2 minutes ago, Diehardfan said:

A lot of great ideas. I wouldn't take Carter off the field for Ojomo, though. Get Booker some more snaps and see how he plays when Davis isn't next to him. If that doesn't work then try something else, but gosh that would be a problem. 

The RPO needs to go for multiple reasons some of which you mentioned. If they want to throw in some designed runs, fine, but the less he runs the better after injuries taking a toll once again last year. 

I like the idea of Maddox at safety and CJGJ at nickel. Smart. 

The problem there is CJ doesn't want to play nickel. And he's the type to pout and be a dbag about it.

Just now, Outlaw said:

The problem there is CJ doesn't want to play nickel. And he's the type to pout and be a dbag about it.

Then it won't be the first time they cut ties with him. He isn't playing well. 

2 minutes ago, Diehardfan said:

A lot of great ideas. I wouldn't take Carter off the field for Ojomo, though. Get Booker some more snaps and see how he plays when Davis isn't next to him. If that doesn't work then try something else, but gosh that would be a problem. 

The RPO needs to go for multiple reasons some of which you mentioned. If they want to throw in some designed runs, fine, but the less he runs the better after injuries taking a toll once again last year. 

I like the idea of Maddox at safety and CJGJ at nickel. Smart. 

If we play more 5 lineman on run downs, there should be more snaps to go around for Ojomo and Booker. On a 3rd and long, I'd love to see Carter and Ojomo/Williams on the field with Huff and Sweat or BG. Davis should be a 2 down player.

4 minutes ago, vikas83 said:

My humble suggestions on changes that are needed ASAP to salvage the season.

1. On offense, it's time to dump the RPOs. The new emphasis on lineman downfield makes it a negative play, and when Hurts pulls it and runs, he never succeeds. Just hand the damn ball to Barkley. Other than this, the offense is not my primary concern, especially once AJ comes back.

2. Enough of the all nickel, all the time. We need to go with 5 lineman on 1st down -- Sweat, Carter, Davis, Williams, Smith. If teams throw on 1st down, well...5 guys rushing need to get home and make the ball come out. You have Slay and Q, and you need to trust them to cover. I'd send more run blitzes with Dean or Baun as well. We need to start forcing teams into 2nd and 3rd and long. Yes, there's more risk you get beat deep, but Maddox isn't exactly a shut down nickel -- you can still easily get beat in nickel on 1st down. 

3. Accept what Huff is and stop trying to make him into something he isn't. I think/hope that he hasn't forgotten to rush the passer, but he's thinking so much out there he is playing slow and getting worn down. Do I like having a $51mm situational pass rusher? Of course not. But that's not a reason to keep forcing the issue. Smith and BG are much better against the run. 

4. Find more snaps for Ojomo and Booker -- I trust them more than Carter and Davis right now.

5. If DeJean isn't ready, play CJGJ at nickel and Maddox at safety. Both guys are playing at weaker spots for their talents. 

Frankly, the more I think about it, it seems Fangio is causing issues by trying to force square pegs into round holes. 

I don't see how they think running RPO's should be considered given the constant penalties and lack of effective play.  They do so many other things better than RPO's.  It's like a Sirianni gimmick.  

2 minutes ago, Diehardfan said:

Then it won't be the first time they cut ties with him. He isn't playing well. 

No one has played that well at safety.  Blankenship also had a terrible game.  

23 minutes ago, vikas83 said:

My humble suggestions on changes that are needed ASAP to salvage the season.

1. On offense, it's time to dump the RPOs. The new emphasis on lineman downfield makes it a negative play, and when Hurts pulls it and runs, he never succeeds. Just hand the damn ball to Barkley. Other than this, the offense is not my primary concern, especially once AJ comes back.

2. Enough of the all nickel, all the time. We need to go with 5 lineman on 1st down -- Sweat, Carter, Davis, Williams, Smith. If teams throw on 1st down, well...5 guys rushing need to get home and make the ball come out. You have Slay and Q, and you need to trust them to cover. I'd send more run blitzes with Dean or Baun as well. We need to start forcing teams into 2nd and 3rd and long. Yes, there's more risk you get beat deep, but Maddox isn't exactly a shut down nickel -- you can still easily get beat in nickel on 1st down. 

3. Accept what Huff is and stop trying to make him into something he isn't. I think/hope that he hasn't forgotten to rush the passer, but he's thinking so much out there he is playing slow and getting worn down. Do I like having a $51mm situational pass rusher? Of course not. But that's not a reason to keep forcing the issue. Smith and BG are much better against the run. 

4. Find more snaps for Ojomo and Booker -- I trust them more than Carter and Davis right now.

5. If DeJean isn't ready, play CJGJ at nickel and Maddox at safety. Both guys are playing at weaker spots for their talents. 

Frankly, the more I think about it, it seems Fangio is causing issues by trying to force square pegs into round holes. 

The RR portion of the RRPO is a waste.  Hurts seems to always make the wrong choice and it doesn't fool anyone.  The RP portion runs the risk of the flag for the downfield lineman and our guys do get downfield quickly. Losing combination.  Dump them both. 

Dump ALL the designed QB runs, too.  But keep the broken play runs. THIS Hurts does exceptionally well. Less on lowering the shoulder but I felt like he is trying to balance that.  I prefer it be an extreme circumstance to take the hit, like for the first on 4th down. Not even the TD. Take it on the next play.   

7 minutes ago, Outlaw said:

The problem there is CJ doesn't want to play nickel. And he's the type to pout and be a dbag about it.

Eh...he got paid. I felt like he wanted to be a safety because they get more $$$ than nickels. Well, he got his bag. He played nickel in 2022 when we needed it. 

Just now, jamiller said:

The RR portion of the RRPO is a waste.  Hurts seems to always make the wrong choice and it doesn't fool anyone.  The RP portion runs the risk of the flag for the downfield lineman and our guys do get downfield quickly. Losing combination.  Dump them both. 

Dump ALL the designed QB runs, too.  But keep the broken play runs. THIS Hurts does exceptionally well. Less on lowering the shoulder but I felt like he is trying to balance that.  I prefer it be an extreme circumstance to take the hit, like for the first on 4th down. Not even the TD. Take it on the next play.   

I think the occasional use of the QB draw makes sense. Hell, I would have liked it on 3rd and 3 instead of the throw to Barkley. I trust Hurts to fight through contact in short yardage in those situations (the 2pt conversion in the SB, which was a QB power). I just don't want to see it as often.

The argument some had to keep Davis on the field is so Carter doesn't get double teamed, but there were multiple plays where he was still doubled despite Davis being next to him. I get a lot of Davis's value doesn't show up in the stat sheet, but if he isn't able to draw double teams away from Carter and he still isn't making plays on his end, what's his value? 

 

"I don’t like Hurts hero ball” 🤣🤣🤣

Well don’t put him in position with 23 fing seconds and covey as wr2 to have to do it. Hand the ball off. 

1 minute ago, vikas83 said:

I think the occasional use of the QB draw makes sense. Hell, I would have liked it on 3rd and 3 instead of the throw to Barkley. I trust Hurts to fight through contact in short yardage in those situations (the 2pt conversion in the SB, which was a QB power). I just don't want to see it as often.

Agree. And sometimes not clear whether designed or he just takes what he sees.  In any case, less of it for my taste. 

Ironic that Hurts makes the wrong RR choice more often than not but seems to read the light box, post snap, really well. Maybe just a time/ distance/focus thing.  Looking at 1 yard in front of you (or one player?) versus the field and the gaps he sees?  

46 minutes ago, vikas83 said:

My humble suggestions on changes that are needed ASAP to salvage the season.

1. On offense, it's time to dump the RPOs. The new emphasis on lineman downfield makes it a negative play, and when Hurts pulls it and runs, he never succeeds. Just hand the damn ball to Barkley. Other than this, the offense is not my primary concern, especially once AJ comes back.

