It is my strong belief that Ellis Hobbs somehow injured himself or tweaked something at some point in yesterday's game.  If you were attentive during the replays, it was blatantly apparent that Hobbs absolutely could not make the cuts in and out of his breaks or adjustments that he normally would make.  His speed was down, too.  Kenny Britt is not a speedster, and nor is Ellis Hobbs, but we are talking about a man who not all that long ago broke the NFL record for longest kick return - 108 yards. Should this man healthy have so much difficulty keeping up with Kenny Britt on those deep routes?  I sure don't think so.

Furthermore, if you believe that there is any credit to what I'm saying, then we witnessed a desperate and egregious act of selfishness that is barely forgivable on the part of Hobbs.  If you can't cover your man, you bench yourself.  And don't give me that bologna about it's not the player's responsibility to sit themselves.   The onus is as much on them as it is on the coaches.  Yes, you get hurt, someone can come in and outplay you - you run the risk of losing your job for the sake of the team.  If you are single-handedly costing your team the game, take a seat, boss, and let someone else assume your responsibilities.  This is a team game.

Worst of all, if this was on your mind at all after the game, then you had to suffer through Hobbs' ignorant comments about coping with the loss.  He said that "this is a man's game" and you have to be able to brush these losses off.  Ellis, this goes out to you - A real "man" would have taken himself out of yesterday's game so as to give his team a chance to win it.  Step up your game and your attitude, son.

Nate Allen, you were covering that side of the field too.  You have no excuse.

Probably much like the rest of you, I received a text message from Philadelphia Eagles.com yesterday announcing the trade for Ernie Sims.  It said:

The Eagles have acquired LB Ernie Sims from Detroit for a 5th-rd draft pick. Tune in to Philadelphia....

My immediate reaction was "wow, is this for real?" because I just couldn't believe the terms of the trade - a  former 9th overall draft pick exchanged for just a 5th round pick.  But hold it right there.  There have been some other fairly marquee type players traded for 5th round picks this year - Santonio Holmes, Ted Ginn, Jr., Chris Houston.  These are big-name players but not all have produced.  Santonio Holmes was productive but had behavior issues.  But Ernie Sims was productive and did NOT have behavior issues, so what gives?

I did some research and I comprised three reasons why Detroit was willing to part with Ernie Sims.

1.  Ernie was beginning to voice his displeasure with losing all of the time.  Jim Schwartz didn't appreciate the negativity.  Ernie isn't used to losing coming from a winning program in high school and college.  By the way, I heard Ernie on the radio say he was starting on the varsity high school football team as an 8th grader!  He played linebacker and running back.

2.  Ernie is on the last year of his contract.  With the new Collective Bargaining Agreement in question and Ernie's likely demands for a lucrative contract, the Lions weren't sure if they were going to be able to retain his rights.  So, the thought was lets get something for him now and try to help the football team before losing him for nothing.

3.  Ernie suffered a hamstring and shoulder injury last year causing him to miss 5 games.  They had a rookie, DeAndre Levy, step in and play very well.  So, why shell out a hefty sum for Ernie when you have cheaper option in a younger guy who played just as well?  It's difficult to justify.

Ernie Sims is an Eagle now and that's why.

I'm sitting here arguing with my roommate about what McNabb's trade value should be.  As he begins to write a post on BBI, requesting the opinions of his brethren, it is only fitting that I poll the BGN community at the same time to gain an alternative perspective.  Tommie Lawlor has posted his view: Tommie's Opinion

We have all voiced our opinion at one point or another in the past on BGN, but its been some time since we visited this topic and multiple QB transactions have ensued.  At this point, less than ten teams can be considered legitimate future employers for our #5:  MIN (if Favre retires), ARI, SF, CAR, STL, SEA, BUF, and JAX.

This is what McNabb has going for him:

1.  He's a 2nd tier QB.  He is not on par with Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Aaron Rogers, etc.  But he is better than most QBs in the NFL.

2.  He stays out of trouble and he's a classy guy (again, see Tommie's Opinion).  You know what kind of character you're getting with McNabb.   You won't ever hear about him getting caught in sticky situations like Ben Roethlisberger.  My roommate says he heard about an affair that McNabb was having when he talked to some girl in Avalon.  Obviously the aforementioned statement is totally false and commands no respect.

3.  He has a proven record.  Lump this in with #1 if you want.  Bottom line?  He's a winner.  Just not a SB winner, yet.

This is what McNabb doesn't have going for him:

1.  He's north of 30 years old.  In fact, he'll be 34 by December.  So are Manning and Brady, but I won't digress.

2.  He's on the last year of his contract going into an uncapped year.  If he plays for us this year and we don't extend his contract, we would be allowing him to hit the free agent market and would receive nothing in return if he were to be signed by another team.  Other teams hold the better hand given the situation, knowing that we would probably rather deal him for something instead of letting him go for nothing.

