islandah
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- Joined
- Jun 30, 2004
- Messages
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Was in Philly/Jersey shore for past 2 weeks. Needless to say, it is all about the Eagles up there. Had to watch 2 pre-season games just to see some football. I had no computer access and got zero Dolphins info while there. But I had a chance to be an impartial observer of a successful franchise, and it forced me to realize we have a long way to go.
My observations:
-Eagles have the opposite strengths and weaknesses on offense. Besides TO, they have no decent receivers. Westbrook is not a stunning RB, although a good receiving back. But they have an awesome O-line and a great starting QB.
-Eagles fans laugh at us about the Feeley trade. No really, one laughed right in my face and asked if we wanted to give a 3rd round pick for their backup punter.
-Eagles fans may be obnoxious, but they are loyal and knowledgeable. They hold the players, coaches and owners accountable.
-McNabb is not a great QB from a passing standpoint. A surprisingly large percentage of his passes are low or behind his targets; his receivers make tough catches that make him look good. But he has what we're lacking. Poise, confidence, and the ability to keep a play alive and make something positive happen, but not out of desperation. His teammates know that and so they work hard for him until the whistle blows.
-Defensively, they are stronger and deeper than us. We like to brag about JT and Zach, but Kearse and Trotter do OK also, plus they've got a lot more talent surrounding them than Zach and JT. They were deep enough at D-line to basically cut Simon.
-Which brings me to the most important observation: they're front office and administration are top-notch. They know how to build and run a team. They handled the TO thing perfectly, and now he's back in camp, quiet and catching TD's. They let Corey Simon go, but he has stated he will always love the Eagles and Andy Reid personally. They treat their fans well and with respect.
So my conclusions:
-We're moving in the right direction, but we've got a lot further to go than any of us would like to admit. Best and most important thing we did was can the old regime and hire Saban. I think Saban can get us there, just not this year. After years of bozos, I think we finally have a front office that can be on par with the Eagles.
-We can argue all we want about Gus vs AJ, but we're not going anywhere with either of theses stiffs and Saban knows it.
-O-line will take at least a year or two to develop, but could actually become a strength long term. They are young and have a great line coach.
-I fear we've wasted the JT and Zach years; this defense has aged before our eyes and the youth movement has already started (Poole, Crowder, Daniels, etc). I expect to lose Zach and Jt within the next 2 years.
- Overall, big picture is good, but this year will be a bit frustrating as we won't see the results we want fast enough to suit the fickle South Florida fan base.
Anyway, just wanted to report after stepping out of our backyard and taking off my aqua and teal shades!
My observations:
-Eagles have the opposite strengths and weaknesses on offense. Besides TO, they have no decent receivers. Westbrook is not a stunning RB, although a good receiving back. But they have an awesome O-line and a great starting QB.
-Eagles fans laugh at us about the Feeley trade. No really, one laughed right in my face and asked if we wanted to give a 3rd round pick for their backup punter.
-Eagles fans may be obnoxious, but they are loyal and knowledgeable. They hold the players, coaches and owners accountable.
-McNabb is not a great QB from a passing standpoint. A surprisingly large percentage of his passes are low or behind his targets; his receivers make tough catches that make him look good. But he has what we're lacking. Poise, confidence, and the ability to keep a play alive and make something positive happen, but not out of desperation. His teammates know that and so they work hard for him until the whistle blows.
-Defensively, they are stronger and deeper than us. We like to brag about JT and Zach, but Kearse and Trotter do OK also, plus they've got a lot more talent surrounding them than Zach and JT. They were deep enough at D-line to basically cut Simon.
-Which brings me to the most important observation: they're front office and administration are top-notch. They know how to build and run a team. They handled the TO thing perfectly, and now he's back in camp, quiet and catching TD's. They let Corey Simon go, but he has stated he will always love the Eagles and Andy Reid personally. They treat their fans well and with respect.
So my conclusions:
-We're moving in the right direction, but we've got a lot further to go than any of us would like to admit. Best and most important thing we did was can the old regime and hire Saban. I think Saban can get us there, just not this year. After years of bozos, I think we finally have a front office that can be on par with the Eagles.
-We can argue all we want about Gus vs AJ, but we're not going anywhere with either of theses stiffs and Saban knows it.
-O-line will take at least a year or two to develop, but could actually become a strength long term. They are young and have a great line coach.
-I fear we've wasted the JT and Zach years; this defense has aged before our eyes and the youth movement has already started (Poole, Crowder, Daniels, etc). I expect to lose Zach and Jt within the next 2 years.
- Overall, big picture is good, but this year will be a bit frustrating as we won't see the results we want fast enough to suit the fickle South Florida fan base.
Anyway, just wanted to report after stepping out of our backyard and taking off my aqua and teal shades!
