Last time out I mentioned that we should see improved health from Westy. Last year was a major struggle for him. He hurt his ankle when trying to hurdle Tra in the Steelers game in Week 3. Remember that Tra was on the ground. Brian jumped and as he came down one of his feet hit Tra's leg first. Brian missed the rest of that game and the next week. He then hurt his ribs vs WAS and missed the SF game.
Somewhere along the line his knee became really troublesome. I'm not sure when exactly that was. I was told this offseason that things got so bad they had one person focused solely on rehabbing his knee. Westy got treatment all week long so that he could take the field on Sunday.
Brian's performance was up and down. Still, he always looked a bit off. He lacked the burst and cutting ability that normally make him stand out. His YPC average was down and big plays were missing. Give Westy a lot of credit for getting out there and doing his best, often good enough for us to win.
After the season he had a surgical procedure to clean up the knee. There were some calcium deposits that had built up and they were removed. Westy says the knee feels good. That's very encouraging news. If his knee is better and Westy can get back to the 2006 or '07 level, the offense could really be in great shape.
We won't know for sure how he looks until September when Brian faces real defenses in a live setting. I'm optimistic based on what I've heard and read. The other thing to watch is to see how the knee holds up over time. Is he as good in Week 12 as Week 2?
ANY HELP FROM LOBO?
Lorenzo Booker was a major disappointment in 2008. We all expected him to be a key role player and solid contributor. That never happened.
Things started going down hill when he struggled as a KOR in the preseason. LoBo had 6 returns for 85 yards. Not good. That made him a lot less important. He did have 22 carries and 11 catches in the presason games, but his long run was 17 yards and his long catch was 13 yards. What happened to the big play potential?
Booker had 64 total yards of offense for the 2008 season. 64. I figured he'd have a play that long at some point. His long run and catch was 8 yards. As a rookie for the Dolphins LoBo had 3 plays of 20 or more yards. We know he has the physical potential to be a playmaker.
I hope he and the coaches made some adjustments. The coaches need to figure out how best to use him. Throwing him slants isn't the answer. Work him into the offense with draws and screens. Do something creative. The pressure is on Booker to take advantage of any opportunities he gets. He dropped a couple of passes last year. Can't have that this year. He must make good things happen to keep his spot on the team.
I haven't given up on LoBo, but he's on a short leash this year. He's got to perform well and bring something to the table. Let's hope that will happen with the year of adjustment behind him. LoBo knows the playbook and his teammates. He understands the pressure of playing on a winning team.
Touches should be hard to come by this year. Westy is still the featured player. Leonard Weaver will get runs and catches. LeSean will get runs and catches. LoBo got 26 touches last year. He's gonna need one heck of a preseason to get that many touches this year. Booker has the talent. He's just got to step up to the plate and make things happen. Good things.
_
Monday, May 11, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
The RB Situation
There is mixture of curiosity and concern about the backup running back situation. After my last post, which offered praise for LeSean McCoy, it was pointed out that a lot of praise went Lorenzo Booker's way last spring/summer. That was the last time there was much positive to say about LoBo in 2008. Or 2009 for that matter.
Is this a case of deja vu all over again? Maybe, but the situation is different. LoBo was a terrific role player in college. He showed the potential to be a good role player in his rookie year at Miami. The talk with him last year was about how good a role player he could be for us. At the time, we hoped he would be the primary KOR. We hoped he would be a weapon on screen passes and some draw plays. Maybe mix in a slant. No one expected him to be a starting level RB. Buck was solidly #2.
LeSean is a whole different ball game. Let's just look at his college numbers compared to LoBo
LoBo: 47 games ... 2,389 yds ... 4.8 ypc ... 15 TDs ... 114 catches
LeSean: 25 gms ... 2,816 yds ... 4.8 ypc ... 35 TDs ... 65 catches
LoBo was never a "true" RB even in college. He was a 3rd down back and role player. LeSean carried his offense on his back for two seasons. The coaches praising him is different.
