12 hours ago, EazyEaglez said:

Not if Dillard is supposed to be ready and better than him right now. He had a full year of grooming, and he’s still not ready? It’s like stating the Eagles traded for Jason Peters, but they still should have resigned Tre Thomas. 

The kid is only in his 2nd year and as Kelce said still developing physically.  So yeah, it might take another season.  He’s ready when he’s ready.

24 minutes ago, Hawkeye said:

It was a mistake to let him go when they did.  Maybe they learned something.

Dawkins was 35 when he walked.  This would be like signing him a year after he retired from Denver.

No, it’s not like that.  Apples and oranges.  Different positions, different era, etc.

The point is if they can bring a guy like Peters back on a team-friendly deal as they develop Dillard why wouldn’t they?

We are about to learn quickly about Dillard's discipline. The guy flat out has the talent to play in the NFL. But how is he preparing his mind and body when he is on his own? Is he waking up at 11 and slouching through the day, or hitting his workout at 7am? Is he actively watching hours and hours of pass rushers, or watching Ozark?

If he wants to be the best, this off-season will be more telling than most.

This is not a normal time. If they sign Peters, it may not mean much for Dillard in 2021+, but it does mean that his preparation and development was not where it needed to be leading into 2020.

I think you're going to see a lot of poor rookie play this year, and not many reaching the lineup until week 12+. This situation is not conducive to learning the NFL game.

4 minutes ago, IFB DOG said:

 

I think you're going to see a lot of poor rookie play this year, and not many reaching the lineup until week 12+. This situation is not conducive to learning the NFL game.

Great point.  This is a bad year to develop players.  No offseason program means limited offseason growth.

11 minutes ago, Hawkeye said:

No, it’s not like that.  Apples and oranges.  Different positions, different era, etc.

The point is if they can bring a guy like Peters back on a team-friendly deal as they develop Dillard why wouldn’t they?

Because at some point your draft picks have to not suck and you need to move on.  When you are starting the oldest non qb/punter/kicker in the nfl over a first round pick who turns 26 next year, you’ve passed that point.

19 minutes ago, Hawkeye said:

No, it’s not like that.  Apples and oranges.  Different positions, different era, etc.

The point is if they can bring a guy like Peters back on a team-friendly deal as they develop Dillard why wouldn’t they?

You are so right about apples and oranges.  It's vastly WORSE with Peters.

Different positions.  Safeties and DBs rotate all the time.  Never before in NFL history prior to Jason Peters has there been a LT rotation.  

Different era.  The average age in the NFL gets younger and younger.  Teams WANTED Dawkins when he walked.  He got signed!  No one wants Peters.  No one.

Did Dawkins blow out his achilles twice and then his ACL?  Did he take himself of the 4th quarter of every game we lost in his last 2 years with the Eagles?  Did he practice?  Did they trade up in the first round for Dawkins replacement only to let him spend half his rookie deal "learning" behind him on the bench?

56 minutes ago, eagle45 said:

Because at some point your draft picks have to not suck and you need to move on.  When you are starting the oldest non qb/punter/kicker in the nfl over a first round pick who turns 26 next year, you’ve passed that point.

No argument here.  But that point isn’t necessarily when there’s no offseason program.  No access to the facility.  No drills, no coaching.   

It’s academic anyway since Peters remains a UFA but it’s more important to protect Wentz by any means necessary than to be stubborn about high picks.  

1 minute ago, Hawkeye said:

No argument here.  But that point isn’t necessarily when there’s no offseason program.  No access to the facility.  No drills, no coaching.   

It’s academic anyway since Peters remains a UFA but it’s more important to protect Wentz by any means necessary than to be stubborn about high picks.  

If the Eagles already know something bad about Dillard that we don’t, then I agree that it’s necessary to protect Wentz however you can, even if it means bringing back Peters.  But the act/need to do so speaks poorly to the future of the LT position...and to the team in the hands of Howie’s drafting.

2 hours ago, IFB DOG said:

We are about to learn quickly about Dillard's discipline. The guy flat out has the talent to play in the NFL. But how is he preparing his mind and body when he is on his own? Is he waking up at 11 and slouching through the day, or hitting his workout at 7am? Is he actively watching hours and hours of pass rushers, or watching Ozark?

If he wants to be the best, this off-season will be more telling than most.

Why are you asking these questions about Dillard? Wouldn't that be the same questions about any 2nd year player?

His coaches and teammates say great things about him. What makes you think he isn't working out and sleeping in?

9 hours ago, NOTW said:

Why are you asking these questions about Dillard? Wouldn't that be the same questions about any 2nd year player?

His coaches and teammates say great things about him. What makes you think he isn't working out and sleeping in?

We are going to learn about all the players.

The topic was a member of the team vs. bringing back a former member at the same position.

Literally the only reason I asked it about him versus others.

On 5/17/2020 at 9:03 AM, Hawkeye said:

No, it’s not like that.  Apples and oranges.  Different positions, different era, etc.

