Bleeding Green Nation

Who's getting cut, and who's making the team?

yophillybro — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:26:41 -0000

I wanted to see everyones opinion as to how many rookies are making the squad and who's spot they will take.

DE - Trevor Laws,

WR - DeSean Jackson,

DE - Bryan Smith,

G/C - Mike McGlynn,

S - Quinten Demps,

CB - Jack Ikeguano, (IR likely)

G/T - Mike Gibson,

LB - Joe Mays,

OLB/DE - Andy Studebaker,

T - King Dunlap.

Also Lorenzo Booker.

Also, Does, Klecko make the squad over Davis?

Please list your team predicions below. Also, what will the surpise cuts be?

Oh Lord...

foos05 — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:25:20 -0000

Well you know GCobb had to get his .02 in about the whole Buzz vs. Bloggers stuff... Here you go... Okay, well the first few paragraphs are fine... Except there's nothing Earth-shattering in there, it's pretty much the same stuff every other blogger has been saying... Some of the criticism is legit, some isn't... He suggests that some of this is about jealousy... Yeah I can buy that... He also says alot of writers give the same kind of treatment to radio personalities... Eh, possibly... But let's see some of the highlights, eh?

I remember being in the Eagles lockeroom at the Vet and hearing the sportswriters go off about how there were too many erroneous reports.

You mean reporters don't like other reporters? Say it ain't so... Say it isn't so...

I hate to see somebody's reputation damaged by a fictitious story.

Should have said... "I hate to see somebody's reputation damaged by a fictitious story; especially mine."

For the most part, guys who are in the media are attention seekers and some don't like to share the attention.

Another revelation... Was your lead on this gem a burning bush by chance?

I do wish websites would just report and say ridiculous rumors. I try to develop sources with credibility and I'm not going to put something up that I know isn't true.

Ummm yeah well... I'm thinking the first part of this should say, "I do wish websites would just report and NOT say ridiculous rumors." I could be wrong though... And as for the second part... Which unattainable WR are we trading for this week buddy?

Thank you. Please drive through...

WIDE RECEIVER TRADE POSSIBLE STILL ??

EAGLE_MAN71 — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:04:10 -0000

IS IT STILL POSSIBLE THAT THE EAGLES COULD MAKE A TRADE FOR A PRO BOWL CALIBER WIDEOUT ? OR SOMEONE CLOSE TO THAT LEVEL, LARRY FITZGERALD, A NO GO ,GOT HIS CONTRACT MONEY, RANDY MOSS RUMOUR, A NO GO , DID HE USE THE EAGLES TO DRIVE UP HIS PRICE ? ROY WILLIAMS , DETROIT LOOKS LIKE THEY DONT WANT TO LET HIM GO, CHAD JOHNSON ?ARE THE BENGALS SERIOUSLY GOING TO MAKE HIM SIT,AND WILL CHAD KEEP HIS WORD AND CONTINUE TO NO SHOW , CHRIS HENERYS GONE , BUT I GUESS THEY DID DRAFT THREE WIDEOUTS, IS THERE ANYBODY REALLY LEFT WORTH A LITO /FIRST ROUND PICK TYPE PACKAGE TRADE .?? ANYBODY ?? IS THIS WHY LITO IS STILL HERE? ALTHOUGH KEEPING ALL THREE CORNERS SOUNDS LIKE IT COULD BE PRETTY INTIMIDATING TO OPPOSING TEAMS

Will the Eagles restructure Lito's deal

Whodie126 — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:17:04 -0000

Bill Williamson seems to think so ....

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3380011

My question is does he deserve it? ... I think I can speak for everyone when I say if there is one Eagle that deserves a restructuring it would be Brian Westbrook. He has clearly outplay his contract. But Lito has not outplayed his contract if they do restructure I would assume that it will be loaded with incentives. More than likely incentives the Eagles themselves can control, like games started, or they could go with interceptions/turnovers.

I believe that Lito will be an Eagle come the start of the season mainly because of lack of worthy offers. Do they throw him a bone? and if so are they obligated to do the same for Sheldon since they signed similar deals at the same time and Sheldon has been more consistent.

