FOUR THINGS REVIEWED: WK PS3: Vikings

Posted by The BEAST on 2024/08/26
Posted in: breakdown, Conversations, Defense, Four Things, Offense, Players, Reviews, Roster, stats. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment
WR Joseph Ngata has a ball bounce off his hands, into the waiting arms of a Vikings player. It was that kind of day.

NO silver linings in this one, folks.

EAGLES 3 – Vikings 26

EAGLES STATS:

Passing: QB Tanner McKee (13/21 – 61.9% – 115 – 0 – 1)

Rushing: RB Tyrion Davis-Price (12 – 56 – 4.6 – 0 – 1)

Receiving: WR Griffin Herbert (3 – 3 – 48 – 16.0 – 0)

Drive Killer: N/A (TD: /Int: / FR: / 4th down stops: / FF: )

Sack Leader: Four players (Sacks: 1.0/ FF: / Tackles: )

Special Teams Ace: K Jake Elliott 1/1 FG

****

I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.

So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: VIKINGS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:

1) Starters Must Play: Not only did most starters not play, they and key back-ups, didn’t even dress. For example, WR Britain Covey didn’t dress. Rookies Jalyx Hunt (LB) and Will Shipley (RB) didn’t dress. Interestingly enough, LB Nolan Smith started and played quite a bit. But hey! This is okay. It’s allllll okay! Right?

The Eagles, particularly the Offense, better not come out stale, or loaded with miscues in Brazil, during the season opener. If they do, expect to hear from many of us fans, about how not playing our starters even a single snap in the preseason, was wrong-head and dumb. (NOT DONE)

2) Offensive Line Must Deliver: This was rendered meaningless, because many of the players who were out there, will be cut before close of business on Tuesday. This essentially gives us nothing of substance, to judge. (NOT DONE)

3) Make A Defensive Statement: If the Eagles Defense made any statement on Saturday, it’s that we can’t stop anyone. However, as I said, most of the people who played later into the game yesterday, won’t be around come dawn on Wednesday. (NOT DONE)

4) No Contributors Play the Second Half: Well this one was certainly a freebie! (DONE)

++++

This week’s Four Things score is 1 of 3, with a corresponding 3 – 26 score for our troubles. Thus endeth the preseason. When next we see this team, the games, the results, will count.

****

Game Hero: Nobody. The closest thing we have there, is McKee attempting a 4th and goal touchdown pass, with a guy pulling on his leg. A completion would have made it a boss moment. Instead it was a turnover on downs.

Game goat: DB Cooper DeJean (2 – 0 – 0 – 0) He got a little better as the game wore on, but that first drive saw him commit an illegal contact penalty that erased an interception by S Tristin McCollum (9 – 0 – 0 – 0), who played well. Instead of a taking away the ball and ending that drive, we allowed a touchdown.

On The Whole: All the Eagles coaching staff wanted out of this one, was to get a deep look at the back-end of the roster. Good thing too, because a couple of those guys popped. For example, LB Oren Burks (6 – 1.0 – 0 – 0). He also nearly added an interception to his stats. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t end up on the Practice Squad.

LB Oren Burks nearly picks off a pass

It’s hard to get too concerned about the way this went down. Most of the guys we saw playing in this game will be looking for regular jobs in less than a month. However, in two weeks, our best guys will be playing an away game, in a game that counts, without even one dress rehearsal. If you’re a a little bit worried, you aren’t a whiner. It just means you’re sane.

QB Tanner McKee fumbles while being sacked.

FOUR THINGS: WK PS3: EAGLES – VIKINGS

Posted by The BEAST on 2024/08/23
Posted in: breakdown, Coaching, Conversations, Defense, Four Things, Offense, Players, Roster, trade. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

WITH the 14 – 13 win over the Patriots, we moved to 2 – 0 and locked in a winning preseason. We capitalized on a couple of key turnovers, one changing the momentum of the game, and the other sealing the win. This week we go against a Vikings team whose starting QB is a turnover machine. If he doesn’t play, then it should be even easier to take the ball away.

Usually going undefeated in the preseason is a fool’s errand. Teams that chase it to “set a winning tone” often do it at great cost. Costs like, playing their starters more than their opponents; game-planning vs a team that didn’t; exposing their playbook too early, etc. In short, they run greater injury risk, and tip their hand.

They miss out on getting deep looks at their rosters, to make the best choices when building depth, in a sport where injuries are inevitable. Thee teams frequently compromise their ability to win real games, in pursuit of false wins. We however, went a different route.

The Eagles won both games essentially without playing our starters. Even let our back-ups play their way out of a hole, in that second game. There can be no better test of depth than that. Grit isn’t usually something you see in a preseason game, but our second and third stringers showed quite a bit of it, in two down-to-the-wire games.

A win here would have no bearing on anything, but it would be nice to get.

