Following the Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos, the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense looked like it was doomed to be historically bad.
The defense had just come off of a 52-point thrashing at the hands of Peyton Manning and his high-powered offense. In the previous three weeks, things hadn’t gone much better. The Eagles gave up 27 points to Washington, 33 to San Diego, and 26 to Kansas City. A grand total of 138 points allowed in just four weeks.
Following the Denver game, defensive coordinator Billy Davis spoke to the media.
“I’m asking you to trust me even though there is not the results. But the guys know through the daily work and techniques, it will turn. It will turn,” Davis said two days after his team allowed 35 first downs in Denver. “It hasn’t turned yet. It’s not where we want it to be. But we will continue to put our heads down and work and I really believe it will turn.”
Davis asked everyone to be patient with his defense. How many of us were willing to believe him? I certainly didn’t.
Let’s see how the defensive coordinator’s squad has improved ever since he asked for that trust.
After allowing 138 points through the first four games, the defense has given up 139 through the last seven.
The highest total that they’ve given up since the Denver game is 21 points to the Giants in Week 5. That’s seven straight weeks allowing 21 points or less. In four of the last five games, the Eagles have held the opposition below 20.
The defense has also been creating more turnovers. They’ve forced 14 turnovers in the last seven weeks, averaging out to two per game.
Each week the defense seems to be jelling more and more. They’re growing more confident with every week. There’s a toughness about this group that we haven’t seen from an Eagles defense since 2008. They’re holding down explosive offenses, forcing teams to settle for field goals instead of giving up touchdowns, and most important of all, they’re making game-changing plays.
Truly a vast improvement from what we saw in September, and the pitifully soft defensive play we’ve been subjected to over the last few years.
I hated the Davis hire when it happened last winter. I thought it was a bad move. And I certainly didn’t “trust” Billy Davis when he asked for it after four wretched performances early in the year. But Davis is proving me wrong more and more every week. And he deserves as much credit for the turnaround that this team has had as anyone.
The job that he’s done turning this unit around is truly commendable, and without this defense the Eagles would not have half of their wins.
What’s funny is a lot of times coordinators who tank in one, two, or three places wind up somewhere in the right place and perform very well. I did not like or get the Billy Davis signing. However, he has proven me wrong, and I’m happy that I was and have no problem admitting it. Things were rocky in the beginning, but he does have this defense ballin, he and D line coach Azzinaro are doing a very good job. I’m glad Chip didn’t listen to the fans, he won’t be sitting with us no time soon! Howie Roseman needs some credit to for bringing in Chip. I was wrong about that too. I admit I was on the Gus Bus. However, I did like the last two drafts and felt with time and good coaching their selections would benefit the team. Lane and Zack are playing well and Benny Logan is just a man in the middle. Good job Howie. Thorton, Curry and of course Foles from 2012. Things are looking bright for the Eagles future!!!
Well Denny maybe you should have the same trust in the quarterback, who has done more than Davis to earn your trust , but you would never go out on a limb for this type of quarterback, you don’t have the fucking guts or your career ambitions prevent you from being honest, either way you are a weasel
If Colin Kaepernick, rg3 were putting up the numbers foles has you would be all over it
I am sick of guys like you who back in the day would be playing with erector sets, but in the new era you are in the loop because of fantasy football, you are now out in droves, wearing your favorite jerseys, and looking to make it in journalism at te expense of truth, doing the right thing, but we have figured you out
Smoke a bong or something bro , eagles are bulldozing the nfl with foles who cares if the nfl national and local reporters don’t see reality. That’s better for us , the underdogs, will keep nick focused and such.
Enjoy the ride bro and I would suggest a bong, bowl or spliff ASAP
Yep that’s me! A total weasel.
Don’t read the articles if you are sick of guys like Denny.
You need to chill out dude, it’s football. You sound like you’re about to blow a gasket because Denny hasn’t christened Nick Foles the second coming of Joe Montana.
I read want I want to read and comment at my discretion, who the fuck are you to tell me what to do, if you don’t like my commentary move on
(LIKE)
This site should have its name changed to dbasens.com!
haha, thank you!
i bet billy davids will be up for head coaching positiom soon…anyone who makes nate allen play bal can do wonders!
Billy Davis has done a good job so far and has surprised pretty much everybody. He was an odd choice for DC.
He should get a raise for what he’s done with Nate Allen alone.
If he’s somehow able to turn Matthews into a decent player, that will be a true miracle.
3 Things that I like about with Billy Davis and this Eagle Defense
1) He honest, straight forward and a tireless worker
2) He stresses Conditioning and Position Discipline
3) He has improved the Teams Tackling, Aggressiveness and the ability to fly to the Ball and to cover each other’s back
Overall, DC Davis and his Sraff have done a great Job with their new Schenes, new players and the young Players and there appears that the Pkayers respect and trust his calls and therefore trust in each other
The only Player I have seen who looks like he is just not a for this new Schemes is Brandon Graham..
Hey you clowns I ain’t blowing a gasket over anything this guy writes just giving you my perspective, he’s a a damn fool, sorry, not erector set but beanie baby, clown garbage ass
So you need an author to give all perspectives in order to consider him credible? Do you find GCobb credible?
Personally, I like Denny. I think he writes a good article, he usually has an article up within minutes of the game, and he usually has a good perspective.
I don’t agree with everything he says, but I don’t turn into a troglodyte when I disagree. But then again, I’ve got class.
Thanks E-money! Seriously, that means a ton.
