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Eagles Pulse
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Eagles 2011 Preview |
Eagles Look to Grow in 2011
Young Team Needs to Show Improvement
The Eagles remain much intact of the team that failed to make any noise in 2010, but that doesn't mean that the expectations are low in 2011. With many young players occupying some key parts of the roster, the offseason development programs and training camps will have to have been successful in progressing the youngsters to a level where the team can compete for a division title.
Let's start with the Quarterback. Jevan Snead has won the battle for starting Quarterback. Snead will have to cut down on the mistakes and learn to find DeSean Jackson when he is open. All of his targets return from 2010 so the relationships and continuity should be there.
Improvements were made on the defensive side of the ball with the acquisitions of DE Dwight Freeney and SS Kerry Rhodes. It is unknown as of now where Freeney will line up as he has the skill set to be standing up at Outside Linebacker or with a hand on the ground at Defensive End. The Eagles have Carlos Dunlap and Akeem Jordan, two promising young prospects, one of which will be replaced by Freeney in the starting lineup. The defense should be able to apply more pressure as Freeney will make a fearsome combo with Trent Cole if he lines up at End, and will also be a great playmaker playing opposite of Ernie Sims if he lines up at Linebacker.
In the secondary, the Eagles grabbed some young Corners in Dantonio Carter and James Mitchell. Both have very good awareness for rookies and Carter looks as though he may be the starter from day 1. Asante Samuel and Geoffrey Pope remain, but Pope may have the upper hand as the team looks for more size for this year's secondary.
2011 Projection: The Eagles should be more competitive this season, but it will be tough to compete with some of the heavyweights in the NFC. We predict a season of 9-7 at best, with a more realistic prediction of 7-9. |
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Forum Discussion
(by M_Spencer on 07/20/2010)
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Replies - 1 :: Views - 41 |
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Illadelphia: Eagles Sit at .500 |
Ground Game Carries Eagles to .500 Start
Kolb Not Living Up To Standards As McNabb's Heir
The Philadelphia Eagles sit at 2-2 after their Week 4 victory over the Washington Redskins, a game that was uglier than Sarah Jessica Parker. Both defenses showed up to play, but the Eagles got a lift from rookie Cornerback Amari Spievey who returned former Eagles Quarterback Donovan McNabb interception 30 yards for the only touchdown of the game.
Prior to that victory, the Eagles got demolished in their season opener against what might be the best team in the Gridiron, Green Bay Packers. The team was no match against Peyton Manning and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. After that, the Eagles offense rose to the occasion to win a shootout at Ford Field against the Detroit Lions. The Jaguars got the best of them in Week 3 and now they sit at .500 through 4 weeks, better than what most analysts had predicted going into the 2010 season.
Impact Players:
HB LeSean McCoy
McCoy has carried the team while Kevin Kolb has struggled. The back has 452 yards through 4 games and will probably have to keep up that pace if the Eagles have a shot at postseason play.
CB Asante Samuel
Samuel, though small in stature, has grabbed 4 Interceptions through 4 games and allowed 13 catches. If he can continue to create turnovers and give the offense a short field, it will go a long way towards putting up more points on the scoreboard.
Next 4:
The next 4 weeks have a .500 feel to them as well, as they play the 0-4 San Francisco 49ers, the 3-1 Atlanta Falcons, the 1-3 Tennessee Titans, and the 3-1 Indianapolis Colts. If the Eagles can play above the level of their competition and beat the teams they should, stealing a victory from the Falcons or Colts could provide the spark the team needs to roll momentum into divisional play.
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Forum Discussion
(by M_Spencer on 05/27/2010)
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Replies - 2 :: Views - 27 |
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Eagles 2010 Draft Recap |
2010 Eagles Draft Class Taking Shape
Spencer Taking Belichickian Approach to Draft
Through 4 and a half rounds of the Gridiron v2 rookie draft, the Eagles have loaded up with some young talent on both sides of the football. General Manager Matt Spencer moved down in the first round and moved up from the second to get players he deemed needed on his roster.
