From PE.com...
(http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/IABJBBOMLKKN/joyner_012206.jpg)
QuoteDominant. Maxie Baughan, Chuck Bednarik, Bill Bergey, William Thomas, Byron Evans, Jeremiah Trotter, Seth Joyner...
Who is the most dominant linebacker in Eagles history?
"I never get caught up in all that. We all had different roles, and played during different times. So I'll let the media and fans debate that topic. I just tried to let my play speak for itself, but I took great pride playing in a great football city like Philadelphia," said Joyner who starred for the Eagles from 1986-93 compiling an estimated 831 career tackles with the Birds.
Dominant. This word described No. 59 on the night of Dec. 2, 1991 against the Houston Oilers with the visiting Eagles being victorious winning 13-6. Performing on the national stage, Joyner forced two fumbles, recovered two and added two sacks turning in a dominant performance.
"In the 'House of Pain' game, we wanted to intimidate. The Oilers were a finesse team especially their offense and we knew if we played a very physical game. The game would be ours to win. That was a tough game, both defenses came to play that night," said Joyner who was selected, by his teammates, the Eagles Defensive M.V.P. both in 1991 and 1992 respectively.
"The defensive system was a good fit because it required the linebacker to do a lot of things. You had to possess great speed to cover running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends in the flat, so you had to have superior coverage skills. I loved his system because he required me to be very-well rounded at the position."
Then Joyner was asked why (Buddy) Ryan is still so loved by Eagles fans even today despite holding a 0-3 playoff record coaching the franchise from 1986-90.
"The fans identified with Buddy because he was very blue collar like the fans of Philadelphia. He had a dominant defensive style, and he had such a hatred for the Dallas Cowboys. Plus, the fans felt his firing was unjustified. Only the San Francisco 49ers won more games during Buddy's tenure."
Joyner further continued about why even those teams under Ryan are still so appreciated by Eagles fans today.
"We were a very close-knit team, a lot closer then the media let on, our defense and offense was very tight. Our defense was extremely competitive, but in a good way playing for each other. If Eric (Allen) had two picks in a game, then Wes (Hopkins) wanted 3 interceptions. If Reggie (White) had 3 sacks in a game, then Clyde (Simmons) wanted 4 sacks.
"We played for each other, and our sole purpose was to bring Philadelphia a championship. Also, the Eagles had a few losing seasons after reaching the Super Bowl in 1980. So as a team we made Eagles football exciting again."
Joyner was also baffled by the Terrell Owens circus that took place this season.
"If your team is on the verge of winning a championship, why ruin that team chemistry. If he tried doing that in a locker room with Reggie White, Jerome Brown, and Byron Evans etc. Those guys would have stepped up, and I don't think our locker would have gotten to that point. But I never had him as a teammate."
Presently Joyner, an avid golfer, resides in Arizona with his wife Wanda, and two children, Jobias (4), and Jasmine (17). The, 41-year-old University of Texas-El Paso product is currently self-employed as an NFL analyst for a variety of media networks both on television and radio, including ESPN's Rome is Burning television show.
So given his football expertise, Joyner was asked: If you were the general manager of the Eagles how would you specifically approach this off-season?
"Offensively, they need a big-power full running back who can compliment the great talents of Brian Westbrook. They got to pound the football, because I don't feel you can have success throwing the ball 40 times a game. A dominant running game will take pressure off of Donovan (McNabb).
"Donovan is a super talent. But at times I feel he is facing the same pressure Randall Cunningham faced during his career. By this I mean, if Donovan has a bad game so goes the Eagles. A dominant running game alleviates all that offensive pressure from his shoulders.
"Now, at wide receiver, they're going to need a legitimate game-breaker to take the pressure off of a young-talented Reggie Brown. Terrell Owens was a pain in the butt but he made some big plays, somebody else has to now step up to the plate immediately if they want to get back to the Super Bowl. "Defensively, they need to get pressure up the middle. And they need an outside rusher to compliment Jevon Kearse. At linebacker, Jeremiah Trotter does a great job controlling the middle, but those other linebackers need to create turnovers and just be productive playmakers.
