As BSD correctly pointed out in yesterday's main post, Wisconsin is the real loser in the new divisional arrangement. The Badgers don't get to play Iowa on a regular basis, lose out on the Nebraska sweepstakes, and are the only team who really has to play outside of their own geographical area.

So what gives? Why would the Big Ten screw over one school just to maintain perfect competitive balance, when there is no such thing? Why would they ruin the only logical arrangement of divisions: East and West?

The answer is, they wouldn't.

The answer is, maybe, more expansion...

Continue reading this post »

So this post comes with a fair possibility of being completely wrong come Thursday night, when the Eagles decide to buck the trends and trade their entire draft for Eric Berry. I considered calling it "Why the Eagles Won't Trade Up," but when making bold predictions, why play it safe? After all, this reflects what I think is mostly likely to happen tomorrow in primetime: another trade down.

Continue reading this post »

Love him, hate him, think he can bring us a championship next year, think he never will — opinions on McNabb run the gamut. Yet when we consider the arguments for keeping or trading him, we have to eliminate those biases and try to approach the decision from a rational perspective.

Is it unwise to trade a proven QB? What if you've been grooming his successor for years? Will a package of picks for McNabb make up for the loss of elite play from McNabb? Is McNabb actually elite?

Of the questions, today I'm going to examine the last one: how good is Donovan really?

Continue reading this post »

So, as we've already done with McNabb, it's time to breakdown where Michael Vick might end up.

Continue reading this post »

Re-Post here from my new blog www.mcnabborkolb.tumblr.com — come get all your latest news and analysis on the Eagles Offseason QB Clusterf%$k™.

The speculation about where various Eagles QBs could end up never ends. Of course, that's what we're doing here. But ultimately some of the rumors make a lot more sense than others. There are certain scenarios where a player like Donovan McNabb is a great fit. There are places where Michael Vick fits. Mostly, however, those two groups of teams are completely separate. A team calling about McNabb isn't looking for Vick, and vice versa -- because they offer completely different things.

I will do another post on the situation for Vick in the next couple days, but there's been some buzzing on the McNabb front, so we'll start there -- with what kind of team will be inquiring about Donovan, and then what specific teams fit that mold.

A team interested in #5 has to have these characteristics:

Continue reading this post »

As one of (many) Eagles fans no longer in the greater Philly area, I won't have local TV to see the preseason game tonight. But there's no way I'm going to miss seeing Michael Vick in midnight green for the first time.

I know there's all sorts of online streaming of games that I've used before but often they are unreliable. Anybody have suggestions or links for tonight's game? I'm sure there are lots of us in the Eagles Diaspora who would love to hear anything you've got.

The problem with the NFL having no minor league (besides the variety of football issues) is you can't have moments like this:

Phillies Notebook: Phillies callup Escalona wins big-league debut

As recently as Friday [Sergio] Escalona was pitching for Double A Reading. A 24-year-old lefthander with an impressive breaking ball and good velocity on his fastball, he had recorded 10 saves in 14 appearances. Still, he did not expect the call that he received on Saturday, telling him to get to Philadelphia International Airport for a flight to Washington, D.C...

Prior to the seventh inning yesterday, Escalona got another call, this time on a phone in the bullpen. Forget the fact that the Phillies were involved in a one-run game, trailing the Nationals, 6-5. Setup man Ryan Madson and closer Brad Lidge had both pitched on the previous 3 days, and manager Charlie Manuel needed to find a way to finish the final three innings...

In the top of the eighth, the Phillies scored three runs to take the lead. An inning-and-a-half later, Escalona was the proud owner of his first big-league victory. Lidge presented him with the final-out ball, and the clubhouse broke out in applause. First wins are like first kisses: You don't forget them...

"It's unbelievable, really," Escalona said. "All I need to say is thank God - he blessed me. Oh my God. It's amazing. First game, first win. What can you say?"

The million-watt smile said it all.

Read the whole story here

Also check out Brad Lidge's quote. Football is a very different game from baseball -- and in many ways better and more exciting -- but I tend to think that with all that physicality there is a loss of the sentimental moments that can make a game so fun.

Then again, maybe I'm just a romantic sucker.

