Philadelphia Eagles David Akers: A Glaring Hole or Special Team Stud?

The Philadelphia Eagles’ David Akers is an all-time Eagles great. 

During his career he has placed the ball on the correct side of the uprights 81 percent of the time. He has scored over 1,000 points as an Eagle. 

In 2008, Akers led the NFC with 144 points, set an NFL record by connecting on 19 straight postseason field goal attempts, set a career high for touchbacks with 17, and became the longest tenured kicker in Eagles’ history.

If you look at his 2008 stats, it really does seem as though Akers is a solid NFL kicker. 

So why do I have doubts? Maybe it’s not the kicks that he makes, but the ones that he doesn’t.

In Week Four, 2008, the Eagles struggled against a strong Bears defense. Akers was 2-for-4 in this game. The final score: Bears win 24-20. Simply connecting on these two kicks could have not only won the game for the Eagles, but may have also contributed to a secured playoff spot coming into Week 17.

The next week, back at home vs. the Redskins, Akers missed on another opportunity in a close game. A 50-yard kick sailed wide right and the Eagles lost another close game 23-17.

One major problem with missing a field goal is not just missing out on the three points, but it also gives the opposition excellent field position and morale for the next drive. After Akers’ first miss in the Chicago game, the Bears drove 60 yards in nine plays for a touchdown.

After the Akers’ miss in the Washington game, the Redskins were able to get close enough to put their first points of the day on the board with a 41-yard kick. A long field goal miss is essentially the same as turning the ball over.

From 2005-2007 Akers was completely unreliable. 

It is widely believed that this all started from an injury sustained during the opening kickoff against the Oakland Raiders in 2005. He came back later that game with a torn hamstring, in his nonkicking leg, to win the game with a 28-yard boot, but this was the start of his decline.

He missed the next four games due to that injury, and ended the season making only 72 percent of his kicks.

But he still made it into his third Pro Bowl, perhaps from the toughness shown during that Oakland game. Though this is the beginning of my concern. Of the six FG’s missed that year, four were between 40 and 49 yards.

2006 showed more of the same. 

Andy Reid, I have to assume was very concerned behind the scenes as he did not even give David one shot at a kick over 50 yards the entire season. Maybe this was because he was having so much trouble short as three of his five missed kicks were less than 40 yards deep.

In 2007, Akers recovered his short game, but continued to struggle past 40 yards missing five kicks between 40 and 49 yards and three kicks of 50-plus.

From 2000 through 2004, the Eagles could rely on Akers. While the Eagles enjoyed their greatest success under Andy Reid, Akers was good for an amazing 86 percent of field goals attempted (8-of-12, 50-plus yards). However, 2005-2007 saw an inconsistent Akers struggle with injury and what would appear to be rehabilitation.

In 2008, Eagles fans saw a David Akers that had appeared to get his game back. Though there is still cause for concern, missing four kicks between 30 and 49 yards and three of his five chances over 50.

Akers has been training with sports performance coaches during the offseason to improve the explosiveness in his hips and help him retain his power. The Eagles’ website has this to say about him:

“Big leg, terrific on kickoffs and with range of 50-plus yards, David Akers remains one of the best place kickers in the league. He worked through some issues last season to end up with a good, strong season, converting 33 of 40 field goal attempts. Akers remains fit as a fiddle and he was booming field goals of 59 yards in the spring. Kicking in the wind and the wintry conditions at Lincoln Financial Field won’t be as easy, but Akers remains an outstanding kicker in this league.”

It’s hard for me to agree.

The fact is since 2005, Akers has missed 13 attempts from distances between 30 and 49 yards and has consistently missed with his power kicks of 50-plus making only four of his 11 attempts. 

In 2008, Akers saw much improvement, but it truly does feel like this is a concern that Andy Reid and company refuse to address.

Are they afraid of shaking Akers’ confidence by bringing in competition? 

Could this be the glaring hole in the Eagles’ bid for NFC dominance in 2009?

Dan Bandekow is a writer on Bleacher Report covering the Philadelphia Eagles. He is also the Lead Columnist for www.thephillyeagles.com covering Daily Eagles News.

Philadelphia Eagles’ Chris Clemons: “Working To Be the Best”

If Philadelphia Eagles’ Chris Clemons has it his way, being named NFC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 17 vs Dallas, 2008 season) will just be the start of big things to come.

