Could the Eagles cut AJ Feeley?
by JasonB on Aug 26, 2008 9:56 AM EDT
in Philadelphia Eagles News
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PrintI know this goes against traditional football wisdom, but would the Eagles be smart to go with just 2 QBs this year?
As we look up and down the roster there's a few spots where the Eagles have some tough decisions to make. At defensive end Jerome McDougle's encouraging form in the preseason has made that position much more interesting. Add in the fact that Victor Abiamiri is expected back at some point this year and will likely not go on IR... and the Eagles have a bit of a logjam. Obviously if Abiamiri can play, the team will want the second round pick at their disposal. After sticking with Jerome McDougle for 5 years how can they cut him now that he's just starting to show something? Chris Clemons has been injured and unable to make an impact so far, but the team jumped on him the first weekend of free agency and isn't about to give up on him before he even plays a game. Darren Howard, thanks to his versatility and solid reviews so far looks like he's got himself a roster spot... Rookie 3rd round pick Bryan Smith will obviously be on the team as will Juqua Parker and Trent Cole. That makes 6 DEs, and if Dan Klecko makes the team, 11 total defensuive lineman. Quite a hefty load.
However, as the Giants proved last year(and this year maybe moreso) you can never have enough pass rushers. Especially on a defense built to pressure the passer.
There's similar issues at WR. Kevin Curtis' injury means the Eagles are likely to have to keep an extra WR that they possibly wouldn't have if Curtis was going to be around. With Curtis expected back sometime around the bye, he won't be going on IR so he'll take up a roster spot. Linebacker is another position where the Eagles would love to find places for Joe Mays, Akeem Jordan, Rocky Boiman, and Andy Studebaker... but the numbers game may mean they have to let one of those guys go.
So where can the Eagles find a roster spot for an extra player they think can really help the team this year. Why not QB? Let's look at the facts. Clearly AJ Feeley is here to be nothing but the 3rd QB. The fact that he hasn't even played in two preseason games, where a 3rd QB normally plays more than he will all year, is all the evidence you need of his status here. If McNabb were to go down at any point this year, Kevin Kolb is clearly going to be the guy to step in. Literally, the only reason AJ Feeley is here is if both Kolb and McNabb were to get injured in the same game. Think about, say McNabb gets injured and he's done for the year. As long as Kolb can finish that game, the Eagles will be able to sign someone as a backup.... maybe even AJ Feeley if no one picks him up. We all saw what Feeley did when he got his chance to play last year, he threw 8 INTs in two and half games.
The argument against dropping Feeley is obvious. We don't need to look any further than 2002 where McNabb and backup Koy Detmer were injured and Feeley held down the fort until McNabb was ready to return for the postseason.
So here's the gamble. Is it more likely that Jerome McDougle makes a contribution to this team than it is that AJ Feeley is called upon to play? What about Darren Howard or Andy Studebaker? Is this a gamble you'd take?
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Well, I think the real question is whether or not any other teams would grab him from waivers. If not then he could be signed to the practice squad for insurance. The only person that I think would try to snag him would be Childress.
I don’t think Feeley’s eligible for the practice squad. From the CBA (granted, the owners have opted out of this)
The practice squad shall consist of the following players, provided that they have not served more than two previous seasons on a Practice Squad: (i) players who do not have an Accrued Season of NFL experience; and (ii) free agent players who were on the Active List for fewer than nine regular season games during their only Accrued Season(s). An otherwise eligible player may be a practice squad player for a third season only if the Club by which he is employed that season has at least 53 players on its Active/Inactive List during the entire period of his employment.
I know he’s been the third QB (and thus technically inactive, right?) for much of his career, but I have to think that between 2002 w/us/ his brief tenure as Miami’s starter, 2 games in 2007 and various mop-up/meaningless game playing time that he’d have been considered to have at least the one Accrued Season.
"He’s in trouble. Whatever he throws me, I’m going to hit it."
-- Alex Cintron
If he doesnt stay with the Eagles, hell likely work for Vikings
of just play AFL or Canada like everyone else.
Dallas Sucks
by yophillybro on Aug 26, 2008 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I think this is an ineresting point...
But I think you have to keep 3 this year… With McNabb’s health, and Kolb’s lack of experience, i think they have to keep Feeley. If he were a guy who didnt know the offense, I’d say cut him. But he is a insurance piece.
If you cut him, and Donnie Mac goes down, you’re betting the house on Kolb.
I dont think theres any chance Andy will do that
Concretefield can suck it
they are already betting the house on Kolb
that is why he is the number 2 and playing all the preseason games. If Number 5 goes down Kolb is getting thrown into the pool and he is going to have to sink or swim.
Hey we could always just do direct snaps to Booker and Westy the rest of the game. I don’t think this is realistic though.
Hello Eagles fans
Redskins fan here. Remember the body bag game? Lucky for the Redskins Brian Mitchell played QB in college so we wern’t completely screwed.
