SB Nation User Blog: JasonB

The top 10 Philadelphia Eagles stories of 2009

JasonB — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:18:23 -0000

by Dave Martin - AP

As the year draws to a close, everyone loves to trot our their lists. So I decided to figure out our top ten most commented stories of the year. I excluded all gamethreads(and the NFL draft liveblog), because those would easily dominate the top 10... This is list is only stories. I decided to post this today rather than next week because of who/what number one was...

1. San Francisco Chronicle reports Dawkins signs with Broncos

2. Eagles sign Michael Vick to two year deal

3. Eagles trade 28th overall pick for LT Jason Peters

4. Philadelphia Eagles 2009 cuts tracker - final roster

5. NFL official: Spot on McNabb sneak should have been moved

6. Cowboys' CB Mike Jenkins wants to get physical

7. Eagles trade up for Jeremy Maclin

8. Jim Johnson passes away at 68

9. Eagles trade for Rams LB Will Witherspoon

10. Juqua Parker arrested for possession

Fanlaws of Brian Dawkins return

JasonB — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:49:07 -0000

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It's going to be a fairly significant event this weekend when Philadelphia fans' most beloved player comes to town to play their most beloved football team. So I felt it was important to figure out what the ground rules are. How do we balance our appreciation for Brian Dawkins with our fandom of the Eagles?

What jerseys can you wear, is it right to cheer or boo, what if he makes a big play?

After the jump we'll have two categories, allowed and violations of the fanlaws. If you agree or disagree with any of the laws feel free to discuss. If you have any of your own, put them in the comments as well and I'll update the post.

Allowed

Wearing your old #20 Eagles jersey. It's a fitting tribute to an Eagles great. In fact, I'd go so far as to say you should wear your green #20 if you've got one.

Giving him a big cheer when he's introduced. Usually, we like to yell "sucks" after each opposing player's name is announced. Not this time... The guy gave us 14 great years, he still loves us fans and we still love him. Let him know in the introductions.

Cheering his first tackle. I'm ok with fans giving the guy hand when he makes his first tackle. It's a show of appreciation, but not so far as to be rooting for the other team.

Violations

Wearing a Broncos #20 jersey. Sorry, but only Broncos fans wear Broncos jerseys. It would be an embarrassment for an Eagles fan to wear another team's colors. Plus, odds are you've got an Eagles Dawkins jersey. Wear that. If not, you probably better hope there's no snow left over...

Exceptions may be made for orange Clemson jerseys.

Cheering a big play. Sorry, you're an Eagles fan and this is a big game. If in fact Dawkins were to grab a pick or something, we don't cheer that. We're trying to win a division and get to a superbowl. Cheering any play that gets in the way of that is being a bad fan.

Surely the community has some more suggestions. So let me know!

The Linc - Reno Mahe, Leonard Weaver, Donovan McNabb, & Brian Dawkins

JasonB — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:51:26 -0000

by Michael Perez - AP

4 days ago: Philadelphia Eagles' Leonard Weaver, left, hurdles a diving tackle by San Francisco 49ers' Parys Haralson in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

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Philadelphia prepares to welcome back Dawkins | dawkins, englewood, philadelphia - Sports - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO
A Denver based writer interviewed myself and Enrico from the700level about the return of Dawkins.

The Seattle Times: Steve Kelley: No-name Weaver impresses Hawks
The first time Leonard Weaver touched the football in the first minicamp of his life, he made an impression.

McNabb knows the meaning of giving | Philadelphia Daily News | 12/23/2009
DONOVAN McNABB didn't have to do it. He didn't have to brave the double-digit-inch snowfall that blasted the Delaware Valley last Saturday to keep his word to attend an event featuring a Christmas shopping spree at a Target store for 130 children from a Mount Airy shelter.

Eagle Mountain reaches out to American Samoa - Salt Lake Tribune
Wondering what Reno Mahe is up to?

NFL draft: What were they thinking? | Philadelphia Daily News | 12/23/2009
Here is further proof that scouting isn't an exact science: DeSean Jackson was the seventh wide receiver taken in the 2008 draft. A look at Jackson's stats, compared with the six wideouts selected ahead of him:

BBC - Neil Reynolds's Blog: McNabb thrives despite tough Philadelphia love
A perspective on the Eagles and McNabb from across the pond.

The700Level.com - Philly Sports & Minutiae: Santa's Revenge
This epic photo was taken on Sunday by reader Alex F. He writes: "At long last, Santa Claus finally gets his chance to throw snowballs back at Eagles fans. This guy was in the first row of the middle tier...

Philadelphia Eagles opponents preview - Denver Broncos

JasonB — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:36:18 -0000

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

This week the Eagles welcome the Denver Broncos and a certain former Eagle great to town. Oh yes, I'm sure there will be a ton of Correll Buckhalter jerseys...

Check out Dave's full analysis after the jump.