Here are the selections thus far:
1.20 LB Sergio Kindle 
After moving down from 1.13 and missing out on Everson Griffin by just one pick, the Eagles selected OLB Sergio Kindle. Kindle is an athletic linebacker with a great frame [6'3" 250 lb] and good instincts [73 AWR] at the Outside Linebacker position. The Eagles though, may look to move Kindle to the inside of their 4-3 defense where a slight learning curve might cause him to take a bit of time to shine through. With his excellent tackling ability [86 TAK] and great motor [83 SPD 86 ACC], he should excel at any position the team deems him fit. Concerns about his durability and toughness arose during the predraft process, but the Eagles are willing to take the "risk" at 1.20.
1.27 OG Mike Iupati 
The Eagles moved back into the 1st round from 2.5 to get Mike Iupati. With their 1st Round draft board nearly depleted, GM Matt Spencer thought it was appropriate to move up 10 spots to ensure they nailed one of their targets. Iupati, although not extremely strong [89 STR], has the mobility [60SPD 78 ACC] that the Eagles would like from their Offensive Guards. It will be especially important for the Offensive Line to be able to get to the outside quickly when the speedy LeSean McCoy is in the game. Iupati also has great size [6'5" 331 lb] which does not detract from his athleticism.
3.17 DE Carlos Dunlap 
Getting a break in Round 2, the Eagles finally selected again at 3.17 and took oft-troubled Defensive End Carlos Dunlap. The team looked all offseason for a trading partner to fill their void across from Trent Cole, and finally delved into the draft for a prospect to fill that void. Dunlap has good measurables [6'6" 278 lb] and is good, but not great in most parts of his game. The Eagles were looking for a pure edge rusher, but in Dunlap they get a guy with good legs [78 SPD 80 ACC] as well as a guy who can push around some linemen at times [80 STR]. Some scouts and front offices around the league may have been scared off by durability issues as well as off the field drama that may come with taking the former Gator.
4.4 CB Amari Spievey 
Cornerback was a pressing need heading into the draft this offseason, and the Eagles failed to address that need all the way until the 4th round where they selected Amari Spievey. Spievey may be undersized [5'11" 195 lb] and a little weak [49 STR], but his tackling ability [64 TAK] and true form should help him overcome that. He has decent hands [59 CTH] and a fairly good field awareness [68 AWR] and should be able to contribute immediately, which is what GM Spencer was looking for in the 4th round.
4.8 WR Riley Cooper
Making their 2nd 4th round pick at the top half of the round, the Eagles addressed their thin Wide Receiver corps with 6'4" Riley Cooper out of Florida. Cooper gives Kevin Kolb a taller target to go along with the speedy DeSean Jackson and Steve Breaston. Cooper has a nose for the football and should be able to grow into a great complimentary receiver. The fact that he was a two sport athlete [Baseball] at the University of Florida was another reason that GM Spencer liked this kid. With some work, Cooper could be one of the better finds of this draft.
4.23 HB Jonathan Dwyer 
An interesting selection in the latter half of the 4th Round, considering the Eagles already have LeSean McCoy and Willie Parker on the roster. Shortly after the selection of Dwyer, Eagles GM Matt Spencer placed Leonard Weaver on the Trade Block indicating that the team may be looking to use Dwyer as a Fullback. If Dwyer were able to make the transition to Fullback seamlessly, he would be one of the most athletic [88 SPD 87 ACC] Fullbacks in the league and it would give the Eagles an explosive backfield that could turn some heads this season.
4.24 OL Mitch Petrus 
The strongest lineman in the draft [99 STR], the Eagles used their second consecutive 4th rounder on Mitch Petrus out of Arkansas. Petrus is not projected to start anytime soon, but may be given an opportunity to see just how strong he is in certain situations.
5.28 QB Jevan Snead 
The Eagles address their Quarterback depth in the last part of the 5th Round with the selection of Jevan Snead. He will surely be the backup to Kevin Kolb, but with some work could eventually supplant him and become the starter. Snead has a good enough arm [91 THP], but will have to grow as a quarterback in field vision and accuracy with his throws.
