Vandalay14
Contributor
The Eagles have hardly soared through their first half of games this season, posting a 2-6 record. Yet, they are currently only one game behind in the standings in the NFC East. In addition, they have shown some glimpses and fuel for hope in the future. They had at least 3 games where they were unable to keep a lead, and figure to be much better in the second half of the season as Coach Vandalay continues to adjust to the PX1 NFL game.
Adams has shown some flashes of ability to manage the game and make pinpoint throws. But he's also shown the propensity to implode as well, as he displayed throwing 8 interceptions in the second halves of the last two games. Overall, he's simply been very uneven, and as he goes, so goes the offense. His completion percentage is about 10 percent lower than he'd like and he's had at least 10 interceptions too many. Some of those interceptions have come when trying to force the ball in the last minutes of the half or trying to come from behind, but he still has to learn to protect possession. On the other hand, he's worked diligently on playaction and accuracy and has made solid strides in the right direction.
Unfortunately, those lessons will be on hold for about a month.as he was injured late last week. Stephen Morris came in and performed admirably, but will likely face many of the same problems as any young quarterback. Still, he's a much more mobile quarterback and has some nice raw physical talent. Dysert was signed earlier this week to provide some depth, and he has some solid physical skills as well.
In the absence of the injured Murray, Ryan Mathews has done a solid job as the featured back, but has had some uneven performances. Against some of the stronger fronts, he has struggled to get consistent yardage. Still, he's shown ability to find holes and is a receiving threat out of the backfield as well. Sproles has been used primarily on passing downs but is still an effective all purpose threat. And Yeldon was signed after week 4 to serve as a backup and has flashed some abilities eerily similar to Mathews.
Going forward, Mathews will be featured for the next couple of weeks while Murray completes his injury rehab; Murray is expected to return for the week 12 matchup against the Giants and his all around rushing ability should bolster the ground attack and take even more pressure off of the young quarterbacks and offensive line.
Going forward, the starting unit of Matthews, Huff and Agholor is expected to further gel and provide consistent weapons for the Adams/Morris QB combo to target.
Ertz is proving to be one of the premier receiving tight ends in the league. He's been consistent in getting open and, more importantly, has proven to be a good red zone target with 3 TDs. Both Doyle and Hoomanawanui were signed during the season to provide a better blocking presence, and that they have. Doyle is the primary blocking TE and Hoomanawanui is used as an H-Back. Meanwhile, Burton is a physically talented receiving TE but hasn't gotten much playing time.
As was expected before the season, the inexperienced duo of Campbell and Douglas would be inconsistent on the left side, giving up all 6 sacks thus far this season. While that's not ideal, they have held up reasonably well and are expected to do even better going forward. The Eagles have begun to utilize Gaines and Vardaro in certain packages to get those young players some experience as well.
The center and right side have been very good. Kelce, Gardner and Johnson have not yet given up a sack and are much more stout in run blocking as well. Their experience shines and gives the Eagles something to build around.
Cox continues his journey toward being one of the most dominant down linemen in the league. At times this year, he's been unblockable and effects both the run game as well as the pass rush. He constantly commands double teams and often, that's still not enough. Logan and Thornton are good run down defenders who have had good moments, but have also had some rough spots as well, most notably in the games against the Cowboys and Steelers. Still, more often than not, they hold at the point of attack and improvement will be key going forward. Off the bench, Allen and Travis have been the primary backups and have done well in farily limited time; Mendenhall was recently signed to be a pass rushing specialist at DE and is working his way into the mix.
The secondary has evolved over the course of the first half of the season. Phillips was initially replaced by Richardson at strong safety, but more recently Chance Casey was promoted from nickelback to be the second corner after performing well, while Eric Rowe has been moved from corner to strong safety in many situations. The hope is that these moves will provide better coverage as well as more athleticism on the back end. It is yet to be properly tested, but early results have been mixed.