With two of his four 2008 sacks coming in that week 17 matchup, as well as a 70+ yard fumble return for a TD, Clemons began to show Eagles fans the type of plays he is capable of making.  Plays that Raiders fans enjoyed in 2007 when Clemons accounted for eight sacks and two forced fumbles.

The next week, while facing the Vikings in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, Clemons recorded only one tackle in a limited role but gave Minnesota QB Tarvaris Jackson a lesson he will never forget.

After Eagles CB Asante Samuel picked off a Jackson pass in the second quarter, Jackson put himslef into position to make a touchdown saving tackle on Samuel.  This was not to be.

Chris Clemons, playing the role of defensive end turned lead blocker, was not about to miss a free and clear shot at an opposing QB.  Colliding at full speed on the five yard line Clemons pushed Jackson a clear two feet into the air before slamming him into the turf while Jackson simply tried to hold on to Clemons head for dear life.

These two games lead to the widely-held impression that Chris Clemons’ struggles with learning the Eagles system were over. 

When recently asked about the difference with knowing the playbook going into training camp this year, Clemons responded “It makes a lot of difference to stay in a playbook going into a second season.”

“It is a lot easier because you already have the scheme of the defense down and they already know what role you are gonna play in that scheme. The biggest thing is to continue to learn and get better.”

Learning and getting better is just what Chris Clemons plans to do.  If that is as a situational rusher or special teams player rather than a prestigious starting role, Clemons is just fine with that.

“Anything I can do to help this team win, I’m willing to do anything,” said Clemons when asked about his role for the upcoming season. 

When asked about the potential on the Eagles defensive line in 2009, Chris made no attempt to hide his opinion.  He want’s to be the best.

“It all depends on the group as a defensive line, your as good as you want to be.  If you want to be the best, than your gonna practice and work at being the best.”

 

Dan Bandekow is a writer on Bleacher Report covering the Philadelphia Eagles. He is also the Lead Columnist for www.thephillyeagles.com covering Daily Eagles News.

Philadelphia Eagles 2009 Preview: Defensive Line, Pt. 2

In our last 2009 Philadelphia Eagles Preview, we took a good look at the defensive ends and what can be expected of the group in the up-coming season.  In this part two, we will continue to examine the defensive line, this time with a focus on the defensive tackles.

The Eagles currently have five defensive tackles on the roster. They have right defensive tackle’s Brodrick Bunkley, Dan Klecko and left defensive tackle’s Mike Patterson, Trevor Laws and rookie free agent (also half-brother to Eagles center, Jamaal Jackson) Jervonte Jackson.

I’d like to start this preview off with a look at the depth at the defensive tackle position.  One thing the Eagles have always tried to accomplish in the Reid/Johnson era is to have fresh legs on the defensive line by using a rotation of starting caliber players. 

This is easier said than done in the NFL. With Dan Klecko focused soley on one position this year, this should add much to achieving this goal.

Dan Klecko may be best known for his one-yard TD catch as a Colt, in the win of the 2007 AFC Championship game against the Patriots.  Klecko could be considered a bit under-sized for a defensive tackle (5’11”, 275 lbs), but I don’t see this as a negative. 

In a backup role, this should provide a nice change of pace while keeping opposing offensive lines guessing at how they will be attacked.

Another depth player who should keep legs fresh on the line is second year player Trevor Laws.  Laws, drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2008 draft, is an interesting prospect that I feel may catch a bit of fire this year.

With limited game play last year Laws contributed with 10 solo tackles and a nice fumble recovery in the final game of the season against Dallas. 

Coming into his second year, Trevor should be ready to see his role increase.  This kid at one time was ranked the No. 1 high school wrestler in the nation as a Super Heavyweight with a record of 142-5. 

What does this tell us other than that he’s tough to pin down?  Laws takes well to training, has a solid head on his shoulders and is a dominating athlete. With year one under his belt, I expect Trevor Laws to come out of the gate pushing Patterson for starter duties.

If Dan Klecko is undersized at tackle, new-comer Jervonte Jackson is HUGE.  Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 300 pounds, Jackson is the Eagles largest defensive player.

A two-time All-Sun Belt Selection while attending Florida Atlantic University, Jackson will add to the mix with his size and camp competition.  Much playing time seems unlikely though. If Jervonte Jackson can make a gameday Eagles roster in 2009, look for him to have a limited role.

Starting right defensive tackle and 2006 first round draft pick, Brodrick Bunkley is coming off his best season to date. 

