Post-OTA observations on the offense
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Post-OTA observations on the offense
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
The Eagles’ OTAs are over and the countdown to the start of training camp is on (45 days and counting). During my weekly chats, I’m often asked to give my impressions of the team and of certain players, but it’s difficult to really offer a detailed answer when I’m typing as if the hair on my arms has been set aflame.
So after watching all 17 practices of the spring, here are some post-OTA observations and some predictions for who ends up making the 53-man roster. Sure, it's way too early to project that far ahead, but isn't that what blogs are for? (I’ll have the offense today and the defense on Monday.)
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Kevin Kolb had, by most estimates, a successful spring. He did pretty much everything he had to do. He made the delicate transition from backup to starter with his authoritative presence during practice. He made all the throws and all the reads he needed to make. And when he may have had an off day here or there he came back 24 hours later and was sharp.
He even made a slight adjustment. After watching him in the first minicamp and early in rookie camp, I noticed that Kolb could be demonstrative after he made a bad throw. He looked to be pressing a little bit. However, by the end of OTAs, Kolb seemed very much in control of his emotions.
Overall, he took a solid – albeit a very small – first step. Training camp and the preseason are next.
Michael Vick, meanwhile, was a mixed bag. There were times he would amaze with a tightly thrown 50-yard bull's-eye and there were times when he would woefully misfire on a quick, 5-yard out. If Kolb were to ever get hurt, there is no way Vick could run the same offense because he is nowhere near as accurate. I envision an offense similar to the one Donovan McNabb ran in his first two seasons as the Eagles starter.
Mike Kafka, obviously, still has a lot to learn. He’s a quick thinker and is effective with all the short, timing throws. But his arm strength just isn’t there yet. He’ll have a season as the third QB to watch and observe.
Makes the cut (3): Kolb, Vick and Kafka. Cut: None.
Running back: As Andy Reid likes to remind us, spring workouts are pretty much passing camps. So the running backs don’t get much work carrying the ball during 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 drills. With Brian Westbrook gone, LeSean McCoy moves to the forefront. He did a nice job of getting into the gym in the off-season and looks as if he might have cut down on the fast food. A late ankle injury curtailed his repetitions, but there is no threat to his first team standing.
Mike Bell has the second spot pretty much sewn up. The most important thing he needed to do during the spring was show that he could secure the ball when thrown to. He did. Weaver keeps plugging along. Rookie Charles Scott looks nimble enough for 238 pounds. He should be beat out Eldra Buckley for that last spot even though Buckley brings it on special teams. Martell Mallett, the former CFL star, looks destined to the practice squad.
Makes the cut (4): McCoy, Bell, Weaver and Scott. Cut: Buckley, Mallett and Dwayne Wright.
Wide receiver: I can’t say for sure why DeSean Jackson didn’t attend the last week of OTAs, but it seems like a move straight out of the Drew Rosenhaus playbook. Jeremy Maclin had a great camp. He’s a very determined camper. Don’t be surprised if he pulls down more receptions that Jackson this season. Jason Avant is a pro. I have the last two spots going to the big guys – 6-4 Hank Baskett and 6-3 Riley Cooper. “Hands” Baskett will make the gameday roster because of his special teams contributions. Cooper will have to settle for hanging on the sidelines. Dobson Collins, Jordan Norwood and Chad Hall could make an NFL roster elsewhere. They’ll have to settle for the practice squad here unless someone comes calling.
Makes the cut (5): Jackson, Maclin, Avant, Baskett and Riley Cooper. Cut: Collins, Norwood, Hall, Kevin Jurovich and Blue Cooper.
Tight end: Brent Celek has cemented himself as the leader on offense, aside, of course, from Kolb. The quarterback-tight end duo was in sync all spring and had some predicting a 100-reception season for the fourth-year pro. That’ll be difficult with so many receiving options, but Celek is guaranteed at least 75 catches. Cornelius Ingram proved that he could run on his twice ACL-torn knee. Now he has to show he can catch like he used to. He had a case of butterfingers the last couple weeks of practice. Clay Harbor is a worker. He’s got good hands and could take Ingram’s backup spot if he proves to be a better blocker.