Reid's Family Troubles...again

anuj — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:03:35 -0000

Man, i am sick and tired of Coach Reid's kids playing with their fathers reputation. These kids have got to learn that their dad is an important man, and they can't just go around and hurt him and the people associated with him. Here is a latest from FoxSports.com NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) - A son of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid is heading to state prison after admitting he smuggled narcotics into his Montgomery County Jail cell. Jail officials say they found 89 pills in his cell. Reid is serving time in the county jail for a heroin-fueled car crash that injured a motorist. District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman says he may qualify for a prison drug-treatment program that could reduce his time. His 23-year-old brother, Britt Reid, is in a county drug-court program after pleading guilty to separate drug and gun charges. But what really pissed me off was all the s**t bloggers blogged under the article. Check it out at: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8114650?MSNHPHMA

Your next Dallas Cowgirl is....

foos05 — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:17:24 -0000

Chris Henry... well, I don't know it for sure, but I would put money on it. It seems that Mr. Henry went in front of a judge the other day to get permission to leave the state to meet with an undisclosed team. He needed to produce a letter from the team stating he was invited. The judge's reasoning was he is allowing him to travel to have the chance to find employement. Seriously, who else would be giving this clown a look? I think Jerry is building himself a compete set there... Tank, Pacman, and why not Henry... Jesus, throw TO in there and you have quite the character problem. Pretty soon, the Cowgirls are going to have the only team charter plane with bars on the friggin windows. I found the article at PFT....

Maybe Jerry should see if he can work out a way to spring Maruice Clarett from the pen... and once Vick gets released, 10 to 1 says he ends up on Jerry's doorstep; Day 1. Obviously he'd sign Satan if he could punt, pass, or catch.

Beautiful Picture

anuj — Mon, 05 May 2008 23:43:50 -0000

via static.nfl.com

this is something that i actually want to see happen. Lito lining up with Asante. I dont see where the problem is. Tell Lito to stay put for a year, see how he does and maybe help him out with his contract. Seldon has no problem moving to safety or nickel. He said so himself! with dawkins, sheldon, lito, and asante, we could really have one of the best secondary in the league. This picture was really beautiful.

Poll

Would you rather see Lito kept or traded, relased, etc?

Five teams that could get over playoff hump...According to FoxSports

anuj — Mon, 05 May 2008 22:35:35 -0000

And here i was thinking that the Eagles had already got over the "playoff hump." Didnt we get to the Super Bowl a few years ago? Anyways, we still landed on this list, but thats a good thing right?

NFC

New Orleans Saints (7-9 last season):

...

Here was Jackson's Picture...i just couldnt get it to work...any help, Jason?

DeSean Jackson might give the Eagles an explosive option (and should at least be a force in the return game.) (Otto Greule Jr. / Getty Images)

Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Boy, this certainly is a leap of faith.

I strongly considered going with the Washington Redskins here, but decided that if the Redskins aren't convinced regarding Jason Campbell's current level of performance, then my skepticism should prevail.

So, let's assume Donovan McNabb won't suffer a season-ending back injury while looking over his shoulder at Kevin Kolb and Brian Westbrook manages to avoid space-alien abduction. If the latter occurs, the addition of Lorenzo Booker might ease the doom until Westbrook is returned to our planet.

But the big reason for optimism (delivered with a side order of skepticism) is rookie receiver DeSean Jackson, who was the nation's biggest tease while at Cal.

If Jackson can catch the ball -- and not be forced to play against USC -- his big-play potential will work wonders in Philly. We're pretty sure he can catch kickoffs and punts; at worst, he should be quite the threat in those areas.

The defensive additions include big-ticket item Asante Samuel lining up at corner, with rookie Trevor Laws capable of creating traffic jams from his defensive tackle spot. You may remember Laws as one of the few Notre Dame players who refused to be grotesquely overmatched last season.

Carolina Panthers (7-9):

...

He actually considered the Redskins. I know they got to the playoffs last year, but barely. I feel that they actually got worse from last year. This is what i think the East will look like.

1. Eagles (12-4)

2. Giants (10-6)

3. Cowgirls (9-7)

4. Redskins (7-9)

Controversy at Minicamp?

ajay — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:36:31 -0000

Sal Paolantonio writes (pretty pessimistically) about the Eagles minicamp...What do you guys think? Is it hard to take the analysis seriously when the photo of Lito Sheppard is actually Correll Buckhalter?

Here's what I thought was the most interesting snippet from the article:

"The Eagles, 8-8 last season, always seemed to be just a play away. In fact, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Eagles played in more close games last season than any other team in the league. For 78 percent of the playing time, Philadelphia was within eight points (or one possession) of its opponents -- either leading or trailing. That was the highest percentage for any team in the league in 2007."

Anyways, here is the link. Thoughts?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=paolantonio_sal&id=3381815

Drafting: My way!

LeonSA — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:08:13 -0000

The draft passed in a flurry of trades for Eagles fans. We have all analyzed the picks, and graded the draft in our minds. But I want to share with the you the way in which I experienced the draft.

I live in a flat with a roommate, but he went home for draft weekend. So I invited my buddy who lives across the street to watch the NFL Draft. We bought lots of Windhoek Lagers, and stocked up on our supply of "biltong" and "droëwors". Windhoek Lager is a beer made in Namibia, according to the traditional "reinheitsgebot". Biltong is a true South African snack: it is raw meat (from cows, kudus, springbok etc) that is dried for a long period, and then some spices are added. Droëwors is literally translated as "dried sausage". It is made by mincing meat and passing it into a hollow piece of intestine, and then drying it in the same way as biltong. The draft started at 21:00 and finished as 02:00, when the broadcast switched to ESPN2 (not available in SA). I was able to speak in my own language about the draft: "Daar gaan Al Davis alweer agter die superster aan!" (There goes Al Davis, once again taking the superstar player). "Ons het weer ons eerste round pick getrade! Twee jaar in 'n ry!" and a bit later on, when I managed to calm down: "Dit was 'n flippin goeie move deur die Eagles om daai picks te trade." (We traded our first round pick again! Two years in a row; It was a great decision by the Eagles to trade those picks).

So here we were in my flat at 21:00: drinking Namibian beer, speaking Afrikaans, eating South African biltong and droëwors, and watching the drafting of players for American Football.

Eventhough we did things differently than everybody reading this article, there was still one similarity: the love of Football. This game has truly crossed the differences between cultures for me, and I have great appreciation for the efforts that the NFL are making to take the game global. This is also a great example of the benefits that globalization has brought to deveoping countries like mine. And the main piece of this feel-good puzzle is football.

Forgetting the problems of the NFL for a while, and just enjoying the game is what it is all about. And being able to enjoy it with fans who have very different lifestyles just makes it all the more worth while.

First Round Picks

Andrew B — Sun, 04 May 2008 00:13:21 -0000

Listening to the 610WIP hosts continue to harp about the Eagles not making a 1st round pick in the draft and how terrible this is and how contrary to the rest of the league, I decided to take a look at see what other teams had done in the draft.

Vikings - no 1st round pick (traded 17th pick)

Eagles - no 1st round pick (traded 19th pick)

Redskins - no 1st round pick (traded 21st pick)

Browns - no 1st round pick (traded 22nd pick last year)

Colts - no 1st round pick (traded 29th pick last year)

Packers - no 1st round pick (traded 30th pick)

So 1/3 of the league left to pick in the 1st round (6 of 15 teams) after 16 decided there was nobody worth picking in the first round and they traded down to later rounds. The Browns and Colts made this decision last year, gambling on their having a good year in 2007 and thus losing a late pick.

First picks by these teams:

Redskins - #34

Packers - #36

Vikings - #43

Eagles - #47

Colts - #59

Browns - #104

Statisticians have done an analysis of the history of the draft and found the best bang for the buck in terms of performance to cap space comes from players picked very late in the first round to late in the second round. OTOH, we are very familiar with the brutal cost of first round busts like Jon Harris, Mike Mamula, Freddie Mitchell and Jerome McDougle.

The Media on Lito

cavortingEagle — Sat, 03 May 2008 14:59:40 -0000

[Note by JasonB, 05/04/08 8:58 AM EDT ] promoted from diaries

First there's the always sunny Spads reporting on the "situation."

Sheppard, after speaking with head coach Andy Reid during the week, decided to put aside any ill feelings regarding his contract situation -- reportedly the source of his discontent -- and came to work.

So, Lito has no ill will any more, but apparently there are still some issues to work out.

Sheppard said he was satisfied with what Reid said -- "Obviously, I'm here" -- but he didn't elaborate further. It's likely that Sheppard won't speak further on the matter until the situation is resolved. Reid meets the media on Saturday and is probably going to keep what he and Sheppard discussed between them.

Bob Brookover seemed somewhat more judicial and perhaps even implicitly derisive.

Despite the effort of an Eagles Web site reporter to put a happy spin on the situation [emphasis added] - "Lito, talk about the defense and how exciting it is you have new guys and you have some punch" - it was obvious Sheppard was less than thrilled to be there.

The cornerback did not deny that he is unhappy about his contract, which he signed during the 2004 season. He has four years remaining on that five-year extension of his rookie deal and is scheduled to make $2 million this season.

Brookover believes we'll learn more about the Eagle's defensive back rotation at the voluntary workouts that are upcoming later on this spring. His bottom line however was much the same as Spadaro's, Lito likely will not be a problem.

Perhaps the most gloomy discussion of the Lito situation is Nick Fierro's particularly dire assessment where he breaks off this gem:

Team Turmoil is back in action, seemingly operating in an even higher gear than it was during the Terrell Owens crisis of 2005.

Hyperbole? Methinks.

Taking a different tack, Ashley Fox's Tricornered Connundrum posits that the "situation" goes beyond just Lito's contract, but extends onto the field. This is something which I've read fans speculating about, but hasn't been addressed directly by the coaching staff in anything other than an offhand manner.

Here's what Reid should have done after signing Samuel to that monster contract in February and what he must do today when the Eagles' minicamp begins (if he didn't do it last night after the team convened): Sit down with Sheppard, Brown and Samuel and honestly discuss how this three-man rotation of veteran corners will work. Explain his expectations to each player. Listen to their concerns and gripes. Don't be averse to conflict. Communicate.

She seems to want to take on the roll of consigliere to Andy Reid's Don Corleone. That said, she's got many good points in her article and she raises a significant difference between this team and the Bobby Taylor, Al Harris, Troy Vincent squad. Harris came into the lineup as a rookie. If Andy's hiring a confidant, perhaps Ash should apply.

For my money, I think Brookover's measure of the state of Lito is likely closest to the truth and, presuming whatever issues Lito has with his contract are resolved, that Andy will probably heed Ms. Fox's advice and settle in with Lito, Sheldon and Asante to hug it out.

SI praises Eagles pick of DeSean Jackson

anuj — Sat, 03 May 2008 00:27:17 -0000

I picked up my latest Sports Illustrated today, excited to read the reviews on the draft. When i was scaning the paragraphs, i came upon two things that grabbed my eyes.

NFL Draft

...Among the teams that appeared to have gotten a lot better last weekend were Miami...,Kansas City..., and Philadelphia, which swung a total of three trades, piled up 10 picks over the two days and still landed a PREMIUM reciver-return at #49, Cal's DeSean Jackson, whom the Eagles considered taking in the first round....

Then we had Dr. Z's Analysis of the Draft, where he had the Eagles under the labeling "I Can't Wait to See..."

EAGLES - Trevor Laws, the second round DT, show the world that a great run-plugging lineman is just as valuable as a sack artist... Donovan McNabb get a look at second round WR DeSean Jackson's 4.35 speed.

Man, im ready from training camp and preseason to check these guys out!

Possible more deals to come

yophillybro — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:10:13 -0000

I don't beleive that this off season is finished yet. I still seems as if the Eagles are shopping Sheppard, and now he Eagles have 2 first round picks for next year.

It wouldn't surprise me if there was still a move or 2 left in this offseason. Hopefully its a big one. I really don't see the Eagles drafting 2 first round players next year. Some teams didn't get what they would have liked from CB in the draft. I wouldn't be shocked to see a Sheppard trade or first round trade to address any needs the birds have left.

I wonder what it would that they address, (we still seem short on DE/FS/WR). It will be interesting to see what happens from this point on.

Did I mention I hate GCobb???

foos05 — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:34:27 -0000

So between all of his bull shit in the past week and whining and now this article. He's pretty much not only given up on this season, but pretty much the franchise in all... what... an... ass.... before you start spouting off that this could be the end of an era in philly and blah blah blah blah... here's an idea... why don't we actually play some games this year eh? i know it's stupid to judge the team on small things such as, you know, the outcome of the season and all, but what do ya say, let's give it a shot! ass...

Click me

FoxSports.com's take on Eagles S Demps

anuj — Thu, 01 May 2008 05:00:05 -0000

I personally am really excited about Demps. He is cocky, but not to much, plays well, and is going to get training from one of the best in the league. This kid's got something bright happening in Philly.

Im not a big fan of Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com, but this article made me smile

"Five Day 2 picks you didn't hear much about ... that I liked,

1. ...

2. ...

3. ...

4. Quintin Demps, UTEP, S, 117th overall to Philadelphia: Maybe my favorite pick of the entire weekend, Demps — projected to go as high as the second round by some — fell all the way to 117th overall. Philadelphia passed on Kenny Phillips in the first round, assuming they could get a top safety down the road. Demps is undoubtedly that guy. Playing free safety at UTEP, he had 17 career interceptions — an impressive number for any player, let alone a safety. He can also hit. Let Brian Dawkins show him the ropes for a few years, and see Demps flourish into an outstanding pro.

Poll

Think Demps can be our next star safety after the great B.Dawkins hangs up the pads?

Adarius Bowman?

ringordietryin — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:05:16 -0000

According to rotoworld, Adarius Bowman (yes that 6'4" 220 WR from OSU) has signed with the Eagles - the link is http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFL&id=4660

Unfortunately, he pleaded guilt to weed possession and was given a delayed sentence of 12 months in jail. I'm not sure how this works but if he makes the team, can he serve his term in 3 installments for 4 years? Maybe Joe Banner can send the judge a fruit basket for a reduced sentence or something...

If he really applies himself during camp and realizes his potential, we may have found a real gem here. This guy was considered a top 15 pick before the season and even a potential Heisman candidate. I don't like the way he catches (relies on his body too much instead of his hands) but is very physical and plays fast with pads.

Buzz Bissinger Rant

CMax — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:21:36 -0000

Has anyone checked out the Buzz Bissinger rant against all blogs during Bob Costas round table discussion on blogging? Check it out and let me know what you think. I think it's amazing how disconnected some of these media types are. My favorite part is how he opens his complaints about the vulgarity of blogs with the sentence "I think you're full of shit." It's amazing how disconnected these media types are. Comment on what you think.

Here's the Movie from Awful Announcing

Desean Jackson

Jkreck — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:50:33 -0000

Everybody needs to watch the film posted on the eagles website on his kick returns. This kid is fast as shit and has great moves. Finally we can be excited on every punt and kickoff this year!!!!! I was doubting this pick and thought we should have went after a bigger receiver. If you factor in where we got him and the return ability it seems like a GREAT pick. In addition we have 5 new guys for our kick coverage team Smith, Boiman, Mays, Studebaker and Clemons these guys can all fly and lay somebody out!

[Note by JasonB, 04/30/08 5:04 PM EDT ] Figured I'd add the video...

Do these people actually take themselves seriously?

cavortingEagle — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:45:00 -0000

We're 3 days removed from the 2008 NFL Draft and depending upon the team, the sportswriter, or the fan, the draft was somewhere between success and failure.

I usually hail the draft as a turning point in the offseason, a timepost where the real business of football can get started. The business on the field. Some writers, however, seem to have a bit of a hangover and need some hair of the dog.

Todd McShay seems to need a little taste of last week's brew to get him through the next few days. Andrew Perloff also seems to be kinda groggy. These gentlemen are already posting Mock Drafts for next offseason. Methinks they doth take themselves too seriously.

Is there even a glint of useful information contained within these prognostications? Perhaps, but it's still a stretch. McShay suggests that the Eagles will pick an offensive tackle with the 18th overall pick and Perloff postulates a wideout with the 24th pick. That means McShay believes that the Birds have done nothing to improve themselves this offseason and will not make the playoffs. Perloff on the other hand seems to think the Eagles will be 1 and done. Thanks for the confidence Andy. And Todd, do you really think that the Packers with Aaron Rodgers at QB will be knocking on the door of the playoffs? Are they that much better than the Birds?

Leading up to the draft, I like mock drafts to introduce me to the next round of players - where people think they will go and what the Birds would have to do to get the player they supposedly want. I actually look at a lot of them, but posting a mock immediately following the draft should be an exercise for someone who wants to actually mock the draft. Wasn't Brian Brohm supposed to be a top 10 player this year?