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Howard Mudd wants to simplify Eagles line, improve Vick’s understanding

H. Muddplayer

While reading a remarkable and recommended profile of Eagles offensive line coach Howard Mudd on Wednesday by Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Inquirer, I learned that Mudd has nearly died a few times while riding a motorcycle.

He’s also had three knee replacements, nine total knee surgeries, and a surgery to fuse three veterbrae that was performed during a motorcycling trip to Africa with defensive line coach Jim Washburn.

So fixing the Eagles offensive line and improving Michael Vick’s awareness should be no sweat for the 69-year-old.

“There’s some stuff we need to clean up. Including Mike’s understanding of who’s not blocked; that, if there’s a guy who’s not blocked, get it out of your hand,” Mudd told Hayes in a separate article. “We want Mike to live to play the next play.”

Mudd, who returned to coaching after a one-year retirement after a legendary run with the Colts, relies on athleticism and movement more than Philly’s old line approach. But Mudd says his intent is to simplify things, much like new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo intends to simplify the defense.

“We make football too complicated,” Mudd said. “It doesn’t make any difference how old you are. In order to be coached, you’ve got to want to be coached. The ones who don’t want to are going to get kicked in the ass and do it anyway.”

Mudd brings experience, confidence, and toughness to a challenging position in Philly. After what he’s been through, making up for lost time after the lockout should be no problem.