I think pvtpyle69 and 700 Level both make great points. Currently the Redskins have the same issue at RB and might carry four into the regular season.
I'm worried about the beer supply. After this case, and the other case, there's only one case left- Barney Gumble
by CptChaosSidekick on Aug 26, 2008 10:21 AM EDT reply actions
Risky
If our starting QB had an injury history that wasn’t as terrible than this might be a more reasonable move.
But Donny sort of has a tendency to miss some games.
I don't know why people consider McNabb injury prone.
None of his injuries were related. His Hernia had nothing to do with his foot, and neigher were related to his knee. He just had some sucky luck for little bit. He is very capable of staying healthy.
Buckhalter is injury prone, he has had the same injury year after year. I don’t see why we can expect McNabb to have some freak injury like a broken finger or something.
Dallas Sucks
by yophillybro on Aug 26, 2008 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
When you miss as mnay games as 5 has
It doesnt matter if the injuries are related
He’s just “prone”
http://vimeo.com/1590229
Yeah..
I love #5, but to say he’s not an injury risk is to be completely blind.
Ok… but then we could always sign someone to back up Kolb. I’m sure someone like Kelly Holcomb or something will be out there.
The real danger of not having a #3 QB is if both guys ahead of him get hurt in one game. If McNabb were to get hurt, as long as Kolb finished the game we’d be fine. We just grab some guy to back him up during the week.
PLus, a big reason we drafted Kolb is that he didn’t miss one game in his college career…
That’s valid. So if Andy is considering this, he is weighing the benefits of getting to keep an extra defensive player (we are guessing) like McDougal versus:
The risk of losing two quarterbacks in a single game to injury.
The dropoff, as he sees it, between AJ Feeley as a #3 and some other Joe he can pick up during the regular season from the scrap heap.
Trying to guess what Reid would think, I imagine #2 might be a bigger issue to him. He seems to really like AJ.
KEEP MCDOUGLE, IF NOT HE WILL GET CLAIMED BY THE GIANTS.
Heck, if I were the Eagles, I would try to sign every possible DE, just to keep them out of NY. (just playing).
But I definately wont just give them a DE that can play.
They can rot for what I care.
Dallas Sucks
by yophillybro on Aug 26, 2008 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Westbrook would actually be the emergency QB.
I remember in the early to mid 90’s, we only kept 2 QB, and we had a RB as the emergency QB.
Who ever is the 3rd stringer cannot play anyway, unless there are no other QB, if so, he’s gotta stay in. If that happens, we are screwed anyway, you just pack it in that game and play your bench. Like you said Jason, you can sign Kelly Holcomb or something. I don’t think AJ is going anywhere, Heck, Donte can’t get a job, how is Feely getting snaged.
He’ll just sit by the phone like Dorsey Levens used to.
Dallas Sucks
by yophillybro on Aug 26, 2008 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm more worried about
Kolb getting injured off the field.
Doesn’t he hunt wild boar with a bowie knife and a pack of dogs?
Hard Core Joker-Man…
by cavortingEagle on Aug 26, 2008 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I really don’t see the Eagles cutting any DE, for the Simple fact that NY is waiting to see who we cut. I will just let them sit and keep waiting. You can use that 5 man rotation till Abiamiri is back.
Also, the WR situation requires that they all make the team.
I think that JR Reed and possibly Howard get cut. Just because we have a surplus in that DE with the 6 that we keep. And Klecko has played well, I think we only keep 4 DTs.
But I actually thought of that same situation, Do we need Feele, hey if both Kolb and McNabb get hurt, you are already in deep doodoo.
Dallas Sucks
Interesting thought
I think it makes sense – perhaps we should try to trade him for Boldin or maybe a 2nd round pick before we cut him though …
by cavortingEagle on Aug 26, 2008 10:54 AM EDT reply actions
I just breathed a sigh of relief,
It was like the moment we saw Norhphillykid with the Romo Jersey. I guess we had to wait for the Twist ending.
Dallas Sucks
I would absolutely explore the possibility of trading him though. Think he might look better than many #2 QBs out there. How about a 7th round pick…
by cavortingEagle on Aug 26, 2008 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
It'll be hard to trade him untill Culpepper is off the Market.
Unless he is signed soley as a system QB.
Dallas Sucks
I don't want a WR this year, I have been reading about this guy Crabtree in college
He is a TRUE #1, best WR to come out in a long time. I would like to wait and take my chances with him in the draft.
Dallas Sucks
by yophillybro on Aug 26, 2008 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Not sure how you can cut Feeley…At least not when Andy Reid is coach…Feeley has a rich history in Philly and that can’t be forgotten. THIS IS NOT SAN DIEGO OR MIAMI…I think you keep him around and kick his tires for at least one more year…I mean if you can keep a Koy Detmer as a #3 you certainly can keep a Feeley around!
-Dave
http://www.eSellOut.com
Eagles Tickets for the fan who is tired of paying outrageous prices to a scary scalper!
we should cut him
and if anything happens to McNabb and Kolb we can bring in Mahe to be QB … you know because he doesn’t fumble …
Jordan, Studebaker to the practice squad.
