The Linc - Revisiting 2013 NFC East Predictions

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A look back at the experts' 2013 NFC East division winner predictions - Philly.com
This time last season, the Eagles got absolutely no respect. They were coming off a 4-12 season, they were unsettled at the QB position, their defensive scheme was a complete unknown, and there was a new coaching staff in place. Just for fun, I went back and found the 2013 NFC East predictions for the experts at ESPN, CBS, FOX, Sports Illustrated, and USA Today. There were a total of 63 writers who made picks from those media outlets. They all picked anyone but the Eagles to win the NFC East. To note, I'm not trying to be a ball buster here. I don't remember who I picked to win the division last year (Redskins?), but it wasn't the Eagles.

The Most Important July 4th Post of All Time - Iggles Blitz
I would love to give Chip Kelly some truth serum and ask about Damaris Johnson. Is he just not that good? Does Chip hate his size? Why are we keeping him around? I thought Johnson could thrive in this offense and had good expectations for him last year. Boy was I wrong. But Johnson is still here, which would lead you to believe Kelly thinks he has some value.

Twitter Mailbag: The Latest On Lane - Birds 24/7
The NFL announced the suspensions of Dion Jordan and Chiefs offensive lineman Rokevious Watkins Friday afternoon for failing drug tests, and some are wondering why the league remains quiet on Lane Johnson.The league office told us on Monday -- the day the report came out -- that it had not yet received any information on Johnson. I followed up on Wednesday and there was nothing new to report. That may seem strange, but players often find out about a failed drug test days before the NFL does.

Chip Kelly Update: Silly Season, Drugs & Beefs - Fishduck
Football fans are stuck in the doldrums, and with no wind in their sails, they’re just waiting for the endless (month-long) break between mini-camp and training camp to end. Luckily you have us football writers, struggling furiously to generate enough hot air to fill those sails.

Eagles-Redskins Q&A: On DeSean Jackson, and how Kelly-Foles is like Gruden-Griffin - Washington Post
The Eagles will still be a run-first spread offense that relies on the guys up front and LeSean McCoy to do the heavy lifting. And they still have some other decent options in the passing game — Darren Sproles, second-year tight end Zach Ertz, etc. But last year, they led the league in pass plays of 20+ yards. It will be a pretty amazing feat if they can do that again without Jackson.

Young Eagles D-line out to avenge playoff letdown - CSN Philly
Despite their pleasantly productive first year in coach Chip Kelly’s scheme, the starting trio of Thornton, Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan heard echoes in the aftermath that they were too small, too easily pushed around and not the right fit for the 3-4 scheme introduced by Kelly and defensive coordinator Billy Davis. Never mind that the Eagles ranked 10th against the run in 2014 and fourth in yards-per-carry against after an abysmal preseason in which they finished with the league’s most rushing yards allowed and the highest yards-per-carry against average.

Rachel Washburn: An American Hero - PE.com
From 2007-2010, Eagles cheerleader Rachel Washburn stood on the Eagles sidelines watching all of the different battles play out between the white lines at Lincoln Financial Field. Just a few years later, Rachel was no longer standing outside the lines. She had traded in her midnight green Vera Wang-designed cheerleader uniform for army fatigues. Rachel left Philadelphia to serve in Afghanistan as a member of the United States Army. Tonight, 1st Lt. Rachel Washburn will return to Lincoln Financial Field and be honored as the Eagles "Hometown Hero."

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2014 results: Joey Chestnut wins 8th straight championship - SB Nation
oey Chestnut is the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest champion once again, munching down 61 hot dogs and buns to win his eighth straight title. Chestnut was aiming to break his own record of 69, but slowed significantly in the final three minutes after being on record pace for much of the contest. Ultimately there was only one competitor who stood a chance, with 22-year-old Matt Stonie making a big impact by staying bite-for-bite with the champion until the final minute. Stonie finished with 56 and was the runner-up for the second year in a row.