Connor Barwin
What I Like: The Eagles needed to get some linebackers that were suited to play the 3-4, and Barwin is a guy who not only can play in this system, but he’s actually thrived in it under Wade Phillips in Houston. Two years ago, the former Texan had 11.5 sacks. That number dropped to 3.5 last season, but part of the reason for the decline was because his position and role on the defense changed. He’ll return to his natural position as the rush linebacker in Philadelphia. I also like the fact that he’s played with DeMeco Ryans before.
What I Don’t Like: There’s not really anything that I dislike about the Barwin signing. He’s a complete player with good size and good speed, he’s in his prime.
Overall: Barwin should step in right away, and make an immediate impact on defense.
Cary Williams
What I Like: Williams is going to be a sight for sore eyes in terms of tackling; the former Raven is as good tackler as a you could hope a cornerback to be. He missed just three tackles out of a possible 75 year ago. Compare that to Nnamdi Asomugha, who missed more than 20 tackles in two years with the Eagles. He’s mentally tough, and plays aggressive and physical.
What I Don’t Like: With his lack of size and elite speed, can he really be counted to shutdown elite receivers in this division like Dez Bryant, Victor Cruz, and Hakeem Nicks that the Eagles will face twice a year?
Overall: A lot of people are excited about the Williams signing, but I wonder whether or not some people are getting a little carried away. Williams is a legitimate NFL starter, and there’s no doubt he’ll be an upgrade over what the Eagles got from Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie…but don’t expect this guy to be a shutdown corner. He’s going to get burned from time to time, and he’s going to frustrate fans by taking a dumb penalty every now then. But all that being said, there’s no question that he’s an instant upgrade at the position.
Kenny Phillips
What I Like: If Phillips is healthy, he could be a difference-maker on this defense. When he’s on the field, he finds his way to the football and creates turnovers. He has eight career interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
What I Don’t Like: Phillips has battled knee problems throughout his career, and played in just seven games last season. If the Eagles decide to count on him as one of the answers to the safety position, they could easily find themselves forced to put Nate Allen or Kurt Coleman back in the lineup if Phillips’ knee isn’t healthy or acts up at any time.
Overall: The potential is there for Kenny Phillips to make a positive impact on this team, but he’s one of those guys who is always going to have the word “if” hovering over his name. There’s a reason he couldn’t command anything better than a one-year deal on the open market even though he’s only 26. As easily as he could give the Eagles a good season, he could also give them nothing. Still, its a low-risk, high reward deal, I just hope the Eagles add at least one more player to the safety mix.
Bradley Fletcher
What I Like: A couple of years ago, he looked like he could be a player on the rise out in St. Louis. He’s got decent size, and had a season where he intercepted four passes a couple of years ago. He’s a guy who might not have been on many teams’ radar screens, but could really flourish with a fresh start.
What I Don’t Like: If the Eagles count on him to be a solution as a starting corner, it could backfire. They need to bring some additional depth to the position in case Fletcher doesn’t work out. If they just hand him the job and expect him to succeed and he proves he’s not up to the task, teams will look forward to abusing him every week. We’ve seen this organization hang young players such as Casey Matthews out to dry in the past, so I hope that they have a Plan B and C in place in case Fletcher isn’t the guy they think he is.
Overall: Solid low-risk signing. If Fletcher can get himself back on track, he could potentially be an answer as one of the team’s starting cornerbacks. Right now, he’s probably going to end up starting opposite of Cary Williams. Maybe former third-round pick Curtis Marsh steps up and challenges him, or maybe the Eagles draft someone else that can push for a starting role. Worst case scenario, he adds decent depth to one of the thinnest positions on the team.
Isaac Sopoaga
What I Like: The Eagles went out and got a proven nose tackle, filling an important hole on their defense. Sopoaga is an experienced veteran who has been on some good teams, and he could be a valuable leader in the locker room.
What I Don’t Like: Sopoaga can play the position, but he’s far from a game-changer. He isn’t a guy that’s going to be a disruptive force.
Overall: Sopoaga is probably just a one-year stopgap at the nose tackle spot. He’ll fill the role for a year until the Eagles can get someone better.
Patrick Chung
What I Like: Even though Chung fell out of favor with the Patriots, he has at least one really strong season under his belt. This year came in 2010, when Chung had 96 tackles and three interceptions. He’s fallen off since then, but at least the potential is there for him to give the Eagles some kind of production. He’s also got a reputation for physical play, something that has been missing from the safety position in Philadelphia since the departure of Brian Dawkins.
What I Don’t Like: Chung has had his share of struggles in coverage, and is occasionally out of position against the run. He has also been a little injury-prone over the last couple of seasons.
Overall: He’s better than Kurt Coleman and Nate Allen. Although he’s had some problems the last couple of years, he still has some upside, and it’ll be great to see a fresh face get a shot at safety.
