2017 Eagles: Thread Under the Influwentz

dbn

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Yeah, I'm neither a fan nor hater of the Eagles, but it sucks when any player gets hurts; more so when it's a seemingly nice, certainly talented, QB who is leading a team back from suck. He/they were a good story, and might continue to be so for 2017/18, but I'm unhappy that Wentz went down. Oh well, tough sport.
 

Oil Can Dan

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I haven't done much anyway but if someone would take over some vague eagles updates going forward that's would be grand.
No problem, but I hope you reconsider. I don’t always agree with you on Eagle stuff but I enjoy your perspective.
 

Oil Can Dan

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So the Eagles have clinched at least the two seed, and if they can beat the Raiders in Philly on Christmas night they'll lock up the #1 seed. The offense seemed to hum without Wentz, but it was the Giants so who knows. What is evident is that the defense is having major issues over the past three weeks. No way they can play like they did yesterday and beat a quality team like the Rams or Panthers in January.
 

TomTerrific

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Eagles are my NFC team, so I'll chime in here as well.

I thought Foles played reasonably well against the NYG, especially given the horrendous showing by the D for the most part. He showed good pocket mobility, and seemingly went through his progressions. (FYI, you may want to take all Foles comments by me with a grain of salt, as I have been a fanboy of his from the start. Fuck Chip Kelly and Jeff Fisher). Between Foles and the Special Teams, which have been solid this yea and really excelled in this game in particular, they managed to pull it out.

Defense, as OCD pointed out, is a bit of a mystery. After being a real strength for most of the year, their CBs Darby and Mills had a lot of trouble on short throws to the sidelines, and got toasted a couple of times against Eli when they missed tackles and the WRs took it to the house. It almost looked to me like the Pats secondary situation earlier this year, the difference being that Philly still has a fierce pass rush.
 

Oil Can Dan

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The Eagles vs Raiders game was one of the most painful, agonizing, terrible games that I've watched them play over my 36 years of being a fan. As in, I was just disgusted any time the offense had the ball. Then the offense laid a complete egg with most of the starters in vs Dallas. Again, painful.

That said, I think they've got a really good shot to come out of the NFC on top.

Positive things:
- Their defense is really good. Yes, there was a bumpy three game stretch as noted above, but overall they are a very strong unit that can pressure the QB on the edges and up the middle with their front four. They are relentless. And they can shut down the run. If you can do those two things consistently you've got a fairly good shot at winning the game.
- Their offense may have been playing some rope-a-dope. A little. Maybe. Yes, they looked putrid vs Oakland and no better vs Dallas, but there's a reasonable chance that Pederson dialed back the playbook in both games. Perhaps he has a different, run-heavy game plan dialed up for the playoffs. Maybe they'll be more like they were vs NYG than OAK or DAL.
- They definitely have a chip on their shoulder. They're probably one of the least feared #1 seeds of all time, and they know it. I think they feel like they have something to prove.
- As badly as Foles looked outside in the freezing, windy cold, so did the other QBs he faced in Dak & Carr. So maybe it stands to reason that the January-in-Philly weather may be a bit of an equalizer when it comes to the QB position, and if so then you're talking about an Eagle team that was #3 in rushing on offense and #1 against the run on defense.
- Home cookin' - the games will obviously be in Philly, and Philly has been home for their last two games, home during the bye and home for their 1st and potentially 2nd game. That's a long time with no travel. And the week before all of that they had a quick trip to the Meadowlands.

Negative things:
- Carson Wentz and his athletic ability masked some very real problems for the Eagles, and he's not playing. I read at some point that only the Browns had face more 3rd & 8+ plays than the Eagles, yet the Eagles were the 2nd best 3rd down team in the league. That happened because Wentz was tough as nails hanging in the pocket (the anti-Foles) and he was very mobile within and outside the pocket (also anti-Foles). The Eagles do not seem to do well on 1st & 2nd down, and that's not going to work with Foles at all.
- Foles is just slow at everything. Seemingly. Slow at making reads. Slow at releasing the ball. Slow in general.