****

The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win this game. So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Vikings

Offensive Co-ordinator Kellen Moore

1) Starters Must Play: Particularly with the addition of WR Jahan Dotson via trade yesterday. He’s had no opportunity to acclimate to QB Jalen Hurts, and we don’t have another preseason game or inter-team practice, until 2025. So give Dotson one or two simple things to do, and let him and Hurts have a couple of series to experiment with it.

We also need to let our starting Offensive Line get its feet wet, with C Cam Jurgens running the pivot, during real action. If there are any wrinkles to iron out, finding it out now, is better than finding it out in Brazil.

2) Offensive Line Must Deliver: Aside from keeping the QB upright, we need to see the interior run game come alive. We need holes, not creases. We need the line of scrimmage moved forward, before the RB hits that hole.

3) Make A Defensive Statement: We need a sack from a starting defensive lineman. So far we’ve done nothing to communicate to the rest of the NFL, that their QB’s aren’t safe against us. That needs to change this week.

4) No Key Contributors Play the Second Half: Playing the starters and key back-ups for three series is great. It’s even ideal. That said, they shouldn’t play an entire half; and under NO circumstances should they play a single down, after the half. They shouldn’t even leave the locker room with pads on.

Injuries are not on a schedule. They don’t happen after X number of snaps. However, the more snaps played, the greater the risk. So let’s not take on too much risk. Besides, winning this game with starters is meaningless. So don’t even attempt it.

****

If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…

Mostly what we want from this game is a little practice, and to get out of it mostly healthy. If we cando those two things, then even if we lose 0 – 99, it’ll still be a productive game.

Just a couple more notes on the O-Line. C Jason Kelce was undersized for the position. It’s why he spent the first half of his career getting handled. Then Offensive Line coach Jeff Stoutland shows up, and teaches Kelce how to use his gifts, so he can offset being smallish. The result is, five years from now Kelce will be putting on a gold jacket.

Jurgens is similar in build and athleticism to Kelce, but I think he might be a little stronger than Kelce was early on. I’m interested to see if Jurgens will also be a finesse player, or if he’ll bring a little more of the hammer to his game.

****

WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know FOOTBALL and that’s it. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, then you are a fool trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.

Check back in a couple of days for Four Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.

FOUR THINGS REVIEWED: WK PS2: Patriots

Posted by The BEAST on 2024/08/18
Posted in: breakdown, Coaching, Conversations, Defense, Four Things, Offense, Players, Reviews, stats. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment
RB Kendall Milton punches in a short touchdown

YET another thrilla, not in Phila!

EAGLES 14 – Patriots 13

EAGLES STATS:

Passing: (B) QB Tanner McKee (15/19 – 78.9% – 140 – 0 – 0)

Rushing: (B) RB Tyrion Davis-Price (4 – 28 – 7.0 – 0 – 0)

Receiving: (B) WR Joseph Ngata (5 – 5 – 88 – 17.6 – 0)

Drive Killer: FS Avonte Maddox (TD: 0/Int: 1/ FR: 0/ 4th down stops: 0/ FF: 0)

Sack Leader: OLB Nolan Smith (Sacks: 1.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 1)

Special Teams Ace: WR John Ross 2KR, 68 yards, 34.0 avg

****

I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.

So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: PATRIOTS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:

1) Starters Must Play: Nope! Yet again Head Coach Nick Sirianni teased the possibility of playing his starters, and then decided not to. If the Eagles come out firing on all cylinders Week One, then he was right. However, if they come out looking at all out of sync, then he’ll have some ‘splaining to do. (NOT DONE)

2) Stop the Inside Run: With the starters not out there, this is tough to gauge. Statistically, our back-ups did a decent job vs starters. So that’s something to hang our hats on. The guys we put out there, did the job, in this game. ILB Zack Baun made a couple nice plays vs the run. (DONE)

QB Tanner McKee in a pretty pocket

3) Open Up the Offense: Yes. This happened. When third stringer Tanner McKee came in, he ran the exact same system that back-up QB Kenny Pickett (11/13 – 67 – 84.6 – 0 – 0) had been running. The difference was that McKee had time to air out more passes. (DONE)

4) Show Up: We didn’t come out and play down to a less talented team. What we did was worse. Our coaching staff, removed any sense of urgency from this game, by not even dressing most of our starters. The result was a close win, sealed by a fluke fumbled snap, instead of an outright blowout. (NOT DONE)

++++

This week’s Four Things score is 2 of 4. Understandably, that 50/50 score, produced a coin flip of a win. Maybe we’ll be better next week, when the Vikings visit South Philly.

****

Let’s go Brandon Smith! His fumble recovery sealed the win.

Game Hero: QB Tanner McKee – Led the team’s only touchdown drive, and looked very in command of the playbook out there. I almost wanted to give this to LB Brandon Smith for sealing the victory, but he only recovered the fumble. He in no way forced that final turnover.

Game goat: “Starting” Offensive Line – Yes, I know that our back-up O-line was out there against the Patriots starters, but they put Pickett in a no-win situation. Due to sloppy protection, Pickett was forced to rely on short passes. Trying to get the ball downfield, he was sacked 4 times. Some are saying that he’s afraid to open up the offense. Still others say, that he’s holding the ball too long.