Fourth in a series looking at how the guys the Eagles drafted affect the depth chart at each position.

Part 1: Cornerback

Part 2: Wide Receiver

Part 3: Running Back

1. Quintin Mikell -- In such a different position from last year at this time, when many, myself included, were unsure that Mikell could step into the starting lineup after being mostly used on special teams for the last number of seasons. Now he steps into camp not as a possible weak link, but as a veteran leader and Pro Bowl-caliber performer. Not to mention, someone satisfied with his position and salary. I would think Mikell is also a strong candidate for a contract extension. Maybe they'll wait to see if he can duplicate his performance from last year and have concerns because he's already 28, but he has relatively little wear on his tires and therefore should be able to play at a high level after his contract is up in 2010.
2. Quintin Demps -- Quintin 2.0 is this high not so much for past performance, but because he is expected to step right into the starting safety role immediately. While it is still possible that one of the other more experienced players could overtake him, at this point its Demps's job to lose. Demps actually played a good deal least year as a third safety, and he played fairly well. As somewhat of a tweener corner-safety, he has the cover skills and speed to be out there on all downs, something our beloved Dawk wasn't able to contribute much last year. While some point to his play in the NFC Championship game, especially the Fitzgerald touchdown, I challenge anyone to really show me that was Demps's fault. He was the one guy who saw the fake and stayed with Fitz, then ran stride for stride with him, only to stumble as the receiver displayed his unique skill of adjusting with the ball in the air. Who could have stopped that?
   
3. Sean Jones -- Truth is, everyone from this spot down could be cut. If Jones gets outplayed by one of the younger players, or has trouble adjusting to a new 4-3 system, he could be out looking for work again. But he clearly has an inside track on the backup safety job, because of his experience. He was a solid, if unspectacular, player for Cleveland with 14 interceptions over the last 3 years. And he will likely serve as quality injury/Demps insurance this season.
4. Victor "Macho" Harris -- I know, I already listed Harris as a cornerback. But clearly Andy sees him as something a little bit more versatile. Unless Sheldon Brown gets traded, there are already a pretty set five CBs (barring injuries and assuming you have any hope for the Iguana) so Harris might have to sneak on at this position. Ultimately he's probably more talented than the rest of the guys below him, even if he's not a polished safety yet.
5. Rashad Baker -- Baker was signed as futher safety insurance/competition in the offseason. And he's an interesting find. He's been in the league since 2004, but has bounced around and has only started four games. However, last year with the Raiders, Baker played only the second half of the season, but recorded 3 interceptions -- including the one against Tampa Bay that helped send the Eagles to the playoffs (yeah we owe him). He certainly seems capable of playing on special teams and in spot duty, but that's probably his upper limit.
6. Byron Parker -- Parker has captivated the imaginations of some Eagles faithful who saw him play in the CFL. While he had an impressive 18 interceptions, six returned for touchdowns, over the last three seasons, Parker is a project who played corner in a zone system in Toronto and has already been in camps with Jacksonville and the Cowboys in previous years without garnering a roster spot. We'll see if he can put it together here, but I won't be holding my breath.
   
7. Reshard Langford -- If it comes down to equal performance from these last three, the undrafted rookie with more upside (read: younger) will likely beat out the others. He's a "prototypical strong safety," four-year starter at Vanderbilt, with good potential special teams play -- sounds kind of like a Quintin Mikell replacement, which isn't needed right now. While he could, possibly, beat out Jones to backup Mikell, its more likely that he gets cut and/or goes to the practice squad.

What do you think?

Per Brookover:

"I love the Eagles," Cole said after one of yesterday's minicamp practices. "I like playing for the Eagles. I'm going to keep playing and let the process take its course. I signed a contract with them, and I'm happy with my contract. People don't make decisions for you. You make your own decision. When I signed my contract, I signed my contract."

Patterson said he was playing through some injuries when he signed his deal.

"It is a tough decision, but this league, it doesn't last forever," he said. "You're not in the game for a long time, and it depends on how you look at it. I got hurt that year, so a lot of things went through my mind. I felt real thankful and I still feel real thankful about it."