2. Enough of the all nickel, all the time. We need to go with 5 lineman on 1st down -- Sweat, Carter, Davis, Williams, Smith. If teams throw on 1st down, well...5 guys rushing need to get home and make the ball come out. You have Slay and Q, and you need to trust them to cover. I'd send more run blitzes with Dean or Baun as well. We need to start forcing teams into 2nd and 3rd and long. Yes, there's more risk you get beat deep, but Maddox isn't exactly a shut down nickel -- you can still easily get beat in nickel on 1st down. 

3. Accept what Huff is and stop trying to make him into something he isn't. I think/hope that he hasn't forgotten to rush the passer, but he's thinking so much out there he is playing slow and getting worn down. Do I like having a $51mm situational pass rusher? Of course not. But that's not a reason to keep forcing the issue. Smith and BG are much better against the run. 

4. Find more snaps for Ojomo and Booker -- I trust them more than Carter and Davis right now.

5. If DeJean isn't ready, play CJGJ at nickel and Maddox at safety. Both guys are playing at weaker spots for their talents. 

Frankly, the more I think about it, it seems Fangio is causing issues by trying to force square pegs into round holes. 

I've been calling for this since we signed Barkley

Just now, jamiller said:

Agree. And sometimes not clear whether designed or he just takes what he sees.  In any case, less of it for my taste. 

Ironic that Hurts makes the wrong RR choice more often than not but seems to read the light box, post snap, really well. Maybe just a time/ distance/focus thing.  Looking at 1 yard in front of you (or one player?) versus the field and the gaps he sees?  

 I feel like defenses adjusted post 2022 and are bringing down a linebacker, and Hurts isn't seeing it or isn't being taught to read it (more likely). Just feels like defenses have figured out how to present a look that causes Jalen to keep it and trick him, and we aren't adjusting back.

9 minutes ago, DawkinsOwnage03 said:

"I don’t like Hurts hero ball” 🤣🤣🤣

Well don’t put him in position with 23 fing seconds and covey as wr2 to have to do it. Hand the ball off. 

The offense for most of the game before that in the second half was still Hurts playing sandlot ball and making plays happen. It's fun and exciting to watch, but I don't think it's sustainable and if that keeps up it'll be the fourth year in a row he gets hurt. There is zero structure to this offense. You can blame the playcalling or Hurts freestyling if his first read isn't open. I still don't know who is at fault there. But it won't end well if they continue to play that way.  

 

My last post made me think of a Hurts type "ism" that would actually help this team enormously.

Do what you are f.... good at.  And change what you aren't good at, instead of focusing on getting better at the stuff you are bad at.*

*Not applicable to fundamentals like TACKLING.

Get under center and hand the ball off. Do play action. Do quick slants. Do forward moving screens (I'm not sure the Eagles even know what that is). Do creative giant quick well coached O lineman "stuff."

Stack the box with 5. Play man and not that jerked off 2 high zone. Blitz the A gap.  

2 hours ago, LeanMeanGM said:

Someone would have to get a significant injury first. For accounting purposes the insurance payout is considered a cap credit that rollovers into the next year. To have that opportunity the team has to pay out cash for policies.

That's how I understood it. The tweet is a click baity because there is no cap relief out of thin air if everyone stays healthy all year. 

Nice.  Let's IR Hurts, start McKee and sign a DL with the Hurts insurance money. 

4 minutes ago, BDawk_ASamuel said:

The offense for most of the game before that in the second half was still Hurts playing sandlot ball and making plays happen. It's fun and exciting to watch, but I don't think it's sustainable and if that keeps up it'll be the fourth year in a row he gets hurt. There is zero structure to this offense. You can blame the playcalling or Hurts freestyling if his first read isn't open. I still don't know who is at fault there. But it won't end well if they continue to play that way.  

I agree it felt like there was very little going on. And yet, SB started by ripping off 9 yards a carry x 4 caries and we got ZERO points off that drive.  Unreal. So there was SOME play design going on. But it definitely seems like nowhere near enough.  Where is all the scheming to open guys?  

10 minutes ago, vikas83 said:

 I feel like defenses adjusted post 2022 and are bringing down a linebacker, and Hurts isn't seeing it or isn't being taught to read it (more likely). Just feels like defenses have figured out how to present a look that causes Jalen to keep it and trick him, and we aren't adjusting back.

Yep

1 minute ago, HazletonEagle said:

Yep

To me, this is coaching. My thought on Hurts is that, as a coach's kid, he's going to read it and run it exactly how he is coached. Which isn't a bad thing. But my guess is he is reading it "correctly" per the coaching, and the coaches are being outmaneuvered. 

3 minutes ago, vikas83 said:

To me, this is coaching. My thought on Hurts is that, as a coach's kid, he's going to read it and run it exactly how he is coached. Which isn't a bad thing. But my guess is he is reading it "correctly" per the coaching, and the coaches are being outmaneuvered. 

Hurts doesn't strike me as a cerebral player, neither in how he defaults to running in big spots or how he comes across in his PCs.  

1 minute ago, Alphagrand said:

Hurts doesn't strike me as a cerebral player, neither in how he defaults to running in big spots or how he comes across in his PCs.  

I think he's more intelligent than most give him credit for. But I also think, as a coach's kid, he doesn't really question the coaching. He's made comments in the past about "that's how I've been coached to do it." I think it's also why switching the systems/playcallers on him so much is a problem. 

1 hour ago, vikas83 said:

My humble suggestions on changes that are needed ASAP to salvage the season.

1. On offense, it's time to dump the RPOs. The new emphasis on lineman downfield makes it a negative play, and when Hurts pulls it and runs, he never succeeds. Just hand the damn ball to Barkley. Other than this, the offense is not my primary concern, especially once AJ comes back.

2. Enough of the all nickel, all the time. We need to go with 5 lineman on 1st down -- Sweat, Carter, Davis, Williams, Smith. If teams throw on 1st down, well...5 guys rushing need to get home and make the ball come out. You have Slay and Q, and you need to trust them to cover. I'd send more run blitzes with Dean or Baun as well. We need to start forcing teams into 2nd and 3rd and long. Yes, there's more risk you get beat deep, but Maddox isn't exactly a shut down nickel -- you can still easily get beat in nickel on 1st down. 

3. Accept what Huff is and stop trying to make him into something he isn't. I think/hope that he hasn't forgotten to rush the passer, but he's thinking so much out there he is playing slow and getting worn down. Do I like having a $51mm situational pass rusher? Of course not. But that's not a reason to keep forcing the issue. Smith and BG are much better against the run. 

4. Find more snaps for Ojomo and Booker -- I trust them more than Carter and Davis right now.

5. If DeJean isn't ready, play CJGJ at nickel and Maddox at safety. Both guys are playing at weaker spots for their talents. 

Frankly, the more I think about it, it seems Fangio is causing issues by trying to force square pegs into round holes. 

100% spot on, agree.

I would add for offense: more dink and dunk quick passes. The O line is giving Hurts plenty of time to pass. Just drop back, quick throws. Don't need a deep pass every series. 

4 minutes ago, vikas83 said:

If we play more 5 lineman on run downs, there should be more snaps to go around for Ojomo and Booker. On a 3rd and long, I'd love to see Carter and Ojomo/Williams on the field with Huff and Sweat or BG. Davis should be a 2 down player.

I kind of think they should try moving Davis outside on passing downs because he has good speed. He just doesn't seem to be able to get great leverage against guards that are shorter. If he's playing against a longer OT he would have more leverage and probably a more effective. Also, he can't be any worse than Sweat and Huff.  

33 minutes ago, jamiller said:

The RR portion of the RRPO is a waste.  Hurts seems to always make the wrong choice and it doesn't fool anyone.  The RP portion runs the risk of the flag for the downfield lineman and our guys do get downfield quickly. Losing combination.  Dump them both. 

Dump ALL the designed QB runs, too.  But keep the broken play runs. THIS Hurts does exceptionally well. Less on lowering the shoulder but I felt like he is trying to balance that.  I prefer it be an extreme circumstance to take the hit, like for the first on 4th down. Not even the TD. Take it on the next play.   

I think the draws worked well.  The RPO QB runs are trash can plays.