Eagles Play Calling Duties

In the 2006 season, the Philadelphia Eagles saw their franchise quarterback go down with an ACL injury and an aging backup quarterback in Jeff Garcia step in and spark the offense. Many fans will ask, what is the myth behind Garcia's great play. Why didnt Donovan McNabb succeed like he did. Well, its simple. In the ten games Donovan McNabb played in, the birds went 5-5. McNabb for himself threw 18 touchdown passes and just 6 interceptions. The team however, was playing mediocore. For his whole career, McNabb had Andy Reid calling the shots on offense and, nothing was about to change. The Eagles offense after the 10 games, relied soley on the pass. Donovan threw the ball an average of 35.6 times per game this season and Brian Westbrook was averaging only 15 carries a game. Westbrook, the now known spark plug to this Eagles offense wasnt touching the ball as much times as he would like. Any Reid was devoted to the pass. However, after Donovan went down with a tear in his ACL, in came 37 year old Jeff Garcia. Jeff had shaped out a nice career in San Fransisco but had shown age his past to stints in Cleveland and Detroit. He knew the west coast offense as well as anyone, and was good friends with Marty Morninweg from the time they spent in San Fransisco. After the Tennesee loss, Andy Reid handed the playcalling duties over to Morninweg. His playcalling not only was alot more balanced but it was to accomodate Jeff Garcia. As old as Jeff had gotten, he couldnt handle the 35 passes a game. This played a significant role in Brian Westbrook's success late in the year. Marty trimmed down the Eagles passing load from 35 a game to 28 throws a game. This meant wonders for Westbrook. Instead of carrying the ball a measly 15 a game, Brian would now carry the ball 21 times a game. Since Brian was seeing more touches come his way, Marty was balancing the offense and the Eagles were winning games. The question that lies ahead from Eagles fans was, could a healthy Donovan McNabb be having this same success. The answer, yes. We all know Donovan is an All-Pro, possible Hall of Fame quarterback, who loves to spread the ball. When Morninweg calls plays, its opens up the Eagles arsenal on offense. Marty's style of play was more Garcia friendly. He didnt need to win the games, just keep the birds in them. Brian Westbrook was the icon on offense. Since Marty Morninweg tooken over playcalling, Westbrook averaged 5.3 yards per carry, including the two Eagles playoff games. The birds were running the ball more and using their offensive line more, exploiting other linebacking corps. This change in style, lead to wins for the Eagles and recognization for Jeff Garcia, who the Eagles decided not to re-sign. With Marty Morninweg calling plays now, it allows the Eagles to open up more. Westbrook can run the ball and catch the ball. He now has the greatest possibility to catch and run for 1000 yards each. The offensive line now, is able to run block more and has a whole year of training together. Alluding to that, Donovan McNabb will be healthy and ready to lead the Eagles offense. The birds team is built to run the ball, and that is just what they will do.

Igutchi Fitting in well.

When Chse Utley went down with a broken hand injury, you expected Pat Gillick do go out and try to bring a guy in who would fill the huge void that Utley left. Little did we know that Pat would go out and get a perrenial all-star player in Tadahito Igutchi. Igutchi, who was apart of the 2005 World Series championship White Sox team. Igutchi is an servicable MLB player who has alot of experience and is very smart. Since the White Sox were selling, Pat Gillick took advantage and aquired a solid secod baseman. Igutchi hit his first National League home run yesterday in the Phillies 4-1 win over the Cubs. His name has certainly come up alot latley during the Phillies hot streak. Whether it was coming up with a key hit, an RBI or a solid play at second base. Igutchi is no Chase Utley, however he can be a key contributor during the Phillies stretch to make the playoffs. When Chase comes off the DL and makes his reutrn, Igutchu will not be forgotten about. Manuel will not bench Igutchi. In fact a possibility would be Tad playing 3rd base. It hasnt been talked about much yet, because you dont want to look to the future too much, but It would keep a clutch bat in the lineup as well as provide exceptional play at 3rd base. With the long 3rd base rotation this year of Abe Nunez, Greg Dobbs and Wes Helms, I look for Igutchi to possibly see some 3rd base time as the year rounds out and and Utley returns.

First 3 Days of Training Camp, Good and Bad performances

Down in Lehigh, the Eagles will have finished up their third day of yet another successful day of training camp. For the first three days, the Eagles coaches and personnel worked with rookies and selected veterans. In all, the first three days went well, with some players displaying more than others. Granted, full pads dont come on until Wedensday, some player are already showing a sign of promise, while others need to show more if they expect to make the final roster.

Players who impressed me:

Jeremy Bloom-In three days, I am most impressed with Jeremy Bloom. Last season, Bloom missed the entire 2006 season but, in this years training camp, Bloom is showing why he is the hardest working Eagle on the roster. From watching him today, he was catchin balls underneath and at the same time he was being aggressive. Bloom, a very quick reciever is certain to be the team kick retuner this season. However, his reciever skills are what is underrated about him. He makes great cuts when running routes and has good hands. I still want to see Jeremy with the pads on to be totally sold on his recieving skills, but thus far he has impressed me.

Kevin Kolb-The shocking second round pick out of Houston, Kevin Kolb has gotten alot of reps today in practice and about 50% of the reps at shotgun in the seven-on-sevens. Unlike McNabb, Kolb does not throw a heavy pass, he puts more touch on the pass. He has good arm strength, and is fairly mobile. Moreover, Kolb shows good poise and composure in the pocket. To me his favorite thing to do, is check down to the halfbacks for short gains, sounds alot like Jeff Garcia but, Kolb does not seem distracted when being pressured and, does not force the issue on anything. Like I said earlier, the pads have not come on yet, so its hard to make any clear assesment but, as for know, Kolb looks like a sharp player.

Stewart Bradley-Bradley was noted as the best SAM linebacker in this years NFL Draft, however with veterans not arriving yet, Stewart has been playing alot of middle linebacker. Jimmy Johnson feels he has the body, size and instincts to play the positon. With Jeremiah Trotter and Omar Gaither begining tommorrow, Bradley will look to see alot more strong side playing time and, battle it out with second year player Chris Gocong.

Chris Gocong- I alluded to Gocong earlier, he plays the SAM positon just like Stewart Bradley does. Gocong missed all of last season with a stinger injury. While in college at Cal-poly, Gocong played defensive end. In the NFL, Chris will be playing strong side linebacker and is likley to be the teams opening day starter. From what I have seen thus far, Gocong looks like a smart player with a nact for the ball. If there is any one player who I want to see with the pads on though, it is Gocong.

Tony Hunt- The final player who I just admire on this team is Tony Hunt. Another great PSU runningback comes into the NFL with high expectations for its team. Tony is recognized as the power back all Philadelphia fans have been hoping for. Hunt seems to be running routes well in 7 on 7's. There have not been much run plays through the first three days, so I havent gotten to see him run the ball much, but he seems to be a reliable target in the flats out of the backfield. He has exceptional power at the NFL level and is just about a slam dunk to make the team. His down hill running style is blueprint for what the Eagles need to impliment into their offense.

Other notable players who impressed me are guys like Donovan McNabb,AJ Feeley,Bill Sampy, Zac Collie, Dustin Fox and CJ Gaddis(who is learning the system fast)

Players who need to step it up when the vets come.

Nate Ilaoa-Nate is a long shot to make this team in my eyes. A 7th round pick out of Hawaii, Nate is a very powerful runner with quick feet. They have been trying him out at fullback and runningback. Coming out of the backfield, Nate has dropped several passes, which is not good for a 7th round pick trying to make the team. Along with that, Nate seems winded at the end up camp sessions, which shows a lack of endurance.

Saverio Rocca- Rocca has in a way impressed me. If he can combine some accuracy and consistency with his powerful foot, he wouldnt be on this list. Rocca can really boot the ball.

Kelley Holcomb-Kelley is the 4th quarterback on this roster and with Atlanta having the Vick situation, Kelley seems like a guy who could be being shopped around. He is showing good leadership, but has a slim chance to make the team because of having Kolb and a veteran in the system in AJ Feeley.

All in all, through three days I am impressed with all the young Eagles players and hope to see more of the same when the veterans begin tommorow.

Bullpen Revived.

For about a month, both Brett Myers and Tom "Flash" Gordan were missing significant time in the Phillies bullpen. Last night both were back in acton, together and, showed a strong performance. In his second appearence off the DL, Tom Gordan looked marvelous. Flash had great location Saturday night, throwing 10 strikes in just 12 pitches. Gordan's fastball speed stayed consistent in the 7th inning he pitched, tossing countless 90+ mph pitches and, topping off the gun at 96mph. Gordan gave up just one Jack Wilson hit with 2 outs but, kept his composure and struck out the next batter he faced. Before Tom got hurt, he was having trouble with his command on his curveball, that was not the case last night. He was not troubled with it at all and, in fact threw it with more than adequate speed. Gordan secured the 7th inning safley, with two strikeouts. In the 9th inning, replacing Ryan Madson, Brett Myers entered a game for the first time since May 23rd when he injured his shoulder in Florida. Brett pitched very well and didnt seem to have any difficulty opening up his pitching arsenal. His curveball had a nice and tight 12-6 drop and was thrown with a steady 79mph speed. Myers threw his fastball a few times at 91, 92 and, 93mph. He induced pop ups to get batters out and, sat down the first two batters fairly easy. However, Adam LaRoche kept Brett throwing as he fouled off several foul balls to try and stay alive but, a pop up to centerfielder Aaron Rowand ended the game. Myers pitched the 9th inning sharp, only throwing 17 pitches and 11 strikes. Alluding to that, Myers didnt have any trouble hustling down the line to 1st base to cover for Ryan Howard on a ground ball first out. Although it was his first outing since the injury, Brett didnt seem to have any trouble with command or location. He was throwing with confidence and more importantly is back in the bullpen. The Phillies won the game 10-5 over the Pirates, J.D. Durbin got the win, despite a shakey 3rd inning. The Phils are now 3.5 back of the 1st place Mets.

C.J. Gaddis, Great Oppurtunity

All Eagle fans should start now taking a deep look at CJ Gaddis, i liked him on Clemson and now this is gonna get a shot at a possible starting role. He can play cornerback very well and has good NFL speed. His athleticism is amazing, he played baseball, football and basketball in high school and lettered a total of 7 times in the 3 sports. I love Gaddis ecspecially 4 where we selected him. CJ is 6-0 210 which is a great size for a Free saftey. He has very good upper-body strength and doesnt have much body fat. Gaddis has a nact for making a big hit anywhere on the field. He hasnt quite scratched the surface with his cover ability, he can jump and has good hands to come up with the interception. Only 22, Gaddis has an abundance of room to improve for Andy Reid and the Eagles. I can see him making this team, hands down no question about it. I cant wait ti finally be able to see Gaddis play come pre-season. Go Eagles!!!

Harold Carmichael should be a Hall Of Famer.

Harold Carmichael's career began in 1971, with the Philadelphia Eagles and in 1984, his miraculous career ended with a one year stint in Dallas. Carmichael played 13 seasons in downtown Philadelphia and was by all means, the greatest reciever in the history of the Eagles. The four time pro-bowler leads the birds in every major recieving categorie. With 590 career recpeptions and 8,985 total recieving yards, the 6'8 tall pass catcher is not a member of Canton's Pro Football Hall Of Fame. Many Philly fans beg to differ the fact, that 79 touchdown catches is worthy of a HOF induction. From 71-80, the Jacksonville product had his best seasons, and is apart of the 1970's All-Decade team, voted on by guess who. The Pro Football Hall Of Fame voters. Harold exemplifies what a great wideout was in his days. A tall, athletic monster who was a reliable source in the redzone and and go to guy for every struggling quarterback. Carmichael's 79 touchdowns still today is ranked 18th all-time, ahead of other Hall of Famers such as Michael Irvin, Charlie Joiner, and Lynn Swann. Even HOFers liek Paul Warfield with 85 touchdowns dont have as many receptions as Carmichael. Perhaps, Harold had his best year in 1973 where he had his 1st of three 1000 yard season. In that 1973 year, he also amounted 9 touchdown cathes and 67 total catches. While Harold Carmichael may not have the glorious Super Bowl ring that many Hall of Famers have, he was apart of a great team in 1980 that was nothing less that spectacular. So maybe im making a campaign for Carmichael to have his name in Canton or maybe I just wasted a half hour, either way Carmichael should have his moment in Canton and, be inducted into the Hall OfFame where all the other great NFL players reside.

