Ahhh yes, the Brett Favre song-and-dance has served well as NFL offseason drama. The story has really evolved into a satire of today’s sports coverage as even the worldwide leader seems to recognize that the constant analysis is silly. Most recently, the story has dinged the iron-man’s rep a bit as he’s resorted to launching insults at Packer brass. Oh I forgot, he shoots from the hip… rep remains fully intact.

But here’s the thing: I’m dead serious when I say, “Thank you Gunslinger, and please return as a Redskin.”

First, thanks for giving Ol’ #5 a year off from the ESPNapparazzi. Nothing about McNabbulous heading to the Windy City. Not a peep from Wilma. I bet you even forget the name of the guy Big Red took in round 2 last year.

Second, Washington is the perfect fit for Favre - suit him up in Burgundy and Old! The Birds were tied for last in the league in picks a season ago with 11. Coupling the addition of Asante Samuel to our secondary with the opportunity to face Favre twice a season (and assuming we can catch punts), we’d be going worst-to-first like Bob Cox and them. Could the Birds trade a player to the Pack on the Skins behalf? I got it…

Redskins get: Brett Favre
Packers get: LJ Smith
Eagles get: Complimentary National Zoo Passes

Labels: bird seed, nfl

As the men in Midnight Green prepare to launch another promising season this Sunday at Lambeau, I'll kick around a few thoughts on the state of the Birds this 2007 season eve by reflecting on the most quotable of preseason Eagle quotes:

"It's going to be a new 100 percent," Jevon Kearse said yesterday. "It's not the 100 I used to be. It's a new 100 percent."

The defensive end position remains key for the Eagles this season as it would be nice to be able to pressure the quarterback consistently without blitzing linebackers or safeties. This was the game plan last season, but things didn't work out so well. I think Juqua Thomas might be the man to watch this season, so it's probably okay that Jevon's feeling less freakish.

"Before every game, we're going to say that the first thing we want to do is take that run away. Let the quarterbacks and the DBs decide the game." -- Broderick Bunkley

This ties in with the previous quote, and quite frankly, it scares me. Should the above M.O. go awry again this season, 5's unit will be under the gun to win shootouts aplenty. I've been content with our Gang Green defense allowing rushing yards by the bunches in the past because: a) even though opponent's running games were effective, head coaches just couldn't resist the lure of the passing game and more times than not ended up playing right into the Birds' claws; and b) we usually won 11+ games. I'm just not sold on this LB/DB crew going into the season.

Asked when he'd last returned punts, before the Eagles asked him to take a shot, (Greg) Lewis said, "Probably in a previous life."

The special teams unit was quite the toast of Philly's preseason. The Aussie punter beat out the incumbent and will be on the field goal holding hot seat. Maybe more of a concern is Mike Dorenbos' adventure at replacing a long-snapping legend. Then just this week the whirling dervish that is JR Reed has returned to return since spotlight skier Jeremy hadn't Bloomed. Oh, and there's what Greg Lewis said. Could be an adventure.

"I think the people who really understand the game really understand what an outstanding quarterback Donovan McNabb is and what he's meant to the franchise," Ron Jaworski said.

Finally, if things don't work out this year and the proverbial window suddenly slams shut on this Reid/McNabb/Dawkins version of our beloved Birds, it will have been an enjoyable ride. Donovan's not done by any means and will no doubt pick up the pieces should it be with another franchise. But it's easy to get caught up in what could happen if the team struggles. Andy Reid steps away from the game, Dawk retires, and management cuts ties to top-dollar vets, ultimately creating a starting spot for QB Kevin Kolb and his new era.

But that's all worst-case stuff and my fearless forecast for the upcoming season does not at all hint at a closing window of opportunity. I've seen guesses on the Eagles' record this season ranging from 8-8 to 10-6, but I'm ready to lap those low-balls. It looks like we've got games against 3 alleged elite teams (CHI/NE/NO), 1 pretty good team (SEA), and a lot of question marks. I say we split the 4 toughest tussles, lose once to a division rival, and one more time St. Elsewhere. That's right... Midnight Green is back to the upper echelon: 12-4.

Labels: bird seed, nfl

Gilbert's voluminous shooting has made the transition away from football easier than expected, but I figured I'd stick one last fork in the 2006 Birds with a few final thoughts on their final loss and the forthcoming off-season...

