Quarterbacks

Vick played for the first and part of the second quarters and while I was impressed with his running ability as always, I was very unimpressed with his passing ability. His accuracy isn’t very good. I’m hoping that Kolb doesn’t go down, because I don’t want to have to rely on Michael Vick.

Mike Kafka had a very rough game. He finished 9/27 for 76 yards and one interception. It wasn’t until nearly the end of the game that he looked a little better and completed a few passes. Often times teams don’t blitz very much during preseason, but the Jets blitzed the entire game. He was under nearly constant pressure. He did, however, show nice touch on one of his deep throws, which would have been completed if not for a non-called penalty.

Running Backs

While J.J. Arrington had some pretty nice returns and showed a burst, he didn’t run very well otherwise. It could have been partly due to the offensive line, but I don’t see him making the team. Martell Mallett ran hard, but didn’t end up having a very good game and I don’t see him making the team either. It’s kind of sad how the MVP of the Canadian league can’t even make an NFL team.

Even though Eldra Buckley didn’t run very much, he distinguished himself from the other running backs. He finished with 2 runs for 12 yards and played very well on special teams. He will be the third running back.

Wide Receivers

It was hard for the receivers to win themselves a job because of how rough a game Kafka had, but that being said, I didn’t see much out of the backups.

Riley Cooper wasn’t in the game very long, but on one play he ran a very nice route and made the catch. He is clearly going to be a good player in the NFL.

Kelley Washington was the only other receiver that is worth mentioning. While he isn’t very young at 31 years old, he can still play. He made a couple nice catches and played fantastically on special teams. On one punt he swatted the ball out of the end zone on about the three yard line, preventing a touch back. If the Eagles decide to keep six receivers I think that it will be Washington.

Defensive Line

While I hate typing, Daniel Te’o-Nesheim’ s name, he did have a good game. It didn’t show in the stat sheet since he only finished with one combined tackle, but he pressured the QB three times. He was also double teamed for a lot of the game. I can’t wait to see how good this guy is by next year.

Jeff Owens swatted one ball, had one tackle and got some push in the run and pass games, but otherwise didn’t show too much. Even if the Eagles keep five DTs, I don’t think that it will be Owens.

Boo Robinson stood out more than Owens, recording 4 combined tackles and a sack. Still he didn’t look that impressive to me. If I were the Eagles I would only keep four DTs. Especially since the other backups are playing well and Te’o-Nesheim will play DT in the nickle package at times.

Eric Moncur, DE had one very nice tackle in the run game and finished with 3total tackles. He also showed good athleticism. I’ve been impressed with Moncur this preseason. It would be tough for the Eagles to keep him though unless they put Abiamiri on the PUP list. Besides Pannel Egboh, DE also looked good and has great size at 6-6, 287. Egboh finished the game with 2 total tackles, a sack and a forced fumble on a nice pass rush outside the tackle. I tend to think that if the Eagles keep 10 D-lineman and put Abiamiri on the PUP list, Egboh will be included.

Linebackers

Moise Fokou was the standout linebacker of the game. He finished with 10 combined tackles, played well against the pass and on special teams. The Eagles will definitely keep Fokou. He also has experience starting, but is still young at 25.

Keenan Clayton played well this game as he has all preseason. He finished with three combined tackles and also played well in coverage. He will make the team and will probably see some playing time as a nickle linebacker. The Eagles had trouble covering TEs last year. Hopefully Clayton will help.

Jamar Chaney had his best game as an Eagle and finished with 6 combined tackles. Two of his tackles were nice open field tackles against the Jets’ backup quarterback. He also looked good in coverage, but I still want to see more out of Chaney. He looked a little weak and tired at times. I think that he is going to take a big step forward by next year. Since no other linebackers stood out, I see Chaney making the team.

Secondary

The standout in the secondary was Kurt Coleman! He is a play-maker and finished the game with 5 combined tackles and 2 fumble recoveries for touchdowns. He accounted for 14 of the teams 17 points. He looks fast, strong and covered well. He has had a great preseason and was an amazing pickup in the 7th round. Good job Eagles.

Jorrick Calvin played well in his first game as an Eagle. He was the one that we traded Charles Scott for. He looks fast in the return game and showed several nice returns. He finished with 2 kick returns and a 28 yard average and 2 punt returns for a 12 yard average. He also stripped a ball and had two tackles. I think that the Eagles might deiced to keep Calvin for his return ability.

