2010: A Receiver's odyssey

Anquan Boldin has ordered super agent Drew Rosenhaus to terminate all negotiations with the Arizona Cardinals. He intends to play out his contract which runs through 2010. Although displeased with the Cardinals front office, Anquan intends to continue to play as he has. Boldin has denied the rumor that Rosenhaus requested that he be traded. Is there a possibility that the Eagles would make another attempt at acquiring the unhappy wideout?

Maybe, but I wouldn't expect to see him dawning midnight green anytime soon. I'm sure that the Cardinals front office will field a number of calls from teams that would be interested in his services, but the Cardinals shouldn't give this guy up. He's an absolut gamer. It would be their best interest to retain him for the duration of his contract. In that time he could change his mind, and they could get a deal done.
It would be amazing to have him join the Eagles. Having Boldin would unarguably augment the Eagles as a Super Bowl contender. Joe Banner wouldn't pull a Daniel Schneider in order to win now. In the mean time there is a lot of football t be played, and anything can happen (good or bad) in that time.

Does anyone think that the Eagles should make a serious attempt at trade for Boldin this year? What do you think it would cost to acquire him?

Hold Out? No body is holding out

So camp will officially get rolling today, as all of the veterans were to report to Lehigh yesterday by 7 pm. The question marks became exclammation marks of relief as both Sheppard and Westbrook reported on time. The only person not in attendance was the "Big Kid" Shawn Andrews. Some early reports were that he was going to hold out, because he was unhappy with his contract. This couldn't be further from the truth.


Apparently, Andrews did not report to camp for, "personal reasons," whatever that means. Andrews' agent, Rich Moran indicated that it wasn't "the kind of personal matter where you check into rehab, or anything." Thank Rich, I feel much better now. You should have left it at "personal reasons."


In light of everyone showing up for camp, I offer the following statements:
To Brian Westbrook and Lito Sheppard: Thank you for for reporting to camp, and handling your business issues professionally.
To Shawn Andrews: I apologize for nearly jumping the gun. Best wishes in hadling your "personal issues."

Go Birds!

Negative effects of hangin' with TO

"Get your ring finger ready, that's right." - Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Wade Phillips

Picture TO standing over the shoulder of Wade Phillips telling him to look into the mirror and repeat the following: "You'd better get your popcorn ready, 'cause it's gonna be a show." That's exactly what I envisioned when I read this little gem. Well, I guess it's time to start disparaging the Cowboys.
Lets analyze your statement, shall we? Judging from the context that it was taken, Wade is confident that the Cowboys are going to be hoisting the Vince Lombardi trophy at the end of the 08 season. There are a few reasons why this statement is flawed.
In order to win the Super Bowl a team must accumulate 3 or 4 (If you play in the Wild Card game) Post season wins. You need to work on just winning ONE! That's right Wade you are currently are suffering from Schottenheimer syndrome. (No disrepect is meant towards Marty Schottenheimer. )
Your quarterback suffers from a similar disease known as, "Can't win the big one syndrome!" To add to Romo's tragic career it has been determined that he's not immune to a strong pass rush, and he is going to see a great deal of that in his own division.
There's only one possible explanation for Wade Phillips' statement, and that is that he has been hanging with TO all offseason. Thus creating a gelatenous buffer in his brain that only allows the most ridiculous and absurd thoughts to formulate. All ability to critically think are supressed by an over abundance of ego, and stupidity.

Jason Garrett, step on up! You are the next seasons head coach on WIN OR ELSE!!

Hi-Larious!!!! (KSK)

The Most Electrifying Man In Sports Entertainment

Hey, wait a minute.....This isn't a WWE blog about The Rock!

I apologize if you feel mislead, but lets' move past that, and talk Devin Hester, and the fact that he didn't report to camp. Hester has decided to holdout of training camp, because he wants a new, and more lucrative deal.

"I can't go out and play this year making $445,000. Come on, man," -Devin Hester

Does Hester deserve a pay day for being the best kick returner in the league? It's a tough question to answer. What criteria should be used to evaluate his performance?

I don't think that he deserves a new deal, Yet.. Hester is no doubt the best kick returner in the league right now. In 2 seasons he already has 11 touchdowns (4 kickoff returns, 7 punt returns). However that's a special teams position, not a "skill position." Every team in the league would love to have a guy with Hester's ability to return kicks, but there not going to pay top dollar for it.