Makes the cut (3): Celek, Ingram and Harbor. Cut: Martin Rucker.
Offensive line: I wish I could say I learned a lot about the rookie offensive linemen, but there isn’t much in the way of information during the spring. They run through o-line coach Juan Castillo’s assortment of drills, take in his vociferous instruction and stand idly through much of team drills. The most disconcerting thing to come from this unit was a recurrence of guard Todd Herremans’ left foot woes. With center Jamaal Jackson unlikely to be back by the opener and with Stacy Andrews still one giant, multi-million dollar question mark, Herremans’ injury is a cause for concern.
Max Jean-Gilles filled in for Herremans at left guard, and he looks significantly thinner after his lap band surgery, but he’s still a below average pass blocker. Nick Cole is the stopgap at center, but the Eagles would have really liked to have seen Mike McGlynn claim that spot. I don’t see much to indicate that will be the case. King Dunlap bulked up, but he’s still awkward and makes for a scary proposition as the third tackle. But who else do the Eagles have there? Maybe Fenuki Tupou, but he’s at guard right now. Maybe it’s one of the undrafted rookies, Jerail McCuller or Austin Howard. Who knows at this point?
Makes the cut (9): Jason Peters, Herremans, Jackson, Andrews, Winson Justice, Cole, Tupou, Dunlap, McGlynn. Cut: Jean-Gilles, Dallas Reynolds, A.Q. Shipley, Zipp Duncan, Howard, McCuller and Greg Isdaner.
O-line situations is very uncomfortable. What is up with Andrews and Peters who were supose to be the anchors of an expereinced group. How about taking a page from Big Tuna's playbook - put the biggest guys you have at guard adn tackle positions and the smartest one at center and everyone now...PUSH!— LA Mike- Sounds like a good assessment of the 0-line, which is not reassuring. The Eagles needed to draft or trade for a top-notch lineman, and instead traded away one of their second rounders. None of the backups seems able to even match Winston Justice or Jamaal Jackson. Herremans will probably play a lot of the season at 80%, as will Andrews, if he starts. Teams must be licking their chops at pass-rushing against our line or passing against our defensive backfield. The games haven't been played, but on paper this roster wins 5 to 9 games. Some great talent, but not a great-looking team. Been watching the Eagles since 1991, and don't recall an O-line or defensive backfield this questionable.— tacklinjoe
- No more hockey action yo. Training camp starts in 45 days? Depressing.— Corey301
- Joey Elliott was cut, the kid from Perdue. Glad to see you guys are on the ball.....— crohnkiller
- I think Baskett will be sent packing and Chad Hall will be kept for special teams and wildcat formations— crohnkiller
- I agree w/ them keeping 9 on the OL. However, Jackson will start the season on the PUP list (which does not count aganst the 53 man roster, and have the option to put him on the active 53 man roster between weeks 6-9, and if they don't, the player goes on the IR), which will open another spot on the opening day roster. Abiamiri will also likely start the season on the PUP. I think JJ has a better chance of making it back this year than does VA.— erformc1
uhhhh don't we need a Chad Hall for kick returns? Lose Baskett please. I want new blood in here. Cut Vick while your at it.— Mr. Underhill- Id like to see them keep Hall also, esp if Desean were to get hurt, hes backup speed. Interested to see how the cfl rb looks with pads on at full speed.— peteike
- Count on Michael Vick to play a lot more this year. While Kolb has a quick release, he lacks McNabb's body strength and escapability. He is also behind an iffy OL. Look for him to sit out at least a game or two with injury.— jimmyj
- That O-line can't survive in the NFC East, they are gonna need #7's escapability; Kolb will be a sitting duck.— taycom
- DooDoo and Fresh. Waiting for a dumbarse comment; where you at!!?— RoastedBird
- He went to the bar. Remember, it's 5 o'clock somewhere...— Eaglenation5
- Jean-Gilles cut? unlikely. He has starting experience and looks to be getting into better shape than years past.— thrilladelf
- Jean-Gilles cut? unlikely. He has starting experience and looks to be getting into better shape than years past.— thrilladelf
- Seems a little early to write off Rimington Trophy winner (top college center) A.Q. Shipley.— eagle1971
- Why would a professional journalist ever write that celek is "guaranteed at least 75 catches." your job is to report, not be a fortune teller! share observations and facts. if you have spare time, look up journalistic responsibility.— jb99
- "There were times he would amaze with a tightly thrown 50-yard bull's-eye and there were times when he would woefully misfire on a quick, 5-yard out."...... Hmmmm, sounds eerily familiar, doesn't it??