Just a note. Both the pass protection and run game production picked up once RG Tyler Steen left with an injury, and giants cast-off Nick Gates came in. I’m not saying that Steen was the problem. I’m saying that Gates was a stabilizer. I’m on record already, saying that I don’t think much of Steen. He has yet to prove me wrong.

On The Whole: It’s hard to say, given how much of this roster will be looking for real jobs in two weeks. Did our back-ups produce an uneven game? Or did a number of future burger flippers, personal trainers, and UPS deliverymen, just give themselves stories that will be passed down like heirlooms?

In any case, until we see our actual starters take the field, these games will be hard to truly evaluate.

FOUR THINGS: WK PS2: EAGLES – PATRIOTS

Posted by The BEAST on 2024/08/14
Posted in: breakdown, Coaching, Conversations, Defense, Four Things, NFL, Offense, Players. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

LAST weeks thrilling victory over the Ravens, featured an impressive game from our young defensive backs. Given that this week’s opponent doesn’t have a top tier QB, I would expect that trend to continue in this game.

If we can win this game, great. The focus however, should be on getting a good look at the roster, and getting a sense of what needs tightening up, before Week One. Besides, now that we have one preseason win, I don’t care if we win another one or not. Just so long as we didn’t go 0 – 3.

****

The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win the game. Except in preseason. These games are just tune-ups. So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on tuning up, this week versus the: Patriots

Head Coach Nick Sirianni and QB Jalen Hurts.

1) Starters Must Play: The last time our starters played, we were blown out and utterly humiliated in front of the nation, 9 – 32. That finish got two coordinators fired, and many thought the head coach should have followed them. We jumped out to a 10 – 0 record, and still didn’t win the division. I tell you, we collapsed! This Eagles team has nothing to rest on their laurels about. Get the starters out there!

2) Stop the Inside Run: We seemed to get gashed inside, during the early part of last weeks game. The overall game numbers looked okay, but most games won’t come down to our third stringers vs theirs. How our starters handle other starters will decide most games. So we need to be sharp there.

I won’t get into specifics about how we should attack, because I have no idea who will play or how much. (For either side.) What I will say is, I need to see more from ILB Zach Baun this week. If he’s going to be a starter, he can’t watch as much football as he did last week. If he does, LB’s Nakobe Dean and Jeremiah Trotter Jr., should see reps.

3) Open Up the Offense: Last week’s Dink-And-Dunk-athon led to no turnovers and a win. Alright! Go Birds! That said, it also made it hard to score, since every scoring drive was 150 plays long. Taking a few downfield shots helps loosen the box, for the run game. It’d be nice to see a couple of completions over 20 yards in the air.

4) Show Up: The Patriots as a team, are not as talented as we are. That’s not even debatable. I just don’t want our guys to come out and play down to them. I don’t care about the win or loss, but if we play how were supposed to, this is a double digit win.

****

If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…

They might have no interest in doing these things. There may be other things the coaching staff wants to get a look at. So just enjoy the game.

****

Prediction: EAGLES 24 – Patriots 10

WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know football and that’s IT. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, you are trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.

Check back in a couple of days for Four Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.

FOUR THINGS REVIEWED: WK PS1: RAVENS

Posted by The BEAST on 2024/08/12
Posted in: breakdown, Conversations, Defense, Four Things, Offense, Players, Reviews, Special Teams, stats. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

EAGLES clutch gene kicks in.

EAGLES 16 – Ravens 13

EAGLES STATS:

Passing: QB Kenny Pickett (14/22 – 63.6% – 89 – 1 – 0)

Rushing: RB Kendall Milton (9 – 39 – 4.3 – 0 – 0)

Receiving: WR John Ross (5 – 3 – 28 – 9.3 – 0)

Drive Killer: LB Patrick Johnson (TD: 0/Int: 0/ FR:1 / 4th down stops: 0 / FF: 1)

Sack Leader: LB Patrick Johnson (Sacks: 1.0/ FF: 1/ Tackles: 4)

Special Teams Ace: K Jake Elliott 1/ 2 XP, 1/2 FG, with 49yd game winner

****

I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.

So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: RAVENS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:

RB Kendall Milton

1) Running the Ball Inside: None of what I was looking for mattered, because the starters didn’t play. RB Kendall Milton did get to play, and he led the team in rushing. Sadly it was later, against fellow third stringers. I wanted to see him vs players above his level. Meh, maybe next week. (NOT DONE)

2) Stopping the Run: We were better in the second half at stopping the run. Neither the D-Line, nor ILB’s Devin White (1 tackle) or Zach Baun (1 tackle), seemed to be out there imposing their will. In fact, the only ILB that seemed to remember how to slip a block, was ILB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (you have no idea how much my chest just swelled when I typed that) (6 tackles, 1 sack).

