Friday, December 18, 2009
Westbrook Maybe Coming Back This Week With A Special Helmet!
It was dubbed likely that Westbrook would miss the entire season and perhaps be forced to retire from football when he initially suffered his second concussion of the year while playing against the San Diego Chargers in early November. However, the team has made it quite clear that the versatile runner is far from being done, and that he is probably even going to suit up this Sunday versus the 49ers.
According to a team source, Westbrook is planning on donning a specially-designed helmet if/when he returns to the Eagles’ lineup. The head piece apparently contains an additional protective padding that is not found in other helmets. It also includes a shock-absorbing material that was actually used to protect the heads of former Navy SEAL soldiers in battle. If a football helmet with the strength of an army warrior’s head piece isn’t enough to keep the 8th-year player safe, then I certainly don’t what will. Seriously, though, this special piece of equipment is designed to turn hard hits into “glancing blows”, reducing the possibility of sustaining a concussion.
Head coach Andy Reid made no comment about the potential helmet change for Westbrook, but he did speak regarding the RB’s practice status for the week: “I am today [planning on having Westbrook playing this week] … It’s a day-to-day thing.” [He will practice with the scout team this week, and we're] just getting him back into football shape.”
In other injury news, TE Brent Celek missed this afternoon’s practice session with a sore back, but WR Kevin Curtis–who has been out since Week 2 with a nagging knee injury–was able to participate in a limited role.
Eagles Vs. San Francisco. Is It A Trap Game?
Picture this: You have just come off a big victory over a playoff contender, and your team is being hyped up by the national media as a Super Bowl contender. And now, you get to take on the sub-.500 San Francisco 49ers.
This describes the Philadelphia Eagles.
A week ago it described the Arizona Cardinals.
Arizona's 30-17 victory over Minnesota (that was not as close as the score indicates) was arguably more impressive than our win yesterday. They were in prime position for a 3-seed and in striking distance of Minnesota for the first-round bye. They had a chance to clinch the NFC West for the second year in a row in front of a national audience on Monday Night Football.
What did they do? They turned the ball over 7 times. Frank Gore rushed for 167 yards and the 49ers had a comfortable victory.
The Eagles cannot afford to have an emotional let-down. The fact is they are playing another tough team that will cause some match up problems. We are the better team, we are playing at home against a west coast team playing on a short week. But we CANNOT sleep on this game. The Eagles need to come out with the same intensity as last week. They have not won anything yet. I want to see the young guys (particularly Desean Jackson, who has been a national sensation this week) come out with the same intensity again.
Offensively, we have an advantage. Roddy White torched the 49ers secondary for 200 yards and I think the Eagles should have success through the air. The matchup of Brent Celek and Patrick Willis should be interesting as well. However, I expect the Eagles to put up at least 28 points.
The defense is another story. Can they shake off last week's effort? They're facing young, but talented receivers again this week. Michael Crabtree is similar to Hakeem Nicks, but he is better. He can break tackles, jump and make great catches. Josh Morgan provides some speed opposite him, and of course the Eagles will have problems covering Vernon Davis. Frank Gore had a big game last week and the Eagles have struggled with running backs like LT (and even last week the rush defense was meh).
The key is, then, to force Alex Smith into turnovers by bringing the heat consistently. Force them into third and long and force errant throws that can be gobbled up by Asante Samuel and CO.
This is not the Eagles defense of old. Teams are going to move the ball on us, and they are going to score. I think our defense is very similar to the New Orleans Saints. The Saints give up a lot of points. They have some talented players. But they have no left defensive end opposite Will Smith, and they are weak at one of the safety spots. In addition, outside of Jonathan Vilma, the linebackers have been inconsistent. However, while teams do score on them, the Saints force turnovers at the right time, and the explosive offense takes care of the rest This Eagles defense will have to rely on big plays to help the offense win the game.
The mentality for the Eagles will be the key. Will Desean Jackson take it easy? This week he arrived as a superstar. Is he going to rest on his laurels? Because he can't. He is our best player and we need him to play like he's capable of playing. Will the defense continue to make sloppy plays? Or will the veterans step up and light a fire under the defense's ass. Time will tell. But we cannot afford to become Week 15's version of the Week 14 Arizona Cardinals.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Eagles vs. Giants Offense Review
Offense- First person I have to start with is D-Jax. He is unbelievable! I can't remember having such a huge offensive weapon since T.O. D-Jax had 6 catches for 178 yards and 1 receiving touchdown and 1 punt return touchdown. D-Jax is so fast he runs a 4.3/40. He is by far the fastest guy on the field every week and one of the fastest players in the league. Next I have to talk about Donovan Mcnabb who also had a huge game with 275 yards, 2 touchdowns, and a spectacular 110 QB rating. For all you Mcnabb haters answer one question. Could Kevin Kolb have sealed the game with a 91 yard drive in the 3rd/4th quarter against a hungry Giants D. I think Not! Let's not forget about our run game which sets up the big plays. Shady Mccoy keeps maturing each and every week and Leonard Weaver is a Beast! Enough said. Brent Celek is definitely earning that money the Eagles front office just threw at him. He has the making of a great tight end and is a huge upgrade from last years starter L.J. Smith. At least the fans who bought L.J.'s jersey can wear it again without being embarrassed, with the addition of Alex Smith who is also # 82. Also don't forget about Mike Vick who is back in football shape and is a huge threat in 3rd and short situations. He has been playing very well and also upping his stock so we can get a good 2nd or 3rd round pick for him this off season. If our offense can consistently keep playing at a high level I see good things in the future. Also kudos to Andy for keeping a balanced offense with close to a even pass/run ratio. This is a quick strike offense and when Westbrook and Curtis come back it is going to be very difficult to defend us.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Vick Not the Star Today, It's All About KK

Kevin is the true #2 guy right now, and has started to make a believer out of this naysayer in regards to his future here as a #1.
Sure, Vick played and was okay, yadda yadda yadda. Kolb and Celek were what made the offense go today. Desean made some big plays, Lesean played the workhorse role a bit, but Kolb to Celek was there all day.
After this week, hopefully we don't see much Kolb or too much Vick ater the buy, because this is Donny's team... but at least we know the KK is a legit guy who can come in and play when needed.
Sorry to see Jeff Garcia's last day in an Eagles uniform essentially be a fumbled snap... but there is much more to be happy abotu here than worried about.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Hot to Trot?

Jeremiah came in for a workout today. Some on the Eagles Boards and other sites are speculating he could be coming in because the team doesn't like Omar at MIKE. Others note that he could be depth in case of further question, especially with Mays not playing due to injury. There is one thing everyone seems to be missing...
Trotter was a ST beast when asked to fill that role. He's a hard hitter and a solid leader who could possibly help a ST unit with little leadership due to the departure of Baskett and Considine, as well as the loss of Gaither/Jordan as both are starting on the Defense.
If this signing occurs, he may see some downs in goal line sets and 4th & 1's, but expect him to be hauling ass downfield to hit people on kicks and punts with Tracy White, because that's where he'd fit most and where he's needed right now.
EDID Won’t Join the Show
Shawn answers most of my tweets about food, life, and football… but he ignores my requests to join in the fun of remixing CookBook’s hot track, “Solid Gold”.
While I can forgive him, as he has been all over the place getting his backed check on and whatnot, I was truly hoping that EDID could help Cook get his Michael Phelps on!
Tweet @shawnandrews73 to say hi sometime, he’s definitely a nice dude. But if you mention me, make sure not to be a flaming tool. I honestly wish the guy well, despite being a frustrated fan that wants the mauler on the field.
Fantasy Football: Backup Birds Style
This may just be the week that us Birds fans who picked Shady in the mid-to-late fantasy rounds get to play him. Even if Westbrook starts this week, it’s unlikely they lean on him against the Chiefs. While we cannot afford a loss to this abysmal club, Westy is banged up and is likely to be unneeded. That leaves an opening to be filled by the prolific Pitt back.
So, unless you have can’t miss stud backs (ie. I start Michael Turner AND DeAngelo Williams in 1 of my 3 leagues), give Shady a chance this week. He’s gonna surprise you.
Fantasy Forecast: 80-90 yards rushing, 5 receptions for 45 yards, and a TD.
PS. Yes, that is my adorable 10 month old son, Cash, in the Shady jersey up top. Just call him “Li’l Shady”!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Get Win #2 Now!

