On The Road To Victory: The Philadelphia Eagles Blog

AU IS GOING DANCING

2008-03-15T16:46:00.000-04:00

Cross Posted at Fight Eagles Fight (how ironic).

For the first time American University is going to what is euphamistically described as "The Big Dance," the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Of the 31 Divisions and 341 schools only 65 get to take part in the tournament. It's a big deal and American has come close so many times.

When I was a Freshman at American University we were a perenial last place team in the Colonial league. The only fans were the cheerleaders, a few proud parents and out Delta Chi Fraternity. (the year before I came to American our fraternity had the honor of having one of our Brothers be the first NCAA athlete to survive cancer while playing a Division I sport.)

So loyal we watched as AU would get beat time after time.

Then we joined the Patriot League in 2000-2001 since then we have been to 3 Championship Games losing all 3.

Twice in 2 years we lost to Holly Cross in the closing seconds of a game as I watched first hand in agony. Then I traveled home to watch us lose with time running out ont heclock to Lehigh just a few years ago.

So yesterday when we finally reached this impossible goal of going to the NCAA Tournament it was a dream come true.

Win or lose we still made it AU IS GOING TO THE BIG DANCE.

ONCE AN EAGLE ALWAYS AN EAGLE
(my brother made up that AU saying as well)

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Michigan Debacle – Coach Carr Must Go

2007-09-03T13:39:00.000-04:00

Coach Carr needs to be fired. This isn’t some bottom of the Division vs. an upstart. This IS MICHIGAN in the largest stadium in the world. Carr is a good recruiter as we continually bring in the best players, but how hard is it to sell the most winning team in NCAA history?

Carr is a bad play caller; bad manager of close games; bad motivator and consistently out coached. He was out prepared by Appalachian St.’s coach and it’s obvious every time he goes against real coaching minds like Charlie Weis or Pete Carroll.

If you have ever watched a Michigan game even ones against powerhouses like Ohio St., his play calling is painfully predictable. His QB’s are immobile, hemmed in by an unimaginative offence.

Carr defenses have never been able to compete with opponents who have any type of speed. Even with the changing dynamics of NCAA football and indeed the Big Ten adding speed at the QB position including Michigan’s biggest rivals, Carr has NEVER adjusted.

Coach Carr teams always look like slow throwbacks to the 1950’s. They win 9 Games a year because they are Michigan and not in the SEC. But any other team who could not simply overpower based on talent Carr wouldn’t be able to get one win out of them.

Yes, he has a shared national Championship from 1997, but with all the talent they have had, why does he only have 1 Championship?

Carr has skidded by a barely mediocre coach on the recruiting on Michigan’s name. This game has highlighted what has been true to any fan, CARR NEEDS TO GO.

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Why Did We Cut Trotter?

2007-08-23T16:33:00.000-04:00

Jeremiah Trotter is the heart and soul of the Philadelphia Eagles. As a fan I felt like my heart had been ripped out, I can only imagine how the team is handling it.

I understand that Trotter is the past and based on the performance of the Defense against the run, a change had to be made. The Eagles need better production from the LB position and Trotter may no longer be the best Inside LB on the team.

But I can't imagine, especially based on performance that is not the 2nd or 3rd best overall backer. I mean even if he is not on the field there are 5 or 6 LB better than Trotter on the squad?

The Eagles don't need the salary cap room, they have made most of the moves they will probably make. At least any they could make that would significantly strain their cap room.

Trotter Should have been made a backup (or given the opportunity to stay as a backup) so he could ease out of the squad. We need his leadership as the TEAM leader and his experience for these untested LB core will be sorely missed.

I hope I am wrong, Andy Reid hardly ever gets these moves wrong. But I think this could have been a mistake.

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Barry Bonds Breaks Record

2007-08-08T13:18:00.000-04:00

Cross posted at The Black Jewish Experience

It's a very sad day for America's pasttime. Known steroid user Barry Bonds broke Hall Of Famer and all around great person Hank Aaron's all time Home Run Record of 755. Barry Bonds is a disgrace, and not just because he is horrible in dealing with the fans and media that help pay his check; but because he is a clear cheater and doesn't seem to care.

Steriods don't just make you stronger, they help you get healthier quicker and stay strong longer than would be normal.

Until 2000 Bonds was a standard size, he hit home runs but he was no on pace to breakt he record and was beginning to show signs of his age. Then his lifelong friend started as his trainer. His friend admited to a federal Jury that he started giving Barry a cream with steroids in it.

Barry says he didn't know. Even if that is true, not only SHOULD he know what is going into his body, but it still proves that he cheated to get this record.

He has hit more home runs AFTER 30 then Roger Maris (once single season Homerun record for 40 plus years) did his entire career.

He hit over 350 homeruns AFTER 35. Nearly as many has he hit from 21 to 35. THAT IS ALL STEROIDS. You cannot hit that many homeruns after 35 unless your body gets illegal chemical help.

BONDS BROKE THE RECORD BECAUSE OF STEROIDS. It needs to be said because he is a cheater. He did not break the record it is a tainted record.

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Interracial Dating and Racism in Boise

2007-08-03T12:18:00.000-04:00

Cross posted at the Black Jewish Experience

Sometimes true life lives up to the fairy book stories we all love.

The best player on an over achieving team, a team that no one thought could make it. But they beat all the odds and went undefeated.

Then in a bowl game no one thought they could get to, they beat one of the historically best College Football teams in one of the most dramatic ways possible.

BOISE ST. that’s right BOISE ST. beat Oklahoma in OVERTIME 43-42 on a statue of liberty play. You know one of those things you do when you are 5 and imagining such a moment. WELL THEY DID IT.

As if this fairy tale ending was not enough, the star player who made the key play for David to beat Goliath (sounds like a Hollywood movie) proposes on the field to his long time girlfriend.

Perfect.

I love this kid, because except for the exceptional Football talent he could have been me, a footballer who knits to get by. And with one problem.

He is black, his girlfriend white.

People ask me why I am so gun-how about Interracial Dating. Because I want it to happen so often that it becomes common and acceptable so that THIS will never happen:

'It's really sad'

BSU player hires wedding security after racist threats

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- A Boise State University running back who scored the winning points in the Fiesta Bowl, then proposed to his cheerleader girlfriend on national television, has hired security for his weekend wedding because of racial threats, a newspaper reported Tuesday.

Ian Johnson, who is black, and his fiance, Chrissy Popadics, who is white, are due to be married Saturday in Boise.

A report on the letters and phone calls that Johnson has received was carried in an Idaho Statesman sports column.

Johnson, 21, from San Dimas, Calif., ran into the end zone on a so-called "Statue of Liberty" play to score the winning two-point conversion as underdog BSU beat the Oklahoma Sooners 43-42 in overtime on Jan. 1. The Broncos ended their season 13-0 and wound up ranked No. 5 in the final AP poll.

Johnson, who will be a junior this fall, proposed to Popadics, at the time a Broncos cheerleader, on the field after time expired in the game in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Since then, Johnson said he's received phone calls, 30 letters and, in some instances, personal threats from people who objected to his plans to marry Popadics.