During the season I would make this a passing grade, because finishing strong matters more than starting fast. However, in preseason games, the stronger competition comes out early, and leaves before it’s late. So the model is upside down right now. Thus I have to say… (NOT DONE)

3) Dynamic Slot Play: There was no dynamic WR play of any kind. The routes were super-vanilla, and the passes were short and quick, rarely going 10 yards down the field. It was Dink-And-Dunk mania. Somewhere out there, Sam Bradford was watching, and wondering when he would get a statue.

On a more positive note, WR John Ross (one of the guys I’m rooting for), led the team in catches and receiving yards. He did it playing against type, and acting as a possession receiver, instead of a downfield threat. Not bad but, (NOT DONE)

4) Contested Routes: Initially, it seemed we were in for a long night of easily surrendered completions. Next thing you know, CB Quinyon Mitchell (dropped interception), and CB Kelee Ringo (2 passes knocked down) were making it clear that throwing the ball in their direction, could prove costly.

In the end, the Ravens were held to 99 yards on 10/22 pass attempts (45.5%). The sticky coverage helped the Eagles notch 3 sacks on the night. That final sack by LB/DE Patrick Johnson, helped the Birds pull out a last second victory. Without good coverage, that’s a quick attempt instead of a turnover. (DONE)

++++

So going 1 of 4 in this one, was enough to eek out a 3 point win, on the road. I’ll take it! Next week, we travel up to New England, where maybe we see a starter next week.

****

Game Hero: LB Patrick Johnson – I know some people will give it to K Jake Elliott, because he had to actually make the field goal to break the 13 – 13 tie. However, he had already missed his chance to be the hero. It was only Johnson’s sack/forced fumble/fumble recovery that led to Elliott getting that second opportunity.

Game goat: K Jake Elliott – Don’t look so surprised! Had he not missed an early extra point, we wouldn’t have needed him to make the field goal that he missed. Luckily, thanks to LB Patrick Johnson, Elliott got another shot at a game winner, and he nailed it.

On The Whole: I still wanted to see the starters. There is too much new on this team (co-ordinators, players, systems, etc.), to assume that the starters will be ready to go Week One, without any preseason reps. Especially given how they were blown out and humiliated, in the last game we played that mattered.

FOUR THINGS: WK PS1: EAGLES – RAVENS

Posted by The BEAST on 2024/08/08
Posted in: Coaching, Conversations, Defense, Four Things, Offense, Players. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

PLEASE do not watch this preseason game trying to discern whether the Eagles “fixed” what was wrong last year. Nothing you see in this game, will indicate that. Especially since Head Coach Nick Sirianni doesn’t like to play starters much in the preseason.

What you should be looking for, is how different ‘Motion’ will make the Offense look. What you should be looking for, is how each of our MLB’s performs. What you should be looking for, is Big Dom.

A win or a loss is meaningless this week. What matters, is how hard guys play. What matters, is if they’re upset with mistakes. At this point in the year, passion should hang in the air so heavy, that you could scoop it by the handful. How bad do we want it, at the outset?

****

The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win the game. Except in preseason. These games are just tune-ups. So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on tuning up, this week versus the Ravens:

From 2023, Jason Kelce imparting some wisdom to Cam Jurgens

1) Running the Ball Inside: Teams already disrespect QB Jalen Hurts, by throwing the sort of blitzes at him, that only rookies usually see. To relieve pressure on him, we have to be able to run. With the retirement of C Jason Kelce, we need to immediately establish that opponents must respect C Cam Jurgens.

What that means, is a few early runs between the C and one of the G’s. Real runs, not the Brotherly Shove. Hell, we shouldn’t even attempt one of those this week. It’d be nice to see rookie RB Kendall Milton get a couple of early totes, against better players.

2) Stopping the Run: As last season ended, it seemed like our Defensive Line had worn down, as they kept losing ground at the point of attack. They didn’t even occupy blocks to free up our LB’s, and allow them to flow to the play. It became hard to watch. With the retirement of DT Fletcher Cox, guys like DT Jordan Davis must show improvement.

DT’s Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter are the future.

In this regard, Baltimore is probably the stiffest test the NFL can throw at us. They are the absolute best test we hope for. Given that we see them again in Week 13, it would also be a huge confidence boost, if we can contain, or even stop their run game.

3) Dynamic Slot Play: Adding a good Slot WR to this Offense, would make it corrosive to even the best defenses. This is where another WR needs to step-up, as a complement to WR A.J. Brown and WR Devonta Smith. A good Slot will also loosen the box for our run game.

I think WR Britain Covey is already a lock at WR5 as a KR/PR. So between the DJax-like speed of WR John Ross, and the 6’6” frame of WR Johnny Wilson, those are the two candidates that I hope become our WR’s 3 and 4. In the event of an injury, WR Austin Watkins needs a long look here.

4) Contested Routes: It’s not enough for our Secondary to make tackles after completions. It’s not enough to contest a completion, late in the receiver’s route. We need for our Defensive Backs to be running with their receiver for most of, if not the entire route.

