QuoteClass act drawing to a close
Age and injuries have reconciled N.D. Kalu to the end of his Eagles career.
By Bob Brookover
Inquirer Staff Writer
There's a significant difference between the young players and some of the veterans who have three games remaining in this sorry Eagles season to prove something.
Donald Strickland, for example, is a 25-year-old cornerback who could play himself into a significant role with this team next season. He got off to a good start in that respect Sunday with a strong game in the Eagles' 26-23 overtime loss to the New York Giants.
N.D. Kalu, on the other hand, is a 30-year-old defensive end just trying to prove to anybody that he can still play.
After opening this season as the starter at right defensive end, Kalu is closing it as a backup to Trent Cole, and he says he believes his days in an Eagles uniform are quickly winding toward zero.
"You don't think about it, but... you know more than likely I'm not going to be here [next season]," Kalu said before practice yesterday.
Though the Eagles have certainly watched better defensive ends depart via free agency, Kalu is among the most honest and classy men to ever wear this team's uniform. Asked why he thought he'd be gone after the season, the veteran defensive pointed no fingers at his employer.
"I'm 30, and I have one sack," Kalu said. "... You have a star emerging at my position, and [Jerome] McDougle is going to come back strong. It just makes sense. If I were up there making the decisions, that's probably the same decision I would make. Hopefully, I'll go somewhere and do what [Derrick] Burgess did this year. I'll try to reinvent myself."
It remains to be seen if Cole is an emerging star and if McDougle can come back strong from a bullet wound that took away his 2005 season.
Kalu's future isn't exactly clear, either.
The most obvious conclusion is that his career with the Eagles is over, although he still might fit as a backup if he agreed to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum. Kalu, in his fifth season with the Eagles, has not been entirely healthy since the 2003 season, when he was the starter at right defensive end. He earned that job by registering eight sacks as a reserve the year before and moved into the role because Hugh Douglas signed with Jacksonville as a free agent.
He was supposed to be the starter again last season, but Kalu went down in training camp with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. In his absence, Burgess became the starter. After an unspectacular 21/2-sack regular season, Burgess parlayed three postseason sacks into a five-year, $17.8 million deal with the Oakland Raiders.
Burgess has a league-leading 13 sacks this season, 12 more than Kalu and a half more than all of the Eagles' defensive ends combined. That doesn't look good in a year when the Eagles have gone from NFC champions to 5-8 also-rans.
In fairness to Kalu, he wasn't supposed to be the starting defensive end this season, and he was told by linebacker Jeremiah Trotter before the season that he shouldn't expect to be at full strength until two years after his reconstructive knee surgery.
"The first eight weeks, including training camp, I felt great," Kalu said. "Trotter told me this is what you're going to feel, and everything he said came true. At the time when I wasn't being productive - and this is not an excuse - I didn't feel like myself. But I kept rehabbing... and now... I've been feeling stronger. I've wanted a shot to go back out there because I've been feeling better."
Kalu, who also missed nearly two full games with a strained rotator cuff earlier in the season, has improved in the last two games. He hopes to play even better in these final three games, even if he is auditioning to play in another uniform.
"I'm going out with the same intensity I had in training camp," he said. "I'm trying to make a team. At my age, coming off this injury, I really have to prove to people that I'm not only healthy, but I can also be productive if given a chance. These three weeks are very important to me."
He's a classy guy. Shame he couldn't play.
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on December 15, 2005, 08:09:14 AM
"I'm 30, and I have one sack," Kalu said. "... You have a star emerging at my position, and [Jerome] McDougle is going to come back strong. It just makes sense. If I were up there making the decisions, that's probably the same decision I would make.
That says it all.
Maybe some players will be nice enough to throw a going away party for Kalu, with a cash bar of course.
wow...thats a pretty amazing quote
truth is he shouldnt even have been in the league as long as he has been and has gotten more snaps than he ever should have...and he probably realizes this
Kalu was a good situational pass rusher in his prime. He was never, ever meant to be an every-down defensive lineman.
Too bad.
I'll still never forgive him for not blocking that punt against STL in Championship game I.
Quote from: Die-Hard on December 15, 2005, 09:47:07 AM
I'll still never forgive him for not blocking that punt against STL in Championship game I.
I can't tell you how many times I watched that replay hoping that he could have gotten to that ball. :-\
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 15, 2005, 09:23:41 AM
Kalu was a good situational pass rusher in his prime. He was never, ever meant to be an every-down defensive lineman.
Too bad.
i can't remember his prime...when was that?
he friggin sucks.
Quote from: mhunt on December 15, 2005, 09:58:50 AM
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 15, 2005, 09:23:41 AM
Kalu was a good situational pass rusher in his prime. He was never, ever meant to be an every-down defensive lineman.
Too bad.
i can't remember his prime...when was that?
he friggin sucks.
Man, you've become quite the negadelphian lately...
:P
He didn't/doesn't suck, dude. He is what he is... a backup who was thrust into a starter's role when he wasn't capable of filling that role.
Sheesh...
Quote from: EagleFeva on December 15, 2005, 09:58:17 AM
Quote from: Die-Hard on December 15, 2005, 09:47:07 AM
I'll still never forgive him for not blocking that punt against STL in Championship game I.
I can't tell you how many times I watched that replay hoping that he could have gotten to that ball. :-\
I actually met him outside the Vet a few years back and I asked him how close he was to blocking that and he just responded with "Oooooh maaan".
He knew it - he could have been a hero for that one.
Quote"I'm 30, and I have one sack," Kalu said. "... You have a star emerging at my position, and [Jerome] McDougle is going to come back strong. It just makes sense.
Saying McDougle will come back strong is wishful thinking. I wouldn't mind seeing an every down end added to the mix. Cole's been good this season but I'm not convinced he's the answer. Hopefully Freeney hits the market and if not I'd like to make a run at Howard.
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 15, 2005, 10:31:50 AM
Quote from: mhunt on December 15, 2005, 09:58:50 AM
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 15, 2005, 09:23:41 AM
Kalu was a good situational pass rusher in his prime. He was never, ever meant to be an every-down defensive lineman.
Too bad.
i can't remember his prime...when was that?
he friggin sucks.
Man, you've become quite the negadelphian lately...
:P
He didn't/doesn't suck, dude. He is what he is... a backup who was thrust into a starter's role when he wasn't capable of filling that role.
Sheesh...
negawhat?? i represent the trouf for the youf. 8)
kalu was signed for pretty decent $$$ and never lived up to his contract...therefore, i say he sucks. :boo
Quote from: mhunt on December 15, 2005, 11:52:06 AM
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 15, 2005, 10:31:50 AM
Quote from: mhunt on December 15, 2005, 09:58:50 AM
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 15, 2005, 09:23:41 AM
Kalu was a good situational pass rusher in his prime. He was never, ever meant to be an every-down defensive lineman.
Too bad.
i can't remember his prime...when was that?
he friggin sucks.
Man, you've become quite the negadelphian lately...
:P
He didn't/doesn't suck, dude. He is what he is... a backup who was thrust into a starter's role when he wasn't capable of filling that role.
Sheesh...
i represent the trouf for the youf. 8)
:-D
I don't know where to start to figure this all out, but what current players contracts are going to be up, what players need to be extended for next year?
I remember talk about M. Lewis deserving a contract extension...anybody else??
2005
Unrestricted: Runyan, Kalu, C.Lewis, Adams, Gordon, McCants, J.Thomas, Ena, Brewer, Ford, Landeta
Restricted: D.Johnson, Hood, Mahe, Mikell
Suspended/Inactive: Owens
2006
Unrestricted: Dawkins, M.Lewis, Fraley, H.Thomas, Detmer, McMahon, Buckhalter, McMullen, Grasmanis
Restricted: Parry, Short, Strickland
Quote from: BigEd76 on December 15, 2005, 12:47:28 PM
2005
Unrestricted: Runyan, Kalu, C.Lewis, Adams, Gordon, McCants, J.Thomas, Ena, Brewer, Ford, Landeta
Restricted: D.Johnson, Hood, Mahe, Mikell
Suspended/Inactive: Owens
2006
Unrestricted: Dawkins, M.Lewis, Fraley, H.Thomas, Detmer, McMahon, Buckhalter, McMullen, Grasmanis
Restricted: Parry, Short, Strickland
u da man, thanks! :yay
Quote from: BigEd76 on December 15, 2005, 12:47:28 PM
2005
Unrestricted: Runyan, Kalu, C.Lewis, Adams, Gordon, McCants, J.Thomas, Ena, Brewer, Ford, Landeta
Restricted: D.Johnson, Hood, Mahe, Mikell
Suspended/Inactive: Owens
2006
Unrestricted: Dawkins, M.Lewis, Fraley, H.Thomas, Detmer, McMahon, Buckhalter, McMullen, Grasmanis
Restricted: Parry, Short, Strickland
other than runyon and dawkins for maybe 2 year contracts each....they could not offer a dime to any of those guys and i dont think i would care.
Not a fan of Mike Lewis?
there is a difference between being a fan of his (which i am) and thinking he deserves a long term extension (which IMO, he does not).
i think lewis deserves it, but not until next year. this year he had a rough year, but so did everybody. everyone played down. Def Dawkins,M. Lewis and Runyan. I'd like to keep McMahon around just for his feet and mediocre arm. Hollis . Maybe Gordon, just for reassurance. Detmer for Akers. Hood corner depth. Adams and Short for special teams.
Everyone else can jump on the bus, especially Landetta and his Hoyda of a leg and weird eyes.
Quote from: mussa on December 15, 2005, 01:28:54 PM
Landetta and his Hoyda of a leg and weird eyes.
social security checks may count against the cap anyway
i think lewis deserves it, but not until next year. this year he had a rough year, but so did everybody
absolutely...it really is amazing how the absence of a pass rush will make a secondary look bad
or lack of overall team confidence affects everyone too
Thank God you're not the GM...
;)
Quote from: SD_Eagle on December 15, 2005, 11:43:51 AM
Quote"I'm 30, and I have one sack," Kalu said. "... You have a star emerging at my position, and [Jerome] McDougle is going to come back strong. It just makes sense.
Saying McDougle will come back strong is wishful thinking. I wouldn't mind seeing an every down end added to the mix. Cole's been good this season but I'm not convinced he's the answer. Hopefully Freeney hits the market and if not I'd like to make a run at Howard.
Howard is done in New Orleans.
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Howard likely done in New Orleans
Benched DE says chance he'll return is 'zero'
Thursday, December 15, 2005
By Brian Allee-Walsh
Staff writer
SAN ANTONIO -- Defensive end Darren Howard's six-year career with the Saints appears to have come to an abrupt conclusion.
Saints coach Jim Haslett said Howard would not play again this season because of an injured right knee, thereby giving coaches and personnel officials a better chance to evaluate rookie defensive end Jimmy Verdon, a seventh-round pick from Arizona State.
Howard, who's making a base salary of $7.8 million as the team's franchise player this season, was inactive for Monday night's 36-17 loss to Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome.
"This is not a discipline problem with Darren whatsoever," Haslett said. "We have an opportunity to play a young kid (Verdon), who I think is going to be a good player. Darren probably won't be back with us next year because of salary-cap reasons, and it's an opportunity to step up and play a young guy."
Howard's contract expires after the season.
Howard, 29, said he has no plans to re-sign with the Saints and would "quit" if team officials prevented him from testing free agency by making him a franchise player for a third consecutive year.
Asked his chances of being with the Saints in 2006, Howard replied: "Zero."
"The bottom line is this situation has nothing to do with Darren Howard's knee," Howard said. "This is all about Darren Howard and the New Orleans Saints not growing with each other. That's the bottom line. I've played on this knee the last three seasons.
"If I'm going to be inactive the rest of the season, there's no point in me to keep pounding on it. I go out there like a warrior every week, and I play on it and I practice on it. There's no reason for me to do that anymore."
Howard, the first pick under Haslett and the 33rd overall selection in the 2000 draft, has missed 12 starts because of injuries since the start of the 2003 season.
He ranks among the club's top 10 leaders in sacks with 44 ½, including 3 ½ this season. He started nine games and made 41 tackles, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Team officials unsuccessfully attempted to trade Howard to the Dallas Cowboys prior to the 2005 draft. He was chosen the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Buffalo in Week 4. He had two sacks, forced a fumble and defended a pass in the Saints' 19-7 victory.
"I was upset at first when (Haslett) told me of his plans to deactivate me," Howard said. "I've calmed down a lot since then. Now after looking at the situation and knowing the situation we're in right now, if that's what he wants to do, fine.
"I'm kind of torn because I want to play. At the same time, it isn't smart for me to play, especially after the guy wants to deactivate me for the last four games. That's where we're sitting right now."
At 29, you have to ask yourself what kind of contract he'd be demanding--ie, for how many years.
Quote from: BigEd76 on December 15, 2005, 12:47:28 PM
2005
Unrestricted: Runyan, Kalu, C.Lewis, Adams, Gordon, McCants, J.Thomas, Ena, Brewer, Ford, Landeta
Restricted: D.Johnson, Hood, Mahe, Mikell
Suspended/Inactive: Owens
2006
Unrestricted: Dawkins, M.Lewis, Fraley, H.Thomas, Detmer, McMahon, Buckhalter, McMullen, Grasmanis
Restricted: Parry, Short, Strickland
I'd keep Adams if he's willing to go back and be the captian of the Special Teams unit and take a decent paycut, Gordon I'm iffy about but I'm guessing if Buckhalter can't stay healthy again then I'd consider keeping him, and Brewer because he's been playing great on Special Teams.
As for the restricted I'd say goodbye to Reno, friggin' scrub. Maybe someone will sign him? I think the Eagles should just play him the rest of the year and give him a ton of touches to trump up his stats to maybe get some team interested, and then hopefully get a late round pick for him. Wishful thinking, though. The rest can stay but I really don't care either way.
For 2006-2007, Mike Lewis is the only one, I think, the Eagles will seriously offer any time of cash. Unfortunately Dawk has reached that magicial age and no one else is worthy of signing unless they are willing to sign strictly on whatever the front office wants them to sign for.
As for restricted I'd hope that Parry is gone after this season and the only person I would like to keep is Short because he's great on Special Teams. He can blow people up and bring that fire.
Quote from: Eaglez on December 15, 2005, 03:01:56 PM
I'd keep Adams if he's willing to go back and be the captian of the Special Teams unit and take a decent paycut
How many pay cuts do you want him to take? He already took one to stay this year. ???
QuoteGordon I'm iffy about but I'm guessing if Buckhalter can't stay healthy again
I think you answered your own question. Buckhalter is done.
they should re-sign lewis this year with all the money they have under the cap and the off-year he had. if he blows it up next year i doubt we see him in an eagles uni again.
i wouldn't mind a westbrook gordon moats with buckhalter on the PS.
thats about it.
I don't think Buckhalter is PS eligible. But if by "PS" you either mean "IR" or "Released", then I agree.
Gordon is solid. I'd like to keep him.
Gordon is adequate. I'd like to see a significant upgrade.
How many above-average runningbacks do you want to see misused on this team?
6?
I'd really like to see 3 very good RBs used correctly.
I know, I know, POLLYANNA!
Quote from: Wingspan on December 15, 2005, 06:24:11 PM
6?
[Ed McMahon]You are correct, sir. HA HA HA[/Ed McMahon]
Doesn't Dawk have a 7 year deal? With the laast 3 years being voidable, but not definatley void?
I want Moulds. :-X
ACtually, if Reggie and Billy Mac keep playing like they are, I think we'll be fine at WR next year.
Quote from: SimonPinkston9087 on December 15, 2005, 07:06:27 PM
ACtually, if Reggie and Billy Mac keep playing like they are, I think we'll be fine at WR next year.
Andy? Get off the net and get back to coaching.
Times yours.
Quote from: SimonPinkston9087 on December 15, 2005, 07:06:27 PM
ACtually, if Reggie and Billy Mac keep playing like they are, I think we'll be fine at WR next year.
STOP! :puke
Quote from: SimonPinkston9087 on December 15, 2005, 07:06:27 PM
I want Moulds. :-X
ACtually, if Reggie and Billy Mac keep playing like they are, I think we'll be fine at WR next year.
Has Munson started smoking crack? :-D
Billy White Shoes gets a catch every couple of games. Come on, that's good enough!
To be fair though he hasn't had a QB who could actually get it to him though.
hey if freddie no job mitchell was our legitimate 3rd receiver last year...what makes anybody think Wilbur is close to being even a decent receiver in the NFL ever.