21 of the Starters are Getting Better

[skinzfan]

If the goal is to build a SB team, there's no QB on the current roster that will take you there. Most here understand that, DPD obviously doesn't.

 

[Susky]

If the goal is to build a SB team, there's no QB on the current roster that will take you there. Most here understand that, DPD obviously doesn't.

Ding ding ding!

At least Reid knew that he needed a franchise QB.

 

[eaglesnut]

Ding ding ding!

At least Reid knew that he needed a franchise QB.

It's a shame he never got one then.

 

[eaglesnut]

Yet hardly a word about his 24 completions, 63% completion rate or 280 yards. His net net on the day was not as bad as reading here would suggest. And for a guy that historically has not turned the ball over, its reasonable to believe that this is something that can be fixed.

I am just thrilled that he isn't looking like that St. Louis guy as he did for the first week or two. He is getting the ball down the field with some success. Its a couple steps in the right direction, albeit with a step back as well.

The problems we are seeing are systemic to the offense and the learning process rather than directly tied to Bradford's abilities. The Team, the Coaching Staff and the Offensive System are as much to blame for the turnovers rather than laying it all on the QB. There are fixable problems and infixable problems. This strikes me as a fixable one.

If we were seeing the same Sam Bradford limitations that they had in St. Louis....Checkdowns and Folding under pressure....Then the right answer would be named Mark Sanchez. We aren't. We are seeing miscommunications and confusion mixed in with some brilliant plays. We are seeing a guy developing and growing in this offensive system. Swapping out the QB at this point would be exasperating the problem rather than solving it.

Most of this is right on. Bradford is being worked in slowly. As the playbook was stretched out of course he's going to throw more picks. Better to get them out now rather than try it for the first time in a must win December game. And better yet to get them out in an easy win.

Bradford was moving around much better and that's only going to lead to better throws as he gets quicker in setting up his base and as his base gets stronger.

There are good things to build on here. Chip sees it. It doesn't matter if some fans can't see it.

 

[deerpathdave]

Ding ding ding!

At least Reid knew that he needed a franchise QB.

See this is just stupidity to suggest that Kelly doesn't think he needs a franchise QB. Yeah some schmuck on a message board knows you need a QB, but not the coach. Yeah.

 

[DaEagles]

Ding ding ding!

At least Reid knew that he needed a franchise QB.

And they are both still looking for one

 

[Susky]

See this is just stupidity to suggest that Kelly doesn't think he needs a franchise QB. Yeah some schmuck on a message board knows you need a QB, but not the coach. Yeah.

While some other schmuck is still latched onto Tebow's dong.

Seriously though...all I'm saying is that Reid came to town with a plan (right or not), and one of the first things he did was to hang his hat on the QB position. While we can debate McNabb's eventual value, he did a fair job at being one of the keystones of the franchise. Maybe Kelly was working the strings to get Mariota, but everything he's actually accomplished so far in the QB department has been relatively short sighted.

 

[deerpathdave]

While some other schmuck is still latched onto Tebow's dong.

Seriously though...all I'm saying is that Reid came to town with a plan (right or not), and one of the first things he did was to hang his hat on the QB position. While we can debate McNabb's eventual value, he did a fair job at being one of the keystones of the franchise. Maybe Kelly was working the strings to get Mariota, but everything he's actually accomplished so far in the QB department has been relatively short sighted.

You think Bradford is intended to be a one year rental? Clearly the intent was to grab his franchise QB. Wrong maybe...short sighted no.

 

[deerpathdave]

While some other schmuck is still latched onto Tebow's dong.

Seriously though...all I'm saying is that Reid came to town with a plan (right or not), and one of the first things he did was to hang his hat on the QB position. While we can debate McNabb's eventual value, he did a fair job at being one of the keystones of the franchise. Maybe Kelly was working the strings to get Mariota, but everything he's actually accomplished so far in the QB department has been relatively short sighted.

Seriously though, it is the danger of the Coach/GM bring the same to be shortsighted. Kelly is arguably spending anything he can to win now rather than later. Miles Austin, Brad Jones, DeMarco Murray, Mark Sanchez. All alot of money spent to give depth that may or may not be needed over a long season. It is a win now mentality that reduces financial flexibility moving forward.

If his Bradford Gamble pays off, they will need to write a huge check to the guy and at that point I think alot of people will question why he blew close to $20M on those other players last year. Remember that Fletcher Cox also needs a new contract as well.

 

[Susky]

You think Bradford is intended to be a one year rental? Clearly the intent was to grab his franchise QB. Wrong maybe...short sighted no.

I believe that Chip was hoping for a one, maybe two year bridge from Bradford. Three at best. And there is lingering speculation that Bradford was, indeed, part of a larger plan that collapsed. Maybe it's just idle chatter.

 

[deerpathdave]

I believe that Chip was hoping for a one, maybe two year bridge from Bradford. Three at best. And there is lingering speculation that Bradford was, indeed, part of a larger plan that collapsed. Maybe it's just idle chatter.