Playing off-coverage, and letting receivers quickly get to their spots, lets the opposing QB get the ball out of his hand, fast. This retards the pass rush, and then everyone blames the Defensive Line for not getting sacks. We need to make QB’s search for openings, and in the process, hold that ball longer.

****

If the Eagles do these Four Things, then they will be sowing seeds for massive success this season. We need to see indications on the field, that they have turned the page from whatever ailed them at the end of last season. These Four Things would make that case beyond the shadow of a doubt!

On a personal note, I’m sure well see some WR Screens, but I don’t want to see one on 4th and 12 again! I will absolutely lose my shit, if that happens. Regardless of if we convert or not. I’m looking forward to seeing this new look Offense; but with us moving to basically a 3-4 Defense, I’m a little less enthused about this side of the ball.

But we’ll see.

****

Prediction: EAGLES 13 – Ravens 27

Why: Road game and the Eagles will be playing to evaluate, not really to win.

WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know football and that’s IT. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, you are trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.

Check back in a couple of days for Four Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.

BEST OF THE NFC EAST: LINEBACKERS

Posted by The BEAST on 2024/04/25
Posted in: breakdown, Conversations, Defense, Draft, free agents, Front Office (F.O.), NFC East, NFL, Offense, Players, report, Reviews, Rivals, Roster, stats. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

DRAFT Day is today. Well actually it’s three days, the 25th, 26th and 27th, but you get the idea. Over the coming days, I’m going to do a position-by-position breakdown, of each team in the division. Just to compare known players apples to apples, and get everyone on the same page, before we start talking about the rookies, who haven’t actually even been to OTA’s yet.

Today we breakdown (cities are in alphabetical order): The Hunters

NOTE: This article won’t be doing the OLB/ILB/MLB thing. Too many teams like to move their Linebackers around these days. What I will do, is throw players listed as “Edge” into this category. It’s a weak designation, and I personally hate it. However, since teams use it, it must be taken into account.

DALLAS: Micah Parsons posted a career-high 14 sacks last year. After early career struggles vs the pass, the Cowboys severely limited his exposure in coverage. From 36 targets as a rookie, 11 in his second year, to just 5 in 2023. If he isn’t listed at DE next year, I’ll be surprised. Damone Clark is a secure tackler, but he’s an outright liability vs the pass.

Damone Clark

With the looming (now confirmed) retirement of Leighton Vander Esch, Dallas signed Eric Kendricks, hoping to bolster their interior run defense. DeMarvion Overshown is an oversized Safety, who has the sort of speed Dallas loves, but who doesn’t have enough thump to be a true in-the-box player. Buddy Johnson is still on the roster.

NEW YORK: Kayvon Thibodeaux posted 11.5 sacks last year. He’s a dangerous passrusher, but brings little else consistently to his position. He’d probably make his unit more dangerous if he played with his hand in the dirt. The other passrusher on this defense is Brian Burns, who averages 9 sacks per year, but he doesn’t do much else.

Bobby Okereke joined the giants last season, and had his best year as a pro. He’ll be looking to build on that. Micah McFadden is coming along nicely as a 5th rounder who has become a starter. He will of course have to get his 18% missed tackle rate, down considerably.

Azeez Ojulari will likely get first crack as the top back-up, but he’s been largely inconsistent thus far. Allow me to mention Boogie Basham, mostly because his name tickles me. He’s 274, but still listed at this position. The giants coaching staff just doesn’t get it.

PHILADELPHIA: On the surface, losing Haason Reddick was bad. However, judging from his statistical decline, slowness to recover from injury, his age, and his size; I have more than once wondered publicly, if the Eagles know something about his health that they aren’t disclosing. It would explain why they dug their heels in so hard, and so early, over his contract talks.

Nolan Smith gets Tua the QB, for his first career sack.

Entering his third season, Nakobe Dean is flirting with going from Draft steal to bust. Second year player Nolan Smith will almost definitely be a starter. Free Agent Devin White was added, possibly to have a seasoned vet’s voice to the meetings. These three almost definitely comprise the guts of this position. After this, it’s a lot of spare parts and longshots.

Julian Okwara is a situational passrusher who may find more snaps here, than he did in Detroit. Terrell Lewis may be getting a look there as well. Veterans Oren Burks and Zack Baun were also added, but aside from NFL experience, the reason why is unclear. Neither seems to offer more upside than second year man, Ben VanSumeren.

This position is in the dark, groping along the wall for a light switch. It’s got tons of youth going for it, but that can also be used against the Eagles as well. Coaching will be key to seeing how it turns out.

WASHINGTON: Talk about a makeover! Jamin Davis is the returning starter from last year, but with the players Washington has added, him starting in 2024, is no guarantee. While he hasn’t really been a playmaker, he’s a solid tackler, and stable player to build off of.

