What They’re Saying About the Eagles


Here’s a roundup of what the national media are saying about the Eagles.

Adam Schein of NFL.com is high on the Eagles’ 2014 prospects:

The New York Giants and GM Jerry Reese have enjoyed a thoughtful offseason. New coach Jay Gruden was a smart hire by the Washington Redskins. The Dallas Cowboys have adroitly rid themselves of players on the wrong side of 30 who were taking up too much cap space. Still, a gulf exists between Philly and the rest of the division.

After one year, Chip Kelly’s Eagles rule the NFC East. Three hundred and sixty-five days from now, I think they’ll have conquered a lot more.

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com give the Eagles a B- for their offseason moves:

The Eagles added three secondary players, led by safety Malcolm Jenkins. They paid him top dollar, and he will add range to the secondary. Corner Nolan Carroll was also a solid signing. Their biggest moves were keeping their own, which I like. They kept receivers Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin, which will help offensive continuity. They also traded to get running back Darren Sproles from the Saints, a move applauded by many but I think is a bit odd. He’s an older back and they have LeSean McCoy.

Ashley Fox of ESPN.com writes that it’s clear Chip Kelly is making the calls in Philadelphia:

Chip Kelly’s power with the Philadelphia Eagles has grown noticeably.

That’s what the noise around DeSean Jackson’s status with the team tells me. The Eagles’ silence about whether they’re trying to trade Jackson says they want to move him. Kelly wants to move him. If that is indeed the case and the Eagles can find a team willing to take on Jackson’s contract in exchange for a decent draft pick, Jackson likely will be traded.

Doug Farrar of SI.com offers his take on what the Eagles have done so far:

Philly upgraded its secondary with Mike Jenkins and Nolan Carroll and traded for Darren Sproles in a move that could give Chip Kelly’s offense all kinds of new dimensions.

No huge splashes here, but each team did more to help itself than hurt, given the financial circumstances.

Bucky Brooks of NFL.com re-drafts the 2004 class and still has the Eagles taking Shawn Andrews:

Andrews was an exceptional player for the Eagles as a monstrous blocker on the interior. Although his career was cut short due to injuries, Andrews earned three Pro Bowl bids during his time in Philadelphia.

Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com explores why the price on DeSean Jackson could be lower than anticipated:

Jackson is due $10.5 million this season. He had the production of a No. 1 receiver, but his skill set is more limited than other wideouts in his price range.

It’s one thing to pay Jackson that much money. It’s another to give up a draft pick and pay him. Trading Jackson would be more about dumping his salary and re-shaping the team than it would be about the compensation Philadelphia could get in return. If no one wants to pay a mid-round pick for Jackson, the Eagles can evaluate the situation next season.

Pat Kirwan of CBSSports.com mocks Notre Dame defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt to the Eagles at No. 22:

Tuitt is a versatile big man who can play any of the three spots on the Eagles defensive line. He fits better in a 3-4 than a 4-3 but he still had 17 sacks in his last two years in South Bend.