SB Nation - Stacy Andrews

The Linc - Two Eagles remember Chris Henry

JasonB — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:00:19 -0000

Two Eagles knew Henry well | Philadelphia Inquirer | 12/17/2009
Cornerback Geoffrey Pope and guard Stacy Andrews were both deeply saddened today by the news that Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry had died this morning after falling from the back of a pickup truck Wednesday that reportedly was being driven by his fiance Loleini Tonga. Pope and Andrews had both been teammates with Henry in Cincinnati. Pope, in fact, dressed in the locker next to Henry at the start of this season.

Winter wonderland for Eagles-49ers? | Philadelphia Daily News | 12/18/2009
Well, into every perfect last weekend to shop a few snowflakes must fall - or a few hundred trillion. The Philadelphia region and most of the Middle Atlantic states are on the cusp of one of the biggest pre-Christmas storms in local weather history. It could be right up there with the near-blizzard that struck a few days before the Eagles' 1960 NFL title victory over Green Bay. It could remind old-timers of the driving snowstorm Steve Van Buren mushed through in Shibe Park when the Birds beat the Chicago Cardinals for the 1948 title. The Eagles had to help the grounds crew shovel the field.

Phil Sheridan: One ex-player presses on for safer NFL helmets | Philadelphia Inquirer | 12/18/2009
As Roger Goodell fires off memos and issues edicts - and as star players like Brian Westbrook, DeSean Jackson, Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner miss games after shots to the head - thoughts turn to a couple of safeties who were in the Eagles' 1985 training camp.

Paul Domowitch: Eagles' Weaver, Avant have stake in bargaining deal | Philadelphia Daily News | 12/18/2009
This should be a great time to be Leonard Weaver and Jason Avant. Both are having breakout years. Both are in the final years of their contracts with the Eagles. Both should be red-hot commodities in the 2010 free agent market. There's only one problem. Unless the owners and players unexpectedly shake hands on a new labor deal in the next 3 1/2 months, which is about as likely as Tiger and Elin Woods renewing their wedding vows, neither Weaver nor Avant will have enough years of service to qualify as unrestricted free agents.

Who would you take from the Philadelphia Eagles? - Niners Nation
We break down some of the Eagles that we'd be interested in having on the 49ers roster.

Who would you take from the Philadelphia Eagles?

Fooch — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:27:33 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

Browse more photos »

I got this idea from Andrew over at Revenge of the Birds. We have plenty of discussion about who we like on the 49ers, and who we fear on the opposing team. However, this post allows us to go off into fantasy-land a bit and decide who we might like from an opposing team. In doing this, you can approach it from a variety of angles. You can take a player just because you like that player, no matter what the 49ers current situation is at that position. You can consider who the 49ers might lose in the offseason or positions they need to improve. If you want to take into account the player's contract and look for "realistic" additions, you're free to do that. You can be as realistic or as fantastical (if that's even a word) as you'd like. For this week, here are some of the guys I'd enjoy having on the 49ers...

DeSean Jackson, WR: I'm guessing this selection won't shock anybody. I won't argue the 49ers should have drafted him because most every team had questions about him, thus his fall in the draft. Hindsight is 20/20 and it's too easy to argue they should have drafted him. However, given his development at the NFL level, he would like mighty fine in a 49ers uniform. The obvious is that he's a home run hitter as a punt returner. While he's not taking every punt to the house, he's put together some impressive numbers this year, leading the league in punt return average. The 49ers punt return game has been abysmal and he would rectify that right away.

Then you throw in his receiving abilities, which I think have improved since entering the NFL. Imagine a young trio of Jackson, Crabtree and Morgan? Add in Vernon Davis and you've got one of the best group of receivers/tight ends in the league, with some of the highest upside as well. Obviously an offensive line has to give Alex Smith time to pass, but this is definitely a nice first step towards a dominant passing game.

After the jump I look at a few more Eagles I'd take, and one that I'd pass on...

