SB Nation User Blog: birds'n'raiders

Andy Reid Extended to 2013

birds'n'raiders — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:25:18 -0000

Big Red got the green

"No homo"

Via Profootballtalk:

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced that long-time coach Andy Reid has signed a three-year contract extension.

Reid is now committed to the team through 2013.

He arrived as head coach way back in 1999. The choice was a bit of a surprise at the time, given that he had never served as an offensive coordinator.

Reid's 11-year run with the Eagles ranks second in the NFL behind Jeff Fisher of the Titans, who has been coach of the franchise since 1994, when it was in Houston and named the Oilers.

Reid also is the longest-serving coach in franchise history. In second place is Earle "Greasy" Neale, who coached the team from 1941 through 1950.

Reid and Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie will meet with the media at 11:30 a.m. ET Wednesday.

Reports of negotiations regarding an extension first surfaced earlier this season, possibly in an effort to avoid a media and/or fan outcry for Reid to be fired if the team were to again lapse into a November swoon. Consecutive losses to the Cowboys and Chargers dropped the Eagles to 5-4 as of November 15, but three straight victories have propelled them to 8-4.

The Eagles currently are tied with the Cowboys for first place in the NFC East. The Giants, who host the Eagles on Sunday night, are in third place with a 7-5 record.

4 more years! 4 more years!

Report: Cable to be fired at season's end

birds'n'raiders — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:22:54 -0000

From Profootballtalk....

In a column for Yahoo! Sports called "Direct Snap" (which apparently is the Internet version of the Wildcat formation), Jason Cole buries the lead.

All the way to the bottom of the column.

Cole reports that the Raiders are cooperating with the league's investigation regarding coach Tom Cable because owner Al Davis wants to fire Cable after the season "with cause." This would permit the Raiders to refrain from paying Cable beyond the current season.

Frankly, we think Davis already has enough ammunition to fire Cable "with cause." (And not just "'cause" he's a bad coach.) In an August meeting with four of his subordinate employees, one of them left the room with a broken jaw. In most American workplaces, the guy who laid hands on the guy who fractured his face gets fired "with cause," even if the injury was technically an accident and even if there were no criminal charges filed or pursued.

So, who's up for some Chucky?

via farm2.static.flickr.com

My Positional Rankings and Big Board

birds'n'raiders — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:50:22 -0000

QB:
1. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame***
2. Jake Locker, Washington***
3. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma***
4. Ryan Mallet, Arkansas***
5. Tim Tebow, Florida
6. Tony Pike, Cincinnati
7. Ricky Stanzi, Iowa***
8. Colt McCoy, Texas
9. Jevan Snead, Ole Miss***
10. Daryll Clark, Penn State
FB/H-B:
1. Garrette Graham, Wisconsin
2. Richard Dickson, LSU
3. Tim Tebow, Florida
4. Matt Clapp, Oklahoma
5. Cory Jackson, Maryland
6. ReShawn Jackson, Virginia
RB:
1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson
2. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech***
3. Javhid Best, Cal***
4. Evan Royster, Penn State***
5. Charles Scott, LSU
6. Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State
7. Noel Devine, West Virginia***
8. Ryan Matthews, Fresno State***
9. Tony Gerhart, Stanford
10. LeGarrette Blount, Oregon

WR:
1. Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State***
2. Damien Williams, USC***
3. Golden Tate, Notre Dame***
4. Brandon LaFell, LSU***
5. Rejus Benn, Illinois***
6. Terrance Tolliver, LSU***
7. Eric Decker, Minnasota
8. Marshawn Gilyard, Cincinnati***
9. Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech***
10. Denario Alexander, Missouri
11. Jacoby Ford, Clemson
12. Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas***

TE:
1. Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
2. Garrette Graham, Wisconsin***
3. Anthony McCoy, USC***
4. Dennis Pitta, BYU
5. Ed Dickson, Oregon
6. Robby Gronkowski, Arizona***
7. Andrew Quarless, Penn State
OT:
1. Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
2. Charles Brown, USC
3. Anthony Davis, Rutgers***
4. Bruce Campbell, Maryland
5. Brian Bulaga, Iowa***
6. Trent Williams, Oklahoma***
7. Ciron Black, LSU
8. Jason Fox, Miami
9. Selvish Capers, West Virginia
10. Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin***
11. Adam Ulatowski, Texas
12. Sam Young, Notre Dame
13. Chris Scott, Tennessee

OG:
1. Mike Johnson, Alabama
2. Mike Iupati, Idaho
3. Ciron Black, LSU
4. Rodney Hudson, Florida State***
5. Anthony Davis, Rutgers***
6. Mike Pouncy, Florida***
7. John Jerry, Ole Miss
8. Sergio Render, Virginia Tech
9. Jon Asomoah, Illinois
OC:
1. Kris O’Dowd, USC***
2. Matt Tenant, BC
3. Markice Pouncey, Florida***
4. J.D. Walton, Baylor
5. Eric Olson, Notre Dame
6. Ted Larson, NC State

DT:
1. Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
2. Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma***
3. Arthur Jones, Syracuse
4. Terrance “Mount” Cody
5. Marvin Austin, UNC***
6. Brian Price, Cal***
7. Jared Odrick, Penn State
8. Tyson Alualu, Cal
9. Allen Bailey, Miami***
10. Boo Robinson, Wake Forrest
11. Dan Williams, Tennessee
12. Vince Oghobasse, Duke
13. Lawrence Marsh, Florida***

4-3DE:
1. Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech***
2. Brandon Graham, Michigan
3. Carlos Dunlap, Florida***
4. Greg Hardy, Ole Miss
5. Ricky Sapp, Clemson
6. Jerry Hughes, TCU
7. Sergio Kindle, Texas
8. Greg Romeus, Pittsburg***
9. Everson Griffin, USC***
10. Eric Norwood, South Carolina
11. George Selvie, USF
12. Brandon Lang, Troy
13. CJ Wilson, ECU

3-4 OLB
1. Brandon Graham, Michigan
2. Eric Norwood, South Carolina
3. Ricky Sapp, Clemson
4. Sergio Kindle, Texas
5. Jerry Hughes, TCU
6. Von Miller, Texas A&M
7. Greg Hardy, Ole Miss
8. Everson Griffin, USC***

4-3 WLB:
1. Travis Lewis, Oklahoma***
2. Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
3. Greg Jones, Michigan State***
4. Narravo Bowman, Penn State***
5. Rennie Curran, Georgia***
6. Rico McCoy, Tennesse
4-3 SLB:
1. Eric Norwood, South Carolina
2. Brandon Spikes, Florida
3. Sergio Kindle, Texas
4. Rolando McClain, Alabama
5. Rodderick Mucklroy, Texas
ILB:
1. Rolando McClain, Alabama
2. Brandon Spikes, Florida
3. Sean Lee, Penn State
4. Micah Johnson, Kentucky
5. Eric Norwood, South Carolina
6. Daryl Washington, TCU
7. Quan Sturdivant, UNC***
CB:
1. Joe Haden, Florida***
2. Trevard Lindley, Kentucky
3. Patrick Robinson, Florida State
4. Ras-I Dowling, Virginia Tech***
5. Syd’Quan Thompson, Cal
6. Brandon Ghee, Wake Forrest
7. Parish Cox, Oklahoma State
8. Javier Areanas, Alabama
9. Donovan Warren, Michagan***

S:
1. Eric Berry, Tennesse***
2. Earl Thomas, Texas***
3. Taylor Mays, USC
4. Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech***
5. Chad Jones, LSU***
6. Nate Allen, USF
7. Darrell Stuckey, Kansas***
8. Major Wright, Florida***
9. Deunta Williams, UNC***
10. Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech
11. Rashad Jones, Georgia***
K:
1. Leigh Tiffin, Alabama
2. Aaron Pettrey, Ohio State
P:
1. Zoltan Mesko, Michigan
2. Brent Bowden, Virginia Tech

