Brandon Boykin

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Week 4: Eagles Snap Count Analysis

Here’s a look at how Chip Kelly divvied up playing time Sunday afternoon against the Broncos.

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Observations: Broncos 52, Eagles 20

Here’s what we saw during the Eagles’ 52-20 loss to the Broncos in Denver.

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Cheat Sheet: Eagles Defense Vs. Broncos Offense

If you missed the first cheat sheet, click here. Now, 10 things you need to know about how the Eagles’ defense matches up with the […]

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Three-And-Out: Eagles-Broncos Predictions

Michael VickIntroducing a new weekly feature here at Birds 24/7. Every Friday, Tim and Sheil will go back-and-forth on a few game-related topics.

Here is the first installment.

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All-22: The Many Roles of Brandon Boykin

boykinOLB1_092613Brandon Boykin’s rookie season was not all that complicated.

His role on defense was easily defined. When opposing offenses were in three- or four-receiver sets, he entered the game, played the slot and for the most part, did a really good job.

But with a dramatic scheme change and a new defensive coordinator this year, Boykin might as well be wearing a red-and-white striped shirt instead of a green-and-white jersey on gamedays.

Where’s Brandon?

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On Wolff, Allen And the Continuity Question

0V3J0410In Week 1, Nate Allen was on the field for 67 plays while  Earl Wolff saw only eight snaps. This past Sunday, Wolff’s number jumped up to 49 snaps and Allen’s dipped to 63.

If those numbers are any indication, the rookie is gaining on the struggling veteran.

“I really appreciate [the way the coaches are working me in,] said Wolff, who was also part of a three-safety look Sunday due to depth issues at corner. “Every rep is an opportunity. Regardless of how many reps I get, if it’s 10, if it’s 20, if it’s five, I just want to go out there and take advantage of every single opportunity I get.”

The question is when Wolff will be prepared to take over the spot on a full-time basis.

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Game Review: Eagles Defense Vs. Chargers Offense

Fletcher CoxIf you missed the game review on the Eagles’ offense, click here.

Here’s what we saw from the ‘D’ after having re-watched Sunday’s contest.

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Injury Update: Kendricks, Kelce On Injury Report

Mychal Kendricks looked a little hobbled as he walked around the locker room following Sunday’s loss to the Chargers.

“It’s football,” said Kendricks. “Everyone’s dinged up.”

The second-year linebacker has a groin injury, turns out, though he was listed as a full participant for Monday’s practice.

Brandon Boykin (quad), Brent Celek (shoulder) and  Jason Kelce (thumb) were the other new names on the injury report. Celek was hurt on the same play that Michael Vick was banged up on late in the contest. Both players only missed one down before re-entering the game. Vick was not listed on the report.

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Week 2: Eagles Snap Count Analysis

Here’s a look at Eagles snap counts against the Chargers, with notes on Brandon Graham, James Casey, Earl Wolff and others.

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Instant Observations: Chargers 33, Eagles 30

Here are first-half observations from today’s Eagles-Chargers game.

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Making Sense Of the Eagles’ Inactives

The following Eagles are inactive for Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers: QB Matt Barkley, CB Bradley Fletcher, CB Shaun Prater, OT Matt Tobin, OT Dennis Kelly, DE Vinny Curry and TE Emil Igwenagu.

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Cheat Sheet: Eagles Defense Vs. Chargers Offense

Billy DavisIf you missed the first cheat sheet, click here. Below are 10 things to know about how the Eagles’ defense matches up with the Chargers’ offense.

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Bradley Fletcher Ruled Out For Sunday’s Game

Bradley FletcherEagles starting cornerback Bradley Fletcher has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

The 27-year-old sustained a concussion late in the game against Washington. He had yet to pass the ImPACT test as of Thursday afternoon.

The Eagles’ depth in the secondary will be tested. Brandon Boykin is expected to start on the outside in Fletcher’s absence, though he could  very well move into the slot in certain packages as well. Brandon Hughes, who is recovering from a fractured hand, is a logical candidate to play on the outside when Boykin does move inside.

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All-22: Davis Brings the Blitz Back To Eagles’ D

ryans2_091313Not all blitzes are created equal. That much was evident when reviewing how Billy Davis made calls in his debut as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator last week.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Birds sent five rushers or more at Robert Griffin 22 times. On those plays, he went 9-for-20 for 78 yards, an interception and was sacked twice. Keep in mind, as a rookie, Griffin completed 69 percent of his attempts against the blitz, throwing nine touchdowns and no interceptions, per Stats, Inc.

Last year, according to Football Outsiders, the Eagles rushed four 77.8 percent of the time, tops in the league. But that number is going to take a dip in 2013.

“The scheme is built to where any member of the defense can be blitzing at any given time,” Davis said. “We have blitzes for every position – corners, safeties, nickels, dimes, mike backers. Anybody can be a blitzer. Either through an active call or a check.”

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Player Survey: Which Eagle Will Have a Big Year?

Damaris JohnsonLast week, we walked around the Eagles’ locker room and approached players with the following request:

Give me one teammate who’s impressed you this summer and is primed for a big year.

Several players didn’t want to get specific, but others provided responses. Here is what they said.