ConcreteBoard

Figured I would start a thread that we can use to post the articles, news bits and whatever else comes out of Lehigh these days.

QuoteRookie linebacker Jonesing to be the starter
By PAUL DOMOWITCH
pdomo@aol.com

BETHLEHEM - Dhani Jones hears footsteps and they belong to Chris Gocong. Right now, just 1 day into the rookie's first training camp with the Eagles, those footsteps aren't very loud. But by the end of the preseason, defensive coordinator Jim Johnson hopes they sound like a stampede of charging rhinos.

Jones has been the Eagles' starting SAM 'backer for the last two seasons. While his poor play last season isn't at the top of the list of reasons for the defense's fall from grace, you don't have to read very far down to find it.

Jones really isn't big enough or strong enough to tango with NFL tight ends down in and down out for 16 games. So, in April, the Eagles selected Gocong - a 6-2, 265-pound defensive end from Cal Poly - in the third round of the draft, with the intention of moving him to SAM.

Gocong is smart. Has an engineering degree from Cal Poly. But making the transition from Division I-AA end to strongside linebacker in Jim Johnson's complex defense is a bigger mental challenge than any he faced in a college classroom.

"It's a mental game right now," Gocong said. "The physical part, everybody knows how to hit. But [switching from end to linebacker] means changing your mind-set. Defensive end, you're really focused on one thing. Beating the [offensive] tackle and tackling the quarterback. [At linebacker] you have a broader vision."

That vision includes pass coverage, which is something Gocong never was asked to do in college, where he was strictly a full-speed-ahead pass rusher who notched an incredible 42 sacks his last two seasons.

"I never dropped [into coverage] in college," he said. "It's just something I have to work on."

That, Johnson acknowledged, will be the biggest hurdle Gocong will have to clear in making the position switch.

"It's the pass coverage," he said. "It's all the coverage checks and that, not the run defense. Making the adjustments and making them on the run. Thinking fast on his feet. That'll be the real challenge for him."

Which raises the question: Just how realistic is it to expect Gocong to beat out Jones for the starting job by the Sept. 10 season-opener against Houston? The answer: probably not very realistic at all.

"It's too early to say," Johnson said. "I thought in the minicamps he was progressing. We've only been out here 1 day and it looked like he had tired legs a little bit. He's got to spend a little extra time on his own, just picking things up.

"The biggest thing with him is, I think he's got the physical ability. You can see that in just the way he moves. But it's going to take some time. We've got to have a little patience with him."

The Eagles also will give Gocong some work as a rush end in their nickel packages. But Johnson said he will remain at linebacker "until further notice."

Seven of the Eagles' eight draft picks were on the field yesterday for the first of 3 days of practices featuring only rookies and selected veterans. Two of them, though - wide receivers Jason Avant and Jeremy Bloom - didn't work out. Avant is recovering from minor surgery on his knee. Bloom has a hamstring injury.

The only rookie not in camp is first-rounder Brodrick Bunkley, who remains unsigned.

"It's real beneficial for me," Gocong said. "Getting a head start before the veterans get here, getting an opportunity to get reps is huge."

The learning curve for defensive tackle Bunkley isn't nearly as big as it is for Gocong. But that doesn't mean Johnson is unfazed by the first-rounder's absence. And if his holdout lasts more than a few days, the Eagles' defensive boss really won't be happy.

"Our philosophy is to say if he's not here, we go on," Johnson said. "But anytime a guy missed [practices], it's going to hurt him, no question about it. He was coming around in our minicamps. So it might set him back a little bit. But hopefully we'll get him in here and hopefully he'll catch up. There's still a lot of things, especially in our pressure package, that he's got to pick up.

"And working with Pete [Jenkins, the Eagles' new defensive line coach], Pete's got some new techniques and that. It's important that he pick that up, too. Of all the years [not to report late], we've got a new defensive line coach and new philosophy and new techniques. So he needs to get in here."

A couple points on this one;

1. JJ mentions a new philosophy. I wonder if he means that is strictly a new defensive line philosophy or if it means a new philosophy for the entire defense.

2. I am very interested to see how Jenkins works the DL. I've been to camp the last 4 years a lot and watched how Brasher ran the drills. He was very laid back. He'd rarely do one-on-one coaching and I never really saw him jump in a guys ass for something.

3. Gocong is a project at SAM, no doubt. But the fact that he is pushing Dhani is good. And remember, its not only Gocong who is pushing him. There are other guys in the mix at OLB who could earn playing time. Let's hope, for the teams sake, that Dhani is about ready to give up the intellectual persona and play some goddamn football. Want to quote Rodin? Retire and be a farging professor! Until then make some plays!

4. I'm not worried yet about Bunkley not being there. I will worry if he's not there by Monday.

5. I do believe Gocong will help in the nickle packages. If you think about it, and if you assume that he can get after the QB in the NFL, the pass rush has a shot to be very, very explosive. Trent Cole, Freak, Howard, Barber (if healthy), Bunkley, Patterson. Holy jeez...I've got a football chubby.

QuoteNothing against Jackson, but Fraley wants his job back
By LES BOWEN
bowenl@phillynews.com

BETHLEHEM - Hank Fraley said he is happy for Jamaal Jackson, who just got a contract extension through 2013, at the start of what the Eagles are billing as a training-camp competition between Fraley and Jackson for the starting center position.

"Jamaal deserves it. He played well when I went down last year," said Fraley, 28, who missed the final eight games of 2005 after having shoulder surgery. "He took advantage of an opportunity, and the Eagles rewarded him for it."

Fraley, the No. 1 center since 2001, said he doesn't know whether Jackson's deal means the Eagles have already decided on their starter. Jackson is getting a signing bonus close to $2 million, according to agent Peter Schaffer.

"I'm going to make it hard for them, if they did," Fraley said. "I definitely don't want to lose the starting job... I can't worry about what they're thinking. I just have to work hard and play my best. It's going to be a good battle. I'm just itching to go."

Fraley has 1 year left on a deal scheduled to pay him about $850,000 this season. He said he learned of Jackson's new contract from news accounts. He described his relationship with the former Delaware State lineman as "a friendly competition - there's no hate between us."

Fraley said his shoulder feels fine and he will be ready for full activity when veterans take the field. The first full-squad workouts are scheduled for Tuesday.

One Eagles veteran who definitely will not be ready Tuesday is running back Correll Buckhalter, placed on the physically unable to perform list just before camp started. Buckhalter is attempting to return from three knee surgeries in 4 years. He worked out after the morning session yesterday for coach Andy Reid, general manager Tom Heckert and athletic trainer Rick Burkholder.

Buckhalter talked about his ordeal during minicamps, but said then he would not comment again until he was ready to play, and he declined to speak to reporters yesterday. He seemed to be moving gingerly in and out of cuts.

Buckhalter seems a long way from being able to help the Eagles this season. But Heckert spoke encouragingly of the 27-year-old back's diligence in trying to come back from 2 straight years of right patellar tendon surgery, which followed a torn left ACL in 2002. In 2003, a healthy Buckhalter scored nine touchdowns and averaged 6.1 yards per touch. In 2001, he set an Eagles rookie rushing record with 586 yards on 129 carries.

"You've got to give him credit - he's done everything possible to come back," Heckert said. "A lot of guys don't even [bother] to come back, but he has. Last year, after he got hurt [on Aug. 5], I wasn't very optimistic, but he looks good."

Birdseed

Nothing seems new in the Eagles' attempts to sign top draft pick Brodrick Bunkley... The Birds claimed offensive tackle Jeff Roehl off waivers from the Patriots yesterday, and released offensive tackle Dejuan Skinner to make room. Roehl, 26, played in 12 games with the Giants in 2003 as a rookie out of Northwestern... Fifth-round rookie wideout Jeremy Bloom called the recurring hamstring injury that has him on the physically unable to perform list "a nuisiance." Bloom said his return to the field is a "day-to-day decision." Bloom is trying to make the NFL after spending the past 2 years training as a moguls skier for the Turin Olympics. "I knew it was going to be tough," Bloom said, when asked if getting his body ready for football has been tougher than he'd anticipated. "Obviously, I had hoped for a smoother transition, but this is just a bump in the road."

As previously discussed, I think the majority of us think Hank is toast. There is no reason to cut him because he's cheap and he's experienced and Jamaal Jackson has a little bit of an injury history. But his days of appearing in McNabb's Chunky soup commercials or being featured on Monday Night Countdown or having his belly talked about by Madden are over.

He was exposed big time in the SB. There were indicators prior to him playing like shtein against NE that he struggled when he had a fat body NT lined up across from him. Matter of fact, it didn't even have to be a 3-4 front that would kill him. If a defense was playing a DT shading the center in the A gap, he'd get blown back.

Jackson's size is something to be excited about. He's 335 and he has decent feet. He has to cut down on the mental mistakes (false starts) and stay off the trainers table.

QuoteWHO IS HE, DR. SEUSS?
By LES BOWEN
bowenl@phillynews.com

BETHLEHEM - So, when will we see Donovan McNabb's expose, detailing his side of the Terrell Owens drama that poisoned the Eagles' 2005 season?

"Real soon," McNabb promised yesterday. "It'll be a children's book, right next to his."

That was the tone No. 5 established in answering Owens-related questions at his first training-camp news conference yesterday - light, but very pointed. After saying he had not read T.O.'s book, McNabb acknowledged his familiarity with the most widely publicized excerpts. He mockingly disputed Owens' accounts of events, and made repeated references to Owens' contention that he was misquoted in the book by co-author Jason Rosenhaus.

The Eagles' quarterback was asked about Owens' implication that McNabb blocked T.O.'s return to the team after Owens was suspended for remarks made in a November interview.

"I can sit here and say that's not true," McNabb said.

Then he quickly shifted to joking mode: "If I had that much pull, a lot of changes would be made, believe me. I mean, [Cardinals running back] Edgerrin James made some changes in Arizona - just talking to him, I got some ideas. I don't think that will fly with Andy [Reid]."

In the book, Owens traced their falling out to a dispute in the huddle during a November 2004 game against the Giants. Owens said he complained to the QB that he had been open on the previous play and McNabb told him to shut up. They then argued heatedly in the postgame locker room.

McNabb implied yesterday that Owens did more than just declare he was open.

"We're all grown men," McNabb said. "If someone was supposed to get open on a particular route, I'll tell them. If they feel they're open, they'll tell me. I'm sure, just with the excerpts from the book, [Owens] told me, 'Hey, I was open on that, throw me the ball,' and you guys believe that, I'm sure."

Asked if he was saying Owens said something else, McNabb replied: "I mean, you think about that."

Owens also attempted to justify his haranguing of McNabb on the sideline in Pittsburgh that season as an attempt to bolster McNabb's confidence. Owens said that was spurred by an unnamed assistant coach coming to T.O. and telling him to keep McNabb's spirits up, supposedly because McNabb tends to tighten up in big games.

"There's a lot of excerpts in that book, let me tell you," McNabb said. "We could sit here all day going over excerpts. It's funny how they would just come to him. Why wouldn't they just say something to me?

"I've played in a lot of big games in my career. If you pinpoint a couple of games we lost, that's probably the easiest thing to do. But to say that I can't play in big games, I don't think that's a true statement."

McNabb said he would wait for the Hollywood treatment of the book.

"The movie will be coming out soon, I'm sure," he said. "I'm sure nobody wants to play me... Maybe I'll star as myself, since I don't allow co-stars [another contention in Owens' book], or I don't like it when people are getting bigger names than me. Come on, let's be honest."

Overall, McNabb sounded some of the same themes Reid established the day before. McNabb said he feels the team has confidence in his leadership, and is ready to move on from 2005. He said he is trimmer than before and confident his repaired groin is OK.

"I think we have to focus on that we were 6-10 and haven't been that low since '99, when I came in, when we were 5-11," he said. "We've won 10 or more games [every other year], so that's what we need to focus in on, what we need to do to get back on track for that. As far as the whole rift between the two of us and the book and everything else, that's behind us. We've moved on ever since, pretty much, the season ended. With where he's at [within the division, in Dallas], with you guys bringing it up... it's going to be an issue. But we can continue to focus on being out on this football field, to do what we need to do in order to change that 6-10 season."

Even with T.O. with the hated Cowboys and his book on the shelves (it ranked 933rd in sales yesterday on Amazon.com) for everyone to ask about, this is a much quieter opening of camp than the Birds experienced a year ago. McNabb said he learned in minicamp that "guys are obviously tired of the whole issue of what happened between me and T.O., and guys just want to move on."

"I think it's a good situation, obviously, that we don't have to worry about any veterans holding out. We don't have to worry about any other distractions... guys can communicate with each other without worrying what's going to be said next on TV or what's going to be said in the paper, or how guys are going to handle any situation out here on the football field."

McNabb said he figured Owens needed to talk about him to sell the book, "but the whole deal about it is that he's gone. It's not my business anymore. I'm sure [Dallas coach Bill] Parcells and [QB] Drew [Bledsoe] are going to have to handle that."

Asked if he regretted anything he said or did, McNabb said: "No. No regrets."

Perfect way to address the situation. Get it out of the way and move on.

Gocong is a project at SAM, no doubt. But the fact that he is pushing Dhani is good.

is it tho?

the linebackers are a disgrace regardless of who wins the job.....and i dont see theat changing from now to the end of season....

QuoteEagles Notes | Bloom has torn hamstring; Bunkley remains unsigned

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - An MRI exam taken Thursday revealed that Eagles rookie wide receiver Jeremy Bloom has a torn hamstring.

Bloom, a fifth-round draft pick, is the most seriously injured of the three players the Eagles have placed on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. He said he was unable to comment about the specifics of the injury because of team policy, but Bloom explained the chronology of the problem.

"I did it in the first minicamp, and then I came back and did it again," Bloom said. "I thought it was just a matter of getting into football shape, but when it happened again in Arizona, I knew something wasn't right."

It happened again earlier this month while Bloom was working out with quarterback Donovan McNabb in Phoenix.

This is the first time Bloom has played football since his 2003 season at the University of Colorado. The NCAA banned him from playing football after his sophomore year because he received endorsement money to help sponsor his participation on the U.S. ski team. Bloom, 24, competed in the Olympics in February, then turned his focus to football, attending the scouting combine in Indianapolis before the Olympics had concluded.

"I probably didn't have enough transition time coming right from the Olympics and going to the combine," Bloom said. "You use totally different muscles when you're running than when you're skiing. But this is just a bump in the road."

If Bloom remains on the PUP list at the start of this season, he will not be eligible to rejoin the team until after the ninth week of the season. It's possible he could end up on injured reserve and be out for the season.

Bunkley update

As of late yesterday afternoon, the Eagles had not had any more conversations with Gary Wichard, the agent representing unsigned first-round draft pick Brodrick Bunkley.

The team's feeling is that nothing will get done with Bunkley until some of the first-round picks in front of him sign.

Gocong's transition

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said it would be difficult for rookie Chris Gocong to compete for a starting job at strongside linebacker with Dhani Jones and Greg Richmond. Gocong, the Eagles' third-round pick, is learning to play linebacker after being a defensive end at Division I-AA Cal Poly.

"I think he's got the physical ability," Johnson said. "We've seen that in just the way he moves. Now, it's just the mental part of it."

Extra points

The Eagles released undrafted rookie DeJuan Skinner after yesterday's morning practice and claimed offensive tackle Jeff Roehl off waivers. Roehl had been released by New England... . The Eagles practice today at 8:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Hmmm...not good news on Bloom. But this is something that should've been expected in hindsight. Harbaugh spoke about it in the post-draft mini-camp and said that Bloom was using muscles now that he really hadn't used much in skiing. And since you don't run and cut in moguls like you do on a football field I look at this as something that we should've known could happen.

So, wait for it, ............this probably means Reno Mahe makes the team if Bloom opens up the season on the PUP. The only way I can see Reno not making it is if Buck somehow makes the team. Would Reid carry 6 RBs?

Westbrook
Moats
Buckhalter
Perry
Mahe
Tapeh

I believe Perry would make it over Reno if it came to them because of Bruce's KOR skills. At least that is what I am hoping for. Plus Perry is a better RB than Reno by a mile.

I will watch the PR position closely too. I want to see who else is back there fielding punts. Let's hope Ryan Moats gets a shot.

no biggie on bloom...even healthy i dont think he would have done much this year...a pratice squad guy that hopefully would contribute on 07

You're worried about Reid carrying 6 backs? Do you think he'll have 6 healthy ones to start the season?

Heh, the phantom "torn" hamstring.

If he doesn't get healthy enough, they'll just IR him and he'll come in next year WAY in football shape and have a good feel on the playbook and what not and be able to contribute as the punt returner. Looks like we'll be waiting til next year to see Bloom returning punts.

As for Mahe....JR Reed seems pretty damn confident that he hasn't lost any speed at all....I honestly believe he and Perry make the team, and Mahe is cut...

Quote from: General_Failure on July 22, 2006, 04:38:20 AM
You're worried about Reid carrying 6 backs? Do you think he'll have 6 healthy ones to start the season?

If Buckhalter, Perry & Tapeh are all healthy come 9/10 I'll shtein my pants.  Odds are 4 of the 6 will be healthy.

Bloom injury or no, anyone who doubted that Mahe would make the team this year hasn't been paying attention...

I say Reno, you say Mahe!

UNDER

Quote from: FFatPatt on July 22, 2006, 04:05:53 PMI say Reno, you say Mahe!

Let's call the whole thing off.

You wish.

QuoteEagles | Many players battling for spots at receiver
Mon, 24 Jul 2006 07:31:27 -0700

Zach Berman, of PhiladelphiaEagles.com, reports the Philadelphia Eagles have a large battle for spots on the roster at wide receiver, with a team-high 13 players on the roster at the position. While veterans such as WRs Reggie Brown and Todd Pinkston have their spots reserved, training camp will provide an opportunity for players who haven't been on the field for an NFL game, such as WRs Justin Jenkins and Michael Gasperson, a chance to stand out and land on the roster.

the ol' 'throw everything at the wall and see what sticks method'.  awesome

Oh good, for a moment I was worried that Pinkston might not make the roster.

QuoteEagles | Buckhalter off PUP list
Mon, 24 Jul 2006 14:15:46 -0700

PhiladelphiaEagles.com reports Philadelphia Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter (knee) is off the team's Physicall Unable to Perform (PUP) list and is working out with the team.

BOOOOOOOOOO!

Quote from: SunMoTzu on July 24, 2006, 05:42:07 PM

QuoteEagles | Buckhalter off PUP list
Mon, 24 Jul 2006 14:15:46 -0700

PhiladelphiaEagles.com reports Philadelphia Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter (knee) is temporarily off the team's Physicall Unable to Perform (PUP) list and is working out with the team for the next 2 and a half days.

Quote from: EagleFeva on July 24, 2006, 06:23:07 PM

Quote from: SunMoTzu on July 24, 2006, 05:42:07 PM

QuoteEagles | Buckhalter off PUP list
Mon, 24 Jul 2006 14:15:46 -0700

PhiladelphiaEagles.com reports Philadelphia Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter (knee) is temporarily off the team's Physicall Unable to Perform (PUP) list and is working out with the team for the next 2 and  a half days.

he popped a ligament when he was moved off the list.

pinky held out of practice for today and possibly for several days because of soreness in his achillies (but not the one he hurt last year)

no secret...sounds like hes favoring the other leg alot more. i give him 3 games in and he's bye-bye

three games??

he has been thru a total of one practice and it wasnt even at full speed and he needs to rest now...wait till he goes full bore...he isnt making it out of training camp

I got a row of Eagles tickets that says he does

Trade him for Lelie

watching comcast last night, they showed cbuck running routes. i was surprised how fast he looked.  they said when he walks he looks like hes favoring the leg, but when he runs he looks 100%.  not bad for having a wire holding his knee in place. 

breaking news from todays camp :

QuoteIn 1-on-1 drills, wide receiver Hank Baskett makes a diving catch. He does better than two of the other wide receivers, Carl Ford and J.J. Outlaw, who were blanketed by Lito Sheppard and Rod Hood, respectively.
-- Shane Evans, 9:48 am

Wow.  He made two guys who have less than zero chance of making the team look bad.  Woot.

Better than making them look good!

QuoteThe hitting begins
Howard shines in first practice with new team
By GEOFF MOSHER
The News Journal

07/26/2006
Post Comment


BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Darren Howard has plenty of introductions ahead of him during training camp, many of which will take place on the field.

Like on Tuesday, when William Thomas introduced himself first during a tangle that resulted in Howard staring skyward from on his backside.

Later, Howard put a double juke on the veteran tackle that nearly took Thomas out of his cleats.

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"He whopped me a couple times and I got him a couple of times," Howard said. "That's how it's going to be all camp. That's how we're going to make each other better. It's nothing that we hold against each other."

They say first impressions are the most important ones. Howard wasted no time getting up close and personal with the opposing quarterbacks during the Eagles' first practice with pads.

He batted down a couple of passes during scrimmages and always seemed to surface in the backfield.

That made one teammate extremely happy.

"In certain periods in practice, the tight end was on my side every time, and then Darren was able to get open on the other side," defensive end Jevon Kearse said. "Every time I looked up, I saw him back by the quarterback."

Kearse couldn't help but envision the future.

"So, in a game situation," Kearse continued, "it's going to be good. When the offense sees that, then they're going to put the tight end over there, so I can go eat. Then we all go eat."

By eat, Kearse means get his fill of pressures and sacks, each of which he and the Eagles' pass rush struggled to produce last season.

Though fifth-round pick Trent Cole showed potential, the Eagles managed just 29 sacks last season, way down from the second-ranked 47 they compiled a year before.

That made signing Howard a top priority.

Coach Andy Reid gave Howard a fairly favorable endorsement after one practice in pads.

"I saw him show up a couple times around the quarterback," Reid said. "I'll look at the tape here and see. But it looked like he showed up."

Howard didn't realize the Eagles would bust out the big hits so soon. Apparently, the system was different in New Orleans.

"He was very surprised about it," Kearse said. "He ain't in New Orleans anymore."

Howard is thankful for that.

He spent his first six seasons there, amassing 44.5 sacks -- twice he registered 11 sacks -- but soured on the organization when they saddled him with the franchise tag the past two seasons instead of offering the long-term commitment he sought.

He managed just 3 1/2 sacks last season. The tragic events and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and the uncertainty that came with the location of each practice and game, eventually wore on Howard.

He sat out the last four games of the season and bolted for Philadelphia when free agency started to sign a deal worth $30 million over six years.

Though he drew rave reviews from teammates, the Monday morning conditioning test, the abundance of defensive schemes and formations, the myriad terminologies to learn and the downhill motion of Eagles linebackers compared to New Orleans' unit caught Howard by surprise.

The whole flow of practice and atmosphere at Lehigh University made Howard appreciate his new surroundings.

"Somebody told me a long time ago you don't know how sweet the sweet is until you taste the sour," Howard said, "and I've tasted the sour, so I'm ready for the sweet."

Contact Geoff Mosher at gemosher@delawareonline.com.

i just realized this thread is specifically for articles...10 minutes after my dumb ass posted an article in another thread

everything looks great with howard this year...most specifically his attitude...seems as tho he really wants to prove soemthing...his addition is why i am much more comfortable with the d line vs the o line...seems as tho most people disagree with me but i dont really see it being that close (provided bunkley doesnt hold out until the middle of august or later)

I did the same thing IGY and moved the post here. I'm with you on the Dline.  I just think there are more Fastballs to throw this year whereas the oline has William Thomas who cant decide what his name is, to Herremans switching to Guard.  Jackson makes me much more comfortable at Center than tastykakes did.  Andrews is fine if healthy and Runyan is runyan. 

I think the question on the lines is knowns v. unknowns.  We've seen what Thomas, Herremans (granted not at guard), Jackson, Andrews and Runyan can do.