Big Board 2010

1. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
2. Eric Berry, SS, Tennessee***
3. Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
4. Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma***
5. Renaldo McClain, ILB, Alabama***
6. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame***
7. Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michagan***
8. Jake Locker, QB, Washington***
9. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State***
10. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma***
11. Charles Brown, OT, USC
12. Eric Norwood, OLB/ILB/DE, South Carolina
13. Joe Haden, CB, Florida***
14. Earl Thomas, SS, Texas***
15. Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma***
16. Damien Williams, WR, USC***
17. Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
18. Taylor Mays, S, USC
19. Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech***
20. Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
21. Terrance “Mount” Cody, NT, Alabama
22. Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
23. C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
24. Brandon Spikes, MLB, Florida
25. Greg Hardy, DE/OLB, Ole Miss
26. Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas***
27. Golden Tate, WR/KR, Notre Dame***
28. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida***
29. Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa***
30. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech***
31. Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB, Clemson
32. Kris O’Dowd, C, USC***
33. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma State
34. Trent Williams, RT, Oklahoma State***
35. Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU***
36. Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU
37. Rejus Benn, WR, Illinois***
38. Morgan Burnett, S, Georgia Tech***
39. Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
40. Jahvid Best, RB, Cal***
41. Tim Tebow, QB/FB/TE, Florida
42. Brian Price, DT, Cal***
43. Chad Jones, S, LSU***
44. Ciron Black, RT/OG, LSU
45. Sergio Kindle, OLB/DE, Texas***
46. Mike Williams, OG, Alabama
47. Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky
48. Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse
49. Marvin Austin, DT, UNC***
50. Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburg***
51. Nate Allen, S, USF
52. Anthony McCoy, TE, USC***
53. Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
54. Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
55. Everson Griffin, DE/OLB, USC***
56. Sean Lee, ILB, Penn State
57. Ras-I Dowling, CB/S, Virginia Tech***
58. Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon
59. Greg Jones, OLB/ILB, Michigan State***
60. Matt Tenant, C, BC
61. Jason Fox, OT, Miami
62. Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota
63. Rodney Hudson, OG, Florida State***
64. Tyson Alualu, DT, Cal***
65. Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
66. Garrette Graham, TE/FB, Wisconsin
67. Syd’Quan Thompson, CB, Cal
68. Darrell Stuckey, S, Kansas***
69. Narravo Bowman, OLB, Penn State***
70. Allen Bailey, DT, Miami***
71. J.D. Walton, C, Baylor
72. Marshawn Gilyard, WR/KR, Cincinnati***
73. Evan Royster, RB, Penn State***
74. George Selvie, DE/OLB, USF
75. Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forrest
76. Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa***
77. Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida***
78. Markice Pouncey, C, Florida***
79. Charles Scott, RB, LSU
80. Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia
81. Terrance Tolliver, WR, LSU***
82. Major Wright, S, Florida***
83. Micah Johnson, ILB, Kentucky
84. John Jerry, OG, Ole Miss
85. Eric Olson, C, Notre Dame
86. Dennis Pitta, TE, BYU
87. Parish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
88. Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas***
89. Tony Gerhart, RB, Stanford
90. Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati
91. Sergio Render, OG, Virginia Tech
92. Boo Robinson, NT, Wake Forrest
93. Javier Areanas, CB, Alabama
94. Daryl Washington, ILB, TCU
95. Robby Gronkowski, TE/FB, Arizona***
96. Denario Alexander, WR, Missouri
97. Deunta Williams, SS, UNC***
98. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech***
99. Reshad Jones, S, Geogia***
100. Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee

Mock Offseason

birds'n'raiders — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:47:08 -0000

Mock Off-season

(All free agents unlisted are assumed to have resigned with their respective team. Or, are simply roster fillers not worth mentioning)

Notable Cuts:

Redskins cut Jason Campbell

Raiders cut JaMarcus Russell

Chargers cut RB LaDanian Tomlinson

Steelers cut RB Willie Parker

Bills cut WR Terrell Owens

Eagles cut WR Kevin Curtis

FA Signings

Panthers sign QB JaMarcus Russell 2 years minimum

Raiders sign QB Jason Campbell 2 years

Dolphins sign RB Cadillac Williams 1 year

Texans sign RB LenDale White 2 years

Vikings sign RB Jerious Norwood 4 years

Bills sign WR Chris Henry 3 years

Panthers sign WR Domenik Hixon 3 years

Patriots sign WR Lance Moore 3 years

Raiders sign RT Winston Justice 4 years

Browns sign OLB Shawn Merriman

Raiders sign DE Julius Peppers

Buccaneers sign LE Aaron Kampman

Rams sign DE Darryl Tapp

Titans sign WLB Karlos Dansby

Saints sign SLB Derrick Johnson

Titans sign CB Dunta Robinson

Rams sign CB Tramon Williams

Bengals sign CB Ellis Hobbs

Seahawks sign S OJ Atogwe

Rams sign S Darren Sharper

Restricted Free Agent Signings

Chargers sign RB Pierre Thomas from Saints for 3rd round pick

Trades:

Browns QB Brady Quinn traded to Redskins for conditional 2011 3rd round pick (max 1st, minimum 3)

Mock Draft:

1. Rams: QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame

2. Buccaneers: DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

3. Browns: QB Jake Locker, Washington

4. Chiefs: OT Russel Okung, Oklahoma State

5. Titans: S Eric Berry, Tennessee

6. 49ers (via Panthers): OT Charles Brown, USC

7. Raiders: DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma

8. Bills: QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma

9. Redskins: OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland

10. Lions: WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State

11. Seahawks: CB Joe Haden, Florida

12. Jaguars: DE/OLB Brandon Graham, Michigan

13. Dolphins: MLB Rolando McClain, Alabama

14. Chargers: RT Trent Williams, Oklahoma State

15. Packers: SS Earl Thomas, Texas

16. Jets: NT Terrance "Mount" Cody, Alabma

17. 49ers: S Taylor Mays, USC

18. Broncos, via Bears: DT/DE Arthur Jones, Syracuse

19. Texans: S Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech

20. Cardinals: OLB/ILB/DE Eric Norwood, South Carolina

21. Ravens: WR Damien Williams, USC

22. Giants: MLB Brandon Spikes, Florida

23. Steelers: RT/G Ciron Black, LSU

24. Cowboys: DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida

25. Patriots: OLB/DE Greg Hardy, Ole Miss

26. Falcons: OLB Travis Lewis, Oklahoma

27. Seahawks, via Broncos: OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa

28. Eagles: DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech

29. Bengals: RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson

30. Vikings: QB Ryan Mallet, Arkansas

31. Saints: DE/OLB Ricky Sapp, Clemson

32. Colts: OLB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri

Round 2:

1. Rams: WR Golden Tate, Notre Dame

2. Buccaneers: WR Brandon LeFell, LSU

3. Browns: RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech

4. Chiefs: WR Rejus Benn, Illinois

5. Patriots, via Titans: C Kris O'Dowd, USC

6. Panthers: DT Brian Price, Cal

7: Raiders: QB Tim Tebow, Florida

8. Bills: DT Marvin Austin, UNC

9. Redskins: RB Jahvid Best, Cal

10. Lions: CB Trevard Lindley, Kentucky

11. Seahawks: OG/RT Mike Williams, Alabama

12. Patriots, via Jaguars: OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas

13. Dolphins: S Chad Jones, LSU

14. Chargers: DT Jared Odrick, Penn State

15. Packers: DE/OLB Everson Griffin, USC

16. Jets: DE/OLB Greg Romeus, Pittsburg

17. 49ers: OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M

18. Buccaneers, via Bears: Patrick Robinson, Florida State

19. Texans: OG Mike Iupati, Idaho

20. Cardinals: ILB Sean Lee, Penn State

21. Ravens: TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma

22. Giants: S Nate Allen, USF

23. Steelers: CB/S Ras-I Dowling, Virginia Tech

24. Cowboys: WR Mike Williams, Syracuse

25. Patriots: Greg Jones, ILB, Michigan State

26. Chiefs, via Falcons: OT Jason Fox, Miami

27. Broncos: C Matt Tenant, BC

28. Eagles: CB Syd'Quan Thompson, Cal

29. Bengals: S Darrell Stuckey, Kansas

30. Vikings: DT Allen Bailey, Miami

31. Saints: WLB Narravo Bowman, Penn State

32. Colts: OT Selvish Capers, West Virginia

Round 3.