The Eagles will welcome a familiar face back to town this Sunday when Brian Dawkins and his new team, the Denver Broncos square off in a 4:15 P.M. late start at the Linc. Philadelphia is coming off a big 27-13 win over San Francisco that raised their record to 10-4, clinching a spot in the playoffs. The Broncos, coming off a disappointing 20-19 loss to the Oakland Raiders find themselves fighting for a spot in the post season in the crowded AFC playoff picture. After starting the season 6-0, they have lost six out of their last eight games and find themselves needing wins in their last two games just to have a shot. With Minnesota losing to Carolina last Sunday night, the Eagles are still in the hunt for a possible 1^st round bye so they are in no position to try and coast through this game. Given all that is on the line for both teams, this game should have a playoff like atmosphere as well as all the drama associated with Dawkins return.

Much was made this off season about the Broncos trading QB Jay Cutler to Chicago for Kyle Orton. After 14 games, Denver got the better end of that deal as Orton has played much better than expected. So far this season he has completed over 60% of his passes for a total of 3182 yards and 17 TD’s. While these stats are impressive, most of that production came earlier in the season as he has struggled over the past several weeks. In his last eight games he has thrown eight TD’s and seven interceptions as Denver has only won twice in that stretch. RB Knowshon Moreno leads all rookies with 879 yards on 224 carries, but he has not gone over 100 yards once this season and has been held to less than 90 yards his last five games. Former Eagle, Correll Buckhalter has been a nice compliment to the offense rushing for 582 yards on 108 carries and could be primed for a big game against his old team. The real threat on this offense is WR Brandon Marshall. He is closing in on 1000 yards receiving and has 10 TD receptions on the year. The Eagle’s secondary will have to account for his whereabouts at all times to keep from giving up any big plays.

Defensively, much of the Bronco’s success can be attributed to the new attitude that Dawkins brought to this team. They are ranked 3^rd overall and 2^nd against the pass giving up less than 200 yards per game. He personally has 81 solo tackles and 19 assists, second highest on the team. Given his fiery nature, look for Dawkins to try and be a disruptive force all day long. The Eagles cannot afford to allow him make a game changing play as he did so many times when he was wearing the silver and green as he could single handedly change the momentum of the game.

The Eagles still have a great chance at not only winning the NFC East, but getting a much needed first round bye, but they have to win their last two games to do it. While Denver is not the team they were back in the first two months of the season, they are still good enough to come into the Linc and get a win. Philly must exploit the Broncos’ biggest weaknesses on defense; stopping the run. Once again look for a big dose of RB LeSean McCoy and FB Leonard Weaver to control the line of scrimmage and hopefully keep the offense out of too many third and long situations. Also keep an eye out for Brian Westbrook’s return to action which could help the cause. If they can effectively do this, they will control the tempo of this game as well as open the door for some big plays downfield. This strategy has worked the last five weeks so why change now.

The Linc - Eagles' tackles stepping up in a big way

JasonB — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:58:42 -0000

Gonzo: About snowball problem: Lighten up | Philadelphia Inquirer | 12/21/2009
The Eagles clinched a playoff spot yesterday, but my guess is that the national pundits will spend more time today talking about the fans and their behavior than they will about the Birds' postseason aspirations. That's typical. It's also a little lame. There are probably more important things to discuss. No one should ever throw anything onto the field, but otherwise - so long as no one got hurt and everyone made it home in one piece - it was largely harmless. "It looked like they were having fun," Jeremiah Trotter said. "I put my hoodie up. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't in harm's way."

Man Up: Peters, Justice protect McNabb | Philly | 12/21/2009
Jason Peters - Peters was pretty much flawless in pass protection, not allowing the 49ers to get any pressure on McNabb off the edge. McNabb had three completions of 35 yards or more. The Eagles have killed defenses with big plays all season, and a lot of credit has to go to the tackles for providing McNabb time to find receivers down the field. Pretty amazing how smooth this transition has been in the pass game to two new bookend tackles. Offensive line coach Juan Castillo deserves a ton of credit, as does the front office.

Uncharacteristic: Weaver Apologizes for Jawing
Weaver, who is in his fifth season, called the lapse "very uncharacteristic." And, he said, "I owe my team an apology, as well as the fans – even the fans that were talking trash to me (as he left the field at halftime). I’m sorry."

NFL Notebook: Bad Tackling is League-Wide
How did we get to this point? If we accept the fact that today’s athletes are bigger, faster and stronger – which they are -- why can’t they tackle?

More after the jump

Eagles-Cowboys headed for prime-time? - NFC East Blog - ESPN
As Barry Horn notes in his DallasNews.com Sports Media Blog, there's a great chance the season finale between the Cowboys and Eagles will be moved to Sunday night. The way it's looking now, that game will probably have playoff implications for both teams.

Westbrook should be cleared, Reid says | Philadelphia Daily News | 12/21/2009
Andy Reid said he expects Brian Westbrook to be cleared to play against Denver on Sunday, although he said he won’t know for sure until tomorrow. "Right now it looks pretty good," Reid said.

