** Official 2014 Philadelphia Eagles Thread ** (1 Viewer)

[Insein]

Soooo... it was about money. Glad I'm back to mistrusting my football team's management ability. Sigh.

And yes I get the long term we'll be better off. Just didnt understand why you couldnt have Desean this year and let him walk after you've had a rookie here for a year.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Soooo... it was about money. Glad I'm back to mistrusting my football team's management ability. Sigh.

And yes I get the long term we'll be better off. Just didnt understand why you couldnt have Desean this year and let him walk after you've had a rookie here for a year.

If it was money than I guess Chip had nothing to do with it. I believe he was the one who said initially that he was just the HC and not a cap guy....

I think its as simple as he doesn't think he's that good.

 

[babydemon90]

Soooo... it was about money. Glad I'm back to mistrusting my football team's management ability. Sigh.

And yes I get the long term we'll be better off. Just didnt understand why you couldnt have Desean this year and let him walk after you've had a rookie here for a year.

Carry the cap over to next year?

 

[ShaHBucks]

http://igglesblitz.com/2014/04/the-eagles-speak/

People begged for the Eagles to speak after the shocking cut of DeSean Jackson. That finally happened today and, predictably, the Eagles didn’t have a whole lot to say. I doubt anyone who was furious with the team got much in the way of satisfaction from today’s comments. Honestly, this is one of those situations where there isn’t a simple comment or explanation that will make anyone happy.

PE.com has the interviews.

Chip Kelly

Jeff Lurie

Howie Roseman

They stressed, especially Chip, that this was a football decision. The media pushed hard to get Chip to explain how cutting the team’s best receiver made sense, from a football perspective. Chip refused to explain, saying that he wasn’t comfortable with discussing players who the team has cut. He gave the example that he didn’t comment on Jason Avant or Patrick Chung when they were released.

All 3 men shot down the idea that character had anything to do with this. I don’t fully buy that. The NFLPA did an investigation to make sure the Eagles made the move for football purposes. If they now said that character was part of the equation, the team could get into hot water with the NFLPA. They had to focus on the football side of things.

I don’t want to get too much into the whole DeSean thing again. All we can do is speculate and argue.

I do believe that football was a big part of the decision. Chip Kelly has very defined thoughts on the kind of players that he is looking for. This is a combination of body type, skill set and character. Obviously DeSean didn’t fit Kelly’s long term vision.

This isn’t a question about talent. Don’t make the mistake of thinking Chip is saying DeSean can’t play. We all know that DeSean can be a major playmaker at times. But he’s not the guy that Chip thinks will help the offense to run at its peak.

I understand many of you don’t want to hear this. Why is Chip Kelly’s offense so good it can just get rid of a playmaking WR? Isn’t that insanity?

This question ties into a discussion we had the other day about fit and scheme on defense. Should the Eagles pass on playmakers just because they don’t fit the scheme? Isn’t that dumb? This is a philosophical question.

Some coaches will tell you to acquire talent and they’ll adjust the scheme to fit the players. The Seattle defense is a collection of oddball players that Pete Carroll has shaped into a dominant defense. Other coaches have specific ideas of what they want. Bill Parcells believed in big defensive players. He inherited a top young pass rusher named Hugh Douglas when he took over the Jets. Parcells kept him for a year, but quickly saw that Douglas wasn’t meant to play in his 3-4. He then traded Douglas to the Eagles.

There is no right or wrong way to build a team. It does hurt when a coach takes over and gets rid of talented players. There is no disputing that. But the reason you hired the new coach is for his vision. As frustrating as it can be, you have to let him do things his way.

I’m not a big fan of 2-gap defenders. I prefer 1-gap players that can get upfield and be disruptive. But those aren’t the players that Kelly, Bill Davis or Jerry Azzinaro want up front in the defense. It pains me to watch explosive DTs like Aaron Donald and Dominique Easley and know the Eagles won’t be interested in them. I’ve learned to focus on DL who use their hands well and can eat up blocks. That’s not my cup of tea, but those are the guys Kelly wants so I focus on them.

It will be interesting to see what kind of WR the Eagles bring in to help replace DeSean. That will be one piece of the puzzle to figuring out what Kelly is looking for and why he didn’t like DeSean. The more moves we see in the next few years, the better we’ll come to understand exactly what Chip wants and, just as importantly, why.

 

[CentralPA]

Awwww great.....not this #### again.

This should help those who wanted Kelly and company to explain get some sort of closure.

To a certain extent yes. This is something that should've been done right after his release and not a month later. Just odd. But it sounds as if Kelly just didn't feel DeSean was the right fit in his offense after one year of watching him play in it.....even after over 1300 yards receiving and 9 TDs...