Macho Harris is a guy who could get cut. If the Eagles are keeping four safeties, he will be in a battle with Quintin Demps for his job. He didn’t cover that well, but did pressure the QB once. He did very little this preseason, while Demps has made several tackles in ever game.

David Pender and Geoff Pope both got beat deep in the game and while Pender’s ball was not caught I don’t see either player making the team.

By: Terenna at EaglesDomination.com

Offense

Overall the Eagles didn’t play a very good game against he Chiefs. Our offensive line and running backs were horrendous at pass blocking, which in turn made Kevin Kolb have a terrible game passing 11/25 for 103 yards and a pick. He is the type of QB who is very good with time, but very bad without it. Remember the year he came in for McNabb vs. the Ravens. He was under constant pressure and looked terrible. The offensive line did run block much better than they normally do (4.1 yards per run) though and a lot of that was due to Todd Herremans return. The Eagles ran often behind Herremans and will continue to do so throughout the regular season.

Jason Peters who is supposed to be our pro bowl left tackle has had way too many penalties throughout the last two games. He really needs to step up his game for the regular season.

LeSean McCoy looked quicker than the last preseason game and broke a nice tackle for a big run and TD (on one of his runs behind Herremans). I’m more confidant in LeSean now than I was. I wouldn’t take him in fantasy football though because the Eagles are just going to give too many other players carries. ie. Weaver, Vick, Bell.

Mike Bell looked alright, but didn’t have a great statistical game going 8 for 17 yards and one catch for 3 yards. He did block well, showed good effort and had one nice short yard run. If I were the Eagles I would hope that a young promising running back gets dropped and scoop him up. I would consider keeping four running backs on the team. I’m really hoping that Joique Bell of the Bills gets dropped.

Kolb looked pretty terrible and inaccurate. He was off on several throws but the pressure that he was under was a big reason for his miss throws. Several times the Eagles allowed Chiefs to come unimpeded to Kolb and need to do a better job picking up blitzing players. I clearly remember him missing two throws to Avant and one to Maclin. Kolb did run well though and will scramble better than a lot of people think. He also did fairly well on his last drive which hopefully built up his confidence.

Mike Kafka looked very good and drove the Eagles down the field in the final two minutes to win the game with a TD. He finished the game 9/13 for 93 yards and a TD. He was accurate and showed some power in his throws. He made some nice throws to Cooper who looked good again and Clay Harbor who is our second TE now. He looked a lot better than Kolb this game, but Kolb’s job is safe. Reid sticks with his QB.

Jeremy Maclin had an up and down game. He started out very poorly dropping two passes, but finished better make a few good grabs. He is really going to have to step it up this year and maintain his focus. Dropped balls kill offensive drives. Plus, I have him in fantasy and need a good year from him.

Defense

Our defense certainly played better than our offense, but had their own problems. They recorded two early turnovers and both lead to points. The defenses strong point was their coverage and held Cassel to 85 yards. On the other hand we didn’t get much pressure on the QB and only registered one sack. I’m starting to think that Brandon Graham and Te’o-Nesheim are both a year away from being great. It’s not a great surprise though because DEs often take some time when transitioning into the pro game. While Graham didn’t get much in the way of pressure, he did register four tackles . He also looked quick when chasing Jammal Charles form behind.

Our defense was also not very good against the run and gave up a 4.7 yard average.

Stewart Bradley looks like he is fully back. He covered well, swatted a ball and had two tackles. I would like to see him register more tackles though.

Jamar Chaney made some good special teams plays, but I would like to see him attack more against the run and fight to get off blocks. I still think that he is going to be a good linebacker, but he should build up his strength.

Nate Allen looked good in the starting role. He made no major mistakes and ended the game with 4 combined tackles. He also read a screen pass well and made the play.

I think that Kurt Coleman is definitely going to make the team. He made two nice tackles, but missed one in this game, but has played well throughout preseason. He finished the game with 4 combined tackles.

I just don’t see Ricky Sapp making the team. He is way too small and weak to play DE, where the Eagles had him playing at times. I just haven’t been very impressed with Sapp at all.

Special Teams

There are some positives and some negatives on special teams. Our kick and put return coverages are both not very good at this point. Also our return game isn’t very good either, but Quintin Demps looked better than the other returners. On the positive side Akers hasn’t missed a kick all preseason and Sav Rocca punted well hitting two inside the twenty.

