A Special Philadelphia Edition of Jeopardy

Silky Johnson: Welcome everyone to this very special Philadelphia edition of Jeopardy. I'm your host "The Immortal Silky Johson," filling in for Alex Trebek this evening. Let's meet our contestants?

First up we have Lexington Kentucky native David Akers. It's said that David is no longer able to make a field goal over 40 yards. So Tells us a little something about yourself Dave?

Akers: Actually I prefer to be called David, and I uhh.... I'm a 3-time Pro Bowl kicker for the Eagles. This will be my 10th season in the NFL. That's completely unfounded. I'm currently 1/2 from beyond 40 yards, and if you say anything about it again, I'll give you nuts a first hand glimpse of making a 53 yard field goal!

 

Silky Johnson:  Ouch Green Akers, I'm sure you are money from 40 yards. Let's introduce our next contestant. He's in his 6th season out of Rutgers University. Please welcome L.J. Smith. L.J. I hear that you received the franchise tag last year. Are you planning on making more plays in the passing game?

 

L.J: Yeah son, I'm getting ready to revolutionize the the Tight End game. I'm a blow up this year. Joe Banner better start making room under the cap for my contract! Jason Witten can't even hold my jock strap, but he can rub lower back. It's been really sore. 

 

Silky Johnson: That's great L.J. Keep living the dream. Until then, we'd like some touchdowns. Now, I would like to introduce our third contestant. He hails from Maryland, and is in his 7th season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Please welcome Brian Westbrook.  Brian, how's your ankle doing?

 

B-West: Yeah, I have been rehabbing my butt off, but I can't put weight on my ankle right now. You'll have to ask Coach if I'll be ready for the Redskins.

 

Silky Johnson: Oh, I will ask Coach Reid. I'm sure that he'll give me the 411 on your status. Well, Dave, L.J, Brian, are you ready?

 

David, L.J, Brian: Hell yeah!!!

 

Silky Johnson: Then let's begin. Remember to place all of your answers in question format. Here are your categories.

 

(synthesizer sound as the board populates)

• Goal Line Offense
• DeSean Jackson
• Field Goals
• Receiving
• Tight End
• Redskins

Silky Johnson: Let's begin. Green Akers, will you do the honors?

 

Akers: It's David, you asshat! I'll take Field Goals for 200.

 

Silky Johnson: Field Goals for 200, In 2003 what Eagles kicker had a field goal percentage of 82.8?

 

(Complete silence)

 

Silky Johnson: Brian, you need to press the button on your clicker to answer. Not raise your hand.

 

(Westbrook presses the button)

 

Silky Johnson: Yes Brian.

 

B-West: Who is David Akers?

 

Silky Johnson: That's correct. Brian, you may choose the topic.

 

B-West: Yeah, I'll take receiving for 500, Alex.

 

Silky Johnson: Receiving for 500. In 2007, who led the Eagles with 90 catches?

 

(silence)

 

Silky Johnson: Brian, I told you need to press the button.

 

(B-West presses the buzzer)

 

B-West: Who is me?

 

Silky Johnson: Eww, sorry Brian that's incorrect.

 

(L.J buzzes in)

 

Silky Johnson: L.J. Smith

 

L.J: Yeah, Who is Brian Westbrook?

 

Silky Johnson: That's correct. Please proceed L.J.

 

L.J: I'll take DeSean Jackson for for 100 Silky.

 

Silky Johnson: In the 2008 NFL draft, this wide receiver from Cal was one of the Eagles' 2 secon.d round draft picks.

 

(Akers buzzes in)

 

Silky Johnson: Greenie.

 

Akers:  Who is DeSean Jackson? 

 

Silky Johnson: That’s correct. You have control of the board.

 

Akers: It’s David you dick! I’ll take Field Goals for 500.

 

Silky Johnson: Field Goals for 500 is today’s Picture Daily Double. Green Eggs & Spam, what is your wager?

 

Akers: Jesus Christ! Sorry Lord. (mumbled prayer). I’ll wager it all.

 

Silky Johnson: OK, This Steeler was celebrating with the sluts of Dundalk, MD, after hitting a 49 yard field goal for an overtime win against the Ravens.

 

(Akers buzzes in)

 

Silky Johnson: Akers

 

Akers: You are an asshole!

