Eagles could be deadly at Tight End

The Eagles are 5 days into training camp and are showing some really interesting sets on offense with the tight ends. There is so much diversity and versatility with the players, there will almost never be any 3 WR sets. Brent Celek is the starter...for now but has shown over the years he can be a big piece in blocking and also a solid pass catcher but nothing more really than solid. He has posted 2 years over 800 receiving yards and two seasons with at least 4 touchdowns. He as of late hasn't been much of a factor with Vick at the helm which might be the reason they brought in James Casey and drafted Zach Ertz in the second round. James Casey is the guy that can line up at TE, WR, FB,RB you name it this guy can do it. Zach Ertz is the guy that I am most excited for. He has rare size and speed like a Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham, he is going to be the most productive Tight End this season and probably over seat Celek as the starter. Picture this because honestly they have already been doing this but Brent Celek can line up as the line of scrimmage tight end, put James Casey and Ertz in the slot with Desean Jackson and either Cooper or Avant on the outside. That could be one heck of a offense with of course Lesean McCoy at RB. Clay Harbor will add good depth, he had a pretty good year last season with 25 catches and 3 touchdowns and will be a good special teams player as well. Here are my predicted stats for each tight end this coming season.


Brent Celek- 55 Receptions 675 receiving yards 4 receiving touchdowns

James Casey- 48 Receptions 550 receiving yards 5 total touchdowns

Zach Ertz- 53 Receptions 730 yards 7 touchdowns

*Yes clearly these stats are generous in a offense with many weapons but it is just to show you what these players are capable of with their potential, Casey and Ertz are breakout potential players that can become huge and even Celek is young and has more seasons to improve on his receiving.

                            

Riley Cooper makes racial comments, Apologizes to Team

Riley Cooper made some racial slurs at a concert and went viral today. Cooper said he is disgusted with his comments and apologized to his teammates who said they forgave him including Kurt Coleman and Michael Vick. Riley Cooper is going to be a big piece of the offense this year so he needs to get his act together which he clearly knows. Jeffery Lurie made a statement saying how Cooper has taken actions for his words and will be fined.

Eagles retire best QB in Eagles history #5 Donovan Mcnabb

A special week in Philadelphia, not only because of training camp under way but the Eagles are celebrating the retirement of a local legend, number 5 Donovan Mcnabb who will have his jersey retired by the Eagles against the Chiefs on Thursday Night Football, Week 3 of the regular season. Donovan had a very emotional speech at his press conference thanking his family of course and his teammates and what I love about what Brian Westbrook said about #5 is that no matter how hurt he was, he wasn't going to let you know and play to the best of his ability and that was what he was all about. I had the pleasure of watching Donovan growing up as a Eagle fan, although I came in to the Eagles community when Donovan was near the end of his reign in Philly, I would like to say on behalf of all the Eagles fans thank you for everything you did for the organization. Mcnabb holds every statistical record for the QB position on the Eagles and without a doubt, I believe he is the best Eagle QB of all time and a hall of famer. Its sad to see him go out without the big one but the winning he brought to Philly will always be appreciated, no matter how much the fans boo you, you know they appreciated everything.

Training Camp 7/29 report

Some headlines to discuss in today's first actual hitting practice but the biggest one is the injury to linebacker Jason Phillips who the Eagles singed from Carolina as a big contributor to the special teams and it looks like after he was carted off the field that he has a very serious leg injury. Chip Kelly will update the injury during the press conference. Some on the field news is Nick Foles started today's practice with the first team but Michael Vick looked to be the best QB on the field today. Vick had two amazing on the run touchdown passes to Riley Cooper who by the way has looked great. Vick ran the red zone drills very well showing off his speed extending plays. As of right now neither Vick, Foles, or Barkley have separated themselves as the #1 guy. Cornerback Brandon Boykin continues to impress during camp not just in the slot but on the outside, he had two very nice plays on Desean Jackson where he pressed him up and did not allow him to create any space. This is going to bode well with Kelly since the corners will be in mostly press coverage. Patrick Chung got shaken up when covering Jason Avant, the two collided but Avant made a spectacular catch and he has been one of the best players at camp so far. Chung then got off the field on his own and seemed to be fine when talking with the trainers but this shows that his under size might be an issue especially with another injury prone safety in Kenny Phillips, this might give Earl Wolff a huge opportunity to start. Cedric Thorton and Vinny Curry were clearly ready to get hitting when both made Matthew Tucker be sent into next week. Both Curry and Thorton are battling for the other DE spot opposite Fletcher Cox and they look good so far but I want to see if Curry can make the transition where as I think Thorton is going to be a big contributor this year. Desean Jackson said he is the #1 punt return man but after the Maclin injury, Kelly and the special teams might want to think that over twice but I think it is a good idea to get him back there.

