Last season the Philadelphia Eagles finished the season with a three game winning streak putting them at 8-8. The team knew what it's weaknesses were and went out and addressed them the best they could. The red zone offense was terrible. It is the area they need to improve the most in order to have any shot at winning.
Offensively the Eagles made plays for WR's Randy Moss, Larry Fitzgerald and Roy Williams. In the end we drafted Desean Jackson. And what a great pickup it was. Jackson has really impressed people this preseason. He may emerge as a Steve Smith clone.
The offense of course revolves around Donovan McNabb. A healthy McNabb will equal a great McNabb. We the fans all know how great he can play. But others feel differently. A 3,000 yard passing season is not out of the question by far. What is questioned is how he will distribute the ball.
Kevin Kolb and AJ Feeley will again be the backups. But this time the roles are reversed. This year Kolb starts out as the number two guy. He is slowly developing into a solid QB. Another year in the system and he will be the heir apparent to McNabb.
Brian Westbrook is....well....Brian Westbrook. Some say he is the second best back in footbal next to LT. I will agree with that. He doesn't get the carries others do, yet he has back to back 1000 yard seasons. Westbrook is good for at least 60 catches out if the backfield. My favorite quote about Westbrook is this..." He'll outrun a Linebacker and run over a Safety". Can't remember who said it but it is true.
The Eagles brought in Lorenzo Booker to take some pressure off of Westbrook. Booker s another small, shifty back with great speed and hands. Look for him to be split out wide at times to help crete mismatches.
Correll Buckhalter is the power back. Buck has made it back from two major knee surguries to become a solid reliable RB. He is the change of pace back we need.
The FB position as of now is up in the air. Former Penn State star Tony Hunt is being tried out at the position. Hunt is a player the Eagles don't want to lose, but with Westbrook, Buckhalter and Booker, there isn't any room for Hunt. Should he win the position, he will be counted on to get tough yards and open holes for our RB's. Blocking wasn't his thing last year. So hopefully he learned more this year.
Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown are both nursing injuries. Curtis is more severe. A sports hernia that he had surgery on. He will be out a few weeks. And after that he won't be 100%. So it's time for the other WR's to step up. Hank Baskett is a 6'4 big bodied WR. He will be counted on more in the redzone this year than last year. Jason Avant had a good game here and there last year. This year he needs to get more involved. And of course there is Greg Lewis. Love him or hate him, the guy is a 3rd down option that usually makes it an automatic first down.
L.J Smith is back healthy from last year. Brent Celek was a rookie who played very well last year. And Matt Schoebel is...... well I can;t desribe what he brings to the team. All I know is the TE's in this offense are used in a majority of plays. These guys know they have to produce. It's just a matter of producing.
The offensive line is another question mark. Of course the starters are pretty much set.
RT Jon Runyan, RG Todd Herremans, C Jammall Jackson, LG Shawn Andrews, LT Williams Thomas. After that it gets cloudy. Only OG Max Jean-Gilles is a lock. There are a couple other young offensive lineman that could get spots over some vets. It is one area that we need great solid depth for.
This team hs a great mix of veterans and youth. The red zone offense should be improved from last year. The Eagles didn't have a problem moving the ball last year. The problem was scoring. With some of the weapons we added along with healthy players, look for the Eagles to again be a top 10 offense in the league.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The following is by Chase:
After our first two preseason games, I'd like to take a look back at the 80 players in camp and see what the roster might look like. There are still alot of battles to be fought and positions to be filled but taking it position by position helps put into perspective.
Quarterbacks: 3
1. Donovan McNabb
2. Kevin Kolb
3. AJ Feeley
* No surprises here. The only possibilty I see other than this right here is that we only carry two quarterbacks, but I don't see that happening.
Runningbacks: 3
1. Westbrook
2. Booker
3. Buckhalter
* There is still a chance for Hunt to prove himself worthy of the roster but I don't think that it will be at the expense of anyone at his position. He looks to be catching balls and getting his blocks in, he's going to have to show off in Pre Season to make it harder for this coaching staff to cut him.
Fullbacks: 1
1. Jason Davis
* Davis has openly admitted that Luke (Lawton) is ahead of him on special teams but Marty Morninwheg has said that he believes that Jason has the upper hand as of right now. I personally liked what i saw from Jed Collins in camp, but if I had to choose one right now, this minute, Jason Davis. I like his attitude.
