** Official ** Eagles 2008 Thread (1 Viewer)

[Deranged Hermit]

Hmmm, the Birds top WR draft pick is bombing you say? I dont believe it

Could we turn down the hyperbole a tad? TIA

"Bombing" is not the correct word to use by any stretch. Actually, WR-wise, they're pretty impressed. He ran better routes than he showed on film, he caught everything that was 'catchable' and he was matched up against Asante Samuel most of the day. All-in-all, they were pleased with what they saw.Now, the punt returning was a problem. Apparently, while he did catch them all, he was struggling a bit finding the ball. Not a concern right now, but it could be.Also, just to re-iterate, Asante Samuel is a total ball-hawk. He was absolutely giving the QB's and WR fits because he was so good at jumping the routes and was always in the hip pocket of the WR. Anyone concerned whether or not he was a product of the NE defensive system can lay that to rest right now.I'm hoping when I see him on Friday he'll give me a DVD of the practices so I can watch it first hand. He said he'd try, but he can't make any promises.

If you get your hands on that, is there any way you could send me that file? I would really like to watch that.

We'll see. He wants to clear it with the powers that be first. I will ask him if I'm allowed to share it.....

 

[BuddyKnuckles]

Hmmm, the Birds top WR draft pick is bombing you say? I dont believe it

Could we turn down the hyperbole a tad? TIA

would i be a true eagles fan if i wasnt prone to hyperbole?Maybe its the south philly air that makes it hard to catch those punts? of course that wouldnt explain Green Bay last year. but, why cant a guy in a green and silver uniform just catch a stupid punt?

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Hey, at least we have another option (Demps) if Jackson struggles catching punts. Last year we went into Green Bay with ZERO options at punt returner.

 

[Chunky Soup]

Hey, at least we have another option (Demps) if Jackson struggles catching punts. Last year we went into Green Bay with ZERO options at punt returner.

Add Booker to the list as well.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Hey, at least we have another option (Demps) if Jackson struggles catching punts. Last year we went into Green Bay with ZERO options at punt returner.

Add Booker to the list as well.

Booker was another player that was mentioned that I forgot about. He said Booker looked very good in the reps he got. IMO, Buck ain't making the team this year....

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Hey, at least we have another option (Demps) if Jackson struggles catching punts. Last year we went into Green Bay with ZERO options at punt returner.

Add Booker to the list as well.

Booker was another player that was mentioned that I forgot about. He said Booker looked very good in the reps he got. IMO, Buck ain't making the team this year....

He'll probably get hurt in training camp ... again.

 

[LTsharks]

Hey, at least we have another option (Demps) if Jackson struggles catching punts. Last year we went into Green Bay with ZERO options at punt returner.

Add Booker to the list as well.

Booker was another player that was mentioned that I forgot about. He said Booker looked very good in the reps he got. IMO, Buck ain't making the team this year....

Really?? wow, that would surprise me. You figure they will dump him for Hunt?Edit: DH - I really have enjoyed your contributions to this thread. Thanks.

 

[delusional]

Hey, at least we have another option (Demps) if Jackson struggles catching punts. Last year we went into Green Bay with ZERO options at punt returner.

Add Booker to the list as well.

Booker was another player that was mentioned that I forgot about. He said Booker looked very good in the reps he got. IMO, Buck ain't making the team this year....

Really?? wow, that would surprise me. You figure they will dump him for Hunt?Edit: DH - I really have enjoyed your contributions to this thread. Thanks.

be stupid to let him go, he is a decent back up. has a good ypc, can block better then the other RBs ( outside of westy )

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Hey, at least we have another option (Demps) if Jackson struggles catching punts. Last year we went into Green Bay with ZERO options at punt returner.

Add Booker to the list as well.

Booker was another player that was mentioned that I forgot about. He said Booker looked very good in the reps he got. IMO, Buck ain't making the team this year....

Really?? wow, that would surprise me. You figure they will dump him for Hunt?Edit: DH - I really have enjoyed your contributions to this thread. Thanks.

I really like Buckhalter. I just think that, when all is said and done, they'll go with youth (Hunt) if Hunt shows ANY skills during training camp. I really hope I'm wrong though.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I guess it all depends on what they have up their sleeve at FB.

With Kris Wilson and Dan Klecko, who knows if they will keep both as they can also play elsewhere.

I'd put them at keeping Westy, CBuck, Hunt and Booker - but Hunt might go if he doesn't help on ST (but then again, we have a draftboard full of ST contributors).

IIRC CBuck's contract is light, too. Yes, $1M. Pretty good for that talent level.

 

[Routilla]

I've got McNabb down as a 6th rd sleeper QB for my FF league, FWIW.

 

[scratcher]

I've got McNabb down as a 6th rd sleeper QB for my FF league, FWIW.

sleeper QB? I rolled with McNabb last season much to my chagrin. I said I wouldn't do it again this year but if he drops to the sixth, i'll be sure to grab him... this time i'll be sure to grab a good alternate qb tho..

 

[BuddyKnuckles]

I've got McNabb down as a 6th rd sleeper QB for my FF league, FWIW.

sleeper QB? I rolled with McNabb last season much to my chagrin. I said I wouldn't do it again this year but if he drops to the sixth, i'll be sure to grab him... this time i'll be sure to grab a good alternate qb tho..

i was in the same boat last year. Took him int he 5th and figured i was getting a steal so i didnt take my backup until 12. Big mistake obviously as #5 pretty much cost me my season. I wont take him before 7 this year, and only as my #2 if i do

 

[scratcher]

Move over Kolb!

Casey Hansen has earned a shot at an NFL career.

The Norfolk State quarterback signed a three-year contract as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday, one day after returning from minicamp with the team that finished 8-8 last year.

"It hasn't hit me yet," said the 6-foot-5, 235-pounder from Norco, Calif. "It's obviously a dream come true, something I've dreamed about since I was a little kid."

Hansen is 1 of 4 quarterbacks in camp and the only rookie at that spot. Donovan McNabb sat out much of the camp with an injured right shoulder. Kevin Kolb and veteran A.J. Feeley are expected to compete for the backup spot.

Hansen, a junior college transfer and former pop singer, spent two years with NSU and threw for 4,277 yards, second most in the Spartan record book. In leading NSU to an 8-3 record last season, he completed 164 of 310 passes with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Hansen is the first NSU quarterback to sign with the NFL since all-time leading passer Aaron Sparrow in 1995.

"We're excited for him," Norfolk State coach Pete Adrian said. "The hardest thing to do is go into camp and get a look. He's got great size and a good arm."

Hansen said he was pleased with the three days he spent at minicamp and heard from the Eagles on Monday night while in the airport ready to return to Norfolk. He will return to Philadelphia on May 19.

"They ended up liking what I showed them," Hansen said.

Until that date, Hansen plans to stay in shape and work on throwing while reviewing notes from camp. The fifth-year senior will graduate Saturday with a degree in interdisciplinary studies.

We're SB-bound folks!http://hamptonroads.com/2008/05/after-mini...en-signs-eagles

 

[Lehigh98]

Hansen, a junior college transfer and former pop singer...

Mmmmm.... Bop!

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Check out the ROY favorite:

LINK

 

[awesomeness]

Check out the ROY favorite:

LINK

i honestly dont understand.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Check out the ROY favorite:

LINK

i honestly dont understand.

If the Eagles have the rookie of the year? Wouldn't that surprise yet excite most Eagles fans?

 

[awesomeness]

Check out the ROY favorite:

LINK

i honestly dont understand.

If the Eagles have the rookie of the year? Wouldn't that surprise yet excite most Eagles fans?

what i dont understand is how DeSean is the favourite to win the award. Is there something im missing from the fact that hes gonna be a slot WR with returning duties? There are starting QB(s), RBs, WR(s) out there but DeSean is the favourite?

 

[westbrook36]

what i dont understand is how DeSean is the favourite to win the award.

It was a typo. Click the odds link now, and it has DeSean Jackson at 20/1 not 2/1.

