Eagles round up: Recapping the 4 Game win streak

A whirl wind of a month was it not? The Eagles are as hot as shrimp fried rice! After defeating the Redskins in a tight NFC East match up, the Eagles went into the bye with sole possession of first place in the NFC East at 6-5. Nick Foles and the offense had another steady game but the real story was how the defense has played so well in the close games and really the past 5 games. Fletcher Cox and Connor Barwin came up clutch in the end forcing RG3 to make some costly decisions. Brandon Boykin and the secondary benefited from this as Boykin caught the INT in the endzone to put the game on ice. Nick Foles didn't pass for any scores, but didn't turn the football over either not to mention the fact that he made a beautiful read in the redzone and kept a touchdown run. Naji Goode filled Mychal Kendricks spot beautifully recording a sack and contained RG3 on the ground as a spy all game. Another injury filler Rock Carmichael impressed in his 3 starts as well in place for Bradley Fletcher. This shows the depth that Chip Kelly and Billy Davis have built on every position on defense. Honestly I don't know a more promising, young, electric defensive line like the one that is buiding in Philadelphia. Fletcher Cox has been a menase all year long on both pass rush and run stopping. Cedric Thorton has been the unsung hero of the defense this year as well as Bennie Logan. Those 3 are all under 25 and still have been giving every offense they have faced a wicked headache. My personal favorite is Logan because of his sneaky pass rush ability and just the way he carries himself is exactly what the Eagles hoped to depend on when they shipped NT Issac Sopoaga off to the Wilforkless Patriots. Oh and THE STREAK IS OVER! The Eagles ended the 10 game losing streak at Lincoln Financial. Happy early thanksgiving Eagles fans! Now on to yesterdays thriller in Philadelphia against the red hot Arizona Cardinals. The Eagles (Fresh off a bye week) were coming in looking to prove they are a threat to the Cowboys in the NFC East and that this Cardinals headache the Eagles have needs to be rid of with some Nick Foles advil relief medicine ;). Carson Palmer going into this game had a top 5 QB rating after week 10. Michael Floyd (My Fantasy Baby) and Larry Fitzgerald have combined to be one of the best 1-2 punches in the league, and of course that scary Cardinals defense that is 2nd in run defense. Well what people forgot yesterday was that the Eagles have a pretty underratted defense themselves. On the first drive, Carson Palmer looking downfield throws the ball...but no! It is swatted back by none other than #58 the hunter Trent Cole and is recovered by the Eagles. Chip Kelly said in his press conference how when the turnover battle is won, your odds of winning is much higher (Not in those exact words of course). Well the Eagles offense delivered off the turnover after a beautiful play action roll, Foles gets to the right and sees a open Zach Ertz who slipped behind his linebacker and caught the 4 yard touchdown his second of the season. Now I won't go to a play by play but after a 10-7 lead for the Eagles, they kept their foot on the gas with Nick Foles getting the ball to his other tight end Brent Celek for another touchdown. You could tell throughout the entire game, and then the coaches and players confirmed that the Eagle knew how could Arizona's corners were, so they attacked their weakness which is their linebackers and safeties. Lesean McCoy notched out a tough 79 yards and made some big time plays in this game but one stood out over the others and that was ona 4th and 2, McCoy busted through a tight hole and picked up 5 tough yards to keep a drive going. That is what the Eagles need from their running game when the game is tight. Just like they did against Green Bay, they need to run out the clock and keep drives alive with McCoy and Bryce Brown. Nick Foles delivered Zach Ertz a beauty in the endzone to put the Eagles in promising position at 24-7. I really like how much Ertz has progressed this season. He now has 3 touchdowns on the year and has been a great compliment to a consistent and delightful starter in Brent Celek. Then the nail biting came when the Cardinals score 14 unanswered points. Michael Floyd scored a great touchdown that put them within 3. Nick Foles did throw a INT but was overturned after a penalty on Tyrann Mathieu for holding. So the record breaking streak contines. Anyway the defense need to come up big again. Just to clarify, early in the game Nate Allen picked off Carson Palmer after Coles strip sack and later in the game Carry Williams got a beautiful INT so the turnovers were there all game for the Eagles defesne that is a bend but don't break type defense. So this drive was going to be a tough one for Arizona but they were driving. With 1:56 to play Palmer gets the ball off just in time to Floyd but Bradley Fletcher who returned from injury this week got his "Inside leverage" on Floyd and was able to make a big time pass deflection to put the game on ice. This team is giving me heart issues with the close games, but I trust Billy Davis and this defense to get the job done when called upon. So the Eagles stand at 7-5 tied with the Cowboys for first in the East. Are we legit contenders? Super Bowl contenders? We will find out but Nick Foles and Chip Kelly have this team on the brink of something special. Or are we wittnessing it right now.
Quck Note: Desean Jackson has surpassed 1,000 yards on the season, he is having a big time season and is staying humble throughout the ride. He is close to breaking the single season record for yards as an Eagle. Go get it #10!

