• March 29, 2024

2014 Outlook: Linebackers

DeMecoRyans17DeMeco Ryans

When the Eagles acquired DeMeco Ryans before the 2012 season, they thought they were getting a force in the middle of their defense. Ryans was expected to not only be the long-awaited answer for the team’s middle linebacker woes, but was also supposed to emerge as one of the team’s leaders and infuse some new fire in the defense.

In 2012, Ryans was a bit of a disappointment, but in 2013 the former Texan stepped up and became the heart and soul of the Eagles’ new defense.

Ryans 127 tackles, including 102 solo stops, a notable increase from the 86 solo tackles he had in 2012. DeMeco also had a career-high four sacks, defended seven passes, and intercepted two.

Ryans was arguably the most complete player the defense had, and guys around him fed off of the energy that he brought every week.

The Eagles finally have an answer in the middle of their defense. Ryans still has a couple of years of strong play left in him, and even though there’s been some talk about the team wanting to restructure his deal, the veteran is playing too well and means too much to the success of the defense for the Eagles to seriously consider letting him go.

Mychal Kendricks

Kendricks went through some growing pains during his sophomore season, with some a lot of good and bad moments along the way.

There were times where Kendricks’ raw athletic talent

Kendricks notched 106 tackles, with 81 solo (up from 75 total and 51 solo in 2012) and picked up four sacks and three interceptions. He had some stellar games against Washington, New York, and Dallas, where he combined for 34 tackles over those three contests.

The downside was that Kendricks still made a lot of mistakes. He struggled in coverage, overran too many plays, and showed that he’s a still young player getting a feel for the NFL.

While Kendricks wasn’t perfect, he’s still very young and the fact that he still gave the defense a good amount of big plays along the way bodes well for his future. Another year to grow with his teammates after having another off-season to settle into the system could help the former second-round pick take another step forward and reach his potential.

Connor Barwin

Barwin turned out to be one of the team’s best free-agent additions, and brought a lot to the table in his first year in Philadelphia.

While Barwin’s numbers aren’t spectacular in any one category (59 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble, one interception), when you watch the guy play each week, you can tell he’s a guy that plays hard and always puts out a strong effort.

Barwin is the type of player that will grind things out and do a lot of dirty work. He’s a smart guy who is rarely out of position. Throughout the year, you could see the former Texan battling in the trenches, and while he wasn’t always able to get to the quarterback, he’d do a great job of keeping his hands up and active, and it helped him bat down quite a few passes at the line of scrimmage.

Barwin’s versatility allows him to contribute in different ways, and it wioll be interesting to see what Billy Davis does to improve his production in his second season.

Trent Cole

You’ve got to give Trent Cole a lot of respect.

Few people had confidence that Cole would be able to transition to a 3-4 linebacker at this stage of his career and not be a liability, but the veteran surpassed everyone’s expectations by holding his own at the position.

Cole grew into the role as the year went on, and finished with eight sacks to lead the team. The most remarkable thing about this is that he didn’t pick up his first sack until Week 8.

During the second half of the season, Cole had three multi-sack games, including a three-sack effort against the Chicago Bears.

The former fifth-round pick rounded out a solid linebacking corp. However, his position is still one that the Eagles need to look to upgrade.

There were already concerns about Cole’s age, and at 31 (soon to be 32), its always a concern that Father Time will be catching up to an athlete sooner rather than later. The Eagles also need a better pass rush from the outside linebackers, and while Cole’s sack total in the second half of the year was decent, the team can’t ignore that Cole failed to register a sack in 12 regular season games.

Brandon Graham

All bark and no bite.

Four years since being selected over Earl Thomas with the 13th overall pick, Brandon Graham has done absolutely nothing to justify his first-round status.

At least once a year, we always see a story come out about how Graham says he is ready to “erupt” and that all of the negativity he hears is “motivation” or “fuel to the fire”. And sure enough, once gameday comes around, Mr. Graham is predictably invisible. Sure, you may see him on the field every now and then. But he’s most likely getting pushed around by opposing offensive lineman and failing to get off of blocks.

2013 was Graham’s last shot to become a factor on this defense, and he failed. He was supposed to be a serious competitor for a starting job with Trent Cole, but Graham couldn’t even push Cole for the job, let alone beat him out.

Graham did have one decent game this year, recording two sacks in the win against the Cardinals and their weak offensive line. But that was all the production the Eagles got from their 2010 first-round pick.

Graham may be back to play out the final year of his contract if the Eagles can’t add better talent to increase their depth at the position, but at this point the organization knows what they’re getting from him, and it isn’t much.

Casey Matthews

Speaking of the wonderful 2010 draft, we have another disappointment from that draft that is remarkably still residing on the roster four years later.

Casey Matthews was on the bubble during Training Camp, and showed very little. He had a decent performance in the team’s first game against the Panthers, but was clearly outplayed by Chris McCoy and Emmanuel Acho. However, Matthews miraculously survived the final cut, and remained on the roster through the full season. He played almost exclusively on special teams, and made minimal contributions.

The Eagles can do better than Matthews. If he makes the team again, something has gone wrong.

Najee Goode

Najee Goode is the one reserve linebacker the Eagles have that I actually like a little bit.

Primarily a contributor on special teams, Goode got a start for Mychal Kendricks late in the season against the Washington Redskins and played pretty well, picking up five tackles and a sack.

With the lack of depth at the position, Goode made some nice impressions last year and should have as good a chance as any of the linebackers to remain with the team.

Emmanuel Acho

Acho bounced on and off the roster throughout the year.

He flashed quite a bit in the preseason, and he could have arguably made the roster over Casey Matthews.

I’d like to see the Eagles give Acho a much longer look next year, and consider giving him the nod above the likes of Brandon Graham or Matthews.

Phillip Hunt

Hunt spent the year on injured reserve, and will get another chance to show what he can do next summer.

He’s flashed some great pass rushing potential in the past, but he’s probably not an ideal fit the for 3-4.

However, if Trent Cole and Vinny Curry could adapt their games and become productive in this defense, there’s always the chance that Hunt could do the same.

Final Thoughts/Possible Changes

The Eagles starting linebackers surpassed expectations and developed into a solid group.

While pass rushing needs to be upgraded, I believe its just as important for the team to make it a priority to upgrade the depth at this position.

Beyond the starting four, the Eagles really don’t have much talent at all on the bench. Najee Goode looks like he might have a chance to be something decent, but after four years of waiting its pretty clear that Brandon Graham and Casey Matthews aren’t going to be anything special in this league. Those two need to be upgraded, and the Eagles need to bring in some good young talent to develop behind DeMeco Ryans and Trent Cole.

Denny Basens

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gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 8:47 am

To me this is where howie is gonna show his worth cause there none in fa or draft worth taking #22 right now it looks like there only option might be
1. Trade for dion Jordan
2. Hope Demarcus ware is released
3. Come back with Trent Cole & graham
4. Pray somebody they didn’t think would be available becomes available

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
March 5, 2014 9:24 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

No, a good GM and his staff will be able to identify a player in the draft, be it early, mid-round or late to develop. There out there, Marcus Smith, Demarcus Lawrence, Larry Webster just to name a few.

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 9:27 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

Smitty, Brother, Dion Jordan is NOT available. We don’t need DeMarcus Ware, Trent Cole, or Brandon Graham.

You are correct, when you say this is where Howie has to show his worth because Pass Rushing OLB’s are needed more so than anything else in a 3-4 alignment, and we don’t have one.

If Trent Cole was younger, he would still be THE MAN on this team playing OLB. We don’t necessarily need someone who has to drop into coverage 60-70% of the time to be an important cog in the Defense – We need Pass Rushers, and there are some in the draft.

What did Dion Jordan show you last year that makes you think he is worth trading for? DeMarcus Ware? He is old news…and please spare me Cole, and Graham.

Their target should have been Jason Woirlds – but the price tag may be too high possibly – So you have to evaluate from the draft. If he is as good as some feel, than he will find him in the draft.

DCar
DCar
March 5, 2014 10:49 am
Reply to  gmcliff

gmc, Worilds signed his transition tag. He’s off the table. So it’s a moot point, & he’s a one year wonder anyways. I didn’t want him. I’d rather draft a kid to split time with Cole.

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 10:54 am
Reply to  DCar

I know he did Good Brother. But what I was stating to Smitty was that’s the player I would have pursued first, if I was concerned with the talent level at OLB in the draft.

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 11:02 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

The Eagles may take a look at the Following Free-Agent OLB’s which there are not many this Year..

1) O’Brien Schofield (Seahawks)
2) Jo-Lon Dunar (Rams)
3) Parys Harrleson (Saints)

There are a couple of Good ILB’s that are Free-Agents who could be worth a look and if Signed, then Eagles could slide M Kendrick’s to the Outside to be the Edge Pass-Rusher which the Defense desperately needs and Kendrick’s would be more effective playing OLB that would take advantage of his Athleticism & Burst & Speed better than playing the ILB Position

1) Brandon Spikes (Patriots)
2) D’Qwell Jackson (Released by Browns)

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 9:45 am

Good Article Denny. How many times did I state to all those who took Brandon Grahams so called production in 2012-13, for granted that it was fools gold?

I have been screaming for the Eagles to cut Casey Matthews, since he was drafted – which he shouldn’t have – But, politics are apparent here with the Eagles – They did the same thing keeping an unproductive bum on the roster to save face for drafting a dud with Trevor Laws, a few years ago when he was outright outplayed by a player they eventually cut.

The 22nd pick needs to be an OLB. They can sign Both Byrd, and Malcolm Jenkins in Free Agency, and Deone Buchannon, and Nickoe Whiley, for depth, and future starters in the 2nd – later Rounds.

But Pass Rushing, and other Defensive Depth, and future starters should be the focus in this draft.

If they could find a way to fit Hakeem Nicks into the payroll – I think that is more the way to go than drafting a WR, at 22, who isn’t going to be as advertised – including Sammy Watkins – the supposed best of them all. We need to draft another WR, BUT IN THE LATER rOUNDS…

dEFENSE, dEFENSE, dEFENSE!!! is what we need in this draft ….

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 12:46 pm
Reply to  gmcliff

Stay far away from WR H Nicks
Damaged Goods that the Giants are letting walk away (just like they did with A Bradshaw,Steve Smith,Mario Manningham,Brandon Jacobs, Kenny Phillips, Umenyuri,etc,etc)
He has missed almost 75% of his Practice time the last 2 Season,and simply is not an elite WR like he was 3-4 Years ago..
Nicks is coming back home to the South and chances are ,that the Panthers will be suckers and overpay for him…

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 1:39 pm
Reply to  paulman

Paul I flat out agree with your concerns. But if he is healthy – IF HE IS HEALTHY – big If….He would be a steal, and a bargain to tag team with DeSean, Maclin and the TE’s in the Passing game. Team couldn’t double on DeSean….He would be a great pick up – again if he is healthy

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 9:47 am

Well dion was playing de in a 4-3 last year and was playing out of position as was ware last year with the cowgirls he is not a de either. And they are not able to get worilds because he signed his deal yesterday and for Eaglehaslanded they might draft one if those guys but they are all projects none of those names are gonna get the eagles to the NFC chip or the Super Bowl

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 9:57 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

No Smitty, he was playing OLB – Don’t make excuses for him – He was overwhelmed at the NFL level at his position, and the Dolphins can see this.

It could be Rookie growing pains, but why would you trade a top 5 pick the very next year, if he was that talented? Think about it.

Ware is just a name. His production has dropped off over the years not because he is playing out of position – but because he has been nicked up, and he is getting older, and can’t play at a consistent high level anymore.

The Eagles should pass on both. But they have to start somewhere, and that’s the draft. You have no idea, what they will bring o the Eagles, but I think you are too start struck with names that are has beens, or may not be able to really play at all, for this team. You build through the draft my Brother for a reason….

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 12:41 pm
Reply to  gmcliff

Dion Jordan is going nowhere from the Dolphins,
They’ve invested way too much to give up on him after 1 Season..
Now if he underperforms next Season, then the Dolphins will look to move him, but them moving him this Year makes little sense at this time.
As I stated on last years Pre-Draft Run up, Dion Jordan needs to improve his Strength (lower body/upper body” to be an everydown Player..
He also has limited Experience only playing a few Games at the College Level due to injuries and really is just learning the Position and will not pay off as a high pick for a couple of years if at all.. I was not impressed with his Football IQ, his lack of Motor/Work Ethic and his lack of Overall Strength at all and wanted no parts of him last Draft and still don’t in 2014 with a Trade..

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 9:57 am

Truth be told about the eagles they screwed themselves when they changed this defense to a 3-4 none of the parts fit graham,cole and curry should be the de’s on the team with cox at dt they have nobody to blame for this but themselves they wouldn’t need a olb right now if they didn’t mess with the scheme they already had. Steve spagnuolo should’ve been the dc

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 10:03 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

Your right. I have to agree with you there. They have not drafted well over the years, and it has bitten them in the butt…

Spags wouldn’t have helped them with the talent they’ve had over the years. He is a good Coordinator, but he failed with the Saints, and Ravens so far. He had a good couple of years , but Offenses caught up to what he was doing.

The Eagles have lacked LIGITIMATE TALENT, for years….

haveacigar
haveacigar
March 5, 2014 10:07 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

screwed themselves? they made a fundamental change… you have to break some eggs to make an omlet… short sided negadelphian thinking right there.

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 10:46 am

Yeah they screwed themselves they didn’t have the personnel to run a 3-4 scheme the personnel they have fits the 4-3 that’s get when you hear about the eagles trading people it’s always curry ,graham and cole cause they are better suited for the 4-3 every team makes mistakes they just made one going to the 3-4. And dion Jordan isn’t a 4-3 player period wheather he was playing de or olb he is a rush olb in a 3-4 point blank he is playing out of position in Miami period and I don’t care about the names I’m going by talent and since you don’t want ware name me a player in fa or draft that the eagles can pick at 22 that is better than ware.

haveacigar
haveacigar
March 5, 2014 10:50 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

but the personnel wasn’t that good in the 4-3 so wouldn’t you think that its the perfect time to change it? graham sucked in a 4-3 so we should keep a system for a sucky player? cole is on the downside of his career… so we we keep a system for a player we could dump anyday?

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 11:26 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

Off the top of my head Smitty, as far as Free Agents, the only one that comes to mind that would be serviceable is Will Smith.

And in the draft potentially as good as Ware are Dee Ford, and Kony Ealy who is second only to JeDaveon Clowney, at his position.

But they don’t have to go OLB in the 1st Round either…Pryor will be there, as will Kyle Fuller, and Clinton Dix could drop, but they are options….

I wouldn’t worry about a declining Ware though..

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 11:38 am
Reply to  gmcliff

Are they gonna be better than ware next year and I don’t think they are gonna take a olb in the first or the second so even though ware might be on the decline who do trust more in a 3-4 ware or cole

mhenski
mhenski
March 5, 2014 11:42 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

FUCK WARE. guy is soft, overrated, overpaid. FUCK THAT CHUMP

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 12:05 pm
Reply to  gloomysmitty

Neither, especially with Wares Cap number being even higher than Coles.

Just forget about Ware. They are not going to pursue him…Point Blank.

Why would the Eagles sign a declining OLB, when they can draft a younger talent that they can develop, and may have a more productive career than Ware, or Cole?

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 12:33 pm
Reply to  gmcliff

Exactly GMCLiff
Everyone clamors over Players the Eagles would be silly to pursue

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 11:15 am

It wasn’t good in the wide 9 they still could’ve played the 3-4 cox is better suited for the 4-3 same with curry whom we also just drafted and graham got hurt his rookie year rehabbed the next and last finally got playing time when babin was released and played good then last year had to play in a 3-4 and cole could’ve been in the rotation with those guys.

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
March 5, 2014 11:34 am

I barely got through the first section of this article, slobbering on Demeco Ryans. He is a slow poke and needs to be replaced. He is massively overpaid.

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 11:48 am

That is true about Ryan’s but who are u gonna get to replace him.

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
March 5, 2014 12:05 pm
Reply to  gloomysmitty

Oh, you got me there Gloomysmitty. there is no one on the roster currently capable of taking his job. Dam, here’s the microphone back, I’ll go back to my seat. LOL

RealTalk777
RealTalk777
March 5, 2014 12:01 pm

True about Ryans? ha,,where is the appreciation for a solid LB, that’s been missing from this defense for years…..DR was the most productive defensive player we have, Can’t expect much from Graham when he is playing half the snaps…Graham was productive when given the chance…Other than Matthews being on special teams, he is a wasted roster spot…Acho should have made the team over Matthews from day one!

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 12:10 pm
Reply to  RealTalk777

I agree Real. That’s why DeMeco Ryans was a more serious consideration for the Pro Bowl, than Connor Barwin – Because he was the best LB, we had – the guy did everything – including interceptions, coverage, etc….

Casey Matthews should have been released 2 years ago.

But Ryans replacement has to come in the draft to develop. My guy is Andrew Jackson – Western Kentucky – 6-1 245 ILB – 5th Round

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
March 5, 2014 1:24 pm
Reply to  gmcliff

“a more serious consideration for the Pro Bowl”
LOL, what does that even mean?
GMCliff making up bronze medal NFL awards of fantasy.

haveacigar
haveacigar
March 5, 2014 1:41 pm

thats cliff being passively aggressive telling us that he doesn’t like barwin… also its him saying that he and JH were in the probowl meetings and knw who was/wasn’t considered.

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 1:50 pm
Reply to  haveacigar

No Ciggy….DeMeco Ryans literally considered for the pro bowl, and Barwin was not – That’s not GMCliff – that’s their professional peers calling it the way that it is…

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
March 5, 2014 2:19 pm
Reply to  gmcliff

fantasy

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 3:01 pm
Reply to  gmcliff

Ryans is no where close as there are a lot of Starting ILB’s in the NFC who revceived Pro-Bowl consideration.
But when you have ILB’s in the NFC like Luke Kuechley,Patrick Willis,Navarro Bowman, Bobby Wagner, KJ Wright,Lavonte David, Curtis Loftin, and even Sean Lee (before his injuries), there is no way that Ryans is in the same class let alone making teh Pro-Bowl over the Players I listed above…
Ryans had his Best Season as an Eagle and kudos to him,
but lets not get carried away and think he’s an All-Pro for that’s just not the case

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 1:52 pm
Reply to  haveacigar

Please – Don’t associate me with Jon Hart Ciggy. Do you dislike me that much Brother? – That hurt

I know we don’t see eye to eye all the time, – but I didn’t know you disliked me that much…Man Ciggy!!

RealTalk777
RealTalk777
March 5, 2014 2:31 pm
Reply to  gmcliff

Anybody that doesn’t see Ryans was the best LB on the field for the Eagles didn’t watch the games…its not made up or fantasy by any means, and being 100% real, Kendricks was the next best LB…..the middle of the defense is fine for now, maybe some depth is needed, like your boy Andrew Jackson, who looks like a player. But we (Eagles) have to get starting caliber OLB and Safety, to strengthen the defense from day one.

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
March 5, 2014 2:44 pm
Reply to  RealTalk777

I don’t agree with that at all. Trent Cole was the best LB- above average( age going forward is his concern)
Kendricks and Barwin were average and paid accordingly.
Ryans was below average along with Allen and Chung.

RealTalk777
RealTalk777
March 5, 2014 2:52 pm

and you’re entitled to your opinion….but really Trent Cole was the best LB??? really??? he surprised me no doubt, but the best? just imagine if Cole was asked to drop into coverage as much as Barwin….could’ve been uglier than the ugliest Eagles games where the Eagles defense played poorly…

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 3:00 pm
Reply to  RealTalk777

See what I mean – Trent Cole was the best LB on the Eagles – The guy that didn’t have a sack or big play in the first 12 games of the season – LOL!!!!!!!!

Just an asinine statement. That’s all that is Real

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
March 5, 2014 3:19 pm
Reply to  gmcliff

while trent cole was sealing the edge and causing fumbles in the month of the season — Demeco Ryans was giving up touchdowns to Donnie Avery and Eddie Royal catching 5 yard passes in front of the center and turning them into touchdowns. That is what I saw with my eyes.

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 5:22 pm
Reply to  RealTalk777

Check out this article Real –

By Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted: November 15, 2013

Looking for leadership and production at linebacker, the Eagles acquired DeMeco Ryans from the Houston Texans in March 2012. There was a dose of skepticism about the deal, even though Ryans had been to two Pro Bowls before he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in 2010.

Contending teams don’t often part with all-pros unless there’s a reason. The Eagles learned that lesson the hard way in the past.

But in his second season with the Eagles, Ryans is validating the Eagles’ end of the trade by pushing to make his first Pro Bowl since 2009.

“This is the level I was playing at,” Ryans said. “It’s fun being back at that level, being able to make plays.”

Ryans, 29, is not especially boastful. His claim echoes what has been said elsewhere in the organization, from the locker room to the coaching staff to the front office. Ryans ranks fourth in the NFL with 89 tackles and is second in solo tackles with 71. He also has two sacks and two interceptions, and is a major reason that the Eagles have held opponents to an average 16.25 points in the last four games.

“DeMeco is the leader of our defense and he’s having an outstanding Pro Bowl year and we couldn’t be happier with everything DeMeco is doing for us,” defensive coordinator Bill Davis said. “Between tackle to tackle, he is a force.”

Outside linebacker Connor Barwin played with Ryans in Houston during Ryans’ last Pro Bowl season and agreed that the veteran has returned to his pre-injury level.

“If not even better,” Barwin said.

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 5:27 pm
Reply to  RealTalk777

Found November 15, 2013 on Eagledelphia:

PLAYERS: DeMeco Ryans, Trent Cole, Robert Griffin III
TEAMS: Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, Washington Redskins

Eagles inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans is making a strong case to be just the fourth Eagles linebacker to make the Pro Bowl in the past 30 years this season. He was miscast in a 3-4 defense, they said. His best days were behind him, they said. But after ten games of returning to an elite All-Pro level, Philadelphia Eagles inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans is proving his doubters wrong week after week this season.

“DeMeco is the leader of our defense, and he’s having an outstanding Pro Bowl year and we couldn’t be happier with everything DeMeco is doing for us,” Eagles defensive coordinator Billy Davis said Tuesday. “I cannot overstate what DeMeco means to this defense and the way he’s leading the group. We couldn’t be happier with DeMeco.”

The numbers back up Ryans’ claim earlier this week that he is back playing at the peak levels of his career. Through ten games Ryans has already posted a team leading 89 tackles and two interceptions while serving as not only the quarterback of the defense but emerging as the catalyst of Davis’ turnaround in recent weeks as his unit is allowing just 17 points per game over the past five weeks, good enough for sixth in the league over that span.

“He quarterbacks the defense,” Davis said. “We give him a lot of leeway. He can get us in and out of defenses. Gets us in the best defense possible. And as the season has gone on, we as a staff have gotten more and more comfortable in his ability to put us in good situations, and he has.” Ryans, already a two-time Pro Bowler as a member of the Houston Texans in 2007 and 2009, is on pace to be just the fourth Eagles linebacker to play in Honolulu in the past 30 years.

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 5:32 pm
Reply to  RealTalk777

DeMeco Ryans added to an already-superb season Sunday at Lambeau Field, finishing the afternoon with 13 combined tackles and an interception.

Just how good of a season is Ryans having? According to former Eagles Pro Bowl linebacker Ike Reese, Ryans’ season is nothing short of Pro Bowl-worthy.

“DeMeco Ryans – if this guy is not in the Pro Bowl this year, that is a great injustice,” Reese said on the Post Game Show presented by Ricoh. “I don’t know if there is a better middle linebacker who is playing as solid as this guy has played over the last month.”

This year, fans can help send the Eagles to the Pro Bowl. There is no longer a designation for AFC and NFC. The unconferenced Pro Bowl means the best players go, period. And Reese believes Ryans is in that category.

“DeMeco was known for being a playmaker back in his days at Houston when he was a lot younger. You get a little bit older and you don’t expect the middle linebacker to be around the football when it’s in the air as much, but this speaks to the intelligence of DeMeco Ryans in there as a middle linebacker,” Ryans said. “It doesn’t just happen by happenstance that he found himself around the football. He’s always in the area of where the ball is at, and that’s the mark of an intelligent football player, and guys like that last a long time in this league, and we’re lucky to have DeMeco Ryans here as our middle linebacker and the captain of this defense.”

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biggestphillyfan
Posted
Nov 12 2013 01:56 PM

Damn right he deserves a Pro Bowl bid. He changed that game Sunday against the Packers when lit up Lacy on that sweep. Lacy didn’t really want to run the ball after that. And then Ryans drilled that guy on the sidelines! This defense is starting to come together and he could be the reason why. Leadership, poise and playing hard is how he’s doing it. He’s starting to remind me of a certain #54 that used to play here, miss that guy!

Also, Ed Reed is a free agent again? I say we make a play for him. With Wolff out and Chung being terrible, I say we sign him!

0

Rivickulous
Posted
Nov 12 2013 01:00 PM

Ryans has been an awesome addition to the team. Great leadership and solid play every game

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 5:45 pm
Reply to  RealTalk777

I see some posters are doing a lot of selective viewing when they watch games –

Trent Cole was average at best with his season. –

Connor Barwin, was average at best – not half as good a season as some brag about –

Lane Johnson was just laughable with his 15 sacks in 6 games to begin the season – finishing with 23 – including the playoffs.
Average – Below Average….

It’s amazing what you can see when you open your eyes….FYI

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
March 5, 2014 7:12 pm
Reply to  gmcliff

Here is your Pro Bowl 2014 ILB
NaVorro Bowman ( Derrick Johnson injury replacement)
Vontaze Burfict,
Luke Kuechly,
Patrick Willis–
no list provided by NFL league offices for Bronze medal ” more serious consideration for the Pro Bowl” players.

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
March 5, 2014 7:15 pm
Reply to  gmcliff

GMCliff – I’m very interested to see where you found your inflated sack figures? Since you seem to want to provide articles today. And just like you won’t find any “more serious consideration for the Pro Bowl lists you won’t find your Lane Johnson inflated sack totals either.

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 2:58 pm
Reply to  RealTalk777

Right Real…..any other viewpoint is just in denial. DeMeco Ryans was the ONLY Eagles Linebacker considered for the Pro Bowl…Period accept it.

The personalities on NFL Network have stated it, NFL Live, NFL Insiders, WIP, NFL AM – all recognize Ryans as THE best LB on the team…

Real, some posters don’t want to believe that the way they view certain players is just flat out wrong…….

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
March 5, 2014 3:44 pm
Reply to  gmcliff

No Eagle linebacker was consider for the pro bowl — none of them are elite — only Trent Cole played above average —
you and realtalk seemed to have forgotten how bad the Eagle defense was in the first month. the person they were picking on was Demeco Ryans. Andy Reid went right after him, got him in space and exposed him. Wes Welker, Donnie Avery, Eddie Royal attacked his zone over and over and over again.

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 5:49 pm

Trent Cole only showed up the last 4-5 Weeks of the Season
but since he was switched from De to OLB, I am giving him this Season to really shine… Barwin was consistent, not great, but did improve as the Season went along as most of the Players did
but DeMeco Ryans was by far the Eagles Best and Most Consistent LB for 2013, but again this does not mean he’s an Pro-Bowl Class as the other ILB’s I mentioned earlier
I expect him to have another Good Season in 2014,but the key is moving Kendricks to the Outside and getting another Strong ILB like a (D’Qwell Jackson,Brandon Spikes) then Drafting an OLB to groom..

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 5:56 pm
Reply to  paulman

Right Paul, Exactly!!

I guess we just watch the game differently, than most.

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 6, 2014 5:15 pm
Reply to  paulman

and No, Connor Barwin, nor Trent Coles name came up for Pro Bowl CONSIDERATION, ……..but DeMeco Ryans did

DCar
DCar
March 6, 2014 5:19 am
Reply to  gmcliff

gmc, we can get some very good ILB in this years draft. Deep, & solid, in the middle rounds. You can get Skov, Borland, Smallwood, Barrow (my guy), Bullough, Jackson, from rounds 3-7.

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
March 5, 2014 12:40 pm
Reply to  RealTalk777

Acho’s knee wasn’t strong enough at the beginning of the season. Special team decision by that coordinator not by defensive coordinator.

bugsyhawk
bugsyhawk
March 5, 2014 12:30 pm

A lot of people focus on what Ryanscan’t do, but not on what he did do last season. There were a lot of deficiencies on that D last year, but I don’t count him as one of them. Far from it.

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 12:30 pm

I like Ryan’s but yes he can be upgraded

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 12:35 pm
Reply to  gloomysmitty

Ryan’s is a solid ILB, but has about 1-2 Productive Seasons left and he many be the best interior LB the Eagles have in Pass-Coverages, but he is still limited in his Pass-Coverage ability and his Replacement needs to be Drafted and Groomed for his eventual replacement ..

andrew p
andrew p
March 5, 2014 1:02 pm

If they dont retructure Ryan’s contract this year this will be his last year with us, theirs no way their paying him the 10 million he will be due next year.

RealTalk777
RealTalk777
March 5, 2014 2:15 pm
Reply to  andrew p

I agree that 10m is too much for Ryans considering hes no longer in his prime…I don’t agree that “theres no way, they’ll pay him”. I can see it happening…because the salary of the remaining players would be considered. If the Eagles are still under cap, I don’t think it would be that big of a priority of theirs to have Ryans restructure especially if he produces again next season.

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
March 5, 2014 2:26 pm
Reply to  RealTalk777

Ryans never left the field – a great durability stat but he doesn’t have that type of endurance. I hold Ryans just as responsible for the gigantic whole in the middle to the field in the passing game as Chung and Allen.

RealTalk777
RealTalk777
March 5, 2014 2:37 pm

whaaaaaattttttttt??? There’s certain areas of the field that a LB just doesn’t cover, especially the area over top of the safety…thats the sole responsibility of the safety…When’s the last time you saw a LB running stride for stride with WR 50 yards down the field. If you want to blame the gigantic hole in the defense, majority can be attributed to that weak zone coverage. The Eagles don’t play it with man principles, instead of attacking defenders entering their zone they allowed defenders freedom, standing still, waiting for players instead of going and getting players…

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 2:38 pm

Just because Ryans never left the field (which is due since the Eagles had no one better to put out in pass-coverages) doesn’t mean that the ILB Position doesn’t need an upgrade for Passing Downs which is why the Houston Texans gave up on Ryans (Besides he big Salary # kicking in next Year)

I’ve said that the entire Middle of the Eagles Defense needs to be the Focus this Off-Season, Free-Agnecy and Draft
The Championship Caliber Teams are strong up the middle as in Baseball

Strong NT, Srtong ILB & Strong Safety Play

ILB D Ryans is the Best ILB the Eagles currently have, but Kendricks needs to be moved to the Outside where he belonfs nd the rest on the ILB on their Roster need to be updgraded

RealTalk777
RealTalk777
March 5, 2014 2:49 pm
Reply to  paulman

yes, the ILB position can be upgraded Paulman…But that to me isn’t the priority position….Numberous positions need to be addressed before the ILB…Safety (open to both safety positions) … OLB, CB, and NT are priorities before you mess with the ILB position..right now in my opinion, that position only needs depth…

RealTalk777
RealTalk777
March 5, 2014 2:55 pm
Reply to  RealTalk777

In a perfert dream world, where money grows on trees, no bills, no wars and every day is full of rainbows and blue skies, you would upgrade every position. But in the real world, you have to know your priorities…

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 3:07 pm
Reply to  RealTalk777

I hold the lack of Stout DT, more responsible for some of those holes Paul.

I agree with you that Ryans should be upgraded, and I’ve admitted that, but if the Front 3 can’t hold up the Offensive Guards are going to be on top of the LB’s before he can locate the ball.

He was a baller this past year…give the man some credit brother.

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 6:01 pm
Reply to  RealTalk777

What would be wrong with adding a ILB Like D’Qwll JAckson or Brandon SPikes to play inside with Ryans, len shifting Kendricks to OLB and make Kendrick’s the “designated Pass-Rusher” in place of Trent COle

Would a LB Corp across of ” Barwin,Jackson,Ryans & Kendricks”
not be an Overall Updgrade…

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 7:16 pm
Reply to  paulman

nothing at all brother…I’ve JUST NEVER SEEN THE eAGLES DO ANYTHING LIKE THAT BEFORE..

RealTalk777
RealTalk777
March 5, 2014 1:02 pm

True I agree with that GM…we need a young player to develop to bring in as a replacement for Ryans…I think OLB is a position of need before ILB in the draft…Cole was much more successful in this defense because he wasn’t asked to cover too often…I think that can hurt us next season, unless Cole improves in coverage, but lets face it, Cole is past his prime…not to say he doesn’t have some good games left in him…
Just watched a few youtube clibs of Andrew Jackson…he brings it!
Top OLB’s will be taken by the time Eagles pick…so I’d like to see the Eagles go after Prince Shembo ND should still be around in the 4th/5th round – OLB, about 6 ‘1 250… ..

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 1:47 pm
Reply to  RealTalk777

Right Real….I’m not a Trent Cole Fan by any means, but you need OLB’s that can sack the QB, not necessarily drop in coverage all the time; Very difficult to find OLB’s that can do both cover, and rush the QB equally as effective on a consistent basis….I’m surprised they haven’t released Cole honestly..

But, Yeah, I really like Andrew Jackson, he would learn a lot playing behind DeMeco Ryans, and have great chance to excel in 2-3 years as his replacement.

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 2:10 pm
Reply to  gmcliff

Too much of a Cap Hit to Release Trent Cole this Year, besides they have no one to replace him yet, 2014 Will most likely be his final Season unless he restructures his Contract and extends it out …

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 3:09 pm
Reply to  paulman

So you agree Paul, that the draft is where that has to happen right???

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 3:32 pm
Reply to  gmcliff

Yes, Correct GMCliff, there is little help in Free-Agnecy at OLB
and unfortunately, after about the Top 5 OLB Prospects that are suited to Play in a 3-4 Scheme, there is very little to choose from in this Draft to so there are slim pickings for upgrading OLB this Off-Season

If they can get creative and maybe trade Down from #22 to secure an addistional 2nd Round Pick and then maybe Package a Brandon Graham with a 5th Round Pick to a Team and get an additonal 3rd where they can end up with 2-2nd Round PIcks & 2-3rd Round Picks would be the way to secure one of the Top OLB’s in the Draft and the way to go as far as Draft Strategy

After Khalil Mack who is a Top #10 PIck and maybe higher
The Best of the Rest are as Follows

1) Anthony Barr (UCLA) Projected Mid-Late 1st ROunder
2) Kyle Van Noy (BYU) Projected 2nd Rounder
3) Trevor Riley (Utah) Projected 2nd Rounder
4) Carl Bradford (Arizona St) Projected 2nd Rounder
5) Jeremiah Attaochu (Georgia Tech) Proected late 2nd/early 3rd
6) Jordan Zumwalt (UCLA) Projected 3rd Rounder
7) Adrian Hubbard (Alabama) Projected 4th Rounder

