Let's give them something to talk about....

It's Friday.... I do have a job, but I still aint got shit to do! So let's chat. You and I both know you don't want touch another spreadsheet this week anyway. The NFL is going to discuss some rule changes at the Owner's meetings next week. Just a few of the topics are a hair rule, new playoff format, and the force out.

Hair Rule
It's common place now in the NFL for guys to have flowing locks of hair protruding out from under their helmets. Troy Polamalu, and Ricky Williams fit the profile, and have have both been tackled by their curly, dreaded locks. Which raises the safety question. As it stands now the rule basically states that the player's hair is considered an extension of the jersey. The Kansas City Chiefs proposed that the league make it a rule that a player's hair should not cover the name on the back of the jersey. The mad genius at One For The Other Thumb thinks that it's a dumb rule, and I am inclined to agree. If it is an issue of safety then make it an illegal tackle. Amend the horse collar rule to include hair. If a guy is only able to make a tackle by grabbing hair, it means that he go beat. It's a last ditch effort. Thankfully the rule would not force players to cut their hair, they would just have to tuck it inside their helmets. Polamalu's hair is a part of his cultural identity, and he shouldn't be forced to cut it. This rule seems more like a marketing strategy, than a safety concern.

Playoff format
The competition committee has proposed a plan that would give Wild-Card teams a chance to host a home playoff game. The proposal would slot playoff seeds 3-6 by record. For example the Giants 10-6 wouldn't have had to open the playoffs at Tampa Bay 9-7 or Jacksonville 11-5 would not have had to go to Pittsburgh 10-6. I am not sure how I to feel about it, but my initial reaction was one of approval. It really doesn't matter either way, the format is never going to be flawless.

Receiver Force Out
It is being proposed that the pushed portion of the rule be removed. Rich McKay of the Atlanta Falcons, and Co-Chairman of the Competition committee had this to say, "The rule says a receiver can't be carried or pushed out of bounds by an opponent." he continued on stating, "We would delete 'pushed'...There are so many levels of judgment that go into a force-out call. This would be much more consistent. Either you get your feet down or not." I think that's a stupid idea. Get rid of the rule all together. Especially if your argument is that you get your feet down or don't. Removing the push out aspect makes no sense at all. That gives way to a defense just tee-ing off on a receiver who jumps straight up in the air to make the catch. The momentum aspect of the rule should be the part that is removed, if the rule is going to be changed.

So, that's all I got for ya today. Read it. Add your 2 cents.... Do you as please.

In Eagles News:
Linebacker and Special Teamer Rocky Boiman signed a one year deal. I give it 2 thumbs up.
Te Kris Wilson signed a three year deal.

Have a great weekend everyone, and have a drink you earned it!

Making it rain.

So I found this article today suggesting that Pacman would be a good fit in New England, and how a deal could be done similar to that of the one they landed Moss with last year. There is no way in HELL that by trading Jones to the Patriots is he going to turn his act around.

1. Adam "Pacman" Jones is criminal! If it wasn't for his lawyers he would be incarcerated with Michael Vick. Multiple domestic disputes, criminal conspiracy charges, the list goes on and on. He just doesn't get the concept, that you cannot do whatever you want. There are rules, that have to be obeyed. Which ties in to my next point.

2. He doesn't follow the rules. Roger Goodell suspended him for the entire season, because of his behavior. The guy just refuses to listen, he is going to keep going to the very places that he gets into the most trouble at. He was told that he was under contract by the Titans, and he was not to wrestle, but he does it anyway. He's an antagonist to his employers. He flew to New York to have a meeting with the commissioner about his behavior. The night before the meeting he goes to a strip club. He even goes on radio shows to announce that he has a stripper pole in his house. He is never going to change for anyone.
3. The Patriots are going to provide anymore structure than that of the Tennessee Titans. They have been commended by the league for how they handle their players who are considered to be troubled. Jeff Fischer was having meetings to address with Pacman since his troubles began to address them. Note: This is the type of nurturing that needed to be in place when he was in high school, and college. It's pathetic that there is a need at the Pro level to do this. He is not going to have that type of structure with the Patriots. The Patriots all know what is expected of them, and how to go about meeting those expectations. They aren't going to take the time to treat him like the child he is.

