My LeSean McCoy Blog

#24 - Philadelphia Eagles - Maurkice Pouncey - Florida

The Eagles have now traded away Donovan McNabb. The fans can't complain because they've been waiting for this day since draft night when he was taken over Ricky Williams. Other than that, this team looks good for another run at the NFC East crown. The offense is pretty set other than that. There will be some growing pains with QB Kolb being the new starter, but the team should be okay. The o-line knows how to block for McNabb, and now they will have to get used to Kolb. The receivers should have some chemistry with Kolb when he started a couple games last year, and hopefully they will be able to fine tune everything in the preseason.

Philadelphia could use a little help in the pass defense, where they ranked 16th in the NFL, more than the rush defense, which ranked 9th in the league. But, they can look at that later in the draft. The team can look at CB or S with their new second round pick at #37 because Pouncey is too good to pass up here. Upgrading the offensive line will help out the other new starter on offense, LeSean McCoy. Having a stable line can help keep the offense running efficiently and effectively. The offense is very young, with an average starting age of 24, so you would think they should go defense but upgrading the o-line is always important.

Expect the Eagles to compete with the Cowboys this year again for the division title because the young players like DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and LeSean McCoy will be even better this year.

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For the first time in over a decade, the Philadelphia Eagles enter the NFL season with a new quarterback at the helm and sport a roster flush with young talent. As usual, I have some concerns about this year's team. You'll be surprised who was left off the list.

That's right; I'm not concerned about Kevin Kolb. Not. At. All. If you know me or have previously visited the site, you know I'm a McNabb apologist. However, I'm also a total believer in Kolb. Of course he's going to struggle at times and make stupid mistakes. That's what young quarterbacks do (and old ones too if you've watched the Eagles). Regardless, I don't think Kolb's growing pains will cost the Eagles as much as the potential issues I've listed below. (Here's hoping they'll all be overcome or avoided.)

1. Secondary. Yes, the Eagles enter the 2010 season with an unproven quarterback (only two NFL starts) and my top concern is the defensive secondary. Why? Because the 2009 version of the Eagles defense was the worst I've seen since the Mike Mamula days and the secondary was a big reason why. Sheldon Brown and Asante Samuel continuously fell victim to the double move and were abused in the final two contests by Dallas. The platoon (Quintin Demps, Macho Harris, Sean Jones) trying to replace Brian Dawkins at free safety offered zero help in coverage (or anywhere else for that matter), and severely crippled the play of former pro-bowler Quintin Mikell. What's worse, as a collective unit, the secondary tackled about as well as Bobby Taylor. So yes, I'm a little apprehensive. On the other hand, I loved moving the overrated Sheldon Brown, using three draft picks to improve the secondary, and giving rookie Nate Allen every chance to win the starting role at free safety.

2. Health. I know, I know. You're probably thinking; Duh!!!! Normally, I wouldn't include such an obvious concern, but the Eagles are especially vulnerable at key positions. Middle linebacker is one of them. As we witnessed in 2009, losing Stewart Bradley at middle linebacker would be a crushing blow. While the addition of Ernie Sims added some much needed talent to the linebacking core, replacing Bradley in the middle would still be impossible. If Bradley goes down again the defense is in deep trouble.

If it's not too painful for you to think back to the consecutive massacres in Dallas, you'll recall McNabb scrambling for his life on nearly every down. Part of this was due to Reid's moronic game plan. The other part was a result of the injury to starting center Jamaal Jackson. Jackson is still recovering from that same knee injury and the depth across the rest of the line is questionable at best. A severe injury to any of the starters could cost Kevin Kolb a limb or two.

The outlook at running back isn't much better. Behind LeSean McCoy, the depth chart reads; "you're screwed." Ok, not really but it does read; Mike Bell (injury prone), Eldra Buckley (situational back), and J.J. Arrington (looking for a home). If McCoy can't stay healthy, the Eagles just might be out of options. This leads us to my next concern...

3. Running Game. Will the Eagles even have a running game? LeSean McCoy is young, so there's plenty of time to improve, but I'm not convinced he's an every-down back yet. Even if McCoy is capable, will Reid include a consistent rushing attack in his offense? (History says no.) It's one thing for Reid to ask an 11-year veteran to sling it 30-40 times per game. To ask the same of a first year starter is flirting with disaster. The Eagles will absolutely need a ground attack this season to aid Kolb's development and bail him out of a rough outing, which is bound to happen at least once. Unfortunately, I'm not convinced that 1. Reid is invested in a running game, and 2. That Reid will even resort to it if Kolb's play requires it. (Unless something drastically changes or Reid leaves town, I'm just going to copy and paste this section on an annual basis.)

4. Experience. Young talent brings explosiveness, enthusiasm, and excitement. Unfortunately, young talent also brings inexperience. Never before in the Reid era have the Eagles entered a season with so much youth at critical positions. It will be interesting to see how the young players respond in big-game situations, especially on offense where Todd Herremans and Jamaal Jackson are the only veteran voices in the huddle. More importantly, who will push the young players through the tough losses when proven veterans like McNabb and Westbrook aren't around to rally the team?

5. Receivers. There's little doubt that Kevin Kolb is a more accurate passer than Donovan McNabb, but even great accuracy won't complete passes if your receivers aren't in the right spots. I'm nit-picking here, but Eagle receivers, especially DeSean Jackson, struggled immensely against the physical cornerbacks of the Dallas Cowboys last season. Both Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are smaller receivers that rely more on speed and quickness than brute force. Because of this, Dallas' corners were able to disrupt the Eagles' offense by bumping Maclin and Jackson at the line. Before you call me crazy, remember the Eagles play in the physical NFC East. Dallas is the same team that mauled the Eagles three times last season. New York's secondary (injured all of 2009) and pass rush will undoubtedly bounce back from an off year, and the Redskins have improved as well. All three will look to accomplish the same thing; bump the Eagle receivers at the line and disrupt their timing with Kolb to allow the defensive line to pressure him into mistakes. Again, it's not the most critical concern, but for Kolb to survive in the NFC East, he'll need his receivers to get to the right spots at the right time.

6. Pass rush. For what feels like the millionth time, the Eagles are convinced an offseason acquisition (draft/trade/free agency) is the solution at the defensive end position opposite Trent Cole. I love Brandon Graham and it's hard not to believe he's the real deal, but I've seen this act before. Jerome McDougle never panned out, Victor Abiamiri can't get healthy, Darren Howard and Jevon Kearse were both disappointments, and after only seven sacks in two years, Chris Clemons is gone. Forgive me for not declaring Graham the left end savior just yet.

Football starts exactly three weeks from tonight. More to come.

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We got the chance to interview Scott from InsideTheIggles.com this week. Scott answered a variety of different questions we threw at him. We'd like to thank Scott for his participation and look forward to collaborating with InsideTheIggles.com again in the future.

Enjoy!

BirdsFan: Record wise, is this where you thought the Eagles would stand entering the bye week?

InsideTheIggles: I was pretty sure they would lose to either the Panthers or Saints. Even though I predicted they would beat the Saints, I didn't feel good about that game. The fact that they got hammered was disappointing, but not surprising. 2-1 sounds about right.

BF: A lot of key players have been injured this season. Does any status of a particular player concern you?

ITI: McNabb. I've had the misfortune of having a cracked rib. They can linger for a couple months and I never had maniac linebackers and defensive ends trying to crush me once a week. This is why Kolb's performance is so important. I think a lot of fans assume Don will be back against Tampa. I'm sure he wants to be out there, but his rib may have other ideas.

BF: At this point, who are your offensive and defensive MVPs?

ITI: On offense, it has to be Brent Celek. I had high hopes for him after the way he finished last season, but I had no idea he would be this good. Third in the NFL with 22 catches. Not sure he'll continue this kind of production, but he's off to a great start. On defense, I'm going with Brodrick Bunkley. He doesn't show up in the stat sheets with sacks, but he is an absolute monster inside. He made life very difficult for both DeAngelo Williams and Larry Johnson.

BF: What area would you like to see the Eagles improve upon most?

ITI: Surprise, the run blocking. I'm sure the revolving door that is the offensive line has something to do with their inconsistent play, but guys like Max and Nick Cole aren't impressing me. Maybe when/if Herremans and Stacy get healthy, they can open up some holes.

BF: We were able to see the regular season debut of Michael Vick last week. Do you see him and Donovan McNabb having a healthy relationship? And do you think Vick will make significant contributions to the team this season?

ITI: The media likes to paint McNabb and Vick as being potential enemies. That's nonsense. Vick is no threat to Don's job. Guys with big egos can clash, but I don't see that happening here. As for Vick's contributions, he's got a ways to go. He still isn't close to full speed. I think after a few more games he'll start to make an impact; however, I'm still not sure 10-15 snaps per game will do much for the offense. Reid has yet to figure out Vick's exact role. Until he does, all we can do is wonder.

BF: The Eagles don't have a division game until Week Seven of the season where they will play all three division rivals in the span of three weeks. Which team(s) do you see providing the Eagles the most trouble?

ITI: Giants. Apparently, they found themselves some receivers. They have the most balanced team and are itching for payback after last season.