Leaving points on the field

• Following a nice special teams wrinkle with Jason Avant returning a kickoff on a reverse, the Eagles drive stalled after Brian Westbrook dropped a sure 7 yard 2nd down gain. The ensuing 3rd and 10 attempt was incomplete and the Eagles had to punt. The Saints were struggling mightily to stop the Eagles in the stretch prior to this drive, but the Westbrook miscue let them off the hook.
  
  
• The Eagles faced 2nd and 1 inside the Saints 10 yard line early in the 4th quarter, trailing 27-21. Following a run for no gain, Jeff Garcia completed a pass in the flat to fullback Thomas Tapeh for a loss of 2 or 3 yards. Philly settled for a David Akers field goal rather than completing the drive with a go-ahead touchdown.

Second-guessing Philly brass

• I loved the early strategy of attempting to exploit the Saints secondary by featuring our suddenly dangerous wide receiving corps. However, as the game progressed, I thought the Birds started to lean on Westbrook much more and the receivers became an afterthought. There was a point during the 3rd quarter that I felt Brown, Stallworth and Baskett simply couldn't be stopped. A few more shots to those guys in the 4th would have been nice.
  
  
• Todd and Rich agree with those who have second-guessed a 4th and 15 punt decision late in the game, in fact Coach Reid even admitted he'd do things differently. But The Sports Reporter's Bill Conlin has gone overboard.

Other thoughts

• With his back up against the wall, Jeff Garcia completed what would have been a huge 4th and 10 pass to Hank Baskett with a little over 2 minutes left in the game. Of course, the only false start of the game nullified the gain and Garcia would not get another opportunity to make a play. Granted, he failed to move the team on the previous drive, but it would have been fun to see what he could have done with a new set of downs in that situation. It's hard to believe he wouldn't have found a way to get the score they needed.
  
  
• I'm dying to bring some stats into this recap, so let's consider Time of Possession. The curse of the big play returned in this game for the Eagles as 2 of their TD drives were converted in 3 plays. Combine that with a lousy opening drive and two bad ones to close the game and Philly totaled 6 3-play drives. These brief drives lead to a deficit of over 10 minutes in Time of Possession. The Saints ran 25 more plays than the Eagles (74-49).
  
  
• Every game is huge in the NFL and this playoff match-up served as a reminder of this. Both teams finished 10-6 and the Saints earned the higher seed thanks to a regular season win over Philly in New Orleans. Getting back one or two of those ridiculous mid-season losses (Matt Bryant!) would have meant home field advantage for the Birds in this one, a factor that they would have undoubtedly benefited from.

Looking ahead to the off-season

• I know the glaring need appears to be at the linebacker position, but I'm not sure I wouldn't spend a high pick on a nickel corner who can boost our return game. Rod Hood and William James were disappointments against the Saints. Another young, quality corner would sure up coverage and provide assurance for Sheppard/Brown injuries.
  
  
• Can't we put together a serious, in-depth package for 3rd/4th and 1 situations? Maybe a mini-playbook just for this down and distance? Draft a bruiser and get rid of Moats or Mahe. Put Feely in at QB to take the hit on a plunge. Can Westbrook only launch if he's on the goal-line? Just do something other than resorting to passes in these spots!
  

Labels: bird seed, nfl

So the Eagles escaped the Wild Card round and will now face the Saints in the Divisional round. I've got a few thoughts:

• When Tiki started off the game running the way he did against the Redskins the week before, I thought we were doomed. When our D forced Eli to play the way he did against us 3 weeks ago, I thought we had it in the bag. But in the end, Andy Reid had it right all along... the game came down to "the wire."

• I've always wondered what, if anything, is said between teammates on the sidelines before big kicks. Tonight's YDR AP selection featured some interesting dialog between P Dirk Johnson and K David Akers:

"Before I went out, Dirk said, 'Those goal posts really are wide, aren't they?' " Akers said. "I said, 'You know what? We're going to be celebrating in a minute.' "

• Losing "Lockdown" Lito seems like a pretty big deal. Sheppard picked off Breesy in the Birds/Saints seasonal tilt. They'll also miss his sure tackling out on the edge when Reggie Bush darts wide.

• To rehash any of the weekend's memorable moments (i.e. Peyton's picks, Akers' kicks and Romo taking Gramatica's bullet) tune into Video OnDemand for expanded highlight packages of all the games.

Labels: bird seed, nfl

Labels: bird seed

Oh no! A season without Slim has turned into a lifetime without Slim. The Eagles dropped Pinkston like a network connection at The Institute. It looks like the acquisition of Donte' Stallworth sealed his fate. My concern is the following statement from another article:

But unlike Pinkston, who missed all of last year with a torn Achilles' and most of this preseason with an Achilles' injury to the other foot, Stallworth is healthy.

Gang Green can attest Stallworth's never "healthy." Nevertheless, he'll be one of 6 WRs the Eagles go into the season with. I'd personally go with: Reggie Brown, Donte' Stallworth, Hank Baskett, Jason Avant, Greg Lewis and Darnerien McCants; the latter two due to their Special Teams efforts. If they only keep 5 wideouts, McCants would be next to go.

Labels: bird seed, Pinkston

Get home from work at 5:30. Game begins at 9:00. That's a long 3 and a half when the uncertainty of a new crop of Birds is hanging over your head.

I expect there to be some focus tonight on the Eagles' malcontents. I just hope they don't lump Terrell Owens and Brian Westbrook together. T.O. is getting paid millions per in the second year of his contact; received a huge signing bonus prior to last season when signing with the Eagles; and cited taking care of his family for his hopes of a larger contract. Westbrook (it's Brian, Jay Mariotti, not Bryant) is in the final year of a standard contract given to unproven 3rd round draft picks; received no signing bonus to speak of; is as vital to the team's success as anyone on the team minus ol' #5; and honestly admits that he wants the raise so he can live a certain lifestyle.

My prediction? Eagles win 27-13.

Labels: bird seed

ESPN the Magazine's choice to play in this NFL season's Super Bowl: Vikings over Colts. We're talking Super Bowl XL Bristol, not III 1/2! Okay, even though I hate to see the Eagles get slighted, I guess they're not the worst predictions I've seen. No, the worst is Joe Theisman's selection to represent the NFC - the Redskins. I guess ESPN gave him next season's Monday Night Football gig as Al Michaels sidekick because of his fearlessness. I'm also wondering if "Stink" Mark Schlereth had to submit his choice of Ravens as AFC rep before actually watching a preseason full of B-More QB Kyle Boller's erroneous play. Nevertheless, I'll side with half of the Mag's picks and go on the record as picking an Eagles over Colts Super Bowl.

The Eagles have surprised me a bit with some of their decisions on their 53-man roster. After what Hugh Douglas gave them last season, I would have liked to see his presence return this season, but he was one of the final cuts for the Birds. Can;t say I'll miss other veteran cuts John Ritchie or Sean Landeta. The decision to go with Josh Parry at FB makes sense since he can contribute mightily on Special Teams, whereas Ritchie cannot. The acquisitions of Darnerian McCants and Lamar Gordon might work out well. These guys could actually play fairly significant roles, but the additions must mean the Birds aren't sold on Billy McMullen or Bruce Perry.

The retirement of Jerry Rice probably won't get much bad pub, but to me it falls in line with the obnoxious behavior of the NFL's top wideouts this preseason. You gotta love a guy hanging on to his last opportunity to play because he loves the game of football so much that he can't stand to leave, which was how I interpreted Rice's situation when he signed with the Broncos and was told he'd have to fight for a roster spot. Well, Rice made the team, only to retire shortly after because he was slated as the teams 4th receiver on the depth chart. That tells me that Rice may very well have been in it more to compile additional numbers rather than enjoy an opportunity to contribute to a division contender. In a league where players make frequent visits to the trainer's table, he was only an injury away from playing a huge role for a team that gave him a chance. Seems to me like Jerry Rice was sticking around for the stats rather than the game.

Labels: bird seed, bunkum, nfl

So T.O.'s first preseason reception of the '05 season achieved the same result as his first preseason reception in '04. Both were touchdowns on the first play from scrimmage. No surprise to see the fans erupt with excitement, but this one didn't. Its a bummer to realize that an Eagle wideout is most likely going to dominate opponents all season long without generating a peep of enthusiasm from this fan.

Sheldon Brown on the Eagles D: We're going to be barking all season long.

Moats or Buck? Traditional thought says a change of pace back best complements a starting tailback. If you got the Bus, you send out Amos Zeroue on occasion. If your starting RB is Tiki Barber, you spell him with Charles Way. With the loss of between-the-tackles runner Correll Buckhalter (again), the Eagles are comfortable moving Ryan Moats up the depth chart to back up starter Brian Westbrook. It will be interesting to see how spelling an elusive back with incredible quickness with another of similar traits pans out. Could this approach possibly work better for the Birds O? The biggest change might be an increase in touchdown passes for Donovan McNabb, since the Eagles won't have an inside runner to rely on inside the 5.

I've got Bengals Chad Johnson and Carson Palmer in how many fantasy leagues again? Thankfully Cincy was on the Eagles schedule last year.

Could Koy Detmer's job be in jeopardy? Andy Hall's been in the system long enough that Koy's "understanding of the offense" might not hold as much merit as it used to. And with Detmer's arm-strength lacking compared to Hall, I wonder if the Eagles would consider the younger QB. We'll get to see a lot of new Eagle Mike McMahon at quarterback next week, and I think its safe to say he'll be the Birds top option to back up ol' number 5 going into the season.

Labels: bird seed

As a full-fledged Eagles fan, my Birds-pack includes watching every preseason game in its entirety. Unlike a certain WR, I am committed to this team and plan to honor that contract by checking out the '05 preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But I must warn the less committed, this could very well be the most annoying football broadcast ever!

Usually a Monday Night Football game guarantees the announcing team of Al Michaels and John Madden. Well, tonight for some reason, the game will be on ESPN, which means we'll have to endure the three-headed monster known as MikePatrick, Joe Theisman and Paul Maguire. Unlike Madden, who usually sticks to the on-field activity, these three schmucks will be dwelling on the T.O. drama all night long.

You'll hear about the sit-ups. You'll get to know Drew Rosenhaus. They'll even probably mention Rush Lame-baugh's recent comments that he'd like to combine his wealth of football knowledge and effective "people skills" to unite these once dominant teammates. And when they take a break from Owens, Hines Ward's contract holdout will most likely become the topic.

I just reviewed my contract... thankfully I didn't see anything prohibiting the use of the mute button.

Labels: bird seed

"That's right. Even the fans in Philadelphia call him Todd Stinkston."

That was sort of the quote Michael Irvin delivered last season on Inside the NFL. It seems like the only thing consistent about Todd Pinkston's game is that he's caught the ire of NFL talking heads and football fans, especially Eagle fans. Here's why:

1. At 6'4", Slim weighs 170 lbs. soaking wet
2. He was manhandled by the Panthers in the Eagles 3rd consecutive NFC Championship game loss
3. He avoided contact from lurking DBs twice on deep passes during consecutive games late last season

So this season they will get their wish. Todd Pinkston tore his achille's tendon and will miss the entire '05 campaign. Greg Lewis will man his starting wide receiver position opposite Terrell Owens and just might open the season as the Philly fan's offensive darling.

And while I think Lewis is the perfect replacement and will hold his own, I just don't agree with the notion that he will outperform Todd Pinkston. Pinkston's averaged roughly 700 yards and 4 TD's per season over the last 4 years. He's averaged 16 yards per catch or more during the past 2 seasons, leading the Birds in that category for the past 3 years.

Similar numbers are attainable by Greg Lewis, but surpassing them will be difficult. Like Pinkston, Lewis should succeed in playing the role of stretching the field with deep passing routes. But the bulk of the Eagles offensive action occurs 15 yards from scrimmage and in, which takes advantage of the team's more talented offensive weapons. Basically, the number of targets the Eagles number 2 receiver gets each game is dictated by that position within the Eagles' scheme, rather than the wideout playing that position.

So even when Greg Lewis becomes a fan favorite in '05, I won't forget the plays that Todd Pinkston has made over the years. Slim came up big in one of the most amazing victories in Philly sports history, catching 7 balls for 95 yards and 1 TD in the "4th and 26" win over Green Bay in the '03 playoffs. Pinkston caught balls from Koy Detmer and AJ Feely for 94 yards and a score on Monday Night Football against the 49ers, helping to ease the anxiety Philly fans faced following Donovan McNabb's 2002 ankle injury. And while it was unfortunate that he left the game 2 quarters early due to leg cramps, Todd Pinkston was putting together a monster Super Bowl against "a good bunch" last season with 4 catches for 82 yards in the first half.

I look forward to Slim stretching the field again next season, unless the analysts and fans get their way.

Labels: bird seed, Pinkston