Our real strengths and weaknesses
by Joe_D on Jun 20, 2009 5:01 PM EDT
52 comments
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STRENGTHS
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1. Andy "Big Red" Reid
via nofunleague.net
OK, just about every Eagles fan on the planet has had their gripes with Andy Reid in one way or another. Yes, he hasn't won us a ring either, but so far not very many coaches can boast Andy's accomplishments in the past 10 years. He can be BORING to fans as he never shows the public any of the team's cards. His staff can be called cold hearted as they continously let old aging fan favorites walk the plank. I personally wanted Reid fired on MORE than one occasion throughout the years. I'm glad Lurie kept his faith and I was proven to be a fool for doubting Reid's ability to coach a winning team.
2. Defensive Backs
via z.about.com
Asante Samuel, Sheldon Brown, and Quintin Mikkell are all pro bowl caliber players. Name one team who has more quality players in their secondary. Our nickel back (Hobbs) and dime back (Hanson) could start on some teams!
3. Defensive line
via media.scout.com
They may not be the great defensive line we had back in the early 90's but they have quality depth at all posistions. When Clemons and Abiamiri got healthy the defensive line was able to create some nice pressure on its own. If those two continue to play well we should have no problem putting fear in opposing quarterbacks... Oh, and we're pretty good at stopping the run too!
4. Stewart Bradley - The Tom Brady of MLBs
Our pretty boy MLB is the most under rated MLB in the game. He might not make the pro bowl any time soon due to the other big names in the NFC (Willis, Urlacher, Tatupu, etc) but this kid can play.
5. Quarterback
He may not say all the right things in the media as he tends to play the victim but McNabb is a play maker. He's not Mr. Consistent but it's a gurantee he'll make some plays that very few QBs in the league could make.
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Concerns/Mediocre play
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1. Running Backs
OK, Westbrook is coming off surgery and more injuries...he's also 30 year old. It pains me to talk about one of my favorite Eagles of all time like this but the NFL really does mean not for long for running backs. I do think he has solid football left in him but his health is a concern. Furthermore, we don't know how well LeSean McCoy is going to pick the game up nor we know if Booker will deliver his promises of learning the system better. Concern
2. OLBs
via assets.philadelphiaeagles.com
We consistently got beat last year by the TEs and running backs out of the back field. Once Jordan stepped in things got better but overall, there's nothing special about our OLBs. They're not bad per se, they make their plays, but they are not a strength.
3. Free Safety
via littlegoldenlamb.files.wordpress.com
OK, this is a concern because we really don't know how it's going to play out. It could get good production from either Jones or Demps -- but we really don't know. It's a concern.
4. Punt team
I like Sav, I really do. His big, strong, and can tackle -- awesome. In the beginning of the year I thought the Eagles finally got a stud punter but he ended up being real inconsistent down the stretch. It hurt us in severeal games and his play has to be a concern.
5. Sean McDermont
via assets.philadelphiaeagles.com
I personally think he'll do a fine job replacing J.J., but again, we don't know/can't say for sure if he will. For now, it's a question mark/concern.
7 recs |
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i'm glad you didn't say that o-line is a strength...
although they look amazing on paper, they haven’t played togother yet… and sometimes, the sucess of an o-line is more dependent on consistency and cohesion, rather than just skill (just look at the giants’ line in recent years). there is huge difference between thomas-herremans-jackson-(shawn)andrews-runyan and peters-herremans-jackson-(stacy)andrews-(shawn)andrews. i think they will be great, but time will tell.
by awd777 on Jun 20, 2009 5:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes
I was really on the fence and ALMOST listed it as a concern. I think it’s really neither, same with the WR posistion. Lots of talent and depth there but who knows what the production is going to look like.
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
by Joe_D on Jun 20, 2009 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Agree Joe_D, Mcnabb and Ried are Strenths
Too many times in the last few years have i called for andy rieds head and for them to get rid of Mcnabb. But your right mcnabb is a big time QB with a big time arm, and makes plays that only very few qb’s in the league can make and we are lucky toi have him. i too am glad they kept ried around because he coaches a very disciplined team, and he draws up some very good plays, eagles have a very good playbook, he just has some trouble knowing when to go with wat play and he needs a little more faith in our run game. Like when eeagles get to the redzone with ease and get stuffed at the goaline everytime is frustrating. Or when Mcnabb misses wide open recievers and throws the ball to their feet or fifty feet overtheir head, or refuses to scramble when theres acres of open field infront of him. Ya those things about ried and Mcnabb make me cuss bad words at da TV. im happy we have both and we just gotta live wit the frustrations they put us through, cause it could be worse.
by EagleClaw on Jun 23, 2009 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2 things
OK, first off, iknow , iknow how important it is for guys to gell and hav experience playin together ,especially in an area as important as o-line. but as my man below stated SHAWN and JPETE
played together at ARK. Also anybody w/ a set of eyes could see that TRA was getting abused by faster athletic ends at the end of the year, so the upgrade to PETERS alone is enough 2 be a strenghth. Lets also not forget HERREMANS and N.COLE these guys would be the focal point of any other o-line in the league. I personally think NCLOE was our best lineman down the playoff stretch last year. DID u guys see his multiple blocks and ability to get upfield on the WESTBROOK screen in the MIN game??
I MOST DEF THINK O-LINE WILL BE ONE OF OUR MOST GUARANTEED STRENGTHS
NOW LETS MOVE ON TO ANDY
everbody always blames DONAVAN for not being able to win the big game but im starting to think ANDY has a big role to play in that. CASE IN PONIT lets onside kick w/ a couple mins left in the superbowl . horrible decision. IF ANDY DOESNT WIN US A RING IN THE NEXT 2 YEARS he will be fired and all the good he brought 2 philly will be overlooked by the fact he never won a ring. i strongly hope thats not the case. BUT UNTIL HE DOES WIN A RING I GOT 2 SAY HIS COACHING IS ONE OF OUR WEAKNESSES.
by goldenbird09 on Jun 22, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If theres problems
..we could always just bring back Runyan
by AllPhillySport on Jun 24, 2009 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what?
our line is gonna be dope regardless Shawn and jason played togeather in college and with a team so focused on having a good o-line i seriously think these guys will be on the same page and be ready by the time the season starts. I mean damn we played without two of our starters last year. Our line will be good you guys kno it too.
by birdsflyinhigh2590 on Jun 20, 2009 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It should be
But we haven’t seen it yet. Our line absolutely wasn’t a strength last year. We pass blocked real well but pretty lack luster in the run blocking department.
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
by Joe_D on Jun 20, 2009 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Defensive Coordinator
I think we all hope he does a good job but, my question is, “Will he be able to consistently throw the right schemes to upset the opposing team’s offense?” I know he learned from the “best” but those are some very BIG shoes to fill.
by Cowboy KILLER on Jun 20, 2009 9:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
New Coordinater
i think the eagles D is at its best when we are aggresive. we got the good corners and we got some pretty good cover linebackers (gaither). it was the tight end that would kill us when we blitzed last year cause dawkins lost a step. witten and boss ate his feeod last year in one on one coverage. all McDermot has to do is stay aggresive and we’ll be fine.
by EagleClaw on Jun 22, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Joe D good post
Our LB’s pass coverage is the #1 concern on my list.
Stacy should also not be pushed to hard, I would want to see him have a setback. If Mcnabb had trouble coming back from a knee then I think that Stacy will too if pushed in too fast.
I am in favor of him sitting or having him rotate with J-Gill or Cole(If he doesn’t start at center).
by topcat6 on Jun 21, 2009 5:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
nice but
id say akers kicking and age is more of a concern then sav’s punting.
by ABails8 on Jun 21, 2009 2:56 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Akers was fine last year. He got his swagger back.
He had a real nice kicking percentage the second half of the year where Sav struggled the second half. Kickers don’t have to be spring chickens either. Also note that Sav is going to be 35
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
by Joe_D on Jun 21, 2009 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
David Akers was 33/40 (actually above his career average) at FGs and 45/45 at extra points. He didn’t miss any inside the 30 but was 2/5 over 50 (not that bad). A couple of his misses were blocked which I don’t count against him.
He did miss an extra point in the NFCCG which pissed me off but what can you do.
"The 0-2 pitch, swing and a miss! STRUCK HIM OUT! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of baseball! And let the city celebrate! " - Harry Kalas 1936-2009
by Whodie126 on Jun 21, 2009 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Akers wasn’t 100% healthy last year. He’s ready to roll and in top form so far this camp.
"Eagles fans are a passionate group who love their team," said McNabb, "if not the actual players. It's not like winning a Super Bowl before the first month of the season is the hardest thing they've ever asked of me. That'd be all those times they asked me to go kill myself."
by greenbean#twoOH on Jun 21, 2009 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lol
Sav is going to be 35
He’s got alot left in the tank. Jeff Feagles is like 43!
by Hootman on Jun 22, 2009 7:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
also note that you credit
aikers for his 2nd half production but dont consider his horrible start … sav was the top punter in the league a few weeks in and stayed top 5 through the second half i believe … so if anything i would put the concern on both
"I think pro athletes should be forced to use steroids. I think we as fans deserve the greatest athletes science can create."- Daniel Tosh
If Football Had A Church , Brian Dawkins Would Be My Preacher. -NPK
by NorthPhillyKid on Jun 22, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
into the second half *
"I think pro athletes should be forced to use steroids. I think we as fans deserve the greatest athletes science can create."- Daniel Tosh
If Football Had A Church , Brian Dawkins Would Be My Preacher. -NPK
by NorthPhillyKid on Jun 22, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think we all wanted Akers benched last year at some point.
Sav was wildly inconsistent the second half of the season.
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
by Joe_D on Jun 22, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Akers factor for me...
is that anything over 40 yds, I don’t usually have a good feeling…thats not good…
by PoppiDamus on Jun 22, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ugh i said aikers .... cobbd
"I think pro athletes should be forced to use steroids. I think we as fans deserve the greatest athletes science can create."- Daniel Tosh
If Football Had A Church , Brian Dawkins Would Be My Preacher. -NPK
by NorthPhillyKid on Jun 25, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
must be your man crush for aikman coming through
8 games in 8-0 we goin.
by 700 Level on Jun 26, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bradly had stats almost identical to
Ray Lewis, and Urlacher, Bradley is definatly way way way underrated.
by wild_eagle on Jun 21, 2009 5:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You probably have him in the right spot but...
I would of considered putting Rocca down as a weakness because that guy cannot punt in cold weather at all it seemed like last year.
fightlockdown.com
by The Legend on Jun 21, 2009 8:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bradley is a pretty boy?
I always thought he looked like the twin from “Little People, Big World”
by EnderLite on Jun 22, 2009 9:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Haha...
Holy shit, he does… In a really creepy, disturbing way.
by Bye, Dawk :( on Jun 22, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really good call...
but I have to agree – Creepy & Disturbing
by andyreidswaistline on Jun 23, 2009 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh man
"I think pro athletes should be forced to use steroids. I think we as fans deserve the greatest athletes science can create."- Daniel Tosh
If Football Had A Church , Brian Dawkins Would Be My Preacher. -NPK
by NorthPhillyKid on Jun 22, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
don't worry he knows
there was an email going around comparing him with the kid a year ago & he made fun of celek for this
I was at the Flyers playoff games last year in a suite & they, Celek & Bradley were there & this topic came up. Then they spent the next 20-30 min on google images looking at pictures of each other & making fun of them.
by sports00fan00 on Jun 22, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WOW!!! he does.
you are cooooolllldd blooooded!!!!!
by EagleClaw on Jun 22, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everytime i see bradley and the kid i get a big laugh but here's another one..........
The picture reminded me of Rocky of course why not!
by RossyJr22 on Jun 22, 2009 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
IMPENDING DOOM
are any of u guys sharing the horrible visions im having at night about b-west. Lets face the facts this guy probably is only gonna play 12 games IF WERE LUCKY.
SO if he does go down then wat? WERE supposed 2 leave our SUPERBOWL hopes in the hands of a rookie and a 3d-string back ????
I strongly think we should have never let go of RYAN MOATS , THE GUY CAN FLAT OUT PLAY, KINDA LIKE A POOR MANS B-WEST. He had some huge runs for us a couple years ago wen (case in point) westbrook went down.
I DONT UNDERSTAND EVEN THOUGH THERE IS STILL TIME, WHY WE JUST DONT GO AND FREAKIN SIGN EDGE OR DUECE. I HEARD ALL THE DUNN TALK AND I DISAGREE, BRING IN A POWER GUY,,, PLEASE JOE BANNER PLEASE DONT LET US GET CAUGHT IN A BAD SITUATION
by goldenbird09 on Jun 22, 2009 11:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think he was having trouble with the play book/couldnt block
Because he COULD run.
