NFL Notes: McNabb Looks Sharp In Debut

The Eagles have to be pleased by what they saw on Friday Night in Donovan McNabb’s debut following a tough rehab from a serious knee injury. 

 

The Eagles rallied to make the playoffs with Jeff Garcia at quarterback last season.  But they were getting by in the passing game with smoke and mirrors as Garcia’s limitations were exposed down the stretch.  Brian Westbrook carried the offense as Garcia faded.  Now with a healthy McNabb, the Eagles look to have a dangerous offense this season.

 

Some observers are skeptical about the big-play ability of the offense after allowing Donte’ Stallworth to sign elsewhere this spring, but McNabb has a solid group of receivers to spread the ball around.  This allows the Eagles to get back to the roots of Andy Reid’s philosophy to avoid relying on one primary option to build a passing game around.  Reggie Brown has emerged as a playmaker.  He lacks breaking speed and will drop a few balls, but has shown he knows how to get open and make big plays in clutch situations. 

 

Former Ram Kevin Curtis replaces Stallworth.  Curtis lacks the size and ability to create matchup problems downfield like Stallworth, but is more consistent and has enough speed to make plays in Reid’s ball-control passing game.  Hank Baskett and Jason Avant have emerged as solid targets in their second seasons.  Baskett has good size and toughness, but is also a deceptive playmaker downfield.  Avant has proven he can be a reliable option in traffic with his hands and toughness. 

 

L.J. Smith has good athletic skills from the tight end spot, but the Eagles are still waiting for him to display more consistency and avoid nagging injuries.  Meanwhile, rookie Brent Celek has displayed the ability to become a solid intermediate target during camp.  

 

 

Packers rely on youth: The Packers finally pulled the plug on Robert Ferguson.  Drafted by Green Bay in the second round in 2001 based on his tremendous blend of speed and physical skills, Ferguson never developed into the consistent playmaker the Packers envisioned.  His numerous injuries over the years curtailed his developmental time on the field early in his career.  This was the right move by the Packers.  Organizations often have the tough task to balance when its time to give up on a high round draft choice.  Generally, when you realize a young player can’t play and shows little chance for development, its best to cut ties sooner than later.  On the other end of the spectrum, organizations also need to show patience with good athletes.  In the Packers’ situation, they’ve given Ferguson a couple years longer than normal.  Now, the Packers have collected a group of younger receivers that have shown enough to for them to build behind Donald Driver.  Greg Jennings showed good maturity as a rookie last season and added some bulk over the spring.  Rookie James Jones has opened a lot of eyes this summer.  Jones displays a tremendous blend of physical skills and ball skills.  Ruvell Martin has developed into a steady option over the middle with his physical skills.  And Carlyle Holiday rounds out this unit with his excellent size and athletic ability.  Holiday displayed flashes at wide receiver last season.

 

Jaguars changing guard at wide receiver: It’s no secret that Jack Del Rio has grown frustrated with the inconsistency of his wide receivers over the past couple years.  It has reached a boiling point – especially with Reggie Williams.  Williams continues to struggle separating from defenders and make plays with the ball.  And for a receiver that struggles to make plays, he doesn’t catch the ball consistency enough.  Look for Williams to hit the waiver wire later this month.  Dennis Northcutt and rookie Mike Walker have been their best targets this summer.  Northcutt runs the best routes and has brought a level of professionalism to a young unit, but he’s a number three receiver at best for many teams because he lacks ideal size and speed.  Walker also lacks speed, but catches the ball well and displays a lot of natural skills for a rookie.  Unfortunately, many scouts around the league have concerns about the long-term durability of Walker, who suffered a serious knee injury in college.  Rookie Charles Sharon has shown good hands and the ability to make some plays with ball. 

 

In Blakely The Falcons Trust: With knee problems slowing Alge Crumpler again, Dwayne Blakely has capitalized on the opportunity to establish himself within the offense.  Blakely has always had good athletic ability, but is showing the ability to make plays down the seam with his toughness and ability to leap in traffic.  With Crumpler and Blakely, the Falcons have two tight ends who can line up in slot and create favorable matchups in the passing game.  Meanwhile, the Falcons must closely monitor Crumpler’s knee problems this season as he turns 30 in December.  Crumpler has had knee problems in the past and there is some concern about his long-term durability. 

 

Bills look to establish run: Being a Mike Martz-disciple, many people view Steve Fairchild as a passing guy.  But Fairchild’s objective since arriving in Buffalo has been to establish a productive run game.  Fairchild never had much confidence in Willis McGahee last season – especially with his lack of versatility.  Now with rookie Marshawn Lynch replacing McGahee, look for Fairchild to implement his vision for a multifaceted backfield.  Lynch has impressed the Bills with his excellent speed and quickness – especially in open space.  Expect Lynch to make a major impact in the passing game with his ability to create matchup problems for linebackers.  In addition to Lynch creating headlines, veteran Anthony Thomas is having a very solid camp.  Thomas has displayed an extra bounce in his step this summer and has looked his best in years to provide a solid complement to Lynch in the backfield. 

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