 

[unckeyherb]

One thing I keep hearing is that we will not be able to replace the 1300 yards and 9 TD's that Desean got us. However, I don't think Kelly is concerned with that specifically. What he is concerned with is improving on 27.6 points per game. That's all. I don't think he cares if there isn't a 1000 yard WR on the team next year. He wants to score points however he can and obviously, he didn't feel like Desean gave them the best options to score. He is a home run threat, no question but his ability in the RZ (though improved with Chip) is not frightening. This offense doesn't have a problem moving the ball-so I think Chip wants another BIG body out there to push the defense around in the EZ. Big guys beat up on little guys. That's what this is about IMO.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

One thing I keep hearing is that we will not be able to replace the 1300 yards and 9 TD's that Desean got us. However, I don't think Kelly is concerned with that specifically. What he is concerned with is improving on 27.6 points per game. That's all. I don't think he cares if there isn't a 1000 yard WR on the team next year. He wants to score points however he can and obviously, he didn't feel like Desean gave them the best options to score. He is a home run threat, no question but his ability in the RZ (though improved with Chip) is not frightening. This offense doesn't have a problem moving the ball-so I think Chip wants another BIG body out there to push the defense around in the EZ. Big guys beat up on little guys. That's what this is about IMO.

As much as you like or hate Desean everyone would agree that he is very limited inside the 20's

This draft cant come soon enough!

 

[Insein]

One thing I keep hearing is that we will not be able to replace the 1300 yards and 9 TD's that Desean got us. However, I don't think Kelly is concerned with that specifically. What he is concerned with is improving on 27.6 points per game. That's all. I don't think he cares if there isn't a 1000 yard WR on the team next year. He wants to score points however he can and obviously, he didn't feel like Desean gave them the best options to score. He is a home run threat, no question but his ability in the RZ (though improved with Chip) is not frightening. This offense doesn't have a problem moving the ball-so I think Chip wants another BIG body out there to push the defense around in the EZ. Big guys beat up on little guys. That's what this is about IMO.

As much as you like or hate Desean everyone would agree that he is very limited inside the 20'sThis draft cant come soon enough!

But again, while we may be better in the long run, the short run is we got nothing for a pro bowl wr in his prime and let a divisional rival pick him up for just money. If it was football related, they should have easily been able to get a draft pick for him.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

I'm so ####### tired of this Desean Jackson crap. They didn't think he was worth 10 mil a year. He thought he should get a raise. They cut him. End of story.

 

[CentralPA]

One thing I keep hearing is that we will not be able to replace the 1300 yards and 9 TD's that Desean got us. However, I don't think Kelly is concerned with that specifically. What he is concerned with is improving on 27.6 points per game. That's all. I don't think he cares if there isn't a 1000 yard WR on the team next year. He wants to score points however he can and obviously, he didn't feel like Desean gave them the best options to score. He is a home run threat, no question but his ability in the RZ (though improved with Chip) is not frightening. This offense doesn't have a problem moving the ball-so I think Chip wants another BIG body out there to push the defense around in the EZ. Big guys beat up on little guys. That's what this is about IMO.

As much as you like or hate Desean everyone would agree that he is very limited inside the 20'sThis draft cant come soon enough!

But again, while we may be better in the long run, the short run is we got nothing for a pro bowl wr in his prime and let a divisional rival pick him up for just money. If it was football related, they should have easily been able to get a draft pick for him.

He also had a big contract coming with him wherever he was going to get traded. That, more than anything, might've been why he was released with no comp.

 

[GoBirds]

One thing I keep hearing is that we will not be able to replace the 1300 yards and 9 TD's that Desean got us. However, I don't think Kelly is concerned with that specifically. What he is concerned with is improving on 27.6 points per game. That's all. I don't think he cares if there isn't a 1000 yard WR on the team next year. He wants to score points however he can and obviously, he didn't feel like Desean gave them the best options to score. He is a home run threat, no question but his ability in the RZ (though improved with Chip) is not frightening. This offense doesn't have a problem moving the ball-so I think Chip wants another BIG body out there to push the defense around in the EZ. Big guys beat up on little guys. That's what this is about IMO.

As much as you like or hate Desean everyone would agree that he is very limited inside the 20'sThis draft cant come soon enough!

But again, while we may be better in the long run, the short run is we got nothing for a pro bowl wr in his prime and let a divisional rival pick him up for just money. If it was football related, they should have easily been able to get a draft pick for him.