Nice plays

Cole (who isn’t seriously injured) forced a fumble, blocked a pass and made an awesome tackle in the game.

Asante Samuel had a powerful hit against McCluster that stopped the running back dead in his tracks. Who says Asante can’t hit? Asante is a play maker period.

Eric Moncur the smaller defensive end from Miami had an amazing tackle behind the line on one of the running backs. He showed power to bowl over the offensive line and nice tackling ability.

By: Terenna at EaglesDomination.com

Question: What is your reaction to the Donovan McNabb interview? I used to be a big McNabb supporter, but now I’m with most Eagles fans. I’m glad he’s gone.

Sarah
West Philadelphia

Answer: The latest epistle from No. 5 – a lengthy Q&A in Gentleman’s Quarterly – is classic Donovan, a litany of rationalizations and statements that leave you scratching your head and saying, “Huh?” At this point, I think most fans are just weary of the subject and want to move on but he can’t seem to let go. And when McNabb speaks, we react out of reflex.

I found most of the interview typically self-serving with McNabb deflecting blame or just shrugging it away. It is hard to take seriously when, for example, he claims he messed up the overtime rule in Cincinnati because one of the officials gave him the wrong information. McNabb said the official told him there would be another five minute period if the first overtime ended scoreless.

An NFL official doesn’t know the rules regarding overtime? Sorry, I don’t buy it. The officials may blow judgment calls occasionally, but trust me, they know the rulebook cold, especially something that basic. Also, it doesn’t excuse McNabb for not knowing the rule in the first place. He was in his 10th NFL season, for heaven’s sake.

McNabb’s contention that the Eagles organization didn’t support him in times of trouble is also a stretch. Jeff Lurie and Andy Reid bent over backwards to praise McNabb and rally around him when there was criticism. If anything, McNabb was coddled for most of his time in Philadelphia. It reached a point where it was a source of resentment with some of his teammates.

What I found most troubling was his recounting of the final minutes in the Super Bowl loss to New England. Asked what went on when the Eagles were moving so slowly and the clock was winding down, McNabb first blames the coaches (“The play-calling was a little slow, maybe”) and then dismisses the whole thing by saying, “It was just blown out of proportion.”

Excuse me? Blown out of proportion? It was the final act of the Super Bowl, the defining moment of an entire season, but I guess we just put too much importance on it. Donovan, bless his heart, is able to keep it all in perspective. Glad you’re over it, big guy, because a whole lot of people here still aren’t.

Graham has looked good in the 2 preseaon games we saw him in, esp in the Bengals game. The game in which the coaches said was the deciding game that enabled him to move up to be with the starters. In that game he totaled up 3 tackles 2 of which went for a loss and a sack while adding a hurry on the QB as well.

Graham seemed very humbled by the chance and said theres no looking back from there, only better and bigger places to go. No one more excited then Trent Cole, he was commenting on how hes been teaching the other DE’s and Graham always stays after for one on ones with Trent. Trent commented saying how Brandon is one of those special type of players that you only have to show things to one time and a very quick learning. He also said that he “see’s greatness”. What a comment from someone as good as pro bowler Trent Cole himself. Now with Graham in the lineup you can’t worry about JUST COLE anymore. Should give Cole some 1 on 1’s from time to time now.

Excited to watch this kid and see him mature. Good job Eagles and great pick. You do not disappoint.

1st rd pick = Starter right away
2nd rd pick = Starter right away

Lets see who else can edge their way on the team, or even move up on the depth chart.

I do know this though. While the Phillies are missing a chance to gain ground on the Braves, the Braves themselves are not doing so hot as well. Still the Phillies after this 0-3 number they have put up in this 4 game series against the Astros, the Braves themselves have put up a 0-3 against the Rockies. The Phillies losing 2 of those games to former Phillies pitchers Myers and Happ.
While the game on Tuesday night was a JOKE, regardless we cannot blame the REFS for the Phillies not swinging their bats like their getting paid too. With one game left against Huston I would get really nervous if they get swept. This is a team that plays good baseball at the end of the year. They do a great job at finishing teams off and winning their division. I only hope this year is not different.

Come on Phills get your crap together!