Tight Ends: 3
1. LJ Smith
2. Brent Celek
3. Matt Schobel
* I added Schobel's name just to put a name in, truthfully I have no idea really where the Eagles are going to go. I like what I see from Gasperson but I would think that he would be extremely raw in the blocking aspect of the position which might prevent him a spot. Kris Wilson hasn't dazzled anyone in camp but still has ample oppurtunity to prove his worth to this staff. Considering the variables at this point I would think it would be bold of me to scratch a veteran of his offense off the roster to make room for a guy that A. Might not be complete at the position or B. Hasn't proven himself of more value yet. Like I said, Schobel's name is in there but I wouldn't be surprised if the staff chose EITHER of the other two players.
Left Offensive Tackles: 2
1. Tra Thomas
2. King Dunlap
* I think of King much like a Pat McCoy figure...amazing potential but still needs time. As much as this FO has put into the offensive line, King gets in basically because he is the only guy at the position. The only competiton he is getting is from Franklin Dunbar who is now sidelined with a lower back injury. Everynight before you goto bed, pray for the health of our starting offensive tackles.
Right Offensive Tackles: 2
1. Jon Runyan
2. Winston Justice
* Again, the depth at offensive tackle is disgraceful and is the one are of this team that really bothers me. Virtually no legit competition at the position for #2 and Justice finds himself on a familiar side of his USC days.
Left Offensive Guards: 2
1. Todd Herremans
2. Mike McGlynn
* I expect Todd to really improve over his performance from last year and I think McGlynn's versatility could really benefit this football team. It's so hard to analyze the offensive line in Camp because there is so much going on but McGlynn plays with a certain intensity that I like to see...what I little I actually did see from him. With Herremans though, he broke even in his one on one's against Bunkley and I think that's a good thing.
Right Offensive Guards: 2
1. Shawn Andrews
2. Max Jean-Gilles
* Shawn is really pissing Reid off to say the least and Max has been get valuable...no...PRICELESS time in there with the 1's and apparently really making strides. This is a good thing considering the talks of moving Andrews to tackle next season atleast we know we have an adequette replacment at guard.
Centers: 2
1. Jamaal Jackson
2. Nick Cole
* With training camp winding down and preseason about to begin, Nick Cole is still on the roster as the #2 center. His only competition seems to be Scott Young, a player that the Eagles have apparently been down on for some time now.
Wide Receivers: 5
1. Reggie Brown
2. Kevin Curtis
3. Jason Avant
4. Hank Baskett
5. DeSean Jackson
* The Eagles could chose to carry six here, who knows? Why would they? Because Greg Lewis is a good football player and has not shown any reason to be cut this year. Shaping a roster does become a numbers game and good players become casualties because of it, but if there is a way Lewis will be on this team this year. However, going with the standard five receivers the Eagles normally carry, Avant, Baskett and Jackson have just played so well this camp to be denied a spot. Look for Shaheer McBride to have an offer for the PS.
Left Defensive Ends: 3
1. Juqua Parker
2. Victor Abiamiri
3. Chris Clemons
* One of the most talented defensive linemen of any camp that I've seen. Most every defensive end not only has a chance to make the roster but to also earn some playing time this season IMO. Hopefully Big Vic can make a speedy recovery and be on the field and allow this line to perform at it's full potential this season.
Right Defensive Ends: 3
1. Trent Cole
2. Darren Howard
3. Bryan Smith
* Cole is a lock and Howard would possibly get the vote for break out player of Training Camp. Bryan Smith has been sidelined most of camp with some kind of foot injury but his first day of practice notched a sack and a pass deflection.
Defensive Tackles: 4
1. Mike Patterson
2. Brodrick Bunkley
3. Trevor Laws
4. Dan Klecko
* The fourth defensive tackle spot IMO is going to be the big discussion in Reid's office when it comes time to make the final cuts. To me, Dan Klecko has out performed both Kimo and Montae so far in Training Camp, partly due because Kimo has been hampered with a knee injury for most of it. With that being said if Klecko looks the best why would there be a discussion about it? Well look at the picture here, first off, Klecko wasn't brought in as a defensive tackle to begin with. Second, he's small. He seemed to have gotten his weight back up but overall stature by far the smallest defensive linemen in camp. Klecko is definitely fighting uphill but I think that what he has shown in camp so far I don't feel bold at all by penciling him in here. In my mind, he's the fourth best defensive tackle in camp right now ecspecially with Kimo sidelined. Move over Nick Cole, Klecko could be the new lead blocker on the goal line.