Then a big Drop off afterwards
Remember there is a big difference in an OLB in a 3-4 Scheme than in a 4-3 Scheme
Eagles are looking for length and size at OLBb and not the 6-1 235lbs LBs that play in a 4-3 strictly drop back in pass-coverages
The eagles are needing Pass-Rushers who are more like 6-3 or 6-4 above and 245-255lbs and above who can Rush the Passer, but also drop back on occassion in pass-coverages

The Players/Prospects I listed above fit or have played in a “3-4 Scheme”

Adrian

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 5:48 pm
Reply to  paulman

I totally disagree with you about Van Noy – Matt McCoy

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 7:14 pm
Reply to  gmcliff

I think he’s much better that McCoy who was a reach and didn’t have a lot of fanfare coming in.. The Eagles simply misseed on him like they did with V Abiamri, Bryn Smith, Brandon Graham,Curtis Marsh, Trevor Laws, Teo’ Neisham, Jaquin Jarrett and too many others to list before I get sick here …

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 6, 2014 5:08 pm
Reply to  gmcliff

like I said brother I disagree

bugsyhawk
bugsyhawk
March 5, 2014 1:35 pm

Do you think that Cole lasts on the team until they see what they can get from the draft or FA (where there isn’t much)? Do they go forward with him as a back up. I can’t think that the plan is to have him come back and play as many downs as he did this year.

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 1:42 pm

Well who else are they gonna get it’s nobody in fa that’s better than cole. Short term or long term.

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 4:55 pm

A surprise player the eagles may go after in fa Michael Johnson from the Bengals 6’7- 270 and ran a 4.6 forty

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 5:30 pm
Reply to  gloomysmitty

I expect them to talk to M Johnson, but he is going to command big bucks since DE Greg Hardy has now been Franchised..
Johnson had strong Seasons in 2011 & 2012 but did have a Sub-Par Season last year but would look good in Eagles Green and appears to be a good Teammate,Lockerroom guy from all reports …

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 5:32 pm

Another move the eagles could make sign Malcolm Jenkins then release Cary Williams and sign Sam shields.

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 5:52 pm
Reply to  gloomysmitty

Why do they have to release Cary Williams to sign Sam Shields?

I think you’re just into the popular names out there instead of thinking about the Chemistry of the team Smitty, but Shields would fit, but I think they want BIGGER corners, and Shields is like 5-9…..Cary Williams is at least 6-1

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 5:46 pm

If they trade djack they take 6million cap hit they currently have 26million in cap space so if they do trade him that takes it down to 20mill now if they release benn and Chung they are right back at the 26 million mark. Just think it’s odd they released avant before Chung and Chung will save them more money by cutting him I don’t know if trades can take place on fri or if they have to wait til mon but don’t be shocked if something happens.

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 5:49 pm

One more thing where there’s smoke there’s fire.

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 5:53 pm
Reply to  gloomysmitty

…….THEY ARE NOT TRADING DESEAN – PUT THAT FIRE OUT IN YOUR DREAMS, AND ACCEPT IT……!!!!!!!!!!

DCar
DCar
March 6, 2014 5:27 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

>x( !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 6:15 pm

Cliff shields is 5″11 and is better than Cary Williams and i think fletcher out played Cary last year I didn’t realize when people talked about the best cb’s in the game they named Sam shields so how is he a name I want him cause he is a play maker and we need more of that on the back end plus Cary has a bonus due soon also. To me Cary talks like 8time pro bowler but is avg at best.

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 6:49 pm

**More NFL News**

*CB Brandon Browner (formerly of Seahawks) will have to Serve a 4 Game Suspension to Start the 2014 for whichever Teams he signs with.

*CB Courtland Finnegan is being Released by the SL Rams for Salary Cap relief as the Rams have young Talent and don’t need him any longer

**WR Devon Bess is Released by the Browns for underperforming his Contract and for off-the field issues/arrests..

Buffalo BIlls extend Contract for up and coming young Safety Aaron WIlliams for 4 more Season meaning they will not pursue Jarius Byrd at all in Free-Agency

gmcliff
gmcliff
March 5, 2014 7:21 pm
Reply to  paulman

I like Brandon Browner….

haveacigar
haveacigar
March 5, 2014 6:57 pm

Gloomys wish may come true… G. Mosher and D. Gunn reported that the eagles FO is sick of jacksons antics … The insubordinate behavior, the pouting and selfishness…and apparently the incident where he was robbed hasn’t played well with the man that signs the checks…
Apparently he is on a short leash…

mhenski
mhenski
March 5, 2014 7:11 pm
Reply to  haveacigar

Zero chance he plays for another team next year.

DeSean Jackson – WR – Eagles
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports DeSean Jackson “isn’t close to being cut,” and the Eagles “aren’t actively shopping” him.
Beat writer Jeff McLane tweeted that the “rumors have little weight,” and “the madness needed to be stopped.” McLane’s colleague at the Inquirer, Jimmy Kempski, got the ball rolling on the Jackson rumors last weekend, saying “some in the organization” don’t believe Jackson’s personality is a fit and the Eagles “could be open to trading him.” Obviously, Kempski wasn’t saying Jackson was going to be traded. But these rumors have taken off a bit in recent days. Jackson is coming off a career season and is the only outside big-play threat in Philadelphia. He’ll be back for another season with coach Chip Kelly.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News Mar 5 – 6:57 PM

haveacigar
haveacigar
March 5, 2014 7:17 pm
Reply to  mhenski

Yeah it was Mosher and Gunn on sports talk… They don’t think it will happen this season… I just thought it was funny since I’ve been on here saying DJAX stays

DCar
DCar
March 6, 2014 5:31 am
Reply to  haveacigar

2 @$$puppets! Mosher is just fishing for what ifs, because there isn’t anything to write about. DGunn is nothing but a Brother in law, on the mic, in the locker room.

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 7:07 pm

Steelers Extend Contracts for Safety Troy Polamalu and TE Heath Miller for the next 3 Season while saving $7 Million in Cap Space for 2014 for the Team

Cowboys Restrure QB Tony Romo, LB Sean Lee and CB Orlando Scandrick Deals saving them $17 Of Cap Space for 2014
Cowboys converted Romo’s $12.5 Million of his $13.5 Million Base Salary to a Bonus saving them $0 Million and re-worked deals for Lee & Scandrick saving them almost $7 Million ….
A major issue is to continually ask Players to rework their Deals when you are not winning anything.. The Cowboys have been 8-8 For 3 Years in a Row and when you continually ask for cuts in Player Salaries year after year to remain there, it get’s old in a hurry and creates lockerroom issues and player trust for down the road as we know see with DE D Ware and CB B Carr who are bring asked to reworked their Deals to creat more Salary Cap space or face getting released which iis probably a better more for both Player
The Cowboys & Redskins have been doing this for Yeaers but creates a cancerous Locaker room and a real misstrust between Players and Management which is part of the reason why the Cowboys/Redksins are what they are…
Say what you want about Eales Lurie.Roseman and when Banner and AR were there.. The eagles rarely play these nickle and dime or taking back from PLayers.. If they are going to cut a Player, then go ahead and cut them and let that Player move on to another Team & Deal, but keeping Players year after year while cutting Salaries just doesn’t work or sit well for Player and then when the younger players see this happening to the :”Stars” of the Team, they want out when they become Free-Agents so it doesn’t occur to them down the road…
This is what you poor Poor Salary Cap Management by the Cowboys/Redksins and we’ve seen Teams like the Raiders, & others go down the same toad .. Look at the Eagles and Patriots who are just much smarter on how they go about building a roster, remaining competitive but do not have financial chaos for the Plan better, don’t overspend and cut the chord if it doesn’t work out for th Player/Team..