Free agent addition Bobby Wagner will be 34 by the time the season starts. People keep saying that he’s not what he used to be, but last year he started 16 o f 17 games and put up a career-high 183 tackles. Frankie Luvu didn’t miss a start last year and posted 125 stops. Mykal Walker has been a starter, but wasn’t last year. So there is some depth here.

SO WHO’S THE BEST? A solid group of Linebackers, playing behind (what seems right now), the best line in the division, with a defensive head coach. The nod here goes to Washington, and they have everyone else beat by a mile.

Bobby Wagner is a can’t miss addition.

Based on the players, Washington may be exploitable in underneath pass coverage, but they’ll be a problem vs the run and dialing up blitzes.

BEST OF THE NFC EAST: DEFENSIVE LINE

Posted by The BEAST on 2024/04/22
Posted in: breakdown, Defense, free agents, Front Office (F.O.), NFC East, NFL, Players, report, Reviews, Rivals, Roster, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

DRAFT Day is April 25th. Well actually it’s three days 25th, 26th and 27th, but you get the idea. Over the coming month, I’m going to do a position by position breakdown, of each team in the division. Just to compare known players apples to apples, and get everyone on the same page, before we start adding rookies, which can include anything from 1st round busts, to 6th round sure-fire Hall Of Famers.

Today we breakdown (cities are in alphabetical order): The War Machine

NOTE: To make this article, players must be either a DE, DT, or NT. Being listed at OLB, LB, or Edge, puts them in another article. This is done to keep down confusion and banish semantics like “Well he’s mostly a passrusher, so….” We’ll have none of that here.

DALLAS: The Cowboys lost some firepower with DE Dorance Armstrong defecting to rival Washington. While DE DeMarcus Lawrence is still a pro’s pro, he’s no longer anyone to fear. He’s collected just 24.5 sacks…over the last five seasons. On the other side, Sam Williams has shown flashes as a passrusher, but he’s not great vs the run. Chauncey Golston plays the end and also Nickle DT, but is more of a utility player than a threat.

DT Osa Odighizuwa is too small vs the run over 17 weeks

On the inside, DT Osa Odighizuwa is a 3-4 DE being used completely wrong. He starts the year almost foaming at the mouth, but wears down. Especially vs the run. DT Mazi Smith was a first round pick last year, and was statistically blanked in eight games, playing 20 or more snaps in just six games. With Jonathan Hankins and Neville Gallimore leaving, Smith will be asked to do more. Much more. Carl Davis is a NT that may not be with the team much longer.

NEW YORK: The heart of this 3 – 4 line is DE Dexter Lawrence. Strong and enormous, he presents obvious problems vs the run. He’s listed at DE, but the giants play essentially a 5 – 2 front with 3 DT’s. The other “End” could be Rakeem Nunez-Roches, or D.J. Davidson, or any other name picked out of a hat. They added DT Jordan Phillips during the offseason. While Phillips doesn’t put up numbers, he’s huge and he’s disruptive.

The giants will continue to rotate their linemen, in and out of those three spots along the line. It’s meant to keep their opponent guessing and create mismatches, but it seems to backfire at key times. Eye discipline is different for DE’s and DT’s, but this giants coaching staff doesn’t seem to get that. They should be stout inside vs the run though.

PHILADELPHIA: Losing a player like DT Fletcher Cox would gut most teams. However, the Eagles have massive pocket-crusher DT Jordan Davis; DT Jalen Carter, who just finished 2nd for Defensive Rookie of the Year (despite starting just 1 game); and DE/DT Milton Williams. DT Marlon Tuipulotu also provided quality play in 2023. Last year DT Moro Ojomo, would have made most active rosters, but here he got caught in a numbers game. None of these players are older than 24.

DT Jordan Davis is hard to ignore or lose sight of.

The starters at DE will likely be Josh Sweat, and DE Bryce Huff added from the Jets. Sweat is a mid-level passrusher, who’s killer first step creates consistent pressure. Huff is coming off of a 10 sack season, where he didn’t start a single game. The Eagles are hoping more snaps translates into more production.

Coming back for his 15th and final season, is DE Brandon Graham. Odds are, he’ll be a situational player who won’t play much, unless injury dictates. There are rumors that the Eagles will switch from a 4 – 3 to a 3 – 4. If that happens, then some of the DT’s will see time at DE. If they play more of a 5 – 2, like they did in 2022, this line will be formidable.

WASHINGTON: Once again, the Commanders raided the Cowboys cupboard, taking both DE Dante Fowler (4 sacks in 2023) and DE Dorance Armstrong (7.5 sacks), to bolster their passrush. Both played in every game, but only Armstrong got to start (just 1 game). As depth, Washington is relying on DE’s Clelin Ferrell and K.J. Henry.

DT Daron Payne closes in.

It’s the interior where this group shines. In the middle of this line are DT Jonathan Allen and DT Daron Payne. To call them headaches or disruptive, is to earn a PhD in Understatement. These two are an outright problem for offensive gameplans, as they both require a double team. In short, they wreck blocking schemes, which slows down offenses.

