2 hours ago, Iggles_Phan said:

What's his track record at trying to do that?  I'd say at least below average, all the way up to atrocious.

Howies defensive draft picks in the last 8 years have been garbage. Who are the stars that he has ever picked on the D?  Maddox?  Sweat? That's 2 serviceable players one of which can never stay healthy.

22 minutes ago, Frankfurteagle89 said:

Against one of the worst defenses this year they decide to go conservative. 
idiotic! That’s why people want to see some of these coaches removed.

What do you think the chances are the coaches called the second consecutive QB run on 2nd and 10+?  Perhaps the timeout was called because Hurts called his own number and the two previous plays resulted in a net zero, and had to be told to put the ball in the air?  

46 minutes ago, HazletonEagle said:

The feared defenses have good LBs. Those are the guys who beat an offense up. Those are the big guys who can run through you with 4.4 speed and land 230+ pounds on you at the end of the tackle. 

4.4 and 230+ is Ben VanSumeren and Nolan Smith.

could the Eagles put 3 on the DL -  Carter/Williams, Davis/Cox, BG/Sweat
and 2 ILBs who are blitzing.  Nolan Smith/Reddick are rushing between Carter and Davis and VanSumeren is rushing between Davis and BG.  Those 2 do run defense and pass rush.  6 are left over for coverage. 

If the defense goes 0/4,  taking risks like blitzing a lot might get one stop in the 2nd half, enough to win.  Or more than that. 

Another way to look at it is that LB is a bit of a weakness, and  Reddick is good, so if you have him playing a type of ILB that fits what he does well, it's an upgrade at the ILB position.  It should fit what Nolan Smith does or should be able to do,  and Ben VanSumeren.  All rushing the passer and stopping the run from the ILB spot. 

1 hour ago, Random Reglar said:

yes   -  but I'm not sure how big a barrage there would be, and I'm not saying for sure, but much of what we've seen all year is a simpler version of something that they already figured out last year.   Hurts to Brown Smith and Goedert was probably a slightly smaller part of last years offense than this year, but it was certainly the main part this year.   And, usually, teams that develop over time add more things,  not remove them.  So,  it's been weird that the Eagles chose to lead the league in top wr duo snaps, and for Smith to lead the league in wr snaps.   When they should be good enough at those things that they could be practicing other elements of their offense and incorporating them into the game.  But they're not incorporating them.   What are they spending their time doing? So,  I'm assuming that they're spending their time on things they're going to use in the playoffs.  

They should find a big back against the Giants. They need a big back. This game doesn't matter,  but finding a big back does matter.  A big back would have been very useful in the 4th Q of many games.  Try out any number of players as big backs,  players who can fight for tough yards in the 4th Q to get first downs and run out the clock.  Ben VanSumeren was a Fullback for Michigan,  VanSumeren probably could have been playing in this game if he had stayed put.  I could be off by a year, but there have been a lot of players playing 6 years. Nolan Smith - both have size and speed.    Carter and Davis could do this, possibly.  Speedsters like Sydney Brown and Kelee Ringo.

Lets figure out what we've got (if we haven't already) and find that big back for the playoffs. 

Find big back
Outside rusher
motion to under center
old school mass plays w/ laterals
OL to backfield, motion to under center
Kelce and Lane rushing TDs.

defense - cover zero blitz - try players on offense as lb blitzers.
oh, look, there's Mailata blitzing between Davis and Carter. Or is that AJ Brown blitzing or Swift?  Running backs practice getting through holes in the line,  short, solidly built,  moves, one of the running backs might have a knack for sacks.   otherwise, if not including a player on offense, for additional confusion and difficulty,   Nolan Smith and Ben VanSumeren as run stopping LBs who blitz a lot.   the Eagles could either do 4-2-5 with the LBs blitzing or 3-2-6 and you have a safety.

AJ Brown - The Missing Big Back is found.  I expected to see some carries by Brown at Ole Miss.  There were none.   But with the Titans, there was a 49 yard TD run,  a pitch,  running outside.   So,  more of that.  When the Eagles need a big back, in the 4th, to run out the clock,  AJ Brown can do that.  Or he's an additional run option with good size and speed for a big back.

The Eagles seem to like to do innovations without involving other new players.  Gainwell plays,  he throws passes.  Quite a good running QB in high school. 
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6445385/582dd8f65b3cda166c5bc2b2

You have AJ Brown who is the size, speed, measures of a big back, and Gainwell, whose high school highlights as a hs QB are almost all taking snaps and running.   AJ Brown could be "outside back,"  Gainwell could be "motion to under center back" which is almost like front QB. 

