Bleacher Report - Articles by Jamie Brown

Andy Reid's Stubbornness Holding Eagles Back

Jamie Brown — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:20:05 -0400

To be honest, I'm appalled.

Michael Vick was a starting QB once upon a time, he led his team to the NFC Championship game.

He is seen as a QB with a 'twist' and despite his lethal legs, he has a bullet of an arm and just needs to work on his accuracy.

I agree he is not yet a starter for the Eagles, but he is mighty close.

Jeff Garcia, remember him? I

hate to say it, but he really is the whore of the NFL.

He's been on a grand total of seven NFL teams.

He was undrafted in '94 and when he finally came into the NFL in '98 he played for the 49ers. Then, somewhere along the way, he became an Eagle.

Garcia started after a incident I-will-not-say happened to McNabb.

Jeff donned Jaworski's 7 and went 5-1 taking the NFC East Division championship.

Kevin Kolb, the "next Eagles franchise QB", has played part of a total of nine games, starting just one. He has a 50.6 rating, I think my mother could get that, and a 2-7 TD to INT ratio.

Sure he threw for a nice 350+ yards and two TDs against the Saints. But he also threw for three picks.

He missed open receivers time and time again, and he showed rookie mistakes in a game that should have been much closer.

So let's compare these three QBs.

You make the decision on who you would start.

Andy Reid wants to start Kolb. Why? He is stubborn.

He let go of Dawkins because Andy is stingy.

He let go of Kearse, I would have kept him even after he took a shotgun shell to the leg.

And now he is starting the QB that is easily the worst of the three he has to choose from.

Andy thinks he Kolb is the best thing since sliced bread (and McNabb), and he has stated that he thinks Kolb is the future for this franchise.

I fully disagree.

If you look at the NFL right now, Jeff Garcia could start for about five or six teams. Michael Vick could start for the same if not more.

Yet Reid thinks Kolb is the right choice.

His stubborn demeanor is holding this franchise back, at least for the next few weeks.

Start Garcia you stubborn stubborn man.

Remember Saints v. Eagles? Reid had another fit of stubbornness when he decided to let Kolb throw the ball.

Andrew is still sticking with his "West Coast offense forever!" mentality, but in this situation Reid needed to run the football. He dabbled in the Wildcat which was a nice change of pace, but he still gave the ball to Kolb too much.

Give the ball to Westbrook and run it down their throats you stubborn stubborn man.

On The Fringe: Tony Romo

Jamie Brown — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:56:15 -0400

Tony Romo should be called Mr. September.

Eight wins, one loss in month No. 9 over No. 9's career.

Until Sunday, that is.

8-2.

Still, incredible statistics. This is what Romo gets paid for. To win.

He has done a reasonably good job at that. Winning. That is, in the regular season. Lost the one time he made the playoffs, but that isn't the point.

Wait, yes it is.

I wrote an article about Romo being "Gone" in 2010, and at this rate it could become reality. If there is anything in the NFL that matters it is consistency. Lack thereof leads to lacking a team, and then beginning flipping burgers. Remember Tim Couch?

A bit harsh comparing Romo to Couch, but let's look at this rationally.

Couch had an ordinary first season, but you wouldn't know it if you watched him against the Saints. He threw a deep bomb for a TD in the closing seconds.

Then in 2002, he and the Browns went 9-7 and did pretty well. He then went downhill after that.

Today he watches football from his couch (no pun intended).

You know why? He was inconsistent.

You know who else is inconsistent?

Romo.

Back to my Mr. September point...Romo has done extraordinarily well when there was no pressure. The Giants game on Sunday was perhaps the most hyped thing on ESPN and NFLNetwork I have seen since the Super Bowl.

Pressure.

He threw 353 yards and three TD's in week one.

Pressure.

So the pressure has accumulated and then it was Sunday. One TD and three picks. Kevin Kolb (if you've never heard of him, it's understandable) did better than Romo.

Now, you can argue that the Saints' defense isn't the Giants' and you can argue that the Giants were playing the pass more heavily than the run (they were). Then why on Earth did Jason Garret give the ball to Romo?

That was a mistake on Garret's part. But it shouldn't have to come to keeping the ball in the running back's hands just to stop turnovers. Romo should have done better, and so should have Garret.

This kind of play is what gets players cut.

Yeah it is early in the season, but is this an early glimpse for later on? When the pressure builds up?

I don't know.

MLB Joe Mays: Views from Philadelphia Eagles' Training Camp Sidelines

Jamie Brown — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:37:43 -0400

Eagles' linebacker Joe Mays is stepping in for the injured Stewart Bradley in the team's preseason game against the Patriots on Thursday.

If Mays can maintain his composure and physical style of play, he could start all 16 games this season.

Mays was taken 200th overall in the 2008 draft, and I am going to talk about him as if he is a rookie, despite coming into his second year with the Eagles.

Why?

He has only taken three (yes, three) snaps in a regular season game, and he hasn't really had a chance to prove himself. But he will on Thursday.

"Lacks height, but has impressive upper-body muscle structure (sometimes gets too muscular), thick chest, broad shoulders, thick thighs and calves..."

What does this mean for the Eagles' defense? How will stopping the run be the same this season without Bradley?

"Fires low off the snap and is combative with his hands in attempts to shed and split double teams..."

Mays is "The Answer." Not in a cocky, Allen Iverson way, but in a "he actually is the answer" way. Watching him at training camp gave me newfound hope in what looked to be a desolate season.

"Comes out of his stance and attacks the ball carrier with good force and has the hand strength to dislodge the ball from the opponent..."

Bringing back my Iverson point, yes, training camp is just practice. But this is the only thing I have to judge Mays on and he looks great.

"Good at stacking and controlling multiple blockers, which frees up his outside linebackers to make the play..."

From memory, he only gave up one pass for a big gain (the team was doing a one-on-one drill) and either knocked down the rest or stopped the TE from even getting off the line.

This sort of physical defense is what the Eagles need to recover from their losses to injury this offseason: a player that can come up and stop a Marion Barber or Brandon Jacobs up the middle or step back into coverage to break up short yardage plays.

"In pass coverage, he is capable of sticking to tight ends and slot backs..."

I have yet to see him blitz the QB in person, but he seems to be the sort of LB that can do it all. His versatility shone on the field, and I'm pretty sure I could smell his confidence and excitement from the sidelines.

"Has better vision on running plays, as he has that explosive initial step shooting the gaps..."

Mays has this "swagger" about him that makes him look fierce and competitive beyond what I have seen before. It could be that he is fighting tooth-and-nail for a starting position, or it could be he has analyzed, assessed, and is now dealing with the situation at hand: the lack of depth in the LB corps.

He said he has learned the scheme and playbook thoroughly and is ready for the upcoming season.

But don't get your hopes too high, he's not quite DeMarcus Ware. He looks great and is doing very well on the field, but he is essentially a newcomer to this team and still has a long way to go before becoming a starter in the regular season.

But he is well on his way.

Quotes taken from Joe Mays's scouting report before the 2008 draft.

Michael Crabtree and Al Davis: The Clash Of Egos

Jamie Brown — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:44:18 -0400

Michael Crabtree has been quite a controversial topic since he was drafted. He came off a great year at Texas Tech with stats through the roof. He has a list of awards, where if I were to read them off of a scroll, the paper would most likely billow in the wind three feet behind me as I unwound it.

He also has an ego which is going to get him hated.

He was predicted to go earlier in the draft to the Raiders and Darrius Heyward-Bey took his place, so Crabtree went 10th overall to the 49ers.

It started out well, Crabtree talking about how he was happy to be on the team etc. etc. But when it came time to sign the contract, the digits weren't high enough to feed the rookie's hungry ego.

So now he is sitting out of training camp waiting for the big bucks without ever playing a game of football in the NFL, or even hitting the field for an NFL team.

But imagine. Imagine if Crabtree went where he was predicted to go...Oakland.

Al Davis has quite a track record over the last 10 years; he has fired a total of five coaches, one (Gruden) who was said to be 'traded' to Tampa Bay even though Gruden took the team to the AFC championship game.

What we can learn from his history is that Al Davis is an old-school kind of guy; he's pressing 81 so there is no question why. He means business and more business, and he wouldn't be taking Crabtree's attitude.

So if Crabtree was pulling this ridiculous holdout on the Raider's team, Davis would most likely give him a chance, tell him to sleep on his decisions, and then the next day, if Crabtree was still angry about the contract...Davis would kick him off the team.

Now when I say "kick him off the team" I mean Davis would drop the contract's cash value, and simply tell Crabtree that he can take his chances.

Why would this work? Well, Crabtree is saying that he will sit out this season and re-enter the draft next season. But the team he was drafted to still hold his rights until the day of the draft. That means no talks to other teams, no combine, no working out for any team, to put it plainly, "no nothing".

And then where will the trust go? To the receivers who shine on their respective college teams in the upcoming season. Also, no one wants this sort of player on their team.

So guess what Crabtree? You are lucky you got to go to the Niners, a team with a GM who is willing to sort of negotiate with you, because if you went to the Raiders, you wouldn't be pulling this funny stuff.

Where In The World Is Michael Vick: The Bills Are The Top Team For Him

Jamie Brown — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:24:01 -0400

There is never a shortage of articles on Michael Vick.

He is a quarterback with a twist; he can run and he can throw, and there is no denying he can play football.

There has been much speculation about which team he will play with when he reaches the NFL, so who will it be?

The top candidates are the 49ers, Vikings, Patriots, Cowboys, blah blah blah...we have heard it before. There is only one team that will get him and from the way it looks to me, that team is the Buffalo Bills.

They just signed star WR Terrell Owens, and we all know how he reacts to above average QBs (the anger at McNabb, the bullying of Romo), imagine how he will react to the underachieving Trent Edwards. It won't be good.

Edwards has 18 TDs to match his 18 INTs in his two years in the league and the Bills have not been a true contender for many seasons now, I've been watching their tapes over the last week (the offseason is hard for me), and from what I can see all that they need is a weapon behind center. Vick could be that weapon.

What everyone seems to forget is that Vick has not played in the NFL for a while, in fact he was in prison. So he is not going to come back and magically put up the numbers he did once upon a time.

But the Bills aren't going to put up the numbers that they did once upon a time either. At least not this season.

They play in a tough division and they are going to need more than just a star wideout to bring back the numbers of the 90s.

A good quarterback will be essential and Edwards is not that man for the time being. Michael Vick will bring more than just the passing and running threats to the team, he will bring the threat of a new formation.

The newest fad to enter the NFL is the wildcat formation, and although most teams will have hours of practice against this style of play, a QB that can effectively run it is never a bad thing.

So when Vick reenters the NFL, whenever that is, the Bills will have their eyes on him.

Philadelphia Eagles News: Injuries Already Tearing a Fairytale Season Apart?

Jamie Brown — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:30:19 -0400

First Brian Westbrook's ankle starts acting up again, which wasn't completely unexpected for the ageing star. Then during training camp, Shawn Andrews and Jason Peters are sidelined with two injuries which don't look all that serious. And on Sunday night Stewart Bradley injured his knee and Ellis Hobbs suffered a spine injury, better known as a stinger.

Looking forward to the regular season, this can't be good news for Eagles fans. If players are getting injured this early in the season how will they cope in the regular season? Sure all of the players should be back and playing again at full health by that time, but what if they aren't?

At starting running back if Westbrook is unable to play is LeSean McCoy. In his rookie season scouting reports say he is great in the passing game but could be lacking in the running game. Another worry held by experts is that he might not be able to perform at this high level.

However, with the Eagle's offense set up for a stable passing attack, he should be able to step into Westbrook's shoes fairly well. It won't be easy, and the first few games he starts could be scary, but Eagles fans should put more trust into Reid's rookies.

If Stewart Bradley is out for any games, in steps either Joe Mays or Charleston Hughes. Both players could contribute to the defense reasonably well, however they won't be able to put up the numbers of Bradley. If Bradley does get injured again, there could be problems for the Eagle's defense, and Sean McDermott could be in for a rough year stopping the run.

If these players do get injured the projected playoff run for the Eagles could be more shallow than once thought, and if the second and third string players don't step up to the challenge, the playoffs could look far away to Philadelphia.

However, I only see these injuries effecting players during the preseason, after all they have just got back from a few months off and they may have not yet adjusted to the workload. As long as LeSean McCoy works hard during the preseason, the Eagles' offense should be fine, and the defense will need to continue to work on finding a leader without Dawkins, as well as adjusting to a new coordinator, but I still see the Eagles with 10 wins or more.

Hall of Shame: The Pete Rose Story

Jamie Brown — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:27:54 -0400

Mr. Hustle, Mr. Hustle.

Why should you be in the Hall of Shame?

As a player, you were extraordinary. You played in 17 All Star games, with three World Series tucked under your belt. You won two Golden Gloves, a few MVPs thrown in there, and a Sportsman of the Year by such an extravagant magazine.

You are the all-time leader in hits, at-bats, and games played.

You created the head first slide to a bag, and never actually walked when you were walked. You ran to first, and that garnished you the name Charlie Hustle.

Not only did you run to first when walked, but you had a run at Joe DiMaggio's hitting record as well. 44 games in a row is quite a feat, it really is a wonder you only won 3 championships...

So why does the baseball world despise you?

The hate starting brewing that day at the 1970 All Star game. It was a close one, going into inning number 12 and Charlie Hustle singled and waited on first for the next batter. Another single and Rose sped to second. Another single and Rose decided to round third and try for home. For the win.

Then, Amos Otis made a terrible throw from center and the catcher (Ray Fosse of the Indians) had no chance at the ball. Rose decided to barrel into him anyway.

Sure, he scored the winning run in the All Star game, thats great. But Rose seemed to have forgotten how little the All Star game actually means in the long run.

Fosse suffered a separated shoulder in the crash, and he never reached the power or average of that year again.

Thanks, Rose.

But that's not all.

Rose was arrested for tax evasion when he failed to pay taxes on income he gathered from selling autographs, memorabilia, and horse racing. He served a short stint in prison, and soon paid the $300,000-plus he owed to the government.

Lies, lies, and more lies.

Rose also had a gambling problem. He allegedly bet on baseball while he was managing the Cincinnati Reds.

Sports Illustrated shone the light on Rose's bets. Rose, of course, denied the claims for many years, even stating in an interview with Jim Gray, "I'm not going to admit to something that didn't happen."

Rose was confident in his language and use of words during the interview, and people believed him. He sounded real.

Then came the truth.

In his autobiography Rose admitted to betting on baseball; however, he said he only bet for the Reds to win.

Some may ask, "why does it matter if the point is to go out and win every game anyway? Why does it matter if you bet on your own team?"

To answer that, I present you with a hypothetical.

Let's say the playoffs are in a couple of weeks, and you have your best pitcher in now, your last game of the regular season. You need to rest that pitcher so he can perform to the best of his ability in the playoffs, but you want to win money, you are looking at the short term not the long term.

So you keep the pitcher in three extra innings and you win the game. But when the playoffs roll around, he is fatigued and doesn't play as well as some may have hoped.

So even if Rose is telling the truth, which he is prone not to do, he could have thrown away a lot of wins for his club.

And that is why Pete Rose is the first member of the infamous Hall of Shame.

Life Without Johnson: Can The Eagles Continue Their Top 3 "D" in '09?

Jamie Brown — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 10:00:54 -0400

Jim Johnson left the team a few months back indefinitely due to his cancer treatment. It now looks like he has hung up the defensive coordinator hat for good. We all wish him the best of luck with his ongoing treatment and hope for the best.

However, the football season is coming ever closer and the loss of a top 5 defensive coordinator could change the outlook of the entire season for Philadelphia.

In 2008 the Eagles were:

4th in the league for stopping the run.

3rd in the league for stopping the pass.

3rd overall for defense in the NFL.

How can they continue this without the beloved Brian Dawkins? How can they keep up the pressure they put on offenses without Jim Johnson at the helm?

In steps Sean McDermott.

McDermott has the credentials, he was the linebacker coach in 2007 and was the secondary coach in 2008. 2009 he is the defensive coordinator.

For one, he has a reasonably young defense. They have a very young MLB and no solid leader at safety, yet. Quentin Mikell has reportedly been saying he will become the leader in the coming season, but I see Asante Samuel to be the one stepping up.

Two, the Eagles are still going to run Johnson's defense. Johnson would be very fluent with this playbook, showing he made it, and McDermott needs to step up and fill some big shoes.

Johnson made the Eagles known for their unique blitzes.

Well hidden and hard hitting.

The Eagles' defense is very scheme orientated and there is a huge question hanging over McDermott's ability to run and fully understand it.

Andy Reid says he has "full confidence" in McDermott running this defense, and to be honest, I don't share his confidence.

McDermott has been around long enough to see this team develop and this defense turn into one of the greatest in the NFL, but without leaders like Dawkins, he could have trouble keeping this defense where it was at the end of last year.

But, Andy Reid could be making a great move.

McDermott could be great. He has been around for a long while and he obviously knows how to play the game. He has trained the secondary to grab all of the interceptions they did, and he has taught the linebackers how to wrap up a Brandon Jacobs or Marion Barber so very well.

Who is to say he can't just step in and fill the gaping hole left by Johnson?

Who is to say he won't bring the team to number one?

I heard a reporter from NFL.com say "I can go onto the Internet and find a recipe and I can make it, but that doesn't mean I know how to make it well." McDermott has a very good recipe on his hands, filled with corner and safety blitzes, smothered with Cover 1 plays, and sprinkled on top with a touch of all out zone coverage.

But can McDermott make the cake?

A Legend's Legacy: The NFL Without John Madden in 2009

Jamie Brown — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:05:24 -0400

Boom!

John Earl Madden.

The last time he graced our homes with his presence was Super Bowl XLIII.

He is a legend of the NFL, though never playing a game in it.

He was that guy that made some ridiculous comments, not unlike: "Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field. They're bigger than everybody else, and that's what makes them the biggest guys on the field." Or, "when your arm gets hit, the ball is not going to go where you want it to."

But it was all in good fun.

Not to mention his constant references to Brett Favre, or using the Telestrator to unintentionally(?) draw genitalia. To put it in Richard Hoffer's words "It was like watching a kid with ADHD operate an Etch-a-Sketch"

Doink!

Color commentary is hard to do, and good color commentators are hard to come by. Based strictly by what Madden said, he wasn't a great color commentator, he had some average quotes (stated above, or by a quick google search) and he had some points during the season where he would break down and ramble, but it doesn't matter.

In many eyes, he was the best. The amount of passion he has for the game is ridiculous. He was never binded down by the networks he worked for. By the way, he worked for CBS, ABC, NBC, and FOX.

Madden graced our screens even when we didn't watch the football. No, I'm not talking about Tough Actin' Tinactin, I'm talking about Madden the videogame. Any time you need to find a game winning play, you can Ask Madden. He is sure to find you a play that will cost you the ball.

The good times with John, Super Bowl after Super Bowl, Playoff game after Playoff game, the good times.

But he's hung up his hat for the '09 season, to be honest he will be missed, even if some don't think so yet. Chris Collinsworth is going to take his place on Monday Night Football. You will know Collinsworth from Madden 09, the aforementioned video game, where he makes comments not unlike Madden's old comments.

He is just as useful, however, when it comes down to informing the non-football person about what is going on.

So perhaps Madden's legacy in commentating is only to be followed by Collinsworth's legacy in commentating.

We can only hope that the NFL has another Madden on it's hands.

Running Out the Clock: How Much Time Does Brian Westbrook Have Left?

Jamie Brown — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:23:53 -0400

2003: Tricep

2005: Foot

2008: Rib/Ankle

2009: Ankle

Plagues.

Over history there have seemed to be many plagues.

Black plague, bubonic plague, pneumonic plague...

But the plagues that seem to stand out now are injuries to professional athletes.

Brian Westbrook is no amateur when it comes to football—he's been playing since 2002. He also, however, is no amateur to injuries.

He's had four potential season-enders in seven years.

So, how much longer can this man's body stay on the field for taking (mostly evading) hits?

My prediction: not very long.

It is a well-known fact running backs seem to dwindle around the age 30 (Westbrook is 30 in September), and time seems to be running low for this star back.

He has consistently put up numbers and been the backbone for his offense since he became an Eagle. He also has made trouble for defenses as he is a solid receiver as well.

What does all this mean? Well, he's been working hard.

Westbrook seems to be on the verge of suffering a (god forbid) career-ending foot injury after what his surgeon told the press. He won't be in training camp?

It is doubtful, and this scares me. Westbrook injured before even the first week of the preseason leaves me to think, "When will it happen again?"

If he doesn't care for it properly, he could fall victim to the same injury again halfway through the season, leaving the ball in the hands of LeSean McCoy.

So, how long will he have left after this season?

In all honesty, I find Westbrook to be an amazing player, but every dog has his day, and Westbrook's could be anytime.

We need to look at this seriously. He has been a staple in the Eagles offense and he will continue to be, but one wrong step, twist, or turn, and he will be going down.

If he doesn't suffer a huge injury, he should be able to be a starter for another three to four years, but without this luck he may fall victim to a 2010 departure.

When he does finally hang up his helmet, he will become legendary.

What Has Happened? A Letter to My Once Beloved 49ers

Jamie Brown — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:41:36 -0400

My Dearest Childhood Team,

You have been quiet as of late, not bullying the your peers like you once did. And to be honest, I cannot stand it. You were once the Mighty Niners, beloved by fans because of your incredible Quarterbacks and talented Wide Receivers.