So now you know the trade market for an overpaid receiver better than Chip Kelly.......interesting.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

I'm so ####### tired of this Desean Jackson crap. They didn't think he was worth 10 mil a year. He thought he should get a raise. They cut him. End of story.

I'm always interested in this stance and how we come to it. Obviously we all don't know the whole story and never will but I'm more interested in where people lay their trust.

To date (unless there's something I'm missing) Chip has not lied about his plans with the team. He may have avoided some things with general answers but never has lied. Chip said he is not a cap guy and he is just a HC. Jeff Lurie comes out and says that after we lost, Chip came to him and said he wanted to go in a different direction with the WR's, why does this not want to be believed? Why is it so hard to fathome that Kelly may just not think Desean is that good? Howie being the GM has to keep an eye on the money so I'm sure Chip didnt have to twist his arm about getting rid of him.

Given the above and the fact that he (Jackson) had ONE suitor isnt telling enough?? Or does this regime have to be Banner and Co. all over again?

 

[Bigboy10182000]

One thing I keep hearing is that we will not be able to replace the 1300 yards and 9 TD's that Desean got us. However, I don't think Kelly is concerned with that specifically. What he is concerned with is improving on 27.6 points per game. That's all. I don't think he cares if there isn't a 1000 yard WR on the team next year. He wants to score points however he can and obviously, he didn't feel like Desean gave them the best options to score. He is a home run threat, no question but his ability in the RZ (though improved with Chip) is not frightening. This offense doesn't have a problem moving the ball-so I think Chip wants another BIG body out there to push the defense around in the EZ. Big guys beat up on little guys. That's what this is about IMO.

As much as you like or hate Desean everyone would agree that he is very limited inside the 20'sThis draft cant come soon enough!

But again, while we may be better in the long run, the short run is we got nothing for a pro bowl wr in his prime and let a divisional rival pick him up for just money. If it was football related, they should have easily been able to get a draft pick for him.

The trade scenarios were also broken down by just about everyone yesterday. If no one is interested than you cant do anything.

As far as his "prime" that's subjective. Hakeem Nicks had a prime once and that went out the window over night.

 

[Insein]

One thing I keep hearing is that we will not be able to replace the 1300 yards and 9 TD's that Desean got us. However, I don't think Kelly is concerned with that specifically. What he is concerned with is improving on 27.6 points per game. That's all. I don't think he cares if there isn't a 1000 yard WR on the team next year. He wants to score points however he can and obviously, he didn't feel like Desean gave them the best options to score. He is a home run threat, no question but his ability in the RZ (though improved with Chip) is not frightening. This offense doesn't have a problem moving the ball-so I think Chip wants another BIG body out there to push the defense around in the EZ. Big guys beat up on little guys. That's what this is about IMO.

As much as you like or hate Desean everyone would agree that he is very limited inside the 20'sThis draft cant come soon enough!

But again, while we may be better in the long run, the short run is we got nothing for a pro bowl wr in his prime and let a divisional rival pick him up for just money. If it was football related, they should have easily been able to get a draft pick for him.

So now you know the trade market for an overpaid receiver better than Chip Kelly.......interesting.

Teams do trade and signs all the time. No team could trade for him and work out a new deal? The timing of the gang stuff and the bad locker room stuff is too coincidental to when they wanted him gone. They are backtracking now.

They didn't want him here at $10mil and didnt get anything for him because they botched their position. Our offense will be fine. Just dont like letting someone we play twice a year improve a significant weakness when we could have prevented it.

 

[Insein]

I'm no longer an "In Chip we trust" guy. Thats the fallout from this. He has to prove it again in year 2. And they better not lose to the redskins with Desean torching our secondary.

 

[Amused to Death]

I'm no longer an "In Chip we trust" guy. Thats the fallout from this. He has to prove it again in year 2. And they better not lose to the redskins with Desean torching our secondary.

I've decided I'm not going to lose faith until there's a reason for it. They may be worse off, but since we really don't know and can't do anything about it, I'll continue trusting until there's a reason not to. They may win the SB this year or they may win 4 games.

And yeah, they have to prove it again in year 2. But that's not because they lost DJax. They had to prove it again with or without him. And really who cares what Jackson does against our secondary? If the Eagles go 10-6 and the 'Skins go 5-11, I'm happy. Those 2 games are not the season.

 

[Insein]

I'm no longer an "In Chip we trust" guy. Thats the fallout from this. He has to prove it again in year 2. And they better not lose to the redskins with Desean torching our secondary.

