Daily Archives: July 30, 2011

Updated Projected 53 Man Roster

Posted on July 30, 2011 | Leave a comment

After a a few whirl wind days filled with free agent signings and trades, the Eagles roster is now starting to come together.

Here is what I believe the 53 man roster would look if it was decided today with only players on the roster.

The players who’s name are in italics are considered locks. At the bottom, I list the players who right now I believe would be cut.

 

Quarterback (3): Michael Vick, Vince Young, Mike Kakfa

Running Back (3): LeSean McCoy, Dion Lewis, Eldra Buckley, 

Fullback (1): Owen Schmidt

Offensive Line (9) : Jason Peters, Todd Herremans, Jamaal Jackson, Mike McGlynn, Danny Watkins, Winston Justice, King Dunlap, Austin Howard, Julian Vanervelde

Tight End (3): Brent Celek, Clay Harbour, Donald Lee

Wide Receiver (6): DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, Riley Cooper, Chad Hall, Sinorce Moss

Defensive Line (8): Trent Cole,  Jason Babin, Antonio Dixon, Trevor Laws, Cullen Jenkins, Juqua Parker, Mike Patterson, Darryl Tapp, Daniel Te’O Neisheim

Linebacker (7): Jamaar Chaney, Casey Matthews, Moise Foku, Greg Lloyd, Brian Rolle, Keenan Clayton, Akeem Jordan

Secondary (10): Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuel, Dominique Rodgers Cromartie, Trevard Lindley, Curtis Marsh, Jaiquawn Jarrett, Kurt Coleman, Nate Allen, Colt Anderson, Marlin Jackson

Kicker (1): Alex Henery

Punter (1): Chas Henry

Long Snapper (1): John Dorenbos

Notable Cuts: CB Joselio Hanson, LB Rashard Jeanty, S Jamar Adams

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Posted in Eagles, training camp

Bunkley dealt to Browns, Akeem Jordan signed

Posted on July 30, 2011 | Leave a comment

It did not take long for the Eagles to end any speculation on how the signing of Cullen Jenkins would effect Broderick Bunkley.

Akeem Jordan

The Eagles have traded Broderick Bunkley to the Cleveland Browns for a 5th round pick, ending the former #1 pick time in Philadelphia. The fact he went to Cleveland makes sense, as he was drafted by now Browns GM Tom Heckertt during his time in Philadelphia.

Akeem Jordan has also been brought back by the Eagles on a one year deal. The Eagles seem to like their linebackers, but Jordan is an inexpensive insurance policy for the youth in the linebacking group.

Bunkley has only 6 sacks in his 5 year career to go along with 144 tackles. Bunkley had a reputation during his rookie year for liking to play Madden more then he liked hitting the film room. That video game passion has now led him out of town.

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Posted in akeem jordan, Broderick Bunkley, Eagles

Eagles sign DT Cullen Jenkins

Posted on July 30, 2011 | Leave a comment

Listening to some of the new Eagles players- such as Jason Babin and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie- talk today, you got the feeling that they almost were swept up in how aggressive the team was being, making it more exciting for them to be here.

Cullen Jenkins

Well add another Pro-Bowl caliber player to that list.

The Eagles agreed have agreed with defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins on a 5 year deal reportedly worth $25 million dollars. A report by Michael Lombardi of the NFL Network says that the deal could end up being a 1 year deal for $4 million if the Eagles decide to cut ties after this season.

The former Green Bay Packer finished last season with 18 tackles and 7 sacks. Cullens tweeted that the Packers did not give him a chance to come back.

An 8 year veteran, Jenkins is a big body that can cause real problems for the opposing teams offensive line. Weighing just over 300 pounds, Jenkins has consistently gotten to the quarterback over his career, posting 29 career sacks.

While Jenkins is listed as a defensive end, he will likely play in the middle for the Eagles.

Jenkins being brought in ended Broderick Bunkley’s tenure with the Eagles, as he was traded to the Cleveland Browns to make room for the former Packer. The reason for choosing Jenkins over Bunkley is simple: Jenkins is capable of getting consistent pressure up the middle, something that Bunkley has never been able to do.

If Jenkins can play at the level he did last season, it will help the Eagles defense in many ways. Imagine the chances the Eagles cornerbacks  will get if Jenkins is getting up the middle and forcing bad throws. Throw in the Jason Babin and Trent Cole, and the Eagles defensive line is slowly becoming a strength instead of a weakness.

Cullens sounded excited to get going with the Eagles.

Here is the ESPN scouting report from two seasons ago, before Jenkins had a great year in Green Bay last season.

“Jenkins bounced back from an injury-plagued 2008 season to have one of his better seasons in 2009. He is better defending the run than rushing the passer. Jenkins has strong hands and uses them well to control blockers at the point of attack and does a good job restricting running lanes. He is a powerful tackler on contact, especially in confined areas. He runs well for his size and shows good range in pursuit. He needs to expand his pass-rush package and appears to have limitations to be an impact player in Green Bay’s defense.”

One thing is clear by the Jenkins move as well as the other signings: Howie Roseman and Andy Reid are giving Juan Castillo every chance to succeed this season by giving him all kinds of players to toy with.

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Posted in Eagles

Vince Young on competing with Vick: “Of course we’ll compete”

Posted on July 30, 2011 | Leave a comment

As Vince Young made his away across the fields at Lehigh, meeting his new teammates and coaches, the fans rose in excitement to see the new back up quarterback.