"You take it for what it is -- the less educated, the less willing to change," Johnson told the Statesman. "But we're not acting like we're naive to all the stuff that's going on. We know what's been said. We're going to make sure we're safe at all times. It's an amazing day for us, and we'd hate to have it ruined by someone."

"It's unfortunate that it involves a certain protocol being followed to ensure that nothing happens," Johnson said. "It's really sad because a lot of people that are probably doing it are the same people who were cheering me on."

This is still the reality in some places in America. But we could not have a better representative of what is RIGHT about America then this kid Ian Johnson and his now wife Chrissy Popadics. Measured and understanding while doing what he needs to do. I am thankful for the Ian Johnsons and the Chrissy Popadics.

Because love is beautiful. Good luck and thank you.

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Eagles Get Much Needed Return Help?

2007-08-01T20:20:00.000-04:00

The Eagles have always had problems suring up their return kicking game. Inconsistency in person and positive yards has been a reoccurring issue. Injured rookie Bloom has the opportunity to compete to fill that role.

Bloom is finally ready to return

The ex-skier is over injuries and ready to make his mark on special teams.

After being drafted in the fifth round in 2006, Bloom pulled a hamstring muscle in training camp. He tried to rush back from the injury and played in one preseason game, during which he returned two kickoffs for 45 yards against the Baltimore Ravens.

Bloom suffered a setback that landed him on IR for the season. That meant being all alone in the Eagles' indoor facility - "the bubble" - listening to a recording of the playbook on headphones and acting out the plays on the turf.

Bloom said he tried to make the most of the experience - and the Eagles' state-of-the-art facilities - during that time.

"It was disappointing at first," he said. "I went through a 24-hour period where I was really upset I couldn't compete. After that, I realized what the opportunity was. They were allowing me to do everything with the team, study the game, have access to the systems here where we can watch any team, any defense, with just the click of a button.

"It was such a great opportunity to have that year, and I'm pleased with the progression."

With as many receivers as the Eagles have, Bloom's best bet is making it as a special-teams player. The 25-year-old is expected to be a return man, an area where he excelled in college.

In two seasons at Colorado, Bloom posted two punt returns and a kick return of 75 yards or longer. In 25 career games, he caught 24 passes for 458 yards and two touchdowns. He added 93 yards on 15 carries.

The Eagles have tried a variety of returners over the last few years, but none has panned out.

In March, the Eagles signed veteran return man Bethel Johnson, but Johnson missed the first off-season minicamp with a stress fracture in his leg.

…He learned to ski as a small child and has been competing since he was 10, going on to become a two-time Olympian and three-time freestyle world champion.

Bloom became an in-demand celebrity, modeling for Tommy Hilfiger and hosting an MTV show.

When the Carolina Panthers played at Lincoln Financial Field in December, Bloom made it a point to meet Steve Smith by way of an introduction from Eagles running back Reno Mahe.

"He's become a great mentor of mine," Bloom said.

Now Bloom is just waiting to get on the field for more than practice.

Getting onto the field is the first step, the Eagles while filled at the position of WR need someone to rise up as a dominant go to receiver. Or at least one that can consistently get open. Bloom with a year off, a gifted athlete with lots of speed; maybe he could be that guy. Either way him being healthy is great for the team.

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Opening Training Camp

2007-07-31T17:17:00.000-04:00

Today is one of the most exciting days of the year, the day every team has an equal chance to be champions. For the Eagles today is even more exciting as for the first time in years there are none of the usual distractions.

No one is holding out, all the draft picks are signed and players seemingly focused on what they should be that championship.

Injury questions are still lingering about Donovan, Kearse and L.J. Smith, but except for Kearse they should all be able to go through all the drills.

Without the normal distractions, expectations are high, and they should be.

Here are some things to look for:

Dirk Johnson vs. Sav Rocca. The punting job is an open competition, with the preseason performances likely to determine who sticks around.

"I think it's going to be about consistency," Heckert said. "One guy [Rocca] has never punted in an NFL game before, so the preseason is going to be huge for him. I don't think the pressure will be a big deal because [Rocca] has played under pressure conditions in the Australian League. But he has to show he can do it in a real game with guys flying in and trying to block his punts. Right now, I think they're both punting well. It should be a good battle."

Johnson, 32, won the job in an open competition with veteran Lee Johnson back in 2003. His lack of consistency last season prompted the Eagles to sign Rocca, a strong-legged star in the Australian Rules Football League who is trying to make the transition to the NFL.

Rocca, at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, would be the most imposing punter in franchise history. He already has made a smooth transition as a holder for placekicker David Akers should he win the job.

Brodrick Bunkley vs. the veterans. The second-year defensive tackle has been given the responsibility of replacing the traded Darwin Walker as a starter, but the Eagles also added some insurance by signing veteran free agents Montae Reagor and Ian Scott.

Chris Gocong vs. the other young players. Like Bunkley, Gocong enters camp with a starting job. Unlike Bunkley, Gocong's competition comes from a couple of other guys with no experience at the strong-side linebacker position.

Gocong, who spent his rookie season on injured reserve, is followed by rookie third-round draft pick Stewart Bradley and Tank Daniels on the depth chart. Daniels, an undrafted free agent in his second season, is the only one of the three with any NFL experience, but that came mostly on special teams and briefly at weakside linebacker in the Eagles' regular-season finale.

Slot time. Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis are expected to be the top two wide receivers, but the Eagles must decide who will occupy the slot position when they go to a three-receiver set. Hank Baskett, coming off a strong rookie season, and fellow second-year player Jason Avant are expected to compete for the No. 3 spot.

If Baskett wins the job, Curtis could line up in the slot when the Eagles go to a three-receiver set. Avant, on the other hand, would line up in the slot if he won the No. 3 job, leaving Curtis on the outside.

Bloom vs. Sampy. The plan was for Jeremy Bloom to compete against Bethel Johnson for return duties. Johnson, however, showed up at the first minicamp injured and was later released. He has since signed with the Houston Texans, leaving the door open for Bloom to handle both punt and kick returns.

…wide receiver Bill Sampy, who had an impressive training camp as an undrafted free agent last year and spent the season on the practice squad.

McDougle, Lewis and Moats vs. the numbers. Defensive end Jerome McDougle, wide receiver Greg Lewis, and running back Ryan Moats have a combined 10 seasons with the Eagles, but all three will be hard-pressed to extend their careers.

I think losing Moats would be a HUGE mistake. Moats can perform given the chance. But I am excited about the competition.

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Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Inducted into the Hall

2007-07-29T17:09:00.000-04:00

This weekend 2 of the best Players to ever play the game are being inducted to the Hall of Fame. And when I say best players not with talents (although they were eilte) but in terms of how they carried and played the game.

Complete in that they were great at their positions, not greedy, but always wanting to win, dedicated to their teams, and good for the game.

Tony Gwynn spent 20 years with the Padres. In a time when people always moved around. Drafted in my year of birth 1981,

He struck out only 434 times in 9,288 career at-bats, and never batted below .309 in any full season, although he hit .289 in his rookie season.

