Browns Game Observations

Here are my thoughts about the Eagles thru their first three preseason games.

• Overall I'd say that the rookie class has been the story thus far.  It's still early but it already looks like this draft class could rival and even surpass the 2009 group that yielded Jeremy Maclin, Shady McCoy, Moises Fokou, Brandan Gibson, and the picks used to acquire Jason Peters. So far Nick Foles has been the story of camp and maybe one of the big stories of the preaseson.  His poise, accuracy, intelligence and arm strength are not just a mirage.  This goes along with Mychal Kendricks,, who is always near the ball and first round pick Fletcher Cox who will be part of the tackle mix.  Add in Vinny Curry, Dennis Kelly, Brandon Boykin, and Bryce Brown, all of which could see playing time as rookies.

• I tried to isolate on Demeteess Bell during the Brown's game.  He looked slow and unathletic.  He was beaten on two plays in a row, one a running play, one in pass coverage.  If he can't be a solid tackle, the offensive line could be mediocre at best.  King Dunlap has been nothing more than a journeyman in his career.  This is no way to protect Michael Vick's blind side.

• I continue to be impressed with the defensive line.  No matter who is in, they are bringing pressure.  I really think when they are playing games that count and a few blitzes and stunts are mixed in, this team will create a lot of sacks and turnovers.

• I think 2010 first round pick, Brandon Graham, is ready for his breakout year.  After two injury plaqued years, he looks healthy and very quick.  I predict, if he can stay healthy, he will accumulate around 8 sacks in a rotation role.

• Could Bryce Brown be the steal of the draft?  After not playing much college ball but being rated the top running back out of high school, the Eagle's brass did their homework and were impressed with what they found.  He looks like the second best back on the team and could be a good compliment to McCoy.

• I think that the special teams will be much improved in 2012.  With the addition of Boykins and undrafted rookie Damaris Johnson (another player that needed significant research after embezzlement charges ruined his senior year at Tulsa), the return game should be much improved.  Between the improved return game and the development of second year kicker Alex Henry, the special teams should help steal a game or two this year.

• With Trent Edwards playing solid so far, I think there is a real chance that Mike Kafka gets cut.  This would also allow the team to have a more veteran back-up in case Foles faltered during a long term injury to Vick.

• Phillies mix in - When did Kyle Kendrick and Roy Halladay switch bodies?  Halladay has looked very human all season.  Kendrick has a 0.82 ERA in his last three starts and that was only because of a two run homer that ended a 21 inning scoreless streak.

I will be projecting the final Eagles roster later this week, or at least what I think it should be.  Feel free to give your feedback, even disagreements.  Would love to hear your opinions.

Cippi