What they're saying about the Eagles
Apologies for the late post today, but here's a quick roundup of what the national media are saying about the Eagles this week:
ESPN.com's Dan Graziano gives the Giants' Hakeem Nicks the edge over DeSean Jackson as the NFC East's best wide receiver:
Nicks runs routes better. He separates from defenders better. He finds the ball in traffic better. He catches the ball better. He's just a better player, and it's really no slight against Jackson to say that. Assuming he recovers from the broken foot he suffered last week and is ready for the start of the season, Nicks belongs on a list of the top 10 wide receivers in the game right now. He might even belong at a higher spot than No. 10. He's the best wide receiver in the NFC East right now. As eye-popping as Jackson's first couple of years in the league were, (a) much of his damage was done in the return game and (b) his last couple of years haven't been worthy of a top-10 wideout.
For the record, I agree with Dan that Nicks is the better player. But maybe some of you disagree?
Marc Sessler of NFL.com says Juan Castillo is under pressure in 2012:
The Eagles used the draft to bolster the front line of their aggressive 4-3 base scheme. If rookies Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry contribute, this D-line could be among the league's best. Philly also brought in DeMeco Ryans and added young talent at linebacker to turn that position group around. (While we're at it: Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will be more at home next season.) Many coordinators around the league would trade their lineup for Castillo's.
Matt Williamson of ESPN.com projects the top running backs in the NFL in 2015. He's got Trent Richardson first and LeSean McCoy second:
McCoy will turn only 24 years old in July, and the Eagles recently rewarded him handsomely by extending his contract. They apparently feel that McCoy is well-equipped to be a star back for some time going forward -- and I couldn't agree more. He took a massive step forward last year and is among the most dangerous all-around players in the NFL.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com has McCoy as his top running back:
McCoy vaulted to the top of this list as a result of his 20-touchdown performance last season. The dynamic Eagles running back piled up 1,309 yards and a league-leading 17 touchdowns on the ground, while also adding 48 catches and three touchdowns through the air. He also led the NFL with 14 rushes for more than 20 yards. McCoy is the most elusive open-field runner in the league and proved last season that he's capable of grinding out the tough yards inside the tackles. Ball security isn't an issue, either, as he's lost a total of three fumbles during his three-year career.
A couple more Eagles have been named to NFL Network's Top 100 list, as voted on by players. Jason Babin is at No. 44, and Jason Peters is at No. 42. They join Trent Cole (57), Michael Vick (70), DeSean Jackson (71) and Nnamdi Asomugha (79). The list has received its share of criticism. And if you look at any measure other than just total sacks, Cole has to be listed ahead of Babin.
You can follow me on Twitter or become a fan of Moving the Chains on Facebook.