grass. I never smoked Astroturf." - Joe Namath
Does this post seem more reasonable than my shitty comment on made where I did not put enough thought into it?
And sorry for coming off like a troll on that post
My Seton Hall blog: http://thesetonhallblog.blogspot.com/
My Steelers blog: thenewsteelcurtain.blogspot.com
My Draft Blog: draftdatabase.wordpress.com
by seton hall and steelers on Aug 3, 2011 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, consider yourself redeemed
It takes a big man to apologize. Respect.
I’ll loosely elaborate on your post (still bitter I erased mine)
I painfully agree with your assumption that we won’t go to the superbowl. Continuity will be a big theme this season and it absolutely does take that to go deep into the playoffs. Very valid point.
Why do you think Vick won’t succeed? There wasn’t one single game last season that you could put the blame on Vick’s play. There were, however, MANY games where we could credit Vick for winning the game. With one starting season under his belt since the arrest, and with the quarterback coaches he has, I see no reason to think he will be a bust. Injuries are a different story however. What most don’t know is how solid he is. He is 6’0" 215. That is above average size for running backs. He is solid and not injury prone, but is an injury risk due to his style of play.
Lots of pieces will have to fall in place before we can start saying the “s” word. Our F.O. has been very quiet about our future season. They are not pulling a Rex Ryan and screaming “superbowl!” from a mountain top. Vince Young was the only player to say “dream team” and it wasn’t repeated by anyone. We also aren’t the Heat in that we aren’t hosting a preseason party with smoke machines and confetti. I know everyone loves to hate us and I honestly understand why. We booed santa clause (well, we boo everything), threw batteries, cheered Irvin’s injury, and verbally attack rival players. I completely get it. But most of those were things of the past. We are a new team and a more positive fan base and people don’t like their views to be challenged. I am proud of this Eagles team, very excited, but history tells me disappointment is imminent… so I take everything with a grain of salt.
"I don’t know whether I prefer Astroturf to grass. I never smoked Astroturf." - Joe Namath
I don't know why I think Vick won't have as good a season as last year
However, I think his total yards per game will be 10 to 20% less per game (probably closer to 10%). It is typical from a player coming off a career year to recess slightly or sometimes significantly the year after.
My Seton Hall blog: http://thesetonhallblog.blogspot.com/
My Steelers blog: thenewsteelcurtain.blogspot.com
My Draft Blog: draftdatabase.wordpress.com
by seton hall and steelers on Aug 3, 2011 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought other teams would have more time to game plan
You get the sense DC’s couldn’t contain him- teams should be doing better this time around.
brought to you by Carl Jr's.
by SteelersVT on Aug 4, 2011 2:19 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
also
I believe he had an insanely low interception count last year, I don’t think that will hold out. These things will lead to a slightly less prolific season, though I don’t know about the bust thing.
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Aug 4, 2011 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions
What?
He is 6’0" 215.
That’s pretty damn short for a QB. It would be better if he would gain 10-15 lbs. It might slow him a touch, but it would help when he gets hit.
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVACUjHn6yU
Short, yes
Absolutely short for a QB… he get’s quite a few balls batted down. However, being short has nothing to do with his injury risk, which is why I was addressing his size in the first place. My point was that he is built solid. Marshawn Lynch is 5’11" 215 and just looks like a beast. I have seen Vick in person and he is absolutely JACKED. It’s deceiving because he stands upright behind the biggest guys in the NFL.
Adding 10-15 pounds would almost put him at small DE size or short LB. I would rather take his speed and elusiveness over 10-15 lbs more weight because I think it would slow him down significantly- and that speed is what sets him apart from other QB’s.
"I don’t know whether I prefer Astroturf to grass. I never smoked Astroturf." - Joe Namath
Vick last year vs. career.
Vick added 7% to his completion percentage, added almost 2 yards per attempt beat his best ypg by 55, QB rating went up 20 to 100.
Frankly Vick went from being an athletic and hard to quantify average-pro bowl level QB for his career to last season playing like a HoF lock. Statistically it is unlikely for him to be that good again. He certainly could be, but I wouldn’t put the odds in his favor.
Last season Vick was insanely good.
So the question is
Will we see regression to the norm or has he gotten more disciplined?
Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
by John Stephens on Aug 4, 2011 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
That is up in the air. He definitely looked much more mature (as a QB) this last season, it could be that his talent was just held back by immaturity.
Some regression should occur, just from defenses taking aim at shutting down what he does. They have a full season of film on the new Vick, so some things should drop.
I doubt he goes back to his pre-time-off numbers, I’d bet he’s closer to last year than 2006.
agreed
It’s only natural to predict that he isn’t going to get HOF, record breaking numbers again. That season seemed like a once in a lifetime performance. BUT he was consistent and that speaks volumes (his only outliers were games he played extremely well, i.e. Redskins). That was his first season starting in 3 years. I think that new-found maturity mixed with a season of experience might, in a way, cancel out other teams’ ability to account for him. If he regresses, I don’t think by much.
Here’s another reason why. This comes from rookie Martell Webb when asked which Eagles has impressed him the most:
The player that impressed me the most? Michael Vick. Most definitely Michael Vick. He’s just a general out there, telling everybody where to go. He helps everybody out. He picks up on things so quick and helps everybody out. He’s just a leader, I can’t explain it. It’s my first time being around somebody that leads as much as he does. It’s something that you gotta pinch yourself, like, “Am I dreaming?” He’s a great leader that I love to be around.
Now, I understand that this should be the job of every Quarterback. I also understand that this has nothing to do with how he will actually perform, but last year at this time, he was quietly taking snaps with the 2nd team. I think the experience and maturation is really going to take him places in the next few years.
Of course, this is all come with the disclaimer that he stays healthy.
"I don’t know whether I prefer Astroturf to grass. I never smoked Astroturf." - Joe Namath
This is a very good counter point to the whole "DC's can adjust to him"
I think their will be regression, as do most people. But whether it is 5% or 20% is what needs to be figured out and won’t be until the season is all over. At this point I am leaning around a 10% regression for MV, which would still be an incredible season for a QB.
My Seton Hall blog: http://thesetonhallblog.blogspot.com/
My Steelers blog: thenewsteelcurtain.blogspot.com
My Draft Blog: draftdatabase.wordpress.com
by seton hall and steelers on Aug 4, 2011 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions
That's reasonable
But the only honest and accurate statement I can make at this point is to say that I guess we’ll just have to see how the season pans out!
Thanks for the opportunity to let me talk about my favorite team with you guys.
"I don’t know whether I prefer Astroturf to grass. I never smoked Astroturf." - Joe Namath
vick is a winner, always has been
but he was really coasting before & relying on his talent, since being released from prison it appears he has gained a ton of humility and work ethic. if he has worked as hard as he did the last 2 years he should do fine, if he is backsliding to old habits then he will probably lay an egg.
not long til we find out.
Eagles Achillies?
Do the Eagles have a serious problem at DT? It just seems like I have heard about a lot of injuries there but I don’t know the Eagles well so I was hoping someone else could fill me in.
"A Canadian is someone who knows how to make love in a canoe" Pierre Burton (historian)
"It is wonderful to feel the grandness of Canada in the raw, not because she is Canada but because she's something sublime that you were born into, some great rugged power that you are a part of." Emily Carr (artist)
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Aug 5, 2011 10:41 AM EDT reply actions
There is no
such thing as a lock in the NFL
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Aug 5, 2011 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions
The Bengals are a lock
To be the most poorly run franchise in football.
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Aug 5, 2011 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions
That is
is a fact. To be a lock I believe there would need to be some question of whether they would or wouldn’t be horrible and if anyone could challenge them for the title.
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Aug 5, 2011 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions
The Redskins
Or as everyone else calls them, the LOLskins.
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Aug 6, 2011 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions
truth
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Aug 6, 2011 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
man this team
is loaded yes they couild fade but other that LB DT K soild all the way around souild win the divion
okay i have cerebral palsy arthris and chronic fatigue as well i have a great life and loveing folks some days are better than other days i got a make-a-wish in 2001 and saw my favorite team the broncos it was the trip of a lifetime i wish everyone couild have gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that okay but i bleed organ and bule for my mnr fans but i bleed orange and blue denver will rise again resident broncos fan for every blog resident broncos for stampede bule thanks shvd98z24 real name jeremy woodard nettleton high class of 02 yes i am a raider
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