 

[Bushead]

what i dont understand is how DeSean is the favourite to win the award.

It was a typo. Click the odds link now, and it has DeSean Jackson at 20/1 not 2/1.

? Still showing 2/1 for me?ROY Odds

Bodog has posted betting odds on who will win this year's NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. DeSean Jackson the speedster from Philadelphia is favored at 2/1, followed by Darren McFadden from Oakland at 7/2 and Jonathan Stewart from Carolina at 13/2.

DeSean Jackson (PHI) 2/1

Edit: Sorry dude, I see the actual bodog link changed to 20/1

 

[awesomeness]

what i dont understand is how DeSean is the favourite to win the award.

It was a typo. Click the odds link now, and it has DeSean Jackson at 20/1 not 2/1.

That would make more sense. I still wouldn't touch him at those odds.

 

[ForWhoForWhat]

DH, your insight is excellent and most appreciated. Thanks for all of the scoop, even if you are holding back somewhat.....

Anyone going to tune in to WIP on Monday morning for the Andy Reid interview? I can only handle WIP in very small doses (especially that knuckle head Cataldi) but it should hopefully be good listening. Cataldi's been an Andy critic since day one so I wonder if he'll stick to his guns and give a tough interview (like he claims) or suck up in a huge way (my money's on the latter). WIP said Reid should be in around 8:45 or so.....

 

[Bob Wiley]

DH, your insight is excellent and most appreciated. Thanks for all of the scoop, even if you are holding back somewhat..... Anyone going to tune in to WIP on Monday morning for the Andy Reid interview? I can only handle WIP in very small doses (especially that knuckle head Cataldi) but it should hopefully be good listening. Cataldi's been an Andy critic since day one so I wonder if he'll stick to his guns and give a tough interview (like he claims) or suck up in a huge way (my money's on the latter). WIP said Reid should be in around 8:45 or so.....

Did Reid say anything worth while?

 

[Slider]

Did Reid say anything worth while?

Not really. LJ's gonna be great....Lito and Sheldon at RC.....

 

[ForWhoForWhat]

Did Reid say anything worth while?

Not really. LJ's gonna be great....Lito and Sheldon at RC.....

The interview was decent. Reid came in defensive from the get go. Cataldi went in with the "it's been 48 years since a championship, we're frustrated, we want to win now" mantra. Andy said they are trying to win now, blah blah blah.Lots of coach speak, here were the only decent nuggets:- Reid said the media is too negative, and don't focus on the positives. Rhea told him it's not the media's job to be PR for the team- Reid defended trading away the first round pick, asked who would you have liked us to take, Hugh Douglas had a good response, how about Mendenhall (best player available) or Kenny Phillips (learn from Dawkins). Reid said "ok Hugh, you can stop talking now"- Reid spoke very highly of Booker, on several occassions. It sounds like he's really going to be in the game plan (let's see if that holds up)

 

[Slider]

Reid would lie before he gave a nugget of info to WIP.

 

[Bob Wiley]

Reid would lie before he gave a nugget of info to WIP ANYONE.

Fixed.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Did Reid say anything worth while?

Not really. LJ's gonna be great....Lito and Sheldon at RC.....

The interview was decent. Reid came in defensive from the get go. Cataldi went in with the "it's been 48 years since a championship, we're frustrated, we want to win now" mantra. Andy said they are trying to win now, blah blah blah.Lots of coach speak, here were the only decent nuggets:

- Reid said the media is too negative, and don't focus on the positives. Rhea told him it's not the media's job to be PR for the team

- Reid defended trading away the first round pick, asked who would you have liked us to take, Hugh Douglas had a good response, how about Mendenhall (best player available) or Kenny Phillips (learn from Dawkins). Reid said "ok Hugh, you can stop talking now"

- Reid spoke very highly of Booker, on several occassions. It sounds like he's really going to be in the game plan (let's see if that holds up)

LOL at Phillips. I would have been madder if they took him as opposed to trading down.....

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Did Reid say anything worth while?

Not really. LJ's gonna be great....Lito and Sheldon at RC.....