Quintin Mikell also quoted in the article. But after all this stuff from guys like Sheldon and Lito, even Westbrook, its nice to hear that some of the players are satisfied, even happy with the millions they are already making. Whether or not they deserve raises, they seem to understand how lucky they are and how the Eagles stepped out on the line for them too. Hopefully they never forget that.

But how do we get some more guys like this?

Third in a series looking at how the guys the Eagles drafted affect the depth chart at each position.

Part 1: Cornerback

Part 2: Wide Receiver

1. Brian Westbrook -- Do I really need to talk about this? He's arguably the most important Eagle, so hopefully he won't get hurt anytime soon (fingers triple crossed).
2. LeSean McCoy -- He's certainly got the talent. And we all love the pick. But it really is essential that he perform. This isn't some flyer at RB like Moats, Hunt, or Booker, who had the luxury to develop (or try) behind a solid back-up like Correll Buckhalter. McCoy's going to be thrown into the fire. Let's hope he's up to the challenge, especially blocking. Because if he struggles, we have so little depth behind our most valuable player. The coaches will cetainly be giving him all the opportunites in the world to grab this spot; but keep in mind, even Westbrook did hardly a thing his rookie season. We may be expecing too much for him to immediately contribute.
   
3. Leonard Weaver -- Yeah yeah, he's a fullback. But he will likely also be the third leading rusher on this team, maybe even some short yardage stuff that we've needed so desperately. He's certainly got a nasty streak. Right now he's signed as a one year rental, but if he performs well there's no reason his stoutness can't be blocking here for a long time.
4. Lorenzo Booker -- Here's where the bubble begins. Undeniably talented, he's been one-upped by another shifty back in McCoy, and will have to reassert himself if he wants to make the team, let alone assume the backup spot behind Westbrook. I imagine he'll have another great set of pad-less drills, but its when the real tackling starts that Booker has to show he's willing to take hits and deliver blocks. If he can't, the question becomes, why keep Booker when LeSean can do everything can do, but better?
5. Kyle Eckel -- I for one really like what Eckel brings to the table here. He ran with some real toughness to grind out some of those wins at the end of last season. It would be nice to have a guy like that who can take pounding away from Westbrook, if LeSean's not trustworthy/big enough. Certainly we can't put Booker in that role. However, its unclear exactly how much Andy & Co. value a player like that, so the likelihood is that he's fighting for a job.
6. Walter Mendenhall -- According to SI.com, Rashard's older brother is "just as big and strong carrying the ball... as Walter shows power on the inside, speed in the open field and the ability to slip tackles then create yardage." That all sounds good, and he would be a nice big back to complement the shifty guys the Eagles have (i.e instead of Eckel). Still, he's facing some long odds to make the roster. With surpluses at receiver, defensive back, and (as always) offensive line, I would think the Eagles try to keep only 4 backs this season, including Weaver as the big/short yardage back. 5 would make it much easier for him to make the cut, but remember the last big Big Ten back we took (Andy certainly will) and don't count on it.
7. Marcus Thigpen -- He's a speed demon who ran on the track team (10.67 seconds on the 100 yard dash - hot damn) and accumulated big yards on the football field as a kickoff returner. That's more likely what he was drafted as by the Eagles, and Thigpen even said that the team told him he would be a "slot receiver and kick returner."  Thus, this may not be the best place to list him.
8. Marcus Mailei -- Mailei is an interesting case who isn't quite competing with the other running backs, and probably won't make the team unless Weaver gets hurt. He's a pure fullback who didn't perform well in workout situtations but showed nice blocking ability and caught 58 balls in college. If he shows some promise, look for the Eagles to try and stick him on the practice squad as a possibility for next year if Weaver leaves.
9. Eldra Buckley -- Call me cynical, but I find it hard to believe that a guy who spent 2 years on the Chargers practice squad makes this team.

What do you think?

Second in a series looking at how the guys the Eagles drafted affect the depth chart at each position.

Part 1: Cornerback

1. DeSean Jackson -- After a breakout and unexpectedly productive freshman campaign, DeSean starts 2009 as the man in this offense, Donovan McNabb's number one target. With a glut of other return men selected/traded for, it is likely that DeSean, like Westbrook before him, will be weaned off of return duties to protect his slight frame (maybe 5'10" 180 lbs. with rocks in his pants). Hopefully Mr. Jackson has learned from his previous mistakes (which honestly still make me nervous about his future) and is ready to step up as a responsible star in this system. He certainly has the talent and speed to be special here for a long time if he can keep improving.
   
