So today I am going to my first baseball game. I am a die hard phillies fan but unfortunately live in Georgia. Some friends of mine are going to the Braves game and asked me to join. 

I am going, but I am decking myself out in Phillies gear. Smart idea? They are playing the Mets. So it will be two division rivals and Im the guy in Phillies red. I get hatred all the time on campus cuz I'm a Phillies fan so its nothing new. But should I show my pride or just dress normally?

This was an email sent out to all Eagles fan on the PE.com email list. For those who haven't read this, it is an interesting read. 

In light of the events that occurred yesterday, we wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the status of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and how it affects the Philadelphia Eagles. As we are sure you are aware, the contract between the league and the labor union representing the players has expired, the union decertified and we have entered into a lockout.

However, the NFL remains committed to collective bargaining and the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached – an agreement that is good for the long-term health of the league. We believe that a deal will get done.

We want you to know our focus is on preparation for the 2011 season and we are going to continue to do everything we can to strengthen our football team. We will be ready to take advantage of all opportunities within league rules to help reach our ultimate goal. We are also excited about the upcoming 2011 draft on April 28-30 and our preparation for that has been in the works for a long time. 

Regardless of what transpires throughout this offseason, our commitment to winning a Super Bowl remains the number one priority throughout our entire organization. We are also committed to keeping an open line of communication with you and our entire fan base throughout these labor discussions. We plan on hosting several events throughout the off season that our fans can enjoy. Our annual Draft Party will take place on April 28 at Lincoln Financial Field.

We greatly appreciate your continued support.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Lurie and Joe Banner

Below, we have attached the official communication sent this morning from the NFL office:

NFL STATEMENT ON "DECERTIFICATION"-LITIGATION-LOCKOUT

The fastest way to a fair agreement is for both the union and the clubs to continue the mediation process.  Unfortunately, the players’ union notified our office at 4pm ET on Friday that it had “decertified” and walked away from mediation and collective bargaining to initiate the antitrust litigation it has been threatening to file. In an effort to get a fair agreement now, the clubs offered a deal that would have had no adverse financial impact upon veteran players in the early years and would meet the players’ financial demands in the latter years.

The union left a very good deal on the table. It included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; ensure no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years).

The union was offered financial disclosure of audited league and club profitability information that is not even shared with the NFL clubs.

The expanded health and safety rules would include a reduction in offseason programs of five weeks (from 14 to nine) and of OTAs (Organized Team Activities) from 14 to 10; significant reductions in the amount of contact in practices; and other changes.

At a time when thousands of employees are fighting for their collective bargaining rights, this union has chosen to abandon collective bargaining in favor of a sham ‘decertification’ and antitrust litigation. This litigation maneuver is built on the indisputably false premise that the NFLPA has stopped being a union and will merely delay the process of reaching an agreement.

The NFL clubs remain committed to collective bargaining and the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached. The NFL calls on the union to return to negotiations immediately. NFL players, clubs, and fans want an agreement. The only place it can be reached is at the bargaining table.

Since June of 2009, 21 months ago, the NFL clubs have made numerous comprehensive, detailed proposals and counter-proposals; negotiated in dozens of formal sessions and smaller group meetings; and engaged in a series of intensive negotiating sessions over the past three weeks under the auspices of George Cohen, the director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. We have reaffirmed to Director Cohen our commitment to the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached.

The goals of the NFL clubs have been clear from the start. The current CBA is flawed in numerous respects, and the system must be improved to ensure continued growth and innovation and a better future for the NFL, the players, and the fans.

The clubs are willing to make many changes proposed by the union, and they have modified their economic proposals in numerous respects. We need an agreement that – when looking back two, four or 10 years from now – both sides will recognize as fair, smart, good for the game, and good for all involved, including players, fans, and clubs.

Regrettably, the union's leadership has walked out and is refusing to participate in collective bargaining. The union has insisted on a continuation of an unsustainable status quo rather than agreeing to reasonable adjustments that reflect new economic realities we all have experienced. The status quo would also mean no improvements for retired players, too much money to a handful of rookies, and no changes to improve our drug programs.

