Thanks for Four Years of Awesome
So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish
Blogged Around Philly: Farewell Edition
Photoist
As the Eagles head into their final preseason game tonight, head coach Andy Reid insists there are spots available on the final, 53-Man roster.
Believe Andy or not, this is still an important opportunity for players on the fringe of the Eagles roster. The game will be played exclusively by backups, as all starters have been given the night off. Tonight's game will be a showcase to not only the Eagles, but to the rest of the league. This might be some players' last chance to make a case to be on an NFL team this year.
There are going to be some interesting cuts in Eagleland before the season starts. The team must decide between keeping an extra wide receiver or an extra linebacker. This decision will leave a talented player in the cold, either on the practice squad or to free agency. With Riley Cooper's emergence, veterans Hank Baskett and Kelley Washington are battling for the fifth, and potentially final, wide receiver spot. Little-engine-that-could Chad Hall has impressed some, but he seems destined to be left off the final roster.
Some believe the Eagles will keep seven linebackers. The starters, Ernie Sims, Stewart Bradley, and Akeem Jordan, are in, as is versatile backup man Omar Gaither. Rookies Keenan Clayton and Jamar Chaney have impressed, and as linebackers make excellent special teamers: count on both making the cut. Chaney figures to be fighting for his spot with veterans Tracy White and Moise Fokou.
There is also some drama at the other so-called skill positions. Running backs LaSean McCoy, Mike Bell, and Leonard Weaver are in. This leaves coach's favorite Eldra Buckley, CFL-standout Martell Mallett, and journeyman J.J. Arrington at risk. At tight end, Brent Celek is the starter. The Eagles are likely to keep two tight ends on the final roster, which might mean the end of oft-injured Cornelius Ingram's time with the team. Clay Harbor has seen a lot of reps with the second team and is the likely backup.
Other potential cuts include the massive offensive lineman King Dunlap, starter from last year Macho Harris and all quarterbacks not named Kolb, Vick, or Kafka.
More at the Eagles website, CSN and Philly.com.
The Eagles play at Lincoln Financial Field tonight against the New York Jets at 7:30 p.m. The game is set to be televised locally on WPVI, but check local listings to confirm.
add to digg
add to stumble upon
add to reddit