Posts Tagged ‘Nick Foles’

Newer Entries »

Tough Questions Face the Philadelphia Eagles After MNF Loss to New Orleans Saints

Tuesday, November 6th, 2012

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

LeSean McCoy ran for 119 yards in Monday night’s game but his efforts weren’t enough to help his team overcome defeat.
(Photo via the Philadelphia Eagles)

Nothing like a Monday Night Football embarrassment.  The Philadelphia Eagles could only assemble 13 points against the worst defense in the league.  The Birds notched 447 yards of offense and yet only came out of the game with 13 points.

Where do you go from here?

The Philadelphia Eagles have now fallen to 3-5  in the 28-13 loss  to the New Orleans Saints with absolutely no signs of improvement in sight.  The fourth straight lost for the Birds.

Mike Tirico called it, “The night of the red zone nightmare.”  And that about sums it up.  The turnover issues returned, and in the red zone, no less.

The offense was 0-5 in the red zone.  Mike Vick was sacked 7 times.  The offensive line got even worse when Todd Herremans left the game early with an ankle injury and Demetress Bell put in an absolutely atrocious performance at right tackle.

On defense, Eagles fans may be wondering if Juan Castillo is available to return as coordinator as things on that side of the ball were a mess once again.  Getting pressure on Brees was absolutely essential this game, so of course the D did as little of that as possible, though Jason Babin and Brandon Graham had a sack a piece.  The secondary, the unit that now-defensive coordinator Todd Bowles was brought in to the team to coach, was as it has been for much of the season – a problem.

Andy Reid said that Mike Vick would be the quarterback next week against Dallas, and why not?  Nick Foles would get killed behind that line.  Heck, it’s a miracle that Vick has lasted this long.

So what now?

The last game the Eagles won was on September 30 against the New York Giants.  More than a month without a win.  It’s astounding.

Andy Reid’s postgame presser showed a man who no longer believes his words but is desperately trying to put on a brave face.  Mike Vick seemed shell-shocked.  Brandon Graham expressed utter frustration at wanting to save his coach’s job and play a good season to honor Garrett Reid but having no idea what’s going wrong.

The Eagles’ loss rounds out a complete week of suckitude around the NFC East, with each and every team in the division suffering defeat.  That at least means that the Giants haven’t been able to increase their lead over the Eagles.  Up next for Philadelphia are the Cowboys at home, an always-intense battle.  If the Birds suffer an embarrassing loss to Dallas at the Linc, the boos heard against Atlanta in Week 8 will seem soft as lullabies.

It’s clear that no one knows how to fix the problems with the Eagles because if they did, the issues wouldn’t keep reappearing.  They would be fixed by now.  Maybe there won’t be the dramatic wave of changes this week as many have predicted if the Eagles lost in New Orleans.  Perhaps the team is resigned to the reality of their woeful and habitual under-performance.  And maybe we all have to face the fact there are no more excuses – this is just not a good football team.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in General, NFL | No Comments »

2012 NFL Rookie QB’s: A Class to Remember?

Monday, November 5th, 2012

by Ron Glover

 

 

 

 

From left to right: Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Robert Griffin III (Redskins), Andrew Luck (Colts), Brandon Weeden (Browns), and Ryan Tannehill (Dolphins).
(Photo courtesy of NBCSports.com)

What will we be saying about the 2012 Rookie quarterback class in 5-7 years? (Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Brandon Weeden, Ryan Tannehill, Russell Wilson, and Nick Foles)?

(Photo courtesy of Philly.com)

 

Ron Glover of The Starting Five, for War Room Sports

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in General, NFL | No Comments »

Report: Mike Vick, Philadelphia Eagles Assistant Coaches at Odds

Saturday, November 3rd, 2012

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Pointing to the increasing levels of drama and dysfunction on the Philadelphia Eagles team, there have been more meetings than usual at the NovaCare these days.  This week saw the first players-only meeting of the season as well as an unusually long meeting between Andy Reid and Mike Vick a few days following the quarterback’s comments acknowledging the possibility of being benched.

Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reports that

“Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick and coach Andy Reid had a particularly long one-on-one meeting this week to help clear the air about a number of issues, two team sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The sources indicated that the meeting, which occurred a few days after Vick publicly suggested he might be benched, was extremely productive.  Ultimately, Reid came to the conclusion that he might have lost his players psychologically had he benched Vick.”

Cole also revealed a nugget that provides some insight into what led to Vick’s surprising comments on Sunday.

“One of the internal issues was tension between Vick and the coaching staff, with the quarterback believing some of the assistant coaches were pushing to have him benched, according to a source familiar with the situation.  After the loss to Atlanta, Vick said he thought he could be benched in favor of rookie Nick Foles.”

A team divided cannot succeed.  This, in so many ways, is the battle the Eagles are desperately fighting.  Beating opponents on the field each week is essential, but so too is understanding and overcoming the obstacles that are leading this team to defeating itself week after week.

A lack of discipline.  No leadership.  In-fighting and back-biting.  It certainly isn’t a recipe for success.

At the halfway point of the season, the Philadelphia Eagles have a lot to prove.  Once again the Birds have not delivered on lofty expectations for the team.  Monday Night in New Orleans the Eagles must prove that they can put together a win.  This team has many doubters, and at this point they need to prove to themselves more than anyone else that they have the fire to reclaim their season.  Because if this team stops believing in itself, there’s no coming back.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in General, NFL | No Comments »

Andy Reid Says Benching Mike Vick Was Never an Option

Friday, November 2nd, 2012

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Andy Reid continues to stand alongside quarterback Mike Vick.
(Image via Lehigh Valley Live)

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid addressed the media on Thursday following the unconventional move on Wednesday of issuing a statement in support of quarterback Mike Vick.

Reid tried to clear the air about his initial comments about Vick following Sunday’s failure against the Falcons, which were widely construed as a wavering support for Vick.

“I know a lot’s been said in regards to [QB] Michael [Vick].  I learned a long time ago from you guys that there’s a time and a place when you’re upset and I was upset after the game.  Not at Michael Vick; I was upset, starting with myself and not getting my team ready to play and then working from there.  But I’ve learned to step back and evaluate, so that was my point to you.  My point wasn’t that I was going to bench Michael Vick; it was that I needed to step back and evaluate before I came to you with something.”

In fact, Reid went on to say that he felt Sunday was one of the quarterback’s “better games” this season.  The coach typically addresses the media on Monday but was unable to do so this week because of the threat posed to the region by Hurricane Sandy.  But like the superstorm, he saw the winds of  gossip about Vick swirling out of control and wanted to end the fury.

Regardless of what he says, Reid’s remarks will continue to be dissected and second guessed because, frankly, soft support by the coach one day quite frequently turns into job loss down the line under his regime.  Just ask Kevin Kolb or Juan Castillo.

When asked pointedly if Reid considered making a change at the quarterback position, his response was simple and to the point.

“That wasn’t my intent.  No, not at all.”

Would Reid commit to saying that Vick would be the team’s starter for the remainder of the season?

“Michael’s the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles.”

The rumors have been put to rest – for now.  It’s really more like they’ve gone below the surface and will hover, waiting to re-emerge should Monday Night’s game against the Saints go sour.

Vick’s own comments on the controversy were intriguing, with the quarterback admitting that his confidence was impacted by the rumors and that he has to get his “swag” back.  Vick also revealed that the team finally had a closed door,  player’s only meeting on Thursday to try to pull itself together.  It’s a small but needed step.

Who knows, perhaps it can help to stop – or at least slow – the steady unraveling of this Eagles team.  Not much else has worked and with Reid’s inability to motivate his team, it’s time for players to be accountable for themselves and to each other both on and off the field.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in General, NFL | No Comments »

Andy Reid Confirms: Mike Vick to Remain Eagles’ Starting Quarterback

Wednesday, October 31st, 2012

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Mike Vick will remain the starter over rookie Nick Foles.

Andy Reid quieted the unending speculation surrounding Mike Vick’s fate despite an off-day for the team and confirmed that Vick would start for the team on Monday versus the New Orleans Saints.

The questions began swirling shortly after the team fell 30-17 at the Linc on Sunday and Vick responded to a question about his possible benching as follows:

“Obviously, he’s thinking about making a change at the quarterback position.  The thing I do know is that I’m giving us every opportunity to win.  I’m trying my hardest.  Some things don’t go right when I want them to.  Some things do.  So if that’s the decision that (Reid) wants to make, then I support it.”

Now with a 3-4 record, Sunday’s loss was alarming for many reasons for Philadelphia.  Chief among them is the fact that former defensive coordinator Juan Castillo’s firing and the bye week seemed to do nothing to ignite the team.

The fact that Vick will start on Monday should shock no one.  Starting untested rookie Nick Foles in one of the most hostile environments in the NFL would be incredibly unwise.  Whether Vick will finish the game, however, is another matter depending on his performance.

The sputtering Eagles offense, unable to score much more than 17 points a game, is going to have come up with a whole lot more power to match wits–and points–with Drew Brees and the Saints offense.  While New Orleans’ defense is the worst in the league, who among us thinks that that equals certain victory for this Philadelphia team?

Reid will address the media on Thursday.  The bye week didn’t do a thing to help the Birds improve, but perhaps this extra day off will bring some introspection, accountability, and a call to action for Eagles players individually and the team as a whole.  Because if not, I fear this team is all out of answers.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in General, NFL | No Comments »

NFL Draft: Top 5 Quarterback Prospects

Monday, April 16th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Also be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio Saturdays from 10am-2pm on Ueradiolive.com

Okay the 2012 NFL draft is less than two weeks away and over the next two weeks I will release my top 5 players by position and the next five I like as well.  My player rankings are based upon my own eye test and scouting, so yes it might differ from the likes of Kiper and McShay.

1. Robert Griffin III 6-2 223lbs Baylor

Strengths: Elite arm talent, can make any throw asked of him.  Even though he’s a world class athlete, he is a great passer from the pocket.  Very intelligent, has gotten better as a passer over the years.

Weaknesses: Came from the spread offense, might have a slow transition adjusting to a pro-style offense.

Grade: Top 3 pick

2. Andrew Luck 6-4 234lbs Stanford

Strengths: Very accurate passer, smart, cerebral.  Played his whole career in a pro-style offense and was coached by Jim Harbaugh.  More athletic than most believe.  Called his own plays during his final season.

Weaknesses: Arm strength isn’t the greatest, but Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning improved that aspect of their games once they got to the NFL.  Loses mechanics and accuracy when players are at his feet and has to make throws under duress.

Grade: Top 3 pick

3. Nick Foles 6-5 243lbs Arizona

Strengths: Great size for a NFL QB.  Great ability to anticipate passes and throw WR’s open.  Arm isn’t elite, but he can make all the throws necessary.  Stands very strong in the pocket and makes throws with defenders hanging on his legs.

Weaknesses: Lost 13 of 17 of his last starts at Zona.  Makes some bad decisions with the ball at times.  Isn’t a great athlete and is far from what you would call elusive.

Grade: 2nd round

4. Ryan Tannehill 6-4 223lbs Texas A&M

Strengths: Good size, very athletic, and accurate with his short to mid-range passes.  Is very mobile in the pocket and has escape ability, which is a good thing to have in the NFL.  Has started only 19 games at QB in college and people seem to see a high ceiling because of his physical tools.

Weaknesses: Is still very raw as a QB and needs some time to sit and work on his craft.  Is inaccurate on his deep passes.  Lost a big number of games after having big halftime leads and turned the ball over in big spots.  He is one of the more big risk/reward players in this draft.  Some even think he’s good enough to draft in the top 10.

Grade: 2nd round

5. Brandon Weeden 6-3 223lbs Oklahoma St.

Strengths: Was 23-3 as a starter at Okla. St., is more mature then most prospects because of his age(29). Shows great accuracy on all of his throws. His above average arm talent, good enough to make all NFL throws.

Weaknesses: Struggles throwing the ball well under pressure. His age is also a concern as well. Teams have to wonder how long will he last at that age.  His mobility in the pocket is and issue as well and he’s never played under center while in college.

Grade: mid to late 2nd round

My next 5: Brock Osweiler ASU, Kirk Cousins Mich St., Ryan Lindley San Diego St. , Russell Wilson Wisconsin, Kellen Moore Boise St.

Up Next: My top 5 Running Backs will be released tomorrow.

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in General, NCAA, NFL | No Comments »

Newer Entries »