Bleacher Report - Articles by Jason Fanelli

Signing Michael Vick: Reason for Philadelphia Eagles Fans to Abandon Ship?

Jason Fanelli — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:04:07 -0400

My jaw dropped after receiving the call:

"The Eagles signed Michael Vick! Yeah, that Michael Vick!"

I couldn't believe it. I had heard that my Birds weren't even in contention for the controversial QB, but when I heard he was signed, I couldn't help but be happy.

Until, that is, I saw the reaction of my fellow "fans."

The big Eagle fans saw exactly what this was: the signing of a terrific athlete who brings a whole new swagger to the team, and one who can make plays every time he sets foot on the field. They understood that, if it pans out like the front office wants it to, the Eagles quickly become a stronger contender in the NFC, if not the NFL as a whole.

But others were much more focused on the elephant in the room: Vick's beleaguered past.

I began to see things on my social sites that made my skin crawl:

"Michael Vick? Not cool."

"You think this is big news, wait until Joe Banner announces he's signing OJ."

"I am officially an ex-Eagles fan."

...wait, what?!

People are literally talking about abandoning their team, the team they cheered and cried with for YEARS, because of one signing? Seriously?

Let's look at this logically, shall we?

As I said above, he is a remarkable talent that gives the Eagles a much more diverse offensive set, but that's not what I want to focus on.

For the record, I do not in any way support what Vick was convicted of. Dogfighting is heinous, reprehensible, and any other word you can think of.

However...

Everyone, with the right guidance, deserves forgiveness and a second chance. We've been told this since we were children. Vick served his time in jail, a year and a half to be exact. He was mentored back into real life by none other than Tony Dungy, the nicest man in sports and a man who's involved in more charities than I can count.

Vick became involved in charity work himself, got readjusted to life outside of prison, resumed his family life, everything he needed to do to get back on his feet, including getting his old job back.

Why, then, is it so hard for Eagle "fans" to understand this?

Why are there people already persecuting the Eagles' organization on their Myspaces and Facebooks? Even people who freely admit that they don't like football are putting their two cents in, and why? Because a man who did what he had to do to get back into society is being given a second chance?

I especially love those that say "he's only acting normal because he got caught and he has to." Nothing about this line of thought makes any sense.

Consider this: Vick getting caught was the best thing that could possibly have happened to him. He was caught, arrested, and convicted, which started the wheel of redemption's turning.

Without that, he's still doing those terrible things and still getting into trouble. Without his arrest, his chance to be "born again," as it were, would never come.

Now that it has, how is it logical to think that he is being forced to act a certain way, without considering that he might actually be doing it on his own accord?

Of course, the reaction could have been expected anywhere football is played. Pittsburgh, New England, Green Bay, all of them would have had the football people who love the signing, and the too-hung-up-on-the-past people who damn it.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, sure, but to turn your back on your team after all of the tears, cheers, and jeers because of one player's signing is not only extreme, but borderline football treason.

In closing, everyone deserves a second chance in life, even Michael Vick. After a lot of personal reflection and work, Vick is getting his chance to redeem himself, and he is doing it in the City of Brotherly Love.

If you want to abandon your team because of one man, be my guest.

Just don't think you can join the party in February should the Eagles get there.

Manny Ramirez: Proof Of A New Age in Baseball

Jason Fanelli — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:02:20 -0400

Major League Baseball is suffering from an epidemic, a problem that could ruin the game as we know it.

No, it's not The Steroid Era, though that is close.

It's a brand new, much more dangerous age in baseball, one spear-headed by the "Hero of Hollywood", Manny Ramirez.

I call it: The Acceptance Age.

Barry Bonds became associated with steroids and no one would sign him.

Roger Clemens was named by the Mitchell Report as a user of performance-enhancers and has rarely been seen in the public eye since.

Rafael Palmeiro, after denying his involvement with PEDs, was disgraced by a public test and retired, never to be heard from again.

Manny Ramirez?

He was welcomed back to the league with open arms, the fans of LA greeting him as if he were the Baseball Messiah.

When did it become okay for someone to test positive for steroids? When were our heroes and role models allowed to be let off the hook for such a heinous offense?

At first I thought that the open-arms treatment would be limited only to LA, where he was playing. I thought he would come back, the media would be all over his first day, and that would be that.

Boy, was I wrong.

I didn't want to believe that Manny would be accepted back as if he did nothing wrong, something that his other positive testers couldn't do. What I witnessed during the holiday weekend made me realize just how indifferent the world has become.

I was watching my beloved Phillies play the Mets on the Fourth of July. The game was going smoothly, and the national broadcast on Fox was great.

