Nothing beats Eagles football at the Linc. The aroma of pre-game tailgaters in the parking lot... The deafening sound as players run out of the tunnel and onto the field... The camaraderie between total strangers as gridiron warriors in midnight green battle for 60 minutes...

But then, there are away games,,,

And you have to watch the game on TV...

on FOX.

Holy crap, today's game was painful to watch. Yes, we beat the pants off the Falcons and I loved how Vick alone put up more points than his former team, but I was appalled by how horrible the FOX broadcast was. I can go on all day, but here are the 3 main reasons why I had to restrain myself from throwing my plate of hot wings at my television...

1) Constant Self-Endorsement

Here's a little SAT prep for all you college-bound teenagers...

ESPN is to "The Great Satan of Sports Media" as Fox is to "_______"

A. Fine television

B. A silly animal in the woods

C. COMPLETE WHORES!!!

The answer? C. Fox consistantly promotes the shows or movies created by its own company. I swear that they brought up Avatar today for absolutely no reason at all. One of the most blatant uses occured last year when a commentator said something to the effect of: "The Eagles are on the fringe of... By the way, the Fringe is a really good show on Fox... but the Eagles..." It's pathetic. It almost seems that anyone who brings up a Fox show on air gets a commission.

2)  Broadcaster Incompetence

All you would hear in the first quarter is what the Eagles should do offensively. The broadcasters were just bewildered that the Eagles weren't attacking the outside. Well, guess what... Their offensive made their biggest plays down the middle (i.e. big play receptions by Maclin, Weaver, and Brown). Also, the play in the beginning where McNabb threw a pass to Celek, but could have probably run for more yards and maybe a first down. They harped on how McNabb should have scrambled for more yards, when in reality, the ball hit Celek in the hands and should have been a touchdown, but that didn't stop the sharp duo, Kenny Albert and Daryl Johnston, from speaking on how inept the Eagles offense was. After all, they only scored 34 points.

3) Choppy Signal Quality

So how many times did the game freeze up? Five? Six? More? It was annoying. I know it's not the end of the world, but you would think that the studios that brought you the Simpsons, Family Guy, and other great hits would do a better job broadcasting a signal that didn't have to re-buffer every 20 minutes. It's like I was watching the game on the internet.

Anyways, that's my rant. I shouldn't complain too much, considering many of my BGN friends can't watch Eagles games in their hometowns. It could be worse. After all, this guy used to call NFL games...

via www.urb.com  

Dear BGN Members,

It's been a while since I've posted anything on the blog, but I can explain. At the end of August, I left my job teaching math at a wealthy, high-end prep school to teach 8th grade math at a low-income public school in Montgomery County. The demographics of the school are 55% Black, 25% White, and 20% Hispanic. Why did I leave my previous job? Well I couldn't stand the prep school. The kids were obnoxious, the administration was a fraud, and the pay and benefits weren't as glamorous as the school led everyone to believe.

Any way, the higher ups at my new job needed an assistant football coach... and I jumped on that as fast as I could. I had coached basketball in the past, but let's face it, basketball is lame. The football head coach here is a cool guy, having played center in high school and college for years. He doesn't treat me as a measly assistant either and wants the kids to view us as if we're both the head coach. At the beginning of the year, he had asked me what I wanted to do with the team, to which i replied: "Give me the defense." And he did.

The defense we run is a 5-2. It's not a traditional NFL-style defense, but it works in the run-heavy middle school game. We stack 5 big guys on the line where our defensive ends' primary job is to rush around the offensive line, play containment, and force the play into the middle to our two linebackers. Cornerbacks play man, safeties play zone, and it's been doing well so far. I'm no Jim Johnson, but I'm hoping the NFL will be calling in a few years.

So, my day is pretty busy - wake up at 6:00, leave the house at 6:45, teach 'till 3:30, coach 'til 5:30, get home at 6:45, do my husbandly duties, go to bed, lather, rinse, repeat. Since my wife is working on a master's degree, this leaves me little time with the laptop, making it hard to discuss pertinent football matters with all of you. All that said, this coaching gig is the most fun I've ever had while receiving a pay check and I would recommend that anybody try to coach something - whether it's PAL football, little league, or whatever.

Thanks for hearing me out, BGN, and I hope to be a regular again very soon.

Love,

awd777

P.S. Go Eagles!

P.S.S. Go Phillies, too.

Shocked. Heartbroken. Betrayed. These words became all too familiar to the hearts of Eagles' fans when they found out that Dan Klecko did not make the 53-man roster for the 2009 season. Klecko was never a player who performed on a pro-bowl level, but he was beloved by Philadelphians for his versatility, having played several positions throughout the course of his career. This post is a tribute to Dan Klecko... Our Mr. Everything.

Daniel R. Klecko was born in Chester, Pennsylvania to Debbie Klecko and former NFL great, Joe Klecko.  Dan attended Great Valley High School, graduated from Marlboro High School, and played his college ball at his father's alma mater, Temple University, where he excelled as a defensive end, nose tackle, and linebacker. Just in case you're counting, that's three positions so far.