The Whole Eagles Jazz! Packers Recap/Redskins Preview

With a 5-5 record in place after the Eagles defeated a injury plauged Packers team that was starting Scott Tolzien at Quarterback....SCOTT TOLZIEN! Nick Foles was once again stellar with 3 passing touchdowns, all in which were over 30 yard passes. Foles is now becoming the possible franchise quarterback for the Eagles down the road. Michael Vick will be sidelined still for a while but even when he comes back, don't expect him to see the field if Foles continues his winning ways. The stats don't lie, the Eagles are 3-1 with Foles and 2-4 with Vick. #9 has 16 touchdowns to 0 interceptions and is again making the record books this season for his incredible statistics. The Packers defense had no answer for the running game either, Lesean McCoy ran for 155 yards as well as Nick Foles with 38 rushing yards. McCoy finally got out of his slump he was in the past couple weeks, and helped ice the game with that last drive the Eagles ran in which they pounded the ball downt the Packers throats. By the way how about those Eagles wide receivers?! Desean Jackson has not gotten enough praise this year for his stellar play. With 903 yards, Jackson is third in the league in receiving, not to mention his 7 touchdowns to go a long with it. The label on Desean the past seasons are "One Dimensional" "Home Run Hitter" "Electric" some of these are true but he is most certainly not one dimensional this season. Chip Kelly has used him all over the field. Yes he has been a home run hitter, but that is just what he does. All of his touchdowns have been over 30 yards, but he isn't just catching deep passes. The offense has used Jackson in screen passes, intermediate routes, reverses, and finally once again punt returning. A big reason Jackson has been able to produce is because of that other WR on the opposite side named Riley Cooper. What a delight to see Riley Cooper have these beautiful numbers for starting off the year with only 8 receptions and 1 td with Vick under center (Actually mainly in shot gun), but with Nick Foles he has 5 touchdowns all in which have been deep bombs (Minus one red zone td against Oakland). With Cooper playing at such a high level, is Maclin guaranteed a large contract extension next year coming off a torn acl? I guess that is a discussion for another time. Lets get on to those Redskins shall we? A HUGE game coming up Eagles Nation, a HUGE game! With a bye week coming up after the Washington bout, the Eagles are in a must win situation already. Yes they are only 10 weeks in, and yes they are 5-5, but the Eagles have not one a game in Lincoln Financial field since week 4 of last year! Remember when it was so tough to play in Philadelphia? Both Foles and McCoy said in their press conferences that they need to get a win on their home turf, especially agaisnt a division rival who is clawing at our heals to get back into the NFC East hunt. With the Cowboys at a bye week, the Eagles could move up to 6-5 and take sole lead of the East. As for the defense, they have been improving every week and wow what a performance last Sunday. Brandon Boykin and Demco Ryans continue to make plays, this may be because of how hot that defensive line has been. Vinny Curry has 4 sacks and leads the team since being in the dog house earlier in the season. Mychal Kendricks is for now questionable for this week after suffering a knee injury against Green Bay as well as Earl Wolff who will most likely not play this week. The Eagles must keep a QB spy on RG3 like they did on Pryor which gave the defense big success in stopping Pryor. With Kendricks in it will be big, but if he can't go Naji Goode will have to take over as the spy. Or of course that Demeco Ryans guy does it. Stopping RG3 running will help the line keep Alfred Morris in check. Morris has been big this year averaging 5.4 yards per carry. As for the offense, the Redskins secondary is bad folks really bad. Foles needs to continue to push the ball down field, this will then open up the field for Lesean McCoy and the running game.
Jason Peters is also day to day and is questionable for Sundays match.

Prediction: Eagles 31-21 Redskins

The Whole Eagles Jazz

I am back. I apologize for the lack of writing the past two games but lets get right back into the Eagles talk shall we?! Well lets start first with that terrible Giants game that consisted of reassuring everyone that Matt Barkley is not the answer for the future quarterback. That brings up an interesting point that we shall get back to later. As for the Giants game it brought a major concern to Eagles fans everywhere as the offense was completely shut out for the second time in two weeks....well that offense absolutely blew up in week 9 against the Oakland Raiders! Michael Vick's hamstring was bothering him too much to finish the Giants game which brought Nick Foles back to starting against the Raiders. Not only did he take advantage of his opportunity but he set records. Throwing more touchdowns than in completions in one game is a big time performance, well Nick Foles tied the NFL record for most passing touchdowns in a game with 7. He completely shattered the Raiders coverage and ran the fast paced offense better than we have ever seen yet. I won't get into the whole "Is Nick Foles the Future QB" jazz yet as the future is very uncertain. Lets just focus on Foles taking out the Packers this week and getting back to .500. Riley Cooper blew up as well Sunday scoring 3 touchdowns on Raiders first round pick DJ Hayden. After starting off slow early in the year Cooper has emerged as a go to guy since Nick Foles has taken the rains of the offense. Desean Jackson had 150 yards and 1 touchdown putting him at 823 yds and 6 touchdowns on the year, this is on pace to break the Eagles all time receiving yards record owned by former WR stud Mike Quick. Chip Kelly is a genius when it comes to using Desean. Jackson struggled the final two seasons with Andy Reid. I feel this was because they had him at such a one dimensional role. Chip is using screens, reverses, punt returning, and taking advantage of deep balls in order to keep Desean hapy go lucky #10! Lesean McCoy is still the league leading rusher and had a receiving td off a screen, I don't know if anybody else has noticed but the Eagles rock the hell out of the screen plays. As for the defense, it has improved dramatically over the past 3 weeks. Yes the offense sucked vs the Cowboys and Giants, but that defense was unstoppable thanks to the outstanding play of the young front 7, and those nasty linebackers in Mychal Kendricks and Demeco Ryans who are having monster years. Cedric Thorton, Vinny Curry, Bennie Logan, Fletcher Cox have all developed very nicely in Billy Davis's scheme. Curry and Bennie Logan lead the team with 3.0 sacks and are nightmares against the run. I told you to RELEASE CURRY (Not release as in drop but get him on the field!). Next up is the Aaron Rogerless Green Bay Packers who will be starting Seneca Wallace....good luck! Nick Foles and the Eagles look to tie up the NFC East race with a win and a loss to the Saints for the Cowboys.

