This is Wentz' pass from last year from another angle:

I've watched it about a half dozen times today.  What I noticed is how calm he was, even when escaping the pocket.  He basically just trots out there and delvers a pinpoint accurate pass, threading the needle, whizzing by 2 defenders on the way to the corner of the end zone for the TD.

I haven't seen him that "calm and relaxed" for most of the season.  Which leads me to question whether he trusts his blockers as much as he did back then.  Could it be due in part to that Clowney hit?  I really don't know at this point  But if Wentz can get back to that state of mind, I'm sure the mechanics and the footwork would follow. 

 

 

 

14 minutes ago, downundermike said:

The fact that Mailata was ever benched for Peters is absolutely absurd.  

 

No it wasn't, at the time Mailata was struggling, Peters first two games he clearly outplayed Mailata, then imploded (which is why I think the toe is for real, and not just an excuse, but the reason the only way Peters returns is as a low cost back and OL coaching intern).

It helped Mailata to take a couple games away and just watch, when he returned to the line he was far more aware of stunts and moves, I think when he was first starting, he was uber focused on technique, not what was going on around him, when he returned he had a better feel for what he was doing.

2 minutes ago, austinfan said:

No it wasn't, at the time Mailata was struggling, Peters first two games he clearly outplayed Mailata

I think the best argument for why Howie should be fired is that there really isn't any argument to keep him. What will we lose? His excellent drafting? His contracts? His evaluation of his own roster? His foresight? All I can come up with is his ability to turn a 6th round pick into a 5th round pick two years later from draft day trades.

3 minutes ago, NCiggles said:

In my view changing the GM is the best step the team could take.  Howie has to be removed from any role deciding the players on the roster including structuring contracts.  Once there is a new GM, I would almost be inclined to give Doug one more season but give the GM decision making authority over the offensive staff.  The team needs a new QB coach and an OC.  I am inclined to believe that those changes are inadequate.  It would not bother me if the team moved on from Doug.  My concern is that it looks like Lurie wants to keep Howie and fire Doug.  I think that's just a terrible plan and we will be in for more of the same issues over the next 2-3 more seasons.  

I'm completely opposite, Howie screwed up, but has shown he can learn from his mistakes, and the guy did build a SB caliber team in two years from the wreckage left behind by Kelly, and that team could have gotten back to the show the last two seasons with a little injury luck.

Pederson on the other hand, has shown he's not a great offensive mind, doesn't trust or coach up young players, and is probably the wrong guy for a two year rebuild/reload.

2 minutes ago, Iggles25 said:

Two questions for the Blog:

1. Is there any way to move Dillard to swing tackle or to back up the right side? I'm just to elated with Mailata's progress and potential at LT to want the coaches messing that up.

2. For the draft gurus, looking at the LB position, which one of Moses or Surratt look like the better fit for the Eagles? Both should be available in the 2nd round, and it seems like an upgrade at the position is finally imminent.

  From everything I've read (and learned in this blog as well) is that Dillard is really "geared' for LT.  His athleticism, frame, etc is ideal for LT.  Mailata, on the other hand, could actually do well at RT because of his massive frame, strength, etc.  But as of now, Mailata has earned a starting role, imo and if keeping him at LT and having Dillard train as a swing tackle works, then so be it. 

5 minutes ago, Iggles25 said:

Two questions for the Blog:

1. Is there any way to move Dillard to swing tackle or to back up the right side? I'm just too elated with Mailata's progress and potential at LT to want the coaches messing that up.

Given how Mailata & Driscoll have played, I'm trading Dillard this off-season. Unlike Wentz, this is a player on a rookie contract in a league desperate for OT help. He'd be a great fit for Minnesota or any other team that wants to run zone concepts.

12 minutes ago, downundermike said:

And they didn't.  And the guy on that list that was extended with a horrible contract and has been a locker room cancer is still here.

I was one of the few that wanted to keep Torrey Smith here.  I still don't understand how they could let that guy walk over (basically) 1 million (they paid Wallace 4 million, Smith signed for 5 mil).  Wallace ends up getting hurt and 2+ year search for a vertical threat begins.  That likely affected the offense in 2018 more than any other move, imo. 