There really is no reason to view it that way. Kelly has talked at length about Bradford potentially being his Drew Brees pickup similar to what Payton did in New Orleans.

Foles/Sanchez would have been fine as a bridge. They already know the system and would not have had the growing pains that Bradford is experiencing.

And the two years makes no sense whatsoever as Bradford is on a one year contract. Bradford's next contract will either me multi year as someone's starter or year to year as someone's backup.

You don't spend a 2nd round pick on a one year bridge. You spend it on the guy that you believe has the chance to be the guy.

 

[Iggloo]

Sadly, if you base it on his analysis, Igloo is not actually a "fan" of any team or anyone. Reviewing his post history it looks like he is approximately 4-1 to say something negative on any post.

Who do you like Igloo? Were you a Barkley fan? Are you impressed with Thad Lewis? Let's hear what you like rather than what you don't for a change.

Fair enough. Here is what I like on the Eagles.

* Switch to 3-4 defense is paying off. It has taken a few years, but Philly transitioned to a 3-4 front, something I long wanted, and you are seeing the defense really come together. It's easily the best part of the team right now. We're a good corner away from being very good on defense.

* Culture changes. I love that Shady and Djack are gone. Chip might lack talent but he has gotten rid of diva players. Now he needs to add culture guys who can actually play, but that will come.

* Special teams. The placekicking is still suspect, but the rest of the special teams unit is playoff caliber. Sproles is still an elite returner, we have solid coverage teams and a good punter. No Reno Mahe guys on this club. They signed special teams specialists and it is working well.

 

[Iggloo]

My sense on the Bradford debate above is that Chip thought:

1) I have nothing to lose by trading Foles, because I have concluded he is not my guy.
2) I can trade for Bradford for a second and Foles, and it's a gamble but worth it if he pans out.
3) If he doesn't, well, I will be drafting high/out of a job anyway.

 

[old duke]

My sense on the Bradford debate above is that Chip thought:

1) I have nothing to lose by trading Foles, because I have concluded he is not my guy.
2) I can trade for Bradford for a second and Foles, and it's a gamble but worth it if he pans out.
3) If he doesn't, well, I will be drafting high/out of a job anyway.

AGREE! On all points. Unless SB pans out, they will let him walk and draft or trade for a QB.

 

[deerpathdave]

Fair enough. Here is what I like on the Eagles.

* Switch to 3-4 defense is paying off. It has taken a few years, but Philly transitioned to a 3-4 front, something I long wanted, and you are seeing the defense really come together. It's easily the best part of the team right now. We're a good corner away from being very good on defense.

* Culture changes. I love that Shady and Djack are gone. Chip might lack talent but he has gotten rid of diva players. Now he needs to add culture guys who can actually play, but that will come.

* Special teams. The placekicking is still suspect, but the rest of the special teams unit is playoff caliber. Sproles is still an elite returner, we have solid coverage teams and a good punter. No Reno Mahe guys on this club. They signed special teams specialists and it is working well.

agree

 

[deerpathdave]

My sense on the Bradford debate above is that Chip thought:

1) I have nothing to lose by trading Foles, because I have concluded he is not my guy.
2) I can trade for Bradford for a second and Foles, and it's a gamble but worth it if he pans out.
3) If he doesn't, well, I will be drafting high/out of a job anyway.

agree

 

[L.Freamon]

Eagles should have kept Foles - he has the better QBR:

30 Nick Foles, STL 9.8 -0.4 -6.0 1.2 4.7 179 6.3 -8.2 35.0

32 Sam Bradford, PHI 5.1 -0.5 -2.6 2.5 4.5 277 7.0 -15.3 32.0

They're the same dude. Brafdord just cost 13x more

 

[eaglesnut]

They're the same dude. Brafdord just cost 13x more

Nah, they're different guys with a different skillset. Not all white guys look alike.

 

[L.Freamon]

First y'all tore apart the OL. Peters, Kelce, Barbre, Gardner. All frauds or over the hill or incompetent journeyman. Now? False Alarm.

Then it was Byron Maxwell. Overpaid. Can't cover. Now? False Alarm.

Then you took aim at Chip Kelly. System doesn't work. The NFL has figured it out. Now? False Alarm.

Then it was Murray. Too North South a runner. Can't run out of the Shotgun. Now? False Alarm.

y'all are developing a lousy track record with your week to week reactionary BS.

So I am not buying into the anti-Bradford talk this week. A week or two from now it will all be forgotten and you will move on to your next target.

The good news is for creative guys like you there is always someone to hate on.

You're the only clown dismissing those issues.

OL has had 2 good games...out of 6.
Maxwell is still a liability
We're 3-3; you acting like we won the SB last week. Chip Kelly ain't outta the woods yet.
Murray's had 1 good game.

You're developing a lousy track record of sustaining reality.

 

[L.Freamon]

Nah, they're different guys with a different skillset. Not all white guys look alike.

I've yet to see the difference in skill sets. Till then, they both leave lots of plays on the field. Sam Bradford makes me miss McNabb.