Prediction
Eagles 28-14 Packers

Eagles vs Cowboys NFC East Showdown Preview

The Eagles are 3-3, tied for first in the NFC East, and facing the most hated rival in the NFL....those stinking Dallas Cowgirls..I mean boys I apologize (SMH). The story of the week has been the "QB controversy" between Michael Vick who is nursing a hamstring injury and will not play Sunday, and Nick Foles who had a monster performance against Tampa, he will get the nod against Dallas. Winner of this match up will hold sole possession of first place so the Eagles will have to be ready on all cylinders. I was hoping Vick would play this game and here is why. The Cowboys (Excuse my illiterate language) SUCK against running quarterbacks. RG3 struggled significantly last week against Dallas's secondary, but still had 77 yards rushing on the game. If Vick would have played, I would hands down pick the Eagles with how well he and McCoy have played together this season. I personally am still a fan of Foles as well. With 4 total touchdowns last week and no turnovers, the offense just seems more controlled and comfortable with Foles. I feel that whenever Vick is playing I am biting my nails about him potentially throwing away the drive due to a miscue or a turnover. Desean Jackson will go up against another tough matchup with Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne coming to the link. After Jackson's 2 td performance against Revis, I think Kelly and Foles will plan to get him the ball as much as possible (With exception to McCoy getting the most touches). Defensively the Eagles need to do exactly what they did last week. That was do enough to win and not lose the game for the team. Bradley Fletcher has played some quietly productive football. His INT last week helped boost the Eagles over Tampa late in the second half. We know the defense doesn't have the personnel to be one of the best defenses in the league, and I think Billy Davis knows that, but like the Patriots have of recent years, they just need that 1 or 2 big plays (Turnovers) that will get the ball back to this historically good offense and the d will have a very tough match up against Dez Bryant and those electric offensive play makers so turnovers will be huge. Earl Wolff had his best game last week and is proving to be a play maker on the field. He is just always on the ball and his resilience makes him a fan favorite early in the season. Bennie Logan has had a sack in the past two games yet Issac Sopoaga still gets the majority of the play at nose tackle....why? Logan has been nothing short of dominant as the interior defensive line has been the force of the pass rush. For the Eagles to defeat the Cowboys Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field, creating turnovers and executing in the red zone will be the big keys to the Division matchup. I expect Foles to have another great game and possibly remain the starter for the rest of the year with this performance (I still am on Team Vick though). I predict a final score of 35-32 with a late game turnover with that #9 choke artist named Tony Romo. That could easily happen.

Nick Foles takes first team reps in Tuesday's Practice

Well the QB controversy is under way. Yes Chip Kelly and Pat Shurmur both said they will evaluate the situation once Michael Vick is fully healthy from his hamstring injury. Foles is coming off a big 4 total touchdown performance in Sunday's win vs the Bucs 31-20. There are two kinds of people, those who are with Vick, and those who are with Foles. If you are in the middle than I am with you brother. I see both as very reliable quarterbacks in this system and both have shown that they can play at a very high level this season. Vick has 5 touchdowns to 2 INTs with 2 rushing touchdowns, Foles has 6 passing touchdowns to 0 interceptions and 1 rushing touchdown. Foles will start this week vs the Cowboys and if he defeats Dallas and puts Philly in sole first place of the NFC East, Michael Vick will be watching from the sidelines for the rest of the season.

Eagle Eye Focus Podcast! Eagles vs Buccaneers Preview

Desean Jackson "Revis Can't run with me"

Desean Jackson is back to talking smack.....and I love it! Desean Jackson said in his press conference today that Darrelle Revis can't run with him plain and simple. This may be true and I like the talk heading into a very important game but we need more than Jackson this week. Yes Desean is faster but odds are Revis is going to be on Desean like glue, so what other receiver is going to step up? Riley Cooper has been terrible all season. Jason Avant hasn't done much other than the strong Thursday night performance but may be able to take advantage of rookie Johnathan Banks. To me the answer is the Tight Ends. Lesean McCoy will be productive but Celek and Ertz need to have a big game against the Bucs. Foles likes to go to his tight ends just look at that pass to Celek last week. Either way the talking is going to keep the competitiveness up and Desean needs to have a big game for the Eagles to pull out a win and get back to .500.

Eagles topple Giants, Top the NFC East!

The Philadelphia Eagles got a win.....pffew. Finally I big time win and a huge confidence booster that this team really needs. It did come at a price though, Michael Vick has a strained hamstring and is reported to likely be out against Tampa Bay this week end. Yet Nick Foles looked electric throwing over 200 yards and 2 touchdowns running the fast paced offense very effectively. Yes the duel threat option with Vick was eliminated which did effect McCoy who only had 46 yards on the ground, but the passing game took no step back. Desean Jackson is proving to be the MVP of this team with 132 yards and a touchdown. He is not just the deep threat he used to be, becoming more of a complete receiver is exactly what the Eagles needed him to do with Jeremy Maclin being out for the season. Dallas lost to Denver which puts the Eagles in 1st in the NFC East and the schedule seems to get easier with Tampa, Dallas, And those pesky Giants coming up! The offensive line is concerning me.....the right side that is. Lane Johnson has taken a big step back after impressing in the Monday night showdown vs the Redskins, since then he has not been able to physically dominate his opponent and veteran Todd Heremans isn't helping the job either. Moving from right tackle to right guard this season, it seemed Heremans would thrive going back to his natural position but has been awful so far. Yes awful is a strong statement but they need to step it up in the running game for McCoy to continue his dominance. As for the defense, it was much better. They still let up a lot of yards and the secondary struggled again but guess what! TURNOVERS! Finally the Eagles D got some game deciding plays including 3 picks courtesy of Carry Williams, Brandon Boykin, and Mychal Kendricks who was all over the field Sunday. He now leads the league in fumble recoveries with 3. The pass rush was much better making Eli Manning uncomfortable from the get go. Vinny Curry played and was a force again but the man in the middle, Cedric Thorton is the person I want to talk about. Probably the most underrated player so far is being a monster in the pass rush. Fletcher Cox and Cedric Thorton is one of the best young defensive line combos in the league. Cox has seemed to be taking the doubles which is helping Thorton out. From the outside I think Connor Barwin has been solid and Trent Cole is adjusting to the 3-4 smoothly not really being beat in coverage. The Eagles showed fight and great effort pulling away from the Giants after only being up 22-21 heading into the fourth quarter. Nick Foles held his composure and executed but didn't try to do too much which is key for his success this week vs Tampa (If he starts of course). The team needed a win like this, it not only put us in first but gave us the confidence that we can win the close ones when we need to. Now standing at 2-3 eh its not flashy but its getting the job done in a very strange 2013 NFL season. The 2-0 division record is promising and I feel very confident which either Vick or Foles this week vs Tampa Bay. Now can Foles win the job? If he gets the win and impresses.....we might have a controversy on our hands, but hey I give Foles props for the way he handled losing the starting job, and answering the call yesterday when we needed him so badly. Chip Kelly did say if healthy Vick is the Quarterback. Either way we will get into that later, a win is a win and I am going to enjoy it....we might not see this often but lets hope so!