Asante Samuel, CB: The 49ers cornerbacks have shown some signs of developing and given their youth (Shawntae Spencer is 27 and Tarell Brown is 24), I'd like to think the best is yet to come. However, Asante Samuel is the type of shutdown corner this team could use. He's got 7 interceptions on the year, and at only 28 years of age, he's one of the money corners in the league. Seeing as Dre Bly is under a 1-year deal and the team has to look long term, Samuel makes sense. He signed a 6-year deal in 2008 and has not sloughed off in spite of the big money. Nate Clements has been solid for the 49ers, especially in the run defense, but Asante Samuel is the long-term shutdown guy the team could use.

Trent Cole, DE: Cole might actually be undersized as a 3-4 defensive end. Is it possible his pass rushing skills could translate over to outside linebacker? At this point the 49ers are actually looking much better in the pass rush from their outside linebackers, so I suppose Cole might not be a necessary addition. Nonetheless he has been fairly consistent as a pass rusher since his second season with sack totals of 8.0, 12.5, 9.0 and 9.5 thus far this season. The 49ers still don't know if they have consistency from anybody in the sack department at this point.

Stacy Andrews, G: The Arizona Cardinals didn't have any offensive linemen worth grabbing, but Philly has some intriguing options. Stacy Andrews can play guard and tackle, but has had some issues this season after coming off ACL surgery. The 49ers will likely send David Baas packing after this season so having Andrews around would certainly be a plus. Of course, McCloughan is a guy who doesn't spend a ton of money on guards, so this particularly guy would actually probably never see the light of day as a 49er.

One guy I didn't include was Donovan McNabb. McNabb has had quite a career in Philly and is having a solid year this season. However, given his age, and the 49ers own offensive line issues I'm not sure how much I'd want him. For a one and done type of deal I can see the value. But if I want to look long term, is he a guy you'd grab?

I also didn't include LeSean McCoy. He went in the second round and has moved into the starting lineup with Brian Westbrook's injury issues. He seems like a guy who could have provided more than Glen Coffee, but given Frank Gore's role (sometimes) in the 49ers offense and how much of the workload he carries, would McCoy be of enough value?

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)

The Linc - Michael Vick, Stacy Andrews, & why the country dislikes the Cowboys

JasonB — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:00:18 -0000

by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

about 1 month ago: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) is chased by Chicago Bears safety Al Afalava (24) and safety Danieal Manning (38) as he rushes for long yardage in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

View full size photo »

Rich Hofmann: Still time for Vick to prove worth with Eagles | Philadelphia Daily News | 11/24/2009
As it stands today, the whole thing has not been worth the aggravation. But there is time, and there has been a glimmer. For about the last 5 years, these have been the weeks when the Eagles as a team have defined themselves. It is the same thing with Michael Vick. Now, we'll see. *

How I See It: NFC East Stock Watch - NFC East Blog - ESPN
LeSean McCoy, Donovan McNabb, & Desean Jackson

The Real McCoy: Shady's Breakthrough Game
In every player’s career, there are breakthrough games. For LeSean McCoy, Sunday’s 24-20 win in Chicago was one of those games.

Eagles coach Reid cites knee injury for Stacy Andrews' deactivation | Philadelphia Daily News | 11/24/2009
"We knew with Stacy's knee there was going to be that first year back after knee surgery is a tough thing, especially as late as he had it. This isn't anything on Stacy's will or knowledge or any of that, it's just to plant that leg and feel comfortable with it, it goes in cycles a little bit. He'll be back in there."

More after the jump, including m recent contributions to the Washington Post. The best IMO, is my take on why people hate the Cowboys so much...

The League Panelists: Philadelphia Eagles fans hate Dallas Cowboys bandwagon fans most in the NFL according to Bleeding Green blogger - Jason Brewer
The legions of soulless, bandwagon Cowboys fans, scattered across America, make Dallas that much more repugnant.

The League Panelists: The NFC East still a strong division in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants still strong - Jason Brewer
The worst division in football this year is the same one it's been for several years. The NFC West.