But now, the bully lies dormant.

Perhaps you are waiting to rebuild the strength that seemed to be sucked from you during your follies with those Packers, who brought you down three horrifying times in a row.

Perhaps you have matured and no longer want to bully teams in the NFC West, but instead want to be quiet, calming.

Perhaps you have finally reached your mid-life crisis, and have sudden back aches and fatigue for no apparent reason.

Perhaps your doctors have not been consistent enough with their planning.

Dr. Walsh and Dr. Shaw, they are gone now, but remember what they have taught you.

Your mind has been running wild with injury and controversy.

Perhaps you are just getting old.

No, I refuse to believe that you are elderly, weak.

I believe you are being reborn.

You are still young and cannot see through your blurred vision, and you are scared.

Scared of those neighboring Pirates.

Scared of those far away, but still too close Packers.

But you have time to grow.

I will always remember you in 1994, yes I was only three years old, but the tapes my Uncle recorded of you capture, and forever enshrine the ambition you had back then.

I adored you.

I adored the way you fought out of struggles, when you were down you were not out.

I adored how the will to win was only overshadowed by the rings you wore so proudly.

I adored your anger, never falling short of screaming and steamrolling other teams' defenses with your all seeing Quarterback.

I adored your depth at Defense, never letting a trespasser inside of your home.

I still adore you.

I adore you even though those Cowboys are no longer frozen in fear when you meet.

I adore you, even though those Chargers no longer charge in an opposite direction when you stand toe to toe.

I adore you, even though you cannot seem to stay consistent.

You have time to grow, and soon enough become that bully I loved so much when I was young, again.

You have time to grow, but when you do, remember to play nice.

Sincerely,

Jamie Brown

Tony Romo and Jason Garret: Gone in 2010?

Jamie Brown — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 08:23:26 -0400

That's what the word on the street is.

That's what Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants fans are praying for.

It is completely possible.

Some may not know, but Eli Manning and Phillip Rivers both see their contracts coming to an end before the start of the 2010 season, they are the top candidates for replacing Romo if worst comes to worst.

The 2009 season, or better known to Romo as "Crunch Time," could be Romo's last chance to stay in Dallas. As well as offensive coordinator Jason Garret's.

Here's why.

Tony Romo has had problems getting accustomed to the league, not from a statistical point of view, or physical point of view, but a mental point of view.

He has not won a game in the playoffs. He has not been able to utilize his weapon receiver in Owens as much as fans would have liked. And, to be completely honest, he cracks under pressure.

When he tries to evade rushing defenders he doesn't keep his head up, looking downfield, but instead he continues to try and find space to wind up for a pass. He is reasonably fast, he should try to gain a few yards on the ground. He only had 41 rushing yards last season.

But next season should be different, it needs to be different. Jerry Jones went out of his way to make Romo happy all offseason. Jerry released star receiver Terrell Owens, who must have brought in millions of dollars selling jerseys alone. Jones also gave an arm and a leg (first- and third-round draft picks) for wide receiver Roy Williams.

Since he did all of this for Romo, who will get the blame if the Cowboys don't go deep into the playoffs this year?

It can't be the lack of chemistry, TO is long gone.

It can't be because of a lacking pass or running game, they are solid.

It can't be the defense, because, well, it is probably the best in the NFC.

So once people see it wasn't any of the reasons stated above, all heads will turn to a whistling, innocent looking, Tony Romo.

And then they will turn sharply to Garret.

The coordinator is always the first to go.

You need to remember, the Dallas fans are the ones that booed Troy Aikman, who brought three rings back to the city. Not to mention four NFC Championships.

Garret will be chased out of town, never to work there again.

And then Romo will be next.

Wade Phillips, however, won't be. He is not only the head coach, but he is the defensive coordinator, and the defense is almost flawless, not lacking in strategy, and they have DeMarcus Ware.

You could say Peyton Manning didn't win a playoff game for a few years when he started in the NFL, but I think Jerry Jones could be getting fed up. As stated before, Jones has done a lot for Romo this offseason and he is expecting big things in return.

Also, Colts fans are a bit more forgiving.

Yet all of this drama can be avoided if Romo leads his team. You forget he went 13-3 back in 2007. He could be able to do it again if he gets his confidence issues under control.

One step at a time, Tony.

The first thing he will need to do is win the first five games of the season.

Visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers is first, then the Giants and Carolina Panthers visit Cowboy Stadium.

Then Dallas ventures first to Denver, and, after that, on to Kansas City.

Out of these games, I see Romo and his 'Boys going 4-1, with a loss to the Giants. Doing this, or better, will shut up all of the "haters," and Romo will get his '07 confidence back.

But, if they do any worse, I can guarantee rallying fans on Romo's lawn, pitchforks and torches in hand.

Garret will already be on a plane to Mexico.

Your Salary Is Capped: Why Professional Sports Players Are Overpaid

Jamie Brown — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:56:43 -0400

Long gone are the days of being a plumber by day, baller by night. Whether that 'baller' be basket, foot, golf, or otherwise related, the players are paid too much.

Now, when someone sees an NFL player getting paid less than $1,000,000 per year, they say "wow, he's getting screwed."

It never should have come to this. The money and commercialized culture of sports will be the death of the selfless athlete.

Remember when all an athlete needed to be happy was a ring, trophy, or medal?

Neither do I.

I do, however, remember the days of players whining about their lack of income, players being traded to teams where they have no use, just to earn that extra million.

I mean look at NCAA Football or Basketball. The players are seen as gods by their classmates. When they bring back a win, or better yet a trophy, the school pulsates with pride and triumph. Their fans are their peers, and their peers are their fans. It works flawlessly.

And then we get to the pro's, the Big Leagues. And it's all about money. Ticket prices are high, advertising during the game will cost a company an arm and a leg, and the fans are still as fanatic...Right?

Yes, I do understand that these people train for 20 hours a day. Can only eat what their contract allows, can only do what their contract allows. It's not just the low paid players getting screwed, but all of the athletes, whether they are making $850k or $100,000,000.

Are they are just selling their freedom, selling they're lives? Selling everything until retirement?

if so, what are you doing Brett?

I also understand that all these players are the best in the world at what they do. They were born, bred, and brainwashed for our entertainment. We see so much in these athletes that are just doing what we could do, if we trained hard enough.

When we were kids we loved The Amazing Spider-Man, Superman, Batman, but we also loved The Incredible Babe Ruth, and The Dominant Dan Marino.

So wouldn't we love these players so much more if we worked along side them? If we, the regular folk, had a reasonable chance of being part of their team? If we saw them on Monday around the water-cooler and could say, "nice shot last night Mike!" Or, "Bert, gonna start battin' .500 this year?"

Isn't being seen as a superhero around the world enough? Is the money the difference maker?

Or is the entire reason we love these players so much because they are so far out of reach? is the reason we fall in love with two primary colors because we can only wish?

That is up to you.

That's Not a Five, That's an "S": A Look into Donovan McNabb's Past

Jamie Brown — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:13:12 -0400

Before the Eagles.

Before the NFC Championship games.

Before the NFL.

McNabb was clutch.

Can you remember?

Syracuse and Virginia Tech?