4. Although Randy Moss has had problems off the field. What got him his reputation is his, "me first" attitude on the field, not off. Randy Moss has more football talent in his hands then Pacman has in his entire body. All Moss needed to do was perform up to the level of his talent, and he did just that. He flourished in the Patriots system. In the Patriots system no one looks to him to lead the team. That's Brady's job, and Moss wouldn't want it any other way. When Moss is allowed to just go out and play he is at his best. Jones has way more to prove, and it cannot be done just by playing football.

Any team that picks him up is making a huge mistake. He's not going to change, and it will end up costing the team more than he's worth. The Patriots aren't going to be his redemption, and going to Cowboys is only going to make it worse. He's will continue to squander his talents, and ruin his career. He reminds me of Lawrence Phillips. Check out what happened to him.

Let's not get too excited

In an interview with NFL Total Access Chad Johnson expressed an interest in being traded again. I have shared my sentiment on this topic in previous bloggage, but being that there hasn't been a whole lot to talk about I might as well rehash the subject.

Any time big guy. As an Eagles fan I would personal welcome your hi jinx, and talent with open arms. I am willing to overlook any possible locker room issues that you may have. Perhaps my desire for an established #1 has clouded my judgement, but I don't think that we would be repeating history by acquiring, "Ocho Cinco". I think the Cincy would not lose all that much by parting ways with Johnson. They still have T.J. and Chris Henry. Inevitably one of the three of these guys is going to move on to greener pastures. If the Bengals were to trade Johnson they would free up cap space (Not that they need to). They are are currently 18 million under. They could use that additional dinero to secure T.J. and Chris' futures. The money could also be used to address their defensive problems. The Bungles front seven were in shambles. Could the Birds propose a deal that Cincinnati couldn't pass up?
I don't want to get my hopes up like I did over the Fitzgerald rumors. Singing Chad Johnson might break the proverbial bank. Not that my opinion is respected, or heard for that matter, but I think that the Bengals would ask for more than we are willing to give up, if they are even willing to move him at all. At the present time the Eagles have draft picks, and Lito Sheppard as their best bargaining chips. Barring some sort of three way deal I do not imagine that Lito Sheppard would be a part of any deal. The Bengals have a young, and talented secondary. I don't think that the Bengals will look at trade offers that address their issues at in the front 7 until after the draft. The Bengals have some young linebackers that need to get healthy, and eliminate their off-field problems. If they can do that, then they can use the draft to strengthen the position. On the Eagles end, everything that I have read, or been told indicates that Stewart Bradley, Omar Gaither, Chris Gocong, Akeem Jordan, and Pago Togafau are the Linebackers of the future in Philly. The Bengals' defensive line looks like their linebackers, in that they have a ton of youth. They will probably look to get an impact player in the draft. The mock draft that I stalk, has them picking Glenn Dorsey. The Eagles appear to be happy with the current roster as well.
So it looks that at the present time a deal for Chad Johnson would involve draft picks, and probably more than the Eagles are willing to give up, and I don't know if a deal is possible. Do not worry my friends. The draft could change the entire complexion of this scenario, and make it a reality.

What's your take? Any ideas?

Eagles hold a personal workout for Vanderbilt receiver Earl Bennett. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer he is a strong second round choice, but here's the catch. Denver is interested in Bennett too. Would the Birds trade up in rd. 2 to get him, or take him with the 19th overall pick? I hope that they don't take him number 19.

I'm just talking here....

Happy St. Patties day everyone! If you are able to read this today, then you need to drink another Car Bomb. There hasn't been, much going on in Eagles country so here is a hodge podge of stuff going on around the league.