Maxwell and Jenkins have been the cornerstones of the secondary and are expected to continue. While opposing teams have had some success in the passing game, it's generally not against these two. Meanwhile, the recent changes will put Jamell Fleming and AJ Bouye in the spotlight, but they are both good athletes who should fit the scheme well. Couplin rarely sees the field on defense, but is a consistent special teams contributor.
OFFENSE
Coach Vandalay has a history of having a high flying, spread passing attack, which takes elements from spread, west coast and college "Air Raid" schemes. His schemes have had mixed results so far this season, as the quarterback play has been uneven and inaccurate at inopportune times, and the protection has been a little shaky. Yet, the coaching staff is adjusting and the game plans are becoming much more refined as the season has gone along. The running game has been modest, but has been enough to keep defenses honest for the most part. Overall unit grade: C+
Quarterback -
Daniel Adams - C (1917 pass yards, 54% completion, 14 TDs, 19 INTs)
Stephen Morris - incomplete (67 pass yards, 67% completion, 1 TD, 1 INT)
Zac Dysert - incomplete
Daniel Adams - C (1917 pass yards, 54% completion, 14 TDs, 19 INTs)
Stephen Morris - incomplete (67 pass yards, 67% completion, 1 TD, 1 INT)
Zac Dysert - incomplete
Adams has shown some flashes of ability to manage the game and make pinpoint throws. But he's also shown the propensity to implode as well, as he displayed throwing 8 interceptions in the second halves of the last two games. Overall, he's simply been very uneven, and as he goes, so goes the offense. His completion percentage is about 10 percent lower than he'd like and he's had at least 10 interceptions too many. Some of those interceptions have come when trying to force the ball in the last minutes of the half or trying to come from behind, but he still has to learn to protect possession. On the other hand, he's worked diligently on playaction and accuracy and has made solid strides in the right direction.
Unfortunately, those lessons will be on hold for about a month.as he was injured late last week. Stephen Morris came in and performed admirably, but will likely face many of the same problems as any young quarterback. Still, he's a much more mobile quarterback and has some nice raw physical talent. Dysert was signed earlier this week to provide some depth, and he has some solid physical skills as well.
Running Back -
Demarco Murray - incomplete (injured)
Ryan Mathews - B (439 rush yards, 4.2 YPC, 3 rush TDs, 73 rec yards, 1 rec TD)
TJ Yeldon - B (56 rush yards, 5.1 YPC, 38 rec yards)
Darren Sproles - B- (11 rush yards, 2.8 YPC, 90 rec yards)
Demarco Murray - incomplete (injured)
Ryan Mathews - B (439 rush yards, 4.2 YPC, 3 rush TDs, 73 rec yards, 1 rec TD)
TJ Yeldon - B (56 rush yards, 5.1 YPC, 38 rec yards)
Darren Sproles - B- (11 rush yards, 2.8 YPC, 90 rec yards)
In the absence of the injured Murray, Ryan Mathews has done a solid job as the featured back, but has had some uneven performances. Against some of the stronger fronts, he has struggled to get consistent yardage. Still, he's shown ability to find holes and is a receiving threat out of the backfield as well. Sproles has been used primarily on passing downs but is still an effective all purpose threat. And Yeldon was signed after week 4 to serve as a backup and has flashed some abilities eerily similar to Mathews.
Going forward, Mathews will be featured for the next couple of weeks while Murray completes his injury rehab; Murray is expected to return for the week 12 matchup against the Giants and his all around rushing ability should bolster the ground attack and take even more pressure off of the young quarterbacks and offensive line.