The interview was decent. Reid came in defensive from the get go. Cataldi went in with the "it's been 48 years since a championship, we're frustrated, we want to win now" mantra. Andy said they are trying to win now, blah blah blah.Lots of coach speak, here were the only decent nuggets:

- Reid said the media is too negative, and don't focus on the positives. Rhea told him it's not the media's job to be PR for the team

- Reid defended trading away the first round pick, asked who would you have liked us to take, Hugh Douglas had a good response, how about Mendenhall (best player available) or Kenny Phillips (learn from Dawkins). Reid said "ok Hugh, you can stop talking now"

- Reid spoke very highly of Booker, on several occassions. It sounds like he's really going to be in the game plan (let's see if that holds up)

LOL at Phillips. I would have been madder if they took him as opposed to trading down.....

No kidding. Thank the football gods that the dopes at WIP are not running our draft. DJ and the extra #1 pick next year are far better then anyone we could have drafted at #19.

 

[Polish Hammer]

With Koren Robinson available (is he still?) what do you all think about the Eagles bringing him in?

Pros:

Willingness to work (and excel) on special teams - even with DeSean in the fold, can't hurt to have experience there.

Knows the offense from having worked with Holmgren.

Has potential to be impactful as WR3/4/5 on the team.

If contract doesn't have guarantees, low risk.

Cons:

With quite a few WRs already on the team, his involvement in the offense could slow the development of youth.

How many WRs can this team carry? (Curtis, Brown, Jackson, Avant, Lewis, Baskett...)

Any other thoughts here?

 

[Bob Wiley]

With Koren Robinson available (is he still?) what do you all think about the Eagles bringing him in? Pros: Willingness to work (and excel) on special teams - even with DeSean in the fold, can't hurt to have experience there.Knows the offense from having worked with Holmgren.Has potential to be impactful as WR3/4/5 on the team.If contract doesn't have guarantees, low risk.Cons:With quite a few WRs already on the team, his involvement in the offense could slow the development of youth.How many WRs can this team carry? (Curtis, Brown, Jackson, Avant, Lewis, Baskett...)Any other thoughts here?

Get rid of Greg Lewis. Sign Robinson.

 

[Slider]

With Koren Robinson available (is he still?) what do you all think about the Eagles bringing him in? Pros: Willingness to work (and excel) on special teams - even with DeSean in the fold, can't hurt to have experience there.Knows the offense from having worked with Holmgren.Has potential to be impactful as WR3/4/5 on the team.If contract doesn't have guarantees, low risk.Cons:With quite a few WRs already on the team, his involvement in the offense could slow the development of youth.How many WRs can this team carry? (Curtis, Brown, Jackson, Avant, Lewis, Baskett...)Any other thoughts here?

Get rid of Greg Lewis. Sign Robinson.

I'm with ya.

 

[awesomeness]

With Koren Robinson available (is he still?) what do you all think about the Eagles bringing him in? Pros: Willingness to work (and excel) on special teams - even with DeSean in the fold, can't hurt to have experience there.Knows the offense from having worked with Holmgren.Has potential to be impactful as WR3/4/5 on the team.If contract doesn't have guarantees, low risk.Cons:With quite a few WRs already on the team, his involvement in the offense could slow the development of youth.How many WRs can this team carry? (Curtis, Brown, Jackson, Avant, Lewis, Baskett...)Any other thoughts here?

Major character issues, bad in the locker room. Not worth it for a guy who would be WR4 at best. I see no benefit having him on top of Avant and Baskett on the depth chart.

 

[zadok]

With Koren Robinson available (is he still?) what do you all think about the Eagles bringing him in? Pros: Willingness to work (and excel) on special teams - even with DeSean in the fold, can't hurt to have experience there.Knows the offense from having worked with Holmgren.Has potential to be impactful as WR3/4/5 on the team.If contract doesn't have guarantees, low risk.Cons:With quite a few WRs already on the team, his involvement in the offense could slow the development of youth.How many WRs can this team carry? (Curtis, Brown, Jackson, Avant, Lewis, Baskett...)Any other thoughts here?