Eagles vs Giants Previewing the Division Showdown

The Eagles are 1-3. Yes that looks like a terrible record but news flash (If you haven't heard yet this week) the Eagles can finish the week end in first place if two things happen. First the Eagles dismantle a 0-4 New York Giants football team that can't stop a tortoise and a offense that can't score. Plus the other thing that has to happen is that team in Dallas has to lose to the Denver Broncos.....I think that is a easy task and will be unacceptable if they cannot get it going this week. With the offense playing some good football, I want to focus more on what the Eagles defense needs to do in order to pull out a win vs the G-Men. First obviously we need better secondary play, now with the personnel we have I just don't think that is a option, let me re-phrase that, I don't think we have the personnel to be a stellar shut down secondary but solid is a option. I have said this many times recently that the success of the defense will solely run through Earl Wolff. The safeties have been pathetic but lets not let the pass rush off the hook either. The Eagles have not generated any sort of a pass rush which allows QBs (Peyton Manning for example) to sit back in the pocket and deliver big time throws against that secondary of ours. For the pass rush, to me it is because of the scheme not the players that we aren't succeeding. The 3-4 pushes Barwin and Cole into coverage the majority of the time and Vinny Curry.....don't get me started they need to PLAY THIS KID! Anyway here is my rant of the week. I am starting to believe Chip Kelly is a liar. The system isn't the fastest it is actually around third, he went out and got two big time tight ends and has barley used any of them even though Riley Cooper has played like absolute garbage. Desean Jackson was supposed to punt return but Damaris Johnson has done it all, speaking of Damaris wasn't he the "Perfect Chip Kelly Player" along with James Casey who combined have probably like 7 offensive snaps correct? I am starting to think the philosophy of the offense and how it is supposed to be run isn't being put into place...in other terms it is all talk. Alright there as my rant of the week. Anyway I think this is a perfect opportunity to get back in the division race, Lesean McCoy and Michael Vick will have huge games and the defense will do enough to get a 27-20 victory in a late stop against Eli and those boys. 

Eagles get their's against the Broncos. Drop to 1-3

Well there weren't many positives to take from the week 4 blow out in Mile High yesterday as the Eagles are now 1-3. Yes you can say this offense can't seem to find its way with the new look offense and yes you can say that the defense is historically bad again, especially the secondary. These statements are true but to me are not as big of concerns as they may seem to the rowdy Eagles fan base. It is totally understandable to be upset with the 1-3 Eagles, but only 1 game back from the division lead and a division match up against a win less Giants poses a big opportunity for the Eagles. I am taking a optimistic approach to how the year has gone so far as we have dropped 3 straight. I believe Vick has looked good but it seems the offense doesn't know how to make adjustments on the fly. He is healthy and really is making the most out of a thin receiving core. Boy could this team really use Jeremy Maclin. The Broncos defense was a nightmare for Vick who was flushed out of the pocket and forced to make plays with his legs almost every play. Rogers-Cromartie did a good job on Desean Jackson which eliminates any production from our outside receivers. I believe everybody can see how bad Riley Cooper is playing so far. He could not create any separation against Denver which he hasn't been able to do all season. As for the defense, I don't want to get into it. We need corner and safety help but won't really be able to find a answer outside of our team until the NFL draft in May. We need Earl Wolff to come along quickly and get Patrick Chung healthy to be able to stay in football games. Peyton Manning attacked Bradley Fletcher and Carry Williams in single coverage and made them pay when they bit on his fakes. Williams really hasn't done anything to impress me this year. Fletcher has struggled but clearly is our best corner. I like how our interior line has played but where is the pass rush? You could say it is the scheme, or the personnel. I believe it is just that Billy Davis is playing a more conservative type defense with Barwin mostly in coverage. Barwin and Fletcher Cox lead the team with 2 each and the Eagles have a total of 10 sacks. Not bad but not really spectacular either. What Davis needs to do is keep Vinny Curry on the active roster every game. He was a menace when on the field Thursday Night against the Chiefs in Week 3 and then didn't see the field again in week 4. I am still feeling good for the Eagles, hey just think the Broncos may go 19-0.....we are not the only one that will get killed by Denver this year. Next up is a struggling Giants team that the Eagles can honestly pick apart in the fast paced offense.

Eagles vs Chiefs/Broncos Preview/Recap

The Eagles had a disappointing  loss on last Thursday night against the Chiefs in what was more of a 2012 type game then a 2013 Chip Kelly offensive one. The game was a disaster from the start with 2 costly turnovers and the offense just could not get anything going. I feel like Vick was the best player on offense the first two games but in the third, he was simply holding them back. Like he said in his press conference he was second guessing himself on his reads and tried to do too much, as he has normally since playing for the Eagles. The defense was very solid and stopped the run early and made Alex Smith uncomfortable.....do I really have to say word for word what happened in this game? Did you not watch it? I am pretty sure if you didn't then you wouldn't be reading it so lets get into a delicious week 4 match up of two offensive power houses in the NFL. There has already been some trash talk going on....well not really trash talk per say but Peyton Manning came out after his Monday night impressive performance saying how the Eagles have a unfair advantage with 12 days to prepare compared to the Broncos 6. I don't want to hear it #18 you are 3-0 and are the clear cut favorite in this game. Chip Kelly came out and said "We will play in the parking lot if we have to" saying it kinda chippy (No pun intended)....cheesy well perhaps but I don't give a hoot. Lesean McCoy said if he was a betting man, he would put his cash flow on the Eagles. This is actually going to be close people. On the NFLExperts Wager show I predicted 90 points to be scored in this game combined. Both are fast paced offenses but honestly, we need to control the pace of the game and keep Peyton Manning off of the field. Yes, Chip Kelly wants to prove that this offense can work in the NFL and building a foundation around is key, but with how good this Broncos offense is, I just don't see the need to rush the game. I predict an Eagles victory..... that's right I said it, and if you don't like it you can't take it up with my be-hind. I'm out.

Eagle Eye Focus Podcast Chargers Recap/Chiefs Week 3 Preview

Eagles Defense Could Be Historically Bad.....Again

The Eagles stand at 1-1 with 63 total points scored, Michael Vick is off to the hottest start of his career, Desean Jackson can't be stopped as well as Lesean McCoy who are perfect fits for the offense, so why is there concern for this Eagles team that stands tied for first in the NFC East? Well I will tell you why, the defense couldn't stop me from scoring at least 30 points. Monday Night against the Redskins they had 2 quick turnovers and looked great, that was optimistic but then week 2 vs the Chargers struck. The Eagles went back to their historically bad secondary woes with Bradley Fletcher out with a concussion and Carry Williams playing like a rookie with these unnecessary penalties. Nate Allen just isn't a starting caliber safety for a team that is ready to compete now. Patrick Chung has been solid no complaints there except for this moment that had me throwing food at my television.

The pass rush only recorded 1 sack against King Dunlap...yes King Dunlap and the struggling Chargers O-line. Is this a product of the defense? Or simply we don't have much talent at the pass rush? Trent Cole we all know can do it but with the OLB switch, we just might need a sole pass rusher aka Vinny Curry. Curry could be the answer to the problem, Brandon Graham has played absolutely terrible to me he just hasn't made the position switch well like fellow teammate Trent Cole has. Maybe its time to get Vinny Curry in the game and get hunting. You know that guy you spent a second round pick on last year...HOWIE LISTEN TO ME START CURRY! At this point I am very comfortable with where the Eagles stand, all NFC East teams lost in Week 2 and all the defenses have been atrocious, luckily for the Eagles their offense has been stellar. If the veteran defense doesn't pick it up against the Chiefs, you can count on changes at the positions. I am hoping Earl Wolff can progress and replace Nate Allen as the starter next to Chung. For corner we just are very slim at the position when it comes to talent. Bradly Fletcher showed he was a big loss against the Chargers and after Boykin....Hughes, Poyer? Just not that "IT" factor at the position.....so there goes the draft talk for the Eagles who will be targeting secondary this season and the next off season. YUCK the off season I don't want to mention that for quite some time. Anyway this defense could be as worse as last year, lets hope not of course.

What is different from Chip Kelly and Andy Reid (In Time for Week 3)

Everybody knows the story about the 14 year head coach of the Eagles Andy Reid, The pass happy, jolly, NFC title cursed head coach that is now a Kansas City Chief. Also by now I am sure you have heard of that fast pace offense head coach from Oregon named Chip Kelly who has 63 points already from 2 games. Now with Kelly being Reid's replacement and all, what is the one big difference I have noticed between the coaches and their styles? Well I will tell you, This is going to be short and sweet and yes some may disagree but what I've seen from Chip Kelly since losing to the Chargers is adjustment to his coaching style (to an extent). He isn't focusing all on offense in practice and press conferences now its all defense. This is what coaches need to do yes HEAD COACHES not OFFENSIVE HEAD COACHES OR DEFENSIVE....sorry I hate when coaches are one sided and only focus on that side....then why are you a head coach? Chip Kelly and Billy Davis are making the necessary adjustments to be able to shut down Jamal Charles and the Chiefs Thursday night and that is something that Andy Reid could not do, and that is adjust on the fly!  

Eagles vs Chargers Week 2 Preview

The Philadelphia Eagles open up the link for the first time tomorrow at one o'clock after a big time performance against the Redskins on Monday night. The Eagles take on the Chargers who also played Monday night and lost a thriller against the Houston Texans. With how we  ll Chip Kelly's offense played against the Redskins, the Eagles have been the talk of the week. Michael Vick, Lesean McCoy, and Desean Jackson all were incredible and look to continue that against a struggling Chargers defense that let up 28 unanswered points vs the Houston Texans. Give the Eagles credit too, With 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery, Billy Davis's defense was ready to answer the call and against Philip Rivers and Ryan Matthews, It might actually be a good match up for the defense. With Bradley Fletcher out with a concussion, expect Brandon Boykin and Jordan Poyer to play a big role in the secondary. The key match up Trent Cole vs King Dunlap is going to be a field day for #58. Just remember last year with King Dunlap starting.....glad he is on the opposite side this time. Another thing I have noticed is Billy Davis is using Mychal Kendricks in a more aggressive manner with blitzing. The Eagles didn't properly utilize Kendricks last year who was more in coverage when he was used too in college going forward not back. For the offense the Eagles hope to continue to run the football but in a different way. Lesean McCoy had 31 carries which could be too much but remember when last year critics were saying they used him to little? Around 25 carries is perfect if they can get more touches for Bryce Brown and actually get Polk to play on offense. The read option was unstoppable against the Redskins with Vick running for 54 yards and a touchdown off it, it will be another tough match up vs a future hall of famer Dwight Freeney. With the Eagles having success in the fast pace offense against Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo, they should be able to keep it going but how long can they keep it up? The Eagles ran sooo many plays in the first half but with a 33-7 lead, Chip put his foot off the gas a little bit in order to kill the clock. People are curious on how long they are going to do it but it is pretty simple, if they are in a early close game then its fast pace, if the Eagles are up 35-28 with 1:55, why on earth would they hurry up? This is a perfect match up for the Eagles to take advantage and improve to 2-0 in what is going to be a tough NFC East race, I believe the Eagles take it with ease 35-21. The defense won't be stellar, but it will get the job done like it did in 2010, the defense that reminds me of this years.

Bradley Fletcher misses 3rd practice in a row

The Eagles starting corner Bradley Fletcher suffered a concussion against the Redskins Monday night and has not practiced since. Fletcher odds are will not play so expect Brandon Boykin and Jordan Poyer to start on the outside and the slot. Brandon Hughes will also play a big roll against the Chargers. Now the question is does Fletcher still have a guaranteed starting spot? He look ok against the Redskins but if Boykin has another great game, Billy Davis will have a big decision to make.

Vinny Curry can't seem to get on the field

The Philadelphia Eagles took Vinny Curry from Marshall in the second round of the 2012 draft with high hopes that he would become a big contributor along side Trent Cole. Well that just hasn't happened. Curry was inactive again Monday Night now being his 11th game inactive out of the 17 he has played in his NFL career.Curry had a strong preseason after making the switch to 3-4 defensive end instead of going OLB with Trent Cole and Brandon Graham. I personally thought that Curry was going to be a big part of the rotation between Cox, Thorton, Logan, Square, Geathers, Curry......wow that is one deep defensive line. Yet you want to tell me that Square and Geathers are better options every game then Vinny Curry? Yes according to Billy Davis it was the type of team Washington is and that "He was the odd man out" so maybe home against San Diego, Square is inactive and Curry gets the nod. That could be what the Eagles are planning on doing and I am totally fine with that, but you can't keep this kid on the sidelines with how could this defense could be with him on it. Like CSNPhilly.com reported many fans and analysts are in serious doubt and confusion of Vinny Curry's Philadelphia Eagles's career.

