Iggles Blog - Philadelphia Eagles Blog

A Cure That Isn't

So now the Eagles have officially ended the "Tony Hunt as full-time fullback" experiment:

Fullback Tony Hunt said he has been told he will take his practice reps at running back, where he played before being switched near the end of training camp. Defensive tackle Dan Klecko, signed last spring with the idea he would be a fullback, has been reissued his old No. 49 jersey and apparently will play an expanded role at fullback while still participating in the defensive tackle rotation. Defensive end Victor Abiamiri, out since early in training camp following wrist surgery, was to participate in his first full practice today, and Abiamiri said he had been told he would work some inside at defensive tackle -- something he assumes reflects Klecko's decreased availability on defense. It isn't clear that Abiamiri will be ready to play by this weekend.

Which, duh, you already knew since Les posted that yesterday afternoon and I'm still evidently struggling to get into a posting rhythm since my mini-vacation. 

But why is nobody mentioning the fact that this isn't really likely to fix anything?  No, Tony Hunt isn't a fullback -- just like JR Reed and Greg Lewis aren't punt returners -- but neither is Dan Klecko.  The guy's legitimately quick for a defensive tackle, but that's like saying I'm legitimately cool for someone who's a blogger -- that bar ain't real high.

Meanwhile, the Eagles have a real fullback sitting on the practice squad in the person of undrafted rookie Jed Collins.  You know the guy:

Marty: "Jed is very smart. Fundamentally he's really pretty good. He's big. He's not as fast as the other two, but he's very consistent at both the run and the pass coming out of the backfield."

Marty again:  "No, Jed has played very well. It really has very little to do with other players. It has more to do with Tony Hunt earning a shot."

Marty one last time: "His consistency is high," Mornhinweg said. "He has taken advantage of an opportunity here. It will be interesting to see how he does."

Reid: "Jed did a nice job in the limited plays that he had offensively, but also on special teams," Eagles head coach Andy Reid said. "That fullback position, you've got to produce on special teams or you're going to struggle to make it there. [Collins] did the best job of the other guys on the special-teams unit."

But no.  We're going to stick with the FB by committee approach, simply expanding Klecko's goal line role -- which has worked out great so far -- to use him more in the other parts of the field. 

I don't see how this could possibly not work.

Klecko the DT

Before anyone gets too excited about what Dan Klecko could bring to the defensive line -- now that the fullback experiment is officially over -- take a quick look at his (non) production over the last five seasons.

Davis Gets His Say

Somewhat lost in the hoopla over the Dan Klecko signing is that the Eagles already have a guy on the roster who knows how to play the position.  Former practice squadder Jason Davis gets his say today on PE.com.

In some ways, he certainly seems like a more obvious fit as a west coast offense fullback:

Davis was a two-year starter at Illinois where he finished his college career with 67 receptions for 602 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, Davis churned out 230 yards on 49 carries for another score...

[L]ast season [Thomas] Tapeh had just eight receptions and five rushes. Davis knows that with his experience at Illinois, he can bring something different to the position.

"I also bring an element which a lot of fullbacks can't bring in which I can run and catch a little bit," said Davis. "If I show it, maybe they'll put a little bit in there for me to use."

He also flashes a nice bit of personality:

"I can handle (getting the first down on 3rd-and-1), but if you want me to take my shirt off and be a Tommy Hilfiger underwear model, that is not going to work," Davis said.

I know it sounds crazy, but I'm still wondering if there isn't a possible role for both these guys.  I don't know if Matt Schobel should be feeling too comfortable about his role on the team right now.  It's probably not a good sign when you manage to put up six straight seasons of declining production.