CBS wouldn't replay this gruesome leg injury - Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
NFL history is littered with nauseating injuries. Joe Theismann. Napoleon McCallum. Ed McCaffrey. Don't click any of those. They're all just nasty (and yet, perfectly preserved on YouTube forever). Today, another such injury was added to the list. Eric Wood(notes), a promising rookie lineman for the Buffalo Bills, suffered an injury just as sickening as any of those listed above.

Eagles sign Winston Justice to 4 year extension

JasonB — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:04:30 -0000

View full size photo »

With the Eagles offense line in constant flux this year, one of the few constants has come from probably the most surprising place. Once written off as a second round bust, Winston Justice took over the starting RT job when Shawn Andrews was unable to start the season and has spent the season changing the minds of fans and generally redeeming himself. Today, the Eagles rewarded him with a 4 year extension.

The Eagles have signed right tackle Winston Justice to a four-year contract extension through 2013. Justice's rookie contract was due to expire at season's end.

It's interesting that the contract came just a few days after what Philly.com called his "best performance of the season."

I don't know what got in to Justice, but he was an absolute beast in the run game. By far his best performance of the season in that area, and I don't even think it's close. Great block on Vick’s 34-yard run and several others, including McCoy's 3rd-and-1 conversion in the third. Not just adequate. He was taking guys to the ground. In the pass game, he was solid as usual. Really one of the great stories on this team this season.

One has to wonder what this means about the Eagles' future expectations of Shawn Andrews. If they've decided Winston Justice is their guy at RT, Peters is the guy LT, Herremans is entrenched at LG... Shawn Andrews doesn't play center... So it appears if he does get another shot next year it's at RG or nothing. With Stacy Andrews due a large amount of guarantees if he's on the team next year, it looks like it will be one Andrews or the other. Or neither I guess...

Regardless, today isn't about Shawn Andrews. It's about Winston Justice. What a great story of redemption, hard work, self belief, perseverance. He still has learning to do and will get better, but so far I'm very impressed with what he's accomplished this year. Congratulations.

The Linc - Must win for McNabb & Jay Cutler at night

JasonB — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:15:10 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sakuma - AP

about 1 month ago: FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2009 file photo, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler sits on ground after almost being sacked by the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game in San Francisco. Cutler has been battered behind a struggling offensive line, and now, he is throwing about as many passes to defenders as receivers. This, clearly, isn't the way the Chicago Bears envisioned things. Their franchise quarterback is struggling and their playoff hopes are fading heading their game Sunday night, Nov. 22 against the Philadelphia Eagles. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

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Daily Herald | Cutler's pickoff propensity something he can control
You can blame Jay Cutler's league-worst 17 interceptions on any number of things.

Bears' Cutler talks about reducing red-zone picks - Chicago Breaking Sports
"We have to put ourselves in good positions and be careful with [the ball]. If we've got to take three points, we have to take three points, except in situations where we have to get a touchdown, we're down, trying to win a football game. At the end of the day, if you get down there, you want to at least get three."

Jay Cutler can be scary at night -- chicagotribune.com
In three night games this year -- all Bears losses -- Cutler has thrown 65 percent of his interceptions. And the Bears will play their fourth of at least five night games Sunday against the Eagles at Soldier Field.

Eagles Notes: Brown practices despite hamstring injury | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/19/2009
Three days after suffering a strained hamstring during the Eagles' loss at San Diego, the veteran cornerback participated in individual drills and said afterward that there was "a good chance" he'd be able to play Sunday at Chicago.

Rich Hofmann: Eagles QB McNabb calls for must win vs. Bears | Philadelphia Daily News | 11/19/2009
"I've been in the league for a while now, 11 years, and at this particular point in my career, as well as this point in the season, this is a must win for us and that's the way that we have to approach it. I wouldn't care if it's at Soldier Field, I wouldn't care if it's playing in Champaign, Illinois, or we can play in Oklahoma, it doesn't matter. This is a game that we need to win. That's the way I'm approaching it and that's the way the other guys are approaching it as well."

