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5/07/11: 2011 Eagles Training Camp Battles

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  • 5/07/11: 2011 Eagles Training Camp Battles

    Pointless at this juncture, but still fun!

    http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2...tles#storyjump

    2011 Eagles Training Camp Battles

    With the dull time between draft and training camp, let’s take a look at the position battles of most interest. We’ll start on offense.

    Back-up Quarterback: Mike Kafka vs. Free agent signed in place of Kolb

    Mike Kafka was impressive in his limited action in pre-season. He is spending this off-season studying the Eagles offense daily and becoming an expert. Kafka is 6’3" and has prototypical quarterback size. He’s got a big arm and can throw deep downfield or rifle the ball on a rope to a mid-range receiver. It is hard to say who wins this battle without knowing who the Eagles pick up. Since the free agent quarterback class of 2011 is one of the worst ever, expect Kafka to step in as second quarterback and hold the clipboard behind Vick. Kafka has perfected this offense more than any free agent quarterback will by the time free agency opens up.

    Back-up Running Back: Dion Lewis vs. Jerome Harrison/Eldra Buckley

    The Eagles will not keep four running backs on the roster for 2011 with the tough LeSean McCoy first. Dion Lewis, a fifth round draft pick, will face off against Harrison or Buckley. With Harrison ’s contract ending, the Eagles are unlikely to bring him back in though they would like to. Harrison has starting potential and will likely get big offers from teams in search of a back. So, Dion Lewis versus Eldra Buckley. Buckley has been in the system for a few years now after he was acquired off waivers from the Chargers. Dion Lewis is a tiny back from Pitt who is somewhat reminiscent of ex-Eagle Brian Westbrook. Dion Lewis will get a ton of playing time in the preseason and will most likely get the second string spot. He will get a good amount of time in the regular season on third down and goal line situations.



    Wide Receiver: Which guys make the team?

    DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Jason Avant clearly make this team. The question is which two make the team of the remaining 3 receivers, Moss, Cooper, and Hall? Riley Cooper was a solid special teamer in his rookie season. The Eagles have been searching for a goal line receiver who can catch the fade route if need be, Cooper looks like the kind of guy who can be groomed to fit those type of situations. Cooper makes the team. Now, Sinorice Moss and Chad Hall. Hall played sparingly last season and actually made a few appearances at running back. The Air Force graduate who used to repair fighter jets will be going back to his old job and speedy receiver Sinorice Moss, an ex-Giant will make the team. Also, look for the Eagles to bring in a veteran receiver or rookie free agent to fight for a job during training camp as well.


    Right Guard: Danny Watkins vs. Max Jean-Gilles

    The Eagles took Danny Watkins with their first pick last weekend in the Draft and it seems that that was the plan all along. Max Jean-Gilles was given his chance at right guard and didn’t impress. The Eagles invested a lot with the firefighting linemen, Danny Watkins and look to plug him right in. Don’t expect Jean-Gilles to go down without a fight. Watkins will ultimately win the battle in camp and be our starter in week 1.

    Now we’ll look at defensive players who will be fighting for a job. These ones should be interesting.


    Defensive End: Brandon Graham vs. Juqua Parker

    Last year’s first round pick, Brandon Graham, ended his season on IR with an ACL tear. Juqua Parker has been with this team for a few years and hasn’t done anything to earn a starting job opposite Trent Cole. It will be interesting to see how Graham recovers from the injury. I expect Brandon Graham to play well and regain his starting job even after such a horrific injury.


    Linebacker: Everyone


    The Eagles have a big, big question at the heart of the defense, linebackers. There is a lot of talent but no one player stands out. Here’s my projected starting line-up. Jamar Chaney in the middle, Moise Fokou at SAM, and Casey Matthews at WILL. Stewart Bradley has been unimpressive in the past few years. He did have a season ending injury two years ago and may have never fully recovered. Jamar Chaney was impressive when he played late in the season and is much better in pass coverage than Bradley. It will be an interesting battle and I think we will have a lot of linebackers playing on special teams.


    Slot/Third Cornerback: Trevard Lindley vs. Curtis Marsh vs. Dmitri Patterson vs. Joselio Hanson

    The Eagles will most likely sign Nnamdi Asomugha and if they can’t get there hands on him they will pick up Brent Grimes in free agency. Either Asomugha or Grimes will start opposite Asante Samuel giving the Eagles a shutdown cornerback tandem. Last season, I took Trevard Lindley as my Eagles Rookie of the Year. Needless to say, that prediction didn’t come true. Lindley didn’t get a lot of playing time but when he was in he played well. Patterson was a starter for a couple weeks and was very inconsistent. He would make a big hit in the flat on one play then be burned for a fifty yard touchdown the next. Patterson may not make this team this year. Curtis Marsh, the 2011 3rd rounder will claim a spot on this team, likely in special teams to start. He will come in in dime situations. Joselio Hanson got a good amount of time this year but it may be time for the Eagles to move on. Hanson and Patterson will fight for the last spot and the winner will play a lot in special teams situations. This position is completely up in the air until we see who the Eagles pick up in the offseason.


    Strong Safety: Jaiquawn Jarrett vs. Kurt Coleman vs. Colt Anderson

    Quintin Mikell is out. Former Buckeye Kurt Coleman was a solid player last year when given his chance in the secondary. Jaiquawn Jarrett is a physical safety that likes to get up to the line of scrimmage. This is a vital point as an Eagle, where the defensive coordinator will rely on the safeties as a second source of running help. Colt Anderson played well last year. He was a late season pick up and is another physical player. Anderson will likely be third and be a special teams stud like he was last year. I expect Jarrett to win the starting job. The Temple product will be playing at the Linc again and bring defense reminiscent of, forever Eagle, Brian Dawkins.
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