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The Linc - 20 Years of Jeffrey Lurie

Philadelphia Eagles news and links for 5/19/2014.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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Connor Barwin Reddit AMA on Monday, May 19th
*Don't forget that this starts today at 2:00 PM EST.*

After 20 years, Lurie still driven to take Eagles to top - Zach Berman, Inquirer
The City Hall courtyard filled with 1,000 people on May 17, 1994, to celebrate Jeffrey Lurie's introduction as owner of the Eagles. Mayor Ed Rendell and Eagles players, Mummers, cheerleaders, season-ticket-holders, and the Keystone jazz band all welcomed him. They snacked on cheesesteaks, hoagies, and soft pretzels. Lurie spent a then-record $185 million to buy the Eagles, fulfilling a dream of owning a professional sports franchise. The Boston native was an outsider prepared to make Philadelphia home. Lurie knew of the Eagles' passionate fans, and he came committed to delivering them their first Super Bowl - and more thereafter.

Rookie Expectations - Tommy Lawlor, Iggles Blitz
Jordan Matthews has a chance to be a key player right away. He will take over Jason Avant’s role in the slot. Matthews can also play outside, which Avant couldn’t really do. He simply lacked the speed to be effective outside the slot. While Matthews brings speed and athleticism, I wondered about his ability to be a clutch receiver. Avant was very reliable. I was shocked when I checked last year’s stats and saw Avant only had 6 catches on 3rd down.

Fan-Demonium: Rookie Expectations - Tommy Lawlor, PE.com
There was no question that Fletcher Cox would be an immediate starter when he was drafted back in 2012. The Eagles needed a player like him up front. It was also expected that linebacker Mychal Kendricks would start right away. The team needed his athletic ability in the middle of the field. Last year, everyone knew Lane Johnson would be the starting right tackle. The Eagles had a hole in the lineup and he had the potential to be very good very quickly. What about the new rookies? Will any start? What kind of impact will they have?

It may take time before Eagles' Marcus Smith pays off - Jeff McLane, Inquirer
As confident as the Eagles have been about selecting Marcus Smith with their top draft pick, it may take some time before they can point to the outside linebacker's production and say, "See, we were right." The old adage is you need two to three years before you can properly evaluate a draft choice, but it may take an additional season for edge rushers because so few make an impact or even contribute in their rookie seasons.

Kelly long wanted Eagles' rookie NT Beau Allen - CSN Philly
Beau Allen was on Chip Kelly's wish list long before last week's NFL draft. Allen, whom the Eagles took with their final pick in the seventh round, was originally recruited by Kelly out of Minnetonka High School in Minnesota to play nose tackle at Oregon.

Early-impact rookies: Rounds 2-3 - Mel Kiper, ESPN (In$ider)
Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff will both see action for the Eagles, and I expect Matthews to have the bigger early impact, although the targets can be spread around in Chip Kelly's system.

After the Axe: A day with former Bucs coach Greg Schiano - SB Nation NFL
It's the nature of the NFL - you're a member of the world's most elite athletic club until you're not. Teams move forward, but what about the former coaches and players left behind? AFTER THE AXE sits down with those banished from football Eden to find out.

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