Could Josh Freeman become an Eagle?

Yes....you did hear that right. This is a bit of a what if article but hey it is fun to think of the possibilities. So here is a scenario for you, the Buccaneers don't make the playoffs and they blame Josh Freeman instead of the packed NFC South and NFC. The Buccaneers part with Freeman and start Mike Glennon so Freeman goes into free agency and....the Eagles swoop in and take Freeman as their franchise guy as Michael Vick is no longer on the team. The Eagles are now with a young, talented, big quarterback to go with Chip Kelly and he is very mobile. Could you imagine Freeman with Desean Jackson and a healthy Jeremy Maclin? Yes this might be wishful thinking and maybe you see this as a stupid and pointless article but this isn't all impossible. In my eyes right now I don't see a franchise guy in Philly. Yes we haven't seen what Barkley can do or what Foles does in a full season but neither in my opinion mold into what Kelly wants as a QB, now Dennis Dixon does but check out my recent podcast for that argument. Josh Freeman could be a Eagle....BELIEVE IT!!

Jeremy Maclin done for year with torn ACL

Not good....not good at all for the Eagles. Wide out Jeremy Maclin tore his ACL today in practice and will miss the entire 2013 NFL season. A crushing blow to a team that really relied on Maclin the past seasons and will now look heavily to Desean Jackson and Jason Avant to pick up the slack. I believe if you had to lose either Maclin or Jackson, this might be better for a high tempo offense that needs Desean Jackson and now Damaris Johnson who is going to have a big role in the offense. Maclin went down during the 7 on 7 drills and was carted off the field with a towel over his head, clearly he was upset. Now Riley Cooper and Arrellious Benn are the two I am looking at to step up and fill the void because they both fit the possession type WR that will score touchdowns like Maclin did (He had 7 last year). This also gives another spot open to rookie Ifeanyi Momah to maybe impress during the preseason and make the roster. Again losing a very productive and explosive player never helps and the Eagles have their work cut out for them to replace a very good football player. 

 

Eagle Eye Focus - QB Battle w/ Kwame Jones Fisher

Begining Depth Chart Prediction

Training Camp is officially under way and for celebration of this great time, I am going to give you Eagles fans what everybody likes....Predictions! Here is the beginning training camp predicted Depth chart

Offense

QB: 

1. Michael Vick

2. Nick Foles

3. Matt Barkley

Dennis Dixon (Practice Squad)

This is not what I want it is what I picture ending up happening sadly as I love Dennis Dixon.

RB:

1. Lesean McCoy

2. Bryce Brown

3. Felix Jones

4. Chris Polk

A boat load of talent will provide great depth in case of injury. Expect McCoy to have monster year and a very productive one for Brown and Jones will be receiving threat. 

WR:

1. Desean Jackson

2. Jeremy Maclin

3. Jason Avant

4. Ifeanyi Momah

5. Damaris Johnson
6. Russell Sheppard

Deepest position with size and great speed. Jackson will have bounce back year as well as Maclin. Expect Momah to be a big red zone target as well as Cooper.

TE: 

1. Brent Celek

2. Zach Ertz

3. James Casey
4. Clay Harbor

Dominant group with a lot of diversity. Celek is a great blocker and possession TE, Zach Ertz is the complete package and could be the next Jimmy Graham. Casey can line up every where and is the exact player of a team run by Chip Kelly.

LT:

1.Jason Peters

2. Matt Kopa

Best tackle in the game, expect huge year for a very reliable player when on the field. Kopa is a dark horse to make the roster.