"Michael Vick ...There were times he would amaze with a tightly thrown 50-yard bull's-eye and there were times when he would woefully misfire on a quick, 5-yard out." Sounds familiar. Small wonder why no one wanted him. Failed.- The Eagles could easily go with 10 offensive lineman especially with only 5 wide receivers and yes Harbor could make the team but unless he is really good there is little reason to keep him since the third TE isn't going to see much action. But with 9 or 10 OL and JJ a good bet to start the season on the PUP list it might be that the Eagles don't want to cut Max Jean Gilles. Dunlop and Tupou are also pretty speculative at this point.— izzylangfan
- Here we go with the continuation of the Mike Vick haters. All of you haters keep on hating. What are you gonna do if Kubb goes down at anytime this season? Wish McWagg was back? Hope that one of the rooks turn into Joe Flacco all of a sudden? Nope. You're going to hope Mike Vick does well for this football team, that's what! I wonder...? Are you Vick haters white or black?
- it's nuts to predict a pro football roster/line-up before training camp starts. that being said, it's the beat writers opinion and he was there for all the ota's. makes for interesting reading. that O line appears real weak even with jackson back in the lineup. football teams begin to become strong when your middle gets strong. just ain't there this year.— JACK V
- "a page straight out of the Drew Rosenhaus play book" Drews guys never hold out. Even TO came to camp. I love how people pick a narrative and then just ignore everything else! Rosenhaus had one lunatic client, TO. Besides that this guy has had his players signed and in camp.— trudat
- One can easily say: "Here we go with the continuation of the Kevin Kolb haters. All of you haters keep on hating. Are you "Kubb" haters white or black?" As if that's all that matters. To some, it seems, it is. Oh wait, now I get it! If Vick fails, it's only because whites are racists, not because he stinks. Warped.
- Kolb's arm is weaker then over cooked linguini— smellthetruth
- Vick= horrible. Vick=ppunk. Vick=distraction.I would rather have--insert worst QB you can think of-- back-up Kolb.— Mr. Underhill
- I'm afraid (very afraid, really) of what this O-Line will destroy on their way to allowing a league-record sacks-against in the (somewhat battered and bloody)person of Kevin Kolb this year. I see some good, above-average quality receivers (and one budding star) to throw to, and a seemingly capable QB. The running game (pause for laughter to subside, and....)seems to have some decent, hard running, sure-handed men to use. Celek just might be a pro-bowler this year, and if the twice-repaired knee of his understudy can stand the pounding, will help greatly in spreading the ball around. Decent-to-good backups at MOST of the skill spots.....except at QB. All of this seeming largesse means absolutely NOTHING because the O-line is way below NFL average as a unit, and might be headed for even worse times than last year. When you consider the shortcomings of the "D", I think Andy & Co. will need another draft and at least three trades to put us back in business for the '11 campaign. This season will just be an extended training camp to find those that CAN, and those that MIGHT. Most of the "others" will be cut loose in some manner.....if AR can spot a replacement for him/them that is. Good luck to our wounded Birds this season, because no matter WHAT...they ARE our team.— TBear
With "KK" at the helm, it won't matter who makes the cut. His All-American boyish looks will charm defensive linemen into a trance, rendering them unable to so much as lay a hand on him. I see Jeff and Jonathan have picked up on Kevin's "authoritative presence." I will have you know, fellas, Kevin's all mine. He's the commander of my ship, "The Good Ship Lollipop." Slurp! I really love you, Kevin!!! Toodles!- Who cares if Andy Reid's offense is predictable? And who cares if the offensive line is in need of repair? We have Kevin "Clutch Cargo" Kolb. Whether we win or lose, he's a hottie. I really love you, Kevin. Please marry me. I just love the ring of "Lonewolf Kolb." Don't you?
