SB Nation Philly: All Posts by Cody Benjamin

Eagles on the rise and decline after preseason opener

2012-08-10T13:58:42Z

Eagles on the rise and decline after preseason opener

My take on whose stock has risen or fallen after Week 1.

Eagles LB Moise Fokou Emphasizes Education At Charity Event

2012-06-30T14:13:22Z

Eagles linebacker Moise Fokou couldn’t say enough about the importance of education at the opening of his foundation in Washington, D.C. on Friday.

“It’s OK to have the athletic aspect of it," he said, “but don’t ever forget the base, the ground, the root of education and it will take you a long way.”

DRC and DeSean with Steve Breaston at McCoy's charity softball game last night. Wrote an article w/...

2012-06-24T13:35:08Z

DRC and DeSean with Steve Breaston at McCoy's charity softball game last night. Wrote an article w/ some pics if interested.

Next-Gen Philadelphia Eagles: Offense

2012-06-07T02:40:04Z

There's a handful of topics to talk about now that the Eagles are well underway with their Organized Team Activity sessions, but in an attempt to sway from typical conversation, I decided to take a gaze toward the future--both the short- and long-term. Ever wonder how the next-generation Philadelphia Eagles will look? You can get a pretty clear picture just by scanning the club's current roster, and that's essentially what this article explains as we take a look at the offense's journey into the coming years...

Quarterback:

NOW: Michael Vick, 31 years old

NEXT: Mike Kafka, 24; or Nick Foles, 23

The QB position, though fairly well stocked at this point, is somewhat of a question mark moving forward. Vick could still have another three to five years of top-tier football left in the tank, but with his injury history, there's no guarantee with anything. Kafka is still unproven as a backup, but has flashed intangibles that the coaching staff loves. Foles is a work in progress and may or may not be quality material, but seems like the most likely to take over for Vick in the future. This next-gen position outlook is unclear, but has potential.

Running back:

NOW: LeSean McCoy, 23

NEXT: LeSean McCoy, 23

No questions about it. McCoy, after three impressive seasons in the league, is still the same age as, say, Nick Foles. Therefore, he very clearly is the Eagles' current and future option at running back. If he's anywhere near as productive as he was in 2011 over the course of the next few seasons, "Shady" will undoubtedly play through the five-year extension he inked this offseason. If McCoy somehow deteriorates quickly, the upside at RB is high with Dion Lewis and Bryce Brown among reserves. This next-gen position outlook is promising, with little flaws.

Wide receiver:

NOW: DeSean Jackson, 25; Jeremy Maclin, 24; Jason Avant, 29; Riley Cooper, 24; Chad Hall, 26

NEXT: DeSean Jackson, 25; Jeremy Maclin, 24; Marvin McNutt, 22; Riley Cooper, 24; or Damaris Johnson, 22 or Mardy Gilyard, 25

Just like the RB spot, the Eagles' receiving corps is basically set for the future as it stands. Jackson and Maclin are bound to remain in the lineup for years to come, perhaps long after a QB change is made via Vick's eventual departure. McNutt is no sure thing as a replacement for Avant, but he and Cooper have more than enough time to develop into reserve roles. Ditto for backup possibilities like Hall, Gilyard, and Johnson; who has drawn heavy praise at OTAs this year. This next-gen position outlook is deep and promising.

Tight end:

NOW: Brent Celek, 27

NEXT: Clay Harbor, 24; or Brett Brackett, 24

Celek might be in the NFL playing at a high level for another five to six years, but he could be in for a reduced role down the road, especially due to injuries and the emergence of multiple-TE sets. When the time comes, Harbor would ideally use his versatility to step in and produce as a receiver and in an H-back role, although he is hardly guaranteed to make the team this year. Brackett has potential, but is merely a camp body until he proves his worth. This next-gen position outlook is questionable, but has potential.

Offensive line:

NOW: [Jason Peters, 30]; Evan Mathis, 30; Jason Kelce, 24; Danny Watkins, 27; Todd Herremans, 29

NEXT: King Dunlap, 26; Julian Vandervelde, 24; Jason Kelce, 24; Brandon Washington, 23; Dennis Kelly, 22

Ideally, Peters and the rest of the current crew will last at least another half-decade and keep Vick and Co. out of harm's way. With injuries and such, it's not safe to assume guys like Evan Mathis will still be around a few years down the road, especially since three of the five current starters are either 30 or will soon turn 30. Dunlap has been up and down, whereas Vandervelde and the two rookies are high-potential question marks. This next-gen position outlook is unclear, but has potential.

Cody Benjamin is the editor of the 2012 Bleeds-Green Philadelphia Eagles Preview

Bleed Green's 2012 Eagles Preview magazine

2012-06-01T19:57:29Z

Bleed Green's 2012 Eagles Preview magazine

Been hard at work on this for the last five months. Magazine w/ contributions from Les Bowen, Tim McManus, Eric Edholm, Mike Clay, Ellis Hobbs. Free digital copy w/ print. Hope some of you will take the time to look at it.

Your Fan Polls Are Now On Display!

2012-06-01T19:54:36Z

Way back in January, we asked you—the fans—to answer a number of questions about the Eagles in an election-based project. Roughly five months later, your answers are now on display in a publication that’s been in the works since then…Bleed Green’s 2012 Eagles Preview magazine.

Without trying to “advertise” too much, we figured it was worth mentioning that your poll results are one of the main features in this new mag, which is available in print and digitally.

Eagles Trade Up for Cox in ESPN Mock Draft

2012-04-24T02:57:33Z

Think you know who the Eagles will take in Thursday’s draft? Me neither. But ESPN has the Birds trading up for Fletcher Cox in a recent mock draft. Check out a brief explanation and the link right here:

Cox is a great fit for the Eagles. He can shore up the middle of the defensive line against the run, and he also helps the pass rush from an interior line spot. He’s a more polished prospect than fellow first-round defensive tackle Dontari Poe, and the Eagles are in win-now mode.

Eagles likely to explore trade up for Kuechly

2012-04-23T14:48:12Z

Eagles likely to explore trade up for Kuechly

Don't wanna take away from the Dawkins fanshot (salute to you, BDawk), but just noting this. Please note that other sources are cited in the story indicating that while a trade is likely to be explored, it is impossible to predict what will actually happen.