1. Rams: TE/FB Garrette Graham, Wisconsin

2. Buccaneers: S Major Wright, Florida

3. Browns: TE Dennis Pitta, BYU

4. Chiefs: ILB Micah Johnson

5. Titans: DE George Selvie, USF

6. Panthers: QB Ricky Stanzi, Iowa

7: Raiders: C Eric Olson, Notre Dame

8. Bills: DT Boo Robinson, Wake Forrest

9. Redskins: Forfeit

10. Lions: OG Rodney Hudson, Florida State

11. Eagles, via Seahawks: WR Denario Alexander, Missouri

12. Jaguars: QB Tony Pike, Cincinnati

13. Dolphins: SS Deunta Willims, UNC

14. Chargers: OG Sergio Render

15. Packers: RB Evan Royster, Penn State

16. Browns, via Jets: CB Javier Areanas, Alabama

17. 49ers: WR/KR Marshawn Gilyard, Cincinnati

18. Bears: TE Anthony McCoy, USC

19. Texans: CB Parish Cox, Oklahoma State

20. Cardinals: OG John Jerry, Ole Miss

21. Ravens: C Markice Pouncey, Florida

22. Giants: DT Tyson Alualu, Cal

23. Steelers: NT Dan Williams, Tennessee

24. Cowboys: C J.D. Walton, Baylor

25. Patriots: WR Eric Decker, Minnesota

26. Falcons: TE Eric Dickson, Oregon

27. Broncos: OG Mike Pouncey, Florida

28. Eagles: RB Charles Scott, LSU

29. Bengals: WR Terrance Tolliver, LSU

30. Vikings: S Reshad Jones, Georgia

31. Saints: DT Vince Oghobasse, Duke

32. Colts: ILB Daryl Robinson, TCU

When Bradley Comes Back...

birds'n'raiders — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:59:37 -0000

Let's face it: We all miss this guy

But now, with Will Witherspoon stepping up as an Eagle MLB, my question unto you is: What are we gonna do when Big Stew is back? Witherspoon is a fine LB, has the ability to play MLB, WLB, and SLB, but is most suited as a WILL. Well, if Stew comes back at full health, what is the plan gonna be? The fact is that our best LBs are Stew, 'Spoon, and Akeem. But, who plays inside? Stew was originally drafted to play Strongside, so do we move him back there? Do we even keep 'Spoon? His contract is HUGE.

The way I see it, next year's LBs (if we don't get any big time free agents) will be

WLB: Akeem

MLB: Stew

SLB: 'Spoon

but, because of the flexability of these guys, we could see:

WLB: Akeem

MLB: 'Spoon

SLB: Stew

or, do we resign Gocong? Do we still have faith in Gocong?

WLB: 'Spoon

MLB: Stew

SLB: Gocong?

MAYBE SOME 3-4 LOOKS???

DE: Laws (a 3-4 DE in college)

NT: Bunkley

DE: Abiamiri

Weakside OLB: Trent Cole

Weakside ILB: 'Spoon

Sam ILB: Stew

Sam OLB: Gocong / Clemmons

or maybe a heavy package

DE: Bunkley

NT: Dixon

DE: Patterson

WOLB: Cole

WILB: Spoon

SILB: Stew

SOLB: Gocong

or maybe a speed package:

DE: Howard

NT: Bunkley

DE: Abiamiri

WOLB: Cole

WILB: Spoon

SILB: Stew

SOLB: Clemmons / Babin

I'm diggin this flexability. And this is if we don't draft or sign a big-time weakside or strongside 'backer (which we probably will)

The Official Derrick Johnson Trade Forum

birds'n'raiders — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:45:24 -0000

This is it...after watching Zach Miller and FB Gary Russell make a mockery of our linebackers, I think it is about time the FO realize the problems we have back there.

You all know my opinion of who should be brought in...and we all know that the price would not be that steep.

I propose:

Eagles send 2010 3rd round pick and Chris Gocong for:

Chief's Strongside Linebacker- Derrick Johnson.

Make it happen.

The Trade Block

birds'n'raiders — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:20:55 -0000

Ladies and Gents, we're getting near that time of year. We've seen some big time deals go down, like the Roy Williams trade, over time, and as we inch closer to Tuesday's trade deadline, it is worth taking a look at who around the league is on "the block".

1. DT Glenn Dorsey, Chiefs

Dorsey was proclaimed the next Warren Sapp due to his amazing ability to get to the QB in college, and he had a nice year for a rookie DT last season, posting 42 tackles and a sack. This year, the Chiefs had an ownership overhaul and has moved to the 3-4 defense. Because Dorsey was more of a finesse DT, and only weighs 300 lbs, the NT position wasn't an option. However, the postion of 3-4 DE (which he has played at) isn't suited for him either, being as he is only 6-1.5 tall. The 3-4 DE position is more for tweener DT/DEs who are tall, such as 3rd overall pick Tyson Jackson; who interestingly enough played with Dorsey at LSU, albeit in a 4-3 defense with Dorsey as a nose tacke (Left DT in a 4-3) and Jackson at Left DE. Dorsey is built to play as a 4-3 nose tackle, and thus has no home on the Chiefs roster. Even better, the current Chiefs "people" (front office, head coach, etc) generally dislike Dorsey's upside. He will be traded at some point, most likely before the deadline because his cap hit is still minimal only being in the second year of his rookie 5 year deal, and he will go to a 4-3 team where he'll fit in.