That is simply incredible. I looked up to him because I was the same sort of player, not a power hitter, but never striking out. Big, but athletic one of the most beautiful swings, I deeply admired everything about him. And I couldn’t have had a better role model. He dedicated himself I hope we all gave back how much that meant to this great game.

During Cal Ripken’s incredible run to beat the consecutive games played streak, through all the hype, all the craziness, he would spend an hour, AN HOUR after the game signing autographs. In an age when players won’t sign autographs because of special deals for money, here is the man the center of American news and he spent an hour just to be with the fans. That is really all you need to know about Cal Ripken.

But he was also one of the best defensive Short stops the game has ever seen. Turning the position also from a small fast lead off type player to tall power hitter that paved the way for Rodriguez, Miguel Tejada, and Edgar Renteria’s, etc.

In an age with greedy cheating athletes getting the headlines its nice to see such great players rewarded. A reminder that in the end, greatness in character off the field can translate to great play on.

Congratulations and thank you for being the outstanding people and great players that inspired me when I was young. Thank you Thank you Thank you.

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10,000 Losses

2007-07-15T17:01:00.000-04:00

It really is fitting that a Philadelphia team would be the first to 10,000 loses. Let’s face it for all our passion for sports we seem to suffer from a lack of championships. While Boston did have to wait nearly 100 years for the Red Sox successive dynasties with the Celtics and Bruins had to ease the pain. Not to mention that passive football fans have been rewarded with one of the best franchises in modern history.

Philadelphia like the city has been on the edge of greatness while watching it go away. 1993 was the last time the Phils nearly won a championship, but in the strike shortened 1994 season they were the best team in the league.

The Eagles have been flirting with greatness for 6 years now, and yet nothing but disappointment. It’s a lesson on being a Philadelphia fan.

On July 15th the Phillies became the first sports team to lose 10,000 games. Sports Illustrated had a GREAT TRIBUTE.

The Beautiful Losers
An oral history of the Philadelphia Phillies

By Franz Lidz

The existentialist Samuel Beckett exhorted, "Fail better." And no professional sports team has ever failed better or with greater frequency than the Philadelphia Phillies. Failure has become synonymous with a franchise whose players have borne such nicknames as Losing Pitcher (Hugh Mulcahy) and What's the Use? (Pearce Chiles). If luck is on the Phils' side -- and over 125 seasons it rarely has been -- one day before the end of July they will record their 10,000th defeat, a milestone never before reached by any franchise in any sport. Through Sunday the tragic number stood at 9,991; the next most prolific losers, the Braves, are at 9,677.

The Phillies' lack of success has been monumental. From 1918 through '48 they had only one winning season. Between 1920 and '45 they lost 100 or more games 12 times. Over 27 seasons, from 1919 through '45, they had 16 last-place finishes. During World War II owner Bob Carpenter tried to shed the Phils' loser image by renaming his club the Blue Jays. But students at Johns Hopkins, where sports teams also use that sobriquet, objected on the grounds that the change would be demeaning to birds.

On the Phillies' lowlight tape, of course, the most phantastic phree-phall is the Phillie Phlop. Up by 2 games in 1964 with only 12 remaining, the team lost 10 in a row and the pennant. Asked in '76 what he remembered about the implosion, manager Gene Mauch muttered, "Only every pitch."

Which is not to say that skippering the Phils is a no-win situation. The franchise has won a World Series (1980) and played 57 postseason games, 35 of them losses (which, incidentally, are not counted toward the 10,000 total). As ex-Phillies infielder Solly Hemus observed in the mid-1950s, "Even monkeys fall out of trees once in a while."

Loss number 1, May 1, 1883 "I hope this doesn't start a trend."

-- Jamie Moyer, lefthanded pitcher and current Phillie, when asked what his forebear John Coleman might have said after the franchise, then named the Quakers, dropped its inaugural game 4-3 to the Providence Grays. Coleman lost that game and 47 others in '83, and the team finished 17-81.

Loss number 4,962, June 2, 1945

"Vince DiMaggio hit a pinch grand slam, yet the Phillies still got beat by the Pirates. Vince led the National League in strikeouts that season despite missing almost all of September with an injury. It figures we got Vince, and not Joe or Dom. When brothers played in the majors, the Phillies usually wound up with the one who produced less. We had Harry Coveleski instead of Stan, Irish Meusel instead of Bob, Frank Torre instead of Joe, Ken Brett instead of George, Mike Maddux instead of Greg, Rick Surhoff instead of B.J. and Jeremy Giambi instead of Jason. If there had been a Zeppo Alou, the Phillies would have signed him."

-- Harold Herman, 90-year-old fan

Loss number 5,818, April 22, 1956

"The Philadelphia fans are the worst in the world. They don't deserve a major league franchise. I wouldn't mind getting hit by a regular bottle, but when they break off the tops before throwing them, that's just too much." -- Whitey Lockman, New York Giants first baseman, after a 9-7 victory over the Phils

Losses number 6,311 through 6,333, July 29 to Aug. 20, 1961

"No matter what we tried, it didn't work. The only thing that I didn't try was suicide."

-- Gene Mauch, on the Phillies' 23-game losing streak, tied for the third-longest in baseball history

Loss number 6,333, Aug. 20, 1961

"Go in twos and threes. That way, they won't be able to get us all at once. They're selling rocks at a dollar a pail."

-- Frank Sullivan, pitcher, peering out a plane window at the hundreds of fans awaiting the team at Philadelphia Airport after a road trip

Loss number 9,481, Sept. 24, 2000

"On Fan Appreciation Day my tires were slashed." -- Terry Francona

Loss number 9,988, June 17, 2007

"A local sports-radio host wants the city to celebrate the 10,000th loss with a parade. I think that would be a disgrace. The Phils are my grandfather's team, my father's team, my team, my sons' team and my grandchildren's team. We fans will endure this humiliation, and then maybe we'll start on our second 10,000."

-- Ed Deal, 61-year-old ballpark security guard

I am actually proud to say, that’s my team. Thanks for the memories and all the heartache, I love being a Philadelphia fan.

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An End of An Era

2007-06-21T13:36:00.000-04:00

Bartrum is one of those consummate Eagles who represented the best of Philadelphia. He had a pedestrian skill for NFL standards that he perfected; he played nearly every game and occasionally excelled to brilliance catching touchdowns in short yardage.

He was one of my favorite Eagles because well, he was ALWAYS there it seemed like forever and he was so proud of being an Eagle.

Eagles long snapper Bartrum retires

When it's your time to go, it's your time to go.

Yesterday, Eagles long snapper Mike Bartrum acknowledged it was his, retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons.

"I can't say enough to show how much I appreciate being able to play in the NFL for so many years," Bartrum said in statement released by the Eagles.

"Retiring as a Philadelphia Eagle is something that is very special for me. The memories I have shared with the players, coaches and Eagles organization are some of the best memories of my life."