Also Reports is that Vinny Curry's agent said he is open to a trade....and the saga continues. 

Eagle Eye Focus Podcast Eagles vs Redskins Week 1 Recap

Eagles def Redskins 33-27

Why didn't the Eagles use James Casey?

The Eagles used many different schemes vs the Redskins but one player that they went after in free agency, Tight End James Casey didn't play a single snap at offense. I don't understand exactly why he didn't play, obviously they want Celek and Ertz on the field and rightfully so. Celek had a big time touchdown and some nice receptions as well as Ertz grabbing a nice pass and good pass protection. Casey is a versatile guy everybody knows that, so why no FB, Slot WR, and especially a three tight end set which we did not see last night. It could help out the Eagles stay fresh with the fast pace offense and they are paying Casey a lot of money not to play offense and only special teams. I believe Kelly will put in some plays this week for Casey and perhaps some 2 tight ends split wide and one on the line type formations. Just a thought but philadelphiaeagles.com Adam Caplan (NFL Insider) also noticed Casey was not out there but made two tremendous plays on special teams. If the Eagles don't get Casey out on the field often, it will be very puzzling to say the least. A talented player that could line up anywhere should be able to fit in a college type system like the one Chip Kelly has in place.

Eagles win wild one 33-27

The Eagles fast paced offense is no joke. With 53 plays of offense heading into the second half and a 33-7 lead, it looked like the Eagles had it in the bag. RG3 got comfortable in the second half to march down with 20 unanswered points but the Eagles blitz packages and strong secondary bailed them out of a late quarter triumph the Redskins were attempting to pull off. Michael Vick finished with 203 yards and 2 touchdowns as well as....NO INTS! Lesean McCoy was 1 yard short of his career record for yards with 31 carries for 184 yards and a touchdown. The Eagle Eye Focus Podcast recap will be tomorrow with all the latest news on the Eagles big week 1 WIN!

Eagles vs Redskins prediction

The Eagles season opener is here! Monday Night Football will bring a lot of interesting headlines and some mar key match ups. A battle between two mobile quarterbacks that have a lot of read option in their offense and some struggling defenses, expect it to be a shootout. All the questions about what Chip Kelly is going do will be answered. Will the Eagles use 3 Tight Ends a lot? How much read option will be implicated into the offense? How much will they use all of the running backs with the fast pace offense? There should be a lot of those things that effect the outcome of this game but the one that will decide this matchup is.....Turnovers. I don't need to go into what happened last year with the Eagles offense turnover wise, this year Vick will have the ball out quick and they will be running the football a whole lot more. I don't expect many mistakes by either team based on how the offenses are run which is why this should be such a great game. I expect the Eagles defense to struggle but I think the secondary is actually going to have a nice game with a good match up.

Here is my prediction for the game!

Eagles 35-31 Redskins

Michael Vick 23/34 231 Yds 2 TDS 1 INT

Lesean McCoy 21 Rushes 125 yards 2 TDS

Desean Jackson 4 Rec 94 YDS 1 TD

What to take from Riley Cooper vs Carry Williams Fight

To me it isn't about the racial slur or anything Cooper and Williams have disputed over.....its just Carry Williams being a hot headed.....well he is being exactly himself. He is just being the over exaggerated guy he always has been. That is all I have to say on this matter I just wanna stop with the off season headlines because nothing else is occurring....ITS REGULAR SEASON TIME BABY!

Nate Allen named starter over Earl Wolff

The Eagles have decided on the starting safety next to Patrick Chung for Monday Night vs the Washington Redskins. Nate Allen has had a rough career since his rookie year and really has not done much to impress in the preseason either which is why I question the move. I believe the Eagles should have went with the rookie in Earl Wolff, yes he has struggled but if both struggle, I'm taking Wolff who to me has looked better than Nate. The Eagle Eye Focus Podcast Preview of the Redskins will be aired tomorrow at 3 30! FOOTBALL IS BACK!

Eagles get down to 53

Wow, some surprise cuts yet some big time bold moves to keep some players.
The Eagles cut today
OG Danny Watkins
WR Russell Sheppard
WR Greg Salas
TE Clay Harbor
OL Bamiro
LB Chris McCoy
S David Sims

So with that the Eagles are at 53 but take a look at some of the big moves the Eagles decided to keep these players.

WR Jeff Mahel- Had a great game vs the Jets and went to Oregon with Kelly looked fast and smart.

TE Emil Igwenagu- My hat goes off to this guy, He continued to produce at TE and FB to a point where he beat out Clay Harbor. He is a great blocker and will be on the field as the 4th TE which Kelly likes to use all his tight ends.

CB Brandon Huges and Curtis Marsh- Both played solid when on the field and with no CB depth right now, they couldn't afford to give these guys up with how much they have put into each guy.

S Kurt Coleman- The Eagles decided to keep 5 safeties so with Chung, Allen, and Wolff as the biggest contributors, Coleman and Anderson will play big roles on special teams.

LB Emmanuel Acho, Casey Matthews, Jake Knott- All 3 linebackers made the roster which is rightfully so. Acho was flat out spectacular and Knott was a monster in the run game as well. Casey Matthews has come along nicely and the Eagles are in good hands with nice, young depth at the inside linebacking position.

Eagles release Danny Watkins

The Eagles have released former first round pick Danny Watkins. Watkins did not have a great camp or preseason and has struggled since being drafted by the Eagles in 2011. With versatile o-lineman like Julian Vandervelde and Allen Barbre, Watkins was not worth keeping with his high payed contract.

Eagles Eye Focus Podcast! Eagles vs Jets Recap/Roster cuts Analysis

Eagles Begin Cuts

The Eagles have started the final cuts process with these players being released.

WR Will Murphy
QB GJ Kinnie
C Dallas Reynolds
LB Adrian Robinson
CB Trevard Lindley (Waived/Injured)
QB Dennis Dixon
DT Antonio Dixon
DT David King
WR Ifeanyi Momah
Matt Tennant
DL Everett Brown
DL Joe Kruger IR

Who to watch vs Jets

There are many players on the roster bubble, playing for their careers tomorrow but a few standout that could potentially make a impact on the team if they make the team.

