SB Nation - Nick Cole

49ers-Eagles: Final Injury Report

Fooch — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:00:28 -0000

The 49ers had their last bit of practice today and I believe are heading off to Philly at some point today. I'd think leaving today could help with that early Sunday start, but we'll see. After the jump I've posted what was a very brief post-game press transcript. Staley will definitely be starting on Sunday, and Arnaz Battle will be returning punts, so we'll all get to collectively hold our breath for small chunks of Sunday's game.

49ers
Out
CB Nate Clements (shoulder)

Doubtful
WR Isaac Bruce (ankle)

Questionable
T Barry Sims (knee)
TE Delanie Walker (ankle)

Probable
LB Ahmad Brooks (foot)
S Dashon Goldson (chest)
RB Frank Gore (toe)
CB Marcus Hudson (back)
RB Moran Norris (toe)
RB Michael Robinson (shoulder)
T Joe Staley (knee)
LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring)

Eagles
Out
WR Jeremy Maclin (foot)
RB Brian Westbrook (concussion)

Questionable
TE Brent Celek (back, thumb)

Probable
DE Victor Abiamiri (knee)
WR Jason Avant (hamstring)
C Nick Cole (knee)
DE Trent Cole (hamstring)
WR Kevin Curtis (knee)
LB Akeem Jordan (knee)
DT Mike Patterson (wrist)
RB Leonard Weaver (hamstring)

Head Coach Mike Singletary
Post-Practice - December 18, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

Opening statements:

"We had a good week this week, a couple of days of good practice. It is more about getting mental work this time of year. We are trying to get our guys healthy, fresh and ready for the game. As far as [T Joe] Staley is concerned, we are glad to have him back. He will start. [T Barry] Sims will back up."

On what he saw in Staley this week:

"Actually, even the last couple of weeks, he has been talking about how good he was feeling. Of course I keep a rapport with the trainer, Fergie [Jeff Ferguson], and Fergie kept giving me updates here and there and said he was doing great. He possibly could have gone last week, but I wanted to give him another week simply because we just really wanted to make sure he was ready and didn't want to take any steps backwards because he has been doing so well. He has looked great. He looked good last week in the things he did and I am very excited to see how he does."

On how well Sims filled in for Staley:

"Outstanding. I don't think anyone really knew what to expect. Last year, he played some right tackle and did a good job last year, but I think this year he exceeded that by far. He held up and just did a really nice job."

On who will return punts Sunday:

"[WR] Arnaz [Battle]."

On whether taking Wednesday off had the desired effect on the players:

"You really won't know that until Sunday, but I think so. I believe so."

49ers-Eagles Thursday Injury Report/Coordinator Transcripts

Fooch — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:41:51 -0000

The 49ers had their normal Thursday practice session and I believe will be heading out to Philly tomorrow. In the meantime, the practice reports would seem to indicate that Joe Staley will be back in his spot at left tackle on Sunday against the Eagles. Barry Sims banged up his knee on Monday and has been out since then (even though today is technically the only practice of the week). With Sims looking likely to be on the shelf on Sunday, the return of Staley turns into a pretty important storyline. The team has done a solid job keeping Alex Smith on his feet, and a nice chunk of that has been due to the impressive play of Barry Sims off the bench. The question now is how injecting Staley into the lineup might affect that.

49ers
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
CB Nate Clements (shoulder)

Did not Participate in Practice
WR Isaac Bruce (ankle)
T Barry Sims (knee)
TE Delanie Walker (ankle)

Limited Participation in Practice
LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring)

Full Participation in Practice
LB Ahmad Brooks (foot)
S Dashon Goldson (chest)
RB Frank Gore (toe)
CB Marcus Hudson (back)
RB Moran Norris (toe)
RB Michael Robinson (shoulder)
T Joe Staley (knee)

Eagles
Did not Participate in Practice
WR Jeremy Maclin (foot)

Limited Participation in Practice
TE Brent Celek (back, thumb)
RB Brian Westbrook (concussion)

Full Participation in Practice
DE Victor Abiamiri (knee)
WR Jason Avant (hamstring)
C Nick Cole (knee)
DE Trent Cole (hamstring)
WR Kevin Curtis (knee)
LB Akeem Jordan (knee)
DT Mike Patterson (wrist)
RB Leonard Weaver (hamstring)

After the jump check out OC Jimmy Raye and DC Greg Manusky's transcripts from after practice today.

Defensive Coordinator Greg Manusky
Post-Walk Thru - December 17, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

On the Eagles use of screen passes:

"I think with the athletes that they have across the board with the wide receivers and the running backs, it is part of their game and we have to play the call and defeat blocks and feel the screen and get to them."

On why the team has struggled against the screen this year:

"Maybe situations, also the linemen have to feel it. I think the screen game is a team thing from a defensive standpoint where you have to hustle to the ball and make plays. That is what we have to try to focus on and get it done in practice."

On defending WR DeSean Jackson:

"You just have to make sure you have somebody on top of him. He has great speed, a vertical threat. He catches the ball very well and the quarterback throws to him. Basically, that is what you have to do."

On what he meant by "have somebody on top of him":

"Have a safety on top of him."

On S Dashon Goldson's range:

"He has some range. That's why we drafted him where we did. He did a good job last week making plays on the deep balls and also coming up and filling in in the run game. He has had some good games in the last couple of weeks, so that's good."

On CB Shawntae Spencer's season:

"That's why we made our decision early on after camp was over to make him the starter. At first we were a little bit tentative because we didn't know where he would be, but it has worked out for us with him coming back from that injury."

On Spencer's speed now compared to before his injury:

"Like I said during training camp, he is very clean. He had a clean training camp and he has been playing well the last couple of weeks. That's what he is."

On whether this is Spencer's best season:

"So far, yeah. I think so for the years I have been around. I don't know about the years prior to when I was here, but he is playing very consistent and steady football, which we like."

On whether Spencer is a leader in the secondary:

"I think all those guys take the lead. Shawntae does his job and he does it well. He is a professional at it and it is good to see that things are working out for him."

On whether Spencer has stepped up more since CB Nate Clements became injured:

"Yeah, he goes out there and does his job. He's not a big talker, at least I don't hear him out on the field talking. He matches up against some good wide receivers and he goes out there and plays week-in and week-out and he has had a fine season thus far."

On whether LB Ahmad Brooks has Lawrence Taylor-type ability:

"He has ability. I played against LT, never offensively, but he had some moves. Ahmad is a good, talented player. He has a lot of physical talent, and if we can just hone those skills like we did last week and keep getting better each and every game and each and every practice, the sky is the limit for the guy."

On why he moved Brooks to the outside linebacker position:

"I think during training camp and OTAs, particularly last year during the season and stuff, his ability to come off the edge and rush in the scout team stuff and against our tackles we saw something there. We made the decision this past offseason to move him strictly to that position and it has benefitted him."

On what Brooks needs to become an every-down player:

"Reps. That is the most important thing, seeing the picture over and over and over again. For players that haven't played outside or played inside and are trying to make that conversion at times is hard. For him, it is always a process. Even for guys coming out of college who are defensive linemen who get to stand up and pass rush, it takes them a little bit of time to figure it out and the body leans and everything and get those pass-sets and feel where the set-point is. His progress is good."

On what he meant by "body lean":

"Feeling the offensive body lean, if he is over-set and you are under-set."

On the hostile environment in Philadelphia:

"We have to play the game. We get paid to play, and same thing with the players, they have to go out there and perform. Even though we are going back east, there are always obstacles and things in your way, I think we just have to keep on focusing on us and just play the game."

On whether this is the most diverse offense he has faced this year:

"Yeah, they have some different people that they put in in different packages. We will have a plan for them."

On why the turnovers have come in bunches this year:

"It is kind of like a feeding frenzy sometimes. When one guy gets one you feel... I remember when I played when I used to get one, it just kind of builds on itself. I think that is what happens, so hopefully we will get one early in Philly."

Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye
Post-Walk Thru - December 17, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

On the difference between QB Alex Smith dropping back and being in the shotgun:

"I think we're over-analyzing this thing way, way, way too - we're just playing football. We're just playing football. This isn't an exact science, and Alex's progress has been very good from the time that I arrived here back in February and to the time he's been able to get on the field and play. The problem, I guess, that I have with qualifying that is I don't have the previous history that you all observed from before. I didn't go study that and don't know the nuances of what took place, but he has been effective under, as he was in Houston, threw three touchdown passes in the second half of that game, and he's been effective from the gun. But, as it goes forward, the mixture of that as the offense finds its level of consistency repetitively, I think the way he's playing and the way the people around him are playing and the continuity continues, I think that will be a good fit."

