SB Nation User Blog: JasonB

Philadelphia Eagles 2009 Opponents’ Preview- San Diego Chargers

JasonB — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:42:57 -0000

Eagles' Matt Ware recovers the football after a blocked field goal attempt by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth quarter, Sunday, 10/23/2005. Eagles' Quintin Mikell (left) blocked the field goal. The Ware scored a TD on the play. The Eagles beat the Chargers 20-17. DN Photo/ Yong Kim

View full size photo uploaded July 1, 2009

This is the first in a series of previews of the Eagles 2009 opponents. Joining us for this new feature is Dave Schwab, who writes about the Eagles at his site Eagles Lincs.

We start with the Eagles slate of games against the AFC West. Today, Dave previews the very tough week 10 road matchup the Eagles have with the San Diego Chargers. Maybe we can re-sign Matt Ware for this one game?

Dave's full analysis is after the jump.

The Eagles will face the teams from the AFC West this regular season and on Sunday, November 15^th they head to the West Coast to play the San Diego Chargers. This should be a good challenge for the Birds as San Diego is one of the most solid teams in the AFC, especially at home where they are 20-4 over the past three seasons.

The Chargers are definitely the cream of the crop in the AFC West winning the division the past three seasons. In 2006 they compiled the best regular season record in the league going 14-2. In 2007 they slipped to 11-5, and last year actually won the division with an 8-8 record. While last year’s regular season record was considered a disappointment, they did manage to knock Indianapolis out of the playoffs and gave the Pittsburgh Steelers, eventual Super Bowl Champions, all they could handle before losing in the second round 35-24.

On offense the star power is still there with QB Phillip Rivers, WR Chris Chambers, TE Antonio Gates, and the most dangerous player of all RB Ladainian Tomlinson. They can put points on the board in a hurry as well as grind it out down the stretch. They Eagles will have to come up with a scheme that can shut down the running game as well as defend against the long ball to keep all these stars in check.

The Charger coaching staff is no stranger to the Eagles, as head coach Norv Turner and defensive coordinators Ron Rivera both have strong ties to the NFC East. Turner spent seven season as head coach of the Washington Redskins and seven seasons with Dallas as their offensive coordinator. Rivera was the Eagles’ linebacker coach for five seasons, learning all the tricks of the trade from defensive coordinator, Jim Johnson.

I expect the Chargers to be back on top in the AFC when the Eagles come to town in week 10. You never know, this could be lining up as a potential Super Bowl preview. With two- a- days not even started at Lehigh, it may be a bit early for that kind of speculation, but it doesn’t hurt to dream.

Check out more of Dave's insights at Eagles Lincs.

The Linc - Top 5 Eagles OLBs and get ready for McNabb & pancakes

JasonB — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:18:36 -0000

Didinger's Top Five Eagles Outside Linebackers
Ray Didinger ranks the top five outside linebackers in Eagles' history.

Eagles' Hobbs: 'We're loaded' | Philadelphia Daily News | 06/30/2009
Asked about the Birds' chances of winning it all, Hobbs said, "We're loaded with talent and all we have to do is put it together."

Jaworski on McNabb's contract, Eagles' chances | Philadelphia Daily News | 06/30/2009
Unlike the big to-do made of Donovan McNabb’s contract restructuring last week, Monday Night Football analyst Ron Jaworski doesn’t think it’s such a big deal. "I think it’s irrelevant, to tell you the truth," Jaworski said while sitting in his office at NFL Films last week in Mount Laurel.

McNabb partners with IHOP | Philadelphia Philly.com | 06/30/2009
McNabb and Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald both shot commercials for the campaign last week in L.A. Per Lofton, McNabb is "sacked by an overzealous IHOP waitress." The ads are scheduled to start running in August.

Dead Celebrities and Their NFL Counterparts | Inside the Iggles | A Philadelphia Eagles Blog
It’s been a tough year for celebs thus far in 2009 and it’s only half-way over. I’d like to believe things couldn’t get much worse than what we’ve seen in June, but strange has a way of following the rich and famous. At least this is the last day of the month. Maybe, just maybe, we can escape the day without another big name dropping.

The Linc - Overrated/Underrated NFL players & the Supreme Court

JasonB — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:00:07 -0000

More photos » by Bradley C Bower - AP

2 months ago: Philadelphia Eagles kicker David Akers, left, stands on the sideline with team owner Jeffrey Lurie, right, at the first mini-camp of the season for all rookies and veterans at the team's Nova-Care Complex Friday, May 1, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Bradley C Bower)

Browse more photos »

The most overrated players in the NFL - NFC East - ESPN
The list of the 25 most overrated players is full of Redskins and Cowboys.