NO. You forgot: drunk, in jail, suspeneded, etc.

 

[Polish Hammer]

With Koren Robinson available (is he still?) what do you all think about the Eagles bringing him in? Pros: Willingness to work (and excel) on special teams - even with DeSean in the fold, can't hurt to have experience there.Knows the offense from having worked with Holmgren.Has potential to be impactful as WR3/4/5 on the team.If contract doesn't have guarantees, low risk.Cons:With quite a few WRs already on the team, his involvement in the offense could slow the development of youth.How many WRs can this team carry? (Curtis, Brown, Jackson, Avant, Lewis, Baskett...)Any other thoughts here?

NO. You forgot: drunk, in jail, suspeneded, etc.

Let's say that he's dealing appropriately with his alcoholism and stays clean. He isn't in jail right now and isn't suspended. These are risks but can easily be remedied with the right contract language, I would think. Assuming those risks are mitigated (which seems easy enough)...why not?And to the poster earlier that said he has major character issues and is bad in the locker room....why do you say that? Yes, he's demonstrated he is an alcoholic. However, people can get past that. Has there been other evidence that he is a bad teammate or not supportive of the team? To me he seems like a guy that accepts his current role and wasn't griping about it. Am I missing something?

 

[renesauz]

Koren Robinson?

Sorry...rather keep Avant and Baskett as our WR4/5.

Lewis is already all but history. Brown/Curtis starting Jackson in slot (Or bumping Curtis to slot), Avant/Baskett as young developing talent. I don't see any reason in the world why Robinson would offer even a slight upgrade to the corps, and certainly not one worth taking on even mild risk for.

 

[zadok]

With Koren Robinson available (is he still?) what do you all think about the Eagles bringing him in? Pros: Willingness to work (and excel) on special teams - even with DeSean in the fold, can't hurt to have experience there.Knows the offense from having worked with Holmgren.Has potential to be impactful as WR3/4/5 on the team.If contract doesn't have guarantees, low risk.Cons:With quite a few WRs already on the team, his involvement in the offense could slow the development of youth.How many WRs can this team carry? (Curtis, Brown, Jackson, Avant, Lewis, Baskett...)Any other thoughts here?

NO. You forgot: drunk, in jail, suspeneded, etc.

Let's say that he's dealing appropriately with his alcoholism and stays clean. He isn't in jail right now and isn't suspended. These are risks but can easily be remedied with the right contract language, I would think. Assuming those risks are mitigated (which seems easy enough)...why not?

The Packers had that contract language too, and they cut him. He's just not good enough anymore to make an impact and we have enough role players.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

With Koren Robinson available (is he still?) what do you all think about the Eagles bringing him in? Pros: Willingness to work (and excel) on special teams - even with DeSean in the fold, can't hurt to have experience there.Knows the offense from having worked with Holmgren.Has potential to be impactful as WR3/4/5 on the team.If contract doesn't have guarantees, low risk.Cons:With quite a few WRs already on the team, his involvement in the offense could slow the development of youth.How many WRs can this team carry? (Curtis, Brown, Jackson, Avant, Lewis, Baskett...)Any other thoughts here?

NO. You forgot: drunk, in jail, suspeneded, etc.

Let's say that he's dealing appropriately with his alcoholism and stays clean. He isn't in jail right now and isn't suspended. These are risks but can easily be remedied with the right contract language, I would think. Assuming those risks are mitigated (which seems easy enough)...why not?

The Packers had that contract language too, and they cut him. He's just not good enough anymore to make an impact and we have enough role players.

The only WR out there that is a significant upgrade is Chris Henry. We all know he'll never see the field in an Eagles uniform.

 

[Jason Wood]

I thought Cataldi, to his credit, asked all the questions that Eagles fans moan and complain about; he didn't pull any punches. That said, I think if anything it just illustrates why I can't listen to WIP (or most of my fellow fans); they just won't be happy EVER.

A few of the nuggets I thought were noteworthy...