Suddenly, something was breaking into the game.

I thought it must have been a milestone I hadn't heard about. Was a pitcher close to win number 300 that I didn't know about? Was a perfect game being thrown?

No. Manny Ramirez was up to bat.

A normal, run-of-the-mill, four times a game at-bat. Because he was Manny, and because he was back from a 50-game STEROID suspension, his at-bat was allowed to break in to my watching my home team play.

Of course, he hit a home run, so I'm sure Fox felt vindicated, but it did not change the fact that my game was interrupted, and my broadcast silenced, for a regular at-bat.

This happened every time he came to the plate. His final offensive day: 1-for-3, HR, two ground-outs, replaced by Juan Pierre in the bottom of the sixth.

All three of those at-bats took up half of my TV screen, the game I wanted to watch relegated to the corner of the television.

All for a man who just returned from a 50-game suspension for steroids.

I know he's a great talent, and I would understand if he was coming back from injury, but all of this hoopla for a return from a steroids suspension proves one thing:

The media has accepted steroids. The fans have accepted steroids. Worst of all, through their inaction, Major League Baseball has accepted steroids.

Where is Bud Selig now? Does he know that the national feed broke Manny's at-bats into the televised game? Is he aware that baseball and steroids are now in the same thought process?

Does he even care?

I'm sure the comments to this will say things like "Leave Manny alone," "dude get over it, Manny rules," "I love Manny, no matter what," and so on.

I cannot share your sentiments. He was found guilty of cheating at his job, something that gets other people in other positions fired. Something that should be unforgivable.

We can't forgive Bonds, Palmeiro, or Clemens. We throw asterisks on McGwire and Sosa's careers.

Manny, though, is just being Manny, and it is that mindset that will eliminate any credibility Major League Baseball has now.

Welcome to the Acceptance Age. I hope you are ready.

The Xs and Os of Football: Philadelpha Eagles Edition

Jason Fanelli — Fri, 29 May 2009 11:29:07 -0400

There's only one term that can best describe the Philadelphia Eagles' offense in recent years:

Pass-happy.

That may change this year, with strong, young bodies on the O-line and double the firepower in the backfield.

Don't get me wrong, there will be passing. DeSean Jackson and rookie Jeremy Maclin will provide speed on the outside. Kevin Curtis and Jason Avant will give McNabb sure hands in the slots. Brian Westbrook or LeSean McCoy coming out of the backfield will act as a safety blanket should everyone be covered.

With that receiving corps, plus Reggie Brown and Hank Baskett waiting on the sidelines, I would expect a lot of four or five wide-out formations on second and third down. All of those receivers can get open and make the catch. The only real worry is if they drop the ball before getting all the way into the end-zone.

Sorry DeSean.

All of those receiving weapons will make draw plays much more effective. If McNabb can spread the ball out, making the defense guess who's getting the ball every time, then the occasional draw play will give Westbrook or McCoy all the room in the world to run.

Expect to see more screens this year. Would you want to see Jason Peters running at you protecting Westbrook or McCoy? I'd have enough to worry about with whose carrying the ball, but Peters out there too? The potential is through the roof.

The new faces on the offensive line add youth and versatility to an already talented front. Peters might turn out to be the best free agent signing of the '09 offseason. Stacy Andrews adds talent, but more importantly, emotional support to his brother Shawn, who has battled depression.

Although I love Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas as much as the next Eagles fan, and don't think I forgot about them, their age was becoming a factor.

That new O-line will bring success to the running game also. Don't be surprised if McCoy becomes to Correll Buckhalter for the Eagles what Raul Ibanez is to Pat Burrell for the Phillies: Correll who?

Buckhalter was solid, but I see something watching McCoy in college that makes me feel a whole lot better about him. He is a play-maker, plain and simple, and putting him with Westbrook, one of the best play-makers in the game, will be fun to watch.

With the speed of the backfield, look for counters and tosses on first down. Leonard Weaver and Kyle Eckel at fullback will provide the third-and-short yardage the Eagles so desperately needed last season.

Defensively, coordinator Jim Johnson's presence may be in jeopardy due to illness, but his defense will can be described in one term as well:

Blitz-happy.

The difference is that the defense won't change as much. Why fix what isn't broken? Johnson's blitzing packages have been terrorizing opposing offenses since he was signed to the team in 1999. Each year that defense has been a major key of the team's success.

The first and second string defensive lines can become sack machines. Trent Cole, Broderick Bunkley, Juqua Parker, Victor Abiamiri, the list goes on and on for solid D lineman on this team. Opposing running games will need to be sharp.

Linebacker and safety blitzes will be more than familiar territory with this defense, although I felt a lot better with Brian Dawkins blitzing than I do about Quintin Mikell. Perhaps I'll be surprised.

In the backfield, Asante Samuel is always a interception threat, as is Sheldon Brown. The question that lingers is: will they play together this year? If not, look for Ellis Hobbs to be a major contributor in his stead.

Most of the playbook changes you'll see this year will be on the offensive side of the ball. More weapons equal more play possibilities. The defense will be as effective as ever, even without Brian Dawkins leading the charge.

This team can make it to the Super Bowl. Let's hope we'll be talking about defending the title this time next year.

The Hot Seat With Sheldon Brown: What Would I Say?

Jason Fanelli — Fri, 29 May 2009 00:57:01 -0400

If I had to pick an Eagles player to sit down and talk to, there's no question who I'd want to hear from: Sheldon Brown.

He's easily one of the best defensive backs in the entire league, and until recently he seemed like one of the happiest too. Now that he wants to be traded, I'd like to know why, among other things.

So Sheldon Brown, come on down.

1. First things first: how did that hit on Reggie Bush feel? Was it as good for you as it was for me?

2. In 2002, as a young kid from the University of South Carolina, how did it feel being drafted by the Eagles, one of the best teams in the league?

3. What was a harder adjustment for you: high school-to-college level playing or college-to-pro?

4. Take me back to Super Bowl XXXIX. Two years after you're drafted, you're starting in the biggest game of the year. Is there any other feeling in the NFL comparable to playing in that game?

5. How did you feel watching your offense go out there for the last drive and fall short?

6. Do you feel [Donovan] McNabb gave his all, or do you think he could've given more?

7. Moving to the present, your discontent with the Eagles is widely noted.Why does Sheldon Brown deserve a new contract?

8. What has changed from last season to now that has caused these feelings?

9. What were contract talks like that you responded so negatively in the media?

10. If the Eagles granted your wish and traded you, where would you prefer to go?

11. Would you prefer a trade, or do you want to stay in Philadelphia?

12. Finally, where does Sheldon Brown see himself playing football in the 2009 season?

It's not quite 20 questions, but it's enough to give the Philadelphia fans the answers they seek.

Would Brown answer all of these questions? No one knows for sure.

If he could, though, it would be a great help.

Four Teams, One Super Goal in the NFC East

Jason Fanelli — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:21:15 -0400

Very rarely does a sports league see a division in which every team could make a serious run for the championship.

Hello, NFL. Meet the NFC East.

Every team in the division is strong, and the race for the playoffs is wide open. Fans in Dallas, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington should have a lot to look forward to this upcoming season.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Oh, what a relief.

Fans in Dallas no longer have to worry about the T.O. drama, as he shipped off to Buffalo. Tony Romo should look a lot more relaxed on the sideline and in the huddle, allowing him to make more plays without having to worry about where the ball goes.

Although the 'Boys didn't pick in the first two rounds, they still had a solid draft. Half of the team's 12 picks were spent infusing young blood into the defense, a decision that could pay dividends immediately.

Romo and the rest of the team will be playing with added inspiration after the terrible accident at their practice facility. Expect the entire team to come out ready to win for their injured peers.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Plaxico Burress is out. Let the football resume.

The defending division champs come into '09 just as strong as last season. The drafting of wide-out Hakeem Nicks adds a suitable replacement to Burress on the field--as long as he doesn't replicate the off the field actions as well.

Eli Manning comes into this year no longer pressured as the defending Super Bowl Champion. The 12-4 '08 record could improve if Manning returns to his '08 regular season form, but if we see the Eli we saw in the playoff loss to the Eagles, the Giants may have to make some adjustments.

Osi Umeniyora is back, and he's ready to play. Expect him to add energy (and sack production) to an already potent Giants D. Rookie Clint Sintim will strengthen the linebacker corps, making this team a real force throughout '09.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

One game away.

That seems to be the theme of the new millennium Eagles, losing last year's NFC title game to the Arizona Larry Fitzgeralds. The team has made the necessary moves to improve and give Donovan McNabb the weapons he requested, but youth could prove to be a problem late in the season.

Rookies Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy will produce immediately, allowing McNabb more receiving options and Brian Westbrook added in-game rest. If McCoy develops into a Westbrook-like production machine, this offense will be the best in the entire league.

The offensive line is most improved from last year, with the addition of Buffalo's Jason Peters and Cincinnati's Stacy Andrews. McNabb should have all the time in the world to make things happen, and when he has the time, things do happen.

The defensive secondary is the only question mark on the team, but only because of Sheldon Brown's discontent.

If he becomes a T.O.-like distraction, that will hurt the team. Trading for the Patriots' Ellis Hobbs was a smart move, but making Sheldon Brown happy again should be priority number one.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Jason Campbell has a lot to play for.

After learning that his team was active in the Jay Cutler sweepstakes, Campbell was hurt. It should serve as a wake-up call to the young QB, and show him that he needs to play better.

The signing of Derrick Dockery will help protect Campbell in the pocket. A lot of the offense's success, however, rests on the health of Clinton Portis. Ladell Betts is a good back, but if Portis stays at 100 percent, the team will see a vast improvement from its .500 record last year.

Albert Haynesworth became the highest-paid defensive lineman, and he should earn every cent for the Skins D. First round choice Brian Orakpo will improve the D line as well. A solid secondary headed by DeAngelo Hall and LaRon Landry will make this team tough to pass against.

So who wins the division? Only time will tell. One thing's for sure, though:

It'll be a whole lot of fun to watch.

The 2009 Philadelphia Eagles: Super Bowl Or Bust?

Jason Fanelli — Thu, 28 May 2009 01:29:28 -0400

The Philadelphia Eagles are a perennial contender. The 2000s have been kind to the City of Brotherly Love, as their team has seen five NFC conference championship games and one Super Bowl in the new millennium.

Without a single Super Bowl ring to commemorate any of it.

How many times does lightning have to strike to get this team over the championship hump? What must the team do in order to get to the top of the NFL?

The thing is, they've already done it. All they have to do now is put the pieces into place.

Donovan McNabb said after the season that he wanted playmakers. It might not have been done the way No. 5 had expected, but Andy Reid and company got McNabb the weapons he wanted.

All there's left to do now is play the game.

McNabb is a top quarterback in the league; without him, the Eagles aren't going anywhere. As long as he keeps his throws tight and his body healthy, Philly should have no problems.

The running back corps is strengthened with the drafting of LeSean McCoy. Think of him as another Brian Westbrook, but with a little more power behind his step. Of course, we can't forget about Westbrook himself, still one of the best backs in the league.

The wide receiver position is full of young blood and star power. DeSean Jackson is poised for a breakout season—as long as he keeps the ball in his hands. Jeremy Maclin is a great compliment to Jackson's speed with sturdy hands to boot. Jason Avant and Kevin Curtis will round out a scary four wide-out set with Westbrook in the backfield.

The offensive line has received the biggest boost with the trade for Jason Peters, one of the best at his position. Big, strong, and dominant, Peters is perfect for the smash-mouth Philly style. Add Jamaal Jackson in the middle, the Andrews brothers, Shawn and Stacy, on the right side, and Todd Herremans next to Peters, and this is a force to be reckoned with.

The defensive side of the Eagles looks a lot like the '08 squad, with a few adjustments. All four starters return up front, with Broderick Bunkley and Trent Cole coming off of terrific seasons. Look for Mike Patterson and Juqua Parker to improve this season.

The middle linebacker spot became more solid with Stewart Bradley's exceptional rookie season. Bradley's size and agility remind a lot of scouts of Brian Urlacher, which pleases the front office. Chris Gocong has the strong side locked up, while Akeem Jordan and Omar Gaither will split time on the weak side.

The backfield has seen the most changes since last season. Lito Sheppard is off to New York, and Sheldon Brown isn't happy. Asante Samuel is a lock, and the trade for Ellis Hobbs will strengthen the other corner should Brown leave the nest. The two Quintins, Demps and Mikell, are two solid safeties in the backfield.

Special teams is all familiar faces. David Akers, Sav Rocca, DeSean Jackson, and Quintin Demps are all returning. Joining them will be two of the newest Eagles, Jeremy Maclin and Ellis Hobbs, as return men.

For the first time in a couple of seasons, every position on the Eagles roster is filled by a solid or exceptional player. There are some position battles, but all in all the team on paper looks like a fierce contender in the NFC.

Of course, there are always some concerns.

A lot of this team is very young, and a lot of the hopes for success are pinned on rookie and second-year guys. If inexperience starts to pile up, the Birds could be in trouble.

Sheldon Brown could prove to be an unwelcome distraction. The last time the Eagles were distracted by contract disputes, the team went 6-10.

Then there's the injury bug, but everyone in Philly is quite familiar with that.

If the team stays healthy, and the young players come in and run the system effectively, there's no reason that this year's Philadelphia Eagles team can't make a serious run at the Lombardi trophy.

What will the season hold? Only time will tell.