SB Nation - Omar Gaither

San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles: A Prospector's Guide

Fooch — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:00:18 -0000

vs.

The 49ers remain on the periphery of the playoff race (I will most definitely NOT say in the thick of it at this point for karma purposes). They find themselves heading into Philadelphia badly in a need of a win in a game that most people don't give them much of a chance in. We've moved past moral victories, so while I won't be stunned by a loss, keeping it close in Philly won't exactly make me happy as a clam.

The 49ers travel to Philadelphia in what will be the 29th meeting between the two teams, with San Francisco holding a 17-10-1 advantage in the series. The 49ers and Eagles have matched up six times this decade, but this week’s game will mark the first in Philadelphia since 2005.

San Francisco enters the upcoming game following a 24-9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football. In that game, the 49ers defense created 7 turnovers, while RB Frank Gore rushed for 167 yards on 25 carries and one touchdown. TE Vernon Davis leads all NFL receivers with 11 touchdown receptions after registering a 5-yard score from QB Alex Smith against Arizona and is only the 9th tight end in NFL history to record at least 11 touchdown receptions in a season. The NFL record is 13, held by TE Antonio Gates (2004).

Last week’s contest marked the third week in a row that the 49ers defense had posted at least 4 sacks in a game. San Francisco now ranks tied for 7th in the NFL with 34 sacks and a +6 turnover ratio. The 49ers 18 forced fumbles rank tied for 1st in the NFL in 2009 and are tied for the most by the team in a single season (1996 - 18), dating back to 1992.

49ers-Eagles Connections
Coaching Connections
• Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhingweg was the 49ers offensive coordinator and QBs coach from 1997-2000. In 1998, the 49ers became the first team since the 1941 Chicago Bears to lead the league in gross passing and rushing yards thanks in large part to Mornhinweg’s guidance. Mornhinweg attended Oak Grove HS in San Jose, where he was the Northern California POY and an all-state performer.
• 49ers secondary coach Johnnie Lynn and Eagles WRs coach David Culley coached together with the Tampa Bay Bucs from 1994-95.

FORMER EAGLES - Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye was on the Eagles roster in 1969 ... Pass rush specialist coach Al Harris played with the Eagles for two seasons (1989-90) ... SS Michael Lewis was drafted by the Eagles in the 2nd round in 2002 and played in Philadelphia for 5 years. He earned a Pro Bowl invitation in 2004 ... LB Takeo Spikes spent the 2007 season with the Eagles, starting 14 games ... Strength and conditioning coach Duane Carlisle served as the Philadelphia Eagles speed development consultant from 2000-04. Carlisle also coached at
Penn State from 1989-92 ... Director of pro personnel Tom Gamble entered the NFL as an assistant for the Eagles player personnel department in 1996. He is the son of former Eagles president Harry Gamble and was born in Cherry Hill, NJ ... Area scout Todd Brunner first joined the Eagles as a scouting intern in 1992 and worked as a scouting assistant in 1993.

FORMER 49ERS - CB Joselio Hanson, a native of Playa del Rey, CA, was originally signed by the 49ers as a rookie free agent in 2003 and appeared in 13 games for the 49ers.

49ERS PENNSYLVANIA CONNECTIONS - RB Michael Robinson played collegiate football at Penn State ... CB Shawntae Spencer is from Rankin, PA ... Rookie LB Scott McKillop hails from Monroeville, Pennsylvania.

EAGLES NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONNECTIONS - Head Coach Andy Reid spent time as the offensive coordinator at San Francisco State from 1983-85 ...TE coach Tom Melvin is a native of Redwood City, CA, and began his coaching career at San Francisco State from 1982-85 and attended Cubberley HS in Palo Alto ... Special assistant/defense Brian Stewart served as defensive backs coach at San Jose State (1997-98) ... WR DeSean Jackson played at Cal and is a native of Long Beach, CA ... TE Alex Smith lettered at Stanford from 2001-04.

PLAYER CONNECTIONS
• 49ers DT Justin Smith and Eagles G/T Stacy Andrews were teammates with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2004-07.
• 49ers DT Demetric Evans was a teammate of Eagles DE Chris Clemons and LB Jeremiah Trotter for the Redskins (2004-05).
• 49ers LB Parys Haralson and Eagles LB Omar Gaither were teammates at Tennessee from 2002-05.
• 49ers G Chilo Rachal played at USC with Eagles DT Mike Patterson and T Winston Justice.

Series Highlights
Matchups: 28
Series Record: 49ers lead series 17-10-1
49ers Away Record vs. Eagles: 49ers Lead Series 9-3-1
First Meeting: 10/6/51, Eagles win, 21-14, at Philadelphia
Last Meeting: 10/12/08, Eagles win, 40-26, at San Francisco
Current Streak: Lost 3
Longest 49ers Win Streak: 5 (9/23/84 - 11/29/92)
Longest Eagles Win Streak: 3 (9/18/05 - Present)
Most 49ers Points: 38 (Two Times), Last: 38-28, at ~~San Francisco~~ Philadelphia
Most Eagles Points: 42 (9/18/05), 42-3, at San Francisco
49ers Shutouts: 1 (12/29/96), 49ers win 14-0, at San Francisco
Eagles Shutouts: None

PHILADELPHIA 40, SAN FRANCISCO 26
At ~~Glendale, AZ~~ Philadelphia, PA, October 20, 2008

The Philadelphia Eagles forced 3 turnovers during a 23-point 4th quarter of a 40-26 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. CB Donald Strickland returned a blocked FG 41 yards for aTD on the final play of the 1st half and the momentum carried into the 3rd quarter when the 49ers scored 10 points to take a 26-17 lead.

After the Eagles rallied back to take a 27-26 lead with 7:38 left to play, the 49ers next three drives ended in turnovers that set up scores for Philadelphia. S Quintin Mikell intercepted a QB J.T. O’Sullivan pass and returned it to the San Francisco 7-yard line to set up a short FG. On the next series, Eagles DE Trent Cole forced a fumble on a sack of O’Sullivan, allowing Philadelphia to recover at the San Francisco 20-yard line to set up another short FG for a 33-26 lead with 1:10 left. San Francisco got past midfield on the next drive when O’Sullivan connected with WR Josh Morgan on a 25-yard gain, but two plays later with 48 seconds to play, O’Sullivan was picked off by DE Juqua Parker, who returned it 55 yards for a score to seal the 40-26 win.

Philadelphia QB Donovan McNabb threw for 280 yards and 2 TDs while RB Correll Buckhalter, playing in place of an injured Brian Westbrook, had 93 yards rushing and 85 yards receiving. Philadelphia took a 7-6 1st quarter lead and then added 10 points in the 2nd quarter for a 17-6 lead. PK Joe Nedney hit a 53-yard FG with 34 seconds to play, but Philadelphia moved to the San Francisco 36-yard line with one second remaining on the clock before halftime. The Eagles sent PK David Akers on to the field to attempt a 54-yard FG DE Ray McDonald blocked the kick, and Strickland scooped up the loose ball and ran 41 yards for the score to make it a 17-16 game at the half. RB Frank Gore had his second 100-yard game of the year with 101 yards on 19 attempts.

2009 Statistics

49ERS (rank)		EAGLES (rank)
6-7 (2nd NFCW)	Record	9-4 (1st NFCE)
20.7 (18th)	Points per game	28.6 (3rd)
288.6 (27th)	Total Offense	360.2 (11th)
98.8 (24th)	Rushing Offense	106.1 (19th)
189.8 (22nd)	Passing Offense	254.1 (10th)
29:31 (16th)	Possession Avg	28:30 (25th)
18.6 (8th)	Points allowed/gm	21.0 (t-16th)
338.6 (18th)	Total Defense	320.1 (10th)
95.0 (5th)	Rushing Defense	101.5 (10th)
243.6 (27th)	Passing Defense	218.6 (18th)
34 (t-7th)	Sacks	36 (t-4th)
47.8 (2nd)	Punting Avg (Gross)	41.7 (27th)
+6 (t-7th)	Turnover Differential	+15 (3rd)

Comcast/NFL Red Zone stat of the week

JasonB — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:52:28 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

Browse more photos »

The Eagles "stat of the week" is brought to you by Comcast and the new NFL Red Zone channel

So far this year, I've been using this post to talk about the Eagles performance in the red zone from week to week. And week after week, they barely if ever get to the red zone. Whether they score from all big plays on a good day or can't get inside the 20 on a bad day, It's left me with little to write about.

So we're shifting gears. From here on out we'll be doing the "stat of the week" This week's stat comes from Andy Schwartz of CSN.com

(This week) Gocong becomes the seventh player to practice at middle linebacker for the Eagles, a domino effect that started in camp with the season-ending injury to Stewart Bradley.

He's referring to the fact that Chris Gocong will play middle linebacker this week against the Chargers. With Akeem Jordan out injured, Will Witherspoon will slide over to the WILL and Gocong will assume the middle linebacker role. Moises Fokou will start his second straight game at the strong side backer position.

So far this year Stewart Bradley, Omar Gaither, Joe Mays, Jeremiah Trotter, Moise Fokou, Will Witherspoon, and now Gocong will have taken practice reps at middle linebacker. It's a pretty damning representation of what injuries + your depth not being as good as you thought + the solutions you tried to bring in via FA not working + a trade + injuries at other positions can do to a team.

Comcast is carrying the new NFL Red Zone channel! NFL Red Zone lets you follow all the red zone action on NFL Sunday as it happens. When a team gets inside the twenty, the network cuts to that game. Not only is this cool for any big NFL fan, it would be awesome for out of market Eagles fans that can't watch the games. You're essentially getting the best parts of every Eagles game live for only a couple bucks a month as opposed to having to shell out the several hundred bucks for the NFL ticket.

They don't ever break for commercials and the action literally never stops. They don't just limit it to red zone trips either... I was watching last weekend and they would show any game live if no team happened to be in the red zone. This is probably the best thing ever invented for an NFL fan that's looking for something to flip to when the Eagles game goes to commercials...

State of the AFC West Week 9

Sam (sdsuaztec4) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:15:45 -0000

Well well well, here we are after week 9, a week I'd been looking forward to for awhile. I had a crazy day on Sunday which of course had a perfect ending. Last night's game was the proverbial "icing on the cake". The Chargers are now 1 game back at the halfway point of the season with 8 games to go. The Broncos still have the advantage with the 1 game lead and a win over the Chargers as a potential tiebreaker. As far as the schedules, of the 8 games remaining, 3 are easy division games (2 KC 1 OAK), but 4 are against tough teams (SD, NYG, INDY, PHI) and their game this week at Washington. On the other hand, the Chargers get the Browns and Titans, don't have to play Indy, but they only play the Chiefs one more time. As far as momentum, it is clearly on the side of the Chargers who have capped their three game winning streak with an emotional win at the Meadowlands. The Broncos on the other hand are riding a two-game losing streak that included two disappointing second halves. Oakland and KC are still out of the picture.

Jump the break for individual teams.

AFC West Standings

	W	L	PF	PA
Denver	6	2	150	124
San Diego	5	3	206	179
Oakland	2	6	78	201
Kansas City	1	7	126	205

(updated 11.10.2009 at 1:30 AM PST)

Oakland Raiders: The Raiders had a quiet bye week getting healthy and trying not to lose any football games. Running back Darren McFadden, wide receiver Chaz Schilens, left guard Robert Gallery and right tackle Cornell Green returned to practice Monday and are expected to play against the Kansas City Chiefs this week. So that's good news. Although Tom Cable won't be charged criminally, the NFL is evaluating the situation and sending out people to determine if Cable should attend anger management classes. The National League of Women (NOW) and other women's rights groups are calling for Cable's job. The Raiders next division match-up is this week's pillow-fight of the week in Oakland. Let the battle to determine the most dysfunctional team begin, too bad nobody will see it because it will likely be blacked out.

Oakland Raiders Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Cornell Green	calf	11/09/2009
Tony Stewart	chest	11/09/2009
Gerard Warren	toe	11/09/2009
Jon Alston	shoulder	11/09/2009
Ricky Brown	ankle	11/09/2009
Robert Gallery	fibula	11/09/2009
Tommy Kelly	elbow	11/09/2009
Chris Johnson	groin	11/09/2009
Chaz Schilens	foot	11/09/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
John Bowie	knee	09/30/2009
Oren O'Neal	ankle	10/14/2009

Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs played a close game against the Jaguars which inevitably ended in another loss. As the Chiefs march toward another top 5 draft pick, the big story is still the rapid fall of Larry Johnson which ended in his release from the Chiefs. Although they will probably end up paying him a lot of money since I doubt anyone will pick him up, this gives Jamaal Charles more opportunity to play and gets rid of a clubhouse cancer. Chris Chambers seem to have rejuvenated their offense, at least for the moment, with two TD passes. The addition seems to have helped the Chiefs and the Chargers at the same time, and Chris will probably be happier too. As already mentioned, the Chiefs next division game is at Oakland which I'm sure will be terribly exciting.

Kansas City Chiefs Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Jon McGraw	thigh	11/09/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Devard Darling	knee	09/01/2009
Jarrad Page	calf	11/04/2009
Jackie Battle	shoulder	10/14/2009
Colin Brown	undisclosed	09/05/2009

Denver Broncos: Will the real Broncos please stand up? Are they the 6-0 team or the 0-2 team? Are they the second-half juggernaut or the second-half duds? Is Kyle Orton the QB who threw one INT in 7 games or 3 INT's in one game? Are they a punishing opponents on the lines or the team that didn't get ONE rushing first-down against the Steelers? The answer is probably somewhere close to the middle. Teams are starting to key on the Broncos weakness and adjusting their game-plans as such. Kyle Orton looks nervous as opposed to the pillar of strength he looked like earlier in the season. Either way, the Broncos are much better than everyone thought but they still aren't an elite team. The Steelers were clearly the superior team last night, even at Mile High. The Broncos have lost some momentum going forward but they are still healthy and still have the advantage over the Chargers. Now is the time for Josh McDaniels to adjust to the adjustments that other teams are making. Going forward, we will see if the Broncos and McDaniels are studs or duds. The game at Washington this weekend may tell us a lot about the Broncos. Their next division match-up looks to be a huge game with playoff implications at Mile High against the Chargers.

Denver Broncos Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Ryan McBean	knee	11/10/2009
Peyton Hillis	other-excused	11/10/2009
David Bruton	groin	11/10/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Nick Greisen	knee	08/05/2009
J'Vonne Parker	knee	08/08/2009

San Diego Super Chargers: The Bolts are flying high after an emotional victory at the Meadowlands and gaining the momentum in the AFC West race if not the advantage. They are finally getting healthy, emotionally and physically, as well and it looks like All-Pro center Nick Hardwick will make his return to Qualcomm Stadium this weekend against the Eagles. The Chargers are still a little banged up at the linebacker position; SP95 was injured in the Giants game and Kevin Burnett and Tim Dobbins are still ailing. It looks like Phillips and Burnett will play this weekend while Dobbins will sit. LB Jyles Tucker is also most likely out this weekend. It looks like the Eagles are having the same problem the Chargers were earlier in the season: inability to keep anyone healthy. If Westbrook is out and the Eagles must depend on the passing game, the Chargers could win big with improved pass rush from Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips. The Chargers are also only 2-2 this season and they need to improve their play at home. The game is already sold out so we know it will be loud this weekend. Our next division match-up is Week 11 at Mile High Stadium.

San Diego Chargers Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Tim Dobbins	knee	11/09/2009
Nick Hardwick	ankle	11/09/2009
Kevin Burnett	ankle	11/09/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Ryon Bingham	arm	09/05/2009
Jamal Williams	triceps	09/19/2009
Antwan Applewhite	hamstring	10/20/2009
Brandon Hughes	knee	09/02/2009

Philadelphia Eagles Injuries

Probable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Max Jean-Gilles	shoulder	11/09/2009

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Victor Abiamiri	knee	11/09/2009
Chris Gocong	other-excused	11/09/2009
Akeem Jordan	knee	11/10/2009
Brian Westbrook	ankle	11/09/2009
Quintin Demps	ankle	11/09/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Shawn Andrews	back	09/15/2009
Stewart Bradley	knee	09/01/2009
Omar Gaither	foot	10/22/2009
Cornelius Ingram	knee	09/01/2009
Fenuki Tupou	chest	09/05/2009

Eagles add Saints RB Hill, send Omar Gaither to IR

JasonB — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:29:08 -0000

More photos » by Marcio Sanchez - AP

3 months ago: New Orleans Saints running back P.J. Hill, right, celebrates after scoring on an 11-yard-touchdown in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL preseason football game in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Sanchez)

Browse more photos »

The Eagles announced that they've put LB Omar Gaither on injured reserve after he went surgery to repair a lisfranc injury. Filling his spot on the roster will be RB P.J. Hill, who the Eagles' claimed from the Saints practice squad. PE.com had this to say.

Hill was a four-year letterman for the Badgers who joined former Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne as the only backs in UW history to gain more than 1,000 yards in each of their first three seasons. He closed his career with 770 carries for 3,942 yards (5.1 avg.) with 42 TDs, and added 39 receptions for 358 yards and two scores.

Here's his prospect profile from NFL.com

Hill surprised many by declaring his intention to enter the NFL Draft after his true junior season, although it wasn't shocking given the likely platoon at the position for the Badgers in 2009 and the short lifespan of NFL running backs. In three seasons with the Badgers, he rushed for almost 4,000 yards and 42 touchdowns. Although he was productive at Wisconsin, he doesn't rate as excellent in any one facet of his game and scouts wonder if he'll hold up in the pros considering his injury history and physical running style. Had an arm span of 32 1/2 inches at the combine.

Hill is a big back with a bruising running style. Certainly not the typical Eagles back... Check out some videos after the jump.

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

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

More photos » by Rick Havner - AP

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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, 24 Oct 2009 19:30:16 -0000

Three losses in the division was more than what the Cowboys could hope for as they rested up during their bye week. While the Eagles and Redskins struggled against arguably less-talented teams in the Raiders and Chiefs, the Saints put a sound thrashing on the Giants. Now, control of the NFC looks to go through the Big Easy rather than the Big Apple.

On Monday Night Football this week, somebody's heart may break. With the Eagles beginning their three-game run through the division this week (Week 8 vs. Giants, Week 9 vs. Cowboys), they can not afford a loss. The Redskins will be even more desperate. Dropping a second game in the division would dig a large hole, and taking a 2-5 record into their bye week could be cause for implosion. Their only solace is that they are playing at home. If there is any game that could save their season, this is it.

More Beasts in the East after the jump.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)

Last game: 9-13 Loss @ Oakland

Next up: @ Washington (2-4)

How in the world did the Eagles lose to the Raiders? Not running the ball was one reason.

There were several questionable coaching decisions against the Raiders, mainly the play calling. As usual, the Eagles relied heavily on their passing attack. But the offensive line had trouble protecting Donovan McNabb, especially after left tackle Jason Peters went down with a knee injury. McNabb was sacked six times and got hurried on numerous throws. He finished just 22 of 46 for 269 yards.

Meanwhile, Brian Westbrook had success running the ball the few chances he had. Westbrook rushed for 50 yards on only six carries. Perhaps the Eagles could've sustained longer drives if they'd just kept the ball on the ground instead of passing, passing and passing some more.

"I thought that we could have run a little bit more," Reid said. "We did what we thought would help us win the game, but looking back on it, we probably could have run the ball more."

The final line: 66 plays, 54 passes, 12 runs, excluding two scrambles by McNabb that really were pass plays. That's an 82:18 pass-run ratio in a game that was close the whole way.

The loss could provide the team the focus it needs to win on the road this week.

"I felt embarrassed," quarterback Donovan McNabb said. "When you get embarrassed, you don't want to get embarrassed again, so you are going to do whatever it takes to erase that and make sure that you turn a negative into a positive."

The Eagles should be naturally more fired up to face the Redskins, a familiar division rival. It's a short road trip, and thousands of Philadelphia fans always find ways to get tickets. Plus, no one wants to look bad on Monday night, when the rest of the league is watching.

"You can go against the worst team in the league," running back Brian Westbrook said. "But if you don't go out there and execute your game plan, and if you have errors and sacks and turnovers and things like that, you can lose a game."

A focused Eagles team would not be good news for the Redskins.

Here is a list of 10 reasons why there is "plenty of drama" associated with the Eagles. The one below, is eye-catching.

2. Brian Westbrook is publicly unhappy with his role on the Eagles, in what may be his last season in Philadelphia.

Omar Gaither is another LB the Eagles have lost for the season.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Omar Gaither will have surgery on his left foot and is ""most likely"" to miss the rest of the season, head coach Andy Reid said on Thursday. Gaither, 25, suffered the injury during Sunday's 13-9 loss to the Oakland Raiders and will be replaced as a starter by Will Witherspoon for Monday's game away to the Washington Redskins.

Linebacker Witherspoon was acquired by the Eagles from the St. Louis Rams on Tuesday.

This is the super long injury report for the game between these two beasts.

Here is the NFL Game Center: Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins.

Washington Redskins (2-4)

Last game: 6-14 Home Loss vs. Kansas City

Next up: Home vs. Philadelphia (3-2)

Executive VP, Vinny Cerrato, announced that Jim Zorn will stay put.

At the opening of his Friday morning radio show on ESPN 980, Vinny Cerrato, the Redskins’ executive vice president for football operations, stated unequivocally that Zorn "is the head coach of the Washington Redskins and will be the for the rest of this season and hopefully into the future."

Cerrato did not sugarcoat the issues facing this 2-4 team as it goes into a Monday night game at home against the Philadelphia Eagles. The offense, he said, "is regressing," fans are angry and owner Daniel M. Snyder "talks constantly about how disappointed he is for the fans."

Sherman Lewis will be calling the plays for the Redskins' offense. This may be detrimental to the Eagles' defense. Recently, the former has had more success than the latter in this beastly contest.

Indeed, last season the Birds managed to lose to Washington twice, 23-17 at home and 10-3 at the Redskins, with Clinton Portis running 29 times for 145 yards in the first meeting. The second meeting, the Eagles held Portis to 70 yards on 22 carries, but he scored the game's only touchdown.

Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell seems to beat only the Eagles; he is 3-2 in five starts against them since 2006, 3-1 the past two seasons.

Washington's overall record since 2006 is 24-30.

With a struggling offense, the Redskins will have to play lights-out defense to win this one.

Redskins coaches are looking closely at the film of last week’s Philadelphia-Oakland game. The Raiders handcuffed the Eagles offense and held on for a 13-9 win.

"You have to change up some things defensively [against the Eagles]," Redskins secondary-cornerbacks coach Jerry Gray said. "I thought the Oakland Raiders did an excellent job of keeping them off balance and not just going out playing what they call ‘old Raider football,’ straight man to man.

"They mixed up some Cover 2, some zone, and even a little cover seven. They did a lot and they kept them off balance."

The confusion, as well as breakdowns along the offensive line, allowed the Raiders to sack McNabb six times. That’s a source of hope for the Redskins.

OT Chris Samuels may be considering retirement.

"I will continue to seek medical advice. I hope to see where I am physically over the next couple months," Samuels said. "At this time, I have not made a decision, but I love playing for the Redskins and hope to be back."

Punter, Hunter Smith, is set for his return on Monday.

Here's the pregame video for the Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins.

New York Giants (5-1)

Last game: 27-48 Loss @ New Orleans

Next up: Home vs. Arizona (3-2)

Just because the Giants lost last week does not mean Kurt Warner and the Cardinals will take them lightly.

The Cardinals aren't attaching much significance to the Giants' loss to the undefeated Saints last week, other than they know it will motivate the home team.

"A lot of people look at the score and thought, 'Man, New Orleans killed them,' " Warner said. "I go and watch the film and they (the Giants) were in position to make a lot of plays. I think it is a little bit deceiving."

An argument could be made that the Giants' record is a bit deceiving, too. Of their first five opponents, only Dallas (3-2) has a winning record. The other four — the Redskins, Buccaneers, Chiefs and Raiders — are a combined 5-19. Starting last week, the schedule became tougher, and after Arizona, the Giants play the Eagles (3-2), Chargers (2-3), Falcons (4-1) and the Broncos (6-0).

Should the Giants run the ball, or get into a shootout?

Defensively, the Cardinals are first in the league in stopping the run, giving up only 59.6 yards a game and 2.8 yards a carry. But they are 31st against the pass (265.2-yard average), meaning this could be a game in which points are scored in bunches. These two teams combined for 66 points last year in the Giants' 37-29 victory in Arizona.

"We have played shootout games; that is not the problem," Manning said. "We have to avoid getting down too much too early. Offensively, we have to score and hold the ball, be better on third downs, keep our defense off the field and move the ball. It is just a matter of us continuing to get our offense to do good things and score when we have opportunities."

Of course, the Giants will take a win any way they can get it. What's most important is not run vs. pass, but whether they can repeat their recent past and rebound from a poor outing with a victory.

Matt Mosely thinks the Giants should blitz Warner, bracket Fitzgerald.

I think Bill Sheridan is going to bring just about everyone in an attempt to get some hits on Kurt Warner. Brees didn't have to worry about a pass-rush. You can't give Warner time to drop back and play catch with Larry Fitzgerald. In fact, I would have Fitzgerald bracketed at all times. The Cards aren't going to run the ball. Try to take Fitzgerald out of the game. That's easier said than done, but I can see the Giants having a big bounce-back game here. But if you let Warner have too much time, he'll treat the Giants like Brees did -- and it wasn't pretty.

Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin is questionable with an ankle injury.

Here's the series history between the two teams.

The Giants lead the regular season series, 79-41-2. This will be the 123rd regular season meeting between the two franchises, the third most-played series on the Giants all-time list. The Giants have won six of the last eight regular season meetings, including thr last three games played in Giants Stadium. In Week 12 of the 2008 regular season, the Giants traveled to Arizona and defeated the Cardinals, 37-29.

The Giants and Cardinals have never met in the postseason.

Here is the preview video for the Arizona Cardinals at New York Giants.

Jason Peters injury not serious

JasonB — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:50:03 -0000

Andy Reid updated several injuries in his Monday morning presser and the best news is that LT Jason Peters' knee injury was not serious.

Defensive end Victor Abiamiri is "day to day" with a knee sprain. Left tackle Jason Peters has a knee contusion and an ankle sprain. Middle linebacker Omar Gaither has a foot sprain.

Peters is expected to play next Monday night against the Redskins. Good news considering how painfully obvious it was made on Sunday just how important a healthy Jason Peters is to this football team.

Keeping an Eye on the Other Beasts in the East

Aaron Novinger — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:07:44 -0000

More photos » by Rick Havner - AP

Donovan McNabb has been missing from the Eagles' lineup since Week 1.

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And round and round the NFC South we go! In Week Four, the Giants handled the Chiefs and will pass them on to host the Cowboys on Sunday. The Redskins squeezed past the Bucs and ship them off to face the Eagles.

Because of their bye week, the Panthers last played against the Cowboys and will now host the Redskins. And for those unbeaten Giants...they get to sit at home while the Jamarcus Russell-led Raiders pay a visit. 5-0 looks to be an expected reality for them.

The combined record of teams the Beast plays this week? 1-14.

More Beasts in the East after the jump.

Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)

Last game:Bye

Next up: Home vs. Tampa Bay (0-4)

The bye week allowed the Eagles to rest their injured starters, which included RB Brian Westbrook. With rookie LeSean McCoy productively available, the team has the option of rotating backs.

Mornhinweg was asked if the days of one feature back in the NFL are over. "This is a tough, physical game," Mornhinweg said. "It's become very specialized as well. Many teams have a normal-down back and then a third-down back and then a change-up guy. I think it's been over for quite some time with a few exceptions with those rare special players, which Brian was and is."

The question is whether Westbrook would benefit from less work at this stage of his career. "You don't know that," Mornhinweg said. "I would think that Brian, when he's healthy, could handle a big load."

Healthy offensive weapons and a new, but old familiar face will take the field against the Bucs.

Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook will start on offensive, with Michael Vick in the Wildcat as a bonus. Newly signed Jeremiah Trotter will rotate at middle linebacker with Omar Gaither. Kevin Curtis may be held out as a precaution, but the Eagles still have DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek to catch passes, along with rookies LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin.

Buccaneers quarterback, Josh Johnson, is a big fan of Donovan McNabb and is looking forward to playing against him.

"I've watched him his whole career," Johnson said. "He's a special player. I feel like it's an honor just to go out and finally see him live and be on the other side of the field."

After a rough first start last weekend at Washington, Johnson can benefit from a good example. He arguably played too timidly and lacked the sort of dynamic plays McNabb has made a career of — though that's probably expected given the difference in age (23 versus 32) and experience. Johnson finished 13 of 22 for 106 yards with one touchdown and one interception for a 67.6 passer rating.

Jeremiah Trotter, who has played for both Philly and Tampa, may only play on running downs.

Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, though, emphasized incumbent starter Omar Gaither still figures into the plans. "It's important to understand that Omar Gaither is a heck of a football player," he said. "And his impact on this defense will not change."

Asked about Trotter, signed during the bye, McDermott said, "It's important that he comes in and handles things one step at a time, doesn't look to try to do too much, just does what his role calls for."

The Eagles may be extending Andy Reid's contract soon.

Here's the pregame vid link for Tampa at Philadelphia.

Washington Redskins (2-2)

Last game:16-13 Home Win vs. Tampa Bay

Next up: @ Carolina (0-3)

Redskins owner, Daniel Snyder, hired offensive "consultant" Sherman Lewis to help out on that side of the ball. Hmmm...

At some point soon, however, Lewis is expected to make recommendations on how to improve an offense that ranks 27th in the league in scoring with an average of 14 points. Owner Daniel Snyder determined that Zorn, who had never been a coordinator or head coach in the NFL before Snyder gave him both jobs, needs outside help, and as Lewis watches tape, he will develop opinions about Zorn's schemes, Zorn's ability as a play-caller and the team's talent level.

Through all the Cutler-talk and the loss to the Lions, Jim Zorn stands by his QB, Jason Campbell.

"When there was speculation that we were going to get another guy to come on board and compete against him he worked hard," Redskins coach Jim Zorn said. "So that's just the way it was. He just worked hard, and worked extremely hard to get himself ready. There's never been another issue."

Well, other than the four-turnover game last week, the kind of sloppy effort (albeit in a 16-13 win over Tampa Bay) that had folks wishing the talk had turned into something tangible.

"Up until last game, I was having a pretty good season," Campbell said. "You couldn't tell, after we won against St. Louis, we still got beat up pretty good because we didn't win the way people thought we should have won. But our objective is just to win the game. It's not about how pretty it is. It's just about us winning the game."

Panthers' safety Chris Harris could be back this week to make things tough on Campbell.

"It’s always good to have all of your guys out there at one time and being on the same page," said linebacker Na’il Diggs. "Chris got all of the reps in camp and we kind of got accustomed to his style of play and just hearing his voice. So it’s big to get him back. It’s good to have somebody back there with a vast knowledge of this defense."

The Panthers have sorely lacked in creating turnovers and that’s an area Harris has excelled in in the past. He set a team record with eight forced fumbles two years ago.

Newly signed DT, Hollis Thomas, comes in ready to contribute to the Panthers' defense.

"I knew the head coach, Spags (Steve Spagnuolo), from when I was in Philadelphia, and he said he needed to get some young guys playing and see what they had, so I understood," Thomas said. "He said he wished I could have a three-week vacation and come back, but that's not the nature of the business. My agent called Carolina and the rest is history, one day old."

The Panthers knew well of Thomas' exploits, having faced him as a division rival during three seasons (2006-08) with the New Orleans Saints. Head coach John Fox also conferred with Thomas when he was a free agent on the open market.

SB's Cat Scratch Reader breaks down Carolina's offense vs Redskins defense.

Here's NFL Game Center for Washington @ Carolina.

New York Giants (4-0)

Last game: 27-16 Win @ Kansas City

Next up: Home vs. Oakland (1-3)

While some reports suggest that Eli Manning is a game-time decision, it sounds positive that he will play Sunday. If not, David Carr would get the start.

Manning, of course, practiced for the first time this week on Friday, taking about half the snaps with the first-team offense during the Giants' practice. If he had a setback overnight, the Giants probably wouldn't have allowed him to take the field Saturday morning. But, when Tom Coughlin addressed reporters on Friday, he said he would let Manning participate if he had "made some progress overnight."

If Eli's foot bothers him, the Giants will have to rely more on their running game. This is an area the Raiders could look to control.

[T]he Giants will be hard pressed to get off the edge because one of the Raiders’ few strengths is the play of their DEs: Richard Seymour and former Cowboy Greg Ellis. The Giants will have their work cut out for them to block those two, especially since starting TE Kevin Boss likely won’t play because of his ankle injury. TE Darcy Johnson will have to show off the blocking skills he’s developed over the past two years while rookie OT William Beatty will have to be a big force as a second TE.

Because of a torn meniscus, Giants' LB Michel Boley will miss the remainder of the season. Chase Blackburn and others are expected to take his place.

Blackburn technically will replace Boley in the starting lineup, but in reality it will take several people to replace what Boley was able to do. Losing him creates a chain reaction of change throughout the defense. Because Boley is such an athletic linebacker, he was able to stay on the field in sub packages and help with pass coverage.

Now the Giants likely will take the linebacker off the field in those situations and replace him with safety Michael Johnson as the nickel linebacker.

Oakland's offensive linemen have their work cut out for them this week.

The Giants are coming off a five-sack performance against Kansas City last week and are allowing just 115 yards passing per game. A matchup against the league's lowest-ranked offense featuring a rebuilt offensive line must have the Giants' eyes lighting up.

JaMarcus Russell says he's the leader of the Raider offense. Is he?

"Yes I feel [I am the leader] because if you look at it, the quarterback touches the ball every play. If I can do the smallest things to get guys in position to become successful, then that’s what I look at it as. If anything is not going right, I might get a 2-yard gain or anything just to spark the guys to get going and move forward."

However, on Monday Cable all but said the offense has no leaders, "Until the offense finds their leaders, who those guys are going to be, I think you're leadership's gotta come from anywhere on this football team."

Michael Bush will start at RB for the Raiders.

Here is the long list of injured Giants.

OUT: LB Michael Boley (knee), DT Chris Canty (calf), LB Bryan Kehl (finger), CB Aaron Ross (hamstring). DOUBTFUL: TE Kevin Boss (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: QB Eli Manning (foot), RB Danny Ware (elbow). PROBABLE: RB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle, foot), WR Domenik Hixon (knee), G Rich Seubert (shoulder), LB Clint Sintim (groin), DE Justin Tuck (shoulder).

Sure, the Giants beat up on the Bucs and Chiefs the last two weeks and get another seemingly easy one against the Raiders. But in Week 6, they go to New Orleans, which will be coming off their bye.

"If the Saints and Giants were playing this weekend, I’d make New Orleans a 4-point favorite," Sheridan said. "In my NFL power ratings, right now, the Saints are the best team in the NFC, followed by the Giants. If the Saints were playing the Giants or (AFC power) New England, at home, they’d be a slight favorite. "None of us know if Eli Manning is totally healthy."

Here's the preview video for the Raiders @ Giants.

The Linc - Are Westbrook & McCoy more important than McNabb & Vick?

JasonB — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:00:25 -0000

McNabb and Vick? Eagles may prefer powerful ground attack of Westbrook and McCoy instead -- latimes.com
Never mind Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick. The Philadelphia Eagles may want running backs LeSean McCoy and Brian Westbrook in the same backfield instead.

Eagles Notes: Tampa's QB, Westbrook and Trotter
This Sunday the Eagles face Josh Johnson, a fifth-round pick in the 2008 draft who didn’t play as a rookie and made his first career start in last Sunday’s loss to Washington.

McDermott: Gaither still a big part of defense | Philadelphia Daily News | 10/08/2009
Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said linebacker Omar Gaither remains a big part of the defense regardless of the signing of Jeremiah Trotter. "His impact on this team will not change," McDermott said of Gaither.

Eagles have no fond memories of last meeting with Tampa Bay | Philadelphia Daily News | 10/08/2009
"It was just so sad," said Avant, who had two catches for 21 yards in that game on Oct. 22, 2006. "We just couldn't believe we lost the game. We didn't play a good game."

More after the jump including news on former Eagles assistants, the NFL's popularity, and I answer 5 questions from the Bucs.

A meeting of old friends | StarTribune.com
Steve Spagnuolo has called many of his friends in the coaching business to bounce questions off them since taking over the St. Louis Rams last offseason. Several of those calls have gone to Vikings coach Brad Childress, a good friend of Spagnuolo's from their time together as assistants with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Packers-Vikings sets cable record - Inhistoric
If you ever needed proof why the NFL is #1, look no further.

Look Inside the Minds of Eagles Fans! - Buc 'Em
We talk with Bleeding Green Nation about the Bucs Eagles game coming up.

The Linc - Jason Avant is happy to pay his taxes

JasonB — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:45:15 -0000

More photos » by Mel Evans - AP

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Didinger: The Sorry State of the Bucs
When you see the sorry state of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it is hard to believe that just ten months ago they were sailing along with a 9-3 record, leading the NFC South and on course for the playoffs.

Bucs unable to form an identity in 2009 - Buc 'Em
Who are the Bucs? That was a leading question coming into the 2009 season. With all new personnel manning the sidelines, a few free agent acquisitions, new playbooks and new schemes, none of us were sure what we would see or what are defining trait would be. Thus far, that defining trait has been inconsistency.

Buccaneers' Stovall working toward goals | Philadelphia Daily News | 10/07/2009
Local guy Maurice Stovall, a member of the Bucs, talks about playing in his hometown.

Paul Domowitch: Slots subject to 'tax,' but Eagles' Avant is willing | Philadelphia Daily News | 10/07/2009
"It's called 'taxing,' " Avant said. "You go over the middle, you're going to have to pay a tax. You can do business there, but you're going to get taxed. And that tax is getting hit. You get used to it."

EaglesFanCast - A Philadelphia Eagles Fan Podcast and Blog " EaglesFanCast 65 – Always Bleeding Green
The Philadelphia Eagles take a BYE week, but we are still talking all about the Birds this week, and it’s an even bigger show as Jason from Bleeding Green Nation joins us again.

More after the jump including how not to build a successful franchise, expectations for McNabb, Omar Gaither, and the Eagles guards.

Building a Successful NFL Franchise: What Not to Do - SB Nation
The Browns have put on a clinic on how to not build a winning team.

Expect McNabb to have a big day - NFC East - ESPN
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb will be wearing a protective jacket Sunday to protect his injured ribs, but I don't think coach Andy Reid will be calling plays with McNabb's safety in mind. On Wednesday, McNabb announced to reporters that he would indeed be back in the starting lineup in a home game against the Bucs.

Changing of the guards | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/08/2009
The Eagles aren't supposed to have a deeper rotation at guard than the 76ers, but right now they do.