Kearse and Walker we're familiar with, and both have been inconsistent.  Patterson, McDougle, Cole, Bunkley, they're all unknowns.  And hearing that LaJuan Ramsey might beat out the senior tackle (Jasper) for a roster spot is concerning at best.

why are herremans and jackson knowns but patterson and cole are not

QuoteEagles | Position coach scolds Gocong
Wed, 26 Jul 2006 05:24:15 -0700

The Express-Times reports Philadelphia Eagles rookie OLB Chris Gocong was scolded loudly during seven-on-seven contact drills at practice Tuesday, July 25, by linebackers coach Steve Spagnuolo, who yelled: "Hey Gocong, that was soft!"

ha

QuoteEagles | Reid growing more disappointed with Bunkley
Wed, 26 Jul 2006 05:32:12 -0700

Bob Brookover, of the Philadelphia Inquirer, reports Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid's disappointment in rookie DT Brodrick Bunkley's absence from training camp is growing with each passing day. "I want to really express my disappointment in (agent) Gary Wichard," the Eagles' head coach said Tuesday, July 25, in between training-camp practices at Lehigh University. "That's especially true because the pick right above him in the draft is in camp." Bunkley missed his seventh and eighth practices of training camp, and there was no indication that the sides were even close to agreeing on the rookie's first contract. Cleveland Browns LB Kamerion Wimbley, a linebacker who was Bunkley's teammate at Florida State, signed a six-year deal worth $23.7 million. There has been speculation that Wichard did not think that was a fair deal for Wimbley.

QuoteEagles | Richmond sees some first-team reps; others will too
Wed, 26 Jul 2006 05:37:33 -0700

Reuben Frank, of Phillyburbs.com, reports Philadelphia Eagles LB Greg Richmond got some work with the first-team defense at strongside linebacker Tuesday, July 25, in place of incumbent LB Dhani Jones, who had an unproductive 2005. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said he'll continue to rotate different guys with the first unit at practice. LBs Chris Gocong and Dedrick Roper are candidates as well.

QuoteEagles | Mahe does some holding
Wed, 26 Jul 2006 05:42:03 -0700

Reuben Frank, of Phillyburbs.com, reports Philadelphia Eagles RB Reno Mahe worked on holding for placekicks after practice Tuesday, July 25.

I look at patterson as a vet after getting so many snaps as a rookie.  Jasper has been on his last legs for 3 years now, and Ramsey is a fresh young player from a great program who wants to win the job.  I'm fine with Ramsey winning the spot over a guy who's  had trouble finishing seasons over the past couple years.  KillaCole isnt a rook anymore, and will definitly contribute. Mcdougle sounds promising so far as usual and so long as he doesnt get into any gunfights will be nice part of the rotation. 

andy really is looking for any possible reason to keep mahe on the team isnt he

that's the first thing i thought.  and at this point, it's simply him trying to annoy us.

Just wait until he gets a job in the scouting department.

I agree with Reid on the Bunkley deal, that is pretty much ridiculous.  The guy right in front of him is signed, he is really going to be playing catch up behind the likes of Marshall and Ramsey. 

hes stuck this year because perry is finally healthy and experienced  and clearly better than reno...thus no spot

and perry is a KR, since it's begining to look like they will IR Bloom this year, they have to keep Perry.

Quote from: ice grillin you on July 26, 2006, 08:50:53 AM
why are herremans and jackson knowns but patterson and cole are not

In my mind, because Herremans and Jackson got full time starter status, and performed consistently.  Cole was being cycled in, and was quite inconsistent.  Patterson started strong and faded, which isn't surprising for a rook.  But the point is well taken.

Quote from: SunMoTzu on July 26, 2006, 08:53:20 AM

QuoteEagles | Reid growing more disappointed with Bunkley
Wed, 26 Jul 2006 05:32:12 -0700

Bob Brookover, of the Philadelphia Inquirer, reports Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid's disappointment in rookie DT Brodrick Bunkley's absence from training camp is growing with each passing day. "I want to really express my disappointment in (agent) Gary Wichard," the Eagles' head coach said Tuesday, July 25, in between training-camp practices at Lehigh University. "That's especially true because the pick right above him in the draft is in camp." Bunkley missed his seventh and eighth practices of training camp, and there was no indication that the sides were even close to agreeing on the rookie's first contract. Cleveland Browns LB Kamerion Wimbley, a linebacker who was Bunkley's teammate at Florida State, signed a six-year deal worth $23.7 million. There has been speculation that Wichard did not think that was a fair deal for Wimbley.

not that i dont agree with reid here...but why would he say this to any member of the media? for someone who likes to keep things in house..this is really a strange quote from reid.

he keeps things in house, until he wants to use the media to send a point.

Exactly...and, he's not blaming the player in this quote, he's blaming the agent (kind of like saying, "Brodrick, he's giving you bad advice. Sign the farging thing and get into camp before you're behind Sam Rayburn").

QuotePossibly just to confuse reporters and fans, Jabar Gaffney is now No. 80 and Hank Baskett is No. 84, the opposite of how they appear on the Eagles' roster and in the media guide. Baskett said he had no input into the switch, but he joked that it might come in handy sometimes. "I slipped and [a fan] yelled, 'Hey, Jabar, don't slip!' I said, 'OK,' " Baskett said.

Just an FYI....for those who thought Gaffney was the one dropping passes all day yesterday.

Jabar Gaffney, fantasy football superstar.

Quote from: rjs246 on July 26, 2006, 09:40:47 AM
Ryan Moats, fantasy football superstar.

Quote from: PhillyGirl on July 26, 2006, 09:48:24 AM

Quote from: rjs246 on July 26, 2006, 09:40:47 AM
Ryan Moats, fantasy football superstar.

I drafted Moats in the 13th round and have no intention of ever playing him. When did you draft Gaffney again? Oh and what were your comments immediately after? Yeah. Nice try though.

Quote from: PhillyGirl on July 26, 2006, 09:34:46 AM

QuotePossibly just to confuse reporters and fans, Jabar Gaffney is now No. 80 and Hank Baskett is No. 84, the opposite of how they appear on the Eagles' roster and in the media guide. Baskett said he had no input into the switch, but he joked that it might come in handy sometimes. "I slipped and [a fan] yelled, 'Hey, Jabar, don't slip!' I said, 'OK,' " Baskett said.

Just an FYI....for those who thought Gaffney was the one dropping passes all day yesterday.

#80 dropped his fair share also.  The Eagles need another receiver.  Trust me.

Because day one of real training camp tells so much about how a player will play in a game.

:yay

who needed to see them practice at training camp without realizing they need another reciever?

Because day one of real training camp tells so much about how a player will play in a game.

you posted the link about them having switched numbers as a way to defend gaffney using one day of training camp...whats the difference

QuoteEagles | J. Davis impresses Dawkins in scrimmage
Wed, 26 Jul 2006 08:57:31 -0700

Bob Brookover, of the Philadelphia Inquirer, reports Philadelphia Eagles FB Jason S. Davis, an undrafted rookie, got some attention from FS Brian Dawkins about his performance in practice. "I don't know his name," Dawkins said. "I'm sorry, but he's a rookie. Number 42. He had some de-cleaters out there today."

he sounds like he's making a name for himself

That's high praise coming from Dawk.  I badly want Davis to do well.  Parry sucks.

i posted it because on Phreak's thread, he specifically pointed it out, so I wanted to correct it....only I cant post on that thread for some reason, the board wont' let me post on certain threads until its fixed.

Phreak pointed out Davis' performance to Ed and I yesterday during practice...I hadn't even heard his name before, but he made some plays.

Would love to see someone come up and take Parry's job; he's a place-holder, at best.

That's high praise coming from Dawk.

id say its more dawk praying to god that someone other than parry is the fullback this year as opposed to davis being some sort of player...if it had been tapeh out there instead of davis then the praise would have been thrown in his direction in much the same way

Says the guy who wasn't there and has no idea what he's talking about.

Quote from: ice grillin you on July 26, 2006, 12:32:19 PM
That's high praise coming from Dawk.

id say its more dawk praying to god that someone other than parry is the fullback this year as opposed to davis being some sort of player...if it had been tapeh out there instead of davis then the praise would have been thrown in his direction in much the same way

Goddamn, you are so smart.  How do you always know what people are thinking?

Simply amazing.

Quote from: ice grillin you on July 26, 2006, 12:32:19 PM
That's high praise coming from Dawk.

id say its more dawk praying to god that someone other than parry is the fullback this year as opposed to davis being some sort of player...if it had been tapeh out there instead of davis then the praise would have been thrown in his direction in much the same way

just shut the farg up already

i dont have to have been there to know that davis has not a prayer to make this team...so why even talk about him...hes irrelevant...


but oooh 'dawk' praised him...please...get off dawkins bird

sorry im a little on edge but all this uber over analyzation of training camp scrimmages drives me absolutely crazy

darren howard or trent cole...bunkley if he was there...schobel ect...are fine...but jason s davis...come on now...hes a first cut

you're a first cut

not if i can prove to be a quality kick holder

Quote from: ice grillin you on July 26, 2006, 12:45:55 PM


sorry im a little on edge but all this uber over analyzation of training camp scrimmages drives me absolutely crazy

so why the hell are you on a message board reading stuff that is exactly that? lol.

IGY, so does that mean that after you visit TC you will offer no opinions?

so why the hell are you on a message board reading stuff that is exactly that? lol.

im not but in between reading the important stuff i come across garbage like what 'dawk' has to say about jason davis...and it sends me over the edge...so again i apologize

IGY, so does that mean that after you visit TC you will offer no opinions?

for the most part no...maybe on how big someone looks in person or the tennis balls in jevon kearses calves...the fan turnout ect......about the only thing of real importance would possibly be who is running with what units...mccoy is with the ones and barber isnt for example...

but what i wont do is break down individual players...who hit who...who dropped a pass who was 'all over the field'...more power to people like phreak and the ones who do do it...much of it is interesting to read and its appreciated but ive learned that it all means very little and certainly isnt worth my time to do it...i go to camp for the experence of being up close to the players and to see how nfl practices are run...the interaction btwn coaches and players that kind of stuff

i mean really does anyone really care what i think of how any individual eagle players practiced on a particular morning....the answer is most definitely not

Quote from: ice grillin you on July 26, 2006, 01:40:15 PM
i go to camp for the experence of being up close to the players and to see how nfl practices are run...the interaction btwn coaches and players that kind of stuff

I do agree that that is the best part of going to camp, to see how the team is run. It gives you a perspective you can not get from going to games or watching it on TV.

The other stuff is kind of a fun way to kill time until the games begin, though...at least to me.

i dont know if the official site has anything on this but a guy called into wip from camp and said rayburn was carted off today

he also said he spoke to avant who said he would be out another two weeks and bloom who said his injury is not as bad as it sounds and that hell be back

Rayburn's loss would be completely meaningless if Bunkley had been signed already.  Even without Bunkley, I think Rayburn's role on the team would be very minimal at best...

Patterson
Walker
Marshall
Ramsey
Bunkley

I think those 5 will make the team, and Rayburn's toast.

Derrick Fenner WR from University of MD grabbed off waivers from Skins by Birds (http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060726/SPORTS02/60726019)

Bad news on Rayburn if true.  I really wanted to see him healthy and contribute. Wasn't he supposedly the strongest guy ont he team?  I remember someone mentioning that. 

FF you think Marshal and Ramsey were better than Rayburn?

while its certainly not impossible if healthy i cant see rayburn being cut for both marshall and ramsey

more than anything i guess i cant see marshall and ramsey both making the team

Kearse was carted off the other year and ended up being fine. 

Quote from: ice grillin you on July 26, 2006, 02:34:39 PM
while its certainly not impossible if healthy i cant see rayburn being cut for both marshall and ramsey

more than anything i guess i cant see marshall and ramsey both making the team

You're basing that on...??

Both Marshall and Ramsey showed power and tenacity in one-on-one drills.  Rayburn showed he's fat and white.

never seen ramsey but theres a reason he was a 6th round pick...hes destined for the PS...just like theres a reason marshall was a 7th round pick...tho hes played better than that and i do like him...still the odds are against a 6th and 7th both making the team at the same position

especially over rayburn who andy loves

as i said its definitely possible but id be surprised if they both made it....regardless of their stellar one on one drills

Ramsey - 6th round pick
Marshall - 7th round pick
Rayburn - UDFA

Basing your opinion on when someone was drafted is not the way to win this argument.

Plus, forget camp... Rayburn played like ass last year.

read on the training camp blog today on offical site, said Tapeh is in full pads and practicing.  :yay

Ramsey - 6th round pick
Marshall - 7th round pick
Rayburn - UDFA

if they all were acquired in the last 15 months that might mean something

games played:

rayburn 42
marshall/ramsey 1

Quote from: MURP on July 26, 2006, 02:41:44 PM
Kearse was carted off the other year and ended up being fine. 

if i remember right, he severed his foot

Quote from: ice grillin you on July 26, 2006, 03:21:55 PM
games played:

rayburn 42
marshall/ramsey 1

Agreed.  Rayburn has completely proven himself to be mediocre at best.

Quote from: Wingspan on July 26, 2006, 03:31:30 PM

Quote from: MURP on July 26, 2006, 02:41:44 PM
Kearse was carted off the other year and ended up being fine. 

if i remember right, he severed his foot

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/SamiB/kearse.gif)

Agreed.  Rayburn has completely proven himself to be mediocre at best.

no doubt...even less than medicore....still dont see it happening but i hope im wrong

My dad just said that he heard Moats hurt his knee? Can anyone confirm this?

He said he heard it a while ago on WIP (why he listens, I have no idea)

i would search for "kearse carted off field"  for that pic but there would be too many hits.

Quote from: Wingspan on July 26, 2006, 03:31:30 PM

Quote from: MURP on July 26, 2006, 02:41:44 PM
Kearse was carted off the other year and ended up being fine. 

if i remember right, he severed his foot

after that

eskin said moats was hurt...didnt say to what degree

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on July 26, 2006, 04:00:10 PM
i would search for "kearse carted off field"  for that pic but there would be too many hits.

You mean like this one?

Quote from: PhillyGirl on July 26, 2006, 03:54:13 PM

Quote from: Wingspan on July 26, 2006, 03:31:30 PM

Quote from: MURP on July 26, 2006, 02:41:44 PM
Kearse was carted off the other year and ended up being fine. 

if i remember right, he severed his foot

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/SamiB/kearse.gif)

lol

Good thing our depth at RB is stellar.  C-Buck's still healthy, so I expect big things from him.  Go Birds.

Quote from: FFatPatt on July 26, 2006, 04:07:14 PM
Good thing our depth at RB is stellar.  C-Buck's still healthy, so I expect big things from him.  Go Birds.

I know someone who will take your tickets from you since you're so excited about the season. lol

All 4 that I have for the Titans game?

I'm very excited, and will always be excited, for Eagles football.  I just don't think we should overestimate what this team is likely to accomplish.

reid will be on with howard shortly (as will mcnabb)...hopefully more on moats then

I'm pretty sure it was heat exhaustion for Moats. Maybe not.

sorry pg my internets are broken.  The pages are loading real slow and it takes me 5 minutes to post.

Quote from: Bunkley78 on July 26, 2006, 04:12:40 PM
I'm pretty sure it was heat exhaustion for Moats. Maybe not.

funny, i heard throat cancer

QuoteEagles | McDougle having good camp
Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:51:55 -0700

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said DE Jerome McDougle is having a good camp and is ready to play. Johnson added that McDougle, who is 10 pounds lighter, looks quicker and stronger. McDougle could push LB/DE Trent Cole for the starting defensive end position in the nickel package.

QuoteEagles | Considine improving in development
Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:52:31 -0700

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said S Sean Considine has been improving, especially since coming off a shoulder injury last season. "We always knew he was an intelligent football player," said Johnson. "You are going to see him a lot in nickel situations also. He's letting us do some things with (FS) Brian Dawkins sometimes, playing in a different position, a nickel sometimes. So you are going to see him on the field quite a bit as long as he's healthy.

QuoteEagles | Barber leaves practice
Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:52:47 -0700

Philadelphia Eagles LB Shawn Barber (cramp) left the team's morning practice Wednesday, July 26, due to a cramp, according to Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. Barber is expected to return for the afternoon practice.

QuoteEagles | Ramsey benefiting from extra reps
Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:54:26 -0700

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said rookie DT LaJuan Ramsey has benefited by getting extra repetitions in practice since rookie DT Brodrick Bunkley remains unsigned. "He's going to get a lot of opportunities and we like him so far," said Johnson. "So we will see how it goes in the preseason."

QuoteEagles | Simoneau could work at OLB spot
Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:55:02 -0700

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said there is a possibility that LB Mark Simoneau could work at outside linebacker, but added that Simoneau has different roles in certain packages. "Mark is one of our most versatile linebackers and he could go inside as a (middle linebacker) of course, but also outside (at the weak-side or strong-side position). But, we will see. We are going to see how Matt does. We are going to give him an opportunity and I think he's got to produce."

Andy is on with Eskin right now.

Quote from: Bunkley78 on July 26, 2006, 04:12:40 PM
I'm pretty sure it was heat exhaustion for Moats. Maybe not.

at least you're certian

no mention of moats...at least i didnt hear it

sounds like a non issue

andy did say he was not worried about pinkston at all re: the achillies that they were just being cautious

Andy says:

• Bunkley doesn't want to talk with Reid, Andy has tried to reach him. Wants everything done through his agent. Reid is disappointed with that.
• Reid hasn't read Owens' book, doesn't care what he's said.
• Eskin asks if he's looking forward to playing the Cowboys on Oct 8th, Andy says "We're always ready to play the Cowboys."
• Reid asked Eskin if he could beat up Cataldi, since Cataldi/Eskin don't get along.  :-D  (he was saying this to avoid more of Eskin's Owens questions)

Interview was mostly fluff, no new information except for the Bunkley stuff. That part is not encouraging, sounds worse than what I'd heard...but, explains why Reid has been taking some pokes at Bunkley's agent in the media the past few days.

I got the same impression as IGY about Pinkston, and also noticed he said nothing about Moats or Rayburn.

Donovan is coming up shortly.

lolol

some cat just called howard out for being on andys balls...said that the interview was fluff reid was his butt boy and that it just wasted 20 minutes of every wip listeners life

I was saying to Phreak yesterday, the problem with guys like Eskin and Eckel are that they become enamored with guys in sports who are friendly with them, and then will never criticize them (e.g., Barkley, Schmidt, Troy Vincent, Bobby Taylor, Corey Simon, etc.). Conversley (at least with Eskin), if a guy is personally a jerk to him, he will bad-mouth them forever to anyone who will listen.

Eskin did try to ask Reid some more difficult questions, and Andy was just kind of evasive and blowing him off by cracking jokes. Then again, most of Eskin's "harder questions" were regarding Owens...and, quite frankly, everyone--players, coaches, and fans--are tired of the media asking about Owens, so Reid evaded the questions by changing the subject, and eventually just flatly asked Eskin in a half-bored tone, "Are we done?"

Quote from: ice grillin you on July 26, 2006, 05:03:13 PM
it just wasted 20 minutes of every wip listeners life

whats that? like half a rusty penny?

Quote from: jeffreyjpa on July 26, 2006, 04:53:32 PM
Andy says:

• Bunkley doesn't want to talk with Reid, Andy has tried to reach him. Wants everything done through his agent. Reid is disappointed with that.
• Reid hasn't read Owens' book, doesn't care what he's said.
• Eskin asks if he's looking forward to playing the Cowboys on Oct 8th, Andy says "We're always ready to play the Cowboys."
• Reid asked Eskin if he could beat up Cataldi, since Cataldi/Eskin don't get along.  :-D  (he was saying this to avoid more of Eskin's Owens questions)

Interview was mostly fluff, no new information except for the Bunkley stuff. That part is not encouraging, sounds worse than what I'd heard...but, explains why Reid has been taking some pokes at Bunkley's agent in the media the past few days.

I got the same impression as IGY about Pinkston, and also noticed he said nothing about Moats or Rayburn.

Donovan is coming up shortly.

not a great way to start.  I hope this isn't Bunk's real personality.

Honestly, Bunkley is smart not to get involved personally in this.  Let the agent and Banner fix this.  Talking to Reid is just going to make things more complicated.  I can see why it would piss Reid off though.

From PE.com, RE: Moats and Pinkston:

QuoteNotes: Moats Injures Knee 

July 26, 2006
By ZACH BERMAN

Running back Ryan Moats sprained a knee ligament in Wednesday morning's workout.
The second-year running back suffered the injury after being hit by cornerback Donald Strickland during a live drill. Moats is penciled in as the backup running back to Brian Westbrook and the Eagles are expected to utilize Moats as a catalyst in their pledge to run more.

Stay tuned to PhiladelphiaEagles.com for more details when they become available.

Pinkston Update

Todd Pinkston paused his rehab for a few minutes after Wednesday's practice to sign autographs for fans. The veteran receiver sat out for the second straight day as the team is taking precautionary measures for his inflamed left Achilles tendon.

Pinkston met with reporters after he signed, but couldn't provide any details on his prognosis.

"I don't know," Pinkston said. "We're just trying to stay patient right now. I don't want to count my eggs. I'm just doing a my rehab and doing a little extra and getting a little rest."

Pinkston, who missed last season with a ruptured right Achilles tendon, experienced soreness in his feet and was diagnosed with an inflamed Achilles tendon on Monday. He's spent the past two days rehabbing during practice.

"I'm doing a lot of running," Pinkston said. "We'll just take it day-by-day. It's Just precautionary. I don't want do too much too fast."

He admitted it's difficult to sit out, especially considering he missed last season. Pinkston wants to return to the field, but understands the need to be cautious.

"It's kind of hard. I'm just trying to sit back," Pinkston said. "Coach (Andy Reid) is looking out for me and doesn't want to rush me too fast. It's hard sitting in the training room, know the guys out there are working hard and sweating. I want to be out there, but it's all about my health."

Quote from: Bunkley78 on July 26, 2006, 04:12:40 PMI'm pretty sure it was heat exhaustion for Moats. Maybe not.

You have nothing to say, so shut the fck up.

Simoneau at OLB?  Jesus Farg, what is the farging problem with the Eagles and linebackers?  Get a farging OLB, you idiots.  Stop dicking around with these losers.

Quote from: MadMarchHare on July 26, 2006, 05:47:14 PM
Honestly, Bunkley is smart not to get involved personally in this.  Let the agent and Banner fix this.  Talking to Reid is just going to make things more complicated.  I can see why it would piss Reid off though.

Agreeeeeed.  At this point, it's the proverbial "business" stage.  Reid and Bunkley can develop their player/coach relationship after their respective blood suckers finish dancing.  If Bunkley were to talk to Reid right now, it would be like trying to get sex tips from your fiancee's father...do that AFTER the wedding, fool.

is it me or is the absolute lack of detail in diagnosing moats injury not a good sign

Quote from: ice grillin you on July 26, 2006, 07:24:53 PM
is it me or is the absolute lack of detail in diagnosing moats injury not a good sign

It's not you.

I more than half suspect "strained ligament" is the spin for "tore up all three," and we can now look forward to ten days of mini-melodrama as the news is leaked/doled out to the press.

I've strained knee ligaments before, and it does sometimes require the cart. I couldn't really put weight on my knee for a couple days when I did it. But, I also would not be surprised if this ends up being a tear or a partial tear, unfortunately. Buckhalter and Perry better continue to look good, if that's the case.... :-\

Were we really depending on Moats to have a big season.  Christ, must be worse than I thought.

Well all I have to say about the turn this thread is taking is farg!

not a big season, but considering hes the #2 back....its pretty big in this offense

Quote from: MadMarchHare on July 26, 2006, 08:29:55 PM
Were we really depending on Moats to have a big season. Christ, must be worse than I thought.

