SB Nation - Todd Herremans

49ers-Eagles: Q&A with Bleeding Green Nation

Fooch — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:00:30 -0000

We're back this week with a few questions and answers with JasonB and the fine folks at Bleeding Green Nation. The 49ers face off against an Eagles team that has put up quite the mix of impressive performances, followed up by stinkers as seen in their rather ugly loss at Oakland earlier this season. Personally I'm not expecting a stinker from Philly, but let's hope for the best (or the worst if you will).

NN: The Eagles have struggled the last couple weeks with McCoy and Weaver leading the rushing attack, but the Eagles continue to win. Is the team simply beefing up the passing attack to cover for the rushing and can it be effective the rest of the season and into the playoffs?

BGN: Well, they ran well against Washington and they ran petty well against the Falcons. The Giants game ended up being a shootout, but they ran well at the end of that game when they needed to. I guess I don't really feel like they've been struggling. They've run when they needed to, whether it be with McCoy or Weaver or even Mike Vick. It's no secret that this is a pass first offense, but in that context I think they've done well enough. It could always be nice to see more though.

I guess to answer you question, the Eagles ability to win from here on out is and was always going to be predicated on their ability to throw the ball.

We continue with a few more questions after the jump...

NN: The 49ers have gone pass-heavy lately, which would seem to play into the hands of a solid Eagles pass defense. Asante Samuel remains the big name in that secondary, but what else will Alex Smith and the 49ers receivers have to account for on Sunday?

BGN: I would expect that they're going to come after him pretty often. When the Eagles have played young or inexperienced QBs this year, they've amped up the blitz. In fact, against the Bucs I swear they blitzed almost every down. I wouldn't be surprised if they tried a similar thing this weekend. The guy to watch on the Eagles D in that department is definitely Trent Cole. I'd say all around the best player on defense and clearly the best pass rusher.

The secondary has been up and down. The safety positions have been iffy, but the corners are both having fantastic seasons. Asante Samuel has 7 picks and Sheldon Brown has 5 (and a couple of TDs). They both like to jump routes and can be susceptible to the double move at times.

NN: Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb often face a steady stream of criticism, and yet the keep on winning. How do Eagles fans currently view the two of them?

BGN: The amount of criticism they face is always overblown. It's generally a vocal minority that you hear complaining. For the most part, people are behind McNabb and Reid... but mostly all Eagles fans have some level of frustration with the lack of a superbowl this past decade. With how good this team has been and how many times they've been in the playoffs, you'd think they'd would have got one by now.

NN: One of the 49ers problems has been in pass protection. It's improved since moving to more of a shotgun offense, but is still something they'll be battling. Can you tell us a bit about the Eagles pass rush?

BGN: I guess that answer to #2 is the same here.

NN: What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Eagles offensive line?

BGN: They're generally a very good pass blocking line and an inconsistent run block line. Running off the left side where Jason Peters and Todd Herremans are is usually where they're most effective. The line is probably weakest trying to get a push straight up the middle in the short yardage.

More of the same: Philadelphia Eagles fall to San Diego Chargers 31-23

JasonB — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:42:14 -0000

More photos » by Denis Poroy - AP

about 1 month ago: San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson slips through the Philadelphia Eagles defense while scoring on a 20-yard run during the third quarter of a NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Browse more photos »

The Eagles had a lot working against them today with a crushing amount of injuries and a cross country trip, but in the end what we saw was more of the same. The offense was inconsistent early on and once again the team can't make a play to win a close game. The lack of a play I'm referring to is of course the inability of the defense to stop the Chargers and afford the offense with a real chance to get down the field for a score.

The injuries can't be discounted in this game however. When Sheldon Brown went down with an injury in the 3rd quarter, the Eagles with one member of their regular group of corners. They didn't have one linebacker playing their normal position, they were without their best offensive lineman, and of course Brian Westbrook was lost with yet another concussion. More on what that probably means later.

The offense led a comeback in the second half to get it close and the defense tightened up for a while... but in the end both were too little too late. The team doesn't lack heart and fought until the end, but I don't really think they had the bullets to win this fight.