I've decided I'm not going to lose faith until there's a reason for it. They may be worse off, but since we really don't know and can't do anything about it, I'll continue trusting until there's a reason not to. They may win the SB this year or they may win 4 games.And yeah, they have to prove it again in year 2. But that's not because they lost DJax. They had to prove it again with or without him. And really who cares what Jackson does against our secondary? If the Eagles go 10-6 and the 'Skins go 5-11, I'm happy. Those 2 games are not the season.

Well if the Skins go from a potential 6 win team to an 8 or 9 win team, it might concern you. It makes an opponent that much harder.

 

[Pickle Rody]

Losing Desean Jackson isn't going to make or break our season. I don't care that he went to the Deadskins. We (coaches and former teammates) know enough about him that he will be a non-factor in the two games we play them. There are plenty of ways to mitigate his impact on a game.

Sure, it would have been nice to get a little something for him.....but we didn't. Oh well. See ya....

 

[ShaHBucks]

They did DeSean a favor by letting him pick his next team.

 

[JetMaxx]

If the Eagles didn't want to pass off their problem child on another team via trade but he then signs with a bitter rival, isn't that a net win?

And as much as I like Kelly, why is it like hearing finger nails across a chalkboard every time he answers tough questions from the media?

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@ZBerm: Cary on Chip: We trust his decision-making because he hasnt done anything for us not to trust it. The proof is basically in the pudding.

@ZBerm: Cary Williams was "shocked" by Jackson's release, "but for me as Employee 26, I got to respect that.

@ZBerm: Cary knows DeSean is excited for Week 4:"Im glad he went on national TV and said that. I think that lights a fire under everyones behind.

 

[ShaHBucks]

I have a hunch Trent Murphy ends up getting drafted here. 6'5, 250 versatile player who can lineup at OLB, DE, ILB. He lead the PAC-12 in TFL and sacks, where he lead the nation with 15 I think. He was responsible for more more loss yardage than anyone this year http://www.cfbstats.com/2013/leader/national/player/split01/category21/sort02.html

Reminds me of a better Ninkovich. Pats are probably high on him too.

 

[fatness]

He also had a big contract coming with him wherever he was going to get traded. That, more than anything, might've been why he was released with no comp.

I think you're right. Few if any teams were in a position to take over a contract that big, and if any were they were definitely not going to throw in a draft pick as well.

 

[cstu]

I'm no longer an "In Chip we trust" guy. Thats the fallout from this. He has to prove it again in year 2. And they better not lose to the redskins with Desean torching our secondary.

Chip will find a way to shut him down.

 

[Insein]

I'm no longer an "In Chip we trust" guy. Thats the fallout from this. He has to prove it again in year 2. And they better not lose to the redskins with Desean torching our secondary.

Chip will find a way to shut him down.

Chip doesn't coach defense or play safety or corner.

 

[JuniorNB]

Loving all the guys here who know more about Desean Jackson than the Eagles did. And think they know more than Kelly and his staff about what's best for the birds. I guess last year meant nothing, huh? Why not trust that this guy knows what he's doing?

I was skeptical too until I realized that Andy Reid didn't want him and Marty Morninhinweg didn't want him. That told me all I needed to know about Jackson's perceived value by those in the know.

 

[CentralPA]

I have a hunch Trent Murphy ends up getting drafted here. 6'5, 250 versatile player who can lineup at OLB, DE, ILB. He lead the PAC-12 in TFL and sacks, where he lead the nation with 15 I think. He was responsible for more more loss yardage than anyone this year http://www.cfbstats.com/2013/leader/national/player/split01/category21/sort02.html

Reminds me of a better Ninkovich. Pats are probably high on him too.

What round is he projected to be drafted? 2nd or 3rd?

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@lawlornfl: The #Eagles learned how to tackle last year. Coaching can make a difference. http://t.co/sMoTf7XV4m

The Eagles had major issues with tackling in both 2011 and 2012. Whether it was the Charmin Brigade of Nnamdi and DRC gently brushing against offensive players as they ran toward the end zone, Nate Allen diving and missing or Mychal Kendricks playing out of control, the Eagles found a variety of ways to miss tackles and help the offense.

That changed in 2013.

Per Football Outsiders, the Eagles were 6th in the league in lowest broken tackle percentage. FO is going with the term broken tackles rather than missed tackles.

Buffalo once again had the lowest rate of plays with broken tackles, although as I said before, the Bills didnt have the fewest broken tackles in the league. That title went to Kansas City at 45, followed by the Patriots, Saints, and Bills. That Kansas City number is a little shocking considering how many shaky-tackling defenders Andy Reid employed in Philadelphia. But it wasnt anywhere near as shocking as what happened to the Eagles with Reid gone. Chip Kellys new regime changed a lot of things about the Eagles; one of the changes that may not have been as noticeable is that the Eagles suddenly figured out how to tackle. The Eagles were near the bottom of the league in broken tackles after leading the league in both 2011 and 2012.

