Bleacher Report - Articles by James Senbeta

Do Philadelphia 76ers Fans Really Need to Panic?

James Senbeta — Sat, 23 May 2009 21:51:26 -0400

Ok so, the 76ers do not have a coach as of yet, or have a starting point listed for the 2009-2010 season, or have a way to rid themselves of Samuel Dalembert without a cap hit this offseason. Still it’s not like they are the L.A. Clippers, are they?

Though not disclosing much to the public Ed Stefanski has kept his word of searching high and low for a new head coach, and it’s doubtful he will be done until right before the draft.

He also has to worry about how far the 76ers are over the salary cap. Since there is not a hard cap whatever amount the team has that is about $9 million over the salary cap an equal amount of that is given to the league and dispersed to teams below that mark.

Considering that the 76ers have a hard time filling the seats during the season (23rd of 30) there is loss revenue and profit for the team. Point blank, Philadelphia is not like the L.A. Lakers and can’t afford to go into luxury tax land.

Instead the 76ers want to stay under that magical sum of $70 million for the next season. Andre Iguodala is due to make $11,822,625 and Elton Brand has $14,858,472 owed as well.

That comes to $26,681,097 for the two of them alone. Then we can add in $4,750,000 for Louis Williams, $4,860,000 for Reggie Evans, $3,682,000 for Willie Green, $2,434,681 for Thaddeus Young, $1,757,137 for Jason Smith, and $1,658,280 for Marreese Speights.

Eight players for $45,823,195 on the estimation of salaries is pretty good salary cap management thus far. Of course, the NBA requires 13 players on each team and guarantees an average of 14 players per team in the league, which is how many the team carried last season.

The 76ers have one draft pick at No. 17, which is valued $1,514,280, bringing the salary cap to $47,337,475 for nine players.

Then sign three veterans for the league minimum at $825,497 for next season tallying to $49,813,966 for 12, great cap management.

So can the 76ers re-sign Andre Miller?

That depends on if he accepts less than $10 million, his current salary. And considering Miller is looking for a final big payday with some sun this is highly unlikely.

But let’s say Miller decides to take a pay cut, we have another huge problem…

And its name is SAMUEL DALEMBERT!

Sammy is due to make $12,125,694 in 2009-2010 and $13,012,823 in 2010-2011, and has become untradeable due to high salary compared to his skills.

No team has wanted to touch him when Stefanski tried to trade him before, and probably will not interest a trade until he becomes an expiring contract in the 2010 offseason. If Miller wants to stay he’ll have to take slightly under $8 million.

So what to do about the point-guard situation?

Louis Williams is an option, so are some restricted free agents and draft choices covered in another article.

If the 76ers decide to select via the draft, they could package Willie Green with the No. 17 pick to get into the mid-to-late lottery selections. They could go as high as Minnesota at number six since they have three first round choices.

The 76ers could go shooting guard, but who would be the floor general. If you already don’t like Iguodala then you will not like this next sentence.

If the 76ers do not acquire a point guard, Iguodala (5.3 assists second to Miller’s 6.5) would run the point with a qualifying 2-to-1 assist to turnover ratio last season. Still want to draft that shooting guard?

And for those who suggest tanking the team for a shot at the first overall pick ask Sacramento if it was worth being the worst team in the league. The team has to be horrendous to deserve a top five pick, and a team that can make the playoffs without one of their better players does not qualify.

Are you really a fan if want a team a piece or two away from the next level to tank? I guess that is another discussion for another time.

In the end it is best to just have patience and be prepared for what could happen next season.

Hey, greater miracles have happened before.

Who Will Be the Philadelphia 76ers' Starting Point Guard Next Season?

James Senbeta — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:23:29 -0400

As Ed Stefanski is currently debating choices for head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers from Eddie Jordan to Tom Thibodeau and Doug Collins, he has a position just as important to fill during the offseason. With a 33 year old Andre Miller becoming a free agent off of a $10 million salary last year Sixers management must contemplate whether to continue with him or to find a young franchise point guard. Available on the list are two current 76ers, two restricted free agents, and five possible players from the 2009 NBA Draft. With Tuesday's lottery determining the order of the first three teams draft, and possibly others due to one drafting higher than expected, point guards could either be plentiful or thinning out by pick 17. Abbreviations: Minutes per game = mpg Points per game = ppg Field goal percentage = fg% Three-point percentage = 3p% Free throw percentage = ft% Assist per game = apg Turnovers per game = tpg Steals per game = spg Blocks per game = bpg Rebounds per game = rpg

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Why Doug Collins Will Be the Next 76ers Head Coach

James Senbeta — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:09:07 -0400

With Tony DiLeo telling Ed Stefanski he prefers his old job as senior vice president and assistant general manager on Monday, the Sixers are now sexiest NBA head coaching position available this offseason.

With Byron Scott and Alvin Gentry re-signing with New Orleans and Phoenix respectively, and Eddie Jordon set to take the Sacramento Kings job as Flip Saunders takes his old spot in Washington, who will be the guy to take the 76ers to the next level?

In house, there are to individuals who could take the position if asked to do so: assistance coach Jim Lynam and scout Chris Ford.

There are four possible candidates are former NBA head coaches that are currently color analyst for NBA broadcasts: Doug Collins, Avery Johnson, Jeff Van Gundy, and Mike Fratello.

There are five current and former college coaches that could become candidates, whether reasonable or far out there: Villanova’s Jay Wright, Louisville’s Rick Pitino, Boston College’s Al Skinner, former Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie, and former Arizona coach Kevin O’Neill.

Other possible names that could be in the running for the 76ers: former Kings coach Reggie Theus, Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau, and Mavericks executive Paul Westphal.

Before going nuts about the first important decision of the offseason there is process of elimination to be played.

We can cross off the name of Jay Wright, as his job at Villanova is visibly better than that of the Sixers.

After the tumultuous one and a half season in Sacramento, Reggie Theus would send the wrong message to Sixers faithful.

Al Skinner, a 76er in the 1978-1979 season, is still enjoying his perks as the current head coach of Boston College’s men’s basketball team, including his radio show and being a spokesperson for a local clothing store.

Step two to the head coach search would be rather or not he is a big enough name to draw interest to the organization.

Chris Ford and Jim Lynam will remain on the backburner of the search, as well as Kevin O’Neill retaining his current position as assistant coach and special assistant to the GM for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Step three is if the coach can instill disciple and yet not be an overbearing dictator.

Color commentators Avery Johnson, Jeff Van Gundy, and Mike Fratello will retain their current jobs while Billy Gillispie will remain unemployed at the current time.

Next is if they have any connection to the Philadephia 76ers. So long Rick Pitino and Paul Westphal.

We are now down to two noteworthy candidates to become the next head coach of the 76ers: Doug Collins, and Tom Thibodeau in the order of relevance to Sixers' history.

Tom Thibodeau, career NBA assistant coach and basketball defense guru, has recently helped the Celtics win the NBA championship as well as mold defenses of John Lucas and Jeff Van Gundy coached teams. He was an assistant coach during Lucas’ two seasons as Sixers head coach from 1994-1996.

Thibodeau has had head coaching experience in 1984 in charge of his alma mater Salem State College men's basketball team.

Current TNT analyst Doug Collins was coach of the Chicago Bulls for three seasons from 1986-1989 during the early Michael Jordan era. In his first season, he improved the Bulls from 30-52 to 40-42 and a playoff berth.

He continued with two consecutive winning seasons progressing to the second round (’87-’88, 50-32) and the Eastern Conference finals (’88-’89, 47-35) before being displaced by his assistant Phil Jackson.

Collins later had a three season stint with the Detroit Pistons from 1995-1998 with only two first round appearances. He gave the team an initial 18 win increase from 28-54 to 46-36 in the 1995-1996 season, and made another improvement to 54-28 in 1996-1997.

Collins was fired after 45 games (21-24) of the 1997-1998 season due to reports of him having issues with his players. What should be noted is that the main person that was a constant in the Detroit lineups was Grant Hill since management had a continuous swapping of players, including Christian Laettner.

He was then hired by then Washington Wizards' president of basketball operations Michael Jordon to coach the team from 2001-2003.

Collins managed to temporarily fix the Wizards from 19-63 to 37-46 in his first season despite dealing with first overall draft bust Kwame Brown and a returning 38 year old Jordan.

The record was the same in an injury filled 2002-2003, and was let go after Jordan was dismissed from his executive position. It was rumored that Jordan forced Collins to bench Larry Hughes for Tyronn Lue.

Collins is relevant to the Sixers as the first overall selection to Philadelphia in 1973 and played seven seasons as a starting swingman before a leg injury forced his retirement during the 1980-1981 season at age 29.