 

Silky Johnson: That’s incorrect

 

(Time expires)

 

Silky Johnson: The correct answer is; who is Jeff Reed? (echoes; Who is Jeff Reed?) Mr. Akers is still in control of the Board.

 

Akers: I’ll take Field Goals for 400 douchebag.

 

Silky Johnson: There’s no need for name calling “Hampered Legs.” Field Goals for 400; This Eagles kicker missed two field goals against the Bears in 2008.

 

(Akers buzzes in)

 

Akers:  (mumbles; I hate you) Who is David Akers?

 

Silky Johnson: That’s correct. Please, go again.

 

Akers: Goal Line Offense for 100.

 

Silky Johnson:  He’s the coach that is responsible for running the same play 4 consecutive times at the Bears goal line on Sunday.

 

(L.J Buzzes in)

 

L.J:  Who is Brad Childress?

 

Silky Johnson: Maybe, In some alternate universe. The Same universe where you are a threat in the red zone L.J. However, in this universe that is incorrect.

 

 

(B-West raises his hand)

 

(No response)

 

(Akers buzzes in)

 

Akers: Who is Coach Andy Reid?

 

Silky Johnson: That’s correct. Davie boy, it’s your roll.

 

Akers: That’s it asshole. I’m shoving my foot up your ass, and when I am done the answers; is who is Chris Cooley?

 

Silky Johnson: That’s all the time we have for today. Thanks for playing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That was unexpected

Take a good look.....

This is the face of a man who threw a personal best 3 TDs passes last night, and defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-20 [NFL.com]. Last night's defeat at Soldier Field was nothing more than a debacle! Here are some observations from Sunday night.

1. The Eagles defense was good last night (Seriously). They continued their run stopping dominance last night, holding the Bears to 78 yards rushing on 26 attempts. They held Orton to 18/34 passing for 199 yards. The Birds got 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, and recovered 2 fumbles as well. Those a really good numbers, but the Bears countered with three touchdowns.

2. Who would have thought that Kyle Orton would throw three TD passes? I certainly didn't expect it. I don't think that anyone could have. Greg Olsen burned Chris Gocong for 19 yard strike in the back of the end zone. Marty Booker got the inside position on Quintin Mikell, and Kyle found him for a 23 yard strike over the middle. To cap off the first half, Kyle hits Devin Hester for a 20 yard TD. To their credit, Greg Olsen and Devin Hester made really great catches. Orton put all three throws where only his receiver could get it too.

3. DeSean Jackson looked like a rookie last night. He started the game off with a 22 yard TD reception in the back of the end zone, and finished the game with 5 receptions for 71 yards, 1 TD, and 35 yards rushing on two plays. However, Jackson's muffed punt gave the Bears the ball back at the Eagles 24 yard line, and led to a TD. DeSean also ran the wrong way on a route, and the ball was intercepted. It may not have been his fault, but in this instance I am going go with the veteran's knowledge of the offense, and say that Jackson did indeed run the wrong way.

4. Special Teams/Missed field goals. The Eagles gave the Bears great field position for most of the game. The Eagles were doing what everyone does. Try to keep the ball out of Devin Hester's hands. David Akers missed 2 field goals. 6 pts that would have been the difference between winning and losing.

5. Red Zone offense. Three out of four trips inside the red zone led to points (1 TD, 2 FG). The problem is that the fourth trip the Eagles got stopped on the goal line, and turned the ball over on downs. That was just hard to watch, and extremely disappointing too. The Bears defense dominated the line of scrimmage.

6. Injuries, were they a factor? Absolutely. Did they cost us the game? No. The Eagles were able to move the ball the entire game without Shawn Andrews or Brian Westbrook. They would have made a difference in the game, but their absence didn't cost us the game either.

What did you see?

Take today and get out all of your frustrations. We have a huge game at home next week with the Redskins.

GO BIRDS!!!!!