6.8 OL Ed Wang 
54 SPD; 91 STR; 68 ACC; 80 PBK; 82 RBK
6.18 WR Kyle Williams 
5'10"; 95 SPD; 93 ACC; 76 CTH
6.31 CB Walter Thurmond III 
5'11"; 90 SPD; 93 ACC; 52 CTH
Discuss.... |
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Forum Discussion
(by M_Spencer on 05/04/2010)
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Replies - 4 :: Views - 58 |
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Eagles Weekly: 5 Trades Already?! |
2 Trades In the Bank, 3 More Agreed To?
Eagles Will Not Have Benefit of Trade During Regular Season
The Philadelphia Eagles have been active in the trade market early this off-season, and now may have used up all of their allotted trade transactions already. Sources have confirmed that the Eagles have agreed to the following three trades, with only one of them being approved by the Commissioner's Office at this point in time.
Philadelphia Sends:
WR Jeremy Maclin [84]
Denver Sends:
LT Ryan Clady [94]
Originally, the Eagles and GM Matt Spencer had wanted a 1st round pick and a replacement for the speedy 2nd year wideout Jeremy Maclin, but when the Broncos approached with an offer, Spencer boldly countered with a straight up deal for Ryan Clady. Clady offers the physical skillset and the blocking know how that few Offensive Linemen around the league can match. Add that to his youthful age of just 24 years old, and the Eagles have themselves an anchor for their Offensive Line for many many seasons to come. Maclin may be missed, but the Eagles got a very good return. Spencer had the following reply to our email;
"Franchise Left Tackle? Or Franchise Wide Receiver? It's these types of choices that GMs around the league make every day. With our current roster, we had to find a guy that could hold down opposing speed rushers and Clady fits that bill. Both of these guys are huge assets to the Quarterbacks they play for, but in the end we decided that finding a premier Offensive Tackle was much more difficult and important than finding a premier Wide Receiver. Jeremy will be successful in Denver, that much is certain, but we feel that we've upgraded our offense in making this move."
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Philadelphia Sends:
FS Marlin Jackson [86]
 3rd Round Draft Pick [3.22]
 7th Round Draft Pick [7.13]
New York (AFC) Sends:
 2nd Round Draft Pick [2.29]
 4th Round Draft Pick [4.14]
With a plethora of Safeties that have the ability to start and contribute on the roster, Marlin Jackson gets shown the door for a move from the 3rd to the 2nd Round. The Eagles also pick up another 4th rounder in the process adding to an already deep stockpile of selections.
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Philadelphia Sends:
C Jamaal Jackson [87]
RT Winston Justice [79]
 6th Round Draft Pick [6.31]
Arizona Sends:
WR Steve Breaston [83]
 3rd Round Draft Pick [3.6]
After the trade of Jeremy Maclin to Denver, Spencer had to find someone to fill his spot on the roster as the depth at the position was extremely thin. Steve Breaston was acquired in exchange for veteran Center, Jamaal Jackson, and young Right Tackle, Winston Justice. Acquiring Ryan Clady made Justice expendable and the Eagles coaching staff had already awarded the starting Center job to younger Nick Cole. Breaston is similar in size and ability to Maclin being just a tad bit slower, but should still present a threat playing opposite DeSean Jackson. To go with Breaston, the Eagles pick up a 3rd Round selection, further adding to the aforementioned stock of good draft picks.
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With all 5 trades now in the bag (assuming passage through the Commissioner's Office), the Eagles set their sights on Free Agency and the Draft. The Eagles already have an agreement in place on a move down the draft board (Draft Day trades do not count against the 5 trade limit) to acquire more selections, which may involve their 1st Round pick at 1.13. The youth movement is on in Philadelphia, and with the new rules surrounding the Gridiron v2, this might be a great direction to move towards. |
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Forum Discussion
(by M_Spencer on 04/29/2010)
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Replies - 2 :: Views - 59 |
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Eagles Weekly: 2010 Offseason |
2010 Eagles Offseason News & Notes
New GM Matt Spencer Shaping Roster
The formation of the Gridiron League v2.0 has given Matt Spencer new life. After an unsuccessful run in the original version of the Gridiron, Spencer will have every eye of Philadelphia on every move he makes. One misstep in this town, and he very well could be run out on a rail. Spencer takes over an Eagles roster that has plenty of talent to win, but could use some upgrades elsewhere, and that movement has already begun.