Wide Receiver -
Jordan Matthews - B+ (34 receptions, 462 rec yards, 4 rec TDs)
Josh Huff - C+ (20 receptions, 257 rec yards, 2 rec TDs)
Nelson Agholor - B (24 receptions, 394 rec yards, 1 rec TD)
Vince Mahle - B (18 receptions, 224 rec yards, 3 rec TDs)
Jaron Hanna - C+(1 reception, 8 rec yards)
Brice Butler - incomplete
After a slow start to the season, Matthews is emerging as a consistent downfield threat. He's gained some momentum and looks to be a lock to tally 1000+ receiving yards this year. Mayle started the season as the #2 receiver and performed well, but still has recently been utilized as a reserve as Huff was moved into the starting unit. At first, Huff struggled in his new role, but he appears to have found his groove of late. Agholor is still playing as the slot receiver, which suits his talents perfectly; he's established himself as a primary target in key situations. Hanna has gotten play on special teams as the kickoff and punt returner, but was injured last week and placed on the IR, so he will miss the remainder of the season, which means Brice Butler will finally get some limited reps.Jordan Matthews - B+ (34 receptions, 462 rec yards, 4 rec TDs)
Josh Huff - C+ (20 receptions, 257 rec yards, 2 rec TDs)
Nelson Agholor - B (24 receptions, 394 rec yards, 1 rec TD)
Vince Mahle - B (18 receptions, 224 rec yards, 3 rec TDs)
Jaron Hanna - C+(1 reception, 8 rec yards)
Brice Butler - incomplete
Going forward, the starting unit of Matthews, Huff and Agholor is expected to further gel and provide consistent weapons for the Adams/Morris QB combo to target.
Tight End -
Zach Ertz - A- (26 receptions, 401 rec yards, 3 rec TDs)
Jack Doyle - B (5 receptions, 25 rec yards, 1 rec TD)
Michael Hoomanawanui - B-
Trey Burton - incomplete
Zach Ertz - A- (26 receptions, 401 rec yards, 3 rec TDs)
Jack Doyle - B (5 receptions, 25 rec yards, 1 rec TD)
Michael Hoomanawanui - B-
Trey Burton - incomplete
Ertz is proving to be one of the premier receiving tight ends in the league. He's been consistent in getting open and, more importantly, has proven to be a good red zone target with 3 TDs. Both Doyle and Hoomanawanui were signed during the season to provide a better blocking presence, and that they have. Doyle is the primary blocking TE and Hoomanawanui is used as an H-Back. Meanwhile, Burton is a physically talented receiving TE but hasn't gotten much playing time.
Offensive Line -
Bruce Campbell - C+
Jamil Douglas - C
Jason Kelce - A
Andrew Gardner - B
Lane Johnson - A
Herschel Gaines - incomplete
Bobby Vardaro - B-
Tanner Hawkinson - B-
Terren Jones - incomplete
Bruce Campbell - C+
Jamil Douglas - C
Jason Kelce - A
Andrew Gardner - B
Lane Johnson - A
Herschel Gaines - incomplete
Bobby Vardaro - B-
Tanner Hawkinson - B-
Terren Jones - incomplete
As was expected before the season, the inexperienced duo of Campbell and Douglas would be inconsistent on the left side, giving up all 6 sacks thus far this season. While that's not ideal, they have held up reasonably well and are expected to do even better going forward. The Eagles have begun to utilize Gaines and Vardaro in certain packages to get those young players some experience as well.
The center and right side have been very good. Kelce, Gardner and Johnson have not yet given up a sack and are much more stout in run blocking as well. Their experience shines and gives the Eagles something to build around.
DEFENSE
The Vandalay regime inherited a team set up for a 3-4 scheme; ideally, the coaches would love to run a 4-man front, but they are adjusting to their personnel, who has, at times, have looked very good, especially against the run. Unfortunately, they have had problems in key situations, most notably in the 2-minute drill and, at times, in the red zone. These things need to be ironed out before the team can start to win consistently. Overall unit grade: C
Defensive Line -
Fletcher Cox - A (8 tackles, 2 sacks)
Bennie Logan - B+ (5 tackles, 2 sacks)
Cedric Thornton - B (3 tackles)
Beau Allen - B (2 tackles)
Parker Travis - B- (1 tackle)
Rafael Mendenhall - incomplete
Wade Keliikipi - incomplete
Taylor Hart - incomplete
Fletcher Cox - A (8 tackles, 2 sacks)
Bennie Logan - B+ (5 tackles, 2 sacks)
Cedric Thornton - B (3 tackles)
Beau Allen - B (2 tackles)
Parker Travis - B- (1 tackle)
Rafael Mendenhall - incomplete
Wade Keliikipi - incomplete
Taylor Hart - incomplete
Cox continues his journey toward being one of the most dominant down linemen in the league. At times this year, he's been unblockable and effects both the run game as well as the pass rush. He constantly commands double teams and often, that's still not enough. Logan and Thornton are good run down defenders who have had good moments, but have also had some rough spots as well, most notably in the games against the Cowboys and Steelers. Still, more often than not, they hold at the point of attack and improvement will be key going forward. Off the bench, Allen and Travis have been the primary backups and have done well in farily limited time; Mendenhall was recently signed to be a pass rushing specialist at DE and is working his way into the mix.