- Lonewolf11 - Classic. Thanks for the laugh. Now do 1 for DooDoo that has "air guitar" in there at least 12 times.— The Reddgie
- the FO has done nothing to upgrade the o-line...there are question marks with andrews & jackson coming back from injuries...i would like to see them brimg in mawae & a guard before camp starts if for nothing else but to provide depth...— the tru 1
Comment removed.- I see the Eagles in panic mode by October because : A) Kolb will get pounded and end up on IR because of Reid's pass crazy tendencies, he won't escape like MacNabb could and B) Nobody will respect the Eagles defense and decide to run the ball 60 % of the time or more.— MJPD345
- tacklinjoe: You can't think of an Eagles' o-line this questionable back to 1991? How about every Eagles o-line from 1991-1998?— p-diddy
- I don't have a good felling about this squad; Too many question marks on the O-Line; Defense is also iffy. Lots can change between now and Sept 12; I hope the front office makes some good moves bewtween now and then.— StJames888
- remember kolb is a great leader..he led a division in the civil war the war of 1812 and the vikings over the gauls and..he will be out of the line-up before mid season and vick will take over the qb position. don't look for bradley to be around long either.— only 9
- Isn't there anyway Reid can get injured???????
- Hank will contribute to special teams? The Colts are still waiting...— 5280philly
- Comment removed.
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- Any organization that sits and looks at it's possible roster for the upcoming season, AND, look at the scheduled games this season, and would then trade their Pro Bowl quarterback to their rival down the street...could not possibly surprise you. I don't care about low throws, high throws or throwin' up, we had a Pro Bowl QB! I mean, is it me or what? Anyone that looked at our possible roster the day before McNabb got traded could in all reason say that this was a Super Bowl contending team. But management decided, I guess, that that was not what they wanted. So in the space of a day we went from a Bowl contending team to an also-ran. Unbelievable...I'm sorry, I'm just venting a little...— phillyboy88
- Will Neutron post a comment thats actually about football, or continue to worry about a qb thats not here anymore because it allows him to whine about race in his oh so subtle way?— anthonyaccurate
- Nice analysis - enjoyed the projections.
With player-for-player trades being so uncommon in the NFL, it looks like we're stuck with these O-linemen, unless some decent options get cut loose closer to the start of the season.— jpk- Comment removed.
- I want to be the one who hikes the ball to Kevin.
- Based on the comments by the Vick/McNabb apologists (aka, Kolb haters), Neutron must have hit a chord with them. Lashing out insults is proof of desperation. The truth really hurts. Embrace it and improve yourselves, or continue to be doomed.
- Don't you love it. O-Line is the number one spot on offense to keep an eye on this season and this writer doesn't have a clue about O-Line play. I guess it's not flashy enough..................— craig123
- Dont wish the summer away— Onlineps2beast
- Did DooDoo move to D.C.?— goeagles87
- Can't wait to exploit the o line when the G Men come to town, you guys better hope that Kolb can read a d better than Mcnabb or it's gonna be a long season...........GO GIANTS!!!— rickrick
- I wasn't for this before, but they gotta bring in Mawae.— billym
- billym - right on man stop the hatin of Mawae, he hasn't been signed just because of his position with the players union.— sasquatches
