What's left to do? - Part Deux
by theguyotc on Aug 17, 2011 12:15 PM EDT
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A couple weeks ago I wrote my first fanpost, in which I examined what still needed to be done after the first hectic days of free agency. Quite a bit has changed since then. Going into the second preseason game tomorrow, what still needs to be done?
My previous list included making DeSean Jackson happy, signing Danny Watkins, and adding competition for right tackle, safety, and running back. Those have all been taken care of (for a year), as long as you substitute "show up" for "happy." But potential issues remain, and new ones have developed.
As before, let's take a look at my To-Do list.
To-Do List:
- Find a right tackle
- Get Jeremy Maclin playing football again
- Add some veteran competition at linebacker (preferably MLB)
- Find out who has been cursing the defensive tackles
My Thoughts:
- Right Tackle: My last post was before Ryan Harris had been signed. Winston Justice and King Dunlap were the only candidates and neither gave me warm fuzzy feelings. To the best of my knowledge, Justice is still on the PUP list and hasn't been able to practice in Howard Mudd's new system. King Dunlap managed to struggle against 3rd or 4th string players in the first preseason game. While the Baltimore Ravens are known for good defense, most club "door men" could probably do as well. Harris should have fixed all that, but struggled somewhat in the game. In addition, he has been skipping practice due to back problems and will miss tomorrow's game. On most teams, having a shaky situation at RT would not be devastating. On a team with a lefty QB and a pass-first (and second) offense, it's a major concern.
- Maclin: What can I say? I don't even understand what's been happening. Jeremy Maclin has missed all of camp with an illness more mysterious than Agatha Christie's entire body of work. I'm not even clear if he knows what's going on, let alone the Eagles organization. Everything was supposed to be explained yesterday, but all that we heard was "nothing yet." At this point, I have to wonder if he's been spending time at Princeton-Plainsboro. If that's the case, at least we know it isn't lupus. ***UPDATE***: It wasn't lupus.
via i.bnet.com
- Linebacker: Going into the second preseason game, it looks like the starting lineup at LB will consist of Jamar Chaney, Casey Matthews, and Moise Fokou. As I said in my previous post, they aren't exactly an experienced group of high draft picks. The two 7th round OLBs at least have some experience, but that was for a different coordinator. My biggest concern would be MLB. Matthews hasn't done anything terrible yet, but that's because he hasn't really done anything at all. The 4th round rookie may be an effective starter this year. He certainly has the pedigree. Having said that, I think a lot of people -- myself included -- would be a lot more comfortable with a veteran MLB on the roster. Would Lofa Tatupu sign on to be a backup for a rookie?
- DT: At the end of last season, the DT rotation consisted of Mike Patterson, Brodrick Bunkley, Trevor Laws, and Antonio Dixon. Patterson had a seizure during camp and was diagnosed with a condition that possibly involves brain surgery. Bunkley was traded twice, eventually resulting in whatever the Broncos had between their sofa cushions. Laws and Dixon have been banged up for most of camp, and won't be playing tomorrow. Good thing the Eagles signed Cullen Jenkins, Anthony Hargrove, and Derek Landri. Between the constant injuries at DT and the inexperience at LB and S, I'm expecting every team that plays the Eagles this year to set up camp in the middle of the field.
Your thoughts?
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O-line
O-line was our biggest cocnern outside of RCB (Which impretty sure the world and their g-ma would agree we addressed without a doubt)….but for a few years now we have been trying to get our o-line like when we had it or Donovan all those years (even though we never got him enough “weapons.”) … We always had two consistent tackles and I think we really need to improve A LOT on that right side. HOpefully we did
JoeD AKA The Voice Of Reason
I'm not convinced we did improve the right
Between Justice (who hasn’t played at all for Mudd), Dunlap (who hasn’t ever impressed), and Harris (injured), I’m getting worried. Especially when you throw in a rookie next to them.
It may not make sense to people who know the personnel or offensive lines well, but I’m a little surprised they haven’t considered moving Herremans over to right guard or even tackle. That way you can put the rookie who missed camp next to one of the best tackles in football at LG, and the experienced guard next to whoever the RT winds up being. This makes even more sense when you consider Vick’s blind side.
Having a healthy RT is my concern
I believe both Harris and Justice can be, at least, adequate and both have potential to be above average (Harris could be a Pro Bowler if completely healthy) as long as they are healthy.
As for moving Herremans, stability is the name of the game with the OL. While Herremans might be able to play well at RT and Mathis might be able to step in at LG, by moving him you now have 2 questions on the OL as opposed to the 1 question you had before the position switch. If we didn’t have the extremely shortened off-season, then moving Herremans may have been a wise move, but not this year.
PS- Good FP.
Can't argue about health
Justice could be at least capable, if he ever had a chance to practice in the new system. Harris could be good, if he wasn’t constantly injured. We have 2 halves of a starting RT, which unfortunately doesn’t make a whole one.
I get that stability is key, but we’re not 7 weeks into the season. There’s time to swap people around. Personally I was thinking Herremans at RG (but that may be because the Ravens kept coming free through the B gap) and whoever is healthy at RT. Watkins could learn and work next to Peters, and hopefully some of Watkins’ work ethic would rub off on Peters.
Thanks.
The other thing is that it is easier to “help” a RT with either a TE or chip blocks from a RB.
At this point, I think the OL stays how it has been projected: Peters – Herr. – Jackson – Watkins – whoever is healthier between Harris and Justice.
I thought the formations were that way by default because most QBs were right-handed. Since we have a lefty, wouldn’t the TE be on the other side?
ok ok
lets end this once and for all .. herremans cant play right tackle ! he blows there .. he was so bad at tackle they had to rush peters off the injury table and back into the game .. hes a horrible tackle .. hes not the solution .. justice should be the starter if he is healthy
Actually they rushed Peters back in because Peters wanted back in.
And you need to take a look at the fact that Herremans didn’t even practice at OT for a year plus…
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
The TE can line up on either side
putting him next to the RT would be to help with blocking assignments.
Patterson is fine
Reporter: "Randall, why do you think you can fly?"
Randall: "Because I'm an Eagle." HA
Ok.
1. RT- Between Harris and Justice we’ll get a good season from the RT position, it may not be just one playing the full season but between the two we’re good enough.
2. Maclin- He’s going to be back, I’m glad he’s not very sick. he should be fine. I’m so fucking excited to have him back. Our Best WR being out is tough.
3. MLB- I think we’re going with youth and talent. We would’ve brought somebody in by now.
5. DT’s- Patterson’s going to be back, Dixon’s and Laws’s injuries aren’t that bad. We’ll be fine.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
Couldn't think of a subject
1. I hope you’re right. Everything I hear about the O-line makes me think consistency is important, because you have to know the guys next to you. I hope one of them takes the role as of Week 1 and holds the fort, but I’m obviously concerned.
2. I’m excited he’s not seriously ill. I hope he’ll take that third year leap. Until we seem him play even a preseason game, though, saying he’s back is a bit premature.
3. I’m not convinced. They may be waiting until they have more tape on Matthews in a real game situation before going out and finding someone. There are still guys out there, and it wouldn’t be the first time.
4. Patterson should be. As long as the injuries don’t continue, you’re no doubt correct. It still seems like a plague though.
The Eagles are a good team at building depth. So why am I always so paranoid about injuries?
Haha
1. Yeah consistency is key, it’s very important. But I have confidence either one of the 2 can hold the fort down.
2. I think he’ll take that leap, he’s in good shape from what I’ve heard.
3. I think we’ll be fine at LB.
4. We’ll be fine. A combo of the Hargrove/Landri with Dixon, Laws, Jenkins and Patterson will be good for us.
You’re paranoid about injuries because we’re always plagued by them. I’m paranoid but not scared.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
Another "To-Do" is Done! (almost)
I like how the items on your list are continuing to get done. It’s great to hear that Maclin is healthy. I’m still cautiously optimistic about Harris at RT, and about the health of the defensive tackles, but I do not expect big changes at LB. My key concern now is getting/keeping everyone healthy. And FWIW, I think your posts are well organized and easy to read.
LB doesn’t really scare me that much, and I’m not entirely clear on why. Every piece of information I’ve read about them gives me ample reason to worry, especially with an attacking D-line and a new coordinator. But for some reason I’m not that bothered. Maybe it’s because the Eagles make it to the playoffs every year despite total LB instability. Maybe it’s because in this pass-heavy league CBs and pass rushers are much more important. Or maybe it’s just that I really like this group, despite their experience and draft position. Dunno.
Thanks.
How bout keeping old players over young and potentially dangerous players.
Formerly number5
"If Revis has an Island, Asomugha should have a continent." - #5
RIP JJ
I don't understand this.
The Eagles even with the older additions are still a very young team.
Our Offense is full of young talent, aside from Vick I don’t think we have anybody over 30.
On defense it’s not like we got guys who are at the end of the line or who have shown any signs of slowing down(except for Jenkins maybe).
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
Ex: Parker vs Te’o/Hunt. I’d rather keep the latter.
Formerly number5
"If Revis has an Island, Asomugha should have a continent." - #5
RIP JJ
by HawaiianGreen on Aug 18, 2011 2:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Exactly.
Plus Parker’s expensive as fuck for a backup.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
So you do understand this now?
Formerly number5
"If Revis has an Island, Asomugha should have a continent." - #5
RIP JJ
by HawaiianGreen on Aug 18, 2011 4:05 AM EDT up reply actions
I can think of a few
Which is why I put it in the poll. Here are some other ones that are at least possible. It’s not a huge concern for me except in a few specific spots, and a number of them are stretches.
- HawaiianGreen mentioned Parker over Teo/Hunt. That would have been on my list.
- Ronnie Brown over Cooper/Locke
- VY over UDFA rookie QB (which may not exist, this one’s a stretch)
- Donald Lee over Ingram/Webb
- S. Smith over the other WRs (though it’s more of an injury thing than age)
- Mathis over Vandervelde and others
- Hargrove/Landri over Thornton/Noonan
- Hanson over Lindley/Hughes
Maclin's OK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Winning is in our DNA
(Dominique-Nnamdi-Asante)
Asante means "thank you" in Swahili. Eli Manning means "here you go" in another language
Linebackers are not going to change
They have gone with Speed-backers for pass coverage. Since the NFL is a Pass first run second league. I guess the theory is because their offense will be dictating that the other team has to play catch up.
Cheers
" I don't know if I prefer Astroturf to grass. I never smoked Astroturf." - Joe Namath
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