Kevin Jones Wouldn't Mind Coming Home

Free agent running back and Cardinal O'Hara alum Kevin Jones was among the many people surprised to find out he'd been cut by the Detroit Lions a few days ago. After all, who are the Lions to be cutting anyone? But after the shock wore off and the phone calls from interested teams started coming in, Jones now sounds excited to be considering his suitors.

Joe Santoliquito of the Daily News reports that one of the 12 teams in contact already were the Eagles, and playing in Philadelphia would be a dream come true for the Chester native.

"When the Lions drafted me, it came as a big shock, because they weren't that much in the picture. It wasn't my dream situation. It would be a dream, however, to play for the Eagles. Going back to Philly, with all my relatives and friends back there, that's home to me. Chester will always be home to me. I have a real support system there in Philadelphia. Playing for the Eagles would be great."

And sharing a backfield with Eagles star Brian Westbrook...

"Are you kidding me? That would be awesome," Jones said. "I'd love to play with Brian Westbrook. He's one of the best backs, if not the best back in the league. I definitely wouldn't mind doing that. I can learn some things from Brian Westbrook."

I'd like to see Jones playing for the Birds, but if he calls a press conference, pump fakes putting on an Eagles hat, and signs with the Redskins, I'd pull up the red carpet pretty quick. A public apology for that Penn State gag might be in order regardless.

>>Jones says Eagles among teams interested in his services [Daily News]

Comments

[John]

Why would we want an injury prone running back to join an already crowded backfield? Westbrook, Buck, and Hunt are already here and we never use Hunt anyway, so why would we sign Jones? So he can ride the bench the whole year? Stupid.

[Jonn]

For that exact reason -- the people we have behind our stud is Bucky and Hunt. Let's recap...

I love Buchhalter, but he's injury prone at best. He's a great back when he's healthy.

You refuted your own point: we don't use Hunt.

You seriously would be upset if they brought in a good back like Jones? He's a SOLID #2 guy, and I would LOVE to have him. Could you imagine having a bona fide #2? I see why you would object to that, we haven't had that since the three headed monster.

I have no idea why anyone would object. I think this is a great move, and if they don't I will be disappointed.

#1 - Westbrook
#2 - Jones
#3 - Buckhalter
#4 - Hunt

That's what we need.

Any chance the Eagles do this, run a double HB, forget the FB, and use Hunt on the goal line?

[GreggyD]

I don't know about this. When I saw he was released I was curious if the Eagles would give him a look, but I think it would turn into more of a training camp battle. @John...you said Buck is injury prone at best, and Kevin Jones isn't????

The only way I want him to come in is if he is competing with Buck for the #2 job in camp and the better of the two comes out on top. We don't have room on the roster for four RBs and I think we need to hold onto Hunt. A lot of people are down on him, but he never got any chance to prove himself as a rookie (surprise, surprise).

If Kevin Jones is actually healthy then I like the signing for competition's sake, and as was reported yesterday, I don't think he will be completely ready to go come the start of training camp and maybe not even the start of the season. The Eagles will be cautious with this situation if they're interested and I'm sure they'll make the right decision.

[Kulp]

Greggy, when Hunt did get on the field last season, he showed no ability to block in the backfield. He should have had a few opportunities around the goalline, but he was a liability anyplace else. Some rookies don't deserve to get on the field, so I wish we could quit harping on that subject as we approach the draft. If he has improved, he will be a nice fit.

To answer your question John, they aren't going to start using two halfback sets because they want to put a legitimate blocker in front of the runner. For that same reason, Celek will not see many snaps (probably none at all) from the backfield either as you suggested on the Klecko comments. When Ryan Moats was still in the picture, they discussed using two HB sets and it never materialized, most likely because it's not as effective as it is in Madden football.

I'm not against adding Kevin Jones, I just worry about his injury. Buck is a nice runner, and he managed to stay healthy two years in a row now. Jones' inury is serious and I was shocked he was able to play last year. I would be all for giving him a look, but you've got to be concerned about how much he can really bring it this season.

[Phils Phan]

@ Kulp.

You're absolutely right re: [Greggy, when Hunt did get on the field last season, he showed no ability to block in the backfield. He should have had a few opportunities around the goalline, but he was a liability anyplace else.]

What blew my mind with this is that he was a fantastic blocking back at Penn State. For the Eagles last season, he missed routine reads and assignments--it was as if he had never blocked before. He deserved to ride the pine for the amount of time that he did. Hopefully he'll learn.

Not a Penn State hater, by the way. An alum.

[Brian]

Would not mind having ya back Kev.

I think this would be an awesome move. He could be a great #2, was never cut out for a true #1 in the NFL. Could spell B West at times, and make him that much more effective.

[215 Sports]

Ill take him. He can be a playmaker, better then Buck, and I think we need to implement Hunt a little more.

[Kulp]

Just to dispel the whole "rookies don't play" chatter...

McNabb, Buck, Reggie Brown, L.J., W. Thomas, Cole, Patterson, and Gaither all played significantly in their rookie seasons, and Shawn Andrews was the opening day starter but got hurt.

Lito and Sheldon Brown played behind Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor, so it really wasn't a shock they didn't have significant roles right away. Gocong spent his first year on injured reserve. Justice is behind Pro Bowlers at both tackle positions. Bunkley came to camp late which impacted his shot at being an opening day starter.

The notion that Andy Reid doesn't play rookies is a myth. He doesn't play rookies that aren't ready or where they already have quality starters, unless of course there are injuries. Maybe we can look ahead positively to the draft and stop assuming the Eagles can't possibly find players to make an immediate impact.

[GreggyD]

Hunt wasn't effective when he was in, that's for sure, but I really don't remember seeing him in at all. I'm not saying he's God's gift to the team, but he needs to get more on-field action and I think after being in the offense for a year and working in the offseason that he will be much improved, especially in blocking. He did look confused in the offense last year, but I think he'll be able to snap out if it now that he should have the nuances of this offense down.

[Hal Jordan]

They don't give the rookies tick, for whatever reason. One reason might be the one's they draft blow??? Maybe??? The Eagles are about one thing, money. If at the end of the day they win a Super Bowl, cool it's a bonus. But they do things their way, and you can't tell they differently....

I think Kulps real name is Howard Eskin.....

[Bill]

Weak offence, average deffence + strong NFC East = have fun watching the playoff's on TV

[Johnny G]

@bill: so ignorant its not even funny

2007 stats...
overall offense 6th
passing 10th
rushing 8th
overall defense 10th
rushing D 7th

the only stat we finished in the lower half was passing d at 18th and i'm fairly certain we did more to improve that than anyone else this offseason so far... if we get a kick returner and a kicker that can make something over 35 yards with consistency this team wins the division

btw... you know who was closer to average this year?

ny giants
offense 16th
defense 7th

[Bill]

Your right Johnny G, your right...great stats. The Eagles also had a great playoff run...oh wait....

Your also right about a kick returner is all yous need. Along with a QB a real WR who can get off a jam a younger O-line ( Justice is awesome BTW ) LB's that are....well good. And better play calling. Then you'll be set!!!

The G-Men did have average stats, but those rings they got ain't average. Dude go back to Madden 08 where stats mean something. Cause in the REAL NFL, only stat that matters is W's....

Didn't Pinkston lead the NFC in yards per catch one year?? I guess he's as good as T.O. then right stat man??? Since it's all about numbers and all.

[Old Eagle Fan]

I get so sick of people who want to write 20 paragraph's on why people shouldn't say nothing bad about the Eagles. I have been a season ticket holder for longer then some fans have been alive, and I think people have the right to bash them for the stupid things they do ( and it's allot ).

You don't agree with it?? Fine, but don't preach the Eagles company lines.

[Johnny G]

I was only refuting that he said our offense and defense was average... we were the only team to finish in the top ten of both and not win our division? why?

if akers makes a few kicks and we get better special teams play on returns we have at least 3 more wins... which is what matters... so yes... in addition to what we've done to the defense to get more turnovers... better returns and a more accurate kicker and the division is ours...

I'm not saying we are the best team in the league... i'm just saying that we aren't far off from the rest of the division... and the other teams better expect some competition because we will be contending for the nfc east next season... believe it

I agree we need some o-line depth since tra thomas and jon runyan are in their last years... if you knew anything about the eagles you would know that all we draft in the first round is line.. but winston justice has played a total of 1 game in his pro career and it is foolish to think he won't be a quality starter eventually... so yes I agree that we need o-line and a safety... for depth

[Kulp aka Howard Eskin]

To the Old Eagle Fan: nobody is saying the fans are not allowed to trash the team. I don't have a problem with anybody making a negative comment about the Eagles... when it's true and based on facts. I enjoy sharing my thoughts on the game and I try to make accurate statements and not just blindly throw people under the bus.

I listed 9 out of 22 starters (including Andrews) currently on the team that played significantly in their rookie seasons, and the next comment is another claim the Eagles don't give rookies playing time. The difference is I made a true statement backed up with a list, and the next guy simply claimed they don't know how to draft, apparently based on his judgment alone. I'm not preaching company lines, I made an observation anyone could have on their own. If that's not enough, we can go back and rate every draft since Andy Reid became head coach and compare his success to the rest of the league.

Now Johnny had a great point, too. Everybody knows the Eagles have holes, as does every team in the league, but the fact is that if a few plays go differently last season, they are in the playoffs again. Of course, we all know it didn't work out that way and it's fair to be disappointed. Even I suggested the team end the Reid era on more than one occasion. There's nothing wrong with saying something bad about the team, but if it's incorrect you can't be upset when someone comes along with the information to disprove it. It's cool to disagree, but it's difficult to be taken seriously when there is evidence to the contrary and the discussion boils down to, "I reserve the right to say bad things."

[Johnny G]

about time someone had my back... haha

[Jonn]

Hey, as an Eagle fan, I have the right to bash them. But as stated before, based upon facts. The Eagles have 9 of 10 pieces in place, but for some reason nothing came together last year. D-mac's injury, play calling, kick return, red zone, whatever. The players are in place and the Eagles have the ability to go 14-2 or 6-10. Anything above or below that would surprise me ; )

But seriously, the whole "weak offen(s)e and average defen(s)e" comment is lame and totally biased. At least Johnny G put some proof behind his statement and didn't pull the whole "Superbowl Champs" card. Good one.

[Johnny G]

I am officially feeling the love

they've done studies, you know. 60% of the time I'm right, every time.

[Chamomiles Davis]

/threadjack

Villanova, St. Joe's and Temple all made the tournament!

//threadjack