Offense:

Clay Harbor TE- Now depending on how many tight ends Chip Kelly keeps, Harbor might already have a spot locked up but with how well Ertz and Casey look this off season, if Harbor doesn't come out and impress vs the Jets then it could be his ticket off the team. Harbor has looked good so far in the preseason and coming off a career year last year, he could help out a lot with the offense and special teams.

Ifeanyi Momah WR- The Eagles could keep Momah just based on pure size and potential but with other talented young players emerging at the position and actually making a impact during games such as Russell Sheppard and Greg Salas, this is a make or break game for Momah who has yet to record a single reception in the preseason.

Dallas Reynolds C- Reynolds who started most of last year after Jason Kelce went down, is now on the roster bubble due to a friend of the blog Julian "Batmandervelde" Vandervelde playing absolute shut down blocking this preseason....personally I love it after Vandervelde was nice enough to come on the Eagle Eye Focus Podcast but it is a big game for both Vandervelde and Reynolds vs the Jets. If Reynolds shuts down then the Eagles have a very difficult decision on their hands.

Matthew Tucker RB- Tucker has had a quiet yet very impressive camp and preseason. For Tucker it is all a numbers game with McCoy, Brown, and Polk as locks to make the roster. If Tucker has a huge game vs the Jets then Kelly might consider keeping a 4th RB on the squad. He has shown impressive catching out of the backfield and has a good understanding of pass blocking with the games he has gotten onto the field.

Defense:

Kurt Coleman S- The 2012 starting safety for the Eagles is now on the brink of being cut. Keep in mind that Coleman's rookie year came down to week 4 make or break game to decide if he makes the roster....he absolutely lit it up. Coleman will need a repeat performance to convince Billy Davis and Chip Kelly that he deserves a spot on the final 53 man roster, this will also include him showing his special teams ability. Colt Anderson is a lock pure special teams based as well as Nate Allen, Earl Wolff, and Patrick Chung so if 4 safeties are being kept....well good luck but with 5 he is a great keep for injuries or if another 2012 repeat performance starring the Eagles secondary occurs, changes will need to be made.

Jake Knott LB- Knott is a interesting story on the defense and has had a strong preseason. With Jamar Chaney being cut it gives Knott a better chance to make the roster but with Emmanuel Acho impressing as well as Casey Matthews, it might be another pure number based casualty but I like Knott, he has shown great instincts and is a great run stopping backer.

Predicted Score: Who Cares right? Aaah here it is anyway
Eagles 24-Jets 21

Greg Salas vs Russell Sheppard

With final roster cuts coming up Saturday, fans are keeping a close eye on the battle for the final spot at wide receiver between rookie Russel Sheppard and veteran Greg Salas for the 5th spot. I guess you could say Ifeanyi Momah is in the equation too but he has yet to catch a single pass in the preseason and does little impact on special teams which a 5th WR needs to be able to do. So which WR is the better choice looking that the Eagles do keep 5 and not 6 receivers? I think the Eagles will choose Sheppard who has been impressive both on offense and special teams but who I think they should choose is Greg Salas. He is a perfect 5th WR that is more of a possession receiver than a deep threat. Salas has great instincts and is a crisp route runner, he has been solid all camp and was impressive in the first two preseason games with over 70 yards receiving and a touchdown compared to Sheppard's 40 some yards and well...Momah's 0. Salas's hands....wow they are incredible, he has yet to drop a single pass and can make some freak like catches like this one.

Now Russell Sheppard has been good don't get me wrong, his underrated speed and great route running will make for a great player in the NFL and I wouldn't mind having him on the Eagles at all so I am not one sided here but based on pure need at a #5 WR spot, Salas fits the mold more as the Eagles have already two speed type receivers with Desean Jackson and Damaris Johnson. Yes Sheppard has outplayed Salas in special teams which might be the deciding factor but with one last preseason game coming up, it could help both get a boat load of playing time and get the ball more than often.

Eagles Update: Nate Allen and Earl Wolff battle for starting job

Patrick Chung is the solidified starter at FS but who is winning the SS job after Kenny Phillips was cut? Nate Allen? Earl Wolff? Lets see what the philadelphiaeagles.com crew thinks

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/multimedia/videos/Eagles-Update-Training-Camp-Winding-Down/8e68cb83-c2af-4e1b-9f9d-72842506ace7

         

Michael Vick will sit, Nick Foles to start vs the Jets

Michael Vick will not play in the all amazing 4th preseason game....(Sarcasim). Nick Foles will get the nod to start the game and play into the second half, Matt Barkley and Dennis Dixon will then get the second half snaps. Plus GJ Kinnie will get reps.

Eagles should pursue Quintin Mikell

I said this once on the podcast and I am going to say it again, by the way I also predicted Chaney getting cut on the podcast unlike Eagles TV Network who said he was a "lock" to make the roster....please. With the release of veteran Kenny Phillips who could never get on the field, this now leaves the safety position to Patrick Chung and either Nate Allen or Earl Wolff as the starter when neither one look ready to start. So this brings up a great time for the Eagles to get a veteran safety to go along with Chung. This to me should be former Eagles Safety Quintin Mikell who was great along with Brian Dawkins and when #20 left. Mikell is currently a free agent after being released by the St. Louis Rams who went younger at the position when drafting T.J Mcdonald in the second round of the draft. Last year Mikell had 101 total tackles and his last year as an Eagle he had 3 picks which the Eagles desperately need back at safety. 101 tackles just shows this guy can still play. So with great leadership and a great tackler, why doesn't Howie Roseman give Mikell a call. I think with Chung and Mikell it would make a solid core of two veteran tackling machines that can get turnovers as well. Earl Wolff can play special teams and come in certain packages which would be better for the rookie anyway, Nate Allen should be released and Colt Anderson can be your 4th or 5th guy depending on if you keep Coleman or David Sims as your 4th (or Nate Allen of course). If the Eagles keep 4 then Anderson will be the 4th but if 5 then expect Nate Allen or Kurt Coleman to be back on the roster.