Exactly. No one SHOULD have been depending on him to have a big year, but the knowledge that Westbrook isn't any good between the tackles and always gets hurt had even the most jaded among us holding out hope. This could be bad. Very bad.

Quote from: Phanatic on July 26, 2006, 08:49:23 PMWell all I have to say about the turn this thread is taking is farg!

Don't mind us.  We're just a dour pack of cynics.  I'm sure Moats is fine, and he'll post 750 yards rushing in support of Westbrook, who won't miss a game as he breaks the 1,400 yards rushing mark this season.

he could be back on the field tomorrow...i just find it a little scary that they didnt say he was gonna have x-rays....hes day to day....it didnt seem serious...out for two weeks...

NOTHING

and then directly below that they go out of their way to say 10 ten different ways that pinkston is just getting some rest...


as for what was expected of him...not that he was gonna set the league on fire...but he is important to spell your starting rb who isnt exactly an ironman...spell him in general and maybe more importantly spell him at the rb position (where hes more likely to take a pounding) by running formations where moats would be the rb with westbrook split out as a wr

I think the last part of your post IGY is exactly why this would be significant if something were to be seriously wrong.  The Eagles would then be forcred to rely on Bruce Perry, a player who also will not get the "ironman" status.

And Moats does get "ironman" status.  Come on.  Most of us understood the RB situation was going to be ablative.  Run Westbrook until he gets hurt, then Moats, Buck and Perry all get their shot at IR.  We all knew Reno would be starting by December.

Most of us don't know what "ablative" means, smarty smarty chemistry pants.

Quote from: MadMarchHare on July 27, 2006, 07:46:24 AM
And Moats does get "ironman" status.  Come on.  Most of us understood the RB situation was going to be ablative.  Run Westbrook until he gets hurt, then Moats, Buck and Perry all get their shot at IR.  We all knew Reno would be starting by December.

RENO MAHE = SUPER BOWL MVP!!!

QuoteEagles | McNabb hints at running the ball more
Thu, 27 Jul 2006 07:58:49 -0700

John Nalbone, of the Trenton Times, reports Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb has hinted that he will run the ball more in 2006. McNabb has run for 630 yards in the past three seasons, a sharp decline from when he ran for 629 yards in the 2000 season. However, it seems as though the fleet-footed quarterback is thinking about taking off with the ball more this season. "I'm healthier, so I'm able to get out of the pocket more with a little speed," McNabb said. "If the call comes for me to get out of the pocket and make something happen, then that's what I'll do."

It's all a smoke screen to set up the passing game better.

McNabb has run for 630 yards in the past three seasons

thats amazing

i knew he had cut back but damn i didnt think it had sunk that low

89:11 this year baby!

Quote from: Diomedes on July 27, 2006, 08:05:23 AM
Most of us don't know what "ablative" means, smarty smarty chemistry pants.

Actually, I'm a pharmacologist.
Not that it makes me any less a nerd, mind you.

How could I confuse those?


Hook a brother up, smarty smarty pill pants.  I'd go in for some dilaudid.  Or however it's spelled.

Quote from: MadMarchHare on July 27, 2006, 01:33:57 PM

Quote from: Diomedes on July 27, 2006, 08:05:23 AM
Most of us don't know what "ablative" means, smarty smarty chemistry pants.

Actually, I'm a pharmacologist.
Not that it makes me any less a nerd, mind you.

MMH i need you to write me a prescription

from Spads' Thursday practice blog:

QuoteRunning back Reno Mahe is getting a lot of reps on offense this morning. The tenacious back did well with the second teamers, making good cuts and running with fluid movement.

I KNEW he was our secret weapon...my jersey will be worth million$.

I just cried a little inside after reading that.

I hate Reno.

I'm sure someone else (probably IGY) has been saying this as well, but Mahe is a LOCK to make this team this year. Thinking otherwise is only going to cause you pain in the long run...

when your talked about in the media more than any other special teamer or running back-yeah, Id say that ensures you a roster spot...sad isnt it

don't forget that he's mormon, and don't for a second think reid is above giving favorable treatment to him on account of it.

im quite certain he was making it anyway but the minute i heard he was working on kick holding it became a lead pipe lock

I think Reid gives him favorable treatment in return for an unlimited supply of crab fries and cheese.

Quote from: FFatPatt on July 27, 2006, 02:33:45 PM
I think Reid gives him favorable treatment in return for an unlimited supply of crab fries and cheese.

that joke has probably never been told.  well done.

Quote from: SunMoTzu on July 27, 2006, 02:34:25 PM
that joke has probably not been told in the last 3 minutes.  you suck.

It burns when I pee

Mahe = cannon fodder.

Quote from: Diomedes on July 27, 2006, 01:35:01 PM
How could I confuse those?


Hook a brother up, smarty smarty pill pants.  I'd go in for some dilaudid.  Or however it's spelled.

QuoteMMH i need you to write me a prescription

Haha.  A common mistake.  A PHARMACIST dispenses pills.  A DOCTOR prescribes pills.  I design pills.

Whatever.  Get us some pills.

OK, mister bossy.  But don't be surprised if it kills you.  I study cancer pills, and I'm pretty sure you don't want to take any of those (unless, you know, you have cancer).

And I still think Reno isn't a lock.  Reid has a boner for Mahe and Buck.  One of those two won't make it.  If Buck can stay healthy through camp (stop laughing, anything's possible) my guess is he sticks instead of Reno.

Will one of you iceholes just shut up and get cancer so we can get farged up on the cancer death pills already? Jesus.

Fat Lenny P article on Reggie Brown (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp06/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2531167)

Nothing really new in there....just says that most people think he's only a #2-caliber WR that's forced into being #1

done...i'll have cancer soon enough, i grew up in delaware and swam in the delaware river next to the nuclear plant...wooohoo cancer pills

lennys take on eagles camp...

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp06/insider/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2530538&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2ftrainingcamp06%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolumnist%3dpasquarelli_len%26id%3d2530538

you know i can't click links, yet you post them anyway.

your disrespect for me is appalling, if not shocking.

It's also Insider, and my "ihearthavas" Insider ID was canceled over two months ago.

its so long.....DAMN you.....

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Here are six observations on the Philadelphia Eagles, gleaned from training camp practices of July 25-26:

1. It's hard to fathom, given the brilliant blitzing schemes conjured up by defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, that the Eagles would ever have problems creating pressure. But that was the case in 2005, when the unit registered just 29 sacks, sixth fewest in the league and down from 47 the previous season. The hallmark of Johnson's defense always has been the ability to manufacture havoc upfront, blitzing from every angle imaginable while maintaining sound coverage in the back end.
Because of injuries, though, Johnson never felt comfortable calling as many blitzes in 2005, and the result was a poor season. Statistically, Philadelphia ranked 23rd in overall defense. That is the unit's lowest ranking since 1999, Johnson's first season on the job. The Eagles surrendered 24.2 points a game, exactly eight more points per outing than they allowed in 2004, and much higher than the 16.6-point average of Johnson's first six seasons. During their five-year playoff run, 2000-2004, the Eagles' defense ranked among the league's top 10 on four occasions. Notable is that the defense never ranked lower than the Philadelphia offense in that stretch. So while much of the focus in this camp is on quarterback Donovan McNabb and the offense, the defense needs to improve, too. Resuscitating the pass rush is a priority.

Johnson is never going to abandon the blitzing schemes that have become his trademark. However, the Eagles need more heat from their front four, and hope that former New Orleans right end Darren Howard, the team's most notable free-agent addition, can provide it. Howard had a career-worst 3½ sacks in 2005, but played in only 12 games and essentially was banished by Saints officials for the final month of the season. He wasn't whole physically and, given the disastrous '05 season in New Orleans both on and off the field, his psyche wasn't particularly good, either. At least with the Eagles, in what has been a winning situation during head coach Andy Reid's tenure, Howard's mental outlook should be refreshed. Whether he has retained the freshness in his legs, after six years in the NFL and at age 29, remains to be seen. He has averaged only 11 appearances over the past three seasons and that is a matter of concern. And Howard never had great upfield explosiveness. But what was obvious in the first three full-scale practices of camp is that Howard remains a consummate technician, that he has more nuance to his repertoire, and uses his hands better than any other lineman on the roster.

"There are a lot of [physical things] you can lose in this game as you get older," Howard said Tuesday. "But if you've got solid technique, and maintain it, you can [extend] your career." In his first five seasons, Howard averaged 8.2 sacks and twice posted 11 quarterback knockdowns. The Eagles, who haven't had a double-digit sacker since 2002, probably would be thrilled if Howard finishes the season with 8-10 sacks. Many of Howard's sacks in New Orleans came when the Saints moved him inside to tackle on third down, where he was quicker than virtually every guard in front of him. In Philadelphia, he is expected to be deployed similarly. That will allow the Eagles to get emerging young rusher Trent Cole, who had five sacks as a rookie in 2005, onto the field.

The media was, admittedly, a tad skeptical when the Eagles signed Howard to a fat contract in the offseason. But in the first few days of camp, he certainly didn't look like a guy in decline, and appeared rejuvenated. The coaches hope that having Howard in the mix also will enhance the productivity of Jevon Kearse, who will move around more in 2006 as Johnson tries to disguise rush angles for him. Kearse averaged 12 sacks in his first three NFL seasons but, largely because of foot and ankle injuries, has averaged 6.6 sacks in the last four campaigns. In his two seasons with the Eagles, he had 7½ sacks each, and the coaches are looking for more from "The Freak."

Johnson also is looking for more pressure on the pocket from the inside, and 2005 first-rounder Mike Patterson, an undersized but super-quick tackle, might provide it. The goal was to pair Patterson with Brodrick Bunkley, this year's first-round selection, but the latter remains out of camp in a contract dispute. While the Eagles are growing perturbed by Bunkley's absence, no one is panicking yet. This team is very deep at tackle and another rookie, sixth-rounder LaJuan Ramsey of Southern California, has demonstrated promise early in camp.

2. At least on the defensive backline, the middle linebacker position, manned by four-time Pro Bowl performer Jeremiah Trotter, is a strength. Make no mistake, in the early stages of camp, Trotter and free safety Brian Dawkins have been the Eagles' most vocal and emotional veterans.
But who will flank Trotter, who has averaged 125 tackles since rejoining the Eagles in 2004, at the outside linebacker spots? Uh, we don't know right now. And we're guessing that neither does the Philadelphia coaching staff. Second-year veteran Matt McCoy, a second-round choice in 2005, is running with the No. 1 unit on the weak side. But the former San Diego State standout didn't even dress for a dozen games as a rookie and saw scant action in the four games in which he did play. In McCoy's defense, Johnson's complicated scheme isn't exactly conducive to quick results for young players, and it generally takes a year or two for guys' heads to cease spinning. If McCoy can't get the job done, the Eagles could turn to another repatriated defender, Shawn Barber, who returned to Philadelphia as a free agent this spring after three years in Kansas City. Injuries have limited Barber to just 11 appearances over the last two seasons, though, and at age 31, he might be most effective as a nickel player.

The situation at the strongside slot isn't much more encouraging. The 2005 performance of seventh-year veteran Dhani Jones -- whose colorful bow ties, erudite mien and appearances on The NFL Network have earned the guy way too much attention -- was dismal. Rarely has a linebacker who registered 105 tackles, as did Jones last season (according to Eagles team statistics), looked so bad doing it. The Eagles are trying to convert third-round draft choice Chris Gocong from college defensive end to strongside 'backer, but the kid has a long way to go. He's got very little experience playing in a two-point stance and on Tuesday morning, in one of the few times he actually engaged a blocker, Gocong was easily driven three yards off the line of scrimmage. That incurred the wrath of linebackers coach Steve Spagnuolo, who apparently felt Gocong was playing too soft. Gocong had 41 sacks the past two years in college, and won the Buck Buchanan Award as the outstanding performer at the Division I-AA level, but his inexperience at linebacker has been telling. He might log time as a situational pass rusher, but doesn't look ready to line up as a regular.

The player for whom Johnson has harbored hope as a strongside candidate is Greg Richmond, but he spent 2004 on the practice squad and 2005 on the physically-unable-to-perform list. He has yet to register a snap in a regular-season game. It's still early but, outside of Trotter, linebacker appears to be a problematic area right now. And think about the irony here: The team's best linebacker basically had to beg the Eagles to take him back in 2004 after the taterskins released him. Good thing Andy Reid picked up his cell phone the day Trotter called to patch up their previous differences.

3. Brian Westbrook is arguably the best receiver as a tailback in the NFL. His waterbug quickness in space, where opponents never quite seem to figure out how to cover him, makes him the Eagles' most compelling offensive playmaker. But there is still a question about whether Westbrook, or anyone else on the current roster, is a consistent threat as a running back.
Of course, no one got many rushing attempts anyway in 2005, when the Eagles threw the ball on a mind-boggling 64.4 percent of their offensive snaps. Reid has vowed to emphasize the run more in 2006 but, truth be told, he's always been a throw-first coach. Since he arrived in Philadelphia in 1999, the Eagles have logged 6,942 snaps and 58.5 percent of those have been pass plays. The closest the Eagles have come under Reid to establishing offensive balance was in 2002, and even then they threw 54.4 percent of the time. In three of seven seasons under Reid, the pass quotient has been more than 60 percent. Still, the Eagles, who statistically ranked 28th in rushing yards last season, and who averaged just 3.9 yards per carry, need some semblance of a running game. But because of injuries, Westbrook has never started 16 games in a season. And while his size (5-feet-8, 203 pounds) isn't as much a factor as some have made it out to be, the Eagles clearly consider it a factor, since Westbrook has averaged just 11.7 carries per start and has only two starts in which he posted 20 carries or more.

Because of his big-play skills as an all-around back, Westbrook is an exclamation point, but the guys behind him on the depth chart are still mostly question marks. The most experienced tailback, the star-crossed Correll Buckhalter, has missed three entire seasons in five years because of knee injuries. It was surprising that the Eagles activated Buckhalter from the physically unable to perform list so early in camp because, at least in the first three practices, he did not look very spry. Ryan Moats showed some flashes in limited playing time as a rookie in 2005, averaging 5.1 yards and scoring three touchdowns on only 55 carries, but that's not much of a body of work on which to make a strong enough assessment of him. The Eagles continue to tout the skills of Thomas Tapeh, who has fullback size (6-feet-1, 243 pounds) and reputedly tailback-caliber running skills, but he's been frequently injured and has played in only seven games in two seasons. Second-year veteran Bruce Perry runs tougher between the tackles than his size (5-10, 200) would indicate, but is inexperienced, with just 16 rushing attempts.

4. During a Tuesday morning "team" drill, tight end L.J. Smith gathered in a pass in the short left flat, turned upfield, and absolutely annihilated backup safety Quintin Mikell with an ear-splitting collision that seemed to echo through the entire Lehigh Valley. The "de-cleater," in which Smith simply mowed down Mikell, certainly brought the throaty Eagles fans to their feet. It was also indicative, said offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, of the manner in which Smith performed in the offseason.
A year ago, then-coordinator Brad Childress, now the Minnesota Vikings' coach, told ESPN.com that Smith was poised for a breakout season. The tight end responded with 61 receptions, which tied Westbrook for the team lead, and equaled Smith's total catches for the first two seasons of his career. His 682 receiving yards in 2005 were only 16 fewer yards than his previous two-year total. Now Mornhinweg is predicting even bigger things for the three-year veteran and former second-round draft pick. It will be difficult, given the quality of the tight end position in the NFC, for Smith to snag a Pro Bowl berth. But he clearly is developing into a Pro Bowl-caliber player.

"He's ready," Mornhinweg said, "to jump to an even higher level now." Smith is never going to be a great in-line blocker, a deficiency in general for Philadelphia at the position, but he has an innate feel for the passing game, how to find holes in a secondary, and how to uncover himself. He and McNabb seem to have crafted a comfort level and, in an offense that really has no big-time wide receiver and which prefers to spread the ball around, Smith could be a 70- to 75-catch player on an annual basis.

Another tight end the Eagles like, and who showed solid receiving skills early in camp, is veteran Matt Schobel, signed as an unrestricted free agent in the spring. Schobel had only 90 catches in four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, and his catches dropped every year in the league. But the Bengals rarely used a tight end on third down and the Philadelphia coaches think Schobel has skills that weren't effectively utilized in the past. There is some redundancy, though, because, like Smith, with whom he will often be used in tandem, Schobel isn't a very accomplished blocker.

5. Another young player to watch is third-year right guard Shawn Andrews, the team's first-round choice in 2004, and a guy the Eagles like so much, they recently secured him through the 2015 season with a fat contract extension.
Andrews won't say how much weight he lost in the offseason but, prompted by the sudden death of a close friend, he's dropped 20-25 pounds and looks much trimmer. Literally and figuratively, it seems Andrews is prepared to take his game to a new level. On virtually every play the first two days of camp, he was several yards upfield, seeking out a second-level target to block. The guy is an absolute mauler, still big enough to engulf defenders, but with surprising deftness of movement. There will likely come a time, after Jon Runyan retires in three or four years, that Andrews will move out to tackle. But for now, he looks like one of the best young guards in the league.



6. Like the three other franchises in the NFC East, the Eagles could finish anywhere from first to fourth place in the division. At the conclusion of their dismal 2005 season, the consensus seemed to be that the Eagles needed only some minor tweaks to rebound in 2006. Upon closer inspection, that might be an oversimplified and optimistic assessment, because there are still some holes to be filled and some areas of concern.
One obvious positive is that the intramural turbulence that marked Terrell Owens' short-lived tenure has been alleviated. But the reality is that Owens, when he wasn't publicly airing his grievances, was a game-altering playmaker. There's no guarantee that anyone, even second-year veteran Reggie Brown, who has embraced the mantle of No. 1 receiver, will be able to approximate Owens' numbers. How well McNabb responds, not only in coming back from hernia surgery but also rebounding from a year in which the personal attacks on him (publicly and privately) got ugly at times, is a key. And Johnson has to fix a defense that played without its usual swagger in 2005. There is talent on the roster, but a lot of pieces have to fit comfortably into the puzzle, and some things have to go right.

Ownership, and the salary cap management of team president Joe Banner has, for years, kept open the window of opportunity for a Super Bowl title. But the window isn't quite as wide as it has been in recent seasons, and Philadelphia is no longer viewed as a sure-thing playoff team. It will be important for the Eagles to break from the gate quickly. Their schedule over the second half of the year is a grinder, and how's this for daunting: Philadelphia faces a stretch of three straight road games in December and all of them are against divisional foes. They are at Washington on Dec. 10, at the New York Giants on Dec. 17 and at Dallas on Christmas Day.

thanks IGY.  there's a place in heaven for the likes of you

i just got back from TC today, have a ton of photos. i'll have a thread up sometime tonight.

Eagles' ground woes tied to pass rush (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/9573349)

QuoteCamp tour: Eagles' ground woes tied to pass rush 

July 26, 2006
By Clark Judge
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Tell Clark your opinion!
   

Eagles: Five things to know
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Fans clamoring for the Philadelphia Eagles to run more this season miss the point. The Eagles don't need to rush more effectively; they need to rush the passer more effectively.
 
And, yes, the two are related.

Nobody at this year's camp disputes that the club got lost last season when it threw or tried to throw 64 percent of the time, including 72 percent in the first seven games. But look a little closer, and you'll find why a team that once was balanced went haywire.

The Eagles allowed 113 first-quarter points. Nobody was worse. They also allowed six opponents to score on their first possessions. That's not good. Their 113-62 first-quarter imbalance ranked third from last in the league, and, pardon me, but you don't need an MBA to figure out where all of this leads.

You pass.

You pass because you have no other choice. When you're behind, the quickest way to make up ground is to throw the ball, and the Eagles did ... a team-record 620 times.

Now, compare that to the 2004 season when Philadelphia went to the Super Bowl. The Eagles outscored opponents 100-54 in the opening period and 300-178 after three, and both take you to the same place -- a fourth quarter where you run the clock and the ball.

So something went awry last year, and that something was the Eagles defense. Specifically, it was the Eagles pass rush, which is why I want to talk about how important defensive end Darren Howard could be.

The former second-round pick of New Orleans was the Eagles' first offseason addition, with the club striking early. Philadelphia had tried to trade for the guy a year ago, but the Saints weren't interested. So the Eagles waited for free-agency, then signed him to a six-year, $30.5 million deal. Now they have a bookend to match Javon Kearse and maybe, just maybe, a ticket back to the playoffs.

"This is my dream job," said a relaxed Howard. "They needed someone to rush the passer, and that's what I do best."

Critics charge the club overpaid for Howard, but if he can do here what he did in New Orleans his first season, the Eagles look like geniuses. Howard had 11 sacks that year, a total he duplicated in 2004, and nobody's had more in Philly since Hugh Douglas produced 12.5 in 2002.

The Eagles went to the NFC Championship Game that year, and they can return if they get back to what they do best -- which is playing a defense that forces opponents into mistakes. Coach Andy Reid swears the team will run more this season, but that's because Andy Reid knows his defense should be so improved that it will allow him to run more.

And he's not the only one.

"I believe we have the talent to do what we need to do to play the ball that we need to play," said safety Brian Dawkins. "Now, am I saying that we are going to run through everybody? No, I'm not saying that. But I believe that we have what it takes."

They didn't a year ago, and blame it on injuries, T.O. or a post-Super Bowl hangover, but the Eagles just weren't themselves. Now, go to the root of the problem, and I offer the team's sacks as Exhibit A: The Eagles had 29, their fewest since 1978 and lowest under defensive coordinator Jim Johnson.

"It all starts with the pass rush and creating mistakes," said Johnson, "and we didn't do a very good job of either last year."

I don't know what the problem was, but I do know the club was handicapped by setbacks dating back to the summer when defensive end Jerome McDougle was wounded. McDougle is back and looks good. In fact, Johnson is counting on a significant contribution from him.

First-round draft pick Brodrick Bunkley will help to shore up the middle of the defensive line. Third-round pick Chris Gocong could be a factor in the pass rush as the season unfolds. Trent Cole is coming off a year where he had five sacks and showed promise.

Then there's Howard.

"It seems like I've been talking about him the last three years," said Johnson. "We knew what he was as a pass rusher at defensive end, but we also saw him as an inside pass rusher in nickel situations. So we really felt he could help us ... if he could handle it.

"The thing we found out is that he's a really intelligent guy. He can handle both positions, which is a big plus."

If Howard stays healthy -- and the Eagles aren't concerned -- he gives the club flexibility it lacked with its front four last season. Specifically, the additions of people like Howard, Bunkley and Gocong should allow Johnson more freedom with his defensive line rotation than he's had in recent years -- with Johnson talking about moving Kearse up and down the line to take advantage of his skills.

All of this adds up to the same thing: Philadelphia must pressure the pocket as it did in the past, either with its ends or with outside linebackers who did next to nothing a year ago. If it can, my advice to opposing quarterbacks is to duck. These are not last year's Eagles.

"I'm very confident when you look at the talent and the speed we have on the field," said Dawkins. "If we can control first down and get teams in second and third and long we are going to have some fun."

Did we miss this gem from Wednesday?

QuoteDarnerien McConfidence

Receiver Darnerien McCants is in a battle for one of the elusive receiver spots. It helps that he had perhaps the top play of the day in Wednesday morning's practice.

McCants, who usually lines up inside, was on the left outside flank against the first-team defense. He sidestepped cornerback Sheldon Brown and free safety Brian Dawkins had to slide over. When that happened, backup quarterback Jeff Garcia located McCants and the fifth-year receiver's eyes opened up.

"Once I get even with any safety, I can beat him," McCants said. "I never had to break strides or break around. It was perfect."

Physically, McCants has a lot of tools. He's big, tall and relatively fast. What's lacked in his career is production. McCants has carved a niche in the red zone, scoring six touchdowns on 27 catches while with the Washington taterskins in 2003.