Some quick & dirty thoughts on potential Round 1 opponents:
- Atlanta - I doubt this happens because Atlanta is not very good. Should it be them then we'll have a dome team outside in Philly in January. I'm a little bit irrationally afraid of the Falcons and quick-hitting slants though.
- Carolina - Philly beat Carolina in Carolina on a short Thursday Night Football week earlier this year. No, that doesn't matter too much but still. I feel like the Eagles D could contain Cam reasonably well so far as his running game goes and if so then Carolina would struggle to put points on the board. The Carolina defense seems pretty nasty though. If it ends up being Carolina it would be their third straight road game, and teams have a very poor record when playing their third straight road game.
- New Orleans - oddly enough I think I want the Saints above the other two. Saints have the worst road record of any playoff team at 4-4. They can run the ball really well, but that plays in to Philly's strength. And they're below average at stopping the run, which again plays in to Philly's strength given the QB and the weather. Still, Brees is still Brees albeit with some reduced arm strength, and he's still nasty.

I realize that I'm likely just talking myself in to believing, but I do think Philly is getting dismissed a little too easily. Time will tell...
 

Oil Can Dan

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Another week, another win that makes me wonder when I’m going to wake up.

Hope it lasts through early February.
This thread was a fun read through just now.

I like our chances in the Bowl, even though we have to get through the GOAT QB & GOAT HC.
 

Average Reds

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I realize that many of us (us = the handful of Eagles fans on the board) have been hesitant to bump this thread, and I suspect it will be closed shortly like other team threads, so here’s a last post from me.

I knew the team was good this year - a great mixture of young and veteran talent - but the longtime Eagles fan in me always had that nagging doubt in the back of my head that they could get it done. And I will absolutely admit that when Wentz went down in December I thought their season was over.

Watching Nick Foles step in and knock off three+ years of rust to play like the QB he was in his first go round with the Eagles; watching the defense withstand the loss of Jordan Hicks and not miss a beat (ok, not as many beats as I would have guessed); watching Vaitai step in for Jason Peters and end the season playing a great Super Bowl against James Harrison ... well, I just didn’t see any of it coming.

Incredibly happy to have a lot of talent returning with the fearless Doug Pederson as our coach. Looking forward to 2018 with Foles and Carson Wentz competing for the starters spot. (Kidding.)
 

TheMoralBully

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Congratulations on the win. They're a great team that's clearly set up to be a force for the near future. The coaching was aggressive and smart and they have a deep, talented roster. I thought they clearly had a more talented roster than the Patriot's last night, and it was a super human effort from Brady and some of the skill players to make that a game.

FA-wise, they don't seem to be losing a lot. Any chance they try to keep Blount?
 

edmunddantes

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Congratulations to the Eagles fans. Not the outcome I was looking for, but it was a great game. Enjoy it.
 

Bowhemian

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I think the Eagles played a great game (and obviously had an excellent season). The entire team came to play. Congrats to you guys.
 

heavyde050

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Congrats on the win. I really believed Philly would get a Super Bowl soon (was hoping it wasn’t last night) with this team.
Really good game plan and some great coaching. Made the plays necessary.
Future looks good in Philly.
Hoping for a rematch next year.
 

loshjott

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Congratulations to the Eagles and fans. They earned it, especially given the loss of Peters and Wentz, and probably other key players I'm not aware of.

As is often said, these games come down to 1-2 key plays and the Eagles made them last night.
 

Average Reds

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Congratulations to the Eagles fans. Not the outcome I was looking for, but it was a great game. Enjoy it.
I have to admit it was a tough game to watch, in the sense that I’m an Eagles fan first and foremost, but I love Brady and am a huge admirer of the Pats in general for what they accomplished.

The second half played out almost like I had scripted it, as I told friends on Saturday night that I expected a close game and assumed that it would come down to one last drive for Brady. (It always does.)

What I didn’t expect was for the Eagles defense to come up big when it mattered. And I understand why Pats fans are disappointed (trust me, Eagles fans understand disappointment) but you are right - that was an incredibly exciting game and it was a shame that one team had to lose.
 

