Pressuring Kolb, Sims and McGlynn
How will Kevin Kolb handle blitzes from opposing defenses once the season starts? And did linebacker Ernie Sims cross the line with a hit he put on running back Eldra Buckley today?
Pressuring Kolb, Sims and McGlynn
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Trent Cole and Brandon Graham backed off the line of scrimmage.
The two defensive ends in the Eagles' first-team nickel package took their places behind the defensive tackles, where the linebackers are usually positioned.
Stewart Bradley and Ernie Sims moved up to the line, taking their place on either edge.
The scene played out during the installation portion of practice where there are no plays, but rather coaches and players working together on scheme. A chance for guys to make sure they know exactly where to be when different plays are called.
In the last two days, I've seen a notable difference in the Eagles' defense, with Sean McDermott showing different looks.
And that's where Kevin Kolb comes in.
The Eagles' first-year starting quarterback has the job of identifying those different looks, making quick decisions and avoiding interceptions.
So far, Kolb has had his ups and downs. One of the biggest unknowns with him in his first season is how Kolb will perform when blitzed or pressured. To simplify it, the process boils down to two factors: knowing where he should go with the ball, and then getting it there.
For the past decade, Donovan McNabb was able to take a different approach. He was able to avoid pressure, fight off defensive linemen and buy time with his legs. That's not going to be how Kolb attacks pressure. Don't get me wrong. He's shown in camp he's more athletic than I thought. But for him, the key will be quick decisions, execution and avoiding turnovers.
I'm not sure we'll be able go judge this in the preseason when defenses often show vanilla looks. But it will certainly be a key early in the season. And the Eagles are doing their best to simulate the different looks Kolb could see.
Other practice observations:
* Eldra Buckley saw a lot of reps with the first unit today as LeSean McCoy left practice early because of the heat. On one play, Buckley turned around and jumped to catch a screen-type pass when linebacker Ernie Sims leveled him in the air. It's not the first time this has happened with Sims going after an offensive player during the non-hitting portion of practice. It's one thing to be physical and play with an attitude, but at some point, when a guy is defenseless and no one else is hitting, it crosses the line. Andy Reid did not seem to mind the hit, saying afterwards that Sims was going for the ball too. And Philly.com video intern Danny tried to convince me that Sims actually held up. I'm not so sure though. Would Reid have had the same reaction if Sims went after McCoy or another starter? Tough to say.
* One good thing came out of Sims' hit on Buckley though. It fired up the offense. I caught both Mike McGlynn and Jason Peters stick up for the running back and go over to where the defensive players were standing to let them know they had an issue with the hit. The defensive players did not make any apologies, and I don't think anyone expected them to. Sims said afterwards that he took a shot, and it was just football. He conceded that he expected the offense to stand up for its player, and he expected the defense to do the same.
As for Buckley, he laid on his back for a second, got up and prepared for the next rep. Tough to keep that guy down. He seems to be involvded in a big hit every day.
I like what I've seen from Sims in camp. Fast, physical, seems to have a passion for the game. I just think he crossed the line this morning.
* The Eagles' first-team nickel D-line has not changed the last few days: Graham and Cole at ends, Daniel Te'o-Nesheim and Trevor Laws inside. I talked to Sean McDermott yesterday about which linemen had the ability to drop back into coverage. Te'o-Nesheim was the first guy he mentioned. We saw him do that on one play today where Graham stood up at the line and Nate Allen and Sims blitzed off the left edge. Kolb beat the pressure with a screen to McCoy.
* A lot of work with the defensive backs blitzing today. Joselio Hanson brought pressure from the slot, which we saw a lot of last year. And Dimitri Patterson got to Michael Vick from the blind side when the second units were on the field.
* Speaking of Vick, he was intercepted by Quintin Demps in the 2-minute offense, but otherwise, I've seen improvement. He's airmailing fewer throws on the intermediate routes. And pretty much every day, he gets worked in with the first unit for a play or two.
* Rookie Keenan Clayton had been practicing with the second-team nickel, but missed a few days due to personal reasons. He returned this morning, but it was still Tracy White teaming up with Omar Gaither in the second-team nickel.
* Bradley is really having some good moments out here. It's tough to imagine that middle linebacker position not being significantly better with him returning. He made some nice plays in coverage and in the run game today. During one drill that matches up the linebackers with running backs and tight ends in coverage, Bradley shoved Leonard Weaver to the ground as he made the catch, but then immediately helped him up. They might be the two most-liked guys on the team. Just a guess based on player interactions on the field.
* During the same drill, Sims got a handful of Brent Celek's jersey, but there are, of course, no officials. The next time the two went at it, Celek threw a shoulder into Sims, created some space for himself and made the catch.
* Don't like what I've seen from McCoy as a receiver the past couple of days. Good job of getting open. Linebackers definitely can't keep up with him, but he's dropping too many balls. Noticed drops by Clay Harbor and Chad Hall also.
* Matt Millen and Charley Casserly (former NFL executive and current CBS analyst) were both at practice today.
* Dimitri Patterson did a good job of sticking with DeSean Jackson for about 8 yards during one-on-one WR vs. CB drills. Then Jackson left him in the dust. That's what happens a lot of times. Perfect throw from Kolb too.
* I'm not sure the Eagles have a cornerback who can stop Riley Cooper from getting inside position on a slant.
* Unlike yesterday, Jeremy Maclin participated fully in the morning practice. And he looked great. Did a good job of getting open and making plays. No signs of the hyperextended knee or bone bruise or whatever it was affecting him.
* Moise Fokou ran over Charles Scott, who attempted to pick him up as a blocker during one play. Scott ended up on his back, and Fokou's defensive teammates loved it.
* Max Jean-Gilles is probably the Eagles' most enthusiastic offensive lineman. Very demonstrative after the offense picks up a first down or has a big play.
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Great coverage, Sheil! Keep up the good work!!!
Sims hit doesn't bother me. This is football...not tennis.— PHTNPHLS- Great insight Sheil! Your astute observations may someday lead to a job on an NFL staff!! Really like reading what you like and don't like, and the insight into the intricacies of pro football must have come to the visits to the Vet with your father. Keep up the great work!— mmonahan
- Sheil is the only reason to visit philly.com. ONLY REASON.— psv
Thanks for the updates Sheil. Buckley looks like he will be the clear 3rd running back now. Shady will have a huge season and Riley Cooper is going to get touchdowns in the Redzone for the eagles this year.— briandawkins20- Kolb looked shacky to me. He reminds me of those other U of Houston Busts.— josh moneyman
Great Job Sheil!— elijah29- Sheil, do you think the drops were due to concentration (or a lack thereof) or sweat from the summer heat? Also, are they wearing gloves? I really like the heart that Eldra displays, play after play after play. He could have dogged Sims with some of his comments about the play being dirty or late, but he didn't, he kept it classy and to me, that speaks volumes about the type of guy and football player Eldra is. Would love to see him make the final 53.— The Reddgie
- If Sims cannot play under control in practice, expect problems with judgement in the games. Maybe he'll gamble too much, deliver late hits, whatever. I would put him 2nd string until he comes around. I'd also put him on the twos immediately any time he hits one of our players late or in a non-contact drill. This isn't enthusiasm he's showing; it's stupidity. Anyone can hit a guy going for a pass. Doesn't show any strength or courage.— tacklinjoe
- I love your stuff Sheil, but you and your cohorts have to stop writing things like Kolb is "...more athletic than I thought". Read the same thing about Riley Cooper just yesterday (forget who wrote it though). Sure, I'm picking nits here, but let's leave our preconceived notions out of ourwritings, shall we.— figgypop
- I am not worried about Sims at this point. He brings a mean streak that frankly the defense was lacking last year. I am more concerned about McCoy dropping balls and Kolb sometimes looking shaky. We will need both to play well to reach the playoffs again.— JohnFC
Hey Sheil, How is Maclin doing this year? I mean I have seen that he looks good but he looked good last year. Any kind of 2nd year revolution going on with J-Mac like we saw with Desean in his 2nd camp last summer?— Skohr- zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz— JACK V
- Love Sheil's writing.. As far as the video/audio goes... well let me just BEG you to please stick to writing. lol.— PhillyFanInPhoenix
- one of the absolute requirements for the WCO QB according to Bill Walsh was the QB must have the ability to avoid the first pass rusher all by himself. the OL blocking schemes allow one man to get through. is KK up to it? hmmmm. another absolute for Walsh's scheme was to have a starting WR 6'2" or better. hmmm— barrywil
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