If Hester wants to get that proverbial "pay day" he needs to make a significant contribution as a receiver too. He doesn't have to be the #1, but he does need to be in the top three. If he is able to make an impact as a receiver too, then he will have the leverage he needs.

Make a believer out of me

I was skeptical of this years incoming receiving class. I was espicially weary of the Eagles using early round draft picks on a receiver. I am totally on the Eagles need a true #1 receiver bandwagon. I have been a propent of acquiring one through free agency or a trade, but not the draft. The Eagles have a handful of guys to develop already, and didn't need to add another to the stable. So needless to say I was apprehensive about the Eagles drafting DeSean Jackson. Not that it's Jackson's fault, but I can't get Fred-X out of my head. However Jackson could be the one to free me from the shackles of previous draft choices at the position.

Dave Spadaro, you caught me, hook, line, and sinker with. "Man, did it ever kick my butt," referring to his first morning practice as an Eagle. If the quotes from this article are any indication of the type of person, and player that DeSean Jackson is, then I will be eating crow. He seems genuine, and dedicated to his craft. Hopefully all of the positive reviews that he has received will continue throughout the rest of training camp, and on through the regular season.

DeSean, I'm pulling for you to make a believer out of me!

Go Birds!!!

"Like Riding A Bike

With Day 2 of training camp in the books, there's no big story. So, here are some smaller nuggets of bliss for everyone to wrap their minds around. These pearls are brought to you by Donovan McNabb, an Jim Johnson.

Playoffs: Donovan is confident that he, and the Eagles will return to form of yester year, and make the playoffs! He's quoted as saying it's, "Like riding a bike." I find solace in Donovan's confidence. He's the face of the Ealges, and he takes the brunt of Philadelphia's criticism. This is what a quarterback is supposed to do. I don't think that it's lip service either. McNabb believes in himself, and his teammates. That's 10 points for our fearless leader. I'm not trying to get ahead of anything though. There is a long road ahead of the Eagles in order to make the playoffs, but on paper we certainly have the potential.

D-Mac on: Donovan gives his take on a number of topics. Most of the answers sounded similar to me, but what do I know. The one that really stood out in my mind though was on whether Westbrook will hold out or not. Donovan is confident that he'll (Westbrook) will report on time. I'm not so sure about that one. Another season under his belt isn't going to make his case any stronger. The real issue is his age. Hopefully they can resolve this quickly. Everyone agrees that he is crucial to running a successful offense.

A Lot of Nickel: What do you do when you have 3 starting cornerbacks (2 of 3 are all-pro)? You play a whole lot of nickel defense. Jim Johnson thinks that you will see some variation of the nickel package between 50-60% of the time this season. I'm excited to see what our defense does this year.

Injuries: A couple of guys on the PUP list, but not really a big deal. Trevor Laws and Bryan Smith are on their, but they are expected to be ready to go in the coming weeks. Jake Ikegwuonu will spend his rookie year on the PUP list rehabbing his knee.

So far, so good.
Anyone got some dirt to discuss?

Welcome to Lehigh University(A recap)

Footballs Back, and I couldn't be more stoked! The Eagles opened up training camp at Lehigh University yesterday . Rookies, and select veterans were scheduled to attend. The rest of the team will arrive on Thursday. The report's from the organization after day one were positive, as is to be expected. Here are some concerns, and some reasons to breathe a sigh of relief.

Will Westbrook report on Thursday? It has been reported that Brian Westbrook wants LT money. He feels that he should receive $30 million in guaranteed money. Most would agree that he deserves that kind of money, but turning 30 this year is the big issue. Running backs at that age are considered to be depreciated in value. Shaun Alexander signed a contract with $15 million in guaranteed money after receiving the MVP award, and taking the Sea Hawks to the Super Bowl. He was 29. If were up to me, I would pay the man. If anyone thinks that Lorenzo Booker and Ryan Moats can replace Westbrook they need get in check with reality. I think that this is going to get complicated, and I don't expect that Westbrook will report on Thursday.

DeSean Jackson get his deal done on Sunday. It's crucial that as a rookie who is expected to make an immediate impact be in camp on time. Now he's got to strap on his pads, and put in some work. We really need to improve our return game from last year, and Jackson certainly has the potential to do just that. I'm not so concerned with seeing him at the receiver position right now. His time will come eventually, but for now he's more important to special teams.

Trevor Laws is in camp, and has a deal. Like his fellow 2nd round choice Laws signed a 4 year deal with Philadelphia completing the signing of this years draft class. Laws will bolster what I think is a solid group at defenisive tackle. Missing the first day of practice isn't going to impede his ability to learn the system.

Here are some other stories from around the NFC:

Redskins are dropping like flies: Alex Buzbee, Phillip Daniels, Fred Smoot (This was just on Sunday). Jim Zorn loves leg injuries!

Jason Taylor traded to the Redskins. Is he another Jevon Kearse? The NFC East is a physical place to play. Runyan should give him a good eye gouge to provie it.

Chris Cooley thinks training camp is as much fun as a, "Bag of dicks." Like, many players isn't a fan of training camp. I take him on the Eagles any day.

Shockey's a Saint? It's what he wanted. Now that he's a Saint, I predict that he may actually live up to the expectations that were set for him when he joined the NFL.

What will day 2 of camp have in store?



This picture serves no purpose beyond shear enjoyment. Keep crying Romo.

B-West to hold out? That's not an option

Brian Westbrook is unhappy with his contract, and he wants a new deal. So how is he going to achieve his goal? For starters he fired his agent Fletcher Smith. Then he may hold out of training camp..... There's only one solution to, and that is to Pay him accordingly.

The Eagles need Brian Westbrook. He deserves a new contract.

Lito, What are you doing?

I think that for his circumstances Lito Sheppard has handled the signing of Samuel like a true professional, and a guy who loves his team, but that could change in the blink of an eye. Sheppard has hired Drew Rosenhaus to be his agent.

I don't think that we are going to see another T.O. circus this time around. Both sides have stated that they do not want that to happen, but the potential for disaster is always looming when Rosenhaus gets involved.

Rosenhaus had better be mindful of what tactics he employs in handling the negotiations between the Eagles and Sheppard. He could end up missing.

Personally, I would have tested the trade waters for him before, and during the draft (as I'm sure they did), but now I think that it would be most beneficial to resign him. Should we keep him or deal him?

What set you from?

I like how Roger Goodell has gotten on player conduct, but this is a little on the ridiculous side. The NFL is reviewing film to identify hand gestures to determine if players are flashing gang signs! VP of security Milt Ahlerich said that the experts being consulted are looking for, "symbols, clothing, jewelry or other items that would signify an association with criminal gang enterprises." Although no punishment has been defined the league intends says that, "it will be dealth with harshly."

Really? The NFL is concerned about it's image, and the commissioner is driving to improve it, but this is bordering on paranoia. Here's and interesting scenario: What if a guy has a tattoo on his arm that is symbolic of the place he grew up. Not only that, but it's also known for its gang activity as well. Is the league going to continually fine/suspend him for having the tattoo? I'm not saying that it's OK for pro athletes to be throwing up gang signs on national tv. They are role models for kids. That being said the penalty should be no stiffer than the penalty for swearing or giving the middel finger. They have not broken any laws. So why punish them as harshly as those that do? What determines a gang sign from secret team communications?

In the league's effort to clean up its image they have become heavy handed in my opinion. You cannot wear those cleats, because they aren't league approved. You can't celebrate in the endzone. Where are they going to draw the line? Not that the NFL isn't concerned with their image, but the reality is that endorsements are driving the issue. The NBA and MLB have for more tarnished images than the NFL. Endorsement deals carry with them a lot of dollars, and the NFL doesn't want to do anything jeopardize that. Would head coaches wearing suits on the sideline promote a positive image for the NFL? Of course it would, but Reebok doesn't make suits. Jack Del Rio and Mike Nolan had to have them specially made, and the league only approved them to be worn a few times. Bill Belichick looks like a bum on the sidelines, and that's OK. The endorsement dollars are the driving force behind of fair amount of league policy, and really embracing the moniker No. Fun. League!

The floor is now open.

"AZ Workouts," is this a blog or an informercial?

While browsing "The Yard" this morning I see that Donovan has a new post up at Channel 5. So naturally I go to check it out. The opening paragraph is about who has joined him and Brian Dawkins in Arizona to workout leading up to training camp. So I am hoping to get some insight on how everyone out there is doing, but the post takes a turn and goes informercial on me.

Donovan proceeds to give a little background on Brett Fischer, Owner and Proprietor of Fischer Sports. Fischer is also the creator of the Ab Dolly, one of those as seen on TV pieces of exercise equipment. The post gave me that feeling that I was watching a comercial to join a health club. I think that it was a misleading. It's his blog, and his perogative to write about what he wants to write about. I hope that he got some sort of compensation for this though.

In a related tanget, I am pleased that L.J, Baskett, Avant, and Booker are working out with McNabb. Booker will certainly benefit from the extra time spent working out with Donovan. I am hoping that L.J will stay healthy this year and return to form of previous years. He is such a great asset to McNabb in the red zone. I think that every receiver should work out with the Quarterback in the offseason. There is a great deal of truth to, "practice makes perfect." Here are some guys that should have been attached to McNabb's hip this offseason: Reggie Brown, Ryan Moats, DeSean Jackson, Kevin Kurtis.

Who would benefit the most from spending the offseason working out with #5?

News, News, and more News

T-Minus two weeks until Lehigh. Ever football fan that I know is foaming at the mouth waiting for pre-season to start. I'm going to cover a some Eagles stuff, and some other stuff too. So let's get er' done.

A Channel 5 Exclusive: DMac posted to his blog this week that he while at home in Arizona he has been keeping up with the local Philadelphia sports scene. Donovan covered the signing of Elton Brand to the Sixers, the Phillies being in first place, Vai Sikahema, and the "War at the shore," and the Philadelphia Soul are headed to Arena Bowl XXII and it's impact on Philly sports. I like the idea of McNabb taking a moment to shoot the breeze about what's going on in Philly sports. It's nice to think that he is apart of this town, and is engaged with it's sports. That can't be said for all athletes. I want this to be the real McNabb, and not some PR tactic.

He and Brian Dawkins have been working out in Arizona too. He continued on to say that more guys will be out next week (no one in specific). I am certain that this year Weapon-X will return to his true form, and be a threat to the opposition. It was speculated that his sub-standard performance last year was attributed to the decline in his pres-season conditioning, but that was last year, and this is this year. Donovan's shoulder is, "Fine." I am not sure if that should be taken literally or figuratively. A part of me says that he's saying that his shoulder is a concern, and he's just to attempting circumvent all the negative publicity he would take for being injured. Another part of thinks that he is good to go, and will be firing bombs all over the field. I am standing by him either way. It must be incredibly hard to being constantly scrutinized for everything, and for all the flack that he takes Donovan has done a hell of job dealing with.

Rookie Watch: Trevor Laws and DeSean Jackson still have not signed with the team. Will they be in LeHigh on time? I hope so. We are in dire need of a kick returner, and I that would imagine is going to Jackson primary role this coming season. Trevor Laws will add depth and talent to the defensive tackle position, but we are solid there with Patterson and Bunkley. Both these guys need head over to the Nova Car complex, and seal their deals. The sooner they do the sooner they get paid, and the sooner the fans can take solace. Two weeks boys, stop screwing around, and sign some deals!

Matt Jones can say goodbye to Jacksonville. So word on the street is that after getting busted for cocaine posession Jaguars WR Matt Jones won't be making the team this year. I remember them talking about this kid at the NFL combine. He's 6'5" and ran a sub 4.5 40 time, and showed the athleticism to make the transistion from quarteback to wide reciever. I thought that he was going to be a great receiver, but I was wrong. What a waste of talent. Why were you chopping coke up in your car anyways? Maybe Jerry Jones will sign him once the Jaguars, and the NFL are done with him?

Brett Favre? I am of the opinion that Brett Farve should never be anything but a Greenbay Packer. We will just exclude that little stint in Atlanta. I believe that the guy can still play, and that he shouldn't be relegated to 2nd string either. Aaron Rodgers deserves a shot at leading the Packers too. The Packers picked up two undrafted free agent quarterbacks after this years draft. This has disaster written all over it for the Greenbay Packers. If Favre is allowed to return the fans are going to calling for him to reclaim the starting job from Rodgers. Rodgers has to feel like that odd man out in all of this. He's got pressure coming from everywhere. I think that if Favre returns to the Packers Rodgers will be getting the hell out of dodge (Greenbay) ASAP.

WKRP: In Cincinnati with an all points bulletin. Be on the look out for yet another troubled Bungle. Former Cincinnati LB Odell Thurman is wanted on assault charges. The former Georgia standout allegedly punched a man over a line dispute at a Waterpark. The guy must have cheated Thurman in Front Seats, Back Seats. Fellow fistacuffer and former teammate Chris Henry has had all charges dropped in his case for assaulting a University of Cincinnati student. His suspension is currently being reviewed by the NFL. I would be suprised if he sees the grid iron this season.

This concludes our broadcast,

Stay classy! Planet Earth.

What do Jose Canseco and the goal posts at the "Vet" have in common?

He's a, "Broad Street Bully" in action! He's not going to take no lip from some jive turkey. Jose Conseco certainly falls into the category of jive turkey, and Saturday night at the "War at the Shore" Sikahema took it the big-mouthed Canseco A-La a young "Iron Mike Tyson." Sikahema donated the purse to the family of Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski, a Philadelphia police officer who was killed in the line of duty. Vai Sikahema is Philly guy to the bone. Former Eagle, Local Sports Journalist, and local philanthropist! You have to love this guy.

Here are some quotes from the fight:

Champ (Sikahema): "He came out here in first-class, (and is) flying home coach. That's how we roll in Philly." Great line if you ask me. It reminds me of something Ali would say after beating Frazier, Foreman, or Liston.

Champ: "It doesn't matter how big you are. You can come in here with a salon tan and bleached teeth and all that, and it doesn't matter," said Sikahema. "If you don't respect the game, come in here and train for it like a warrior, you're going to get chopped down."

Chump (Canseco): Admitting that he didn't train for the fight Canseco had the following to say: "I have to train first," he said. "The rematch ain't going to be in a month."

Wait a second Jose, I want to get this right. You want to train to get knocked out??? I was unaware that training was needed for that.... Somebody get this guy a PR rep.

Champ: "Who's going to buy tickets to a rematch?" he said. "I knocked him out in one round. Do you think people are going to spend money to come see him get knocked out in a minute or round two?"

I think that there are plenty of guys in Major league Baseball that would give a paycheck to the idea!!

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. Was this a feel good story? it was for me.

Quotables taken from NBC 10, and the 700 Level.

Here are some pictures to go along with the story.

!!!!Straight Cash Money!!!!!

It's the dog days of Summer. The 4th of July is almost, baseball is nearing the half-way mark, and almost nothing is happening in the NFL. The good news is that the Birds have signed all but two of their draftees. The bad new is that it's Trevor Laws and DeSean Jackson.

There is still plenty of time to get them both signed before training camp opens, so there is no reason to panic. For now.... Both Laws and Jackson should see some significant time this season, if they are ready. Missing training camp over a contract dispute isn't going to help. So my advice to them both is to get their respective deals done ASAP!!!! Then you can spend time on the internet posting rants, and whatever else you may like to do.

Another thing: Eagles Running Backs??? We currently have 7 roster spots filled by running backs. This leaves me with nothing but questions. Is Ryan Moats expendable since we drafted Lorenzo Booker? Why did they acquire Booker? Is it time to part ways with Buckhalter? Who's going to be our fullback?

Yes, I think that Ryan Moats is completely expendable with the aquisition of Booker. Moats has been absent in all aspects of the game. I thought they could have at least used him in the return game last year.

I have no idea, why Lorenzo Booker was brought in. Like Ryan Moats he has been described as a Westbrook style back. However, I don't think that either one could truly fill Westrbrooks role in the offense. I imagine that Booker and Moats will be competing for the same roster spot.

I would have let Buckhalter go at least two years ago, and then sought out a change of pace type back to help shoulder Westbrooks load. A strong in between the tackles runner. I know what you are thinking, Correll is that back, and Andy Reid loves him. Both are valid points. However between the repeated knee injuries, and hands of stone that he displays at times I'm not so sure that he is a good fit.

I got nothing on the fullback position. Maybe they will move Tony Hunt. He's a big guy.


Thoughts, Comments, something??