LG: 

1. Evan Mathis

2. Julian Vandervelde

Mathis was the only one that stayed healthy last year and should have been a pro bowler. Love Vandervelde's hand work, think he is a very reliable backup. 

Center:

1. Jason Kelce

2. Dallas Reynolds

Kelce is coming off a season ending injury but look what he did in 2011, consistent, reliable player. Reynolds wasn't terrible in his starts last year. 

RG:

1. Todd Heremans 

2. Danny Watkins

Heremans gets to go back to his natural position. Watkins is a first round bust but will be a good backup, unless traded.

RT:

1. Lane Johnson

2. Dennis Kelly

The 4th overall pick has amazing athleticism and will pick up system, is a bit raw but will progress as the season goes on. Kelly was solid in a bad situation last year.

Defense

OLB:

1. Connor Barwin 

2. Trent Cole

3. Brandon Graham
4. Chris McCoy

Barwin is the most important piece of this defense for the new 3-4 scheme. Can Cole and Graham make the transition from DE to OLB? If so this is a dominant group.

3-4 DE:

1. Fletcher Cox

2. Cedric Thorton.
3. Vinny Curry
4. David King

Cox had a big rookie year and I think he fits very well as a 3-4 DE. Bennie Logan will start opposite Cox and is a smart, physical player that will split time with Cedric Thorton. David King could get some time on the field if he impresses at camp.

NT:

1. Issac Sopoaga
2. Bennie Logan

Sopoaga was the most underrated player on the 49ers defense and he has one job. Eat up the blocks and pound the runner....ok so that is two jobs. Dixon is a very good NT but I think Sopoaga is the better option until proven otherwise.

ILB

1. Demeco Ryans

2. Mychal Kendricks

3.Jamar Chaney

4. Casey Matthews

5. Emmanuel Acho

Ryans led the team in tackles last year and was exactly what the Eagles needed. Hopefully he can be as dominant in a 3-4 that he said he is better as 4-3 but played both in Houston. Kendricks is my breakout candidate this year after a up and down rookie year. Chaney has started a lot of games and is a great backup and rotational player as well as Matthews who is a very good special teams player. Watch out for this kid Acho, that is all I'm gonna say.

CB:

1.Carry Williams 

2. Bradley Fletcher

3. Brandon Boykin

4. Curtis Marsh 

5. Jordan Poyer

6. Brandon Hughes

Williams and Fletcher are a solid, press coverage pair that is going to be a very important position with all the receivers in the NFC East. Boykin will fight off Poyer for the slot job and could push Fletcher for the starting outside job. Marsh is another year in development and is ready to come in if a injury or bad play occurs. Poyer is a aggressive corner who was a steal in the 7th round, good special teams player who will compete for starting jobs from the get go. Brandon Hughes is a underrated player who is a fine backup. Just go look at the week 4 Sunday Night tape, he was great in place of ....#24 I don't want to say his name. 

Safety:
1. Patrick Chung
2. Nate Allen
3. Earl Wolff
4. Kenny Phillips
5. Colt Anderson

                                                                   

