EAGLES: The Running Back Swap

Earlier today, the Eagles and Cleveland Browns reached a deal that would swap Mike Bell and Jerome Harrison from their prospective teams.

Bell, who was acquired in the off-season from the New Orleans Saints, has struggled thus far as an Eagle. He was expected to be a compliment to youngster LeSean McCoy, but instead has been a bust. With only 16 carries for 28 yards on the year, Bell failed to convert on big play downs as well as break away for any significant gains on offense. He has been hampered with injuries since the beginning of training camp and has never seemed to bounce back.

Welcome Jerome Harrison as the Eagles backup running back

Twenty-seven year old Jerome Harrison was expected to be the Browns top running back this season. Last year, he amassed 862 yards and five touchdowns, averaging over four yards per carry. In the last three games of the season, he led all running backs with 561 rushing yards. One of his most elusive skills is his receiving skills. In his 51 career games with Cleveland, he had 61 receptions for 444 yards and three touchdowns.

Based on their history in the NFL and what they can offer in the present and future, I cannot believe the Browns were willing to give up Harrison straight up for Bell. Harrison was clearly upset that the Browns acquired Peyton Hillis in the off-season and then drafting Montario Hardesy in the second round and since then has underperformed. Even though he has shown flashes of potential, Bell has never really created an identity in the NFL. He doesn’t have a specific set of skills that set him apart from starters in the league.

Harrison, despite losing the starting job to Hillis this year, will be a great compliment to LeSean McCoy. The Eagles aren’t looking for a No. 1 running back, but rather someone they can trust to take the load away from McCoy and fill the void effectively if Shady gets injured. Harrison is a speedy back and fits in well with the Eagles west coast offense. He has proven that he can make big plays, which was proven last season when he rushed for 286 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 20th. At 5-foot-9 210 pounds, Harrison has bull-like features that could be useful on short yardage situations on top of the break away speed that could lead to big plays.

Even if Harrison turns out to not be the same Jerome Harrison that finished off the 2009 season, he can’t look much worse than Mike Bell did this season. It was a decision that is probably best for both players and from the looks of it, the Eagles got the good end of the deal.

EAGLES: Rout of Jaguars Gives ‘Birds First Place

In the middle of August, it was the Eagles first preseason game that ended in a one point win. On Sunday, it was a completely different story that ended in a 25-point win. In August it was the debut of Kevin Kolb as the Eagles new starter. Earlier today it was the beginning of a new Eagles era–for however long it lasts—the Michael Vick era.

Michael Vick accounted for all four of the Eagles touchdowns against the Jags. The Philadelphia offensive was practically unstoppable, posting their best numbers of the 2010 season. The offensive line certainly bent but didn’t break, enabling Michael Vick to find his receivers and scramble around the field. Defensively, the Eagles held the Jags to no touchdowns, making it the first time they’ve done that since the 2008 season.

It’s always fun to give grades when the Eagles play well:

Quarterback: A –

Michael Vick proved why he got the starting job

The spotlight was on Michael Vick after Andy Reid’s decision to give him the starting job for the rest of the season. Vick delivered in dramatic fashion, throwing for 291 yards and three touchdowns. He also added another touchdown on the ground off a 17-yard rush in the fourth quarter.

For the first time in his career, Vick recorded his third straight passer rating over 100. He has made a special connection with his receivers, especially with DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin on the long ball. The only problem I had with Vick was his completion percentage on Sunday. He finished the game just 17 for 31 (54.8 percent), which really needs to come up when the Eagles start playing competitive NFL teams.

Running Backs: B

Typical of an Andy Reid offense, the Eagles didn’t let the running game develop on Sunday. LeSean McCoy continues to prove why he deserves more carries each game, as he averaged five yards per carry on 11 carries for 49 yards. What more does he need to do to win over Any Reid? He is averaging 6.7 yards per carry behind a sub-par offensive line.

Mike Bell, who has gotten little action this season, failed to convert two short yardage situations today. He was supposed to be a good compliment to McCoy’s speed, but failed to get the job done and brought the running back’s grade done because of it.

Wide Receivers: A

What a beautiful sight seeing the wide receivers exploit defenses. They are one of, if not the, most dynamic cores in the league. The speed of DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin cannot be defended by most teams in the country, which was proven on Sunday. Jackson opened the game with a 61-yard touchdown and finished the game with five receptions for 153 yards and a score. Maclin recorded his third and fourth touchdowns of the year and had 83 reception yards on four catches. To put things in perspective, Maclin only had four touchdowns all of last season. It was also great to see Brent Celek in the mix, who finished with four receptions for 42 yards.