Eagles cut Kenny Phillips and Jamar Chaney

The Eagles have parted ways with Veteran yet Injury Plagued Kenny Phillips who has been limited since joining the Eagles, Also releasing LB Jamar Chaney who has been with the team for a while but has had two very bad years, with Emmanuel Acho a young emerging LB, it makes since to part ways. This gives Earl Wolff and Emmanuel Acho huge chances for playing time this season.

   

Eagles release 10 players, cut roster to 78

The Eagles have made some cuts today, here are the players that were released.

1. TE Derek Carrier- Only had 1 reception in preseason, was behind loaded position.

2. WR Nick Miller- Was pretty good against the Patriots but stuggled with routes during camp, loaded position with some young talent couldn't spread apart from other players.

3. DT Eddie McClam

4. T Nic Purcell

5. DL/OL Issac Remington

6. TE Will Shaw- Tight end is crazy deep

7. DL Daryell Walker

8. LS James Winchester- Jon Dorenbos is back....

9. P Brad Wing- Donnie Jones has one the punting job

10. CB Eddie Whitley (Waived/Injury)- I personally liked Whitley, physical, versatile corner who played well but with Brandon Hughes, Poyer, and Marsh, not enough room on the roster.

Eagles vs Jaguars Week 3 Recap Podcast

Eagles defeat Jaguars 31-24 improve to 2-1 on the preseason

Eagles vs Jaguars Preseason Preview

The most important preseason game tomorrow for both the Eagles and Jaguars is one with many headlines including that the Eagles starters will play the entire first half. Michael Vick will get the start and Nick Foles and Barkley will play in the second half. Lets look at a couple players who need big games against a struggling Jaguars defense and offense with newly QB Battle winner Blaine Gabbert under center in order to make the roster, or prove critics.

Offense: 
1. Ifeanyi Momah WR- Momah has not caught one pass so far in the preseason and it may be as a result of not being able to create separation from the corner. I have noticed he struggles with that in both practice and games. If he wants to make the team he needs to come out and make a big impact with some big receptions and a touchdown, this still may not get him on the roster. The good thing for Momah is that it is not over. With his size he could easily become a red zone threat tomorrow and against the Jets in Week 4. One other issue that Eagles.com Bo Wulf has noticed is that Momah has trouble in open space but when it comes down to the red zone, he is deadly. So lets get him heavily involved in the areas he is strong at for him to shine, and also get him to shine in uncomfortable situations. It is not that the QBs have not looked to him because Barkley targeted him twice in week 1 and 3 times in week 2.

2. Jason Peters LT- Yes he is in no threat to be cut, he is arguably the best left tackle in the game, but what I need to see is that he is comfortable coming off his hamstring injury. As long as we see the athleticism and domination we are so used to seeing with Peters, there should be no worries about his play on the field. Just STOP SPEEDING......

3. Greg Salas WR- Salas with one more productive performance could seal the deal for a roster spot as the fifth or sixth guy. The Jaguars have a strong first team secondary so maybe get he, Sheppard, and Momah involved with the first team against players like rookie Jonathan Cyprien. Salas has had two very good games showing to be a very dependent possession receiver.

Defense: 
1. Jamar Chaney LB- The veteran LB is on the bubble that is for sure, with Ryans and Kendricks locked as the starters and Acho and Knott emerging, Chaney needs to have a big game against Justin Forsett, Cecil Shorts, or whoever there is he needs to wrap them up which has been a big issue for Chaney in the first two games.

2. Kenny Phillips Safety- "He just can't stay healthy" that is the big remark always towards Phillips, the talented veteran has made little to no impact so far on the field, this is not as a result of his poor performance but because his legs are giving way. Patrick Chung and Nate Allen are playing exceptionally well football as well as rookie Earl Wolff. If Phillips can come in, make some big tackles and shut down in coverage as he did in New York (Again when healthy) then the Eagles could go with him over Allen as they planned to when bringing in the former Giant Safety.

Game time is at 7:30 ET Saturday in Jacksonville

Predicted Score- Eagles 21- 13 Jaguars

Eagle Eye Focus Joins All32Access

The Eagle Eye Focus blog has merged with all32access.weebly.com! Owner of Eagles Eye Focus Louie DiBi is the co founder along with realbilsnow.blogspot.com's Dave Cres and Brendan Haringt. The site will be built like bleacher report and sb nation with all 32 team blogs. We currently have 6 teams up and if you would like to be a part of the all access team, send us a email at all32access@yahoo.com.

Breaking News! Eagles Trade Felix Jones to Steelers for LB Adrian Robinson

Wow what a big move! The Eagles have just traded RB Felix Jones to the Steelers for LB Adrian Robinson, this gives Polk and Brown the majority of the carries after McCoy plus they will now keep 3 running backs. Jones did not have that great of a camp and the Steelers could use a veteran RB after the injury of their rookie RB Le'veon Bell. More to come as details rise.

Report: Jason Peters will play vs Jaguars

Well the offensive line has looked great so far in preseason and will be awarded with another boost getting back arguably the best LT in Football, Jason Peters will play after coming off a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for the past couple weeks. Allen Barbe almost guaranteed himself a roster spot while filling in for Peters. He looked really good and showed some athleticism down field with run blocking. This offensive line is finally fully healthy and ready to make a huge impact on this football team.

Eagle Eye Focus Podcast QB Battle over

Could Nick Foles be traded?

With Michael Vick now being named the starting quarterback and Matt Barkley as the upcoming rookie,
could second year QB Nick Foles be traded to a team that needs a QB? I really like Dennis Dixon as a reliable third QB that knows the system so maybe its time to part ways with Foles. Teams like Jacksonville, Cleveland, or New York Jets could be interested in a big guy like Foles. The Eagles would I am sure field offers but what exactly would they want for Foles? Maybe a 2nd or 3rd round pick to me would be their asking price or a productive OLB perhaps. Not sure if teams would be willing to give up those high picks or a player but it is always something to consider with a deep QB depth chart. The report right now is that Howie Roseman and the Eagles are not going to shop Foles but I am sure if the right offer came around, they wouldn't hesitate to make a deal. Don't get me wrong Foles is a very good football player with great decision making and a strong arm, but I just don't see a future for him in Philadelphia.