3.  He has Kevin Kolb waiting patiently behind him.  The team has invested heavily in Kolb and is prepared to pass the torch to him.  This, in and of itself, devalues McNabb because it makes him more expendable.

I am in agreement with Tommie.  I think we can get a 2nd round pick for him this year and a conditional pick next year.  The conditional pick, of course, could be based on performance, injuries, playing time, playoff appearance, SB appearance, etc.  I'm scared to go further.  My roommate's position is that he doesn't know why a team would give up more than a 3rd for him.  If that's true, the Eagles are a pitiful franchise.  Yep.  Adam Caplan tweeted this earlier:  "Same as I said b4, by 5/4. If not, then there's truly no market. RT @emesola: @caplannfl think McNabb is traded by or b4 the draft?" 

It's your turn to sound off.

Ponder this for a second.... Mike Bell, the #3 RB on the depth chart, led the team in 2009 with 172 carries.   Now, simple logic would stand to reason that the guy that gets the most work is the #1 guy, right?  Wrong.  I found it unusually interesting that the Saints opted to let their 3rd back shoulder most of the load last season. I wonder how often this has happened in NFL history.  And then how many times did that team go on to win the Super Bowl?  Anyway, the Eagles signed him to an offer sheet, and hopefully the Saints choose not to match.  Here are his 2009 highlights:

Mike Bell 2009 Highlights

Post your thoughts on his performance and what you expect his role will be.

I made a video of Darryl Tapp's 2009 highlights.  It's not too long (he's no Jared Allen or Julius Peppers....) but it either shows his play-making ability or it shows him putting pressure on the QB.  Remember that 2009 wasn't even his most productive year, but I wanted to see him in recent film.  There wasn't much available to view, but I made do.  Enjoy.

Continue reading this post »

I think we can all share some pride with this news.  Avant is highly regarded as one of the best slot receivers in the NFL.  With DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Jason Avant manning down the 1, 2, and 3 spots, it's inevitable that Kevin Curtis will be looking for a new employer soon.  I don't know if restructuring or taking a pay-cut is an option for Curtis.

Avant's play has indicated a fearless will to catch passes over the middle and a resolute commitment to blocking on running and passing plays.  He has carved out a role for himself on this team, showing an incredible tendency for making clutch catches on big plays, which often precludes McNabb's equally incredible proneness for throwing misguided passes.  It's been quite a while since Eagles fans have had such a promising and reliable receiving corps, which includes Brent Celek as one of league's best, young emerging tight ends.  Not to mention, Cornelius Ingram lurks in the shadows ready to prove that he deserves a roster spot.

The team will hold a press conference today at 2 PM to congratulate Jason on a new five year deal.  The numbers on the contract have not been released yet.

Will Witherspoon is 29 years old.  He has started almost every game that he suited up for, only missing 2 to injury in his 7-8 year career.  He can play both the MIKE and the WILL, where he is most specialized.  At 6'1, 239 lb, I think he's on the small side for an NFL middle linebacker, but about the right weight to play outside.  Amazingly, he has still proven his effectiveness and productivity at both positions, recording over 100 tackles in three years of his career, one of which he had more than 100 solo tackles.  He excels in coverage, a critical need for the Eagles.  In his final two years with the Carolina Panthers, he recorded 6 interceptions and 20 passes defensed.  These are excellent stats. 

I like Derrick Johnson from the Chiefs.  I like Thomas Howard from the Raiders even more.  But I don't think Will Witherspoon is too bad of an option right now, guys.  He is an intelligent football player who rarely finds himself on the wrong side of a bad play.  We need guys like this. Surely, he is familiar with some of our defensive schemes already with Steve Spags running the St. Louis defense.  That means he can play right away, thank you very little Jeremiah Trotter.

Can't wait to see him play Monday night.

I thought you guys might be interested to know that Ingram actually ran a 4.53 at his pro day.   When a guy has this type of size and athletic ability, it creates matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.  This guy is too fast to be covered by any linebacker and too big to let any corner get in his way.

I love the Maclin pick and the McCoy pick even more so.  But, I'm starting to think that Ingram might be the steal of the draft.

Ingram is jacked - how could he not block?

I wanted to cast my line out there and attempt to reel everyone back in for a second with regard to the RB selections.  A few months ago, I was very high on LeSean McCoy.  Pitt games were on TV pretty frequently, which provided opportunity to watch him play and gauge his talent.  I think we'd all agree that he is very similar to B-west - very shifty, fluid hips, extremely quick, good instincts, makes guys miss, very good at catching the ball and running screens, etc.

Now, I'm all juiced up on the Knowshon koolaide after watching hours of game footage.  His athleticism is unparalleled when compared to other RB prospects.  He's a downright freak, ok?  I'd probably spooge in my pants if Goodell calls his name when we pick.  But, are my feelings deluded?