2. Kevin Curtis -- Curtis missed the first half of the season last year, and never reached the level of production he played at in 2007. Still, he should rebound this year after an off-season to fully recooperate. If he returns to form, he can be a fantastic #2 receiver in Philly for the next few years. Long term, Andy may see him more as a slot receiver who complements the Mac-Jack attack.
3. Jeremy Maclin -- As soon as he steps on the field, Maclin will be the most talented receiver in this lineup. He's got DeSean-caliber speed but has a stronger, taller body (6'0", 200 lbs. isn't huge, but its legit). He's only 20 years old, but if you've seen his interviews, its clear he's a very bright, responsible, and humble guy. If DeSean can make an impact in his rookie season, no reason to think that Maclin can't replicate that success. Look for the Eagles to get him on the field wherever they can, especially punt returns.
4. Jason Avant -- Given the opportunity to contribute in this offense last year, Avant showed that he can be a productive slot receiver, unafraid to catch balls over the middle. He caught about half of his balls on 3rd down, the highest percentage of any Eagles receiver. Still, Avant has little upside at this point so he'll have to find a way to become more effective. His contract runs out this year, but he will be a restricted free agent if they want to retain him.
5. Hank Baskett -- We have all drooled over his potential as a huge target, but the numbers simply haven't shown a lot of improvement over the last 3 years. Last year he started 6 games, but didn't have much to show for it (other than one nice play and one nice girl). Truth is that he will likely never be a starter here, just like Avant. And he's in the same contract situation as Avant as well. If he can't step it up, there's little reason for the Eagles to extend his contract long term - let alone keep him ahead of someone with more upside.
6. Reggie Brown -- How he's fallen. Signed a contract extension just 2 years ago to keep him through 2014. That's the untold other side of the Sheldon Brown story. I'm sure they would love to trade him, but at this point they can't give him away. (I imagine this conversation went on at some point in the draft "Brad Childress, c'mon buddy, you want him? He'd be great. Please?") And they don't want to cut him because of a $5 million cap hit they'd take. Andy's probably hoping he'll return to form as a contributor, because he has more talent than Avant or Baskett, but if he doesn't play well than he won't suit up because he can't play special teams. Definitely a make or break training camp for Reggie.
7. Brandon Gibson -- The Eagles's 6th round pick is on the bigger side and Andy called him "one of the best route runners" in the draft, making him a possible steal as a bigger version of Jason Avant. Still, there's a reason he dropped so far. Gibson doesn't have great speed or quickness and had a subpar season last year after a great junior season. Honestly it is unlikely that he makes the team unless he really impresses, more than one of the three players above him, catching the ball and in special teams. Also could "get hurt" right before cuts if he looks promising.
   
8. Danny Amendola -- All you closet Hard Knocks fans can go away. He's not going to make this team. He'll certainly get rave reviews without pads, but there's no real place for him, unless the Eagles really shake up the WR corps.
9. Shaheer McBride -- Big body. Practice squad last year. Not going to make the team, no matter (as I said before) how much Spadaro gushes.
10. Brandon Robinson -- Undrafted rookie out of BC. Camp body, for sure.

What do you think?

First in a series looking at how the guys the Eagles drafted affect the depth chart at each position.

1. Asante Samuel -- Clearly the number one guy here, and paid like it. With 4 interceptions during the season and 2 more when it counted most in the playoffs, he's going to be a starter for awhile.
2. Sheldon Brown -- Until proven otherwise, his name is #2 on this list. However, he's going to drop fast if he decides not to show up to camp, which is looking more and more like a possibility. The Eagles really have all the leverage though, with plenty of depth, arguably more than last year. There aren't going to be many teams banging down the door for his 30 year-old services, especially after the draft. He knows what happened to Lito when he dogged it, so here's hoping he realizes his position and plays it out.
   
3. Ellis Hobbs -- Starter in all but name right now, and any more brouhaha from Sheldon and he jumps right into the number two spot -- reuniting the former Patriots DBs. Only 26 years old so might be a candidate for a long term contract if he plays well (his runs out at the end of the year, but an uncapped 2010 makes him another restricted free agent). He's been solid if not spectacular with the Patriots and is about the same build as the next guy, Joselio (plus maybe 10 pounds). Would be strange for the Eagles to send two beloved 5th rounders for him for just a year rental. In any case, his arrival is clearly a shot across the bow for Sheldon. Should also see action in as kickoff returner, where he was #1 in the AFC last year.
   
4. Joselio Hanson -- The Eagles obviously like Hanson, better than many fans do perhaps. He's been a solid nickel guy and has filled in admirably when Lito and others have gotten hurt over the last three years, despite not having ideal height (5'9"). I find it rather interesting that the Eagles paid him a nice 5-year, $15 million contract when they've been so willing to let other nickel backs like Rod Hood and Al Harris go, but maybe the fact that he can be an established 3rd or 4th guy without complaint is an added benefit these days. I bet neither he nor the Eagles expect him to be a starter in the next few years.
   
5. Jack Ikegwuonu -- The 4th round pick last year never got on the field, as expected, after blowing out his knee preparing for the NFL Combine. He was projected higher going in, and the Eagles had little to lose drafting him. He's had a year to rehab and some time to learn the playbook so he could be a pleasant surprise this year. However, the 5'10" Wisconsin product has had off-the-field problems so it is unlikely that the Eagles will be counting on him as anything higher than a 5th or maybe 4th best corner. Still, he'll get the first chance to show what he can do as the Eagles evaluate what they have on their hands.
   
6. Victor "Macho" Harris -- Our second 5th round pick is (in theory/on the interwebs) the tallest guy on this list at 5'11" and thrived at a hybrid safety-cornerback position at Va Tech. Seems like a natural playmaker - had 15 interceptions, 4 returned for TDs - and a nickname to go along with it. While many guys like himself (see: productive corner with mediocre 40 time) have been labeled possible safeties in the NFL, his play in a zone and lining up way off of receivers may make him uniquely suited for a switch. It also may help him to get on the roster, as the Eagles are unlikely to keep 6 pure corners (moot if Sheldon gets moved). But he will undoubtably compete with pseudo-rookie Ikegwuonu for playing time. Finally, he has some experience returning punts and kicks, so will probably get some looks on special teams
7. Trae Williams -- Practice squader last year after being drafted in the 5th and released by the Jags. Unlikely to make the final roster unless there are injuries.
   
8. Dimitri Patterson -- Free agent signee after playing 7 games for the Chiefs last year, mostly on special teams. Likely to compete with Trae for award of "guy Spadaro likes the most who has no shot of making the team."

What do you think?

Last on SI.com's Don Bank's list of potential suitors for Jay "You Hurt My Feelings" Cutler:

12. Philadelphia

I'm putting the Eagles on my list just for the fun that would ensue if it became known Philly were shopping Donovan McNabb. You think Cutler kicked up a fuss in Denver? You ain't seen nothing yet. With two first-round picks, the Eagles at least have the juice to make a run at Cutler if they want.

Oh Donnie, you know us so well. Why must every sports writer toy with the Philadelphia powderkeg. I know its just a joke, but how exactly would this be "fun" for anyone outside of the media?

God help us that this never actually happen...

• The Eagles D is pretty good, pretty solid. Not great, as in fantastic and game changing (see Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Tennessee). But pretty good.
• They're also young and improving. No reason guys like Bradley, Jordan, Laws won't be better next year.
• On a related note: the defense is not the problem. When you force three and outs over and over and continue to get stuck in terrible situations, yet only give up 10 points, it's not your fault.
• Donovan McNabb cannot carry this team any more. He is not Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. He isn't even young McNabb who required defensive spies for containment.
• That doesn't mean McNabb is bad, or should go. It simply means he cannot, on his own, carry this team. He is capable of pro-bowl caliber play, but he cannot do it consistently without better weapons around him.
• Sav Rocca may be looking for a job next year down under.
• Brian Westbrook is capable of carrying this team. But if teams with the personnel to stop or at least contain him set their minds to it, the Eagles don't have anyone who can step up.
• Reggie Brown will be gone after the season.
• LJ Smith will be gone after the season.
• None of the players behind them on the depth charts are significantly better.
• DeSean Jackson needs to learn some stuff. Like how to become a dependable receiver. He has the raw tools to be the next Santana Moss or Steve Smith. But DeSean suffers from Lito syndrome- i.e. he thinks that he is better than he is.

Let's Play some SNL "Really?" with our favorite band of eagles:

• Really, DeSean, you couldn't catch either one?
• Really, LJ, you can't block the guy right next to you?
• And you can't catch what is practically an underhand toss? Bye Bye.
• Really, Reggie? Really? You don't know that you have to run into the endzone?
• I mean really?
• Really, Andy/Marty? How many eight yard hook patterns do you think you need to run before you realize they aren't working? Really?

And more...

• It amazes me how defenses can be so bad that they make the Eagles receiving corp look good. Only the incorrigible Jackson and oft-injured Curtis can occaisonally get free in single coverage.
• The same Jason Avant as last week? Yes. But a very different secondary.
• How bad is Brent Celek that he can't get on the field ahead of LJ?
• And how much money per catch are we spending on our tight ends? I would look but I don't want to throw up.
• Every time I see Donovan have to check down to a former defensive tackle for a 2 yard gain on 3rd and 5, I want to sell my football allegience to the highest bidder.
• So we had injuries to the wide receiving corp. So McNabb was off at times. If we are going to throw that much, could we at least spread out the field and do some deep routes? Donovan was in constant 3-step drop mode and never had anyone open.
• Is it too much to ask for little creativity in the offense? You know, like a run.
• Can anyone tell me whether the drive-blocking force we saw over the last few weeks was an abberation?
• One small spark of light: Demps looks like he has a future. Did you see him down in the endzone in the first half, stride for stride with Moss on the long ball?
  
• Another: the difference between teams in this league is little to nothing. It's one or two playmakers, often just one to two plays. For example, the Giants without Jacobs and Plaxico. Add one or two playmakers to this offense and we'll be in business. If we had gotten any one of the multitude of receivers the Eagles had been linked to in the offseason, I believe we would be in the playoffs already.
  
• How is it that Arizona, maybe the 20th best team in football, is going to the playoffs, let alone hosting a game?

Ok, I admit it. I always thought Nick Cole sucked. Turns out, not so much. Is his dumpy 6-0 350 lb bulk what we needed on that line now that we can't count on Shawn Andrews?

How the hell were we able to run so well this week? I'm being slightly facetious by suggesting Nick Cole had such a big impact, but something enabled our line to consistently get such a big push against a great defensive front.

Even if the Iggs don't make the playoffs, this win was certainly cathartic.

• We will be a much much better team minus Hank Baskett, Greg Lewis, and Jason Avant.
• Yet Donovan is so good and so on this year, that he can actually make them look adequate for most of a game. The problem: when it matters most, they can't get open and make a play. See the final 3rd down play where McNabb had time, then bought more by running outside, then bought more by trying to evade DeMarcus Ware. Maybe he should have thrown it away at the end, but seriousy... no one could get open during all that time??
• DeSean Jackson officially needs a talking to. It's great that he's doing well, but talent isn't enough. He can't be good and act like FredEx. That's not going to work on a good team.
• But he is possibly the best receiver on this team right now.
• Special teams improvements? A mirage. Just because we don't have Mahe and Reed back there returning kicks, doesn't mean this phase of the game has become a strength. When the only guy who has a chance to make a return tackle is David Akers, you're doing something wrong.
• Brian Dawkins is, at this point in his career, completely exploitable.
• He looks good now and then busting through for a tackle, but he can't cover anyone good.
• An aside: why is Terrell Owens ever given one-on-one coverage outside at the goalline. He is a touchdown-scoring machine, second most all-time. Asante Samuel has to commit pass interference, and Brian Dawkins has to demonstrate his age when put in that situation.
• Sean Considine should never ever be seen on an NFL field ever again.
• Seriously.... wtf.
• The linebackers are young and excited and physical and fun to watch. But they are most certainly not elite yet. Witten, Barber can still make them look bad.
• Then again, at least they aren't invisible guardians of space like Dhani Jones. And they will improve.
  
• Cowboys offensive line is still better than the Eagles defensive line.
• Which raises the question, have you run out of blitzing ideas, JJ?
• McNabb > Romo
• Westbrook, Jackson, Smith, Avant, Lewis, Baskett < Barber, Jones, Witten, Owens
• Quintin Mikell is the best safety we have.
• Run defense, previously a major weakness, has apparently been fixed.
• Pass rush has not.
• There were many problems and turning points and opportunities. However, the difference in the game: 4 sacks vs. 0 sacks.
• Oh, and Sean Considine.
• Kicking field goals early is a losing formula. Also see: Indianapolis at Minnesota.
• Against a very good defensive front, the offensive line bent-- a lot. They gave McNabb time on the  majority of plays, but he was forced to move around far too much for comfort.
  
• The NFL knows you are going to throw a screen, Andy Reid. Try something different every now and then, please.
• The Eagles need to work on trick plays. Their hook and ladder was horrendous. And the McNabb-to-Wesbrook fumble came on a fake end-around.
• And no more trick plays with the game on the line. Hook and ladder? Are you serious? Let McNabb make a play.
• The Jerry Jones Watch is obnoxious.
• Although, he looks like a lot more fun than Jeffrey Lurie and Co.
• While on the subject of the broadcast, can we comission someone to take out Tony Kornheiser? His style is great on PTI, but apologists can no longer defend this behavior on MNF. Just because he can't break down a football game, does he have to keep repeating the same old storylines about Reid, McNabb, Philadelphia, TO, etc?
  
• Jaws has too many gadgets. Just give him the yellow marker and let him draw.
• Both offenses are dominating. It's encouraging, yet frustrating, that the Eagles can score that much without good WRs. The butterfingers were out in force.
  
• Not many teams are going to be able to stop McNabb if he can stay this hot. But can he? And will he stay on the field? Because Kolb may be ok, but I doubt he can make Greg Lewis look like an NFL player.
  
• Has any NFL quarterback done more with worse wide recievers? Tom Brady. That's about it.
  
• The Eagles and Cowboys are two very closely matched football teams. Which is good news for Philly, because Dallas is for real.
• Dallas must feel good that they won, but eventually they will realize that the win doesn't mean a lot about who is better or who will win the next time they match up.
• Both defenses are better than they looked last night against two great offenses. But each team just exposed the other's weaknesses for the rest of the NFL.
• The Eagles can control Owens with better schemes/coverage. See: second half.
• The Ealges currently have no answer for Jason Witten. Dawk, Mikell, Gocong, Bradley, can't cover him. I'd like to see Gocong get him short, with Sheldon Brown over top. What's the use of having 3 starting CBs if you can't put one on the 1b target?
• The Giants and Redskins could not have been happy with what they saw last night. Those looked like two elite teams out there.
• TO is right about one thing. We should get our popcorn ready for this rivalry. What more can you ask for in watching a football game? (... ok, a little defense)

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/09/04/limited-action-for-steven-jackson/

Think this is too much to ask for? I have a feeling its just posturing before the game, when Jackson will rip into us--but a guy can hope right?

(annoying word count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count count)

My best guesses:

• Jason Davis
• Jed Collins --Will get one of these two on the practice squad.
• Shaheer McBride
• Michael Gasperson --Despite rumors and hope to the contrary, can’t end Greg Lewis’s career when AR is so attracted to his suckiness.
• Matt Schobel
• Scott Young --Probably can’t sneak King on to the practice squad.
• Nick Cole-–Could also be one of the rookie Mikes.
• Mike Marquardt -–I didn’t realize he was even here.
• Montae Reagor
• Darren Howard –-Are we really going to give this guy another chance over McDougle?
• Justin Roland
• Rocky Boiman –-Or could be Studebaker.
• Kyle Arrington –-Going short at CB with QDemps as the 5.
• Sean Considine

Unless I made a math error, that should be the 14 cuts we need to get us down to 53.

I have 3 QB, 3 RB, 1 FB, 6 WR, 3 TE, 10 OL, 10 DL, 6 LB, 4 CB, 4 S, 3 Spec.

We'll know for sure in the next 6 hours. Post your cuts and final numbers. Let's see who gets the closest.