The Linc - Johnny Manziel a perfect fit for the Eagles

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Grading the Eagles at the halfway point: Defense edition - JimmyK, Philly.com
In the first 4 games of the season, the Eagles defense was playing at a historically bad pace. In the last 4 games, they've been wildly improved. The opponents on their schedule have been weaker in the second quarter, but the Eagles D has also played much better.

Johnny Manziel would be a perfect fit for the Eagles - Jeff McLane, Inquirer
One 30-year NFL executive, according to the NFL source, argued that Manziel's notoriety can actually be looked at as a positive because there would be less guesswork involved in evaluating whether he could handle the demands of being a franchise quarterback, especially in pressure-packed cities like Philadelphia.

Midseason Review - Tommy Lawlor, Iggles Blitz
The team is 3-5. I was projecting the Eagles to win 8 or 9 games (based on a weak division and last place schedule) so the record is a bit off the pace I expected. Part of this is on the Eagles, but part is also on the AFC West being a juggernaut division. Heading into the season, it looked to be one of the worst in the league. You can argue it’s the best. There are real signs of life with the Eagles. The offense was rolling prior to the Dallas game. The defense has improved over the course of the season. There are times when the team looks really good.

Wulf's Den: Rookies Playing Early & Often - Bo Wulf, PE.com
Plus, who is the Eagles' emergency kicker?!

The Matchup: Eagles Vs. Raiders - Sheil Kapadia, Birds 24/7
There’s been a lot of talk this week about assessing Kelly at the midway point of the season. Let’s start with the good. Kelly’s offensive game-plans and concepts have been sound. There are plays to be made every week, and for the most part, he puts players in positions to succeed. Playing fast, providing the quarterback with options on every play, adjusting based on the look of the defense. I’m on board with all those concepts and believe they will be successful with the right personnel. Kelly also has done a good job in the locker room. Players seem to like him and respect him. Even at 3-5, there has been no finger-pointing, and everyone seems to still be bought in to what he’s preaching.

Unsung Heroes- Demeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks - ChipWagon
As we've discussed before, one of the problems with the Wide 9 was that it put a larger responsibility in the run game on the back 7. The philosophy for the DL was, "play the run on your way to the QB". The 2-gap 3-4 couldn't be more different. I think it's probably a more boring version to watch for the average fan, but when it works, and the guys buy into the technique and scheme, it can be darned effective. In a 2-gap 3-4 it is the job of the DL to occupy blockers. As a result, this is supposed to free up the LBs to make plays. And that is clearly happening. Demeco Ryans so far may be the biggest benefactor of this new scheme. He is making plays all over the field.

Lurie: I root for Reid, Chiefs 'every week' - Geoff Mosher, CSN Philly
"I love it," Lurie said. "Listen, everyone knows I love Andy. Outstanding football coach. I have an AFC team I now root heavily for every week. It’s Kansas City. I don’t deny it.

Infographics: Where Does Your NFL Team's Offense Come From? - Regressing
The NFL season is just about half over, which means most teams are what they're going to be. But what does that look like, exactly? Here's a quick visual guide for every NFL team's offense.

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