Weakside Linebackers: 2
1. Omar Gaither
2. Akeem Jordan
* Both Omar and Akeem seem to have the tools this defense looks for out of their linebackers and I don't expect the coaching staff to change their mind between now and the time of final cuts.
Middle Linebackers: 2
1. Stewart Bradley
2. Joe Mays
* Joe Mays has shown that he is willing to work hard and get dirty. Mays has been able to turn a couple heads with his ability to lay the wood and is improving his coverage ability. A project with upside.
Strongside Linebackers: 2
1. Chris Gocong
2. Rocky Boiman
* At times Andy Studebaker really looks like he could make a push for the roster and at other times looks completely out classed. Boiman appeared to me to be alot more comfortable in the defense on Monday than he was the first time I went last week and just looks like the better player. Andy does have some upside and seems like the type of guy that is willing to put in the hard work to get better so he would be a prime candidate for the practice squad. But if I had to pick a guy to go to war with between Rocky or Andy and at this point I would have to go with Rocky.
Cornerbacks: 5
1. Asante Samuel
2. Sheldon Brown
3. Lito Sheppard
4. Joselio Hanson
5. Therrian Fontenot
* The first four IMO are no brainers but to me the fifth spot is still wide open. I think Kyle Arrington has flashed alot of potential as well. Nick Graham on the other hand just hasn't made a play that I'VE seen the entire camp. I put Fontenot on there considering he's the guy that has stood out the most to me personally BUT on the Eagles depth chart he's listed as the 5th right corner while Arrington is the third left corner. I would take that with a grain of salt, the position will be won in Pre Season on special teams. We'll see.
Free Safeties: 2
1. Brian Dawkins
2. Quintin Demps
* I think Demps posesses the right skill set they want in a free safety and could be the most believable replacment for B Dawk currently on the roster. Not to mention the Eagles like we he could also bring to the return games on special teams. Though Reed had a good showing last season filling in, I don't think that he's showing quite enough in camp to deter the Eagles from taking a chance on Demps.
Strong Safeties: 2
1. Quintin Mikell
2. Sean Considine
* With a pestering shoulder injury apparently behind him, Considine seems pretty convince that the Eagles coaching staff has a plan for him in the defense regardless if he's a starter or not. If that's the case, I can't imagine them choosing Marcus Paschal over him. Though Marcus has shown flashes of potential here and there he's pretty much blended in for the most part.
Specialists: 3
K: David Akers
P: Sav Rocca
LS: Jon Dorenbos
* If you have caught Training Camp Live on PE.com you might have noticed a couple kids standing behind Dave Spadaro for part of the show holding a sign that says, "Show B-West the $$$", but what I don't think that you did see was the other side of that sign...the other side reads, "Show Jonny D the $$$". Yes, that's right, Jon Dorenbos has a fan following at camp. With the three having an entire season and offseason to work together, keeping this unit together might be the best thing for David Akers to return to the form we're used to seeing him at.
After our first two preseason games, I'd like to take a look back at the 80 players in camp and see what the roster might look like. There are still alot of battles to be fought and positions to be filled but taking it position by position helps put into perspective.
Quarterbacks: 3
1. Donovan McNabb
2. Kevin Kolb
3. AJ Feeley
* No surprises here. The only possibilty I see other than this right here is that we only carry two quarterbacks, but I don't see that happening.
Runningbacks: 3
1. Westbrook
2. Booker
3. Buckhalter
* There is still a chance for Hunt to prove himself worthy of the roster but I don't think that it will be at the expense of anyone at his position. He looks to be catching balls and getting his blocks in, he's going to have to show off in Pre Season to make it harder for this coaching staff to cut him.
Fullbacks: 1
1. Jason Davis
* Davis has openly admitted that Luke (Lawton) is ahead of him on special teams but Marty Morninwheg has said that he believes that Jason has the upper hand as of right now. I personally liked what i saw from Jed Collins in camp, but if I had to choose one right now, this minute, Jason Davis. I like his attitude.
Tight Ends: 3
1. LJ Smith
2. Brent Celek
3. Matt Schobel
* I added Schobel's name just to put a name in, truthfully I have no idea really where the Eagles are going to go. I like what I see from Gasperson but I would think that he would be extremely raw in the blocking aspect of the position which might prevent him a spot. Kris Wilson hasn't dazzled anyone in camp but still has ample oppurtunity to prove his worth to this staff. Considering the variables at this point I would think it would be bold of me to scratch a veteran of his offense off the roster to make room for a guy that A. Might not be complete at the position or B. Hasn't proven himself of more value yet. Like I said, Schobel's name is in there but I wouldn't be surprised if the staff chose EITHER of the other two players.