Eagles vs. Bears

We're heading into week 4 of the season, and the Eagles will travel to the Windy City to face the Chicago Bears. Let's look at the matchup, Bears offense, Eagles defense.
In order for the Bears offense to be successful, they need run the football successfully. The responsibility falls on the shoulders of their offensive line, and their running backs. With just having played 3 games this season the Bears have run for 456 yards on 105 attempts (4.3 yards/carry average). This would indicate that the offensive line is doing a good job opening holes for the running. Of the 105 attempts, rookie Matt Forte has taken 73 of them, and gained 304 yards on the ground, and is 4th overall in rushing. In addition Forte has caught 13 passes for 105 yards. Behind Forte, the Bears have former Detroit Lion Kevin Jones, Garrett Wolfe, and Adrian Peterson. Kevin Jones could be a good compliment to Forte, provided that his foot has healed after suffering a Liz Frank fracture. Garrett Wolfe is a change of pace back, but is undersized.
If the Bears are able to rush for 100 yards or more per game, they will make Kyle Orton's job of managing the football game much easier. The Bears aren't relying on Kyle Orton to win football games. They are relying on him no to lose them. In order for Kyle to manage the game effectively he needs his offensive line to protect him, the running game to be productive, and his receivers to get open. The offensive line needs to give him time to make his reads. If the running game is working that will alleviate some of the pass rush, and setup up the play action pass. The key for Orton will be time. The more time he has, the better decision he should be able to make.
The Bears' wide receiving corps isn't star studded by any stretch of the imagination. They don't have a great deal of size. Their biggest receiver is 10 year veteran Marty Booker (6'0", 205lbs). The Bears are converting Devin Hester from defensive back to receiver, but is a work in progress. Not too mention he's injured as well. Brandon Lloyd is their leading receiver, but has been a castoff from 2 other teams for under performance. But the Bears do have two solid tight ends in Desmond Clark, and Greg Olsen. Orton has made a lot of check downs, and thrown to the back. Forte is 2nd on the team with 13 receptions.
The keys for the Bears are to continue to run the football, protect Kyle Orton, play turnover free football, and make plays. The biggest thing for the Bears right now is their pass protection. Orton needs enough time to make a good decision, and to avoid throwing errors.
On the other side of the ball is the Eagles defense, and there is no indication that this matchup doesn't favor the Eagles. The keys for the Eagles will be to stop the run, and put pressure on the quarterback.
The Eagles are doing everything right against the run. Through three games Jim Johnson's boys have on average only given up 45.7 yards on the ground. The Eagles defensive line is undersized compared when matched up against the Bears offensive line, but we held the Cowboys to 73 rushing yards, and their offensive line dwarfs that of the Bears. The Eagles front four will need to tie up their blockers, and allow the linebackers to to get to the ball carrier as they have been doing so far.
If the Eagles are able to put a stranglehold on the Bears running game, you can expect Jim Johnson to open the floodgates, and blitz Kyle Orton unmercifully. I can't imagine Lovie Smith abandoning the running to game, and rely on Orton to sling the ball all over the field. The Eagles will need to get pressure on Orton in passing situations. If the Eagles can put pressure on Orton, then our secondary should have a field day picking off errant throws. With our secondary being as good as it is, expect to see some coverage sacks this week.
The Eagles defense has a clear advantage here over the Bears offense. I don't think that we'll get 9 sacks this week, but we will get some. Expect to see more turnovers than in previous weeks. My only concern will be: If Matt Forte is in man coverage with one of our linebackers. We have seen them get burned.

thoughts?

GO BIRDS!!!!

Weapon - X

Brian Dawkins is to be named the NFL Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dawkins told everyone that he wasn't done, and then he went out and proved it.

Here are some links to read:

NFC East is getting noticed. [Bleeding Green Nation]

Lane Kiffin has his own job status website. [Deadspin]
Playoffs? Nobody's talking about the playoffs. We're just trying to win a game here. [Shutdown Croner]

Chris Cooley is getting ready for his showdown with the Cowboys. [Chris Cooley 47]

I'll be back later today with some substantial content.

Jim Johnson visits Sesame Street

It's time for the Eagles recap. Let's took a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly (injuries) for the "Battle of PA." Yesterday's 15-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers was a must win. Not because of standings, both the Giants and Cowboys are 3-0. It was a must win, because we needed to bounce back from last week's loss, to play another very good team. Losing this game could have put us in an aweful place (last in the NFC East).



The Eagles defense physically dominated the Steelers offense in every way possible. We held the Steelers to just 33 yards rushing on 19 attempts. We didn't just stop the run, we forced a team to abandon their running all together. "Fast" Willie Parker, who ran for 243 yards in the first 2 games of the season, was held to 20 yards on 13 carries. It's quite an accomplishment to take away the Steelers running game.

