The Latest from Marty and Juan
Philly.com, Inquirer, and Daily News coverage of the Eagles
The Latest from Marty and Juan
Les Bowen
Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and defensive coordinator Juan Castillo spoke to reporters in the NovaCare auditorium Friday, as the Eagles prepare for Monday's game at New England.
Highlights:
*Mornhinweg confirmed to a wider audience something he had said to a couple of us earlier -- that the idea of Chris Polk as a fullback has been discussed. Negatives are that Polk weighs less than 225 pounds, and he didn't get drafted because teams were concerned about his loose right shoulder. Right shoulder klind of a big deal for a fullback. But Polk is a hitter, no question.
Polk said afterward that he is familiar with the discussion, though he hasn't been asked to learn any of the fullback plays. He said he will do anything he can to make the team. He said he didn't think his shoulder would be an issue.
*Mornhinweg said gargantuan rookie offensive tackle Dennis Kelly is having "just a terrific camp." The Eagles have used Kelly at tackle and at guard -- Todd Herremans' long run at guard before shifting to tackle last year seems to have made the world safe for 6-8 guards.
*Morhinweg said that although veteran Qb Trent Edwards doesn't get that many practice reps, he still has every chance of making the team. Which doesn't seem to make a lot of sense, really, but that is what he said.
*Castillo said getting off the field on third down would be a big focus Monday.
*Castillo again defended second-year safety Jaiquawn Jarrett. "JJ will knock your block off," Castillo said.
*Castillo acknowledged that "you can't keep all" the defensive linemen the Eagles are juggling. This is relevant because just about all of them seem to be able to rush the passer.
JJ will knock your block off, provided he takes the correct angle to the ballcarrier, which (to date) has only happened by accident. Also he's slow. Andy should try him at FB and show everyone how smart he is.— dragoon6- Pay attention to Juan's words: "JJ will knock YOUR block off" wasn't addressed to any participant of a regulation NFL game. I'm sure he could deck the crud out Les.
- of course Castillo endorsed JJ….that's one of the Eagles problems….they hang on to guys too long who don't belong on a roster. We'll see but my guess is that JJ's career will be short and uneventful.
I suppose JJ is probably the first in and last to leave and that he is showing good muscle memory!— connorjr - You can't hit what you can't catch— Bobphxville
- If JC says the man is good, that's good enough for me.
Yeah, right.— warwhit1 - With Marty and Juan what can possibly go wrong?— guyguy4
- No doubt he can "knock your block off". Just ask Vinnie Curry.
Now if we could get him focused on hitting the opponents players.....— mandcdad - You only keep Jarrett if you think he'll be a starter in a year or two. Right now he doesn't seem ready to be the 4th safety.— armchairGM
- CASTILLO HAS ENDORSED JARRETT, YES!!!!!!! I've been waiting 20 years to hear these words. New Orleans here we come. A happy morningweig and a
juanderful to everyone.— joey687 - Marty, you have a mesmerizing gift. Have you tried selling real estate in Camden?— mccloudmj
- Consider the source. One coach who has no business in his current profession endorsing a player who has no business cashing an NFL paycheck. Once again the pedal is to the metal and we are all in.— coloradoeagle
- Endorsement from a weak source... he might be able to hit, but if you can't cover it doesn't matter!— main liner
- J will knock your block off...if he has proper foot work on that particular play....and if knows which assignment he has on that particular play....and if the ball carrier just allows JJ to hit him without putting a move on.— scootch
- CharlieGarnerG25, how do you feel about Castillo's vote of confidence regarding Jarrett?? PizzaDude your response is appreciated as well. I think it's time for all of you to convert and accept Andy Reid as your heavenly father and his son Juan Castillo as the messiah.— joey687
- "JJ will knock your block off", especially if the situation is a "No Contact" Drill at Camp and the RB is not expecting a hit! Great, a NO Nothing Defensive Coordinator praises the worst player on the Team! Sad to say, but even with all the Talent the Eagles have assembled on Defense, they are being led into battle by a Blind Man!— cooperhawk