We know McCoy is a gifted RB. We needed to know if he can handle the transition to the NFL. Last weekend was just one of many tests. My comment about him being better than Jim Brown and Barry Sanders was an attempt to make fun of the preseason hype created by people...like me. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
LeSean hasn't taken a real hit or had to memorize large chunks of the playbook. He's in the infantile stage of his career. He's got a long way to go just to reach September.
I'm encouraged because the coaching staff is happy with him. If he stays in their good graces, they will use him and get him the ball. That aids his development. Ryan Moats struggled to get on the good side of the coaches. That kept him buried on the depth chart and likely killed any hopes of having a really good career.
Should LeSean hit the wall and start to really struggle, we can go add a veteran RB. Guys will get cut over the course of the summer. Edgerrin James is on the market now. So is Chris Perry. I think Deuce McAllister remains unsigned. And so on. We have a Pro Bowl starter in place. That's the real key. His knee is much, much better than it was last year. That's great news and the real key to our offense and running game.
_
Is this a case of deja vu all over again? Maybe, but the situation is different. LoBo was a terrific role player in college. He showed the potential to be a good role player in his rookie year at Miami. The talk with him last year was about how good a role player he could be for us. At the time, we hoped he would be the primary KOR. We hoped he would be a weapon on screen passes and some draw plays. Maybe mix in a slant. No one expected him to be a starting level RB. Buck was solidly #2.
LeSean is a whole different ball game. Let's just look at his college numbers compared to LoBo
LoBo: 47 games ... 2,389 yds ... 4.8 ypc ... 15 TDs ... 114 catches
LeSean: 25 gms ... 2,816 yds ... 4.8 ypc ... 35 TDs ... 65 catches
LoBo was never a "true" RB even in college. He was a 3rd down back and role player. LeSean carried his offense on his back for two seasons. The coaches praising him is different.
We know McCoy is a gifted RB. We needed to know if he can handle the transition to the NFL. Last weekend was just one of many tests. My comment about him being better than Jim Brown and Barry Sanders was an attempt to make fun of the preseason hype created by people...like me. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
LeSean hasn't taken a real hit or had to memorize large chunks of the playbook. He's in the infantile stage of his career. He's got a long way to go just to reach September.
I'm encouraged because the coaching staff is happy with him. If he stays in their good graces, they will use him and get him the ball. That aids his development. Ryan Moats struggled to get on the good side of the coaches. That kept him buried on the depth chart and likely killed any hopes of having a really good career.
Should LeSean hit the wall and start to really struggle, we can go add a veteran RB. Guys will get cut over the course of the summer. Edgerrin James is on the market now. So is Chris Perry. I think Deuce McAllister remains unsigned. And so on. We have a Pro Bowl starter in place. That's the real key. His knee is much, much better than it was last year. That's great news and the real key to our offense and running game.
_
Thursday, May 7, 2009
2 Things
My new PE.com article is posted. I took a look at the LBs.
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=17780
Some people view WIL as a weak spot. That's one way to look at the situation based on what we know. However, you can more accurately say that Akeem Jordan is more unknown than an outright weak spot.
Unknown doesn't always mean bad. Who was Marques Colston at this time in 2006? Go back to the legendary Bears of 1985. That defense is one of the greatest of all time. One fact that very few people know...2 starters held out and missed the season. LB Al Harris and DB Todd Bell, future Eagles (as of 1985 I mean...this is getting too Life on Mars-ish), both missed the season. With those guys, that defense wouldn't have been quite the same. I can't imagine it would have gotten better.
Jordan could turn out to be a great fit at WIL. We don't know. I don't think the Eagles are being dumb to stick with him. Jordan started down the stretch and the D played its best football of the season. That isn't a complete coincidence.
MCCOY
I'm very optimistic about LeSean McCoy as our backup RB. He had a good mini-camp. I'm hearing very good things about him. Apparently the coaches are really excited about him. That's a great sign. If they embrace him and aggressively work him into the offense, LeSean will adapt to the NFL that much quicker. He's not the kind of guy to learn by sitting on his hands and watching. Get him the ball and let's see what he can do.