More after the jump

Rex Grossman's dad tees off on Chicago Bears organization; feels bad for Jay Cutler -- chicagotribune.com
Rex Grossman's dad tees off on Chicago Bears organization

Weaver Eager to Assume Heavier Workload
The Eagles’ most valuable offseason addition is neither tackle Jason Peters nor guard Stacy Andrews. It’s not safety Sean Jones. It’s neither rookie running back LeSean McCoy nor receiver Jeremy Maclin. Instead, it’s fullback Leonard Weaver.

Eagles' McCoy says he's ready for starting role | Philadelphia Daily News | 11/19/2009
Standing in front of his locker stall yesterday, LeSean McCoy was able to shrug his shoulders, apparently without dislodging the Eagles' playoff hopes. So there is that - the 21-year-old rookie doesn't appear to be in shock or overawed by the moment. "I've kind of been in this situation before, so it's not really a big difference," said McCoy, who should get his fourth career start Sunday night at Chicago.

Phil Sheridan: Eagles can't use injuries as an excuse | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/19/2009
His team went to the Super Bowl just once and has been a mediocre disappointment ever since. No wonder Lovie Smith jumped at a question about the Eagles' injury problems in order to make a point about his own team.

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 - It's a blackout this Sunday

JasonB — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:59:55 -0000

Eagles-Raiders to be Blacked Out in Bay Area
The Oakland Raiders' home game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday will be blacked out locally because the team did not sell out the game in time.

Report: Eagles' Stacy Andrews in domestic dispute | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/16/2009
Eagles guard Stacy Andrews was recently involved in a domestic dispute in which his girlfriend told police that Andrews punched her in the face, according to a report filed by police officers in Lumberton Township, Burlington County. Andrews denied the accusation yesterday. His girlfriend decided not to pursue charges.

Raiders shouldn't put up much of a fight against Eagles | Philadelphia Daily News | 10/16/2009
Gotta be the Birds by at least 20. The numbers on each side are so dramatically opposite that anything less than a three-TD bulge would be shocking.

Paul Domowitch: Hey Eagles, don't worry about the penalties | Philadelphia Daily News | 10/16/2009
THE EAGLES have kept the zebras pretty busy in their first four games, drawing 29 penalties. That's 7.25 yellow hankies per game, seventh in the NFL.

Eagles Notes: Old friend to be covering Jackson on Sunday | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/15/2009
DeSean Jackson, fresh from his one-catch, 1-yard performance against Tampa Bay, gets to visit with a friend this Sunday. That scenario might not be as inviting as it sounds. Jackson will be covered Sunday by the Oakland Raiders' Nnamdi Asomugha, an all-pro cornerback last season.

Bills fans rent billboard to advertise discontent - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
It didn’t take long for Ryan Abshagen to discover how many Buffalo Bills fans are unhappy with their team and want owner Ralph Wilson to make sweeping changes. In a little more than a week, Abshagen, an unemployed 18-year-old from New Freedom, Pa., raised enough money—$1,402 and counting as of Wednesday— through an Internet campaign to rent a billboard and advertise a message of discontent for everyone in Buffalo to see.

Bengals First Quarter Review: Saying satisfied like only Billy Dee Williams can

Kirkendall — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:27:55 -0000

Ah, another week in which Bengals fans (us) are granted an extension of a beautiful luxury having a win under our belts. Not just win, mind you. A division win. Do you know the impact of that? The Bengals are the only team in the division with a 2-0 record against the division.

AFC North Standings Through Four Games in 2009
Teams	Record	PF	PA	Div.	Conf.
Baltimore Ravens	3-1	124	80	1-0	3-1
Cincinnati Bengals	3-1	84	76	2-0	2-1
Pittsburgh Steelers	2-2	85	78	0-1	2-1
Cleveland Browns	0-4	49	118	0-2	0-3

The Bengals have allowed the least amount of points than any team in the division; Cincinnati's 76 points allowed is better than 11 AFC teams. You have to admit, that's like Rice Krispie treat covered in chocolate and peanut butter, or jamming out to an old school Guns N' Roses song where you actually think that you're as smooth and cool as Slash. As we noted earlier, the Bengals have started 3-1 only four times dating back to 1990; three times during the Marvin Lewis era, which includes this year's heart-stopping indigestion-filled (and in some cases, chain-smoking) season. So far we're a quarter of the way through the season and it's appropriate that we dive into quarterly reviews.