On whether he's seen enough of Smith to determine if he's the 49ers starter for 2010:

"When you say ‘our,' are you including me? I think you can only judge that by how he has played to this point, and if he continues to win games, which I think he will, and I think he will continue to improve as he gets more familiar with playing the game itself within the constraints of the offense. I would think, for this organization, that he would be their quarterback in 2010, yes."

On whether he is planning on coming back in 2010:

"I don't think that question was about me. I think it was about Alex Smith in 2010."

On whether he's planning on being a part of the decision making process for Smith in 2010:

"Yes."

On whether the type of run-pass ratio from Monday Night Football is the type of balance he was hoping for:

"In terms of the quantity of run selection and pass selection it was, if you take the last three kneel downs out of it. I would like to lean a little bit - I think the balance would not be 50-50. I'd like to lean a little bit more toward the pass. I think we're in pretty good shape when we're in the plus 28-, 32-run category - when we get to that point. The numbers favor us if we're in the plus 28-32 run ratio to pass attempts. I think that favors us, and if we take care of the ball in that process, I think it breeds very well for us."

On whether the range was 28-32 runs:

"Yes."

On the desire to run 60 percent of the time at the start of the season and now looking for 60 percent pass:

"You've got to understand, guys, that when we started we had a different group of people than when we started. To me the balance, the 65-35, or the 60-40 balance is where you'd like to be, and with the change in quarterback and the addition of [WR Michael] Crabtree and the emergence of [TE Vernon] Davis and the development of [WR] Josh Morgan, I think it tilts the scale just a little bit the other way. That is the proportion of balance that you're striving for, and if it happens to be 60-40 run, I think that would be OK. If it happened to be 60-40 pass, ideally 65, if it was 55-45, those numbers would be in an ideal situation, though I don't think, other than last week, that would be possible to achieve on a weekly basis based on the defense that you play."

On whether the flexibility in offensive styles is a benefit because defenses must prepare for various looks:

"If it causes the defenses that we're going to play more preparation time because of all of the packages that we're in and the problems that we present, then it's a real benefit to us, provided we're efficient in them. We've done a pretty good job in 11 personnel, 12 personnel, and as we've gone forward, 22 group has kind of moved ahead of the 21 group - but that has been dictated by the defense that we're playing. All of the things that we have available to us in those personnel groups means that it's something they can't hone in on and get really specifically good at, so that's a positive for offense and allows us to stay in attack mode."

On his personnel group philosophy on first and second down:

"I don't know the reference to last year, what that means. We would like, from the quarterback standpoint, the feeling as we practice and prepare the plan, the feeling of being able to put him in the things in that particular package that have run-down and pass-down features to it, without people running in and out of the huddle constantly helps him settle and anticipate the call of what we practiced and what we anticipate seeing by down and distance, and hopefully, those things are fluid enough that we can do them as well out of 11 as out of 12 or 22 and 21. The thing that has been a little bit what you haven't seen and the thing that has hurt us a little bit in terms of being able to do that and maintain the fluidity of that is we lost [RB] Michael Robinson, who is kind of a back hybrid like [TE] Delanie Walker is a tight end hybrid guy. We haven't had that available to us because of injury, but that allows you - the 21 package - to be as fluid as the other packages if he's available because he has pass receiving skill, run blocking skills and can line up in the backfield. So, the personnel groups that we play through and out of, as I said way back early on in the spring, is that you'd like to have offensively the things that you're doing by the people in the game, the ability for the personnel on the group and the plays to be able to take care of the contingencies of the defense, and then they have to defend all of those things and matchup the personnel that's in the game. That would be ideal. It doesn't happen very much, but that's ideally what you're looking for."

On whether the QB Alex Smith's hard count is a part of the offense:

"That's a big part of the offense. We practice that. It got us there in the end on the one play in the four-minute deal where the right tackle hitched. It is a part of what we do, the cadence and when we start it. We have mandatory cadence sessions in practices where we use the hard count and we have the clown cadence. I don't want to tell everything that we do to the people that we play, but that is a part of what we do."

On FB Moran Norris' strong play on Monday night gives him more confidence to go with the 22 package:

"Yes it does, he played well. The 22 is a little bit heavier package, so he plays the same position in 21. But, 22 is a little bit heavier package. We think of it as a little bit heavier of a package. The thing you have to understand is that [RB] Frank [Gore], the runner has a real feeling of security when [No.] 44 is in the game as a lead blocker, different than some of the other personnel groups that we have. When he plays well, that helps all of us, in particular the guy that is important is that it helps [No.] 21."

49ers-Eagles Wednesday Injury Report

Fooch — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:18 -0000

The 49ers actually gave the team an extra day off this week and did not practice today. The schedule is thrown a bit out of whack due to the Monday Night game, but part of the reason for the day off is the team is a bit banged up following the victory. Even though the 49ers didn't practice, they have provide a practice report, so we have basically a projection for what would have happened had they practiced. Tomorrow will probably give us a better idea of things when we get a real practice report after a full day of practice.

Also, we don't have any coach transcripts today, but Maiocco has posted some comments about his conference call earlier today with Eagles coach Andy Reid, and Eagles QB Donovan McNabb.

49ers
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
CB Nate Clements (shoulder)

Did not Participate in Practice
WR Isaac Bruce (ankle)
S Dashon Goldson (chest)
TE Delanie Walker (ankle)
RB Michael Robinson (shoulder)
LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring)
T Barry Sims (knee)

Limited Participation in Practice
LB Ahmad Brooks (foot)
RB Frank Gore (toe)
FB Moran Norris (toe)

Full Participation in Practice
CB Marcus Hudson (back)
OT Joe Staley (knee)

Eagles
Did not Participate in Practice
TE Brent Celek (back, thumb)
WR Jeremy Maclin (foot)

Limited Participation in Practice
DE Trent Cole (hamstring)
RB Brian Westbrook (concussion)

Full Participation in Practice
DE Victor Abiamiri (knee)
WR Jason Avant (hamstring)
C Nick Cole (knee)
WR Kevin Curtis (knee)
LB Akeem Jordan (knee)
DT Mike Patterson (wrist)
RB Leonard Weaver (hamstring)
LB Tracy White (shoulder)

Jason Peters out for today

JasonB — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:18:57 -0000

Bad breaking news from PE.com

Left tackle Jason Peters is out for Sunday's game against the Chargers with an ankle injury. Left guard Todd Herremans will slide out and start at left tackle. Nick Cole will start at left guard and Stacy Andrews will start at right guard.

Peters didn't practice this week, but said as long as the cross country flight didn't complicate things he would play. Maybe it was the long flight... but regardless Peters is out. It's good have Herremans there rather than King Dunlap but it's obviously far less than ideal against a good pass rush.

To further compound the rash of injuries, Quintin Demps will also miss today's game with an ankle injury. Not only was Demps slated to be the return man in the absence of Ellis Hobbs, he was also expected to see time at corner where he played fairly well at times last year.

This is arguably the worst shape the Eagles have been in since the start of the year. Couple with that with a cross country trip against a decent team... Let's just say we need a big gut check performance to win this game.

The Linc - Westbrook wants increased workload

JasonB — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:37:38 -0000

Goodell expects multiple NFL games in Britain soon - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
I really wish the NFL would stop this nonsense.

Eagles Notes: Eagles' Westbrook wants increased workload | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/23/2009
"I think I can make some plays when I have the ball in my hands," Westbrook said before practice yesterday. "It's very hard to show people what you can do when you don't have the opportunities. I think as the season goes on, I will get those opportunities - and when I do, I think I will show people that I can still play."

McNabb Expected to Deal With Growing Pains
After losing to Oakland, an embarrassed McNabb said he expected his young teammates to "hit the wall" – but he didn’t think it would be then and there. He also used the terms "baby steps" and "learning experience."

The guard situation | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/23/2009
Now that Todd Herremans is back from injury, the Eagles have some decisions to make at their two guard spots. Judging from all indicators, Herremans will start at left guard and Nick Cole will move over and start at right guard for Monday night's game in Washington.

Much more after the jump.

How Is Vick Doing? - Sports Biz with Darren Rovell - CNBC.com
It has been two months and 10 days since the Philadelphia Eagles signed Michael Vick. So how is Vick doing from an image standpoint? Animal activists certainly aren't protesting enough to get any attention anywhere, but that doesn't mean Vick is close to signing endorsement deals.

NFL Preview - Philadelphia (3-2) at Washington (2-4) | NFL | Idaho Statesman
From the perspective of an outsider, the Washington Redskins look like a dysfunctional mess.

Going Back to What Works for Week 7 NFL Picks - NFL - NESN.com
Once upon a time, a Philadelphia Eagles team that had outscored opponents 105-38 in its three wins flew to Oakland for an easy blowout victory … and lost.

Eagles to face Redskins' new playcaller | Philadelphia Daily News | 10/24/2009
"It presents a different challenge, and an added dimension," Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said, when asked about the Redskins turning control of their offense over to Sherman Lewis, a former coordinator for several teams who has been out of the league since the 2004 season. "There's not a lot of film available for what coach Lewis has done, going back to '04 with Detroit and then also '01 as a coordinator [for Minnesota]."

Eagles' issues pale in comparison to Skins' - NFC East - ESPN
Dan Snyder's done the impossible: He's making Al Davis look level-headed. Snyder and executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato have embarrassed themselves by toying with head coach Jim Zorn over the past few weeks.

Fargas believes pigeon was deceased teammate Marquis Cooper - Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Yeah, I'm sure it was...

The Linc - Randall in the wildcat?

JasonB — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:42:20 -0000

Didinger: Imagine Cunningham in the Wildcat
It is fitting that this Sunday, with the Wildcat frenzy raging, the Eagles would bring Randall Cunningham back to Philadelphia to be inducted into the team’s Honor Roll.

Vick Meets With Dog Fighting Participants, Others At Q&A Session > 950 ESPN > Blogs
Michael Vick had a full day of community outreach.

Iggles Blog - Philadelphia Eagles Blog: Saints Video Rewind
Alternate headlines: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Kevin Kolb It's Been Two Games And Winston Justice Still Looks Really Good Holy Crap, I Still Can't Believe We Barely Blitzed

Eagles Notebook: Expect Cole, Jean-Gilles to start again for Eagles | Philadelphia Daily News | 09/24/2009

Andy Reid said we can probably expect to see Nick Cole and Max Jean-Gilles as the Eagles' starting guards again this week, though he said he wants to see how Stacy Andrews "does here in practice, and see where he's at."

Reality check for first-time coaches - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Unlike last year when rookies had astonishing success, some members of this year's group will struggle. Todd Haley of the Chiefs, the Eagles next opponent, is among them.

Philadelphia Union : Headlines
The newly formed Philadelphia Union has partnered with the Philadelphia Eagles to bring major international soccer matches to Lincoln Financial Field and the Greater Philadelphia Region

New Orleans Saints @ Philadelphia Eagles: Interview with the Enemy

Saintsational — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:00:57 -0000

It's time, once again, for my regularly scheduled Q&A with an SB Nation colleague. This week, since the Saints are facing off against Philadelphia, I had a little chat with JasonB from Bleeding Green Nation. We discussed all things Eagles, including the hazy quarterback situation, the matchup this Sunday and defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. Give it a once over then share your feelings about Jason's answers.

CSC: Which quarterback do you think should have the starting job this Sunday and why?

BGN: Well, if Donovan McNabb can't go the QB will be Kevin Kolb. If it happens that McNabb feels good enough to play, then he should be the starter and I have plenty of confidence in him. As for Kolb, it's really hard to say because he's never started a game before. So I have all the trepidation someone would have when they have a completely unproven, young QB starting. Some might say Jeff Garcia, who is certainly proven, should start but I get the idea of starting Kolb. Garcia knows the system, but there's something scary about signing a guy off the street one day and starting him at QB a few days later. Kolb has been here for a few years now, this is his shot to prove he belongs... It's just one game, might as well let the kid show what he can do. I wouldn't give him an infinite leash though, if he truly struggles then I think we could see Jeff Garcia at some point..

CSC: Philadelphia's offensive line is a little nicked up. Any concern there?

BGN: Not really. They did a great job against Carolina and really alleviated some of the fears people had. I wouldn't really even call it nicked up this point. Starting LG Todd Herremans is out, but Nick Cole has done a good job filling in for him. People might point to Shawn Andrews as an example of an injury on the line, but considering he missed the end of 07, virtually all of 08, and all of this year... Does he even count? He hasn't been part of the line in a long time. All the other notable guys are there and healthy. Stacey Andrews seems to look good after offseason surgery and Jason Peters, who was knicked up in preseason, seemed to get better and better as last week wore on.

CSC: Saints fans had their eye on defensive coordinator Sean McDermott this off-season. Talk about what he's brought to the Eagles.

BGN: He seems to have really followed in the footsteps of a guy like Steve Spagnuolo, who left the Eagles for the Giants and won a superbowl with them. It's still clearly Jim Johnsons' system, but like Spags you can see that McDermott has put in a few of his own wrinkles and showed us some stuff Johnson didn't. In some ways, McDermott might be even more aggressive than Johnson. He really seemed to confuse Carolina by lining up DE Trent Cole as a "joker" in the middle of the defense and essentially rushing him as an inside linebacker. In all, the pressure created up the middle by the Eagles last Sunday just killed the Panthers.

He really seemed to show a knack for play calling, which is the one thing we didn't about him. He dialed blitzes up at the right time, took advantages of weakness, and showed some serious aggression. It's only one game, so I don't want to overrate the guy just yet... but so far so good with McDermott.

CSC: What do you think will be the Eagles gameplan against the Saints?

BGN: On defense they're going to bring pressure, that's no surprise. They always do that. The key will be making sure it's disguised well and when they bring the blitz make sure it gets there. They're going to try and hit Brees often, throw off his rhythm, and force bad throws. Against the run, they're going to try and funnel things into the middle where DTs Bunkley and Patterson have done such a great job of swallowing up the run.

On offense, I'm expecting a healthier dose of the run than teams are used to seeing from the Eagles. Assuming Kolb starts, the last you want is to ask him to throw 35 times and do everything Donovan McNabb does.

Any surprise players on the Eagles that Saints fans might not know about and should keep their eye on this Sunday?
Probably the entirety of the defensive line. Trent Cole has made a pro bowl, but overall there's not a lot of famous names on the line. They play really well together as a unit though and are often switched in and out for different packages. You guys will recognize Darren Howard, who played well against the Panthers and is coming off a double digit sack season where he didn't even start.

CSC: Prediction for the game?

BGN: If McNabb can go, I think the Eagles will win. If not, I don't.

Eagles dominate Panthers 38-10

JasonB — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:25:28 -0000

More photos » by Rick Havner - AP

3 months ago: Philadelphia Eagles' DeSean Jackson (10) returns a punt for a touchdown as Carolina Panthers' James Anderson (50) chases during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)

Browse more photos »

The Eagles won big today, but could potentially have come out the losers in the end. There's a ton to talk about with this game, but we have to start with the injury to Donovan McNabb. He took a pretty tough hit as he plowed his way into the end zone for a TD. He spent a few minutes on the ground before walking off under his own power and eventually heading to the locker room. He did return to the sidelines, but was still in obvious pain. Trainers were working on his lower back and the Eagles called it a rib injury. The best case scenario seems to be a bad contusion, the worst is probably a broken or cracked rib. Obviously his health will be the big story this coming week.

The other big story is going to be the absolute domination by the Eagles defense. The D forced seven turnovers including five picks and two forced fumbles, while also sacking 3 different Panther QBs a total of five times. New defensive coordinator Sean McDermott certainly earned an A+ in his first game as Eagles defensive coordinator. He seemed to bring pressure at the perfect times to the perfect places & pretty much everything he called worked. His attacking mindset and love of the blitz certainly showed that he was paying attention to Jim Johnson all those years and gives many hope that he will follow in the footsteps of former Jim Johnson proteges like Steve Spagnuolo and become great himself.

The play that will define Sean McDermott to me was the second to last of the game. With just seconds left, the Panthers had a 4 and goal from the one yard line down 38-10. Unwilling to give up even a meaningless TD, McDermott re-inserted his starters into the game and the Eagles' D stuffed the Panthers 4th down attempt and took the ball back. That was an attitude play. He was sending a message to this team and every other team that they won't willingly surrender an inch no matter what the situation.

Headlines after the jump.

[Note by JasonB, 09/13/09 4:39 PM EDT ] Comcast sportsnets' Derrick Gunn is reporting that McNabb sustained a cracked rib and will likely miss at least two weeks. Certainly puts a damper on an otherwise fabulous win. Andy Reid confirmed the injury in his post game press conference and indicated that McNabb might be able to play next week.. but that certainly seems unlikely.

Delhomme in postseason form

Jake Delhomme was in postseason form today throwing 4 picks before Panther's coach Jon Fox mercifully pulled him, which was probably the only reason Delhomme didn't equal the 5 picks he threw in the playoffs last year. Jake did manage to turn it over 5 times when you include the fumble that was recovered in the end zone for a TD. The Panther signed Delhomme to a 5 year, $42 million extension this offseason which includes $20 in guarantees. Ouch.

Who gets singled out?

It's hard to even pick out which members of the Eagles defense to praise. The unit as whole was dominant. Sheldon Brown certainly stands out with his two picks. Asante Samuel absolutely shut down one of the great WRs in the game, Steve Smith. Smith and Asante lined up against one another 20 times. Smith had one catch for 8 yards and Asante had an INT. Shut. Down.

Trent Cole played like a madman today. He forced the fumble that ~~Omar Gaither~~ Victor Abiamiri picked up in the end zone for a TD and although he tallied just one official sack, he was in the face of whoever the Panthers trotted out to play QB play after play.

I said this when Stewart Bradley got hurt, Bill Barnwell of Football Outsiders said this in our interview... The reason the Eagles were so good against the run last year was primarily because Broderick Bunkley and Mike Patterson were so good. Stewart Bradley did a very good job last year, but he was not the main reason this Eagles D was so strong up the middle. Those two DTs were dominant today holding one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL to 86 total yards rushing... now you could say that the low rushing totals were because the Panthers were forced to throw to make up the big deficit, but the 2.9 yards per carry shows that their run game was never effective.

O-Line impresses

The Eagles much maligned offensive line certainly did it's job today. Other than two lack sacks on Kevin Kolb, they pass blocked well and paved the way for a 185 yard rushing performance. Can you believe an Eagles offense had more than twice as many yards rushing as it did passing? Hopefully Andy Reid pays attention to that...

There were some miscues. Two offsides from Peters and one from Nick Cole are things that need to be fixed, but overall that unit did it's job. Peters almost blocked the entire left side of the Panthers' D himself on a 17 yard Westbrook run. I still don't think he's fully in the flow yet, but you can see the raw talent there is great. Winston Justice was arguably the most impressive of the bunch. Not only did he do a good job in pass protection, he was sealing off the edge effectively on run plays. Julius Peppers did beat him on a strip sack of Kolb late, but overall Justice looks more like the second round he was than he ever has an Eagle.

Todd Herremans to have surgery

JasonB — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 04:37:40 -0000

More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

Browse more photos »

In his post game press conference Andy Reid announced that LG Todd Herremans has a stress fracture in his left foot and will undergo surgery to fix it.

Starting left guard Todd Herremans will have surgery on his left foot on Friday and is likely to miss the regular season opener in Carolina.

Herremans has been sidelined with a stress reaction in his left foot. According to head coach Andy Reid, once the swelling went down an MRI revealed a fracture. Nick Cole has worked in place of Herremans and will likely get the starting nod against the Panthers.

Reid said that Herremans would miss "a couple of games." The early word is that he could miss the first 2-4 weeks.

On a more positive note, Reid also said that Shawn Andrews would be returning to practice in a limited role tomorrow.

Todd Herremans the latest Eagle to go down

JasonB — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:55:13 -0000

More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

4 months ago: Philadelphia Eagles' Todd Herremans pulls on his helmet during NFL football training camp, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, in Bethlehem, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Browse more photos »

Of all the injuries so far this preseason, this one has to be the weirdest.

Head coach Andy Reid announced Wednesday that starting left guard Todd Herremans could miss the entire preseason with a "stress reaction" in his left foot, above the arch. Head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder said through a spokesman that a "stress reaction" is "a precursor to a stress fracture."

This is unfortunate news for Herremans, but it creates a big opportunity for a guy like Max Jean-Gilles. Plus, it should mean that the likes of Mike McGlynn and Nick Cole get even more playing time in preseason.

Not sure what else to say other than... at least it's not a torn ACL!