Left Offensive Tackles: 2
1. Tra Thomas
2. King Dunlap
* I think of King much like a Pat McCoy figure...amazing potential but still needs time. As much as this FO has put into the offensive line, King gets in basically because he is the only guy at the position. The only competiton he is getting is from Franklin Dunbar who is now sidelined with a lower back injury. Everynight before you goto bed, pray for the health of our starting offensive tackles.
Right Offensive Tackles: 2
1. Jon Runyan
2. Winston Justice
* Again, the depth at offensive tackle is disgraceful and is the one are of this team that really bothers me. Virtually no legit competition at the position for #2 and Justice finds himself on a familiar side of his USC days.
Left Offensive Guards: 2
1. Todd Herremans
2. Mike McGlynn
* I expect Todd to really improve over his performance from last year and I think McGlynn's versatility could really benefit this football team. It's so hard to analyze the offensive line in Camp because there is so much going on but McGlynn plays with a certain intensity that I like to see...what I little I actually did see from him. With Herremans though, he broke even in his one on one's against Bunkley and I think that's a good thing.
Right Offensive Guards: 2
1. Shawn Andrews
2. Max Jean-Gilles
* Shawn is really pissing Reid off to say the least and Max has been get valuable...no...PRICELESS time in there with the 1's and apparently really making strides. This is a good thing considering the talks of moving Andrews to tackle next season atleast we know we have an adequette replacment at guard.
Centers: 2
1. Jamaal Jackson
2. Nick Cole
* With training camp winding down and preseason about to begin, Nick Cole is still on the roster as the #2 center. His only competition seems to be Scott Young, a player that the Eagles have apparently been down on for some time now.
Wide Receivers: 5
1. Reggie Brown
2. Kevin Curtis
3. Jason Avant
4. Hank Baskett
5. DeSean Jackson
* The Eagles could chose to carry six here, who knows? Why would they? Because Greg Lewis is a good football player and has not shown any reason to be cut this year. Shaping a roster does become a numbers game and good players become casualties because of it, but if there is a way Lewis will be on this team this year. However, going with the standard five receivers the Eagles normally carry, Avant, Baskett and Jackson have just played so well this camp to be denied a spot. Look for Shaheer McBride to have an offer for the PS.
Left Defensive Ends: 3
1. Juqua Parker
2. Victor Abiamiri
3. Chris Clemons
* One of the most talented defensive linemen of any camp that I've seen. Most every defensive end not only has a chance to make the roster but to also earn some playing time this season IMO. Hopefully Big Vic can make a speedy recovery and be on the field and allow this line to perform at it's full potential this season.
Right Defensive Ends: 3
1. Trent Cole
2. Darren Howard
3. Bryan Smith
* Cole is a lock and Howard would possibly get the vote for break out player of Training Camp. Bryan Smith has been sidelined most of camp with some kind of foot injury but his first day of practice notched a sack and a pass deflection.
Defensive Tackles: 4
1. Mike Patterson
2. Brodrick Bunkley
3. Trevor Laws
4. Dan Klecko
* The fourth defensive tackle spot IMO is going to be the big discussion in Reid's office when it comes time to make the final cuts. To me, Dan Klecko has out performed both Kimo and Montae so far in Training Camp, partly due because Kimo has been hampered with a knee injury for most of it. With that being said if Klecko looks the best why would there be a discussion about it? Well look at the picture here, first off, Klecko wasn't brought in as a defensive tackle to begin with. Second, he's small. He seemed to have gotten his weight back up but overall stature by far the smallest defensive linemen in camp. Klecko is definitely fighting uphill but I think that what he has shown in camp so far I don't feel bold at all by penciling him in here. In my mind, he's the fourth best defensive tackle in camp right now ecspecially with Kimo sidelined. Move over Nick Cole, Klecko could be the new lead blocker on the goal line.
Weakside Linebackers: 2
1. Omar Gaither
2. Akeem Jordan
* Both Omar and Akeem seem to have the tools this defense looks for out of their linebackers and I don't expect the coaching staff to change their mind between now and the time of final cuts.
Middle Linebackers: 2
1. Stewart Bradley
2. Joe Mays
* Joe Mays has shown that he is willing to work hard and get dirty. Mays has been able to turn a couple heads with his ability to lay the wood and is improving his coverage ability. A project with upside.