"The secondary, led by (Brian) Dawkins, is fine. They had a rough year because the quarterback had all day to throw the ball. Remember this is the same defense that once played very well going to the Super Bowl. They must get healthy, and once again become dominant."
One person who was forever dominant on the field and ever so loving away from the field was the late Reggie White. And Joyner was present, amongst many former teammates, to honor No.92 on Dec. 5, 2005 when his jersey number was retired by the Eagles organization.
"I always said the hardest part was laying him to rest in the casket, never seeing him again like we did at the funeral. That Monday Night (Dec. 5) was very power-full sharing it with his family, the fans, and seeing the special tributes. To me December 5th was a celebration of No. 92: the great football player, the great person, the great family man, the great friend."
Joyner for GM!!
I agree with Seth's analysis 100%, but I'd rather not remember that Dec. 5 Monday Night game.
Can we farging get this guy back on the payroll (in the front office)???
SJ is 100% balls-on-accurate....
Everything he said was spot on accurate. I think Reid has to adjust his thinking on offense. They will have to run the football to the tune of around 2500yrds this season in order to take the neccessary pressure off Donnie and let him flourish as a Qb again.
QuotePresently Joyner, an avid golfer, resides in Arizona with his wife Wanda,
Wasn't she the broad in 'Bringing the Heat' that threw Joyner's girlfriend down the steps at the Vet? (And let me tell you, those fargers are hard) Can't believe they're still married.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on January 22, 2006, 08:33:54 PM
QuotePresently Joyner, an avid golfer, resides in Arizona with his wife Wanda,
Wasn't she the broad in 'Bringing the Heat' that threw Joyner's girlfriend down the steps at the Vet? (And let me tell you, those fargers are hard) Can't believe they're still married.
:-D
Cement steps are hard. I'll keep that in mind.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on January 22, 2006, 08:33:54 PM
QuotePresently Joyner, an avid golfer, resides in Arizona with his wife Wanda,
Wasn't she the broad in 'Bringing the Heat' that threw Joyner's girlfriend down the steps at the Vet? (And let me tell you, those fargers are hard) Can't believe they're still married.
That was Wes Hopkins' wife vs. his girlfriend. :-D
Hey, you get major props for bouncing off the concrete steps and promptly leading the section in a cheer. I will never forget that. :-D
Remember the dickbag in front of us who kept turning around before we switched seats? He was about to catch one in the jaw :D
:yay Good Stuff. Joyner will always be a fan favorite Eagle. :evil
Seth is my favourite Eagle ever.
:cfhead :cfhead :cfhead :cfhead :cfhead
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on January 22, 2006, 10:46:36 PM
Remember the dickbag in front of us who kept turning around before we switched seats? He was about to catch one in the jaw :D
I have a picture of the field and his greasy slicked back head is in one of them :-D I was partly to blame for that, I think I kept spilling beer on him :-D
buddy = god
if they don't address everything he said and like we all have been saying than the FO are offically idiots and need to be drug out back and shot. its obvious of our needs, now go get what u can get.
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 23, 2006, 11:35:07 AM
buddy = god
This drives me nuts. Whether you're serious or not.
I loved him as the Eagles coach because he coached with pure emotion and fire. He wanted to kill opposing players just like the fans do, but he was not a good enough coach. Not by a mile. With one of the most amazing defenses of the past 20 years he couldn't even coach his way to division titles more often than not. Never won a playoff game. Loved his passion. farging hated the results.
and he punches like a bitch too.
i dont care if he was the worst coach in the history of the nfl...i will always love him...other than maybe the mid 80's flyer teams buddys eagles are my favorite sports team of all-time
Fine, love him, but he was an average coach who couldn't win when it counts.
Even Dungy has a better post-season record.
Quote from: MadMarchHare on January 23, 2006, 12:28:44 PM
Even Dungy has a better post-season record.
That's tough to do. You know, beating a winning percentage of .000.
Quote from: rjs246 on January 23, 2006, 12:31:21 PM
Quote from: MadMarchHare on January 23, 2006, 12:28:44 PM
Even Dungy has a better post-season record.
That's tough to do. You know, beating a winning percentage of .000.
Funny.