1998.

McNabb was in orange before the green he wears today. He was seen as the dangerous QB of the Big East.

VT's defense should have remembered that.

22-26, Virginia Tech was in the lead. By four. The dreaded number by all of the "I wan't to make a comeback" teams. A field goal won't do, and touch downs are hard to come by these days (1998), so really if McNabb could see all of the clocks in the world at that very moment in time, they would all read "Crunch Time."

Fourth and eight, with 1:45 left in the ball game, and the Orangemen were about 60 yards away from pay-dirt.

Dan Marino had done it. John Elway, Steve Young, they've done it. McNabb?

So, fourth and eight.

If I had been Paul Pasqualoni in this situation, I would have called a nice streak route, and a post from the other WR, looking for a short pass and a nice pick up on the ground, but then I would have remembered who my QB was.

Superman.

"McNabb with the first down! And more! McNabb is finally brought down at the 15 yard line! Unbelievable!"

So he called a QB draw, and Supe-, I mean McNabb ran a whole 41 yards down field, weaving in between three defenders until eventually being pulled down at the 15. He quickly called a time out and stopped the clock at 1:35.

My word, what a thing to happen.

But, would you look at this?

On the next play McNabb threw a short pass to a cutting TE, and it fell short.

He looks tired.

"Charlie he's gassed. He just got done with this long run and he had to hustle back to the line....you can see the body language as he gets up, he's fatigued from that run."

And he was tired after that run, McNabb gets up slowly.

Too slowly? Maybe.

"They are now in four down territory."

He gets to the line with two seconds left on the play clock and hikes the ball. Some would say in the 'Nick' of time.

"Looking. . .for the end zone. And it's caught at the two! And he's down at the one! Maurice Jackson!"

So he rolls out right, as McNabb is prone to doing, and sees No. 3 running a short post at around the 10. He's open.

Superman fires and it's caught, one tackle broken, spins and then dives for the end zone.

Only to come up short at the one yard line.

Maurice Jackson, couldn't extend that extra couple of yards.And the clock continues to run.

"Well it's not a pretty thing to say, but McNabb is throwing up."

Fatigue? Stress? Terror? I don't know, but McNabb vomited. He stayed in the game, however. Syracuse is forced to use their last time out.

"He's smiling, knowing he's on the verge of something special."

A few seconds later, the Orangemen are back on the field.

Full house backfield, and McNabb calls the play.

"Conrad!"

McNabb hands the ball to Conrad who leaps for the end zone.

And is denied.

Now the Orangemen need to hustle back to the line. The clock is running, and they have less than 50 seconds to cross the plane.

They quickly hike the ball out of the Fullhouse offense again. McNabb steps back.

"This time they're going to throw for it! Incomplete."

The pass bounces off of the hands a heavily guarded Rominskie.

Now the clock is stopped at :21. This is going to be good.

The Orangemen getback to the line of scrimmage, Fullhouse again. McNabb calls the play and begins to rollout left, using his speed.

"And he's down! Back at the 11 yard line! It was Corey Moore!"

Corey Moore breaks through the offensive line with ease and smothers McNabb for a huge loss.

This game is over.

McNabb, bruised, and with his shoulder pad visible over his bright orange jersey, runs back to the line. Paqualoni is on the sidelines, screaming to his team. They have to spike it. Their only chance.

McNabb receives the snap.

'They spike it with five seconds left."

He spikes it.

:05.

Corey Moore made the biggest play of the season for his defense, perhaps ending this prolonged last two minutes with a win for VT.

"Charlie they come out with a two tight end, one wide receiver set. You know Kevin Johnson is going to get double teamed."

McNabb sets up behind his center.

"The last play of the game."

he hikes the ball and rolls right.

Rolling right.

He sees a friendly in the corner of the end zone, across the field, one on one with a VT DB.

Superman fires.

"Looking for his tight end Rominskie!"

Rominskie gets the body position and leaps, coming down with the football.

Game.

"I don't believe it. I don't believe it."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awGdapqFiKI

The Team You Didn't Expect to Make the Playoffs

Jamie Brown — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:13:47 -0400

"What? How did they get in?"

That's the number one question around the water-cooler next January.

The question being asked by Rams fans across the globe.

The question being answered now, six months before the events transpire.

The questions surrounding the Seattle Seahawks.

Matt Hasselbeck is back, and ready to go. He had back problems in 2008, limiting him immensely. But if he can stay healthy, and that back stays intact, I can see Hasselbeck putting up the numbers he did in Seattle's Super Bowl season.

How many Hasselbeck-Houshmandzadeh connections can we expect in '09? A few more than the letters in T.J.'s last name, that is certain. But the real question is: how many TDs can the duo put together?

The answer: Enough.

Enough to make it deep into the playoffs, however not enough to get a ring.

Sure, Seattle's running game isn't the most amazing thing on Earth. And in previous seasons since their Super Bowl loss, the Seahawks have lost in both Divisional Playoff games. Not necessarily a bad finish, but it is disappointing for the franchise.

However, this year will be much different.

They have rejuvenated their O-Line, and now Hasselbeck won't need to take so many hits. The line could produce a nice running game. And the addition of T.J. means double coverage and some open flats.

Look for this team to get deep into the playoffs, if not the NFC Championship game January 2010. I can't see them going to a Super Bowl this year, but with the right draft picks next year, Seattle could be ring-bound again.

Forgotten Super Bowl Moments: Larry the Ghost

Jamie Brown — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 06:42:53 -0400

Larry Fitzgerald

Some say he is the best right now.

I don't know, but he is great.

Larry is perhaps the most liked man in the NFL. Look at him, he's a nice guy. He doesn't let the fame get to his head, he isn't intimidated by the fans, and he stays strong when facing defeat.

He is a man amongst boys.

Larry walks tall when exiting the huddle. He scans the field, reading the defense?

Perhaps.

Or perhaps he is preparing, for pure concentration.

Preparing for a tackle to be dodged.

Preparing for a ball to be caught.

Preparing for putting six on the board.

He sets up on the right side. Looks across, towards the center. Then, up, to the scoreboard.

20-16, the clock is paused at 2:53. Fourth quarter.

Crunch Time.

Prepared.

The biggest game of his life, and every second feels like an hour.

But Fitzgerald can see. His opponents have been guarding the pass with a Dime defense.

The safeties were deep.

Too deep?

Hopefully.

Fitzgerald is ready.

The ball is snapped. Fitzgerald fights off a pressing corner and cuts.

Middle.

Open.

An image of Pigskin reflecting off of his pupil.

An image of a ring.

An image of a comeback.

Lombardi.

The ball lands on his chest plate. He grips the ball and pivots, with pace.

Looking forward he sees the safeties have been split. The cover two has broken down and he has a lane.

Left foot, right foot from here.

And that is what he did, just as simple as one foot after the other.

Touchdown. Immaculate. Incredible. Unbeatable?

No.

But this catch in the last three minutes of play will go down as:

A Great Super Bowl Moment, Forgotten.

Another Forgotten Super Bowl Moment soon.

Rivalry Advice: The Eagles and How To Win an Argument with a Cowboys Fan

Jamie Brown — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:11:29 -0400

So recently, and by recently I mean for a while now, I have had to defend my favorite football team against Cowboys fans trying to put the Eagles down.

