What They’re Saying About the Eagles

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

Brian Dawkins talked to Broncos players this week and had some interesting advice, according to Peyton Manning:

“Brian Dawkins came to talk to the team the other day, an ex-Bronco, of course will be in the Hall of Fame, one of the best safeties I’ve ever played against. He just said in the one Super Bowl he played in, he said he didn’t enjoy it. He said he did not… he just thought any possible minute he had to be studying more and was always just intense and grinding. And that he regretted that. And they obviously didn’t win the game, but he said more than that he regretted kind of that he didn’t enjoy the week. I thought that was good advice. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a number of guys. I think you have to enjoy the process.”

Josh Norris of Rotoworld mocks Oklahoma State CB Justin Gilbert to the Eagles at No. 22:

Gilbert was not very good in 2012, but Oklahoma State’s more aggressive defense played into his hand in 2013. He still struggles to turn and run while mirroring receivers, but there has been plenty of buzz about Gilbert. He has great ball skills as well.

Brandon Boykin is locked into the slot. Bradley Fletcher has one year left on his deal, while Cary Williams has two. Dee Ford is also a possibility here.

Boomer Esiason played for Pete Carroll on the Jets 20 years ago. Here’s the comparison he made to The MMQB:

“To this day I have no idea why Mr. Hess fired Pete after one season,” Esiason said. “He was brilliant. He was the Chip Kelly of his time. I wish he’d have stayed our coach.”

Elliot Harrison and Gil Brandt of NFL.com rank all 47 Super Bowls. Eagles-Patriots comes in at No. 20:

Donovan McNabb’s puking habits became all the rage in the media after Terrell Owens let the world in on his interpretation of why Philadelphia failed late: McNabb’s conditioning program could use a NordicTrack. Watch this game again, if you happened to DVR it back in February of 2005. The Eagles looked awfully lethargic getting in and out of the huddle, despite trailing 24-14 with five minutes left.

Eagles-Raiders was No. 33.

Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting has the Eagles taking Michigan State CB Darqueze Dennard at No. 22:

The Eagles have invested in the cornerback position in recent years, but it hasn’t produced results yet. Cary Williams is highly inconsistent, Bradley Fletcher has battled through injuries, and Brandon Boykin has been very impressive but is limited to nickel coverage on most occasions. Add in the best cornerback in this class, and the Eagles go from concerns to the secondary to being a free safety away from their defensive backfield being a plus.

Per Len Pasquarelli of the National Football Post, Michael Vick’s camp is starting to realize he may not get a chance to start again:

People close to Michael Vick have quietly begun to try to gauge where there might be opportunities for him in 2014. And while they haven’t concluded yet that Vick may have to settle for a No. 2 job, that seems to be the increasing impression.

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.
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