The union's abandonment of bargaining has forced the clubs to take action they very much wanted to avoid. At the recommendation of the Management Council Executive Committee under the authority it has been delegated by the clubs, the league has informed the union that it is taking the difficult but necessary step of exercising its right under federal labor law to impose a lockout of the union. The clubs are committed to continuing to negotiate until an agreement is reached, and will gladly continue to work with the FMCS.

The clubs believe that this step is the most effective way to accelerate efforts to reach a new agreement without disruption to the 2011 season.  The clubs want to continue negotiating intensively to reach a fair agreement as soon as possible. Our goal is finding common ground and resolving the issues with the union. That is why we ask the union to resume negotiations with the federal mediator. The negative consequences for the players and clubs will continue to escalate the longer it takes to reach an agreement.

Our message to the fans is this: We know that you are not interested in any disruption to your enjoyment of the NFL. We know that you want football. You will have football. This will be resolved. Our mission is to do so as soon as possible and put in place with the players an improved collective bargaining agreement that builds on our past success and makes the future of football and the NFL even better – for the teams, players, and fans.

We have great respect for the fans. We have great respect for our players. We have great respect for the game and the tradition of the NFL. We will do everything that we reasonably can to ensure that everyone’s attention returns to the football field as soon as possible. 

Congrats. While I hate to say this, you guys did spectacular. I have never seen home field advantage be... well that big of an advantage. My boys were slipping left and right and you guys capitalized. I was right to fear your defense who did a great job of neutralizing our explosive offense. But i was highly surprised to see Jay Cutler look like an all time pro. I will not go an say Asante Samuel would have changed the game because I doubt his cleats on  the dirt would have made a difference. He probably would have been slipping everywhere too. So well played Monsters of Midway. I look forward to avenging this defeat in the playoffs. Best of luck the rest of the way.

This might sound dumb so I will apologize in advance if this post is complete garbage. But I was downloading some songs and ran across Wiz Khalifa's "Black and Yellow." 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UePtoxDhJSw

Some people might not like Hip Hop but I am a big fan. I really enjoyed B&Y but i didnt understand the whole 'black and yellow' thing? So once again, I turned to the amazing powers of Google. B&Y is based of Pittsburgh, specifically the fact that the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Bruins all share the team colors of black and yellow. Notice during the video the people are swinging the terrible towels of the Steelers.

As popular as this song has become, I would not be surprised if the city now uses this song in their stadiums are their theme song. But I am not a Pittsburgh fan but a Philly kid. So first i started humming "Green and Silver" during the song. But that didnt do. I started wondering about actual theme songs of Philly. 

So off to google! This is what I found...

The first one that came to mind was not Eagles based but Phillies based when the Phillies won the World Series in '08. Remember "Let it Rock?" Well this was the remake version that didnt really edit the words. It was dubbed "Let Philly Rock."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhP91juta5w

But the lyrics arent set for Philadelphia so I dont know how much that counts as a theme song.

Another one was from the classic Rocky, "Gonna Fly Now."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioE_O7Lm0I4

But honestly, that song doesnt get me that excited and again, not an exact reference to Philly.

Some other ideas that my friends threw out.

-Summertime http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6WpvBHdk1c

-MoTownPhilly http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHzkICG47LU

So in my opinion, I really think Philly needs a song that we can play on the speakers based on Philly. I know we have 'Fly Eagles Fly' but i dunno, I would really like a song. Maybe someone can remix B&Y and make it 'Green and Silver' lol. What do you guys think? Did i miss a song maybe?

So I am really bored at home and I decide to redo the Eagles NFL draft. Since the 2009 Draft is only a year away, I just assumed those players were picked and redid the 2006-2008 Drafts. I tried to make it as realistic as possible and then created the 2010 Eagles Roster from there. Ideas, comments? Is this team better then the current Eagles team?

So let us begin... the re-done NFL draft

2006 NFL Draft

1st Round

14 Pick - Brodrick Bunkley, DT Florida State -- Score for the FO. Bunk is a wall in the middle of our defensive line. He is so valuable to stopping the run game and combined with Patterson, is one of the best run stoppers in the NFL. He is also solid in holding his gap, allowing our LBs to blitz up the middle to get to the QB. No other pick here, Bunk is our man. 

2nd Round

39 Pick - Winston Justice, OT U. Southern California -- In his first start, Justice was harrassed by the Giants defense. This lead to the calling of his head by the Eagles loyals. Yet, the coaches had faith in Justice, who ended up proving everyone wrong. Justice is now the Eagles starting right tackle and was awarded a contract extension, further showing the Eagles faith in him. 

3rd Round

71 Pick - Jahri Evans, OT Bloomsburg -- Evans would be the second OT of the draft, showing the Eagles commitment to the offensive line. Evans is the Saints Pro Bowl tackle. With the pick of Evans, Justice would be relegated to backup. Gocong would be passed over instead to pick up a solid lineman. 

4th Round 

99 Pick - Max Jean-Gillies, G Georgia -- To be honest, I feel like JG is a solid guard whose weight problems are affecting him. JG provides solid depth and a man wall on the offensive line. While he needs some work, JG has the potential to become a starter in the NFL. 

109 Pick - Jason Avant, WR Michigan -- Man the Eagles FO know what they are doing. With the fourth pick, the Eagles pull in the solid slot receiver Jason Avant. Avant has came through on so many occasion on third down for the Eagles. His sure hands and strong body has pulled the Eagles out of countless situations. Part of the Young Guns, this pick will not be passed up. 

5th Round

147 Pick - Miles Austin, WR Monmouth University -- The undrafted Cowboys WR is finally picked up here in the 5th round by the Eagles. Austin is a big, physical receiver who racked up 1320 yards receiving in his breakout year. He provides a solid red zone threat who has the ability to stretch the field. Since the red zone woes of the Eagles, Austin would be the smartest pick here. After TO, the Eagles fans have been clamoring for a surefire WR and here he is. Just give him a couple seasons to develop and break out. In with Austin, and out with Jeremy Bloom. Go back to skiing Bloom.

168 Pick - Omar Gaithers, LB Tennessee -- Gaither provides valuable depth to the Eagles. While he has lost his starting job multiple times, Gaither has the ability to step in and start. Plus there is just no value left here now. 

6th Round

204 Pick - Cortland Finnegan, CB Samford -- Finnegan would add solid depth in the Eagles secondary. What the Eagles don't realize is that they are drafting their future starter. Finnegan in 13 games racked up 5 INTs and 11 PDs. What is his best assest is that he plays with a fire that pushes him harder then most players. Some may call it overaggressiveness but for a position that calls for one man to stand alone, Finnegan is the man for you. 

2007 NFL Draft

2nd Round

36 Pick - Kevin Kolb, QB U. of Houston -- Our QB of the Future. First QB to throw 300+ yards in his first two starts. Learned under Donovan McNabb for 4 seasons. Yup. Surefire pick here. 

57 Pick - Ryan Kalil, C USC -- The Eagles go best avaiable talent here and pick up Center Ryan Kalil. Kalil is currently the Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl center. Despite solid play from Jamaal Jackson, Kalil is picked here just because there is no other value left at this spot. Kalil will spend one season backing up Jackson and by the 2008 training camp, Kalil will have pushed Jackson for the starting center spot. 

3rd Round

87 Pick - Stewart Bradley, LB U. of Nebraska -- Once again, good job by the FO in drafting our starting MLB. Bradley is a star on the rise who was unfortunately derailed in an ACL injury. SI had label Bradley as one of the top young LB stars. A coach on the field, Bradley ran Jim Johnson's defense to perfection. His ability to play the run, rush the passer, and fall back into coverage make him an invaluable piece to the Eagles. 

90 Pick - Adam Podlesh, P U. of Maryland -- Shocker of the draft! The Eagles burn a third round pick to draft a punter! Podlesh has been stellar for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He averages 41.6 yards a punt and will provide the consistancy at the punter position in which the Eagles lack. 