Back-ups include DT John Ridgeway, and DT Phidarian Mathis. Neither is a real threat, so the fall-off from starter to back-ups is absolutely massive.

SO WHO’S THE BEST?

On the interior, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington are all talented, but only Philadelphia has any depth. More to the point, they have loads of it. Again, on the outside, for THIS article, we are not discussing “passrushers” who play LB/Edge, but actual listed Linemen.

Of the listed DE’s in the division, Dallas is unremarkable, but at least know what to expect of their starters. New York’s DE’s are more like DT’s. Philadelphia may be the most explosive here, IF their new addition wasn’t a one year flash as a Jet. Washington has one defined starter, and everyone is in a new scheme.

DT’s Allen and Payne are a menace. An absolute MENACE!

Philly is tops inside, Dallas is top(ish) outside. However, Philly has question marks at DE, and Dallas’s interior is practically a liability. The giants line is built to occupy blocks, not make plays. Washington has two DE’s who, (while not stars) are both proven passrushers. So we’ll give this nod to the Commanders.

BEST OF THE NFC EAST: OFFENSIVE LINE

Posted by The BEAST on 2024/04/21
Posted in: breakdown, Draft, Front Office (F.O.), NFC East, Offense, Players, report, Reviews, Rivals, Roster. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

DRAFT Day is April 25th. Well actually it’s three days 25th, 26th and 27th, but you get the idea. Over the coming days, I’m going to do a position by position breakdown, of each team in the division. Just to compare known players apples to apples, and get everyone on the same page, before we start adding rookies, which can include anything from 1st round busts, to 6th round sure-fire Hall Of Famers.

Today we breakdown (cities are in alphabetical order): The Engines

G Zack Martin, handling his business.

DALLAS: The Cowboys lost LT Tyron Smith and C Tyler Biadasz in Free Agency. Brock Hoffman is now the starting C. Ideas for protecting their QB’s blindside, include either moving All-Pro LG Tyler Smith to LT, or drafting one and hoping the rookie is a star. At RT Terrence Steele is essentially a turnstile. Depth at this position is Matt Waletko (2 years, 4 games, no starts.)

On the inside they still have RG Zack Martin, one of the best in the game. However, moving LG Tyler Smith to LT, would leave a two player hole, right next to Martin. So the Cowboys recently overpaid to retain FA journeyman G Chuma Edoga, who already knows the offense. Anyway you cut it, 40% of this line is about to be just a couple of guys.

RT Jermaine Eluemunor is back on the East Coast.

NEW YORK: The giants loaded up on linemen in FA. They lost one, but signed five. Of what they already had, C John Michael Schmitz and G Ben Bredeson, as well as T Andrew Thomas are likely to be starters in 2024. Beyond that, this room is loaded with journeymen and draft busts. Of the five guys they signed, not one of them has been to the Pro Bowl. Even as an alternate.

The biggest o-line addition was probably oft-traveled RT/RG Jermaine Eluemunor, who gets to play near his native Scranton; followed by G Jon Runyan Jr. Both started elsewhere last year. Which brings up the question of where LT Evan Neal fits in. He was a 2022 #7 overall pick, but so far he’s been an injury prone disaster. Does adding Eleumunor close the book on Neal?

Everyone else ranges from shrug-worthy vet, to just some guy in a jersey.

C Jason Kelce passing on pearls of wisdom to future C Cam “Beef” Jurgens.

PHILADELPHIA: Future Hall of Fame C Jason Kelce retired this offseason. Normally that would seem like a huge blow, but honestly, Kelce’s wisdom and energy may be missed more than his on-field play. Kelce helped the Eagles scout his replacement, C Cam Jurgens. Jurgens spent 2023 at RG in Kelce’s hip, learning when, how, and why certain things need to happen.

As for the rest of the line, LT Jordan Mailata and RT Lane Johnson might be the top pair of bookends in the entire league. On the inside, LG Landon Dickerson is the true engine of the Brotherly Shove play. With Jurgens sliding over, RG is now a question mark. The top candidate for the job is Tyler Steen, but he’s been underwhelming in the run game, so far.

Coming over from the Falcons is C Matt Hennessy, so he could man the pivot, and allow Jurgens to stay at RG. The loss of T/G Jack Driscoll, opens the door for T/G Brett Toth, who spent last year with Carolina, but has 17 starts under his belt as an Eagle. The rest of the depth is unremarkable and may have an uphill climb just making the roster.

Washington’s GM during a trip to Dallas.

WASHINGTON: One way to improve your strength in a division, is to steal talent from rivals. The Commanders did exactly that when they added C Tyler Biadasz. He’s not great, but he’s better than what they had. It’s to be assumed that Sam Cosmi is starting at RG, and LG will probably be Nick Allegretti. He was a career back-up in Kansas City, but Washington gave him 16M over 3 years (5M+ per year), so they probably don’t expect him to ride pine.

