SB Nation Philly: All Posts by Cody Benjaminhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48987/philly-fave.png2012-06-30T10:13:22-04:00https://philly.sbnation.com/authors/cody-benjamin/rss2012-06-30T10:13:22-04:002012-06-30T10:13:22-04:00Eagles LB Moise Fokou Emphasizes Education At Charity Event
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<p>Eagles linebacker Moise Fokou <a href="http://bleeds-green.com/?p=13597">couldn’t say enough</a> about the importance of education at the opening of his foundation in Washington, D.C. on Friday.</p>↵<blockquote>↵<p>“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.”</p>↵</blockquote>
https://philly.sbnation.com/2012/6/30/3128002/eagles-lb-moise-fokou-emphasizes-education-at-charity-eventCody Benjamin2012-06-06T22:40:04-04:002012-06-06T22:40:04-04:00Next-Gen Philadelphia Eagles: Offense
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<p>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...</p> <p>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 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> 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...</p>
<p><b>Quarterback<span style="line-height: 9px;">:</span></b></p>
<p><i>NOW:</i> <span>Michael Vick</span>, 31 years old</p>
<p><i>NEXT:</i> Mike Kafka, 24; or <span>Nick Foles</span>, 23</p>
<p>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 <i>backup</i>, 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 <b>unclear, but has potential.</b></p>
<p><b>Running back:</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>NOW:</i> <span>LeSean McCoy</span>, 23</p>
<p><i>NEXT:</i> LeSean McCoy, 23</p>
<p>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 <span>Dion Lewis</span> and <span>Bryce Brown</span> among reserves. This next-gen position outlook is <b>promising, with little flaws.</b></p>
<p><b>Wide receiver:</b></p>
<p><i>NOW:</i> <span>DeSean Jackson</span>, 25; <span>Jeremy Maclin</span>, 24; <span>Jason Avant</span>, 29; <span>Riley Cooper</span>, 24; <span>Chad Hall</span>, 26</p>
<p><i>NEXT:</i> DeSean Jackson, 25; Jeremy Maclin, 24; <span>Marvin McNutt</span>, 22; Riley Cooper, 24; or <span>Damaris Johnson</span>, 22 or <span>Mardy Gilyard</span>, 25</p>
<p>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 <b>deep and promising.</b></p>
<p><b>Tight end:</b></p>
<p><i>NOW:</i> <span>Brent Celek</span>, 27</p>
<p><i>NEXT:</i> <span>Clay Harbor</span>, 24; or <span>Brett Brackett</span>, 24</p>
<p>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 <b>questionable, but has potential.</b></p>
<p><b>Offensive line:</b></p>
<p><i>NOW:</i> [<span>Jason Peters</span>, 30]; <span>Evan Mathis</span>, 30; <span>Jason Kelce</span>, 24; <span>Danny Watkins</span>, 27; <span>Todd Herremans</span>, 29</p>
<p><i>NEXT:</i> <span>King Dunlap</span>, 26; <span>Julian Vandervelde</span>, 24; Jason Kelce, 24; <span>Brandon Washington</span>, 23; <span>Dennis Kelly</span>, 22</p>
<p>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 <b>unclear, but has potential.</b></p>
<p><b>Cody Benjamin is the editor of the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/323749/follow">2012 Bleeds-Green Philadelphia Eagles Preview</a></b></p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2012/6/6/3069446/next-gen-philadelphia-eagles-offenseCody Benjamin2012-06-01T15:54:36-04:002012-06-01T15:54:36-04:00Your Fan Polls Are Now On Display!
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<p><img src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/storage5.magcloud.com/image/463f7c3bcfbd4941b3aa7c56b62093aa.jpg">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…<a href="http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/323749">Bleed Green’s 2012 Eagles Preview magazine</a>.</p>↵<p>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.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/2012/6/1/3057666/your-fan-polls-are-now-on-displayCody Benjamin2012-04-23T22:57:33-04:002012-04-23T22:57:33-04:00Eagles Trade Up for Cox in ESPN Mock Draft
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<p>Think you know who the Eagles will take in Thursday’s draft? Me neither. But <span class="caps">ESPN</span> has the Birds trading up for Fletcher Cox in a recent mock draft. Check out a brief explanation and the link <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/38376/espn-blogger-mock-eagles-trade-up">right here</a>:</p>↵<blockquote>↵<p>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.</p>↵</blockquote>
https://philly.sbnation.com/2012/4/23/2970685/eagles-trade-up-for-cox-in-espn-mock-draftCody Benjamin2012-02-28T16:41:20-05:002012-02-28T16:41:20-05:00Random Philadelphia Eagles Musings As Free Agency Draws Closer
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<p>With free agency approaching and rumors rampant, here are some random musings about the Philadelphia Eagles and what could be next for the team.</p> <p>Unlike last year, NFL free agency will take place before just about everything else exciting in the offseason, and the 2012 signing period is quickly drawing closer. Rumors are swirling, speculation is rampant, and everyone is gearing up for an explosion of moves, including the never-dull <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a>. With that said, here are some random musings about the Birds as the team nears its annual process of adding and subtracting pieces of the roster:</p>
<p><b><span>Plaxico Burress</span></b> won't stop emphasizing his interest in the Eagles. If Andy Reid doesn't get him signed quickly, I'm convinced there could be an attack on the NovaCare Complex, led by Plax and his army of sweatpants-wearing warriors. Did I cross the line? Seriously, though, this one could get interesting. No doubt in my mind Burress wants to be in Philly, but do the Eagles want him?</p>
<p><b><span>DeSean Jackson</span> </b>is more than likely going to get hit with the franchise tag, and I'm not so sure he wouldn't mind it, what with a salary raise of about $9 million, but I'm torn on what the Eagles want to do with him. Howie Roseman and Co. are loving him more than Jack Dawson cherished Rose DeWitt in <i>Titanic </i>in their press conferences, but the deep WR class in free agency has to be tempting. Last week, I was sure he'd return, probably on a long-term deal. Now, I kind of expect a trade. No way to predict this sort of thing...</p>
<p>...but I'll do it anyway. If Jackson does fetch serious offers as a trade candidate, I'd say these teams will be in talks with the Eagles about a possible swap: San Francisco, New England, Jacksonville, Carolina, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, and Oakland. I could see Washington jumping in as a surprise team, but my finalists in a <i>speculative market</i> for Jackson include the Niners, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>. Alex Smith would love to have a deep threat in San Fran; ditto for <span>Tom Brady</span> with the Pats. Meanwhile, Cleveland and Oakland are both in need of a WR, and we all know how much the latter values speed.</p>
<p><b><span>Cullen Jenkins</span> </b>is a leader and a team player. Good move on his part restructuring his deal a little while back, and good move on the Eagles' part for wanting to get something done.</p>
<p><b>Luke Kuechly </b>is a fine linebacker prospect, and it wouldn't stun me to see the Eagles go with him at No. 15 in the draft come April...after signing a veteran in free agency. If Kuechly can carry over his skills to the pros, he should be able to slide in at more than one position, or vice versa with the vet. As for possible free agent targets, I'll go with the usual names as possibilities: <span>Stephen Tulloch</span>, <span>Curtis Lofton</span>, <span>London Fletcher</span>, and <span>David Hawthorne</span>. Out of those four, I'd probably shoot for Lofton, but fall back on Tulloch or Hawthorne for less money. Fletcher is an excellent, reliable MLB, but I'd probably only pursue him if a long-term option is also added (Kuechly?).</p>
<p><b>Robert Griffin III </b>might generate more talk as a draft prospect than any free agent. Color me crazy, but I don't think it's far fetched to consider the Eagles a dark horse candidate to trade up and go after the QB. <span>Michael Vick</span> is the man for now and perhaps in 2013. Don't even argue that. But Reid admires athletic passers and Griffin is intriguing to say the least. It would take a lot to move up to the No. 2 spot in the draft where Griffin is expected to go, but the Eagles have draft ammunition and a chance to fill their biggest needs (backup RB, LB, and potentially WR) in free agency and the later rounds.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2012/2/28/2831402/random-eagles-musings-as-free-agency-draws-closerCody Benjamin2012-02-17T20:34:34-05:002012-02-17T20:34:34-05:00Phillies Reportedly Targeted A.J. Burnett
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<p>In a wave of news that might surprise even those accustomed to the Phillies’ big moves of late, Buster Olney of <span class="caps">ESPN</span> tweeted on Friday evening that Philadelphia was among the teams that targeted pitcher A.J. Burnett.</p>
<p>The 35-year-old starter, who was signed by the Yankees in 2009 as part of New York’s spending spree on pitchers, was traded to the Pirates this week, but despite the presence of Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, and Cole Hamels in their current rotation; Olney reported the Phillies had their sights set on potentially landing Burnett. As Olney mentioned, the team was also looking to unload SP Joe Blanton, which would have been necessary in the event Burnett joined the Phils.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-phillies/2012/2/17/2807226/phillies-reportedly-targeted-a-j-burnettCody Benjamin2012-01-31T06:30:06-05:002012-01-31T06:30:06-05:00Eagles Fan Polls: Best Season In Team History
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<p>Before you know it, Election Day will be here. Sticking to that theme, we've opened up some polls for Eagles fans to gauge the opinion of some of the Philly faithful. This time, vote for the best season in team history.</p> <p>If any of you follow politics, then you know the race for the 2012 U.S. Presidential nomination is underway, and before you know it, Election Day will be here. Sticking to that theme, we've opened up some polls for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> fans to gauge the opinion of some of the Philly faithful. This is for casual purposes to see how well the fan base is taking a disappointing 2011 season, but also for an Eagles project to be revealed later. Be a part of the <strike>American</strike> Philadelphia voice, and vote! <b>We started with favorite Eagles player and best Eagles player, and we've also looked at best Eagles coach, as well as most overrated and underrated player; now we're going with...</b></p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2012/1/31/2760088/eagles-fan-polls-best-season-in-team-historyCody Benjamin2012-01-29T07:00:26-05:002012-01-29T07:00:26-05:00Eagles Fan Polls: Most Underrated Player In Team History
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<p>Before you know it, Election Day will be here. Sticking to that theme, we've opened up some polls for Eagles fans to gauge the opinion of some of the Philly faithful. This time, vote for the most underrated player in team history!</p> <p>If any of you follow politics, then you know the race for the 2012 U.S. Presidential nomination is underway, and before you know it, Election Day will be here. Sticking to that theme, we've opened up some polls for <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Eagles</a> fans to gauge the opinion of some of the Philly faithful. This is for casual purposes to see how well the fan base is taking a disappointing 2011 season, but also for an Eagles project to be revealed later. Be a part of the <strike>American</strike> Philadelphia voice, and vote! <b>We started with <i>favorite</i> Eagles player and <i>best</i> Eagles player, and we've also looked at best Eagles <i>coach</i>, as well as most <i>overrated</i> player; now we're going with...</b></p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2012/1/29/2754540/eagles-fan-polls-most-underrated-player-in-team-historyCody Benjamin2012-01-26T07:00:39-05:002012-01-26T07:00:39-05:00Eagles Fan Polls: Most Overrated Player In Team History
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<p>Before you know it, Election Day will be here. Sticking to that theme, we've opened up some polls for Eagles fans to gauge the opinion of some of the Philly faithful. This time, vote for the most overrated player in team history!</p> <p>If any of you follow politics, then you know the race for the 2012 U.S. Presidential nomination is underway, and before you know it, Election Day will be here. Sticking to that theme, we've opened up some polls for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> fans to gauge the opinion of some of the Philly faithful. This is for casual purposes to see how well the fan base is taking a disappointing 2011 season, but also for an Eagles project to be revealed later. Be a part of the <strike>American</strike> Philadelphia voice, and vote! <b>We started with <i>favorite</i> Eagles player and <i>best</i> Eagles player, and we've also looked at best Eagles <i>coach</i>; now we're going with...</b></p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2012/1/26/2733014/eagles-fan-polls-most-overrated-player-in-team-historyCody Benjamin2012-01-25T07:00:26-05:002012-01-25T07:00:26-05:00Eagles Fan Polls: Who Is The Best Coach In Team History?
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<p>Before you know it, Election Day will be here. Sticking to that theme, we've opened up some polls for Eagles fans to gauge the opinion of some of the Philly faithful. This time, vote for the best coach in team history!</p> <p>If any of you follow politics, then you know the race for the 2012 U.S. Presidential nomination is underway, and before you know it, Election Day will be here. Sticking to that theme, we've opened up some polls for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> fans to gauge the opinion of some of the Philly faithful. This is for casual purposes to see how well the fan base is taking a disappointing 2011 season, but also for an Eagles project to be revealed later. Be a part of the <strike>American</strike> Philadelphia voice, and vote! <b>We started with<i> favorite</i> Eagles player and <i>best</i> Eagles player; now we're going with...</b></p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2012/1/25/2730691/eagles-fan-polls-who-is-the-best-coach-in-team-historyCody Benjamin