-Eagles sign Dan Klecko to a two year deal. He has been playing defensive tackle, but is going to be moved to Fullback. I suggest that we dub him the, "White Refrigerator".

-Kevin Jones was released from the Detroit Lions, and said that he would love to play in Philly. Get healthy, and then let's talk.

-The Raiders may seek to acquire DeAngelo Hall. This could possibly effect the value of a deal for Sheppard.

-Stay Puff wreaks havoc on downtown Denver. God Bless Photoshop, and those with too much free time!

-Dallas is interested in Pac-Man Jones. Jerry Jones, go ahead and sign him. I will be the first to congratulate you on pissing away cap money. He's a bad investment, but if you like those types of investments I have a few suggestions: "Iron" Mike Tyson, O.J. Simpson, Maurice Clarett, and Lawrence Phillips.

-The Bears are bringing the 49ers up on charges. They are alleging that San Francisco offered a contract to Briggs without their permission. If they are found guilty they stand to lose draft picks, or receive a fine.

-Alex Smith needs to be given 2 more years before he gets pigeon holed as flop. I read an article last week that the 49ers had released Trent Dilfer. When looking at their roster I noticed that he is only 22 years old. He was really young as a rookie. In fact he is as old as any of the quarterbacks in this years draft. I still think that he is going to be a good QB.

I will bid you all farewell for now. The green beer is on me today!
Slainte go saol agat,
Bean ar do mhian agat.
Leanbh gach blian agat,
is solas na bhflaitheas tareis antsail seo agat.--

Offense Wins Game... Defense Wins Championships!!!

So, the iggles weren't able to land Fitzgerald. It's a disappointment. It would have gone a long way to strengthen our offense, but offense can only take you so far.....

The Eagles defense is going to be an intricate part in restoring our dominance in the NFC. So we start making some moves. We release Jevon Kearse. The next day we sign Asante Samuel. The following week is the same. We cut Takeo Spikes, and sign Chris Clemmons. Now what? The Eagles need to address some immediate, as well as some impending concerns on defense. Here are our 2007 number according to the NFL. The Eagles were 10th in the League on Total Defense, 18th against the Pass, and 7th against the Run. However the Skins, Cowboys, and G-Men were all ahead of us. All of the above went to the playoffs.

I am not sure what to make of the issue at linebacker. They released Jeremiah Trotter last year, moved Omar Gaither to middle linebacker, and singed Takeo Spikes. Since they released Spikes they are going to move Gaither back to outside linebacker. So there is an immediate need at middle linebacker. I imagine that the Eagles with address this in the draft. I make this assumption based on the fact that they released Trotter, and moved Gaither to over because he was younger and better in pass coverage. If the Birds are looking to get younger they may be less inclined to address it in free agency. Of the top 5 middle linebackers in this years draft class it appears that only 1 or 2 of them may go in the first round USC's Keith Rivers and Tennessee's Jerod Mayo. There is a deeper pool of talent at outside linebacker in this years draft, that they could look to convert to mlb or just move Gaither back.

The Eagles are not void, but need to address the secondary, mainly the Safety position. Brian Dawkins is good, but he is showing signs of his age. Sean Considine, J.R. Reed, and Quintin Mikell have rotated through the position, because of injuries and performance. Depending on what happens with Lito Sheppard, there has been talk of moving Sheldon Brown to the Safety position. I like the idea of the Eagles drafting Kenny Philips from Miami in the first round as the eventual replacement of Dawkins. Lito Sheppard is the lynch pin of the strategy that Eagles will take in addressing issues in the secondary.

I think that for the most part the Eagles won't be doing much to address the Defensive Tackle and Defensive End positions. They signed Chris Clemmons from the Raiders to replace Kearse. There are questions about what is going to happen with Mike Patterson, but they appear to have a solid front 4.

Enough of what I think... I would now like to open the floor to the panel. What's your take on improving our defense?