Remember all the nonsense last year about how Chip Kelly wasnt doing enough live hitting in Training Camp and that would hurt the Eagles? Chip focused on bringing in tough, physical players. If you do that, you dont have to work on their toughness. They just are.

The Eagles coaches focused on fundamentals. They stressed getting in proper position. They stressed proper technique. Players were taught how to tackle, a skill that is lacking across all levels of football. The results speak for themselves. Nate Allen didnt suddenly turn into Brian Dawkins, but his tackling did improve.

There will always be missed/broken tackles. This is the NFL. The other guys are pretty good and theyre taught to make you miss or run you over. Thats gonna happen. You just want to limit those situations. The Eagles did that last year and it helped in a major way.

Well see if another spring and summer of focusing on fundamentals can make the players even better. The coaches are going to teach a lot of the same things. The players will already have good habits this time around so it should help them to improve.

All this talk about tackling may seem silly to some. Effort and desire are part of the equation, but technique is every bit as critical. Kendricks doesnt miss tackles because hes lazy or not physical enough. He plays too fast. He wants to make the tackles so much that he gets out of control. This is where fundamentals come into play. Guys have to know they must be under control and focus on technique. Flying to the ball is no good if you cant seal the deal when you get there. It will be very interesting to see if the coaches can get Kendricks to take the next step and play more consistently.

Malcolm Jenkins is on the list of the players who had the most broken tackles last year. Im sure the Eagles are aware of that and will focus on fundamentals with him. Jenkins is a tough, physical player. There is no question of desire. He just gets sloppy. That can be fixed with good coaching, which apparently the Eagles coaches did last year.

 

[CentralPA]

@lawlornfl: The #Eagles learned how to tackle last year. Coaching can make a difference. http://t.co/sMoTf7XV4m

The Eagles had major issues with tackling in both 2011 and 2012. Whether it was the Charmin Brigade of Nnamdi and DRC gently brushing against offensive players as they ran toward the end zone, Nate Allen diving and missing or Mychal Kendricks playing out of control, the Eagles found a variety of ways to miss tackles and help the offense.

That changed in 2013.

Per Football Outsiders, the Eagles were 6th in the league in lowest broken tackle percentage. FO is going with the term broken tackles rather than missed tackles.

Buffalo once again had the lowest rate of plays with broken tackles, although as I said before, the Bills didnt have the fewest broken tackles in the league. That title went to Kansas City at 45, followed by the Patriots, Saints, and Bills. That Kansas City number is a little shocking considering how many shaky-tackling defenders Andy Reid employed in Philadelphia. But it wasnt anywhere near as shocking as what happened to the Eagles with Reid gone. Chip Kellys new regime changed a lot of things about the Eagles; one of the changes that may not have been as noticeable is that the Eagles suddenly figured out how to tackle. The Eagles were near the bottom of the league in broken tackles after leading the league in both 2011 and 2012.

Remember all the nonsense last year about how Chip Kelly wasnt doing enough live hitting in Training Camp and that would hurt the Eagles? Chip focused on bringing in tough, physical players. If you do that, you dont have to work on their toughness. They just are.

The Eagles coaches focused on fundamentals. They stressed getting in proper position. They stressed proper technique. Players were taught how to tackle, a skill that is lacking across all levels of football. The results speak for themselves. Nate Allen didnt suddenly turn into Brian Dawkins, but his tackling did improve.

There will always be missed/broken tackles. This is the NFL. The other guys are pretty good and theyre taught to make you miss or run you over. Thats gonna happen. You just want to limit those situations. The Eagles did that last year and it helped in a major way.

Well see if another spring and summer of focusing on fundamentals can make the players even better. The coaches are going to teach a lot of the same things. The players will already have good habits this time around so it should help them to improve.

All this talk about tackling may seem silly to some. Effort and desire are part of the equation, but technique is every bit as critical. Kendricks doesnt miss tackles because hes lazy or not physical enough. He plays too fast. He wants to make the tackles so much that he gets out of control. This is where fundamentals come into play. Guys have to know they must be under control and focus on technique. Flying to the ball is no good if you cant seal the deal when you get there. It will be very interesting to see if the coaches can get Kendricks to take the next step and play more consistently.

