• March 28, 2024

Mudd Doesn’t Have The Time To Immediately Remake The Offensive Line

Eagles offensive line coach Howard Mudd came in here with the intention of remaking the Birds offensive line in his image. He wanted to make the team’s offensive line smaller and more athletic.

Mudd was an undersized San Francisco 49er offensive lineman years ago, who made the Pro Bowl a couple of times during his career. He made up for his lack of size by using his speed, smarts and toughness.

He came here intending to say good-bye to some of the Birds veteran offensive linemen. For that reason alone he isn’t going to win a popularity contest with the team’s offensive linemen right now. He’s changed things up quite a bit and he’s given a number of his younger players a chance to be starters.

I understand what he’s trying to do and he may have been able to make a major change in the offensive line if the league hadn’t had the lockout. If Mudd had been able to work with his youngsters throughout the offseason, he may have been able to ship more of the veterans out of here this year.

Unfortunately, he didn’t get the chance to work with them. so he can’t have all these rookies starting when the season begins in St. Louis.

I’ve played on teams where the players hated their coach, but normally they won’t tell the media that. Everybody will know that a certain coach is hated but it usually never gets out publicly. That might not be the case this year with the Eagles, things are starting to trickle out about Mudd and his offensive linemen. Check out how left guard Todd Herremans describes Mudd.

“It’s been interesting, but we’re all getting used to it,” Herremans said. “He’s quite a character of a person. You kinda have to get used to that. Otherwise, he’s just going to seem like a grumpy, old man. But he’s really not.”

I could imagine what’s being said about Mudd in private.

Mudd is an old school coach who doesn’t care if his player like him or not as long as they play well. Unfortunately, in the last game the Birds played, the offensive line was terrible. Mudd loves rookie center Jason Kelce, and wants to start him but the youngster has to play much better than he did against the Browns in order for Andy Reid to let Mudd have his way by starting two of these kids.

I think they should start Jackson for the first few games while Kelce gets a better handle on what’s going on. They shouldn’t rush the process or they could destroy themselves before the season even gets started. Both Kelce and rookie guard Danny Watkins are more suited to run block rather than pass block. They’re inconsistent in their pass blocking technique, so they get beat at times and turn big defensive tackles loose to batter Michael Vick.

Think about the shots that Vick took at the beginning of the Browns game. One of them could have ended his season and thereby ended our season. Reid and Mudd were risking the season to see if Kelce could handle all of the calls needed to pick up Cleveland’s pass rush.

Imagine what St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo will do when he sees the video tape of the Browns game. Spagnuolo is a disciple of Jim Johnson and he loves to design blitzes which exploit pass blocking schemes.

Reid can’t let Mudd send all those rookies out there in the season’s first week and get Vick killed.

GCOBB

Read Previous

ESPN The Magazine Removes Rendering Of A White Michael Vick

Read Next

Eagles Move Todd Herremans To Right Tackle

0 0 votes
Article Rating
55 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
buckethead
buckethead
August 27, 2011 10:59 am

This is unacceptable! Reid and Mudd need to get their shit together! How they could let Vick get mauled like that to experiment with 2 rookies on the line is stupid crazy. It could have been are season down the toilet if something would have happened to # 7. Fix this guys, C-MON MAN!!!!!!!!!!

paulman
paulman
August 27, 2011 11:42 am

Mudd is a very interesting person and coach.. This big key to me is how long does he plan to coach, if it’s only a 2 Year stint than he will probably will do more harm than good.. There is no doubt that he does think much of Coach AR/CAstillo philosophy of having large OL who rely more on girth than leverage, and athleticism.. Much prefers players lighter,better conditioned players who have good hand and feet.. There is also little doubt that outside of Peters & Herremans on the left side, every one else’s Job and Roster Spot is not a given (Outside of Top Pick Watkins) but it defininelty seems like Mudd has shied away from any OL that were here previously under Castillo in JAckson,McGlynn,A Howard,and even K Dunlap until they were forces to play him due to R Harris injury and WJ health issues..
They Signed Veteran R Wells who has mostly played LG during his career but really struggled at RG last Season while with the Eagles, so if the Eagles don’t move LG T Herremans over to RT, then I don’t understand why they even brought him back for Wells cannot play out at RT, He is simply not quick enough..
I do think the Kelce and Watkins will make a solid tandem at C/RG but they will definitely have their growing pains.. I would like to see OG E Mathis and J Vandervelde get some reps with the #1 to see how they perform…

nev856
nev856
August 27, 2011 12:00 pm

perhaps this is the year for the unthinkable ; running the ball ,which has looked ok so far and the running back situation looks strong . this will not happen under ried but with a unstable line , the run will help the pass.