Why the Eagles offense WILL succeed.

Ok so the Eagles are just starting to begin Training camp at Lehigh University and there are many eagerless Eagles fans who are asking what does this team need to do to win football games. Its simple, score points. Yes I know there are a few question marks surrounding the birds linebacking core, and yes i know, the Eagles still dont know who is going to start at defensive tackle. Thats all obvious and that can all be avoided if this team scores points at will. In recent years, with Brad Childress or Andy Reid calling offensive plays, the birds have notouriously been known as a pass balanced team. However with Marty Morningweg calling plays, that is now a thing of the past. The teams offensive line is better than ever, with young, promising players as well as experienced ones in William Thomas and Jon Runyan. The Eagles offensive line allows a now healthy Donovan McNabb to stay in the pocket more and not have to use his feet. McNabb is certainly getting up there in age and is also coming off of ACL surgery. Donovan would not like to be on his back all season, and it is likley he will not. With strong lineman, #5 can wait for recievers to get open, or motion the ball to the flats for an explosive Brian Westbrook. Many overshadow what a strong line can do for an offense. Not only does it tire out opposing defensive lines, it also strenghtens the teams running game. Brian Westbrook now has 5 guys in front of him that can allow him to touch the ball the 20-25 times he would like. Alluding to that, Brian also has the offensive playcaller in Marty Morningweg who will allow him to touch the ball the 20-25 times he would like. With as many options as Donovan McNabb an the Eagles have, I find it hard for this offense not be in the top 2 or 3 in points scored at the end of the year. Long drives down field will certainly give our defense much needed rest throughout games but, do not forget about the deep ball. The Eagles did let go of their deep ball threat, Donte Stallworth, who signed the long term deal he wanted in New England. Still the Eagles front office signed another "McNabb reciever" a fast expeirenced guy in Kevin Curtis who can spread the field and let Donovan use his strong arm as well as exploit seconadries pressing for the run. Donovan still has his go to guys in Reggie Brown and LJ Smith. With experienced recievers like those, they can only make the job easier for young recievers like Hank Baskett and Jason Avant just being implimented in the offense. The sky is the limit for this offense because of all the different options they have as well as the veteran leader they have at quarterback, Donovan McNabb. Donovan has worked hard all off-season to be back in regular season shape and lead his team to the Super Bowl. We can now only wait and see what this team can do.

Breakout season for Baskett.

Last season, Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide reciever Hank Baskett showed a sign of light at the reciever positon. The now 1 year player out of New Mexico University, Baskett has high hopes of becoming a starting reciever for the Eagles this season. Hank has all the potential in the world to become a starting player in this offense. He is 6'4 220lb, and has a strong body and, more than adequate speed, all three are blueprint for a succesful wideout. Last season, Baskett ended his rookie campaign with 22 catches for 464 yards and two touchdown catches. Baskett is a premiere matchup problem for opposing cornerbacks. His size makes it very difficult to jump with him on an out route or deep jump ball. Baskett posses the ability to easily become a solid possesion reciever for Philadelphia. Baskett alot reminds me of a Terrell Owens and Mushin Muhammed type reciever, both have great body strength and quick feet when moving with the ball. Granted, Baskett will only be 25 when the season begins, Dave Culley still has an abundance of time to work with the young reciever. Hank is a real guy that many on the Eagles coaching staff believe can pose a threat to many teams. This season, I believe is Baskett's year. With two experienced wideouts in starting roles, Baskett can either shine in the slot reciever role or become a capable guy to play on the opposite side of Reggie Brown. With the right amount of reps in training camp, Baskett can truly become a solid reciever in Philadelphia.