5 Eagles training camp battles
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
5 Eagles training camp battles
Paul Domowitch, Daily News NFL Columnist
With the Eagles having closed up shop at the NovaCare Complex for the spring, here is an early look at the five training camp battles I’m going to be most interested in following. Training camp opens July 22 at Lehigh.
1. Mike Kafka vs. Trent Edwards vs. rookie Nick Foles for the backup quarterback job. If Mike Vick stays healthy and plays well, the name of the Eagles’ No. 2 QB will be irrelevant. If he doesn’t, it could be the biggest topic of the season.
2. Joselio Hanson vs. rookie Brandon Boykin for the nickel cornerback job. Hanson has been one of the league’s better slot corners. But he’s 31 and will be seriously challenged by the rookie up at Lehigh.
3. Kurt Coleman vs. Jaiquawn Jarrett for the starting strong safety job. If Jarrett can’t beat out Coleman, you can officially call the 2011 second-rounder a bust.
4. Riley Cooper vs. Marvin McNutt for the No. 4 wide receiver job. Cooper, who had 16 receptions last year, is the Eagles’ best blocking wideout, which counts for a lot with Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg. But McNutt was impressive in spring camps, catching everything thrown in his direction.
5. Bryce Brown vs. Chris Polk for the No. 3 running back job. Getting Brown in the seventh round and Polk as an undrafted free agent were two real nice pickups. I’m assuming that Dion Lewis will open the season as LeSean McCoy’s primary backup. But if one or both of these kids have a strong camp and preseason, who knows?
I think that Casey Matthews is flying under the radar to take the weak side LB job from Brian Rolle and the cast of touchables. I also believe that there will be a huge battle at the DE and DT rotation. Waaaaaay too much quality talent there.— Drigh13- I hope McNutt beats out Cooper. How often are you going to need a good WR blocker when you are in a 4 WR set? Also, Cooper is incapable of winning a ball battle against a physical corner. He has the right body for it but he doesn't use it. It seems like McNutt can be that guy.— robm0202
- These are mostly battles between two equally mediocre players. Flip a coin between the two and it won't really make a hill of beans in the Eagles season.— Bama
- Yeah I agree with Robm0202.. Cooper has all the ability he needs to be that Physical red zone and run after the catch presence. But he doesnt seem interested in battling for jump balls or passes that arent directly coming towards his helmet. He doesnt adjust at all. And from his body language isnt interested in trying. I dont know how the hell he got drafted with Tim Tebow as his Qb...— Zeru
- These players are all a bunch of stiffs, that are all about equal.— phil500
- WOW,what epic battles these are going to be.I won't be able to sleep this wknd down the shore home.Damn you Les!!!!!— sewell guy
- Jarret was a huge reach for the Birds so if he is a bust it would be because of the Front Office taking a risk on him but Todd Bowles is a really good coach so he can bring out the best of him.— zbone95
- Sorry,should have been Paul.Oh the hell with it,both of you.— sewell guy
- Boykin will be a difference maker on defense. Hanson had his run. Also Damarius Johnson on offense looks like he can be dangerous every time he touches the ball with his speed. I hope he gets the chance. Hanson and Chad Hall should be out. They had their chances. D Johnson and B Boykin in Plus they are both excellent return men on special team. New energy.— eagleheart
- Hopefully Polk and Brown both impress the staff during camp and make the team. Dion Lewis is TERRIBLE (Barley voice) and needs to be let go.— Birdman1906
- Birdman I echo that also. — eagleheart
- I am not sure what you were watching last year, but Lewis looked good to me. Ran the ball very well when he got the chance. The only problem he was was blocking. — crazyeyes
- Temple's Jarrett unable to beat out Coleman now is a disappointment and frankly not worth mentioning again. Coleman is the weak point in the defensive backfield. Could Coleman cover a Brian Westbrook type of Back? Also, if Kafka has not already convinced Andy he's ready, he never will. You either have it or you don't. Brown and Polk, one will probably dress that which is the better blocker and tackler on special teams, the other will probably make the practice squad. I'm more interested in Offensive Line men to develop and keep in the pipe line. If the talent is sufficient as reported, the Eagls will be alright and ready for those dreaded injuries. "Next Man up, ready"
— Dexter - I've never forgiven Cooper for allowing the short DBack from Green Bay to take away that ball in the end zone. I'll never understand how a 6'3" receiver looses a jump ball to a 5'11" Defensive Back in the clutch. For Chris sake, Cooper had 4" on the guy.
Good I got that out of my system.— Dexter - Domo - re. b/u running backs ...
How serious are the Eagles about having an actual FB? Obviously Havili has the inside track IF they go that way ...
or would they opt for holding on to both Polk and Bryce Brown (along with Lewis) and use a TE in a modified "FB role"??— FishFryFrank