James Casey
What I Like: Casey’s versatility should serve this offense well. He’s a guy who hasn’t hit his ceiling yet as a receiver, and if Chip Kelly is the offensive genius he’s supposed to be, he should be able to make good use of Casey’s talents.
What I Don’t Like: The Eagles needed to improve their depth at the tight end position, and while Casey will contribute offensively, I don’t know that he’s the upgrade people were looking for.
Overall: He’s a welcome addition, and could potentially save the Eagles two roster spots…the Eagles could decide to keep just Casey and Brent Celek as their tight ends, and also use the former Texan as their primary fullback, replacing Stanley Havili.
Jason Phillips
What I Like: Phillips is another linebacker with 3-4 experience, and can play special teams.
Overall: Low-key signing that adds some depth to the roster. Probable replacement for Akeem Jordan.
Final Thoughts
I like what the Eagles have done so far in free agency. In just a couple of days, they managed to go out and add six potential starters on defense, they rebuilt their secondary from the ground up, added a difference-making linebacker, got themselves a true nose tackle, and found a nice role player on offense.
They have a legitimate pass rushing 3-4 linebacker that should help out right away. The secondary that was painfully soft a year ago is now made up of a group of guys that for the most part have come from winning organizations, and have reputations for being physical players.
However, that being said, I think it’s important to keep these moves in perspective. These moves make the team better…but I don’t know that the improvement that we’ll see from having these players on the roster will be enough to make the Eagles a good team.
Of the moves that the Eagles made, Connor Barwin is the only signing that I’m completely in love with. I believe he’ll be a great fit, and he’ll be a player on this defense for years to come.
As for the rest of the signees…while there’s certainly plenty to like about them, I think there’s a limit to how much better they can make this team. While the secondary may be rebuilt and better than they were, there’s still a lot of questions about this group and I don’t know that any of the four guys that they signed represent long-term solutions. I think a lot of people are excited because they’re going to see four guys that aren’t named Asomugha, Rodgers-Cromartie, Allen, or Coleman take the field on Opening Day. However, Cary Williams is a good but not great corner, Bradley Fletcher is really an unknown, Patrick Chung has issues in coverage, and Kenny Phillips has issues staying on the field. A year from now, the Eagles could easily be looking for two or even three upgrades in their defensive backfield again.
Another to thing to question about this group is that you have a lot of guys coming off of bad seasons. As much as I like the Barwin signing, he did see his sack total drop significantly last season from what it was in 2011. Kenny Phillips played just seven games. Patrick Chung did not have a good year for the Patriots. Isaac Sopoaga didn’t set the world on fire for the 49ers. Bradley Fletcher fell out of favor with the Rams. There’s a reason that some of these players were let go by their respective teams, and that they came here on mostly team-friendly contracts.
The best compliment I can give to this free agent class is that most of the guys that have been added come from winning organizations, and could help change the attitude of this locker room. I think these players that Howie Roseman and Tom Gamble have brought in can help make the Eagles a much tougher team than they were a year ago, but just because they’re a tougher group than they were before doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to translate into a dramatic improvement in the win column.
Give the Eagles credit for addressing a number of needs on defense, and for doing it by getting a number of character guys on good contracts. Expect the team to be better because of these moves, but don’t look at these moves and put the Eagles back in the playoff hunt.
Great reticle Denny. I think James Casey will prove to be the best signing of them all.
What people need to realize is that these signings instantly make us better but to expect anything more is not realistic. We were 4-12 last year and we’ve now officially entered a rebuilding period with new coaches and a new defensive scheme. I think they are absolutely headed in the right direction. Theyve aet themselves up to have a great draft. Now we just gotta find a QB.
what I like: they aren’t weaklings
what I don’t like : they seems to be durability issues with the secondary signings.
That’s true but the contracts for each of these guys are extremely team friendly.
what I don’t like: Every Eagle offensive starter is making a million dollars more a year than their Eagle defensive mirror starters.
what I do like: I am expecting that offensive capitol investment to mean 30 points a game every game.
Barwin Good.
The rest? I dunno. I am glad the birds are not signing any expensive guys that will hurt the team long term. Most these signings are of young cheap guys (though still don’t get 4 mill/yr for Casey)
But I have a hard time seeing what they bring that draft choices wouldn’t have. Seem to be just stop-gap players. Improvement from what was there before, but what’s the point in marginal improvement?
8-8??
Again…if we roll into the season with Vick at the helm of a squad of Patrick Chung and James Caseys to a 8-8 record I’m going to be pretty annoyed.
Better to roll to anothr 4-12 with rooks and another round of high draft picks next year.
So you want to finish 4-12 which would mean after everything we’ve done, we didn’t make any progress? Finishing 8-8 would be a step in the right direction for a rebuilding year. We’re not going to go from 4-12 to Super Bowl contender in one year. You guys need to tailor your expectations.
