SB Nation - Philadelphia Eagles

Brian Westbrook concerned about the future

JasonB — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:51:29 -0000

about 9 hours ago: Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook addresses the media during a news conference at the team's NFL football training facility in Philadelphia, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

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Brian Westbrook was a guest on HBO's Joe Buck live to talk about about the season and concussions in the NFL. It was Westbrook's first public interview since suffering his second concussion this year and he admitted that he was "really scared" about his future in the game.

"I'm very concerned just because there is not a lot of data that says in 10 years or 20 years you'll be fine if you had too many concussions," he said. "I'm worried about that, and, hopefully, next time I go out there I don't have to worry about it anymore.

"That's my biggest concern. How am I going to be when I'm 50 or when I'm 60? Will I have all these brain diseases and will I have a problem remembering things? . . . Now, I'm trying to get myself together with the help of the doctors as well as coach [Andy] Reid and the training staff. Now, the most important thing is to get 100 percent healthy - and not play football . . . until I'm 100 percent healthy."

Almost as important as Westbrook getting physically healthy, he's going to need to be emotionally and mentally healthy as well. Football isn't a game you can play scared. If there's any position you really can be playing scared, it's running back. Westbrook is going to hit, probably on his head, time after time. That's the life of a running back. If he's worried about his health, that's bound to affect his ability to be successful. I'm not for a moment saying he's wrong to worry, but that doesn't mean it isn't a problem.

Either way, it was interesting to hear an athlete speak so candidly about the subject. So often, these guys have nothing to say outside of tired cliches. I appreciate a guy speaking his mind. Westbrook did say at a news conference today that he heard encouraging things from the doctors.

"What I learned from the doctors is that I wouldn't have a higher risk of getting a concussion if I come back after healing completely," Westbrook said. "That's the No. 1 thing, you have to heal completely before you come back."

He also said that he expects to play this season and is still committed to the game and the team.

"I think the only pressure I have is me wanting to go back out there and play the game," he said. "I want to come back because I think I can help this team win some football games. Of course, our final goal is to win the Super Bowl, and I definitely want to be a part of that."

Andy Reid signs contract extension til 2013

JasonB — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:59:45 -0000

More photos » by Matt Rourke - AP

about 9 hours ago: Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid, left, makes remarks as Eagles Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Lurie looks on during a news conference at the team's NFL football training facility in Philadelphia, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. Reid has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the team through 2013. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

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Not exactly surprising news since we've heard rumors of this since the weekend, but today it was made official that Andy Reid will be coach and VP of Player Personnel with the Eagles until 2013. Reid is the Eagles all time franchise leader in wins, winning percentage, & playoff victories. Eagles owner Jeff Lurie was at the press conference.

"We're extremely pleased to announce a contract extension for Andy Reid," Lurie said. "The record really speaks for itself. A great leader, somebody that everybody in this building has tremendous respect for as a person to work with and as a person. (He is) in every way the epitome of what you're looking for, with a tremendous desire to have the next decade begin on an even better front because he's got the passion (and) all the qualities you look for in a leader. Today, I just couldn't be happier to announce this contract extension."

Andy Reid said that he's happy in Philadelphia

"I love Philadelphia. I mentioned before, I was on the other end of that when I was at Green Bay coming in as an opponent and I always said, 'Boy, you'd love to play for that crew right there.' And the fans have just been unbelievable. They're fair; if we stink they let us know we stink. If we're doing okay, they let us know we're doing okay. But they're always there. My hats off to them, that support is phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal."

Both men made it clear that there is one goal in mind.

"There's been so much accomplished over the last decade with multiple division titles and an incredibly unusually successful decade in every measure, the one remaining priority is to win a Super Bowl Championship and go from there," Lurie said. "That's what this organization is obsessed with.

"Are we done with business? No," said Reid, "We've got something else we need to get done. We're all pulling in that same direction and we're going to do that. I think this is just another statement by Jeffrey and Joe to say listen, we've got the top organization in the National Football League. We want to keep it together, and then we want to go get a championship."