runtheball09
runtheball09
August 27, 2011 12:02 pm

Didn’t know any of this about him, but this sounds like a typical retarded move by the eagles. All I care about is talent big or small. Everyone thinks they’re so friggin smart. “they gotta be small, yea… let’s see, and then if that doesn’t work then maybe we’ll make them in rows by height.” This mudd dude looks crazier than bat shit. He might be good at coaching but theories are best left to proven winners time and again. The only coach that reserves the right to claim himself a know it all is the coach i despise. Belichek.

I’d love to know if mudd would want a jon runyan.

paulman
paulman
August 27, 2011 12:12 pm

My point is that if Mudd is strictly a short-timer and leaves/retired in 2 years time, then they will have to change the OL different that what AR likes.. IF Coach AR is still around in after Mudd finally retires, than the OL would would have to be re-built again in Caoch AR likeness which would take a couple of seasons to get those big players again.. (remember that Coach AR is still an OL at heart and he will let Mudd run things his way, which Mudd as a requirement before taking the Job, but how long will Coach AR will give him if they struggle will be another question and interesting situation

paulman
paulman
August 27, 2011 12:17 pm

SL Rams ran 40 times last evening for 170 Yards versus the Chiefs and kept control of the clock 33 to 27 minutes to shorten the game for the Chiefs, Expect this to happen when the Rams play the Eagles on Opening week
Pressure Vs Vick up the middle of the line, and the Eagles Offense is not effective.. WHile VIck may be able to scramble and get away for some positive yards, he obviously won’t be able to see and hit plays down the field whemn he’s running for his life.. Defensive Strategies will be to come right up the gut versus Vick before he ever gets to complete his full drop back and he won’t have time to survey the field or his receivers…

FanSince1960
FanSince1960
August 27, 2011 1:35 pm

Why are we so excited about the return of Winston Justice? Why do we always go into a season with a major weakness or weaknesses as if it were a big surprise?

Erock
Erock
August 27, 2011 1:59 pm

Im at least encouraged by the play of Dunlap.I was 40 yard line down low Thurs and you just cant start Kelce with his snap being slow. That will just kill you on drives. And a few were run plays that coulda went for more had they had a quickerr snap.

They’ll be forced to use Ronnie Brown more which is a positive. Watkins can mose def run block.

schiller
schiller
August 27, 2011 2:15 pm

run – don’t you get it that Mudd was the Colts Oline coach for all but 1 year of Manning’s career? They were the best Oline in football for pass protection hands down. He is a proven winner at that spot.

schiller
schiller
August 27, 2011 2:17 pm

fan – That’s the case with every team. You maybe could argue that the Steelers and packers are just as strong as last year, but the packers lost Jenkins and Donald Lee at the very least (ha). Seriously though, show me a team without a weakness other than GB and Pittsburgh….

jayray823
jayray823
August 27, 2011 2:59 pm

Just read that Herremans is moving over to RT.

BigE
BigE
August 27, 2011 3:07 pm

With the drastic changes to the coaching staff and players, there are going to be growing pains with the Eagles. One thing that will affect them is that a lot of players have one year contracts. If things don’t improve performance wise, this may affect the cohesiveness among players and coaches and the dream could become a nightmare.

paulman
paulman
August 27, 2011 3:09 pm

Les Bowen Reported shortly ago the T Herremans has been moved to RT as of today and that both WR J Maclin and Steve SMith participated in their 1st Practices…,..Now were talking… LEt’s get this Team ready for the Season

bsmvideos
August 27, 2011 3:19 pm

Herreman’s move to RT is being reported as permanent. With Mathis as the new left Guard.