I can say without hyperbole that he is one million times better than Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, and Darnell Autry rolled into one.
_
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=17780
Some people view WIL as a weak spot. That's one way to look at the situation based on what we know. However, you can more accurately say that Akeem Jordan is more unknown than an outright weak spot.
Unknown doesn't always mean bad. Who was Marques Colston at this time in 2006? Go back to the legendary Bears of 1985. That defense is one of the greatest of all time. One fact that very few people know...2 starters held out and missed the season. LB Al Harris and DB Todd Bell, future Eagles (as of 1985 I mean...this is getting too Life on Mars-ish), both missed the season. With those guys, that defense wouldn't have been quite the same. I can't imagine it would have gotten better.
Jordan could turn out to be a great fit at WIL. We don't know. I don't think the Eagles are being dumb to stick with him. Jordan started down the stretch and the D played its best football of the season. That isn't a complete coincidence.
MCCOY
I'm very optimistic about LeSean McCoy as our backup RB. He had a good mini-camp. I'm hearing very good things about him. Apparently the coaches are really excited about him. That's a great sign. If they embrace him and aggressively work him into the offense, LeSean will adapt to the NFL that much quicker. He's not the kind of guy to learn by sitting on his hands and watching. Get him the ball and let's see what he can do.
I can say without hyperbole that he is one million times better than Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, and Darnell Autry rolled into one.
_
Monday, May 4, 2009
Focus on Hobbs
Sadly, this isn't about Roy Hobbs, the greatest NY Knight of them all. I got stuck writing about Ellis Hobbs, the Eagles new CB.
The Eagles dealt away a pair of 5th round picks on draft weekend to acquire Hobbs from the Patriots. This seemed like a really smart deal at the time. Sheldon Brown was rattling his sabre in the media and the Eagles needed a fall back plan. Getting a starting CB for only a couple of late round picks was great value.
I was busy writing about the draft and didn't have the time to sit down and watch tape on Hobbs. I finally did that this weekend. There are some questions about him. Patriots fans loved to make him the scapegoat when things went bad on defense. Hobbs did get beaten for some big plays and TDs, so it isn't as if he's completely innocent. I also think any Pats fans who thought of Hobbs as a top flight CB were over-valuing him.
Eagles fans wondered why Bill Belichick would deal a starting CB for a couple of late picks. Is the guy a bum or what? There were a lot of circumstances involved. The Pats signed a pair of FA Cornerbacks in Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs. They added Terrence Wheatley in the 2nd round last year and Darius Butler in the 2nd round this year. That gives them a good balance of big and small guys, as well as younger and older guys. Hobbs suddenly became a luxury rather than a necessity. Why not keep him just to be a KOR? The Pats spent a pick last year on Matt Slater and a pick this year on Brandon Tate. Both guys have good RS ability. The other factor at play is that Hobbs was going to be a UFA at the end of the season. Belichick saw there was no chance he was going to keep Hobbs in the future and decided to deal him now. This wasn't a case of him trying to unload some dead weight and shopping him all over the league as we tried to do with Dhani Jones a couple of years ago.
This weekend I watched a full Pats game and parts of 2 others to see what I thought of Hobbs for myself. Here ya go:
Played RCB in all 3 games. Looked at his best pressing and being aggressive. Can play off, but didn't stand out when doing so. Zone awareness is okay. Has pretty good feet. Has solid quickness and agility. I didn't see him jump routes with any regularity. Didn't show anything special in terms of instincts. Didn't give up any big plays or TDs in the action I saw. Gave up a couple of completions. Broke up one pass. Adequate tackler. He will come up and play the run, but doesn't put ballcarriers down with authority. Good blitzer. Comes off the edge quickly, but does stay under control.
Overall, an adequate starter. I'll be interested to see how Hobbs does in our scheme. We're a bit more aggressive up front. That can mean less cover time for the DBs, but can also leave them exposed at times. Hobbs was great value for only a pair of 5th round picks. I'd be comfortable with him starting, but Hobbs isn't a long term solution. I think he is best suited to being a #3 CB / spot starter and KOR.