He is the top guy on the market, being as he is just one year removed from being the 5th overall pick, and having a good year for a rookie tackle (at least, given the circumstances of the team he played for). There are a lot of 4-3 teams hungry for a good nose-tackle, so Dorsey will yield a good return for the Chiefs.

Potential Suitors: Panthers, Buccaneers, Bills, Falcons, Rams, Texans.

2. Nnamdi Asamougha, CB, Raiders

Nnamdi is hands down, the best defensive player in the league. He plays man coverage every single play, and does not get beat, hell, he doesn't even get thrown to. The Raiders are about to have a firesale, to rebuild their crumbling franchise, and Nnamdi would be the first to go to yeild lots of draft picks.

Potential Suitors: Titans, Ravens, Cardinals...everybody...

3. Derrick Johnson, 4-3 OLB / 3-4 ILB, Chiefs

Johnson is another victim of a forced defensive shift to the 3-4 in Kansas City. Johnson was also a heralded prospect; in the 2005 draft, he was expected to go top 5, but slid to 16 where the Chiefs snagged him. Johnson put up great seasons as a Strong Side Linebacker, and was especially good against the pass due to his great speed for the position. He has never put up less than 75 tackles in a year, because with his great speed, are great instincts for a LB. At age 26, his career looked to be on the upside, but then the new regime made him an inside linebacker in the 3-4, and he now rarely plays, let alone start. But, as a testament to his abilities, in the little time he has played (mind you, NOT starting), he has a sack and an interception.

Johnson is the best of a bunch of good, young linebackers who are seemingly available for trade. However, his lack of a starting spot will make him a less profitable trade-piece for the Chiefs.

Potential Suitors: Saints, Eagles, Falcons, Bills

4. Brady Quinn, QB, Browns

Oh how the mighty have fallen. Even after Derek Anderson's 2-17 performance against the Bills last week, Quinn is sitting on the bench. This tells me that Mangini has no intention of letting Quinn develope, and hence, has given up on him. This makes no sense, being as the kid has been in the league for so little time, and has sat for most of it, and when he was thrown in the fire, his offense completely died on him. Quinn may have a fine future, but it will not be with the Browns.

Potential Suitors: 49ers, Panthers, Redskins, Bills, Jaguars, Seahawks, Rams

5. Shawn Merriman, 3-4 Strongside Rush Linebacker / Rush End, Chargers

Merriman has worn out his welcome with the Chargers brass, is recovering from a serious injury (ACL+MCL tears, which really require 18 months to be 100%), and already had his replacement drafted in Larry English. Merriman has the versatility to play as a 3-4 or a 4-3 linebacker, and even can play some defensive end.

Potential Suitors: Browns, Patriots, Packers, 49ers, Chiefs, Cowboys

Other names:

Aaron Kampman, 3-4 OLB / 4-3 Left End, Packers

Julius Peppers, 4-3 Right End or Left End...potentially 3-4 OLB, Panthers

Thomas Howard, 4-3 Weakside Linebacker, Raiders

Kirk Morrison, 4-3 Middle Linebacker / Strongside Linebacker, Raiders

Vince Young, QB, Titans

Shaun Rodgers, 3-4 Nose Tackle, 4-3 Nose Tackle, Browns

AJ Hawk, 3-4 ILB / 4-3 Weakside LB, Packers

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks

Lendale White, RB, Titans

Michael Bush, RB, Raiders

Kevin Curtis, WR, Eagles

Limas Sweed, WR, Steelers

Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs

A good look at the team, and it's future...

birds'n'raiders — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:45:44 -0000

Weaknesses on this team? I suppose one could say linebacker, and maybe some lack of depth at saftey. We have consistantly drafted so well, that there are very few things I think the Eagles will need to improve upon in the near future. Having a record holding QB as our #2, and future of the francise, is more than great. We saw the depth of our RB and WR positions today. We saw Brent Celek continue his domination on the field (he is on pace to finish the year with 117 catches, 1307 yards, 11 TDs), along with DeSean proving himself as THE premier young wideout in the game.

Next years free agents will be:

QB Jeff Garcia (well, he's getting cut in the next few days...but w/e)

FB/RB Leonard Weaver (we have to resign him, although, he isn't doing as much as I thought he would)

WR Jason Avant (must have his contract extended...is one of the best possession recievers in the game)

TE Alex Smith (we'll see where Cornelius is in his rehab, but if he is ready to play...it's been fun, Alex..)

RT Winston Justice (I cannot beleive it, but we need to resign him. Unless Shawn comes back..again..and is actually dependable...which he won't be...Justice has been our guy at RT, and done one helluva job)

OG Max Jean-Gilles (not really important that we extend him, because the coaches like Mike McGlynn and his flexibility to play all positions on the line, save for Left Tackle.)

OG/C Nick Cole (he will hit free agency and sign somewhere as a starter. No questions asked.)

SLB Chris Gocong (Restricted free agent...I'm not sure what we'll tender him...depends how he plays down the line this year)

WLB Akeem Jordan (Restricted free agent...no one will pick up the 2nd and 5th round tender we'll put on him)

WLB Tracey White (a good special teams player, but nothing special otherwise)

MLB/WLB Omar Gaither (Depends on Big Stew's recovery..if 55 is good to go by next year, OG is gone, probably to a 3-4 team where he'll actually utilize his skills as a Will Inside LB)

CB Ellis Hobbs (he gets burnt so much...I don't want him back, and he's not that special returning kicks)

SS Sean Jones (he's been ok on special teams..but isn't anything special elsewhere..he even took a paycut to make the team this year)

Probable 2010 Cuts:

WR Kevin Curtis (his salary is going to jump up by 3 million dollars, and we all saw what Maclin can do)

WR Reggie Brown (his cap number is fairly consistant for the remainder of his extension, but we really don't need him at that price, considering a rookie (or Brandon Gibson) would put out similar numbers)

Possible 2010 Cuts:

DE Juqua Parker

DE Darren Howard

????????

Shawn Andrews (The Enigma...will he be back? Can he play? Will he last? Does Andy care at this point? What about Stacy? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????)

Thus, we are left with a possible holes at RT, MLB (depending on Stew), WLB, SLB, OG, CB, S, and WR

Every thing else: Good as Gold

Probable Extensions/Resignings in the next year:

QB Kevin Kolb: He is gonna be here for a looong time...will probably get extended next year at the bye week.

FB/RB Leonard Weaver: I want the Weave here for the rest of his career.

WR DeSean Jackson: He is vastly outplaying his rookie deal, and will get the top dollar he desereves...again, next year at the bye would make sense.

TE Brent Celek: A free agent in 2010, I bet we try to extend him till 2017, before he gets the attention of the league and realizes the money he could make in free agency. We will extend him, this year.

DT Broderick Bunkley: He will get paid, big bucks.

WLB Akeem Jordan: Hey, he is always around the ball. Not the surest tackler, but he will make some plays.

SS Quinton Mikell: He will get a fresh 3 or 4 year deal to keep him here until he loses his speed.

Another possibility?...

birds'n'raiders — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:41:21 -0000

This is rather interesting...In our search for another good linebacker, I have come across one who has fallen from grace. Observe this: http://www.kcchiefs.com/depth_chart/

Former 4-3 Strongside Linebacker Derrick Johnson is listed as the 3rd string left inside linebacker. I suppose his transition to the middle in the new 3-4 in Kansas City has been a rough one, and since we are looking for a trading partner to get rid of Reggie and AJ, this would make some sense.

First Cuts + Post First cuts 53 Man Roster / Depth Chart

birds'n'raiders — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:50:55 -0000

The cut down to 75 included placing Stewart Bradley and Cornelius Ingram on IR, and cutting OT Chris Patrick, S Brandon Harrison, and LB Charleston Hughes.

Now, my second to last 53 Man Roster:

QB:

1. Donovan McNabb

1a. Michael Vick

3. Kevin Kolb

RB:

1. Brian Westbrook

2. Shady McCoy

3. Eldra Buckley

FB:

1. Leonard Weaver

TE: