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.
Friday, June 12, 2009
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,
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.
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.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Key Position Battles
The Eagles held the first of two planned OTA's(organized team activities)this week. This first one was for rookies and select veterans with the main purpose of giving all the new faces some working knowledge of the Eagles' system.
While there isn't too much you can take away from these activities, it does allow you to gain some feedback on what role these players will have in the upcoming season. There will be some interesting position battles heading into training camp and there could very well be quite a few new faces in the starting line-up on both sides of the ball.
One of the most anticipated and exciting battles will be at wide receiver. DeSean Jackson is penciled in at #1 and Kevin Curtis is currently at #2. After that it becomes wide open for the number three slot with Hank Baskett, Jason Avant, Reggie Brown, and rookie Jeremy Maclin all in the mix. Baskett would probably be the most solid choice heading into camp. Maclin is definitely the class of this group but may not be ready to step into the role from the start but could be a solid #3 by mid season. Everyone will be left to battle for a roster spot.
Another good battle will be to see who takes over Brian Dawkin's vacated spot at free safety. Quintin Mikell will be the starting strong safety and is actually being touted as a possible Pro Bowl candidate. Right now Quintin Demps has the inside track for the free safety spot because of his familiarity with the defensive scheme. Sean Jones has experience and will push Demps depending on how quickly he can adapt. Another veteran, Rashad Baker will try and make his presence felt but will most likely be used in nickel situations and on special teams. Whomever gets the nod, they will have to realize that all eyes will be on them to see how well they can fill Dawkin's size 20+ shoes.
Some other staring positions that will feature some interesting battles include defensive end and center as both these positions are up for grabs. With the next OTA scheduled for June and training camp opening up the end of July, we will get a better idea of what the depth chart will look like. You have to figure that as camp heats up much of this initial chart will certainly be subject to change.
While there isn't too much you can take away from these activities, it does allow you to gain some feedback on what role these players will have in the upcoming season. There will be some interesting position battles heading into training camp and there could very well be quite a few new faces in the starting line-up on both sides of the ball.
One of the most anticipated and exciting battles will be at wide receiver. DeSean Jackson is penciled in at #1 and Kevin Curtis is currently at #2. After that it becomes wide open for the number three slot with Hank Baskett, Jason Avant, Reggie Brown, and rookie Jeremy Maclin all in the mix. Baskett would probably be the most solid choice heading into camp. Maclin is definitely the class of this group but may not be ready to step into the role from the start but could be a solid #3 by mid season. Everyone will be left to battle for a roster spot.
Another good battle will be to see who takes over Brian Dawkin's vacated spot at free safety. Quintin Mikell will be the starting strong safety and is actually being touted as a possible Pro Bowl candidate. Right now Quintin Demps has the inside track for the free safety spot because of his familiarity with the defensive scheme. Sean Jones has experience and will push Demps depending on how quickly he can adapt. Another veteran, Rashad Baker will try and make his presence felt but will most likely be used in nickel situations and on special teams. Whomever gets the nod, they will have to realize that all eyes will be on them to see how well they can fill Dawkin's size 20+ shoes.
Some other staring positions that will feature some interesting battles include defensive end and center as both these positions are up for grabs. With the next OTA scheduled for June and training camp opening up the end of July, we will get a better idea of what the depth chart will look like. You have to figure that as camp heats up much of this initial chart will certainly be subject to change.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Eagles Upcoming Event Schedule
For the real die hard Eagles fans the following is the upcoming practice schedule for this summer
EAGLES SUMMER SCHEDULE
OTA's for selected vets and rookies
Tue, May 26, 2009 - Fri, May 29, 2009
OTA's for all players
Tue, June 2, 2009 - Fri, June 5, 2009
Training Camp- Lehigh University, Bethelehem,Pa.
Sun July 26, 2009- selected vets and rokkies report
Wed July 29, 2009- all vets report
(Actual practice schedule TDA)
First Pre-Season Game
Thurs August 13, 2009 7:30 P.M.
New England Patriots( Lincoln Financial Field)
EAGLES SUMMER SCHEDULE
OTA's for selected vets and rookies
Tue, May 26, 2009 - Fri, May 29, 2009
OTA's for all players
Tue, June 2, 2009 - Fri, June 5, 2009
Training Camp- Lehigh University, Bethelehem,Pa.
Sun July 26, 2009- selected vets and rokkies report
Wed July 29, 2009- all vets report
(Actual practice schedule TDA)
First Pre-Season Game
Thurs August 13, 2009 7:30 P.M.
New England Patriots( Lincoln Financial Field)
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