SB Nation - Kevin Curtis

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: Can the 49ers even hope to contain DeSean Jackson?

Fooch — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:06:34 -0000

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On Tuesday, Frank Gore was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week following an impressive 167 yard, 1 TD performance in the 49ers win over the Arizona Cardinals. As was briefly mentioned, some folks were surprised to not see DeSean Jackson's name on the award given his incredible performance against the Giants on Sunday Night Football. Well, Jackson ended up being named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his punt return touchdown.

As much as I loved Frank Gore's performance, if there were an award for overall player of the week, DeSean Jackson would have had as strong a case as any player with his punt return TD, along with his 178 receiving yards and receiving touchdown. I'd say that's a rather adequate performance, wouldn't you?

The 2009 Eagles have put together some impressive offensive performances at times and have a host of intriguing weapons with which the 49ers will have to contend. At this point, the biggest threats are in the passing game. It sounds like Brian Westbrook will likely be out again this week, leaving the remaining Philly running backs who have been rather inconsistent at times, and downright awful the last couple weeks.

When looking at the Eagles passing game, Donovan McNabb is guiding things and Brent Celek is certainly a very solid tight end. However, at this point DeSean Jackson is the guy who probably scares me the most. Given his career at Cal that's not exactly shocking, but it's still the biggest issue to be addressed at this point. Jackson can certainly be contained, but it takes a whole lot of work on a whole lot of fronts. After all, he's continued to impress as a punt returner, and has blown past cornerbacks with ease much of the 2009 season.

After the jump we look at DeSean Jackson the punt returner, and DeSean Jackson the wide receiver.

DeSean Jackson - Punt Returner
As solid as Jackson can be as a wide receiver, the punt return game is where he is often his most dangerous. To date Jackson is averaging 17.7 yards per punt return. In 10 of 13 games he's had at least one 20+ yard punt return. Generally punt returning can be boom or bust for most teams. And yet I consider myself surprised when Jackson doesn't have a big return in a game, even if he doesn't take it the house.

Of course, this plays somewhat into the 49ers wheelhouse given the fact that they have one of the best in the business in Andy Lee. Lee gets an impressive combination of distance and hang time that usually allows him to avoid over-kicking the punt return coverage. Lee is 2nd in the NFL in net punt yards, and the 49ers are 14th in the league in punt return average at 8.3 yards. While that is not fantastic, it's still solid enough. The 49ers will be facing their toughest test of the season in Jackson. When a team faces a great punt returner, the team will aim for shorter punts out of bounds rather than give up the big return. I'd imagine initially the 49ers are going to be willing to play with fire and see if Andy Lee and his punt coverage team can contain the best returner in the game right now.

DeSean Jackson - Wide Receiver
Jackson was certainly a solid receiver in college, but I always thought he did most of his damage as a return man. I was able to pull up his ESPN college stats page, and it's an intriguing group of numbers. His final season saw an increase his receptions, but a sizable decrease in yards per catch. I recall some complaints about his receiving skills his final season, but nothing of the sort regarding his punt return skills.

However, since taking his game to the NFL, I wonder if he's starting to turn into a better receiver? His yards per catch this season surpasses his best year in college and it seems like we're always treated to footage of him having to slow down after burning a receiver after Donovan McNabb seems to underthrow the speedy receiver. Whatever the case may be, I feel more impressed with him as a receiver in the NFL than I did when he was a receiver at Cal. Maybe at Cal he felt he didn't need to bring his A-game every week, or maybe there's some other reason. Either way, he's impressing.

Of course, that means somebody on the 49ers will get the pleasure of covering Jackson on Sunday. This past week saw the 49ers do a masterful job against the dynamic Arizona receiving duo of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. I'm guessing at this point we'll see Shawntae Spencer covering Jackson. The Eagles will be without Jeremy Maclin this Sunday, but could have Kevin Curtis in the lineup. It sounds like the top 3 receivers for Philly will be Jackson, Reggie Brown and Jason Avant. It's a bit of speculation, but I suppose the matchups would be Spencer/Jackson, Bly/R. Brown and T. Brown/Avant.

When you've become the #1 corner, as it appears is the case with Spencer, you're going to face a team's #1 guy most every week. Spencer did a good job last week, although he certainly had to benefit from the beating Kurt Warner took for much of the game. It'll be interesting to see if he can keep up with speedy Jackson all game long.

DeSean Jackson can certainly be contained. He's had his share of poor performances, but right now he's playing well, and just as importantly, his quarterback also seems to be playing fairly well. During this 4-game winning streak, Donovan McNabb has put up very solid numbers, even if they don't blow you away at first sight. The question now is if the 49ers can slow down what has been a rather prolific scoring team. If they're going to do this, it will likely require finding a way to shut down both DeSean Jacksons.

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)

Maclin out for Sunday, Curtis could return

JasonB — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:00:31 -0000

Andy Reid has announced that Jeremy Maclin has been ruled out of this Sunday's game against the 49ers.

Jeremy Maclin has torn one strand of his plantar fascia, Eagles coach Andy Reid said yesterday. The bottom line seems pretty much the same as it was Sunday night, when Maclin had to leave the Eagles' 45-38 victory over the host Giants - Maclin should miss a couple weeks, a setback for the receiver who ranked second among NFL rookies going into last weekend with 623 receiving yards (on 46 catches), but not a season-ending mishap.

Reid said that he expected Maclin back in a week or two.

"He should be OK, probably not this week, possibly next week. Normally it’s like a two week type of injury," head coach Andy Reid said on Monday.

The good news is that his replacement could be a guy we might have forgotten about, Kevin Curtis.

"There’s a chance we do [make a roster move], but again at that position we’ll see how Kevin’s doing," said Reid. "He really took quite a few reps, more than I thought he would last week so that will be increased this week and see how he does," Reid said. "If he’s not right, then he’s not right. We’ll work from there. He felt pretty good [last week]. His legs were tired and his wind wasn’t where he wants it, but he actually felt pretty good."

The Linc - Desean Jackson says he'll play this weekend

JasonB — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:00:56 -0000

Breaking Habits: Reid Changes His Ways
There is no suspense. It is a given that the Eagles will extend the contract of Andy Reid. Whether it is announced this week, next week or next month, it is going to happen.

Reid: Everybody plays! | Philadelphia Inquirer | 12/07/2009
Although it is sure to change throughout the week, Andy Reid did not rule out any of his active players for Sunday night's tilt at the Giants -- not even Kevin Curtis.

Philadelphia Eagles WR DeSean Jackson says he'll play vs. New York Giants - ESPN
Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson will play Sunday against the New York Giants despite suffering a concussion two weeks ago, he told ESPN 950 in Philadelphia on Monday.

Class of 2009 can be judged a success | Philadelphia Inquirer | 12/06/2009
You're supposed to wait at least three years before evaluating an NFL draft class. With the Eagles' Class of 2009, there's no reason to wait. Based on the top two picks alone, this class is going to be considered a success and possibly the best of coach Andy Reid's tenure.

Week 11 Preview: Eagles (5-4) @ Bears (4-5)

SackMan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:15:10 -0000

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The Bears get to "show off" once again on national TV Sunday night vs the Eagles. Maybe the rest of the country will learn from last Thursday night's ugliness, and watch something else.

Week 11 Recap

The Eagles: Donovan McNabb threw for an incredible 450 yards, but the Eagles were trading field goals for touchdowns and lost on the road to San Diego 31-23. That's the second trip Philly has made coast-to-coast this year, and they've lost both contests (losing also to the terrible Raiders in week 6). With McNabb completing 35 of 55 throws... Jason Avant (8), DeSean Jackson (8), Jeremy Maclin (6) and Brent Celek (6) each caught at least 6 passes. Neither defense had much of an impact in this game, as both McNabb and his counterpart Phillip Rivers (20/25, 231, 131.8 QB rating) had plenty of time to throw. The biggest news of the game was Brian Westbrook's second concussion in recent weeks, which could threaten to end his season.

The Bears: Jay Cutler and company embarrassed themselves on prime time television again... this time in an ugly 10-6 road loss to the 49ers on Thursday night. The Bears defense actually put up a very strong effort, holding the 49ers to just 216 yards of total offense. But, Jay Cutler threw 5 friggin interceptions, including one in the end zone with time expiring, failing at chance to win the game. As if the game wasn't bad enough, there were 19 penalties called between the two teams, giving viewers plenty of time to complain about the previous Cutler interception. One of the lone bright spots was Zachary Bowman, who had his 3rd INT in his last 5 games... however, he left the game with abdominal injury and never returned.

Quick Numbers:

17: Jay Cutler INTs on the year.
194: Receiving yards for Matt Forte in the last two weeks.
46: Receptions for TE Brent Celek, leading the Eagles in that category.
29: Sacks by the Eagle defense, tied for second in the NFL.

Key Injuries:

PHI RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) O
PHI WR Kevin Curtis (knee) O

CHI C Olin Kreutz (back) Q

When the Eagles have the ball.
Donovan McNabb is enjoying more weapons than he's ever had in his long career as QB of the Eagles. Second year WR DeSean Jackson has been among the most explosive playmakers in the NFL this season, and rookie 1st round pick Jeremy Maclin is proving to be an exceptional threat himself. In past years, RB Brian Westbrook was the man McNabb would lean on, but in an injury plagued season, Westbrook's targets are going to TE Brent Celek, who leads the Eagles in receptions. Filling in for Westbrook is rookie LeSean McCoy, who now leads the team in rushing and also has 23 catches. This is a very potent offense... led by a great QB: exactly the kind of team that exposes the Bears defense (see the first half of the Bengals and Cardinals games). With the Bears pass rush disappearing after week 4, McNabb will have plenty of time to throw the football. The one trouble spot for the Eagles has been running in the red zone (sound familiar?). In fact, the last time these two teams met, the Bears put up a key goal line stand late in the 4th quarter to win the game.

The key match-up for the Eagles: WR DeSean Jackson vs the Bears safeties
Jackson is second in the NFL at 18.3 yards per catch... because he beats safety help every week. The Bears play a lot of cover 2, and rely on their safeties to limit big plays. I see the Bears safeties getting a big serving of burnt toast this Sunday night.

The X factor on offense for the Eagles: WR Jeremy Maclin
The rookie receiver has been gaining the trust of his QB and getting more and more involved. He's another explosive player, who should pose big match-up concerns vs the Bears safeties.

When the Bears have the ball.
This is now officially a one-dimensional offense... as Matt Forte's 194 receiving yards in the last two weeks has waived the white flag on the running game. No run game vs a blitz heavy defense that is tied for second in the NFL with 29 sacks is a very, very bad match-up. Not having to worry about the run, the Eagles can blitz at will vs Cutler and his porous O-line. Expect to see Dez Clark on the field plenty in this one, to aid in pass protection vs the Eagles blitz. The Bears can counter the blitz with a big dose of screen passes to Matt Forte, and if they can pick up the blitz, it could create opportunities for speedsters Devin Hester and Johnny Knox to get open vs less men in the secondary.

The key match-up for the Bears: LT Orlando Pace vs DE Trent Cole
Cole leads the Eagles with 7.5 sacks, and Pace has been losing some favor with the fans and media, despite (in my account) a solid, if unspectacular performance.

The X Factor on offense for the Bears: WR Devin Aromashodu
This spot is usually reserved for Greg Olsen, but Jay Cutler has been campaigning to get his favorite pre-season target on the field more often. Let's see if that helps Jay in the red zone.... not.

Side notes from the NFC North:

Vikings: Division leading Minnesota will host the Seahawks on Sunday. This could be another cakewalk for them, but watch out for a re-juvinated Seattle running game behind Justin Forsett, vs a Vikings D allowing 4.2 yards per carry.

Lions: The Lions and Browns square off in the battle of crud near the lake in Detroit on Sunday. Nobody needs to watch this game. And if you're starting someone in fantasy football... you've already lost.

Packers: Aaron Rodgers was sacked another 4 times last week by the Cowboys, boosting the league leading total to 41. This Sunday, the 49ers will get their turn in Lambeau.

The Aftermath: Eagles Week Nine Injury Report

Bob_Q — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:11:57 -0000

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As if losing to the Cowboys at home wasn't bad enough, the Eagles now have a lengthy injury list to deal with during the coming week. Probably the most worrisome loss is that of weakside linebacker Akeem Jordan, who suffered a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise. The Eagles have had a very rough season at linebacker so far, and with Jordan's status labeled as "uncertain" the defense will have to rely on backups Jeremiah Trotter, Moise Fokou, Tracy White, and Joe Mays, none of whom have performed very impressively so far. Let's hope Jordan gets better soon so he can bring his tenacity back to the field.

Another potential major loss comes in the form of an ankle injury to one Jason Peters. Peters' ankle has been giving him trouble all season, and while Todd Herremans is certainly a capable fill-in at left tackle, the last thing the Eagles offensive line needs is for another starter to miss playing time.

Leonard Weaver, Ellis Hobbs, and Quintin Demps all made the injury list as well. Fortunately, Weaver's sprained ankle is not expected to cost our valuable fullback any practice time. However, the same cannot be said for cornerback/kick returner Hobbs, whose neck injury will require further evaluation. Demps' ankle sprain should limit his practice time this week, but there is a chance he will play against San Diego this Sunday.

But not all is lost, Eagles faithful. This week we get to witness the return of three and a half starters: Brian Westbrook, Victor Abiamiri, Chris Gocong, and Kevin Curtis. According to Andy Reid, all four players are expected to practice this week. Not a moment too soon, either. The absence of Gocong was certainly felt last game, as rookie backup Moise Fokou drew two very costly penalties, including one that negated an Ellis Hobbs return TD. The return of Westbrook and Curtis will certainly help our offense by giving Donovan McNabb more options to throw to, but don't expect to see Curtis take back his starting job from Jeremy Maclin. Curtis has been out the entire season and will likely have a lot of rust to knock off.

Who's In and Who's Out: Giants @ Eagles

Bob_Q — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:06 -0000

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As expected, Kevin Curtis and Victor Abiamiri will not be playing Sunday afternoon while they recoup from their knee injuries. Dimitri Patterson will also remain off the field while he recovers from his broken hand and quad injury. The big questions this week, though, are the status of Brian Westbrook and Macho Harris, who are both listed as questionable. Westbrook sustained a concussion last week against the Redskins, so it's hard to believe that Andy Reid will seriously risk his star player aggravating his injury. LeSean McCoy is likely to get the start, and should have his hands full with the Giants' dominant defensive line. Macho Harris didn't practice all week due to an ankle injury, and it is looking more and more like Sean Jones will take his place as starting free safety. This isn't as serious a loss though, as Jones is an experienced former starter who has a knack for always being around the ball. Refer to KingMcNabb5's article about Jones for more info.

On the Giants' side of the ball, three defensive starters will be on the sidelines: linebacker Michael Boley, defensive lineman Chris Canty, and cornerback Aaron Ross. This is a big blow to New York's dominant defense, and hopefully Donovan McNabb will be able to take advantages of the weaknesses in the secondary. Look for DeSean Jackson to continue his dominant performance with at least one touchdown. On the GIants' offense receiver Mario Manningham missed practice today with a shoulder injury and is listed as questionable. Over the course of the season, Manningham has emerged as a reliable target for Eli Manning and will definitely be a factor should he play Sunday night.

Who's In and Who's Out: Eagles @ Redskins

Bob_Q — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:22:21 -0000

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A long injury list this week features starters on both sides of the ball. It's been a rough week for the Eagles, limping into week seven after a tough loss to the Raiders and four Philadelphia players have been ruled as out: Victor Abiamiri, Kevin Curtis, Omar Gaither, and Dimitri Patterson. Curtis' loss will mean an increased amount of reps for former starter Reggie Brown, who is being given yet another chance to prove himself. Look for Jeremy Maclin to start alongside DeSean Jackson though. Darren Howard is also listed as questionable with a calf injury, leaving the defensive end position suddenly thin. Expect to see third stringer Jason Babin get a snap or two if Juqua Parker or Trent Cole need a breather. Also listed as questionable are linemen Jason Peters, Todd Herremans and Max Jean-Gilles who are all thankfully expected to play tonight. The Eagles will need to bring their best out against Albert Haynesworth and the Redskins' defensive line after giving up six sacks to the Raiders. An extensive list of Eagles nursing minor injuries are listed as probable and include Sheldon Brown, Brodrick Bunkley, Nick Cole, Antonio Dixon, Akeem Jordan, Jeremy Maclin, Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and Will Witherspoon. All are expected to play tonight.

On the Redskins' side, starting tackle Chris Samuels is out with a neck injury that could possibly force him to retire at the end of the season. He is expected to be moved to IR on Tuesday. The Eagles will need to take advantage of every hole in the line to put pressure on Jason Campbell. Expect to see Trent Cole come away with at least one sack tonight. Washington starters Albert Haynesworth and Clinton Portis are listed as questionable, but are both likely to play. Punter Hunter Smith has also returned from his groin injury and is expected to start tonight.

Keeping an Eye on the Other Beasts in the East

Aaron Novinger — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:00:31 -0000

The premier matchup this week in the NFL is the one between the two unbeatens: the New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints. Whichever team wins this battle in the Big Easy, could be considered the best team in the conference. Minnesota is the only other undefeated team in the NFC; it plays host to 3-2 Baltimore on Sunday.

The one win between Oakland and Kansas City suggests that Philadelphia and Washington could both be victorious this weekend. The Eagles are flying high while the Raiders are looking less competitive each week. The Chiefs gave the Cowboys a run for their money in Week Five, and should be able to do the same against a frustrated Redskins team.

More Beasts in the East after the jump.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-1)

Last game: 33-14 Home Win vs. Tampa Bay

Next up: @ Oakland (1-4)

Tomorrow, the Eagles will enter the Black Hole relatively healthy.

Guard Todd Herremans (foot) and cornerback Dimitri Patterson (quadriceps) are out for tomorrow's game at Oakland. Wide receiver Kevin Curtis (knee) is questionable, but he is making the flight west. Defensive end Darren Howard sat out yesterday's practice with a toe contusion, but he's probable. And that's it.

For the first time this season, coach Andy Reid will have to make some tough decisions regarding who will dress against the Raiders and who will be inactive.

"It's a good problem to have," Reid said.

Herremans has been out all season but is making progress and he could be back for the Monday night game at Washington on Oct. 26. He ran with the scout team yesterday in practice and will have a scan of his left foot - where he suffered a stress fracture - on Tuesday.

Andy Reid doesn't want his team to look past the Raiders.

"It's a frame of mind," Reid said following a short practice Friday at the team's NovaCare Complex. "It's how you handle that time, it's not necessarily the schedule as much as how you handle that schedule. That's the important thing here, from the time we get on the plane until the time we play the game, that you utilize that time wisely.

"That's what we need to do. I have a lot of new guys on this football team and this is the first time that they've been with me on a two-day trip. I expect certain things and I know that the veteran players will be a good example."

Donovan McNabb will "mentor" Jamarcus Russell during pregame.

McNabb wants to make sure Russell stays positive despite a rough start to his third season that has raised serious questions about whether the No. 1 overall pick in 2007 draft has become a draft bust.

"Understand that every quarterback in this league has been through some sort of struggle, but believe that you can pull yourself out of it," McNabb said of his advice. "The guys around you have to make plays. ... Not all the negative aspects of what's been going on should fall on JaMarcus because it's a team game."

Here is the preview video link for the Philadelphia Eagles at Oakland Raiders.

Washington Redskins (2-3)

Last game: 17-20 Loss @ Carolina

Next up: Home vs. Kansas City (0-5)

Whether Jim Zorn's job is in jeopardy or not, Washington's players want the organization to speak up.

If the team doesn't intend to fire Zorn, the players said, the coach should be given a public vote of confidence so that players won't have to bear the responsibility each week of responding to speculation about their embattled coach.

The players, who spoke on condition that their names not be used, said they had hoped management would soon release a statement endorsing Zorn to silence any doubts about his immediate future to eliminate what they said has become a daily distraction.

"I wish someone upstairs would just say he's going to be our coach for the season," said one of the players. "That way, we don't have to answer any more questions about it and everybody knows we're in this boat together."

LT Chris Samuels may miss the rest of the season with an injury that could force him into retirement, says Matt Mosely.

The six-time Pro Bowler, who already had been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, will have the injury re-evaluated Tuesday, sources told The Washington Post.

Samuels suffers from stenosis, a narrowing of the spine that causes him to wear a neck brace for extra protection when he plays, and was already dealing with significant knee pain all season, according to the paper.

The Redskins' defense is licking their chops in expectations of a struggling K.C. offense.

The Redskins have 10 sacks, including six in the last two games. Andre Carter leads the way with 3.5 sacks and rookie Brian Orakpo has 2.5. The defense is ranked 11th in the league in sacks after finishing 28th last year. Kansas City is struggling on the ground--Larry Johnson is averaging just 2.4 yards per carry--so the pressure could be on Cassel to move the ball through the air.

Cassel has been sacked 14 times this season, 28th worst in the league, as the Chiefs’ offensive line has struggled in pass protection. He was sacked four times last Sunday vs. Dallas and five times the week before by the New York Giants.

Punter, Hunter Smith, is a game-time decision because of a groin injury he suffered last week.

Smith, who did not punt during practice Friday, was injured on his first punt in the 16-13 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3. He then sat out the 20-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

The Redskins signed free agent Glenn Pakulak, who averaged 35.6 net yards on five punts. Pakulak was cut after the game and re-signed to the practice squad. If Smith cannot punt again this week, the Redskins would have to make a move to add him to the 53-man roster for the game.

Here is the preview video link for the Kansas City Chiefs at Washington Redskins.

New York Giants (5-0)

Last game: 44-7 Home Win vs. Oakland

Next up: @ New Orleans (4-0)

How do the Giants' defenders plan on handling Saints' QB Drew Brees?

"(Brees is) a great, accurate quarterback," cornerback Corey Webster said. "He knows how to get the ball to the skill players and playmakers. He allows them to make plays down the field. He does a great job of buying more time in the pocket, getting rid of the ball when he needs to, putting it in the right position where only his receiver can make a play on the ball. I think down the field we have to stay close in coverage because he can buy an extra second for his receivers to get down the field. So we have to be very disciplined on our coverage assignments."

In four games, Brees has thrown only two interceptions and been sacked just four times. Running backs Mike Bell, Pierre Thomas and Bush have rushed for a combined 589 yards and five touchdowns.

"Brees gets so much attention that people don't realize they are averaging over 160 yards rushing," Tuck said. "They are definitely a balanced football team. I think they are right up there with us as far as balance. I know a lot of people don't understand that because people look at Brees and all the numbers he puts up, but that three-headed monster running back that they have down there is doing a great job, too."

While many Giants players were quoted this week as saying that this is just the sixth game of the season, Saints' head coach, Sean Payton, sees this as an early measuring stick for his team.

"When you look at all the categories that lend themselves to winning, this is a team that has done most of those things real well," Payton said. "This is a good challenge for us and a real good football team. Not only looking at the film and looking at all the numbers in all phases, they’re very well-coached and very talented."

Payton expects the Giants to be very physical on both sides of the ball. "We’ve played some good, physical teams and we understand the type of game that it’s going to be," Payton said, "and I think we’ll be ready for the challenge."

Eli Manning (heel) and Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) were limited in practice this week, but are only listed as probable for Sunday.

However, linebacker Michael Boley (knee), defensive tackle Chris Canty (calf) and cornerback Aaron Ross (hamstring) have all been ruled out for Sunday.

Is Brandon Jacobs frustrated with his role?

When asked specifically how he was a tone-setter on the field, Jacobs had enough.

"You're just looking for some (junk), aren't you?" Jacobs said to a reporter. The reporter seemed surprised and asked Jacobs what was wrong."

"Yes! I see myself as a tone-setter," Jacobs said. "Yes, I do. I am going out and just running into people. I'm 6-4 and 265 pounds, doing what I am supposed to do, running into people to get a 2-yard loss. Happy?"

Jacobs, who has rushed for 1,000 yards each of the past two seasons, ended the interview, picked up his shoes and walked away.

The Saints may come out with a little ball-control offense of their own.

A little more of a surprise this season has been the running game of the New Orleans Saints, which ranks second in the NFL, averaging 166.3 yards. This week, the Saints will have a tandem of their own in Mike Bell and Pierre Thomas, one they haven't had together all season. Bell rushed for 229 yards in the Saints' first two games, but sprained his right knee late in New Orleans' victory at Philadelphia.

Thomas, who did not have carry the first two games while he was coming back from a preseason right knee sprain of his own, took center stage in Week 3 at Buffalo and has rushed for 212 yards and three TDs since. "It's going to be electrifying because we're going to keep pounding and pounding and pounding," Thomas said. "We've also got Reggie (Bush), who can do just about anything out there on the field, so it's going to be crazy."

Here is the pregame video link for the New York Giants at New Orleans Saints.