"My game is in the red zone," McCants said. "Most of the time I'm in the middle so I don't have the chance to break free. But if they keep me outside, 10 out of 20, I'm scoring."

Even still, he finds himself in a crowded mix of receivers. His ability in the red zone can help find him a spot on the team. McCants' goals are higher, though. And if you listen to McCants speak, you'll quickly be assured his lack of sufficient production isn't because of a lack of a confidence.

"There's only one goal and that's to start," McCants said. "I've proven everything that whatever critic said. They talk about my speed, I run a 4.4. I'm 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. They say I couldn't play special teams; I was fourth in production here. They say I couldn't do whatever, I was one of the leading scorers and I was the third guy in Washington.

"I can be the No. 1 guy anywhere."

Quote"I can be the No. 1 guy anywhere."

Someone should've demanded a urine sample after this interview.

Cut him.

Quote from: Diomedes on July 28, 2006, 08:17:49 AM
Cut him.

I like this morning's attitude towards things, Dio.

Currently the top story on espn.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp06/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2531167):

QuoteBrown ready to be No. 1 target
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Call him an overachiever. Talk about Reggie Brown's often overblown sense of humor, gleaned from the silly pranks his father frequently conjured up to help him get through treatments for a brain tumor, or note the overtime that the Philadelphia Eagles receiver logs after nearly every practice as he works tirelessly to enhance his skills.

Just don't ever suggest the "O" word most frequently associated with the initiation of young receivers into the Andy Reid-designed offense -- overwhelmed -- when discussing Brown's 2005 rookie season.

Those three syllables, at least arranged in that particular order, simply aren't in his vocabulary.

"Overwhelmed?" said the good-natured Brown, feigning shock at the mere mention of the word, after Tuesday morning's first full-contact practice of training camp. "No, never, not overwhelmed. I mean, there were times when my head was spinning, or when I was maybe uncertain about something. I was probably confused sometimes, you know? But overwhelmed? Oh, my, no way."

Not many young Eagles wide receivers in recent years could offer such a self-assured evaluation. In fact, before Brown, none could. At least none selected during the Reid era.

A second-round draft choice from the University of Georgia in 2005, Brown's rookie numbers -- 43 receptions for 571 yards and four touchdowns -- were more modest than meteoric. But the catches were the most in franchise history by a rookie wide receiver and Brown led all NFL first-year players in receiving yards, had the second-most catches and the third-most touchdowns. Brown was the first Eagles rookie to post two touchdown catches in a game since 1990.

That says a lot about the suspect quality of the prospects the Eagles have been plucking from the college ranks every spring. But hopefully, it says even more about Brown.

As evidenced by the fact that there have been 117 receivers selected in the first round since 1970, and only eight of them had 1,000-yard seasons as rookies, it is difficult for any pass catcher to make an immediate impact in the NFL. But in the Reid offense, it has been virtually impossible.


Over the first six drafts of Reid's tenure with the team (1999-2004), the Eagles selected seven wide receivers. Their aggregate first-year production: 51 catches for 668 yards and two touchdowns. Only two members of the group -- Na Brown in 1999 and the loquacious Freddie Mitchell in 2001 -- snagged more than 10 passes as rookies. None had even 300 receiving yards as rookies. Two caught one pass each and two more had zero receptions in their debut campaigns. Of the seven, just one, Todd Pinkston, a second-round pick in the 2000 draft, is still in the Eagles' employ.

Chew on those paltry numbers for a few minutes and Brown's statistics of a year ago, as ordinary as they may seem, become a little more impressive.

"But the thing is," offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg emphasized, "we need more this year."

Do they ever.

The exit of Terrell Owens has transformed the Eagles' summer venue, at bucolic Lehigh University, into Camp Tranquil, an atmosphere befitting the lush and hilly terrain of the area. But it has also left the club without a proven No. 1 receiver. Consider this: Even though Owens played in just seven games in 2005, less than half a season, he still finished just one reception behind Greg Lewis for the most catches by a wide receiver. And Owens' 763 yards and six touchdowns were team highs.

Take away Owens' six scores and the Philadelphia wide receivers got into the end zone only six times. For an offense that throws the ball as much as the Eagles do -- under Reid, 58.5 percent of the offensive snaps since 1999 were pass plays and last season the quota was a lopsided 64.4 percent -- that isn't much of a dividend. Not surprisingly, there are some scouts around the league who don't think very much of the remnant Philadelphia wide receiver corps, and they rate Brown as just a No. 2 wideout forced into the lead role because the Eagles don't have anyone better than him on the roster.

Such talk hardly ruffles the imperturbable Brown, who has enthusiastically embraced the mantle.

"They've put [the No. 1 label] on me and I'm happy to have it," said Brown, who at times wasn't even the lead receiver on his college team. "They don't seem to have a problem with it, so why should I? If they felt like someone else [here] was the top guy, then it would be him. If they felt like there was someone better that they could go get, they'd probably go and get him, because that's the nature of his business. But I feel like it's my place on this team ... and I'm definitely ready for it."

Skeptics have noted it is a role ceded to Brown by default as much as by deed, but neither he nor Eagles coaches agree with that analysis. Still, no matter how much Brown seems to have grown in his second year with the club -- and he definitely looks bigger through the shoulders and upper body, seems to carry himself a little taller than he did a season ago, and exudes notably more confidence now -- it's tough to shake the suspicion that the Eagles' wide receiver corps is a thin one.

Fact is, doubts about the Philadelphia receivers, outside of emerging tight end L.J. Smith, even supersede any questions about the health of the guy throwing the football, quarterback Donovan McNabb. And until the Eagles' receivers prove themselves, the doubts about the wideouts are legitimate.

Lewis is a capable No. 2 or No. 3 receiver and wouldn't be a starter on most teams. Veteran Jabar Gaffney, signed as an unrestricted free agent after four seasons in Houston, is a better receiver than a lot of people think, but appears to be best-suited to the slot role. Pinkston, who has a healthy career average of 15.3 yards per catch and who has flashed deep-play skills at times in his career, is rehabilitating from a ruptured right Achilles tendon that sidelined him the entire '05 season. He's missed the first few days of camp, inexplicably, because of tendinitis in his left Achilles. Even though he isn't especially quick, the coaches like fourth-round draft choice Jason Avant, but the former University of Michigan standout is on the physically unable to perform list, recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. Fifth-rounder Jeremy Bloom, the former Olympics freestyle skier, has a balky hamstring.

There are whispers that the Eagles might be interested in making a trade to acquire Denver malcontent Ashley Lelie, who skipped the Broncos' entire offseason program. But after the Owens fiasco, the once-burnt-twice-shy philosophy might prevail here when it comes to taking on another team's problem child.

Which pretty much leaves Brown the No. 1 option at wide receiver. And which, for now at least, seems pretty much OK with Brown and the coaching staff.

"You like to feel like you've earned it, but let's face it, there are some [extenuating] circumstances here," Brown acknowledged. "But am I confident that, no matter what those circumstances are, I can be the guy? Yeah, definitely, I am. And I think the more obvious it became that this was going to be my role, then the harder I worked to show people I deserve it."

According to Reid, it's no small feat for Brown to work even harder than he did a year ago.

"He'll work as hard or harder than anybody on this team at what he does," Reid said. "He's hard to tire out, man. He'll keep going. When [Tampa Bay coach] Jon Gruden had him in the Senior Bowl [in the spring of 2005], that was the thing he told me: 'You can't wear this guy out, he keeps rolling.' And that's how he is. He just pushes, pushes and pushes every play."

In the Reid offense, however, work ethic and physical tools aren't enough to suggest success. Mitchell, a first-round pick in 2001 who never played up to that level and eventually talked his way off the team, used to chafe incessantly over the difficulty in assimilating the offense. Even Owens conceded there were times when he relied on his extemporaneous skills because he forgot a route assignment. Brown seems to have a feel for the offense but, almost as important, a feel for the game in general.

"He's quicker than people think," Mornhinweg said. "And he's smart, and he works as hard as anyone out here. But I think what makes him a good receiver, and will make him even better as he matures in the NFL, is his gut instinct. He's just got a sense for how the game is developing from play to play, how he fits into things, where he can make play. You really saw that developing at the end of last year."

Indeed, while Brown had two catches or fewer in four of his 11 starts, and less than 30 receiving yards in six of them, he also posted four outings with 70-plus yards. In the final month of the Eagles' otherwise dismal season, Brown was a bright spot, averaging five catches for 60 yards in a four-game stretch. In the season finale against Washington, he had seven catches for 77 yards and two touchdowns, and he wants to build on that performance.

The Eagles need him to build as if he was erecting a prefabricated house. And Brown knows it.

"Oh, sure, I feel a lot different coming in here this year," he said. "Part of that is natural, because I know where everything is now, I know the offense so much better, and I'm beyond that awkward, sort of guessing stage, where you just hope you're doing things right. People look at me a little different now, and the expectations are so much greater, and that's fine with me.

"I mean," Brown said, laughing, "I'm not overwhelmed by it, you know?"

P.S.  Is Eric Karabell on drugs?

QuoteFantasy take
Philly has wide receiver problems, but really, these issues aren't any worse than they were pre-T.O. So watch for someone stepping up and becoming a popular target, and possibly a fantasy worthy WR option. Greg Lewis and Todd Pinkston figure to start, but Reggie Brown is someone to watch. Also, the health of Donovan McNabb is critical. Is he a top 5 fantasy QB, or barely top 10?
-- Eric Karabell

And this guy is a fantasy "expert"?

heckert on wip

--bunkley will be signed no doubt...hes being hurt by not being there...juan juan is really benefitting...blah blah blah

--jj's defense is real tough he needs to be here....blah blah blah

--hes talked to bunks father about the fact that the agent wont allow bunk to talk to reid

--the defense is improved...lito (kind of random) looks good...

--no worries about pinky...blah blah blah

commercial break...

--have plenty of weapons on offense....need to spread the ball around

--look for moats in the back field with westbrook

--lj gonna have a huge year

--with pinkston healthy they have 4-5-6 solid guys who are all interchangable

--dont have a top threat guy but theres a chance someone could emerge as a number one

--easier for him to be confident in the wr's cause he knows what a jason avant can do where as the fans dont (jason avant?)

--really likes baskett "hes a player"

--fans will be impressed when they really get to see all these guys (meaning the wr's)

--dont need a stud wr because with andys formations and motion they will take adavntage of defensive mis matches

--buckhalter is a bonus if he makes it...but doesnt sound to confident...isnt counting on him to be there

--dont count out reno mahe...he does everything..matarano says at least reno has another job if he doesnt make...heckert clearly pissed off

--p mccoy and davis are the two surprises so far as far as unknows who have caught their eye

--not counting on mcdougle either...much like buck will be a bonus if he contributes...

--deepest line hes ever been around


commercial break

--dhani was not the problem on d last year...he will be ok...admitted that he really isnt big enough for the position....richmond and dhiani will be a great battle

--special teams: have returners coming out of their ears...put an emphasis on that

--reed is in the mix there...his walk is not pretty but when hes on the field he looks the same as two yrs ago

--perry will be there and gona mix in moats

--bloom will be back next week

--they are working gocong off the edge and as a pas rusher more so than at sam...looks very good at rushing the passer...they also have used him as a joker...he will learn sam tho..where he is going to excel tho will be on special teams

--overall he expects special teams to be great this year

--not really looking at a big back...wants to see what their own guys can do first

Pat Kirwin's Take:

QuoteThese aren't last year's Eagles         Click here to find out more!

Pat Kirwan        By Pat Kirwan
NFL.com Senior Analyst

(July 28, 2006) -- What a great start to my summer camp tour with a stop at Lehigh University and a visit with the Philadelphia Eagles.

I got a chance to sit down with president Joe Banner, head coach Andy Reid, GM Tom Heckert, QB Donovan McNabb, S Brian Dawkins, CB Lito Sheppard and DT Mike Patterson. Between drills and practices I also spoke with most of the coaches and a lot of other players. After talking with so many members of the organization, I recommend you re-adjust your thinking about the 2006 Philadelphia Eagles.

Andy Reid plans to go with the same systems that got the Eagles to Super Bowl XXXIX.    
Andy Reid plans to go with the same systems that got the Eagles to Super Bowl XXXIX.      
Contrary to popular opinion, the team has not fallen apart with the departure of No. 81. In fact, it is safe to say that the 2006 Eagles have moved on. A year ago to the day you could cut the tension with a knife at practice. Now Reid's biggest challenge may be to throttle back the players' enthusiasm so they don't leave their best efforts on the practice field.

If you get most of your preseason information from publications written months ago, you may have been led down the wrong trail. Ask a casual football fan what the Eagles are going to do this year and most often you will hear "last in the NFC East." From Banner, Reid and right on down to the security guard at the locker room door, these Eagles enjoy the label that puts this team under the radar screen in the NFL.

On the other hand, McNabb told me as long as they don't finish where everyone thinks they are headed, he doesn't mind the things people are saying right now. As the All-Pro quarterback said to me after the morning practice, "We know what we have to do and everyone is focused and ready to go." The old McNabb was leading his team all day long with a combination of up-tempo plays, a bit of fooling around to lighten the workload in the 92-degree heat, and a lending hand to the young receivers during the drills.

Of course there are issues that have to be solved this summer, just like there is with any team, and the Philadelphia hierarchy is going about its business. First-round draft pick Brodrick Bunkley isn't in camp yet, although he could be at any minute. There's no real concern about that, considering the team reported to camp a week earlier than most teams because it plays in the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 6. What Bunkley has missed specifically is the 30-or-so zone-blitz calls that defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has already installed. And, of course, the opportunity to take his one-on-one pass rushes against Shawn Andrews, who looks like an emerging All-Pro guard at practice. Bunkley is going to be a very good player and he will provide the Eagles with an excellent four-man rotation at the defensive tackle spot, but he still has a lot to learn.

The Eagles have to figure out who their wide receivers will be before the summer is over, and after a few practices, here's my take on the situation. Reggie Brown deserves the hype he's been getting as an emerging star. After watching him run precision routes and catch balls with ease, I would say he's headed for a 75-reception, 1,000-yard season. As Reid said about Brown, "He's smooth, runs the short crossing routes we like to feature, and he handles himself like a real pro." Sheppard seconds that evaluation, and Dawkins added that his precision route running makes him difficult to cover off his breaks. The other starting receiver is a bigger question. Right now I would say Jabar Gaffney has a slight advantage in the race, but it could go all the way down to undrafted rookie Hank Baskett, who has really jumped out to a fast start in camp.

Philly intends to run the ball more than the 28 percent of the time the team ran it last year. Only one team in the NFL ran the ball more than they threw it last year -- the Chicago Bears -- and all the Eagles really have to do to get back into NFL balance is move the run ratio up to 35 percent of the plays. To accomplish that increase of seven percent they need to run the ball just five more times a game. The question is, who gets those extra carries? Reid could decide to give them all to Brian Westbrook as he starts to evolve into another Tiki Barber, or he could give them to Ryan Moats, who really impressed the team's brass late in the season last year. Their true big back, Correll Buckhalter, didn't practice in the afternoon and his medical history suggests to some outsiders that the Eagles may go looking for a big back in a trade later on this summer. After talking with Heckert, I got the feeling the team will go with what they have, but he didn't rule out investigating all possible scenarios.

After getting drafted in 2003, Jamaal Jackson saw his first live game action last season.    
After getting drafted in 2003, Jamaal Jackson saw his first live game action last season.      
There is a heck of a battle brewing at the center position with Hank Fraley and Jamaal Jackson. Fraley ran with the second team all day as he nurses a shoulder injury, and Jackson was impressive in the one-on-one drills. He can really sink his weight against the big nose-tackle types and he is athletic enough to get out on linebackers with ease. With Jackson in the lineup, the Eagles offensive line is massive. By September, opponents could be looking at Tra Thomas (6-foot-7, 350 pounds), Andrews (6-4, 340), Jackson (6-4, 330), Max Jean-Gilles (6-4, 355) and Jon Runyan (6-7, 325).

On defense, it seemed to take the Eagles four years to rebuild the unit. Last year, the once-proud defense gave up 155 points in the six division games (25.8 points per game), and what was even more alarming was during the 16-game schedule it gave up 232 first-half points. I put those numbers to Dawkins and he felt it was a combination of injuries, a lot of young players on the field, mental errors and a breakdown in red-zone defense.

The young players, led by second-year tackle Patterson, all benefited from the playing time they got. The defensive line will be a solid two-deep across the board, and the addition of Shawn Barber and rookie Chris Gocong to the linebacker group gives the defensive staff plenty of flexibility to run its complicated scheme. There will be less mental errors and more pressure in 2006.

As Dawkins said, "We have learned from last year and we have too much pride in our defense to play the way we did last year." Notice he never mentioned the struggling offense with McNabb hurt and T.O. causing major distractions. The defense is going to take care of its own business.

Finally, a few quick observations about this team. If McNabb were to get injured for a few weeks, Jeff Garcia makes the backup QB situation better than it has been in a long time. There's a young undrafted offensive tackle by the name of Pat McCoy from West Texas State who is starting to raise some eyebrows. Winston Justice will be ready to play if Thomas struggles physically. Defensive end Jerome McDougle is finally healthy and he will make an impact on the season. And when the Eagles defense gets its opponents into pass situations, keep an eye on DE Darren Howard, who will move inside to tackle and become a very effective inside rusher.

Will the Eagles win the division and go deep in the playoffs? They will be in one heck of a battle with the much-improved NFC East, and anyone counting this group out needs to go watch them practice. As McNabb said, "If it means I have to run more for us to move the chains, then that's what I'll do."

Not a lot of people can make Runyan look skinny....but the rest of our offensive line does it somehow.

Now Herremans will most likely start at LG, not Jean-Gilles, but I think he's also bigger then Runyan. Our line averages like 335 pounds. :o

I really hope the line of the future is Herremans-Jean-Gilles-Jackson-Andrews-Justice, not Justice-Herremans-Jackson-Jean-Gilles-Andrews....I think Andrews will dominate at guard for his career...at tackle he might just be above-average.

Why wouldnt you have Justice who is a natural at the blindside be LT and Herremans at RT?  Herremans is a work in progress which makes me not feel so peachy about that transition from Tackle to Guard.  The big boy has a shot with him playing Guard for the past 2 or 3 seasons

wip training camp update reported that killa cole de-cleated runyan twice today

killa givin cranial lumps

killa future nfl sack leader

killa my hero

holy shtein i didn't realize that the hall of fame game was aug. 6. 

9 days.  i just got an enormous boner.

Quote from: phattymatty on July 28, 2006, 03:09:14 PM
enormous

It's all relative, I'm sure.

When posting really long articles with lots and lots of words, can you please be so kind to bold the important or interesting parts?  My eyes don't like lots of letters.

Please, do it for the children.  Not the ones that were drowned in the bathtub, but for the ones that can still read.

Thankskbye.

QuoteInjury Update:

# Tight end L.J. Smith has a shoulder sprain. He'll be out for "a couple days," Reid said.

# Offensive tackle William Thomas has spasms in his lower back.

# Defensive tackle Darwin Walker has a quad contusion. He missed time with it last season and Reid said they'll be cautious.

# Receiver Jason Avant, who had off-season knee surgery, is doing better and is day-to-day.

# Receiver Jeremy Bloom is also doing better with his strained hamstring.

# Receiver Derrick Fenner also has a hamstring stain.

# Safety Quntin Mikell has an orbital fracture, which is in the nose/eye area. "It might sound worse than it is," Reid said.

# Running back Ryan Moats remains day-to-day with his knee sprain.

Quote# Safety Quntin Mikell has an orbital fracture, which is in the nose/eye area. "It might sound worse than it is," Reid said.

Sounds like LJ broke his face the other day.  Ha!

Quote"Reno is just such a good football player. Reno is a guy that you can trust."
-- John Harbaugh

He's making this team.  Yay.

Quote from: FFatPatt on July 28, 2006, 03:47:17 PM

Quote"Reno is just such a good football player. Reno is a guy that you can trust."
-- John Harbaugh

He's making this team.  Yay.

Cool, now I don't have to change my text.  Well unless Timmy makes the team ::)

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on July 28, 2006, 02:58:23 PM
Why wouldnt you have Justice who is a natural at the blindside be LT and Herremans at RT?  Herremans is a work in progress which makes me not feel so peachy about that transition from Tackle to Guard.  The big boy has a shot with him playing Guard for the past 2 or 3 seasons

Because Herremans spent time at LT last season, and Justice I believe was a RT in college....might be wrong about that though.

Hey numbnuts, Justice WAS a RT in college... for a lefthanded QB. He's a blind-side tackle and has a lot more natural talent than Herremans. Seabiscuit it right.

Well, Seabiscuit is right about every part except Herremans being the best fit for the RT spot for the future.
(That would obviously be Scott Young.)

But that is incredibly accurate, line of the future based on what I've seen and heard from camp:

LT Justice
LG Herremans
C Jackson
RG Jean-Gilles
RT Andrews

Clarke isn't going to go down without a fight, but he's more likely to be the "6th man".

Why is Andrews constantly projected as moving to T?  'Cause he's expenive, high draft pick?  I guess I'm football stupid, but he doesn't look or play like T material, imho.

As much as I like Andrews, I'd still rather see him play guard for his career.

Quote from: Diomedes on July 29, 2006, 09:37:12 AM
Why is Andrews constantly projected as moving to T?  'Cause he's expenive, high draft pick?  I guess I'm football stupid, but he doesn't look or play like T material, imho.

Tackles aren't always "lean" and guards aren't always "fat".  Andrews has very quick feet, and on a 340-345 lb frame, he could thrive at tackle OR guard.  The point is that you look at the young players on the team, and they're really not drafting/grooming many tackles.  It's mostly guards.  So, if you assess that Andrews would be a stud at either position, then it's only logical that he would play RT when all's said and done.

His round shape isn't the only reason I wonder about this, besides, he's decidedly less round these days.  His height is a bit low--you want 6'6", 6'7" tackles ideally--at 6'4", though that certainly doesn't mean he'd be too short.  Yeah, his footwork is considered good, and should improve with more game time, but what about hand work?  That is just as important...a short arm length and less than great technical skills with hands is bad news at the T position.  Can he keep guys off his body?

They're all good question, but I think the problem is you're assuming he has short arms and "less than great technical skills" with his hands.  Neither of those are the case, really.

Hey, I could be wrong, no doubt.  But the word from the team is that they're moving Herremans to guard for good, and if that's the case, then I think it's very, very likely that Andrews would play tackle.

Plus, Andrews is just a better lineman and better pedigree than Herremans.

Where can I find his measurements?  I'd like to know how long his fat arms are.

Go to camp with a measuring tape.

Justice - MJG - Jackson - Andrews - Herremans is what I would like to see. Beef in the middle talent and wingspan on the outside.

Wingspan's a little too old to play tackle.

QuoteBrown the latest Eagle injured at camp

Thomas returns after 2 days of back spasms

By Marc Narducci

INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

BETHLEHEM, PA - The Eagles cut back the hitting during Saturday morning's practice at Lehigh, but they haven't reduced the growing number of injuries.

Early in practice, wide receiver Reggie Brown walked off the field slowly and it was later announced that he has a left hamstring injury.

Defensive end Jevon Kearse didn't practice due to knee inflammation. Rookie free agent offensive tackle Pat McCoy left practice with a quad spasm.

The other players who missed practice included tight end L.J. Smith (shoulder); running back Ryan Moats (knee); defensive tackle Darwin Walker (quad contusion); safety Quintin Mikell (orbital fracture); fullback Jason Davis (fractured hand) and wide receiver Derrick Fenner (hamstring).

Offensive tackle William (formerly Tra) Thomas returned to practice after missing the last two days with back spasms. Thomas participated in all drills, working with the first unit.

The Eagles will be cautious with Thomas because he suffered a season-ending lower back injury during the 10th game of the year in 2005.

Wide receiver Todd Pinkston, who has been bothered by soreness in both Achilles, saw minimal time in practice for the second straight day, after missing the previous three days. Pinkston suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon in his right foot during last preseason.

The Eagles are being cautious with Pinkston. The same is the case with running back Correll Buckhalter, who hasn't taken part in live contact. Buckhalter has missed the last two seasons with injuries to his right patellar tendon, but says he is eventually looking forward to participating in live contact.

That will only occur when coach Andy Reid decides Buckhalter is ready.

The tackling at practice was greatly reduced from the first four days, but the length of the workout wasn't.

The Eagles practiced for nearly two hours and 20 minutes. This camp has a business-like atmosphere and the pace has been fast. Many of the older veterans such as linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and Brian Dawkins, have been among the hardest workers, pushing the young players to keep up with them.

I just threw up in my mouth a little.

Great.

Our WR's are fine.

QuoteThe tackling at practice was greatly reduced from the first four days, but the length of the workout wasn't.

The Eagles practiced for nearly two hours and 20 minutes. This camp has a business-like atmosphere and the pace has been fast. Many of the older veterans such as linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and Brian Dawkins, have been among the hardest workers, pushing the young players to keep up with them.

Shawn Barber farging it up for everybody.

Quote from: FFatPatt on July 29, 2006, 03:36:19 PM
Our WR's are fine.

Once we get Lelie ::)

Quote from: Don Ho on July 29, 2006, 03:51:28 PM

Quote from: FFatPatt on July 29, 2006, 03:36:19 PM
Our WR's are fine.

Once we get Lelie ::)

....or Porter  :deion

Quote from: PhillyPhaninDC on July 29, 2006, 04:53:19 PM

Quote from: Don Ho on July 29, 2006, 03:51:28 PM

Quote from: FFatPatt on July 29, 2006, 03:36:19 PM
Our WR's are fine.

Once we get Lelie ::)

....or Porter  :deion

Who needs them?  Or Reggie Brown for that matter?  We've got all our eggs in Hank Baskett!1!11!

QuoteEagles | Baskett continues to impress
Sat, 29 Jul 2006 13:13:19 -0700

Shane Evans, of PhiladelphiaEagles.com, reports Philadelphia Eagles WR Hank Baskett continues to impress everyone on the field and in the stands during the morning practice Saturday, July 29. Matched up against FS Brian Dawkins, Baskett shrugged off the Pro Bowl safety when he played up on him. Baskett worked a comeback route and made a nice catch on the sideline.

Quote from: EagleFeva on July 29, 2006, 05:12:45 PM
We've got all our eggs in Hank Baskett!1!11!

That's a new low.  I don't even think Romey would appreciate that pun.

Oh, come on!!  I had both of you in mind with that one.

I might get a chuckle out of it if I thought there was anything remotely funny about this team's WR situation.

Quote from: FFatPatt on July 29, 2006, 05:20:53 PM
I might get a chuckle out of it if I thought there was anything remotely funny about this team's WR situation.

The WR situation is funny as hell as long as you're an opposing DB.  It's all about perspective, ya see...

Incase anyone wasn't scared enough considering the WR situation...

QuoteEagles | Brown leaves practice early
Sat, 29 Jul 2006 10:24:06 -0700

Marc Narducci, of the Philadelphia Inquirer, reports Philadelphia Eagles WR Reggie Brown (hamstring) left practice early Saturday, July 29, with a left hamstring injury.

There was a TATER on the EMB who apparently was at TC today... who said that Brown returned for the afternoon session though.

I think my resume to get a gig like that is a little thin.

Quote from: EagleFeva on July 29, 2006, 05:32:27 PM
Incase anyone wasn't scared enough considering the WR situation...

QuoteEagles | Brown leaves practice early
Sat, 29 Jul 2006 10:24:06 -0700

Marc Narducci, of the Philadelphia Inquirer, reports Philadelphia Eagles WR Reggie Brown (hamstring) left practice early Saturday, July 29, with a left hamstring injury.

There was a TATER on the EMB who apparently was at TC today... who said that Brown returned for the afternoon session though.

We didn't stick around for the PM session but Brown did try & come back later in the morning session. He tried to run one route & obviously didn't feel right and walked back afterwards to the fieldhouse.

Quote from: Beermonkey on July 29, 2006, 05:59:28 PM

Quote from: EagleFeva on July 29, 2006, 05:32:27 PM
Incase anyone wasn't scared enough considering the WR situation...

QuoteEagles | Brown leaves practice early
Sat, 29 Jul 2006 10:24:06 -0700

Marc Narducci, of the Philadelphia Inquirer, reports Philadelphia Eagles WR Reggie Brown (hamstring) left practice early Saturday, July 29, with a left hamstring injury.

There was a TATER on the EMB who apparently was at TC today... who said that Brown returned for the afternoon session though.

We didn't stick around for the PM session but Brown did try & come back later in the morning session. He tried to run one route & obviously didn't feel right and walked back afterwards to the fieldhouse.

please just pull the trigger already :'(
(http://images.acclaimimages.com/_gallery/_SM/0109-0509-2802-0336_SM.jpg)

I went back for the PM session but Brown wasn't out there. I saw LJ Smith and the rest of the other injured Eagles (even Bloom) stretching and stuff on the adjacent field.

i walked over and watched some of the rehibilitating players...pretty interesting drills they go thru

bloom isnt much bigger than that guy in my avatar

I wish I would've been there in 1999 when Andy made Hegamin push the sled down the whole field.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5823638

QuoteWord to the wise — don't discount the Eagles in 2006. The players like being under the radar compared to other NFC East teams. But they won't get that here. Assuming they don't suffer any major injuries in August, the Eagles are headed back to the playoffs.

They are too talented and too well-coached not to.

I like his attitude.

Ranking the defensive lines.  Birds get a little love. (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5819844)

... and they didn't even mention our possibly improving McDougle.

yeah but sadly bunkley isnt in yet.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/columnists/rgosselin/stories/073106dnspogosselin.1d7cf9f.html

Article in this morning's Dallas Morning News about the Eagles.  Rick Gosselin is actually a pretty knowledgable NFL reporter.  Sorry if this isn't a link.  I don't have mad computer skillz.

michael lewis is on wip right now saying that he had a bad year last year because of his contract status and not being re-upped

Really?  He can take his gimpy-heart outta here if he really thinks that's why he sucked last year.  Fleshpop.

what i find curious about it is not the fact that its a piss poor excuse but that hes saying it as tho he has a new contract now

I'll give 'em this...these guys constantly remind me that jocks--from middle school through the pros--are generally the most stupid, ignorant, useless pieces of shtein in town.

Shut up and play, Lewis. 

Quote from: ice grillin you on July 31, 2006, 11:32:23 AM
what i find curious about it is not the fact that its a piss poor excuse but that hes saying it as tho he has a new contract now

The rumor that I was told Saturday, courtesy of an "insider", was that supposedly both him & Dawk will be getting their deals done.

that makes sense then...so what he did is basically admit that he now has a new contract...because the way he said it was that last year the contract was an issue and now it isnt

For those that haven't been over PE.com today, Avant & LJ are back at practice  & Reggie Brown is working back in, though it seems on a limited basis.

Expect a Dawkins contract soon, according to my "source". Just an FYI.....they are apparently close, if not done, with a deal.

Expect a Dawkins contract soon, according to my "source"


clearly your source is BM

Eskin.

wrong



"wronger"

Quote from: ice grillin you on July 31, 2006, 12:06:45 PM
Expect a Dawkins contract soon, according to my "source"


clearly your source is BM

It actually came from the same person she is referring to. I of course, got it secondhand from someone else.

Quote from: Beermonkey on July 31, 2006, 12:09:26 PM

Quote from: ice grillin you on July 31, 2006, 12:06:45 PM
Expect a Dawkins contract soon, according to my "source"


clearly your source is BM

It actually came from the same person. I off course, got it secondhand from someone else.

You stealing my source?  :-D

Her source is Brookover.

im all for dawkins, but m. lewis needs to prove his worth another year. 

Quote from: PhillyGirl on July 31, 2006, 12:10:02 PM

Quote from: Beermonkey on July 31, 2006, 12:09:26 PM

Quote from: ice grillin you on July 31, 2006, 12:06:45 PM
Expect a Dawkins contract soon, according to my "source"


clearly your source is BM

It actually came from the same person. I off course, got it secondhand from someone else.

You stealing my source?  :-D

Yes, we took your source & Mike Mamula to Arby's & discussed it over lunch on Saturday. He spoke very highly of you.

Tom Heckert told me in person last week that he likes tobacco.

Well, actually, he didn't mention anything, but the big lump under his bottom lip was a dead giveaway.

If a player lets his financial situation affect his play on the field, he's bitchmade.

Quote from: Beermonkey on July 31, 2006, 12:11:55 PM

Quote from: PhillyGirl on July 31, 2006, 12:10:02 PM

Quote from: Beermonkey on July 31, 2006, 12:09:26 PM

Quote from: ice grillin you on July 31, 2006, 12:06:45 PM
Expect a Dawkins contract soon, according to my "source"


clearly your source is BM

It actually came from the same person. I off course, got it secondhand from someone else.

You stealing my source?  :-D

Yes, we took your source & Mike Mamula to Arby's & discussed it over lunch on Saturday. He spoke very highly of you.

He's going to get a PG verbal ass-whoopin' for having lunch with Mamula.  :-D

I met the source too.  He said PG bugs him way too much and he's thought about quitting...  :P

Quote from: BigEd76 on July 31, 2006, 12:32:11 PM
I met the source too.  He said PG bugs him way too much and he's thought about quitting...  :P

lol

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on July 31, 2006, 12:26:45 PM
If a player lets his financial situation affect his play on the field, he's bitchmade.

Blaming a terrible year on contract situations, after the fact, is even worse.

Right.  Blaming it on hookers, booze, or dope is much betta.

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on July 31, 2006, 12:41:03 PM
Right. Blaming it on hookers, booze, or dope is much betta.

At least that all makes sense. Hookers, booze and drugs can actually effect you physically. Talking about money does not.

Ha.  You said one of my posts makes sense.

Are you feeling alright today?

No.

Quote from: rjs246 on July 31, 2006, 12:41:53 PM
At least that all makes sense. Hookers, booze and drugs can actually effect you physically. Talking about money does not.

Yes, but the contract issues hurt his self-esteem & caused him to play with his bottom lip out most of the time. A pouty safety does not equal an intimidating one.

Quote from: rjs246 on July 31, 2006, 12:46:01 PM
No.

You'll be alright once your contract situation is worked out.

If anyone cares, tomorrow's practice was moved up to 8:15 because of the heat...

QuoteWide receiver Jeremy Bloom is participating in Tuesday morning's workout. Shane Evans will provide more details as to how he is performing because he will be the story of the day.
-- Chris McPherson, 8:39 a.m.

Cool.

let me tell you i worked outside today for 8 hrs, landscaping.  it was probably the only time in my life i was thinking that dying wouldn't be such a bad thing so young.  i can't believe these guys run around with 15 lbs of gear in this shtein.  i would find a reason to not practice tomorrow because its supposed to be hotter than today. 

I didn't know you were an illegal Mexican immigrant.

Quote from: FFatPatt on August 01, 2006, 03:42:40 PM
I didn't know you were an illegal Mexican immigrant.

racist.

Mexican people make enchiladas and do landscaping.

Luis Zendejas would probably disagree.

Quote from: FFatPatt on August 01, 2006, 03:42:40 PM
I didn't know you were an illegal Mexican immigrant.

I am every once and awhile.

Dawk interview on CSN coming up at 6:30.  He was in tears....

Wow...the Eagles FO is going to get tracked down by fans with pitchforks if they dont resign Dawkins after that.

Recap, please??

For real.  Context, you idiots!  Fill it out.

Quote from: Father Demon on August 01, 2006, 06:47:53 PM
Recap, please??

he didn't say much...just sobbed a lot.

Dawk is a crybaby?

Quote from: Diomedes on August 01, 2006, 07:35:34 PM
Dawk is a crybaby?

well, it was kinda like mike schmidt's retirement speech...but even more uncomfortable to watch.

cut the crying Hoyda

This is bad.  Did he say anything about feeding his family, or black-on-black crime?

They need to sign Dawkins and Bunkley RIGHT NOW.

I don't get it.

Dawk cried.  Because he hasn't been extended?  Because he feels unloved?  Because he stubbed his toe at practice?

Please...   s-p-e-l-l-i-t-o-u-t for the uninformed...

Quote from: Father Demon on August 01, 2006, 08:03:13 PMPlease...   s-p-e-l-l-i-t-o-u-t for the uninformed...

The locals are the worst fans.  It's easy for them.  They don't have to work for their fix.

CSN teased us. They showed only a small portion of the 40 minute interview.

The part where he got all emotional was when DGunn asked him about what his teammates mean to him and what spending so long in the league and in one place has meant to him.

The entire thing will air tomorrow.

Sounds like I'll need a bucket to puke in when I read up on it.

Quote from: mussa on August 01, 2006, 03:34:18 PM
let me tell you i worked outside today for 8 hrs, landscaping.  it was probably the only time in my life i was thinking that dying wouldn't be such a bad thing so young.  i can't believe these guys run around with 15 lbs of gear in this shtein.  i would find a reason to not practice tomorrow because its supposed to be hotter than today. 

Ha, 15lbs of gear that ain't sthein try 40-80 pounds and then march in boots for 7-12 miles. 

Bloom lasted exactly ONE play.

He re-injured his hammy.

Hello Injured Reserve, Jeremy.

Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 01, 2006, 08:41:35 PM
Bloom lasted exactly ONE play.

He re-injured his hammy.

Hello Injured Reserve, Jeremy.

That's probably the best place for him this year.

Agreed, with missing this much time and spending that much time away from football he would be better off there.

NFL Europe.

Quote from: Diomedes on August 01, 2006, 09:16:11 PM
NFL Europe.

That would be good too.

QuoteThe Eagles installed an interesting goalline package featuring center Hank Fraley at tight end. It's not unusual for teams to make an offensive lineman or even a defensive player eligible at the goalline, and Fraley welcomed the package.

"I haven't line up there before," Fraley said. "But we've had that package before. Right now, I'm like the heavy guy we called, so I get in there at tight end."

Quote from: BigEd76 on August 01, 2006, 06:17:10 PM
Dawk interview on CSN coming up at 6:30.  He was in tears....

Clip #1 from CSN (http://philadelphia.comcastsportsnet.com/media/video/eagles/080106-dawkins.wmv)

Clip #2 from CSN (http://philadelphia.comcastsportsnet.com/media/video/eagles/080106-dawkins2.wmv)

Touching moments as Graham and Wheels are doing the Phils/Cardinals game in the background

Thats why Dawk was crying!

Wheels makes me feel the same way, Dawk. Don't worry.

Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 02, 2006, 12:24:29 AM
Thats why Dawk was crying!

Wheels makes me feel the same way, Dawk. Don't worry.

:-D :-D :-D

Quote from: Diomedes on August 01, 2006, 09:16:11 PM
NFL Europe.

Jeremy, Timmy.  Timmy, Jeremy.

First Akers, now Dawkins. Has the whole goddamned world GONE CRAZY?! Am I the only one who cares about the rules anymore?

Rule number one: There is no crying in football unless you just won a championship.

farg.

I'm going to have to agree with my repressed friend above.

That was uncomfortable to watch. 

That video makes me sick to my stomach.  What the farg is wrong with him?

If the rest of the team had an ounce of the emotion that Dawkins has they would have easily won the Suprbowl by now. 

Maybe so.  But less crying like a baby would be okay too.

Quote from: Diomedes on August 02, 2006, 08:23:59 AM
That video makes me sick to my stomach.  What the farg is wrong with him?

He's a recovering alcoholic and a born again Christian for starters.

Buck is back today and participated in contact drills.

Let us know the moment he blows out a knee.

Right about.......now.

Westbrook and Barber DNP due to illness

Cole went out due to the heat

wont watch

Can't watch.  RealPlayer sucks ass.

Quote from: ice grillin you on August 02, 2006, 10:47:14 AM
wont watch

When you're finished not watching, please give us your opinions.

Quote from: General_Failure on August 02, 2006, 10:41:06 AM
Let us know the moment he blows out a knee.

He should be safe. He only blows the knee out in non-contact drills.

Andy Reid's announcement that running back Correll Buckhalter had "a little tenderness in his knee, a little swelling" the day after his most extensive work of training camp seemed discouraging. Buckhalter, trying to come back from three knee surgeries in 4 years, did not practice yesterday... Rookie fullback Jason Davis underwent hand surgery yesterday, Reid said. It's unclear when Davis will be cleared to return... Cornerback Donald Strickland is out with a knee sprain... Asked about the competition between Dhani Jones and Greg Richmond at strongside linebacker, Reid said, "Right now, Dhani's ahead."

use quotes when you use someone elses writing....

Ha!

detmer said in an interview today "as football players we all put our lives on the line everyday"

Does Koy think he's driving nascar now?

Maybe Koy found out he's going to be the starting QB of the new NFL Europe Franchise - The Baghdad Bombers

The full Dawkins interview (not just the crying part) is on CSN now

Quote from: BigEd76 on August 02, 2006, 07:02:59 PM
The full Dawkins interview ...is on CSN now

Is that the part where he gives out his peach cobbler recipe?

Why Dio? Would you like to trade with him?

It's hard to find a good peach cobbler recipe.

vanilla ice cream is a must

Lemme write this shtein down.

You probably need peaches, too.

Told y'all this is a new Andy Reid....

From GCobb's report today;

QuoteIf you've been around Andy Reid you know he doesn't blow up at his players very often, but today he let go on Reggie Brown. Reggie ran a post route and the ball hit him squarely in the hands and he dropped the ball. Screaming at him, "We can't have all these dropped balls, get him out of there"!

QuoteSome of the players have commented that he's growling more at everybody. Big Red has been whupping some butts during this training camp and I think it's going to make the Eagles a better football team. He chastised Matt Schobel today and took him behind the huddle and started showing how to block properly. His hand jesters and everything he does has taken a different tone.

Did he really write "hand jesters"??!?!?!??!?!?! :-D :-D :-D

What was his wonderlic score?

Anyone else concerned about the lack of updates on Moats?

Yes.

I'm more concerned about the absence of entries in his PE.Com blog...

:paranoid

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on August 03, 2006, 10:22:19 AM
I'm more concerned about the absence of entries in his PE.Com blog...

:paranoid

Shut up.  I'm being serious here.

I don't care how good Bruce Perry and Reno Mahe look in this camp, and I especially don't care how Buckhalter looks for now.  Moats was a 3rd-round pick last year and was to be counted on to get quite a bit of carries and free up Westbrook to be lined up as a receiver in various formations.

The offense doesn't have enough weapons to lose a guy like Moats, so I want to know what the hell is going on with him.  No news is not good news.  It leads me to believe that the injury is serious and that he's seeking 2nd/3rd opinions.

They sold us on Moats being the guy right behind Westbrook.  At this point, if/when Westbrook goes down for a few games, the offense will have SERIOUS issues moving the ball running or passing.

What's Dorsey up to these days?

Okay...

Well, I think it's mildly worrisome.

If a few weeks go by and we're still not hearing any progress, then yeah, I'll be concerned.

I'd actually prefer Moats & Westbrook play about a series each during the preseason because as you suggested, the running back position is tenuous at best.

all you can get out of the eagles is 'ryan moats has a knee sprain'

i said his injury was worrisome the day it happened when they literally wouldnt speak on it at all for the first 24 hrs


i will say tho the longer it goes without news the better i actually feel about it...i think if it were serious something defintely would have leaked out by now...at this point i tend to believe its your standard knee sprain whatever that means...

I'd prefer a back whos not small and is durable. Not a back where we have to worry if they play too much in preseason. Thats crap. I'm not sold they are going to run more with these fragile backs.  All of them have issues westy, moats, perry, buck, tapeh. the only ones who really don't are parry and mahe. the two players minus pinky that i want gone in the worst way. 

Well, we have what we have, mussa.

We have smaller backs who tend to get injured quite a bit, so it stands to reason that playing them a lot in preseason is a monumentally stupid idea.

Besides, even a so-called big back isn't going to play a lot in the exhibition season.  Starters as a rule rarely do...

yes id really like a big back

but

i dont have a big problem with what they have...provided they make a concerted effort to run the ball this year and that includes mcnabb

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on August 03, 2006, 10:59:28 AM
Well, we have what we have, mussa.

We have smaller backs who tend to get injured quite a bit, so it stands to reason that playing them a lot in preseason is a monumentally stupid idea.

Besides, even a so-called big back isn't going to play a lot in the exhibition season.  Starters as a rule rarely do...

My point is it would be nice to have a durable back(small or not) going into this season of, maybe having a running game, no?

I don't disagree, guys.

I'd prefer a "big back" myself.  The Eagles seem to feel differently. 

They prefer smaller backs who get lost behind the monsters they have on the o-line and who also have the ability to be pass-catching threats.

Also - stating the obvious here but a running back can be the most durable player in history but all it takes is one freak play to end that. 

From the PE.com practice blog:

Quote
Another drill that had two positions working together was the tight ends and linebackers working on blocking each other. Director of Media Services Derek Boyko was telling me that this was one of his favorite drills, and it's obvious why. I love all the one-on-one type drills because you can really see who has it and who doesn't. On a particular occurrence, tight end L.J. Smith blew up linebacker Dhani Jones at the line with relative ease.
--Shane Evans, 8:28 a.m.

Awesome. It wouldn't be an issue for me if L.J. wasn't known for being a zesty blocker. The "relative ease" comment gives me a warm and fuzzy. Someone snipe Dhani from the bleachers. Assbag.

A guy who is a zesty blocker "blows up" the starting SAM and this is supposed to make me happy?

Okay.

:-D

why didnt you post the blog entry that followed where dhani 'steamrolled a pulling shawn andrews'


wip training camp report states that moats still not out there and that andy said hes getting better but still has soreness in his knee

5 preseason games worth of carries for these guys yet and they are already sore ... Look for Reno to have 600 carries. 

Quote from: ice grillin you on August 03, 2006, 11:28:11 AM
why didnt you post the blog entry that followed where dhani 'steamrolled a pulling shawn andrews'

Didn't see that one there IGY.....

600 carries and 600 yrds

Quote from: mussa on August 03, 2006, 11:31:12 AM
600 carries and 600 yrds

Negadelphian...

Quote from: mussa on August 03, 2006, 11:31:12 AM
600 carries and 600 yrds

599 more than Darnell Autry would have. 

QuoteFullback Thomas Tapeh had a lovely block on linebacker Shawn Barber who was attempting to shut down a running play up the middle. Tapeh sealed off Barber and running back Correll Buckhalter scampered away from the block and slid to the outside.
--Shane Evans, 9:20 a.m.

I doubt your sincerity?  WAS IT RLY LOVERLY?!?

Lovely. Sealed. Scampered. Slid.

No, Shane. No.

Quote from: ice grillin you on August 03, 2006, 11:03:50 AM
yes id really like a big back

Here ya go, IGY.

(http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:M8Rj3mF4_HjOGM:http://www.cooperhealth.org/content/images/pre%2520liposuction%2520back.jpg)

You're welcome.

Newsflash - McNabb throws hard. (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/15186147.htm)

Maybe (hopefully) explains why Schobel had the dropsies early on in camp.

QuoteBETHLEHEM - Receivers who are new to the Eagles have a complex, confusing offense to deal with - that topic has been covered quite thoroughly during the Andy Reid Era.

But there's something else they have to get the hang of, as well, something that seemed to be giving tight end Matt Schobel trouble earlier in the week, though he thinks he has adjusted.

"He's got a lot of zip on the ball," Schobel said, when asked about working with Donovan McNabb. Schobel wasn't making excuses for his case of dropsy - he said his previous quarterback, Cincinnati's Carson Palmer, threw much the same way, and though catching high-velocity passes can be tough, "it's tougher when the ball doesn't get there when you're open. He throws it the way it's supposed to be thrown; it's my job to catch it."

This is not exactly something McNabb has never heard before. He said yesterday he often intends to discuss velocity with new receivers, but always finds it isn't necessary.

"I don't get a chance to talk to 'em, everybody else tells 'em about it," McNabb said. "I've been told that a lot, at Pro Bowls, and even here, with my teammates, that the ball comes out funny. I have the Randall Cunningham kind of arm. The ball looks like it's not going to come out as fast, and then they say it just shoots out, because my rotation isn't as fast as some people's - my delivery is slow, but the ball shoots out fast."

This was something Darnerien McCants noticed last year, when he came to the Eagles from the taterskins just before the season started.

"As a receiver, when I first got here, I'm used to looking at the quarterback and his arm motion," McCants said. "That's how I prepare myself to catch the ball. But with him, he throws with his body, so it's a slower motion but it's coming twice as fast. The first ball he threw, I put my hands up, but the ball was already past me before I even got my hands together. It was an adjustment, particularly on quicker routes, because the ball is coming a lot faster than he looks as he throws the ball; it's almost like a changeup look."

McCants noted that he never sees McNabb icing his throwing shoulder or elbow, because he has such a well-integrated motion.

McNabb said his throwing motion comes from being a pitcher and a shortstop when he was young.

"I've been told growing up, use your legs and use your shoulders," McNabb said. "Don't use all arm - you use all arm, your arm gets tired and you start pulling muscles and things of that nature. I kind of use my upper-body strength as well as my legs, in my throws."

Rookie wideout J.J. Outlaw, from Villanova, said he takes special note when he's running routes for McNabb.

"When Don's up there, you tend to focus in a little more," Outlaw said. "He's a great quarterback; he puts 'em right where his receivers have the best opportunity to catch it. You can't ask for much more from a quarterback."

Carl Ford, who came to the Eagles last season from the Bears, agreed.

"When he wants to put it there, he will," Ford said. "You better get your head around pretty fast... A lot of quarterbacks throw hard, but can't put touch on it; he knows how to put touch on it. That's one thing you probably can't teach."

Rookie wideout Hank Baskett said he finds McNabb's ball hardest to pick up in traffic.

"It's not when it comes to you free, it's when it comes to you in a whole group," Baskett said. "You can't see it, and then it's there. When you're running free, you can [see the ball coming and] get your hands up, you're ready for it. But when you go through that group, it comes right off an offensive lineman's helmet. That's the hardest part... That man has a cannon."

Baskett, an early-camp sensation, said he's been surprised at the way McNabb can find him in a group of defenders.

"He's put that ball through a needle like I've never seen in my life," Baskett said. "That's why he's paid the big bucks, that's why he's here... He's going to be one of the greatest to play the position."

Reggie Brown, the second-year receiver who right now seems to be the linchpin of the Eagles' group, agreed that "if there's a deep route, there's pretty much no problem, but if you're coming back to the ball and he's throwing it hard, it can get difficult at times."

Brown said when the receivers work with those ball machines after practice - pitching machines calibrated to shoot footballs - they crank up the velocity to simulate McNabb's.

McNabb, who underwent his least consistent, toughest season last year, said he continues to work on his game. Obviously, he feels not having to play with a sports hernia this year will make his throws more reliable. McNabb said he has been working on anticipation, throwing to a spot instead of to his receivers' hands.

"I take different things from different quarterbacks. You watch Kurt Warner and Marc Bulger, they don't throw the ball that hard, but their anticipation is great," McNabb said. "You watch quarterbacks like a Steve Young and a Brett Favre, whose arms are stronger, they may put some balls in positions other guys can't do... You take different things from different quarterbacks."

I remember when he broke Dorsey's finger in 2002.

First article I've ever read about McNabb being accurate.

and most likely the last, but he will be the best EVER to play that position.......according to Hank B

Quote from: reese125 on August 04, 2006, 12:02:34 AM
and most likely the last, but he will be the best EVER to play that position.......according to Hank B

I'd take his word for it.  After all, it's pretty much a lock that Hank makes the Hall of Fame when all's said and done.

Right?

Carucci is drooling over McNabb after that one series (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9588970)  ::)

The only thing more sickening than his slobbering over McNabb was his inclusion of Owens in the story.

Why the hell do these hacks insist on mentioning that cockboil every time they talk about McNabb and the Eagles?

He hasn't even been on the team since the middle of last year. 

Let.  It.  Go.

:boom

This is getting nauseating.  It's a fricken pre-season football game.  One series against the Raiders, please.  Aaron Brooks striking fear in anyone?  No, didn't think so.  Good night.

McNabb gets big time praise (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/michael_silver/08/09/mcnabb//)

QuoteNational Association for the Asinine Comments of Poseurs

I farging hate sports journalists. That was just awful.

Quote from: Don Ho on August 07, 2006, 01:17:19 AM
This is getting nauseating.  It's a fricken pre-season football game.  One series against the Raiders, please.  Aaron Brooks striking fear in anyone?  No, didn't think so.  Good night.

That's because Brooks went 1-3 and a pick, while McNabb completed 100% of his passes.

Best damn 3 for 3 for 29 yards I've ever seen!!

Rumor:  the Eagles are wearing the black alternates on 11/19 vs Tennessee

I hate those things. I wish we could just wear k green for one game.

I love the black jersey's.

Be cool if they wore black pants too.

Quote from: BigEd76 on August 11, 2006, 01:29:53 AM
Rumor:  the Eagles are wearing the black alternates on 11/19 vs Tennessee

I can never understand why, 3 months in advance, I should give even a hint of a rat's ass which jersey they're wearing.  I mean... seriously... is there any less important news out there?

fact: all three of the current eagles jerseys blow


I hate those things. I wish we could just wear k green for one game ever.


edit

QuoteBy SIRAGE YASSIN
The News Journal

08/11/2006
Read Comments

EAGLES NOTEBOOK

PHILADELPHIA -- An Eagles running back sustained an injury Thursday night. Stop us if you've heard this one before.

Though the Eagles scored their first preseason win, a 20-7 triumph over the Cleveland Browns, Reno Mahe went down with a concussion on the opening drive. It wasn't clear on which play the injury occurred. Mahe did not return.

Advertisement




His departure left an already decimated backfield corps with just one true halfback, Marty Johnson, who signed Tuesday. Johnson led the team with 12 carries on 47 yards.

Fullbacks Thomas Tapeh and Jason Davis picked up plenty of carries in Mahe's absence. Tapeh rushed for 11 yards on five carries, including a 4-yard touchdown, and Davis ran 10 times for 32 yards.

Still, the Eagles are in dire straits at the position.

"I expect the other guys to be healthy," coach Andy Reid said.

Reid said Corell Buckhalter might play in next Thursday's preseason game against Baltimore. Buckhalter has been coming back slowly from knee surgeries the past two years.

Mahe had crept up the depth chart in the past two weeks as injuries to Ryan Moats, Bruce Perry and Brian Westbrook whittled the competition.

Rumor mill

According to scout.com, the Eagles and Browns are discussing a trade that would involve Browns running back William Green. The Browns are in the market for a center, having already lost prized free agent LeCharles Bentley for the season to a knee injury.

The Eagles have two centers, with Hank Fraley battling Delaware State product Jamaal Jackson, and are in need of a running back. Jackson's ankle was banged up during the game, but Reid didn't mention him in his list of postgame injuries.
Bunkley breaks through

First-round pick Brodrick Bunkley made his first appearance in the third quarter. On Cleveland's first third-down situation, the defensive tackle pressured quarterback Derek Anderson into an incompletion.

Kamerion Wimbley, Bunkley's teammate at Florida State and also a first-round pick, started at linebacker for the Browns.

"It was good talking to him," Wimbley said. "We were talking about what it's like seeing each other on different teams and how we look out there on the field."

Wing tips

•Koy Detmer was the holder on David Akers' 22-yard field goal in the first quarter. Against Oakland on Sunday, punter Dirk Johnson held for Akers. Johnson and Detmer are competing for the job.

•Darren Howard served as the long snapper for most of the game before rendering that job to Stephen Spach, but there isn't a competition there. Long snapper Mike Bartrum suffered acid reflux before the game, Reid said, and didn't play. Howard said he has long snapped since high school.

According to scout.com, the Eagles and Browns are discussing a trade that would involve Browns running back William Green. The Browns are in the market for a center, having already lost prized free agent LeCharles Bentley for the season to a knee injury.

The Eagles have two centers, with Hank Fraley battling Delaware State product Jamaal Jackson, and are in need of a running back. Jackson's ankle was banged up during the game, but Reid didn't mention him in his list of postgame injuries.

interesting and makes total sense...but i think thats why scout.com is mentioning it rather than the teams having ever discussed it

I'd rather have Suggs.

I really wanted the Eagles to get Green coming out of college, i even had a William Green browns jersey.  Behind that O Line and w/the family problems he's never materialized.

suggs is a walking injury....the last thing they need

green is also bigger.....suggs is more along the size of a westbrook

Don't get me wrong..I'd be happy to have either. 

Green is a better player.  Suggs is a better person.


I think we know which direction the Eagles would go there.

I'd be happy to have either.


for honey buns...hell yeah

im just saying getting suggs would only give depth as opposed to a different look....it would be status quo

where as green is the big back they need

Green is a damn menace and Reid would be a fool to go that route

he broke the substance abuse policy, was stabbed by his fiance, suspended 4 games, marijuana charges, DUI, father was an AIDS/heroin victim

=PUDDLE

Quote from: reese125 on August 11, 2006, 08:22:46 AMfather was an AIDS/heroin victim

What does THAT have to do with anything?

I think his mother died of AIDS, too.  Consider that...both your farging parents die of AIDS, and you somehow keep it together enough to make it through college into the pros, with only a few minor problems, as iterated above.  Given where he's comin' from, I'd say Green has made a huge step forward for his family name.

Quote from: ice grillin you on August 11, 2006, 08:19:14 AM
im just saying...

It was clear what you're saying.  I don't disagree, really.  I'll take either.  I like Suggs better that Green, but so what.

It was clear what you're saying

apparently it wasnt cause you still want suggs over green

what it has to do with is hes exactly what I said...PUDDLE

hes done enough to show hes got a lot of issues. Hes abused over the counters, alcohol and drugs and is a mess

stop reaching for the stars guys. green will not be here and fraley is going nowhere as we need a backup somewhere on the O-line

Quote from: ice grillin you on August 11, 2006, 08:31:51 AM
apparently it wasnt cause you still want suggs over green

Ha.

QuoteGame notes
Eagles coach Andy Reid angrily denied an apparent report that Pro Bowl long snapper Mike Bartrum had suffered a heart attack. The team said Bartrum didn't play because of an undisclosed illness. Reid said Bartrum will see a doctor on Friday.

Oh no, Bartrum had a heart attack!


Jesus, where do they get this shtein from?

they got it from the fact that he had acid reflux so bad that they thought it might have been a heart attack

I'm guessing their rectums, or is that recta?

Rectii?

Quote from: Diomedes on August 11, 2006, 10:41:49 AM
Rectii?

:-D

Green sucks.

Suggs would fit here because he gets injured a lot.

Trading Fraley would be dumb.

Would be dumb for either of those. Either would be a 3rd RB on this squad. Fraley is very good depth. I'd trade Fraley, but not for either of those backs.

Quote from: Bunkley78 on August 11, 2006, 04:48:20 PM
Fraley is very good depth. I'd trade Fraley, but not for either of those backs.

hmmm...right

It would be helpful to read the full sentence.

hmmm...right

lolol...for real

i thought bunkley was just an idiot when it came to basketball...if possible he might be even more ignorant when it comes to the nfl

Quote from: Bunkley78 on August 11, 2006, 07:03:40 PM
It would be helpful to read the full sentence.

I think it might be helpful for you to read the full sentence over and over and over and over

now what do you mean?

By bolding what you did, you are implying that me wanting to trade Fraley makes no sense if I said he's good depth.

Well if you would've read the entire sentence, I said I'd trade him but not for Suggs or Green. It's always good to have depth like Fraley in case Jackson goes down.

IGY, I'll debate you in hoops any time, any place. I still remember that gem where you said the Sixers would draft Marcus Williams even if AI was still on the team. Right on brotha.

am i the only person since training camp started that has talked himself into the eagles winning both 6 games and 11 games this year...like back n forth 15 times over

Little blurb about camp fodder. (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jm-unknowns081106&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)

The part pertaining to the Eagles:

QuotePhiladelphia Eagles – Tight end Andy Thorn would need to earn a place on special teams, as the Eagles will also keep a third tight end as their primary deep snapper (Mike Bartrum). But Ryan Grigson, the man responsible for signing Thorn a few years ago and now the team's new director of college scouting, believes in Thorn's skills. That could help Thorn earn a roster spot. ... Undrafted fullback Jason Davis has very good hands and loves contact. He has been injury-prone, so he'll probably have a better shot making the active roster on special teams. A broken bone in Davis' hand might allow the Eagles to keep both he and his main competition, Thomas Tapeh, since Davis could go on the PUP list. ... Initially signed as an undrafted free agent by Pittsburgh two years ago, linebacker Dedrick Roper played special teams in mid-November and averaged two special teams tackles per game. He has good size and has shown the necessary toughness to make plays and create turnovers. If he fails to stick here, a team using a 3-4 base defense would do well to review his tapes at Northwood College in Michigan. He has "make it" skills for the NFL. ... Wide receiver Billy Sampy, undrafted out of Louisiana-Lafayette, has limited special teams experience, but he could be tried on punt returns. His chief competition for the final receiver spot or practice squad job could come from Michael Gasperson. ... Defensive back Brandon Pinderhughes, a former Division II standout at Nebraska-Omaha, is a good athlete who has better straight-line speed than most realize. He also plays the game aggressively as a defender and has experience at both cornerback and free safety.

Defensive back Brandon Pinderhughes, a former Division II standout at Nebraska-Omaha, is a good athlete who has better straight-line speed than most realize.

theres only four people in the world who know that pinderhughes even exists and all four of them realize exactly what kind of speed he has


oh and that scab gasperon is not making an nfl roster in this ornay other lifetime

Like I said... Brown, Baskett, McCants, and Avant are locks (http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=53238).

Quote from: ice grillin you on August 12, 2006, 10:30:19 AM
am i the only person since training camp started that has talked himself into the eagles winning both 6 games and 11 games this year...like back n forth 15 times over

yes.  most of us have pondered that very thing at least 20 times.  come on little tomato, try and catch up. 

Wost Manneans beat the shtein out of Dhani at camp today. Apparently they got into a fight and Manneans slammed him and started punching him in the head.

Go Manneans machine!

Quote from: Diomedes on August 11, 2006, 08:26:44 AM

Quote from: reese125 on August 11, 2006, 08:22:46 AMfather was an AIDS/heroin victim

What does THAT have to do with anything?

I think his mother died of AIDS, too.  Consider that...both your farging parents die of AIDS, and you somehow keep it together enough to make it through college into the pros, with only a few minor problems, as iterated above.  Given where he's comin' from, I'd say Green has made a huge step forward for his family name.

he went to the same high school as my sister (and me, but i was gone by then)...he got a complete free ride. never attended any classes, while the school covered up his academic ineligibility.

he's a headcase, and really has made no strides anywhere.

Questions remain for receivers (http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/99-08132006-697337.html)

QuoteBy: REUBEN FRANK (Sun, Aug/13/2006)


BETHLEHEM - All they've heard is how bad they are. All spring, all summer. All preseason. Everywhere they go.

The Eagles' wide receivers know the only way to answer those doubts is to shut up and make plays.

"Everybody's doubting us," Reggie Brown said. "It's up to us to prove them wrong. So far, I'm really encouraged by how we're playing."

After three weeks of training camp and two preseason games, the Eagles think their revamped wide receiving corps is doing exactly what it needs to do. Learning the offense, practicing hard, improving daily, and making plays in the games.

The remaking of the wideout position in a post-T.O. world has not been without complications.

Todd Pinkston has barely practiced, free agent Jabar Gaffney has been slow to pick up the offense, and Greg Lewis hasn't caught a ball in the two preseason games.

But undrafted rookie Hank Baskett has materialized as a potential starter. Rookie Jason Avant has looked good since returning from minor knee surgery. Darnerien McCants is the most improved receiver in camp. And Lewis still makes every catch in practice.

Add it up and what do you have?

Nobody knows. Still too early to tell.

But the position does seem to be taking shape with over a month left before opening day in Houston.

"I'm excited about the way those guys are progressing," Donovan McNabb said after Saturday's morning practice. "Reggie's kind of the focal point, which is different because he's only a second-year guy, but he's handled it well.

"The other guys - Hank has done a great job, Jabar is getting better every day, Greg Lewis is a guy I always have a lot of confidence in, and Jason Avant, you can see him improving. And it was great to see Todd back there today and hopefully he can stay healthy.

"What people say about our receivers ... it's a motivating factor for them. People are going to say, "You can't do this, you can't do that.' We try to talk about what we can do and not what we can't do. And I think this group can do a lot of different things."

Head coach Andy Reid has been experimenting with various configurations, working Baskett and Avant into the slot, lining up almost everybody at some point with the first offense and in various three- and four-wide combinations.

"We're giving them a lot of opportunities to see what they're best at," he said. "And we'll see who ends up being the better guys at what positions."

Lewis at times seems like the odd man out lately. He doesn't have a preseason catch, and he played only four snaps Thursday night, when the Eagles beat the Browns at the Linc in their second preseason game.

Reid said the only reason Lewis hasn't played much is because the newcomers in the offense - Baskett, Gaffney, Avant - need the reps. Lewis played well at the end of 2004 but had a lousy 2005 season.

"Greg Lewis is one guy I know what he can do," Reid said. "I'm very confident in Greg so I don't need to see quite as much out of Greg as I do the young guys."

And Gaffney has made strides the last week or two and is starting to look comfortable.

"He's gotten better here the last few days," Reid said. "He's getting a little better feel for the offense."

McCants, essentially a special teamer last year, has had a good camp and helped himself with a 32-yard touchdown catch Thursday night. Avant had a 22-yard catch to help set up another TD.

Baskett has been the find of camp, going from an undrafted rookie free agent to a likely opening-day starter opposite Brown. After making spectacular plays every day at Lehigh, he finally got to do it in a game Thursday night and responded with a lunging 32-yard reception from McNabb down to the 2-yard-line to set up a field goal.

"They gave me an opportunity and that's what my dad has always taught me, to make the most out of every opportunity," Baskett said. "I don't know how big of an impact (I'm making), I'm just out there playing football trying to make the best out of every chance they give me."

The only locks right now are Brown, Baskett and Avant. Reid will likely keep six receivers, and it certainly seems to be lining up as Gaffney, Lewis and McCants in the three other spots.

Pinkston? He returned to practice yesterday after nearly two weeks, but until his Achilles lets him play on Sundays in the fall he can't be counted on.

Jeremy Bloom? He also returned to practice, but he's behind and has to catch up to have a chance.

"We've got some young guys in there that are playing their tail off," Reid said. "There are some things we could definitely work on, but they are working extremely hard and getting better.

"When it's all said and done we are going to end up releasing a few good football players. That's the way it ends up working out. You can't keep everybody."

i like the prospect of McCants, i thought last year he was a good p/u but then played little in the season. To see him excel this year brings alot to the team. We could finally have a real WR core for the 1st time since Barnett and Williams.

Quote from: phillywin2k5 on August 13, 2006, 07:42:00 PM
We could finally have a real WR core for the 1st time since Barnett and Williams.

We could, but let's not count our chicken eggs before we throw them in the baskett.

Stop it.  Now.

Stop?  The best way to stop a charging bull is to take away his Amex!

You're all a bunch of Baskett-cases.  :paranoid

That's not a pun, Geo.

I still laughed, though.  Of course, I laugh at people when they get devoured by lions in game preserves, so take that for what's it's worth.

Quote from: FFatPatt on August 13, 2006, 08:25:29 PM

Quote from: phillywin2k5 on August 13, 2006, 07:42:00 PM
We could finally have a real WR core for the 1st time since Barnett and Williams.

We could, but let's not count our chicken eggs before we throw them in the baskett.

Solid B.  It made me laugh against my will. 

Eagles' line much stronger (http://www.nj.com/eagles/times/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1155442019246570.xml&coll=5)

QuoteSunday, August 13, 2006
BY JOHN NALBONE

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- There was offseason money to be spent at wide receiver, linebacker, offensive line and backup quarterback.

But when Eagles president Joe Banner crunched the salary-cap numbers and flipped through his little black book of potential free agents, while general manager Tom Heckert and his scouts were done scouring the countryside for players to help avoid another 6-10 season, most roads led back to the defensive line.

Wise choice.

"We now have first- and second-team guys that can really get after the quarterback," Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Trotter said. "I don't think we've blitzed once yet in the preseason. Those guys up front have been getting sacks and when we don't have to blitz, we can stay back and be where we need to be. It just makes our job so much easier because we can have that extra guy in coverage."

Newly acquired defensive end Darren Howard has rebuffed his critics and it appears his knee is healthy enough to make an impact.

At six years and $30 million, it better be.

On the other side is veteran Jevon Kearse, whose legs and attitude appear as fresh as the day the Eagles gave him $16 million up front in March 2004.

Last year's first-round draft pick, Mike Patterson, has been very active and Jim Johnson's other rotating ends -- Trent Cole, Juqua Thomas and rookie LaJuan Ramsey -- have helped the Eagles (1-1) register nine sacks in two preseason games after being credited with just 29 all of last season.

There even have been a few Jerome McDougle sightings.

"If we do our job as a front four, hopefully there won't be a need to do a whole lot of blitzing," Kearse said. "Along with double-teaming me last year, they were packing down on the inside. But with the guys we've got now it's not going to play out like that no more -- as long as we stay healthy and do what we have to do."

Asked if he thought the Eagles had the potential to have one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL, Kearse took a step back and seemed stunned there even was any doubt.

"We are the best D-line," Kearse said, flashing his prototypical smile. "Like I said, as long as we can stay healthy. On paper we look good and so far we look good live. But I still think there is so much more we can bring to the table, and once we get (first-round pick Brodrick) Bunkley up to speed we're really going to be deadly up there."

Bunkley started the second half Thursday, and although he was featured in just a handful of plays due to his 16-day hiatus from training camp, the All-America defensive tackle from Florida State pressured Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Campbell and was credited with a hurry on just his third pro play from scrimmage.

"I did what I was asked to do when my chance came around," Bunkley said. "I was hoping (Campbell) would hold the ball a little longer, but I was going to hit him anyway.  :yay I'm just ready to get after it and play some football."

Notes: Wide receiver Todd Pinkston (Achilles) returned to practice for the first time in weeks yesterday morning, but he is unlikely to play in Thursday's preseason game against Baltimore ... Long-snapper Mike Bartrum also was back on the field yesterday after tests conducted Friday confirmed the 13-year veteran suffered from a viral infection that triggered the chest pains which caused him to miss the 20-7 preseason win over the Browns. Initial broadcast reports erroneously reported that Bartrum had suffered a heart attack ... With starting running back Brian Westbrook still grounded by a sprained foot and not expected to dress for Thursday's game, Correll Buckhalter ran with the second team and Ryan Moats worked with the third unit during yesterday's morning session. Both are expected to see action against Baltimore ... Center Jamaal Jackson (ankle sprain), tackle Calvin Armstrong (knee sprain), guard Adrien Clarke (back), linebacker Greg Richmond (back spasms), defensive tackle Darwin Walker (ribs) and Westbrook (foot sprain) did not practice yesterday, while McDougle had his ribs rattled early in the session but did return ... In desperate need of depth at center, the Browns reportedly are interested in Eagles veteran Hank Fraley, who became expendable when Jackson emerged as the Eagles' clear-cut starter at center once Fraley tore his rotator cuff last season ... Like Donovan McNabb against the Raiders Aug. 6, new Ravens quarterback Steve McNair led his team to a touchdown during his one and only series on the field in Friday's loss to the Giants ... Although he generally is pleased with what he has seen over the first two games, an area of concern for Reid are penalties. The Eagles have been flagged for 19 totaling, 142 yards ... Also notable was a fight between starting guard Todd Herremans and outside linebacker Dhani Jones during the last 45 minutes of drills. Herremans body-slammed Jones during a 7-on-7 drill. Jones then ripped off Herremans' helmet and heaved it 30 yards downfield.  :-D

QuotePlayback

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - It was the practice to attend if you love hitting and defense.

About halfway through yesterday's workout at Lehigh University, Eagles coach Andy Reid barked at the defense.

"You're going through the motions," he said after approaching the line of scrimmage.

"They caught two or three deep balls on us, and he was obviously trying to get us fired up," middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter said. "He's trying to help us, and we have to take stuff personally when we get beat."

Linebacker Matt McCoy nailed a running back on the next play. A few minutes later, the Eagles went into a goal-line drill with the first offense going against the second defense. The offense failed to score on three attempts from the 2-yard line.

Rookie linebacker Omar Gaither started the nonstop hits party with a picture-perfect tackle of Josh Parry that stopped the fullback dead in his tracks after he caught a pass at the 1.

Reno Mahe fumbled on the next play after being greeted by three or four white-shirted defenders. McCoy covered the ball. Linebacker Dedrick Roper, the only remaining healthy competition for Dhani Jones at strong-side linebacker, registered a touch sack of Donovan McNabb to end the drill.

Enter the first-team defense, which was equally as dominating.

On first down, safety Michael Lewis blitzed and batted a pass attempt by Jeff Garcia back into the quarterback's face. Correll Buckhalter went nowhere on the next play, and Reid spoke to his defense again.

"Nice job, D," the coach said. "Way to get off the ball."

Defensive end Juqua Thomas finished the drill by throwing Buckhalter for a loss as Lewis screamed that the offense was in an illegal formation. It wasn't enough for the defense to beat the offense: It also had to accuse the offense of cheating.

"That shows we're hungry," Trotter said. "Everybody is hungry. That was the main goal coming in here. Obviously we're embarrassed by last season and sometimes it takes a butt-kicking to get you back and going again. A lot of guys worked hard this off-season, and I think it's showing... .

"This year, our goal coming in was to be the No. 1 defense in the league... . You have to practice that intensity every day."

Catch of the day

Mahe, on a ball put up for grabs by McNabb, stepped back inside of safety Sean Considine to make a terrific catch.

Play of the day

McNabb made an incredible throw, and L.J. Smith made an even better catch in the end zone for a touchdown.

Quote of the day

Trotter on rookie defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley: "The guy is a bowling ball. He's 314 pounds of nothing but muscle."

QuoteLinebacker making noise as a rookie
Fifth-rounder Omar Gaither isn't shy about speaking up.

By Shannon Ryan
Inquirer Staff Writer

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Omar Gaither is not trying to keep himself a secret. And it's hard to imagine that he would be able to keep one.

The linebacker is one of the most vocal - and entertaining - players on the field at Eagles training camp at Lehigh, hardly abiding by a rookie code of silence.

Blend in? Keep quiet? Act like a wallflower?

Not Gaither.

"I think the whole stadium knows what defense we're playing because he calls it in the huddle so loudly," said defensive coordinator Jim Johnson.

Gaither, out of Tennessee, was the second-to-last player drafted in the fifth round, but he is as loud as the boisterous veteran linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.

"That's just the way I've always been," said Gaither, who is battling a knee injury. "I grew up that way. I think it's all about attitude. If you go out with an attitude and you're vocal, everybody knows it. The whole defense gets up."

Gaither has certainly been fired up lately.

In the preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, he recorded his first interception as an NFL player, diving for a deflected pass from Cleveland quarterback Lang Campbell.

He took about 35 defensive plays and 13 on special teams, according to Eagles special-teams coach John Harbaugh.

"That's a lot of reps for a young guy," Harbaugh said. "He's working through it, and he's doing a good job."

Gaither, who is 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, recorded 78 tackles and four sacks as a senior with the Vols.

While Johnson said Gaither has "a ways to go" in learning the defense, he has been impressed with the middle linebacker. Johnson also wants Gaither to learn the outside linebacker position, where he played in college.

"He's got a little bit of a knack of football sense," Johnson said. "He's making plays. He has to become a little bit more disciplined player in reading schemes and stuff like that, but I do like the way he plays."

Gaither said he needs to stay on his toes.

"I know me being a lower pick I have to work harder to stand out a little more," he said.

So far, it has been hard to ignore him.

At training camp yesterday, Gaither hardly left the field and was obviously never too winded. He made a huge tackle during goal-line-stand practice, when he stuffed fullback Josh Parry into the turf. Gaither also broke up an end-zone pass from Koy Detmer.

When Reno Mahe was stopped short of the end zone, Gaither was heard yelling, "No. No. No. He didn't get in."

"He's a good leader," Trotter said. "He gets the guys going and tries to get everyone in the right spot. Normally you don't see that from rookies... . He's definitely one of the bright spots as far as the rookies go. He's just going to continue to get better."

Gaither said his mouth at times has landed him in the doghouse, from grade school through college and now in pro football.

"It gets me in trouble all the time," Gaither said with a smile. "It gets me in trouble here sometimes... . My voice was low so it carried, and the teacher knew it was me. I'd go home and my mom would whip me and my dad would whip me. You live and you learn."

But he doesn't see himself muzzling it anytime soon.

"That's just the kind of person I am," he said. "I've been doing it this long, I don't know why I should change."

Linebacker Matt McCoy nailed a running back on the next play. A few minutes later, the Eagles went into a goal-line drill with the first offense going against the second defense. The offense failed to score on three attempts from the 2-yard line.

this doesnt happen regularly I hope

Quote from: reese125 on August 14, 2006, 08:52:30 AM
Linebacker Matt McCoy nailed a running back on the next play. A few minutes later, the Eagles went into a goal-line drill with the first offense going against the second defense. The offense failed to score on three attempts from the 2-yard line.

this doesnt happen regularly I hope

Don't worry.  Signing Stephen Davis will solve that problem.  :paranoid

dook had 12 td's in the first 10 games last season.  8)

If reno is your starting back, theyll get stopped every time.  Reno is a WR not a RB, he's great after the catch but cant do anything behind the O Line

Watching the live covg on PE.com...

Buck is the #2 HB and Moats the #3

Appears that Tapeh is finally running on the 1st team at FB too. They're only doing 7-7s now so we'll see whats up in live drills later.

4 WR sets were Brown, Baskett, Gaffney and McCants

NO GLEW  ;D  Tapeh impressed me thursday as a RB.  I really want him as the FB this year.

It appears that Bruce Perry has fallen out of favor.

Spads saying on the coverage that he has gotten almost no reps today despite being healthy. Reno, Buck, Moats and Johnson have seen time at RB - no Perry.

thats what happens when you fumble the ball multiple times. 

thats what happens when you fumble the ball multiple times. 

yep

and (shocker) cant stay healthy

But he's better than Moats!  that is incredibly accurate!

and Moats has a history of a fumbler too.  Hope he worked on that. 

Quote from: MURP on August 14, 2006, 10:23:31 AM
and Moats has a history of a fumbler too.  Hope he worked on that. 

That doesn't matter if he's behind Westbrook & Buckhalter on the depth chart.

He'll never see the field behind those two ironmen.

Reggie Brown has been alarmingly invisible so far in the preseason.  i know that mere mortals are going to be overshadowed in Hanksteria, but i would like to see a little more from the supposed #1 wide receiver

Quote from: SunMoTzu on August 14, 2006, 02:46:10 PM
Reggie Brown has been alarmingly invisible so far in the preseason.  i know that mere mortals are going to be overshadowed in Hanksteria, but i would like to see a little more from the supposed #1 wide receiver

He's saving his energy for the opening game grudge match against Houston.

haha, on NFL Network, the last game of the year, when they barely beat the Eagles' backups was called the best moment of 2006 for taterskins

Reggie Brown has been alarmingly invisible so far

i saw him at lehigh one time

you should've put a flashing light on his head so i could find him during a game

Like Greg Lewis, Andy knows what he has in Reggie.

No need for him to get work.

;)

From Spads "On the Inside" today:

QuoteGreat throw from Donovan McNabb to Reggie Brown for a touchdown on a slant in the morning. Brown was terrific on Monday and it may have been his best day of camp.

McNabb: This is a Super Bowl Team (http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNewsDetail.jsp?id=53360)

QuoteIt's August 14, but Donovan McNabb has seen enough.

He's willing to be intrepid and make an eyebrow-raising statement, the type of comment that causes listening reporters to race to their notebooks.

"This is a Super Bowl team," McNabb said.

He said it in a simple, matter-of-fact manner as if there's no possible objection.

Quote"It goes back again, to 2001, 2002, 2003, where it is guys that most people would talk bad about because they are not a number one guy, they are not a household name," McNabb said. "But, in this locker room, we feel confident in the guys that they can make plays for us. If it is Reggie (Brown) and Hank (Baskett) on the corners, if it's Jabar (Gaffney) and Hank, if it's Todd (Pinkston) and Reggie, no matter who it is on the outside, they are guys we feel confident in that can make plays for us."

McNabb's answer was about the receivers, the position most heavily scrutinized by the fans and media. The claim is that the Eagles lack a traditional No. 1 receiver, or at least one who's performed to a star-caliber

Quote"We are playing back to the way were back in 2003, 2, 4, just playing together. It is quite obvious that people understand what is going on around here. No one wants to give us credit yet. That's fine. When the season starts, then everyone will understand that this team is back at the top of the NFC."

Puff puff give.

Quote from: rjs246 on August 14, 2006, 10:04:28 PM
Puff puff give.

You are incorrect, sir. McNabb's sentiments closely align to what I would like to believe; therefore, must be true.

said like a mentally weak qb.

per wip......rod hood missed practice today with an "injured foot"

That avi is hilarious, IGY.

Quote from: SunMoTzu on August 14, 2006, 02:54:08 PM
you should've put a flashing light on his head so i could find him during a game

The Eagles have thrown the ball 12 times so far this preseason when Reggie has been in the game. Maybe that has something to do with it?

Andy Reid's running the ball too much.

lol

No way guys. Reggie is totally the next Chad Johnson. Totally.

Or Charles Johnson. I guess we'll find out.

Charles Johnson never could hit the curveball.

Quote from: rjs246 on August 15, 2006, 09:09:21 PM
No way guys. Reggie is totally the next Chad Johnson. Totally.

Or Charles Johnson. I guess we'll find out.

Or somewhere in between. :D

I am not too concerned with Reggie Brown in this preseason the first team offense hasn't exactly been on the field very much. 

At this rate of attrition, good.

QuoteEagles | Pinkston out for preseason game against Ravens
Wed, 16 Aug 2006 06:43:16 -0700

Chris McPherson, of PhiladelphiaEagles.com, reports Philadelphia Eagles WR Todd Pinkston (Achilles') will not play in the team's preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens Thursday, Aug. 17.

D-O-N-E

Pinkston's our version of TO minus the talent, muscles, flare etc....the list could go on forever.

"On the Inside" basically shuts the door on Pinkston (http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=53438)

QuoteThe Curious Case Of Pinkston's Injury Status

August 16, 2006

A day before, Todd Pinkston sounded like a man who was ready to play football. He said he was nearly 100 percent recovered from an Achilles tendon injury that sidelined him all of last season. He said that he would love the chance to play a full game, if possible.

As it turns out, all of that talk was premature. Pinkston was kidding himself.

He isn't ready.

Andy Reid confirmed that on Wednesday when the head coach announced Pinkston wouldn't play in Baltimore against the Ravens. And if you want to take Reid's words and make a bit of a "read on Reid," you could say the head man isn't all that thrilled that Pinkston is where he is in his rehab.

Reid could have backed off on his comments. He could have said Pinkston was coming along OK and that he was keeping him out of this game for cautionary reasons. Reid has said those things before.

He didn't take that approach this time.

Instead, Reid said he was "hoping to see more" and that "I just don't think he's far enough along."

Interesting.

.....

as much as a woman he was and is, last year proved that he served a role in this offense.  a role they missed last year.

They should have known that he wouldn't be able to come back and fill the role this year, though.  Hell, the only person on this board who actually thought it was a remote possibility was PG.

As soon as I saw him "running" when I went up to TC, I knew he was done for an absolute fact.

Get Lelie.

trade jabar for lelie... 8)

They should have known that he wouldn't be able to come back and fill the role this year, though.  Hell, the only person on this board who actually thought it was a remote possibility was PG.

yup


http://www.concretefield.com/forum/index.php?topic=18008.msg392286#msg392286

Quote from: FFatPatt on August 16, 2006, 12:27:02 PM
They should have known that he wouldn't be able to come back and fill the role this year, though.  Hell, the only person on this board who actually thought it was a remote possibility was PG.

As soon as I saw him "running" when I went up to TC, I knew he was done for an absolute fact.

Get Lelie.

Yeah... we need to make Lelie happen.  We all knew that anyway, but maybe now that Andy actually sees that Pinkston is done, that'll get him to get this trade done.

Why is Lelie the only answer at this point?

Lelie farging sucks.  He sucks to the point that the Eagles wouldn't trade their backup tight end for him.   :-D

He's not the answer unless the question is, "Which disgruntled Denver receiver is such a Hoyda that he refused to go into camp and fight for a starting job?"

Jesus...   :o

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on August 16, 2006, 12:55:47 PM
He sucks to the point that the Eagles wouldn't trade their backup tight end for him.   :-D

There is no truth to that rumor.

And you're retarded if you don't think Lelie could bring a much-needed dimension of speed to the Eagles' WR's.

they need a deep threat, if Lelie's the best available, well so be it.  but they need someone.

I'd take Stallworth also, but I want no parts of Jerry Porter.

i love stallworth

was reading today that theres a good chance roy williams gets cut...id def take a flyer on him

I'm pretty sure you mean Charles Rogers.  Otherwise, you're smoking crack.

the Lions' Roy Williams?

I'm pretty sure you mean Charles Rogers

i did

that's a big farg up cuz...

i got a half-chub just thinking about Roy Williams on the eagles.

if it were roy williams there would be minimum 10 other teams that would get him before the eagles....the eagles dont get into bidding wars for players

Avant went to UM and Rogers went to MSU, so Avant is better.

Quote from: ice grillin you on August 16, 2006, 02:16:29 PM
if it were roy williams there would be minimum 10 other teams that would get him before the eagles....the eagles dont get into bidding wars for players

Wrong.  They get into them but only to a certain extent.

See Javon Walker.

Wrong.  They get into them but only to a certain extent.

See Javon Walker.


how about the eagles dont WIN bidding wars

Quote from: ice grillin you on August 16, 2006, 02:50:18 PM
Wrong.  They get into them but only to a certain extent.

See Javon Walker.


how about the eagles dont WIN bidding wars

Bingo.

arent they one in the same tho?

Quote from: ice grillin you on August 16, 2006, 02:50:18 PM
Wrong.  They get into them but only to a certain extent.

See Javon Walker.


how about the eagles dont WIN bidding wars

Now that I'll agree with.

Same end result.

There are no bidding wars in the NFL. Everyone always talks about it that way, but you act like if the Eagles say, okay we'll over a 4th and rayburn, then the Bears would come out and offer a 3rd.

Teams offer what they are going to offer and that's that. Sure, teams eventually up their offers, but that's not because of a bidding war, it's just the process of the negotiations between the teams.

Quote from: Bunkley78 on August 16, 2006, 03:56:40 PM
There are no bidding wars in the NFL. Everyone always talks about it that way, but you act like if the Eagles say, okay we'll over a 4th and rayburn, then the Bears would come out and offer a 3rd.

Teams offer what they are going to offer and that's that. Sure, teams eventually up their offers, but that's not because of a bidding war, it's just the process of the negotiations between the teams.

(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h112/dvsvision/retard.jpg)

Yea I am sure teams would not try to use multiple teams offering trades for the same player to their advantage.

that is incredibly accurate

that kid is truly the dumbest person on the internet

the
bears
eagles
lions
dolphins
vikings
are all BIDDING for the services of ashley lelie

ever hear anything like that before

It's not a bidding war though, and there are very few bidding wars in the NFL.

What happens in the NFL is, teams start off by offering small. Then when the teams reject those offers, they raise them up a bit. Ultimately, they offer what they are going to offer, and they won't up their offer significantly if at all, based on what another team offers.

When was the last time you saw two teams go back and forth fighting over a player in the NFL?

It happens plenty.  You don't "see" it because you're not an NFL front office exec.

This is funny.

Quote from: FFatPatt on August 16, 2006, 04:12:55 PM
It happens plenty.  You don't "see" it because you're not an NFL front office exec.

I'm sure the Eagles have upped their offers as well then based on another team, but not significantly.

When people say the Eagles don't win bidding wars on here, it comes off to me as you meaning the Bears offer a 3rd and the Eagles would decline to offer a 2nd to get Lelie. That is a bidding war. When teams constantly up their offers based on another team.

I don't think one team in the NFL would get into a bidding war over a player like Lelie. Simply because no one would overpay for a player like him. Especially with him being on his last contract year. So the Eagles aren't alone in that boat. If the Eagles offer a 3rd, then he goes to the Eagles. You aren't going to see the Bears come out and offer a 2nd for him.

maybe you think bidding wars and their existence, real or perceived, is funny.  but i don't think war of any sort is funny.

midget war is funny

well, ok, you got me there

Quote from: Bunkley78 on August 16, 2006, 04:19:37 PM
I don't think one team in the NFL would get into a bidding war over a player like Lelie. Simply because no one would overpay for a player like him.

someone will most definitely overpay for him.  that's how you get the the player you want.

Quote from: Lil' Miss SunMo on August 16, 2006, 04:20:51 PM
well, ok, you got me there

your new name makes me horny.

mission accomplished

It makes me either horny, or hungry.  Either way, my dogs are in a lot of trouble when I get home.


I stole the above joke from Sun, who probably stole it from somewhere else anyway.

joke theif!

Quote from: phattymatty on August 16, 2006, 04:36:07 PM

Quote from: Bunkley78 on August 16, 2006, 04:19:37 PM
I don't think one team in the NFL would get into a bidding war over a player like Lelie. Simply because no one would overpay for a player like him.

someone will most definitely overpay for him.  that's how you get the the player you want.

What do you consider overpaying? To me it's offering a second rounder. No one is going to offer that.

believe it or not, the random number that you pick does not make it true.  see, several teams want lelie, therefore they will try to offer more than they originally wanted to, just so they can get him over other teams.

overpaying means paying more than you want to.

Overpaying is paying more than he's worth on the market.

Tell me what you'd consider overpaying then? If the Eagles only want to give up a 7th rounder and decide to give up a 6th, then that is overpaying with your logic.

Other teams want Lelie, so they'd have to offer more than the market value so other teams won't match their offer.

This argument would take the erection away from a porn star fresh off vacation on a pound of Cialis.

Shut up.

They make male porn stars? Gross.

Plenty of work left to do for Eagles (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/football/15282361.htm)

QuoteThe Birds are packing up and leaving training camp at Lehigh.

By Bob Brookover
Inquirer Staff Writer

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Longer, less controversial and more optimistic.

That's the best way to describe the Eagles' monthlong portion of their training camp at Lehigh University compared to the chaos and controversy they endured a year ago.

It officially ends today with a brief walk-through practice in preparation for tomorrow night's game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. The last public workouts were yesterday, and all those moving trucks on the Goodman Campus were visible proof that this camp is indeed finally ending.

"The things I like about the Lehigh camp are that you get away from the city and you develop a little camaraderie," Eagles coach Andy Reid said after an abbreviated morning practice. "Those are things that can be hard to accomplish if you're in your own complex. This is where you build the foundation of the team, and then you take it back and you get into a normal schedule."

Despite quarterback Donovan McNabb's recent Super Bowl prediction, the future remains unknown for the Eagles. The only thing that can be predicted with any certainty is that there won't be an airplane with a message for a certain wide receiver circling the practice field when the Eagles reconvene Saturday at the NovaCare Complex.

The traveling circus no longer accompanies the Eagles from town to town.

"Obviously, last year felt different [leaving camp]," safety Brian Dawkins said. "You can throw that one out. But every other year besides that one felt the same as I'm feeling right now. We have a chance to do something and take ourselves deep into the playoffs and, hopefully, win out. We take one game at a time, and that approach is always the key to success, but that's the big picture we're thinking about."

With that in mind, here is a look back at some of the events that transpired during the Eagles' four-week stay at Lehigh and some of the questions that still lie ahead before the Sept. 10 season opener against the Houston Texans.

Biggest surprise. It had to be Hank Baskett. He went from an obscure, undrafted rookie out of the University of New Mexico to a fan favorite, thanks to his imposing size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) and playmaking ability.

"I've definitely had a lot of fun," Baskett said. "Even that hot week that might have been the hottest week of my life, I still had some fun."

Baskett's best qualities may be his intelligence and humility, two things some recent Eagles wide receivers had little of.

"I've been fortunate that some people have pulled me aside and just helped me remain humble," Baskett said. "That's the biggest thing. You have to remain humble. The only way you guys are still going to want to talk to me or the fans are going to keep chanting for me is if I keep making plays, so I have to keep performing day in and day out."

Biggest controversy. It took first-round draft pick Brodrick Bunkley 16 days to agree to his first NFL contract and 19 days before he joined his teammates at practice. The big, impressive defensive tackle was fortunate to miss the most sweltering days of camp, but he's still making up for lost time.

Negotiations between the Eagles and Bunkley's agent, Gary Wichard, became contentious at times. Also, there is some recent history indicating that players who miss time in training camp struggle for success during their rookie seasons.

Of course, comparing the Bunkley controversy and the ones the Eagles found themselves involved in last year is like comparing the nightlife in Ames, Iowa, to that of New York City.

Biggest concern. Brian Westbrook looked impressive in the Eagles' preseason opener against the Oakland Raiders, carrying six times for 32 yards and a touchdown. Two days later, the team revealed that he had suffered a sprained left foot during the only drive of the evening for the first-team offense.

Westbrook has not practiced since, and it appears as if he's not going to play in any of the three remaining preseason games.

Perhaps it's no big deal. Westbrook sat out the final two games of the 2004 season and still performed well during the postseason. Last preseason, he carried the ball just 12 times in exhibition games.

Nevertheless, Westbrook's value to this team is every bit as great as McNabb's, especially when there is not another established back behind him other than the oft-injured Correll Buckhalter.

Biggest questions. With three preseason games left, the Eagles still have some unsettled issues.

Will receiver Todd Pinkston, who has not played in a game since Super Bowl XXXIX, be ready for the season opener?

Will Baskett be a starter if Pinkston isn't ready?

Will the Eagles make a deal for disgruntled Denver receiver Ashley Lelie?

Will Buckhalter and J.R. Reed be successful in their comeback bids from major injuries?

Will Darwin Walker and Jerome McDougle be back from rib injuries in time for the opener?

Will all these positive vibes translate into a successful season?

"The chemistry is where it needs to be going into the season," Dawkins said. "Everybody is thinking about the same goals. That's the atmosphere... that training camp is supposed to be about."

To see more photos of Fan Appreciation Day at Eagles training camp, go to http://go.philly.com/photos

Quote from: EagleFeva on August 16, 2006, 10:47:13 PM
Baskett's best qualities may be his intelligence and humility, two things some recent Eagles wide receivers had little of.

I like the effort to go that extra mile and get a dig in at TO, not only for being a pompous self-serving dickhole, but also for being as dumb as a post. Well done.

for all the optimism i have going into the season these injuries worry me a lot. westbrook, walker, and mcdougle better be ready for week1.

Quote from: Magical_Retard on August 16, 2006, 11:36:54 PM
for all the optimism i have going into the season these injuries worry me a lot. westbrook, walker, and mcdougle better be ready for week1.

Westbrook's ankle sprain worries me, hopefully it is only minor, but from my own experience I know how nagging those things can be.  I had a fairly severe ankle sprain in Mid-March, I am by no means a world-class athlete, but I am in pretty good shape and my ankle still bothers me. 

Worrying is for Hoydas.

westbrook, walker, and mcdougle better be ready for week1

one of these things is not like the others....

Yes, one is absolutely vital to the success of the team and the others are not.

One of them may not even remember what a field looks like.

He remembers what a gun looks like, though.  Zing!

already posted

One guy doesn't have a crack in his ribs.

Greg Richmond and Adrien Clarke both had surgery and are headed to IR.

Les Bowen's stab at predicting the roster.

QuoteLes Bowen | My 53

TWO PRESEASON games left. Who needs 'em?

With nearly 3 weeks left before the season opener in Houston, and 8 days remaining before the first cuts of training camp, it really isn't that hard to pencil in the Eagles' final roster. I have my 53 right now, with a couple of tiny equivocations - I'm still not sure whether Josh Parry or Thomas Tapeh is the fullback, and I don't know whether injury-comeback hopefuls

J.R. Reed and Correll Buckhalter have shown everything they need to show to reclaim their spots; Buckhalter's situation could be affected by Stephen Davis' visit with the Eagles today. I think most of the other choices are pretty clear, even as the Birds prepare for today's first Nova

Care practice of the preseason.

I'm carrying six wide receivers, eight offensive linemen, seven linebackers, four corners, and five safeties, if Reed makes the team. I have 10 defensive linemen - five tackles and five ends - three quarterbacks, three tight ends and four running backs, along with a fullback, a kicker and a punter, of course.

Here's the breakdown:

Wide receivers

Todd Pinkston, Reggie Brown, Hank Baskett, Darnerien

McCants,

Jason Avant and Jabar Gaffney.

Before last week, Gaffney's spot seemed in

jeopardy, but he looks less lost in the

Eagles' offense now, and unless the team adds somebody else, I'm guessing he makes it. I have to figure Greg Lewis is gone.

We've seen his upside, and it wasn't very "up." Yes, fourth-round rookie Avant could be shelved on the practice squad, but remember, practice-squad players go through waivers and then remain eligible to be signed by other teams; somebody would take him.

Offensive line

William Thomas, Todd Herremans, Jamaal Jackson, Shawn Andrews, Jon Runyan, Hank

Fraley, Winston Justice and Max Jean-Gilles.

Yes, undrafted rookies Pat

McCoy and Nick Cole have done well for themselves in camp, but they are what the practice squad is for. Scott Young could make a late charge, but I think he's likely headed for the practice squad again.

I'm assuming back surgery means injured reserve for Adrien Clarke, who would have made the team. Calvin Armstrong, last year's sixth-rounder, just seems to be too much of a project.

Early in camp, Thomas' in-and-out status might have mandated a ninth o-liner on the roster just in case, but he seems fine for now.

Linebackers

Jeremiah Trotter, Matt

McCoy, Dhani Jones, Shawn

Barber, Mark Simoneau, third-round rookie Chris Gocong

(assuming he's healthy) and

fifth-round rookie Omar Gaither.

Special-teams ace Jason Short, moved from linebacker to defensive end this year, just doesn't seem to fit into the picture. As special-teams coordinator John Harbaugh well knows, you have to have a position to make the Eagles.

Gocong and Gaither probably close the door on Dedrick Roper, who also played well on special teams last season.

Secondary

The corners are Lito Sheppard, Sheldon Brown, Rod Hood and probably Donald Strickland, if he's healthy. Ex-49er Joselio Hanson made a nice run, but something has to happen above him for Hanson to make the team. Hood's foot injury doesn't seem serious.

The safeties are Brian Dawkins, Mike Lewis, Sean Considine, Quintin Mikell and J.R. Reed. Matt Ware, a third-round pick

2 years ago who moved from corner to safety this year, probably needs for Reed's comeback from peroneal nerve damage to stall; otherwise, there wouldn't seem to be a spot for Ware.

Defensive line

The tackles are Darwin Walker, Mike Patterson, Brodrick Bunkley, Sam Rayburn and sixth-round rookie LaJuan Ramsey. In order for the Birds to keep 33-year-old Ed Jasper, signed in the offseason, they'd have to gamble on getting Ramsey onto the practice squad and being able to keep him there. That might be a tough gamble, in a league that covets promising d-tackles. If the Eagles were going to trade a player in order to bring in, say, a wideout, this would be a place to look for someone to trade. Rayburn probably has decent value, which would let you keep Jasper. There's no obvious spot for 2005 seventh-rounder Keyonta Marshall.

The defensive ends are Jevon Kearse, Darren Howard, Trent Cole, Juqua Thomas and Jerome McDougle, assuming McDougle comes back from broken ribs. Each one of these guys has had a good camp.

Tight end

L.J. Smith, Matt Schobel and Mike Bartrum.

Schobel's arrival means no spot for last year's backup, Steve Spach.

Fullback

Thomas Tapeh.

I might be inclined to take Tapeh over Parry at fullback,

betting on Tapeh's potential and the option he offers as a running back, but there's no question

Parry has a better grasp of the offense.

Running backs

The running backs are Brian Westbrook, Ryan Moats, Reno Mahe and Correll Buckhalter if Buckhalter's knee is ready, Bruce Perry if it isn't. Both

Perry and Moats looked good in minicamps but have raised significant alarms in the preseason. As much as the Eagles get tired of hearing it, they really do need another back they can count on. Maybe that's why Davis is here, at age 32, having been released by Carolina. He would probably take the Buckhalter-Perry spot.

Even before the news broke about Davis, I didn't think Buckhalter's presence on the Opening Day roster was a given. Yes, he rambled 48 yards with a shovel-screen Thursday in Baltimore. But he still needs to show he can make that hard, sharp cut. The Eagles have taken it so slowly with him, it's hard to believe they really expect Buckhalter

to contribute this season, after missing 3 of the previous 4 years with knee injuries.

Quarterbacks

Donovan McNabb, Jeff Garcia and Koy Detmer.

If it was my choice, Detmer would be designated the third QB and punter Dirk Johnson would hold for kicker David Akers, because Detmer just isn't a decent QB alternative now, even for a series or two. But Akers probably will get his way, Detmer will hold, and he'll have to go into any game in which McNabb gets hurt. Then, when Garcia comes in, McNabb will be ineligible to play for the rest of the day. That's a lot of trouble to go through, when Johnson is perfectly capable of holding. And no, Timmy Chang isn't going to supplant Detmer as the third QB - he barely got any reps in training camp. He, too, could be what the practice squad is for, unless a

better "project" QB gets cut

elsewhere.

Overall

That's the roster - deeper along the defensive line than last season's version, bigger on the o-line, healthier so far at quarterback, less impressive at wide

receiver, still Trotter and a bunch of question marks at

linebacker. Figuring it out was pretty easy. Figuring out how it will fare in December seems much tougher.

i dont know how pinky makes the active roster

seriously.  6 WRs?  i don't see it.

and if jason short gets cut i may hurt someone.

seriously no way Stinky makes the 53, better off keeping Lewis or taking someone from the cuts comes Sept 2.

If they keep all of the following, I will throw heavy objects:

• Mahe
• Buckhalter
• Pinkston
• Detmer
• Ware

Quote from: PhillyPhaninDC on August 21, 2006, 09:31:53 AM
If they keep all of the following, I will throw heavy objects:

• Ware

???

yeah...i don't mind ware.
and i think mahe is a lock at this point...bringing in someone like davis likely means the end of the line for perry or buck, imo.

Quote from: PhillyGirl on August 21, 2006, 09:36:46 AM
???

I included Ware because he, once in a blue moon, makes a play. His good points are far outwieghed by his screw ups. With Reed back, Ware should move on.

I think Perry is going to be the odd man out, not Buck (as long as buck doesn't go down with injury in the preseason).

Perry, with his fumbles and injuries, will be out, imo.

Quote from: PhillyGirl on August 21, 2006, 09:51:27 AM
I think Perry is going to be the odd man out, not Buck (as long as buck doesn't go down with injury in the preseason).

Perry, with his fumbles and injuries, will be out, imo.

I would actually like to keep Perry over C Buck, but it's close. Perry looks pretty good returning punts and kicks, but those fumbles are murder. Buck, as much I like the guy, is a ticking time bomb. To me, putting him on the roster signifies that he is a necessary part of the team, and will be leaned on a bit (especially with the role he would fill), and it seems like a big gamble with his health history. What happens if they keep him and half way through the season he's goes down again?

If you think Bowen's was bad... Eckel slops a bunch of crap together. (http://www.nj.com/columns/times/eckel/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/1156046704193020.xml&coll=5)

It's like a "Highlights" magazine where you have to find all the things that are wrong.  His editor should be stabbed.

QuoteWho's in and who's out for Eagles

Sunday, August 20, 2006
BY MARK ECKEL
NFL

Not since Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb's rookie season of 1999 has there been as much uncertainty concerning the Eagles' roster, and maybe not even then.

As Reid and McNabb enter their eighth year together, there are several difficult choices the coach has to make about which 53 players he will take into the regular season.

Count on at least one "name" veteran to be cut on both sides of the ball, and probably more than that.

Besides those decisions, Reid also will have to weigh if it's worth keeping an extra offensive lineman or an extra defensive linemen, or maybe one of each and go light at wide receiver or running back.

First cuts come a week from tomorrow; the final ones are due the weekend before the season opener.

Here is our annual early look at who's going to stay, who's going to go, and who is on that bubble. The number in parenthesis is the likely number the team will keep.


QUARTERBACK (2-3)


Locks: Donovan McNabb, Jeff Garcia

On the Bubble: Koy Detmer

Longshot: Timmy Chang

Overview: Reid could take a gamble and save a roster spot by keeping only two quarterbacks. It would allow him to keep a position player somewhere else, and face it, if both quarterbacks go down, the season is over anyway, unless they can swing a deal for A.J. Feeley.


RUNNING BACKS (5)


Locks: Brian Westbrook, Ryan Moats

Good Bet: Reno Mahe

On the Bubble: Correll Buckhalter, Bruce Perry, Thomas Tapeh, Josh Parry

Longshots: Josh Davis, Marty Johnson

Overview: Perry obviously hurt himself in the Raiders game with three fumbles and then a concussion that kept him out of the Cleveland game. I might be the last person left who thinks he can still play, but I don't get to pick the roster. Buckhalter has to show he can make it to September. Tapeh trails Parry for the fullback job, but can make up ground over the final few weeks. Davis could go on the practice squad.


WIDE RECEIVERS (5-6)


Locks: Reggie Brown, Hank Baskett, Jason Avant

Good Bets: Darnerien McCants, Greg Lewis

On the Bubble: Todd Pinkston, Jabar Gaffney, Jeremy Bloom

Longshots: Bill Sampy, Justin Jenkins, Carl Ford, Michael Gasperson, Jermaine Jamison, J.J. Outlaw

Overview: Pinkston's health could force Reid to keep six, if he feels Pinkston will be ready some time during the season. Bloom could be in the same mix, or the team could just put him on injured reserve for the year. Gaffney has a lot of catching up to do, and McCants and Lewis both get the edge on special teams. One or two of the longshots could make it to the practice squad.


TIGHT END (3)


Locks: L.J. Smith, Matt Schobel, Mike Bartrum

Longshots: Andy Thorn, Steve Spach

Overview: As Buddy Ryan once said, his wife could make these cuts.


OFFENSIVE LINE (9-10)


Locks: Jon Runyan, William Thomas, Shawn Andrews, Todd Herremans, Jamaal Jackson, Winston Justice, Max Jean-Giles

Good Bet: Hank Fraley

On the Bubble: Scott Young, Adrien Clarke, Calvin Armstrong

Longshots: Pat McCoy, Nick Cole, Trey Darilek, Stefan Rodgers

Overview: Fraley still could be traded, but only if two things happen: Someone proves they are a capable backup center and the team gets a great offer. Realistically, Young, Clarke and Armstrong, three second-day draft picks who have all been injured, are fighting for one or two spots. McCoy and Cole both are practice-squad eligible.


DEFENSIVE LINE (9-10)


Locks: Jevon Kearse, Darren Howard, Trent Cole, Mike Patterson, Brodrick Bunkley, Darwin Walker

Good Bet: Sam Rayburn

On the Bubble: Jerome McDougle, Juqua Thomas, Ed Jasper, DeJuan Ramsey

Longshots: Derek Lee, Keyontta Marshall

Overview: It wouldn't be shocking if the team kept Jasper and Ramsey over Rayburn, but don't bet on it. What Reid must decide is whether to keep the rookie Ramsey or the veteran Jasper as a fifth tackle, or to even keep a fifth tackle. Can they keep an unhealthy McDougle around another year over a somewhat productive Thomas?


LINEBACKERS (7)


Locks: Jeremiah Trotter, Matt McCoy, Shawn Barber, Chris Gocong

Good Bets: Dhani Jones, Mark Simoneau, Omar Gaither

Longshots: Greg Richmond, Dedrick Roper, Jason Short

Overview: Richmond's back injury cost him a chance for a job, and maybe even a starting spot. Gocong isn't ready, but he is a lock as a third-round pick. Short and Roper need an injury to steal a spot.


DEFENSIVE BACKS (9)


Locks: Sheldon Brown, Lito Sheppard, Brian Dawkins, Mike Lewis, Rod Hood, Sean Considine

Good Bet: J.R. Reed

On the Bubble: Rod Strickland, Matt Ware, Quintin Mikell, Joselio Hanson

Longshots: Dexter Wynn, Matt Clark, Brandon Pinderhughes

Overview: The big decision may be whether to keep five corners or five safeties. And does the fact that Matt Ware can play both give him an edge? It's hard to believe the team would cut Mikell, who would be claimed in a heartbeat for his special teams prowess alone. Jim Johnson likes Hanson, and he would be the league's first Joselio if he made it.


KICKERS (2)


Locks: David Akers, Dirk Johnson

Longshot: E.J. Cochrane

Overview: Cochrane, from Pennsbury High, can kick and may make it somewhere as at least a kickoff specialist. Was punter Reggie Hodges really at camp? I must have missed him.


QUOTE OF THE WEEK


"This is a Super Bowl team. And it goes back again to 2001, 2002, 2003, where we had guys who most people would talk bad about being they're not a No. 1 guy, or a household name. ...We need to play well together and I think we're doing that. The sky is the limit for us." -- Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.

 :-D Wasnt Rod Strickland a PG for the Bullets/Wizards?

(http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/0327.jpg)

Sal Pal interview with Five Fo (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=paolantonio_sal&id=2554660&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos1)

QuoteBeginning with Donovan McNabb. Before training camp opened, Trotter, who many thought was too close to Owens last year, went to McNabb. He didn't apologize. He challenged him to be the old Donovan.

"I just told him, 'Listen, you the man, now go out and be the man, and have fun doing it,' " said Trotter, who made his fourth Pro Bowl last year. "I said, 'I need to see you cracking jokes.' I remember the first preseason game, I walked up to him before the game and I said, 'Listen, I need to see you out there cracking jokes, smilin', havin' fun, because when you're doing that, you're at your best.' "

Like any good therapist, Trotter adjusts his mind games depending on the client. When he takes the field with his defense, Trotter drops the nice guy act.

"I'm playing good cop and bad cop right now," he said.

"Andy set the tone in minicamp: It's his way or the highway," Trotter said.

QuoteLast season, for the first time in the Andy Reid era, the Eagles' defense -- which had few injuries -- seriously underperformed, finishing 27th in the league in points allowed. In 2004, when they went to the Super Bowl, the Eagles finished second in that category.

"I was embarrassed," said Trotter. "We all were. And if you weren't, I don't want you out here."

Trotter has spent the summer trying to get that point across. From day one at training camp, he has been extremely vocal -- bringing a tone of intensity and impatience.

During a practice on the first day of full contact, rookie linebacker Omar Gaither was standing next to several offensive rookies on the sideline. Trotter screamed at Gaither:

"Get over here with us!" Gaither sheepishly did what he was told.

QuoteThe Cleveland Browns were at Lincoln Financial Field for the second preseason game and during back-to-back plays, two defensive stars were shaken up -- first cornerback Lito Sheppard, then defensive end Jevon Kearse. In both cases, Trotter offered no condolences, just the unmistakable look of a man unwilling to accept a moment of weakness.

Asked about those moments, Trotter didn't deny what happened.

"I understand that getting injured is about 80 percent mental," said Trotter, who had two enormous ice bags taped to his surgically repaired knees. "And sometimes you got to suck it up. Guys are going to have to play hurt -- every day. We've done a great job of practicing banged up. And that's what it's going to take to get through the season.

"We've set out to be No. 1 defense in the league," he added. "And in order to be that No. 1 defense, you have to have guys out there everyday in practice like you're the No. 1 team."

One of Trotter's teammates said privately that because Trotter played such a strong role last year trying to make peace between McNabb and Owens -- Reid recognized Trotter's role by often listening to him and letting him in on the details of the rift between the organization and the petulant wide receiver -- it was only Trotter who could rightfully attempt to set things right this year. Only Trotter could set the pace. And in the Reid era, the defense has allowed McNabb to flourish -- not the other way around.

"I'm just trying to set a tempo," said Trotter. "Playing defense is a mentality. Getting to the ball. I want guys to practice like we're the No. 1 defense. You've got to get on guys. Don't let them get away with nothing. Don't have any letdowns.

Quote"I said it in the first preseason game in Canton, in the locker room before the game -- I said, 'this is not a preseason game for us. This is regular season. Our season starts now.' "

Quotetried to repair two catastrophic mistakes made by management last season: allowing defensive tackle Corey Simon to marinate at home in a contract dispute and then releasing him; and deciding that defensive end Derrick Burgess was not worth a heavy financial investment.

Quote"Oh, man, we got some bodies, some rotation in front of me," he said. "I'm ready to have an MVP season."

MVP, he was asked, of what?

"The league, the National Football League," he said. "Last year people said it was my best year ever. Well, guess what? We didn't win a lot of games. This year, we're going to win a lot of games and I'm going to make a major impact."

Unlike G_F, I have been able to learn not to hate Trotter; however, the guy is still a dumbass.

how could you hate trotter

It's not so much hate.  But the guy is dumb as a rock.

he gets paid to tackle people...who cares if he sucks at trivial pursuit? 

I'd like to see 54 on Jeopardy.

Quote from: EagleFeva on August 21, 2006, 12:10:37 PMIt's like a "Highlights" magazine where you have to find all the things that are wrong.

ha

Goofus hits it hardcore without jimmy hats.
Gallant always remembers to wrap that ish.

Quote from: sallad selgae on August 22, 2006, 10:52:50 AM
I'd like to see 54 on Jeopardy.

It would be like the celebrity Jeopardy parodies on SNL, but worse.

Quote from: FFatPatt on August 22, 2006, 11:18:56 AM

It would be like the celebrity Jeopardy parodies on SNL, but worse.

[Connery] Alex I'll take Anal-bum covers for $300 [Connery/]

"This type of cutting utensil is used to make intricate designs in fruit."

"uh....what is an axe?"

Quote from: BigEd76 on August 22, 2006, 11:39:31 AM
"This type of cutting utensil is used to make intricate designs in fruit."

"uh....what is an axe?"

^^^  :-D

QuoteHe is the current U.S. President.....his first name is Bill. His last name is Clinton. His name is Bill Clinton. Some one say "Who is Bill Clinton?" For the love of God, someone say Bill Clinton!

I'll take the rapists for twenty.

QuoteTrebek: You wrote down BUCK... and you wagered FUTTER. I don't get it...
Sean: Oh I think you do Trebek, I think you do indeed. BUCK FUTTER!!

BUCK HALTER!

"I'll take SWORDS for a thousand Alex." 
"Mr. Connory, its S Words"

I take it training camp is over, then.

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on August 22, 2006, 12:20:12 PM
"I'll take SWORDS for a thousand Alex."
"Mr. Connory, its S Words"

What about the Sabre? That starts with a bloody S.

Quote from: General_Failure on August 22, 2006, 12:21:10 PM
I take it training camp is over, then.

That it is, sir.  Buckhalter's going to have a career year, though.

Yep...he's going to blow out THREE knees this year.  All without being touched.  Dude's amazing.

Quote from: Zanshin on August 22, 2006, 12:25:18 PM
Yep...he's going to blow out THREE knees this year.

Both of his, and Aaron Rowand's?

Just check out the signature.  :-D

"Sabre!"
"Mr. Connery, we're not doing swords!"
"It started with an S!"

Trebek: Let's see what you answered....Oh my god, are we recording this? The question was where are you right now, and you wrote indoors. You are correct. Let's see what you wagered........I heart boobs. Lovely.

A quickie from Sheldon Brown courtesy of PE.Com...

QuoteBrown Blog: Face Time With Fans


August 23, 2006

Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown, and all the team's players and members of the front office, are part of Sunday's 12th Annual Eagles Carnival And Auction at Lincoln Financial Field from 3-8 p.m. Brown is part of the "Face Time" feature, as well as the Eagles Fly Wheels session. He talks about about that in his Brown's Blog ...

"Sunday is a special day for me and for the entire organization. We know that we are priviledged to play this game, and we know that the fans play an instrumental part in our success.

Check out cars like this and more at the Eagles Carnival on Sunday
So we want to give back to the fans, and the Eagles Carnival and Auction is a great way to meet the people that support the team. I'm taking part in a couple of the activities that I would like to talk about here.

"One is called 'Face Time,' and I'm going to be part of a question-and-answer session from the fans. I'll be there for you, for whatever questions you might have about the team and about life in the NFL. I urge all the fans to come out to the Carnival and meet me and talk about the Eagles.

"It's always so much fun to meet fans, because you are so passionate about the team. Everywhere I go I see and meet fans and they always want to know what's going on. They want to know how we're going to do this season.

"So 'Face Time' is the perfect situation where I can meet the fans and talk about what we're going to do. I'm looking forward to it. I think it's going to be a lot of fun, and I'm sure I will get a good indication of what you are thinking about as we prepare for the year.

"The other activity is Eagles Fly Wheels, where fans can check out some of the vehicles we drive. Let's face it: We have an opportunity to spend some money on toys. I'm a pretty modest guy, but I like to get around in style, so I've donated a truck and a motorcycle to the exhibit of vehicles. There are going to be some serious cars there -- wait until you see Jevon Kearse's ride! It's incredible.

"I know we all want to talk about football. Our goal is to win the Super Bowl. That is what we're here for. But we also have an obligation to the fans and to the kids out there. That is what this Carnival day is all about. I hope to see you there."

On Friday Night's Game

"I'm really pleased with how the defense is playing. We gave up some yards against Baltimore, but the important thing is that we allowed just three points.

"It was good to see that kind of competition. We know we have things to work on. There were some mistakes made out there, things that we can correct.

"We'll get that done. The important thing at this stage is getting up to game speed, and I think we're there. We are all communicating well and we are on the same page. I'm excited about it.

"Pittsburgh will be another great test. The Steelers are the Super Bowl champions and they have a diverse offense. They like to play power football, but they also have some outstanding receivers. I think Hines Ward is a great player, although I'm sure he is going to play.

"This is the fourth game of the preseason. We're going to be ready to play a sharp game and make some good things happen."

The game against Pittsburgh is perfect for the last game where starters are likely to play significant time, this should be at least a half decent barometer to see where the Eagles starters are.  I realize they don't run all of their schemes but this hopefully show how physical they can or can't be.