Head Coach Andy Reid made a comparison yesterday in his press conference to one of his former teams, dating back nearly 12 years in which the Eagles had three high-caliber corners.
“This is what we have here so far, and it’s a pretty good list,” said Reid. “I think we all know about Nnamdi – if not the best, he’s one of the best cornerbacks in the National Football League. He’ll be a great addition to our cornerback corps . . . It reminds me a little of when we had Al [Harris], Troy [Vincent] and Bobby Taylor. So we’ll just see how things go there.”
The only difference, though, is that this time around, the Eagles have three Pro Bowl caliber corners, whereas the ’99 team had just two in Vincent and Taylor. Nonetheless, the secondary was one of the best in the league and ranked third among all teams with 28 interceptions, with seven of them coming from Vincent.
In 2000, the Birds defense ranked fourth in points allowed and third in net yards allowed per pass. Once again, Vincent led the team with five interceptions. 2001 was very similar as the defense ranked second in points surrendered and second in passing yards surrendered. In the final season with all three cornerbacks under contract, the Eagles ranked second in points allowed once again and fourth in total yards.
Clearly, the defense back then was aided by the strong secondary and veteran leadership, something that the current team now possesses.
Just as they had from ’99 on, the Eagles have two corners standing at six feet tall in Asomugha and DRC (Vincent and Taylor were both 6′ or taller).
In today’s game, that is a major plus. With wide receivers getting more physical and bigger by the year, a secondary that possess not one, but two of the bigger corners around the league should match up well against opposing wideouts. And when those two corners have the skill set that Asomugha and DRC have, there’s bound to be opposing quarterbacks left confused and pressured each game.
As it stands now, if the Birds retain all three corners throughout the entire season, there’s a chance that this goes down as the best secondary in Eagles history.
Upon hearing the news of Asomugha’s arrival, NFC East quarterbacks were probably hanging their heads. There’s not one, or two, but three Pro Bowl corners that they will have to overcome twice per season. Someone like Eli Manning, who has proven to get frustrated when things aren’t going his way, has to be fearing the day he has to go up against these guys.
One thing I would like to see, though, is an acquisition of one or two veteran linebackers to lock up the middle of the field and to cover the opposing tight end. But that’s a story for a different day.
Lovin’ it!
You are correct about the LB position, different story for a different day.
I’m happy so far…
There’s still some moves to be made… Will Asante be traded? If not, do the Birds go out and get someone like Nick Barnett, Kirk Morrison?
But either way, its a good problem to have with Asante, so I’m not complaining. I would love to see him stay, but if the Eagles can get a top LB, I’m all for a trade.
Good stuff Kyle,
I really think the EAgles will employ all 3 CB on the field wuite often and utilize DCr as the Packers have done with C Woodson and with great Success..
The Packers has S Shield on one side and T WIlliams on the other side allowing C Woodson to raom the middle of the field and pu TE/RB/ER’s coming across the middle, You can blitz out of this package and do lots of things..
NOw the EAgles can put Asmo on one side and Samuel on the other side,
take the MLB out and use DCR in the middle to cover the TE/RB/WR’ coming across the middle..DCR is has long rangy arms, good l;eaping ability and good hands to break on the ball .. You obvisouly wouldn’t use this formation in Running downs/situations but you get 2nd Down and long or 3rd Down and 4+ yards to go, I would go with a 3 CB set even if the Offense is running a 2 WR Set and if the Offense has 3 WR then I would have the Eagles have 4 CB’s out there and use DCR in the middle as that floater,spy type of Cover guy whose biggest priority is to cover the TE’s ..
Stay tuned boys. Tomorrow there will be more fireworks for the Birds & Phils.
drew rosenhaus is so effing stupid. i sure hope joe banner throws him a bone for the sake of winning and for the fans and signs djax
pays
Next Question…
Man im on the Houston Astros fan page and they are PISSED losing Hunter Pence… Ed Wade is getting ripped a new butt hole in Houston..