Offensive Line: B

In the beginning of the game, the offensive line struggled to protect Vick, forcing a number of incomplete passes. Throughout the game, Vick was sacked three times, which shows that there is always room for improvement when it comes to the Eagles offensive line. However, this was definitely the best the o-line has looked this year. Once they got situated and into a rhythm, they gave Vick a lot of time to make plays happen.

Defensive Line/Linebackers: A

Stewart Bradley made his presence felt on Sunday

Maurice Jones-Drew is the type of running back that is not often held to 3.7 yards per carry. It’s amazing how much the front seven improves with the presence of Stewart Bradley in the middle of the field. On top of stopping the run, the Eagles also sacked David Garrard six times, which is the most they have all season. Trent Cole led the team in sacks (2) and tackles (8) and continues to be the staple on the defensive line.

As I mentioned in the preview post, one of the big concerns heading into Sunday was how the Eagles would defend the athletic and versatile tight end Mercedes Lewis. The linebackers did a great job preventing him from catching balls over the middle and held him to three catches for 15 yards.

Secondary: A

Any time you hold an opposing quarterback, and I don’t care who that quarterback is, to 105 yards of passing, you are doing something right. The Jaguars didn’t have an answer for the Eagles pressure from the front seven, which led to bad passes on tight coverage. Asante Samuel recorded his first interception of the season and did a great job defending Mike Sims-Walker throughout the game.

Special Teams: A –

I don’t think I’m the only one who found myself wondering who Jorrick Calvin was when he entered the game. He did a pretty solid job returning punts after DeSean Jackson and returning kicks after Ellis Hobbs. Speaking of Ellis Hobbs, he had a great kick return of 46 yards that sparked an Eagles offensive drive. Sav Rocca also continues to kill the ball, averaging over 45 yards per punt this season.

Now the easy part of the season is behind the Eagles. The highly anticipated return of Donovan McNabb to Philadelphia will take place next Sunday night, which also marks the Eagles first divisional match up. Isn’t it odd to think that after all of the controversy this past week the Eagles are the only team in the NFC East to be above 500? Funny how things work out.

EAGLES: Previewing the Third Preseason Game

Even though the game is just a few hours away, there are a few things to look forward to for the Eagles third preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. With the first team playing three quarters on both sides of the ball, it will be the last chance for the Eagles to show their fans what they’ve got. Now for some quick notes before the game:

-The Eagles first team offense has still yet to score a touchdown. They looked far from game ready last week against the Bengals, but the offense should get a few boosts with Stacy Andrews and running back Mike Bell back in the rotation.

-First-round draft pick Brandon Graham will start tonight at defensive end. He has impressed coaches at practice and will get his first start with the Eagles first team defense. Safety and second-round pick Nate Allen will start his third-straight game.

-Left guard Todd Herremans will start for the Eagles tonight. He will not play all three quarters for precautionary reasons with his foot.

-Cornerback Macho Harris is expected to play after missing the first two games with a hamstring injury. He is one of the main players in the bubble so tonight’s performance will be crucial for Harris.

-Things continue to get worse for Eagles tight end Cornelius Ingram. He did not travel with the team because of knee problems. Doctors noted that he has a Baker’s cyst on the back of his left knee, which is the same injury that kept him out of his senior season at Florida. His chances of making the team continue to dwindle with the injury problems.

-Players that are on the bubble and have something to prove tonight:

1) Moise Fokou- this is one of his last chances to prove that he can compete with the first team. He has continued to fall down the depth charts and almost has no chance to compete with Akeem Jordan anymore.

2) Omar Gaither- similar to Fokou, he is under the spotlight and if he wants to be on the first team, his performance tonight is crucial.

3) Darryl Tapp- with rookies Brandon Graham and Daniel Te’o-Nesheim playing well and winning the approval of Sean McDermott, Tapp could be seeing his chances of starting dwindle

4) Joselio Hanson and Dimitri Patterson- who will be the Eagles second starting cornerback? And don’t forget about Trevard Lindley.

A lot of questions for the first team and the bubble players. Let’s see how it all comes to play.

EAGLES: Training Camp Wrap-Up; Notes for Second Preseason game

With training camp coming to a close yesterday, all eyes point to Friday night’s second preseason matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Eagles are coming in relatively healthy, which has been the biggest highlight of training camp.