“The job that he’s done turning this unit around is truly commendable, and without this defense the Eagles would not have half of their wins”
Right on point!! The two main reasons for the Eagles tremendous run here is the outstanding play of the defense and the domination of the offensive line! He has earned my trust…and I have to admit…early in the year I did not believe that he knew what he was doing! Good write up Denny!
Thank you!
Billy Davis has done a great job, my point being that when he had opportunity to comment on the play of the eagles starter at qb , there was always measured, negative commentary, because Denny is not real, he’s young, he’s looking to promote his career, at the expense of the truth, he goes with the thread that a guy like foles cannot be successful, well he’s wrong, and basens has nothing else going for him but to denigrate an athlete basens could only dream about being
Promote my career at the expense of the truth?
I spent the whole off-season ripping the defensive coordinator hire, and the early part of the regular season too. But I guess “promoting my career at the expense of the truth” took priority and stopped me from writing this, and basically saying I was wrong about him and he’s surprised me doing a great job?
And “measured negative commentary”? I think you need to go back and read what I’ve written more carefully. I don’t think I’ve been negative on Foles…go back to my post-game article from the Dallas game, and you’ll see that my “measured negative commentary” said I believed it was important for him to continue starting even though he had just had a poor game in a huge spot.
http://18.208.40.39/2013/10/20/thoughts-eagles-cowboys/
“Michael Vick will clearly be the starter next week if he’s healthy.
But in my mind, today’s game showed exactly why its important that Nick Foles continue to be the starter for this team.
The Eagles need to find out about Nick Foles. They can’t go into another off-season with uncertainty surrounding their former third-round pick. Its important that he play these games and either sinks or swims.
Right now the Eagles have seen Foles get significant action in three games. He’s impressed in two of them, and he’s failed miserably in one. We need to see more.
Which quarterback are we going to see more of? The guy who led the Eagles to late victories against the Giants and Buccaneers, or the guy who threw for only 80 yards today?
The Eagles won’t learn the answer by keeping him on the bench.”
And after the Raiders, I essentially said that the job should be his for the rest of the season based on the level of play he had shown in his three good games.
http://18.208.40.39/2013/11/03/thoughts-eagles-raiders/
“Over the last month, Nick Foles has seen significant action in four games. He’s played extremely well in three of them. Just like Vick earned the right to begin the season as the starter with great play over one month in the preseason, Foles has now earned the right to be the team’s starter with great play over one month in the regular season.
Plain and simple, it should be his turn.
He’s shown enough over the last month that the Eagles owe it to themselves and their future to give him these final seven games of the year to show what he’s got.
The Eagles need to know if he’s really capable of consistently running the offense at a level of efficiency this high. The team spent a pretty high draft pick on him a year and a half ago, and they can’t afford to go into his third year still undecided about his future.
Let Foles start. Let him sink or swim. Understand that every quarterback has a bad day every now and then. Understand that young quarterbacks naturally go through ups and downs…its part of the growth and development process.”
But I guess I’m just a weasel that hates Nick Foles, right?
Look I’m never going to sit here and tell you I’m infallible. I’m wrong more than my fair share of times…sometimes I either get carried away with a criticism or maybe I don’t give a player/coach enough praise when they deserve it, or my take on an in-game situation is way off the mark. But jakedog, you’re so off base here. To say that I’m trying to denigrate Foles in order to “bury the truth and promote my career” is just nonsense.
Listen Denny you don’t have to defend yourself to these lame, jerks. There is legitimate football argument…a good between the lines, fair criticism and fight over our football team…and then there are the jerks like Jerkdog, mhenski, and other lames who descend into personal insults when you disagree with their garbage.
Also, you got a right to promote your career with your opinions pro-or con like everyone else who seeks a career as a writer, analysis, or broadcaster…
You have clearly been on the Nick Foles bandwagon…that you want to ‘sink or swim’ with…my view is if he cant swim…I’m not interested in ‘sinking’ with him. We have to win NOW…no telling what may happen next year…the name of the game is to win now. I want to swim with Nick Foles as soon as he proves he can win a big time pressure game against a good team with a good defense!
He aint did that yet…so I am staying consistent…I am convinced when Nick Foles gives us a clutch performance in a big time game….until then ..we need a franchise QB who is a better fit for this offense! .
Jake not here to argue with you, but when did Denny say Foles couldn’t succeed?
For whatever it’s worth, I did nominate Denny
Basen’s for a Pulitzer Prize in the “Sports Blog Category”
Not sure how many Votes he got… But keep up the Good Work
Thank you! Will do!
Denny off topic here, but how come there is no post about the Desean, Lesean argument that Riley Cooper stepped in to defend Desean and the argument escalated? Why in your opinion was this glossed over? I’ve only seen brief mention of it elsewhere even though it was there for all to see on the broadcast.
I was so surprised that this was so easily dismissed too. Seemed like it didn’t get heated until Cooper stepped in which makes you wonder if McCoy is still mad.
Hey Big sorry it took all day to answer, I just saw this now…but anywho honestly, this comment was the first I’ve really heard of it…I must have missed it during the broadcast, and I hadn’t seen or heard it discussed anywhere else.
My guess is that maybe there really wasn’t anything special/unique about the incident that was worth reporting. If there was, the coaches/players did a good job of downplaying it enough and writing it off that it would just go away. If there was anything more to it, I’m sure someone within the media would have taken it and ran with it.
Readng the story on Philly.com about ShawnAndrews during his time in Philly is realy sad, and it answers a few questions, specifically, why after dominating the NFC as we did early in Andy’s tenure, how did NY jump ahead of us, and win 2 SB’s. One answer sticks out during that interview. Team Unity, and a Positive atmosphere.