Every game counts. Despite it being only Week 2...every game counts. So I am confused as to why I am hearing fans and media outlets saying that the Eagles are fine if they split the next 2 games before the bye.
Screw that! I want a 3-0 record. I want the Eagles to get themselves an early cushion in the W column. Last time the Eagles started 2-0 they ended up in the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl, in Miami, is where I want the Eagles again this season.
Of course the team is playing to win this Sunday against the Saints. But we fans also need to expect the Eagles to win. Yes even if Kolb starts at QB expect the win. Just expect that B-West and Shady lead a successful running attack, the defensive game plan will again be A+, and the Special Teams will be able to break a few against a weak Saint's unit.
So enough with down playing the importance of this weekend's game. It counts just as much as a Week 16 or Week 17 match-up. Come Monday this fan wants a 2-0 record.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Kolb Just Has to Be Koy Good

Hey, the feelings of doom and gloom are well earned based on past Kolb performances. But maybe, just maybe, Kolb has some Koy magic in him. Remember that Monday night game in 2002 (November 25). Donovan McNabb had broken his ankle the prior week against the Cardinals. Everyone gave Detmer zero shot to beat the mighty 49ers on Monday Night Football.
Damn, were we so wrong!. In steps Koy to hit on almost 70% of his passes, throw 2 TDs, post a QB rating of 121.8, and most importantly, lead the Eagles to an 18 point lead. A nobody back-up QB was shining on prime time.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Booker Story: One Man's Garbage Is Another Man's Garbarge

It seems that every Eagles' fan favorite whipping boy was in for a look-see with the G-Men. After watching Booker's tenure in Philly it's not surprising that Booker left without a new deal. The Giants liked Gartrell Johnson better. (So who has the better ex-Charger as their 3rd RB, the Eagles or the Giants?)
So it looks like another day on the unemployment line for Booker. It's a shame he can't play QB, I hear the Eagles are into bringing back their exes. Oh well, maybe Booker can go hang out with Tony Hunt on Sundays.
The Youth Movement

All this time I have been bitching about Reid not running the ball. But maybe Reid just wasn't able to run the ball effectively with Runyan and Thomas the past few seasons. Sure Reid is a pass first coach, but was his over dependence on the pass a result of playing to the strengths of his 2 starting Tackles?
Saying Hello, Saying Good Riddance

Yeah, the kid has talent but the Eagles would be wise to cut their ties with Andrews this off-season. Eat the million dollars and get rid of the constant questions and headaches that always seem to surround Shawn. (Plus Shawn has a great singing career ahead of him so what does he need the Eagles for?!?)
With Shawn on IR, the roster shuffling continues. Out is Andrews, in officially is Jeff Garcia. Oddly, in still are 7 WRs, despite deactivating 2 WRs for the Panthers game. But the roster shuffle looks to continue with reports that the Eagles are attempting to find a trading partner for Hank Baskett. (So much for the fade to Baskett in the back of the endzone!)
So soon Hank will be gone, freeing up another roster spot. My guess is that Runyan will be signed for depth at the RT spot or as insurance if Justice becomes the Justice of old. Or if the Eagles don't sign Big Jon maybe the Eagles use the extra spot to activate Vick prior to week 3.
Activating Vick a week early would allow him to practice with the team while McNabb is nursing his rib injury. Or maybe Garcia is the QB answer while McNabb is out (yes, I have already given up on Kolb), in that case I guess Vick stays inactive since he already knows how to run from the QB spot.
So damn confusing with these Eagles. Oh well, at least they are 1-0!
He Ain't No Freak

Monday, September 14, 2009
You Can't Write This Stuff

Sunday, September 13, 2009
A Heavenly Performance

Kolb Can't Run an Offense, But The Eagles Can Run

Gone Are The Off-Season Muscles

Save the anger for a worthy cause, like if the Eagles season again ends in disappointment. The off-season muscles will be nice and rested to end the Reid era.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
One Fan's What To Expect - Eagles v. Pantehrs

Any given Sunday baby. It's what we love about football. So take it for what it's worth, here is what I see happening tomorrow.
Fantasy Begins: Sign This Man

The guy on the right, that is. Expect this picture to be a familiar sight this weekend, with a likely 20+ carries to the former Eagles mainstay, Correll Buckhalter. Buck, the Birds' dependable backup for the past few seasons finally gets his chance to shine (even if it is for the possibly dreadful Broncos) and I don't expect him to waste it.
While Westbrook (the Eagles starter) is/was a proven commodity ahead of Buck on the depth chart, Knowshon Moreno is not! A solid week or two as the starter and Knowshon becomes the 3rd down back for this season and the future starter. Sure, Moreno will get touches, but this is Correll's chance to cement himself as the Broncos' starter for this season.
At very least, sign him up as a plug and play for this week. Buck is facing Cincy's defense, which is mediocre at best... and with Moreno hobbled, he is the guy. Hillis may steal a goalline TD, but the rest of will be the Buck show.
Book it! (for my most recent fantasy advice, check out this post on my website).
Friday, September 11, 2009
Is LB the New FB?

At MLB Gaither is starting with a gimpy knee. Gaither is starting not because he excelled in the off-season but because Mays didn't excel. Currently backing up Gaither at MLB is Chris Gocong, who has zero experience manning the middle. Joe Mays is out up to 4 weeks so he is zero help for the 1st quarter of the season. And once the pressure was on Mays this off-season he crumbled so I am not too optimistic that he will step up when the games actually count.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
A Confidence Builder This Is Not!

Gross and Otah Equals Worried

The Eagles need to score quick on Sunday. The Eagles need to build an early lead on the Panthers (Donovan to DeSean...Touchdown!). Doing so means the Panthers will need to abandon the run and instead rely on Delhomme and the passing attack to win the game. I like that game plan better a whole lot better than the one that has Williams and Stewart pounding the ball.
Williams and Stewart are talented, but the key to their success is the massive Tackles that they are running behind. Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah are 2 of the top Tackles in the game (Gross could even be considered the best T in the entire NFL). These 2 giants are sure to wear down the Eagles undersized DEs as the game progresses.
I have no concerns with Patterson and Bunkley stopping runs up the middle. I do have concerns with Cole, Parker, Clemons, and Babin stopping the run on the outside. If the game is close it could be a long day of runs off the edge for the Eagles D. And with questions at LB and S these runs could be big gainers.
Here's hoping Delhomme is airing them out come Sunday.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
I'm Talking Playoffs in Week 1

Look I am as confident as the next Eagles fan about the team this year. I see a record of 11-5 or 12-4. I see an NFC East title and automatic playoff birth. But the Giants are a pretty damn good team themselves so a division title isn't guaranteed. The ticket to the playoffs may have to come via the wild card. And when you start talking wild card you start talking about the entire NFC.
Last season's entry into the playoffs most likely used up an eternity of luck for the Eagles franchise. The Eagles need to take care of business on the field this season. Beat the Panthers Sunday (despite it only being Week 1) and the road to the playoffs becomes a bit easier. And yes I'm talking playoffs!
Let's Stick to Football, Please!

But as a fan I am tired of seeing headlines about the Eagles working with animal rights groups and Vick conducting speeches at local high schools.
I want news on Eagles football. As a fan I only care about what happens between the white lines or off-the-field matters that have an impact on the success of the Eagles (injuries, roster moves, interviews).
But since Vick is an Eagle the off-the-field news will be as heavy as anything that Vick does on the field this season. Here's hoping the McNabb and the offense light it up against the Panthers and Saints. Keep the need for Vick to a minimal.
Are the Eagles Off and Running?

- The Panthers top run stuffer DT Ma’ake Kemoeatu was lost for the season when he tore his Achilles tendon in early August.
- Even with Kemoeatu playing in 2008, the Panthers defense surrendered 120 rushing yards per game.
- 3 of the 4 DTs on the Panther roster have 1 year or less NFL experience.
- Sure it was only preseason but the Panthers surrendered an average of 134 rushing yards per game (4.5 YPC average).
But this post is probably all for naught since I am counting on pass-happy Reid to run the ball. But maybe, just maybe, the combination of a healthy B-West, rookie stud McCoy, a true FB in Weaver, and a mammoth rebuilt OL will make this season rush-happy Reid. Maybe the pass preference went with the lost 75 pounds!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Vick Coming Back? Maybe Soon

The big move is that the Eagles will cut either WR Reggie Brown or WR Hank Baskett. (Maybe Brown too can find himself a playboy model to cover the bills). I think the Eagles are currently carrying 7 WRs in hopes of landing a trading partner for 1 of these 2 players. Once they realize there are no takers (which I find hard to believe) they will trim down to 6 WRs.
Who gets the extra spot? Michael Vick of course. Yes I am aware that Vick is suspended for the first 2 games. But Vick needs to be practicing with the team during the suspension. See Thursday's game against the Jets as reason #1, 2, 3, etc...
Under the suspension and since the Eagles do not have Vick on the active roster he can only attend meetings. Vick cannot practice with the team until after the Saints game. Not having Vick practice until then just adds to the rust. Not having Vick practice until then just adds to the teams' inability to develop cohesion and chemistry with the teams other offensive pieces.
Though I see Vick as only a gimmick player he is still a valuable weapon. And the weapon needs to be working with the first team offense at practice. We cannot have a repeat of the Jaguars preseason game where rhythm is interrupted and people are complaining about the disruption.
Oh yeah, the Eagles and especially Reid have a lot riding on the Vick project being a success this season. You do not keep Vick away from the team an additional 2 weeks with these high stakes. Chemistry, maybe Reid's job, the credibility of the franchise, the credibility of the owner were all put on the line when Vick inked the contract.
So the move has to be coming.
And here's another thought for you...how about Baskett being the odd man out? I am worried about the health of Curtis. Last year it was the sports hernia, this year it is the knee. If Curtis can't stay healthy I would rather have a WR with starting experience (Brown) lining up opposite DeSean until Maclin is ready to assume the starting spot (which could be a while based on his lengthy camp absence).
And hey, if you need an extra WR later in the season, there's always Lewis! 5 days until kick-off. The madness has only just begun!
Which Is It Andy? Eagles Sign TE Smith

Today's roster tweak is the Eagles adding TE Alex Smith, formerly of the New England Patriots. I guess the next tweak will be who goes so Smith gets a spot? Will it be Tony Curtis, who recent reports had Reid liking so much after Thursday's performance against the Jets that he didn't trade for a TE?
Or maybe more interesting do the Eagles say goodbye to one of their 7 WRs...Brown or Baskett? I still find it hard to believe that the Eagles can't get at least a low round draft pick for one of these two.
But back to Smith. It terms of a back-up TE the statistics look pretty damn good. In his 4 seasons Smith has averaged 32 receptions, 313 yards, and almost 3 TDs. Numbers that are actually better than starter Celek (though I think a monster season awaits Celek this year) and indicate an athletic, pass catching TE (easing the blow of the Ingram injury).
I like the move. Hopefully the guy can block too!
Update: Eagles have released Tony Curtis.
A Fast Start for McNabb

Monday, September 7, 2009
In Case You Are Interested...

Philadelphia Eagles 10/1
Odds to win the 2009 NFC Championship
Philadelphia Eagles 9/2
Odds to win the NFC East Division
Philadelphia Eagles 9/5
Regular Season Win Total Over/Under
Over 9.5 -160
Under 9.5 +130
Where will the Philadelphia Eagles finish in the NFC East
1st 9/5
2nd 9/5
3rd 11/4
4th 4/1
Total Passing Yards – Donovan McNabb
Over/Under 3500
Total TD Passes – Donovan McNabb
Over/Under 20.5
Total INT – Donovan McNabb
Over/Under 10.5
Total Rushing & Receiving Yards – Brian Westbrook
Over/Under 1450
Total TD’s – Brian Westbrook
Over/Under 10.5
Total Receiving Yards – DeSean Jackson
Over/Under 975
Total TD’s – DeSean Jackson
Over/Under 4.5
Total INT – Asante Samuel
Over/Under 5.5
Who will have more sacks?
Trent Cole 2/3
Darren Howard 6/5
Starting with the OL and FS

First the offensive line. I (along with many others) have been quick to worry about and criticize the offensive line this off-season. Well it turns out that, it was only preseason and preseason doesn't count for squat.
Get Off to a Fast Start

No more sneaking into the playoffs on the season's final game (thought it was pretty damn sweet to win in Week 17 and also knock out the Cowboys!). The Eagles need to start fast this season. I know easier said than done when you look at recent Eagles' history. In short, early wins have eluded the Eagles in recent seasons.
An opening season, road match-up against the Panthers would lead most to think 0-1 out of the gate. But don't forget that the Panthers lost some key defensive players this preseason and the Panthers strong offensive strategy (running) equals the Eagles strong defensive strategy (see Patterson and Bunkley stopping the run).
So this fan is thinking offensive explosion by the Eagles (see Rams game last season) and a 1-0 start. With games against the Saints, Chiefs, Bucs, Raiders, and the G-Men and Cowgirls both at home opening the season with a 6-2 record (or dare I say 7-1) is definitely achievable.
Give yourself some breathing room. In the event of an injury there is some padding to the record. Then regroup for the stretch run and finish by kicking the Cowboys' ass on January 3 (season finale) to clinch home field and keep Dallas home for the playoffs.
6 more days...I can't freaking wait!!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Honor Jim Johnson
To help show your support I urge you to check out http://www.bringoneinforjim.com/
At the site you can purchase t-shirts honoring Jim Johnson. And the best part of the purcahse is that a portion of the proceeds for each purcahsed shirt will be donated to the Jim Johnson Melanoma Research Fund. Great cause, great T-shirt.
Below are some pictures of shirts you can buy.


Guess The Yards - Win a Book!

Guess the number of passing yards Vick throws for tonight and win a singed copy of The Football Fan's Manifesto.
This book isn’t for the casual fan—it’s not for the guy who watches Monday Night Football only if his girlfriend isn’t engrossed in “The Bachelor” that night. Tunison is the ultimate NFL fan—he has no love for MLB, the NBA or the NHL, and his book is an ode to all things pigskin. Insightful and hilarious chapters include “The Memory of Your Team’s Epic Playoff Loss Will Set the Tone for All Your Future Personal Failures” and “If You Need Don Cheadle to Motivate You for the Playoffs, You Aren’t a Fan.” This book is written by a football addict for others who share his rabid passion.
Email your guesses here. Winners will be contacted via email next week for shipping address.
Is Andy Reid Coming Back?

We all know the bio. Reid and McNabb are entering their 11th season as coach and QB of the Eagles. Until recently the off-season headlines have focused on the question of McNabb's future with the Eagles. Will the team give #5 an extension? Would the team explore the possibility of a trade? Is it 2 more years and done for McNabb in Philadelphia? All good questions...time will tell.
With all the McNabb (and Vick) talk this off-season Reid's future has gone a bit under discussed. It shouldn't if you look at Reid's current deal. Just 2 years remaining. So with 2 years remaining it is logical to think that this upcoming season would be a show me the money or show me the door season.
A coach of Reid's stature doesn't deserve to go into the 2010 season clinging to a 1 year deal. The question at some point this season will be are the Eagles going to again extend Reid's contract?
Bashers of the Eagles' front office will be quick to say that Reid is the puppet running the Banner and Lurie show. Reid will be here as long as he keeps Lurie a billionaire (the latest report has the Eagles valued at $1.123 billion). But to continue to make money you need to put a winning product on the field (otherwise the Phillies will continue to steal all the Philly fan's love and money).
Sure the Eagles made the NFC Championship Game last season.. But they also needed an Oakland Miracle to simply qualify for the post season after a 9-6-1 record. 9-6-1 equals slightly above average. The past 4 seasons under Reid the Eagles have gone 33-30-1 in the regular season. Again, slightly above average.
Does average warrant a new extension? Will an 11th season without a title finally be enough to convince ownership that Reid can't deliver a title? At some point even the most loyal owners need to realize a change may be necessary.
The 2009 season is a big one for the big guy. The seat may not be hot now, but each loss is sure to crank up that temperature on Reid.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Beard is Back - Well It Should Be

The Andy Reid beard brought us fans so much good fortune last season (well until that NFC Championship Game, but the beard can't be blamed for that one, the Eagles almost always seems to crumble in the NFC Championship game).
So with so many questions already surrounding the 2009-'10 Eagles I thought it's time to start growing the beard. OL, Safety, MLB...the beard has us covered.
McNabb has a problem with Vick...talk to the beard. I can already picture the beard staring in the next Shawn Andrews You Tube video. And if come December the Eagles are tanking, well the Reid beard should have that Santa Claus look and we Philly fans love to show our appreciation to Santa (sorry, couldn't resist and, yes, only kidding!).
I know Andy doesn't read Bleed Eagles Green (though he should) but this fan is hoping for a return of the beard. The success of our season is depending on your facial hair Andy.
Bye, Bye Booker

Is Vick The Future at QB?

Monday, August 31, 2009
The Return of "For Who, For What"

Cut-downs are fast approaching for NFL teams. And like all teams the Eagles have some difficult decisions to make. One area that has some intrigue is along the defensive line. More specifically who gets the final spot on the DL?
I see Patterson, Bunkley, Abiamiri, Laws, Clemons, Smith, Parker, Howard, and Cole making the final cut. That leaves Jason Babin and Dan Klecko fighting for the last spot.
So a season after moving to FB for the good of the team Klecko may soon find himself out of a job. Prior to becoming the teams' full-time FB last season Klecko was off to an impressive start, notching 2 QB sacks in the seasons first 4 games. But any future padding of the stats was lost when Klecko moved to the offensive side of the ball.
Fast forward to the 2009 season and Klecko is back to playing defense. Unfortunately for Klecko the Eagles took a chance on cast-off Jason Babin this off-season.
When Babin was first signed it looked like nothing more than an extra body for camp. The Eagles would be Babin's fourth team in his short 6 year career. A former first rounder that never delivered first round results.
But a funny thing happened this preseason...Babin actually began playing like a 1st rounder. In 3 preseason game Babin has notched 2 QB sacks and several more QB hurries. These are numbers that earn you a roster spot.
So with Babin excelling Klecko looks to be the odd man out. Sure Babin is a DE and Klecko is a DT, but the ability of both Howard and Abiamiri to play the DT position on passing downs limits the number of true DTs the Eagles need to keep on their roster. Laws should be able to spill both Patterson and Bunkley when necessary.
So in the end putting the team ahead of himself might end up screwing Klecko. For who, for what indeed!
Friday, August 28, 2009
McNabb Being The Leader

In my opinion I view McNabb voicing and signaling his displeasure over the Vick "trickery" last night and the offense being unable to establish a rhythm as leadership. McNabb realizes the importance of getting HIS offense on track before the regular season rolls around.
Preseason game #3 is a teams last and really only chance in the off season to establish the cohesion and rhythm needed to start the season off with Ws. The constant substitutions and reformation of the offense for Vick prevented the offense from getting these things done last night.
The starters won't be playing next week against the Jets. Will the offense be dynamic, or even good when September 13 rolls around? We really don't know. There have been flashes of good play, but nothing sustained. The offense will go into Carolina with a lot of unanswered questions because the Eagles too got caught up in the Vick circus on Thursday.
McNabb realized the error of the last night's game plan and made his displeasure be known. He stood up for his offense. He acted like a leader last night.
And for the idiot fans who are chanting for Vick the moment McNabb makes a mistake you are clueless. Vick is no where near the QB that #5 is. The statistics prove it. The W-L record proves it. The off-the-field behavior proves it.
And if you are going to continue to question the leadership of McNabb, well don't go looking for leadership in Vick. Vick thought it more important to please the fans last night with a QB scramble instead of following the play called. Good for us fans, but not something you want out of the position designated to lead your team.