The point is if they can bring a guy like Peters back on a team-friendly deal as they develop Dillard why wouldn’t they?

Because he wasn’t very good when he actually played the last two years, constantly in and out of games with injuries. 
He’s done. If he had anything left, he wouldn’t still be a free agent. 

4 hours ago, nipples said:

Because he wasn’t very good when he actually played the last two years, constantly in and out of games with injuries. 
He’s done. If he had anything left, he wouldn’t still be a free agent. 

No way to know that since teams aren't giving physicals or doing meetings.  We'll see how it plays out.  If the Eagles are really ready to turn the LT position over to Dillard there's no need to bring back Peters beyond depth and experience. 

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/05/19/doug-pederson-andre-dillard-has-taken-command-of-left-tackle-role/

Doug Pederson gave Andre Dillard the strongest vote of confidence yet from anybody in the Eagles’ organization on Tuesday.

Pederson, in a Zoom chat with the Philadelphia media, said that while the Eagles have been in touch with Jason Peters, he and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland are confident in Dillard and planning for him to be the team’s starting left tackle whenever NFL football does resume.

We have a ton of confidence — I have a ton of confidence — in Andre Dillard playing that left tackle spot,” Pederson said. "This is why we drafted Andre Dillard. You look at his skill set and what he brings to our offense and what he brings to the Philadelphia Eagles it fits right in line with everything that coach Stout talks about, teaches, preaches about and what we are as an offense.

Peters, a nine-time Pro Bowler and likely future Hall of Famer, has been an unrestricted free agent since March after 11 seasons with the Eagles.

The Eagles traded up three spots to No. 22 in the 2019 draft for Dillard, who started three games last year when Peters was hurt.

Pederson still wouldn't rule out bringing Peters back, but the fact that the Eagles let him go when free agency started and they haven’t moved to re-sign him yet points to a high level of confidence in Dillard.

And Pederson articulated that level of confidence Tuesday in his strongest terms yet.

With Jason Peters, listen, we’ve always said we’d stay in touch with him during the offseason and we have,” he said. "Jason Peters is a tremendous not only football player but he’s a tremendous Philadelphia Eagle, and I have a lot of respect for a guy like Jason Peters who played that left tackle position for so many years at a high level, so I have a lot of respect for his game and what he has accomplished in his career. But as we move forward, Andre Dillard was a guy we drafted to be that left tackle for us. The way Andre played last year kind of propels him into this offseason where he’s taken command of that role.

Actions speak louder than words though. If we bring back JP that will continue the discussion that they don't fully trust in him. And perhaps they do even if they bring back JP but we won't truly know the answer until week one. 

On 5/20/2020 at 5:04 AM, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

Actions speak louder than words though. If we bring back JP that will continue the discussion that they don't fully trust in him. And perhaps they do even if they bring back JP but we won't truly know the answer until week one. 

It's funny how words speak louder when it's a reporter speculating or spreading rumors, but the head coach makes bold statements (in addition to Stoutland and teammates) but those are just words.  

Actions:

• Trading up for Dillard
• Letting JP go in free agency
• Letting Big V go in free agency
• Not drafting another LT high
• Not signing another LT in free agency
• Not trading for another LT

I also still maintain that bringing back JP doesn't equal no faith in Dillard.  It simply would mean they like having JP back AND Dillard is the future.  You're talking about a legendary player who is friends with the owner and front office, has a lot of influence, his teammates say he's a coach and mentor and everyone loves him.  If they bring JP back at a cheaper deal because he's been sitting for almost 3 months unemployed, they see it as adding talent at the position with a familiar player who can continue to mentor not only Dillard but Kelce said he and everyone learn from him.  You've got 2 new O lineman rookies that can also learn from him.  

The team might see it as having another talented guy on the roster (like having Hurts at QB but Wentz is still the franchise) and they like Dillard too.  Some fans see only the negative and controversy about it.  

No action this offseason has pointed to them not trusting in Dillard to be the future LT.  In fact, the actions have pointed to trusting Dillard.  The main ones being letting the only 2 other experienced LTs walk in free agency.

27 minutes ago, NOTW said:

It's funny how words speak louder when it's a reporter speculating or spreading rumors, but the head coach makes bold statements (in addition to Stoutland and teammates) but those are just words.  

Actions:

• Trading up for Dillard
• Letting JP go in free agency
• Letting Big V go in free agency
• Not drafting another LT high
• Not signing another LT in free agency
• Not trading for another LT

I also still maintain that bringing back JP doesn't equal no faith in Dillard.  It simply would mean they like having JP back AND Dillard is the futre.  You're talking about a legendary player who is friends with the owner and front office, has a lot of influence, his teammates say he's a coach and mentor and everyone loves him.  If they bring JP back at a cheaper deal because he's been sitting for almost 3 months unemployed, they see it as adding talent at the position with a familiar player who can continue to mentor not only Dillard but Kelce said he and everyone learn from him.  You've got 2 new O lineman rookies that can also learn from him.  

