The Philadelphia Eagles 2013 schedule. (Image via the Eagles’ Facebook page)
We’re in the heart of the long, cold, lonely offseason but there are signs that the light that is professional football will one day return. That light on Thursday night came in the form of the release of the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2013 schedule.
The first helping of regular season Eagles football will come on September 9 via a Monday Night matchup against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. That will be one of only two primetime games for the Birds, which is a marked decrease from recent seasons.
The Eagles will have an intense opening to their schedule, featuring three games in the first ten days. That stretch will be highlighted by a huge game: Andy Reid’s return to the Linc with the Kansas City Chiefs on September 19. How “Big Red” is greeted upon his big return to his former home will surely be the major storyline of that game.
Other highlights include a matchup with the Denver Broncos in the Mile High City on September 29 and versus Aaron Rodgers at the Green Bay Packers on November 10.
The team has a late Week 12 bye, the latest since 2000 when Philadelphia’s bye week feel on Week 16.
NFC East action continues after the opener on October 10 against the Cowboys at the Linc, with the regular season ending at Dallas on December 29.
Ready to make your predictions? I’ve seen some out there. But for now, here’s the full schedule for your perusal:
How much longer until September 9? Oh wait. Nevermind.
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With a little over a week to go until the 2013 NFL draft begins, Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman met with members of the press on Monday. The media hoped to discover inklings of the team’s strategy heading into the draft. Not surprisingly, little was definitively revealed by Roseman, including the question of who ultimately calls the shots within the organization at the draft. Will the Eagles trade down from their current number 4 overall pick? That’s certainly a possibility, but Roseman played the team’s cards close to his chest. What was absolutely clear is the fact that the enormity of that decision — and more specifically, getting it right – has not been lost on anyone within the organization.
“Like anything in this draft, you want to be sure. You don’t want to take someone because you ‘think’ . . . We’re not going to force anything.”
In one sense, it’s a basic decision. Who is likely to be the best player on the board when the Eagles make their choice? But that player must immediately be an impact player for the team. No if, ands or maybes. No overthinking or trying to force a player into a role where it will be a stretch for him to succeed. But that leaves little certainty as to how the Birds will proceed.
It’s no secret that the question of who will be the Eagles’ quarterback, both for the 2013 season and longer term, is one of the most pressing questions for the team. It’s also not new news that that position is not featured in the strength and abundance category as it was in 2012. Roseman spoke to that issue, saying that this year’s draft is actually the norm regarding quarterback talent, with last year being the exception.
That’s all fine and good, but what does that mean for the team’s picks at number 4 and beyond?
West Virginia QB Geno Smith is still on the Eagles’ radar. The team traveled to West Virginia to work out Smith, as well as hosted him for a visit at the NovaCare. Smith’s leadership and focus have come under fire recently, which may very well impact his draft stock, but if that’s not the Eagles’ own analysis those questions may not hold much weight.
Roseman noted that this draft was deep with talent along the offensive and defensive lines, noting that some of the top prospects at offensive tackle are attractive possibilities, such as Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and Lane Johnson, as that position is more straightforward in projecting success from the college to the professional level. Defensive end Dion Jordan is another pick that might entice the Eagles, particularly given head coach Chip Kelly’s familiarity with the Oregon player.
But Roseman noted yesterday that their strategy and selections are not his decision, or Chip Kelly’s choice. They are organizational decisions.
So there you have it. Clear as mud as we head ever closer to the draft. It may be frustrating now, but in less than two weeks we will have the clearest set of information regarding the Philadelphia Eagles’ possible focus and direction under Chip Kelly yet and have plenty of information to parse, dissect, and analyze.
FYI…
You will be shocked to know that the Eagles released veteran quarterback Trent Edwards on Monday.
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The Philadelphia Eagles had a busy Thursday making changes to their roster, making one player-for-player trade and cutting four others.
Running back Dion Lewis, acquired in the 2011 draft by Philadelphia, was traded to the Cleveland Browns. In exchange, the Birds acquired linebacker Emmanuel Acho in another move to prepare for the widely expected shift to a 3-4 scheme by Philadelphia.
Lewis’ loss is one the team could easily afford, as the former Pitt RB did not see much playing time in 2012. He made a total of just 13 carries for 69 yards and 1 touchdown.