Eagle Eye Focus - Training Camp Preview

Training Camp Preview: Cornerback

Training Camp kicks off Friday in one of the most exciting training camps in Eagles history and a position that is extremely interesting to watch after an off season overhaul, and is now at the heat of a battle for the starting spots is the corner back position. Nnamdi Asomugha and DRC were disasters in Philadelphia last year and the year before so the Eagles moved on picking up some new pieces at the position including playoff hero from the Ravens Carry Williams, Former Rams hard hitting corner Bradley Fletcher, drafting in the 7th round aggressive corner Jordan Poyer out of Oregon state who are all going to be competing for the starting two spots and I forgot to mention, second year player Brandon Boykin who had a up and down rookie year as the starting slot corner last season. With the spots up for grabs expect veterans Carry Williams and Bradley Fletcher to win the jobs. Yes those are the obvious choices but look at what both bring to the table that fits Chip Kelly's system. They both are very good press coverage corners which is Fletcher's strong point on why they brought him in. Carry Williams came in to start for Baltimore last year and was stellar. He had 4 interceptions last year including one for a touchdown and had 75 tackles. Both Williams and Fletcher are great tacklers which was the worst spot of the secondary last year as the Eagles had the most broken tackles in the league. What I like about Williams is he brings a gritty attitude to the team that really needs it. Just look at week 2 last year Ravens vs Eagles when Desean Jackson and Williams got into a scuffle, I really like that about Williams. Bradley Fletcher is an interesting player, he was lost in the depth chart last year in St. Louis after Janoris Jenkins and Cortland Finnegan emerged as one of the best pairings in the NFL. Fletcher is a big physical player that can also play in the slot and all over the field which Chip Kelly loves in his players. Brandon Boykin is coming off a rocky rookie year so he is for sure not the bone a fied starter at slot and for good reason. Yes when he faced players like Jacoby Jones he was solid but look what happened in week 3 against the Cardinals when they lined up Fitzgerald to Boykin, he got absolutely destroyed. I expect Jordan Poyer to come in and light it up in training camp and just maybe take the slot spot away from Boykin. Many Eagles analyst are saying that Boykin will compete for the starting jobs and yes I can agree as is everyone at the position. If he can stay as a consistent tackler then he should have the slot job locked up, but he needs to stay ahead of Poyer. Curtis Marsh is in another year of developing and he could become a solid player but I just see better options at CB. He will make a good backup and I fully expect him to mold into a CB that can start in a few years but he is still a bit raw in my eyes. Just think he was a Running back at Utah state only 4 years ago (He was a 3rd round pick in 2011). A guy I really like is Brandon Hughes who is coming into his fourth year as a Eagle but didn't see the field much until last year. He really impressed me in week 4 Sunday Night against the New York Giants when he came in for Nnamdi Asomugha after an injury, and he totally shut down Hakeem Knicks. He is a very physical corner that won't get you many turnovers but doesn't let the WR off easily. I think he is going to fit well in the new system and will provide a solid backup to Fletcher who he resembles a lot in my opinion. Then I think there is maybe one more spot for Trevard Lindley if he can beat out Hughes but I think Lindley just doesn't fit as I see him more as a off coverage corner.

Predicted Depth Chart
1. Carry Williams
2. Bradley Fletcher
3. Brandon Boykin
4. Jordan Poyer
5. Curtis Marsh
6. Brandon Hughes

Training Camp Preview: Wide Receiver

The Eagles kick off training camp this Friday with a lot of big headlines. Many positions are in competition for the starting job but one position just might be the deepest position on the team. Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Jason Avant have been the three receivers for the past 4 years and have been very consistent. Desean Jackson is going to fit extremely well in Chip Kelly's offense. His speed and good hands are going to help him get the ball a lot more than he did with Reid. Kelly might use him like Percy Harvin and Randall Cobb where he can line up more than just at the Z receiver spot. He is being used in the slot, punt returner again, and at running back which is a new aspect of his game that might be a big asset to the Eagles. Jeremy Maclin has had the most receptions in his first 4 seasons than any Eagle in history but the one thing that concerns me and many other Eagle fans and analyst is, he has yet to break 1,000 yards in a season. This might be due to all the weapons on the Eagles or maybe injuries that have been a bit of a concern the past couple years. Scoring 7 touchdowns last year led the team last season, he isn't the tallest player but he has good size to help out in the red zone. Chip Kelly will want Maclin to be able to block which is a weak point so if he wants to stay on the field, that will have to be a part of his game. Jason Avant has improved every single year in receptions with over 60 last season, but he never scores in the end zone and just doesn't fit the mold as a WR for Chip Kelly. His blocking is very good which will be his strong point in order to still start at slot. Now lets talk about the depth of the position with currently Riley Cooper, Damaris Johnson, Arrelious Benn, and Ifeanyi Momah battling for two or three spots. I believe Riley Cooper is a lock to make the team, last year he was exactly what the Eagles needed in the red zone especially against the Dallas Cowboys his two highlight reel one handed grabs which proves his ability to go up and get the football which isn't a strength of Jackson, Maclin, maybe not Avant who has the best hands on the team. Now I have a different opinion on Damaris Johnson than most and here it is. Honestly I don't understand why we need him, yes he is extremely fast but we have Desean Jackson who is a much better version of Johnson. The Eagles need big receivers as our backups and I think Arrelious Benn will beat him out for the 5th WR spot. Chip Kelly does like fast, versatile players but I believe Jackson and Maclin can be the ones lined up in different spots as well as Tight End James Casey. Arrelious Benn didn't pan out well in Tampa Bay, he did start 25 games for them and is a pretty big guy standing at 6'2 and 188 pounds, so he is no small guy. His highest yard total in his 3 years was in 2011 with 441 yards and 3 touchdowns. He is most likely the biggest at risk to get cut of the players mentioned but if he can show his physicality in the red zone and again block well in the preseason and training camp, he should beat out Johnson who isn't of much use unless Desean Jackson goes down after injuries. Now I want to talk a little bit about Ifeanyi Momah who stands at a towering 6'7 but is coming off a ACL tear at Boston College. His huge speed is such a plus it is so hard to pass him up as a number 6 WR. I don't think he can make it if 5 receivers are kept but if there is 6 they need to let him be on the sidelines and learn and also maybe contribute in the red zone. Is he a upgrade over someone like Plaxico Burress.....I would think so since there is a higher ceiling. In Boston College he had 6 touchdowns in two years before his ACL tear which isn't very impressive but he has the raw ability that Chip Kelly could mold into a player like Plaxico Burress, if he doesn't make the roster expect him to be on the practice squad and be a call up in case of a injury. Wide Receiver is arguably the deepest position on the team and the speed, size, and skills can help the Eagles get back to the playoffs and make the offense get back to one of the best in the league. 

