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 Eagles @ Browns 7:30

Don’t expect to see much from the starters on either side tonight.  We will be seeing these teams square up again two weeks from now and neither team is going to want to show their opponents their game plan.

The Browns are an improving team that plays in a tough division.  They are all in on the offensive side of the ball this season- using 2 first round picks on QB Brandon Weeden and RB Trent Richardson.  The Eagles pass rush should give Weeden or ex starting QB Colt McCoy a tough time tonight. I think we will see 3+ sacks from the Eagles D line.  Richardson will remain on the sideline hoping to be ready to go for the start of the season. Just because it’s going to be a wash game, does not mean there isn’t plenty to watch for. I am going to comment on just a few of them.

Nick Foles

Nick will get the start tonight and get up to a half of snaps, as Mike Kafka is still out with an injured hand. Foles has looked great in the first two games, throwing for a combined 331 yards and 4 TDs.  Foles has completed 63.15% of his passes and is leading the league in preseason passer rating through the first 2 games. He has looked strong, confident and poised in the pocket, all things that former Eagles QB, and current Cardinals QB, Kevin Kolb has not. Each time Vick takes off, heading for the End Zone on third down, Eagles fans will be praying that Nick Foles can be the strong, pocket passer, that we will need step in if Vick cracks another rib.  

Eagles Backup RBs

I am interested to see if the Eagles give some of their young RBs a big workload tonight. The Browns ranked 30^th in run defense last year and used their 1^st round picks on offense in the 2012 Draft.  It seems like it is going to be a long season for the Browns Defense- the Eagles should have no problem on the ground tonight. Look for a nice mix of 2^nd year guy, Dion Lewis, rookie RB Bryce Brown, and undrafted rookie RB Chris Polk. With Shady in the starting spot, it seems like Lewis with be the RB2 – but will the Eagles keep 4 backs on the 53 man roster? The talent and potential is there and all four of these guys will make the team, but what will the depth chart look like come September 9^th.

Special Teams

As with any team, the special teams are crucial to the Eagles success. It is essential to many of the guys on this roster and whether or not they will have a job come September 9^th. Don’t be surprised to see the Eagles punting on 4^th and inches (not that you should ever be surprised about that as an Eagles fan!), and kick returns coming from 6 yards deep in the end zone. Another player to watch is 2^nd year safety Jaiquawn Jarrett.  Jarrett, a local guy from Temple, was selected in the second round of the 2011 Draft to be one of the many players who would replace Eagles Hall of Fame Safety Brian Dawkins. Thus far he has come up very short of expectations and is now at risk of being cut after just one year in the NFL. Look for him to get some action at Safety and in the Special teams as he continues to seek out a place where he fits in on this roster.

Demetress Bell vs. King Dunlap    

 Who will win over the start Left Tackle job protecting Mike Vick’s strong side? This is an ongoing battle through camp and it will be interesting to see who wins the starting job with All Pro LT Jason Peters likely being out with a torn Achilles.  I think that Bell will ultimately get the starting job but Dunlap isn’t going down without a fight. Tomorrow morning will have a much clearer answer. 

Prediction:

Eagles win big 27-10 setting the tone for Week 1.