BF: The depth on the Eagles offense has been remarkable. Players like Winston Justice, Kevin Kolb, and LeSean McCoy have all filled in when asked to and played great football. Do you attribute this to drafting, coaching, or something else?

ITI: I think the Eagles brain trust is one of the best in the NFL. They draft well and do an excellent job coaching these guys up. Twenty of twenty-two starters last Sunday were either drafted players or undrafted free agents. Take Justice for example. They could have dumped him a year ago, but Reid and Juan Castillo kept pushing him. Now he might be the Eagles best lineman through three games.

BF: The addition of Jeremiah Trotter, do you view this as them adding leadership to the team or actually trying to add depth to the MLB position?

ITI: I think the leadership thing is extremely overrated. If they cared about leadership, Dawk would still be in town. In my opinion, Trotter was brought in because he knows the system and weighs 260 pounds. With Bradley out, they need a physical, attacking MIKE backer. Trotter fits the description. Whether he actually has anything left remains to be seen.

BF: Now that we have seen Kolb play, what are you impressions of his overall performance and do you think the Eagles try to move him in the offseason for a draft pick?

ITI: Hell, no. Kolb is the future, like it or not. Vick will be the guy that gets moved. In fact, I would anticipate Kolb getting an extension at some point in the next twelve months. He runs the offense effectively and can make all the throws. He still needs to fine tune his skills, but I think he's a keeper.

BF: With Brian Westbrook being hurt again, do you see him playing a more limited role due to how well LeSean McCoy has played so far?

ITI: It pains me to write this, but I think Westy is about done. He couldn't even make it through two full games without getting his ankle dinged. The cumulative effect of all his injuries has taken its toll. They drafted Shady to be the next in line. I'm sure they hoped that would be a year from now, but McCoy is too talented to keep on the sideline. His blitz pickup versus the Chiefs was solid.

BF: You've been able to see the team play three games. Can you give me a prediction on how you think the Eagles final record will look?

ITI: I will stick with my preseason prediction of 11-5. That might not be good enough to win the division, but I still say this is a playoff team.

http://www.BirdsFan.com - A Philadelphia Eagles blog

When the Eagles picked up Leonard Weaver, most people thought he would be a great addition to the team. No one knew that he would pan out the way he would. In 2009, Leonard Weaver had the best season of his career earning him a trip to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro status.

Weaver's amazing season in 2009 has set the bar really high for him, so we have to ask whether or not Weaver will be able to have an even bigger impact in 2010.

Last year Weaver racked up 323 yards on 70 carries with two touchdowns. In 2010, I expect Weaver to see fewer carries but the one's he does see will be important. With Mike Bell in the lineup, the Eagles have more of a bruiser back which they lacked last year. In short yardage situations, Bell should be able to line up behind Weaver and convert those third and one and fourth and one plays that the Eagles have struggled with so much in the past.

Although Weaver has received a lot of attention for his ball carrying and receiving, he is also a solid lead blocker. I'd like to see him play more into this role in 2010, opening up holes for LeSean McCoy, Bell, and whoever ends up winning the third position.

The carries that Weaver does receive may end up being around the goal line. There were a lot of situations last season where the Eagles chose not to utilize Weaver around the goal line and ended up regretting it. In 2010, I think they will look to set up some heavy sets with two tight ends to convert around the goal line.

Weaver may not end up having as flashy of a year in 2010 but I still think he will have a huge impact for the offense.

http://BirdsFan.com - A Philadelphia Eagles blog

The Single Wing Offense is the Hottest Thing In Football Right Now

Single Wing Football is growing by leaps and bounds at the youth level, but how about all the buzz about it now at the High School, College and even NFL level? What's this all about? Sports Illustrated even did a very flattering piece on the Single Wing in their December 2008 Issue.

Why Now?
Much of this newfound attention can probably be attributed to the "TV" factor. Most coaches are copycat innovators, they see something that works, the modify it a bit to what they are doing now or the personnel they have in place and viola a new "Single Wing" series is born. Ten years ago the only Single Wing teams you would ever see on TV were in High School State Championship games on local TV. If you were real lucky you could get a coveted VHS copy of a youth team running the offense in some far away land. Thank goodness those days are gone. Now we have u-tube and message boards where you can see lots of youth and High School teams running the Single Wing offense. But what is more important than the proliferation of successful High School and Youth teams running the Single Wing is the "Saturday-Sunday" factor.

The "Saturday Sunday Effect"
Many coaches, parents and players don't think an offense is "legitimate" until they see their favorite College or NFL teams running the offense. It's a "gimmick" offense until they see it on TV. Todays offensive guru/mad scientist of college football is a man by the name of Urban Meyer. If you look at the interviews he has given about his offense he's an unabashed Single Wing man from his early days at Bowling Green. At Bowling Green he had a player by the name of Josh Harris, a tailback Meyer moved to "QB" in his Senior season. Harris lead the country in scoring for most of that season.

Well now coach Meyer has significantly more talent as the Head coach of the Florida Gators and what is he doing? He's running the Single Wing with his Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow at the controls even resurrecting a few old time Single Wing favorites including the Jump pass.

The Single Wing got huge TV exposure last year with the Heisman race, It came down to two players that were both classic Single Wing Tailbacks, Tim Tebow and Darren McFadden from Arkansas.

Who Has Joined the Mini Band Wagon?
Some other college teams using the Single Wing this year:

Clemson: The call it the "Stallion" with running backs James Davis and CJ Spiller taking snaps.

Missouri; They call it Rucker right and Rucker left, getting the ball to Tight End Martin Rucker. Missouri did the same with Wide Out Jeremy Maclin.

Nebraska- They call it the "Joker" with running back Marlon Lucky taking snaps, He has even thrown a Jump pass for a TD this season.

Pitt: They call it the Wildcat with running back LeSean McCoy taking snaps.

California: Running back Justin Forsett taking direct snaps including 2 for touchdowns against Arizona.

Colorado- Rack-Luck is what they call it, with running back Demetrius Snyder taking direct snaps.

Georgia Tech- Running back Tashard Choice taking direct snaps.

Miami- Running back Graig Cooper taking direct snaps.

Texas A&M- The J-Train, with running back Javorskie Lane taking snaps.

Mississippi- Houston Nutt calls his the "Wild Rebel"

So having just two teams, Florida and Arkansas running the Single Wing in 2008 has spawned an entire flock of college teams utilizing the Single Wing offense at least part of the time just one year later.

Even the NFL Follows
But the biggest proliferator of the Single Wing probably has to go to the former hapless Miami Dolphins. After a 1-15 season last year, the Dolphins are just one game out of the lead in their Division this season. More importantly, the Dolphins unveiled their version of the Single Wing offense to break the New England Patriots 15 game regular season win streak. Putting running back Ronnie Brown at the Single Wing "Quarterback" position and putting Quarterback Pennington in the Slot. Brown ran for 4 touchdowns off of direct snaps and even threw for a touchdown pass against the befuddled Patriot defense.

This didn't turn out to be a one hit wonder, as the Dolphins have continued to use their "Wildcat" series in every game since unveiling it against the mighty Patriots. What did we see in coming weeks out of other NFL teams? More Single Wing series plays from the Ravens, Bears and Jets to name just a few.

The Youth Football Implications
What does this mean to you as a youth coach? The Single Wing is still a niche offense, used by less than 3% of youth football teams across the country. While you still have the advantage of running something most teams don't see very often, expect to see more of it since it has been "blessed" by the Saturday-Sunday phenomenon.

It also means maybe us back-to-the-future Single Wingers were a bit ahead of our time. It also means those that decide to follow will have to deal with fewer of those odd looks from non savvy on-lookers.

Dave Cisar-

With over 15 years of hands-on experience as a youth coach, Dave has developed a detailed systematic approach to developing youth players and teams. His personal teams to using this system to date have won 90% of their games in 5 Different Leagues.

TO See his Single Wing team in action: http://winningyouthfootball.com/youthfootballdrills.php

Ok, we all know the Eagles are going to run the ball before they throw it. That's a given. The team stayed pretty balanced on Sunday in terms of running and throwing, but when they tried to run the ball, they didn't have a whole lot of success.

Donovan McNabb lead the team with 30 yards which came on two scrambles where he had a lot of open field to work with. If you take those two plays away, the Eagles rushed for 46 yards on 19 attempts. That's 2.4 yards per carry, and that's absolutely horrible. Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy saw only six carries each which means your running backs only combined for a total of 12 rushes.

When you're not having a lot of success running the ball, you're not going to run the ball. The thing I don't get is why the success isn't coming. They haven't been playing very good teams to start. I understand that they had injuries across the line, but I think the backups they have are quality players. They also have two quality running backs. In the offseason, they acquired a true fullback which is something they haven't had for a while and is a solid player.

Could it be that the wildcat is playing into this? Are they trying too hard to work that into the offense as part of the run game and its hindering the traditional running style? They haven't had a whole bunch of success in that formation either.

You need to be able to run the ball and pick up first downs to kill the clock in close games. I don't feel that this team has that capability right now. This is something that could be real handy in the upcoming weeks if they can figure out what the problem is. Until then, I guess we rely on Donovan's arm.

http://www.birdsfan.com/ - A Philadelphia Eagles blog