Predicted Depth Chart

1. Desean Jackson

2. Jeremy Maclin

3. Jason Avant

4. Riley Cooper

5. Damaris Johnson

6. Arrelious Benn

Ifeanyi Momah - Practice Squad

 

Training Camp Preview: Inside Linebacker

The Eagles training camp begins Monday when Michael Vick, Nick Foles, and the rookies report to the Nova Care Complex which of course is the start of the new change in Philadelphia Eagles Football under Head Coach Chip Kelly who is preparing for his first trianing camp ever in the NFL as a head coach. Well the fans are clearly excited as there has been already over 4,500 tickets taken for the attendance of training camp which is the first since the 1940s to be hosted in Philadelphia. Many of the positions are solidified for instance the offensive line but most are in competition for the starting job including the most coveted position in the NFL, the quarterbackf position but guess what and this might come as a schock......we are not talking about the quarterbacks in this article! (Mind blown)? well you shouldn't be. Lets talk about the inside linebacker position, a position that isn't really in competition for the spots but more is to see where the young players fall in line on the depth chart as we know veteran Demeco Ryans and second year pro Mychal Kendricks are going to be the two guys in the middle of the 3-4 defense for the start of the season unless any serious injuries occur which we hope obviously does not happen. Demeco Ryans had a team high 148 tackles last year and has said he is more comfortable in a 4-3 but did play both when he was in Houston so his production should not drop all that much and certainly the scheme won't hold him back from being a big force on the field that the Eagles really need, plus he is a leader on and off the football field for these players. Mychal Kendricks is a interesting player to watch in camp, he had a up and down season last year and did have some big games like against Baltimore in week 2 when he had the game winning pass deflection over Ray Rice but then again, he seemed to be lost at times. The 3-4 actually should really help Kendricks, he was a very productive pass rusher when he was in college and could be lined up all over the field this year. Looking to the bench where there is some good young talent such as 4 year player Jamar Chaney who started all 16 games in 2011 and was a big piece in that team with over 100 tackles and he should be a very good depth player in case of injuries. Shaun Phillips is a guy that really intrigues me. Yes maybe he isn't a starting caliber linebacker in the NFL but he is a monster on special teams. The Eagles already have one of the best special teamers in the game in safety Colt Anderson and adding Phillips really makes the special teams dangerous. Chip Kelly wants points scored on all 3 offensive, defense, and special teams. Shaun Phillips led the Panthers with 16 special teams tackles, he has great hard hitting ability and will be a good backup but I do see him behind Jamar Chaney on the roster and maybe even Casey Matthews who also reunites with Chip Kelly as Matthews played for Kelly at Oregon in 2010. Matthews started some games in 2011 but looked lost and couldn't shed his blocks hense why he got benched for Jamar Chaney and Akeem Jordan last season in the depth chart. Matthews is going into his third year which could be the charm for him to assert himself in training camp and maybe get some playing time in 2013, but as long as the Eagles defense is in a 3-4 or "Hybrid Scheme" I don't think there is any way he gets to start unless of injury or Kendricks does not pan out. Last player I will talk about is one that is  very underrated and that player is Emmanuel Acho formally of Texas University and the Cleveland Browns. Last year he was not able to play in the season after a torn miniscus in August of last year. He has great raw talent but needs to get down the system and work on his smarts on the field before he makes a big impact. He is a fast player who could really make a difference on special teams as long as he is healthy which he says he is 100 percent ready for the season. It all depends who makes the roster on how many linebackers Chip Kelly keeps. I would believe he keeps 4 or 5 inside line backers as in this order.