Overall I was very unimpressed with the Eagles first team offense and defense. Our offenses biggest problem was the offensive line’s ability to pass and run block. The run blocking was a little better than the pass blocking which was terrible. Hopefully when Todd Herremans and Jamaal Jackson start again our O-line problems will disappear. We will have an extremely hard time winning without a solid offensive line, which was why it was one of the positions that I said that we should draft in the off-season. Hopefully Andy Reid and the Eagles knew what they were doing by not drafting any offensive lineman.

Our defense was certainly better than our offense, but had its own problems. We were bellow average at stopping the run and average in coverage. Our coverage would have been better, but our pass rush and blitzes were both bellow average.

I thought that our special teams played a little better than our offense and defense and I had no major complaints. I would like to see more explosiveness in our return game. Chad Hall was much less impressive in game two than he was in game one and I think that he’s probably not going to make the team. He was bellow average at returning the ball and only pulled in two catches for 9 yards.

I tend to think that the Eagles are a year away from seriously competing unless our O-line pulls it together. Our pass rush should improve over the course of the season as Brandon Graham and Te’0-Nesheim improve.

Quarterbacks

Kevin Kolb did fairly well despite being under almost constant pressure. He moved well in the pocket and scrambled away from pressure. He finished the game 11/17 and 126 yards. His stats would be much improved if the O-line could protect him at all. I also picked Kolb up in my fantasy draft in the 6th round. I trust in him, lets hope that he doesn’t let me down.

Unfortunately both of our back up quarterbacks looked terrible. Once again it could have been due the the pressure that they were under. Vick finished a horrible 1/5 for 6 yards and 2 interceptions, but he did have 3 carries for 34 yards. Kafka finished 4/12 for 29 yards and two interceptions, but in his defense he is a rookie.

Running backs

LeSean McCoy was very unimpressive to me, but it could have been partly due to the offensive lines’ poor run blocking. McCoy looked a little slow and not very explosive. I’m pretty worried about our run game this year and if we can’t run the ball it’s going to put a lot more pressure on the young Kolb. McCoy finished with only 20 yards on 6 carries, but one of his runs was for 17 yards, which gives him only 3 yards for his other five carries. I would say that if he doesn’t step it up someone is going to take his job but we don’t have much else in the way of running backs on the team. Bell could challenge, but we haven’t seen much of him because of injuries.

Eldra Buckley played the best on Friday, but wasn’t that impressive. He finished 4 for 19 yards. Leonard Weaver didn’t even look as fast as he did last year. I hope that our running backs step it up or we are in trouble.

It’s too bad that the Eagles didn’t draft or pick up as a rookie free agent Joique Bell like I said that they should. The Bills picked him up as a rookie free agent and he is having a great preseason. His first game he had 52 yards, a 10.4 yard average and a TD and in his second game he had 80 yards, a 7.3 yard average and another TD. He also had 3 receptions for 15 yards in both games combined.

Receivers

DeSean Jackson was our star performer of the night. He looked as good as he always does and seemed to have no trouble getting open against the Bengals secondary. He finished 4 for 74 yards.

Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper were the only other receivers that showed much. Both looked pretty good, but unfortunately Maclin was shaken up when trying to make a play. I don’t think that the injury was serious though.

Defense

Joselio Hanson had a pretty good game overall making 5 tackles with one assisted tackle. He covered pretty well most of the game, but did get beat deep for a touch down.

Quintin Mikell looked as good as he always does. He tackled and covered well. He is one of our best players on defense.

Although Nate Allen got run over by Cedric Benson on one play, but he did cover pretty well and had a good game overall.

One player that was particularly impressive was Dimitri Patterson CB. He ended the game with 2 tackles a forced fumble and an interception. He could end up being our third corner when the year starts.

Brandon Graham started out slow and was having trouble getting by the Bengals first team O-line. He picked it up against he second team and ended the game with three tackles and a sack. He showed some of his all star potential on a run play by bursting through the line to make a tackle for a loss. He also showed power as well as speed in his pass rush at times. I still want to see him do more in the next preseason game.

I thought that Juqua Parker looked both slow and weak in his pass rush abilities. I could see Graham taking over for him part way though the year.

Trent Cole looked great as always. He ended the game with 3 tackles and he pressured the quarterback several times. I don’t know where are defense would be without Cole.

Overall I think that our defense would improve greatly if we can sure up the linebacker play and improve our pass rush. I hope the Eagles pull things together for game three, because game two made me want to hit my head up against a wall.

By: Terenna at EaglesDomination.com

So as of late as we know the Phillies have been playing October baseball. Their bats have been swinging and they have been catching up to not only the WildCard standing but also the 1st place Braves (boooooo). Last night with Oswalt on the mound trying to get his 7th win at Citizens Bank Park and was successfull in doing so. Phillies rally in the 6h and 7th socring 2 runs in each inning to take a 4-3 lead finally to add a 5 spot in the 8th. Becoming the leading team in the NL with 17 Five run innings. You think about the fact that they have done that and with all the struggles they faced this year thats pretty darn impressive. Right now our Phillies hold the #1 WildCard spot over the Giants and Cards and are 2.5 games behind the Braves in the division. Lets hope we can at least tie this division up. Chipper Jones is done for the year and most likely even his career with the Braves to note as well.

Lets go Phillies lets punch another win or two again these Giants.

The primary goal in preseason games is to evaluate talent not to necessarily win.  That being said it is nice to win and the Eagles did just that.   I’m going to focus mostly on individual player performance.

• The eagles first team offense and defense both played well.  I’m pretty comfortable going into the season so far, but want to see them continue their success for the remaining three preseason games.

• I want to see more out of Brandon Graham, Daniel Te’o-Nesheim, and Jamar Chaney.  I’m really looking forward to game two to see what they’ve got.

• Martell Mallett looked good and might have played himself into a roster spot, rushing for 60 yards and a TD on fifteen attempts and hauling in 3 catches for 18 yards.  The eagles still really like Eldra Buckley though and I’m not sure if they are going to keep four running backs.

• Charles Scott blocked well at fullback, but I think that he is going to be cut.  I don’t see the Eagles keeping two fullbacks and Weaver is clearly the starter.

• Chad Hall ran, caught and returned the ball well in his first game.  He rushed for 22 yards on two carries, got 60 yards on two catches , returned three kicks for a 21 yard average and two punts for a 7 yard average.  I would like to see him increase his return averages, but otherwise I was impressed.  I think that the eagles will consider keeping him because of his versatility, but he is still locked in a battle for the 5th or 6th receiver spots.

• I was impressed by Keenan Clayton the undersized linebacker. He finished with 4 tackles and a sack.  I’m really interested to see how the linebacker position shakes out.  This is one of those positions that is going to take a lot of study to figure out.

• Riley Cooper looked good once again and caught 3 balls for 61 yards.  He already secured himself a roster spot.  He is now working on increasing his potential playing time.

• Vick seems to be back in football shape and played very well finishing 11/17 for 119 yards, along with 50 yards rushing and a TD on 6 attempts.  He did however throw an interception and fumble the ball.  Kolb is firmly entrenched as the number one QB.

• LeSean McCoy had an alright game but I would like to see him break some runs. He ran and received the ball fairly well.  I’m waiting to see some more of the old Westbrook in him.  So far I’m not entirely sold on him.

• Kolb finished the game 6/11 for 95 yards. He threw accurately and with enough power.  I’m confidant in Kolb, but want to see him keep up the good work in the remaining three preseason games.

• I wasn’t very impressed with Joselio Hanson as he got beat deep and hope that neither of our top two cornerbacks get hurt this season. I’m uncomfortable with our depth at this point.

• I was impressed by the offensive line. They blocked fairly well in the run game and only allowed two sacks in the pass game. Don’t forget that we also just got back Jamaal Jackson and Todd Herremans. I’m much more confidant with our O-line than I was earlier in the offseason

By: Terenna at EaglesDomination.com

Homeboyz will be back in action starting tomorrow.

FANTASY FOOTBALL AROUND THE CORNER… omgs!!!

Small short and quick update from it all.

D-Jack got helped off the field but it is not serious, just a lower back injury and he should be fine.

Bradley got up and limped off the field as well, again not serious just a hammy injury.

Maclin got carted off the field but it was determined that its just a bad knee bruise. Although Anthony G from the Colts was out 80% of the season last year with the same injury. Everyone is different hopefully he is back very soon.

Eagles sign Graham 5 year $22 million contract. The deal contains $14 million guaranteed. 2010-2014: Under Contract, 2015: Free Agent.

And my fav player on the team Mike Vick is not in trouble. GREAT…. just what I personally wanted to hear. Well at least we have a decent backup.