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 7:09 pm
Reply to  paulman

Sorry for my poor Spelling .. I need to go back to School… Good Grief..

DCar
DCar
March 6, 2014 5:33 am
Reply to  paulman

paul, sampling the Schnapps early, I see? XD

andrew p
andrew p
March 5, 2014 8:59 pm

For all u Vick lovers, we know you didn’t want to accept it but it looks like reality is here.

The Philadelphia Eagles will not be bringing back Michael Vick, according to league and team sources.

The Eagles are going in a different direction with the backup quarterback spot, and are not interested in retaining Vick, sources said. Nick Foles is their starter and they will explore other veterans to help man the position.

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 9:05 pm

Well eagles don’t want to lose trade value for mesean so they sent word to Jeff McLain they he isn’t getting cut good job howie your the best. Hell if y’all trade him to kc for there 1 st and all the safety’s are off the board you could get Benjamin and cooks on back to back picks.

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 5, 2014 9:07 pm

Vick was a turnover machine I could care less if he is gone even though he is better than Barkley.

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 9:37 pm

***NFL News***

Steelers Cut LB Larry Foote, OT Levi Brown, CB Chuckie Brown
They did resign Safety Will Allen meaning that
Free Agent Ryan Clark will be moving on in Free-Agency

paulman
paulman
March 5, 2014 9:44 pm

***New Paulman Trade Rumor ****
With Tampa Bay Bucs the likely landing spot for QB M Vick in Free-Agency
The Eagles on Draft Day trade WR D-Jax & a 5th Rounder to the Tampa Bay Bucs for CB Darrel Revis and Tampa’s 3rd Round Draft Pick

You heard it hear first…

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 6, 2014 7:03 am

Hey Paulman bucs won’t have a 3rd if they wait til the draft they still owe the the jets a 3 rd if he is on there roster by March 15th

paulman
paulman
March 6, 2014 7:14 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

Then it’s done by Match 14th Gloomy
Thnx for the heads-up
Sources also state that both Songs & TS Johnson have gotten an Apartment together down in Tampa too..
I can’t make this stuff up!!! Ha

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 6, 2014 7:22 am

That trade sounds good but they got to many cb’s in fa this year to trade for one and the birds are gonna have to sign to safety’s in fa cause they only have one on the roster that being earl Wolfe Chung better be cut. So it should Malcolm Jenkins and either Nate Allen or Chris Clemons

paulman
paulman
March 6, 2014 7:27 am

Acquiring CB doesn’t hamper the Eagles plans to Sign a Free-Agent Safety
And they can still Draft a Safety & CB in the Draft
Going Defense this Draft and a WR.

paulman
paulman
March 6, 2014 7:30 am

A Starting Secondary of
Safety’s TJ Ward & Calvin Pryor
CB’s Revis & Fletcher
Nickel Back Boykin
This would be a pretty Solid Group..

DCar
DCar
March 6, 2014 9:35 am
Reply to  paulman

paul, for the umpteenth time, Ward & Pryor are both SS.

paulman
paulman
March 9, 2014 9:23 am
Reply to  DCar

Pryor is a Free Safety DCar,
That’s what the Scouintibg Reports and Draft Rankings
Have him listed as..
At Louisvilke – he played Free Safety
While Hakeem Smith played Strong Safety

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 6, 2014 7:46 am

Yeah it would but I’m saying if you trade djack to let’s say the chiefs and both safety’s are off the board I think the eagles would go bank to back picks of Benjamin and cooks. And there are fa cb’s out there where u only would have to give money to and not mesean. Vernon,shields, vonta Davis, talib,Walter Thurmond & Charles Tillman. But if that did happen with your secondary I wouldn’t be mad. Only thing wrong with it is if they are really taking the best player in the board then it has to wr and if you trade mesean then your gonna really need to take a wr in the 1st rd.

paulman
paulman
March 6, 2014 8:23 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

I really don’t think D-Jax is going anywhere to be honest..
The Eagles and him are coming off their Best Season
In a few years.. Why break that up??
A Receiving Corps of D-Jax,Maclin,Cooper and a Draft Pick is pretty good
Just think of last year when Foles and Offense had success with just
D-Jax,Cooper,Avant and a cast of nobody’s
The WR Corps is already upgraded with the return of Maclin over Avant
Don’t you think.. Plus TE Ertz will be more involved now that he’s going into his 2nd Season
Their Focus needs to be on Defense and especially in the NFC
To match up with the Seahawks,49ers,Panthers, etc

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
March 6, 2014 8:47 am
Reply to  paulman

DJax isn’t going anywhere…..period! This whole topic of Jackson being traded is a non-issue started by kempski as a subject of speculation, nothing more. He (DJAX) is part of the Eagles WR corps, without him, the WR corps is Average at best.
ILB… I would like to see the Eagles draft is Christian Jones ..Fla.St. .

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 6, 2014 8:18 am

Howie roseman is on wip and the morning team

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 6, 2014 8:44 am

Well howie was just on wip lol and just I thought he gave some company lines and he said that rumor about mesean being one false step away didn’t come there building but he never said that djack isn’t available and didn’t say he would be on the team either!!!!

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
March 6, 2014 8:49 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

Gloomy….all players are available to be traded for the right price. This is not news or news worthy.

Biglion821
Biglion821
March 6, 2014 9:05 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

Yeah gloomy sort of like Foles not being Chip’s preferred style of QB? Or him not gushing about we found our QB of the future? LOL your funny I like your obsession with a guy you really know nothing about except what’s printed about him.

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 6, 2014 9:13 am

I’ve seen many pics of him on Instagram from people at my job that hates the eagles and they show me pics of this asshole with guns all the time smoking weed and pics of strippers. So to say that people don’t know anything about him is crazy I may not know what his favorite food is but I know he smokes weed post pics with guns and strippers and drag races.put it this way you don’t hear these things about Maclin or avant

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
March 6, 2014 9:27 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

Gloomy, Who are you, the moral majority? How do you like the pictures and videos of him helping children from poor communities, has he ever been arrested, found guilty of a crime, reports of him having children out of wed lock or beating on women and or children? Weed, strippers and guns. I guess I’m an asshole and thug too. I’m a gun owner, I’ve certainly been around and have gone to see strippers, never did weed though…sort of a health nut. You didn’t appreciate me for pointing out your grammar or difficulty making a cogent, concise argument (questioning your intellect)…..but you feel it’s ok to judge and name call Jackson because of pics you have seen on instagram. Wow dude…could you be more hypocritical?

mhenski
mhenski
March 6, 2014 9:41 am
Reply to  Eaglehaslanded

he smokes weed, he bears arms, and he likes naked women oh and he is rich. sounds like desean is living the american dream to me

Biglion821
Biglion821
March 6, 2014 10:46 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

Jason Peters was arrested for drag racing his punishment a fat brand new contract. LOL give it up gloomy hate is a terrible thing to live with.

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 6, 2014 9:21 am

Look if he is here he’s here then I will support him on the field cause we can use his speed but it just seems to me that he cares more about the name on the back of the jersey than the nfl logo.

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 6, 2014 9:29 am

Hey Eaglehaslanded you really think if they trade mesean that the wr core will be avg so you don’t think ertz will get better and you don’t think they will add more wr’s to the team. And I like Christian jones that’s would be solid pickup for them. And I don’t know where they address the return game is thru the draft or fa if it’s fa then Hester is free so is ted ginn

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
March 6, 2014 9:59 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

Yes gloomy, the Eagles WR corps would be Average, Desean is what opens the field of play up for everybody else. You can’t trust ” self tackling Maclin ” to stay healthy either.
Return man in draft….Dri Archer will fit the requirement and criteria that you want in your return guy.

zilents44
zilents44
March 6, 2014 9:39 am

OMG smitty desean aint going no where, I’ll take his 9 tds 1300 receiving and constant pressure taking off the rest of the offense because they are scared of his speed, but I dont give a shittttttt about his weed smoking, strippers and guns, he’s doing that to sell cd’s, but I’ve seen desean on the field the guy has passion for his team and loves our fans, he is ok with me, just please quiet with the mesean shitttt, it’s annoying. he aint going no where

mhenski
mhenski
March 6, 2014 9:45 am
Reply to  zilents44

zilent desean aint selling any cds. that record label is bleeding him dry/…,

zilents44
zilents44
March 6, 2014 9:48 am
Reply to  mhenski

lol…i know mhenski, I’m a young black guy who listens to rap and that diamonds on my neck shit….wow…only….wow…epic fail

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 6, 2014 9:49 am
Reply to  zilents44

Hey zilents44 the only problem I have with mesean on the field is he can be taken out of games with good cb’s cause he is so small, he quits on plays sometimes and he doesn’t go over the middle also he I is a below avg blocker at best. But love his speed his big plays his energy charisma all that. His stuff is off the field and lol Trent cole hunts animals with his guns don’t compare the two.

zilents44
zilents44
March 6, 2014 9:40 am

You think trent cole aint smoking weed carrying his hunting guns around, you must be crazy…lol…i’m pretty sure he likes strippers to

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 6, 2014 9:42 am

I never cared about you said about my grammar or anything I just wanna talk football I’m just saying after a playoff loss you can’t come out and talk about money, and I know what your gonna say next he was asked that question which is true but all he had to say is that’s not on my mind right now it’s not the time or place we just a playoff game I haven’t gotten this loss out of me yet. And I argue with people almost everyday at my job that desean is a 10wr I just know that he can be upgraded that’s all he’s not Calvin Johnson or anything where you look and say he’s the best wr in the game. I’m a realist about everything and I could name at least 10wr right now that I would trade him for I understand a lot of people on here are scared that if we trade him we won’t replace him and it will be back to the James trash and Torrance small days but it’s not like that at all there are good wr’s in the draft and fa don’t be afraid of change hell I was the same way last year when they got rid of Andy I thought all he needed was a real qb and good defensive coordinator and he would’ve been a top coach again, I didn’t see anybody out there I thought was a better coach than him now I wasn’t sold on chip I’m the beginning but he made me believe.

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
March 6, 2014 9:51 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

Yes you did…but anyway,it’s not about being scared, you don’t mess with chemistry. He had his best year this year. If you bring in another player, especially from college, their game may not translate to the NFL or with the make up with this team. With jackson, you know you have, a proven, pro bowl NFL receiver.

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 6, 2014 9:57 am
Reply to  Eaglehaslanded

How is it about Chemistry with the team if they just released one of there biggest leaders in avant so it’s not about that at all.

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
March 6, 2014 10:03 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

I like Avant, but he had 0 production on the field, so he did not have the ability to stay on the team due to lack of skill and ability at this point in his career. That’s not a mystery! Good locker room guy, but that’s not winning games on the field of play, at 4 mil per year especially.

mhenski
mhenski
March 6, 2014 9:43 am

• Despite speculation, the Eagles aren’t actively shopping DeSean Jackson and they have no intention of parting with the wideout this offseason, per Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. ”Jackson isn’t close to being cut, and even if he was one misstep away from forcing the Eagles to move him, they most certainly wouldn’t release him without getting something in return. … [A]fter talking with almost a dozen sources from around the league, it’s clear the Eagles aren’t interested in dealing the 27-year-old Jackson – not by a long shot.”

zilents44
zilents44
March 6, 2014 9:44 am

the only way I trade desean if we get sammy watkins and at least a 3rd rd pick and they can have b graham

zilents44
zilents44
March 6, 2014 9:46 am

and what the hell is him be robbed his fault, at the end of the day he got robbed not the dam eagles….lol

haveacigar
haveacigar
March 6, 2014 9:50 am
Reply to  zilents44

It has more to do with lifestyle choices… there is more to that robbery than meets the eye… $250k in the house when on vacation? Cole is a hunter and in true hunter fashion i guarantee his weapons are secure all the time, there ain’t $250 k lying around…. i’m not saying he is getting traded i’m saying the eagles don’t like the off field and sometimes on field things he brings…

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
March 6, 2014 9:53 am
Reply to  zilents44

LOL, LMAO, LOL!!!!

paulman
paulman
March 6, 2014 9:50 am

**Reports from Jay-Z’s Camp is that D-Jax is comtemplating Retirement from Football to concentrate solely on his Music & Video Production Career and wants to delve into Acting, Screen Writing, Short Movies, and many other Projects etc,etc …Best of Luck to D-Jax …

zilents44
zilents44
March 6, 2014 9:53 am

I know cigar….it was probally one of his boys he told to rob him, so that it’s like a story he can rap about on his cd….I know what you mean but his antics ain’t enough to trade away for what he does on the field…sorry he aint going no where

zilents44
zilents44
March 6, 2014 9:54 am

lol not the time paulman

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 6, 2014 10:00 am

Lol Paulman. Listen at the end of the day only I can be right cause even if they don’t trade him doesn’t mean they didn’t try to and they just didn’t get what they were looking for so they just keep quiet about it.

zilents44
zilents44
March 6, 2014 10:02 am

OK gloomy you won’t let the mesean trade stuff go…your opinion you think we move him for the right price….what does gloomy want for him because I want a lot for my best dam receiver who scares the shit out of every defense

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
March 6, 2014 10:19 am
Reply to  zilents44

If they want to trade Desean (and I have no idea if they do or not – as I stated rumours mean nothing at this time of year until there is action)…but if they are growing tired of his ‘act’ or want him traded, then now is the time.

A $6 million cap hit (or whatever it is) now, when they have $20+ million in available space, is preferable to the larger cap hit next year when the team will have to re-sign Foles, Cox, perhaps Maclin, et al for big $$.

gloomysmitty
gloomysmitty
March 6, 2014 10:06 am

#ihatecarywilliams&patchung

DCar
DCar
March 6, 2014 10:36 am
Reply to  gloomysmitty

#THISISN’TTWITTERDIPSHIT