The Philadelphia Eagles announced today that they have tendered four restricted free agents: linebacker Stewart Bradley (2nd round), guard Max Jean-Gillies (4th round), cornerback Dimitri Patterson (right of first refusal), and running back Eldra Buckey (exclusive rights).

Those not tendered are punter Sav Rocca, linebacker Ernie Sims, linebacker Akeem Jordan, guard Nick Cole, guard Reggie Wells, running back Jerome Harrison, linebacker Omar Gaither, cornerback Ellis Hobbs, and safety Antoine Harris.

Of the remaining guys eligible for a RFA tender, Harris has no chance of getting tendered as he was really nothing but a camp body who wound up on Injured Reserve. Hobbs also has little chance of being tendered since he is likely to retire before the season begins.

Another guy unlikely to get tendered is Wells. I was, and still am, of the opinion that Wells should have been the starter at right guard for the entire season, but for whatever reason he was not a favorite of Andy Reid even though the team sent a sixth-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals to acquire him.


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Hopefully Mike Bell is as good as "Madden" thinks he is.


Moving forward in our position-by-position look at the Eagles' 2010 squad through the eyes of the "Madden" developers, we take a look at LeSean McCoy and the running backs.

Behind McCoy, the guys have Mike Bell as the primary backup and Eldra Buckley as the guy who wins the job of third running back. It's possible the developers, like myself, think Buckley's work on special teams will win him the job in the end. Of course, it could also just be a case of taking the safe route and going with the incumbent.

And as we take a look at the running backs, we'll also take a look at Leonard Weaver since a) he's a hybrid running back/fullback and b) giving him his own post would be hard to justify.



LeSean McCoy | Overall Rating: 79

Looking at the team as a whole, McCoy seems to have the fairest rating. My personal belief is that he's going to have a breakout season, but based on what he showed last year, an overall rating of 79 is more than fair.

And when we look at the other key ratings, like speed (93), acceleration (96), agility (96), catching (80), elusiveness (91), spin move (91), and juke move (94), it's clear the guys at EA are fairly high on McCoy and will likely make him very easy to progress.

They really knock him down in areas like strength (62), carry (70), trucking (58), and stiff-arm (60), but that's all warranted. He's not a bruising back that is going to punish defenders; He's going to juke them out of their shoes and run around them, so those ratings also make sense.

The one that I would dispute, however, would be his ball-carrier vision (79) and awareness (67).

Knocking down his awareness rating could just be because he's still very young, but he seems to see the field very well and can find a hole when it opens up. If a guy like Brandon Jacobs, who basically puts his head down and runs into people, has an 87 BCV rating, then McCoy should have a rating in that ballpark as well.



Mike Bell | Overall Rating: 77

Bell's rating is basically just the opposite of McCoy's, which should make him the perfect change-of-pace in Madden like the Birds hope he'll be here in reality.

His speed (85) , acceleration (87) , juke move (77), spin move (73), elusiveness (64), catching (62), and agility (78) all suffer a little, but his strength (78) , carry (87), trucking (88), stiff-arm (86), and awareness (77) ratings are right above average.

Essentially what the Madden guys are saying is if the Eagles could smash these two running backs together, they'd have one hell of a back on their hands. But since that's not possible that I know of, the Birds should be just fine if they'd actually implement a rotation and use both guys often enough.



Eldra Buckley | Overall Rating: 68

Buckley has been given all the attributes you'd expect from a guy rated so poorly. His best attributes -- both of which are an 88 -- are acceleration and injury prevention. Which, to me, sounds like everything a guy would need in order to cover kicks.

With Bell on board Buckley surely isn't going to see many goal-line opportunities and, even if McCoy or Bell were to go down, Leonard Weaver would likely see a pickup in carries before Buckley is given an expanded role on offense.

The Madden guys seem to know this and let the ratings reflect that. In fact, the 68 is probably a bit generous for Buckley but, since they don't give ratings specifically for special team players, it's a fair assessment.



Leonard Weaver | Overall Rating: 90

Weaver, who will likely see more of a traditional fullback role, got some love from the Madden developers and comes in at a 90 rating. From what I can tell, that's the highest rating given to a fullback, and is tied with Baltimore's Le'Ron McClain.

It doesn't take much of an imagination to figure out Weaver's attributes (but if you're curious, check here), and there's not a whole lot of them that jump out as being anything out of the ordinary, except a very high catch rating of 82.

Weaver did show soft hands all season, but there are some lower-level wide receivers who aren't going to get that kind of credit. Not to take anything away from Weaver, but he did haul in only 15 balls for 140 yards.

But, that did include two touchdowns and is an average of just over nine yards per reception, so perhaps it's a fair rating.