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
by Joe_D on Jun 22, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ryan Moats is a poor’s man Lorenzo Booker.
by FredEx on Jun 22, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WHAAAAAAAAAAT!!!!!!!!!!!!
DUDE , LORENZO BOOKER COULDNT CARRY MOATS JOCK STRAP
ALSO EAGLECLAW, ur right i have seen WEAVERS highlights on SEATTLE. he is not ur typical fullback he is a HYBRID. im just sayin if b-west goes down i would like 2 hav a dependable veteran back who can come in right away and make a impact and handle the load. SHADY , i think is either gonna be boom or bust, either hes gonna be our new westbrook(lets not forget he was rated the best receiver out of the backfield in the draft) or another lawernce phillips, hopefully the first i said.
by goldenbird09 on Jun 22, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
YOURE RIGHT
westbrook could get injured this year again. but shady mcCoy is very good, hes faster than westbrook too. and everyone seems to forget about leonard Weaver this guy is scary good for a fullback. go and loook at some of his highlites for seahawks he has some good hands and some decent speed. i hope we use him in short yardage situations instead of westbrook.
by EagleClaw on Jun 22, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Weaver
by EagleClaw on Jun 22, 2009 4:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He better not leave those green shoes in Seattle.
"Eagles fans are a passionate group who love their team," said McNabb, "if not the actual players. It's not like winning a Super Bowl before the first month of the season is the hardest thing they've ever asked of me. That'd be all those times they asked me to go kill myself."
by greenbean#twoOH on Jun 22, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dont sleep on the Weav
by EagleClaw on Jun 22, 2009 4:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The nasty block by Michael Bumpus? at 8 secs is nice.
"Eagles fans are a passionate group who love their team," said McNabb, "if not the actual players. It's not like winning a Super Bowl before the first month of the season is the hardest thing they've ever asked of me. That'd be all those times they asked me to go kill myself."
by greenbean#twoOH on Jun 22, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looks Good
Personally I would have put O-line as a question mark. Talented bunch, but injury and chemistry are worries.
If those guys jell, the offense will work. And seeing as how the defense looks stacked with talent, I wouldn’t worry about McDermott. He’s been JJ’s desciple long enough to know what’s up.
And Leonard Weaver is a beast. He’ll be a big help for Westbrook and McNabb and should be clutch in short yardage.
by Przy on Jun 23, 2009 7:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I think we might just miss Jon Runyan…dude was a leader and had some of “teh nasty” in him…I know, age, injury and all…but he was kinda a coach on the field…one that wasn’t afraid to get dirty if need be…I certainly like the moves the Iggles have made, but it is very close to a concern since it is such a rework…talent is there, tho…we’ll see…
---AstrosFan (Austin Lawyer and Sports Fan)
by AstrosFan on Jun 29, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
with our O-line
it shouldnt matter if we have to trust our SB to a rookie RB, the RB position is the easiest position to transition from college to NFL… but I have a feeling McCoys special, and if our o-line lives up to the hype then we should be able to tear holes in any Defense… Moats was a joke, id rather have booker.
by wild_eagle on Jun 24, 2009 11:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
OLBs
Great post and I have been a huge fan of BGN for a while now and I figured it was my time to chime in, so here is my first comment (takes deep breath). I think that our OLBs are more of an asset then we give them credit for, with the amount of depth and rotation at this position it gives us a lot of flexibility and there is a decent amount of speed and short yardage covering capabilities. Some of our guys are even capable of playing DE (Chris Gocong is listed on the Eagles website as such). We also have to keep in mind this is a young group of guys back there (Tracy White with 6 years EXP is the most seasoned). So i am expecting a better year for our LBs this year. Thank you.
by Two Nickels on Jun 25, 2009 5:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tracy White
Is just a special team guy. He may be lucky to make the roster this year. Our OLB play isnt horrible but theres nothing special bout it either. They don’t dominate by any means, so I consider their p lay mediocre.
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
by Joe_D on Jun 28, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Special teams is his bread and butter, though. He IS very good at it, and may make the team again just based off that. It’s not like they put him in on D at all last year, after all.
I am the people's troll :3™
by yomjoseki on Jun 29, 2009 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
there has been talk of gocong taking snaps at DE around here. but for every one that thinks it’s a good idea, there are 3 who don’t. my point is always that he did play end in college. but they seem to be happy with him as a run defender. go figure.
by snowhill82 on Jun 25, 2009 9:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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