Posted: Sunday, May 17, 2009, 8:21 PM | 26 comments |
 
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There wasn't a press release or an announcement, but the Eagles have indicated a significant shift in direction this week with an updated "unofficial" depth chart on the team's web site.

Andy Reid had indicated the team would look at playing Shawn Andrews at right tackle and just-acquired brother Stacy Andrews at right guard this season. Reid said Andrews was drafted as a tackle project, but placed at guard only because the tackle slots were already manned.

Well, they aren't just looking at it, as the Eagles head into the first of two OTA camps this week. Shawn is the tackle and Stacy the guard on the depth chart.

The Eagles don't do this kind of thing lightly. You have to watch them every minute and read the hints the way the Chinese used to read Democracy Wall in Beijing for hints what the government was thinking.

It may say "unofficial," but the change wouldn't have been made unless it was going to be a fact.

Now, it is May and it doesn't matter if Reid puts the Andrews Sisters (above) in the depth chart. Nothing matters until training camp and thereafter. Shawn has to stay focused and stay on the field. Stacy has to complete his rehabilitation from injury. But the Eagles think Shawn is going to play the rest of his career here at tackle and it's nice they told us.

Note that LeSean McCoy is listed ahead of Lorenzo Booker at running back, but Jeremy Maclin is not listed ahead of Shaheer McBride at receiver. What do you make of that? I don't know. Maclin gets his mention as a special-teams returner and McBride would be left off otherwise (the chart doesn't show a fourth string). Weird, though. 

 

Posted by BOB FORD @ 8:21 PM  Permalink | 26 comments
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  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:40 PM, 05/17/2009
    Bob, I actually noticed that as well- before I read this article. What I make of it is I really need to develop a hobbie and maybe you should too.
    friedmozzarella
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:43 PM, 05/17/2009
    None of this matters until they break camp in August.
    The Marco Islander
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  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:59 PM, 05/17/2009
    I hope they cleared this with Lito.
    ahab
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:04 PM, 05/17/2009
    Andrews was drafted as a "tackle project"? Huh? The guy was one of the top tackles coming out of Arkansas and Reid called him the most dominating college tackle he'd ever seen when he drafted him. That's not what sports people normally refer to as a "project". Didn't Reid announce a couple of weeks ago during his mini-camp press conference that Shawn was going to get a shot at RT? This is old news...the website was finally updated but Reid made this pretty clear during the mini-camps. You didn't need to read tea leaves to figure it out.
    JimG
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:15 PM, 05/17/2009
    Darn you, Bob! Shaheer McBride was my fantasy sleeper pick this year and you go and let the cat out of the bag ...
    StuckInTexas
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:29 PM, 05/17/2009
    Bob, I think it is more curious that Winston Justice is not a left tackle anymore but now is Shawn Andrews back up right tackle. I would hazard to bet if "The Big Kid" goes into a funk again, Winston Justice would not see the field. Stacy Andrews would slide to right tackle and Nick Cole would slide into right guard...
    Dr. Michael
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:09 PM, 05/17/2009
    Bob Ford is the worst. This is the same guy who blasted McNabb just for not speaking to reporters at the mini camp and called it "a lack of leadership." No wonder he didnt wanna talk to the media. Also Dr. Michael, Winston Justice doesnt make the team at all this year.
    glackattak
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  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:27 AM, 05/18/2009
    LeSean McCoy is listed ahead of Lorenzo Booker at running back? I thought I was listed ahead of Lorenzo Booker at running back.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:08 AM, 05/18/2009
    where did that report about spuds and the other kid doing the depth chart on their own?
    teenwolf
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:05 AM, 05/18/2009
    Time to break out the tea leaves Bob...The Chinese Wall just ain't cuttin' it anymore...
    DeTom
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:40 AM, 05/18/2009
    Philly True: I would have thought that the 12 sacks Justice gave up to the Giants would have been a sufficient wakeup call. Doubt he makes the team this year. But hey, the fact that there isn't much to talk about could be a good sign. Let's hope all the pieces fall into place.
    PhillyPhantastico
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:40 AM, 05/18/2009
    Philly True: I would have thought that the 12 sacks Justice gave up to the Giants would have been a sufficient wakeup call. Doubt he makes the team this year. But hey, the fact that there isn't much to talk about could be a good sign. Let's hope all the pieces fall into place.
    PhillyPhantastico


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About Bob Ford
Bob Ford has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 1981, and is still trying to figure it all out. A former beat writer covering the Phillies and the 76ers, Ford became a general sports columnist for the Inquirer in 2003, following in and occasionally falling in the deep footsteps of Bill Lyon, Frank Dolson and many distinguished others. He comes to the Philly.com blogosphere after award-winning success as designer/editor of the fabulous Pen & Pencil Club softball blog. Likes: Palestra, inside-the-park home runs, sunny days. Dislikes: phony people, cloudy days, rewrites.
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