The team might see it as having another talented guy on the roster (like having Hurts at QB but Wentz is still the franchise) and they like Dillard too.  Some fans see only the negative and controversy about it.  

No action this offseason has pointed to them not trusting in Dillard to be the future LT.  In fact, the actions have pointed to trusting Dillard.  The main ones being letting the only 2 other experienced LTs walk in free agency.

^^^^^ is a great summary of the current situation.  They do seem to be high on Dillard, which does not preclude them from bringing back one of the greatest linemen and teammates in the game.   JP brings a lot to the room and his return in some role adds value.  I hope it happens. 

5 hours ago, NOTW said:

It's funny how words speak louder when it's a reporter speculating or spreading rumors, but the head coach makes bold statements (in addition to Stoutland and teammates) but those are just words.  

Yes but then also coaches will say what they need to say for team harmony. But then yeah of course reporters say things so they have articles to write. 

Reporters post click bait rumors that Dillard will be traded, that Peters will be back and the Eagles don't trust Dillard and people gobble it up.

Doug makes a bold statement saying they believe in Dillard and he's the future but still like Peters too:  crickets.

11 minutes ago, NOTW said:

Reporters post click bait rumors that Dillard will be traded, that Peters will be back and the Eagles don't trust Dillard and people gobble it up.

Doug makes a bold statement saying they believe in Dillard and he's the future but still like Peters too:  crickets.

Best case scenario is that the Eagles are ready to roll with Dillard and the Eagles have been doing Peters a solid with all this smoke so they can drive up interest in someone else to sign him.

13 minutes ago, eagle45 said:

Best case scenario is that the Eagles are ready to roll with Dillard and the Eagles have been doing Peters a solid with all this smoke so they can drive up interest in someone else to sign him.

I don't think that's it.  They love the guy, and everyone talks about how he makes everyone better and is like having another coach.  Everyone learns from him.  It's a situation where they just needed to draft his replacement given his age and injuries to be prepared instead of have to scramble after he's done.  JP is a special kind of player, he's a HOF player and everyone knows it.  Wanting to squeeze out another year with such a great player doesn't mean you don't trust the replacement, it just means you have that replacement training and ready and if need be, he's your guy.  

I personally have said for a couple years they need to draft his replacement and they finally did.  I think JP is done and it's easier to just move on.  I thought Dillard should have remained the starter last year so he could get more experience and become even more comfortable in the starting role.  I didn't see the point because it didn't look like they were going deep in the playoffs with the struggles they were having.  So let Dillard get more experience and be better off for it going into his 2nd season.  

But, the team loves JP.  And they like what they have in Dillard.  It's possible to like both of them, bringing back JP doesn't just mean they have absolutely no faith in Dillard.

14 minutes ago, NOTW said:

I don't think that's it.  They love the guy, and everyone talks about how he makes everyone better and is like having another coach.  Everyone learns from him.  It's a situation where they just needed to draft his replacement given his age and injuries to be prepared instead of have to scramble after he's done.  JP is a special kind of player, he's a HOF player and everyone knows it.  Wanting to squeeze out another year with such a great player doesn't mean you don't trust the replacement, it just means you have that replacement training and ready and if need be, he's your guy.  

I personally have said for a couple years they need to draft his replacement and they finally did.  I think JP is done and it's easier to just move on.  I thought Dillard should have remained the starter last year so he could get more experience and become even more comfortable in the starting role.  I didn't see the point because it didn't look like they were going deep in the playoffs with the struggles they were having.  So let Dillard get more experience and be better off for it going into his 2nd season.  

But, the team loves JP.  And they like what they have in Dillard.  It's possible to like both of them, bringing back JP doesn't just mean they have absolutely no faith in Dillard.

I think we are overly deifying Peters.

On 5/17/2020 at 8:32 AM, Hawkeye said:

The kid is only in his 2nd year and as Kelce said still developing physically.  So yeah, it might take another season.  He’s ready when he’s ready.

Kind of a mixed message to say don’t you think? Saying the kid still needs time to develop to me is a clear indication he’s not ready. I mentioned some other place that if he were ready at some point last season he should have took the job from Peters. That never happened. If he’s not ready now then one has to wonder if he ever will be ready. We aren’t talking about a 7th round feeler like Mialata. We are talking about a 1st round pick the Eagles traded up for.

On 5/17/2020 at 2:15 AM, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I don't even necessarily think it's about whether Dillard is better right now. I mean he's going in to his second year, it's a lot to ask for him to be better than Peters right now. But he can't really get to the, hopefully, top level if he doesn't play. 

Peters is going down and Dillard is going up. No I don’t expect him to be Peters in his prime, nor do I expect him to have some of the old vet moves that Peters has. With that being the case I do expect so see a young and hungry player and when given his opportunity I expect him to play and play well. Skill level wise he should be close to the player Peters is today. The only thing that should get Peters over is his experience.