NFC East professional writers, I mean…and they’re not pulling any punches. Maybe they do reflect some of the inner hubris of the teams they cover. But when you are supporting a new offense with a new head coach and a triumvirate of quarterbacks lined up to lead you into the unknown, I guess you should expect this kind of doubt from the oppositional media.
I don’t get the cockiness of the Washington writers—I mean, Kirk Cousins had what, 8 or 9 good starts last year? Did that qualify him to become a franchise-tag worthy QB this season? Let’s see how he does with a year of tape on him and behind him for other teams to dissect. It just goes to show how desperate the Redskins are for a serviceable QB that they would put the franchise tag on Cousins.
New York writers fanning the flames for Eli Manning? Quite frankly, he’s put up as many stinker plays under pressure as good ones. His saving grace is somehow he held it together for two Super Bowl Ring runs over the last decade. His presence for those big winning seasons cannot be discounted. But individually he cannot make up for the combined total deficiencies of the Giants’ current offense.
A healthy Tony Romo is the clarion call of the Dallas writers this summer. When he’s healthy, he’s the best in the division, they say. But define “health”— Romo is arguably one shot to the upper body away from retirement.
If you ask me, the NFC East writers should be more concerned with accounting for an improved Eagles defense than any supposed deficiency they think we are handicapped with at QB.
How are the Eagles QB’s and Doug Pederson’s new offensive plan viewed by the out-of-town guys around the league?
John Keim, Washington Redskins: “In better hands, for now and the future. But I’m not sure that changes their immediate standing. The Redskins respected Bradford last year, but there are always questions about him because of his durability and now he’s in another new offense. Also, it’s not as if he ever has been a top QB or even close to one. However, he’s still only 28 years old. But with Daniel they have someone who knows the system; if nothing else, it’ll help the other two learn Doug Pederson’s offense. With Wentz, they have their future. Last year, they might have had Bradford but nobody really knew if he or anyone else was their long-term guy. If you look at the NFC East, Eli Manning and Tony Romo remain the two most dangerous and most accomplished quarterbacks, assuming the latter is healthy. Kirk Cousins had a better year than Bradford ever has and has better talent around him, and the Redskins have a more experienced backup in Colt McCoy. I wouldn’t rank Bradford ahead of the other starting quarterbacks in the NFC East, but if the Eagles are right about Wentz, they’re in the best spot of any NFC East team when looking at the next 10 years. Of course, if they’re not …”
Dan Graziano, New York Giants:”Honestly, it may not be fair, but I don’t get the sense that Bradford really scares anyone. The popular opinion of him seems to be that of a guy who hasn’t lived up to his potential, who’s hurt all the time, and who’s made a bunch of money for not actually accomplishing very much. But the one guy in the Giants’ building who loves Bradford is defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who was his head coach in St. Louis at the start of his career. Spagnuolo says he still believes Bradford can be a top guy if given the chance and some continuity. Unfortunately, with the Eagles changing offenses again this year and having drafted Bradford’s eventual replacement No. 2 overall, it doesn’t look as if his chance for sustained greatness is going to come in Philly.”
Todd Archer, Dallas Cowboys: “I think I can state the Cowboys’ opinion of the Eagles’ quarterback situation like this: confusing. It’s not that they believe Sam Bradford is the greatest quarterback or that Carson Wentz will be a future star or that Chase Daniel wouldn’t be a solid starter. They just don’t understand why Philadelphia signed all three of them. It just doesn’t seem like the wisest salary-cap investment, but who are the Cowboys to talk about wise investments. The Cowboys got to know Wentz fairly well in the draft process having coached him at the Senior Bowl, and they would probably like to see him play since rookies generally don’t set the world on fire. Bradford looked confused at times when he played the Cowboys last year and great at times. That’s kind of his deal, right? Daniel, who grew up in Southlake, Texas, is the wild card, and I wonder if he would be the last guy they would want to see because they haven’t seen him play much and he would be most familiar with Doug Pederson’s offense.”
Bah. None of the rival discourse means much in relation to the games that will be played one at a time come Fall. It’s almost refreshing to be considered an offensive enigma and somewhat “confusing” by our rivals going into the coming season. Like I said and truly believe, the real sway of regional opinion will more likely be determined by Eagles defense and special teams when the bell rings.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Talkin’ about red zone efficiency and red zone ball security over at the OTI Wall yesterday, and I thought it nice to highlight some of the “Old Country Bored” members still posting there:
Green-Bleed-in-Florida: “Under Chip we SUCKED in nearly every category on both sides of the ball. Lousy RZ production,awful efficiency ratings, etc.”
Joe Mas: “Get over it bro… we were a loser team when Chip took over. Let it go… his issue, he didn’t make it better, he didn’t ruin squat, the previous guy left him crap…The big difference in the offense now should be the OL assignments. They shouldn’t be isolated as much in one on one, that was the biggest issue people keep missing. One mismatch was all it took, and Chip’s O wasn’t about giving help, I think that changes now.”
Cunningham the Man: “Key shortcoming: The Red Zone. Ertz has only been getting it done between the twenties. JMatt really hasn’t established himself as an end zone target either. Randle is a better weapon than Cooper. An improved line should help but I still expect we will struggle scoring TDs in the Red Zone. It feels like it could be our biggest weakness. Lot of work for our coaches to get done in this area. Scheme and new coaches help but I think the personnel is a core issue here….I think the best thing THIS season would be to go for the 50/50 balls downfield. Put the onus on the receivers to make plays. JMatt,Ertz,Celek and Randle all have size that can be utilized. BUT it’s about long term setting up the program for the new coach. Installing his offense. Teaching his approach on the field and in the classroom.”
Joe Mas: “I agree with Ham, really why the red zone issues have been around since what?? TO and Westbrook, if not then at least back to McNabb? You go small at WR, ie DeSean, he is brutal in the red zone. Maclin was ok, but we only got one year of his best ball. Or half a year once we went to Sanchez. Smaller space negates speed, you have to use size or better execution. Scheme helps, but only goes so far. I think the OL improvement could be huge, but more experience for these other guys. No more penalties when Ertz scores a TD, and don’t throw to Miles Austin instead (Miami game)…”
Green-Bleed-in-Florida: “Suspect some 3 TE sets inside the 15 because a lot of different looks can be run out of that formation. Ertz could have the breakout year some were calling for last year, Burton could fall back out of this formation and be used as a FB. We should also be aware that Celek was an excellent offensive weapon until he was called on to block due to an inefficient line, so if the line is better, I could see Celek once again being used offensively. What I like about this team is its versatility.We’re going to see looks we haven’t seen in quite awhile and could see a lot of players shuffled around to give opposing defenses different things to think about…”
So there’s a snapshot of what’s being talked about over at OTI these days. What’s in your wallet?
By the way, the Eagles ranked 23rd in the NFL in touchdown efficiency in the red zone in 2014 and 15th in 2015. Bradford and Mark Sanchez compiled a combined red-zone-efficiency rating of 63.8 in 2015, above only the rating put together by the St. Louis Rams quarterbacks. Bradford threw four interceptions in the red zone.
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