The first time this happened I wasn't very educated on some of the Eagles stats, so I had to retreat and regroup.

So here is what I came up with, if you ever get in an argument with one of these rivals of ours, to be able to win this argument, and continue on your way with a swag in your step.

After all, this is war.

A Cowboys fan's stereotypical argument

The Philadelphia Eagles Suck.

They are bad at everything.

Donovan McNabb? Where's a doctor when you need one? He chokes in big games. Oh, well he's probably riding the wood now (the bench, not the other thing) like he did earlier this season. How long ago was it that another starting QB had to be taken out of a game? Why exactly is Tony Romo's QB rating higher? Because McNabb is a walking, talking, throwing, joke. That's why.

Brian Westbrook? So? My grandfather can catch a football as well. Hey, if I was black, he could be my grandfather.

DeSean Jackson? Yeah, he's a bit speedy, but all in all, he sucks. Remember when he started to do a little dance before the endzone and dropped the ball? I do.

How many Super Bowls do the Eagles have? Whats that I hear? None. Wow, good franchise you've got there.

Speaking of choking, how many picks did McNabb throw in the Super Bowl he 'played' in? Three? Oh my, that's a shame.

McNabb will never be seen as good, never. Get out of town.

The Philadelphia fan's response

Here's where you as an Eagle fan responds. Here's where you as an Eagle fan steps up and turns to the offensive.

Here's where it counts.

When the Cowboy fan starts his rant about McNabb, gently remind him that McNabb trumps Tony Romo in all stats excluding all time QB rating.

McNabb has also reached the NFC championship plenty of times, all without a solid receiving core. Sure he's had good receivers, but he has never had the same-calibre receivers that Romo has had.

Now he does though.

So, you're tired of laying down the law with just some very well-put opinions? Start to toss the records around, you may need the internet at hand to prove to this rival that you are not going to stoop to lying.

You don't need to.

McNabb has the most consecutive pass completions with 24, this was against the New York Giants, a good team. No free passes here.

McNabb also holds the record for the least intercepted QB per pass attempt ever. That's right, of all time. Less than Steve Young, Joe Montana—you name them—McNabb has a lower percentage with the very small 2.09 percent.

McNabb also has the 3rd best TD to INT ratio of all time, behind Young and Tom Brady.

Not to mention McNabb has the third highest winning percentage amongst active QBs.

Don't forget to ask when the last time was that Romo won a playoff game.

He never has.

Now you could stop there, but don't. You want to demolish this Eagles "hater." After all this person supports the Cowboys. And he said some things about your favorite RB, Brian Westbrook.

Let's address that.

Westbrook, worse than Marion Barber? Not possible.

Westbrook does have double the Pro Bowl selections and appearances that Barber does. Double. To be honest he has two, while Barber has one. But the word "double" will make Cowboys fans squirm.

You can just casually throw in that Westbrook has led the NFL with yards from scrimmage. 2,104.

So here are a few of my solutions to an argument I get into a lot with Cowboys fans. They usually end up getting angry and insulting me as they sulk away.

That means you've won.

Don't forget to mention the ridiculous mascot the Cowboys have.

DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Kevin Curtis: Speed, Strength, Eagles

Jamie Brown — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 04:25:49 -0400

DeSean Jackson.

He's made mistakes, sure.

It was his rookie season—but that isn't an excuse.

He is a superstar in the making.

Let's bring it back to his days of wearing No. 1.

Let's bring it back to Cal, where he excelled.

Let's bring it back...

DeSean Jackson was a very sought after wideout out of high school. He would choose to go to Cal. During his college career, Jackson was a very high-end receiver, but he would be best known for the danger he created when returning a punt/kickoff.

He had seven TDs in his freshman season and eclipsed 100 yards receiving three times. By his junior season, he was considered a Heisman Trophy candidate.

Jackson left Cal with a few Pac-10 records tucked under his belt: most punts returned for touchdowns in both a season, with four, and in a career, with six. DeSean also ranks third all-time for his university for receiving TDs and receiving yards.

Jackson entered the NFL Draft in 2008. He would run a 4.29 40-yard dash. He would also be referred to by Jerry Rice as "the fastest receiver I have ever seen."

He kept his cool, however, and was drafted 49th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Here's where it gets interesting.

He had a fantastic preseason, returning a punt for a TD against the Patriots. He became a second string receiver and starting punt returner by the start of the regular season.

He became a starting receiver when Kevin Curtis got injured early on, and he then performed well, ending the season with two TDs and 912 receiving yards.

So how will he perform next season?

I see him reaching at least 1,100 receiving yards, largely because he is now a starting WR, as well as due to the upgrades to the O-line.

Jackson will have a much easier time catching the bombs that Donovan McNabb is certain to throw downfield due to Jeremy Maclin being a quick short-route-running wideout.

With Jackson running streaks up and down the field, the secondary will be forced to cheat their safeties to his side, as well as forcing them to play a cover 3 at least and a cover 4 in long yardage situations.

This will open the flats or the middle. Why? Because the LBs will have to cheat to protect the short options, Maclin and Curtis most specifically.

Flats open? Jeremy Maclin open.

Maclin should be able to take full advantage of the short pass with his speed. Maclin's YAC will be through the roof.

Don't forget Brian Westbrook—he will be threatening the flats as well.

Middle open? Kevin Curtis open.

Curtis has ability to go deep, but he won't very often next season. The middle is where you can find him, catchin' them bullet passes.

The Eagles are going to be the best team in years at using the screen pass. Their line and newly acquired TE will have the speedy receivers cutting in between blocks and running all the way.

Here is what you can expect from Maclin:

A solid rookie season. Around 800-900 yards, with a huge amount of YAC. He will be on the field more than most rookies this year, but that just leaves more of a chance for mistakes.

I'm not saying he will make the mistakes Jackson did—you know, dropping the ball before the end zone in celebration, etc.

But Maclin will be a breakout receiver. Rookie of the year? Possibly. A Super Bowl ring? Possible.

Curtis?

Well, most of my predictions for him in '09 can be read here, but he will have a good season and lead the team in receiving yards.

Kevin Curtis, DeSean Jackson, and Jeremy Maclin:

A receiving corps to appreciate.

Donovan McNabb, the Philadelphia Eagles, and a New Hall of Fame Inductee

Jamie Brown — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 06:41:19 -0400

Donovan McNabb.

The second-most hated man in football.

Third, if you count Al Davis.

He's been booed and loved, loved and booed, and then booed and loved some more. But, he still racks up numbers every season.

There was talk of McNabb moving to Chicago; there was talk of McNabb becoming a second-string QB; and now there is talk of McNabb bringing a trophy back to Philadelphia for the first time.

His career has had its ups and downs, and sure he had a terrible season mixed in to his overall solid career. Yes, he was benched in 2008 after having a disgusting game against Baltimore. Of course McNabb "choked" in a Super Bowl.

However, McNabb has many years in front of him, and here's why he will become the next Hall of Fame inductee from the Eagles organization.

2009

McNabb has his best season yet, with new receivers, a new offensive line, and renewed hope in his team.

He will lead his team to an 11-5 regular season and a Super Bowl berth against either the Titans, Ravens, or Patriots. The Eagles should have a good game winning their first ring.

In the regular season McNabb throws for 3,980 yards, with a 62 percent completion percentage, 34 TDs, 12 INT, and a 100.94 QB rating.

2010

McNabb has a good season, leading his team to a 10-6 record and a berth in the playoffs, but falling short in the NFC championship game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Andy Reid's 2010 draft choices have the defense looking good. Reid addresses the safety situation, and the end of this year sees David Akers retiring, as well as Brian Westbrook after another, very serious, ankle injury.

McNabb ends the season with 3,550 passing yards, a high-50s completion percentage, high-20s for his TDs, around 12 INT, and a mid-80s quarterback rating.

2011

LeSean McCoy turns out to be an incredible draft pick. He has an incredible pass catching ability and is reminiscent of Brian Westbrook. The Eagles make a trade this year and get veteran WR Roy Williams from the Cowboys for a first-round draft pick.

Now, let me elaborate on the Roy Williams trade:

Roy Williams

Tony Romo hasn't gotten his team a playoff win yet, and Jerry Jones is not happy. It's 2011, flying cars and what not, yet the Cowboys are still stuck on horseback.

Romo is having trouble getting his 'mojo' back after a harsh break-up with Jessica Simpson. This leads to some trouble on the field.

A QB can only last so many years without a playoff win, and Romo's time is up.

Jerry Jones, isn't happy and decides to cut him short at the end of the season. The Eagle's WR Kevin Curtis is becoming less efficient due to age and a trade is offered.

Roy Williams for some solid draft picks.

The Eagles reluctantly accept a trade with their long-time rivals and Jerry Jones cuts Romo... leaving him to the Free Agent Vultures. Jones then drafts a good QB out of a nice university and both teams part, moving in their own direction.

2011 (cont.)

Because of the new addition to the Eagles, McNabb gets a good boost in stats with around 3,600 passing yards, high-20s for his TDs, around 10 INT, and a solid 55ish percent completion percentage.

The Eagles lose in the first-round of the playoffs (to the 49ers because of Tim Tebow), but have much promise for the next year.

2012

McNabb has a great year and leads his team to the Super Bowl for his third and final trip to the big game. He wins his second ring and retires, moving to Arizona.

Kevin Kolb steps into the spotlight as the new starting quarterback. McCoy has become a very versatile back, and Jeremy Maclin and Desean Jackson become two of the leading receivers in the NFC East. Fans understand that Kolb may struggle his first season, but he has potential to become an elite quarterback.

Now, some of you may think this is silly to predict this far into the future and I agree. But these are predictions that, I think are very plausible and possible.

McNabb gets inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2017, along with Brian Westbrook, and they live happily ever after.

Terrell Owens: Buffalo Has A Tumor In Town

Jamie Brown — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:19:39 -0400

And by "tumor," I mean malignant.

When making the decision to play Terrell Owens you can guarantee yourself a few things.

1. A lot of media attention, not necessarily good.

2. A lot of TDs.

3. A lot of 15 yard "excessive celebration" penalties.

Terrell Owens over the years has been proven to be, well, a prick. While performing on the field, he also performs off the field with talking behind teammate's backs (usually his QB), showing off, and generally making a fool out of himself and his team.

Owens hasn't been happy with his quarterbacks in recent memory.

McNabb was harassed in the huddle after incompletions, or when No. 5 decided to pass to other receivers.

Romo suffered the same fate from Owens after an ill-placed pass, or a look to Jason Witten, or any receivers, besides Owens.

And now Owens is going to play for the Bills.

Bills fans are hungry. Nine long years without a playoff berth. Nine long years without a reasonable Super Bowl run.

Nine long years of frustration.

In 2007 Buffalo drafted a much anticipated Trent Edwards. Edwards, since his rookie season, has been underachieving. He has, at the moment, a very average 79.1 QB rating and only 18 TDs to account for his 18 INT.

If we all can remember back to Owens's seasons with above average quarterbacks, he has always had a problem with getting along with them, mainly because they would make a mistake. Edwards is going He will be pulling his hair out if Trent Edwards doesn't pull his head out and start racking up some numbers.

Sure, you could argue that with Owens on the field, other WRs will have an easier time getting open, and therefore give Edwards some easy passes, and I would agree.

If you wanted to argue that having Owens on the field will leave Marshawn Lynch with some holes to squeeze through and tack on yardage to his numbers, I would have to agree as well.

But, guess what?

Mr. Owens doesn't like it too much when the ball isn't spiraling towards him.

Mr.Owens doesn't like it much if the ball is anyone else's hands but his.

Mr.Owens is going to have a hard time coping on the Bills.

So here are my final predictions for the seasons upcoming where TO will be a "go-to guy" in Buffalo.

If history accounts for anything Owens will be a reasonable, nice teammate next season, maybe even helping Buffalo into the playoffs. But it's usually Owens' second season in any particular team that sends him spiraling into an uncontrollable train of negativity.

In his second season in Buffalo (if he is re-signed), he won't be happy. He will start talking, to the press, and to his teammates. He will realize that he isn't the go-to guy, but rather a humongous, and helpful distraction.

When he starts talking, he will get people angry. Mostly with Trent Edwards, simply because of his lacking numbers in recent seasons, granted they will be higher this year thanks to Owens, but they won't be on a Peyton Manning level.

A broken team is the last thing Buffalo needs.

The Madden Curse: The Players and Their Downfalls

Jamie Brown — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:33:04 -0400

John Madden, he has a history in the NFL. He now has established himself in the history of video games. Every year a new game is made. And every year another player gets the cover. And every year that player has been cursed. The Madden curse effects players either during the season in which they were portrayed on the Madden cover, or, rarely, the one after it. You may see this as a 'superstition', well, read on...

Begin Slideshow

Philadelphia Eagles-Dallas Cowboys: Predictions for 2009

Jamie Brown — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:56:14 -0400

Overview:

Most fans are marking their calenders for November 8, and January 3. This truly is rivalry football at its best. Dating back to the days of the NFC Capitol division.

But since then both teams have developed heavily and thoroughly, and both are Super Bowl candidates for the 2009 season.

But who will win when they meet in yet another grudge match this year? Who has the better team?

Offense:

The Offensive Line—Eagles.

The Cowboys' Robert Brewster, Travis Bright, and Andrew Gurode are all solid players playing for a solid offensive line, but the Eagles' offensive line was retooled this offseason.

Shawn and Stacey Andrews give the Eagles the lead here. Shawn Andrews is a P.P.B. (Perennial Pro Bowler) and acquiring Stacey Andrews in the offseason only helps the Eagles.

QB—Eagles.

The Eagles have an asset in Donovan McNabb; he is a leader. People will be quick to remind any Eagles fan that he was benched, he played below average in a Super Bowl (throwing three interceptions), and he doesn't have the legs he used to.

But despite this, he has the experience and confidence that Tony Romo lacks. Although without Terrell Owens in his ear all game, Romo may surpass expectations.

WR—Cowboys.

I wrote an article stating my predictions for the Eagles' receiving core this year, you can read it here, but that hasn't been proven as of yet.

The Cowboys' receiving has taken a shot to the heart with the loss of an "elite receiver" Terrell Owens, but they should be able to rebound from the "loss" with Roy Williams stepping up to becoming Romo's No. 1 receiver.

RB—Tied

The Eagles have Westbrook, and yes he is old, and yes he has ankle problems, but he also has amazing hands and speed. These days you need a back that can go out on the flat for a dump pass, or even slant across the middle for a quick pass. Then there's LeSean McCoy.

The rookie, and eventual heir to Westbrook's throne, has more of a West Coast offense swag about him. He is reported to have good hands and great speed.

Don't forget that the Eagles don't use their running backs to run the ball as much as the Cowboys do.

On to the Cowboys. Marion Barber is a good, strong runner, and Felix Jones is a quick, elusive back. If the Cowboys run their Razorback, Felix Jones could be getting a huge amount of carries and breaking big runs left and right.

That is, if the offensive line can hold their blocks (not too much of a doubt), and the receivers can threaten deep.

TE—Cowboys

Witten, Witten, Witten. Cowboys tight end Jason Witten is arguably the best in the league. He is good and another P.P.B., he can burn linebackers at the drop of a hat, and he can deliver punishing blocks when it matters, he has talent.

Brent Celek on the other hand, was tossed into the starting position when L.J. Smith departed. He is a solid TE, but to be brutally honest, he isn't a Jason Witten.

So it's two-all as we cruise on over to the defensive analysis:

Defense

Safeties—Eagles

This might come as a surprise to some because of the loss of Brian Dawkins during the offseason, but from what I've seen, Quintin Mikell can, and will, step into B-Dawk's humongous shoes. And they will fit.

He has shown small examples of how incredible he can be, like the fourth down stop for a loss, and eventual win against Dallas in '06. Or the interception over Jeremy Shockey in the end zone to secure yet another win.

But that was then, and this is now. Mikell has stepped up before when he needed to, and he should be able to step up now. What the defense needs is a leader.

The Cowboys shouldn't be overlooked though. They have Ken Hamlin, who looks fantastic this year. He is a hard hitter and has the awarenessto adjust the defense to adapt to opponents' offensive plays. This could shut down the Eagles using screen plays that take full advantage of the speed they have at WR.

DE—Eagles

Trent Cole is a superb defensive end. One of the best in the league, only surpassed by Osi Umenyiora and a few others. Last year he made 98 tackles, 59 unassisted and nine for a loss.

He led the Eagles in hurries with 22, he was second on his team in sacks with nine, and third in Philadelphia for forced fumbles. His stats speak for themselves; containing him may be the difference between a sack and an "L", or grabbing the "W".

On the blue and white side of the ball, there are a few guys that can put pressure on the QB from the outside (excluding DeMarcus Ware), but Cole's raw ability keeps the Eagles ahead in this match up.

DT—Eagles, Marginally

For the Cowboys, Jay Ratliff is a versatile athlete, playing at TE, DE, and as of last year, nose tackle. He does have a talent of collapsing the pocket almost single-handedly. He is quick and strong and can often stuff runners in the backfield.

The Eagles, however, have a hidden beast in Mike Patterson. He didn't really have an explosive year last season and besides his one interception he has been relatively quiet. However, he hasn't shown his true colors yet and I wouldn't put it past him to be feared in the eyes of quarterback by the end of '09.

CB—Eagles

This is easy. After losing Lito Sheppard, and potentially losing Sheldon Brown, the Eagles could have been grounded when it comes to cornerbacks. But remember, the team still has Asante Samuel, an interception machine and an almost unbeatable corner.

Arguably the best in the league, Samuel will play a huge role in determining the team's success.

Likewise, Terence Newman will play a huge role for the Cowboys. Another P.P.B., he's just too fast and he's also an almost unbeatable corner, but this season I don't see him performing to his greatest potential.

LB—Cowboys

Omar Gaither is a fantastic, fast, all-around player who can really put pressure on quarterbacks, or, if needed, step back for a pick. But he is no DeMarcus Ware.

Ware was the sack leader last year, and there is little doubt that he will do it again. He is a big threat and the Eagles offensive line needs to keep him away from McNabb if they want any chance in winning this match up.

Special Teams—Tied

Longtime Eagle David Akers is still great. The kick returners are fast and unpredictable. Punter Sav Rocca can pin a team deep.

The Cowboys' kicker Nick Folk is great. The kick returners have speed, and the blocking on kick returns is probably one of the best in the league, not to mention punter Mat McBriar's foot of pure skill.

Speed is the great equalizer for the special team units. Both are fast, but not one faster than another, and both have a complete unit.

Conclusion

The last time these two teams met, the Eagles doused the last ember the Cowboys had at a shot for the Super Bowl with a 44-6 victory.

That won't happen again—that shouldn't happen again.

This time its going to be close—very close.

The Cowboys lead the series 54-43, but that doesn't mean anything on game day.

I see the Eagles taking both wins in the upcoming season, but it will be entertaining.

Like a quickly-forgotten ex-Cowboy and ex-Eagle once said:

"Get your popcorn ready."

Kevin Curtis, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the 2009 Super Bowl

Jamie Brown — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:03:39 -0400

Kevin Curtis. Most people that aren't Eagles fans couldn't put a name to his face. He is what some would call a "hidden talent." He has speed, strength, explosiveness....you name it he has it. And he showcased all of it in 2007. But if you only watched the 2008 season, you wouldn't have known.

Straight Outta Utah State (N.W.A's new song) he was drafted to the Rams in 2003 being 74th overall.

He ran a hand-timed 4.21 40 at the combine that number dropped to 4.35, but the scouts knew he was fast.

The Wonderlic test? No problem, 48 out of 50. The highest among active players.

But Curtis didn't really show huge improvement until 2007 when he signed with Philadelphia and became the No. 1 receiver, finishing the year with 1,110 yards, 77 grabs, and a solid six TDs.

He had become a valuable asset to a team that had recently lost the infamous "No. 81."

Curtis's true colors emerged on the 23rd of September.

The Eagles 75th anniversary game.

The sun was high in the sky, and the yellow and blue jerseys of the Eagles made a beautiful yet almost ugly contrast against the dark green grass.

The stadium was booming with enthusiasm as the "Your Philadelphia Eagles!" was announced over the intercom.

Out came No. 5, then 36, then a large pack of defenders devoted to grabbing a "W."

Then, mixed somewhere behind the pack, the little known Curtis emerged. You can see he was full of energy, but he kept calm...that is, until the kickoff.

Emerging from Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce's shadows only six months before, he blew the Lions away with nine catches, 205 yards, and three TDs over the course of the game.

Later that year Curtis got injured (sports hernia) and only played a few games in 2008, coming away with two TDs, 390 yards, and 33 catches all year.

Low, but guess what? He is healthy for '09.

With the addition of Jeremy Maclin in the draft this year, DeSean Jackson's brilliant play in 2008, and a "revamped" Eagles offensive line, Curtis will be making open catches consistently up and down the field in 2009.

Why will this year be his best you ask?

Well, it's simple. With Jackson's speed and ability to get open deep, secondaries will have to play off him.

With Maclin's speed, he should be able to utilize the screen pass consistently and effectively.

And Curtis will be able to roam either deep, posting, slants, curls—whatever, because he will have space with the defenses spread out, leaving gaps. He is a great fantasy pick this year and he will have his best year yet.

Can Curtis be that extra push the Eagles need to get over their NFC Championship blues?

Time will tell.