Blog Archives

Three Things We Learned About the Eagles’ Defense

Posted on June 14, 2013 by Sheil Kapadia — No Comments ↓

From new roles for Trent Cole and Brandon Graham to the changes for safeties and linebackers, here are three things we learned about the Eagles’ defense this spring.

Tagged with: Billy Davis, Brandon Graham, Connor Barwin, Kurt Coleman, Mychal Kendricks, Sheil Kapadia, Trent Cole
Posted in Featured

All-22: Examining Connor Barwin’s Role And Skill Set

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Sheil Kapadia — No Comments ↓

Part of my contribution for this year’s Eagles Almanac (pre-order here!) focuses on the defense, and specifically Connor Barwin.

So I’ve been looking at quite a bit of All-22 over the past few days and have been surprised by some of the skills that Barwin brings to the table.

Barwin had 11.5 sacks during the 2011 regular season. Is he ever going to reach that mark again? If I had to bet my life savings (about 27 dollars, as of this afternoon), I’d say no. He only has 7.5 sacks in his other 37 career games (playoffs included).

But because of Barwin’s versatility, it’s easy to see why Howie Roseman, Chip Kelly and Billy Davis felt he could be a fit in this defense.

Tagged with: Connor Barwin, Sheil Kapadia
Posted in All-22

What They’re Saying About the Eagles

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Sheil Kapadia — No Comments ↓

One writer calls Lane Johnson “a pretty horrific fundamental pass blocker.” Here’s this week’s national media roundup.

Tagged with: Brandon Graham, Chip Kelly, Connor Barwin, Lane Johnson, Matt Barkley, Michael Vick, Nick Foles, Sheil Kapadia, Trent Cole
Posted in What They're Saying

Eagles Try 3-3-5 Nickel Look, Use OLB In ‘Joker’ Role

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Sheil Kapadia — No Comments ↓

Brandon Graham looked comfortable on the first snap.

He stood up on the right side next to Trent Cole, who was at defensive end, and rushed the passer off the edge.

The next play, however, required something different. Graham found himself matched up against Jason Avant on the left side. Seconds after the ball was snapped, the converted outside linebacker was chasing the veteran slot receiver from behind. Nick Foles’ pass landed in Avant’s hands for a 40-yard touchdown.

On the third snap, Graham was back again on the right side. But this time, instead of rushing the passer, he matched up in coverage against the running back, and the ball wasn’t thrown his way.

In addition to learning their responsibilities in the base defense, Graham and Connor Barwin are also adjusting to a variety of tasks in the Eagles’ 3-3-5 nickel package.

Tagged with: Billy Davis, Brandon Graham, Connor Barwin, Trent Cole
Posted in Featured

Eagles Wake-Up Call: What We’re Watching At OTAs

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Sheil Kapadia — No Comments ↓

Another practice session open to the media today. Here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on down at the NovaCare Complex.

Tagged with: Cary Williams, Connor Barwin, Donovan McNabb, Lane Johnson, Sheil Kapadia, Trent Cole
Posted in Wake-Up Call

What They’re Saying About the Eagles

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Sheil Kapadia — No Comments ↓

One writer thinks Matt Barkley could be the next Tom Brady. Another rips Felix Jones for his eating habits. Here’s the national media roundup of what they’re saying about the Eagles this week.

Tagged with: Chip Kelly, Connor Barwin, Evan Mathis, Matt Barkley, Michael Vick, Sheil Kapadia
Posted in What They're Saying

Eagles Wake-Up Call: Depth Chart Leftovers

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Sheil Kapadia — No Comments ↓

Chip Kelly has warned repeatedly not to draw any depth chart conclusions in May.

And he has a point.

Practice is about getting players acclimated to the offensive and defensive schemes. Reps, reps and more reps.

Having said that, there were a few surprises on Monday, the first time practice was open to the media.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the positions of note.

Tagged with: Brandon Graham, Cary Williams, Connor Barwin, Curtis Marsh, Dennis Kelly, Lane Johnson, Michael Vick, Nick Foles, Sheil Kapadia, Trent Cole
Posted in Wake-Up Call

Eagles Depth Chart Outlook: Outside Linebackers

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Sheil Kapadia — No Comments ↓

The depth chart series continues with a look at Brandon Graham, Connor Barwin and the outside linebackers.

Tagged with: Brandon Graham, Connor Barwin, Phillip Hunt, Sheil Kapadia, Trent Cole
Posted in Eagles Depth Chart, Featured

What They’re Saying About the Eagles

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Sheil Kapadia — No Comments ↓

Depending on whom you ask, the Eagles either have had a great offseason, or a terrible offseason. Here’s the national media roundup.

Tagged with: Cary Williams, Connor Barwin, Sheil Kapadia
Posted in What They're Saying

Kelce On Barwin: ‘He Ain’t Afraid Of Nothing’

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Tim McManus — No Comments ↓

There was a time back in their college playing days when teammates Jason Kelce and Connor Barwin locked horns.

“I was known as a guy in college that you don’t really screw around with,” said Kelce. “I’m not trying to toot my own horn at all, but a lot of guys on the defensive side kind of feared that. They didn’t want to get into a scuffle with me. But I can remember vividly one play with Connor where I got into him and I started jawing off at him. I can’t repeat what he said, but it got to the point where he was like, ‘You don’t want to screw with me, Kelce! I’m crazy, too!’

“He is that kind of guy where he ain’t afraid of nothing.”

Tagged with: Connor Barwin, Jason Kelce
Posted in News