Strongside Linebackers: 2
1. Chris Gocong
2. Rocky Boiman
* At times Andy Studebaker really looks like he could make a push for the roster and at other times looks completely out classed. Boiman appeared to me to be alot more comfortable in the defense on Monday than he was the first time I went last week and just looks like the better player. Andy does have some upside and seems like the type of guy that is willing to put in the hard work to get better so he would be a prime candidate for the practice squad. But if I had to pick a guy to go to war with between Rocky or Andy and at this point I would have to go with Rocky.
Cornerbacks: 5
1. Asante Samuel
2. Sheldon Brown
3. Lito Sheppard
4. Joselio Hanson
5. Therrian Fontenot
* The first four IMO are no brainers but to me the fifth spot is still wide open. I think Kyle Arrington has flashed alot of potential as well. Nick Graham on the other hand just hasn't made a play that I'VE seen the entire camp. I put Fontenot on there considering he's the guy that has stood out the most to me personally BUT on the Eagles depth chart he's listed as the 5th right corner while Arrington is the third left corner. I would take that with a grain of salt, the position will be won in Pre Season on special teams. We'll see.
Free Safeties: 2
1. Brian Dawkins
2. Quintin Demps
* I think Demps posesses the right skill set they want in a free safety and could be the most believable replacment for B Dawk currently on the roster. Not to mention the Eagles like we he could also bring to the return games on special teams. Though Reed had a good showing last season filling in, I don't think that he's showing quite enough in camp to deter the Eagles from taking a chance on Demps.
Strong Safeties: 2
1. Quintin Mikell
2. Sean Considine
* With a pestering shoulder injury apparently behind him, Considine seems pretty convince that the Eagles coaching staff has a plan for him in the defense regardless if he's a starter or not. If that's the case, I can't imagine them choosing Marcus Paschal over him. Though Marcus has shown flashes of potential here and there he's pretty much blended in for the most part.
Specialists: 3
K: David Akers
P: Sav Rocca
LS: Jon Dorenbos
* If you have caught Training Camp Live on PE.com you might have noticed a couple kids standing behind Dave Spadaro for part of the show holding a sign that says, "Show B-West the $$$", but what I don't think that you did see was the other side of that sign...the other side reads, "Show Jonny D the $$$". Yes, that's right, Jon Dorenbos has a fan following at camp. With the three having an entire season and offseason to work together, keeping this unit together might be the best thing for David Akers to return to the form we're used to seeing him at.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Preseason Game 2: Eagles - Panthers
Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook and the rest of the Eagles (0-1) return home Thursday, Aug. 14 to host the Carolina Panthers (1-0) at Lincoln Financial Field. Kickoff for this nationally-televised home contest is set for 8 PM (on FOX).
Donovan McNabb and the offense hope to pick up where they left off in Pittsburgh, where they scored a touchdown and a field goal on their first two drives. McNabb completed 10 of 13 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown during a little more than a quarter's worth of work. Westbrook, who did not play against the Steelers, figures to make his preseason debut against the Panthers. The defense, meanwhile, will look for improvement in stopping the run.
The game will also offer fans a first-hand look at some of the newest Eagles, including cornerback Asante Samuel, defensive end Chris Clemons, running back Lorenzo Booker, as well as top draft picks, Trevor Laws and DeSean Jackson, who impressed in his first outing.
Carolina, which is coming off an overtime win against the Colts, is led by quarterback Jake Delhomme, who missed most of last season due to injury. He has weapons in running back DeAngelo Williams and receivers Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad, who returns to the Panthers after three seasons with the Bears. Defensive end Julius Peppers leads the Panthers defense.
This figures to be a critical year for Panthers head coach John Fox, whose team boasts a 17-8 mark in exhibition play during his tenure. Unfortunately, the summer success has not carried over into the regular season the last two years, with Carolina finishing with 8-8 and 7-9 records the last two seasons.
The Eagles and their fans will be keeping a close eye on the Panthers in 2008, thanks to a draft-day trade that netted Philadelphia Carolina's first-round pick in 2009. Back in April, Philadelphia traded the 19th overall pick in the draft to the Panthers for the 12th pick in the second round (No. 43 overall), the 10th pick in the fourth round (No. 109 overall) and a first-round pick in 2009. The Panthers subsequently used the 19th overall pick to select tackle Jeff Otah out of the University of Pittsburgh.