2010 Offseason Trades
Philadelphia Sends:
 4th Round Draft Pick [4.27]
Washington Sends:
HB Willie Parker [87]
This trade has made it's way through the Commissioner's Office and Willie Parker has already arrived in Philadelphia for MiniCamps and Offseason Workouts. Parker replaces Brian Westbrook has the veteran presence in the backfield and will backup the emerging LeSean McCoy. Parker still has a good motor and will provide capable replacement to keep McCoy fresh as well as injury insurance and possibly a 3rd down back.
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Philadelphia Sends:
QB Michael Vick [87]
St. Louis Sends:
 5th Round Draft Pick [5.1]
QB AJ Feeley [73]
AJ Feeley makes his return to the Eagles and Michael Vick finds himself on his 2nd team in two years since being reinstated into the league. GM Matt Spencer has had zero success with scrambling quarterbacks in the past and he rids himself of the most athletic one in the league for the first pick of the 5th round. Feeley comes back to the Eagles to hold a clipboard.
2010 Offseason Rumor Mill
Maclin for Offensive Line Help?
Reports out of Philly have the Eagles in agreement with a team in the AFC to send 2nd year Wide Receiver Jeremy Maclin in exchange for an elite offensive lineman. The details have not been confirmed, but the source has said that the accepted deal is sitting on the Commissioner's desk for approval. The Eagles could use help at both Left Tackle and Right Guard, so to speculate exactly who is returning to the Eagles in exchange for the explosive wideout will be tough.
A New Quarterback?
Spencer does not seem pleased with Kevin Kolb going into the 2010 season and he has not been quiet about his search for a replacement. There was an agreed upon deal with the Chicago Bears for Jay Cutler before Spencer backed out and Cutler was shipped to the Minnesota Vikings. There was hot pursuit of Tom Brady, but the New England Patriots shied away. Now the Indianapolis Colts have placed 12 year veteran Peyton Manning on the block, and rest assured, we can make the assumption that Spencer has already placed the call. |
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Forum Discussion
(by M_Spencer on 04/28/2010)
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Replies - 4 :: Views - 50 |
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At A Glance
| NFC East |
| RNK |
TEAM |
W-L-T |
PCT |
DIV |
| #3 |
 Cowboys |
9-2-0 |
0.818 |
3-1 |
| #12 |
 Giants |
6-4-0 |
0.600 |
3-1 |
| #25 |
 Eagles |
3-7-0 |
0.300 |
2-3 |
| #32 |
 Redskins |
1-10-0 |
0.091 |
1-4 |
| EAGLES SCHEDULE |
| WK |
DATE |
OPPONENT |
TIME/RESULT |
| 1 |
Sun |
at Redskins #32 |
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| 2 |
Sun |
at Cowboys #3 |
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| 3 |
Mon |
at  49ers #24 |
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| 4 |
Sun |
vs  Dolphins #14 |
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| 5 |
Sun |
vs Cowboys #3 |
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| 6 |
Sun |
vs Giants #12 |
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| 7 |
Sun |
vs  Bills #20 |
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| 9 |
Sun |
vs  Rams #1 |
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| 10 |
Sun |
at  Jets #22 |
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| 11 |
Sun |
vs Redskins #32 |
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| 12 |
Sun |
vs  Cardinals #9 |
1:00pm |
| 13 |
Sun |
at  Lions #30 |
4:15pm |
| 14 |
Sun |
at Giants #12 |
1:00pm |
| 15 |
Sat |
at  Patriots #5 |
1:00pm |
| 16 |
Sat |
vs  Panthers #18 |
1:00pm |
| 17 |
Sun |
at  Seahawks #19 |
4:05pm |
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#25 Philadelphia Eagles