The real driving force behind this post is to perhaps second guess our judgment for wanting Knowshon or LeSean so eagerly.  Isn't the game of football all about balance?  Different types of players feed off of each other's styles and versatility.  Defenses gameplan and scheme for different types of players.  Would putting LeSean or Knowshon out there in between B-west's plays really make defenses adjust?  I don't think so.  I think that because LeSean and Knowshon are so similiar to B-west, defenses wouldn't change their plan of attack.  We'd be exposed for our predictability.

However, wouldn't sending out Chris Wells, Rashad Jennings, or Shonne Green make defenses change their plan or scheme?  You have quick and shifty Westy out there and then you throw a monkey wrench into the defense's plans by sending the big, bruising Beanie out there?  All three guys are bigger, tough runners.  I think the point I'm trying to convey has proven validity - take a look at how complimentary Derrick Ward and Brandon Jacobs were to each other last year.  As a pair (I don't even want to consider Ahmad Bradshaw yet), they made each other more effective and both rushed for more than 1000 yards.

This isn't about Westbrook's replacement.  He's got plenty of gas left.  This is about who can help us win now.  At least that's what I wish it were about.

Yesterday on NFL Total Access, they did their regular "State of the Franchise" feature and it focused on the Eagles.  I thought I would share the link to the video.  Unfortunately, they mainly belabored the point that we need a true go-to guy at WR.  Nothing new for us.....

State of the Philadelphia Eagles' Franchise

Also, I have now watched every video of game footage known to mankind on Knowshon Moreno, Donald Brown, and LeSean McCoy.  Moreno impresses me the most (satisfy anuj...check).  Specifically, watch the move he pulls off beginning with the play at the 5:01 mark....  Uncanny balance and drive to make it past the goal line!

Moreno is straight nasty

Will Trevor Laws ever become a starter?  Does he have the potential to become better than Broderick Bunkley or Mike Patterson?  I think its important to have a stud 3rd DT in the rotation, but I don't know if Trevor Laws is that guy yet.  We're only coming up on his second year in the league - my hope is that he plays hard in mini's, training camp, and preseason and shows JJ that he should be playing more.

Take this for what its worth.....So I was reading this guy's thread on BBI who I think is a beatwriter (from reading some of his previous posts) who knows someone in the Cleveland org.    He says he hears that the Browns might be coming down off their initial demands of a 1st and 2nd rounder and 1st or 2nd next year and want more quantity between rounds 3-5 in addition to a first or 2nd this year (plus a conditional next year). The Eagles have 12 picks - 4 5th round choices - his take is that the Giants and Eagles will be the last teams standing, but the Vikings, 49ers, and Jets are involved.

This would be good for PR considering the recent blunders and I could see them getting a deal done.  Why trade Lito and G.Lew if you don't have something up your sleeve?  That's basically what these guys were sayin.  Pretty interesting, I thought.

I know its only March but I'm a little concerned about the O-line.  I think we all have to be.  We're talking about a group of guys that really gelled and now we're shaking things up.

Will they A) move Shawn Andrews (if he plays), B) move Todd Herremans, or c) draft a a rookie?  I feel pretty confident that they know they can't use Justice or Dunlap.  At least, I can't imagine that they would be banking on Justic or Dunlap.  Wondering what you guys think.

Fellow birds fans - I just wanted to take a moment and introduce myself, or at least my new account.  My name is Jordan and I had previously posted under the "Dr. Greenthumb" user name, but I decided to start a new account.  I probably haven't listened to B Real and Cypress Hill in about 10 years, so it was time to disassociate myself with that silly name and start fresh.  Besides, I don't want to be a rap superstar anymore...

Anyway.....

A note about Shawn Springs...I think he is still a good player and its unfortunate for the Redskins that he was a salary cap casualty, but their misfortune is always our gain.  I think Dan Snyder is a complete fool and I don't sympathize with him at all when they lose a good player because they signed another player to a vastly overvalued deal....Haynesworth, Randle El, Lloyd, Jason Taylor...the list goes on.  Springs would immediately add some height to the backfield that I've always felt we needed.  Not much height, but every inch counts when you're lining up against Plax (unfortunately, I believe he will be back) or T.O., maybe Malcolm Kelly / Devin Thomas in a year or two...My point is the guy still has skills, he's a scrappy player, quick and physical, and I'd love to add him to our backfield.  I am not in favor of moving Sheldon to Safety though, not when he dominated at CB last year.  He deserved to make the pro-bowl more than Asante, I think.

These stats are fantastic:

Sheldon Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
Season Totals: 63 attempts, 4.84 YPA, 44.44 Forced INC%, 0 TDs, 1 INT

source:  http://corner.bigblueinteractive.com/index.php?mode=2&thread=322572

(I know its a Giants site, but I read it because they have very intelligent analysis on a regular basis)

So, how many touchdowns did Sheldon let up?  That's right - zero.

How do you remove a guy from his native position when he is this dominant?  Only four guys had better stats:  Nnamdi Asomugha, Corey Webster, Darelle Revis, and Charles Woodson.