TO pissed off the Eagles fans again

[jeffreyjpa]

It's a non-story, IMO. I think I've almost been converted over to the "I don't care as long as he catches 80 passes for 15 TDs" camp with TO, based on the silliness of the media coverage since camp opened.

It almost seems that the media is getting a little bit of revenge with this story, like "see fans, he doesn't want to talk with you, either...it's not just the media." I'm growing weary of the daily soap opera the media is desperately trying to maintain.

[rjs246]

Out of curiosity, do you all really think that TO will catch 15 TDs this year? I definitely do not.

[T_Section224]

no, but it doesn't mean i wouldn't like him to.

[PhillyGirl]

Out of curiosity, do you all really think that TO will catch 15 TDs this year? I definitely do not.

out of curiosity...why not?

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Most of the "snubbed" fans were money-grubbing adults, looking to make a buck with some signed memorabilia.  Frankly, I don't give a shtein if players don't show up for the autograph sessions.

[rjs246]

out of curiosity...why not?

In 9 full seasons, he's averaged 1100 yards and 11 TDs. He's had over 10 TDs 5 times. Those are the kind of numbers I expect from him this year, coming off of an injury, in an offense that spreads the ball around. And I would be thrilled with those numbers. He's capable of monster years like last year, but to expect that as the norm is a little overly optimistic.

[Larry]

Plus, I think TO's gonna see a lot more double teams this season.  I hope he can stomach the role of decoy. 

[MURP]

Plus, I think TO's gonna see a lot more double teams this season. I hope he can stomach the role of decoy.

right, cause all of the best players in the NFL just act as decoys. 

[rjs246]

Larry's point is still valid though. He will receive extra attention after his huge year last season, opening others up for more opportunities. AR would be an idiot not to try to take advantage of that. I think its only natural that TO's number will go down this year. It's not like he won't still be a star or one of the best in the league, I would just be surprised if he surpassed his TD total from last year.

[jeffreyjpa]

If he stays healthy and the Eagles don't have NFC HFA wrapped up by Thanksgiving again, I don't see why not. To look at his stats another way, he's had at least 13 TDs in five of his nine NFL seasons, so I think it's possible if he starts 16 games.

You make a good point about spreading the ball around, though. If Buck stays healthy, if Greg Lewis is able to convert a higher percentage of Pinky's catchs into TDs this season, etc., then it could reduce the Eagles' reliance on TO to score. Some of it will also depend on the production the Eagles get out of the TEs without Chad Lewis this season.

RE: Larry's point, it has some validity...but, wasn't he receiving double-coverages and defenses designed to neutralize him in the passing game last year? It's not like he snuck up on anyone last year, Defensive Coordinators were well aware of who Terrell Owens was before he became an Eagle. I can't believe that the loss of Pinky will do much to change the coverages TO receives in 2005.

[MURP]

Larry's point is still valid though.

in what way?  TO has been double teamed for years, including last season. 

[rjs246]

Larry's point is still valid though.

in what way?  TO has been double teamed for years, including last season. 

Of course. And I don't think he actually meant that TO will used as a decoy. But the natural thing to do as a coach is to take advantage of teams' focus on TO to open things up for the other guys. It'd be great if he can average a TD a game again this year, but I wouldn't count on it.

[MURP]

I dont count on it either.  I dont expect him to break 14TD's, but im not sure why anyone thinks TO will be double teamed more this season than in seasons past. 

[rjs246]

I dont count on it either.  I dont expect him to break 14TD's, but im not sure why anyone thinks TO will be double teamed more this season than in seasons past. 

I can see it. AR's MO has always been to spread the ball around. Everyone knew that. I'd be willing to bet that TO catching 70+ passes in 14 games surprised the hell out of a lot of opposing coaches. I think it makes sense that he may have seen less double teams early in the year last season, and I think it makes sense that he would see more this season. Whatever. This is all speculation, obviously.

[Reidme]

With a groin or hammy injury (and I am not an expert at all), I imagine that the best way to prevent swelling is to attend to it immediatly following physical activity, not after its had a chance to tighten while sitting around signing autographs.

The autograph seekers have gotten out of control, some are lunatics. It would have been nice if he was 100%, but no matter how many he signed, someone would have griped. That autograph thing was nice, its now gotten out of control. Wouldn't you rather have a chance run in with a player (current or former), or watch a practice and evaluate it, enjoy your kids, friends, or meet other fans, suck up a water ice, and enjoy the scenery of the mountains, than get there at 5 am, stand in a push and shove line, to have and athelete scribble on a jersey, photo, or napkin? At that point you missed out on the whole experience of going up there. You can come away with a heck of alot more than an autograph.

I've gotten a penant signed, and my kids have chased autographs under the old vet, and you do end up feeling great or angry about the way the players treat you. Coming or leaving a game or practice, its nice if they sign a few for the kids, but when theres 100's or 1000's of fans, its useless to start signing. The guy is unhappy, and a little dinged. It'd be a bonus if he were Mr Congeniality, but as long as he scores TDs and doesn't dirupt the team any further, then I could give a rats ass if he signs auto's. In fact I'm happy he's attending to his health after practice.