In 415 career games he averaged 17.9 points with a .501 field goal percentage, an .833 free throw percentage, 3.2 rebounds, 3.3 assist to 2.8 turnovers, and 1.2 steals in 33.6 minutes. He was selected to four NBA All Star games from 1976-1979, but failed to play in his last on due to injury.

Collins is the heads on favorite for the head coaching position as the only one expressing interest in the job and having support from Andre Iguodala. He could be paired with Tom Thibodeau to create a formidable coaching to push the 76ers to major contention in the Eastern Conference.

If Collins chooses not to take the job afterall, then Thibodeau will take the reigns of the Sixers.

Brett Favre, Hard To Miss You

James Senbeta — Mon, 04 May 2009 10:13:56 -0400

Brett Favre announces his retirement immediately after the season, practices with some high school football players, and then is rumored to have talked to the Minnesota Vikings. This is not a review of last offseason, it is a repeat.

It is also a telling sign when his agent talks about Favre's shoulder health and his might-have-the-itch-to-play-again mentality.

Anyone who bought Favre's retirement talks have not only vastly underestimated his competitive spirits, but his dire obsession to have the perfect exit and proving Green Bay Packers wrong.

The man just cannot live with just the career touchdown mark or wins list. He cannot live with his current marks as the ironman of quarterbacks.

And why is this so? Because he's BRETT FAVRE.

He is the Clint Eastwood of NFL quarterbacks best remembered as the gunslinger. Of course as a gunslinger his shots were hit or miss, guaranteed to cause physical injury to those in the way of his leather bullets.

One has to wonder if WRs and defensive secondary players lobbied for broken finger insurance due to him.

Does anyone still reminisce of myths about Favre throwing a football 100 yards or out of the stadium?

Rumors went around that he was a crusader for justice using his throwing arm as his main weapon. Explains the caved in chests of some suspects.

Or how about the term "Favre It," where he tells his receivers to run deep while he throws the ball up in the air. With any other QB it is a Hail Mary, but with Brett it is a very special play where he thinks he can score 10 or more points off of one pass.

In the end he does have a ring, three MVPs, and almost every imaginable record, good or bad, that does not dwell into percentages.

But how can all of these facts be enjoyed by all if the guy will not go away? Please call it a day so everyone can have fun with your legend.

OVERHAUL: Key Vocabulary Term for the Philadelphia 76ers Offseason

James Senbeta — Sun, 03 May 2009 16:17:50 -0400

April 30 has brought a lot of realization to Sixers fans everywhere that the team is at a make or break moment this offseason. Andre Miller bailing, Theo Ratliff criticizing, and Iguodala unsure of the teams direction are all signs of the crossroads.

What is GM Ed Stefanski to do?

Before describing the moves that have to be made we must look at a young viable trio that can lead the 76ers to greater success with more maturity and experience, given the right supporting cast.

Andre Iguodala has been the designated star since the departure of Allen Iverson, and as thus far has not made anyone forget the original AI. He has the potential to do so as long as he can improve on his consistency, especially in scoring opportunities.

The 6’6” 207 lb Iguodala is a player with all around skill, and of recently, has been flirting with elitism with game winning shots in both the regular and post-seasons.

He also realizes that at the moment he is in the same class as Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks; a very talented player but just below superstar quality.

A permanent move from small forward to shooting guard would not only help Iguodala but also gives Thaddeus Young a more chance to play his natural position.

The 6’8” 220 lb second year pro is a natural scorer with an abundance of athleticism and energy, but still has work to do on the defensive end.

The third of the trio is rookie Marreese Speights, who justified Stefanski’s scouting knowledge with his low post presence in limited minutes this season through blocks and rebounds, and at times points.

It would be wise for Philadelphia to start the 6’10” 245 pounder at power forward or center next season.

Decisions will have to be made this summer that could determine both the immediate and long term future of the Sixers.

Sure not resigning Kareem Rush is an easy move, but reloading the team with the multi-year contracts of Elton Brand and Samuel Dalembert is next to impossible.

The 76ers has tried unsuccessfully moving Dalembert’s $11.2 million plus contract per year last offseason.

His positives as trade bait are his tremendous defensive skills and borderline All Star potential that was second for centers in the Eastern Conference for All Star voting last year.

The bad news is that the last sentence sounded like a used car salesman pitch to ditch him.

The only feasible trade would be to get Minnesota Timberwolves’ general manager Jim Stack drunk and/or high, preferably both, to extort him for Al Jefferson.

Elton Brand would be easier to trade due to his NBA career work before arriving in Philadelphia. Though an injured shoulder has kept him out for most of the season he is still an attraction to some NBA executives.

When it comes to trades in the NBA it is all about equal value of roster tenders, like getting approximately $11 million worth of expiring contracts back for Dalembert.

The problem with behind all of this is that one of them will have to be traded while the Sixers are forced to eat the contract of the other. If they cannot do this then the resigning of Andre Miller is in jeopardy.

Miller looks to be the most obvious casualty of Philadelphia’s overspending of the forward-center positions. The 33-year-old point guard is looking for a new contract after making $10.3 million in the last year of his current deal.

Sadly for Miller the 76ers will have an easier time finding a point guard in the upcoming NBA Draft with either UNC’s Ty Lawson or Syracuse’s Jonny Flynn falling to Philadelphia in the bottom-teens.

The Sixers could also try to trade one of their highly paid big men for a capable point guard and other pieces making Miller expendable.

As serviceable as Andre Miller has been one his major criticism has been his lack of ability to shoot three-pointers, especially for a team that lacks the firepower from most of the roster.

His highest season three-point average was last season at .283 (15-53).

His absence from the final team meeting also does not help his case in negotiations for a new deal. Nor does last year’s deal between the 76ers and Lou Williams for five years give Miller leverage against management.

Another issue facing the Sixers is the selection of head coach going into next season.

After the December 3 firing of Maurice Cheeks, senior vice president and assistant general manager Tony DiLeo assumed the interim head coach for the rest of last season.

The Sixers still achieved around the same .500 record and first round exit by the sixth game in the playoffs as the year before.

More telling than the season before was the comment made by Theo Ratliff after the playoff elimination about DiLeo not holding the players accountable for their lack of effort in game six against the Orlando Magic.

Young could only call DiLeo a nice guy and Iguodala had a Freudian slip answering “I don’t know if I can say it, but I think we’re going down” about the Sixers’ future.

Regardless of whoever is the head coach next season, he will have the task of making the 76ers better than a .500 team by the end of next season.

Draft Day Dilemma and the Hope for the Super Bowl

James Senbeta — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 14:44:22 -0400

OK so my best friend and I are talking about today’s draft and all of the sudden I get the dreaded text message, “Baby I’m bored. Can we go somewhere today?”

I know some of you are thinking, “Are you mad? You can’t do this on draft day!” or “Dude she’s not worthy of you.” But before we go sports-uneducated girlfriend bashing I must say I have a plan.

First to note is the NFL Draft. ESPN’s coverage begins at 4 pm and the first round selections are 10 minutes each with the Eagles, so far, at No. 21. So if 21-1 still equals 20, and 20 x 10 still equates to 200 then I’m safe until 7 pm since, work with me now, three hours is 180 minutes and 180 < 200.

I know, no need to whip out the math from back in the day, but it plays into my master plan as a whole. I’m taking the girlfriend to the Philadelphia Zoo, and since it closes at 5 pm I have plenty of time to drop her back off at her place and meet up with my best friend to watch the draft.

Now we are draft ready and prepared for the future of the Eagles. I have a feeling they are going RB in the first round, WR in the second round, and TE in the third.

The most likely scenario is that we draft Georgia RB Knowshon Moreno at 21, but is there a possibility that the Eagles can get him as far down as pick 29? A few likely happenings could make that probable.

First there is the Michael Crabtree factor. The man has basically talked himself out of the top five, and if both the Jaguars and the 49ers pass on him then look for the Redskins and Jets to be in the mix. Unlike the Jets, the Redskins need major help in the trenches so it is feasible that the Jets could pluck Crabtree at 17.

Not necessary but maybe helpful is the love the Patriots have for USC LB Brian Cushing, enough so that they will trade their first and second to the Saints to draft him. The Hoodie traded up last year for USC LB Jerrod Mayo so do not put this in the realm of the impossible. That would give the Saints the viability to draft Beanie Wells at No. 23.

Then there is the love of Darrius Heyward-Bey by the Giants, leaving Eagles fans with disbelief of trading with a division rival on draft day. The way that trade would work is that the Giants give up 29, 45, 91, and 100 selections for the Eagles' 21, 53, and 81 draft picks.

If the Saints do trade down then there would be no problem for the Eagles to trade down in the first and trade up in the second round at the same time. Moreno is still the guy and the birds are still in the hunt for a first round wideout, a la Hakeem Nicks.

Regardless of such possibilities, the Eagles still have a great chance of landing Anquan Boldin trade their second round selection to Arizona, along with a departure of (Reggie or Sheldon) Brown. The only variable of that trade would be the renegotiation of Boldin’s contract, he wants $10 million and the Eagles would prefer $8-9 million.

In the third, Andy Reid is looking for his favor prospect all offseason, Mizzou TE Chase Coffman. “Eagles TE Scouting” is really a telling sign for the team that rarely tips their hand in trades or drafting. Coffman is an excellent receiver with toughness and blocking ability at 6’6” 250 lbs.

Though he sparingly lined up traditionally next to the tackle, there is no doubt Reid believes he would be the prototypical tight end in his offense. Imagine a more athletic Chad Lewis with this guy, Heath Miller (CBSSports.com), Jason Witten, or as one site stated "Coffman is a great all-around tight end who has the complete package" (Scout.com). Garry Cobb of WIP is thumbs up on this guy.

Between the four and fifth rounds, the Eagles will work on cornerbacks, with two of the fifth round selections trade for a fourth rounder. The later rounds are a tossup, but it would not be a surprise to see an offensive or defensive lineman from rounds five to seven.

At least I can do Dave & Buster’s 6 pm on. Freedom!

The Eagles Front Office Smoke Screen: Stolen 2009 Offseason Blueprint

James Senbeta — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:04:01 -0400

Hot off the copying machine are the secret conversations from Eagles management to successfully get the players they want from by the end of Draft Weekend. (Remember this is satire)

With all the pandemonium about trades for receivers and tight end we must sure up our offensive line first. Shawn Andrews was the best offensive tackle I have ever seen in college football and Herremans has the footwork and the drive to perform well at left tackle but… I cannot trust Max or Nick as full time starters at guard. Nick could challenge for the center position but I need my most trusted veterans to be my best pullers. We need a talented left tackle that will not cost us both our first round draft picks. We must better protect McNabb than we had last season.

-Andy Reid

As trade rumors about Anquan Boldin infatuated Eagles nation before Arizona’s official announcement of trading their Pro Bowl wideout the front office made a preemptive strike for Bills LT Jason Peters on March 26.

By April 18 Peters had a new deal worked out as the Eagles left tackle for $60 million in six years. As a result Philadelphia gave Buffalo the number 28 pick, a fourth round selection, and next year’s sixth round choice.

Andy I don’t know if you noticed but with Westbrook hitting 30 and Buckhalter leaving we may need some depth and a potential replacement at tailback. We all like Moreno and his skill set but we cannot go above the 21st selection to acquire him. To be honest I would love to trade down a few spots for extra picks if we can and still pick Knowshon but the risk becomes greater of missing out on him. I know he is by far the best skilled player at this position but we cannot afford him anywhere above our spot. We’re not just running a team here, it’s a business that is about to face an uncapped year after next season. If we cannot get him then we trade down to the second round to work on another positions coming back to running back in the third or later. I hear St. Louis would give up their second and third for our first.

-Joe Banner

This may be a favorite pick for some, the eventual successor to Brian Westbrook in the current draft. At least it’s a noticeable plan from the current playbook, and unlike fan statements the strategy has been more lucrative than bust compared to most other teams.

Knowshon Moreno is a bit like DeSean Jackson but for the halfback position. They both have swagger and the essential tools to become successful, even elite, players of their respective expertise. Both he and Westbrook could be an explosive two-headed monster at RB next season.

In review the Eagles have not always traded down in the first round. In 2004 Philadelphia made a deal after the Terrell Owens with the 49ers trade mustering up almost any selections to trade up ten spots for Shaun Andrews. The Eagle also traded up in 2003 for the infamous Jerome McDougle at 15.

Sure 2000 and 2003 can be considered washes but we have done well in the draft in the last four years. Mike (Patterson), Todd (Herremans), and Trent (Cole) in 05, Brod(rick Bunkley), Chris (Gocong), Max (Jean-Gilles), Jason (Avant), and Omar (Gaither) in 06, your draft strategy from those two years has produced some serviceable to Pro Bowl players. You scored big on DeSean (Jackson), Stewart (Bradley), and Quintin (Demps), surprised yourself with Brent (Celek), and have potential in Victor (Abiamiri), Trevor (Laws), Jack (Ikegwuonu), Joe (Mays), and King (Dunlap). Don’t let the fans get to you about supposedly bad picks Andy; we have definitely made progress from those early years. We were a young team the last couple of years and now those players have begun to mature. So are you positive that you want to obliterate your first three rounds for Boldin and Tony Gonzalez? I admit I love the prospects in the second and third rounds more and more.

-Tom Heckert

Well I could settle for Tony if we have to trade down into the second round; I would even give up a third for him if we have a higher selection in said round along with our own. But it looks like with Crabtree’s diva-like actions a lot of receivers, including him, are falling down the draft board. If he falls to the Jets and pushes Heyward-Bey into the next round we could stay put or move around the second and third for talent. And it would be nice to move Reggie (Brown).

-Andy Reid

Oh and I know the two players you have become smitten with after the first round. First there’s that kid North Carolina (Hakeem) Nicks, telling him that you would love to see Eagle wings on his helmet at the combine. That is a pretty bold statement for you for any wideout right out of college. You even invited him up here spend more time with him. You still love the fact he may resemble Boldin in 2003 from his body type and playing style to the draft and possibly throughout the season.

-Tom Heckert

I’m glad that he is still falling even when he dropped 10 pounds from the 226 at his pro day. We may get lucky having him fall to us at 53. Hey, Boldin was selected at 54 years ago so anything is possible, but we need the Ravens or the Dolphins to trade for him to draft Nicks that far down. Unless Miami and Baltimore decides to negociate and the Giants’ talks with the Browns fall apart Anquan is staying in Arizona.

-Andy Reid

Very true, Boldin may be worth the risk but to what effect for building for the future? There is another guy you had wind of since your days in Green Bay, and you loved how his high school and college careers have played out. How often have you talked to his father Paul about him? Hell, you Google “Eagles TE scouting” it’s hard to deny, I’m surprised no one has been clamoring about this as a story.

-Tom Heckert

Back then it was warning him about Brett Favre’s passes and how well his kids were playing in pee wee football. But as Chase (Coffman) developed in the tight end position with tutelage from his father I started to bite at the chomp for this opportunity. He can catch and block, and would be the perfect complement to Brent as he was with Martin Rucker early at Missouri. And how often can you draft the NCAA record holding tight end for season and career receptions in the third round? Yes I love the kid, but wouldn’t you if followed his career? Chase is a must for me.

-Andy Reid

Seem like the Eagles have a real draft strategy prepared for April 25 so far. They could trade for Tony Gonzalez as long as Moreno is gone from the draft board before pick 21 and wait for a halfback later. They could go tailback, receiver, and tight end in rounds one through three to sure up the offense and go defensive for most of day two. One thing is clear; the Eagles are more prepared than ever.

Hey Andy this Sheldon Brown situation is starting to concern me. Asante (Samuel) is a nice number one and Joselio (Hanson) would be great as the number two but the depth is suspect. I think we should look at Bradley Fletcher, Greg Toler, and Coye Francies as fourth to fifth rounders at cornerback. I know we may have to package two fifth round picks to make it happen but with Jack coming off of injury it would be nice to have some insurance. If we can’t do that we could get lucky or think about Glover Quin from New Mexico.

-Jim Johnson

One thing is for sure, Sheldon Brown’s trade demand has made the secondary a guaranteed draft spot by day two of the draft. Sheldon may not be traded before the draft, but his stock as a starter is not as stable as it used to be. His skill is not the stats for interception but for prevention of scores, giving way to Hanson if he can be as diligent.

In the end a team’s successful draft is dependent on what team drafts whom before them. The speculation may increase but reality will soon take its place. The current selections are:

rd1. 21
rd2. 53
rd3. 85
rd5. 141
rd5. 153
rd5. 157
rd6. 194
rd6. 195
rd7. 230

Insane Draft Day Predictions for wide receivers:

1. Jeremy Maclin 1st round

2. Michael Crabtree mid 1st round

3. Darrius Heyward-Bey late 1st-early 2nd

4. *Anquan Boldin trade to Ravens (pick 26)

5. Percy Harvin late 1st-early 2nd

6. *Braylon Edwards trade to Giants (pick 45)

7. Brian Robiskie early to mid 2nd

8. Kenny Britt early to mid 2nd

9. Hakeem Nicks early to mid 2nd

10. Derrick Williams late 2nd to 3rd

Also is Mr. Irrelevant really irrelevant? He seems to be more known than at least the last 50 selections before him. How about those undrafted free agents, no one really seems to pay attention to them on draft weekend.

Kevin Curtis, or the Fraudulant Starting Receiver

James Senbeta — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:43:16 -0400

Yes, it is the 4th-down play most Eagle fans remember as the no-call pass interference. But look closely at the ball within Kevin Curtis' arms and say Curtis could not have come up with the catch.

Those plays are what separate great receivers from average-to-good wideouts. Sure Kevin Curtis can catch a football, he can do it well or else he would not be on an NFL roster as a wide receiver. What is to question is if he can come up with the big reception at the most critical time for the team.

Example One: The NFC Championship Game at Arizona

It's fourth down with 10 yards to go and the Eagles need a first to keep themselves in contention for a Super Bowl berth. Once the ball is snapped Arizona blitzed seven quickly in the backfield, yet Donovan McNabb has enough composure to find a target in Curtis right past the first down marker.

As soon as McNabb releases the ball Roderick Hood trips up Curtis, leaving him in a kneeling position as the ball comes his way. It just seemed at that moment that Kevin's hand could not grasp the ball regardless of his falling position, and immediately demands for a flag.

Curtis produced the statline of 122 yards from four receptions, some of highlight status. But could he come up with the most necessary of all catches that afternoon?

Example Two: Kevin Curtis' 2007 season

Curtis provided 77 receptions for 1,110 yards and six touchdowns for the Eagles in 2007. What was deceptive with those numbers was the lack of consistency with Curtis' production.

Of the 16 regular season games only five saw Curtis rack up more than 75 yards. Three of those games were against the worst pass defenses in the league that year (Detroit: 221 yds, 3 tds; Minnesota: 76 yds; New Orleans: 78 yds, td).

In addition to those teams Seattle (111 yds, td) was the 19th rated defense, and the New York Jets (121 yds, td) allowed a 75 yard catch to Curtis.

Playing division opponents Curtis averaged 24 yards per game against the Redskins, 23.5 yards per game against the Giants, and 45.5 yards per game against the Cowboys.

Is Kevin Curtis a true starting receiver?

An Anquan Boldin Carbon Copy Available in the Draft?

James Senbeta — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:33:39 -0400

For Eagles fans, or even fans of other teams who want to pull off a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for the physical force that is Anquan Boldin, this comparison is between him and Hakeem Nicks. The Philadelphia Eagles must keep the 21st overall pick to shore up the receiving corps.

Let's take a look at the current crop of receivers for this upcoming NFL Draft with five possible WRs draftable in the first round:

Michael Crabtree: 6’1” 214 lbs. – possession receiver
Jeremy Maclin: 6’0'' 199 lbs. - speed receiver
Percy Harvin: 5’11” 195 lbs. – speed receiver
Darrius Heyward-Bay: 6’2” 206 lbs. – speed receiver
Hakeem Nicks: 6’1” 212 lbs. – possession receiver

Of these five, two have the frame and playing style closest to Boldin—Crabtree and Nicks. The other three would be your preference if DeSean Jackson’s 62 receptions, 912 yards, and two touchdowns in the regular season and 11-207-1 postseason statistics as a rookie were not good enough for you.

With Crabtree and Nicks, the tale of the scouting report shows an awkward draft tale seen many times in the NFL. The level of hype between the two wideouts has Crabtree near-mythical status, while Nicks has had the first-to-second-round-tweener tag attached to him.

Both have fairly comparable positives in the analysis but the negatives present a different story.

Crabtree negatives:

“Needs to speed up his release, as he jumps off the line too often trying to lull his defender to sleep. Does not have the elite speed to separate from quick corners on the outside, although the point typically was moot at Tech because he could overpower collegiate talent. Not sudden with the ball in his hands, dancing awkwardly at times instead of using his size and strength. Must improve consistency on downfield blocking, as he has the size to be effective but gives inconsistent effort to get to his man or sustain. Runs with the ball loose in the open field.” – NFL.com

Nicks negatives:

“Questionable deep speed. May lack the top-end speed to challenge defensive backs over the top, allowing savvy NFL defenders to close off the crossing routes on which Nicks generated much of his success. One of three legitimate NFL-caliber receivers for the Tar Heels, and capitalized on defenses spread thin.” – NFL.com

The only knocks against Nicks (68-1,222-12) are his possible lack of deep speed (after 20 yards), and playing on the same offense with one receiver (Brandon Tate, 16-376-3) who tore up his knee five games into the season, and another (Brooks Foster, 30-334-2) who could never step up as a big time receiver.

Crabtree, on the other hand, has a host of issues that can unnerve a coach out the gate besides his foot injury. Considering the millions of dollars in difference between a top-10 pick and a bottom first-round selections, not including the sacrifice for such a high pick (both first and either a second or third), it is more feasible for the Eagles to take a surer product at a lesser price.

For the argument for keeping the 21st and not necessarily the 28th selection, the Miami Dolphins present a threat with the 25th overall pick. Bill Parcells, the former head coach known for calling Terry Glenn “she” and Terrell Owens “The Player,” has personally travelled with Dophins head coach Tony Sparano and backup QB Chad Henne to Chapel Hill, NC to scout Nicks.

Other receivers whose lack of deep speed was also criticized before the draft were Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, and Jerry Rice.

40-yard dash

Rice: 4.6 seconds at 6'2" 200 lbs.
Boldin: 4.70 seconds at 6'1" 217 lbs.
Fitzgerald: 4.63 seconds at 6'3" 220 lbs.
Nicks: 4.53 seconds at 6’1” 212 lbs.

It’s evident the better receivers in the league may have not run the best 40-yard dash time, but what more intelligent scouts will do is to look at the 10- and 20-yard intervals to see how well a wideout can obtain their speed during route running. For this example, we will stick with Boldin and Nicks.

10-yard interval of 40-yard dash

Boldin: 1.62 seconds
Nicks: 1.52 seconds

20-yard interval of 40-yard dash

Boldin: 2.68 seconds
Nicks: 2.60 seconds

We can even compare other workout drills like the 20-yard shuttle, vertical jump, and three-cone drill:

20-yard shuttle

Boldin: 4.25 seconds
Nicks: 4.43 seconds

Vertical jump

Boldin: 33.5''
Nicks: 36''

Three-Cone Drill

Boldin: 7.35 seconds
Nicks: 6.96 seconds

But in the end, the best proof, as usual, is the film, so enjoy...

Anquan Boldin during his Florida State days

Anquan Boldin NFL Career Highlights

Hakeem Nicks junior year Highlights 1

Hakeem Nicks junior year Highlights 2

Hakeem Nicks freshman year vs Notre Dame

Hakeem Nicks behind the back catch vs West Virginia

The point of the comparison is not to necessarily say that Nicks is exactly like Boldin; that is about the same as saying Michael Vick is Randall Cunningham. What is being suggested is that, due to similar draft ranges, size, skill sets, and drive, Hakeem could have the same outcome as Anquan did in 2003 and onward.

Eagles Circling a Buffalo For Vacant LT Position

James Senbeta — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:17:18 -0400

As reported by KFFL and Eagles.html" target="_blank" title="The Philadelphia Inquirer">The Philadelphia Inquirer yesterday the Eagles have paid close enough attention to the recent stalemate between LT Jason Peters and the Buffalo Bills to prepare a trade.

Peters, a two-time Pro-Bowl selection (2007-08), will have a remaining base salary of $7.2 million over two years and wants a new contract worth similar to or more than Jordan Gross' 6-year, $60 million deal. If a new extension cannot be reached the Bills will look forward to trading the 2003 All-SEC Second Team Selection.

Peters (27) was an undrafted free agent from Arkansas in 2004 for the Buffalo Bills originally as a blocking tight end and special teams specialist. The next season he had supplanted former first rounder OT Mike Williams as the starting right tackle.

In 2006 Peters was moved from right tackle to left tackle in the middle of the season and showed potential as becoming an All-Pro selection. The 6'4", 340 pounder later earned the All-Pro tag in 2007, along with the acknowledgement from Madden 2009 with a 97 overall rating.

Donovan McNabb and the Haunting of The Eagles

James Senbeta — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:08:58 -0400

Halftime of the November 23 Eagles-Ravens game of last season, McNabb appeared to have taken his last snap as a starter in Philadelphia. