Tuesday, June 30, 2009

2009 Opponents- San Diego Chargers

The Eagles will face the teams from the AFC West this regular season and on Sunday, November 15th they head to the West Coast to play the San Diego Chargers. This should be a good challenge for the Birds as San Diego is one of the most solid teams in the AFC, especially at home where they are 20-4 over the past three seasons.

The Chargers are definitely the cream of the crop in the AFC West winning the division the past three seasons. In 2006 they compiled the best regular season record in the league going 14-2. In 2007 they slipped to 11-5, and last year actually won the division with an 8-8 record. While last year’s regular season record was considered a disappointment, they did manage to knock Indianapolis out of the playoffs and gave the Pittsburgh Steelers, eventual Super Bowl Champions, all they could handle before losing in the second round 35-24.

On offense the star power is still there with QB Phillip Rivers, WR Chris Chambers, TE Antonio Gates, and the most dangerous player of all RB Ladainian Tomlinson. They can put points on the board in a hurry as well as grind it out down the stretch. They Eagles will have to come up with a scheme that can shut down the running game as well as defend against the long ball to keep all these stars in check.
The Charger coaching staff is no stranger to the Eagles, as head coach Norv Turner and defensive coordinators Ron Rivera both have strong ties to the NFC East. Turner spent seven season as head coach of the Washington Redskins and seven seasons with Dallas as their offensive coordinator. Rivera was the Eagles’ linebacker coach for five seasons, learning all the tricks of the trade from defensive coordinator, Jim Johnson.

I expect the Chargers to be back on top in the AFC when the Eagles come to town in week 10. You never know, this could be lining up as a potential Super Bowl preview. With two- a- days not even started at Lehigh, it may be a bit early for that kind of speculation, but it doesn’t hurt to dream.

Friday, June 26, 2009

NFC East Update

Here is this week's update on news from the NFC East:


Cowboys Corral

T.O.'s long goodbye in Dallas continued this week as the ex-Cowboy was in town conducting his "Farewell Tour'. He ran his 4th annual 2-day football camp for 150 children as well as threw a big going away party for himself at a ballroom in downtown Dallas. As we all remember, T.O. once again burned the bridge with his team by calling out his quarterback. This time it was Tony Romo who bore the blame for his mediocre performance this past season. He was released this off season after even his biggest fan, Cowboy's owner Jerry Jones had enough of his antics. He then promptly shuffled off to Buffalo signing a free agent contract with the Bills.

Giants Stompings

With Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer gone from the Giants roster, all eyes will be on the receivers they currently have once training camp starts in a few weeks. They have two over sized receivers in Domenik Hixon and Hakeen Nicks who can provide a big target, Steve Smith and Mario Manningham known for their quickness, and Sinorice Moss who has the speed to catch the long ball. While these are hardly house hold names, QB Eli Manning is confident they can fill the void left by Burriss and Toomer. The key to this receiving corp will be developing the consistency week to week that is needed to win games.

Eagles Nest

As defensive coordinator Jim Johnson continues to wage his own personal battle against cancer, the chances of him returning in the near future do not look good. The responsibility to maintain the Eagles high powered, attacking defense now falls on the shoulders of Sean McDermott. Formally the secondary coach, McDermott has been elevated to interim defensive coordinator. A ten year coaching veteran with the Eagles, McDermott is well versed in Johnson's system and philosophy. While we all hope and pray that Jim is back with the team soon, right now he can rest assured that his defense is still in good hands.

Redskins Roundup

As training camp gets set to open in a few weeks one of the most interesting roster battles will be a QB. While it is a given that Jason Campbell will be the starter come opening day, the #2 spot could be up in the air. Veteran Todd Collins was brought in a few seasons ago as an insurance policy for Campbell, but second year man, Colt Brennan has been raising some eyebrows in recent OTA's. Brennan has a strong arm and an aggressive demeanor that some feel is lacking in Campbell. Brennan will have to win the #2 spot first, but he may actually have his eyes set on being number one in the not too distant future.

Friday, June 19, 2009

NFC East Update

Here is this week's update on news from the NFC East:

Cowboys Corral

The natives may be getting restless in Big D as Tony Romo has looked less than spectacular in the Cowboys recent OTA's. With T.O. gone all the attention has been focused on Romo as this is now his team and the success or failure this season now falls square on his shoulders. Romo has no reason to be concerned as his biggest fan and cheerleader, Jerry Jones as openly stated that he has all the faith in the world in his quarterback.

Giants Stompings

The Giants just finished up their last mini-camp before training camp opens in early August. The mood was upbeat as optimism is high for the upcoming season. Head coach Tom Coughlin addressed the team after the final workout, leaving the team a very specific message; do not forget how last season ended. Just to recap, the Giants had secured home field advantage through out the playoffs, only to lose the Eagles in their first post season game.

Eagles Nest

A familiar face may be retuning to the Birds, as DT Hollis Thomas was reportedly in town last week to take a physical. If all goes well, Thomas would be signed as a back up to DT Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley to add some depth to the D-Line. Hollis who spent the last three seasons in New Orleans, was released by the Saints in late April. Hollis spent the first ten years of his career in Philadelphia before being traded to the Saints in 2006. Along with his aggressive style of play on the field, Thomas is best known for his colorful commentary off the field.

Redskins Roundup

Former Eagles WR James Thrash was released the other day by the Redskins after failing his physical. Thrash has been bothered by a nagging neck injury that may force him into retirement. Thrash played twelve seasons in the NFL as he was an undrafted free agent of the Redskins back in 1997. He played three seasons with the Eagles after being signed as a free agent in 2001. His first season with the Birds was the best of his career with 63 receptions for 833 yards.

Friday, June 12, 2009

McNabb Gets a New Deal

It has been reported that the Eagles and Donovan McNabb have come to terms on restructuring the final two years of his contract. There were no talks of an extension, rather it appears that McNabb's final two years will be guaranteed along with a modest increase. He was set to make around ten million each of the next two seasons but none of that money was guaranteed.

What does this deal mean for the Eagles? First, it takes the issue off the table and allows everyone to focus on the upcoming season. Second, it keeps their star quarterback happy for now, knowing that he is their guy for the next two years, and finally it gives them time to evaluate their long term options in either extending McNabb's contract or finding his successor.

What does this deal mean for Donovan McNabb? First, it establishes him as the starting QB for the next two seasons. He is not getting paid that much money to sit on the bench. Second, it allows McNabb to focus on the present and let the future take care of itself. Winning a Super Bowl becomes a now or never mission commanding his total attention. Finally, it allows McNabb to prove all the critics wrong and set the stage for him to finish his career as an Eagle.

Given the nature of the Philadelphia media and the fans, this deal will be seen as the final dance between McNabb and the Birds with the fore gone conclusion that he is out in 2012. My view is those things will take care of themselves. For now I see this as a great move in that McNabb is happy, the Eagles are happy and all the focus now shifts to the task at hand; a Super Bowl victory.

Monday, June 8, 2009

NFC East Update

Here is this week's update on news from the NFC East:

Cowboys Corral

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones unveiled the their new stadium this past Saturday. Simply known as Cowboy's Stadium there is nothing simple about this $1.15 billion dollar masterpiece. In typical Cowboy's fashion, no cost was sparred in creating this state of the art facility. One of its main focal points is a center hung overhead video board that reportedly has the world's largest high definition TV screen. Some other amazing facts include a seating capacity of 100,000, 300+ luxury suites, and an overall square footage of three million feet.

Eagles Nest

Running back Brian Westbrook had minor surgery this past Friday to remove bone spurs and scar tissue from his right ankle. This stemmed from a previous injury he sustained in last season's week three game against the Steelers. He is expected to make a full recovery with no lingering side effects. While it is doubtful he will be ready for the opening of training camp at the end of July, it appears he will be in the starting line up for the Eagles regular season opener against Carolina.

Giants Stompings

Former New York Giant wide receiver Plaxico Burress is doing everything he can to get back on the playing field for the 2009 season. He is reportedly trying to negotiate a settlement that would allow him to not only avoid jail time for his felony weapons possession charge, but to sign with a new team in time for this upcoming season. The New York City DA is reluctant to accept a plea that includes no jail time, but may be open to delaying the trial until after this season giving Burress a chance to play. It remains to be seen what NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell position will be and if he will impose any sanctions or suspensions on Burriss.

Redskins Roundup

Safety Laron Landry was the only no show for the Redskin's OTA workouts last week. This is the 7th OTA he has skipped this off season. It is unclear why Landry has decided to not participate in the voluntary workouts, but it is obvious that Washington's safeties coach, Steve Jackson is not happy with the situation. In an interview with the Washington Examiner, he was recently quoted as saying,

“I’m very disappointed because everyone else is here. I’ll be candid with you: He has to be here in the off season not so much just because it’s OTAs, but his teammates are here and there are a lot of things we’re discussing that he’s a part of that he has no idea are even going on — calls, coverages, techniques.
“He’s our free safety and he’s the one who has to get the ball rolling."

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

NFC East Update

Here is this week's update on news from the NFC East

Cowboys Corral:

The Cowboys released Greg Ellis a former Pro Bowl linebacker who had asked for a trade in the off season. Unable to find a suitable deal, Dallas decided to cut ties with Ellis in order to avoid any more off season distractions. The 12 year veteran had reportedly been unhappy about his role in the defensive scheme as well as his contract. Ellis was a first round pick in 1998 and started 156 games in his eleven year career with Dallas. His best season was in 2007 being named to the Pro Bowl and earning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.

Eagles Nest:

Disgruntled CB Sheldon Brown was a no-show at the first day of the Eagles' OTA workouts. Brown is not happy with his current contract and has asked for a trade. The Eagles have made it clear that they have no intention of trading Brown and they fully expect him to be part of the team in 2009. As an insurance policy they did trade for CB Ellis Hobbs during the draft. Brown's absence can do nothing but hurt his chances to hold onto the starting spot as Hobbs will most likely assume that role heading into training camp.

Giants Stompings:

The Giants are going green with their new stadium that will be built in the New Jersey Meadowlands. Along with the Jets they are planning to have they most environmentally friendly stadium in the NFL. Through the use of recycled materials to reducing water consumption they have teamed with the EPA(Environmental Protection Agency) to reduce water usage by 25% and energy consumption by 30%. The new facility is slated to be ready for the 2010 season.

Redskins Roundup:

All charges have been dropped against offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges stemming from an incident in a restaurant in North Carolina back in early December. Bridges had been charged with two counts of simple assault and one count of communicating treats after allegedly spraying champagne on other patrons and arguing with a restaurant employee. Bridges was with the Carolina Panthers at the time of the incident and was released by the team this off season. The Redskins signed him to a free agent contract last month.