There were no torn ACL’s. There were no season ending injuries. With the exception of a few key players battling nagging injuries, the Eagles were fortunate enough to steer clear of the injury bug (for now that is). Now heading into the heart of preseason, the young Eagles team has the ability to flourish and mold into one of the biggest dark horses of the 2010 season. Looking back at training camp, there were a number of players that really proved themselves and earned a spot on the Eagles roster:

1. Rookies

Andy Reid talks with Clay Harbor

I don’t think I have ever been more excited about a rookie class since following the Eagles. Granted the Eagles have 13 draft picks to choose from, but there are a number of youngsters that proved they can run with the big boys. For one, Brandon Graham demonstrated that he can start as a defensive end for the Eagles. He proved all the naysayers wrong that doubted his size and power. In the last few days he has gotten reps on the inside of the line too, illustrating the confidence that Reid and McDermott have in the first round draft pick. Similarly, free safety Nate Allen, who had arguably the most pressure riding on him coming into Lehigh, showed that he can also play with the first team. Considering the Eagles are extremely thin at safety, many were worried that the second-round pick wouldn’t live up to hype and Allen showed, for now, that he is not afraid to back down. Also, safety Kurt Coleman really opened a lot of eyes over the last few weeks. As a seventh-round pick, Coleman was often overlooked coming out of Ohio State. He should have the backup safety spot locked up.

The biggest shock in my perspective came from wide receiver Riley Cooper. All I remember hearing from him as Florida was his size and ability to be a deep threat, but Cooper demonstrated all of training camp that he is as versatile as they come. Not only do I expect him to make the roster, I expect him to be a viable threat as the Eagles fourth receiver. Similar to Cooper, tight end Clay Harbor was arguably the biggest surprise of training camp. Even though Cornelius Ingram is coming off his second torn ACL, he was the big favorite heading into training camp to be a solid second option. Ingram continues to battle injuries and ended camp as one of the biggest disappointments, as Harbor outplayed him and stayed healthy enough to lock up the second spot behind Brent Celek.

2. Stewart Bradley

The fearless Bradley proved that his torn ACL from last season is far behind him. The Eagles finally have a sufficient leader on the defensive side of the ball and an experienced veteran that will be a major threat in the middle of the field. Despite being held out of many practices for precautionary measures, Bradley was in full force every time he stepped on the field. Expect a big season from No. 55 in the middle and finally some consistency from the linebacker position.

3. Mike McGlynn

With Jamaal Jackson out for the first few weeks and Nick Cole sitting out with knee swelling, the third-year offensive lineman Mike McGlynn stepped in for the Eagles and surprised many at one of the weakest positions on the field. Nick Cole had a lot to prove coming into training camp, and his inability to remain healthy left the door open for McGlynn. It’s not even that McGlynn is playing that well, it’s more that he isn’t making too many mistakes. He will start his second straight game on Friday night against Cincinnati.

Now for the biggest busts of training camp:

Fokou needs to up his game if he wants to see the field in 2010

1. Moise Fokou

Fokou was expected to be the Eagles strong outside linebacker coming into camp and eventually dwindled to the second team taking reps with the linebackers and defensive lineman. He lost his job to a more experienced veteran in Akeem Jordan and will most likely remain on the bench unless someone is injured.

2. Cornelius Ingram/Mike Bell/Nick Cole

All three of these players had the backup/starting positions locked up before they spent most of training camp getting medical attention. The more unfortunate part is that none of their injuries are serious, but are still enough to keep them off the playing field while they watch their positions being taken from them. This is more the case with Ingram who is without question the third string tight end now and who’s only chance to make the 53-man roster is if Reid takes three tight ends. Bell is still expected to be the backup running back for the Eagles due to the lack of depth at the position, but both Eldra Buckley and Martell Mallet are getting reps with the second and third teams as Bell sits out. As I mentioned earlier with Cole, his starting job was in question coming into the season but he was the clear favorite to be the Eagles starting center with Jamaal Jackson still injured. However, his knee continues to keep him on the sidelines as McGlynn makes moves at the starting job.

3. Hank Baskett

With five years of experience in the NFL, it seemed like Baskett was a sure fit as the Eagles fourth wide receiver. Even though it’s a new quarterback and a lot of new faces, it’s still the same system under Andy Reid. Baskett was out-hustled and outplayed by Riley Cooper and Kelly Washington and if it wasn’t for his experience, he would probably not make the team. I’m sure he will still make it as the fifth receiver.

Check out Philly.com Sheil Kapadia’s list of winners and losers from camp.

Notes for Friday night’s game against the Bengals:

-The starters are going to play the first half on Friday night. Kevin Kolb will start, Vick will play the third quarter, and Mike Kafka will finish the game in the fourth quarter.

- Inactive for the game: Nick Cole, Jamaal Jackson, Todd Herremans, David Pender, and Victor Abiamiri

-Asante Samuel (hamstring) and running back Mike Bell (calf) are listed as questionable

-Tight end Cornelius Ingram practiced yesterday and expects to play. Similar story with Macho Harris (hamstring) and Quintin Demps (knee)

-For the Bengals, head coach Marvin Lewis ruled out WR Antonio Bryant (knee), FB Fui Vakapuna (shoulder), WR Robert Geathers (foot), LB Rashad Jeanty (leg), S Tom Nelson (knee) and OT Andrew Mitchell

-A direct quote from Terrell Owens about his new team: “I was just talking to Carson [Palmer] earlier,” Owens said. “This team, this year it really gives me the feeling of when I went to Philly. The talent level on this team, the capabilities of where this team can really go.” It’s always interesting to play against the infamous T.O.

EAGLES: The Injury Bug Strikes Early

It was only a matter of time before the injury bug decided to come back for the 2010 season and infect the Eagles. While there have not been any season-ending injuries thus far (knock on wood), there have been multiple nagging injuries reported over the last few days.

DeSean Jackson getting carted off the field with a back injury (courtesy of Philly.com)

On Saturday the main injury headline was with wide receiver DeSean Jackson. He strained his back during the morning session of practice and was carted off for precautionary reasons. Since the back is a serious case for concern, it is likely that he will be taking it easy for the next few days. Linebacker Stewart Bradley also did not practice because he is trying to keep as much pressure off his surgically repaired knee as possible. Both are listed as day-to-day.

Today’s practice resulted in three different players being carted off the field. Cornerback Asante Samuel and backup running back Mike Bell both strained their hamstrings during light workouts. Similar to Jackson, they are not expected to be serious and Samuel even mentioned that he could be on the field starting Monday morning.

With Bell out, the door opened for recently acquired running back J.J. Arrington. He was signed the other day as another experienced running back, despite missing all of last season from microfracture surgery on his knee. The Eagles also called back Martell Mallett after releasing him after the Arrington signing.

Finally, center A.Q. Shipley suffered an ankle injury and is listed as day-to-day.

It is not a good feeling for Eagles fans when the injury bug strikes just as the pads are coming on and the hitting is just starting up. For the next few weeks, the probability of injuries is going to skyrocket with all the position battles and rookies trying to prove themselves to the veterans. As long as these injuries stay minimal there is no problem. The young Eagles lineup cannot afford to lose another leader like they did last season with Stewart Bradley.

In other news, defensive specialist Akeem Jordan practiced with the first team defense on Sunday at the strong side linebacker position. The move knocked Moises Fokou out of the starting spot, hence creating a highly anticipated position battle for the rest of camp.

Why Mike Bell Is A Good Fit For The Eagles

New Orleans Saints running back Mike Bell met with the Philadelphia Eagles today. The Eagles are currently searching for the right running back to replace veteran Brian Westbrook, who was released a couple of weeks ago. Bell is a restricted free agent and was offered the lowest possible contract with the Saints for next season. Since he is restricted, it might be difficult for the Eagles to make a deal because New Orleans has the first option to match or raise any deal set forth by the Eagles organization.

A lot still has to happen before Mike Bell can wear green

Bell is not the tallest running back (about six feet tall), but he is bulky (225 pounds) and plays a grinding style of football. He could be a great compliment to second-year running back LeSean McCoy’s abilities to hit the gap. Bell and Leonard Weaver could handle the short yardage situations and third down plays while McCoy can run free on the first and second downs.

Last season, Bell led the Saint’s running core in carries. He averaged just under 4 yards per carry, compiling 654 yards and five touchdowns on the season. Considering the Saints were a pass-happy offense, Bell was the go-to guy around the goal line for the defending Super Bowl champs. Even though his receiving game was overshadowed by Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, Bell has been successful in the past catching the football. In 2006 he had 20 receptions for 158 yards, which is close to 8 yards per catch. That same year he rushed for over 675 yards and 8 touchdowns as one of the main running backs for Denver.

Another advantage to Bell’s resume is his age. Next month he will be turning 27, which is considered veteran status in the NFL these days. With Brian Westbrook gone, Bell could act as a leader to both McCoy and Weaver who are both entering their second year in the league. I am not suggesting that Bell is going to come in and do Brian Westbrook-like damage when Westbrook was 27. I am also not saying that he will have as big of an impact off the field as Westbrook. However, I do believe that he would compliment McCoy’s running style and take a load off Weaver’s short-yardage and full back responsibilities.