4 minutes ago, Ace Nova said:

Right.  But guess what?  They won the Super Bowl with those guys.  So what happens next?  You got it...if you want to keep that team together, the price of poker just went up.

Nope.  He went out and got other players to replace these guys, and instead of shopping off the bargain rack and paying bargain prices... he went to the bargain rack, paid nearly top dollar AND gave them long terms.

 

By comparison: 

Malik Jackson - bargain talent, should have been chomping at the bit to join the Eagles and play on this DL next to Cox and play for a shot in the playoffs/Super Bowl... but instead.. Howie gave a guy who was clearly on the downside a contract like he was near the top.   3 years, $30M... Compare that the Chris Long's 2 years, $5.2M.   Night and day.

Desean Jackson - they trade for him... and then give him a big money contract - 3 years, nearly $28M.  $9M average, compared to the guy they tried to get him to replace, Torrey Smith, which was a 1 year commitment for $5M... this locked the team in for 2 years and cost $22M guaranteed... for a guy who is STILL 3 years older than Smith was.

 

Apples...Oranges...  Howie was smart and frugal... a discerning shopper, if you will.    Now he's going to Whole Foods, buying the rotting fruit and paying 80 cents on the dollar (of their outrageous prices) rather than going to the local farmers produce store and buying direct from the farmer.  The packaging isn't as nice, but the quality is better, fresher and costs less. You get more and you pay less.  

 

These new players added didn't need to get paid for the Super Bowl and cost more for that... He paid Foles, he paid Jeffery, he kicked Long and Wis out.  Robinson cashed in elsewhere.  Blount was washed and finished in Detroit.   The Jacksons were new acquisitions, in no way connected to the Super Bowl, but he paid them like they were.   They should have gotten about half of what they did... or better yet, got the YOUNGER player route if you are going to pay that much. Robbie Anderson cost the same as Desean, a year later.

6 minutes ago, Ace Nova said:

This is Wentz' pass from last year from another angle:

I've watched it about a half dozen times today.  What I noticed is how calm he was, even when escaping the pocket.  He basically just trots out there and delvers a pinpoint accurate pass, threading the needle, whizzing by 2 defenders on the way to the corner of the end zone for the TD.

I haven't seen him that "calm and relaxed" for most of the season.  Which leads me to question whether he trusts his blockers as much as he did back then.  Could it be due in part to that Clowney hit?  I really don't know at this point  But if Wentz can get back to that state of mind, I'm sure the mechanics and the footwork would follow. 

 

 

 

It's clear he doesn't. Just watch this throw from last year. He actually stops, resets and throws instead of doing his stupid fade away jump throw he did to Goedert. 

 

6 minutes ago, Ace Nova said:

This is Wentz' pass from last year from another angle:

I've watched it about a half dozen times today.  What I noticed is how calm he was, even when escaping the pocket.  He basically just trots out there and delvers a pinpoint accurate pass, threading the needle, whizzing by 2 defenders on the way to the corner of the end zone for the TD.

I haven't seen him that "calm and relaxed" for most of the season.  Which leads me to question whether he trusts his blockers as much as he did back then.  Could it be due in part to that Clowney hit?  I really don't know at this point  But if Wentz can get back to that state of mind, I'm sure the mechanics and the footwork would follow. 

 

 

 

I do think part of it is the toll he has taken in the pocket this season.  I am not sure if it was the Clowney hit.  I mean the team played fantastic on offense for the 1st quarter and a half of the first game against Washington.  Then Wentz took a pretty big hit on a blitz and he hasn't been the same since that hit in my view.  He has had some moments but the offense has looked bad.  He has looked bad.  Even when they are moving the football it is a14 play 60 yard drive.  I think he can return to that player but they need someone who can just be a better coach for him.  