So now the Houston Astros finish 35 games out of 1st place instead of 30 games out.. That’s the least of their worries.. They are just a bad team with many holes all over to fill.. They get 2-3 players from the Phils that have potential to become big leaugers in 2 years time..
Most big moves so far have been on defense. Might as well go get that killer safety too.
This Eagles organization just stepped into the Elites. They have set themselves up to be good and win a few chips in a row…You heard it here first.
BRING DAWK BACK!
Jerry Jones said he tried with water in his eyes everything possible to get Asomugha….”PRICELESS”
This Eagles team is now official!!!!!!
BEE-ITCHES!
Our secondary will be shutdown…..Maybe we’ll ship Hanson to the Cowboys
I like the signing of DL C Jenkins to help stop other teams from running against the Eagles for that’s what probably will be the game plan on how to attack the Eagles instead og goaing after the Eagles Secondary, Teams will try to pound the Rock 40-50 Times a game to wear down the DL/LB and to keep the Eagles Offense off the field.. Signing C Jenkins helps tremendously in this regard..
The Eagles just signed an OG named Evan Mathis, I still believe we need a RT, Anybody have any scoop on him ?
He’s 6’5 305lbs with long arms and a long reach and built like Coach Mmudd likes them,, Long and lean…He’s a 7 Year Veteran who has played in 25 Games the last 2 Season withe the Bengals but I am not sure how many games he’s actually started..I think he was on the Colts before then and is familiar with Mudd and vice versa , He did play OT at College (Univ of Alabama) but has played Guard in the NFL.. With this move, I see them possibly moving Herremans over to OT and have Peters/Herremans as OT
with Watkins,McGlynn,Mathis,Vandervelde as Guards and Jackson at Center
WR Plex Burress signs a 1 Year Deal with the Jets…
(this will most likly mean that Free-agent WR Braylon Edwards will not return to the Jets and be available)
The news just keeps getting sweeter! I realize our new d-line and secondary will be able to mask some of the deficiencies we have at LB but I still would like another player or 2 to be signed at LB.
Just read that 28the year old Lofa Tatupu is going to be released by the Seahawks. I think he’s worth taking a look at….even if he is coming off an injury.
The Lions signed Tullock to a 1 year deal.. You gotta love what they are doing in Detriot but despite its a 1 year deal which lets you know if its not to his liking he’s outta there in a year.
As Paulman said Plex is a jet… I think its a bad move for him because he is going to be asked to come in right away and contribute making 3 million a year and the departure of Braylon Edwards. I expect this will be his last year in the NFL as he retires after 2012.
Eagles dropped the ball on a guaranteed red zone threat in plax for a measley 3 million. What a bunch of idiots.
Runtheball, they didnt want to pay the man, thats really what it is… they had a specific number for him and the jets went higher and the eagles didnt want to get into a bidding war… The jets won this round
run the ball is an idiot.. after the off season the birds have had to call tehm idiots for not bringing in an overage jailbird.. wow
G:
I agree totally with the first comment by wmonell. I’m very happy, and looking for a stud linebacker.
DING DING, round 1- HAVEACIGAR!
Guys, guess what Nnamdi said today … that He was excited acout playing with both DRC and Asante but THAT ALSO HE SAID AND I QUOTE “I THINK THERES MORE MOVES THAT COULD BE COMING FOR EAGLES” The selling point isnt only Vick and andy, there telling these guys hey were about to get drc, nnamdi, babin this one and that one and really thats the selling point guys… STAY TUNED OMG
Tulloch really didn’t sign for that much money with Detroit….I’m wondering why the Eagles didn’t get him.
Anyway, I think the Jets really paid a lot for Plax…probably thinking we were lurking in the midst again.
this move to get Asomugha have startled the Jets and Cowboys…..and fans are hating nationwide.
