Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp Preview - Fullbacks
by JasonB on Jul 15, 2009 3:00 PM EDT
in News
17 comments
This is the next installment in our series of 12 positions in 12 days previewing the upcoming Eagles training camp. Rookie and selected vets report to Lehigh July 26th and each day leading up to that date we will bring you a preview of a different position battle.
Today we look at a position that has been forsaken for too long on this team. Yes, the fullback.
Much like punt returner in 2007, the Eagles went into 2008 without an actual fullback on the roster. Tony Hunt was converted from RB a week prior, which was an experiment that didn't go well. He was replaced by converted DT Dan Klecko, who was better but still not "good" Later in the season, Kyle Eckel was added from the Patriots but Eckel worked mostly as a short yardage running back and never really played the fullback position.
The bodies
Kyle Eckel
Presumed starter
Much like punt returner in 2007... it took the Eagles a year to add an accomplished player at the fullback position. Enter Leonard Weaver. Weaver was a pro bowl alternate in 2008 and having played under Andy Reid mentor Mike Holmgrem in Seattle, he comes already equipped with an intimate knowledge of the Eagles style of West Coast offense.
Anyone who followed this site during free agency knows that I thought this move was a no brainer.
Weaver's skill set should fit the Eagles offense very well. He's a very good blocker, a capable run blocker, can carry the ball effectively when asked(career YPA 4.5), and most importantly has great hands catching the ball out of the backfield. He should provide McNabb with an option and an outlet at position where he really has had one since.... who knows when?
New additions
Marcus Mailei - Alectheman wrote a great article on Mailei that will provide you with more insight to the player that I probably ever could. I suggest you check that out.
What to watch for
The battle for starter probably won't be a battle at all. Leonard Weaver is all but guaranteed to be the starting fullback opening day, but there are several things worth watching in camp with Weaver. First is his lead blocking. While it would be wrong to say Weaver is poor lead blocker, it is the part of his game with the most room for improvement. He's an excellent pass blocker, a good receiver, and a capable run blocker. He's improved in that area every year in the league... can he take the next step this year?
It will also be interesting to see how Weaver is used in the offense. Andy Reid will surely be salivating over another good pass catching option and it could be exciting to see the job Weaver can do as a safety valve for McNabb. When given the chance to carry the football last year, Weaver did a solid job. Will he get any carries in the Eagles offense? All things to watch for.
As for the battle at backup... The problem for Kyle Eckel & Marcus Mailei is that there likely won't be a backup FB position to fight for. The Eagles will probably not want to carry an extra fullback on their roster, but the guys can make the team in other ways. The Eagles are always looking for standout special teams player, there's the practice squad for a guy like Mailei, and Eckel could still find a job as a running back on the team.
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Most underrated move of the offseason
I see the signing of Leonard Weaver as the most underrated move of the offseason for us. I really look forward to seeing how Weaver can help the offense as a whole. I think having another capable weapon at the Fullback position will open up the entire offense.
With Hunt/Klecko on the field last year, that was basically just a wasted position and just basically a body to get in the way, but if you force defenses to put someone on the fullback during screens/pass plays that will only open up other things.
Training Camp can’t come soon enough!
by Smitty2K3 on Jul 15, 2009 3:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
agreed...
when many people think off our offseason moves, they think of peters, maclin, or mccoy, but weaver is definitely a big piece. 3rd/4th and short killed us last year and i think he’ll be a tremendous fix to that problem.
by awd777 on Jul 15, 2009 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I think he may be the biggest upgrade of the offseason. He’s not the best player we added, but his position was probably the most glaring weakness on the team. To add a guy who was a pro bowl alternate at a position that was a revolving door last year is big.
by JasonB on Jul 16, 2009 12:12 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Huge
Yeah, our 3rd/4th and short problems was our achilles heel last year. There were AT LEAST 2 or 3 games, if not more, that were decided by failures in short yardage situations… and the FB position was at the center of that problem. Sure, maybe Jamaal Jackson’s lack of push had something to do with it, or maybe the lack of blocking at the TE position had something to do with it, but locking up the FB position with a borderline Pro Bowler will be HUGE (I hope).
by Smitty2K3 on Jul 16, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree ...
… this is a very underrated move that addresses one of our biggest weaknesses. Birds never had a problem moving the ball, just finishing.
All the subsequent moves we made got people to forget Weaver and Sean Jones, both of whom I think can play for us and play well.
Still waiting for the Eagles to Bring It Home For Jerome
by D3Keith on Jul 16, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good Preview
I enjoyed it! Should be an interesting one, even though we already know the winner.
by AlecTheMan on Jul 15, 2009 3:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
wow, if you haven’t seen the youtube video highlights of Marcus Mailei serving pan cakes, you have to, it’s a must see. Dude is a beast. I hope he makes the team and with him and weaver plus bwest in the backfield, those short yardage situations will easily turn into home run plays. Maybe he takes Boooker’s spot, I dunno but I hope he makes the team.
by esizzle on Jul 15, 2009 4:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
what’s the link to the youtube video?
by Smitty2K3 on Jul 15, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i have
A highlight video of Leonard weaver I made a few weeks back. He can do a pretty good job of blocking the linebacker. The page is just called Leonard weaver. If anyone wants to see it just reply to this message.
by macjack09 on Jul 15, 2009 6:19 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
link
http://replay-re-cutter.nfl.com/clip.aspx?key=C91EA08637DC8927&ctx=medialist&type=image
Idk if u can click on it but if not just cut and paste it and it should take you to the video.
by macjack09 on Jul 16, 2009 2:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
oh all you have to do is click on the hyperlink “wrote a great article on Mailei”, this is under “New additions”. It takes you to a new screen where you can watch the video.
by esizzle on Jul 15, 2009 9:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Signing the L train made so much sense, I’m surprised it actually happened.
by Bye, Dawk :( on Jul 16, 2009 11:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
mailei highlights
for those too lazy to click through: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YukyA6esUY
http://poorsportsblog.blogspot.com/
by PoorSports on Jul 16, 2009 3:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Those Mailei highlights are great! Love the way the guys motor runs, getting down field to extend the play and knockin’ db’s on their butts. I can’t believe it but I’m very excited by our FB position this year and for years to come. I think Mailei has the potential to be the real deal!
Loooooook here brotha'.....who you jivein' with that Cosmic Debris!!!???
by OkieEagle on Jul 17, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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