Gainwell goes into motion,  gets under center, takes the snap and then one of three (or more) things happen.  1) Gainwell runs between Kelce and Jurgens, both are very quick and can open a hole really fast  2) Gainwell pitches outside to AJ Brown who is running outside like McCaffrey.  3) Gainwell pitches back to Hurts, and Brown and Gainwell pass protect or run routes.

Those are some happy thoughts about a team that has done little this season to deserve them.  They were 10-1 and could have wrapped up a number 1 seed which is the best way to get to the Super Bowl.  I think the simplest answer is the most likely.  They are not well prepared.  They are simple because it has worked but they do things like run all go as if they're a 12 year old playing Madden.  I mean:

https://twiiter.com/TheHonestNFL/status/1741969174069494263?s=200

 

I’m a little surprised I’m hearing more people who cover the Eagles on board with Sirianni getting fired if the Eagles get bounced early than I thought. Gowton was saying last night that he doesn’t really know what Sirianni offers as a coach at this point and thinks he needs to go. De camera on WIP saying it might be time to part ways with Sirianni. Other reporters not outwardly supporting it, but not scoffing at it or mocking it either.

I think DeVonta Smith is likely to miss against the Giants, so the Eagles should lean more on the running game.  As far as the playoffs go, that trend needs to continue.  The Eagles identity offensively should be built around their OL, mobile QB, and RBs.  Run a complementary offense and use the running game to set up the pass.  The problem is, the Eagles see their offensive identity as Hurts, AJ Brown, and DeVonta Smith -- and the running game is an afterthought.  A direct result is the defense spending too much time and too many snaps on the field.  The old TOP argument.

Defensively, I think the Eagles need to pull out some tendency busters in the playoffs, especially on crucial 3rd downs.  They simply cannot defend the pass and they should move toward a more aggressive defensive approach to get some more turnovers.  The tough part is they don't really have the athletes for this.   

27 minutes ago, manz2821 said:

Howies defensive draft picks in the last 8 years have been garbage. Who are the stars that he has ever picked on the D?  Maddox?  Sweat? That's 2 serviceable players one of which can never stay healthy.

Don't you dare leave out Baby Rhino.

Just now, Sack that QB said:

I’m a little surprised I’m hearing more people who cover the Eagles on board with Sirianni getting fired if the Eagles get bounced early than I thought. Gowton was saying last night that he doesn’t really know what Sirianni offers as a coach at this point and thinks he needs to go. De camera on WIP saying it might be time to part ways with Sirianni. Other reporters not outwardly supporting it, but not scoffing at it or mocking it either.

That would set the organization back at least 5 years.  

Just now, Alphagrand said:

I think DeVonta Smith is likely to miss against the Giants, so the Eagles should lean more on the running game.  As far as the playoffs go, that trend needs to continue.  The Eagles identity offensively should be built around their OL, mobile QB, and RBs.  Run a complementary offense and use the running game to set up the pass.  The problem is, the Eagles see their offensive identity as Hurts, AJ Brown, and DeVonta Smith -- and the running game is an afterthought.  A direct result is the defense spending too much time and too many snaps on the field.  The old TOP argument.

Defensively, I think the Eagles need to pull out some tendency busters in the playoffs, especially on crucial 3rd downs.  They simply cannot defend the pass and they should move toward a more aggressive defensive approach to get some more turnovers.  The tough part is they don't really have the athletes for this.   

Yeah I don't understand why they are so against this approach. This is how Russel Wilson got his Superbowl and what should have been two Superbowl wins if they weren't morons.

1 hour ago, HazletonEagle said:

The feared defenses have good LBs. Those are the guys who beat an offense up. Those are the big guys who can run through you with 4.4 speed and land 230+ pounds on you at the end of the tackle. 

Those guys also improve tackling on a defense, when you have good ones. Weak LBs arent good tacklers. Suddenly youre missing tackles all over the field. 

49ers have 2 feared LBs. Steelers like you said are another one. Baltimore has Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen in the middle. Clowney is a gigantic rush LB for Baltimore known for cheap shots.

If you want to be serious about your defense, you just need LBs. I never agreed with the philosophy of devaluing that position. Its a major impact position. Elite LBs take over games on a regular basis. 

 

It shows on their safety’s, Byard and Blankenship combined for 22 tackles, no wonder Blankenship is always hurt. 

10 minutes ago, NCiggles said:

Those are some happy thoughts about a team that has done little this season to deserve them.  They were 10-1 and could have wrapped up a number 1 seed which is the best way to get to the Super Bowl.  I think the simplest answer is the most likely.  They are not well prepared.  They are simple because it has worked but they do things like run all go as if they're a 12 year old playing Madden.  I mean:

https://twiiter.com/TheHonestNFL/status/1741969174069494263?s=200

 

Hot routes are for losers, we need explosive plays.

2 minutes ago, Alphagrand said:

That would set the organization back at least 5 years.  

Would it?   When was the last time they were set back 5 years by firing the coach?

4 minutes ago, Sack that QB said:

I’m a little surprised I’m hearing more people who cover the Eagles on board with Sirianni getting fired if the Eagles get bounced early than I thought. Gowton was saying last night that he doesn’t really know what Sirianni offers as a coach at this point and thinks he needs to go. De camera on WIP saying it might be time to part ways with Sirianni. Other reporters not outwardly supporting it, but not scoffing at it or mocking it either.

Not surprised. Most of the reporters talk to players, coaches, staff etc. They are well aware that Siri doesn't actually have any technical skill or expertise to bring to the table. He's a motivator coach and the motivation has run its course.

5 minutes ago, Alphagrand said:

That would set the organization back at least 5 years.  

Lol no it wouldn’t that’s way over dramatic 

12 minutes ago, Alphagrand said:

That would set the organization back at least 5 years.  

What? Lol. They will waste a year if they don't. 

9 minutes ago, Sack that QB said:

I’m a little surprised I’m hearing more people who cover the Eagles on board with Sirianni getting fired if the Eagles get bounced early than I thought. Gowton was saying last night that he doesn’t really know what Sirianni offers as a coach at this point and thinks he needs to go. De camera on WIP saying it might be time to part ways with Sirianni. Other reporters not outwardly supporting it, but not scoffing at it or mocking it either.

Lurie may want Belichick.  Hurts may not object either.  Howie would just need to sell Belichick on his role in the draft, trades, I just hope they would get Bill O'Brien.  

12 minutes ago, Sack that QB said:

I’m a little surprised I’m hearing more people who cover the Eagles on board with Sirianni getting fired if the Eagles get bounced early than I thought. Gowton was saying last night that he doesn’t really know what Sirianni offers as a coach at this point and thinks he needs to go. De camera on WIP saying it might be time to part ways with Sirianni. Other reporters not outwardly supporting it, but not scoffing at it or mocking it either.

Cowherd was saying he doesn't know offense, doesn't know defense, all he brings is motivation as a CEO coach. 

He absolutely needs to be fired. He is a clown show.

37 minutes ago, manz2821 said:

Howies defensive draft picks in the last 8 years have been garbage. Who are the stars that he has ever picked on the D?  Maddox?  Sweat? That's 2 serviceable players one of which can never stay healthy.

Ok, you had me curious..... How much draft capital was spent on defense and where.

2023
1    9    Philadelphia Eagles    Jalen Carter     DT    Georgia    SEC    
1    30    Philadelphia Eagles    Nolan Smith     LB    Georgia    SEC    
3    66    Philadelphia Eagles    Sydney Brown     S    Illinois    Big Ten    
4    105    Philadelphia Eagles    Kelee Ringo     CB    Georgia    SEC    
7    249    Philadelphia Eagles    Moro Ojomo     DE    Texas    Big 12    

2022
1    13    Philadelphia Eagles    Jordan Davis     DT    Georgia    SEC    
3    83    Philadelphia Eagles    Nakobe Dean     LB    Georgia    SEC    
6    181    Philadelphia Eagles    Kyron Johnson     DE    Kansas    Big 12    

2021
3    73    Philadelphia Eagles    Milton Williams     DT    Louisiana Tech    C-USA    
4    123    Philadelphia Eagles    Zech McPhearson     CB    Texas Tech    Big 12    
6    189    Philadelphia Eagles    Marlon Tuipulotu     DT    USC    Pac-12    
6    191    Philadelphia Eagles    Tarron Jackson     DE    Coastal Carolina    Sun Belt    
6*    224    Philadelphia Eagles    JaCoby Stevens     S    LSU    SEC    
7    234    Philadelphia Eagles    Patrick Johnson     DE    Tulane    The American    

2020
3*    103    Philadelphia Eagles    Davion Taylor     OLB    Colorado    Pac-12    
4    127    Philadelphia Eagles    K'Von Wallace     S    Clemson    ACC    
6    196    Philadelphia Eagles    Shaun Bradley     ILB    Temple    The American    
7    233    Philadelphia Eagles    Casey Toohill     OLB    Stanford    Pac-12    

2019
4*    138    Philadelphia Eagles    Shareef Miller     DE    Penn State    Big Ten    

2018
4    125    Philadelphia Eagles    Avonte Maddox     CB    Pittsburgh    ACC    
4    130    Philadelphia Eagles    Josh Sweat †    DE    Florida State    ACC    

2017
1    14    Philadelphia Eagles    Derek Barnett     DE    Tennessee    SEC    
2    43    Philadelphia Eagles    Sidney Jones     CB    Washington    Pac-12    
3*    99    Philadelphia Eagles    Rasul Douglas     CB    West Virginia    Big 12    
5*    184    Philadelphia Eagles    Nathan Gerry     S    Nebraska    Big Ten    
6    214    Philadelphia Eagles    Elijah Qualls     DT    Washington    Pac-12    

2016
6    196    Philadelphia Eagles    Blake Countess     CB    Auburn    SEC    
 

 

 

It looks like that up until last year, we really haven't spent "high" (Rounds 1 and 2) draft picks on defense outside of 2017, where we whiffed horribly.  That may account for why we really don't have any "stars" since it's a crapshoot in rounds 3-7 

15 minutes ago, Sack that QB said:

Lol no it wouldn’t that’s way over dramatic 

Who do you want to bring in as head coach?  The second choice to Sirianni was Josh McDaniels.  You really think bringing in McDaniels wouldn't have set the organization back for years??  They went 10-7 with Gruden and Bisaccia, then careened to 9-16 with McDaniels.  

I think some of you guys really like to forget stuff that went on just 2-3 years ago.  When Sirianni was hired here was the coaching new hires cycle:

 

NY Jets -- Robert Saleh.  Owner has just had to publicly vouch for both Saleh and Joe Douglas because so many people want them fired.  No positive results.

Houston -- David Culley.  Nuff said

Jacksonville -- Urban Meyer.  Nuff said

Chargers -- Brandon Staley.  Put the organization back at least 5 years.

Lions -- Dan Campbell.  Excellent hire after a very awkward initial PC.  Ditto for Sirianni

Falcons -- Arthur Smith.  Set the organization back at least 5 years.

 

One positive thing to think of is if Howie and Lurie do hit the reset button then I imagine we'd be a popular destination for an offensive HC just because of the talent on offense

Granted the new HC would likely need a new RT and RB but having weapons like Brown, Smith, Goedert, Hurts, and this Oline would have to be a great factor

2 minutes ago, Alphagrand said:

Who do you want to bring in as head coach?  The second choice to Sirianni was Josh McDaniels.  You really think bringing in McDaniels wouldn't have set the organization back for years??  They went 10-7 with Gruden and Bisaccia, then careened to 9-16 with McDaniels.  

I think some of you guys really like to forget stuff that went on just 2-3 years ago.  When Sirianni was hired here was the coaching new hires cycle:

 

NY Jets -- Robert Saleh.  Owner has just had to publicly vouch for both Saleh and Joe Douglas because so many people want them fired.  No positive results.

Houston -- David Culley.  Nuff said

Jacksonville -- Urban Meyer.  Nuff said

Chargers -- Brandon Staley.  Put the organization back at least 5 years.

Lions -- Dan Campbell.  Excellent hire after a very awkward initial PC.  Ditto for Sirianni

Falcons -- Arthur Smith.  Set the organization back at least 5 years.

 

Jim Harbaugh or Ben Johnson.

17 minutes ago, Iggles_Phan said:

Would it?   When was the last time they were set back 5 years by firing the coach?

If anything, recent history has shown coaching changes yielded instant results.

Andy: +2 wins
Chip: +6 wins
Doug: even
Nick: +5 wins

Perhaps one of the biggest crimes of the season is knowing the D are gassed and struggling, and the O doing little to reduce the time they are spending on the field getting beaten up on. 

A positive is Lowie tend to act most decisively when they are most criticised, and boy are they getting it now. I hope they swallow their pride and treat the LB and S positions with the respect they deserve; many of us have been asking for seasons for some investment in a game changer or two there. Their hubris on those positions has played a big role in the D struggling - why throw long when the LBs can be run on and thrown on at will?

Lots of change to come, I feel

43 minutes ago, Alphagrand said:

What do you think the chances are the coaches called the second consecutive QB run on 2nd and 10+?  Perhaps the timeout was called because Hurts called his own number and the two previous plays resulted in a net zero, and had to be told to put the ball in the air?  

Chances are they probably didn’t, although I wouldn’t put it past them either. Don’t remember for sure, but haven’t they called consecutive WR screens? One really can’t get a feel for their situational play calling. 

Cardinals D was statistically worse, but it never felt as easy dicing them up compared to their O manhandling ours.

1 hour ago, Freshmilk said:

Trade Hurts and draft Penix?

That'll never happen.