Antonio Dixon

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What They’re Saying About the Eagles

Could another team be interested in getting its hands on Matt Barkley? Plus Eagles-Jaguars notes in advance of tonight’s game.

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The State Of the Eagles’ Pass-Rush And D-Line

Since the start of free agency, the Eagles have added nine new players, but only one true pass-rusher – Connor Barwin.

Much of the offseason focus has been on rebuilding the secondary, but Howie Roseman, Chip Kelly and company still have work to do in bolstering the front seven – specifically, the defensive line.

Before we take a look at what areas still need to be addressed, let’s look at what the Eagles have on their current roster.

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What the Eagles Need At Nose Tackle

The Eagles have dropped not-so-subtle hints about a scheme change all offseason long.

Chip Kelly has talked about preferring a 3-4. And Howie Roseman has discussed the versatility of specific players like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham.

But one position the Eagles likely will have to address in the coming months is nose tackle.

Here’s a look at what the team might be looking for out of its nose tackle, along with some free-agent options.

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How Eagles’ Current Pieces Fit In 3-4, 4-3 Under

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Trent ColeHowie Roseman believes the Eagles have some pieces in place to transition to a new defensive scheme – one that will not include Cullen Jenkins or Mike Patterson.

As for the details, there’s not a whole lot we know right now. We know Chip Kelly prefers a 3-4. We know defensive coordinator Billy Davis has a background in multiple schemes, including the 4-3 under. Having spoken to Davis and some of the other assistants, I got the impression that pre-snap disguise is going to be a big part of whatever the Eagles do.

As we look ahead to free agency (March 12) and the draft (April 25), now seems like a good time to take stock of the Eagles’ defensive linemen to see how they might fit going forward.

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Eagles Sign Dixon; Place Foles On IR

Antonio Dixon is back. The Eagles signed the defensive tackle to a two-year deal and placed Nick Foles on Injured Reserve. Linebacker Marcus Dowtin was also signed to the practice squad.

Dixon played in Philadelphia from 2009-11, compiling  62 tackles and three sacks. He appeared in two games for the Colts this season but was released on October 29.

Dowtin (6-2, 226) recorded four special teams tackles in three games for the New York Jets this season. He was waived by the team on November 20.

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What They’re Saying About the Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi AsomughaIt’s time to check in on what the national media are saying about the Eagles. Here’s the roundup.

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Life On The Bubble: Behind the Scenes Of Cut-down Day

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Antonio Dixon.For bubble players, cut-down day is all about the phone call. If you go the whole day without one, you have made the 53-man roster. If the phone rings and the incoming call starts with a “215” area code, chances are you are being summoned to gather your things and drop off your playbook.

Just imagine how slowly time ticks by. Or how your stress level shoots through the roof when  your cell phone buzzes because a friend or family member is unaware of the circumstances.

“You go about your day. If they call you they call you, if they don’t they don’t,” said cornerback Brandon Hughes. “You get an unknown number, that’s probably them calling you. I can’t be sitting by the phone all day hoping the Philadelphia Eagles don’t call me.”

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Ten Eagles On the Roster Bubble

Philadelphia Eagles running back Chris Polk.The Eagles have until 9 p.m. Friday to cut their roster down to 53.

That means 22 players currently on the squad will be told not to show up next week.

Keeping that in mind, here are 10 players who are sitting squarely on the roster bubble.

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Eagles Wake-Up Call: Trade an Option For Birds

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy ReidAndy Reid used the word stingy.

He was asked whether the Eagles could keep six defensive ends, and the head coach wanted to make clear that he’s not too fond of letting capable pass-rushers walk for nothing.

“There’s a chance,” Reid said. “I’m stingy when it comes to defensive linemen, so we’ve got to work the numbers and just see how all that pans out. There will be some tough decisions all the way around there.”

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DL Review: Tapp Makes His Case

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Darryl TappFrom Darryl Tapp to Brandon Graham to Derek Landri, here’s a player-by-player review of the Eagles defensive line from Friday night’s game against the Browns.

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Take 3: Projecting the Eagles’ 53-Man Roster

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Darryl TappWith the Eagles just eight days away from cutting their roster down to 53 players, the battle between Kapadia and McManus continues. Today, Sheil provides his projection, along with a confidence rating for each position.

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DL Review: Hunt Shines Once Again

Philadelphia Eagles DE Phillip HuntFrom Fletcher Cox to Phillip Hunt, here’s a player-by-player breakdown of how the Eagles’ defensive linemen performed against the Patriots.

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Asomugha Returns to Practice, Has Trouble Speaking

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi AsomughaNnamdi Asomugha was a full participant in practice Friday afternoon for the first time since a violent mid-air collision with Nate Allen on Monday.

Asomugha suffered a lip laceration and a sore neck. On Tuesday, Andy Reid said the cornerback had “whiplash-type symptoms.”

Yesterday, Asomugha began practice, but did not finish because of discomfort in his neck. He said today that he couldn’t talk much because his mouth (lip) is still recovering. Asomugha added that his neck is fine.

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Dixon, Asomugha And Hanson Leave Practice

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Antonio Dixon.Nnamdi Asomugha, Antonio Dixon and Joselio Hanson all started practice Thursday afternoon at the Novacare Complex, but none of them finished.

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Kapadia’s Take: Projecting the 53-Man Roster

The battle continues.

Yesterday, T-Mac provided us with a good laugh with his latest 53-man roster projection.

Now it’s my turn. I’ve got some changes from last week. Here goes nothing.