Analyzing the Hall/Barnes move
Antwan Barnes played 44 percent of the defensive snaps in Week 1 against the Packers. Now, he's not even on the roster.
The Eagles announced today that they've signed wide receiver Chad Hall from the practice squad and released defensive end Antwan Barnes.
Hall was a necessary addition because Riley Cooper can't go this weekend, which left the Eagles with just three receivers: DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant. Through four games, the Birds have used four wide receivers on just 6.5 percent of their offensive plays. Hall could get a couple touches Sunday night against the 49ers, but I don't expect him to be on the field too much.
Still, the move was necessary for depth. If one of the top three receivers goes down, Hall will have to play quite a bit.
As for Barnes, the Eagles acquired him before the season for a reported seventh-round pick. In Week 1 against the Packers, he was on the field for 44 percent of the defensive snaps, playing defensive end in the nickel packages. That was more than Juqua Parker and more than Trevor Laws.
In Week 2 against the Lions, he played 33 percent of the snaps. Again, he didn't have much of an impact.
The last two games, Barnes has been inactive. Darryl Tapp has seen more time inside and played well. Brandon Graham played exclusively outside against Jacksonville and Washington. When Barnes came into the game the first two weeks, Graham would often move inside.
Andy Reid said yesterday that Parker will see more time in the Eagles' base defense this week.
As for Barnes, the Eagles only gave up a seventh-round pick to get him. Still, it does not reflect well on the coaches or personnel department that a guy who they thought could contribute a month ago is not even on the roster.
Earlier today, I posted the quarterly report on the offense.
You can follow Moving the Chains on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.
And download the 2010 MTC app from the ITunes store.