Bartrum, who spent the last seven seasons with the Eagles after signing as a free agent in 2000, was placed on the disabled list on Nov. 29, after hurting his neck on a punt return in the third quarter of a 45-21 loss to Indianapolis 3 days earlier. At the time, Eagles trainer Rick Burkholder said Bartrum's injuries, which consisted of a chipped vertebrae, a bulging disc and a herniated disc, were likely pre-existing conditions that could eventually be career-ending.

Bartrum hasn't seen the field since.

Bartrum, who was a quarterback at Marshall, started long snapping while rehabbing a knee injury during his sophomore year. The Kansas City Chiefs signed him as a rookie free agent in 1993 before he went to Green Bay in 1995. He then spent the next 4 years in New England before landing in Philly.

While Bartrum, 36, had appeared in the playoffs 11 of his 13 seasons including two Super Bowl appearances, it's the die-hard football fans of Philadelphia that he will miss most.

"The passion and support of the Philadelphia fans is something I will take with me wherever I go, and I feel truly blessed for having had the opportunity to play in front of them," he said.

And we will miss you, G-d speed Bartrum.

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Kelly Holcomb providing QB security

2007-06-13T11:57:00.000-04:00

Lets be honest with McNabb’s health problems and Garcia leaving we as fans are all concerned about the QB position. Kelly Holcomb is one of those NFL QB’s that showed moments of brilliance but never really panning out as a starter. It could have been his situation or talent but Holcomb has an opportunity to play here in Philadelphia.

Equally, he could be cut or moved by the Eagles after the Preseason as the Eagles did just sign AJ Feeley to an extension.

Personally I think Holcomb could be a better replacement for McNabb if he goes down again this year. Kevin Kolb Eagles Draft Pick just isn’t ready to take on his shoulders one of the best organizations in the league.

So Holcomb could be the Eagles answers, time will tell.

Journeyman QB knows he'll be fighting for a spot

Quarterback Kelly Holcomb was one of the veterans at an Eagles minicamp at the end of last month. The Eagles are his fifth NFL team since 1995.

Kelly Holcomb is happy in Philadelphia. His oldest daughter is happy in Buffalo.

Neither one figures to be staying in either place much longer.

It's guaranteed that Kellyn Holcomb, 8, is leaving Buffalo as soon as her school year ends.

…He was traded to the Eagles, along with linebacker Takeo Spikes, at the end of March for defensive tackle Darwin Walker.

The move to the Eagles was exciting for Holcomb. He had started just 21 games and played in just 34 during his previous 12 seasons.

"I'd like to stay here because we've got a good football team," said Holcomb, who has never played for a team that won a playoff game. "We've got a lot of experienced guys who've been in a lot of big games here, and it's kind of exciting to come to something like that."

That excitement could be short-lived. The quarterback with the least experience on the Eagles' roster will make it unlikely that Holcomb sticks around beyond the preseason. Holcomb, who will turn 34 next month, knew he was in trouble when the Eagles decided to use their first pick of the draft to take the University of Houston's Kevin Kolb.

The initial focus after that pick was on how starter Donovan McNabb viewed the Eagles' selection of his possible replacement. In truth, Holcomb was far more affected. (Backup A.J. Feeley is in the Eagles' mix at quarterback, too.)

"Yes, I've thought about it," Holcomb said when asked about having to join another team if he didn't make the Eagles' roster. "You have to think about it."

As I said I am not sure about AJ nor Kolb filling in for an injury prone McNabb, I like the security of Holcomb, but it may be to much to ask moving into a new team.

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L. J. Injured again?

2007-06-04T20:18:00.000-04:00

L.J. Smith is a very talented player who seems to always be injured. Just like McNabb, when he is own the field he seems like he could be one of the elite players in the league.

Maybe they should fire their strength and conditioning coach because he too missed games last year. And he too is having an offseason of surgery to repair an injury. The problem with the sports hernia is that it takes time to heal, and the Eagles need L.J.

Hopefully with it being a contract year, he will respond with a great year and staying healthy.

Eagles tight end L. J. Smith undergoes sports hernia surgery

The Eagles announced today that tight end L.J. Smith underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a sports hernia, the same injury that eventually ended quarterback Donovan McNabb’s 2005 season.

Smith, who is entering the final year of his contract, will miss the team’s final full-squad minicamp, which begins Tuesday and runs through June 14. The Eagles said his condition will be evaluated over the next several weeks to determine if he’ll be ready for training camp.

Smith and the rest of the Eagles’ veterans are scheduled to report to training camp July 30.

…That same season, punter Dirk Johnson underwent surgery before the year to repair a sports hernia and missed most of the preseason. He returned in time to open the season, but he aggravated the injury in the seventh game and missed the team’s final nine games of the year.

Injuries, Injuries, Injuries, ultimately if the Eagles can stay healthy they will be able to compete for a title, but they need all their parts to stay on the field.

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ESPN Puts the Eagles on the Clock

2007-03-22T20:19:00.000-04:00

Going into next year the defense seems the obvious place for improvement for the Eagles. Grooming LB’s keeping depth in the secondary something lost when Michael Lewis and Roderick Hood signed elsewhere. News today of the Eagles signing Montae Reagor should help the defensive line, and will be discussed later.

Signing CB William James is a step in the right direction, but not a longer term solution.

In the draft ESPN is projecting they take CB Darrelle Revis from Pittsburgh because he can contribute immediately in the secondary and for kick return. But they could also look for WR which this draft is rich in quality with. They could take Dwayne Bowe or Sidney Rice.

Many counted the Eagles out after Donovan McNabb's injury, but Philadelphia finished the season with five straight victories, won its wild-card game, then lost a tight divisional playoff game in New Orleans. The Eagles are in fine position to contend in the NFC next year and should be favorites in the competitive NFC East. They need McNabb to return to health in a timely manner, but they have an excellent quarterback, running back and offensive line. This team will score points. The Eagles are also solid on special teams, but they do have some work to do to bring their defense back to the level the Eagles' fans are accustomed to seeing. Philadelphia is a very strong franchise.

On defense, the Eagles re-signed DE Juqua Thomas and CB William James. Both are important depth players, and their familiarity with the defense has obvious value. More needs to be done on this side of the ball, but it made a lot of sense to bring these two players back. Offensively, the Eagles have signed WRs Kevin Curtis and Bethel Johnson. Johnson is a blazer with natural ability but hasn't been able to produce consistently at this level; he caught only nine passes last year. He cannot be counted on to be a major contributor but might offer some return ability. Curtis, on the other hand, is entering the prime of his career and could put up big numbers in this pass-happy system. Re-signing Correll Buckhalter was important. He gives the Eagles a physical runner to lighten the load on Brian Westbrook.

…Remaining questions

When will McNabb return, and how effective will he be by the opener? Also, can the star quarterback stay healthy for an entire season? The Eagles have some holes, but overall, are in awfully good shape for this time of year. On offense, Buckhalter was re-signed, but with his injury history, the Eagles might be wise to add one more big back in the draft. They also could still be in the market for another receiver and a developmental quarterback. On defense, they need to find a starting linebacker and possibly a second linebacker to develop. They also could use secondary depth and possibly another defensive end -- if they can find the right guy. This defense needs one more playmaker, for sure.

If McNabb stays healthy there is a real opportunity for Bethel Johnson to emerge as the talent he can be. The Eagles NEED someone to raise their game and be the dominant WR for McNabb. On defense they can use a lot of everything, a run stopper on the line, LB’s and depth in the secondary. But if the Eagles are good at anything it is improving through the draft and hopefully this year

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Cash Conscious Eagles Lose Stallworth Get Curtis

2007-03-15T18:01:00.000-04:00

I am not sure Curtis will be able to replace losing Dante Stallworth to the New England Patriots. I hope I am wrong, but Curtis has never shown the flashes of genius a healthy Stallworth has.

That being said the Eagles front office probably thought the cost of an injury prone Stallworth for $33.1 million over six years. The Eagles get Curtis for $32 million over six years with just $9.5 million guaranteed.

Stallworth said that he was dissed because the Eagles did not seem to be interested in him. I hope that’s not true because I think Stallworth long term will pan out to be a better WR.

Via Paul Domowitch at Philly.com:

It's a moot point, now that the Eagles have corralled Curtis, the speedy ex-Ram. He's already been penciled in as a season-opening starter along with Reggie Brown. Second-year men Hank Baskett and Jason Avant, both possession-type receivers, are expected to duke it out for the No. 3 slot job.

Said Curtis: "With the loss of Stallworth, they need me to come in and start for them. That's the opportunity they have for me."

… Stallworth is a little bigger and a little faster and has more NFL experience as an outside receiver than Curtis, who was the Rams' No. 3 wideout behind Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce and used primarily in the slot. Stallworth is a better deep threat, averaging 15.1 yards per catch over his career and 19.1 last year with the Eagles, compared to Curtis' 12.6. But again, Curtis primarily has been a slot receiver.

Curtis has better hands, is a better route runner, isn't so injury-prone and isn't on the NFL drug program's watch list.

While the Eagles' offense is considerably different from the one Curtis played in in St. Louis, he's a pretty smart guy and shouldn't have the kind of Mount Everest-sized learning problems that Jabar Gaffney had last summer after he signed with the Eagles. Curtis scored a 48 out of 50 in the Wonderlic test before the 2003 draft, which is the second-highest score ever.

"I guess as we get into it, I'll have a better idea of how different it is," Curtis said of Andy Reid's West Coast offense. "I had a chance during my visit to go over the offense. I don't think it will be a problem."

…Curtis said he will not have a problem adjusting to playing on the outside.

"I played outside in college [Utah State]," he said. "Actually, I was uncomfortable at first playing inside when I first came into the league. But after doing it for the last 4 years, I'm very comfortable both inside and outside."

...Curtis, who visited five teams – the Eagles, Giants, Titans, Lions and Vikings – eventually hired California-based agents Bruce and Ryan Tollner. Curtis, who visited the Eagles last week, told the Tollners that the Birds were his first choice if a fair deal could be worked out.

"From the start of the week, Philly was where I wanted to be," he said. "I didn't know how the whole business side was going to come down. But Philly was where I wanted to be if things worked out [financially]."

"He's a big-time player," Bruce Tollner said. "He'll get a chance to prove that in Philadelphia."

The Eagles are hit and miss in the free agent market, at WR it has been a struggle. One has to wonder how good Donavan would have been had he had some quality of SOME SORT at WR position. Its still a struggle and with Donavan coming off serious injury one has to hope Curtis can answer some of those questions.

The Comings And Goings Strange Moves In the Off-Season

2007-03-10T18:42:00.000-05:00

Jerry Porter may end up being a great find for the Miami Dolphins, but for a defense that is already pretty dominant does it make sense to pay $32 million toward your salary cap? A player possibly on the decline? At least the Steelers thought so when they let him go.

Equally puzzling is the Bears move to release Thomas Jones to the Jets and make Cedric Benson the only running back. While Benson was drafted high he has shown little reason to trust he can take the load, while Jones has stayed the number one running back through his talents. Just the 37th pick for the player seems an odd pick up.

The Cowboys signed Offensive Lineman Leonard Davis to a 7 year contract for $50million, while the Cowboys clearly need line help, the over No 2 Draft pick for Arizona never really because the Pro-Bowl player they hoped, which makes me hope that trend continues for the Boys and they continue to have problem across the line.

These moves may pan out and despite their success the Eagles have been iffy in the Free Agent Market. With a lean market for key positions for the Eagles and not that much room in the Salary Cap, the Eagles will probably address most of their problems in the draft.

That being said the signing of Feeley was a little strange, Feeley was not going any where and there were other options such as Stephen A. Smith’s idea of Culpepper. There was time to sign him in the end. Hopefully they will pick up some backup there in the draft as well.

Stallworth Might End Up With Eagles By Default And Other Moves

2007-03-08T19:46:00.000-05:00

The question of Stallworth is still hanging over the Eagles, but I am not sure he is really the answer to the Eagle’s needs, he has proven capable of pressuring the defense deep, but not to be a dominant Wide Receiver the Eagles have always wanted.

With no one rising to that position on the team and with a lack of depth at the position of WR in Free Agency, its hard to see how the Eagles will address the situation.

For Stallworth, drug problems, injuries and players moving quickly may end up making the Eagles the right fit for a player who liked being an Eagle.

Stallworth losing some options
New England, a team he favored, added a wide receiver yesterday. Now, he could end up re-signing with the Eagles.

The possibility that wide receiver Donté Stallworth could return to the Eagles may have been enhanced yesterday when the New England Patriots acquired wide receiver Wes Welker from the Miami Dolphins.

New England had been one of the three teams Stallworth listed as a possible landing spot last month during a television interview. The Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers were also on his list.

The 49ers already have added free-agent wide receiver Ashley Lelie, and it does not appear as if the Dolphins are interested in giving Stallworth the kind of up-front money that agent Drew Rosenhaus is seeking for his client. Given that Stallworth has said he had a wonderful experience in Philadelphia last season and would love to return to the Eagles, it may end up being his best option.

It is not known if Stallworth's placement in the NFL's substance-abuse program has hindered his free-agent status. League sources revealed that information to The Inquirer over the weekend, and there have been no reports about Stallworth making any visits to NFL teams. Rosenhaus did not return a phone call yesterday.

I can’t imagine it would have helped.

If Stallworth does not return to the Eagles, the team could go after free agent Kevin Curtis. The veteran receiver who spent his first four seasons with the St. Louis Rams has visited the Minnesota Vikings and spent yesterday with the Detroit Lions, but he left both places without a contract. The Detroit Free Press reported that the Eagles have shown interest in Curtis. Tom Condon, the agent for the receiver, did not return a phone call yesterday.

Curtis, 28, has 136 career receptions for 1,714 yards and 12 touchdowns. Last season, he caught 40 passes for 479 yards and four TDs as the Rams' No. 3 receiver. His best season was 2005 when he caught 60 passes for 801 yards and six touchdowns.

The other questions for the Eagles have been the back up for Westbrook, although there are many more options there, and Cornerback where they have to much injury and quality is in short supply.

The Eagles still have not announced a scheduled free-agent visit to the NovaCare Complex, but that figures to change at some point. The team is in search of depth at the running back and cornerback positions.

At running back, the Eagles are looking for a backup to starter Brian Westbrook, with Correll Buckhalter still a possibility. Buckhalter had been scheduled to visit the Denver Broncos but apparently never made the trip. The Broncos signed Travis Henry to a five-year deal yesterday, but they still may have interest in Buckhalter as a backup.

There's still a sizable list of running backs available on the free-agent market, with Corey Dillon, recently released by the New England Patriots, among the most intriguing names. Indianapolis' Dominic Rhodes, Tennessee's Chris Brown, Washington's T.J. Duckett and Houston's Ron Dayne are also still available.

Chris Brown or Rhodes for the right price could be interesting pick up for the Eagles who have a history of reviving careers.

Eagles Going

2007-03-06T19:13:00.000-05:00

Garcia wanted to start, in Tampa Bay he will get that, Playoff contention and the money he wanted. That is probably why the Eagles did not bother giving him an offer. Why waste your time distracted trying to sign a player you probably won’t sign? Having Garcia stay probably would have been the best thing for them.

In the end, the Jeff Garcia drama probably played out the way it was destined to play out from the beginning.

The $7 million over 2 years, including $5 million this season, that Garcia got from the Tampa Bay Bucs, is more than the Eagles were ever going to pay a backup quarterback - Garcia will make only $500,000 less than Donovan McNabb in 2007.

And the chance to start in Tampa, in a West Coast offense, for a team that certainly could be a solid NFC playoff contender, given good quarterbacking, probably would have trumped all those warm feelings Garcia had for Philadelphia and its fans after leading the team to a 6-2 record following McNabb's season-ending injury.

Just $500,000 less than Donovan, I mean the Eagles just couldn’t give that much.

You do have to wonder what Gruden hopes will be the future for the Bucs. Simms is probably always going to be a backup, and Garcia will really only have a year there 2 at best. Plummer retired instead of being traded. While Gruden is clearly an offensive genius, besides taking the defense Tony Dungy built to the Superbowl win he has sort of been a disappointment as a head coach.

Lewis is also gone as expected

The San Francisco 49ers signed former Eagles safety Michael Lewis and Buffalo cornerback Nate Clements yesterday, making two bold moves in the opening hours of free agency.

Clements agreed to an 8-year, $80 million contract. The 6-year veteran was considered one of the top prizes in free agency, and the 49ers rewarded him accordingly with what's believed to be one of the richest contracts for a defensive back in NFL history.

Lewis will become an immediate starter in the 49ers' inconsistent defensive secondary alongside Clements, coach Mike Nolan said. He started in the Pro Bowl following the Eagles' trip to the Super Bowl in the 2004 season, but was expected to leave town after losing his starting job last season. Terms of his contract were not immediately available.

The 49ers have more than $30 million in cap room to spend on free agents.

The 49ers need the help in the secondary after both safeties lost their jobs. And Lewis if he returns to form could be a great pickup. But let’s hope the Eagles who have been so right before with these sort of player moves, are right again.

Rod Hood will probably leave with Buckhalter after having a good return after being plagued with injuries uncertain.

Buckhalter and Hood to visit other teams

Two Eagles free agents are expected to meet with other NFL teams this week, according to league sources.

Running back Correll Buckhalter is expected to visit with the Denver Broncos, and cornerback Rod Hood is expected to meet with the Cleveland Browns.

Buckhalter could still hold some interest for the Eagles if they don't come to terms with another running back, but Hood is not expected to return.

The thing about Buckhalter is that the Eagles have quality back up for Brian Westbrook. So while Buckhalter played really well backing up Westbrook last year the Eagles don’t have to overpay for him.

For once at that position the Eagles at least have some options.

Big Names Released

2007-03-03T20:02:00.000-05:00

The names everyone is throwing around is Joe Horn, Porter and Bledsoe released to cut costs before free agency, but some of the others are really shocking as well. While the Eagle’s usually focus on securing young future players and improving through the draft, they have had mixed results in free agency. To be honest some of Reid’s pick ups in free agency have not panned out, but then many have.

And it’s hard not to notice that some of the released big name players are at positions of need for the Eagles. Imagine a line up with Joey Porter on defense, Joe Horn and Keenan McCardell at WR or Antonio Bryant.

Of course that won’t happen because teams will unwisely overspend for these big name players. But one key free agent may want to revive their career with an established coaching staff and compete for a championship at a reduced cost. There may be a home in Philadelphia for one of these released players and for the right price we could certainly use them.

NFL | Horn, Bledsoe, Porter cut ahead of free-agency period

NFL teams released players yesterday, trimming their payrolls in advance of the beginning of free agency today. Among the biggest names cut free were Joe Horn, Drew Bledsoe and Joey Porter.

…The New Orleans Saints released Horn, a four-time Pro Bowl receiver. Horn, 35, was due a $1 million roster bonus later this month and was to be paid about $4.45 million in the 2007 season.

The Saints also released tight end Ernie Conwell.

Porter, a vocal, pass-rushing linebacker, was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was to receive a $1 million bonus March 6 and was due to earn $4 million in 2007.

Bledsoe, benched during the season by Dallas, was released by the Cowboys in a move that had been expected.

Chargers. Receiver Keenan McCardell, ninth on the NFL's all-time list with 861 catches, was released by San Diego. The Chargers also got rid of linebacker Steve Foley and safety Terrence Kiel, both of whom had run-ins with the law.

Foley was shot three times on Sept. 3 by an off-duty Coronado police officer who suspected him of drunken driving. Foley missed the season and said last month that his career might be over. The outside linebacker, who had 10 sacks in 2004, forfeited $775,000 in salary.

Kiel pleaded guilty last month to felony and misdemeanor drug charges for shipping codeine-based cough syrup to Texas, part of a plea bargain that could allow him to avoid prison time.

Dolphins. Miami released offensive linemen Seth McKinney and Bennie Anderson and wide receiver Eric Kimble.

Vikings. Minnesota released three former starters: cornerback Fred Smoot, tight end Jermaine Wiggins and tackle Mike Rosenthal.

Bills. Buffalo released guard Chris Villarrial and re-signed reserve cornerback Jabari Greer to a two-year contract. The Bills also released veteran safety Matt Bowen.

49ers. San Francisco cut wide receiver Antonio Bryant and got a commitment from defensive lineman Bryant Young - the team's longest-tenured player - to return for a 14th season.

Cowboys. Coach Wade Phillips hired former San Diego assistant Brian Stewart as his defensive coordinator. Stewart, 42, spent the last three seasons coaching the Chargers' defensive backs.

Free Agency has always been up and down for the Eagles but with a few holes away from making a run, it could be the key to finally bringing them to the promise land.

2 Eagle Signings Signal Youthful Change in Struggling Defense

2007-03-01T18:21:00.000-05:00

The Eagles were the standard bearer for the league in Defense under Jim Johnson. Recently because of injury finally taking its toll on the Eagles, the defense has struggled, especially with run defense. That and the in ability to get off the field on key plays has been the mark of a defense you often feel is on the brink of greatness.

One of the surprise disappointments of that defense has been former Pro-bowler Michael Lewis who just couldn’t seem to get back in coverage. His fall opened up a spot for Sean Considine to start. Quintin Mikell showed his skills as a back up thrilling Eagles fans on a goal line stand against the hated Cowboys.

Jaqua Thomas showed his skill as a pass rusher, something he has clearly used to get him a new deal as well.

Eagles sign one of 2 key players

Safety Quintin Mikell has agreed to a 4-year contract extension. End Juqua Thomas could sign Friday.

Most of the outside attention regarding the Eagles' potential free agents has been focused on quarterback Jeff Garcia and wide receiver Donté Stallworth.

Inside the organization, the two players the Eagles have wanted to retain the most are defensive end Juqua Thomas and safety Quintin Mikell.

Half of that mission was completed yesterday when Mikell agreed to a four-year contract extension that will keep him with the Eagles through the 2010 season. Details of the deal were not released, but it is believed to be comparable to a three-year deal signed by San Francisco safety Keith Lewis earlier this month.

Lewis received a three-year contract worth just under $3.6 million, including a $650,000 signing bonus.

Barring some unforeseen circumstances, the Eagles are also expected to complete a deal with Thomas when free agency opens Friday. Even though he is one of their own free agents, the Eagles cannot re-sign Thomas until the start of free agency because of a stipulation in his contract from last season.

The Eagles figure to make some outside moves in free agency, and they still hope to re-sign cornerback Will James before the market opens Friday, but they feel it is essential to bring back Mikell and Thomas.

… Mikell led the Eagles' special teams with 35 tackles last season and also had an outstanding performance at free safety while filling in for Brian Dawkins in the team's season finale against Atlanta. Mikell registered six tackles in the win over the Falcons.

Mikell could fill the role that Lewis played on Dime as a roving linebacker.

He is a young player that Eagles coaches expect a lot out of in the future, their grading of players have generally panned out and hopefully Mikell will as well.

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Eagles Lose Bears Special Teams Coach, Pick Someone Else

2007-02-27T16:46:00.000-05:00

The Bears spent less on their coaching staff than any other team in the league. With Lovie Smith being the lowest paid coach in the league. Probably the reason the team bled coaches this off season, including Ron Rivera coordinator of the defense that got them into the superbowl.

The Eagles were counting on picking up Dave Toub Chicago Bears special teams coach who was also underpaid. But the Bears finally paid up and the Eagles were forced to go elsewhere:

Segrest to lead special teams

The Eagles' search for a special-teams coordinator ended right inside the NovaCare Complex yesterday when the team named Rory Segrest to replace John Harbaugh, who left his longtime role in that position last month to become the team's secondary coach.

Segrest, 33, was an assistant to Harbaugh last season. He is the third assistant in four years to be elevated to the position of special-teams coordinator. Dave Toub left his job as an assistant to Harbaugh to become the Chicago Bears' special-teams coordinator in 2004, and Ted Daisher vacated the same position to become the Oakland Raiders' special-teams coordinator last season.

Harbaugh had been the Eagles' special-teams coordinator since 1998, when he was hired by former head coach Ray Rhodes. He left the position and took the job as secondary coach to enhance his chances of becoming a head coach in the NFL. There had been speculation that the Eagles would bring back Toub to handle the special-teams job, but he received a three-year contract extension from the Bears last week.

Segrest, who also assisted with the defensive line last season, spent four seasons at Samford as a defensive-line coach, recruiting coordinator, and special-teams coordinator before joining the Eagles last season. He also had experience as an assistant at Southeast Missouri State and as a graduate assistant coach at Alabama and Auburn. The Georgia native played offensive tackle at Alabama and was part of the Crimson Tide's 1992 national championship team.

The Eagles also named Bill Shuey as defensive assistant/quality control coach and James Urban as offensive assistant/quality control coach. Quality control coaches analyze film of opposing teams.

Shuey spent the four previous seasons in Urban's new role and Urban spent the last three seasons as an assistant to head coach Andy Reid.

The carousel continues.

ESPN Owned by Disney, Forced to Politicizing Sports

2007-02-25T13:44:00.000-05:00

Sports is supposed to be a bastion away from politics. Although it has often led the way for social change, it has done so because of its ability to unite people beyond our intellectual differences.

But ABC just loves themselves Republicans, and Daily Kos blogger davefromqueens has this story,

ESPN FAKED STADIUM CHEERS FOR BUSH SR.

As a person who dabbled with sportscasting in college, I operated under the impression that my job was sports not politics. Sports were sports and you leave your politics off the air.

It's a very simple standard. If I want to watch football for three hours, give me football. Unfortunately, ESPN has continuously violated this concept. If ESPN is going to play phony tapes for politicians, then they need to be pressured off the air.

For several years, ESPN has been manufacturing fake cheers and fake boos for politicians. It's a very simple rule. If you are a Democrat not named Joe Lieberman, ESPN will play a tape of boos previously recorded and insert them into the audio after the Democrat is announced. If you are a Republican and ESPN is expecting boos, ESPN will play a pre-recorded tape of cheers unrelated to the Republican.

I've witnessed for years former ESPN commentator like Chris Myers call home runs to right field "a Rush Limbaugh shot, right and fair." I've seen in studio college football analysts gush over Ann Coulter. I've listened to ESPN constantly hype individuals who are well known figures in the Religious Right. I've heard a basketball commentator call Jerry Falwell a good man during a basketball game.

I have no problem with these political views being uttered during a political broadcast. I do have a problem with hearing it during a sports show from the host. (They did hire Rush Limbaugh for goodness sakes!)

When John Kerry was shown on screen at a Red Sox game in 2004, ESPN played a tape of boos. It was NOT the crowd reaction. I knew the tape was fake by that quick click that transitions from live to pre-recorded. ESPN has done this stunt of playing fake cheers and fake boos time and time again. Last night, during Monday Night Football, ESPN did it again. I heard that same click.

It started with right winger Mike Tirico announcing George Bush Sr. to the crowd. Instantaneously you could hear an echo of cheers and not a single boo from the audio. But if you listen carefully to the audio, that audio was not live. ESPN shut off the sound of the Superdome crowd for a few seconds and played this audio of fake cheers. About ten seconds later ESPN had to shut their fake tape off and go to the NFL official on the field for the coin toss. That's when you could hear the REAL crowd noise. The audio on the field was a couple of hundred feet away so ESPN was probably thinking that crowd noise could not be picked up. ESPN was wrong.

As George Bush Sr. was flipping the coin, you could hear a chorus of boos so loud that ESPN had its proverbial hand caught in the cookie jar. And remember, this was ten seconds after the announcements so imagine what the initial boos sounded like. New Orleans residents know better than anyone else how Bush 43 responded to Katrina and they know better than anyone else about Barbara Bush's comments about poor people and how sleeping in the Astrodome was "working out quite well for them."
ESPN needs to be called on the carpet for these shenanigans.

On the ESPN radio this is more obvious, as it is more opinions to fill the moments without visual highlights. What you discover is that they watch FOX news all day and that most of the broadcasters when they venture into politics are often right to far right. (Thank G-d for Keith Olbermann) Its sort of ironic and sad because of the power of politics for many of the great social progress in America from integrating Baseball to Title IX requiring equal funding for female sports.

Phillies Cocky, Phillies Phans Say “Oh Dear,”

2007-02-23T16:27:00.000-05:00

It’s sort of worrisome for Phillies fans to see the team so cocky, as one of the most heart disappointing teams of recent history. Year after year the Phillies under perform for 3/4th of the season only to perform to expectation sometime after the All Star break and fall short the last week of the season only for us fans to wonder why they didn’t play that way all season.

Lets see how it plays out, just as the ’93 team had a swagger of its own maybe this is this teams. I hope it works out.

Despite playoff drought, Phillies have swagger

Some of the Philadelphia Phillies are walking around with the same swagger Terrell Owens brought to the Eagles three years ago.

Jimmy Rollins has said for a while the Phillies are the team to beat in the NL East this season. The defending division champion New York Mets don't agree.

…"It's OK if we back up what we talk about," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Thursday. "I don't see anything wrong with a little cockiness in yourself. But we have to deliver."

Philadelphia hasn't reached the playoffs since 1993 and fell short of a wild-card berth on the final weekend the last two seasons. But after the Phillies added Freddy Garcia and Adam Eaton to a deep rotation this winter, expectations are high. Anything
less than a trip to the playoffs would be considered a failure.

Rollins, a three-time All-Star shortstop, put pressure on himself and his teammates with bold comments last month that he reiterated when he arrived in camp this week.

"We're the team to beat. I can't put it any other way," Rollins said Monday. "Look at our team and what we're bringing. Look at the improvements we've made."

…Garcia, Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer and Eaton give Philadelphia arguably the best starting staff in the league. And, Jon Lieber, a 17-game winner two years ago, still is around for insurance or trade bait.

The Mets' rotation includes Tom Glavine, Orlando Hernandez, John Maine, Oliver Perez and Chan Ho Park. Pedro Martinez is out until at least midseason while he recovers from shoulder surgery.

Referring to Rollins' comments, the back page of Thursday's New York Daily News read: "Silly Phillie." Inside, Mets All-Star third baseman David Wright and others responded.

"The Phillies, they can come out and talk as much as they want," Wright said. "Until they prove it on the field, then it's just talk. As far as throwing out predictions and talking about it,
talk is very, very cheap."

The rivalry between the teams has often been intense. Myers said he hates to lose to New York, and joked that Mets fans shouldn't be sold tickets for games in Philadelphia.

"I don't think they have the starting pitching we have," Myers said. "It's competitive talk. We think we're good. They think they're better. It's fun."

Lets hope this year they actually back it up.

Bonds should Be Ashamed

2007-02-20T08:54:00.000-05:00

As baseball season starts up, I have been really saddened by the whole Barry Bonds thing.

Bonds has signed a new agreement with the Giants that should allow him to break the All-time Home Run record owned by Hank Aaron.

Need we forget that in Grand Jury testimony he admitted to have ointments rubbed on his body that we now know contained steroids. Bonds claims he did not know what it was. While I may not know exactly what the medicine I use does I at least KNOW WHAT IT IS. I certainly just don’t put creams on my body as Bonds says he innocently did.

Further there is no reason that BONDS of all people should not know what is being put on or in his body. His profession is being an athlete his body is his job so he has has an obligation to know what is going into it. And lets be honest, I think I would notice if I got as big as he did.

And this argument that Bonds should get into the hall of fame because people in his era also used steroids is wrong. Barry should not lose his NL MVPS or any other award that have been bestowed on him during this “era” or steroid induced numbers.

But the hall is more than that. It’s a reflection on the timelessness of the game. For the Hall you judge Bonds on his place in history. And that as are many of the other players in this era is one of steroid use.

While it is true, that this was a juiced age, Bonds should not be in the Hall because he cheated. He cheated to get the numbers he did. I am not judging him against his era, but against the timelessness of the game and that is why he should not go into the hall.

The other players who have the spot light and questions for steroid usage, have it because they were the best players. Bonds is not some random player who is being picked on. He is a player destroying Baseball’s most sacred records and doing it while getting demonstrably larger at ages that people have already stopped growing and becoming atrophied.

Palemero, McGwire, even Sosa have clouds over their heads because the broke important records. Palemero already has been proven guilty of cheating. Bonds had admitted to not knowing for sure.

Both should have no chance at ever reaching the hall…

Good Luck Andy Reid

2007-02-17T10:27:00.000-05:00

I have been hesitant to talk about Andy Reid taking a leave of absence because it is a personal issue not a football issue.

We can only imagine the strain of running the Eagles which he does so well. Plus adults will do what they want and his children are my age, I know there is only so much my parents can say to me, I am sure it is no different in his house.

I want to send out my deepest sympathy and blessings. I hope all involved can find peace and happiness.

Good luck and G-dbless your are in our prayers.

And don't hurry back.

Couple Early Off Season Moves: Australian Rules Football

2007-02-15T05:47:00.000-05:00

Just the headline for the article sounds great:

Eagles sign punter from Down Under

Dirk came through after having a bad start to the season, but the Eagles have always made each player earn their spot. And so at the very least the Eagles can find the best candidate and trade away the loser for draft pics.

Saverio Rocca, that's Australian for punter.

The Eagles officially announced today that they have signed Rocca, a 33-year-old Australian who played 15 seasons in the Australian Football League. Rocca will be in competition for the punting job with veteran Dirk Johnson, who struggled early last season after signing a six-year contract extension in late August.

Johnson, 31, finished strongly for the Eagles with a series of solid games during the team's six-game winning streak before the playoff loss in New Orleans and has to be considered the favorite to retain his job next season.

Rocca, however, makes for an interesting story just because he's from Australia and he has never played the NFL's brand of football before. He does, however, have some role models.

Darren Bennett came to the United States in 1994 from Australia and spent 10 seasons punting for the San Diego Chargers and Minnesota Vikings, and Ben Graham made the switch from Aussie football in 2005 and has been the New York Jets' punter the last two seasons.

Rocca played in 257 games and scored 748 goals during his 15-year career in Australia, while playing for the Collingwood Magpies and North Melbourne Kangaroos. He was Collingwood's top goalkicker from 1993-99 and led the Kangaroos in scoring in 2001, 2002 and 2004.

I am confident of the Eagles scouting team to find talent so I am sure he will develop into a fine player.

On other news, the Eagles kept more talent in the secondary signing Dustin Fox. Fox is young having just been drafted in 2005, and has been playing on the practice squad. I am sure they saw something during practice every day to believe he will pan out in the long run.

In other Eagles news, the team signed cornerback Dustin Fox to a one-year contract. Fox, a third-round draft choice of the Vikings in 2005, spent most of the 2006 season on the Eagles' practice squad. He did participate in one game against Green Bay, registering two special teams tackles, but was then released and re-signed to the practice squad.

Small moves but often the sort of moves that sure up seasons.