Mystic Merlin

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Congratulations, the Eagles earned this victory, handwringing over a decision to bench a single cornerback be damned.

They made virtually every gotta-have-it third or fourth down in this game, and had the defense that made the big play late.
 

NortheasternPJ

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Congratulations, the Eagles earned this victory, handwringing over a decision to bench a single cornerback be damned.

They made virtually every gotta-have-it third or fourth down in this game, and had the defense that made the big play late.
Yep, they played well, didn't play conservative and didn't shit all over themselves like every other team.

Congrats Eagles fans, a great game all around by them.
 

Reverend

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I realize that many of us (us = the handful of Eagles fans on the board) have been hesitant to bump this thread, and I suspect it will be closed shortly like other team threads, so here’s a last post from me.

I knew the team was good this year - a great mixture of young and veteran talent - but the longtime Eagles fan in me always had that nagging doubt in the back of my head that they could get it done. And I will absolutely admit that when Wentz went down in December I thought their season was over.

Watching Nick Foles step in and knock off three+ years of rust to play like the QB he was in his first go round with the Eagles; watching the defense withstand the loss of Jordan Hicks and not miss a beat (ok, not as many beats as I would have guessed); watching Vaitai step in for Jason Peters and end the season playing a great Super Bowl against James Harrison ... well, I just didn’t see any of it coming.

Incredibly happy to have a lot of talent returning with the fearless Doug Pederson as our coach. Looking forward to 2018 with Foles and Carson Wentz competing for the starters spot. (Kidding.)
If you, or any Eagles fan for that matter, missed Kevin Hart’s spirited narrative for the Eagles (and consequent shutdown of SAS), it’s more than worth it.

Honestly, on hearing KH tell it, that was the first time I got concerned—he tells a good story that makes a strong case.

 
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PedroKsBambino

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Congrats to OCD and Red Averages, great posters who deserved the win the team earned. Wish it had gone a different way, but that was an outstanding performance from the Eagles.
 

Mugsy's Jock

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I promise not to use the word “but” in this post:

That was a damn good Eagles team, and if I were a fan of theirs I’d be incredibly excited about what Roseman has built. Pederson played it great, and Foles miraculous and surprising run can’t be diminished.

congrats, Eagle fans.
 

dcmissle

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Spectacular season. Congratulations!

Three huge losses to injury, and the team does not skip a beat,

A two-year turnaround after a coaching fiasco that divided the organization (but united the city!).

Inspired, fearless coaching. I am happy that Pederson is getting his due.

One favor, please? Don't dominate the NFC East for the next 10 years -- decimate it.

Enjoy.
 

SeoulSoxFan

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Congrats to every Eagles fans here. It took a near-perfect effort to beat the Pats. The execution was phenomenal.

No, not going to close this thread out (the other team threads were, only to encourage starting new ones).

LondonSox, AR, OCD, and others are welcomed to keep this throughout the next SB or start a new one. Let me know either way.
 

BigSoxFan

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I watched Nick Foles tear apart a Belichick defense like it was a Big 12 game. Congrats. Hell of a team and a performance.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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Congrats to the Eagles fan. What a great off-season they have. From this article, they appear to have hit on every one of their FA additions and most of their trades: Alshon Jeffery, Foles, Blount, cornerback Patrick Robinson, Torrey Smith, Chris Long, Corey Graham, and Chance Warmack as FAs; Jernigan, Darby, and Ajayi as trades; and Jake Elliott (signed off of Cinci practice squad).

Had a slight rooting interest in the game because top of the Eagles scouting department are former Ravens - Joe Douglas and Andy Weidl. They are really good. And Eagles appear to be building a great scouting department.
 

Average Reds

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You know, I stayed away from the game thread last night because it's not a place for nuance and this is a Boston board. And as I said earlier, I'm still a big Brady fan and honestly would love to see him exit at a time and place of his choosing after another SB win.

That said, the response this morning on SoSH to Eagle fans has been awesome. Hugs and hand pounds all around.
 

DeadlySplitter

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we'll be seeing each other again at latest in the 2019-20 season at Philly. that should be a fun one
 

dcmissle

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You know, I stayed away from the game thread last night because it's not a place for nuance and this is a Boston board. And as I said earlier, I'm still a big Brady fan and honestly would love to see him exit at a time and place of his choosing after another SB win.

That said, the response this morning on SoSH to Eagle fans has been awesome. Hugs and hand pounds all around.
Yes, SoSH is a safe place, if that can be imagined. Every screen in the house is off, every sports outlet embargoed for at least a week.

I have you all and I have PFT just to note significant news and transactions, and that is it.
 

Ale Xander

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Congrats to Oil Can Dan and some of the other Eagles fans here and elsewhere. Well played, even with the 4th down plays that killed my health and the Pats chance for #6. Pederson is a go for the win coach, and Schwartz made a great call putting Graham inside at the end for the, for all intents and purposes, winning play. Well done.
 

streeter88

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Congrats Eagles fans! I went to an all Eagles SB party (not many SB parties on a Monday in Melbourne Australia), and long time long suffering Eagles fans - including the host - were crying tears of joy at the end.

Truly amazing win - great coaching, great offense, and you got the one stop of the game precisely when you needed it. First time in the BB Brady era the team lost without a stupid flukey catch being the reason for it. Which means Pats got beat fair and square. Well done Eagles!!!
 

luckiestman

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What a fun team and great story you guys got this year. You rocked this Super Bowl

 

Ale Xander

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I promise not to use the word “but” in this post:

That was a damn good Eagles team, and if I were a fan of theirs I’d be incredibly excited about what Roseman has built. Pederson played it great, and Foles miraculous and surprising run can’t be diminished.

congrats, Eagle fans.
I'd rather have been blown out by Minny quite honestly.
 

Reverend

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If you, or any Eagles fan for that matter, missed Kevin Hart’s spirited narrative for the Eagles (and consequent shutdown of SAS), it’s more than worth it.

Honestly, on hearing KH tell it, that was the first time I got concerned—he tells a good story that makes a strong case.

Thanks everyone. What a game.
I have it on good authority that “was supposed to happen.”

 

InstaFace

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You know, I stayed away from the game thread last night because it's not a place for nuance and this is a Boston board. And as I said earlier, I'm still a big Brady fan and honestly would love to see him exit at a time and place of his choosing after another SB win.

That said, the response this morning on SoSH to Eagle fans has been awesome. Hugs and hand pounds all around.
There are losses after which we have cause to be bitter, and there are losses after which we have cause to tip our hat. This was definitely in the latter category.

The Eagles out-hustled, out-coached and out-executed the Patriots for a full 60 minutes, with the game's decisive play happening 58 minutes in (supposed conditioning edge be damned). The Patriots didn't fold, they kept their focus, kept the scoreboard spinning, and gave you guys heart attacks... it just wasn't enough in the end. The Eagles finally put the stake through Brady's heart, in a way that the Seahawks and Falcons could not.

I hope the win makes you as happy as SB 36 made us. I also feel great for Nick Foles, who deserves it for both his recent play and his entire career arc. Win a few more, though, and we might turn on you :)
 

terrynever

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Like any logical sports fan, I hold great respect and fear for the Patriots. There was never a moment in Sunday night's game when the fear went away, not until the clock flashed zeroes. A 10-point lead means nothing against a team that erased a 25-point deficit in the previous SB.

That was an exhausting game to watch because almost every other play went for a good chunk of yardage. Felt like an AFL game in the 1960s.

Much respect goes to the players on both teams. I'm also happy that Chris Long and Malcolm Jenkins have already said they will not go to the White House and get manipulated by a guy who called them "SOBs" last summer.
 

dcmissle

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Solid move by Long and Jenkins.

Two forward looking questions for Eagles fans, or people who follow the team.

1. It’s my general impression that you’re not losing many guys and that the core pieces are tied up for a few years. Right?

2. Do they dare trade Foles, or is the Wentz knee too much of a question?

Thanks.
 

Oil Can Dan

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Solid move by Long and Jenkins.

Two forward looking questions for Eagles fans, or people who follow the team.

1. It’s my general impression that you’re not losing many guys and that the core pieces are tied up for a few years. Right?

2. Do they dare trade Foles, or is the Wentz knee too much of a question?

Thanks.
21 of 22 starters are signed for next season, with the exception being Nigel Bradham. Who's pretty key at LB and who they/I'd love to see retained, but they're $9M over the cap right now. A few others that they'll have to make decisions on given that cap situation:

- Jason Peters - the big fella is a first-ballot HoFer and a 'true Eagle', but he's old and expensive and coming off the ACL. His replacement played pretty darned good while he was out. I am glad I don't have to make this decision. My prediction - cut.
- Darren Sproles - he wants to come back, but Philly is deep at RB and I can't see it happening in Philly. Too bad because he's a badass and all of Philly loves him. Prediction - not resigned.
- Blount - he's a free agent. No idea if he wants top dollar or less to stay in Philly. With Ajayi and Clement already in the backfield I think he's a luxury they can't afford. Prediction - not resigned.
- Brent Celek - longest tenured Eagle, great blocking TE. But will count $5M against the cap. Prediction - Celek goes out on top.
- Brandon Graham is under contract for next season but wants a long-term, big-money extension. He's probably worth it, but not sure Philly can make it happen. Prediction - he holds out, then reports, then is gone next year.

Then there's Foles. I think it's a $7M cap hit. Super Bowl MVP, but it's Wentz's team. This one is a wild card because it depends on what another team is willing to give as well as Wentz's status. Going to take time to see but gun to my head right now, he stays and perhaps signs a new deal for longer years. He'd be giving up a lot to do that, but he just might want that.
 

Oil Can Dan

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Oh, and Patrick Robinson, who played great at CB this year both in the slot and outside. He's a free agent, and I suspect he'll leave for more money than Philly can give him. Hope I'm wrong.

Late edit - Trey Burton will be a FA. Some team will pay him more than Philly will. Love Burton but he's gonzo.
 
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Mystic Merlin

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Thanks for that rundown, OCD, beats poring over Spotrac with no context.

One question: Why would Foles sign an extension to sit on the bench?
 

Oil Can Dan

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Thanks for that rundown, OCD, beats poring over Spotrac with no context.

One question: Why would Foles sign an extension to sit on the bench?
He probably wouldn't. I just think there's a chance he'd rather be backup in a situation that he loves rather than make 3x more to be a starter somewhere he's not sure about. I say this after all of those "Foles almost retired two years ago but then agreed to only play for Andy Reid, and then went to Philly because he hearts Doug Pederson".

Very unlikely for sure.

I remember being unhappy when he signed here for $14m for two years. I thought that was too much for a backup. I believe I said something to a friend to the effect of "I mean if Wentz goes down the season is over anyway so why allocate this money here".

Yeah...I'm not so smart at the football.
 

dcmissle

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They are locked and loaded. Lol. Yes, thanks for the rundown.

I will say it again — the most astonishing and potentially consequential two-year turnaround since the one that began to unfold in Fox in 2000.

The stone cold killer must come back with a good knee.
 

Hoya81

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They are locked and loaded. Lol. Yes, thanks for the rundown.

I will say it again — the most astonishing and potentially consequential two-year turnaround since the one that began to unfold in Fox in 2000.

The stone cold killer must come back with a good knee.
The 2018 schedule is a bear and might result in a step back:

7 playoff teams
Atlanta
Carolina
New Orleans
Minnesota
Rams
Jacksonville
Tennessee
 

terrynever

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Jason Kelce paid back all the media critics today in a colorful parade speech before an estimated 700,000 Eagles fans. Uncensored version on YouTube.
 
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terrynever

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I can find no evidence of this. Do you have a link?
I think it's premature. This would be a major story right now if true. But we do know Long and Jenkins have opted out. Since this is a very tight team, it's likely most everyone will follow their lead.
I guess the real question is the owner. Not sure where he stands politically.
If the Pats had won, you know Kraft and Belichick would be on board for a trip to the White House. But the players? That SOB remark by Trump cut pretty deep around the league.