On the ends, RT Andrew Wylie is another KC defector, who quietly started 15 games for Washington last year. The LT spot however, was a nightmare last year. The Commanders outright released Charles Leno, and dragged their feet re-signing Cornelius Lucas to a 1 year deal. Without a legit blindside protector, their QB will be in for a rough year in this division.

They have a number of bodies as depth, but no one who won’t be a liability if they have to start a game. To be honest, even their starting line-up is shrug-worthy on paper. Unless the coaching staff can find enough magic to make this group more than the sum of its parts, this might be one of worst lines in football.

SO WHO’S THE BEST?

Even though Washington should be better than last year, they will likely still be awful. Dallas has clearly taken a couple of steps backward. That part can’t even be disputed. Both have question marks at LT, which is the last place on the o-line that a team needs questions. New York is unremarkable, but they do have parts they can move around, and possibly turn out a decent unit.

Philadelphia had a great line last year, and are bringing back 60 percent of it in place, and that could be as high as 80 percent if they so choose. They have a question that needs an answer at RG; but they even have depth whose starting experience is with their team, in the system they currently run.

There is no question that Philadelphia has the most complete, and deepest offensive line in the NFC East, at this point. And it’s not even close. You’d have to be an idiot, with your certificate hanging in a frame on your wall, to even argue.

BEST OF THE NFC EAST: SAFETIES

Posted by The BEAST on 2024/04/19
Posted in: breakdown, Conversations, Defense, free agents, Front Office (F.O.), NFC East, Players, Reviews, Rivals, Roster, stats. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

DRAFT Day is April 25th. Well actually it’s three days 25th, 26th and 27th, but you get the idea. Over the coming month, I’m going to do a position by position breakdown, of each team in the division. Just to compare known players apples to apples, and get everyone on the same page, before we start adding rookies, which can include anything from 1st round busts, to 6th round sure-fire Hall Of Famers.

Today we breakdown (cities are in alphabetical order): The Last Line of Defense

DALLAS: With Jayron Kearse still an unsigned Free Agent, the top of the ladder is Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker. Neither man made many plays on the ball last year. In fact, both combined for just 3 interceptions and 6 passes defensed. Up front they totaled just 3 TFL (tackles for losses).

Behind them is Markquese Bell who’s a more “in the box” type. Same for Juanyeh Thomas, who is more like a small Linebacker than a legit NFL Safety. Israel Mukuamu will likely have to battle to keep his spot in camp.

NEW YORK: After losing Xavier McKinney to FA, Jason Pinnock is the guy they are building this position around. He had a pretty solid 2023 campaign, posting 2 picks, 6 passes defensed, 2 sacks, and 4 TFL. So he can be moved throughout the scheme.

DB Jalen Mills celebrates Super Bowl win. As an Eagle.

Dane Belton and Gervarrius Owens are very inexperienced. Which was likely the reason that Jalen Mills was signed. Mills is listed as a Corner, but he lacks deep speed, so he’s played mostly NCB in the NFL. Here, he’ll likely be transitioned to the FS role and rotated to allow the young pups some hands-on training, with (ahem) a safety net.

PHILADELPHIA: Reed Blankenship led the Eagles in tackles (113) and interceptions (3) in 2023. He also had 11 passes defensed. Joining him in the Secondary, or rather re-joining him, is C.J. Gardner-Johnson (a.k.a CJGJ). Two years ago, as an Eagle, CJGJ had his best year as a pro, and went to a Super Bowl. Last year he went to Detroit as a FA, and had his worst year as a pro.

S Chauncey “CJGJ” Gardner-Johnson, steals a pass from the Washington whatever they were that week.

Returning from Injured Reserve (I.R.), is Sydney Brown. He was having an up and down rookie year, when he suffered a torn ACL in the season finale. Tristin McCollum plays fast, but he’s likely going to need a very strong camp to stay on the roster.

WASHINGTON: Losing Kamren Curl to FA, was a blow. While Percy Butler had 13 starts last year, he turned it into just 64 tackles, 8 passes defensed (led team), and zero interceptions. In fact, no Commander at this position, recorded an interception last year. Darrick Forrest played just 5 games in 2023, due to a season-ending shoulder injury

Jeremy Reaves returns as a reserve player. The story of this position is Jeremy Chinn. He’s been a bust so far, after 4 years in Carolina. The trouble is, his 6’3 220 pound frame, is too small for every down LB, but he’s a liability in coverage. So he can’t be trusted back deep.

SO WHO’S THE BEST?

FS Reed Blankenship steals a pass from Washington

This is a clear cut, indisputable determination. Philadelphia is the strongest team in the division at this position. Every team here except Philadelphia, lost it’s top play-maker at this position. Philadelphia not only added talent, they also gave their best player at this position last year, a contract extension. (Motivation for the rest of the roster!)

Safety was shaky for Philly in 2023. There were never very high expectations for the position last year. However, due to late signings, injuries, trades, more injuries, inept coordinating, the thing went off the rails, and it just stayed that way. Expect this position to look better in 2024 than it was ever expected to look in 2023.