He isn't as good as Sheldon Brown, although statistically they are very similar players. I looked at the last 2 seasons since that is when Hobbs became a full-time starter.
By the numbers
* Ellis Hobbs *
2007 - 63 tackles, 12 PDs, 1 INT, 1 sack, 1 FF
2008 - 47 tackles, 11 PDs, 3 INTs, 1.5 sacks
He's averaged 27.4 yds per KOR and has 2 TDs.
* Sheldon Brown *
2007 - 68 tackles, 14 PDs, 3 INTs
2008 - 51 tackles, 12 PDs, 1 INT, 1 sack
_
The Eagles dealt away a pair of 5th round picks on draft weekend to acquire Hobbs from the Patriots. This seemed like a really smart deal at the time. Sheldon Brown was rattling his sabre in the media and the Eagles needed a fall back plan. Getting a starting CB for only a couple of late round picks was great value.
I was busy writing about the draft and didn't have the time to sit down and watch tape on Hobbs. I finally did that this weekend. There are some questions about him. Patriots fans loved to make him the scapegoat when things went bad on defense. Hobbs did get beaten for some big plays and TDs, so it isn't as if he's completely innocent. I also think any Pats fans who thought of Hobbs as a top flight CB were over-valuing him.
Eagles fans wondered why Bill Belichick would deal a starting CB for a couple of late picks. Is the guy a bum or what? There were a lot of circumstances involved. The Pats signed a pair of FA Cornerbacks in Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs. They added Terrence Wheatley in the 2nd round last year and Darius Butler in the 2nd round this year. That gives them a good balance of big and small guys, as well as younger and older guys. Hobbs suddenly became a luxury rather than a necessity. Why not keep him just to be a KOR? The Pats spent a pick last year on Matt Slater and a pick this year on Brandon Tate. Both guys have good RS ability. The other factor at play is that Hobbs was going to be a UFA at the end of the season. Belichick saw there was no chance he was going to keep Hobbs in the future and decided to deal him now. This wasn't a case of him trying to unload some dead weight and shopping him all over the league as we tried to do with Dhani Jones a couple of years ago.
This weekend I watched a full Pats game and parts of 2 others to see what I thought of Hobbs for myself. Here ya go:
Played RCB in all 3 games. Looked at his best pressing and being aggressive. Can play off, but didn't stand out when doing so. Zone awareness is okay. Has pretty good feet. Has solid quickness and agility. I didn't see him jump routes with any regularity. Didn't show anything special in terms of instincts. Didn't give up any big plays or TDs in the action I saw. Gave up a couple of completions. Broke up one pass. Adequate tackler. He will come up and play the run, but doesn't put ballcarriers down with authority. Good blitzer. Comes off the edge quickly, but does stay under control.
Overall, an adequate starter. I'll be interested to see how Hobbs does in our scheme. We're a bit more aggressive up front. That can mean less cover time for the DBs, but can also leave them exposed at times. Hobbs was great value for only a pair of 5th round picks. I'd be comfortable with him starting, but Hobbs isn't a long term solution. I think he is best suited to being a #3 CB / spot starter and KOR.
He isn't as good as Sheldon Brown, although statistically they are very similar players. I looked at the last 2 seasons since that is when Hobbs became a full-time starter.
By the numbers
* Ellis Hobbs *
2007 - 63 tackles, 12 PDs, 1 INT, 1 sack, 1 FF
2008 - 47 tackles, 11 PDs, 3 INTs, 1.5 sacks
He's averaged 27.4 yds per KOR and has 2 TDs.
* Sheldon Brown *
2007 - 68 tackles, 14 PDs, 3 INTs
2008 - 51 tackles, 12 PDs, 1 INT, 1 sack
_
Saturday, May 2, 2009
More on the Mini-Camp
Dave Spadaro of PE.com has been raving about rookie TE Cornelius Ingram. I've only seen a handful of plays on the website, but Ingram looks like a very natural receiver. We knew that was his strength coming out of Florida. The real question with him is how he'll handle playing in-line and blocking. We won't get an answer until the pads go on and the hitting is real. Ingram is off to a good start and that is encouraging. He's running with the #2 offense.
RT
So I go and say Shawn Andrews won't be the RT. Then Andy starts talking about how that might be his spot. And Shawn all but locks himself into RT. Thanks guys.
My thinking was this...Shawn is a guy who missed almost all of 2008. He missed almost all of 2004. He missed time in 2007. He's got some back issues. He's dealing with depression. Stability at OT is crucial. Is it smarter to put him there or to leave him at RG? I prefer him at RG. If he has to miss a game or two it is easier to plug in Nick, Max, or even Mike McGlynn. We've been spoiled by our book end OTs for the last 9 years. We took it for granted that you knew who'd be on the field and that they'd play at a high level. Ask Washington fans about how injury prone OTs can disrupt an offense. RT Jon Jansen missed all of 2004 and virtually all of 2007. He only started 11 games in 2008. LT Chris Samuels is normally very durable, but he missed 4 starts in '08. Having backups take over on the edges puts a lot of pressure on the offense. The TE may have to help out more in pass protection (although Winston Justice would disagree). The RBs might have to chip block more or stay in to help block.
I think Shawn absolutely has the talent to be a stud OT. My comments about him staying at RG are more about circumstances than anything else. Stacy is just over 6'6. He has 35 inch arms. That is the size and length you want in an OT. Stacy just played a full season at RT. If we move Stacy to RG, he'll be on a new team learning a new offense and playing a new position. The Pro Bowl RG will be coming back from an injury and moving to a new position. That's a lot of change and adjusting. I prefer stability.
There is an argument for the move. Stacy is coming off a torn ACL. Playing G would probably put less pressure on his knee because you're in a confined space. Playing OT can require a lot of lateral movement. Also, Shawn may prefer moving outside. If him playing RT will help his back and make him play at a higher level, then that may be the way to go. We have a deep, talented, and versatile group up front. None of these combinations is bad.
QUESTIONS
RE: deepest OL?
Interesting question. The OL was a major problem from about 1985-1999. Andy Reid made it a focal point and has worked hard to build a quality group. It also helps that his moves have worked out. Buddy Ryan made moves for highly rated players only to see them fail.
The current group may end up being the best and deepest OL. The 2002 group was very good.
LT - Tra Thomas
LG - John Welbourn
OC - Hank Fraley
RG - Jermaine Mayberry
RT - Jon Runyan
Our OTs were in their prime. Welbourn played at a Pro Bowl level, but was a dirty player and, like Runyan, would never get elected because defensive players would never vote for him. Mayberry was a terrific G and underrated player. Fraley was the weak link, but still a capable starter. The bench had guys like Artis Hicks, Bobbie Williams, and Doug Brzezinski.
The 2003 group was also quite good. Most of the same faces. I just think we had more guys at their peak in '02.
RE: Max?
He's recovering from the broken ankle. His bone needs quite a bit of time to heal. Andy is hoping he'll be fine for Training Camp. We'll see. My personal concern is his conditioning. Max was never svelte when he was healthy and working out. He's spent most of the last 6 months off his feet. What kind of shape will he be in?
_
RT
So I go and say Shawn Andrews won't be the RT. Then Andy starts talking about how that might be his spot. And Shawn all but locks himself into RT. Thanks guys.
My thinking was this...Shawn is a guy who missed almost all of 2008. He missed almost all of 2004. He missed time in 2007. He's got some back issues. He's dealing with depression. Stability at OT is crucial. Is it smarter to put him there or to leave him at RG? I prefer him at RG. If he has to miss a game or two it is easier to plug in Nick, Max, or even Mike McGlynn. We've been spoiled by our book end OTs for the last 9 years. We took it for granted that you knew who'd be on the field and that they'd play at a high level. Ask Washington fans about how injury prone OTs can disrupt an offense. RT Jon Jansen missed all of 2004 and virtually all of 2007. He only started 11 games in 2008. LT Chris Samuels is normally very durable, but he missed 4 starts in '08. Having backups take over on the edges puts a lot of pressure on the offense. The TE may have to help out more in pass protection (although Winston Justice would disagree). The RBs might have to chip block more or stay in to help block.
I think Shawn absolutely has the talent to be a stud OT. My comments about him staying at RG are more about circumstances than anything else. Stacy is just over 6'6. He has 35 inch arms. That is the size and length you want in an OT. Stacy just played a full season at RT. If we move Stacy to RG, he'll be on a new team learning a new offense and playing a new position. The Pro Bowl RG will be coming back from an injury and moving to a new position. That's a lot of change and adjusting. I prefer stability.
There is an argument for the move. Stacy is coming off a torn ACL. Playing G would probably put less pressure on his knee because you're in a confined space. Playing OT can require a lot of lateral movement. Also, Shawn may prefer moving outside. If him playing RT will help his back and make him play at a higher level, then that may be the way to go. We have a deep, talented, and versatile group up front. None of these combinations is bad.
QUESTIONS
RE: deepest OL?
Interesting question. The OL was a major problem from about 1985-1999. Andy Reid made it a focal point and has worked hard to build a quality group. It also helps that his moves have worked out. Buddy Ryan made moves for highly rated players only to see them fail.
The current group may end up being the best and deepest OL. The 2002 group was very good.
LT - Tra Thomas
LG - John Welbourn
OC - Hank Fraley
RG - Jermaine Mayberry
RT - Jon Runyan
Our OTs were in their prime. Welbourn played at a Pro Bowl level, but was a dirty player and, like Runyan, would never get elected because defensive players would never vote for him. Mayberry was a terrific G and underrated player. Fraley was the weak link, but still a capable starter. The bench had guys like Artis Hicks, Bobbie Williams, and Doug Brzezinski.
The 2003 group was also quite good. Most of the same faces. I just think we had more guys at their peak in '02.
RE: Max?
He's recovering from the broken ankle. His bone needs quite a bit of time to heal. Andy is hoping he'll be fine for Training Camp. We'll see. My personal concern is his conditioning. Max was never svelte when he was healthy and working out. He's spent most of the last 6 months off his feet. What kind of shape will he be in?
_
Friday, May 1, 2009
Draft Review and Mini-Camp Update
I finished my lengthy review:
http://www.scoutsnotebook.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=11542#11542
Mini-Camp Stuff
Here was the OL this morning:
LT Jason Peters
LG Mike McGlynn
OC Jamaal Jackson
RG Nick Cole
RT Shawn Andrews
Apparently Todd Herremans is banged up and not participating.
These 5 guys make up the best OL we can have with Stacy and Todd sidelined. The interesting thing will be what happens when Todd comes back. I assume Nick Cole will stay at RG. If McGlynn looks really good, he could challenge Cole for the top backup job.
Shawn can handle RT. He's not moving there permanently. This is a temp move until his brother comes back.
Macho Inside
Rookie DB Macho Harris played FS. I mentioned this morning that he was an odd fit at CB with all the bodies we had there. Macho has the skills to be a good FS. He could eventually move to CB or play the slot, but for now he's at FS.
_
http://www.scoutsnotebook.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=11542#11542
Mini-Camp Stuff
Here was the OL this morning:
LT Jason Peters
LG Mike McGlynn
OC Jamaal Jackson
RG Nick Cole
RT Shawn Andrews
Apparently Todd Herremans is banged up and not participating.
These 5 guys make up the best OL we can have with Stacy and Todd sidelined. The interesting thing will be what happens when Todd comes back. I assume Nick Cole will stay at RG. If McGlynn looks really good, he could challenge Cole for the top backup job.
Shawn can handle RT. He's not moving there permanently. This is a temp move until his brother comes back.
Macho Inside
Rookie DB Macho Harris played FS. I mentioned this morning that he was an odd fit at CB with all the bodies we had there. Macho has the skills to be a good FS. He could eventually move to CB or play the slot, but for now he's at FS.
_
Mini-Camp Items to Watch
Rookies
The first thing I'd like to know is where the rookies are lining up in terms of the depth chart. Is LeSean McCoy the #2 RB? They may have Lorenzo Booker there initially. Obviously where a guy starts out isn't critical, but it can tell you what the coaches are thinking. Shawn Andrews was the starting RG for most of his first mini-camp. They could see right away they wanted him on the field as much as possible.
Jeremy Maclin was the 1st round pick, but McCoy is the more important rookie. Will he be aggressively worked into the offense or will Reid push him along slowly? Maclin may start off buried on the depth chart at receiver. Don't worry. Maclin will have his special package of plays. They want him on the field. He just may have a harder time getting lots of reps because of the guys in front of him.
Cornelius Ingram could be the #2 or #3 TE. I hope he runs well and looks good moving around. I'll feel a lot better about TE if Ingram is able to win the backup job.
I Like Ike...Hopefully
We finally get to see CB Jack Ikegwuonu run. He had 1st round potential before tearing his ACL a year ago. Jack has had plenty of time to let his knee heal and get ready. Now we get to find out how far back he is and whether Jack can ever get back to his previous level of play. He had a rather messy ACL injury. This wasn't your standard situation. There is no guarantee he's going to pan out. We won't know anything definitive about Jack from this weekend, but we'll at least find out something. This guy has been more mysterious than Amelia Earhart, the Lost Colony, who shot JFK, or what happened to Bobby Hoying after 1997.
Right Tackle
Stacy Andrews is still recovering from his ACL injury. I have my doubts about him being ready by September, but we know he won't be on the field this weekend. So who will be the RT? They might line Winston Justice up with the 1's. That would leave Todd and Shawn at their G spots. Mini-camps feature limited contact so Justice would be fine in that situation. I'm still not sure how long he'll be an Eagle. If rookie Fenuki Tupou or 2nd year guy Chris Patrick look good...maybe Winston gets early walking papers.
The Eagles could shuffle the line and move Todd or Shawn to RT. I assume Nick Cole would then take over at the vacated G spot.
No matter what, it is finally good to see the guys moving around on the field.
_
The first thing I'd like to know is where the rookies are lining up in terms of the depth chart. Is LeSean McCoy the #2 RB? They may have Lorenzo Booker there initially. Obviously where a guy starts out isn't critical, but it can tell you what the coaches are thinking. Shawn Andrews was the starting RG for most of his first mini-camp. They could see right away they wanted him on the field as much as possible.
Jeremy Maclin was the 1st round pick, but McCoy is the more important rookie. Will he be aggressively worked into the offense or will Reid push him along slowly? Maclin may start off buried on the depth chart at receiver. Don't worry. Maclin will have his special package of plays. They want him on the field. He just may have a harder time getting lots of reps because of the guys in front of him.
Cornelius Ingram could be the #2 or #3 TE. I hope he runs well and looks good moving around. I'll feel a lot better about TE if Ingram is able to win the backup job.
I Like Ike...Hopefully
We finally get to see CB Jack Ikegwuonu run. He had 1st round potential before tearing his ACL a year ago. Jack has had plenty of time to let his knee heal and get ready. Now we get to find out how far back he is and whether Jack can ever get back to his previous level of play. He had a rather messy ACL injury. This wasn't your standard situation. There is no guarantee he's going to pan out. We won't know anything definitive about Jack from this weekend, but we'll at least find out something. This guy has been more mysterious than Amelia Earhart, the Lost Colony, who shot JFK, or what happened to Bobby Hoying after 1997.
Right Tackle
Stacy Andrews is still recovering from his ACL injury. I have my doubts about him being ready by September, but we know he won't be on the field this weekend. So who will be the RT? They might line Winston Justice up with the 1's. That would leave Todd and Shawn at their G spots. Mini-camps feature limited contact so Justice would be fine in that situation. I'm still not sure how long he'll be an Eagle. If rookie Fenuki Tupou or 2nd year guy Chris Patrick look good...maybe Winston gets early walking papers.
The Eagles could shuffle the line and move Todd or Shawn to RT. I assume Nick Cole would then take over at the vacated G spot.
No matter what, it is finally good to see the guys moving around on the field.
_
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