Have you ever worked for a boss who didn’t like the way you did something even though you thought you way of doing it was effective? That’s the battle that is taking place at the Eagles left offensive tackle position.
Right now, King Dunlap is the Eagles starting left tackle, but that isn’t what the Eagles are trying to achieve with the benching of Demetress Bell. Offensive line coach Howard Mudd is trying to light a fire under Bell to get him to perfect the offensive line coach’s different way of pass blocking. It’s not just a matter of whether Bell blocks his guy, Mudd demands that he block him the way he wants him to do it.
Since his time in Indianapolis, Mudd believes in the offensive tackle attacking the defensive end at the snap of the ball rather backing off of him like most NFL offensive tackles do. He wants his offensive tackles to strike the defensive ends with their hands once the ball is snapped.
Bell is used to backing off the defensive end like he has throughout his football career. Mudd demands that he make the change and make the change now.
Dunlap who might have a longer arm span than anybody I know, has the ability to deliver an arm shiver from across the street if he needs to. The 6’8″ offensive tackle has gotten stronger in his upper body and that has made him a better pass blocker. Unfortunately, Dunlap’s arm span doesn’t help him as much as a run blocker.
There are some who don’t believe Mudd will start Dunlap at the left tackle spot, but I think he will do it if Bell doesn’t make the change in his technique. Mudd is as stubborn as they come. Either you’re going to do it his way or you’re not going to play for him.
Cox Changes His Stance
I was disappointed that Eagles first round defensive tackle Fletcher Cox didn’t make much noise on Thursday against the Steelers. Cox will be a key to this season. If he can develop quickly and help the Birds produce consistent inside pass rush, it will make their defensive line unstoppable.
Cox was on Comcast Sportsnet’s Morning Show and says defensive line coach Jim Washburn has had him change his stance since the first game of the preseason against Pittsburgh. Cox has got his butt up higher in the air and he said it helps him get off on the snap faster.
Cox seems to be struggling a bit to the NFL Game.. He is lacking in a little confirdence right now and needs to develop that nasty streak and appears to be only playing at about 80%-85% Speed and thinking too much..
I do not think Cox is that critical to their Success to the Defense’s Season for the Eagles are pretty solid along their entire DL.. The play of MLB Ryans and SAM backer Kendricks will determine how succesful this Defenseive Unit will be in 2012 a lot more that a rotational DT who will play 20-25 Snaps a game Fletcher Cox will be this Season ..
LT Demetress Bell look very poor over the weekend in the 11 on 11 Drills that I saw.. HE has a tendency to turn his upper body when engaging a Defender instead of keep his hips low and his shoulders square to better keep his balance.. Bell does not look like Starting Material to me from what I have seen so far in Camp and in his 1st Preseason Game.. COuld be a bust of a signing.. Remember that the Buffalo Bills have some big issues along their OL and the fact that they didn’t pursue him very hard in the offseason in order to resign him tells me that he probably is not very well thought of as far as his upside and being a quality Starter in the NFL.. The LT is Dunlaps to lose in my opinion
Will be interested in seeing how Dunlap plays – despite the vitrol and nonsense posted by some here – Dunlap was effective in his previous starts – he has put on about 30 pounds of muscle since he arrived in Philly – for him its all leverage and balance – his frame could easily handle another 15/20 pounds….
coples is killing it in jets camp.. and russell wilson is killing it in seahawks camp..
larrwd, AND?????
cox is struggling in the NFL game??? the phillies are struggling, a rookie playing 1 preseason quarter is not exactly struggling.
Right on the mark Zoltek. Cox has played 1 pre-season game. Can we give him a little more time before we are dissapointed with him?
Larrwd-As far as Russell Wilson goes, Foles played a great first pre-season game too. What is your point?
Fletcher Cox has been slow tp pick-up the Scheme and Technique thus far..
He will be fine and a very good ball player, I just don’t expect much his Rookie Season, he’s playing at 80%-85% Speed so far and thinking too much, but he’ll get it and then be a terror, it’s just going to take a little longer that what most hoped for..
Cox will be fine. He’ll be a monster once he gets into his rhythm once the technique becomes more natural. The guys in front of him will bring him along more than the coaches will!!!