Steagles

Hey guys, I have some observations from Friday nights game between the Eagles, and our PA bretheren Steelers. There were a few things that came out of the game. Brian Westbrook got his deal, and some grass stains. Did Brian Dawkins show his age? How did the offense look? DeSean Jackson: He's not just returning punts.

In the first quarter "Big" Ben hit Santonio Holmes with a quick hit, and he took it 19 yards to the house on Brian Dawkins. Was that an indication that Dawkins is over the hill? It was just one play. It was the first preseason game. I think that it is too early to tell. Dawkins gave Holmes the sideline, and he took full advantage of it. He took a bad position, and got exposed. Perhaps a few years ago Dawks could have chased him down, but he's a smart guy. I would be extremely suprised if that happens again.

On the brighter side of things. The Eagles first team offense looked good. McNabb completed passes to 6 different receivers for 97 yards, and a touchdown. The running game wasn't dominant, but it looked strong. What really stands out to me is that the first team offense was missing: Westbrook, Curtis, Brown, and Andrews.

Amidst the offense I had the opportunity to watch DeSean Jackson at receiver. He had 5 receptions for 51 yards, and played most of the game. What impressed me was his elusiveness. He definitely has the potential for being a big play receiver.

Fat, Drunk, and Stupid is no way to go through life

And the Commissioner thinks that it's no way to attend a NFL game either!

What??????

The NFL has approved a fan code of conduct, that will hand out some Goodell fashion punishment for its violators. Perps will be removed from the stadium, and banned from further attendance. Some of the violations are as followed:

-- Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal.
-- Drunkenness and signs of alcohol impairment that result in irresponsible behavior.
-- Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.
-- Interference with the progress of the game, including throwing objects onto the field.
-- Failing to follow instructions of stadium personnel.
-- Verbal or physical harassment of fans from the opposing team.

The Fan code of conduct is intended to improve the "game day experience." Teams have the ability to add additional violations as needed.

C'mon Roger. Isn't most of this part of the "game day experience?" People drinking and tailgating in the parking lot before the game. Heckling the opposing team's fans. Give it a rest. These are all very much a part of the game day experience.

It's a marketing strategy to draw more sponsors. Get rid of the fat guy with no shirt, painted face, and foam doam helmet, and replace with the beautiful people, and watch the sponsorship dollars fly. This isn't about a better experience for fans, it's about money for the league. I feel that policies like this and playing regular season games overseas will start to alienate the fans who truly love their teams, but aren't not be from the upper echelons of socio-economic society.

L.A is a perfect example of what an NFL team shouldn't be. They never cared about their team. They go to games to be seen, and not because they love the game.

Am I crazy?

What's the scenario?

Steve Smith was suspended for 2 games by the Carolina Panthers, for punching cornerback Ken Lucas in the face. Lucas suffered a broken nose, and is listed as day-to-day. Smith has since apologized for the incident. As an Eagles fan why should here are 2 reasons why we should care.

1. 2009 First Round Draft Pick
Bleeding Green Nation brought up an excellent point that the Panthers termoil is to the Eagles benefit. We have the rights to the Panthers first round pick next year. The worse they do the better the pick we receive. The higher the pick the more options become available to Reid, and Banner come draft day.

2. Division Rival
If the Carolina Panthers (organization, team, and fans) are tired of his outbursts, he could feasibly be on the move. ESPN has rumored that Steve Smith's name has been brought up in discussions at Cowboys training camp. Jerry Jones made attempts at signing Chad Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, and Roy Willams this off season. He would seem to be looking for another receiver to compliment Owens.

Like the Cowboys we shopped for a wide receiver too. If Carolina decides move Smith, it would to our benefit to at least try and get him. If we did land him it would improve the chances of Carolina doing poorer, Prevent a division rival from adding another weapon to their arsenal, and a certain rookie could learn some things from the guy he's been compared to.

Peyton Manning? Who's Peyton Manning?

Eli, you are "The Man!"

Who in the picture above looks more mature, and poised to win another Super Bowl?
My money is on the guy on the right!


"Fly Eagles Fly" EAGLES Fight Song
Fly Eagles Fly, On The Road To Victory. Fight Eagles Fight, Score A Touchdown 1-2-3. Hit 'Em Low. Hit 'Em High. And We'll Watch Our Eagles Fly. Fly Eagles Fly, On The Road To Victory. E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES!!!

Thank you to the good people at KSK for brightening my day.

Weapon X

Take a long look at this picture..... Then ask yourself the following:
1. Can Dawkins return to "Weapon X," form?
2. Is Brian Dawkins done?

There are some who feel that Brian Dawkins has passed his prime, and cannot return to form. Then there are those that are paying tribute to him as if he was already gone. Indulge me for a momment as I romanticize the notion that Brian Dawkins isn't done just yet!

At age 34 (35 by midseason) Weapon X has 13 years of NFL experience. In NFL years (which are like dog years) 30 is old. Which means that Dawkins is, "over the hill." In 2006 he was 33 going on 34, and played in all 16 games, 93 tackles (77 solo, 22 assisted), 1 sack, 4 interceptions, and made the Pro Bowl. That seems pretty good for someone who's, "Over the hill." Donovan McNabb is 31, and people believe that it's possible for him to play for another 6 0r 7 more years, barring injury.

Injury shouldn't be a huge concern for him Dawkins either. In 2007 he lost a significant amount of time normally used for training to attend family issues, but all the reports have been that he has been working harder than ever this off season. He's highly tuned machine. In his 13 NFL seasons Dawkins has missed only 29 games. Of those 29 games missed 16 of them were from the '03 and '07 seasons. During the seasons between Weapon X played in all but one game.

Brian Dawkins has hinted that this may be his final season, but that doesn't mean that he is done. He's going to return to his form from 2 years ago. That's my prediction. When he decides to hang it up he will be greatly missed, and hard to replace.

Note: I went through the Historical Players at DB on NFL.com, and found that were quite a few guys that played, who's careers spanned more than a decade.