Its a good young crop. It changes the locker room. Hardly anyone that played in philly last year is promised anything now. I love love love the Casey signing… as far as draft goes….. i still think they could really use a guy like Millner. Im not sold on our secondary at all.
Stevo- you really think the birds should go Defense again with high draft picks? That is all they have drafting the last 3 years.
2 – trade up 1st round draft picks ( Cox, Graham)
4 – 2nd round draft picks ( Kendricks, Curry Jarrett, Allen)
2 – 3rd round draft picks ( Marsh, Te’o-Nesheim)
plus 7 of the 8 Free Agent signings defense this year.
They only made 2 offensive draft pick early the last 3 years ( Watkins, Foles) Time to go offense and often — more points, more points, more touchdowns
most of those guys arent even here anymore. In the draft i would like to see them get a CB, RT, SS early and take best players after that.
Love the Barwin and James signing. But the secondary signings are a big question mark. The Eagles continue to go after guys who have talent, but are injury prone and have fallen out of favor with there previous teams. Sure Phillips might workout, but that’s a big if. Can’t rely on him. And same goes with Fletcher. I like Cary Williams and think he is a solid upgrade. But i felt that there were other free agent DB’s on the open market that are better players. But I’m sure they got Williams at a bargin. I really don’t mind going after players that you can get for cheap and hope your able to reserect there career, but this seems to be the nature of the Eagles. Always going half ass and hoping to find a diamond in the ruff.
@Eos, we have gamble now don’t forget that if he is able to have input our draft should be a lot better this year.
I look at it like this every change they made was an upgrade from last year. So depending if these guys can stay healthy and gel together. This D should at least be tough. As far as saying Cary Williams is not a shut down corner, well those guys don’t come along to often. I think Williams can be more along the lines of a sheldon brown type corner. Good and physical, say what you want I bet we all miss Sheldon these days LOL.
What CB doesn’t get burned once in a while, stay aggressive and hit and tackle
The Receivers often enough and soon they will drop passes, fumble or give up on routes. The Eagles Secondary has been so passive the last few years
That mate and Receivers were not afraid to cross the middle or fight for the ball
Now with this group (on paper anyways) at least opposing Receiever will have to think about the hits that are coming and that’s a start for me..
I believe they a draft a CB & Safety both within the first 4 Rounds in addition to who they currently have on the Roster
thats right, hit them hard and they will know you are there instead of trying to finess their way. i would rather bruiser this year
Collectively, I like want they have done with Free-Agency
I wasn’t expecting nor did I even want the “big names” who generally get over paid and under-perform as we have seen with the splurge of big names signed in 2011 and as we have with other Teams in the past..
Bring in hungry, physically tough, and fundamentally sound Players and them Coach them up and have Schemes that best utilize their strength’s
I listed before Free-Agency that the Eagles would pursue the Casey, Barwin, Soapaga and K Phillips signings as good Players who fill a need and who are tough and good Lockeroom guys.. I am more positive about the Eagles rebuilding process than I was a week ago.. Still need to add an OT
Then can Focus the Draft on Best Player available to strengthen the Roster and raise the Level of Competition at all Positions
I think Connor Barwin is ok, and just ok, because he isn’t all that, We still need more speed and talent coming off the edge in that 3-4. What do we do if he gets hurt? Count on Brandon Graham? I don’t think so.
The other free agents I’m in wait and see mode, Forget all the speculation, I want to see how they play for us.Although I do think James Casey, will be the most valuable pick up.
Now I need Sebastian Vollmer signed as our RT, and Andre Smith, as our RG.
We don’t need Smith. Vollmer is who we need. Slide Herramans to his natural guard position and were good to go. Can you imagine how the Eagles will perform when the players we have stick to there natural positions and not have to play in something there uncomfortable playing? Ya that’s right, IMPROVED PERFORMANCE! And could you imagine how the secondary will look if the front line can get pressure off the edge and create forced throws? Ya that’s right, TURNOVERS! I can see it
I like Vollmer or Eric Winston and then Draft Guard Cooper, Warmack if the Eagles can trade back a few spots or Draft Warmack in the 2nd Round
I can’t understand why most fans think Herremans is a lock for a Starter Spot (whether it’s OT or Guard), his body has been breaking down the last few seasons and I see him as a solid back-up at best anymore..
We don’t need to draft Warmack, or Cooper. They could trade down, and draft DJ Fluker, who I think will be the better pro, to back up Andre Smith, and Larry Warford in the 2nd to back up Herramans, Brian Schwenke, to back up Jason Kelce, and Terron Armstead, to back up Vollmer…..Now thats what I call depth!!!
DJ Fluker would not be good in Kelly’s up tempo scheme whether at OT or Guard, he’s not quick enoug.. He would make a great guard for a heavy pound the ball type of Offense, but we won’t see that in Philly under Kelly..
Now Kyle Long from Oregon who played OT in College would be a better option at Guard for Kelly’s System than Zfluker or Free-agent Andre Smith, for these guys are narginally conditioned and would struggle with pace at which Eagles will play at..