paulman
paulman
August 27, 2011 3:22 pm

Also confirmed that OG Evan Mathis will take over as the Startign LG position..
Probably looking at a Line from L to R as the following
LT Peters, LG Mathis, C Jackson, RG Watkins, RT Herremans
(Reserves K Dunalp,Kelce,McGlynn,Vandervelde,Topou)
WJ on the PUP list and most likely R Harris to IR list and out for Season
When WJ returns then Topou probably dropped released
Probably a battle between McGlynn and R Wells as the final interior OL Reserve)

runtheball09
runtheball09
August 27, 2011 3:38 pm

schiller- don’t you get that he’s a redneck racist that doesn’t like black people? Look at the majority of his lines. He’s old school alright, old school whitey. Prove me wrong. His bullshit theory about being smaller is stupid. It’s about talent, pure and simple.

Stevo
Stevo
August 27, 2011 3:46 pm

hmmmm…. Peters??

eaglesinoak
eaglesinoak
August 27, 2011 3:47 pm

His name is Mudd in my book.

runtheball09
runtheball09
August 27, 2011 3:54 pm

Oh ok stevo did he go get peters? Did he draft him? Did he trade for Peters? What the fuck else is he suppose to do? Of course he’ll use the best OT but I guarantee if there was a white equivalent to Jason Peters, he’d be starting. He’s got nothing else to work with.

Erock
Erock
August 27, 2011 4:10 pm

Herramans shoudl do well over there…remember him filling in for Tra a buncha times and course Peters?

Vick has to feel better in some way bout that change.

Smith and Mac practice…good news.

Hope all you Birdbrains are ready for the storm.

Paul…mountain man avoiding the surge high up.

DixieFan
DixieFan
August 27, 2011 4:11 pm

Mudd will start Kelce not Jackson – book it! The starting line will be:
LT, Peters – LG, Mathis – C, Kelce – RG, Watkins – RT, Herremans
(Reserves: Jackson, Dunlap, Wells, Vanderveld, McGlynn) Harris to IR – WJ – PUP and will replace Wells or McGlynn in week 6 (if no one is injured the next 7 weeks)

paulman
paulman
August 27, 2011 4:33 pm

To Dixie,
I still think that Coach AR will need a little convincing about Kelce being the Starter and playing 2 Rookies side by side at C and RG. I think Kelce will eventually be the Starter, but believe Jackson will be the opening game Starter at Center to start the Season..

daggolden
daggolden
August 27, 2011 5:02 pm

I definetly dont start Watkins noway no how. This isnt high school football. The EAGLES have a OBLIGATION to the fans and the rest of the team. They have STATED the BEST 5 will start. There is NOWAY WATKINS is one of the best 5 at this point. He maybe later in the year but he cant be starting at this time.

nev856
nev856
August 27, 2011 5:48 pm

i still say our running game looks pretty freaking good . lets ride these backs a little i think they can handle the load .

paulman
paulman
August 27, 2011 6:03 pm

Utilize some Doublee TE Sets (with D Lee) and pound the Rock the first 3-4 games of the Season. Split -out D-Jax wide right, Have a full backfield with both FB Schmitt and RB McCoy/R Brown and have D Lee line-up outside J Peters,
HAve D Lee block down on DE, pull Peters to the left to kick-out the OLB and have FB Schmitt take out any other LB/S Or CB in the Area nad McCoy ramble for 4-5-6-7 yards on every play.. March right on down the field..

schiller
schiller
August 27, 2011 6:16 pm

run, those are big accusations. I don’t know Mudd well enough to agree. Just cause he’s coached a bunch of white guys in his career doesn’t make him racist. Maybe his is and if so, that’s horrible. But you’re just taking shots cause you like to and you found a new angle to hate.

DixieFan
DixieFan
August 27, 2011 7:30 pm

As I said – Kelce and Watkins will start week 1. Not saying they should, but if you disagree, you haven’t been paying attention. If you think AR is going to pound the rock, forget it – ain’t gonna happen. That’s not our problem week 1 – stopping Steven Jacksonn is the issue! Stop Jackson, we win!

DDCar
DDCar
August 27, 2011 11:05 pm

GC,
You need to send your headline to Andy, but also add “No kidding!”
Did he actually think, just because he added Mudd to the O-line, that Mudd was going to be able to fix this O-line, that is full of turds!?
Remember the saying “You can’t shine a turd.” But Andy’s ignorance & stupid ego won’t allow him to get out of his own way! It is 2 years now that he has done ziltch to improve the right side of the O-line! He drafts a 26 year old fireman, with 3-4 years of football, with his 1st rounder, & immediately changes him from LT to RG, a position he has never played! Knowing WJ wasn’t going to be ready & stinks, & Duncrap stinks, what does he do, he signs his yearly MASH unit pickup & expected him to miraculously be the starting RT. That didn’t work, so he puts Duncrap back in there. That blew up again, now he moves his veteran, borderline, pro bowler LG to RT. Square peg in round hole Andy, at it again! WE WILL NEVER WIN WITH THIS GUY RUNNING THINGS! NEVER! JUST SAYING!

scorpiodsu
scorpiodsu
August 28, 2011 12:15 am

guys 3 spots left in the fantasy football league. For an invite shoot me an email astuckey05 at gmail. com

Butch007
Butch007
August 28, 2011 12:30 am

I’m glad someone else noticed the suspicious race element with the shuffling line. He can’t do anything with Peters, because Peters is arguably the best Left Tackle in the business and is getting paid like he is, but if Peters wasn’t one of Reid’s Holy Cows and still played well I wonder whether he would be starting still. I don’t care how much you like a rookie player, you don’t bury a successful veteran under two questionable players (Kelce and McGlynn) without it being personal in some way. Austin Howard got no chance to play at all with the ones in the pre-season games thus far? Really?

schiller
schiller
August 28, 2011 12:43 am

DD man, when a good lineman comes out of college, chance are, he played LT -that’s where you stick your best lineman in college. Then when those talented and successful LT’s get drafted to the NFL, many and I do mean MANY are moved to other positions on the line because while they have NFL quality potential, they may not be suited for an NFL LT job – going up against the top DEs and in most cases guarding the blindside. That’s common NFL practice. There’s absolutely NOTHING unique about putting Watkins at RG. Now, if he doesn’t pan out that’s a whole different thing. But that’s not moving a guy to a different position. That doesn’t count on the OL – tackles to guards is extremely common if not the norm.

Rocko
Rocko
August 28, 2011 2:04 am

WE MAY BE DOOOOOOOOOOOMED THIS YEAR GUYS. GET READY FOR THE BIG LET DOWN IN THE 12TH YEAR REID ERA. ITS LOOKIN UGLY; WHO YHINKS WE’LL WIN THE SB THIS YEAR?

Rocko
Rocko
August 28, 2011 2:05 am

PITT,RAVENS AND NE KNOW HOW TO DRAFT, WE DONT. WERE FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!

Rocko
Rocko
August 28, 2011 2:15 am

GET RID OF ALL OF OUR COACHES AND GET A NEW STAFF STARTING WITH COWHER.POWER.

jakedog
jakedog
August 28, 2011 10:21 am

Rocko, less than a month ago you predicted eagles go 18-0 and sb win, you are crazy, maybe you could play for mudd who looks like the lunatic in the grass

schiller
schiller
August 28, 2011 11:22 am

wait, Rocko wasn’t joking? That gave me the laugh that I needed last night. Ha. Rocko, Cohwer is RETIRED. And he took many many years to build a superbowl team. What is ‘looking ugly’ other than LB and OL right now?

We got into the playoffs last year so let’s compare teams. We still have Vick and his backup has won WAY more games than Kolb in the NFL. Or if you want to say Kafka is 2, then he’s farther along in his development. So QB? Improved. RB – you pick, behind Shady would you rather have Harrison and Buckley or Brown and Lewis? I’m going with option #2. Donald Lee and Clay Harbor v. just Clay Harbor? WR – same group + Steve Smith? Better. OL, better coach no (see their track records). Top draft pick jury is still out (if you want to close the book before he plays an NFL game I call you a moron), Mathis – we’ll see. Herramans at RT? Who knows – guy has only played well in the NFL so far….Two options instead of an injured starter and McGlynn as a last option.

Defense – New line coach that seems like more pressure? That’s good. Cullen Jenkins, Hargrove, Landri in – bunkley out – I say that’s improvement. DE? Babin, Tapp improved, Hunt possibly… I say better than last year. LB? we loose a guy who couldn’t stay on the field last year and add a bunch of promising rookies. We’ll have to wait and see here. And if you guys are going to tell me that it’s not too late to put Cheney back in the middle if need be, I beg to differ. Secondary? If you are telling me we didn’t improve, A LOT, TWOFOLD at CB, well then you’re insane. Safety? More development out of Coleman, yeah Allen looks VERY gimpy – not promising for this year, but Jarrod Page was a nice addition, Colt Anderson still looks like that special teams stud who only make plays -even at safety – when given the chance – and then there’s Jaiquan who I really like. That kid can hit, seriously embodies the cliche ‘has a nose for the ball’ and makes plays.

Bobby April flashing the studs in blocking kicks… only looks better. New young blood at both kicking positions – improved on special teams if you ask me.

So Rocko, while it’s a weird offseason and the team certainly doesn’t look to be in midseason form (during preseason, GO FIGURE!?) yet but TELL ME THIS – made the playoffs last year and gave the eventual SB winner a run for their money – then improved at talent for the vast majority of positions (yes, on paper but do you disagree?), and you say they’ll be WORSE? HOW? WHY?

Was our OL so good last year that the problems now suggest worse? LBs?

paulman
paulman
August 28, 2011 11:23 am

Many OT in College become OG in the NFL, in fact, Watkins was a OG his 1st year in COllege and then moved out to LT his last 2 Seasons.Most NFL observors had him slated as a OG in th NFL , basically due to his lack of height and lack of long arms which is required to play the position well at the NFL.. HE has the build and attitude to be a good NFL Guard for many years..

Rocko
Rocko
August 28, 2011 2:35 pm

Jake, Schill guess what..it’s a win win situation for me with my comments. if we go 18-0 and win the big one great! If our o-line is pitiful and we get mauled over by big elephant studs this year (though that wouldn’t be great), that still proves my point!HAHAHAHAH. look at the wasted picks year in and year out. Graham, Watkins etc. We never get thoroughbred linemen in here; we always get the so called” high motor, great character fireman hero” type of guys in here. We never get beastly animals with a nasty attitude looking to wreck shop in here. They’re too nice and soft like Reid and Co likes them. We need some Real scouts in this organization who will go with the flow of the draft and get the best and baddest on this team. Reid and Co does think that they are smarter than the rest of the league and i gues thats why 50% of our first rounders are always duds who either get hurt or don’t pick up the scheme right away. Look at Pittsburghs linemen and LB’s – Nasty beasts with attitudes. Timmons is 234 lbs but can play his butt off because that steele curtain lives by nastiness. The only Difference is you have a proven D Coordinator in there, not some first timer from coaching the other side of the ball to coach you D with this kind of talent. If that were any other coach, he wouldn’t of spared Castillo a job at the sacrifice of his team, fans or players. He would of said thanks for your years of service Juan but we’re going in a different direction with our defense see ya buddy. AR is to soft of a coach and I’m sick of everybody giving Reid all the credit of our past wins when It was because of 2 gifted QB’s that brought Philly up and saved AR’s job and we know who those 2 were.

So yes, either we win or we don’t it’s a win win situation because it goes to show that until we get some leadership on the coaching field and not some annointer at positions like LB and QB, but would draft studs in those positions to start if that would be the case – we’ll be talking about this again every year until we get some order in our coaching dept. FIRE EM ALL AND START FRESH!!!!!!!.We need tough coaches who know how to draft nasty Steeds and attitudes, not some pansies who will let their Qb get killed in a preseason game and a coach who is still shuffling around his o-line with a rookie center and tackle getting annointed over a proven veteran and crap 2 weeks before the season starts. These other teams are working on getting down to the 53 man limit in 2 weeks and we’re still playing musical chairs with the O-line and Lb’s; thats why I say either we are winners OR “DOOOOOOOOMED THIS YEAR” – PICK YOUR CHOICE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rocko
Rocko
August 28, 2011 2:45 pm

EITHER WE DO OR WE DON’T THIS YEAR. WHO HONESTLY FEELS COMFORTABLE WITH OUR O-LINE? WHO HONESTLY FEELS COMFORTABLE WITH OUR D COORDINATOR OR HERREMANS OLD POSITION ON THE LEFT SIDE NOW THAT HE’S MOVING. THIS IS CRAP 2 WEEKS BEFORE THE SEASON. WE COULDN’T MOVE THE BALL AGAINST PITTSBURGH AND THEY’RE IN A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN – THE BROWNS STUFFED OUR O-LINEARRRRRRRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!! HERE WE GO AGAIN WITH ANOTHER ALMOST AND AR DIDN’T CALL THAT PLAY OR HAD BETTER CLOCK MANAGEMENT CRAP TO GO ALONG WITH OUR FIASCO IF IT AIN’T BAD ENOUGH.

paulman
paulman
August 28, 2011 3:17 pm

I feel a lot more comfortable with the EAgles team now than 4 weeks ago and when the local/national media was overhyping this team to the nth degree..
Yes, they signed many excellent players in Free-Agency, Yest they have a new DC and many new Coaches and yes their Roster still has about 25 1st and 2nd Year players from the last 2 Drafts) So anyone expecting this team to come out smoking right away was just not being very realistic and had too many over-expectations to begin with… Fast forward a month later, and I feel better abotu the team for WR’s MAclin/Smith just started to proactice, I feel better for the young LB’s are improving, I feel better for the moved Herremans over to RT (which many of us thought was their best solution a month ago) , I feel better for both their Rookie kinker/Punters have done pretty well so far and don’t seem to be in awe of playing in the NFL, I feel better for RB R Brown finally has his football legs under him and can be a nice weapon if utilized properly.. The Safety play and LB play is still a work in progress but will improve and the DL and CB positions look pretty good
Back-up QB V Young is making some progress but KAkfa looks like he can come in and move the offense early in the Season if needed while VY continues to learn and master this Offense.. The WR Rotation will also be a work in progress as Maclin/Smith get their football legs back .. TO me, if the Eagles can start decently (4-2) over the 1st 6 Games and not sustain any major injuries, then they should start to gel and get on a roll as all these new players, coaches and injured players start to get up to speed.. The key to me is the game planning and scheming by Coach Ar/MM & D/C JC.. Let’s keep things simple, physical and build on it as players get more time together and as the injured/missing players are up to 100%

I do think the 1st Game with the Rams is going to be a very tough game as the Rams are playing very well and confident will be sky high for their
Opener and the SL Dome Crowd can be as loud and a tough place to play as any in the NFL when they are excited and behind their team and by the looks of it, the fan base in ST Louis is excited again.

Teams in the NFC who have consistently looked good in Pre-Season so far are as follows
Detroit, Washington, SL Rams, & the Packers with everyone else being up and down.. but the Playoffs and Championships are not won in August/Sept or even October, The Playoffs are made in NOv & December and of coures, the Championship is won after winning 3-4 Playoff Games in Jan/Feb
The Eagles will need a good 4-5 Games under their belts to really be able to gauge this team and their chanes but to saythey are Super Bowl bound before the Season even starts is putting the horse before the cart.. I hope they make and win the SuperBowl , but to say they will just based on who they signed in Free-Agnecy is wishful thinking.. I hope these Veteran Coaches on board continue to challenge Coach AR/MM & JC to make them better and to change some of their past predictable schemes…

schiller
schiller
August 28, 2011 4:28 pm

rocko – admit man – you’re one of those fans who cries doomsday every year in the beginning, citing all the things in the past that pissed you off but ignoring the fact that usually we get to the playoffs. If you’ve been wrong about doomsday for so many years, why are you still predicting it this year? You told us – because you don’t really mean it, you just feel better about yourself if you say that because anything else is bonus. Hey, whatever psychological game works for you buddy…. ha

rcp1936
rcp1936
August 28, 2011 4:55 pm

Hell Vick was getting killed near the end of last years season including the playoff game

Hope Vince Young learns the Offense FAST

DDCar
DDCar
August 28, 2011 9:14 pm

What does race have to do with the changes!? Duncrap stinks & JJ is a fat injury proned pig! Get your priorities straight guys! Not everything is about race. What’s next, Andy don’t like white QB’s!? You guys are idiots! I’ll pray for you.

Butch007
Butch007
August 29, 2011 1:12 pm

Alternatively they could have left Herremans where he’s at, re-inserted Jamal Jackson, started Mathis at RG and tried Austin Howard at RT.

paulman
paulman
August 29, 2011 3:12 pm

Now you have weaken 3 Positions.. (C,RG,RT) ..
A Howard will not even make the 53man Roster..

O/L to be for the 1st month of the Season
Peters,Mathis,Kelce,Watkins,& Herremans
If everyone is playing well, then it will remain as such, IF WJ is 100% then maybe he gets inserted back to RT and Herremans moves back to LG.

wmonell
wmonell
August 29, 2011 3:46 pm

Woah, woah, woah, Senor Paul
That is in your opinion entirely
Weak? I trust Howard Mudd over anyone on this site, including G. Cobb
With what we have to work with, this is what i believed all along:

Plan A: Ryan Harris
Plan B: Winston Justice
Plan C: Todd Herremans

I wish I had stated that on here before this day but it didn’t come up until recently
Around my neck of the woods, that’s exactly what I told my peeps

I am absolutely comfortable with Herremans at the blindside
The guy is better suited for it and athletic to keep up with defensive ends
When we signed Evan Mathis, I was almost certain he would start at guard
My wildcard and question mark was where Watkins would be playing
And Reid kept sneaking Todd’s name in there…

So, we have some things to work on with Kelce and Watkins in the interior
I noticed most of our runs go to the left, but now with Herremans at RT we have more balance
This line is already better than last year’s unit, and it’s nice to have Jackson, McGlynn, Justice, and Dunlap as backups because they all have starting experience
Ideal? Probably not, but GB/PIT (2 SB teams) have very mediocre lines and we are more explosive offensively than PIT is
We are a 27 ppg offense, and our defense was ranked 12th last season and we are obviously better than that
I’m just ready for STL

paulman
paulman
August 29, 2011 4:22 pm

I’ve stated since Mudd’s hiring that the big,out-of shape OL players from the Eagles past would be phased out. (I didn’t expect Jackson to be phased out this quick, but hell, he hasn’t played much in last 18 months so I don’t think it’s any big loss..If Jackson is not the starter, he will be released to save some Cap Space and be eable to extend D-Jax ..
Remember that the Eagles were not aware of the seriousness or lack of readiness of WJ knee until the Lockout ended..Coach AR stated all Off-season that there would be open Competition at RT (which I took to be between mostly WJ & Dunlap), I think they only went after RT R Harris once it was known that WJ wouldn’t be ready for a while and they took a flyer on him knowing of his past back injuries but were hoping he could stay healthy,which of course by now, we all know he has serious back issues that required surgery and that ever plays again after his 3rd Back surgery is unlikely.. Herremans has wanted to play OT since he came into the NFL and Coach AR knew he has Todd in his back pocket if he needed to go there which of course, as we all knew, he needed to.. I still think that when WJ retuns and is 100%, that he will end up competing back for the Starting RT,but we’ll all see how it goes, If Herremans nad Mathis play well and the OL begins to gel, then leave it alone and let them play..

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
August 29, 2011 4:51 pm

Isn’t this the important issue?

Mudd – wants quick, small, athletic O-line that can hold blocks (in pass pro) while QB makes quick decisions and hits short/hot reads.

Vick – strength is starting in shotgun, moving around in pocket, buying time for coverages to break down and hitting big plays.

Do these 2 different styles go together? I think not.

schiller
schiller
August 29, 2011 5:05 pm

vinnie – What style WOULD go with Vick? you think slower, less athletic, bigger O-lineman that can’t hold blocks (in pas pro) would be MORE effective? I think not

Butch007
Butch007
August 29, 2011 5:13 pm

First off, comparatively speaking King Dunlap looked like a Pro Bowler against the performances of Watkins and Kelce, so those are the position that should have been resolved first. It’s already known that Herremans can play tackle, how well at the Pro level, none of us really know but most teams typically put their best pass rushers on the opposite side so he’s being cushioned into tackle.

Given that 3 out of 5 OL suck at this point and 2 of those 3 are still going to be in, I guess, the Eagles can’t turn their noses up at any OL. With all of the extra financial expenditures that have been made it’s really not a good time to “Experiment” with the foundation of the offense.

More importantly Reid needs to stand up a better for personnel that he’s hand picked, especially if he wants win a championship this year. I don’t know how Mathis is going to play, but I know that the Eagles were able to run well on that side before they blew it up.