I suppose if you want to take any solace from this game, Dallas lost and the Eagles lost no ground in the division. Right now, the NFC "beast"(LOL) isn't looking so great. Anyone could still make the postseason.

Headlines after the jump.

Westbrook probably done for the year

I don't have anything official, but I doubt the Eagles or the NFL or pretty much any doctor is going to allow Brian Westbrook to play against this year after suffering his second concussion in 4 weeks. I fully expect him to be shut down for the year, but I hope this isn't the end of his Eagles career. At this point, his future health is what's most important.

Career day for Avant

Avant hauled in 8 passes for 156 yards including one of the most impressive grabs you'll see all year. Facing double coverage on 3rd down he leapt up, bounced the ball off one hand, stayed with it, and ended up pulling off an impressive one handed catch before hitting the ground just beyond the first down marker. Just a fantastic individual effort and an overall great day for #81.

It wasn't the loss of Peters, it was the loss of Herremans

For me, the worst part of the offense today by far was the interior of the offensive line. I'm not sure I saw them get a push once all day. This is where the loss of Jason Peters had a ripple effect. Todd Herremans did a sold job out at LT, but his absence on the inside was sorely missed. Stacy Andrews was in my opinion by far the worst of the bunch. You could give him the benefit of the doubt since he's less than a year removed from major knee surgery, but whatever the case he kills them out there. No series was it more evident than the first and goal when the Eagles ran up the gut two of the three times and the RB hit a wall each time. No push, no holes, no gain.

Speaking of lines...

The defensive line wasn't a whole lot better. There's no doubt that the decimation of the secondary and the LB corps to injury played a part in the Eagles weakness against the run, but it's also fair to say that Broderick Bunkley and Mike Patterson didn't have their best day. Normally those guys combine to be a pretty force against the run, but I noticed them getting moved around quite a bit today.

No rest for the weary

Next week, it's the Bears in Chicago in prime time.

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...

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.

McNabb, Westbrook, Curtis all back at practice

JasonB — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:05:48 -0000

More photos » by Rich Schultz - AP

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The Eagles welcomed back a trio of starters to practice this week as Donovan McNabb(ribs), Brian Westbrook(ankle), and Kevin Curtis(knee) all were back on the field.

While Kevin Kolb and Shady McCoy sure looked good against the Chiefs, the Eagles are going to want their top playmakers back to beat the real good teams in this league. Tampa is certainly not one of those teams, but a game at home against a struggling opponent might be just what McNabb & Westbrook need to sharpen their teeth for that stretch of division games that starts in late October.

In other injury news, Todd Herremans thinks he could possibly be back next week.

"It feels great to get off the scooter. I was sick of it to say the least," Herremans said at his locker on Monday. "I'm very happy right now."

Herremans had recently said that he was aiming to return for the Oct. 26 Monday night showdown in Washington. However, Herremans is holding out a possible return one week earlier.

"I'm shooting for Oakland," Herremans said. "I don't know. We'll see at the doctor's appointment today."

The Linc - Happy trails Hank Baskett

JasonB — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:59:56 -0000

More photos » by Matt Rourke - AP

4 months ago: Philadelphia Eagles' Hank Baskett works out during NFL football training camp at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., Thursday, July 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

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Kolb's getting plenty of advice - NFC East - ESPN
"Jeff, he’s good about, like I talked about before, tempo, how to run a huddle," Kolb said. "Jeff has all the intangibles and when you are stepping in behind a guy like Donovan, you have to have all of those intangibles. Donovan has always helped me out with you guys and helped me out with the team and just the way he sees it. He never forces his opinion on anybody. He just kind of says, ‘Hey look, this is the way I look at it. Do what you feel comfortable [doing].’ And Vick is kind of a laid-back guy. He just kind of says, ‘Hey, don’t let it get to you, just keep rolling with it.' They all have their own little piece of advice."

Stacy Andrews Certain Brother Shawn Will Play Again
"I know without a doubt that he wants to keep playing. Why wouldn’t he? We’re both here," said Stacy, who said his brother isn’t concerned about never playing again. "Not at all," Stacy said. "He’s going to get stronger, and he’ll be back."

Baskett to Colts; 5 More Weeks for Todd? | Philadelphia Daily News | 09/17/2009
Left guard Todd Herremans said that right now, he expects to be wheeling his repaired left foot around on that little cart for three more weeks. So if all goes super-well, he might get back in the lineup a few weeks after the Birds’ bye. "I want to shoot for the first Washington game (Oct. 26) so I can make all the divisional games," said Herremans, who suffered what the team initially called a "stress reaction" during workouts at Lehigh. MRIs eventually showed it as a stress fracture.

Breaking News: Colts To Sign WR Hank Baskett - Stampede Blue
Breaking News: Colts To Sign WR Hank Baskett

DeSean, Kolb and the speed gun | Philadelphia Daily News | 09/16/2009
DeSean Jackson compares McNabb and Kolb.

More after the jump including news on TO, the cowboys and giants, & a funny baseball highlight.

Baseball Video Highlights & Clips | WSH@PHI: Dad makes the catch but daughter returns it - Video | MLB.com: Multimedia
Funny moment from the Phils game the other night: A father makes a great catch on a foul ball, then he gives it to his daughter, who promptly tosses it to the deck below

The VRR: Trash Talk Heating up Between Cowboys and Giants - Blogging The Boys
Apparently the Cowboys and Giants don't like each other... I can relate with that.

Sullivan: As a leader, T.O. dropped the ball : Sports : The Buffalo News
It took one game for the Buffalo media to learn what we've all known for years.

Mays, Herremans Out for Week One

Bob_Q — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:32:36 -0000

View full size photo »

It was widely assumed after examination showed a stress reaction in his foot, that left guard Todd Herremans would miss a few weeks, including the opener. Now, it appears he isn't the only Eagle who will be missing out on the week one matchup against the Carolina Panthers. This morning, Bo Wulf of PE.com reported that backup middle linebacker Joe Mays will also be out of the action due to a shoulder sprain.

Backing up Herremans will be the up-and-coming Nick Cole, who will be himself backed up by Max Jean-Gilles. Cole did a decent job of filling in at right guard towards the end of last season, and should continue his good performance this year for as long as Herremans is out. Andy Reid has been quoted as saying that he "has the utmost confidence in both players."

Backing up Omar Gaither at MLB will be strongside starter Chris Gocong. In the event that Gocong sees reps at MLB, rookie Moise Fokou will replace him at SAM.

NFC East Preview: Blogger smackdown!

JasonB — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:00:38 -0000

This just seemed like a good place for a cheerleader picture...

View full size photo »

With the start of the NFL season mere days away, the NFC East bloggers here at SBNation got together to put our predictions down on paper(well, not paper literally) and share our thoughts on each teams' chances in the upcoming season.

Click after the jump for all the bravado, delusion, & homerism!

Ed (Big Blue View , Giants)

Giants (11-5)
Eagles (10-6)
Cowboys (9-7)
Redskins (7-9)

I have spent the entire off-season listening to 'experts' sing the praises of the Philadelphia Eagles. I know the Eagles are good, but I don't get the media man-crush. Let me remind everyone which team won the Super Bowl in 2007 -- the Giants. Defending NFC East champs? Giants. Considered the best team in the NC most of last season? The Giants.

No, things did not end well for the Giants last season. They wore down defensively last season, but with all the new faces on defense that should not be an issue this time. They should be able to control the line of scrimmage. Offensively, they still have that terrific offensive line and a great running game. Yes, they have a question at wide receiver. They have talent there, however, and the other pieces of this team should give them time to answer the receiver question.

Ken (Hogs Haven, Redskins)

Giants (11-5)
Redskins (10-6)
Cowboys (9-7)
Eagles (8-8)

I see the Eagles being the good team that disappoints this season in the NFL. The Eagles simply do not look sound on defense right now. Their recent performance against the hapless Jags leaves me scratching my head. The losses of both Bradley and Jim Johnson (R.I.P.) will be too much to overcome this year. The Cowgirls have all the tools they need this year and by season’s end they should be in position to make the NFC East a 3-playoff team division once again. That assumes that Wade Phillips can get his defense under control. They underachieved last season and the pressure is on him to get the defense playing up to their potential.

As for the Redskins, nobody has them picked to do anything. They are precisely the exact kind of team that sneaks up on the league every year. They have some veteran skill players, and they have a few young players who could be ready to contribute this season in Devin Thomas, Malcolm, Kelly, Fred Davis, and Brian Orakpo. If Jason Campbell plays within himself, the early schedule favors a quick start. It is important to note that nobody is picking the Skins to finish last in the NFC East because they suck. Everybody just thinks that the rest of the teams in the division are very, very strong. This Redskins team is capable of being the surprise in the NFL this year. It happens every year. Coach Jim Zorn is definitely more comfortable and the defense is going to be as strong if not stronger than last year. A homer pick? Maybe. But who besides Falcons’ fans picked them to go to the playoffs last year?

Aaron (Blogging the Boys, Cowboys)

Cowboys (10-6)
Eagles (10-6)
Redskins (9-7)
Giants (7-9)

Playing the NFC South will push the Beasts to play solid defensive football against some of the most talented offenses in the conference. All should do well against the AFC West, but I don't see any one team dominating the division.

Losing Spagnuolo to St. Louis will hamper the Giants more than it will help the Rams. Several heartbreaking losses hand the Giants a disappointing season record. Philadelphia will also lack continuity on defense as the loss of Brian Dawkins and defensive coordinator Jim Johnson will force the offense to pick up the slack. A late season surge gets them in the playoffs. The Redskins will show improvement and be a pain to the rest of the division, but won't get enough wins to be a contender. Quietly, the Cowboys work all season on controlling the ball, eliminating mistakes, and playing good defense. They strike quickly when needed, which helps them defeat Philly in Week 17 for the division title.

Jason (Bleeding Green Nation, Eagles)

Giants 11-5
Eagles 9-7
Dallas 9-7
Redskins 7-9

I'm not exactly sure which experts Ed has been listening to, but every media outlet and their mother has picked the Giants to not only win the NFC East but the NFC as a whole, despite the fact that it was the Eagles who beat them in their house in the divisional playoffs and made the NFC title game ... that said, I still think the Giants are the best overall team in the division. No doubt that their lack of notable pass catchers makes their offense less scary than in year's past, but I don't buy the talk of their WRs being so bad. I think they're good enough to win with.

Last year I actually picked the Redskins to make the playoffs and be the surprise team of the NFC... They didn't exactly repay that faith. I honestly thought Jason Campbell was ready to "take the next step." He didn't. I think he'll be the same player this year and I think the Redskins will be generally the same team as last year. Not bad, but mediocre.

The Dallas Cowboys have done us the favor of writing their script over the past few years. They'll impress early and get all the national media excited, only to fade in December. I kid, kind of... I do think Dallas is a good team, but I don't really see how they're any better than they were last year. I still see them as a team capable of very high highs, but I think their inability to deal with adversity will still see them reach some low lows. Their running game will still be good, but their passing game will probably regress. I still think their defense will be inconsistent. I still question Wade Phillips as a coach and Tony Romo in big spots.... I find it kind of tough to predict the Cowboys this year. I don't think they're a bad team by any means, I just don't know if I have any confidence in them.

Speaking of scripts... Will we again see the Eagles flatter to deceive early on and be written off as dead only to make an improbable run in December that sees them ending up in the playoffs? It would be a lot easier for me to predict how the Eagles will play this season if I'd actually seen them together at some point this summer. Injuries have kept pro bowlers Brian Westbrook and Shawn Andrews out of the preseason. One of the newest Eagles, pro bowler Jason Peters, was knicked up earlier in the preseason and didn't play a ton. Sheldon Brown hasn't really played in the preseason, neither has Omar Gaither who start at middle linebacker... Kevin Curtis has been knicked up on offense. Starting LG Todd Herremans hasn't played. According to the Eagles, most of all these players will be ready by opening day... but until I actually see them on the field I'll remain skeptical. I think it's a very talented team on paper, but we don't play the games on paper.

Todd Herremans to have surgery

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

More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

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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.

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Todd Herremans to have surgery

Ed (Big Blue View , Giants)