If the Eagles use Weaver to his full potential this year, we could see that rating be justified. The guy is a very good blocker and one hell of an athlete overall when everything he actually does for the offense -- run, block, and catch -- is considered.

And at 27 years old, he's only going to get better. For all you true football buffs out there who know your stuff, think Tom Rathman.



Final thoughts...

The developers over at EA went with Buckley as the third running back, but they also had Lorenzo Booker as the third guy last year, so it's looking like they just go with the safe pick.

While I think Buckley could and should win the third spot, it's going to be hard for Andy Reid to cut sixth-round pick Charles Scott out of LSU. He's a big, bruising type of guy who could help on the goal-line and in short-yardage situations, but he doesn't seem to fit Reid's offense and it's just as likely he winds up on the practice squad.

If he were to make the team, however, I would probably give him somewhere around a 61 overall, with all the attributes of a power guy, but the awareness and vision ratings of a rookie.

It's likely Scott could be added to the game and found in the first roster update.

*Next up: DeSean Jackson and the receivers.
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Is Eldra Buckley ready to be LeSean McCoy's backup?


At the onset of free agency, I figured, as did many, that the Eagles would pursue a veteran running back to complement LeSean McCoy in 2010. Brian Westbrook was clearly on the outs and the market for veteran running backs was probably the deepest in this thinned-out class.

But now, just a week past the start of free agency, the Eagles have not signed a backup and the market is starting to wear thin. Thomas Jones, Larry Johnson, and Chester Taylor have all signed on with new teams, and a lot of the guys left appear past their prime.

Willie Parker could be a decent fit, but it doesn't look like he's on the Eagles' radar. Justin Fargas has come in for a visit but left without a contract, and now even LaDainian Tomlinson has pegged the Eagles as a place he'd like to wind up.

However, whether he wants to be here or not is only half the battle. Andy Reid just cut a 30-something running back in Brian Westbrook and probably doesn't intend on bringing another one in -- especially one with wear like LT.

The Eagles currently have McCoy as the starter, Leonard Weaver is locked up for three more years and will of course see his fair share of carries, but behind them is Dwayne Wright, a running back who will be learning fullback, Martell Mallett, the CFL's reigning Rookie of the Year, and Eldra Buckley, a guy who made the team based on his special teams performance.

However, in spot duty, Buckley looked like he might just have the drive to become something in this league.

It was only around the goal-line, and the carries were certainly nothing spectacular, but everyone could instantly see how intense Buckley became as soon as he stepped foot onto the field.

His feet never stopped moving and he seemed to not only enjoy, but thrive off of being hit. He would lower his shoulder into a guy every chance he got and it has left several Eagles fans wondering just what he could do if given the opportunity.

He was the clear-cut special teams MVP last season and was really one of few bright spots on the Eagles coverage units. He's obviously not afraid of contact and, if you won't mind me wearing out an old expression, is clearly a "lunch pail" type of player.

For those of you who'd like to see him get a chance (myself included), you may just get to see it. The Eagles have been fairly inactive in their pursuit of a running back, and it may be an indication that they're ready to see what Buckley can do.

For you naysayers out there, don't forget that a guy by the name of Terrell Davis also started out as just another crazy unknown playing his heart out on special teams.
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Hear this, Macho: You stink as a kick returner.


First, Macho Harris shows us that he's not ready to be the starter at free safety. His tackling is, let's say, lacking at best, and he didn't show a grasp on Sean McDermott's defense. Now he is showing us that he is not a kick returner.

However, that's not going to stop Andy Reid from stubbornly sticking with the rookie safety out of Virginia Tech while Quintin Demps nurses a sprained ankle.

Let's put aside his bottom-of-the-barrel return average for a second, because it doesn't really matter if he was averaging 90 yards per return if he can't hold on to the ball. Two fumbles against the Denver Broncos nearly cost the Eagles the game, but for some reason he's keeping his job.

One of his fumbles was a direct result of being afraid of contact. He showed that same fear while playing safety, so it wasn't a shock to see him brace for the impact of the tackle. But what happens when an NFL player is afraid to get hit?

He gets hit harder.

That's what happened to Harris who could then do nothing as the Broncos recovered his fumble and turned it into a touchdown. Then, on another kickoff, he had the ball poked out again. This time, fortunately, Victor Abiamiri was close by and, thanks to being taller than the Bronco diving at the ball, was able to fall on it and keep possession.

Were it not for Abiamiri, it would have been disaster. The Broncos would have gotten the ball in great field position with a field goal almost guaranteed and a good shot at getting into the endzone.

So, remind me again why in the world Harris is keeping his job.