I've never subscribed to the school that you can grade a team using a variety of letters when summarizing the first four games of a 16-game schedule. When you got graded in school, the letters had meaning behind them. They are letters that fall within a range of numbers that represents the percentage of properly answered questions. When we use letters grading football teams, it becomes a little too arbitrary; they don't have any substance behind them. I don't mind others that do it. I really don't. Live and let live, I always say. It's their thing and we're but a small gear in the blogging world. But I don't like using them. Instead, we're taking a new approach with a grading system that goes outstanding, satisfactory, nervous, and terrible. I'm sure our system goes without saying, which is the most innovative and detailed system to date.

CARSON PALMER. There's two arguments with Carson Palmer. There's the ineffective through most of the game, Carson Palmer. Then there's the Carson Palmer that routinely puts the Bengals into position to win the football game. His numbers have been very ordinary and he's yet to eclipse the 300-yard passing mark. However, after beating Cleveland, Palmer is on the good side of a touchdown-interception ratio again. I've never been a believer in grades but I do subscribe that Carson Palmer is the Harvey Dent of NFL quarterbacks. This is why I have to grade Palmer on two levels. He's made me nervous during the game, but outstanding when it comes to winning the game.

Most important note: 3-1 when starting as team quarterback.
Stat of concern: on pace for a career low 57.7% completion percentage.

RUNNING BACKS: Grade: Satisfied. It's hard to argue with results. Through four games this season, the Bengals have racked up an impressive 491 rushing yards -- averaging 122 yards-per-game. Averaging 4.4 yards per-carry on 84 attempts, Cedric Benson alone has rushed for 367 yards -- 91.8 yards a game (which may be a result of a lack of carries lately, his average since the Denver game is nearly 4.8 yards per carry). Benson has done a good job consistently gaining yards, but he hasn't quite been explosive. His longest rush this year is for 23 yards (the touchdown against Pittsburgh). Interestingly, Benson has had exponentially more success rushing to the left side, averaging over 6 yards per carry. Up the middle and to the right, Benson is averaging between 1 and 3.5 yards per carry - that's just not very good, but this is a criticism of the right side of the O-line, that could surely benefit from the return of an in-shape Andre Smith. The rest of the running backs have been pretty decent. Jeremi Johnson hasn't been glaringly bad in the run blocking game, and hybrid back Brian Leonard has epitomized clutch - mostly as a receiver out of the backfield. Rookie Bernard Scott has flashed his talent early this season, but his big runs are also going to the left side of the line. He's been good when he's been used, but that's been rare. Scott has also been promising in the return game. I give this group a passing grade of satisfactory bordering on "good", but not outstanding. They don't get an outstanding mark from me because they aren't producing enough. That may or may not be their fault, though.

Most important note: 122 rushing yards a game is good news. If we can get Andre Smith working into the rushing game on the right side of the line later this season, that number could improve. We might finally be a solid rushing offense.
Concern: The concern is really with offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski and the offensive line. Brat has been too reliant on the pass (especially in the Browns game), and the right side of the offensive line is not opening holes for running backs.
- Jake (jsl413)

WIDE RECEIVERS

Ochocinco through first four games
	Rec.	Yrd	TD
2009	17	258	3
2008	11	116	1
2007	28	495	3
2006	18	201	1
2005	26	374	3
2004	20	297	1
2003	21	370	3
2002	18	221	1