In 2008, Bunkley dominated on the line.  In one game against the Giants he nearly beat his rookie season tackle total (13) with 11.  He ended the season with 86 tackles (46 solo’s) and two sacks.

Bunkley became a starter in 2007 and the Eagles went from a team that everyone could break a big run against into an elite run-stopping defense.  Since that time, the Eagles rank sixth overall against the run averaging just 94 yards rushing allowed per game.

Now, obviously this isn’t all Bunkley—the addition of Stewart Bradley certainly helped matters—but it’s hard to deny the presence he brings to the defense.  I expect Bunkley to continue with his 2008 efforts and improve.  A Pro Bowl caliber year is not out of the question.

This leaves us with Mike Patterson, drafted 31st overall in the 2005 draft. Patterson will be entering his fifth season with the Eagles. 

On the surface it may appear Mike Patterson took a step back in 2008. 

His total tackles were down (114 in 2007, 86 in 2008) his sacks were down (four in 2007, just .5 in 2008) and he even played less games in 2007 (15 in 2007, 16 in 2008) but this is more a tribute to his great play in 2007 than what I would call a “step back.”

Though, 2008 may have been a step back statistically, Patterson continued to impress on the field setting a career high for tackles in a game (15 versus Was—10/5/08).  Also picking off an Eli Manning pass for a 21 yard return setting up a go-ahead TD.

2009 should see a fresher Mike Patterson on the field.  With Trevor Laws fighting for playing time at left defensive tackle, Patterson should be more effective with the time he spends in rotation.  I look for Patterson to have another great year.

All in all, the Eagles have an outstanding group of DT’s and two nice prospects that could really come on quick.  Merge that with the strong core of DE’s and the Eagles should have a great, if not amazing at times, defensive line in 2009.

---

Dan Bandekow is a writer on Bleacher Report covering the Philadelphia Eagles. He is also the Lead Writer for www.thephillyeagles.com.

LeSean McCoy Signed To Four-Year Deal

Well, the Eagles don’t have Brian Westbrook back yet but at least they can get his apparent back-up signed before camp.  It has been reported that LeSean McCoy was signed to a four-year deal Monday though the full terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Second-round pick McCoy (53d pick overall) becomes the seventh of the Eagles eight 2009 draft picks to sign. 

The only one left to sign for the Eagles is first-round wide receiver Jeremy Maclin from Missouri.

McCoy, who gave the Birds a scare earlier in the month with a sprained left thumb, is expected to be the back-up behind Brian Westbrook going into training camp and is on the fast track to see a fair amount of playing time in 2009 as a rookie.

 

 

Dan Bandekow is a writer on Bleacher Report covering the Philadelphia Eagles. He is also the Lead Writer for www.thephillyeagles.com

Can Reggie Brown Start For The Philadelphia Eagles In 2009?

It’s April 23rd, 2005.  Draft day. Two months removed from a Superbowl loss, the Eagles are on the clock early in the second round at pick 35. Having just selected standout Defensive Tackle Mike Patterson with the 31st pick, perhaps with this 35th pick acquired from Miami, the Eagles will address the offense.  After all T.O. has mentioned he is upset about his contract.

“With the 35th pick of the 2005 draft the Eagles select Reggie Brown, WR, from the University of Georgia”

 

With those words, Reggie Brown became the 7th receiver selected in the 2005 draft and soon, the focus of a fan base starved for wide receiver talent after T.O.-Gate.

Taking the place of the suspended T.O.  Reggie Brown made his first start against the Redskins, catching five passes for 93 yards and a TD.  He went on to have an impressive rookie debut totaling 43 receptions for 571 yards.

In 2006, 2007 Reggie Brown appeared to be on the track to good things.  With nearly 1600 yards, 12 TD’s and over 100 receptions, Brown seemed set to have his best season so far in 2008.  This would not be so.

Missing 6 games in 2008 Brown hauled in only 18 receptions.  Spending the majority of the season injured and/or benched Brown put forth his worse performance to date.  Those 18 receptions were good for only 252 yards and one TD.  2009 will be a very important year for Reggie Brown.  After moving down to the sixth receiver by the end of 2008, this may be his last chance to catch for the Eagles. Brown needs to get off to a hot start.

After OTAS’s Brown had this to say about his performance in camp.

