Jet @ Eagles Recap – Eagles 28 – Jets 10

I would like to first continue to gloat for my prediction of Eagles 24- Jets10.  Although it wasn’t spot on this time around I did correctly predict the Jets first TD of the preseason and correctly predicted the Eagles would win big (and was only off by 4 points!).  Now with that being said I stand by my original point in yesterday’s post about the fourth preseason game being far from meaningless. We learned a lot from last night’s game but I will just comment on a few. 

Demetress Bell – last night was pretty much a nightmare for all Eagles fans. Demetress Bell is lost on the line. He was signed to replace all pro LT Jason Peters, but should not even be a second team player.  His huge contract will save his ass on this cut day, but Demetress does not deserve one of the 53 spots on this roster. Look for rookie lineman Dennis Kelly, who has proven he can play the tackle position on the right or the left, to make the team and potentially play on the line this season. Fingers crossed that starting LT King Dunlap can fill the void.

Trent Edwards – Well Andy, “times yours.” Trent played very well in the preseason finale and I think that it will be a crime if he doesn’t get the QB3 spot on this team.  He offers veteran leadership for Eagles back up QB Nick Foles, and will be a serviceable third string guy – something no other team in the NFL will have. Don’t get me wrong, if Edwards gets playing time this season, the Eagles have bigger issues than their QB3, but you have to like the fact that Edwards has been a large part of the Eagles 4-0 preseason. Unless there is a trade (not a bad option in my mind) for some late round picks – expect Edwards to be holding the chip board in Week 1.

Jaiquawn Jarrett – Jarrett, a second round pick in 2011 has had a rough preseason.  He had a dismal first game but has stepped it up in the last three.  He played well on special teams and on defense, looked like the physical safety they drafted.  He may be bailed out due to hamstring problems that Oshiomogho Atogwe has been facing this preseason.  The safety spot has been one that has seen a revolving door of starters in a past, and an injury prone veteran is not exactly what the Eagles need in this role.  Jarrett makes the team, but only because the competition is below average.

Eagles RBs – In my opinion the Eagle’s backfield should be made up of all four RBs. The FB position has been so underutilized in the last 5 years and is unlikely to change in 2012.  Why keep a FB who is going to see minimal time on the field?  Rookie RBs Bryce Brown and Chris Polk deserve spots on this team. LeSean McCoy will see a majority of the carries but I think the backfield will see contributions from more than just McCoy. All four RBs make it and the two rookie Full Backs are cut Friday evening.   

These are all speculations and these are decisions that usually include some intangibles such as leadership, attitude, and dedication – all things that can’t really be seen on TV.  It will be interesting to see who makes the 53 man roster, as well as the 8 Practice Team spots come Friday at 9PM -  I will be sitting front row to see how it goes.  Check back over the weekend to see my review of who makes it and gets cut.  

What to Watch for Tonight

8/30/2012 New York Jets @ Philadelphia Eagles

The fourth preseason game is an interesting one.  Many think that, at this point, the starters will all sit and therefore the game is completely meaningless.  Let me tell you how meaningful this game actually is.

-          For 22 players, this game will be the last in Eagles Green. Come Friday afternoon 22 players will be cut in order to meet the NFL limit of 53 men on the roster.

-          Many of these “no-namers” could see starting time come mid-season when starters face injuries.

-          The special teams unit is always made of, primarily, 2^nd and 3^rd string players.  When the Browns run a punt back 40 yards or a Kick off gets brought back to the 9 yard line on a holding penalty, remember how “meaningless” the fourth preseason game was.

So be careful before you say that this fourth preseason game doesn’t matter. 

I want to point out a few things to watch for tonight.

1.       Demetress Bell – Bell is playing tonight with starting LT King Dunlap having the night off.  The Eagles are still looking to fill the shoes of all pro LT Jason Peters, who will miss the entire season due to a torn Achilles.  Will Demetress be able to fight back and gain that starting job? Will he play so poorly that the Eagles decide his contract isn’t worth it? These are things to watch for tonight.  I would be surprised if he were to get cut, but crazy Andy has done crazier things.

2.       Defensive Line – I am not jealous of the coaching staff when it comes down to making cuts, especially on the defensive line.  The D-Line is as stacked as it has even been and any player cut will likely have little issue finding a team elsewhere.  Tonight will be the last chance for these guys to show what they are made of. Keep an eye out for Antonio Dixon, who may be beaten out by surprising rookie, Cedric Thornton. The Eagles will likely keep 10 players on the line, but there are 14 players fighting for those spots.  It will be interesting to see who shows up for tonight’s game.  

3.       Nick Foles- Well I haven’t been able to post without including Foles in the picture.  I am still waiting to see the rookie moments that are expected out of a third round draft pick.  Can Nick start this game and continue to look strong as the Eagles back up? Meanwhile Trent Edwards will be playing for a spot as the QB3 while Mike Kafka remains sidelined with a fracture in his non-throwing hand.

4.       Akeem Jordan – Akeem is back to the Weakside LB position (where he started his career with the Eagles) and tonight will get up to a quarter of action as he continues to transition from the strong side back to the weak. Rookie LB, Mychael Kendricks has been the best linebacker on the team this preseason and will be starting opposite Akeem come opening week.  I am interested to see how Jordan plays tonight and see if the Eagles LBs will have another season of mediocrity.

What not to watch for:
  1. Tim Tebow - No one cares anymore. Tebow is a below average QB and only help he will provide to the the Jets, is the ability to go TD-less in the preseason. Screew you Tebow.

Eagles win big but the Jets get their first touchdown of the preseason. Eagles 24 Jets 10.  

Westbrook Announces Retirement as an Eagle

Brian Westbrook, announced today that he will be retiring from the NFL as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. I will always remember B-West for his “Miracle at the Meadowlands” punt return to spark a flat footed Eagles team in 2003.  With only a minute and a half left in the game the Giants punted to 2^nd year punt returner Brian Westbrook who ran the punt back 84 yards giving the Eagles the 14-10 lead, and ultimately the win. The Eagles went on the win 9 of their last 10 that season  that historical game against the Giants. 

Listed at 5’8, 200 lbs. it Westbrook played 9 seasons in the NFL.  He was often injured but did not miss many starts in his career – known for sitting out all week at practice but always being ready come game day. For many years Westbrook seemed to be the only strength of the offense. From 2004 – 2009, the years Westbrook was the featured back (or at least one of them!) he had a total of 5189 yards rushing and another 3372 yards receiving – an average of 1038 and 675 per season, respectively. He also tallied 30 TDs on the ground and 25 receiving during those 6 years. His numbers speak for themselves.  He was a complete player who could run and catch like no one in the league. His speed on the outside was insane and countless LBs, CBs and DEs looked very silly falling over their feet as #36 juked right and went left. He was a great Eagle and I will proudly be wearing my number 36 jersey on December 23^rd when the Eagles honor him at half time against the Redskins.