Chad Ochocinco
Ranking: Outstanding
Chad is officially back. After a horrific 2008, Ocho has returned to the form that makes him one of the better receivers in the NFL. Not only is he talking the talk, he's walking it as well, something his three touchdown catches indicate quite well. Whether Chad is Lambeau leaping or being held back from Cleveland's Dawg Pound, Ocho is once again a terror for opposing defenses and fans alike. Sure, he's had a drop or two so far, and the fact he and Carson haven't fully integrated the long ball is cause for concern, but the flea-flicker play against Green Bay proves it's still a viable option. Maybe now they can use it a little more. Currently, Chad is on pace for a 68-catch, 1000-yard, 12 touchdown season. While I would expect the touchdown numbers to perhaps shrink, the opposite is true for his catches and receiving yards. Welcome back Ocho. Now go tweet your day away.
- Chris (IFChris)

Andre Caldwell.
Ranking: Outstanding/Satisfactory
Introducing the Bengals second leading receiver, yard/receptions-wise. Granted, I think many of us expected to see Laveranues Coles or Chris Henry here, but obviously, Caldwell has something to say about that. Caldwell, even though he's more of a slot-receiver, is proving to be a reliable number two to Chad's one. Caldwell has six more catches than Coles and eleven more than Henry. He's on pace for a 64-catch season, which would be a personal record, and would eclipse his before-this-season-started career total by 37 catches. The only reason Caldwell doesn't get an "Outstanding" is for that ugly fumble he had against Cleveland on Sunday.
- Chris (IFChris)

Laveranues Coles.
Ranking: Nervous.
Currently, Coles ranks third in the NFL with three dropped passes, something that does not inspire a great deal of confidence. When he was signed by Cincinnati, he was expected to fill the shoes left behind by T.J. Houshmandzadeh, however, it seems that job as gone to Caldwell. Coles can still get open and judging by last season's stats, he's still a very capable receiver; which is why I haven't completely given up on him. As long as Coles can keep his hands on the ball when Palmer throws it his way, we'll all be fine. Last season, Coles collected almost 900 yards and seven touchdowns. If he gets near that kind of production for the Bengals, his ranking would quickly move to the "Outstanding" neighborhood. Until he stops dropping the ball, however, his signing is going to be a disappointment.
- Chris (IFChris)

Chris Henry.
Ranking: Nervous.
After a brilliant preseason, I think all of us expected Henry to show the league just how good he can be. Alas, that has not been the case. Currently, the following Bengals (besides the ones listed above) have more catches than the one they call "Slim" -- Daniel Coats (8), Brian Leonard (11, Leonard is actually the third-leading receiver, catch-wise, on the Bengals), and Cedric Benson (6). Further, Henry is tied with J.P. Foschi, who has five. So what does this say about Slim? Is he not working hard enough or is something just not clicking? Or is it that Caldwell is simply outplaying him? Before the season started, Henry was looked at as the best deep threat on the Bengals offense, so what gives? Should the Bengals be using 4-wide sets more than they use 3-wides? Or is Henry -- who has thankfully stayed out of trouble -- simply the odd man out in a Ocho/Coles/Caldwell trio? As you can see, there are a lot more questions than answers here, and until we have a larger portion of the season to work with, I'm tempted to change Slim's grade to an "Incomplete."
- Chris (IFChris)

OFFENSIVE LINE. Grade: Satisfied. We could recap all that's happened in the past calendar year. We could say that the Bengals offensive line in 2008, with Levi Jones, Eric Ghiaciuc and Stacy Andrews were the "weakest links". Football Outsiders ranked the Bengals offensive line as one of the worst offensive lines in football. But we won't. Why dig up history when there's a better future, just over there, behind the mole hill. No, that's not the mole hill. That's the Bengals 2009 offensive line (was that a bit corny)?

Andrew Whitworth slides to left tackle. Nate Livings and Evan Mathis work time at left guard. Kyle Cook wins the job at center, with rookie Jonathan Luigs always in the background looking for playing time. Bobbie Williams and Anthony Collins holding down the right side of the fort with a WWE entrance soon coming for first-round pick Andre Smith. I won't call the offensive line Outstanding. But I'm more than comfortable to say that they've clearly been satisfactory -- and improving each week.