It feels good fellas…It feels good
I was just talking to one of my buddies at training camp today and he said that he talked to Lurie n he said he left extra room in his pockets for Desean. Right now we’re trying to improve our defense, after that Desean’s up. WOW! And my buddy isnt a liar so believe it guys!
More moves on the way!!! Stay tuned
Yeah over 3 million for a guy who hasnt played in 2 years and was banned by the league is an overwhelming amount. I think he automatically becomes the 2nd WR behind Holmes which I think is too much of a burden for a guy thats not in football shape. Not only that but its a 1 year deal so its almost like the Jets are paying Plex to get back in football shape and then he could say See ya jets! thanks for the oppurtunity. Bad move for the Jets. Should have been at least a 2 year deal for 1.5 million per year.
Songs – does it hurt? Does it hurt to know that so many things you and your fellow hater brethren said (paraphrasing) “Eagles FO sucks” “Reid is a loser – this team cannot win with him here” ” Eagles will never win a superbowl because they’re cheap” “Only Koolaid drinkers praise this team – people outside of Philly look down upon the organization”…etc….etc…etc…. DOES IT FEEL SALTY TO HEAR THE EXACT OPPOSITE OUT OF NNAMDI’S MOUTH!?!?!?!? YOUR BOY?
Schiller..It feels good. They finally listened.
You was the loser on here talking about there’s no money to get him and improve the team….Does that hurt now that you were wrong?
No songs, doesn’t hurt one bit. But your boy Nnamdi had drastically different opinions of this team than you did.
@haveacigar who’s our redzone threat then genius? you’re the idiot
ding ding TKO runtheball goodnight cigar
Run the ball – our redzone threat? Donald Lee, Celek, Avant, McCoy, Cooper, Maclin, Vick, Young, Schmidt
big tall outside hands that can jump are threats. vick and mccoy are ground game. so which one of those players that you named can get separation almost every time? none. plax was the answer to all the question marks in the red zone.
Moss would be a heck of a pickup plus he has an attitude and wants a SB. He’s another bad boy that has been thrown away by the league; he’d fit well here in the birds nest. I’d take him.
yea i’d take him. hell we only need for 3 plays inside the 10
MOSS SIGNS A 2 YEAR DEAL WITH THE EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Songs. No hes not
Damn you Songs, I went right to the NFL Network Immediately…Good one buddy lol!
For real?
Naw…with all the signings ..I thought I would stick it to you guys a little…but don’t be surprised.
Noone will believe you songs… Only if i report it. Leave it to me… If there is a major signing or trade i ll report it
Jon Hart – you asked not to be compared to Paulman and now you are acting like Paulman. Get off your own nuts, it’s disturbing
I feel ya…I wouldn’t be to surprised at this point. Hopefully the aggressiveness will continue.
Jon Hart ..give respect..Remember..I was the only fan who did not accept anything less than Asmo.
Honor the fan of all fans.
Possible reasons the Eagles signed Nnamdi:
To improve the team? NOPE
To get a shutdown corner? NOPE
To increase the chances of winning more? NOPE
To increase the chances of winning the superbowl? NOPE
SONGS? YEP
*****THE FOLLOWING WAS A LOAD OF BULLCRAP THAT SONGS WANTS US TO BELIEVE**********
carry on
Schill..Did not you say?
“The Eagles can not sign Asmo and get help in other positions of need”
Was that your countless statements?
Did I tell you to get the hell outta here because they have the money?
Was it I?
Schill……Just say you were wrong and I’ll let you into “The Eagles New World Order”.
I know that I am late, but did I miss Songs and DD eating their crow. How cheap are the Eagles now?
songs, there’s nothing in this world you can let me into.
I WAS wrong about that. I’m happy.
And you were wrong about 20 more things. But you are a the opposite of humble so no expectations on my end of you admitting you were wrong about this team – you were a hater and now you’re a lover of them all the sudden – flipped on a dime.