New York Giants News & Notes: Giants Have a Little Swagger Back

cjmulrain — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:00:28 -0000

Fred Robbins posts on his blog about the Giants win over the Cowboys and their upcoming game against the Eagles. He mentions that the Giants have their swagger back after excelling in all 3 phases of the game on Sunday.
Domenik Hixon was a big part of the reason the Giants Special Teams performed well, returning a key punt for a touchdown. For his efforts, he has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Amazingly, that was the Giants first punt return touchdown since Chad Morton returned one against the Cardinals back in 2005.
Another key to the Giants performance against the Cowboys was how well the defense responded to the shuffling starting lineups on the defensive line. Osi Umenyiora should especially be commended for taking his demotion in stride, and coming up with a huge fumble recovery. For that, maybe we should thank LaVar Arrington. He was a bust as a free agent for the Giants a few years ago, but if his pep talk really helped Osi get his head right, I'll be forever grateful.
In perhaps the best news of the week, Chris Snee's knee is "very sore," but not seriously injured. It's still undecided if he will be able to play on Sunday, but it's at least good news that he won't miss significant time. Snee is the best player on the Giants offensive line and they're gonna need him down the stretch.
The Giants will have revenge on their minds Sunday against the Eagles. The Eagles have beaten the Giants in 3 straight meetings and have handed the Giants their last two playoff losses (of course, a Super Bowl Championship was squeezed in between, so we can't complain too much). I heard a lot about the revenge angle when these teams met a few weeks ago, and the Giants got killed. At this point, I don't care about revenge, I just want the Giants to win the damn game and get back into first place in the NFC East.
Steve Serby talks about "Hate Bowl II" and looks at the remaining schedules for the Giants and their playoff spot competition. On paper it looks good for the Giants, as long as they can beat the Eagles. That said, "any given Sunday" - which is why I hate looking ahead on the schedule. As the 2007 (and 2008) Mets proved, you can lose tro anyone down the stretch.
I joked about this in the comments a few days ago, but Plaxico Burress is looking for a work furlough to get him out of prison parttime. I'm extremely happy with our current crop of wide receivers & I know Plax left a bitter taste in a lot of mouths, but I'd be willing to take him back just for this weeks game against the Eagles & let him run a few plays. He always dominated the Eagles, and the Super Bowl run showed that he really doesn't need to practice. I'm only half-joking about this.
Finally, the NY Times 5th Down Blog continues its look at the 10 greatest Giants moments at Giants Stadium with their 41-0 NFC Championship Game beatdown of the Minnesota Vikings. It's really a shame they cancelled the Super Bowl that year, I really think after that performance the Giants would have absolutely destroyed the Ravens. I mean, Trent Dilfer...c'mon!

Previewing the Enemy: Washington Redskins

Rated-R Superstar — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:39:28 -0000

It's a Super Bowl XVIII rematch! [via prod.static.raiders.clubs.nfl.com]

Alright, it's not quite a rematch from Super Bowl XVIII when the Raiders smashed the Redskins en route to their third Super Bowl title in franchise history. Nonetheless, this Sunday, the Oakland Raiders (4-8) will look to put together a winning streak as the Washington Redskins (3-9) will be coming to town. Don't let that 3-9 record fool you. This Washington team is better than their record and it clearly showed after taking Dallas, Philadelphia and New Orleans to the wire. They don't lay down and will play hard. With the team 2-1 with Bruce Gradkowski starting, the Raiders look to come away with another hard-earned victory as they did last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers as 15-point underdogs.

Let's take a look at their schedule and see how they've fared so far.

Week 1: @ New York Giants -- L, 17-23
Week 2: St. Louis Rams -- W, 9-7
Week 3: @ Detroit Lions -- L, 14-19
Week 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- W, 16-13
Week 5: @ Carolina Panthers -- L, 17-20
Week 6: Kansas City Chiefs -- L, 6-14
Week 7: Philadelphia Eagles -- L, 17-27
Week 8: Bye Week
Week 9: @ Atlanta Falcons -- L, 17-31
Week 10: Denver Broncos -- W, 27-17
Week 11: @ Dallas Cowboys -- L, 6-7
Week 12: @ Philadelphia Eagles -- L, 24-27
Week 13: New Orleans Saints -- L, 30-33 (F/OT)

Well, this team is certainly interesting. Sitting at 3-9, this team could easily be 6-6 or even better. We will have to bring our "A" game, of course, if we want to secure a victory on our home field this Sunday.

Let's check out the Redskin offense first.

Pass Offense Rank: 220.2 yards/game; 18th in NFL
Rush Offense Rank: 101.0 yards/game; 22nd in NFL
Total Offense Rank: 321.2 yards/game; 21st in NFL
Scoring Offense Rank: 16.7 points/game; 26th in NFL

With stars Chris Cooley and Clinton Portis out, others must step up for the Redskins. [via cache.daylife.com]

If you recall, the Redskins offense was the subject of some controversy or what not concerning head coach Jim Zorn. Well, he gave up his play-calling duties to assistant Sherman Lewis. Since then, the offense has performed better. Who is the leader of this Redskins offense? I really don't know to be honest with you. Let's look a little bit into their personnel.

Jason Campbell, QB: Many people questioned Campbell's status as the quarterback this season. He was even benched in favor of veteran Todd Collins earlier. To me, Campbell is actually a pretty solid quarterback. He isn't going to set the world on fire or anything, but he can still hurt you. Campbell is completing 66 percent of his passes this season even if they are "dinks and dunks" most of the time. With 15 turnovers and 15 touchdown passes, Campbell's ratio isn't all that great. He has been sacked three or more times in five games. Obviously, getting some pressure on him would be nice.

Rock Cartwright, HB: Rock is solid, just like a rock. (Ha, get it?) If you want him to be the running back, he can. If you want him to be the fullback, he can. He'll even run back kicks and run down there on punt returns. He is a threat out of the backfield to catch passes. A somewhat physical runner, Cartwright doesn't really stand out in terms of either his speed or his strength. Cartwright has stepped up for the injured Clinton Portis (concussion), who just put on injured reserve. Also on injured reserve is Portis' backup Ladell Betts, so the Redskins are thin at running back.

Quinton Ganther, HB: Ganther, just in his second year out of Utah, is someone I just don't know too much about. Essentially moving up from fourth on the depth chart to splitting time with Cartwright, Ganther was mildly successful against the Saints last Sunday with 46 yards on just 8 carries. The week before that against the Eagles, Ganther had 32 yards on just 5 carries. We may see more of him against the Raiders with him averaging 5.8 yards per carry over the past few weeks.

Santana Moss, WR: The pint-sized and speedy Moss is Washington's leader in receptions (49), yards (642) and touchdowns (3). He is what you would call the team's go-to-guy, but really the Redskins have a lot of guys they go to. Still, Moss provides that veteran presence and can't be overlooked. Maybe this would be one of the few times where I wouldn't mind Nnamdi Asomugha moving around from receiver to receiver, which he will at least a little bit.

Wide receiver Devin Thomas had two touchdowns last week against the Saints. [via a.espncdn.com]

Devin Thomas, WR: The second-year receiver out of Michigan State, Thomas is a young man seemingly improving with each game of late. He has even been prominent in the kick return game of the past two weeks. Still, he has shined brightly in the passing game over the course of those two same weeks. After a decent game against the Eagles, he broke out for 7 receptions, 100 yards and a pair of touchdowns last week against the Saints.

Antwaan Randle El, WR: The ex-Steeler is still in Washington. Randle El, who is very durable having missed only one game in his eight-year career, he is a dependable target for Campbell despite only averaging 3.3 receptions per game. I believe this is more in part to the number of targets the Redskins like to use. The team isn't confined to both Moss and Rande El as you will see here in a minute in this preview.

Fred Davis, TE: After Campbell's favorite target Chris Cooley went down for the year, someone had to step up. Unknown at the time to Washington, it'd be his replacement. Fred Davis. Since October 26, Davis is averaging 7.5 catches and 45.7 yards with finding the end zone three times, including two times in his last three games. As most tight ends are, he is a threat in the red zone and Campbell has no problem looking his way.

Let's shift gears to the Redskin defense now.

Pass Defense Rank: 190.2 yards/game; 5th in NFL
Rush Defense Rank: 121.8 yards/game; 24th in NFL
Total Defense Rank: 312.0 yards/game; 9th in NFL
Scoring Defense Rank: 19.8 points/game; 14th in NFL

Linebacker London Fletcher leads Washington's better-than-you-think defense. [via cdn.bleacherreport.com]

Defensive coordinator Greg Blache and his Washington Redskins actually have a pretty solid group defensively operating out of the 4-3. You may not think so because of their 3-9 record, but I'm sure people don't think highly of our defense since we're just 4-8. Anyway, the Redskins are particularly strong against the pass. Safety Reed Doughty has quietly had a good year and young LaRon Landry is solid at his spot as well. A pretty solid group of cornerbacks are headed by veteran Fred Smoot, who is in his ninth year out of Mississippi State. The leader of the defense is the man in the middle, London Fletcher, who leads the team with 109 tackles. Brian Orakpo, the 13th overall pick in the 2009 draft, plays on the outside along with veteran Rocky McIntosh. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has been in and out of the lineup with injuries this season. He signed a monster contract in the offseason, but the Redskins' defense is only ranked 24th against the rush. His presence is desperately needed for Washington. Haynesworth is listed as questionable as of right now. At right defensive end, Andre Carter has nine sacks and deserves some Pro Bowl recognition for his great play. Again, this is a very solid defense and will do everything it can to keep their offense in this game late on the road.

Conclusion: The thing that sticks out defensively about the Redskins is their 24th-ranked rush defense. With Haynesworth questionable, he probably won't be playing on every down. Justin Fargas, Michael Bush and Darren McFadden should have success as long as head coach Tom Cable keeps giving them the rock. I believe of the first 28 plays against the Steelers, 18 of them were rushes. That is a similar ratio that I hope to see this week considering how strong Washington's pass defense is. Speaking of the pass, the breakout of Louis Murphy was something else, especially with Darrius Heyward-Bey out. It's nice to see someone step up at the receiver spot. Chaz Schilens even found the end zone for the first time in 2009 and Todd Watkins caught a key pass in the final drive. Johnnie Lee Higgins came through for us as well. Wide receivers against Pittsburgh caught 12 balls for 248 yards, both of which I'm sure were season-highs for our club. We're definitely going to need that against the Redskins' formidable pass defense against the previously mentioned Smoot and also Carlos Rogers and ex-Raider DeAngelo Hall. This may be a good test for Bruce Gradkowski as well, even though he did perform well against two really good defenses already in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. I think we're ready for this.

Feel free to leave your predictions or even your own thoughts and ideas about the Pittsburgh Steelers and how we can earn a win our fourth win of the season on Sunday.

*-All stats are through Tuesday, December 8, 2009.

Poll

Do you feel more confident in a win, less confident in a win or about the same in a win after reading this preview?

DeSean Jackson: "I'm gonna play... Definitely"

JasonB — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:09:49 -0000

On his 97.5 The Fanatic radio show, DeSean Jackson gave his first public comments since sustaining a concussion last week and missing Sunday's game. He sounded very confident that he'll play this weekend against the Giants.

It's going a lot better. Every day it's getting a little better and I'm just ready for the Giants this weekend. It's going to be a big one.

His cohost Harry Mayes asked "Does that mean you're going to play"

Yeah, I'm gonna play man. Definitely. Going through the process of getting cleared but all the tests look good.

Hear the full audio of the Desean Jackson show here.

Eagles make minor roster moves

JasonB — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:31:20 -0000

The Eagles have released two players from their practice squad, OL Greg Isdaner and CB Stoney Woodson. IN their place comes former Penn State offensive lineman Gerald Cadogan.

Cadogan has spent time with the Panthers, Bengals, & Chargers. The 6-5 309lb lineman was a two year starter at LT for the Nittany Lions

Yesterday, the Eagles released WR Jordan Norwood which seems like a strong sign that DeSean Jackson will be back for this weekend.

New York Giants notes: Which are the real Giants?

Ed Valentine — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:31:59 -0000

New York Daily News columnist Gary Myers is wondering which Giants team will show up Sunday against Philadelphia. The one that looked confused and largely disinterested while losing five of six. Or, the one that played passionate, opportunistic football while saving its season Sunday against Dallas.

The Giants have to prove that the team that had lost five of the last six games has been put out with the trash. Are they one-weekend wonders? Can they prevent the Eagles from signing the locker room wall in their last visit to Giants Stadium?

It really makes you wonder where this team had been since starting the season 5-0. The intensity just wasn't there. They didn't look all that interested. They weren't playing physical, which has always been their trademark.

"I was on the sideline saying, 'This is our style of football. This is what we do,'" Tuck said. "Why does it come and go? I don't know yet. I wish I did. Hopefully we can find a way to just bottle this up and realize the talent we have on this team and what we are capable of doing."

Myers is right, of course. If the Giants can repeat Sunday's effort against Dallas and defeat the Eagles, 10 wins and a playoff berth are realistic. If they can't they are right back to staring at the probability of their first playoff-less season since 2004.

Snee's knee OK

From NJ.com:

An MRI Monday revealed no significant damage, just normal "wear and tear," to the joint, according to someone informed of Snee's injury status. The person, who requested anonymity because the Giants haven't provided any information on the injury yet, said Snee should be able to play on Sunday night against the Eagles in what will be another critical divisional game for the Giants.

DeSean Jackson expects to play

Pro Football Talk reports that the Philadelphia wide receiver, who missed last week's game against Atlanta with a concussion, expects to be in the lineup Sunday against the Giants.

A warning about the Redskins

The National Football Post's highly-respected columnist Michael Lombardi really likes the way the Washington Redskins have played the past few weeks.

…I know the ‘Skins are 3-9, but they’ve played hard the last three weeks and are actually a better team without running back Clinton Portis. I strongly doubt Portis will return this year, or next year for that matter. The ‘Skins have discovered some new, talented skill players in wide receiver Devin Thomas and tight end Fred Davis, who make their offense more effective.

…The ‘Skins just might beat the Giants and Cowboys in the next few weeks, and that’s why I like the Eagles to win the NFC East. The ‘Skins will decide the division winner.

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

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

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

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

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

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

2nd look at Freeman & Bucs big day on offense

Niko Houllis — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:32:25 -0000

Coach Fox is not the only one to point out Freeman is something special so far.

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There was an interesting list in the St. Pete Times of Bucs Quarterbacks with the most interceptions. Believe it or not, 5 isnt the record! Steve DeBerg has the most with 7 against the 49ers in 1986. Lets take a look at the list again...

Steve DeBerg 7 Sept. 7, 1986 49ers 31-7 L

Vinny Testaverde 6 Oct. 23, 1988 Vikings 49-20 L

Josh Freeman 5 Sunday Panthers 16-6 L

Vinny Testaverde 5 Nov. 4, 1990 Bears 26-6 L

Vinny Testaverde 5 Dec. 3, 1989 Packers 17-16 L

Vinny Testaverde 5 Sept. 4, 1988 Eagles 41-14 L

Doug Williams 5 Dec. 9, 1979 49ers 23-7 L

Not a big deal, each name here is someone special in Bucs History. Doug Williams was a winning QB for years, taking us to the playoffs 3 of 4 years here, and the team went 2-14 after he left. Steve DeBerg was QB for the Bucs best offensive year 1984 (Tied at 10th in offense with the 2003 team). Vinny did not take the Bucs to the playoffs, but he had an arm, and once he left, he had great years with the NY Jets. He had no one around him here.

Then I saw another list, that had something funny in it.

1. 573 yards at Minnesota (11/16/80)
2. 483 yards at Indianapolis (10/16/88)
3. 476 yards at Miami (10/20/85)
4. 475 yards at Cincinnati (10/29/89)
5. 469 yards at Carolina (12/6/09)

This list is the most offensive yards in a game in Bucs history, and its from the Pewter Report. What stands out to me are the Quarterbacks that I remember to have started each game.

Top one was Doug Williams, who had a 467 yard game on 11/16/1980 in Minnesota (Outdoors mind you, before the HHH Metrodome).

Numbers 2 and 4 are both under Vinny Testeverde. Number 3 was Steve DeBerg, who threw 4 TDs to Jimmy Giles, still a Bucs record for most TD Catches in one game.

Notice the similarities between the two lists? Same names. There have been dozens and dozens of Tampa Bay Quarterbacks, but these guys managed to come out on top on two offensive record setting lists.

Josh Freeman appears to be in good company.

What they're saying - Eagles over Falcons

JasonB — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:00:15 -0000

More photos » by Dave Martin - AP

3 days ago: Philadelphia Eagles running back Leonard Weaver (43) scores a first-quarter touchdown as Atlanta Falcons defender Erik Coleman (26) defends in their NFL football game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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Andy Reid on the reaction to Mike Vick

"I think everybody felt it. I think everybody rallied around Mike [Vick] and he was one of the captains. I know Arthur Blank welcomed him back. My hat is off to him for that. That's a tribute to him and his organization. Our fans were incredible. I can't believe they show up like they do and in the numbers that they do. The fans in general, calling Michael's name out, I give my hat off to them for giving him a second chance."

Sheldon Brown on his game sealing pick 6

I was in the right place at the right time. I read the coverage and the QB didn't see me. It changed the momentum. I was just happy to be in position to make the pick."

Donovan McNabb on three straight wins

Our confidence is at a level now where we are satisfied with how we are playing but we have to continue to improve each week. Offense, defense and special teams, we all came together this week. We will look at the film and make the changes we need to make for next week. There was a lot of positive things that occurred today."

More after the jump.

Michael Vick on his return

"It was great. It sent chills down my spine and it made me know that people here still appreciate what I have done and what I will be able to do moving forward. It was awesome though to be able to come out and make some plays and get into the flow of the football game."

"I will never forget this game. I will never forget coming back to the city of Atlanta. Arriving yesterday I will never forget seeing the landmarks of the city that I lived in for six years. I will never forget shedding a tear on the bus ride over here thinking about all my experiences here in the past. It was a different feel and situation and this time, I was the opposition."

Falcons QB Chris Redman sung a familiar tune

"They are known for their pressure," Redman said. "We knew it was going to happen. They brought some good pressure."

Falcons Owner Arthur Blank on the reception Vick received.

"I thought the reaction was mixed. A lot of people are happy to see him back in the NFL, and to see him have success … the reaction certainly was understandable."

Leonard Weaver talked about his big day

"Running the ball and catching the ball is something I've always been able to do throughout my career," said Weaver, who finished with exactly 100 yards from scrimmage. "I was fortunate coach called my number and I was able to get the job done."

"I went in and saw Andy a couple of weeks ago and I told him, 'I know West is out right now. Whatever you need me to do, I'll be there to do it. Just lean on me if you have to,'" Weaver said.