The most underrated players of the decade - NFC East - ESPN
On the flip side, two Eagles make the list of the most underrated players of the decade. Brian Westbrook and David Akers.

NFL Notes: NFLPA Reaches Out to Retired Players
DeMaurice Smith, the newly-elected head of the National Football League Players Association, is reaching out to the retired players who felt shunned by the union under the leadership of the late Gene Upshaw.

Court takes case over licensing of NFL apparel - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
In taking a case involving the National Football League’s exclusive licensing deal for sports merchandise, the Supreme Court could go beyond caps and give leagues more leeway in areas such as team relocation, legal scholars said Monday.

Sources: Burress, Vick likely to get stiff penalties - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is leaning toward indefinitely suspending former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress(notes) and continuing to sideline quarterback Michael Vick(notes), three sources with knowledge of the situations have indicated. Such moves would be the latest examples of Goodell’s tough stance on players embroiled in off-field issues as evidenced with the suspension of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth(notes) earlier this month.

Previewing the Kansas City Chiefs 2009 Schedule: Week 3 - Arrowhead Pride
How does the Chiefs vs. Eagles match-up break down at this point?

The Linc - Don't criticize the Redskins

JasonB — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:25:00 -0000

via www.the700level.com

View full size photo uploaded June 29, 2009

B-Mitch let go for criticizing 'Skins? | Philadelphia Philly.com | 06/29/2009
Redskins owner Dan Snyder fired Brian Mitchell after Mitchell criticized the Redskins on his radio show which was run on a station Snyder owns. No word on whether he bashed them on facebook as well.

A Game I'll Never Forget: The Contract
Ray Didinger looks back on a famous Eagles win over the Redskins.

Eagles and actual salary dollars | Philadelphia Daily News | 06/29/2009
The Eagles ranked 20th in the NFL in actual dollars spent on salaries from 2004 to '08, according to numbers obtained by Jason La Canfora, the former Washington Post Redskins writer who recently joined the NFL Network. The numbers are gross totals spent on player salaries and bonuses.

Philadelphia Eagles announce training camp autograph sessions - lehighvalleylive.com
The Philadelphia Eagles' official practice schedule has not yet been announced, but the autograph schedule has been unveiled.

Kendra got married - What Would Tyler Durden Do
Kendra Wilkinson married Philadelphia Eagle wide-receiver Hank Baskett this weekend at the Playboy Mansion in LA, and these are some crappy pictures from the wedding....

The Linc - Hank & Kendra get married

JasonB — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:02:00 -0000

View full size photo uploaded June 28, 2009

It's Official! Kendra Wilkinson Marries Hank Baskett - E! Online
Hank Baskett got married to playmate Kendra Wilkinson at the Playboy mansion yesterday.

Saginaw High's Charleston Hughes earns Grey Cup ring, joins Philadelphia Eagles for shot at Super Bowl ring - Saginaw, Michigan Sports News - The Saginaw News � MLive.com
Some background about one of the newest Eagles, Charleston Hughes.

Eagles' O-line has 'very good' potential - NJ.com
You know you're doing well when you can let your two starting tackles -- both of whom have gone to a Pro Bowl -- leave and get better at the position.

One Eagle in the top 50? | Philadelphia Philly.com | 06/27/2009
one national writer doesn't seem to think too much of the Eagles' individual talent. CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco put together a list of the top 50 players in the league, and no Birds player is listed among the top 48.

Some US manufacturers see benefit to going green| Sport | guardian.co.uk
The Philadelphia Eagles have conducted green business practices since 2003, saving millions of dollars in energy bills while reducing landfill waste generated by fans on game days, said Leonard Bonacci, the club's director of event operations.

Small-town Tank rolls into Holland: NFL linebacker wants to spread message to young campers - TDTNews.com - Temple Daily Telegram
The Philadelphia Eagles’ Tank Daniels is teaming with several other NFL players to conduct a two-day summer football camp at Holland High School today and Friday.

Donovan McNabb pays tribute to Michael Jackson through words, dance.

JasonB — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:51:38 -0000

This does not appear to be one of the Michael Jackson inspired dances.

View full size photo uploaded June 27, 2009

Over on his Yardbarker blog, Donovan McNabb reacted to the death of Michael Jackson.

Like most of the rest of the world I am devastated by the news of Michael Jackson’s death. Ironically, I am in Los Angeles for a few days between shooting a commercial and attending a teammate’s wedding this weekend.

Those who have followed my career know that I am a huge fan of the King of Pop. After many of my touchdowns, I have moonwalked or mimicked some of his moves – before you get ready to criticize those moves on a post, know that even I understand I couldn’t hold a candle to Michael when it comes to dancing. My dances were a mere tribute to Michael’s unbelievable ability to entertain.

Many times we are reminded at someone’s death that "there will never be another one like him/her." In this case, those words couldn’t be more true.

My condolences go out to his children, his immediate family, and his extended family of millions around the world.

As Donovan said, he has ~~embarrassed himself~~ paid tribute to the King of Pop with a few of his end zone dances. Check out an example after the jump...

Oh and the "teammates' wedding" he's referring to is Hank Baskett's at the playboy mansion which is set for Saturday June 27th. I have a feeling many of Hank's teammates might be making the trip out for that one...

The Linc - Jerome Brown, McNabb makes a top 10, and a big blog success

JasonB — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:42:47 -0000

View full size photo uploaded June 25, 2009

The700Level.com - Philly Sports & Minutiae: Today in Philly Sports History: Jerome Brown Dies, 1992
Jerome Brown was coming off two consecutive all-pro seasons as a defensive tackle for the Eagles in 1992, collecting a stunning 150 tackles and nine sacks in the 1991 season alone. He was one of the anchors of a Philly...

NFL Videos: Top Ten Gutsiest Performances: Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb leads the Eagles to victory while playing on a broken ankle.

No soup for McNabb, and others | Philadelphia Philly.com | 06/23/2009
No active NFL players will be used in next season's Campbell's Chunky Soup marketing campaign.

Bernard Hopkins rips McNabb (yes, again) | Philadelphia Philly.com | 06/24/2009
Overly sensitive Bernard Hopkins continues to whine like a girl because McNabb once "blew him off."

Reason To Watch: K David Akers - Philadelphia Eagles
PE.com talks about what David Akers has been up to this offseason.

Two coaches in a boat, talking | Philadelphia Inquirer | 06/24/2009
Bob Ford imagines the conversation between Andy Reid and Brad Childress on a boat in Alaska

Five and a Half Years, 200 Blogs, One Big Success - Blog Huddle
SBNation has launched it's 200th blog.

A look at past Jim Johnson proteges

JasonB — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:54:52 -0000

Will Sean McDermott follow in the footsteps of other great Jim Johnson proteges?

View full size photo uploaded June 24, 2009

A couple weeks ago I wrote that I didn't expect Jim Johnson to return as the Eagles' defensive coordinator. Certainly not this season, probably not ever. Still hoping I'm wrong on that one...

Since then I've noticed it becoming a theme for national writers and other bloggers to question what impact Jim Johnson's absence will have on the defense. Certainly conventional wisdom would say that if a team loses a great coach and such a fantastic defensive mind, that they would suffer... But that's where the true greatness of Jim Johnson is revealed. Not only has he produced great defenses and great defensive players... he's produced great defensive coaches as well.

After the jump we'll take a look at former Jim Johnson assistants, how they've fared after leaving the Eagles, and what this all might mean for acting Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott.

The most famous Jim Johnson protege is of course Steve Spagnuolo. His career path is almost parallel to that of Sean McDermott. He spent 8 years with the Eagles coaching botht he secondary and linebackers. He was hired away by the New York Giants in 2007 and using Jim Johnson's system and attacking philosophy, completely transformed the Giants defense into one of the best NFL. That defense carried New York to a super bowl victory in Spag's first year. Spagnuolo turned down an offer to coach the Redskins' that summer and one year later ended up accepting an offer to become the head coach of the St Louis Rams.

Spags wasn't the only former Jim Johnson assistant to coach his unit to a super bowl appearance, in fact he wasn't even the first. That was Ron Rivera, who coached the dominant Bears defense during their run to the superbowl in 2006. Rivera started with the Eagles in 1999 as a linebackers coach. When he was hired away by the Bears in 2004, he turned their defense into the second best in the NFL in just one year.

But wait, there's another JJ assistant who won a superbowl! Current Vikings' defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. Frazier was the Eagles defensive backs coach from 1999-2003. He was hired away by the Browns and one year later the team was 3rd in the NFL in takeaways. He went on to be named defensive backs coach of the Colts in 2005 and in one year the Colts' pass defense improved 15th in the NFL to 2nd. The Colts won the superbowl in 2007, largely on the back of their defense. Noticing a theme here? Frazier was then hired as the Vikings' defensive coordinator and has developed that unit into one of the best in the NFC.