Kyle Long is used to this Style/Tempo
Kyle Long isn’t that great of a prospect to begin with…………
You said the same thing about Kelechi Osemele last year, and you were wrong Paul, Its always about talent, and Fluker would fit just fine in his system. Even more so, because you don’t know what that system would entail exactly.
Kyle Long, isn’t half as talented as DJ Fluker, or Larry Warford, and I wouldn’t compromise quality just because Kelly is partial to his former players; Those players, may not prove to be pro caliber players, when it comes time to put up, or shut up in the NFL. His system can’t hide their shortcomings
He is a run first Coach, so in order for him to do that it the NFL, he better have a line that is in shape, and can pound the ball.
Can you guarantee that his system wouldn’t keep Andre Smith, Fluker, or Warford in shape? Or even Peters, Herremanns, or Kelce?
I think your wrong again on what the Eagles need on the Offensive Line. I don’t want any mediocrity on this team.
I’ll bet the Offensive Line Coach Southerland would disagree with you as well.
We need better Guard domination up front. Andre Smith, at 6-4 336 lbs, is not a tackle, he is a guard, and would do a much better job than Danny Watkins, or Evan Mathis.
Playing Herremans at guard is fine, but you have to sure up the right side of the line first. Both of those guys are the best on the market, and just in case they do draft some lineman, they don’t have to rush them into starting, because you already have talent, and experience in front of them, that they can learn behind.
We all know that the draft is where you get your beast from. They did good in free agency I mean they needed to upgrade the talent, and they did. Now it’s time for gamble to really put his stamp on it and get that talent out the draft. It’s time for the draft class to from last year to step up and become prime time players. Cox, Kendricks, and boykins it’s time to play big boy ball. If those three guys can take that next step, that will really make our defense good. Especially Cox, he really needs to be even better than last year. Cause all kinds of havoc up front.
A lot of people are going to disagree and get at me for this one, but I personally feel we can compete this upcoming season. Like Diddy said, what if Cox, Kendricks, and Boykin (Rookies who all showed great promise) all break out and become monsters? That will really help out us out tremendously, especially with what these promising FA additions are going to bring to the table as well. Go ahead and have a great draft along with everything and were now were really talkin..
A lot of people are going to disagree with me on this one also, but this will be the year Mike Vick breaks out..Yea I know you have all heard that before and BLah bLah blah…Behind a good Oline, with Chip Kelly running his skills, and him putting in hella work this whole offseason is going to really make this man flourish.. I’m not saying 30+ tds either… I’m Sayin around this range of 15-22 tds, and 6-9 ints with 5-7 rushing tds. The gameplan this season is really going to benefit him with Shady and Bryce pounding it on everyones ass..
Could be my fanhood talkin though…
CT, compete for what, a top 5-10 pick? If you think they can compete for a playoff spot, you need to get your head examined! They are rebuilding, changing schemes on both sides of the ball, have NO QB, an O,line that still needs to be rebuilt, just signed minor upgrades, with many ????’s, & have a severely suspect coaching staff, & not to mention, we haven’t drafted yet! “This will be the year Mike Vick breaks out..” BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! How can you make such imbecilic, delusional, statements, coming off of an abortion of a season, with as of now, have only made, minor upgraded, wholesale changes, with many ????’s We still have NO O-line! This is a rebuilding, throw away year, nothing more! That’s why bringing back Vick, is so stupid, frustrating & mind boggling!
Dude, there’s a difference between your fanhood talking & delusions of grandeur!
y Dcar let CT have his vision you as well as anybody else don’t know WTF’s gonna happen with the Eagles record this yr
So, I guess you’re another goofball, in LaLa land? No I’m not Nostradamus, but I have a brain & 2 eyes, that actually works, so if either of you, think they will contend for anything next year, you’re F^#@ING imbeciles!!!!
Signing Barwin gives them an experiences OLB who is primarily a Oass-Rusher and allows the Eagles to possibly Draft a Jordan, or Ezekial Andah to help develop and then have 2 outside Pass rushing threats from the 3-4 Scheme
(Similar to what Broncos had with both Von Miller and Dumervil)
@Paul – I said he was ok. He’ll serve his purpose, but my point is, if he gets hurt, what is plan 2? You will HAVE to draft 2, or 3 OLB’s to play in that 3-4.
Trent Cole, and Brandon Graham are not going to get it!!! Ansah, Jamie Collins, and or maybe Dion Jordan – who BTW, I am moving further away from more each day – have to be drafted by the Eagles, or they are making a mistake thinking they are going to dominate with Graham, and Barwin coming of the edge, and in coverage.
They need more NT/DT help up front. Issac Sopoaga, is a reserve role player; so he will be on the field temporarily. Brandon Williams, 6-2 343lbs, or a Dontari Hughes, 6-5 352lbs, would be players I would have on my radar in the draft. This would make for a nice rotation of DT’s
We still don’t have anybody behind Cox, and Thornton. Sheldon Richardson, Star Lotululeui, or perhaps, a player like Haloti Ngata, is released, or waived during traning camp? There are still needs.
GMCliff find the birds this strong-side OLB —>the Eagles have the rush the QB OLB postion covered — what they don’t have is the cheaper jam the TE,cover the back out of the backfield screen pass zone drop back 3-4 OLB.
Barwin is the Strongside Outside Linebacker. The rush OLB should be Ziggy Ansah, and one of our ILB’s should be able to drop into coverage as well as rush the QB, my choices are Jamie Collins, and or Sio Moore – who I still say would make an All Pro Strong Safety someday…..
You also need a future solution for when Demeco Ryans moves on. Do your research on Ty Powell of Harding University 6-4 254lbs
4.59 40……..
I was not sold on Boykin but do think he was MJ’s-cast as a slot CB and think his best spot is playing as a outside CB where he can utilize his strengths which are Speed and Ball Gawking Skills that he displayed while College.
He is too small and lacks physicality to pkay the slot where he gets lost across the middle of the field.. Shift him as outside CB and then I think he has a chance to shine, but nomt as a slot CB
Good analysis as always gm cliff, I don’t think the eagles staff knows how these signings pan out, Casey though seems to be the best pick up
The more telling move is what they do with the fourth pick, take smith, a mistake in my view, I would take on of the three o linemen, trade down, or draft the big guy from Oregon, I would not draft the Philly kid, nor the cornerback from Bama
Shore up the oline, build around nick foles
But I’ll bet any one here the eagles first pick of the draft will be geno smith, maybe move up to get him
What happened to Chance Warmack as your #1 Pick for Eagles
Dcar, go easy on ct he said it was just his fandom speaking , it’s Sunday morning, show some charity my friend
No charity for stupidity, no matter what day it is! XD
please do not say ” move up to get him “
just because the Eagles didn’t spend Mike Wallace or Nnamdi Asomugha money doesn’t mean they didn’t over spend on the players they did sign —- the Eagles massively over spent for James Casey by 2 million a year — James Casey is not a 4 million a year player LOL – giving him that kind of money is insane. The Eagles are paying DJax 9 million, Shady 5 million, Maclin 4.5 million, Celek 4.5 million now Casey 4 million ——– that is 27 Million for one football not including the QB who is going to get 5-10 QB runs a game now —- DJax,Shady,Celek,Maclin,Casey are all also below average blockers — the average NFL teams runs 63 plays a game, since the Eagles weren’t a big play offense last year they ran more plays than average. If Casey is getting paid to make plays, then who is he taking the ball away from? More QB runs and more James Casey plays then whose play load is being reduced? ( DJax, Maclin, Shady, Celek) who would rather have Casey take the ball out of the hands of ( DJax, Maclin, Shady, Celek) ? I don’t get the signing or understand the James Casey signing.
Why do you care what they spend on a player? Have the eagles ever not been able to sign someone due to cap constraints? Simple answer.. NO. You pay James Casey to make sure you get him, if in fact, that’s who you target.
Frank22 name one big play James Casey made?
James Casey was the best signing of this Class in my opinion and has legitimate Pro-Bowl potential. He will be listed as FB and replace Havilli
And be on the field for 40-45 Snaps a game as FB, HB & in Double TE Sets
And will be a very valuable, versatile asset in Kelly’s fast tempo offense
I see him with about 45-50 Receptions, 4-5 TD’s but the key is he will be an excellent blocker in pass protection as well a lead blocker on running plays and a nice sized red-zone threat and target with his size, hands, & toughness that they lack from the WR position and is more athletic and quicker than Celek for the tighter field once in the red-zone. A great pick-up
Good to hear. I was of the understanding his weakness is pass blocking?
Casey becomes the best overall Blocker in the Backfield out of the current RB, FB & TE’s on the Eagles Roster and it’s not even close as this has been a weakness since Weaver was injured a few years back
I would speculate the Houston Texans would turn back the clock and resign Vonta Leach ( now a SB champion Raven) the best blocking FB in the game than give James Casey more plays the last two years — I would also speculate Baltimore would pay Vonta Leach more to make sure he didn’t stay in Houston knowing how valuable he was for the Ravens
The 2 Wilcards are CB Fletcher and Safety Kenny Phillips
Both should be 100% healthy for 2013 being a complete year removed from their knee injuries in 2011.. If these 2 Players are 100% Ready, then this will be a very good Free-Agent Class, if not, then the Eagles still will have issues
In their Secondary and will need to Draft at these Positions within the first 4 Rounds.. Chung is a 3rd Safety and Special Teamer in my opinion
They brought Chung in to start right away, not to be a special teamer. Think before you type. He had a down year as a starting safety for the NE Patriots last yr. The Eagles say its an open competition but they expect Chung to start at Safety and the way his contract is reveals that hes not just a 1yr and done here in Philly and that they expect to go into the future with Chung. Will it all work out? That remains to be seen. But to call him a player that will come off the bench and is merely a special teamer is ridiculous.
Chung is a major liability in Pass Coverage JH which is why he fell out of favor and was demoted by the Pats, yes be has a relationship with Coach Kelly, but he will have to compete for Starters Time
As of Today Kenny Phillps is Stsrting Strong Safety and Nate Allen will be the Starting Free Safety.. Chung/colt Anderson will be back-ups and pushed by whoever else they Draft At Safety
I don’t think Geno will get pass two teams that need quarterbacks. His pro day and his 40 time at the combine made him this years workout warrior. The eagles will have to make a deal with kc to get him.
Exactly pdiddy and don’t be surprised to see a deal
Once again you build thru the draft, these free agent pickups were necessary they filled voids. They didn’t go out and pick up bums, they picked up football players. Guys that have helped their former teams win big games for the most part. Now about the offensive line actually we only need one other starter on the O-line. Along with much needed depth, we do need a quarterback tho now that we can’t get around. I personally believe we have that man (Nick Foles). But he will never get the chance to play here because of kelly’s system.
Why no article on no more lehigh
You are seeing a vastly different eagles team, approach, Lurie said as as long as Reid was the coach, the eagles will be at lehigh
Reid loved going to camp, had players under control, now th players will drive home to cherry hill, etc, there will be loss of community, for as much as its more convenient to be in Philly, there will be a loss in other, perhaps more important areas
And there will be even more secrecy , less transparency, this was chip Kelly’s decision, yet another misfire
On balance there’s not a lot to like about the eagles, Roseman, Kelly,
If he blows this draft by going with smith the house is gonna fall on him, hard
Jake they are taking away from the fans who enjoyed going up. The fans who would make a day of it. But for the players it really doesn’t matter. I have family in baltimore, and my cousins tell me the ravens don’t even go to a camp. And you see what that got them, it comes down to the coaching and the talent. Not where they have camp at.
Jake I don’t think they will blow the draft only because of Gamble, if it wasn’t for him I would not be so confident.
I can’t say i don’t agree with you Jakedog. I was thinking the same thing. There most definetly will be some sort of disconnect. And the reality is that the Eagles will most likely try to grab Geno Smith. I can’t say I’m bothered by it, but i do very much like Nick Foles and feel he is our future. But not in Kelly’s O
Foles ceiling is average — His arm isn’t strong enough so he would have to be extremely fast or accurately smart . Did you see Nick Foles accurately smart in his 6 starts because his foot speed and arm strength were obviously below average.
I couldn’t disagree with you more E0S, my friend. I think Foles is our QB of the future, and won’t be surprised if he proves that this year in Kelly’s system.
I believe him when he says he wants to coach Nick Foles, but some are speculating, and reading too much into the fact that he will be implementing the Oregon College style offense, He can’t if he wants to be a successful NFL Coach, and I believe Foles will be his QB of the future, after Vick gets his opportunity, and he becomes acquainted with what he needs to do in this offense……..Tom Brady does the same thing, with no speed.
And I also disagree with your assessment of Foles arm strength. He has a very strong arm; not as strong as Vicks, but strong enough to be effective.
Foles arm strength isn’t as strong as McNabbs, RG3, Eli Manning or Tony Romo’s either — the Eagles little WR are not slanting or rolling inside comebacks – He has to have a gun to get it outside or over the top
GMCliff – give me the QB in the NFC who Foles has a stronger arm than?
GMCliff make sure you include 8 NFC QBs who Nick Foles has a stronger arm than or he is a below average arm strength QB
Aaron Rogers, Cam Newton, Josh Freeman, Colin Kaepernick,
Jay Cutler, Matt Stafford, Mike Vick and possibly Romo and RGIII all have Pure Stronger Passing Arms and length on their passes than Foles
QB’s Bree’s,Eli Manning,Russell Wilson,Matt Ryan, Ponder and the Arizona Cards QB’s do not..
Nor does Sam Bradford, and I disagree about Romo. Add the AFC QB’s – Tannahill, Sanchez, Shaub, Alex Smith, Weeden, Locker, and Terrelle Pryor.
As he gains experience, Nick Foles arm will get stronger. We agree to disagree my friend when it comes to Nick Foles.
I think the Eagles Trade down to the Bills or Jets with their 4th Pick and maybe even throw in a Trent Cole to them for their Teams 1st & 2nd Round Picks
For Buffalo it would be the #8th & #40th Selections
And for the Jets, it would be their #9th & #41st Selections
The other Trade Scenario I can see happening is with the Rams who still need that OT since they decided to pass on OT Jake Long and would love to have a shot at Joeckel or Fisher and have the 16th & 22nd Picks in the 1st Round
So maybe the Eagles can send their 4th and WR Avant to the Rans for their 16 & 22nd picks
I would do any of the moves if I am the Eagkes and would take the Rams deal first
That’s still my pick paulman, but the eagles will not go that route, you can book it, geno smith is the eagles guy, to me it should be warmack, or the other tackles, build around nick foles, who right no is way better than geno smith, and don’t give me that system bs, we heard Kelly say he builds the system around the talent, but unfortunately he either bs us on that or more likely his hands are tied.
Hey paulman, apply state plays Cornell toda in baseball, should be a good game, get out, get the stink off, and watch some baseball, give me a scouting report on Cornell pitcher Brent jones
App State has a pretty good Baseball Program,
Maybe I will go to Campus and check it out
Foles will not be on the Roster by 2014, he just doesn’t fit Kelly’s System right and simply not athletic enough to succeed in it in my opinion
They may keep him around to work with him in 2013 since he was a 3rd Draft pick last year and work with him, etc,etc.. But I do not believe that Foles or Vick Re Kelly’s long-term answer at QB
Agreed. Too bad. We get to watch QBs run/scramble around and get hammered for a couple more seasons. Chip Kelly with Oregon: 11 QBs in 6 seasons. With Eagles: ??? Good times.
I see the Jets in Foles future.
I have a t shirt for you when it turns out your wrong. You also said DeSean Jackson didn’t fit this team – How’d that turn out?………
Many if not all said Vick wouldn’t be on this team – Your still whining about it….
Foles isn’t going anywhere……..
A possible Trade with Jets involving Foles, Avant and Eagles 2nd Round Pick for CB D Revis I could see happening especially if Eagles Trade down from #4
With another Team to acquire an additional 2 Nd Rounder which Gives Roseman the flexibility to Trade one of the Away for Revis..
I agree with the trade with the Jets, but it won’t include Foles. They’ll sign Kevin Kolb – idiots….
I still think Revis is still in play for the Eagles. If so, he will be the starter on the other side of Cary Williams, not Bradley Fletcher
Look defensive coordinators are game planning right now for that read option shit. Trust they will figure it out then it gets back to reading defenses and making the throws. @Eos Nick foles didn’t have problems throwing outs, he just don’t have the big arm. I admit he’s not like Vick who can flick it and it goes 60 yards with no problem. He doesn’t have that 70 yard bomb type of an arm.
Pman, look I personally love your draft scenarios and I know your having fun with it. But dude you always throw in the players that are washed up thinking they will get high return. No pman nobody wants cole, tapp etc.
Jets need a Pass-Rusher and would take Cole in a heartbeat as a Throw in for
Foles & a 2nd Round Pick to Revis to sweeten the Pie so to speak.. They also need a WR besides QB,DE,LB & Safety ..(they are more of a mess than Eagles and until the move Revis they are tight in Cap $$)
I would up the Offer and hrow in all 3 (Foles,cole,Avant) and Eagles 2nd ROund PIck (#36) for Revis for all 3 Eagles Players just do not fit the Eagles Schemes moving forward and may not even make the Eagles 53 Man Roster though they are still young and healthy enough to help some NFL Teams who have these needs
No way I give up that much for Revis.
2013 will be the final Season for Cole & Avant as Eagles anyways BTC24, they just don’t fit the Eagles/Kelly’s new Schemes..
Revis has 4 more good Seasons in him as a top level CB.. It may be worth the move ..
Foles is who makes the trade unbalanced IMO.
Do you really believe that Foles is the QB of the Future for Chip Kelly and his System.. If Kelly felt that strong about him, then why keep Vick or add QB’s Rinnie and then fo spend all Day down in Morgantown checking on QB Geno Smith..
I can see bringing in QB Dennis DIxon as a learning curve for the other QB’s and even the Recievers to help educate the other Players and help them as they all will be learning Kelly’s system and schemes together for the first time..
But if Kelly truly felt Foles is the Future of my Team, then most of this wouldn’t have been done,,
Geno Smith is a smokescreen in hopes someone will want to move up and make them a deal.
Chip Kelly is the one who stated that he wanted Nick Foles to be his QB, all the other moves are for insurance purposes.
I can see all of you eating your words, like you did last off season with DeSean Jackson………..
All I can say is Chippy, Howie and Jeffery. What a group?
I agree big, what a trifecta of losers, gays
Smith will be a Raider so this conversation is dumb. If Smith is worth the number 4 pick he is worth the 3rd possibly second. The Chiefs will likely make out as a team like Buffalo or Arizona may be willing to move up for smith. Who knows maybe the Rams move their 2 1st round picks and get smith then move Bradford..
With out trades Smith is in Raiders Black and Silver. I would not move up for smith either. I would move out of four asking for a one this year and a one next year.
Buffalo just cut Ryan Fitzpatrick for a reason……Who do you think they want as their QB – Tavares Jackson, or Geno Smith?
It could be Nick Foles Sfarting for the Bills next Season..
BTW, JUST AN UPDATE ON SOME OF THESE SO CALLED FUTURE NBA SUPERSTARS ;
Thomas Robinson – Traded to the Houston Rockets, in the middle of his rookie year for virtual NBA Garbage….I told you he was nothing special, and would be a bust….
Jared Sullinger – Out for the season, with the same back issues I said would come into play with an NBA Schedule, and was only averaging 6 points, and 5 rebounds during the regular season. Hardly Superstar numbers, He wasa semi beast in college. that doesn’t;t always translate to the pros…..I told you he would be a bust, and somebody owes me a case of Kirin Ichiban.
Dion Waiters – Nothing close to superstar status, and never will be. I told you he would be a bust,
Tyler Zeller, Myers Leonard, and John Henson, all hyped by some of you, and all BUST.
My name is GMCliff – recognize
Only 3 good players a year come out — it is not hard to find fault with 20 plus first round picks per year.
GM the 2010 & 2011 drafts produced one All-star ( Paul George -2011 Kyrie Irving )
the 2009 draft produced 3 All-stars ( Griffen, Harden, Holliday)
the 2008 draft produced 5 All-stars ( Rose, Westbrook, Love, Lopez, Hibbert)
the 2007 draft produced 4 All-stars ( Durant, Horford, Noah, Marc Gasol)
Your making my point E0S,
Remember E0S. all those know it alls that, crucified me because I would not submit to the hype of these particular players, that were successes in college, but they couldn’t see that they weren’t exactly guaranteed NBA Talent. What do you fellas think of these guys now?
They Don’t have the eye to see beyond the obvious, and how there true talent really translates to the NBA. Some still have that same problem with NFL Prospects as well. I may not be right 100%, but there are some who are worse that get paid for it. But, I am no slouch in identifying talent.
Paulman, you are assuming that Kelly can and will run his Oregon offense. I think he knows that won’t cut it in he NFL – unless he plans on having 5 or 6 QBs on his team. I think he will evolve but the essence will be up tempo. If I am right, Foles can be a fit. He is tall, gets rid of the ball quickly, and made good decisions for a rookie (especially with a porous oline). In a perfect world, he would love to have a mobile Foles (Geno Smith?), but for the time being let’s take the man at his word.
Thank You Dixie!! I don’t think Chip Kelly’s Offense will be designed the way that some think it will be.
Paulman, is my ace, but we do disagree schematically at times, and this is one of them. I think Foles will be fine. He just needs some more time, experience, and seasoning.
We can run any offense.
Re-signs run-around Vick.
I want to work with Foles.
Signs run-around Dixon.
Every QB will get a fair shot.
Signs run-around Kinne.
I don’t need a running QB.
Private workout with the fastest run-arund QB at the combine.
You keep on keepin’ on with the whole “I’ll take him at his word” business GM. Right now I’m leaning to actions over words as the more logical position.
But Vinnie I believe that 9 is still the best QB on the roster at this moment. If Kelly is as good a coach as we are asked to believe he is…He knows this. Smith will not be available to us at 4.. we will have to move up to 2 at minimum and that is LUNACY.
An average QB will take a great team to a Superbowl and win it. -Brad Johnson, Trent Dilfer.
A Great QB can be crushed by an average team. Dan Marino, Warren Moon.
Oh and don’t forget Randall right here with no weapons on offense for how many years…
That’s true Regal but very few teams in history have win the SB with an average QB. Those that did had ELITE defenses which ours is far from.
Geno is not a run-around QB Vinnie. Do your homework.
Uh-huh.
They worked out the fastest Qb out there because they want him to stand in the pocket.
Gmcliff you are the best, I hope you are are damn right, but you are damn wrong, geno smith is the eagles quarterback
You said your t-shirt should be sized extra sexy right Jake? LOL!!!
If I am wrong – WHICH I WON’T BE WITH THE DRAFTING GENO SMITH – I will be the first to call you the man Jake.
If not – WELCOME TO THE CLUB BABY!!!!
Foles is nothing right now anyway.. Hes in the baby stages and needs to do a ton of work himself
Who was it that said that if Jared Sullinger was a bust, that they would buy me a case of my favorite Beer?…………Its time to pay up!! a Case of Kirin Ichiban Please!!!!……..and don’t ever doubt me again.
Was it Jon Hart.. Ha ha.. I fon’t think he’s old enough to Purchase Alcohol just yet…
Man, looking at those pics of Barwin that cat is on some serious juice
im heari.g serious rumors of maclin to colts not sure about this
I’m hearing it could be Victor Cruz.
if we do tradr maclin its gotta be we want tavin austin
i heard cruz to.but irsay denied that but he be lying all the time but grigson has ties to us
OT Jake Long signs Deal with the Rams making the Rams unlikely to have to trade Up to get a Stud OT… Rams now need a WR & RB which they can sit tight with their 2 Picks (16 & #22) ..