This marks the second straight preseason in which the Panthers will visit Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won last summer's meeting, 27-10. Under head coach Andy Reid, the Eagles are 13-25 in preseason play.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Roster Breakdown: Tight Ends
Roster Breakdown: Tight Ends
The bond that Donovan McNabb and LJ Smith has shared since Smith was made a 3rd round pick by the team in 2003 is one that can be viewed as a great situation as one thrives off the other, but we haven’t seen that as of late due to injuries to both men. It becomes important then that if Smith wants his big money as a free agent, or if he gets it here from us next year, he will have to come out and play the best football of his career and also hold off the other guys as well.
Smith is arguably one of the most prolific tight ends to suit up for the Eagles outside of Keith Jackson, and his all around athletic ability has always made him Donny’s favorite target inside the red zone. But ever since he took over for Chad Lewis, who retired after the 2004 season, he has yet to put it together, for two years due to McNabb getting injured and then last year when McNabb struggled early and then Smith came back too quick from sports hernia surgery and went right back onto the injured list. With both men coming back at 100% after a great late season run, look for Smith to return to his ways as a big red zone touchdown machine.
We saw, in spurts, what 5th round pick Brent Celek was capable of last year, and he should get more time to prove himself regardless of what Smith’s status in the lineup is. Celek often played more then most rookies we had been known to play due to the injuries to Smith and also Matt Schobel as well, sometimes making him the only tight end we would carry on the team for a week. His blocking will need to be worked on a little bit, but his pass catching ability is pretty strong as is, and he MIGHT even be starting as soon as 2009, depending upon the progress he makes in year two in the NFL.
It is a homecoming of sorts for Kris Wilson, who grew up around the Philadelphia area and went to high school here before going to college at Pittsburgh and learning for four years behind arguably the best tight end in the game Tony Gonzalez in Kansas City. Wilson is an unproven commodity because of this, but the fact that they would sign him for three years shows perhaps there is something the team knows at we don’t know however.
But what I do know however is this signing cannot mean good things for Schobel, who we signed back in 2006 but he has failed to prove his worth, going as far to let Celek push ahead of him last year for playing time when Smith was hurt. Schobel will be fighting to keep his spot on the team now.
What I think happens: Smith and Celek are locks, and while the signing of Wilson doesn’t mean he is going to make the team per se, I would be worried if I am Schobel and I think he is going to have to fend off Wilson until the final cuts. Look for Wilson, due to his pending upside, to earn the last spot.
The bond that Donovan McNabb and LJ Smith has shared since Smith was made a 3rd round pick by the team in 2003 is one that can be viewed as a great situation as one thrives off the other, but we haven’t seen that as of late due to injuries to both men. It becomes important then that if Smith wants his big money as a free agent, or if he gets it here from us next year, he will have to come out and play the best football of his career and also hold off the other guys as well.
Smith is arguably one of the most prolific tight ends to suit up for the Eagles outside of Keith Jackson, and his all around athletic ability has always made him Donny’s favorite target inside the red zone. But ever since he took over for Chad Lewis, who retired after the 2004 season, he has yet to put it together, for two years due to McNabb getting injured and then last year when McNabb struggled early and then Smith came back too quick from sports hernia surgery and went right back onto the injured list. With both men coming back at 100% after a great late season run, look for Smith to return to his ways as a big red zone touchdown machine.
We saw, in spurts, what 5th round pick Brent Celek was capable of last year, and he should get more time to prove himself regardless of what Smith’s status in the lineup is. Celek often played more then most rookies we had been known to play due to the injuries to Smith and also Matt Schobel as well, sometimes making him the only tight end we would carry on the team for a week. His blocking will need to be worked on a little bit, but his pass catching ability is pretty strong as is, and he MIGHT even be starting as soon as 2009, depending upon the progress he makes in year two in the NFL.
It is a homecoming of sorts for Kris Wilson, who grew up around the Philadelphia area and went to high school here before going to college at Pittsburgh and learning for four years behind arguably the best tight end in the game Tony Gonzalez in Kansas City. Wilson is an unproven commodity because of this, but the fact that they would sign him for three years shows perhaps there is something the team knows at we don’t know however.
But what I do know however is this signing cannot mean good things for Schobel, who we signed back in 2006 but he has failed to prove his worth, going as far to let Celek push ahead of him last year for playing time when Smith was hurt. Schobel will be fighting to keep his spot on the team now.
What I think happens: Smith and Celek are locks, and while the signing of Wilson doesn’t mean he is going to make the team per se, I would be worried if I am Schobel and I think he is going to have to fend off Wilson until the final cuts. Look for Wilson, due to his pending upside, to earn the last spot.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Roster Breakdown: Wide Receivers
The Eagles will go into training camp with 11 receivers on the roster despite the collapse of NFL Europe this past year.
Huh? What’s one got to do with the other you ask me as I see the confusion on your face through my computer screen.
Allow me to elaborate on that: with the NFL Europe shut down, each team lost the right to carry eight players in that league, then the right to bring them over for training camp, meaning instead of going to camp on day one with 88 players, per league rules, they could only carry 80 players in instead. I guess I am still surprised that 11 out of 80 spots on the roster are devoted to receivers, that is all.
With that aside, let’s run down all of Donny Mac’s potential route runners, starting at the top with Kevin Curtis. One year into the 5-year deal he signed after departing from St. Louis, Curtis became our first legitimate #1 receiver since Terrell Owens left town, with numbers similar to TO’s except for touchdowns wise. Curtis has a great burst and tempered his route running ability while serving as the slot receiver and 2nd man due to Isaac Bruce injury in the “Greatest Show On Turf” during his tenure with the Rams. Curtis did well for us last year, and should get better when a true #2 man is found.
Which of course is where Reggie Brown comes in to play at. Our 2A pick in the 2nd round of the 2005 draft, Brown has shown flash in the pan potential to close out the 2006 and 2007 season but he must put it together for 16 games and he will become a very capable 2nd receiver across from Curtis when he does. Big things are expected from Brown not only from others but from himself and as well as they should be.
The prominent slot receiver role is wide open this year, and one of the biggest (no pun intended) guys there in Hank Baskett would be perfect for the role. After a rookie year which saw him post up two 85+ yard touchdowns en route to a 24-catch season after being traded from Minnesota to Philly for Billy McMullen, people dashed him for having a less effective second season but when you look at the injuries at tight end, you notice that Baskett lined up as a second tight end a lot which severely limited his effectiveness. With four willing and able tight ends on the team this year, that should be no problem for Baskett.
Another candidate for the role would be Jason Avant, another third year pro like Baskett. Avant got off to a hot start in 2007 with nine receptions in two games (he had seven his whole rookie year, in contrast) but ended the year with only 16 catches. Avant is not the loftiest receiver and he will not win many foot races, but his route running and possession skills will keep him in the hunt for the slot role.
But who can forget about the loveable Gregory Lewis? Lewis, who has made a killing as a 3rd down target the past two years, is alongside Jamaal Jackson the last two longest running un-drafted players we have left and for good reason. Lewis has been capable of doing what the Eagles asked him to do (from starting as the 2nd receiver in 2005 to being the slot, 4th, or 5th receiver) and this is a reason why he is still here, along with his world class work ethic.
And then of course there is DeSean Jackson, the man who has created a huge buzz in Philly with his all-around world class speed and athleticism. It remains unknown as to where Jackson, our 2B pick in the 2nd round of this year’s draft, will fall in the receiver depth chart, but without a doubt, his name is going to be at the top of the depth chart for punt returns and will also be featured in the top-3 for kicks too.
It seems every year that Michael Gasperson tries to make the team, and it seems every year he cannot either due to injury or the numbers game. And now with Jackson on the team, Gasperson really is at a further strain to make the team, but still, I have to give it to him for trying out once more instead of leaving and trying another team like Bill Sampy did.
Coming in from the New Orleans Saints, Jamal Jones will also look to compete for a roster spot. The fact that he comes from such a prolific offense is appealing, but one must also remember that he was never prominently featured, so he remains not only an unproven commodity, but also a camp body as well.
Coming in from the New England Patriots, Bam Childress spent a year on their practice squad and will try to avoid the same fate in Philly. Still, Childress, at 5’9” and 180 LBS, might be a bit undersized in the battle for a roster spot and comes off as, again, another camp body.
Our first un-drafted rookie camp body comes from local Delaware State in Shaheer McBride, a true feel good story but appears to be nothing more then camp bait and perhaps practice squad material due to his size (6’2” 205).
Our second un-drafted rookie camp body comes from Nebraska in Frantz Hardy, someone who appears to be a first wave cut IMO.
What I think happens: Past Curtis, Brown, and also Jackson (for return reasons) no one is an assured lock. Avant, Baskett, and Lewis will all have to prove their worth, and one of them will be left as the odd man in the equation, and I am really looking at Avant for some weird reason UNLESS we keep six receivers opening day, but I have not remembered us doing that. It will then look like Curtis, Brown, Baskett, Jackson, and Lewis while the other receivers you can just forget about them.
Huh? What’s one got to do with the other you ask me as I see the confusion on your face through my computer screen.
Allow me to elaborate on that: with the NFL Europe shut down, each team lost the right to carry eight players in that league, then the right to bring them over for training camp, meaning instead of going to camp on day one with 88 players, per league rules, they could only carry 80 players in instead. I guess I am still surprised that 11 out of 80 spots on the roster are devoted to receivers, that is all.
With that aside, let’s run down all of Donny Mac’s potential route runners, starting at the top with Kevin Curtis. One year into the 5-year deal he signed after departing from St. Louis, Curtis became our first legitimate #1 receiver since Terrell Owens left town, with numbers similar to TO’s except for touchdowns wise. Curtis has a great burst and tempered his route running ability while serving as the slot receiver and 2nd man due to Isaac Bruce injury in the “Greatest Show On Turf” during his tenure with the Rams. Curtis did well for us last year, and should get better when a true #2 man is found.
Which of course is where Reggie Brown comes in to play at. Our 2A pick in the 2nd round of the 2005 draft, Brown has shown flash in the pan potential to close out the 2006 and 2007 season but he must put it together for 16 games and he will become a very capable 2nd receiver across from Curtis when he does. Big things are expected from Brown not only from others but from himself and as well as they should be.
The prominent slot receiver role is wide open this year, and one of the biggest (no pun intended) guys there in Hank Baskett would be perfect for the role. After a rookie year which saw him post up two 85+ yard touchdowns en route to a 24-catch season after being traded from Minnesota to Philly for Billy McMullen, people dashed him for having a less effective second season but when you look at the injuries at tight end, you notice that Baskett lined up as a second tight end a lot which severely limited his effectiveness. With four willing and able tight ends on the team this year, that should be no problem for Baskett.
Another candidate for the role would be Jason Avant, another third year pro like Baskett. Avant got off to a hot start in 2007 with nine receptions in two games (he had seven his whole rookie year, in contrast) but ended the year with only 16 catches. Avant is not the loftiest receiver and he will not win many foot races, but his route running and possession skills will keep him in the hunt for the slot role.
But who can forget about the loveable Gregory Lewis? Lewis, who has made a killing as a 3rd down target the past two years, is alongside Jamaal Jackson the last two longest running un-drafted players we have left and for good reason. Lewis has been capable of doing what the Eagles asked him to do (from starting as the 2nd receiver in 2005 to being the slot, 4th, or 5th receiver) and this is a reason why he is still here, along with his world class work ethic.
And then of course there is DeSean Jackson, the man who has created a huge buzz in Philly with his all-around world class speed and athleticism. It remains unknown as to where Jackson, our 2B pick in the 2nd round of this year’s draft, will fall in the receiver depth chart, but without a doubt, his name is going to be at the top of the depth chart for punt returns and will also be featured in the top-3 for kicks too.
It seems every year that Michael Gasperson tries to make the team, and it seems every year he cannot either due to injury or the numbers game. And now with Jackson on the team, Gasperson really is at a further strain to make the team, but still, I have to give it to him for trying out once more instead of leaving and trying another team like Bill Sampy did.
Coming in from the New Orleans Saints, Jamal Jones will also look to compete for a roster spot. The fact that he comes from such a prolific offense is appealing, but one must also remember that he was never prominently featured, so he remains not only an unproven commodity, but also a camp body as well.
Coming in from the New England Patriots, Bam Childress spent a year on their practice squad and will try to avoid the same fate in Philly. Still, Childress, at 5’9” and 180 LBS, might be a bit undersized in the battle for a roster spot and comes off as, again, another camp body.
Our first un-drafted rookie camp body comes from local Delaware State in Shaheer McBride, a true feel good story but appears to be nothing more then camp bait and perhaps practice squad material due to his size (6’2” 205).
Our second un-drafted rookie camp body comes from Nebraska in Frantz Hardy, someone who appears to be a first wave cut IMO.
What I think happens: Past Curtis, Brown, and also Jackson (for return reasons) no one is an assured lock. Avant, Baskett, and Lewis will all have to prove their worth, and one of them will be left as the odd man in the equation, and I am really looking at Avant for some weird reason UNLESS we keep six receivers opening day, but I have not remembered us doing that. It will then look like Curtis, Brown, Baskett, Jackson, and Lewis while the other receivers you can just forget about them.
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