8 minutes ago, schuy7 said:

I think the best argument for why Howie should be fired is that there really isn't any argument to keep him. What will we lose? His excellent drafting? His contracts? His evaluation of his own roster? His foresight? All I can come up with is his ability to turn a 6th round pick into a 5th round pick two years later from draft day trades.

His camaraderie with Jeff.

1 hour ago, Giddyunc said:

I hate saying this, but Howie is absolutely coming back. Throughout his entire tenure with this organization, Howie's decision-making powers have been a mystery. No one knows what picks he's made, which players he's advocated for, etc.  Due to his amorphous responsibilities, he's always able to deflect blame through timely placed media leaks. This is pure speculation on my part, but this all leads me to believe that Howie is public face of Lurie's meddling. Howie is Lurie's personal assistant and they bounce ideas off each other. Again, this is pure speculation, but if this is remotely true, there's no chance Howie gets fired. 

This is likely the case and why Howie is bulletproof.  He's just the public face for Lurie's meddling.  So he's not going anywhere anytime soon.

7 minutes ago, Iggles_Phan said:

Nope.  He went out and got other players to replace these guys, and instead of shopping off the bargain rack and paying bargain prices... he went to the bargain rack, paid nearly top dollar AND gave them long terms.

 

By comparison: 

Malik Jackson - bargain talent, should have been chomping at the bit to join the Eagles and play on this DL next to Cox and play for a shot in the playoffs/Super Bowl... but instead.. Howie gave a guy who was clearly on the downside a contract like he was near the top.   3 years, $30M... Compare that the Chris Long's 2 years, $5.2M.   Night and day.

Desean Jackson - they trade for him... and then give him a big money contract - 3 years, nearly $28M.  $9M average, compared to the guy they tried to get him to replace, Torrey Smith, which was a 1 year commitment for $5M... this locked the team in for 2 years and cost $22M guaranteed... for a guy who is STILL 3 years older than Smith was.

 

Apples...Oranges...  Howie was smart and frugal... a discerning shopper, if you will.    Now he's going to Whole Foods, buying the rotting fruit and paying 80 cents on the dollar (of their outrageous prices) rather than going to the local farmers produce store and buying direct from the farmer.  The packaging isn't as nice, but the quality is better, fresher and costs less. You get more and you pay less.  

 

These new players added didn't need to get paid for the Super Bowl and cost more for that... He paid Foles, he paid Jeffery, he kicked Long and Wis out.  Robinson cashed in elsewhere.  Blount was washed and finished in Detroit.   The Jacksons were new acquisitions, in no way connected to the Super Bowl, but he paid them like they were.   They should have gotten about half of what they did... or better yet, got the YOUNGER player route if you are going to pay that much. Robbie Anderson cost the same as Desean, a year later.

 

As far as Torrey Smith goes, they signed Mike Wallace to replace Smith, not DeSean Jackson.  

7 minutes ago, austinfan said:

I'm completely opposite, Howie screwed up, but has shown he can learn from his mistakes, and the guy did build a SB caliber team in two years from the wreckage left behind by Kelly, and that team could have gotten back to the show the last two seasons with a little injury luck.

Pederson on the other hand, has shown he's not a great offensive mind, doesn't trust or coach up young players, and is probably the wrong guy for a two year rebuild/reload.

I agree that Pederson needs help to win.  He's too loyal to his staff.  Howie, though, is more responsible for the mess the team is in right now.  They need a voice like Banner's to come in and do the hard things.  I don't think that's Howie.  I also don't think Howie can be trusted on the draft side of things.  

11 minutes ago, austinfan said:

I'm completely opposite, Howie screwed up, but has shown he can learn from his mistakes, and the guy did build a SB caliber team in two years from the wreckage left behind by Kelly, and that team could have gotten back to the show the last two seasons with a little injury luck.

Pederson on the other hand, has shown he's not a great offensive mind, doesn't trust or coach up young players, and is probably the wrong guy for a two year rebuild/reload.

If Howie could learn from his mistakes, he’d never miss on a move at this point.  There’s nothing he hasn’t screwed up.  Bad trades, bad contracts, bad job interfacing with coaching staff (3x over on this one), bad job with the low explosion high polish safe picks, bad job with the high risk high reward athlete picks, bad job with the low upside high production safe picks.

You name it, he’s F-ed it.  

3 minutes ago, Ace Nova said:

 

As far as Torrey Smith goes, they signed Mike Wallace to replace Smith, NOT DeSean Jackson.  

They signed Jackson after they failed with Wallace.  Same problem, different solution, same result... big swing and a miss.  If you put all the snaps that Desean and Wallace played for the Eagles from 2018-2020, it might equal the equivalent of about 6 games... in 3 years.

1 minute ago, eagle45 said:

If Howie could learn from his mistakes, he’d never miss on a move at this point.  There’s nothing he hasn’t screwed up.  Bad trades, bad contracts, bad job interfacing with coaching staff (3x over on this one), bad job with the low explosion high polish safe picks, bad job with the high risk high reward athlete picks, bad job with the low upside high production safe picks.

You name it, he’s F-ed it.  

No way.  Lurie's "copious notes" have always shown Howie to be right and EVERYBODY else (Banner, Reid, Riddick, Grigson, Chip, Douglas, etc.) to be wrong.

Jenkins on playing against Hurts.

1 minute ago, Iggles_Phan said:

They signed Jackson after they failed with Wallace.  Same problem, different solution, same result... big swing and a miss.  If you put all the snaps that Desean and Wallace played for the Eagles from 2018-2020, it might equal the equivalent of about 6 games... in 3 years.

I wanted them to keep Torrey Smith.  But all I heard all-day-long in this blog was "Wallace is a huge upgrade over Smith, for less money, huge win, etc etc".

I remember watching both their films and thinking to myself, "I just don't see it".  Wallace had several decent years but I never thought he was an upgrade over Smith.  Especially given the fact that Smith already knew the system here, already was comfortable with both Wentz and Foles, etc.  I still scratch my head over that one. 

2 minutes ago, Ace Nova said:

I wanted them to keep Torrey Smith.  But all I heard all-day-long in this blog was "Wallace is a huge upgrade over Smith, for less money, huge win, etc etc".

 

If he was healthy and played he would have been, but as per usual, we bring a guy in who has an injury history and he gets immediately injured.

Just now, Iggles_Phan said:

They signed Jackson after they failed with Wallace.  Same problem, different solution, same result... big swing and a miss.  If you put all the snaps that Desean and Wallace played for the Eagles from 2018-2020, it might equal the equivalent of about 6 games... in 3 years.

Aside from the horrid personnel moves, I think the bigger issue is their philosophical problem (which I lost my marbles over in 2018).

They view (or at least did) the Z wr position as a token spacer in the offense.  Get one fast guy to complement 12 personnel and a big slow possession wr...with the bulk of the investment being in the TE’s and X.  
 

They chose to draft Goedert with quality Z prospects on the board while going into a season with Mike Wallace.  They chose to extend Alshon and draft JJAW as a long term replacement to overload the X position while leaving little left to scrape by with Desean at Z.

And then, in 2020, they allowed themselves to be forced to draft the best Z wr prospect on the board in round 1 because of how desperate they were.

This was not just a string of bad personnel moves; it was a philosophical problem with how they wanted to build their offense.  We are now seeing the results.

1 minute ago, eagle45 said:

They chose to draft Goedert with quality Z prospects on the board while going into a season with Mike Wallace. .

And it was the correct decision. They should do that 100% of the time.

5 minutes ago, Ace Nova said:

I wanted them to keep Torrey Smith.  But all I heard all-day-long in this blog was "Wallace is a huge upgrade over Smith, for less money, huge win, etc etc".

I remember watching both their films and thinking to myself, "I just don't see it".  Wallace had several decent years but I never thought he was an upgrade over Smith.  Especially given the fact that Smith already knew the system here, already was comfortable with both Wentz and Foles, etc.  I still scratch my head over that one. 

Or don’t draft a #2 TE with your top pick when you already have a pro-bowler so that you don’t have to choose between breadcrumbs for a starting WR position that had been a problem for years.