The NFL is a passing league. You have to be able to run to keep the defense honest or in case of bad weather. The Eagles need to determine if Hurts can be a prototypical NFL quarterback that they can build around. They aren't going to find out with so many running option plays. It may be the best way to win a few games now but not long term.
- MJL

Well, it’ll probably be for at least another year. The NCAA is void of bonafide stud QBs this draft. Unless you want to either trade your three 1sts for Wilson, or a little less for Watson, it appears we’re stuck with this gimmick for awhile.

Personally, I don’t want to give up 3 1sts, no matter how bad our record has been at drafting round 1. So many needs.

The hope is this: they give him time to develop his D reading skills, instead of a win now mentality, and those skills do come.

They hung almost 250 yards on a team ranked 1st against the run in the league. They did it with an utterly 1 dimensional offense. This kid Richarderson is a beast in opening lanes. And Hurts is a horse.Funny his legs are so strong and his arm is weakish.

Looking ahead, teams have had success being heavily run oriented, though it is getting more rare. But usually, you need to have a dominant D for that model.

EDIT: D1ckerson
- PT21

im not saying they shouldnt play hurts. the team responds to him and there is a chance he can become something. but exactly, to me curtailing the offense to THIS extent is more win now as opposed to seeing what he can do. I suppose you do want to grow his confidence etc, but at a certain point they need to see him in the pocket 35 times a game to see what he can do. (not to mention needing to see what you have in your receivers, which for having a pretty underwhelming room is comprised of a staggering amount of draft capital)

also, welcome back from wherever you were haha

The NFL is a passing league. You have to be able to run to keep the defense honest or in case of bad weather. The Eagles need to determine if Hurts can be a prototypical NFL quarterback that they can build around. They aren't going to find out with so many running option plays. It may be the best way to win a few games now but not long term.
- MJL

exactly.

to me, getting some insight on what you have to properly evaluate the roster is more important than finishing with 8 wins instead of 6

Dude, the culture was changed in the off season. All the problem players were moved out. The GM made all the right moves. Brought in a shoot first forward. Brought in a defenseman who filled a need and checked all the right boxes. Shame of all is that right now, a well past his prime Brassard is the best of the bunch and making the biggest impact.
- MJL

biggest impact? uh, cam atkinson

tell me you don't know what the hell you're talking about without telling me you don't know what the hell you are talking about, per usual

Well, it’ll probably be for at least another year. The NCAA is void of bonafide stud QBs this draft. Unless you want to either trade your three 1sts for Wilson, or a little less for Watson, it appears we’re stuck with this gimmick for awhile.

Personally, I don’t want to give up 3 1sts, no matter how bad our record has been at drafting round. So many needs.
- Hesh_

yeah, the QB class does not look great at all. would be odd using a mid first on a B minus level prospect only two years after sinking a second into hurts.

Well, it’ll probably be for at least another year. The NCAA is void of bonafide stud QBs this draft. Unless you want to either trade your three 1sts for Wilson, or a little less for Watson, it appears we’re stuck with this gimmick for awhile.

Personally, I don’t want to give up 3 1sts, no matter how bad our record has been at drafting round. So many needs.
- Hesh_

yeah, the QB class does not look great at all. would be odd using a mid first on a B minus level prospect only two years after sinking a second into hurts.

sirianni is definitely learning how to tweak this team and win games so that's a plus but we need to beat a top team
- 2Real

And Gannon finally blitzing.

What do you suggest the flyers give up to acquire Hertl? Or any other player?
- hello it's me 2050

They can trade JVR with salary retention or TK or Linblom, picks, or a combination of these.

This is a rather surprising beat-down. On all sides of the ball.

They are playing weak teams, and there are multiple issues with running the offense this way as a long term strategy, but it is intriguing for now.

By the way, I was thinking of you the other day, when we finished watched Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend. It is really an amazingly good series, one I did not think could be made today. I saw it on HBO Max, thanks to a pal.

Since you liked The Investigation, and I am glad you recommended it, I thought I would return the favor.
- PT21

LOL @ beat-down. NO started QB3, didn't have WR1 and RB1. The Eagles ability to run the ball was a positive, but when you let Trevor Siemian throw for 3 TDs, in no world is that a beat-down

Yeah Lindblom hasnt been effective in those tight board battles. Even after the puck is freed, I just see slow reaction time, slow hands, and the other team is off and running with it the other way. He was great off the rush, a decent netfront pp presence, a slick passer but none of that seems to clicking with him and his line mates right now. Too bad you cant send him down for a bit.
- Thrashahoy

Lindblom's play has dropped off in the last week or so but before that, he and his linemates were very strong in board battles and creating scoring chances. I think his lack of scoring has led to frustration which has leaked into his overall game.

But the point is, you don't have the horses to compete in the "passing league."
You have huge horses in the run game.

Given that, choose between the following options:

1. Stick to a passing game, and perhaps develop your qb/test his mettle but also risk overloading a rookie qb with pressure

2. Play to your strengths and hope that comes over time. In particular, don't forget that if they keep getting 200 yards on the ground, D will have to bring more guys into box, and this will help Hurts throw.

