G. Cobb's Birds Podcast

The Eagles should be working out as much as possible as a team.  They shouldn't be hitting, but they should running their offense and competing with their defense, but without any tackling.   Nobody would be wearing equipment, but they need to get the timing in sync on every route and every play.  It takes repetition to get the team prepared.  I don't like the fact that the team is taking this time off. 

The Eagles offense was poor in the red zone after the Jalen Hurts to Quez Watkins 91 yard pass and catch.  The defense left Niners wide receiver Jauan Jennings by himself in the red zone for an easy score.  The poor red zone play cost them the game. 

I think both the Eagles and the Niners will both be able to move the ball effectively.  It's going to be a high scoring game.  I have the Eagles winning 27 to 24, but it could be higher.  I wouldn't be surprised if both team get into the 30's. 

The Niners secondary has been depleted by injuries, so the Eagles wide receivers and tight ends will be open.   The Birds will be able to throw the ball.  They can also run the ball against the Niners because their defensive linemen are always flying upfield at the snap of the ball and trying to get to the quarterback.  The Eagles will be able to move the ball against the Niners on the ground and through the air, but they must avoid turnovers.  Jordan Mailata must handle Nick Bosa.  Lane Johnson must handle Arik Armstead and Dee Ford and not allow them to pressure and sack Hurts and cause a turnovers.. Quarterback Jalen Hurts must keep two hands on the football, when he drops into the pocket.  They must avoid turnovers. 

Fletcher Cox had zero tackles, zero assists and zero sacks in the game against the Atlanta Falcons.  That makes you ask the question of whether he is giving his best effort or not. I checked out the tape and Cox is being double-teamed.   That is opening up opportunities for his teammates, but Fletcher shouldn't be taking those plays off. He needs to attack one of the O linemen blocking him in the same way Aaron Donald of the Rams does.  Fletcher is so powerful he can attack one of the offensive linemen, blow him back and still be a factor in the play.I understand that he will get tired at times.  That's fine, but he shouldn't be taking plays off. He almost got a couple of sacks in that game.  He's still a great player and he should give the team all he has when he's on the field. 

The Eagles won the battle upfront on both sides of the ball, but the defense didn't start out that way.  Jalen Hurts and Jason Kielce stood on the offense and Javon Hargrave, Hassan Ridgeway and Josh Sweat on the defense.  Punter Arryn Siposs got the award for Special Teams.

The Eagles won the game in the Red Zone.  Head Coach Nick Sirianni did a great job of designing scoring plays when the Birds got near the end zone. 

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and starting quarterback Jalen Hurts led the Birds to a dominating 32 to 6 win over the Atlanta Falcons.  The Birds defense started out slow but stopped the Falcons from scoring touchdowns on two long drives then the offense took it from there in the outstanding victory.

The key matchup when the Eagles have the ball will be between Falcons veteran defensive coordinator Dean Pees and Birds quarterback Jalen Hurts.   Pees will try to confuse Hurts with an extensive number of defensive looks.  Hurts must keep his composure and make sure to take care of the football.  

Let's talk about the key matchup when the Falcons have the ball.  I know you might think the key matchup is Eagles CB Darius Slay and Falcons WR Calvin Ridley.   Instead the key will be the interior of the Falcons offensive line center Matt Hennesy and guards Chris Lindstrom and Jalen Mayfield versus the Eagles defensive tackles Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave. The Eagles should dominate this matchup!!!

The Eagles offense will be able to run the football and throw the ball effectively, but they must execute in the red zone.   Of course the key will be Jalen Hurts and his fundamentals.  He must give each pass play a chance by keeping his eyes downfield before pulling the ball down and scrambling.The Eagles defensive line must put pressure on Matt Ryan or he will totally pick apart their secondary.  Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett and most especially Josh Sweat must get pressure on Ryan.I think this will be a close game and the team that executes best in the red zone will win it.    