Draft Sources:
NFL.com
Scout.com

Super Bowl Contender

Is the Eagles offense good enough to be a Super Bowl contender right now?
The article argues that with the return of healthy players such as Donovan McNabb, and L.J. Smith, consistently strong play from the offensive line, Brian Westbrook, improved play from the receivers, and improved Red Zone efficiency that Eagles are a contender.

Yes, all of the article's points are valid, but the answer is, "NO". I am of the belief that based on the Eagles offensive style of play that they are in need a dominant #1 receiver. Otherwise they struggle closing games out. The Eagles were criticized for not being able to get over the hump, and win the NFC title. They signed Owens, and went to the Super Bowl. Since then we haven't even been back to the NFC Championship game.

If the Eagles acquire a dominant #1 receiver it would produce tremendous dividends. Giving McNabb a play maker at the wide out position will alleviate some of the workload that is currently draped across the shoulders of Brian Westbrook. The Birds need him in the lineup. Westbrook's workload contributes too, if not is the cause of his nagging injuries. Two play makers are always better than one.

Not only would B. West benefit from having one, so would Tight End L.J. Smith. Provided that he is healthy Smith is a very effective Red Zone threat. He becomes even more effective when defenses cannot focus their coverages on the Tight End.

Having a dominant #1 will bring about improved play from the other receivers. A perfect example of this is Wes Welker, and the Patriots. Because there was so much focus on Moss (mainly), and Stallworth, it left Welker open underneath. His number were unbelievable. 112 receptions, 1175 yards, 8 TDs, and 10.5 average yards per catch. Combine Kevin Curtis with another play maker on the other side, and you can take quite a bit of pressure off of Brown, Baskett, Avant, Westbrook, Smith, and even Donovan. If the defense has to be concerned with the receivers, tight end, and running back you are taking away another possible pass rusher.

It's no secret that the Eagles are pass first run second team. The lack of consistency at the receiver position combined with pass happy play calling has cost the them several close games. If you aren't going to run the ball in the 4th quarter of a close game, you had better have some receivers that will make the necessary plays to close out the game.

In the Eagles offense having a top tier receiver has a trickle down effect. Westbrook isn't being weighed on so heavily, make plays, and remain healthy. L.J. Smith becomes even more dangerous target. Other receivers get better looks due to the change in coverage. Fewer pass rushers for make the offensive lines job of protecting McNabb easier. When the line protects Donovan it gives him time to throw, and reduces the likelihood of him getting injured. They need to get a high caliber receiver. If they are going to continue to be a pass first team the Eagles are going to need one to assist closing out games.



Additional Reference from Gunna20 from Yard Barker.

This and That....

Just a couple of thoughts this morning:

Adam "Pac-Man" Jones definitely deserves to have his very own, "When Keeping it Real, Goes Wrong" skit. I just don't think that he is every really going to get it (and by it, I mean he is going deep six his own career). I always seem to catch little sound bites of his, in which he says something to the fact that he's just going to be him. Being him did NOT get him to the NFL. Being him has gotten him arrested, and suspended for the duration of the 2007 season. To my knowledge Commissioner Goodell never explicitly told him that stay out of Strip Clubs, but perhaps he should have. Mr. Jones needs to realize something. Adam "Pac-Man" Jones + strip clubs= No Paycheck. I like a good joke as much as the next guy, but there is a time and a place for it. Making a joke about having a stripper pole in your home is tactless. This activity of leisure has cost him millions of dollars, and could continue to do so. Why would you even joke about it in a public forum? You still haven't been reinstated. It can easily be construed as an act of direct defiance. Go ahead Pac-Man, keep on keeping it real.




It's no secret around Philadelphia that the Safety Position needs to be addressed. Michael Lewis was not effective in pass coverage, and so he was let go. Sean Considine is good, but is often injured. Brian Dawkins has been the anchor, but showed signs last season that he is human i.e. injury. The question at Safety has been lingering in the minds of NFL Analysts for the past few years. Each year the mock drafts talk about the Eagles addressing the issue. The Eagles have 5 roster spots currently filled by guys at the position. 4 out of the 5 players have seen action over the past two seasons. Marcus Paschal being the odd man out. It is possible that they may move Sheldon Brown to safety, but I think they need to address it in the draft. Currently Scout.com is predicting that the Eagles take Kenny Phillips, the Junior from the U with the 19th overall pick in the draft. I like it. Miami is a football factory. They may not always be known for the best character, but they know how to build NFL players. Phillips however does not appear to be of questionable character. Perhaps he could even play along side Dawkins for now, and be his eventual replacement.

Numero Uno

It's no secret that the Eagles are in desperate need of a number one receiver. Now that the Patriots locked up Randy Moss it's time that we turn our sights on someone else. Larry Fitzgerald, Chad Johnson, Roy Williams, and Torry Holt have been mentioned as possible candidates to fill the position that has been left void since Terrell Owens. None of the aforementioned players are free agents. This means trade talks. Are they going to pull the trigger, and get a trade done? What do they have to offer?

As far as the Eagles have to offer goes as such. 2 time Pro Bowl CB Lito Sheppard, and six picks in the 2008 NFL draft, including the 19th overall pick. They have made some additional cap room by cutting Takeo Spikes.

Most news outlet's are reporting that the Eagles have put their focus on acquiring Larry Fitzgerald from the Arizona Cardinals. Currently he is in the process of restructuring his contract with the Cardinals. Fitzgerald has expressed his desire to remain in Arizona, and the Cardinals are expressing the same sentiment. However no progress is being made to resolve their issues. Rumors had it that the Eagles would send Lito Sheppard and a 2nd round pick to the desert for Fitzgerald, and the draft pick has been replaced by run of mill Reggie Brown. This deal changes by the day, but I feel that a deal for Fitzgerald would be in the Eagles best interest. As of Monday morning there has been talk of a deal being done as early as Tuesday.

If the Fitzgerald trade washes out, the Eagles are going to have give up a whole lot more for Chad Johnson or Roy Williams. Although he has expressed his unhappiness of late with the Bengals it is unlikely that Cincinnati is ready to part ways with Ocho Cinco. The Bengals are need of defensive help along the front 7. It would cost the Eagles draft picks, and who knows what else. Note: The Bengals could eventually look to unload Johnson if he continues to publicly criticize the team, and they have another bad season. Johnson would be a huge loss, but I believe that the Bengals have two very good receivers in T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and Chris Henry.

I cannot imagine the Lions dealing away Roy Williams either. Right now, they are putting the pieces together to build a strong football team. The Lions really don't have any reason to move Williams. The Rams are desperate for help. Torry Holt, at age 30 could probably be disposable if someone offered enough draft picks.

The Eagles need to get a talented #1 receiver from the NFL. Reggie Brown has not developed enough to assume that role. The Eagles are clearly a better team when they have a top tier receiver. They need to get a deal done!

And the Raiders rejoice....

Do Raiders fans have something to be excited about in Oakland? Are the Raiders a contender in the AFC West?

Raider's fans have some reasons to be excited (Not that they need, as evidenced by the photo above) about the upcoming 2008 season. You have the fourth overall pick in the draft, Al Davis is making moves in the free agent market, and your offense has tremendous potential.

With the fourth overall pick in this years NFL draft the Raiders have quite a few possibilities. More likely than not the Raiders will use the pick. Some mock drafts have them drafting Darren McFadden, others have them drafting Sedric Ellis, Chris Long, or Jake Long. All of which are great choices. Darren McFadden is a workhorse, and is going to improve any teams running game, but the Raiders already have LaMont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes, and Michael Bush. Chris Long is considered to be the best Defensive End in this years draft. He would be a compliment to Derrick Burgess, and the replacement for Chris Clemons. Drafting Jake Long would be a good choice in that he would protect their investment in number 1 pick JaMarcus Russell. They could even go after Glenn Dorsey as the replacement for retired Warren Sapp. If the Raiders do use the pick to draft someone they are going to have to pay them top 5 pick money. Currently the Raiders are approximately 6 million under the cap. I think that the Raiders would be better suited to trade the fourth pick for a lower first round pick, and additional late round picks.

While developing a draft strategy Al Davis has been busy in free agency as well. The Raiders signed recently release Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker. Walker will take the place of Jerry Porter, and provide a veteran impact player. Provided that he stays healthy. They also signed Super Bowl champion safety Gibril Wilson, who gives them experience and depth at the position. The Raiders could be looking to land another top receiver in Cincinnati's Chad Johnson. They could use that fourth overall pick as trade leverage to make such a deal possible.

The Raiders went 2-14 in 2006 because their offense couldn't win a game. Now they are putting the pieces in place to change all of that. The Raiders are putting an end to their quarterback carousel. They got the deal done, he's had a year to learn the play book, and now it's time for JaMarcus Russell to earn his paycheck. The Raiders are building their offense around him. He's got all of the physical attributes to be a big time play maker for them. Javon Walker will give Russell a reliable target to throw to, and big play capability. A good running game is crucial to a young quarterback, and it would seem that the Raiders have are going to have one. Michael Bush did not play last year because of a broken leg, but if his college game can carry over to the NFL he is going to be a great back. Also carrying the load are back Dominic Rhodes, and LaMont Jordan. Both Rhodes and Jordan averaged approximately 4 yards a carry in 2007. With 3 backs the Raiders will have fresh legs late in the game when grinding it out is crucial. If the Raiders can get a deep threat to Stretch the field they will be a formidable opponent for anyone.

By installing an offense, and maintaining a good defense the question is can the Raiders be a contender for the AFC West? The answer is, "No". However they will be a playoff team in the next 2-3 years. Russell is going to experience some growing pains on the field, and the offense needs to develop chemistry with each other. If I were to make a predictions for the Raiders 2008 season I would say 7-9.

Don't ask my why I decided to write about the Raiders. For some reason it just made sense to me.

Happy trails Brett Favre

The Man, The Myth, The Legend! Brett Favre's career has come to an end. I would have liked for Favre to play a few more seasons, but he made a great decision. He walked away from the game on a high note. He's an obvious first ballot Hall of Fame indcutee, and he deserves it!

Watching the Greenbay Packers is not going to be the same without him.



Brett Favre should be immediately placed in the Hall of Fame for The Baddest Ass People of All Time! Here are few of the members, in no particular order.
1. The Marlboro Man
2. Clint Eastwood
3. The legs of Chuck Norris (not Chuck himself)
4. That guy who wrestled a shark onto the beach after it had attacked his nephew
5. "The Mind", Jesse Ventura


"Patience is a virtue". That has to be Aaron Rodgers' credo, and finally it has payed off. Will the three years that he has spent on the sideline growing his hair, and holding a clip board going to pay off? 3 years is a considerable amount of time to develop a quarterback. Perhaps Aaron should give Brady Quinn a call pass his credo on to Quinn?

What does this all mean?

Attention NFC Quarterbacks: You have officially been put on notice. The Eagles signed Probowl Cornerback Asante Samuel on Friday. I am pleased at the signing, but it generates what do the Eagles do now? Do you keep Lito Sheppard, or use him as bait to trade?

To keep Sheppard would provide depth to the Eagles secondary. It was announced that Samuel's is going to play the left CB position. If Sheppard were willing to move over to the right corner, that would free up Sheldon Brown to be moved into a Nickel Back or Safety position where some say that he would be better suited. Having Samuel and Sheppard on at the corners would give Jim Johnson the ability to blitz unmercifully. Solidifying the corners would give the Eagles and opportunity to address the Safety position either via the draft, or free agency.

If they aren't going to keep him, he could be used as trade bait. The Eagles are lacking at the Safety position, Wide Receiver, or Defensive line. Sheppard is a Probowl corner, and could be considered valuable in the market. What they shouldn't do, is let him seek out his own trade or just cast him aside, and create a disgruntled player.