Malcolm Jenkins is on the list of the players who had the most broken tackles last year. Im sure the Eagles are aware of that and will focus on fundamentals with him. Jenkins is a tough, physical player. There is no question of desire. He just gets sloppy. That can be fixed with good coaching, which apparently the Eagles coaches did last year.

This IMO, was the single biggest reason the defense played much better, especially down the stretch.

 

[ShaHBucks]

I have a hunch Trent Murphy ends up getting drafted here. 6'5, 250 versatile player who can lineup at OLB, DE, ILB. He lead the PAC-12 in TFL and sacks, where he lead the nation with 15 I think. He was responsible for more more loss yardage than anyone this year http://www.cfbstats.com/2013/leader/national/player/split01/category21/sort02.html

Reminds me of a better Ninkovich. Pats are probably high on him too.

What round is he projected to be drafted? 2nd or 3rd?

2nd-3rd round projection. I'd guess he goes in the 2nd.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@GeoffMosherCSN: Interesting fact I learned: The #Eagles sent someone listed in their staff directory as "software architect" to Rutgers' pro day last month.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@EliotShorrParks: Roseman has been GM for 28 picks with #Eagles. During that time, the team has drafted 1 WR -- and none have made team out of training camp

 

[Insein]

@EliotShorrParks: Roseman has been GM for 28 picks with #Eagles. During that time, the team has drafted 1 WR -- and none have made team out of training camp

He was on WIP this morning. He didnt reveal much but on the WR topic, he didnt even try to hide that they are taking at least one at some point this draft.

 

[ShaHBucks]

@EliotShorrParks: Roseman has been GM for 28 picks with #Eagles. During that time, the team has drafted 1 WR -- and none have made team out of training camp

He was on WIP this morning. He didnt reveal much but on the WR topic, he didnt even try to hide that they are taking at least one at some point this draft.

He's been vocal about how deep the class is all offseason. I don't see how that is beneficial.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@EliotShorrParks: Roseman has been GM for 28 picks with #Eagles. During that time, the team has drafted 1 WR -- and none have made team out of training camp

He was on WIP this morning. He didnt reveal much but on the WR topic, he didnt even try to hide that they are taking at least one at some point this draft.

He's been vocal about how deep the class is all offseason. I don't see how that is beneficial.

I'm sure his peers feel the same way. I can't see that having an effect in any way.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@phillysport: Eagles quarterback Nick Foles discussed expectations for the upcoming season, and getting married. From @LesBowen: http://t.co/OZkEzbUEIJ

There are no diamonds on Nick Foles' neck, to borrow a phrase from a rapper we used to know.

"It's great coming in here in the offseason, being the starting quarterback," Foles allowed on a rainy Wednesday at NovaCare, in his first extended remarks to reporters since he was named offensive MVP of the Pro Bowl, three months ago. "But we have great quarterbacks here. We've all been working together to push the guys or work on things together, get the new players acclimated to what we do here."

Does he feel more pressure, in the wake of having put up 27 touchdown passes against just two interceptions last season? What's it like, having a measure of endorsement opportunities and fame, for a relatively unheralded 2012 third-round pick?

"I just feel like me," Foles said. "I feel like I (felt) last year when I was playing. I feel like I just need to keep getting better. I've always felt, there's never a time to relax when you play this game, because there's always something to work on ... Mindset and everything hasn't changed. I still am the same guy y'all talked to when I arrived here my rookie year. Like you said, with all that, there's opportunities that arise, but you also have to learn to say no to different things ... my most important thing's my faith and my family ... that's what I worry about the most. If things are taking time away from my family, I gotta say no ... and obviously, I've got to be the best football player I can be to provide for them."

Foles did some promotional appearances in New York during Super Bowl week, then went home to Austin, Texas. He married longtime girlfriend Tori Moore, a former Arizona classmate and volleyball player, who worked for Nike in Oregon but has relocated to Philadelphia.

"She's an athlete as well, so she knows how it goes," Foles said. "She pushes me to make me better, which is great."

Foles fielded several queations about the impact on the offense of losing DeSean Jackson, who was released last month and signed with the Redskins.

"We'll have guys step up," Foles said. "We have 'Mac' (Jeremy Maclin) back, which is exciting. We'll see what happens in the draft coming up. We also have guys coming in that, they've got to step up and make plays," such as Arrelious Benn, coming back from ACL surgery, as is Maclin. "We'll see what happens. DeSean's a great receiver, he's very talented. He's unique in how he's so fast, he can get open, things like that. He's a hard guy to replace, but we'll have someone step in and do a great job in their own way."

