Thoughts on the Eagles one month from training camp
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We’re officially a month from training camp and once again, I have some fairly high expectations for this team. Most of that is selfishly wanting to cover an ACC Championship game or at least a bowl game not in the Northeast. But, there’s also legitimate reason to be excited about this version of the Eagles.
At the very least, Alumni Stadium will have a handful of big time matchups, assuming BC take care of business early on. As an easy little test run with the new stuff to make sure it doesn’t look terrible, here are the four biggest reasons why I’m still semi-all in with them (8-9 regular wins as of right now)…
Quarterbacks
I believe in both guys. You all know how I felt about Grayson James from April onward last year and he showed what he’s capable of once he got an opportunity. James has a big frame who’s mobile enough to still be a pocket guy, but evade oncoming rushers if need be. Once TC was stuck back there, it was a magic act or a loss, not much in-between.
Perhaps more importantly than anything on the field, James hasn’t quit on his team when competition came in. James has embraced it and is staying put to try and help this program have a special season in whatever role that may be.
Having said all that, there’s a reason why Bill O’Brien recruited Dylan Lonergan. In the month-long sample size we saw during spring ball, he was the real deal. Like James, he’s mobile enough to get away from pressure, but he can also sling it from the pocket if he’s got time. Lonergan was also very good and accurate on the move at times too. It wouldn’t be shocking at all to see him get the starting nod, but that competition is going to be phenomenal this summer and should make everyone else better.
If it were up to me, the way James has handled himself like a true pro should go a long way in the decision, but you don’t win with feelings. If Lonergan wins the job, then he deserves to be the guy. O’Brien can’t treat this the way the Pats handled Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett a year ago just because James is the veteran.
O-line
Yup. Lose two guys to the NFL and I legitimately still think they can be very, very good. As most of you know, I’ve been a big believer in Matt Applebaum even after he came back and got roasted by the fan base following his year with the Dolphins. This has quickly turned back into O-line U and Ozzy Trapilo might be the best recruiting tool Applebaum has the next five-plus years.
Jude Bowry, Dwayne Allick and Logan Taylor are still massive, imposing men who have held up just fine in the ACC. Kevin Cline has the experience required to continue improving under Applebaum and there’s depth there behind the starters, albeit some fairly unproven depth.
Continuity is everything and this group will hit the ground running in camp because of it. I’d rather have this group than a whole bunch of new faces (BC still added a few that will be rotational guys) that need to get adjusted to life in Chestnut Hill. I also believe people are severely underestimating how good of a run blocking team this could be.
Receivers and running backs
Speaking of which, this stable of backs might make that line’s job much, much easier. You know the names. Turbo Richard. Alex Broome. Jordan McDonald. Anthony Ferrucci. You can throw in newcomer VJ Wilkins, although he’s going to do a little bit of everything (more on him in a minite). The other newcomer Vaughn Pemberton mostly saw time at linebacker in spring ball, but you may be able to add him into the mix too along with freshmen Mekhi Dodd and Bo MacCormack.
The receivers are even deeper than the backs in my opinion. Wilkins will be a threat all over the field. Reed Harris has the talent, potential and size to be a legitimate superstar if the quarterback -whoever it is – can get him the ball. Lewis Bond already is a star but has a chance in his final season to reach that elite level and assure himself an NFL Draft position. Jaedn Skeete is healthy, explosive and seemingly completely forgotten about. Luke McLaughlin has Mr. 3rd Down written all over him from the slot. Jonathan Montague Jr. provides an element of deep threat speed that’s hard to quantify. Younger guys like Ismael Zamor and Cedric Lott flashed in April.
Assuming health and good-to-above average QB play, this should be a fun group to watch.
Quintayvious Hutchins
Quintayvious Hutchins or ‘Q’ is the guy most likely to replace some (some, not all, that’s impossible) of the Ezeiruaku production is Hutchins. If he stays healthy, he’s got a chance to be really, really disruptive. You can move him around, play him in coverage if need be or just let him pin his ears back and go. He’s probably the most athletic player on that side of the ball with his size. The secondary is going to make that entire unit’s life easier, so assuming solid coverage on most downs, we may be hearing Hutchins’ name a lot this year.