This is not the week to be stubborn in your ways, Andy. Too much is at stake for it to be fumbled away by some rookie who doesn't like to get hit. At the very least, put someone back there who can withstand the impact and hold on to the football. I don't even care if he gets to the 20 and falls down at this point.

Eldra Buckley seems like a guy who could accomplish this. He's a guy looking to make an impact and, who knows, may just break one. However, what I am certain of is that Buckley is a guy who's not afraid of impact and I'd lay a bet would not put the ball on the ground.

Harris, on the other hand, needs to find his way to the bench.
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Buckley can make an impact -- if he sees the field.


LeSean McCoy has been very good in his rookie season. He's been very good running the football and even occasionally working as a receiver out of the backfield.

His field vision is that of a player with a lifetime of NFL experience and his desire to be better not just every year or every game, but every snap, is what will eventually make him a great running back in this league.

Leonard Weaver has been great as a change-of-pace for McCoy. He's left his comfort zone as a fullback and has done whatever Andy Reid and the coaching staff has asked, putting the team in a better position in the running game and overall. However, the man being left out in this mix is the surprising Eldra Buckley.

I'm not going to go into Buckley's past -- where he played high school or college ball and what his stats were -- but what I can tell you is what I've had a first-hand experience of seeing, and that's a tough and determined running back just looking for an opportunity.

He's been the best player on special teams -- kickoff coverage especially -- by being extremely physical and unafraid to put his body on the line. He's paid his dues on special teams, and especially with the problems the Eagles are having with short-yardage situations, it's time for a hard-nosed kid looking to make a statement.

I'm not saying give him 15 carries per game, I'm just saying it's time to see what he can do. Perhaps he can give this offense the hard-nosed, smash mouth element that they've been missing without sacrificing its first real fullback in a few years.

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Who's more valuable, Brent Celek, or Fraction Jackson?


After eight weeks of the season, the Eagles are sitting at 5-3 overall with a 2-1 record in the division. It's not a bad place to be at the half-way point, but the Eagles, as well as their fans, understand that 7-1 bounced off this team's fingertips.

A combined eight points between their two losses is the only thing keeping them from having complete control of the NFC East, but they're still in the mix and with a number of players getting healthy, are in good position to make a push in the back eight of the season.

There are a number of players who have stepped up in all three phases of the game, allowing this team be in the position they're in now. So, let's take a look at this team's MVP's at the half-way point of 2009.


Offense: DeSean Jackson, WR

Jackson has already doubled his number of receiving touchdowns from his rookie season with four, and two more touchdowns -- one on the ground and one on a punt return -- to bring him to six total.

26 receptions for 530 yards and four touchdowns has him on pace for 52 receptions for 1,060 yards and eight touchdowns -- not a bad season for a second-year receiver. However, those will be difficult numbers to reach if he doesn't increase that catch total. At the moment, he's averaging over 20 yards per reception which will be very difficult to keep up.

Add his receiving numbers to his versatility to the run the ball on the end-around or the wildcat, and you've got a special player.

Jackson figures to be a deep, big-play threat for the rest of the season, but will need the rookie Jeremy Maclin to step up and starting getting more separation to draw the double team away from Fraction Jackson.


Defense: Trent Cole, DE

With 7.5 sacks on the season, Cole is on his way to a 15-sack season -- a stat that should be plenty to get him to his second Pro Bowl, and would be a career high by 2.5 sacks. Cole has always started off fast but faded at the end, so it will be important for him to keep up this kind of production and finish with at least 14 sacks.

Not only has he been great against the pass, but he's been fantastic against the run. Whether teams run at him or away from him, he's doing a wonderful job of shadowing the runner and bringing him down immediately.

His entire game is coming together beautifully, and he now deserves to be mentioned among the top defensive ends in the league in the same breath as Dwight Freeney, Julius Peppers, John Abraham, and others.


Special Teams: Eldra Buckley, RB

Ellis Hobbs has been decent returning the ball, David Akers has done a good job of putting points on the board, and Rocca has been good but inconsistent. Eldra Buckley, however, has been by far the best performer on special teams.

He's consistently the first guy down the field for kickoff coverage, and if he's not making the tackle he's forcing the return man inside so that someone else, usually Akeem Jordan or Tracy White, to make the tackle.

Buckley is showing why he's on this team and his competition in training camp, Lorenzo Booker, is floating around the free agent wire.


Most Improved Player: Brent Celek, TE

Celek, only halfway through the season, is already looking at career bests for the season. With 40 receptions, 486 yards and four touchdowns, he should be on his way to his first Pro Bowl in only his third NFL season.

At this pace, Celek will finish with 80 receptions, 972 yards, and eight touchdowns. Those are unbelievable numbers for a tight end that, if he can pull it off, should put him in the conversation for one of the best young offensive talents in the league.

Just to show how much he's improved, let's look at his first two season.

Rookie season (2007): 16 receptions, 178 yards, one touchdown
Second season (2008): 27 receptions, 318 yards, one touchdown

This season, even if he disappears in the second half of the season, he's going to blow those numbers away. He is most definitely the most improved player on this team, if not of the entire league.
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Hopefully Leonard Weaver blocks like this all year long.


As a former lineman, it’s painful to watch running backs and tight ends attempt to block. Backs and tight ends do the natural things like running and catching, so a skill like blocking is foreign to them for the most part.

First off, whenever we talk about backs blocking, everyone wants to know about LeSean McCoy and how he’s doing. He’s certainly improving with every practice, but he still has a long way to go.

The thing that really sticks out to me when I watch these guys block is that almost all of them want to stop their feet, and just attempt to push guys. Rather than getting into their man and moving their feet, they want to play patty-cake.

The key to blocking a man on the move like that is to engage him, and never stop moving your feet. If your feet stop, you become extremely vulnerable to a spin move, or having them simply run around you.

What a lot of the guys want to do is come up to the blitzing man, stop, and give him a forearm or shoulder shot, then move to wherever the guy bounces.

Attempting to block like this is going to get McNabb killed.

The discouraging part was that every single back and tight end was doing this, even a guy like Leonard Weaver, although it wasn’t nearly as bad. Weaver would come up, stop his feet, and throw the forearm and give the shoulder shot, but from there he was very good at recovering and sticking with the man.

The point is that there shouldn’t have to be a recovery time. If he would step up and engage the man, the guy blitzing loses all momentum, and will have a difficult time getting around.

Surprisingly enough, Lorenzo Booker probably had the best form of any of the backs. However, he just doesn’t have the power to stop most guys. A corner or safety he would probably be able to control, but a linebacker would plow him right over and keep moving.

Kyle Eckel and McCoy were probably the worst about stopping their feet. Eckel was made to look silly a couple times because he would stop his feet and watch the guy just run around him. Even diving at him, Eckel could barely get a hand on his man at times.

McCoy was a bit better than that, but was very susceptible to an inside move, and the defensive guys picked up on that right away, exploiting it on several occasions. He did, however, stop an inside attempt by Gaither, and was able to ride Demps around the quarterback.

Brent Celek was pretty decent at just riding the man around in a big loop, which at least shows that he’s keeping his feet moving, but also shows that he doesn’t know how to use his hands to punch at the guy, and must lack the upper-body strength to stop a blitzing man.

Eldra Buckley was not impressive, getting knocked over a few times, and Eugene Bright looked like he could hold his own.

My suggestion would be to send these guys to Juan Castillo for a day and let him show them the basics. Otherwise, McNabb could be running for his life.
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LeSean McCoy has the same style as his idol.


I’ve said it before, but let me say it again; You will remember the name LeSean McCoy.

The Harrisburg, PA native was electric in individual drills, as well as team drills. He showed that he has very soft hands and very good vision when running between the tackles, especially for a rookie.

On several occasions McCoy would start heading inside, and just that quickly would change direction and bounce to the outside, leaving even the starting defense left doing the Lord’s Prayer.

The kid idolized Barry Sanders growing up, which isn’t surprising because he moves just like him. At one point, he even pulled a signature Barry Sanders move. Making a cut his feet came out from underneath him, but he just put a hand down, gathered his feet, and kept moving.

Another guy looking like he belongs with this team today is Brandon Gibson. He’s a big guy who could make a really good possession receiver in this league. He turned some heads in this morning’s practice with his surprising soft hands and deceptive speed.

Some heads that were turning include the great Ray Didinger and Merril Reese, who were checking him out next to me from the sidelines.

He played in the west coast offense at Washington State, but was forced to switch to the spread during his senior year and played on a poor team (2-10). As Reese commented on Gibson, “He probably was pressing a bit in Mobile (Alabama, site of the Senior Bowl), and it caused a bad week and a bad game, making his stock drop.”

Gibson could be a diamond in the rough of this draft class.

Some other young guys who looked good were Danny Amendola, Eldra Buckley, Kyle Eckel, Cornelius Ingram, and Dimitri Patterson, a rookie free agent.

Patterson, a corner, played very physically with the receivers and was not afraid to bump and shove them a bit. In a one-on-one against Hank Baskett, he would have been called for pass interference, but it was great to see him getting physical with him anyway.

Later on a slant, run and caught by Brandon Gibson, Patterson finished the play by giving him a nice shoulder check and getting Gibson’s jersey a little dirty.
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