/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}

“It’s going pretty good.  I just want to go out there and be consistent and work on the things I need to work on.  Feeling good, running good routes and catching the ball.  It’s good to go out there and have the opportunity to make plays.  Hopefully that will continue into training camp.”

 

So can Brown put 2008 behind him and emerge as a starter in 2009?  When asked about his 2008 season recently Brown said “You can’t go out there and think about what happened last year.  You can’t think that you have to go out and do something extraordinary.  So I just go out there and take it one play at a time.”

With the emergence of 2nd year WR DeSean Jackson, 4th year WR Jason Avant, a healthy Kevin Curtis and the addition of rookie Jeremy Maclin, “one play at a time” might not cut it.  You might think this would bother Reggie, but he just continues on with his training, confident that he has what it takes. “I don’t need any extra pressure” says Brown “I’m just going out there and trying to enjoy the game and have a good showing”.

With 16 TD’s for nearly 2000 yards in his first 3 seasons, Brown has shown himself as a capable 2nd or 3rd WR.  The problem is, when your drafted 35th overall expectations are high.  Reggie Brown has been given the time to succeed, now he just has to show that time was not wasted. 

 

Dan Bandekow is a writer on Bleacher Report covering the Philadelphia Eagles. He is also the Lead Writer for www.thephillyeagles.com

2009 Philadelphia Eagles Preview: Safety, Part Two

In Part Oneof our Eagles safety preview, we took a look a Quintin Mikell and what he brings to the defense for 2009.  In Part Two, we will continue looking at the safety position, this time examining the 2008 rookie, Quintin Demps.

Demps was drafted by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 2008 Draft from the Texas El-Paso Minors. During his college career, he put together 17 interceptions, 275 tackles, and three forced fumbles.  After his junior year, Demps was voted to the All-Conference USA First Team.

As the Eagles’ kick returner in 2008, Demps excited fans with his speed and athleticism.  In his 52 attempts last year, Quintin returned for over 1,300 yards.  This upgrade excited fans who long suffered through the Reno Mahe years. 

Demps finished the season fourth in the NFL with a 25.2 yard average with a long of 100 yards resulting in a TD against the Ravens.

On defense, it was a different story.  At times, Demps showed real promise—as in the final game of the regular season against Dallas when he made four solo tackles. At other times, he showed his inexperience, leaving opposing receivers covered poorly.

In 2009, expect Quintin to take a large step forward as well as many little steps back.  With this being his second year in the system, we should see a lot less thinking on the field and much more reacting.  That being said, two years doesn’t make a seasoned veteran and you can count on a few more learning-curve mistakes.

Touted for his instinctive play in college, I expect to see a more confident, play-making Demps on the defensive side of the ball.  Expect a few key interceptions at crucial moments.  With his speed, you can also expect excitement and a potential TD whenever the ball is in his hands.

One thing you shouldn’t expect?  Demps continuing kick return duties. 

As a likely starter, this job will be handed over to a Training Camp standout.  The coaching staff is going to want to keep Quintin’s legs fresh as he will be likely to spend more time in coverage than run protection.

In our next 2009 Eagles Preview, we will take a closer look at the Defensive Line, so stay tuned.

Avant Primed For a Breakout

With nine catches for 100 yards in the Eagles’ wins over the Vikings and Giants last post-season, is Jason Avant ready to make a leap this upcoming season?  Avant has improved with each passing season and maybe more important (just ask Reggie Brown) he has earned the trust of Donovan McNabb and Co. that he will be able to come down with it when it matters (14/17 in third down conversions).

It would be fair to say, if Maclin gets off to the kind of start Desean Jackson had last year, DJack continues to impress and Kevin Curtis can have a few more performance’s like that Detroit game with the retro’s on (Curtis finished the day with 11 catches for 221 yards and three touchdowns) that Jason will get lost in the mix and should be able to pull in some wide open bullets from McNabb.

Also, we always have the new contract rule.  In 2010 Jason Avant will be a free agent.  That means in 2009 every move that’s filmed of  him on the field will be considered when either: (a) the Eagles front office offers him a new contract or the more likely option (b) he is traded to a new team and gets his big payday. That will provide quite some motivation.

Avant will be entering his 4th year in the league. Traditionally this is where you either make the leap forward or you don’t.  It will be interesting to see going into training camp just how good his off-season was.  With all the speed Andy has put around him, the middle should be fertile ground for a slot guy like Avant.

 

 

(Article from www.thephillyeagles.com)

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010