	Sacks	Yrd/Rush Avg.	Adj. Line Yards *	Adj. Sack Rate *
2008	12	3.46	3.22 - 32nd	8.6% - 27th
2009	9	4.5	4.33 - 10th	6.5% - 23rd

* Stats by Football Outsiders

Quarterback Sacks from D-Line
Antwan Odom	8
Jonathan Fanene	1
Pat Sims	0.5
Robert Geathers	0.5

DEFENSIVE LINE. Grade: Satisfied. Through four games, the Cincinnati Bengals defensive line are leading a pack of wolves that's recorded 12 sacks as a unit this year. Ten of those sacks have come from the defensive front four. Antwan Odom, the guy that will sack you at Krogers for taking the last box of Wheat Thins, not only leads the team with an NFL-high eight sacks, he's also the leading tackler on the defensive front. Against the Browns, Robert Geathers returned a fumble 75 yards for a touchdown (boy, that kind of sounded like an after-thought, didn't it?).

However, all of that said, I'm hesitant calling this defensive front outstanding. Maybe it's because we set the benchmark so high with Carson Palmer's late game heroics. Still, the defensive front, while it's played well, still lacks a constant pass rush and there were noticeable rushing lanes against the Cleveland Browns, who came into the game with a 71.3 yard-per-game rushing average (29th in the NFL).

Linebackers	Tackles
Keith Rivers	29
Dhani Jones	25
Rey Maualuga	19
Brandon Johnson	16
Abdul Hodge	3
Rashad Jeanty	3

LINEBACKERS. Grade: Satisfied. Our linebackers in 2007 consisted of Lemar ~~Parrish~~ Marshall, Landon Johnson, Caleb Miller, Andre Frazier, Anthony Schlegel and Rashad Jeanty. If it wasn't for the Ravens linebackers, the Bengals linebacker unit would still be bad. Several were lost early in the season, which opened a spot for crazy journey man (quite literally) Dhani Jones. Two years later, Jones is one of the leaders on defense and the most consistent tackler. They put guys like Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga around him giving the team a promising trio of linebackers to start the season. Beyond that, the Bengals have two backup linebackers in Brandon Johnson, who plays in nickel packages and Jeanty who each recorded over 100 tackles last season. In terms of Maualuga, the rookie strong-side linebacker has forced two fumbles and a sack along with his 19 total tackles.

SECONDARY. Grade: Nervous. The Bengals secondary has been challenged much of the season, allowing 242.3 yards passing per game. They are 26th in the league. The secondary has had its issues preventing big plays, allowing 17 passing plays of 20 yards or more -- most in the NFL. Much of the blame could be brought on because of the team's safeties defense against slot receivers; hasn't been very good. It could also be softer coverage, worried about the 40-yard strikes instead of the 20-yard variety. Furthermore, Johnathan Joseph's two interceptions this season are the team's only interceptions through four games.

I think Leon Hall and Joseph have played well above satisfactory levels when defending the pass. And Joseph more so against the rush. However, I think outside those two cornerbacks, the secondary has work to do; especially against the pass.

Kevin Huber in 2009
Punts:	30
Long:	61 yards
Avg.	42.9
Net Avg.	35.8
Inside-20	10

SPECIAL TEAMS. Grade: Nervously terrible yet sometimes outstandingly satisfied. It took you a couple of times to re-read the grade, didn't it? It's complicated. Kevin Huber has been outstanding. Shayne Graham has been ordinary. The kickoff return teams is 25th in the league and the punt return team ranks in the top-five. Brad St. Louis is still on the team. It's almost like you have a good, a bad, a middle, a good and then another bad. Really. Is there a more roller coaster unit in the NFL than the Bengals special teams? So how do I grade the entire unit? Can one do such a thing? I'm nervous every time the Bengals attempt to kick. I yawn when the kickoff return team, you know, returns. Huber is the only punter in the known galaxy that actually makes me pump my fist and Quan Cosby is the first guy that returns punts on this team that makes it a realistic dream he could return it for touchdown.

What do you guys think? Where are we at the quarter point of the season?