I dont get how you can so allienate a guy on YOUR OWN TEAM, to the point where you cut your nose to spite your face. This is what it sounds like Donovan Mcnabb did. A lineman that supposed to protect you? no thanks, but you ridicule your Pro-Bowl Lineman to the point he does not want to play for you? thats F’d Up. If this is true. McNabb just lost a lot of respect from me. not for being a bully, but for being STUPID! Andrews lost some respect from me as well because this is locker room business, and in this very same article he seemed to be talking about Dawk…… a mistake.
These athletes are flawed. Every adult knows that. Put them on a pedastool on Sunday….and that its.
Take a bunch of young players, sprinkle in some vets and then add in some other FAs and then change the system completely. That smells like a recipe for disaster to me, but somehow it has worked out and that has to come down to putting the players in the position to succeed and getting the right mix of players. They are not the Seattle or Carolina defense, but they make plays when they have to with a squad of players that was thrown together in the off season.
Strong drafts will have to continue though as time of possession is never going to be a priority for the offense, so defensive depth will be very important.
Hey Denny, probably little tough on you, reading your bio your some young buck trying to get a foothold in the profession, but if your going make it in this profession you better have balls the size of church bells, good luck
“There was only 1 thing from keeping me from the Big Leauges…Talent”
Brains too maybe?
I have the Brains too Theone1… Lawwrd even invited me to join the Philadelphia area “Mensa Club” .. I declined and told him I wouldn’t join unless he invited DCar and GMCliff in the Club also… He said he had to talk to his Mensa Club Council & Superiors first. ..
paul, I LMMFBO!!!!! Classic paulman! >XD
It’s all good! and thank you!
I think the fact that this team is 6-5 and $18 million under the cap shows that the young players are doing enough to be successful, and high paid guys like desean, lesean, barwin, and other are producing like high paid guys. Next years off season will be a very interesting one.
one think I would like to clear up.. The CAp Issue for the EAgles is a Year by YEar thing.. The fact that they are $19 Million under the Cap for 2013 has no bearing on their 2014 Cap # which presently stands at 119.621 in Player Salaries that are under Contract and $2,602.000 in Dead $$ that will be applied to their Team Salary.. The Eagles as of Today have “Zero” Cap Space for 2014 and this does not include Players who contracts are up
in 2013 (Vick,Maclin,Cooper,Clifton Geathers,Phillip Hunt,Nate Allen, Kurt Coleman, Colt Anderson who are all Free-Agents after 2013) so in Reality the Salary Cap issue is going to mean some very difficult decisions to be made in either restructuring some Players Current Deals (D-Jax,McCoy,Herremans,Celek,Cole,Ryans,Barwin,Casey,C Williams,P Chung) which is always harder to do than everyone thinks ..
Bottom Line is that off-season will be th emost difficult off-season for GM Roseman and Staff to get the Eagles Long-Term Salary Structure back into Place than has needed to be done in quite some time ..
When Teams are Winning, Players are more likely to re-structure their Deals if they want to remain and finish their Careers in Philly , but you cannot count on this for sometimes Agents get in the Way.. and do remember that this “Zero Cap” Space for 2014 does not include the 9 Players who are Free-Agents for 2013 so if you say, lets sign Cooper, Maclin or whomever then that amount of Salary will need to be cut from the Current Roster…. Lots of Difficult decisions lie ahead …
The Cowboys are approx $30 Million over teh Cap in 2014 and will be relasing many Players after the 2013 Season
Kyle Orton, Miles Austin, OL Costa and Bearnardeau, etc will all be on the Chopping Block..
The Estimate Salary cap is expected to Rise to about $123 Million Per Club, Right now, there are a total of 13 NFL Teams that are expected to exceed the Cap with their Current Salry Structure committed to 2014 Players on their Rosters which means a lot of things
1) Free-Agency may take longer this year since many Teams do no have the Cap Space to land a “Big Contract-Big Name Player” unless they clear off from their Current Roster….
2) The days of many Teams of having Experienced Back-ups along the Offense and Defenseive Teams are over.. Teams will take the chance with carrying less expensive/experienced Back-Up QB’s, OL your 3rd/4th WR and so on and so on… The impetus of Drafting good young Talent is more critical than ever for if you can add 8-10 New Rookie Players who are paid relatively cheap for 2-3 Seasons in the Row which finding some good players, moderately priced Veterans with a Solid QB and Playmakers that this is the way to go…. I am only mentioning this for many People do not relaize that the Eagles basically have no or little Cap Space for 2014 until they re-structure a lot of players deals or out and out Release PLayers that are under Contract..
So when I see Posters state , lets add Safety J Byrd, and Resign WR Maclin, or go get DE XXXX, or CB XXXX etc, etc, these are very unlikely to occur for the Eagles
I believe Eagles re-Sign Cooper and would like to resign Maclin on a 1 Year Cheap pdeal to see if he can stay healthy.
I see them ree-signing Safety Nate Allen off their own Free-Agency List and I see them saying Good-Bye to Kurt Coleman, Colt Anderson,Geathers, and Phillip Hunt
I also see them releasing Players like TE Casey, Safety Chung,
Probably OL Herremans and groom Dennis Kelly to replace him in 2014
Defense, you have to think the Brandon Graham is a goner, LB Phillips from IR List, and some Contracts need to be reworked like COle, Ryans,Barwin, C Williams unless the plan is to bring back most of the same Unit for 2014 which very well could be the plan.. So my point is, that adding any big name Free-Agents is not very likley and with a Team rebuilding from a 4-12 Record to lets say a 8-9 or 10 Win Season with a potential Playoff berth for 2013, why would the Front Office & the Coachind Staff want to go out and cut 6-7-8-10 Players and then go out add another 8-9-10-15 New Players between Free Agency and the 2014 Draft .. It doesn’t make sense financially, or for locker room comrardie Now if the 2013 Eagles were bad again and finished with 4-5 Wins which many did preduict, yes then it’s easy to cut the chord with Veterans like T Cole, T Herremans, B Celek,J Avant, N Allen, D Ryans… but how can you do this after the nice bounce back and performance of many of these Players this Season…. very difficult decisions ahead for Roseman & Co this Off-Season and I am sure many of these Evaluations are being looked at and fomualted over the remainder of the Season ….
does any of that 18 million 2013 cap money carry over to the 2014 season?
No it does not Eagles.. Each Year is Indepentant of each other and has no bearing….If you want to check out a web-site that breaks down Eagles Roster as far as Current Salaries, Roster Bonus’s, Futures Years Salaries and Dead $$$ check out “eaglescap.com”
Look under tab of “Current Year 2013” for this Year and then you can look at the Committed $$$ for 2014, 2015 & 2016
Dallas is going to be a disaster in 2015 as well. Team completely on the downslope. They’re be releasing players like crazy, and will soon need a new QB.
Washington is a disaster gutting several drafts for a QB who has question marks all over him. (size, injuries, and now productions)
Who knows what to think of the Giants…0-6 and now they’re right in the think of things…still, no oline, no rbs, QB over 34 next year. Theres a lot of work to be done there.
There is an opportunity for the Eagles to take advantage of the next 5 years….thank goodness they may have the most important position figured out. If the Birds move to a QB at the draft (as many are still suggesting) they will miss several of these potential golden opportunity years.
Dallas has a lot more issues than simply Salary Cap issues and will be a disaster after this Season is over.
Their Complete Coaching Staff is Fragmented..
The Switch to a 4-3 employing a Cover 2 with new DC Kiffin has been a complete Disaster.. Everyone knew the Cowboys DL and especially at DT was weak and that their Safety Play is perhaps the worst in the NFL
which a Cover 2 cannot be effective with poor Safety Play and a lack of pressure up Front.. They just don’t have the Personnel to make that Scheme work.. Word is that Kiffin will be let go after 1 Season citing a Health Issue in oder for him to save face and his reputatiion.. Problem is that DL Coach Rod Marinelli is extremely tight with Kiffin and if Kiffin is pushed out, then Marinelli will not take his Position and look to move elsewhere…
Then you get to the Offensive Side of the ball with OC Bill Callahan took over the PLay Calling from HC Jason Garrett causing a Rift between them and with QB Tony Romo who likes working more with Garrett than the ego grabbing my way or th hi-way of Bill Callahan..
Lots of issues and this is exactly what Happens when an Owner thinks he is the GM and can run “Football Operations” .. The HC must be able to hire his own people if he is to get a program on track and not have a hired Coaching Staff put in place by an Owner… Now of course I hate the Cowboys and Jerry Jones, but I actually feel sorry for jason Garrett who is basically stuck in a no-win situation,,,
I expect Jason Garrett to get Fired after they fail to make the Playoffs in 4 of his 5 Seaons Coaching and DC Kiffin to retire .. Watch Jones push hard for Nick Saban but it won’t happen.. I would not be surprised to see Lovie Smith Hired as HC and possibly Callahan stays on to appease Romo and the Offense while Lovie SMith rebuilds that Defense in his likeness..
I believe Shannahan is in deep trouble with Owner Snyder..
He has 1 Year left remaining on his deal but could finish in the basement of the NFC East for 3 of his 4 Seasons Coaching
Ther entire RG3 Handling has been comical since late last Season when it was clearly obvious that RG3 was injured and probably should have never even played in the Playoff game or at least in the 2nd half when he was attempting to play on 1 leg and sustained further injury.. All summer long it was a battle between RG3’s Camp and Shannahan Camp about the Status of his rehab, when he would play, etc,etc and there are some serious questions about whether the SKins would have been better off having RG# on PUP list to start the Season and go with back-up QB Kurt Cousins where they had an entire Summer to have work on schemes and game plans that busit suits his style.. then bring back RG3 in Week 4 or 5 and be ready to make a PLayoff Run
Anyone who knows much about SHanahan is that he is a man and Coach who is used to and demands being in complete control and he has little control of the “Star and Personality” that RG3 and the power that RG3’s Dad and Marketing Group have within Owner Daniel Snyders and GM Bruce Allen’s ear..
Every week there are subtle shots and remarks made by each side giving digs at each other.. It’s about to hit a boiling point with SHanahan and some of the experienced Veterans on the Redksins who are starting to think that RG3 is concerned more about himself than the Team and wuestioning his Leadership abilities from retired Redskins Darrell Green to WR Santana Moss, etc,etc ..
When you hear RG3 saying “the Eagles Defense knew our calls and formations” that’s basically calling out your OC & HC (the Shannahan’s) of not game planning well enough
p
Colt Anderson is a big time special teams player, something Kelly actually values! And he is not an expensive player to keep around, plus he is fine as a back up safety, can tackle well. I think the Eagles will want to keep him around.
Good points Paulman. But I think Herremans (who can be replaced quite nicely and cheaply by Barbre) is out of here and restructuring Celek should not be too hard. He is not a starter anymore and Ertz is the future. Celek has to understand there won’t be a lot of suitors and he is the #2 TE next year. Cole will take the cut because he is a good soldier, a true Eagle and knows he isn’t getting paid anywhere else. Casey is definitely taking a cut or getting cut. Chung and Coleman have no real place here. I still think Byrd is FA target #1 and Allen will be gone. He can’t be trusted. Wolfe is the other starter and Colt stays for special teams. Maclin WILL NOT sign here. NE, Detroit and St Louis are much more attractive options for him. Just throwing these out there to see how you feel about it.
Barbre is not strong enough to play right guard — if you want to run the football you need an extremely strong RG and Barbre is not even close to being strong enough. On most NFL OL the strongest player is the RG which is why twice Andy Reid used a number one draft choice on RG.
I agree a lot with your say and thought there would be zero chance of Eagles Re-signing Maclin if he actually played this Year for I just don’t see the Eagles with 2 WR’s having $40-$50 Million COntracts. but now that he’s missed all Season, his Signability and value is pretty minimal so he could actually be signed on a 1 Year Deal pretty chealply.. but I stil lbelieve Coach AR who is very familiar and fond of Maclin and is Maclin would be one of the few Teams to offer a 3 Year Deal to Macling where he is unlikely to get an Offer like that from anyone else.. Chiefs needs a 2nd WR opposite of Bowe who they signed to big deal but is not really a speed threat that Maclin is.. maclin in essense would take the role of what D-Jax dod for AR and the Eagles while Bowe is the slot,intermediate WR for them moving forward.. could be a nice fit for him..
An interesting Player to look at this OFf-Season is Jason Peters who has 1 final Season left at $10 Million.. do you extend him ,do you let him play out 2014 and then let him walk or do you maximize your return this Off-Season and Trade him to a Team depserate for OT help (Falcons,Steelers,Etc,etc and get a 2nd Round Draft Pick .. Peters at $10 Million is a pretty good Deal when you compare some the Deals that Trent WIlliams, Long, Clady etc,etc have signed recently.. I think the smart move is Trading Peters, and replacing him with Barbree, Redo Herremans Deal or release him and let Dennis Kelly replace him 2014 and then you knocked off $10 Million from Peters and 4.5 from Herremanss and add a 2nd Rd Draft Pick and Draft a uyoung OT to learn behind Barbree for a coupld of Seasons
Another reason not to mess around too much with Maclin is A) he has been a borderline bust, B) he is frequently injured or “banged up” in some way, and C) WR is almost certainly going to be BPA where we draft anyway. So start Cooper and work the rookie in gently like we are doing with Ertz. And try to avoid drafting a guy that can’t go to mini-camps!!
There will be plenty of cap next year Paulman. Just look at some of the numbers guys are on the books for, very unlikely they see anything close to it and will be either forced to restructure or cut or maybe even traded.
Peters: 10 million
Celek: 5 million
Casey: 4million
Avant: 4 million
Ryans: 7 million
Cole: 6.5 million
Graham: 3.3 million
Chung: 3.2 million
Even Djax at 12.5 million (even tho he is having a great year)
They could easily be 20-22 million under the cap come next offseason after they make moves on the majority of these guys. Its not unreasonable to think that they wont go after a big time free agent.
I also think Maclin resigns here on a short term deal if he passes a physical. Think about it, what kind of leverage does Maclin have? He has been solid but nothing spectacular..he will not get big money/long term from other teams, esp when there is a pretty nice WR class coming out in the draft. And if you are Maclin and are looking for a big money deal, why not play a year or 2 in Chips system to boost your numbers? Just look at Djax…
I think offensive players will want to come here/resign here cause of Chip
FOr defensive purposes, Orapko might be available…Redskins like the Cowboys have cap problems…would take him over Byrd. Imagine Orapko and Barwin rushing the sides…and a combo of Kendricks/Ryans and CJ Mosley (who I like a lot) in the middle.
Maclin is familiar with a Morningweig and Reid run offense who might want him,
Yea but if you are Maclin why would you sign with the Chiefs/Jets.
His numbers would be bad in that conservative Chiefs offense that doesn’t throw passes over 7 yards…Smith doesn’t go deep at all. That offense is nothing special.
And in regard to the Jets, Geno looks like shit. Exactly why I didn’t want the Eagles to waste a pick on him…he is a turnover machine. And if he doesn’t get off to a great start in the beginning of the game, he has shown it effects his mentality the rest of the game which has lead him to be benched.
Whereas Maclin’s numbers in Chip Kellys offense would likely be great if he is healthy, and then he could look for that big money a year or two from now.
Geno Smith has ‘Upside’.
i agree Pheaags, sometimes re-structuring a lot of Veteran Players who remain on a Team is very bad for morale wise, let alone sends a mixed message to young PLayers or potential Free-Agents where every high-priced players is going to be asked to re-structure and that the Team does not honor it’s Contracts… Look at the Cowboys, they have had 4-5-6 Big name players almost every season restructure their deals to free up for other Free-Agents (Romo, Ware, Austin, Whitten, etc,etc have done this,
the problem you run into, is when Veterans who have been around take cuts only to see big $$$ go to a newbie big name Free-Agent usually doesn’t sit well with Veterans and especially when the Team is not Winning (like the Cowboys,like the Steelers are going thru right now) and even Teams like 49ers who have lots of players with big contracts..
It’s a fine balance and one that needs careful deliberation about how a Team,Front Office, Coaching Staff down to the Players can keep on the same page… If your a Franchise (like the Cowboys have become) that wants to re-structure your Contract that you signed almost every season, then this keeps quality PLayers from wanted to play and remain there for they feel they are getting “jacked around” so when you say ,let’s just restructure 8-9-10 Players on the Roster. It’s not that easy, and sometimes it’s just easier and less painful to Team to identify which Players are not a fit for your schemes moving forward or Players who play a position where you have depth and it may just be easier to cut the chord with 3 Players where you can address the Rest of the Team that it’s strictly a business decision .. Re-structuring too many Players sends a bad mesage to potential players or Young players who are trying to make names for themselves so that someday they can get a big deal or outplay their Rookie Deals..
NYGiants GM Jerry Reese fighting with Osi Umenyiora and Joe Banner fighting with Terrell Owens were toxic fights
I expect Graham, Cole, Chung, Herramans, Fletcher, and Possibly Avant, if they draft a WR, released or cut by next camp……Giving us more cap space to upgrade the Secondary….
Orakpo, is overrated. I don’t love Barwin, but he is good to have on the team for depth. Mosley is slow, and can’t cover in space. I would much rather have Khalil Mack, with more upside – think a BIGGER Derrick Thomas Pheags, and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
Barwin can play any of the Linebacker positions. He should be used to cover TE’s more so than Kendricks, – who should be rushing the QB, and covering the RB
There is also a chance that Aldon Smith will be released by the 49ers. I would much rather have him than Orakpo, if he is available. They will have some options to take us to the next level, if Howie makes the right decisions….
pass rusher is teams biggest weakness, if it is not addressed in Free Agency it will certainly be the target in the first round. Jeff Lurie traded up 3 times for a pass rusher ( Mamula, McDougle, and Graham)
Khalil Mack
But Safety as well, has to be addressed, in both free agency, and the draft.
Maclin said he is frustrated about missing the year, and head coach Chip Kelly’s offense. “Just knowing the type of success I could have had in this offense and the extra quality I could have brought to this team – that’s the most frustrating part,” Maclin said. “I’m one of the guys that can move around and be put in different spots. The fact that I played inside in college and have the quickness to play there and I’ve got the size and speed to play outside.”
I kinda agree with Maclin’s comments. I think he would be great in this offense.
I would franchise Mclin and re-sign Cooper, who will also be a free agent, I think.
We need a OLB early in the draft – the kind of OLB that get 15 sacks a year.
Exactly my point Irish. Maclin will want to come back here. I also think that the guy likes the Philly area, I see him out all the time. Would of been nice to see him available for a young QB in Foles. Foles is putting up historical numbers with Cooper, imagine if he had Maclin and even Benn.
Offensive players will want to play here cause of the Chip system.
Paulman, what do you think about CJ Mosley? he looks like Navarrow Bowman to me
I like LB CJ Mosley alot, I think the Eagłes go after and OLB with length though, Mosley probably suited for ILB at the NFL Level
Where the Eagłes have Ryans, Kendrick’s & Goode..
Mosley will most likely be a mid to late 1st Round Pick
And should be on the Bomard when they Draft
But not sure they would e use a First Round Selection on an Interior LB
Riley Cooper and Maclin are both free agents.
Cooper has 4.5 speed but he is faster on the back end 40 yard sprint not the beginning which now makes sense why those moon balls Foles has thrown led to some big plays mid season.
The way that Cooper has emerged with Foles at the helm, it going to be hard to have a WR Corp with Jax at $12 Million, Avant at $4Million and then whatever Maclin and Cooper were to get..
I think Cooper gets a 3-4 Year Deal and Maclin signs elsewhere and the Eagles then go Draft a WR from a good WR Class this Draft
I do believe that A Benn is signed thru 2014, and have no idea to the extent of his injury, rehab of his future plans.. but if he’s healthy which is a big Question mark and on a chaep deal, then he probably figures into the mix..
I think Benn, is cut…..Maclin is signed by the EAGLES……..they draft a WR, and Avant, is also released…..Cooper is also resigned…and a compliment WR to Jackson (who still isn’t going anywhere), is signed in Free Agency.
Don’t know if that WILL happen but it is what SHOULD happen……
I doubt Benn even passes a Physical.. This is his 3rd Knee Injury he has sustained in 4-5 Years.. He’s most likely done Playing Football for anyone at this point of his Career…
Yep
I’m with you on that, that’s what Howie should definitely be thinking!
Great insight eagles o supes cooper is a deep threat because of what you state, plus he’s tenacious, real damn tenacious around the ball
I would draft a stud wideout in the first round with coopers size, tenacity, but break out speed that cooper doesn’t have.
Nick foles with this type of weapon will kill opposing defenses, just kill them ,with more records
I could see a trade of Jackson in order to get a bigger type Rookie with speed. (Cap concerns) Resign Cooper ($ must work), make a play for Maclin, keep Benn into camp at least. I think we have seen the end of Avant, D. Johnson. Maehl may stay as your last receiver as he is a young special teamer. Cooper only stays for reasonable money…if he want’s lunacy he gets shown the door.
No way do you trade D-Jax, he’s the big playmaker that opens it up for the others.. He’s s keeper
A positives to keep Cooper in Philly
1) He’s got a good rapport with Fokes who appears to be the long-term answer at QB
2) the Team, owner, GM and Coaching Staff stood behind his rant back in the Summer which could hurt his Calue elsewhere and nake a difficult transition to a new City, Team and Players
3) Kelly’s System is a good fit for him, utilizes he size, blocks well downfield in the running game and has pilot his hard work and time in making a home with the Eagłes..
I think a 3 Year $14-15 Million Deal keeps him with a decent Roster/Sign Bonus and a $3, $4 then $4.5 Million Deal with a $1.5 Million Roster Bonus in 2014 and a $1 Million Bonus in 2015 gets the Deal done..
This is all contingent that he performs over these last 5 games like he has the first half of the Season
He should end up with about 50 Receptions, 800-850 yards receiving with about 10 TD Receptions which is pretty darn good for a #2 WR in terms of production, big plays and TD’s
He currently has 31 Catches for almost 600 Yards and 7 TD’s..
Offer a Naclin 1 Year $1.5 – $2 Million Deal, but he has to prove he can stay healthy and play a Season in Kelly’s System first before giving him any commitment
In my opinion, if he comes back in 2014 and has a nice Season, then he will get his big Deal (from Eagłes or elsewhere) but Maclin is cutrently not in a strong position to demand much due to kissing all Season which is a shame, but it is what it is..
I thought it was his last year? U flip weekly.
I’ve changed my tune about D-Jax because he!s changed his Attitude under Kelly, if he says with a Team First attitude than i am for him,
which he has shown under Jelky, if he continued this year like he was the last 2 Seasons, then ivwould have bumped hom out..
Maybe he’s matured,maybe he realizes that Kelly’s System is perfect for him and that he fully comitted to Team Success
He’ll still make a few bone-head actions, but he’s too valuable as a Player
In this system as long as he stays focused as he is this Season
WHAAAAAAAAT!!!!!!!! Is that you Paul
A productive, mature, with a good attitude D-Jax I support Gmcliff,
I did not support the selfish player who quit on his Team D-Jax from 2011 & 2012 that we saw..
I have never questioned his playmaking ability or his importance to this Eagles Offense, I have questioned his maturity, team committment and selfish behavior but since he’s changed his ways, then I am fine with.. I have not changed or flip-flopped on D-Jax.. He’s the Changed one, He’s more Mature and I am Happy to see it for it makes him a better Player and the Eagles a Better Offense and Better Team..
had the same thoughts as you Paul both previously and present about desean. For the first time since his sophomore season i am thinking he is a game changing dominant NFL WR. He really has adjusted everything about his game this year and his attitude too for the most part.
keep kicking ass desean!
I’m impressed as always Buddy…..
I could see another TE drafted as well like Austin Safarian -Jenkins, who is having conduct issues that may effect his draft status.
Jackson is staying put. Howie really likes him and so does the Eagles offense, plus, who wants to take on that contract.
The way I look at it, Eagłes can have both Cooper and Maclin next Season for about what is due to Avant
How much more explosive would Eagłes Offense be and a match-up nightmare for defenses with D-Jax and Cooper split out Wide on opposite sides with Maclin in the slot over Avant..
LB’s and Safeties cover Avsnt and the slot a lot of tones, Maclin could outrun these defenders in most cases, Avant cannot
Avant and D Jonson are the odd Pkayers out
See what Bramd Dmith can do these final 5 Weeks and determine if he’s a Red-Zone threat, a Returnman and possibly a couple of Wildcat packages
Since he played QB in a Spread-option Offense when at University of Missouri as a 3 a year Starter..
The only thing is, you just don’t know what you are going to get with Maclin…he is that box of chocolates! They can draft a wideout like Dontae Moncrief or Jordan Mathews in the second round or a Devante Parker in the 3rd.
I am always for trading down to get more picks…and we need them
I’ve already suggested Jordan Matthews be drafted in the second round for the Eagles to be Avant’s replacement……
and De’Anthony Thomas as our PR/KR/WR in the 3rd replacing Demarius Johnson
You have to have trading Partners to trade down with GmCliff
Using a 3rd Rounder for a Punt/Kick-off Returner/Scat Back is too high
You can get a good one in the 6th/7th or even as an Undrafted Free-Agent
I never draft too high. I want him as my KR, and I have to play the draft game of where he could be mocked. Most that I have seen say 2-3rd, if I could get him later I would be happy with that….but he is going to go high 2-4th Round, because of his speed…..
.And no, I don’t want one in the 6-7th Round…..no thanks to the Damarius Johnsons of the draft, or worse. You must have your heart set on someone…I don’t want him. I want De’Anthony Thomas.
You say we need trading Partners as if I don’t know that.
You also, need to know when you need to do it, and also DO IT,and not rationalize we already have cornerstones, that in reality are nothing special. There are plenty of teams looking to move up every year….sure the deal has to be right, but the opportunities are there EVERY year, as well as opportunities to take the initiative to be the aggressor in creating deals.
You are going to say, because of the cap teams are more likely to stay put because they can get the same player at 15-20, that you can get at 5-9….depending on who they draft, I say that’s hogwash.
Reality is anything that is possible.
Well you didn’t seem to learn from last year CLiff, when you proposed 3-4-5 Trades Downs that never sniffed a chance of happening.. So I plan my Draft Strategies with the known Picks that they have.
This is not a very Deep Draft after the Top #10 – #15 PIcks or so
as we all of know as far as big time Playmakers,Franchise QB’s,etc,etc so I don’t see a lot of Teams of trying to jump up at this point.. but a lot can change between now and May 2014 as underclassmen come out early, injuries, under the radar players..
Bowl Games, Senior Bowls, Combine, Team Workouts & Interviews, etc,etc..
Thats true Paul, there are some underclassman, that would change the whole scenery of the draft like:
Logan of Stanford, Gregory of Nebraska, Winston, of Florida State, etc…
As far as trade downs, if Maclin, and or Graham had been offered to Minnesota, in a package of some sort, The Eagles may have been able to draft Cyprien where Corderelle Patterson, was drafted in the 1st Round……Like I said very realistic, they just didn’t think to do it, nor did they want to.
I agree Gliff, just bustin’ stones to my good Brother…
Deals can be made when wanted bad enough… Just don’t know if Howie is that polished to make things happen without giving up the farm.. maybe some day..
Your with me on Randy Gregory now? I’m telling you he’s going to be a beast!
He is on the prospect radar, but lets see how he develops. I’m not down on him, but I’m not on him as much as you are at this time Eagle.
Why in week 11 while in first place in an article entitled “Has Billy Davis Earned our Trust” is the draft even a topic== i realize you guys are draft nerds who know more than anyone else in the history of sports but it makes zero sense!
It’s a BYE Week HAC…
What else are we going to talk about, during this little pause of action..
Some of us like to take a look at the future and speculate and I enjoy reading other Posters thoughts on Draft Propects, etc,etc..
It could be worse, we could still be talking about Mike Vick…
…
Paul you guys talk draft on game day! I get it you guys are into the draft… I’m just excited the players we have are doing a good job. Do I think they are undermanned at a few positions YES.
Part two is I just don’t have the leisure time to watch the millions of college games so I watch almost none
I understand HAC that not everyone has the time or gives a hoot about College Football, or the Draft in general or following Future Prospects, It’s something that I enjoy (along with Cliff,DCar & others Posters here on GCobb) and it’s always fun to discuss how to get that next great player or how best fits a scheme or fills a position of need..
This IS a sports blog Ciggy……so we talk sports….Is not the draft sport?
I think we should have a competition this Season to add a little more fun and excitement to the Draft Cliff…
Maybe a bunch of us can give Top #10 Picks in Order and whoever has the most correct Selections wins something (Maybe one of your “Dumb-Ass Sweat Suits” if you still have any left)
Then we can have a separate Competition on the 7-8 Eagles Selections and see who gets the most correct with their Selections.. have a Weighted pool where the 1st Pick is worth 7 Pts, the 2nd Pick worth 6 Pts, 3rd Round worth 5 Pts, 4th Round worth 4 Pts and so on down the line where we would recognize the “Champion GCobb Draft King” ..
Let’s take a look at Desean Jackson’s stats this year so far with 5 games to go:
58 REC, 985 yds, 17.0 ypc, 61 long, 7 tds
Almost 1,000 yds and only 58 rec? That’s some unreal numbers. It really shows the production that Desean is having in this new offense (even without Maclin). Some may think hes a goner after this year but hes not going anywhere. He flourishes in this offense and Kelly loves the kid. He just got a new 5 year deal in March of 2012 with a new attitude so hes here for the long haul..
EVERYONE ON GODS GREEN EARTH KNOWS HE IS STAYING HART
LOL!!!
Look at Riley Cooper’s #’s also (and the exciting thing is that most of Cooper Production has been with Foles at QB so it’s not even a full 11 Games)
31 Reception 592 Yds (19.1 Yard per Catch) 63 Long & 7 TD’s ..
When Adding both TE’s Celek & Ertz #’s,The TE Position Production is
40 Receptions 565 Yards (14.1 Yard per Catch) 42 Long and 4 TD’s
The over/under number for the amount of passes Foles will throw before his first interception is set at 42.5, according to Bovada
Vegas posted The Over/Under that Songs will Re-Gift his RG3
Jersey’s this Christmas to other family members is a +3
Songs has to be struggling right now. Eagles at 5-1 in games where Foles plays the majority of the snaps, setting records in the process, while down in Washington RGIII is bumbling through his softmore season (often happens).
Poor guy…..who’s he on to next?
songs still has Vontaze Burfict who is playing defensive MVP football right now, I don’t think Vontaze gets the award because he leaves game on heavy passing downs but he is definitely in the conversation because he leads the NFL in tackles
Vick speaks on 94.1 WIP yesterday. Mike Vick finally spoke yesterday on WIP and said “Of course you don’t take out Foles who is playing lights out he understands that”. Reuben Frank also went on to say that Vick is really a changed person, his family loves this area, he is so involved in the community and him and Foles really have a genuinely good relationship and Vick really likes Foles and wants him to succeed. He has no problem being his backup. Reuben Frank also mentioned that Vick will have the option to hold Foles clipboard at a 2-3.5 million dollar clip for the next few years or move on if offered a starting job.So it comes down to Vick getting spot starts if Foles gets injured and staying in league for a few years or possibly going to another city and possibly signing a 1-2 year deal on probably a bad team and getting hurt. Or staying here, injury free and getting spot starts when needed. A veteran backup is a must IMO to keep the ship moving if something happens to Foles moving forward. Vick was nowhere as good as Foles earlier in the year but he wasn’t awful either. Unless someone has a better backup option to Foles Im hoping Vick stays as a backup. Unless you trust Barkley or a John Skelton type with the keys.
I agree with that Dag…
I like Vick to keep as maybe a 2nd-3rd string Veteran option, and develop another QB with a better skill set than Barkley – Who I said was not an NFL QB……..
Barkley blows bring back Vick as the 2 and go heavy defense and oline in the 2014 draft.
100% agree big
LOL!!!
F^#@ Barkley & Vick! They both blow, & gotta go! GTFOH!
Who do you replace them with DCar?…..who do you have in mind, that you think is better good brother?….
Also, Josh Gordon looked good AGAIN!!! Howie go get him!!! Put him opposite DeSean, and we have SERIOUS weapons…..Screw the risk, I don’t care….this risk is worth taking. then upgrade the Defense in the draft.
Price just skyrocketed!