The Eagles controlled the passing game too. Jim Johnson sent blitz after blitz at Roethlisberger (13/25 for 131 yards, 1 INT, 2 fumbles), sacking him 9 times. The pressure came from everywhere. Johnson sent linebackers (Gaither 1.5 sacks), safeties (Dawkins 1 sack, 1 forced fumble), and let us not forget the defensive line. They were all over Ben for the entire game, forcing him to move all around.

Amidst all the sacks, the Eagles defense recovered 2 forced fumbles, made1 interception, and got a safety. The Eagles defense appears to be much improved in the takeaway column from a year ago.

On the other side of the ball the Eagles looked good in some areas, and not so good in others. Donovan McNabb completed 24 passes to 7 different receivers, but no one went over 100 yards receiving (Baskett 85, Buchalter 44, Jackson 40, Avant 24, Hunt 12, Booker 5, Lewis 4). To the credit of the Steelers they were able to get pressure on Donovan/Kolb, and forced 2 interceptions. After Brian Westbrook left the game with an ankle injury, Correll Buckhalter filled in nicely with 87 all purpose yards and the games only touchdown.

The Eagles won the game on both sides of the ball, but it wasn't a glamorous win by any stretch of the imagination. The Eagles sustained some injuries in yesterday's win. Donovan McNabb missed most of the opening drive of the second half, but did return. Westbrook is scheduled to have an MRI today, and we are all waiting to hear the outcome. McNabb and Westbrook were joined by: L.J. Smith (back), Tony Hunt (concussion), and Shawn Andrews did not play. A win is a win, and that is a good thing. Next week we face Kyle Orton (kneckbeard) and his Chicago Bears.

GO BIRDS!!!!!

These are some views from the other side of the Steel Curtain:

• OFTOT has just added some names to his list.



• She's only got one thing to say. [Hockey, Football, and Stiletto Shoes]

Quick Hits

Don't have a great deal of time today. On my way to a wedding in Long Island. Three cheers for open bar!

Here are some Philadelphia/Pittsburgh nuggets that are worth your time. Take it easy, and I'll see you on Saturday.

• Meeting People Is Easy[OFTOT].  I'm the only Eagles panelist, but you may have hear of the other 13 panelist. 
  
• It's the Mini Pony of the Day[PSAMP]. He's known as Tecmo, and he knows a thing or two about Pittsburgh Sports.S
• Apparently their are girls out there who know a thing or two about Stiletto. And Sports [Hockey, Football,and Stiletto Shoes].
• Week 3 Preview: Eagles vs. Steelers[Bleeding Green Nation].
• Ed Barkowitz presents 5 Minutes with Trent Cole[Philly.com].

GO BIRDS!!!!!!

Eagles vs. Steelers: A Battle for PA.

Two cities, Two blogs,

Two friends, One game. The winner retains some quasi-bragging rights over the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Bio: The voice of reason and Pittsburgh sports happens to the Chief and Editor of One For The Other Thumb, but most importantly is the fact the he's one of my best friends. He simply goes by the name Cotter (No Welcome Back jokes tolerated). We've decided to put on a little show here in light of the Steelers vs. Eagles week 3 matchup. We gave each other 5 questions. What you have below "Are the non-sensical ramblings of a man obsessed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, The Big Lebowski, and Lager...."

On with the show......

1. There have been numbering reports about Benny from the Block's shoulder injury (Sprained vs. Separated). Worst case scenario, how would this injury effect Sunday's game with the Eagles?

Whatever, man. Ben’s always nursing something. A shoulder, a knee, a concussion, a scorching case of herpes. I mean, he knows how to play through pain. Plus, we don’t ask him to throw too many bombs, especially when our deep threat San Antonio is also ailing. So I don’t think it’s going to have a huge impact. That said, it’s never good when your QB’s shoulder is sore during the 3rd week of the season. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little worried.

Oh and here’s your answer for #2 -

2.Scenario: You are a super hot chick in Pittsburgh, and you are looking to have some FUN (FUN=SEX). Who would make the better lover? Mike Tomlin, Dick LeBeau or Jeff Reed

I don't know. That sounds like a question for Domski. Personal reference and all...

3. So far the Steelers are 2 - 0, and the pregame show that you and Tecmo broadcast doesn't have a name. Coincidence, or good luck charm of for the 2008 campaign?

Now that you point it out, I’m gonna have to say - “good luck charm.” Two shows, two W’s. I’m a superstitious person. So it’s only natural I’d feel that way. I mean, our inconsequential 5 minute YouTube show probably doesn’t have much impact on the Steelers karmic state of affairs. But there’s a reason I wear the same exact clothes to watch every single Steelers game. Why would this be any different? Why mess with a good thing? And I use the term, “good” very loosely...

4. Who's the most indispensable player in the Steeler's defense, and Why?

Man, that’s a really tough question. I mean how does one evaluate indispensability? Speed? Toughness? Tackling ability? Four-square prowess? I guess I’d have to say Casey Hampton. It’s no secret that Big Snack is my favorite Steeler. And he’s most indispensable because without his ability to tie up two Offensive Lineman, most of the Steelers blitzes wouldn’t work nearly as well. There’s a reason why the Steelers picked him in the first round of the ‘01 draft – he’s a monster. 6’1,” 340/350. He eats Centers and Guards for lunch...hence the clever name. Plus, it is my professional opinion that he’d win the NFL Big Man Dance Challenge, hands down (link to - http://images.burntorangenation.com/images/admin/drunkcaseyhampton.jpg). Warren Sapp, who?

5. Steeler fans travel well all over the country. You have a significant number of fans located throughout the country too. If the Steelers are in town you are sure to see a plethora of terrible towels at the game. Shouldn't your shear numbers and terrible towels protect you from the "Roman Mob" that is Philadelphia?

Not even Chuck Norris could protect us from the Killadelphia “Roman Mobb” (whatever that means). Come on, man. I know how this works. Every Steeler jersey they see is going to draw not only boos, but also off color statements about injured players, cleverly calling Pittsburgh - “Shittsburgh,” and since there’s no snow yet, probably plastic bottles full of piss (fingers crossed that no one gets entrepreneurial and tries glass). I kid, I kid...well, kind of. In all seriousness, I’m sure there will be plenty of Black & Gold representatives at the game. Let’s just hope we can all treat each other with respect. If not, I’ve instructed Matt to bring an industrial strength taser for crowd control.

And there you have it. What makes a displaced Steelers fan tick. For those who may read this, and wonder what was meant by "The Roman Mob that is Philadelphia" I am referring to Veteran Stadium, and the inhabitants of the 700 Level. It bares a striking resemblence to the Roman Coliseum

"Are you not entertained? Isn't that why you are here?" For more adventures, go here.

Thanks is in order to my life long friend Cotter. His portrayal of the Immortal Silky Johnson are shockingly accurate. Here's to you my friend. I know you're not drinking!

GO BIRDS!!!!!!

Brian Dawkins a liability?

It's the question on quite a few Eagles fan's minds since our Monday night loss to the Cowboys. Is Brian Dawkins a liability? I asked this very question back in August. My answer was "No", and it still is, but not as emphatically. The biggest concerns that I have are his mental mistakes, and his speed.

In the preseason game at Pittsburgh Santono Holmes caught a pass at the line of scrimmage, and took it 20 yards for the touchdown. Brian Dawkins took a bad angle, and got burned. 3 or 4 years ago, he could have taken that same angle, but he would have been able to catch Holmes and tackle him. At the time, I thought that it was an isolated incident, and there was no body of work to substantiate the notion that he was done. Although, there isn't a huge body of work to support the claim, it grew during the game in Dallas.

Jason Witten got behind the defense twice against us, once in the 2nd quarter (42 yard completion), and again in the in the 4th (32 yard completion), setting the Cowboys up for the game winning score. Here's what he had to say about getting beat over the top.

"I don't like the fact that I gave up a couple of big balls down the field. I took a couple of bad angles on the football today. I went for the interception on one and the other one, I wasn't quite in position. That wasn't good enough. I hold myself to high standards and it wasn't good enough.'' -Brian Dawkins

It's a long season, and don't believe that Weapon-X should hang up his cleats right now. He can still produce. He was strong against the run, and he can still lay the smack down on unsuspecting receivers, but he can't rely on his speed to compensate for mental mistakes anymore. I wanted the Eagles to go after Miami's Kenny Phillips in the draft as Dawks eventual replacement. Do the Eagles look to next years draft? Maybe use Carolina's pick to do it?

For the record, I love Brian Dawkins, he will forever be an Eagle. I don't think that he's done, but maybe it's time to re-evaluate his role. I got quite a few responses about this. There are a lot of Quintin Demps supporters out there. Maybe he can get some more experience as a situational player?

GO BIRDS!!!!