Philadelphia Eagles news and links for 7/15/23.
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Execs, coaches, scouts rank NFL’s top 10 offensive tackles for 2023 – ESPN+
4. Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles. Highest rank: 2 | Lowest rank: Not ranked. Age: 33 | Last year’s ranking: 7. Johnson once again showed his ability when healthy. Dating back to 2017, he has made first-team All-Pro in two of the past three seasons, playing in 15 games, including 2022. He tied for the league lead in pass block win rate among offensive tackles at 95%. “Premier player,” said an AFC scout. “Incredibly gifted athlete with power.” But one NFC executive believes Johnson is overhyped and plays in a run-pass option offense that helps him limit sacks. “He gets a lot of credit for being loud and playing on a good team,” the boss said. […] 5. Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles. Highest rank: 1 | Lowest rank: Not ranked. Age: 26 | Last year’s ranking: Honorable mention. Mailata is a unique NFL success story, a former rugby player with no football experience who used his massive 6-foot-8, 345-pound frame to become a premier left tackle. “He’s a man,” said a senior NFL official who voted Mailata No. 1. An NFC executive added, “He’s kind of figured out the game of football, and if you’re a pass rusher, that’s how : ‘How do I get around or through this guy?'” Famed Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland deserves a lot of credit for his work with Mailata, who should be ready for his first Pro Bowl soon enough. Mailata’s 40 starts are the most of any player selected in the seventh round of the 2018 draft. “I get the hype — he’s a talented athlete — but he gets beat a fair amount,” said one senior NFL scout.
2023 NFL season: Ranking top combinations in 11 key position groups – NFL.com
It’s no coincidence that the Eagles are capable of beating opponents on the ground or through the air as they boast an elite set of bookends on the wings. Johnson and Mailata are monstrous blockers with nimble feet and nasty attitudes. The tandem’s toughness and tenacity allow the Eagles to play blitz football on the edges while mixing RPOs and play-action passes to keep opponents on their heels. With Johnson and Mailata displaying the athleticism, agility and body control to excel as blockers on the move, the Eagles’ diverse offensive attack is led by the play of their dynamic wing players.
names Jalen Hurts, not Kirk Cousins, among Top 5 NFL QBs – BGN
It wasn’t that long ago that Howie Roseman made what quickly became a bad decision when he chose to draft Jalen Reagor over Justin Jefferson in 2020. The move was heavily criticized almost immediately after it was made, and we’ve all had to live with those consequences in the seasons since — especially every time Jefferson sets a new record or wins another award. But it’s now 2023 and the Eagles have AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, so that’s all in the past. Interestingly, Jefferson recently named his Top 5 quarterbacks during a trip to Brazil and included Jalen Hurts — along with Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Joe Burrow and Josh Allen — on his list and not his own, Vikings QB Kirk Cousins.
Eye on the Enemy #144: Kenneth Arthur on why 2022 was such a disaster for the Rams? – BGN Radio
On this week’s NFC contenders series, John Stolnis talks with Turf Show Times’ Kenneth Arthur about the Rams. John also shares his take on the defense’s hatred of the Tush Push and why 49ers ahead of the Eagles in Super Bowl odds?
Special Safeties – Iggles Blitz
Dawk left in free agency after the 2008 season. The safety was unsettled for a while, but that changed when the Eagles signed Malcolm Jenkins in 2014. He brought stability, leadership and playmaking ability to the deep patrol. Rodney McLeod joined Jenkins in 2016, giving the Eagles another pair of special safeties. They were key to the 2017 defense finishing fourth in points and yards allowed. They also won a big game against the Pats at the end of the year, in case you forgot. I have no idea why the Saints let Jenkins go. He was 26 years old, productive and a characterful guy. What a terrible decision, but it worked out well for the Eagles. Jenkins became a key player and team leader for the Eagles. He was everything you want in a safe. He was smart and tough. He was versatile. He could line up in the slot or deep back. He could play the run. Jenkins was a perfect fit for the Eagles and the city of Philadelphia. He was a tough, emotional player who quickly became a fan favorite. Jenkins was 2nd on the team in tackles in 2017. He had 2 INTs, a FF and a sack. McLeod was 5th on the team in tackles and had 3 INTs. Jim Schwartz liked replaceable safeties. McLeod and Jenkins weren’t twins, but both could do it all. That gave Schwartz the freedom to be creative with his play calls. Both players had key moments in Super Bowl.
Where things could go wrong for the Dallas Cowboys in 2023 – Blogging The Boys
Dak Prescott is polarizing. National media makes matters worse for him, as the controversy-driven shows know full well that throwing shade at the Cowboys quarterback brings big ratings. The fact that the team has not made it out of the divisional round with him at quarterback unfortunately adds plenty of fuel to the fire. The assumption for many fans is that his turnover issues last season should be fixable, and he and the coaches are on top of that. His high interception rate last year is explained by him having to take risks in unfavorable down-and-distance situations to try to extend drives. So far, he’s tended to bounce back from that sort of thing. The concern is that they won’t go away forever. The offensive success this year is more dependent on Prescott’s performance than any other person. If he’s wrong, it’s going to be a long, long season.
Tyrod Taylor is the crucial Daniel Jones insurance for the Giants – Big Blue View
At 34, Taylor is just looking to fill out a roster as a backup quarterback. With the Giants’ only other quarterback on the 90-man roster being undrafted free agent Tommy DeVito, the team figures Taylor is durable as the other quarterback. Jones had some injury issues in 2020 and 2021 before finally staying healthy in 2022, so it’s important for the Giants to have someone competent at the position to back him up. Taylor is a savvy veteran who shouldn’t blow up the offense a la Jake Fromm and Mike Glennon. Ultimately, the Giants hope Taylor will see as little action this season as he did last year, and for the same reasons.
Major League Cricket, explained, ahead of its inaugural US season – SB Nation
The United States will get its first taste of professional cricket on Thursday night with the launch of the inaugural season of Major League Cricket (MLC). Six teams will compete in T20, the fastest version of the game, with matches across two venues with serious star power on display in the first season. If you’ve never watched cricket before, are curious about the sport or just want to see what it’s all about, buckle up, because here’s everything you need to know to be prepared for the first ball on Thursday night.
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