For months we’ve been anticipating this evening. After one of the busiest off seasons in the Philadelphia Eagles history, it was such a relief to watch these guys perform in a game, albeit a preseason debut.
The post-draft camp, OTAs and training camp are all good measuring sticks to watch and/or read about. But, there’s nothing like watching a game between two opposing organizations and the Eagles/Jaguars game at Lincoln Financial Field gave a lot of positives (and some negatives) about the men in midnight green.
The 1st team units on both sides of the ball were about as sharp as I’ve ever seen in a debut. I’ve discussed on numerous occasions about Kevin Kolb and the Eagles offense sustaining drives marching down the field which is exactly what they did.
There was one problem: They have to convert those red zone attempts into touchdowns. Any David Akers field goal 37 yards or less has to be considered a failure.
Still, by marching down the field the way the Eagles offense did, the defense had a chance to keep their legs fresh. I wanted to get a good look at rookie safety Nate Allen. That will have to wait, but it’s a good thing. Playing a total of six plays in two “3 and out” series is as good as it gets.
There were definitely other players to get good looks at though…..
- Rookie DE Brandon Graham looks better each time he’s on the field. He got constant pressure on the Jaguars’ QBs. I’ll be highly shocked if he isn’t starting at left defensive end by the season opener.
- Kudos to Asante Samuel on his open field tackle on third down during the first series.
- Let’s end the suspense. Riley Cooper is the Eagle’s No. 4 wide receiver.
- Michael Vick looked like what I’ve called him all along: THE BEST BACKUP QB IN THE LEAGUE. A 60.7 rating isn’t going to stir up chants to start him, but the return of his running ability makes me glad the Eagles don’t have to go against him anytime soon.
- The offensive line did a fairly decent job. Kolb had plenty of time on some of his throws and LeSean McCoy had his share of holes to run through.
These were just a few things I noticed. The one major negative I saw was the second team secondary, especially Joselio Hanson. He stated not too long ago that he wanted to compete for a starting spot. I think it’s safe to say it’s not going to happen.
It’s just one preseason game, but it left a lot to look forward too. What did you think of last nights game?
G, you forgot to mention Coleman’s head-busting out there: highest # of tackles (once on ST) plus laying that hard lick on some WR, knocking the ball loose and sending him to sideline nursing some sort of wound. Not comparing him to the great BDawk, but he’s that kind of hitter for his size… he’ll get bigger in future. He understands this defense pretty much already.
Haran Knight you must be on drugs saying Michael Vick is the best back up QB. I can name at least 3 back up QB’s better than him…. Marc Bulger, Chad Henne, Bruce Gradkowski.
I agree Iggles, Coleman was busting some heads and had the highest number of tackles. He may be this year’s sleeper. Quintin Mikell started out the same way; go figure. I would choose Vick before any of the other three Qb’s you mentioned Vricchini — tell you what; if you took a vote by all of the coaches in the NFL, most would probably, overwhelmingly take Vick before those other duds. He’s too fast and can win games. Also, I’m glad to see that Kolb looks pretty good in his first start. We’ll just have to wait and see how good he really is when live bullets are flyin. Good analysis Haran.
Schill to answer you…why I want Desean to get paid? It’s the same reason I wanted Trotter paid.he wasn’t and Levon Kirkland was there…..killed a shot to get a SB.
I wanted T.O paid..the first receiver to help put us in position for the best season in over 20 years..they got him on a technicality and he had to go to the stinking Cowboys to get money he should have been paid here…..The same reason I wanted BDawk paid..now look at who’s manning his position..he still haven’t been replaced. I wanted Reggie White paid…he went on to win a Superbowl with a team that was willing to pay him his worth..I wanted Keith Jackson Paid..He won…I want Djax paid because “I WANT A FREAKIN SUPERBOWL”!!!!!! Can’t get that if you keep stiffing the all pros on your team because it sends a message throughout the locker room that if you don’t take care of your proven warriors when their time come you will not take care of them. It’s bad for team morale and as long as this team continue with this way of business they will continue to be the “COPPER STANDARD”…With “0″ Superbowls.
wELLWELL….I want him to go to the Redskins so he can get his money and help Mcnabb get a Championship since the FO don’t mind trading picks and players within the division. I think Djax deserves his money as well as a chance to win a Superbowl.