The Eagles have been terrible in the special teams area for the last couple of years, so it wasn’t a surprise when they jumped at the opportunity to sign a Pro Bowl level punter. The Birds acquired former Houston punter and nine-year veteran Donnie Jones after he was released by the Texans. The signing forced the Eagles to release their veteran punter Matt McBriar.
Houston signed Shane Lechler and that made Jones available. The 32-year old leftfooted punter says the Birds made it clear that they wanted him here in Philly.
As I said earlier, I can understand them making changes in the special teams area. Jones punted for the Texans for only a year. He spent five years in St. Louis and had his best years inside the dome there, when he made the Pro Bowl squad while punting for the Rams.
He was with the Houston Texans (2012), St. Louis Rams (2007-11), Miami Dolphins (2005-06) and Seattle Seahawks (2004), Jones. He ranks 5th in NFL history in both gross (45.6) and net punting average (39.0), which is nothing to sneeze. He’s a two-time, All-Pro selection with St. Louis from 2008-09.
Last year as a Texan, he was ranked as the 13th best punter in the league, while McBriar finished 15th. He edged out the Eagles punter in gross punting, while averaging 47.2 per punt to McBriar’s 46.5.
The Birds poor punt coverage unit and McBriar’s inability to get enough height on his punts made the Birds punt unit 31st in the league in average punt return yardage, 13.6.
It’s going to be interesting to see how Jones kicks in the elements. The wind at Lincoln Financial Field can be especially problematic and hard to read. It’s going to be his biggest challenge for Jones, who as I said before had his best years in a dome.
Can’t hurt to give him a shot.
Anyone got the 2014 list of potential Houston Texan Free Agents, so I can get an idea who will be Eagles next year?
Here’s a couple to keep an eye out for 2014 EOSB
QB TJ Yates
DT Terrell McClain
CB Kareem Jackson
LB Daryl Sharpton
Good call
Strong leg good signing.
The Philadelphia Texans at it again LOL.
Top 10 Draft Selection of 2013 Draft
1) KC Chiefs- OT Luke Joeckel (Texas A & M)
2) Jaguars – DE/OLB Dion Jordan (Oregon)
3) Raiders – DT Shariff Floyd (Florida)
4) Bills from the Eagles – QB Geno Smith (WVU)
5) Lions – DE. Ezekial Ansah (Brigham Young)
6) Cardinals – OT Eric Fisher (Central Michigan)
7) Browns – CB see Milliner (Alabama)
8) SL Rams from Eagles – OT Lane Johnson (Oklahoma)
9) NY Jets – OLB Barkevious Mingo (LSU)
10). Titans. – Guard Cgance Warmack (Alabama)
Eagkes end up with the Bills 2nd Round Pick # 40th Overall
And a 3rd Rond Pick in 2014
Eagkes from Rams get their 16th Pick in the 1st Round
And their 2nd Round Pick (47th Pick) and their 3rd Round in 2014
Now the Eagles have the 16th, 35th, 40th, 47th Picks in the first 2 Rounds plus 2 3rd Round Addiontional Picks in 2014
Here are their Pics thru the first 3 Rounds
#16 – DE Datone Jones (UCLA 6-2 284 lbs)
#35 – OL Justin Pugh (Syracuse 6-5 310 lbs)
#40 – ILB Kevin Minter (LSU 6-2 248lbs)
#47 – CB David Amerson (NC State 6-1 194 lbs)
#66 – DT Brandon Williams (Southern Missouri State 6-1 335lbs)
That’s it for now, these first 5 Picks help rebuild
The Eagles team and especially their Defebse in addition to their Frr agent signings, first 2 Players be one Starters in 2013
While the next 3 become Starters by 2014 but key Rotational Players in 2013
Paul, Datone Jones is a bona-fide, 4-3 DE. He does not fit the 3-4, in any way. Also Justin Pugh is a OG. We need OT’s.
DTone Jones can be a DE in a 3-4 easily and could also slide as a pass-rushing DT on passing downs. I like him a lot and he’s a lot more well rounded DE who is strong versus the run and pass.. Has a very bright future in my opinion over strictly pass-rushers like Dion Zjordan, E Ansah and may be just the most versatile DL in this Draft..
Sydacuse’s Justin Pugh played OT but projects as a better Guard in the NFL
I think he can have a shot at RT over Herreman’s with the Eagles or at least be a Starting RG from Day 1 over Watkins for sure.
Again versatile, athletic and the type of Player that Chip Kelly likes due to his smarts, toughness and versatility..
ILB Minter would be the main ILB back-up, a Special Teams demon in 2013 and replace Demeco Ryan’s in 2014 as Starter (this will be Ryan’s final Season in Philly)
CB Amerson competes at CB and mostly a nickel back in 2013 and can be Starter in 2014