The trouble with... Hank Baskett

by JasonB on Feb 17, 2008 1:21 PM EST in Philadelphia Eagles News

From reading the different message boards and talking to fans I know, I've noticed this thought that has cropped up about the progress(or lack thereof) of Hank Baskett. The prevailing thought is that he regressed from his rookie season to his sophomore season. My problem with that thought is that I think people have foggy memories as to what Baskett actually was in his rookie year.

Think of his most exciting play. It was that great 87 yard TD against Dallas where the corner blitzed and much maligned safety Patrick Watkins bit on a quick double move. Hank basically ran a straight fly pattern and was wide open thanks to blown coverage. After the game Hank told reporters that McNabb told him that the corner blitz was coming and to go deep if it did. Hank also broke a tackle as Watkins tried to haul him down from behind on that play.

All in all it was a great effort on Baskett's part and certainly one of the great highlights of the 06 season. But can anyone think of any other plays Hank made that year?

All in all, he caught 22 balls in his rookie season. He caught 16 this past year. That's just 6 less catches. He had 2 TDs last year, the one in the Dallas game and one in the final game of the year against the Falcons with all the reserves. If you remember, as soon as Andy Reid got the news that Dallas had lost earlier he pulled nearly all the Eagles starters. In fact, 7 of Hanks' 22 catches that year were in the final game where everyone had been pulled. I don't want to take anything away from him, because in the end it was still a real game and he did play really well... but I'm sure you can see the mitigating circumstances.

Other than that game Hank only caught more than 2 balls once. We also can't forget that part of Hank's "dropoff" in 07 was thanks to the growth of Jason Avant, whose 23 catches and 2 TDs were almost identical to Hank's numbers in 06.

Bottom line is that other than one really good game in the final week of the 06 season and one spectacular play against Dallas, Hank had virtually the same 07 as he did in 06. So while I really don't think Baskett regressed in 06, he certainly didn't take the next step either. 08 will be an important year for guys like Baskett, Avant, & Greg Lewis. I think it's pretty likely that the Eagles will bring in another receiver either through the draft, free agency, or trade... and there's not going to be room to get bumped down the roster. Last year those three pretty much only had to worry about where on the depth chart they'd land, this year I think there's a strong possibility that there won't be room on the roster for all 3.

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Baskett

I wonder why they don't use Hank more around the end zone, considering he's 6' 4"...

I also agree that Avant made some nice progress in his second year; let's hope it continues.

by ajay on Feb 17, 2008 3:30 PM EST reply actions

Fade

Because McNabb can't throw the fade.

Seriously, have you ever seen us use the fade in the endzone?

by Andrew @ Bleeding Green Nation on Feb 18, 2008 12:04 PM EST up reply actions

Fade Pattern

Yeah, I can't remember the last time we used the fade in the end zone. But why can't McNabb throw it? It seems like it's a throw that should be in the standard repertoire of any NFL QB.

by ajay on Feb 18, 2008 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

The fade

I personally think that play sucks and I'm glad the Eagles don't run it. It requires that you have a big, physical wide receiver (only Baskett qualifies on this roster) and that guy must completely isolated in single coverage. It requires near perfect timing and execution.

There's a very short list of wide receivers who would have a high success rate on this play. If the Eagles ran it we would all be complaining about how it rarely works.

There aren't a lot of teams that call that play consistently. And the list of teams that do it well is even shorter.

I hate that play. I feel very strongly about this (in case you haven't noticed, haha).

http://www.sporsdork.com

by BFH on Feb 18, 2008 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

Perfection

I don't know that I'd say it requires perfect timing and execution - you've seen quarterbacks throw some bad fades that result in touchdowns. I think if you have a big enough receiver sometimes you trust him and just throw it up for grabs and feel confident he'll come down with it.

by ajay on Feb 18, 2008 4:04 PM EST up reply actions

Its really interesting that you posted this

I was just thinking to myself the other day that I could see Baskett not making the roster in 08 if we pick up a big name receiver... or even if we drafted another slot type of guy

Its a new season!

by 700 Level on Feb 17, 2008 4:28 PM EST reply actions

Greg Lewis

I think Greg Lewis is a great example of the "expectations game". When he was an unknown, undrafted he was a pleasant surprise. A good third down receiver, much better than Freddie Mitchell. Then with injuries to Pinkston and TO he was asked to be a #1 / #2 receiver. Not his game. People were disappointed. Last year he was used sparingly but he was good for some third downs in difficult spots. He has good hands, some quicks, runs good routes, knows the offense. He's an intelligent player. Why should we expect him to do more? He's like the Reno Mahe of the receiving corps. He's a utility guy. He'll keep making the team because he fills a role and he's easy on the salary cap. I expect him back. (If we cut him, expect him to have a breakout year as a Patriot.)

by statler on Feb 17, 2008 6:32 PM EST reply actions

Agreed

I think the Pats would pick him up in a second.

Last year I was on the get rid of Lewis bandwagon, but right now I'm not. The guy has consistently delivered in the right role whenever asked. Sure, he's not starter quality... but the fact is that if you needed a guy to make a play and your choice was Lewis, Baskett, or Avant who would you choose?

I gotta say Greg Lewis.

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by JasonB on Feb 17, 2008 7:10 PM EST up reply actions

Absolutely

3rd down Lewie.

He's money in the bank when hes needed.

Its a new season!

by 700 Level on Feb 17, 2008 9:22 PM EST reply actions

Blocking

Reid and Mornhinweg clearly consider Baskett valuable as a blocker -- it seemed the Eagles ran the vast majority of the time he was in the game.

I wonder if his acumen there would be enough to save him if more talent gets added at receiver.

http://www.sporsdork.com

by BFH on Feb 18, 2008 8:55 AM EST reply actions

Good point,

"it seemed the Eagles ran the vast majority of the time he was in the game."

I noticed that too when Baskett was in they always ran. It was kinda of gay if you ask me. I would sayu "Baskett is in I guess we will run".

I would like to see the stat with him on the field and the % of runs. I also see your guy's point with G Lewis. Then we have to get rid of Baskett then. I would hate to see our WR corps look the same next year. If they keep it the same I will cry Bullshit!

by topcat6 on Feb 18, 2008 12:49 PM EST reply actions