The Eagles elected to acquire Acho (6-1, 240) based on his collegiate achievements, as he saw no playing time last season after being drafted by the Browns and suffering a knee injury that placed him on Injured Reserve. During his career at the University of Texas, the 22-year old linebacker appeared in 48 games, where he recorded 280 tackles, eight sacks, seven forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Among his achievements, Acho started 13 games as a senior in 2011, garnering All-Big 12 first-team honors after leading the Longhorns with 131 tackles, while adding three sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble.
The following players weren’t so lucky as to find themselves traded to another team and instead were cut by the Eagles: LB Ryan Rau, LB Marcus Dowtin, WR Ron Johnson, and CB Chris Hawkins.
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It is a moment that will never be forgotten by any Philadelphia Eagles fan, and it has now been voted the best play in NFL history on NFL.com.
Picture it: a game against the hated New York Giants, on their home turf, and the Birds were being beaten. Badly. On that December day in 2010, with 8 minutes in the game remaining, the Eagles trailed the Giants by a score of 31-10. Stick a fork in ‘em — these Birds were done. Even the most die-hard fans knew the game couldn’t be salvaged and were waiting for the misery to end.
But then everything changed. Fans, who a moment before had been squinting at the game in pain, were treated to what has become known as a miracle. It was another Miracle at the Meadowlands.
The final moment that capped off that miracle — a stunning 65-yard punt return by none other than DeSean Jackson with 14 seconds left in the game – has now been voted the greatest play in NFL history. With that moment, the Eagles completed a 28-point comeback that enabled them to beat Big Blue 38-31.
Voting was based on 64 plays, based on NFL.com’s own version of March Madness, until a winner was proclaimed.
Like any vote, the winning play was met with controversy, but the fans have spoken.
I’m sure it’s a moment Giants fans won’t soon forget, either. Thanks so much for that little gift, Matt Dodge.
Let’s face it — there is no way you can hear that play referenced without wanting to watch it. So watch it again and again below.
Go Eagles!
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We’re in the depths of the long football offseason, but lo! A slight vision of hope on the horizon. The release of the Philadelphia Eagles preseason schedule. Kinda sorta.
It’s something, right?
The exact dates and times are not yet fixed, but in the first preseason under head coach Chip Kelly, the Birds’ schedule will be as follows:
August 8 – 11: vs. New England
August 15 – 19: vs. Carolina
August 22 – 25: at Jacksonville
August 29-30: at New York Jets
While the preseason is typically not greeted by the most excitement, under a new regime it will provide important insights into what Kelly’s plans are for Philadelphia for the regular season, including how the quarterback situation is shaping up at that time.
So. You ready? Just four months to go.
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Will Jason Peters return to his former glory? (Image via Rittenhoused)
The demise of the 2012 Philadelphia Eagles offensive line began before the season even started. It all started when Pro Bowl tackle Jason Peters suffered an injury to his Achilles — two times. That seemed to set the tone for the line for the year, with injuries to Jason Kelce and Todd Herremans befalling the o-line as the season progressed.
As the Eagles go through the earliest part of their offseason program under new coach Chip Kelly and Peters returns to work, the question of the tackle’s status following a year of rehab for his injury looms large. Returning to a player’s previous ability level following an Achilles injury is a challenge, but it’s one that Peters plans to meet.
While participating in voluntary workouts with Philadelphia teammates at the NovaCare Peters proclaimed, “I’m 100 percent” and, according to Peters, he has been for quite some time.
“I was going to come back last year, but it was a bad season. I could have (played), but I didn’t want to risk it with a losing season. And the coaches kind of held me back a little bit.”
Peters is not satisfied simply to have recovered from the injury. If he is not back at the level of play of his 2011 Pro Bowl season, he’s not taking the field.
“I’m not going to get out there if I couldn’t be back to where I was before I got hurt.”
The coaching staff will start to get a read on Peters’ post-recovery performance at the Eagles’ first minicamp on April 16. With the increased tempo anticipated from Kelly’s practices, Peters is planning to get down to 320 from his playing weight of 340 in 2011 so he can be lighter on his feet and prepared for “whatever the coaches throw at us.”
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The Philadelphia Eagles continued to make moves to shore up their new defense by acquiring DE Clifton Geathers from the Colts on Thursday in a trade, giving up fullback Stanley Havili.
Geathers’ (6-7, 325) collegiate career
Clifton Geathers
was spent at the University of South Carolina, where he played in 36 games and finished with 72 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. He was a sixth-round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2010. Since that time, he has spent time in the NFL with Cleveland, Miami, Seattle, Dallas and Indy. The 25-year old Geathers has appeared in 15 total games during his three years of playing professional football. He played in eight games for Indianapolis in 2012, recording five tackles and a sack. Geathers will bring his run-stopping skills to Philadelphia’s new 3-4 defensive front.
Havili is in his second year in the NFL. With Philadelphia acquiring fullback/tight end James Casey and retaining Emil Igwenagu, the Birds have options to fill the fullback role typically featured in head coach Chip Kelly’s offenses.
Tapp moves South
DE Daryl Tapp, a member of the Philadelphia Eagles for the past three years, is now a member of the NFC East rival Washington Redskins. Tapp signed a one-year deal with the team. Prior to his time with the Eagles, Tapp spent four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Tapp played in 13 games for the Eagles in 2012, accumulating 17 tackles in 257 snaps.
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As March draws to a close, football’s focus turns increasingly to the upcoming 2013 NFL draft, which is exactly one month away. The Philadelphia Eagles will get the spotlight early, selecting fourth due to their abysmal 4-12 2012 season. With the stakes so high, Philadelphia cannot afford to miss with their draft choice.
This year’s draft will be different from that of 2012, including the fact that the first and second choice picks are not known. In fact, there is not a clear consensus as to which prospect will be drafted first. There isn’t the killer crop of quarterbacks that we saw last year. But the draft is always a different animal from year to year. The Eagles need to make the most of the talent present in 2013 and choose wisely. So who might they choose?
There is a lot of buzz surrounding Alabama corner Dee Milliner (6’0, 201), particularly after the deficiencies of Philadelphia’s secondary in the past few seasons. The corner is known for a remarkable combination of athleticism and size. Milliner appears on Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft as the second-best overall player in the draft, saying
“Nnamdi Asomugha won’t be wearing an Eagles uniform in 2013, and in a division with Eli Manning, Tony Romo and Robert Griffin III, the Eagles can’t simply attempt to piece together the secondary. They need talent, and Milliner offers the best cornerback talent in the draft. Not a tough pick.”
Can the Birds get him?
Mike Mayock ranks 6’2, 311 pound Star Lotulelei of Utah as the top defensive end for a 3-4 system, which certainly has to make him of possible interest to the Birds, particularly after racking up 42 tackles, 11 for loss, 5 sacks in his senior year.
Chip Kelly is plenty familiar with 3-4 outside linebacker Dion Jordan (6’6, 248), also ranked as the top in his position in the draft. His height allows him to quickly cover a lot of ground and get to tight ends and slot receivers in the open field.
Philadelphia could also use some help on the offensive line, with Jason Peters and Jason Kelce coming off of ACL injuries and former first rounder Danny Watkins showing repeatedly that he cannot provide what the line needs. Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel (6’6, 306) is considered by many to be the top overall talent in the draft. However, if he still around when the Eagles are on the clock it will be a pick that will be hard to refuse. If Joeckel is not available, perhaps the Birds will consider Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher (6’7, 306), who NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks describes as, “adding an athletic edge blocker with tremendous potential.”
Half of the fun of the draft is the anticipation. The waiting, the wondering, the storylines that may unfold leading up to draft day that may change a player’s standing. But the Eagles have got to hit their pick out of the park and pick up a player that will add immediate impact to team. Who will that player be? Only 31 days left to find out.
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Training camp will be set against a different backdrop this year when it is held in Philadelphia for the first time since 1943.
For the first time since 1943, when it was held at St. Joe’s University, the Philadelphia Eagles will hold their training camp in the city. As is the case with 20 other teams in the NFL, the Birds have decided to remain at their facilities at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia, the team announced on Friday. Camp will feature a series of free, public practices at Lincoln Financial Field as well as private practices held at the NovaCare.
While the campus environment added to the fun, family feel at Lehigh, having camp held with easy access to the Broad Street Line will make the experience more accessible for many Eagles fans. And for some, simply more convenient.
While the Eagles organization enjoyed its time and relationship with Lehigh University, per the team’s release about the decision,
“efficient access to all the facilities at the NovaCare Complex – from the training room which is equipped with everything from a hydrotherapy pool and access to an MRI machine, weight rooms with state of the art equipment, an indoor practice venue, video and computer equipment that utilizes network infrastructure – has become a necessity for the team.”
According to a report on 6ABC, the news came as a complete surprise to businesses near Lehigh University, where camp has been held for the past 17 years. The change of location will impact their businesses but Eagles president Don Smolenski indicated that the team hopes to find ways to continue working with the community in Bethlehem.
“The Eagles and Lehigh University recognize that their long standing relationship is changing but not ending, and both parties have expressed a desire to explore community programs in the future.”
A schedule of the sessions open to the public will be released in the spring, with Smolenski indicating that the fan experience and interaction with the team offered at camp is a priority for the team. The Birds will look to provide similar experiences at the Linc.
Will you be more or less likely to head to the South Philly version Eagles training camp this summer?
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The Philadelphia Eagles’ woeful secondary was the biggest concern for the team heading in to free agency. With the release of Nnamdi Asomugha and the signing of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie by the Denver Broncos, the team’s starting corners of the past two seasons disappeared into the sunset in just a matter of days.
It soon became apparent that some of the biggest defensive backs available in free agency, like Darelle Revis and Dashon Goldson, would not be heading to town, and concerns began to increase. How were GM Howie Roseman and head coach Chip Kelly ever going to address the dire needs on the team’s defense? We’re trying to trust you, Chip, what is it that you have up your sleeve?
Tuesday brought five solid signings but with no “wow” factor. But that’s okay — we had enough of that in the shortened offseason of 2011, didn’t we? But then the Eagles went silent on Wednesday while the anticipation grew. Okay guys — what’s the plan here?
Then came Thursday and with it, sighs of relief. Philadelphia added three players — all to defense, and two of those to the secondary, bringing safety Kenny Phillips, cornerback Cary Williams and linebacker Connor Barwin to the City of Brotherly Love. All are players who didn’t break the bank but should add immediate improvements to the team’s defense.
Kenny Phillips. (Image via nj.com)
In a low-risk, high reward scenario, Philadelphia signed 26-year old safety Kenny Phillips(6-2, 217) to a one-year deal. The safety is quite familiar with the Eagles, as he comes from the division rival New York Giants. But we’ll try not to hold that against him. In his time with Big Blue’s secondary, Phillips totaled eight interceptions and 26 passes defensed, in addition to 263 total tackles. He was a first round draft pick for New York in 2008 out of the University of Miami. Phillips was a standout in the team’s 2011 championship season with career-high four interceptions and ranking fifth in tackles with 72.
The downside of Phillips is that he has a history of knee injuries. However, as pointed out by Roseman after the signing,
“It’s different looking at players that are 25, 26 coming off injuries than guys who are 31, 32.”
If he can stay healthy then Phillips can make a real impact for the Birds.
Welcome to Philadelphia, Cary Williams. (Image via Russell Street Report)
28 year-old CB Cary Williams (6-1, 190) comes to Philadelphia from the Super Bowl winning Ravens with a three-year, $17 million deal. With the Ravens, he started in all 16 regular season games and recorded four interceptions (as well as two in the postseason) with 17 passes defended and 67 tackles. Originally drafted by Tennessee in 2008, he joined Baltimore and 2009 and moved to the role of starter in 2011.
According to Pro Football Focus, Williams was targeted 102 times last year, the 10thmost of any corner in the league. He joins only three other players in the league to be targeted over 100 times in the 2011 and 2012 seasons (along with Sean Smith, Tim Jennings and Tramon Williams). And, prepare yourselves, Eagles fans: the man can tackle, missing only three last year.
Williams and Jeremy Maclin have enjoyed a loving relationship in the past, and I’m sure that that will continue (see below).
Ahem.
The Eagles expressed quite a lot of confidence in their move to sign linebacker Connor Barwin (6-4, 268), inking him to a six-year, $36 million deal ($8 million guaranteed). Barwin comes to the Birds from the Texans, where he recorded 109 tackles, 19 sacks, two fumble recoveries and 16 passes defensed. Barwin was acquired by Houston in the second round in 2009 from the University of Cincinnati. He shifted to outside linebacker from defensive end following the 2010 season. The change turned out to be a wise decision, as Barwin notched a team high 11.5 sacks in 2011, ranking third in the AFC.
As Philadelphia is widely expected to make the change to a 3-4 defense, they need versatile players who are proven in that type of scheme. Barwin meets both criteria. But more than that, according to Roseman, the real reason the Eagles inked the linebacker is for his pass-rushing ability.
“We want to be able to make sure we can get pressure on the quarterback. Getting pressure on the quarterback, preventing pressure, that’s always going to be stuff that’s important to us.”
Us too, Howie.
So, what do you think? Has Philadelphia successfully managed a blueprint for a much improved defense, particularly in the defensive backfield, in the 2013 season based on their moves thus far in free agency?
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Kenny Phillips. (Image via nj.com)
Welcome to Philadelphia, Cary Williams. (Image via Russell Street Report)