First of all, the Eagles defensive line must get quick pressure on Matt Ryan.  He's got experience, a good arm and plenty of weapons.  If the Birds don't get to him and make him move off his spot, they're probably going to start the season with a loss.Fletcher Cox will be double-teamed, so Javon Hargrave must show up.  He's the key to this game.  If he doesn't dominate I don't think the Birds will win. The offense should be able to move the ball against this poor Falcons defense.  They've got to run the ball effectively, which means the offensive line should kick butt.  I think they will.  The offense key for the Birds will be young quarterback Jalen Hurts.  He  must play smart and stay away from turnovers.  He's going to have opportunities to make big plays, but he can't try to force things.The Eagles must score touchdowns in the red zone.  We're going to see how good of a play designer Nick Sirianni is because he must utilize Hurts' running ability in the red zone to get in the end zone.  Focus on the design of the offensive plays in the red zone.  It will tell you a lot about how good Sirianni is as an offensive coach.The Eagles have their work cut out for them.  I'm picking them to win, but I don't really know how good this team will be this year, especially early in the season.

Here's my predication for the Eagles 2021 record.  We know they are strong upfront on both sides of the ball.  I think they've got to win the turnover battle to win this season.Jalen Hurts needs to make plays, but maybe more importantly he's got to take care of the football.  The defense needs to stop the run and get pressure on the opposing quarterback, but most importantly, they've got to force turnovers.

Why are so many quarterbacks refusing to get the vaccine?  What's the deal with Carson Wentz, Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson and the Covid-19 Vaccine?In my opinion, the most unappreciated Eagle in years is tight end Zach Ertz.  It's great news for young quarterback Jalen Hurts that Ertz will be on the squad. 

The 53-man roster that the Eagles just decided on will change a great deal before the season starts on Sunday, September 12th. They have kept only three running backs, yet they have four tight ends and five wide receivers.   The Birds have five offensive tackles.  The bottomline is that they're going to move some of these players. 

I've learned from a source close to DeShaun Watson that he would be willing to waive his no trade clause to play in Philadelphia.   The fact that Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman have never seen a franchise quarterback that they didn't like, makes me believe that there's a legitimate chance that Watson could wind up here in Philly.I also think the acquisition of veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew might be a preparation by the Eagles to have two experienced quarterbacks to play if, Jalen Hurts is shipped off to Houston in the trade for Watson.  Minshew and Joe Flacco would be available to quarterback the team for half a season or a full season as Watson serves a suspension by the NFL. 

On Tuesday, the Eagles must cut down to a 53 man roster.  The addition of quarterback Gardner Minshew and the quality play of back up left tackle Andre Dillard and back up wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside may affect the roster.

If Rams head coach Sean McVay and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan were coaching the Eagles, they would be a playoff team.  McVay and Shanahan would take advantage of their outstanding offensive line and develop a quality running game with Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Jordan Howard and Kenneth Gainwell .They would then develop a passing game off of the running game by utilizing the athleticism of Jalen Hurts and his tight ends, Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert and Richard Rodgers, as well as his wide receivers Devanta Smith, Jalen Reagor and Quez Watkins along with the running backs, Sanders, Scott, Howard and Gainwell, who will all be key weapons in the passing attack.They would utilize Hurts' speed by running bootlegs and misdirections to keep the team guessing and allowing Hurts to get the ball out of hands with short throws to his weapons.   I'm interesting in seeing whether Sirianni can put together a similar game plan for this young, talented offense. 

Jalen Hurts will never be a great quarterback until he runs the offense from the pocket.  He's leaning on his ability to run too much and not giving each play a chance.  Randall Cunningham isn't in the NFL Hall of Fame because for much of his career he relied on his legs and scrambling ability too much.  Late in his career in Minnesota, he ran the offense from the pocket and teamed up with Randy Moss and Cris Carter to have his greatest season throwing the football.   He could have done that early in his career, but he was allowed to run too much and he used it as a crutch.  It hurt his career. I give Nick Sirianni many points for demanding that Hurts run the offense from the pocket. 

The Eagles must win the battle upfront with their offensive line by establishing a running game and giving Jalen Hurts time to throw.  They must win the battle upfront with their defensive line by shutting down the opposing running game and putting pressure on the opposing quarterback.The Eagles must win the turnover battle.Unlike a lot of teams that they will be playing, they do not have outstanding skill players at the wide receiver position.  Their wideouts are young and unaccomplished.  They're not going to win shootouts unless they win upfront and win the turnover battle.   This Eagles team isn't built to go up and down the field and score over 30 points.  They must win by the formula which I gave you. 

The Eagles ugly loss to the Patriots isn't a big deal.

The Eagles are definitely getting the attention of upcoming defenses.  They showed off the speed of Quez Watkins on a couple of plays and that's going to limit what defenses will attempt against the Birds. I feel good about the Birds offense because they have a deep threat, a running game and an outstanding group of pass catching tight ends.  Hopefully , Devonte Smith can add consistency at the wide receiver position  and Jalen Hurts can continue to make good decisions, while taking care of the football.

Jalen Hurts played well and did a good job moving the offense.   He made good throws to his tight ends, Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert, He missed Quez Watkins on a go route, which would have been a 98 yard touchdown.Joe Flacco did a very good job when he came in there.  It was a good effort by the Eagles offense.  Watkins was the star of the game with the touchdown run on a screen pass.  

Quez Watkins has shown us his deep speed, but now he's starting to improve his route-running.  He's got the quickness and ability to make tacklers miss, so he can make things happen when they put the ball in his hands.Josh Sweat has been the talk of the camp.  He dominated the camp through his pass rushing skills.  He is capable of putting up some top level sack digits.  I expect him to get double digits. Jordan Mailata has won the left tackle position going away.  It wasn't even close. 

The Eagles should not abandon their running game, in fact they should emphasize it more than ever.  Their offensive line is one of the best in the game and they need to lean on their especially early in the season. 

I see a lot of positives at the first Nick Sirianni Eagles Training Camp.  The defense is focusing on forcing turnovers.  Should have great offensive line.  Hurts is getting better every day.  Sanders is ready for big season.  They have tremendous talent at the tight end position.....

On this episode, Garry "G" Cobb breaks down the importance of the passing game in today's NFL.  Cobb talks about how players who affect the passing game are the most important players in the league.The early part of the Eagles draft should be focused on players who play the following positions:  quarterback, offensive tackle, wide receiver and tight end.  On the defensive side they should focus on defensive ends, cornerbacks and special safeties and linebackers.  

I'm sure you know about the Eagles first round trade down by now, but was it a good move or a bad move.  Garry "G" Cobb and Greg Still give us their take on it.  What's your take on it?  What does it mean for Howie Roseman, Nick Sirianni and second year quarterback Jalen Hurts.  What does it mean about what they're going to do in the rest of the draft? Let's talk about it. 

Garry "G" Cobb and Greg Still take a position by position look at the Eagles personnel and talk about what they need to do to prepare for the 2021 season.  They evaluate every offensive position from quarterback, to running back, to the offensive line, tight end and wide receiver.  Defensively they talk about the defensive end position, then defensive tackle, linebacker, cornerback and safety.They talk about how Howie Roseman needs to get the draft right especially the first four picks, which are in the first round, second round and third round.   If he doesn't get them right the Eagles team will remain in disarray. 

The news of Jeffrey Lurie making decisions about Eagles player personnel has really shaken up the media and Birds fans.  Truth of the matter is that Lurie has had his hands in decision making for the team for decades.  Greg Still and I talk about the Eagles situation and what they need to do to improve their football team. 

G. Cobb talks about the report by ESPN's Chris Mortenson which is about how Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie wants the team built round young quarterback Jalen Hurts .  G. Cobb also talks about the restructuring of Pro Bowl center Jason Kelce's and cornerback Darius Slay's contracts.  G. Cobb talk about Eagles tight end Zach Ertz probably getting traded in the near future. 

Garry "G" Cobb and Greg Still discuss the question that is dominating Eagles conversations right now.  Should the Eagles draft a quarterback in the first round or should they give the keys to Jalen Hurts and sign a veteran to back him up.  What would you do?  Would you go with Hurts as the starter or draft BYU's Zach Wilson, Ohio State's Justin Fields or Alabama's Mac Jones?   

Garry "G" Cobb and Greg Still talk about the Carson Wentz trade.   They also talk about a report by ESPN's Adam Schefter.He reported that former Eagles head coach Doug Pederson and former Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz didn't talk for eight weeks.   From my experience as the defensive signal caller for years as a linebacker for the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, I had to spend time with our defensive coordinator each week so I knew the game plan thoroughly.That's the same case with Pederson (the play caller) and Wentz (the starting quarterback).  They had to talk each week.  There's no way they could work together without talking about the game plan for first downs, second downs and long yardage, second downs and short yardage, short yardage, third downs, goalline and two minute situations.  The quarterback and play caller must see everything in the same way.  THEY MUST TALK CONSTANTLY.

Garry "G" Cobb and youngster Greg Still discuss the Carson Wentz trade.  Do you think it's okay for Carson to demand to be traded to Indianapolis?  Is he acting like a baby by not wanting to go to Chicago?  Should the Eagles work with him?  Do you care where he goes?  Will you be rooting for Carson after he gets traded?

The drafting of talented young quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second round was the best move the Eagles made this season.  Yes they were very disappointed with the play of Carson Wentz, but the drafting of Hurts gives them an option, if Wentz doesn't get his act together.Many are criticizing Roseman for drafting Hurts, but there's not a team in the league that would mind getting a talented first round talent in the second round.

I am tired of hearing that the drafting of Jalen Hurts messed up Carson Wentz this season.  This is totally ridiculous.  If is true that Carson was messed up by the drafting of Hurts, then we need to get Wentz out of here ASAP.If you're not tough mentally, you can't play quarterback for the Eagles. I personally don't think it's true.  But if it is, then we need to get Wentz out of here NOW.Competing is part of being an NFL Players.  Sure players don't like their team drafting good players and high picks at their position, but it's part of playing in the National Football League. Howie Roseman did the right thing by drafting what they considered to be a first round quarterback talent in the second round. 

I hear all these idiots on radio and television saying that it was a mistake for Howie Roseman and the Eagles to draft a young quarterback whom they had ranked as a first round talent in the second round.   Roseman and the Eagles had Hurts ranked higher than the other teams in the league, so they were shocked that he was still on the board for them.The Eagles had been in this situation before and they passed on Russell Wilson.  Would it have been a good move for the Birds to have drafted Russell Wilson years ago?Is there a more valuable position on the team than the quarterback position?  Were the Eagles right when they evaluated Hurts as a first round talent?  Would you rather have Hurts or Tua right now?     Could the Eagles get a first round pick for Hurts right now?

I am tired of hearing foolishness on the radio and television in the Philadelphia.  They say that Howie Roseman and the Eagles were wrong to draft Jalen Hurts in the second round, even though the number one reason the Birds won a the Super Bowl in 2017-18 season was because they had a quality back up QB in Nick Foles.Carson Wentz had a history of getting injured so they fortunately had Foles there ready to go when Wentz went down against the Rams.  If he hadn't been there, the Birds would still be longing for their first Super Bowl title. 

I expect the Eagles vs. Cowboys game to be very exciting with plenty of scoring.  I think both offenses will move the football.  Dallas has an abundance of quality receivers working against the Birds young defensive backfield.  I think Jalen Hurts and Miles Sanders will have big days running the football against the Dallas defense.  I also want to see Sanders get the ball on screens.  Hurts needs to continue taking what the defense gives him and being protective of the football. I expect the ....... to win the game... 