Young talks with the other Eagle cornerbacks

Yes, only in Philadelphia can a back up quarterback receive a standing ovation upon arrival to camp.

With shouts of “Welcome to Philly!” and “We’ll treat you better then Tennessee”, Young saluted the fans as he walked around sporting his new number 9 jersey.

While Young did not take the field to practice, he did speak afterwards for the first time to the Philadelphia media. Young was asked about whether or not he would consider himself as competing with Michael Vick.

“Of course we’ll compete”, said Young. “It will only make us better. I know that if I am on the field, he’ll support me. And if he’s on the field, I’ll do whatever I can to help him.”

Young later said that he would be happy with whatever role the Eagles need him to play- even if it means running the scout team. Needless to say, the Eagles will not be paying Young over $5 million dollars to be third string. But if Young thinks he has any chance of competing with Vick, he is sorely mistaken.

Did Young try to start a quarterback controversy when he said he would compete with Vick? Probably not. Young seemed to only be trying to say that the two would make each other better.

But for a few moments, Young’s competitiveness shined through- something the Eagles hope does not shine brighter as the season goes on.

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Posted in Eagles, Michael Vick, Vince Young

Rodgers-Cromartie open to playing the nickel

Posted on July 30, 2011 | Leave a comment

After have one of the worst secondaries in the NFL last season, the Eagles suddenly find themselves with an embarrassment of riches at cornerback.

Rodgers-Cromartie will wear #23 with the Birds

The Eagles have three Pro-Bowl players in Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, but with only two starting cornerback spots, one is going to have to be the odd man out.

Speaking to the media for the first time since arriving at Lehigh, Rodgers-Cromartie seemed very open to playing wherever the Eagles ask him to, even the nickel position.

“That’d be alright with me,” said Rodgers-Cromartie in a unique southern twang. “Long as I can get on the field an compete.”

While many might read this as nothing more then a PR statement from Roders-Cromartie,  the statement seemed genuine. If Rodger were willing to play the nickel, it would mean the Eagles would be able to field without question the best cornerback trio in the league.

Rodgers-Cromartie lined up on the left side today during practice, and did not see much action during the 7 on 7 drills.

 

 

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Posted in Eagles, rodgers-cromartie

Training Camp Report: Saturday Practice

Posted on July 30, 2011 | Leave a comment

The Eagles took the field for their last real practice on Saturday morning before the hitting starts tomorrow.

The stands were packed as Saturday was the first time the fans were able to come watch their team practice. If you weren’t there, here are some of the players who stood out.

Dion Lewis- Lewis has clearly been hitting the books with LeSean McCoy. One of the hardest things for rookie running backs to do- especially in the Eagles system- is to learn how to pick up the blitz. One two occasions, Lewis did just that. Despite being perhaps the smallest player on the field, the former Pittsburgh running back stepped up and stopped Daryl Tapp from getting to Mike Kafka.

Lewis also had a good day catching the ball. His small size should help him at the next level, as on screen plays it was almost impossible to see him as he stood between the huge offensive lineman. Lewis showed speed and good hands on multiple occasions.

Marlin Jackson- Eagles fans won’t want to hear this- but Marlin Jackson has a good chance of making this team. Jackson has missed the last two seasons with injuries, but the Eagles must see something in him to keep him on the roster. He showed some flashes of what the Eagle see in him today, as he broke up multiple passes and was in other other plays. Whether or not he makes the team will have a lot to do with his health, but his veteran presence in an otherwise young secondary could be used if he can keep making plays.

Trevard Lindley: The pressure on Trevard Lindley to make a jump this season dropped significantly when the Eagles added Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha. If the Eagles do in fact hold on to Asante Samuel, then Lindley is now battling with Joselio Hanson to see who will be the 4th corner on this team. What Lindley showed flashes in limited action last season was on display today, as he was all around the ball. A few times Lindley got his arm in front of a receiver to break up a pass. On one play, Lindley jumped a route and got both hands on the ball, only to drop it. Although that is a play he has to make to take the next step, Lindley still showed signs today that he is ready to contribute to this defense.

Chas Henry: Perhaps no player got more “oohs and ahhs’” from the crowd today then Chas Henry, the rookie punter from Florida. During special teams drills at the end of practice, Henry boomed the ball on multiple occasions what seemed like 60-65 yards. When Henry really connects on a ball, it is a thing of beauty, as the ball hangs in the air without even moving, only to drop what seems like a mile from when he punted it. Henry also had some nice placement punts, getting it to the sideline and deep in the 20 on one drill. But like most rookie kickers, Henry had some shanks in-between the bombs.

Jerrod Johnson: With Vince Young still in street clothes, Jerrod Johnson was running the 3rd team offense. Johnson, a undrafted free agent rookie quarterback out of Texas A&M towers over almost every player on the field other then King Dunlap. Johnson looks the part, as he is fast and has the height to see over the offensive line. While he showed flashes today, extending multiple plays with his legs and taking a few up the middle when his coverage broke down, he also showed why he was not drafted. Johnson threw a ton balls of that no where near resembled a spiral, and over threw his receivers multiple time down the field. Still, Johnson has been impressive enough that he could end up on the practice squad.

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Posted in Chas Henry, dion lewis, Jerrod Johnson, lindley, Marlin Jackson, training camp, Uncategorized