McNabb flourishes outside the numbers - NFC East Blog - ESPN
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was 21-of-36 for 306 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. But most of his success came on outside throws. Check out these numbers provided by John Fisher of ESPN Stats & Information:

Eagles Notebook: Eagles expect emotional homecoming for Dawkins | Philadelphia Daily News | 12/21/2009
There was one thing other than playoff talk that the Eagles weren't quite ready to face yesterday. That would be the prospect of welcoming Brian Dawkins to Lincoln Financial Field next weekend in a Denver uniform.

Vernon Davis' play doesn't back up his talk

JasonB — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:26:33 -0000

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This is just one of the fun football machismo stories...

Before Sunday's game, 49ers TE Vernon Davis decided to run into the Eagles huddle to talk trash and call out one specific Eagles rookie.

"He came in our huddle almost, in our little warm-up, calling me out," said rookie linebacker Moise Fokou.

"Vernon Davis kind of got under our skin before the game. We took that personally," linebacker Tracy White said. "He was calling out Fokou. He was like two feet away from our warm-up drill. We just got fired up off of that."

A classy, sportsman like move for sure, but to be fair Davis was probably just responding to Fokou's comments earlier in the week. The two were teammates at Maryland.

"I kind of know what he likes to do and what he doesn’t. I kind of know how he releases. For me, knowing him personally and also watching his career helps me in terms of film study," Fokou said. "I’m going to be out there talking trash. He’s going to talk trash whenever he gets our defense. We were talking trash over the summer when I worked out with him. He thinks he’s more athletic than most linebackers," Fokou said. "We’ll see on Sunday. Me vs. Davis."

The Eagles defense took offense to Davis' intrusion of their huddle and promptly shut him down. Davis manged just 3 catches on the day. Vernon Davis is a good player and he's having a great year, but if you're going to challenge a defense and get up in their face before a game, you've got to do better than three catches to back up that trash talk.

In the end though, all was cool.

"At the end of the game, we shook hands. We said good game and everything and let bygones be bygones."

Oh and Fokou rarely drew Davis in coverage, which is something I predicted to 49ers fans on Saturday (scroll down to the bottom).

Jeremy Maclin and Brian Westbrook appear set to return this weekend

JasonB — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:18:31 -0000

At his Monday press conference Andy Reid announced that Jeremy Maclin will return to practice this Wednesday. He specifically said that Maclin would be "eased in" and could play this weekend if all goes well with his foot injury

Reid also had some encouraging news about Brian Westbrook. He said he expects Westbrook to be fully cleared to play this weekend and will use him in a limited fashion. He said he thinks it's important to get Westbrook worked in over the next two weeks in preparation for the playoffs.

"It’s always good to clinch a spot early, but we’re still going to put our foot on the pedal," McN...

JasonB — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:35:37 -0000

"It’s always good to clinch a spot early, but we’re still going to put our foot on the pedal," McNabb said. "It’s an exciting time, but nothing to get overly excited about. One of our goals is to have a bye week and win the NFC East and the only chance for that to happen is to win the last two games."

Donovan McNabb knows what matters.

In a chat with fans at stlouisrams.com, Rams GM Billy Devaney didn't exactly shoot down the...

JasonB — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:56:13 -0000

In a chat with fans at stlouisrams.com, Rams GM Billy Devaney didn't exactly shoot down the speculation that the team has interest in Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick. "I can't talk about specific players under contract with other teams," Devaney said. "But I will say we will explore everything and everybody. Everything is on the table for discussion."

From the St Louis Post-Dispatch.

Young Eagles hit milestones

JasonB — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:34:32 -0000

More photos » by Michael Perez - AP

3 days ago: Philadelphia Eagles' LeSean McCoy reacts after rushing for a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 27-13. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

Browse more photos »

Two of the youngest Eagles hit two major milestones yesterday... First, DeSean Jackson became the third WR under Andy Reid to hit the thousand yard mark, the other two being TO and Kevin Curtis. The most amazing thing about that stat is that Jackson got to 1,087 on only 56 catches. To provide some context, Wes Welker currently has 1,198 rec yards on 109 catches. Jackson is averaging nearly 20 yards per catch.

DeSean is also tied for the NFL lead in total TDs for a receiver.

"Honestly, it's a great feeling. I would not have been able to do it without the playcalling and without Donovan," Jackson said of reaching the 1,000-yard mark. "You have to give credit to Kevin (Kolb) and (Michael) Vick. Without those guys, I would not be able to be as successful as possible. I am just trying to do anything and everything I can to help this team for the long haul.

"Our goal is the Super Bowl. We just have to keep playing like this and we will be all right."

LeSean McCoy broke the Eagles rookie rushing record yesterday, a mark previously held by Correll Buckhalter. His 9 carry, 48 yard performance yesterday gave him 606 rushing yards which is the most every by an Eagles RB.

"It's obviously something big for anybody to achieve a record," McCoy said. "I have to give a lot of credit to the offensive linemen and my teammates for helping me out."

Unfortunately, if Jeremy Maclin hadn't gotten hurt he was on pace to break the Eagles rookie receiving record...