1 minute ago, HazletonEagle said:

I am tired of just hoping for serviceable at LB. I want a stud LB. They are huge difference makers for a defense. 

I don't really think they are.  It always irritated me when people would set a low bar at various positions, but I do concede that you can't have pro-bowlers everywhere.  In our 4-3, a LB can't cover a WR and can't rush the QB.

They just aren't going to make a difference unless it's a Nate Gerry difference.  Let the expensive DL up front keep the trash at bay, make the sound tackle that gets funneled to you, and hold your own in coverage without getting completely embarrassed...no LB's are equipped to shut down the modern passing game.  

In this defense, a freak athlete with 1st round pedigree just isn't going to ruin an offense as a 4-2-5 LB.

33 minutes ago, ManuManu said:

When has Ward ever gotten YAC or gotten open beyond six yards aside from perfectly called plays or coverage busts? He should not be a starting slot based on what he’s shown. 

Fulgham has strung together two decent games sandwiches around a great game. I have more optimism that he’s a useful player, but not necessarily a starter for a good offense. 

People in here set the bar way too low. Do we want to have a great offense or do we want to be average?

I always want the Eagles to improve. So I looked at some pretty good slot WRs on YAC.  Through his career, Ward is at 3.6 yards average.  Nothing like Julian Edelman’s 4.8 but better than Edelman’s last three years.  Micheal Thomas is at 4.3 yards.  DeAndre Hopkins is 3.3 yards. Where Ward’s stats suffer is his average reception distance but that is a product of the offense more than Ward.  Ward is an average slot WR.  Would I like an all pro? Yes.  But with the Eagles penchant for 12 man, that would be a waste.  Ward gets YAC. Look, you and I seem destined to disagree on Ward.  You probably hated Greg Lewis and Jason Avant too.  He fits what the Eagles like in the slot.  I expect him to continue to improve.

Yes, the jury is out on Fulgham.  Heck, it is out on JJAW, Reagor, Hightower and Watkins too.  That was kind of my point.  Still way too early to tell what we have in them.  But I am glad they are getting experience and the opportunity to show us.  I am not sure my bar is any lower than yours.  I just have a bit more patience in reaching my conclusions  

 

3 minutes ago, BigEFly said:

I always want the Eagles to improve. So I looked at some pretty good slot WRs on YAC.  Through his career, Ward is at 3.6 yards average.  Nothing like Julian Edelman’s 4.8 but better than Edelman’s last three years.  Micheal Thomas is at 4.3 yards.  DeAndre Hopkins is 3.3 yards. Where Ward’s stats suffer is his average reception distance but that is a product of the offense more than Ward.  Ward is an average slot WR.  Would I like an all pro? Yes.  But with the Eagles penchant for 12 man, that would be a waste.  Ward gets YAC. Look, you and I seem destined to disagree on Ward.  You probably hated Greg Lewis and Jason Avant too.  He fits what the Eagles like in the slot.  I expect him to continue to improve.

Yes, the jury is out on Fulgham.  Heck, it is out on JJAW, Reagor, Hightower and Watkins too.  That was kind of my point.  Still way too early to tell what we have in them.  But I am glad they are getting experience and the opportunity to show us.  I am not sure my bar is any lower than yours.  I just have a bit more patience in reaching my conclusions  

 

Why is that?  

Does Doug just enjoy seeing WRs catch 4 yard passes on 3rd and long?  How do you know that it's not a product of Ward.  If he had any ability to separate, don't you think he might have a better depth of target?

For the record, I was not a Jason Avant fan.  Overrated in his time here, although still a much better fit in that offense, in that era (and vastly more talented), than Ward is here.

7 minutes ago, ManuManu said:

I think people will be pleasantly surprised by Scott if our OL learns how to run block. We rarely create any space. That goes for screens as well. 

maybe. maybe not.

His play at the end of last year made me fine with him making the roster this year. But I never wanted him to be the #2. He should have been competing for the 3rd or 4th RB spot primarily as a returner, and occasional pass catcher. 

They had Sanders with 3 down potential. And then went with Scott, Clement, Killins, and Huntly. All vying to replace the Sproles role. We went 4 deep trying to replace Sproles and completely ignored an actual backup RB on the roster. UDFAs such as Warren and Holyfield were the only other options as short yardage specialists and none made the team or were even called up, while each of the little sproles-type backs have all had a shot on the regular season roster. 

35 minutes ago, QuinnWR4 said:

I agree, that’s what it has to be. They’ve tried different medical staffs, but I don’t think they’re the ones responsible for preventing injury. That’s on the strength and conditioning staff. I’ve been wondering for a while if they’re too easy on the players because they’re worried about injuries. But because of that approach, they have all the injuries. 

The strength and conditioning coaches are a funky preseason and six weeks into their tenure here. Let’s not blow everything up due to a lack of patience. 