Dan's versatility should not come as a shock given his genetics. His father, Joe, played both college football and semi-pro football (while playing under a false name) at the same time. While playing in the NFL at what many journalists consider a Hall of Fame career, Joe was the only player to make the Pro-Bowl at three different positions (DT, NT, and DE). Joe also won two NCAA club boxing titles and had a minor roll in the cinematic masterpiece, Smokey and the Bandit II. Anyway, back to Dan...

Dan was drafted by New England in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL draft. As a member of the Patriots' 3-4 defensive scheme, Dan made his first start against Denver as a nose tackle. Desperate for blocking in the runing game, the Patriots converted Klecko into a fullback (position number four). After three years and two Superbowl rings, Klecko was cut by the Pats during the 2006 preseason cuts.

Klecko was signed by the Colts where he played the fullback role. His first touchdown came at the hands of the Miami Dolphins at the very end of the regular season. Soon after, he caught a touchdown pass in the AFC Championship game that paved the road for his third Superbowl ring. One year later, Klecko became a free agent.

Then it happened... In March of 2008, the Eagles signed Dan Klecko to their squad to play the fullback role. However, the Eagles would also use him as a second defensive tackle on Jim Johnson's 4-3 defense (thus, making him an under tackle, his fifth position). Klecko would continue to play his role throughout the course of the season where he would become the brunt of many BGN position-conversion jokes and live forever in our hearts.

I think it's safe to say that we all wish the best for Pennsylvania's own, Dan Klecko, as I'm sure he'll sign with another team and be converted into a tight end... or a long snapper... or a punter... or waterboy... or emergency quarterback. God's speed, Dan Klecko and good luck. 

Oh yeah, Jack Ikegwuonu got cut too.

In a surprising move (to some), the New England Patriots just waived their backup quarterback, Kevin O'Connell. The guy is nothing special, but O'Connell was projected to be the number two QB for the 2009 season and Tom Brady got his shoulder rocked by the one hundred million dollar man, Albert Haynesworth, the other night.

Why do we Eagles fans care? Well, Philadelphia just so happens to have four quarterbacks on their roster and the birds love making trades with New England. Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick are definitely on the team this year, leaving the futures of Kevin Kolb and A.J. Feeley up in the air.

Now I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I made a post a few weeks ago called What About Kolb. At the end of the post, I made the following statement...

For all we know, we could be trading Kolb away tomorrow for a stud TE, sign Vick as our third string QB, and be on our way to a 13-3 season... or maybe not.

A few days later, Vick signed with the Eagles. Coincidence? Yeah, I guess... but the Eagles could use a little help in certain areas and the Patriots may have a few players that could fill those gaps. So, is a trade on the horizon? You decide.

Disclaimer: What you are about to read deals with issues involving trades, injuries, and contract situations. The writer of this post, awd777, does not necessarily endorse nor oppose any transactions discussed in the following paragraphs. This is simply for hypothetical purposes created to spark up some interesting discussion. Therefore, any comments beginning with combative phrases such as "o bs" or "awd77, ur a idiot" are not necessary. Enjoy. 

In light of recent injuries, specifically the ACL tear of promising rookie Cornelius Ingram, fanposts have been popping up that discuss trading players to bolster the Eagles' wounded tight end group. Tight ends like Vernon Davis and Tony Scheffler have been primary focus points in many of these discussions. However, the most interesting player that a few BGN members have brought up is not who the Eagles would trade for, but who the Eagles would trade. That player is backup quarterback, Kevin Kolb.

I found this very intriguing. The possibility of the Eagles trading away their 2007 second round draft pick would be very slim... but what if someone gave the Eagles an offer they couldn't refuse? The reality is that Donovan McNabb just signed a contract that ends the same time as Kolb's contract, and who is to say that Kolb will want to stick with the team that may never give him a chance to start at the quarterback position? So, several theoretical questions come to mind that warrant some friendly discussion...

Question 1: What NFL teams would Kolb start for?

The Eagles are very fortunate to have a top quarterback handling the offense on a yearly basis. However, not all teams are so fortunate. For example, the San Fransisco 49ers have never had a consistent quarterback since Jeff Garcia left to play for 14 other teams. Right now, the quarterback battle is between Shaun Hill and Alex Smith. Also, the Vikings tried and failed in acquiring NFL legend and pain in the neck, Brett Favre. So now, the Vikings are stuck with Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels fighting over the starting QB job (much to the chagrin of their teammates). Could Kolb start for these teams?

Question 2: What would it take for the Eagles to trade Kolb?

Simple answer: a lot. Remember, Kolb was drafted in the second round two years ago, but is he worth a second round draft pick? Is he worth a fifth round draft pick? Reid is the type of coach who would say that Kolb is very valuable to the team, but in the same breath would say that Reggie Brown is a starting caliber wide receiver. Hmmm. As I said before, the price would have to be right to deal away Kolb... but what would that price be?

Question 3: Will Kolb be in an Eagles uniform two years from now?

Two years is a long way away, but this is a legitimate question. The NFL is a crazy business and nobody knows what could happen with a team. Heck, i heard ESPN (aka, the great satan of sports media) discuss Philadelphia as a possible landing spot for Michael Vick. Our resident Mr. Opposite would love that. Not even a year ago, there was so much talk about trading our starting quarterback to a team who really needs a QB. Why not talk about trading our backup? It's a possibility.

So, think about it and discuss. For all we know, we could be trading Kolb away tomorrow for a stud TE, sign Vick as our third string QB, and be on our way to a 13-3 season... or maybe not. Crazier things have happened in the NFL. 

ESPN, also known as "The Great Satan of Sports Media," has recently posted the Preseason NFL Power Rankings on their website. The early favorites this year are as follows...

1. Steelers

2. Patriots

3. Giants

4. Eagles

5. Colts

Now, what is the point of this post, you ask? Am I excited about the fact that the Eagles are rated very highly in the eyes of the experts over in Bristol, Connecticut? No. Am I mad at the fact that the Giants are rated higher than the Eagles? No. So, what's the deal? What's the point?

Take a look at the highest rated teams that ESPN pointed out in previous Preseason Power Rankings...

2008 Power Rankings

AFC Favorite - Patriots

NFC Favorite - Cowboys

Superbowl Winner - Steelers

2007 Power Rankings

AFC Favorite - Patriots

NFC Favorite - Bears

Superbowl Winner - Giants

2006 Power Rankings

AFC Favorite - Steelers

NFC Favorite - Seahawks

Superbowl Winner - Colts

2005 Power Rankings

AFC Favorite - Patriots

NFC Favorite - Eagles

Superbowl Winner - Steelers

2004 Power Rankings

AFC Favorite - Patriots

NFC Favorite - Eagles

Superbowl Winner - Patriots

2003 Power Rankings

AFC Favorite - Raiders

NFC Favorite - Bucs

Superbowl Winner - Patriots 

2002 Power Rankings

AFC Favorite - Steelers

NFC Favorite - Rams

Superbowl Winner - Bucs

Of the seven previous attempts at Preseason Power Rankings, ESPN has been right once. All other predictions do not even have either favorite winning the Superbowl. 

The Eagles are not ranked as an NFC favorite... and in my opinion... GOOD! The opinions of the world's largest sports conglomerate obviously hold no authority until the season is actually played out. Anything could happen (injury, circus plays, trades) during the season and on any given Sunday. I think the Eagles have the tools to go deep into the playoffs, but only time will tell. Just be glad that ESPN doesn't consider us their favorites to win the whole thing!

In a time where Eagles fans are preparing for the draft, watching Banner destroy the city's budget, and hoping to see light at the end of the Sheldon Brown tunnel, I thought I'd give everyone a nice feel-good story...

During the offseason, the Eagles will play charity basketball games to raise money for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.  Since my wife works for a company that helped organize a game in our hometown of Pottstown, she was able to get us a few tickets. I honestly went to the game thinking that I'd see a bunch of backups, maybe get a few autographs, and get home in time just to catch the end of Hell's Kitchen. Boy was I wrong... 

Starters like Stewart Bradley, Brent Celek, Quintin Demps, and even the new Fullback Leonard Weaver showed up to shoot some hoops. Also, we saw Mr. Kendra Wilkinson, King Dunlap, Omar Gaither, and Jason Avant.

Weaver (above) was, by far, the coolest guy there. I thanked him for coming to Philly and he was really grateful to be here. The guy trully emodies what it means to be a class act in the NFL.

The players really played it up for the kids. Everybody there had a really great time.

 Plus, King Dunlap is a beast... Dunk. I just thought I'd share this with everyone. Go Birds!

Like it or not, the Philadelphia Eagles are one of the most covered football teams in the world of sports media. Whether you switch on to SportsCenter, look at the Daily News, or listen to WIP, it is almost a guarantee that somebody is discussing the Birds in some way, shape, or form. More often than not, sports analysts like to paint the Eagles and their fans in a negative tone. Some of these reporters have been dishing out knowledgeable sports stories in the area for years, while others have no clue what they are talking about. My question to you is this…

Which sports analyst do you dislike the most?

It could be for a number of reasons. Maybe you don’t like the person because of their constant negative attitude towards the fans. Maybe it’s because they talk a big game, but can’t back it up with facts… Or maybe you just hate the guy.

Let’s not limit ourselves to members of the local media. Your person could be a newspaper reporter, a commentator, radio host, television analyst, etc. Just in case you’re having a hard time coming up with someone, here is a brief list… Dan Patrick, Rich Eisen, Michael Barkann, Chris Berman, Sal Paolantonio, Angelo Cataldi, Ray Didinger, Mel Kiper, Les Bowen, G Cobb, Stuart Scott, Howard Eskin, Derrick Gunn, Anthony Gargano, Trey Wingo, John Madden, Rhea Hughes, Howie Long, Glen Macnow, John Clayton, Al Michaels, Terry Bradshaw, Al Morganti, Bob Costas… and I think there are a few others. Have fun.