Foles will play this season for about $615,000. After 2014, he will be eligible for a restructuring that could see him making 20 or 30 times as much money. That's one of the factors the Eagles cite when they explain having at least $20 million in unused cap space right now. Foles said striking it rich isn't something he thinks about. (For one thing, his father, Larry, is independently wealthy. But Nick genuinely seems to not be motivated by money.)

"If that's what changed my mindset, I'd be in trouble. If that's what changed my heart, I'd be in trouble," Foles said. "If it was a dollar figure (that motivated him), I don't think I could do that. I know who I am. I enjoy playing this game, whatever my contract is, or not. I don't even know how much I make this next year, I just love playing this game with my teammates. And obviously, now is the point when we do make a living doing it. But at the same time, if I'm focused on the money part of it, how am I going to be the best player, and how am I going to show my teammates my heart, when I go do what I do?"

Foles said he isn't following the Colin Kaepernick contract saga, doesn't watch ESPn, prefers crime shows.

"I don't ever want to worry about it," he said. "I want to help this team win, in any way possible. At the end of the day, it'll take care of itself."

 

[Insein]

Sold. Nick Foles Jersey. I'm all in.

 

[CentralPA]

Sold. Nick Foles Jersey. I'm all in.

Amen to that, this kid is our franchise QB.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

OK, with the draft a week away (FINALLY) we'll play a little game. Who do you WANT the Eagles to get at 22 (within reason) and who do you THINK they'll get?

Want: Odell Beckham (If HaHa somehow drops, I'd take him, but he won't)

Get: Kyle Fuller

 

[Bigboy10182000]

OK, with the draft a week away (FINALLY) we'll play a little game. Who do you WANT the Eagles to get at 22 (within reason) and who do you THINK they'll get?

Want: Odell Beckham (If HaHa somehow drops, I'd take him, but he won't)

Get: Kyle Fuller

Want: Barr

Get: Marqis Lee

 

[Deranged Hermit]

OK, with the draft a week away (FINALLY) we'll play a little game. Who do you WANT the Eagles to get at 22 (within reason) and who do you THINK they'll get?

Want: Odell Beckham (If HaHa somehow drops, I'd take him, but he won't)

Get: Kyle Fuller

Want: Barr

Get: Marqis Lee

It's funny, I keep looking at recent mocks that have Barr sliding to the 15-18 area. If that happens, I wouldn't hesitate to trade up. Prob cost you 22 and their third rounder, but that'd be worth it IMO.

*as an aside, as a Bears fan, I would trade down in a second if HaHa and Donald were both gone.*

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@JimmyKempski: Howie: Chip set NFL record for attending pro days.

@LesBowen: Howie Roseman jokes that Chip Kelly set NFL record for pro day attendance, expresses admiration 4 my photog skillz: http://t.co/6JXqQ8BFhp

@MattLombardo975: Roseman: The success rate of drafting a WR high is so low because your third WR is typically better than their third CB. #Eagles

@MattLombardo975: Roseman: Playing best competition always comes first, then determining if they're getting open by ability or by scheme. #Eagles

@JimmyKempski: Howie: Learned lessons from pushing players up their board based on need.

@GeoffMosherCSN: Roseman says evaluating WRs harder than other positions bec of scheme, competition level, etc. Biggest thing they look for is performanc ...

@LesBowen: Howie notes there are 17 underclassman WRs in this draft, adding to an already strong group.

@MattLombardo975: Roseman: You don't sit there in the third or fourth round looking for a pass rusher because they're usually gone well before then. #Eagles

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@JimmyKempski: Howie: Not afraid to trade up if value is there, despite having only 6 picks.

@MattLombardo975: Roseman: We would not be adverse to moving up and trading picks if the quality of the player we're trading for justifies it. #Eagles

@MattLombardo975: Roseman: You want to come away with 3 starters in a draft for it to be deemed a success. We have enough picks to get that. #Eagles

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@JimmyKempski: Howie: Not easy sitting during a draft not having a pick. Howie left the building during 6th rd last year because he got ants in the pants.

@GeoffMosherCSN: Interesting. Howie said he's not averse to losing a pick to trade up for the right guy...

@ZBerm: H.Roseman left the draft room in the 6th round last season and walked around the practice field so he wouldn't trade a future pick for a 6th

@GeoffMosherCSN: ...That would leave Eagles with just 5 overall picks but to get a long term starter would be worth it, he said.

@ZBerm: Roseman said Eagles have a small group of players they're targeting in 1st round, and he's confident they'll land one

@GeoffMosherCSN: Then he told a story about not having a 6th rounder last year+ leaving building to avoid seeing players he liked go off board.

@MattLombardo975: Roseman: The top of our draft board is set. Our usual 6th or 7th round picks will be rookie free agent signings. #Eagles #EaglesTalk

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@GeoffMosherCSN: Howie taking about Zach Ertz adding muscle this offseason, primed for bigger role in passing game.

@LesBowen: Howie says having only 6 picks, hes used extra 2 weeks of draft prep to delve into expected priority undrafted free agents he wants to sign

@MattLombardo975: Roseman: When we traded for Sproles Bill Davis was 1st guy in my office. He said "Every time I played the Saints, he was guy I had to find"

@Jeff_McLane: Howie Roseman: Bill Davis was 1st person to walk into his office after Darren Sproles trade. Said he's a player always had to account for.

@JimmyKempski: Howie: OT, CB also very strong in addition to WR.

@Jeff_McLane: Howie Roseman: First tier of WRs, ten should go in the first two rounds.

@ZBerm: Sounds like Roseman expects 10 WRs in first two rounds, with solid starters available in 3rd and 4th

@MattLombardo975: Roseman: If you look at WR, you'll find ten guys in first round and then another ten even through fourth round. #Eagles #EaglesTalk

@GeoffMosherCSN: Howie saying when they rank WRs, it's based on what they'll be 3-4 years down road, not what they are right now.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@JimmyKempski: Howie: War room is a small room. Attendees: Ownership, Chip, Howie, Gamble, Mueller, 2 scouts, head trainer, draft pick value guy.

Not Eagles related but I thought it applied:

@AlbertBreer: I'll say this again: 95% of the time, players aren't really falling/rising. Most of that is us in the media catching up to what teams think.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@JimmyKempski: Howie: Not a good safety class at all.

@ZBerm: Roseman said it's not a very good safety group in this draft, with a drop off on Day 3

@Jeff_McLane: Howie Roseman: "In terms of the safety group, I don't think it's strong class at all."

@MattLombardo975: Roseman: I don't think the safety class is a good one overall. There's a huge drop off by the time you get to Saturday. #Eagles

@MattLombardo975: Roseman: I thought Earl Wolff is going to take a huge jump this year. He's got an incredible work ethic.

@Jeff_McLane: Sounds like the #Eagles will go with Malcolm Jenkins and the winner of a Nate Allen-Earl Wolff competition at safety. Maybe draft one late.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@MattLombardo975: Roseman: DeSean had some great production last year, but Darren Sproles caught 71 balls being used differently last year. #Eagles

@MattLombardo975: Roseman: We want to be able to sign the guys we've drafted and not dismantle the team. Some of those decisions (DeSean) are hard. #Eagles

@Tim_McManus: Roseman sees offensive tackles, corners as other positions of strength in this draft, particularly up top.

@GeoffMosherCSN: Two things clear so far: team has really big expectations for Maclin and Sproles.

@JimmyKempski: Howie: Culture is very important to us.

@MattLombardo975: Roseman: When you look at Trent Cole's numbers against other pass rushers across the league and I don't think he gets enough credit. #Eagles

@MattLombardo975: Roseman: We tried planting a pass rusher tree, it's right over there. Unfortunately it hasn't sprouted yet. They told me maybe in 15 years.

@Jeff_McLane: Asked about the #Eagles edge rushers or seemingly their lack of young ones, Roseman mentioned Travis Long and his development.

@GeoffMosherCSN: Howie says the team has some in-house pass rushers he's excited about. Mentioned travis long's progress.

@JimmyKempski: Howie: May have met with a player at Combine or Senior Bowl and felt totally comfortable with them, so no need for visit to complex.

@JimmyKempski: Howie: Also like to bring in players for visits to mess with the media/fan base.

@LesBowen: Howie reiterates Heckert from years ago: breathlessly reported visits often are cuz u still have questions, not that youre super interested

@JimmyKempski: Howie: Debate internally whether there's 3 or 4 first round worthy QBs.

@davespadaro: Roseman on QB pool: 3-4 with first-round grades

 

[Insein]

I really see them pushing hard to trade 22 and move into the early 2nd when it gets closer to their pick if Pryor, Beckham or Barr are gone. I just dont see Howie being happy with just 6 picks.

If they cant move back, I see them taking Lee.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@JimmyKempski: Howie (in regard to openness to trading current players): Everything is for sale, but better get the right value for them.

@MattLombardo975: Rosemanraft picks fail when you push guys up your board to try and fill a certain position. Bad things happen when you try to force things

@JimmyKempski: Howie: In regard to social media, are prospects behaving now because people are watching? What were they doing freshman/sophomore years?