1. Demeco Ryans (Starter)
2. Mychal Kendricks(Starter)
3. Jamar Chaney
4. Emmanuel Acho

Eagle Eye Focus Podcast with Eagles Offensive Guard Julian Vandervelde

2 Biggest Training Camp Battles

The Eagles kick off training camp in a couple weeks with plenty of top headlines for fans to be excited about. With Chip Kelly in his first year as head coach there are many new players that have come in and are now in fierce competitions for the starting spots, but which one is the most heated and most important for the Eagles?

Quarterback: Michael Vick vs Nick Foles vs Matt Barkley vs Dennis Dixon
The most important position in the NFL is up for grabs for the Eagles with Michael Vick as most national media s the "Front Runner" as he is the veteran who has been the starter for the past 3 seasons but Nick Foles impressed last year in his 10 starts. Most people don't think Foles or Barkley will start because Chip Kelly likes mobile quarterbacks like he had in Oregon which is why Dennis Dixon makes perfect sense, He hasn't been given a NFL starting chance also played for Kelly in Oregon so I personally believe Dixon is the best choice but the battle is up for grabs. Kelly said he doesn't need a mobile guy to run his offense which helps Foles but Barkley could be like Russell Wilson last year. If he can come in and impress during training camp and during the preseason, He might be given the nod for week 1. Michael Vick will have to earn the job by limiting his turnovers significantly and one other thing that is extremely important in Chip's offense is getting the ball out quickly. This was not one of Vick's strengths last year as he was the #1 QB in time the ball was in his hands. Foles and Barkley in college showed they are easily capable of that and so is Dixon, just look at the film of Dixon's senior year. Right now I give the advantage to Nick Foles because of how well he played last year and his strong arm and ability to run a fast pace offense will really boat well with Kelly.

Safety: Patrick Chung vs Kenny Phillips vs Earl Wolff vs Nate Allen vs Kurt Coleman
Probably the largest battle besides the QB competition heading into training camp and it is a very interesting one. Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman started last season under Andy Reid but both struggled and neither in my opinion is going to start. Coleman in most analyst eyes will not make the roster as there is too much depth. Allen if healthy could compete for the job, but he has to really show up in training camp. You might want to keep your eyes on Earl Wolff the fifth round pick out of NC State. He resembles Brian Dawkins a lot with his hard hitting ability. Kenny Phillips hasn't been able to stay healthy and if that happens again, Wolff could see a lot of time and that goes for Chung too who is under sized and has some injury concerns. I give the advantage to Chung and Phillips to start based on Allen and Coleman's inability to stay consistent and healthy plus Wolff as a rookie has to get the scheme down. Chung and Phillips are two proven veterans who both were stellar in New England and New York plus they make a great combination of speed, size, and play making ability.

Wide Receiver, Running Back, and Offensive line have depth battles with backups but the QB and Safety battles are the ones during training camp that you should keep a eye on because of how important both positions are and, the players in the battles that will most likely last all the way through training camp and the preseason in my opinion of course.