5th Round

159 Pick - Brent Celek, TE Cincinatti -- +1 for the FO! Celek is our starting tight end who was miffed out of a Pro Bowl this year. A star on the rise, Celek has already been recognized as one of the top tier TEs in the league. Thus he move up to the first pick in the fourth round. 

162 Pick - Akeem Jordan, LB James Madison -- Jordan went undraft and at this point, there is simply a lack of talent now in the draft. Jordan is a clear starter playing the OLB position for the Eagles. Jordan will be picked up here just because there is no other players left.

6th Round

201 Pick - Ben Patrick, TE Deleware -- Second TE pick of the draft. Patrick is a current backup for the Cardinals who seeing the field in receiving and blocking time. Since Philly is screaming for LJ Smith's head, the Eagles take a double dip in the TE pool, hoping to pull out one quality starter. 

7th Round

236 Pick - Ahmad Bradshaw, RB Marshall -- The Giants change of pace back is a steal in the 7th round. In spot duty, Bradshaw rushed for 778 yards in 2009 with seven touchdowns. He also provides to be a threat in the receiving game, just how the Eagles like it. He would likely have to fight with LeSean McCoy for the second spot on the RB depth and probably end up with the third spot in PR duties.

2008 NFL Draft

2nd Round

47 Pick - DeSean Jackson, WR U. of California -- Out with Trevor Laws and in with DeSean Jackson. DeSean should have been the first pick of the Eagles, not the bust Trevor Laws. DeSean burst into the scene with an amazing rookie season racking up 912 receiving yards and two touchdowns. With his blazing fast speeds, DeSean was able to create separation with DBs and made his mark as the Eagles number one receiver. A sophomore slump was not on DeSean's agenda as he took his game to another level, catching for 1156 and 9 touchdowns. He was awarded with his first Pro Bowl. No other WR from DeSean's class is comparable.

49 Pick - Terrell Thomas, CB U. of Southern California -- My first reaction was to pick Ray Rice. But I have my eyes on another back so I resist the impulse. Instead I go with USC cornerback Terrell Thomas. When Thomas stepped in for Aaron Ross, he did a solid job and took the starting spot from Ross. Looking at our current CB situation, having Thomas on our team would be very nice and I would feel confident going into the season with Thomas and Asante Samuel as our starting corners. In the 2009 season, he recorded 13 PDs and 5 INTs. 

3rd Round

80 Pick - Thomas DeCoud, FS U. of California -- Another Cali man for the Eagles. Bryan Smith is now a Jaguar and the following picks made are not that significant to the Eagles. Instead, the Eagles pick Cal FS Thomas DeCoud. DeCoud is solidified as the starting safety for the Atlanta Falcons. In his first season as the starter, he notched 3 INTs, 7 PDs, and 2 FFs. He is a good tackler that can clean up messes by our Linebackers or Cornerbacks. DeCoud can also rush the passer, notching 2 sacks. With a year under Brian Dawkins, DeCoud would be our clear cut starter at FS along side of Mikell. 

4th Round

109 Pick - Tashard Choice, RB Georgia Tech -- The Eagles' patience pays off. At this time, a successor to Westbrook is being sought for. Choice is the right choice for the Eagles here to become our next feature back. A current Cowboy, Choice and Felix Jones are dual threats in the running game for the 'Boys. Choice also is giving the 'Boys the chance to get rid of Marion Barber if they choose. In three starts, Choice ran for 472 yards and 2 touchdowns. Along with that, Choice added 185 receiving yards, showing this dual threat ability, the same ability cherished by the Eagles. In 2009, stuck in depth behind Barber and Jones, Choice still rushed for 349 yards and a solid 5.5 YPC. Picking Choice here would remove the need to draft LeSean McCoy in the 2009 draft and would have left the Eagles in a stable situation when Westbrook went down. 

117 Pick - Jonathan Wilhite, CB Auburn -- The Eagles go corner again, adding some serious depth in their secondary. Wilhite has worked his way in and out of the starting spot for the Patriots. In eight starts, Wilhite notched 2 INTs and 5 PDs. While Wilhite is a ballhawk, he also has good tackling skills and plays well one on one. With two cornerbacks on the roster, the loss of Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard would have been significantly reduced.

131 Pick - Quintin Demps, FS UTEP -- I am going to go with Demps here. I know I picked DeCoud earlier, but Jim Johnson was really high on this guy so I am going to continue to have faith in him. Also, he provides a solid return game and good play on special teams. 

6th Round

184 Pick - John Sullivan, C Notre Dame -- At this time, we have Jamaal Jackson backing up both Center. Since We already drafted Kalil, who pushed Jackson for his job, Sullivan would be placed in as backup for the Guard spot. Sullivan is now the current starting for the Minnesota Vikings, playing in all 16 games last season. By the time the 2010 season rolls around, Sullivan should be a lock for the RG spot. 

200 Pick - Joe Mays, LB N. Dakota State -- Mays is an up and rising LB for the Eagles with a lot of potential and thus I am staying home with this pick. If he can get the mental errors out and the ridiculous penalties out of the way, Mays has the potential to be a starter at Philadelphia. 

203 Pick - Pierre Garcon, WR Mount Union -- I am going to go with best available talent now. Garcon was a lifesaver for Peyton Manning after Anthony Gonzalez went down. Garcon came up with some solid catches that helped lead the Colts to the Super Bowl. This is just to add to the Eagles WR depth since at this time we are screaming WR!

7th Round

230 Pick - Alex Hall, LB St. Augustine -- A little humor here. Just to see if you read over. We don't pick Queen Dunlap in order to pick Hall, the LB we will trade for two years later.

So this is what our revised Eagles roster would look like:

Starters are bolded. I assumed that the 2009 and the 2010 Draft remained the same,

QB - Kevin Kolb, Michael Vick, Mike Kafka

RB - Tashard Choice, LeSean McCoy, Ahmad Bradshaw

FB - Leonard Weaver, Charles Scott

C - Ryan Kalil, Jamaal Jackson

RG -  John Sullivan, Stacy Andrews

LG - Todd Herremans, Max Jean-Gillies

ROT - Jahri Evans, Winston Justice

LOT - Jason Peters, Fenuki Tupou

TE - Brent Celek, Ben Patrick

WR - DeSean Jackson, Miles Austin, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, Pierre Gascon 

Defense

DT - Mike Patterson, Brodrick Bunkley, Antonio Dixon, Jeff Owens

DE - Trent Cole, Brandon Graham, Darryl Tapp, Ricky Sapp,

MLB - Stewart Bradley, Omar Gaithers

OLB - Akeem Dent, Ernie Simms, Keenan Clayton, Joe Mays

CB - Asante Samuel, Cortland Finnegan, Terrell Thomas, Jonathan Wilhite, Trevard Lindley

FS - Thomas DeCoud, Nate Allen

SS - Quintin Mikell, Marlin Jackson

Special Teams

K - David Akers

P - Adam Podlesh

LS - Jon Dorenbos

KR - Quintin Demps

PR - Ahmad Bradshaw

Lets put a picture with that profile name!

Okay guys. So we are known each other as our profile names on BGN. I personally have become very fond of most of you all. I know i don't post as much but i am on the site every day. So, in honor of yom, i feel we should all finally see who we cuz at, agree with, and have a good Eagles discussion with. At the end, we are all Eagles fans and should be united together. So, with no further ado... i present to you anuj!

via hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net

Yo yo people, I'm anuj. Most of you guys might not know me, but the old guys will. I was a bigtime contributor to BGN back in the day. College has taken its toll on me, but come Sunday, I'm decked in my #5, eagle green on my head, and yellin obscenities to the TV. I'm trying to work BGN back into my schedule so I'm takin a shot at a FanPost again.

So, here is was I'm burning about (please don't sue me Jim Rome):

1. WE ARE SET AT WIDE RECEIVER!!!

Damn, I mean seriously people? These two drafts were amazing for Andy as he solidified out WR core for the next couple years. Think of the headache defensive coordinators are going through as they have to gameplan for DeSean and Maclin lined out wide and Avant in the slot? The injury bug as bit our team once again, so we are seeing a lack in receivers in the roster, but read this sentence again... INJURY BUG! A healthy roster includes (in starting order) DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, Kevin Curtis, and Reggie Brown. Thats the most potent receiving core from any team in the NFC East, let alone the NFC (maybe sans the Saints). We don't need Boldin, we don't need TO and we don't need to dish out cash to another star receiver with two budding ones already on the roster!

2. Resign

Players we need to resign should be in this order: Leonard Weaver, Jason Avant, Nick Cole, Akeem Jordan, Chris Gocong, Sean Jones, and maybe Babin. The rest can burn. Now please, can we move on from this topic?? please?

3. JIBTA is a dick. Get over it and stop being a dick back. Your not cool, your not a badass, your just stooping to his level.

4. Reid Deserved to be resigned

Yes, he has some questionable calls. Yes, the man is way to much pass happy, Yes, the man is extremely fat. But his winning record does not lie. 105-66. That's .614. Teams would kill to have a coach with that record. Not to mention the man is amazing at drafting and pulling in players. Thanks to him, we have McNabb under center and not Tim Couch.

5. My Draft Wishes?

Knowshown... lol, no jk. We need a LB, plain and simple. I know this is repeated over and over, but hey, we suck right now at the LB spot. OT is a issue, but thats depth, we have two great starters. Our CB core is FINE. We just have had a series of unfortunate events. A power back would be nice, but im not feeling it anymore with Weaver in the backfield. Most likely a FS or SS would be pulled in too.

Well, I'm glad I finished this rant and posted a FanPost. I'm gonna head to class now. Good to meet yall. Bleed eagle green forever people!

I was looking around different sports sites and came across this. This link got me wondering. Is Donovan McNabb a future Hall of Famer?

via thischicksviewonesports.files.wordpress.com

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/messages/chrono/14857857

Many argue that since Donovan has yet to receive a ring, he is automatically counted out for consideration for a spot in the HoF. I beg to differ. Look at quarterbacks such as Trent Dilfer and Jim Plunkett. Despite winning Super Bowls, are they a lock to get into the HoF. Do they even have a shot to get in? 

Here are some household names in the Hall of Fame that do not have Super Bowl Rings. 

- George Blanda

- Dan Fouts

- Sonny Jurgensen

- Dan Marino

These guys have had exceptional careers and are enshired with the best in the HoF. Yet, none have rings on their fingers. They ended up in the HoF because of stellar careers and their performance on the field. Each of these players ment a lot to the team. I think the same can be said with Donovan McNabb. 

Lets compare McNabb to these players listed above. Ex-Eagle Jurgensen passed for 32,224 yards in his career of 18 seasons.  In 10 seasons and counting, McNabb has passed for 29,320 yards. Blanda passed for 26,920 yards. The completion rate is not far off either. McNabb's completion rate as of now is 58.9%. Marino's was 59.4%, Jurgensen's was 57.1%, Blanda's was 47.7%, and Fouts was 58.8%. McNabb is just as accurate as these quarterbacks, better then some. 

But, what really makes McNabb stick out is his Touchdown:Interception Ratio. McNabb has passed for 194 Touchdowns to 90 Picks. Thats a little bit better then 2 touchdowns to 1 pick. Marino passed for 420 touchdowns to 252 picks. That is a good bit less then 2 touchdowns to 1 pick. Blanda passed for 236 touchdowns to 277 picks. He has thrown more picks then touchdowns. Fouts looks about the same with 254 touchdowns to 242 picks. McNabb is safe with the ball, much more safer then many of the quarterbacks in the NFL. He doesn't make as much mistakes and shows poise under pressure. 

Another part that goes to McNabb's favor is his rushing game. In his younger days, McNabb was a threat to score running as well as passing. While he has lost a good bit of that magic, he has shown from time to time that defenses cannot sleep on him running the ball.

So, does McNabb have what it takes to get into the HoF. Keep up the way he is going and yes. A couple more productive seasons and he will rival some of the best in the HoF in terms of statistics. A ring or two may not hurt either. Remember, Jon Elway took 17 years before he won his first Super Bowl. McNabb's time will come. But, the stats do not lie. If he keeps it up, McNabb should be well on his way to the Hall of Fame.