Eagles rookie quarterback wasn't able to pull this one out for the Eagles, but he played even better in this game than he did against the Saints.  Hurts threw for 338, three touchdowns and ran for another touchdown as he led a comeback for Philadelphia. I can't say enough positives about Hurts.  I don't know if Carson Wentz told the media that he doesn't want to sit the bench behind Hurts.  I can understand him feeling that way, but he should keep that to himself until the season is over.  He has no one to blame but himself. 

Jalen Hurts didn't do anything complicated.  He got the ball out of his hands and into the hands of his playmakers,  just like a good point guard would do in basketball.   Carson Wentz was being impatient.  If a running back was open in the flat, he would wait for something to open up deep and get sacked rather than just throwing the ball to Miles Sanders in the flat. When Hurts would recognize man to man coverage, he knew he could run because the defenders

Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has been benched for rookie Jalen Hurts and therefore forced to take a look at the man in the mirror.  At least I hope that's what he decides to do.  I don't think Doug Pederson had any choice but to bench him because of how poorly he was playing. His fundamentals have been totally decimated during the season.  His accuracy is horrible and his decision making has been worse, but once he got to the point in the Green Bay game where he was looking at the offensive line trying to block the Packers defensive line, he had to be pulled.   High School quarterbacks drop their eyes to look at the lines, instead of looking downfield for an open receiver. I think Carson can be a great quarterback again, but I have a message to him about how he can achieve that. 

The Eagles are trying to recover from their ugly loss to the New York Giants as they prepare for a battle with the Cleveland Browns.

Yes the Eagles fought back only to lose by two points to the Baltimore Ravens.  Greg Still joins me for the evaluation of the Birds loss.  We step back and talk about what this team should do going forward. 

The Eagles have their work cut out for them this weekend when they host the Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field.  The Ravens offense has been struggling but their defense is very impressive.   Check out my prediction for the game. 

The Eagles defense deserves a thumbs down for the Steelers game.  On the other hand, Carson Wentz and the Eagles offense deserves a thumbs up for their battle with Pittsburgh. They've got to put together a full game on both sides of the ball and special teams. 

The team that wins the turnover battle will win this game.  Guess who I picked. 

It wasn't pretty but the Eagles found a way to upset the 49ers by wanting it more than they did.  Carson Wentz struggled, but he led with his great effort.  Wentz isn't the most accurate passer, but he is a fighter.Amazingly, the Eagles defense forced a few turnovers and helped the offense get into the end zone and that was all it took. 

The Eagles are going to have their work cut out for them against the 49ers.  Kyle Shanahan's offensive philosophy is much like the Los Angeles Rams' Sean McVay's.  They want to get their running game going, then they're going run every play action pass they can think of executing. The Eagles only chance for victory must come from their defensive line, especially their defensive tackles, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave and Malik Jackson.  They must be Beasts in the middle of the Birds defense. Carson Wentz must avoid turning the ball over and the Eagles offense must run the football effectively and utilize a short passing game.   

Carson Wentz played another horrible game.  He was joined by Jason Peters who looks like he should be retired.   Doug Pederson did nothing to help what was an awful performance by a struggling offense.The defense got eight sacks by they made Joe Burrow look great.  The defensive line did put consistent pressure on Burrow, but our secondary must play better.  A tie versus the Bengals equals a loss. My friend Greg Still joins me for the podcast. 

The Eagles offensive and defensive lines must dominate this football game.  The offensive line must open up holes so Miles Sanders can average 6 or 7 yards a carry.  A big day running the ball will make life easy for Carson Wentz, who needs to take care of the football and stay away from turnovers. The Eagles defensive line must dominate the Bengals offensive line by shutting down Joe Mixon and the rest of the Cincinnati running game.  After dominating versus the run, they then must dominate against the Bengals passing game.