*** No mention of Kris Wilson; Andy had two chances to mention the guy. Once, Andy talked about the additions to the team and ran down the free agent acquisition but didn't mention Wilson. Next, Andy talked about the TE position specifically and mentioned LJ's return, plus needing to do a better job of getting Celek and Schobel involved

*** Danced around the Lito issue; said that Asante has never played anything other than left corner hence his commitment to Asante at that position. Eagles "look at all three guys as starters"

*** Kevin Kolb ran with the 2s in mini-camp and it sounds like Reid isn't ruling out KK as the QB2 this year

*** Mentioned that Westbrook is 29 and "in his prime" but noted that it's easier to have your first great year than it is to do it again; said that will be Brian's challenge in 2008

*** Said that DeSean Jackson will contribute on offense, not just special teams. Said in his view, Jackson is the best route runner in this rookie class and will play plenty of offensive snaps

*** Admitted that it gets harder to motivate veteran players as the years go on because they've heard your speeches many times over. Said it's incumbent on the coaches (Reid included) to evolve to offset that problem

*** Views Booker as a "rookie" but expects him to play a big role in the offense potentially. Mentioned lining up Booker at the WR positions in mini-camp and that he and Westbrook will line out wide in many formations if things go according to plan

*** Said about 1000x that the team is ready to challenge for a Super Bowl and he won't back off that statement. Said that the trade out of the 1st round was in no way an indication that he and the organization don't want to "win now"; and thought the assertion to the contrary was silly

 

[awesomeness]

With Koren Robinson available (is he still?) what do you all think about the Eagles bringing him in? Pros: Willingness to work (and excel) on special teams - even with DeSean in the fold, can't hurt to have experience there.Knows the offense from having worked with Holmgren.Has potential to be impactful as WR3/4/5 on the team.If contract doesn't have guarantees, low risk.Cons:With quite a few WRs already on the team, his involvement in the offense could slow the development of youth.How many WRs can this team carry? (Curtis, Brown, Jackson, Avant, Lewis, Baskett...)Any other thoughts here?

NO. You forgot: drunk, in jail, suspeneded, etc.

Let's say that he's dealing appropriately with his alcoholism and stays clean. He isn't in jail right now and isn't suspended. These are risks but can easily be remedied with the right contract language, I would think. Assuming those risks are mitigated (which seems easy enough)...why not?And to the poster earlier that said he has major character issues and is bad in the locker room....why do you say that? Yes, he's demonstrated he is an alcoholic. However, people can get past that. Has there been other evidence that he is a bad teammate or not supportive of the team? To me he seems like a guy that accepts his current role and wasn't griping about it. Am I missing something?

He was arrested for drinking under the influence at Seattle, then the Vikings gave him a 2nd chance, only to be arrested for drinking under the influence for a 2nd time. Robinson also has a history of being late for practice. Why bring this guy with large risks to your team when he really isnt very good, even if you could get him cheap. What reason is there to have him on our team?

 

[Slider]

With Koren Robinson available (is he still?) what do you all think about the Eagles bringing him in? Pros: Willingness to work (and excel) on special teams - even with DeSean in the fold, can't hurt to have experience there.Knows the offense from having worked with Holmgren.Has potential to be impactful as WR3/4/5 on the team.If contract doesn't have guarantees, low risk.Cons:With quite a few WRs already on the team, his involvement in the offense could slow the development of youth.How many WRs can this team carry? (Curtis, Brown, Jackson, Avant, Lewis, Baskett...)Any other thoughts here?

NO. You forgot: drunk, in jail, suspeneded, etc.

Let's say that he's dealing appropriately with his alcoholism and stays clean. He isn't in jail right now and isn't suspended. These are risks but can easily be remedied with the right contract language, I would think. Assuming those risks are mitigated (which seems easy enough)...why not?And to the poster earlier that said he has major character issues and is bad in the locker room....why do you say that? Yes, he's demonstrated he is an alcoholic. However, people can get past that. Has there been other evidence that he is a bad teammate or not supportive of the team? To me he seems like a guy that accepts his current role and wasn't griping about it. Am I missing something?

He was arrested for drinking under the influence at Seattle, then the Vikings gave him a 2nd chance, only to be arrested for drinking under the influence for a 2nd time. Robinson also has a history of being late for practice. Why bring this guy with large risks to your team when he really isnt very good, even if you could get him cheap. What reason is there to have him on our team?

You're right. I would rather Chris Henry.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I thought Cataldi, to his credit, asked all the questions that Eagles fans moan and complain about; he didn't pull any punches. That said, I think if anything it just illustrates why I can't listen to WIP (or most of my fellow fans); they just won't be happy EVER.A few of the nuggets I thought were noteworthy...*** No mention of Kris Wilson; Andy had two chances to mention the guy. Once, Andy talked about the additions to the team and ran down the free agent acquisition but didn't mention Wilson. Next, Andy talked about the TE position specifically and mentioned LJ's return, plus needing to do a better job of getting Celek and Schobel involved*** Danced around the Lito issue; said that Asante has never played anything other than left corner hence his commitment to Asante at that position. Eagles "look at all three guys as starters"*** Kevin Kolb ran with the 2s in mini-camp and it sounds like Reid isn't ruling out KK as the QB2 this year*** Mentioned that Westbrook is 29 and "in his prime" but noted that it's easier to have your first great year than it is to do it again; said that will be Brian's challenge in 2008*** Said that DeSean Jackson will contribute on offense, not just special teams. Said in his view, Jackson is the best route runner in this rookie class and will play plenty of offensive snaps*** Admitted that it gets harder to motivate veteran players as the years go on because they've heard your speeches many times over. Said it's incumbent on the coaches (Reid included) to evolve to offset that problem*** Views Booker as a "rookie" but expects him to play a big role in the offense potentially. Mentioned lining up Booker at the WR positions in mini-camp and that he and Westbrook will line out wide in many formations if things go according to plan*** Said about 1000x that the team is ready to challenge for a Super Bowl and he won't back off that statement. Said that the trade out of the 1st round was in no way an indication that he and the organization don't want to "win now"; and thought the assertion to the contrary was silly

Thanks Woodrow for the summary.As for Kris Wilson, isn't he viewed now more as a FB or HB than a TE, IIRC.Any comments on Dan Klecko?What about the front 7?

 

[Jason Wood]

I thought Cataldi, to his credit, asked all the questions that Eagles fans moan and complain about; he didn't pull any punches. That said, I think if anything it just illustrates why I can't listen to WIP (or most of my fellow fans); they just won't be happy EVER.

A few of the nuggets I thought were noteworthy...

*** No mention of Kris Wilson; Andy had two chances to mention the guy. Once, Andy talked about the additions to the team and ran down the free agent acquisition but didn't mention Wilson. Next, Andy talked about the TE position specifically and mentioned LJ's return, plus needing to do a better job of getting Celek and Schobel involved

*** Danced around the Lito issue; said that Asante has never played anything other than left corner hence his commitment to Asante at that position. Eagles "look at all three guys as starters"

*** Kevin Kolb ran with the 2s in mini-camp and it sounds like Reid isn't ruling out KK as the QB2 this year

*** Mentioned that Westbrook is 29 and "in his prime" but noted that it's easier to have your first great year than it is to do it again; said that will be Brian's challenge in 2008

*** Said that DeSean Jackson will contribute on offense, not just special teams. Said in his view, Jackson is the best route runner in this rookie class and will play plenty of offensive snaps

*** Admitted that it gets harder to motivate veteran players as the years go on because they've heard your speeches many times over. Said it's incumbent on the coaches (Reid included) to evolve to offset that problem

*** Views Booker as a "rookie" but expects him to play a big role in the offense potentially. Mentioned lining up Booker at the WR positions in mini-camp and that he and Westbrook will line out wide in many formations if things go according to plan

*** Said about 1000x that the team is ready to challenge for a Super Bowl and he won't back off that statement. Said that the trade out of the 1st round was in no way an indication that he and the organization don't want to "win now"; and thought the assertion to the contrary was silly

Thanks Woodrow for the summary.As for Kris Wilson, isn't he viewed now more as a FB or HB than a TE, IIRC.

Any comments on Dan Klecko?

What about the front 7?

Jeff,Wilson is certainly an H-Back, but he's listed as a TE on the official team roster; so I still find it odd.

No comments on Klecko.

They actually spent a LOT of time talking about the defensive line; basically Cataldi said the fans are sick that Reid has used three of the team's last four picks on the DT position and, if Bunkley and Patterson are so good, why do we need another high DT. Reid laughed and explained that in today's NFL, you need at least three good DTs to rotate in so they can play with high energy and abandon. Reid said something like "you win games up front and your OL and DL should be the most famous guys on your team."

The only discussion about the LB position was when Reid talked about how those last three games in 2007 were not "meaningless" as Cataldi put it, and highlighted that in addition to winning them, it gave Reid a chance to see what the young LBers were capable of.

 

[Slider]

The assertion that trading out of the 1st is not wanting to win is ridiculous. Picking up a 1st and getting Laws and Jackson is great for the team at 3 need spots. The 1st next year could be used with a 2nd to get a stud WR and welcome in the Kolb era without missing a beat. Pure brilliance if you ask me.

 

[Zoomanji]

From the Herman thread on KR and PR

I feel much better than last season

PHILADELPHIA

Second-round draft pick DeSean Jackson may be penciled in as the Eagles' primary returner on punts and kickoffs, but no one is going to simply hand him the job. Jackson is just one of a crowd of players working on returns during the team's first minicamp, which continued Sunday. Jackson and safety Quintin Demps, a fourth-round draft pick out of UTEP, got most of the reps, but special teams coordinator Rory Segrest said the field of candidates for those jobs is large and varied. "Both of those guys (Jackson and Demps) will definitely get looks," Segrest said of the kickoff return picture. "Of course, we've also got (running back Lorenzo) Booker back there. He'll give us a shot as well. "Then, we always have J.R. (Reed) and (Correll Buckhalter) if we want to go with more of a power running attack there. We've definitely got some good options at kick returner right now." The look is much the same at punt returner, where Jackson and Demps are joined by Reed, wideouts Bam Childress and Bill Sampy, as well as cornerback Tanard Davis. Presumably, the Eagles still have Reno Mahe on speed dial, should all of their options fail.

link

 

[Snotbubbles]

PHILADELPHIA

Presumably, the Eagles still have Reno Mahe on speed dial, should all of their options fail.

link

That might be the first time I've ever seen Reno Mahe and speed in the same sentence.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

PHILADELPHIA

Presumably, the Eagles still have Reno Mahe on speed dial, should all of their options fail.

link

That might be the first time I've ever seen Reno Mahe and speed in the same sentence without the use of "lack of" between them.

Fixed.

 

[Jason Wood]

I'll say this, the first game where we win this year b/c a great return put us in good field position is going to have me beaming; regardless of who wins the return job.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

From the Herman thread on KR and PR

I feel much better than last season

PHILADELPHIA

Second-round draft pick DeSean Jackson may be penciled in as the Eagles' primary returner on punts and kickoffs, but no one is going to simply hand him the job. Jackson is just one of a crowd of players working on returns during the team's first minicamp, which continued Sunday. Jackson and safety Quintin Demps, a fourth-round draft pick out of UTEP, got most of the reps, but special teams coordinator Rory Segrest said the field of candidates for those jobs is large and varied. "Both of those guys (Jackson and Demps) will definitely get looks," Segrest said of the kickoff return picture. "Of course, we've also got (running back Lorenzo) Booker back there. He'll give us a shot as well. "Then, we always have J.R. (Reed) and (Correll Buckhalter) if we want to go with more of a power running attack there. We've definitely got some good options at kick returner right now." The look is much the same at punt returner, where Jackson and Demps are joined by Reed, wideouts Bam Childress and Bill Sampy, as well as cornerback Tanard Davis. Presumably, the Eagles still have Reno Mahe on speed dial, should all of their options fail.

link

If you put a gun to my head and tell me to make a decsion right now, I'd guess Jackson will be the KR and Demps the PR. But yes, on paper, their return game seems vastly improved over last season.