To a lesser extent, John Harbaugh could also be counted as a Jim Johnson protege of sorts. After spending nearly a decade as the Eagles special teams coordinator, Harbaugh moved to the defense and was named the team's secondary coach. After one year Harbaugh was hired as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, who he coached to an 11-5 record and an appearance in the AFC title game.

Sean McDermott's resume reads very much like the start of all these great former Jim Johnson assistants. He's been in the system for a decade and he's coached both the linebackers and secondary... McDermott had become a hot coaching prospect this offseason, being rumored as a candidate for defensive coordinator jobs in Green Bay and St Louis. In fact, it was reported that the Eagles blocked Steve Spagnuolo from taking McDermott to St Louis as his DC.

So while you never truly know how a guy will perform until the live bullets start flying... McDermott seems to be on a path that's proven to be very successful.

The Linc - Plan your Juan Castillo day BBQ!

JasonB — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:40:52 -0000

View full size photo uploaded June 24, 2009

"Juan Castillo Day" Sparks Controversy : News : KGBT 4
A banner hanging over Port Isabel, reads "Juan Castillo Day- July 4th", and is causing quite a stir. Its all the people in this small, port town are talking about. The controversy deals with a ceremony the city opted to celebrate on July 4th called "Juan Castillo Day".

Five Reasons the Eagles Will Reach the Super Bowl | Inside the Iggles | A Philadelphia Eagles Blog
ITI eschews it's previous negativity and gives the masses what they want!

Iggles Blog - Philadelphia Eagles Blog: ESPN %#@$ Up Again
Does Troy Polamalu belong on a 2000s "all decade team" ahead of Brian Dawkins?

The rhythm got the Miami Dolphins. Hey, we were all warned. - Shutdown Corn... - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
The rhythm got the Miami Dolphins. Hey, we were all warned.

Donovan McNabb Cardboard Cutout Makes Rare Appearance In Old City
Famed Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb made a rare appearance in Old City, Philadelphia yesterday in the form of a cardboard cutout in front of several bars on Second and Chestnut Streets. Crazed fans came from far and wide to get …

Dallas Cowboys Leonard Davis, Marc Colombo and Cory Procter Sign Heavy Metal Record Deal - cbs3.com
NFL offensive linemen bang heads all the time. A trio of Dallas Cowboys linemen are now professional head-bangers, too. Leonard Davis, Marc Colombo and Cory Procter have signed a recording contract as part of a heavy metal band called Free Reign.

The most irreplaceable Eagles player? | Philadelphia Daily News | 06/23/2009
Is there not enough evidence out there about the importance of Brian Westbrook to this team? As he spends June nursing whatever the hell ails him this time, and it's always something, how is it possible that someone cannot recognize just how vital Westbrook is to the Eagles' success?

YouTube - Kid playing with Icecream
Kid playing with Icecream during soccermatch Italy - Brasil Confederations Cup 2009. Watch this!

Also you can check out video of the Cowboys O-line band after the jump...

The Linc - Sir Charles, All decade defense, & a "Big Fan"

JasonB — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:52:43 -0000

View full size photo uploaded June 23, 2009

Flight Night - Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are giving fans their first chance to see the entire 2009 team at Lincoln Financial Field at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2, at the inaugural Eagles Flight Night! while raising funds in support of Eagles Youth Partnership.

2009 Eagles: Better than the 2008 version? | Philly2Philly.com-Everyday Philly For Everyday People
Mark Eckel compares the two squads.

All Decade Defense - NFC West - ESPN
Only one Eagle made ESPN's all decade defense. CB Troy Vincent.

Barkley thinking Eagles Super Bowl | Philly | 06/23/2009
Sir Charles thinks the Eagles will win it all this year.

Lab Report: Giants’ Trouble in the Red Zone - The Fifth Down Blog - NYTimes.com
The interior of the Giants' O-Line struggles against bigger DTs

First Look: Patton Oswalt in Big Fan " TheMovingPicture.net - Movie News - Movie Trailers - Movie Reviews - TV - DVD - Rumors - Casting News
Patton Oswalt plays a disturbed Giants fan in this new movie. Michael Rappaport plays his Eagles fan rival.

Xbox 360 hits the big screen at Cowboys Stadium
The staff at the new Cowboys stadium is hard at work... playing Halo on their new giant video screen.