What they're saying about the Eagles
Philly.com, Inquirer, and Daily News coverage of the Eagles
What they're saying about the Eagles
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Here's a roundup of what the national media are saying about the Eagles this week:
ESPN.com's Dan Graziano thinks the Eagles made the right call by signing Demetress Bell:
It would have made little sense for the Eagles to alter their first-round draft pick plans and take a tackle, since few of the available tackles in that round appear to be ready to start right away and the Eagles need someone who can. And while they might have been able to turn up a starter in a later round, that's a lot of pressure to put on a mid-round rookie. Bell was the best solution to a bad situation, and while he won't give them what Peters gave them last season, he brings a veteran's competence and experience to a crucial position.
SI.com's Peter King would be surprised if any team suffers a bigger loss than Jason Peters before training camp:
I think the biggest injury of the offseason -- and I'll be surprised if there's a bigger one before August -- is the Eagles losing Jason Peters to an Achilles tear last week while he was working out in Texas. Peters will have surgery to repair the Achilles on Tuesday, and though there's a long shot he could return late this season, I think a left tackle who needs quickness and must put so much pressure on his foot, ankle and Achilles would be very hard-pressed to be playing quality football before 2013 dawns.
Tom Gower of Football Outsiders takes a look back at the 2006 draft. Among wide receivers, he says the Eagles got great value with Jason Avant (the 109th overall pick). He also lists Ernie Sims (a player the Lions drafted and the Eagles later traded for) as the biggest bust among drafted linebackers:
While not quite as succinct as the fabled "Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane" scouting report, an evaluation of Sims' career is about as straightforward: "Should be able to play in space, but can't."
Albert Breer of NFL Network caught up with Michael Vick this week and asked him about Peyton Manning. Vick repeated what he told local reporters last week and added that he and Andy Reid had spoken about Manning:
"We talked about it," Vick said. "He just asked me if I'd heard about it, and I told him no, because I hadn't at the time. I told him, 'Coach, it don't matter. I don't care. I'm one of the best in the league.' That's where I stand. I know that. We all know that, and that's just what it is."
Clark Judge of CBSSports.com says Vick needs to follow Steve Young's lead:
The problem is that Vick is a competitive, instinctive performer who can and will score from anywhere on the field. He is fast. He is quick. He has a strong arm. And he has an uncanny ability to elude most tacklers. Notice, I said most. Steve Young was the same way until he wasn't, and that's when Mariucci stepped in to extend his career.
Joe Fortenbaugh of the National Football Post lists Andy Reid among five coaches who need to win now:
Reid has won a lot of games during his tenure in South Philly, but he’s come up short where it matters most by failing to deliver a Vince Lombardi trophy. Last year’s 4-8 start was nothing short of a disaster after the front office’s August spending spree elevated expectations to an all-time high, so the pressure entering the 2012 season will be greater than anything he’s ever faced. A trip back to the postseason will likely keep Reid safe, but the Philly fans are tired of rooting for a good football team. It’s time to be great.
Larry Fitzgerald beat LeSean McCoy out in the Madden voting, so the Eagles running back will not be gracing the cover of the popular video game.
Matt Williamson of Scouts, Inc./ESPN.com gives the Eagles a B+ in free agency:
Extensions such as the one Cole received often aren't factored in with handing out offseason grades, but keeping him around for the long term is instrumental to Philadelphia's success. Dixon also is a much better interior defensive player than many realize. Another long-term deal that should pay off for the Eagles is keeping DeSean Jackson, a true game changer.
Free agent defensive tackle Trevor Laws visited with the Rams yesterday, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
Jemele Hill of ESPN.com writes about Karl Malone being an absentee father to Bell:
Yes, Bell's father is Karl Malone. And if you're wondering why you've never heard of Bell or seen these two engaged in any father-son moments, it's because Malone apparently wants nothing to do with him.
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you have to be kidding me...'Andy and Howie have assembled the best Coaching and Player talent Reid has had in his twelve years here'...and continuity only helps if you have potential. The egos of Reid and Co. will continue to be our demise. It is ok to make a mistake, but to stick with it is not acceptable. Jaun is still clueless. I don't care how hard you work. Decision from OL coach to DC is ludicrous, and sticking with it is insane by definition. Likewise for PeeWee Roseman, two 2nd round safety picks and still no starter. Mark Barron at 15 is a no brainer, too bad inflated egos steer the ship at the NovaCare center.
— gobirds17- younged, you are correct, but Sims biggest hit by far was the hit on Celek. Celek never recovered, and if you remember had a poor 2010 season. The guy was an animal....against his own players.— watsonmr
- I really see a lot of potential in (TE) Ladarius Green. If I’m correct he’s original position is WR and due to the fact that the eagles already have two quality TE’s I think the eagles should put him back at WR. If he’s there with the second, second round pick for the eagles I think that would be a value pick— low1016
- Peyton would never come and play behind the Eagles Offensive Line. Before last year, the Eagles were surrendering 49 Sacks per season. Andy had no choice but to revamp the entire offensive line and still up until game 14 some people were calling for Jamal Jackson to replace Kelce, and the benching of Watkins.
— Dexter - welcome bell. karl is a tool.— psualum
- the best what?— raoool
Mike u talk the way my Eagles QB should talk. I believe in u Mike. I thought bring Peyton here would have been a mistake his best days are behind him. Mike is the complete weapon and feared through out the league. His first full off-season as our starting QB... an O Line with most of our starters coming back for a second year under Howard Mudd... Shady will be better this year...Continuity will pay huge dividends this year on Offense and Defense. I am feeling that Superbowl Vibe. Good Team health,a great Draft, and a little luck, Andy and Howie have assembled the best Coaching and Player talent Reid has had in his twelve years here. IT'S OOOONNNN Superbowl baby.- Phil Simms had more tackles than Ernie.— Eddie Spaghetti
- The hardest hit Simms ever had as an Eagle was in Camp during a "No Contact" drill. The man wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, as he did this twice to unsuspecting RB's! I have nothing against Simms, but the Talent Evaluators on the Birds staff should be ashamed for signing such a terrible LBer!— younged
- Karl Malone has always been a grade A turd of a human being.— beegal99
- Simms made more hits on his own teammates than opponents.— ej610
- And who are the Kiper picks for the team? lol— Koons
- Ernie Sims, ah remember the shark in the water? LOL
Trevor Laws visited the Rams. Talk about getting good value. I hope they made him pay for his own plane ticket.— banned - every game for the past 22 years! eek. there were many instances when Vick took off for no other reason than his "Happyfeet syndrome" i never said the O-line was perfect on every snap but they were by far the strong point through the second half.— osi is hurt boohoo
- Perfect Protection? What offensive line where you watching! I agree P Even, glad Mccot didn't make the cover— phillynupe4
- The only thing Sims could do in space was occupy it.
SK, not one column by anyone about the Saints issues on this site? Tad myopic no?— tpizza - McCoy avoids the Madden jinx.— P Even
- The Mailman delivers...sperm, but that's about it.— DHowardisdaman
- yes Vick you are - at running away from perfect protection and diving head first into defenders and,,, overthrowing receivers and never stepping up in the pocket when you should! yes you're correct!! you're "one of the best" - "I don't care. I'm one of the best in the league.' That's where I stand. I know that. We all know that, and that's just what it is."
— osi is hurt boohoo
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