Linebackers -
Kiko Alonso - A (26 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 FFs)
Mychal Kendricks - A (25 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 FF)
Brandon Graham - B+ (17 tackles, 1 sack)
Conner Barwin - B+ (14 tackles, 2 sacks)
Adrian Hubbard - B (8 tackles, 1 FF, 1 INT)
Marcus Smith II - B- (1 tackle)
Khiari Fortt - B-
Anthony Chickillo - incomplete
Like any 3-4 front, the linebackers are featured in the Eagles scheme and they haven't disappointed. Alonso and Kendricks have been among the league's best and have been well above average in all facets of the game. Graham and Barwin are pass rushing specialists who have held up well against the run as well as improved in their coverage game as well. Hubbard is used as a run down specialist and actually won the NFL Player of the Week in week 2. Smith is used on passing downs and Fortt provides all around depth, though is not often used, since he backs up two of the league's best. Overall, this group is solid and, at times, spectacular, though they are young and still working on consistency.Kiko Alonso - A (26 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 FFs)
Mychal Kendricks - A (25 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 FF)
Brandon Graham - B+ (17 tackles, 1 sack)
Conner Barwin - B+ (14 tackles, 2 sacks)
Adrian Hubbard - B (8 tackles, 1 FF, 1 INT)
Marcus Smith II - B- (1 tackle)
Khiari Fortt - B-
Anthony Chickillo - incomplete
Defensive Backs -
Byron Maxwell - B+ (10 tackles, 2 INTs)
Chance Casey - B (11 tackles, 1 FF)
Malcolm Jenkins - B+ (17 tackles, 3 INTs)
Eric Rowe - B- (16 tackles)
Sean Richardson - B- (14 tackles, 1 INT)
Kenny Phillips - C+ (9 tackles, 1 INT)
Jamell Fleming - incomplete
AJ Bouye - B- (2 tackles)
Jerome Couplin III - C+ (3 tackles)
JaCorey Shepherd - incomplete
Byron Maxwell - B+ (10 tackles, 2 INTs)
Chance Casey - B (11 tackles, 1 FF)
Malcolm Jenkins - B+ (17 tackles, 3 INTs)
Eric Rowe - B- (16 tackles)
Sean Richardson - B- (14 tackles, 1 INT)
Kenny Phillips - C+ (9 tackles, 1 INT)
Jamell Fleming - incomplete
AJ Bouye - B- (2 tackles)
Jerome Couplin III - C+ (3 tackles)
JaCorey Shepherd - incomplete
The secondary has evolved over the course of the first half of the season. Phillips was initially replaced by Richardson at strong safety, but more recently Chance Casey was promoted from nickelback to be the second corner after performing well, while Eric Rowe has been moved from corner to strong safety in many situations. The hope is that these moves will provide better coverage as well as more athleticism on the back end. It is yet to be properly tested, but early results have been mixed.
Maxwell and Jenkins have been the cornerstones of the secondary and are expected to continue. While opposing teams have had some success in the passing game, it's generally not against these two. Meanwhile, the recent changes will put Jamell Fleming and AJ Bouye in the spotlight, but they are both good athletes who should fit the scheme well. Couplin rarely sees the field on defense, but is a consistent special teams contributor.
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Definetley one of those funky seasons for you. I know you are a mastermind with roster managment, curious to see what direction you take and what you do with this roster in the off season.