I am not saying 2 is necessarily the way to go. Just that there is a case to be made for it.
- PT21

They need to find out this year whether he is the QB of the future or not.

biggest impact? uh, cam atkinson

tell me you don't know what the hell you're talking about without telling me you don't know what the hell you are talking about, per usual
- anti-lame

Best post of the year.

They can trade JVR with salary retention or TK or Linblom, picks, or a combination of these.
- jd250

Why when Frost is knocking on the door.

Best post of the year.

- MJL

don't you have a star wars movie to stand in line for?

That's a really bad idea. First of all JVR is not exactly having a great season. So think about it. Are you going to get a 2C from a good team for JVR and a pick? No you're not. They're going to keep their 2C. How about from a team that is rebuilding or heading in that direction? Why would they want JVR? They may take him as a cap dump which will drive up the cost on top of the cost for a 2C.

Look at what's going on. Look at the moves they made in the off season. You know, remember the culture change? What did it accomplish? Is this team in the realm of contention? No!

Stop trying to trade your way there. No way should they be trading for a rental.
They absolutely should remain patient and wait on Frost, Allison, etc. If they make the move you're suggesting, they'll be doing the same thing that I told you in the Summer that they would be doing. Still waiting.
- MJL

I get what you are saying and I can't argue that you make good points here. However I'm starting to really see that the Flyers don't have the depth we thought they did, especially at center, And I just don't see anything immanent coming from their system. So if Fletcher's agrees with you and stands pat, it's another season of middle of the pack hockey. Something has to change, they just can't keep rolling these lines out there game after game. I guess call Frost up before next game and give him 10 games at 2C and PP time and see what he can do. Can it really be any worse at this point? It's now or never for this guy! JOB had another strong game for BU last night but he is still at least a year away.

Why when Frost is knocking on the door.

- MJL

its frustrating to read your posts - i am related someone who has been working every game for the last 25 years and been on the bus with the team every road game during that time. you are so far off in your "assessments" its sad.

you poke fun at the "culture change" but its a real thing and it was a problem and they addressed it.

it might be hard to hear this with your head so far up your ass

And Gannon finally blitzing.
- Pelle31Forever

He stopped after they got up big…the 4 man rush let the Saints make it interesting.

Why when Frost is knocking on the door.

- MJL

well then call him up before next game and put him at 2C and on the first PP unit and see what he can do. I'm not a fan of Frost but at this point, they need to put him in the lineup and see what he's got. However if he does not pan out, Fletcher needs to make another move. I'm afraid this season can slip away very quickly given the division the Flyers are in there are literally no easy games.

They can trade JVR with salary retention or TK or Linblom, picks, or a combination of these.
- jd250

So lets say your the sharks GM. Would you trade Hertl for JVR with retention? What kinds of picks do you add?

They may have interest in TK so that is realistic.

don't you have a star wars movie to stand in line for?
- anti-lame

welcome to hockey buzz flyers fan.

I get what you are saying and I can't argue that you make good points here. However I'm starting to really see that the Flyers don't have the depth we thought they did, especially at center, And I just don't see anything immanent coming from their system. So if Fletcher's agrees with you and stands pat, it's another season of middle of the pack hockey. Something has to change, they just can't keep rolling these lines out there game after game. I guess call Frost up before next game and give him 10 games at 2C and PP time and see what he can do. Can it really be any worse at this point? It's now or never for this guy! JOB had another strong game for BU last night but he is still at least a year away.
- jd250

hopefully he test free agency.

don't you have a star wars movie to stand in line for?
- anti-lame

gotta wait until grandmas peoples court show is over then he gets the tv

I get what you are saying and I can't argue that you make good points here. However I'm starting to really see that the Flyers don't have the depth we thought they did, especially at center, And I just don't see anything immanent coming from their system. So if Fletcher's agrees with you and stands pat, it's another season of middle of the pack hockey. Something has to change, they just can't keep rolling these lines out there game after game. I guess call Frost up before next game and give him 10 games at 2C and PP time and see what he can do. Can it really be any worse at this point? It's now or never for this guy! JOB had another strong game for BU last night but he is still at least a year away.
- jd250

Why is Frost not a player that is imminent coming for their system? Give him 10 games? LOL
Something does have to change, you're right. Stop doing what they did this past off season. You're advocating for more of the same.

don't you have a star wars movie to stand in line for?
- hello it's me 2050

So lets say your the sharks GM. Would you trade Hertl for JVR with retention? What kinds of picks do you add?

They may have interest in TK so that is realistic.
- hello it's me 2050

To be honest if I were the Sharks GM I would ask for a ton and select the best offer at the deadline. I agree JVR is not useful to a team like the Sharks. Only a contender that needs to bolster their PP might consider JVR with salary retention but he has got to play a lot better than he is right now. I got crap from some on here when I called him dead weight but currently that is exactly what he is!

I think a Hertl for TK trade might make sense, but only if the Flyers can extend him.