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Eagles Vacation

Aug 30, 2010 Eagles Commentary, Me, The Site Leave a comment

Back when this blog was most active it was, probably at a minimum, eighty percent Eagles content.  That was simply a reflection of what I’ve been most passionate about, which was always the Eagles.  This was my space for barfing up my Eagles stream of consciousness.

But something happened to me as last season came to an end.  Maybe this was unique to me but I don’t think it was.  I got burned out.

It had nothing to do with a change in how much I cared about the Eagles.  Far from it, that fire still burns.  But I simply couldn’t spend another off-season reading every day about another failed playoff run and the predictable, tired “who will McNabb play for next season” drama while the same arguments play out in every paper, radio, and blog that covered the subject.  I just wasn’t up for it, so I reduced my winter and spring investment in the Eagles to basic news.

The trade made me feel as twisted up as anyone else.  And all the relief that came with Donovan’s baggage (well, most of it) being taken by truck down to DC somehow reinforced my decision to keep the Birds at arms length for a while.  It was cathartic.

It’s nice to be getting back in the swing of things, though.  I’m guessing I’m not alone.  Just seeing NFL teams square off this August really got the blood flowing again and I feel like I’ve hit stage 8 or 9 of my Donovan recovery.  Just in time.

Around the Internets 8-30-2010

Aug 30, 2010 LinkUp, Random Leave a comment

[Iconic Photos] Today’s Iconic Photo is especially brutal, and the story is incredible.  If you aren’t already regularly stopping by this site, you really should.  Especially if you’re a history buff.

[XKCD] Yep, it really is an exciting time for anyone interested in space.

[Football News Now]  Seems like every day Jamaal Jackson increases his odds of playing in the season opener.  And in inconsequential site news that no one cares about, we’ll be avoiding linking to Philly.com directly as long as their site is intrusive and obnoxious with their ads.

[Iggles Blog] Get the game review from Tommy Lawlor of this weekend’s frustrating game against the Chiefs.

[Washington Post] MLB trying to grow the game in China.

Giants Have Question Marks, Too

Jul 29, 2009 Eagles Commentary 1 Comment

While there are some very good reasons to be optimistic about the 2009 Eagles campaign — it doesn’t take much thought to put together some reasons for doubt, either.  Will the offensive line gel?  Will and how much will the defense suffer after losing Jim Johnson?  And perhaps the biggest of all, will Brian Westbrook be healthy and effective?

But the other likely NFC East powerhouse — the Giants — have their share of question marks as well.

• Don’t forget, this team also will have a new, unproven defensive coordinator (Bill Sheridan).
• Eli Manning is playing without Plaxico Burress, and the Giants did not go out and get any of the big name receivers that were rumored available.  Whether any of their young crop of receivers is really any good is yet to be determined.
• Gone is one big part of their rushing attack — Derrick Ward.  Keeping Jacobs healthy is more vital than ever, as “Ahmad Bradshaw, feature back” has never been tested.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  This team will be good.  They have an excellent offensive and defensive line — and when you’re team is strong in the trenches you will always be competitive.

The question I see for them is — when they face a tough defense, will they be able to put up points?  The passing game is the key to almost every modern and powerful NFL offense.  And whether Eli and that group of pass-catchers will be up to the task is an open question.

Here’s Hoping the Streak Continues

Mar 5, 2009 Eagles Commentary Leave a comment

And the Cowboys have the TO hangover the Niners and Eagles went through.  Actually, the Niners are still going through.

And with that being said, he’s still good enough that I don’t want the Giants or Redskins signing him.

C’mon Oakland, make him an offer he can’t refuse.

Rumors: Eagles and Derrick Ward

Mar 2, 2009 Eagles Rumors Leave a comment

Mike Garafalo reports that the rumors of Derrick Ward’s visit to Philadelphia over the weekend are untrue.

The Eagles have been linked to Ward by multiple sources, but at this point it is nothing more than whispers.  It appears the Giants are truly uninterested in retaining the running back, and if he lingers long enough maybe the Birds eventually get interested (once it’s clear that he’s not getting a blockbuster deal).

Ward’s style and size could be a great compliment to Westbrook.  But it’s important to remember his age.  The guy has had sort of a strange  career, quitting Fresno St and finishing his college days at Ottawa University in Kansas at age 24.  He’ll be 29 when the season starts, so you know the Eagles won’t signing him to anything long-term.

Count on the Birds going after a running back in the draft.

The Patriots are Brilliant. Except When They Aren’t

Feb 28, 2009 Eagles Commentary, NFL News Leave a comment

Let’s make a quick comparison.

Yesterday, the Eagles traded one of their backup defensive backs, a guy who has virtually no value to them, to the Jets for a 5th round draft pick and (potentially) a 2nd round pick in 2010.

Today, the Patriots traded Matt Cassell, a promising young quarterback who they slapped a franchise tag on worth $15 million, for a single 2nd round pick (if the rumor is true).

Now, maybe this is some sort of personal favor from Belichick to his old buddy Scott Pioli.

But if it’s not, I can’t believe the market for Cassel was this shallow.  I mean, there’s good reason to be skeptical of some of the ridiculous praise thrown at him this year, but still — the Eagles got a 2nd round pick for AJ Feeley at one point!

Wow.

Update:  After thinking about this for a few more minutes, there’s no way the Patriots do a deal this seemingly imbalanced with any other team.  It pays to have good friends, and Scott Pioli is cashing in.

Eagles News: Stacy Andrews, Your New Right Tackle

Feb 27, 2009 Eagles Commentary, Eagles News Leave a comment

I gotta say, with an effort to be an easy-going casual Eagles fan, it’s going to be pretty cool to have brothers mashing people next to each other on the offensive line.  I can only imagine how excited young Shawn and big brother are.

But it is also, almost certainly, the end of the road for two Eagles greats.  And I mean that, greats.  Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan have been absolutely irreplacable during this almost full decade of winning seasons for Philadelphia.  I hope they both are able to enjoy life outside of an Eagles uniform.

This signing, obviously, has a major impact on what the Eagles can and will do in the NFL draft now.  You’ve got to be excited about those two first-round picks, knowing they can be used on skill position guys.  Very cool.

Eagles Rumors: Now They’re Free Agents

Feb 27, 2009 Eagles Rumors Leave a comment

Dawkins, Thomas, Runyan.  Clearly, things haven’t quite proceeded as we imagined at this point, maybe not how the Eagles’ front office imagined either.  Still no word on visits to other teams for Thomas or Dawkins, but stay on the lookout.

You’ve read the news on Buckhalter.  Whether or not he ultimately signs with Denver, it’s pretty clear this guy is gone.

Some wild rumors out of St. Louis:  The Eagles will trade for Torry Holt — giving up Reggie Brown and a draft pick.  Don would have a hard time being upset about that.

Cardinals young defensive end Antonio Smith has been invited by the Eagles to come to Philadelphia and visit the NovaCare complex.  That’s a bit surprising, considering the perceived logjam at the position (Cole, Abiamiri, Thomas, Howard, Clemons).  What would the Eagles do with that guy?

Eagles Rumors: Jason Brown (Ravens)

Feb 26, 2009 Eagles News, Eagles Rumors Leave a comment

By now you’ve read about it somewhere (I saw it on BGN), a rumor initially floated by Howard Eskin — the Eagles are (not should be, they are) interested in Ravens guard/center Jason Brown.

Here’s what we know about Brown and this rumor.

He’s been in the NFL four years.  He can play both guard and center.  He grabbed the starting job five weeks into his sophomore season and has played in every game since then.  He’s durable.

The rumor, as I said, was floated by Howard Eskin at first.  The conventional wisdom on Eskin is that he can be a mouthpiece for Andy Reid and the Eagles organization.  If that’s the case here, it’s an indication that the Tra Thomas negotiations aren’t going well.  Acquiring Brown means Herremans or Andrews are definitely moving to tackle, probably both of them.  If this comes to fruition, the line may look like (from left to right):  Herremans, Brown, Jackson, MJG, Andrews.

And if this is true it means the Eagles might not need a big, NFL-ready OT in the first round in the April draft.

Eagles Rumors: So, Laveranues Coles

Feb 25, 2009 Eagles Rumors Leave a comment

The Jets have released him.  He’s had some pretty awesome seasons, but he’s old (31, same age as TJ Houshmandzadeh).

Would the Eagles consider him?  Well, it’s sort of the same situation as Marvin Harrison, although perhaps a little less acute.  Coles’ best days may be behind him, he’s not really a deep threat like he used to be, and if he’s involved in the offense it could hinder the development of someone rather important the Eagles already have — Desean Jackson.

Here is the data for you to ponder:

2008:  70 receptions, 850 yds, 12.1 ypc, 7 TD , 132 DYAR, 2.0% DVOA
2007:  55 receptions, 646 yds, 11.7 ypc, 6 TD, 130 DYAR, 5.7% DVOA
2006:  91 receptions, 1098 yds, 12.1 ypc, 6 TD, 144 DYAR, -.9 DVOA

He’s been pretty durable, but that tends to diminish with age too.  He might not garner the interest that Houshmandzadeh will, but with the dearth of talent available in the free agency pool, Coles could still end up getting more than a little overpaid.  Will the Eagles like him enough to overpay?