I think that solves most of our problems, and I’m not sure that either is ready anyway. Jordan maybe gets claimed, in which case we’ve lost a developing special teamer with a great skillset… That’s replaceable.
You’re right — Studebaker would likely make it through to the practice squad, but I doubt Jordan would. And from the way JJ talks of him, it seems unlikely they would attempt that anyway.
It’s a tough situation, but it’s not a terrible one to have. Joe Mays has certainly done enough to earn a spot on the 53-man.
I wonder what they are thinking of Boiman at this point. I don’t see how he fits in with any unit but the special teams… then again, that’s the biggest reason he was brought here.
We cannot put Jordan on practice squad,
we wouldn’t have any backup Will backer. I am not sure who is winning he Boiman/ Studebaker battle, I like what I saw from Studebaker, but Boiman is a strong special team contributor.
Dallas Sucks
Will Studebaker make it to the practice squad? Of Boiman/Studebaker (if it comes down to the two), I’d be tempted to keep Studebaker and cut Boiman, because there’d be a better chance of being able to re-sign him if something happens.
On the other hand, if he’s a valueable backup and special teamer, that’s reason to keep him. I guess it depends on how high they see Studebaker’s ceiling as being. Basically a choice between the present and the future.
"He’s in trouble. Whatever he throws me, I’m going to hit it."
-- Alex Cintron
Tough call
reports are that Studebaker gets pushed around, but he played well when given the opportunity.
I think they go Boiman, no one is gonna claim Studebaker from your practice squad. No one claim Jordan last year, he played good last preseason. And look, Jordan is making the squad this year.
Dallas Sucks
by yophillybro on Aug 26, 2008 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
i do have to say that the thought of
Westbook having to take direct snaps for an entire half of a game could be incredibly awesome!
http://vimeo.com/1590229
yeah... Jason gave me no love for that thing :)
Guess the next video will have to be better!
http://vimeo.com/1590229
Roster
If you go with 2 QB and 9 O-Line, plus Akers, Rocca, Dorenbos, you’ve got 39 remaining spots.
3 RB
1 FB
6 WR
3 TE
11 DL
7 LB
9 DB
That’s 40 players, so you’ve got to choose between cutting one of Boiman, Studebaker, Howard, McDougle, B. Smith, S. Considine, JR Reed.
I think they try to trade Howard or McDougle for a late round pick to try to control where they go (i.e. not the NY Giants).
FB/TE
I wonder if they’ve thought of going with Kris Wilson as a Fullback/Tight End like Kasas City did with him, which could also save a spot.
they're not keeping 3 TE, plus dorenbos.
i think it’s pretty simple – just tell wilson, dorenbos and schoebel to fuck off. none are gonna make you regret it, you really don’t need a third TE when you’ve got reserve linemen like nick cole and mike mcglynn who are extremely versatile and capable of playing on the outside and in open space.
ANATOMY OF ERA:
Variables Don't; Constants Aren't
by variablesdont on Aug 26, 2008 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions
several times last year the eagles went with a 3 TE, 1 wide, 1rb set. I think they actually rolled one out against the Pats last Friday (i’ll FF thru the DVR to see)
Dorenbos makes the team – this year – can’t break up the “battery”.
Kris and Matt are in a battle for that 3rd TE. Right now I like Wilson by virtue of his age and athleticism.
by cavortingEagle on Aug 26, 2008 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions
The eagles
rolled out a 3TE set at 6:39 to go in the second quarter against the Pats with Buck (I think) at tailback and Basket split out wide. It was a – surprise – first down run for a gain of about 3.
by cavortingEagle on Aug 27, 2008 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Great Article Jason B!
I really enjoy this type of debate. Great job on this article JasonB!
First off, I don’t think Reid will go with just 2 QB’s. I thought there may have been an outside chance that the Eagles would trade A J Feeley when they signed Casey Hansen.
That said, with the players you are trying to fit onto this roster, I like the idea of going with just McNabb and Kolb. If they would both go down, I think it’s safe to say this season would be over. If they were desperate for a QB to finish out the season, I’d bring back Koy Detmer. Yes, I know Koy is bad QB, but if you are down to your third stringer your season is essentially over and he knows the system. Koy is pretty much your typical third string quarterback and could finish out the season. And I don’t want to hear about 2002 when Feeley filled in. The NFC East was far weaker and the Eagles defense was much stronger. That was a much different situation and let’s face it, there was a lot of luck that the Eagles went as far as they did with A J that season.
My vote is to roll the dice, and go with just McNabb and Kolb at QB and keep an extra player. This is where Dorenbos actually hurts you in a way. All he can do is long snap. If you had someone who could long snap and play TE or another position, that would really help. I am surprised they didn’t try to find a player to replace Dorenbos.
by Baron Dainer Von Tresvant on Aug 26, 2008 8:32 PM EDT reply actions
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