4 minutes ago, eagle45 said:

I don't really think they are.  It always irritated me when people would set a low bar at various positions, but I do concede that you can't have pro-bowlers everywhere.  In our 4-3, a LB can't cover a WR and can't rush the QB.

They just aren't going to make a difference unless it's a Nate Gerry difference.  Let the expensive DL up front keep the trash at bay, make the sound tackle that gets funneled to you, and hold your own in coverage without getting completely embarrassed...no LB's are equipped to shut down the modern passing game.  

In this defense, a freak athlete with 1st round pedigree just isn't going to ruin an offense as a 4-2-5 LB.

I disagree. But the eagles seemingly will never take an opportunity to show you otherwise. 

Has anybody seen a suggestion as to sanders’ knee?  Are we talking a sprain? 

1 minute ago, HazletonEagle said:

I disagree. But the eagles seemingly will never take an opportunity to show you otherwise. 

They are huge difference makers. Moreso now that teams throw to tight ends early and often. It would absolutely make a huge difference. 

12 minutes ago, ManuManu said:

I think people will be pleasantly surprised by Scott if our OL learns how to run block. We rarely create any space. That goes for screens as well. 

Where is huntley, he can't be worse than Clement has, plus he was a dangerous returner in college as well 

Just now, HazletonEagle said:

I disagree. But the eagles seemingly will never take an opportunity to show you otherwise. 

I think a player has limited value if he's not covering WR's or rushing QB's.  JMO.

I think the margin between the best in the NFL at that role and simply good is a lot tighter than the disparity in cost of acquisition.  

24 minutes ago, Ipiggles said:

So just a reminder of injured this offense is right now:

Brooks, Dillard, Peters, Seaumalo, Johnson, Pryor, Driscoll

Ertz, Goedert

Sanders

Alshon, Djax,Reagor

 

Name me another team that is even close tp this.  Some guy named Croom caught a td pass today - i jad never even heard of him, Toth? playing RT? lol

 

 

Croom actually suggests potential. Nice size, decent speed for a TE and former WR.  A few years into being a TE.  Atrocious as a blocker as he learned. 

Last week it was the defensive coaching.

.....  and this week it was absolutely on the offensive play calling.  Why are we calling qb options with Wentz (especially after Sanders went out)... Why are we running 4 wide All Go routes on 3rd and short..... Why can't we design pass plays that don't require Wentz to HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE WR TURNS BACK AND LOOKS FOR THE PASS?  With an OL who can't block for longer than 0.00000004 seconds??

Doug lost this game for us months ago.  If this doesn't change I don't know how he keeps his job in 21.

8 minutes ago, ManuManu said:

Ertz too...

RIP season.  I think that's the final nail in the coffin.  Jalen Hurts likely just moved up to #1 RB.

I've gone back each week and watched Justin Jefferson's reception highlights and he doesn't look any different at all to me than he did in college. He's not getting tons of separation, he's not roasting guys down field. It's certainly very possible Howie Fed up by not drafting him, and there's no denying the insane numbers he's putting up, but I still can't see him being the best WR in this draft class. He doesn't ooze insane athletic traits to me.

Not that all WRs have to, but despite his numbers I'd still buy stock in other WRs in this class over him. We'll see I guess. Still reminds me a lot of Doug Baldwin.

2 minutes ago, Allhaildawk said:

 

They are huge difference makers. Moreso now that teams throw to tight ends early and often. It would absolutely make a huge difference. 

Of the 50 leading receivers in the NFL, 5 are TE's.  Our insistence in congesting our offense and throwing to tight ends early and often is not what other teams are doing.  

Granted, they do that against us because our LB's fall well below any standards for the position, but that's a separate problem.

Just now, Sack that QB said:

I've gone back each week and watched Justin Jefferson's reception highlights and he doesn't look any different at all to me than he did in college. He's not getting tons of separation, he's not roasting guys down field. It's certainly very possible Howie Fed up by not drafting him, and there's no denying the insane numbers he's putting him, but I still can't see him being the best WR in this draft class. He doesn't ooze insane athletic traits to me.

Not that all WRs have to, but despite his numbers I'd still buy stock in other WRs in this class over him. We'll see I guess. Still reminds me a lot of Doug Baldwin.

I really wanted to avoid Jefferson.  That was always his path to success...Reggie Wayne, Michael Thomas, etc.  

We always draft those guys any they never do well here.  Here, it's Reggie Brown and Jordan Matthews.

At least with the great speed, you are starting off with a concrete tool in your belt.  But when you rapidly cycle between drafting philosophies to see what sticks, you end up with JJAW when the athletic freak succeeds and potentially a more raw athletic reach when the less explosive route runner succeeds (Jefferson).  I very much preferred Reagor in this draft, but there are consequences to having a completely new one-sided emphasis to the draft each year.

5 minutes ago, Iggles_Phan said:

Jalen Hurts likely just moved up to #1 RB.

At least the draft pick won't be a complete waste. 

9 minutes ago, eagle45 said:

Of the 50 leading receivers in the NFL, 5 are TE's.  Our insistence in congesting our offense and throwing to tight ends early and often is not what other teams are doing.  

Granted, they do that against us because our LB's fall well below any standards for the position, but that's a separate problem.

That doesn’t mean much. You think that stat would have been the same 20 years ago?  I don’t care if a TE only catches six yard passes, if they do it at will for first downs it’s devastating, and we can’t take that away. 

1 hour ago, Alphagrand said:

Brady runs across the field to shake hands with Rodgers — what a POS 

Of course, he won 

The main driver behind my negativity is the big picture here.  The Eagles are not presently constructed to compete for anything meaningful.  No one would argue that.  My concern, which is only fueled by some of the optimism created by this futile comeback this afternoon, is that every garbage time TD against a prevent defense, every scratch & claw upset against more talented teams, will lead to more satisfaction and inertia behind the current direction of the team.  

 

22 minutes ago, eagle45 said:

Why is that?  

Does Doug just enjoy seeing WRs catch 4 yard passes on 3rd and long?  How do you know that it's not a product of Ward.  If he had any ability to separate, don't you think he might have a better depth of target?

For the record, I was not a Jason Avant fan.  Overrated in his time here, although still a much better fit in that offense, in that era (and vastly more talented), than Ward is here.

The idea that Doug is holding back Ward is baffling to me. Ward can create initial separation due to quickness, but that separation often closes pretty quickly and becomes a contested catch because he’s not fast.

He’s made exactly two catches downfield in his career: a busted coverage vs Dallas and the perfect call on a cover 2 beater vs Cincy where he was uncovered. 

20 minutes ago, BigEFly said:

I always want the Eagles to improve. So I looked at some pretty good slot WRs on YAC.  Through his career, Ward is at 3.6 yards average.  Nothing like Julian Edelman’s 4.8 but better than Edelman’s last three years.  Micheal Thomas is at 4.3 yards.  DeAndre Hopkins is 3.3 yards. Where Ward’s stats suffer is his average reception distance but that is a product of the offense more than Ward.  Ward is an average slot WR.  Would I like an all pro? Yes.  But with the Eagles penchant for 12 man, that would be a waste.  Ward gets YAC. Look, you and I seem destined to disagree on Ward.  You probably hated Greg Lewis and Jason Avant too.  He fits what the Eagles like in the slot.  I expect him to continue to improve.

Yes, the jury is out on Fulgham.  Heck, it is out on JJAW, Reagor, Hightower and Watkins too.  That was kind of my point.  Still way too early to tell what we have in them.  But I am glad they are getting experience and the opportunity to show us.  I am not sure my bar is any lower than yours.  I just have a bit more patience in reaching my conclusions  

 

I bet a significant chunk of Ward’s YAC average is boosted by that busted coverage vs Dallas. And please don’t compare Ward to players like Hopkins, Edelman and Thomas. It’s a lot harder to get YAC when you’re the focal point of a defense (or in Edelman’s case a top 2 option). Plus, Thomas and Hopkins are doing it against double coverage and can play well on the outside. 

1 hour ago, schuy7 said:

Howie turning a blind eye to the backup RBs (amongst many other things) is hurting us. All because Boston Scott made a couple plays in space last year. Crappy evaluation of our own RBs, IMO.

I think that’s the product of a bad cap more than anything else 

16 minutes ago, Sack that QB said:

I've gone back each week and watched Justin Jefferson's reception highlights and he doesn't look any different at all to me than he did in college. He's not getting tons of separation, he's not roasting guys down field. It's certainly very possible Howie Fed up by not drafting him, and there's no denying the insane numbers he's putting up, but I still can't see him being the best WR in this draft class. He doesn't ooze insane athletic traits to me.

Not that all WRs have to, but despite his numbers I'd still buy stock in other WRs in this class over him. We'll see I guess. Still reminds me a lot of Doug Baldwin.

He definitely toasted a guy downfield on a double move deep into garbage time.

2 minutes ago, LeanMeanGM said:

I think that’s the product of a bad cap more than anything else 

That's definitely part of it, but we could have rostered RBs better than Scott and Clement to begin with.

Boston Scott has really disappointed this year, but he has gotten screwed too.  He's a specialist for operating in space.  Pitch him the ball to bounce it outside, toss him a screen.  Those opportunities do not exist in our offense.  The OL can't execute a screen play right now and Wentz, great heroic game today, but no offense...he's botched a lot of those plays with bad throws this year.

Scott has been forced to play the role of insurance starting RB to the oft-injured Sanders.  And it's really like a completely different position to which he just does not fit.  He's a shifty change of pace, not the guy who can be a traditional RB when the starter goes down.  His role can't change when Sanders gets hurt.