I've been a while...

by cavortingEagle on Aug 6, 2008 1:35 PM EDT Comment 6 comments

In a land of limited internets - where the connections really are like a series of tubes...

I go away and come back to a training camp in full swing. Much better than the early part of July I dare say. Here are my quick takes about what I've caught up on so far.

First off, Westbrook's contract situation: Westy has a legit beef. If you read the PFP, the numbers the Football Outsiders guys crunch suggest that BWest really was the best back in the NFL last year. I've long felt that he deserved a raise, perhaps not 30mil guaranteed, but a raise would be more than appropriate. I think Derek has a really sound idea, too bad he isn't the Eagles front office and Brian's agent.

Secondly, Shawn Andrews - Man. Take your time and get better.

Next, Victor Abiamiri and Chris Clemons. Darren Howard? Anyone? I was pretty confident that the backup long snapper would make the team before I left. Now- I'm damn near certain. I suppose I'm in the minority, but for some reason, I like the guy and I like the effort (I perceive) he's put in during the offseason. I like his versatility - DE/DT - I suspect he makes the team at the cost of Montae Reagor. I actually am not too worried about Vic's injury. We all know that JP was going to make the team and we also know that he has a history of being somewhat tired in the second half of the season, right when Abiamiri should be coming back to full strength.

Around the league.

I have one request - WILL SOMEONE PLEASE PUT AN END TO THE BRETT FAVRE MELODRAMA. I had really hoped that storyline would be finished by now.
Jason Taylor a Skin - Thanks Dan.
Shockey a Saint? Sweet.

Finally, speaking of the Pro Football Prospectus, what a tremendous ally on a long airplane flight. It's interesting enough to while away the moments you're awake, and there are enough statistics to help you fall asleep with ease. I absolutely recommend it to anyone with a long commute and people who just can't get enough of the numbers behind the game.

It's good to be back - I'm looking forward to watching some bad football played by young players on Friday.

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The thing that worries me about Darren Howard… is that he’s looked great every preseason and camp.

Bleeding Green Nation - Philadelphia Eagles Blog

by JasonB on Aug 6, 2008 4:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Certainly True

Thing is, unless we need the cap space, why not keep him on the roster? If we keep 10 linemen, Trent Cole, JP, Bryan Smith, Chris Clemons and VA are locks at DE, and Patterson, Bunk, Laws the locks at tackle. From the sounds of it, Klecko the younger is maybe doing enough that his special teams prowess gets him a roster spot. There’s 9.

Kimo? Hurting now, no? Er, even with the new contract, that sure helps his chances to make the team. I don’t think he’ll be on the team on the 7th of September.

McDougle? I’m pulling for the guy, but realistically I’d like a change of direction. Injuries and circumstance (already 5 DE’s on the roster) conspired against him.

Reagor? My recollection is that he saw some playing time early in the season, but was actually inactive for the better part of the second half of the season.

I also feel that Bryan Smith is probably going to spend a number of game days inactive, as the younger players in JJ’s defense usually do….

Howard played and contributed in nearly every game as a nickel DT last year. The thing is that perhaps he’s dropped too much weight to play inside this year. Whatever the case, he’s currently listed as Trent Cole’s backup – not alot of playing time there.

by cavortingEagle on Aug 6, 2008 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh absolutely. Hes worth keeping around. Not only should we keep him, I’d say he downright need him right now.

Bleeding Green Nation - Philadelphia Eagles Blog

by JasonB on Aug 6, 2008 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yo cavorting where were u at

by Remis on Aug 6, 2008 6:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bolivia

My wife has family there and was finishing the field research for her PHd. When I go down we try really hard to make it a long trip – the airplane tickets are real expensive, but the cost of everything else is real low…
Anyway. She was actually there for 3 weeks before I got there.
It was a good trip, albeit colored by the theft of my laptop, both of my digital cameras and my wife’s blackberry. It’s good to have insurance, that’s for sure – I’ll miss the pictures and the little work I did on the plane though.
J

by cavortingEagle on Aug 7, 2008 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs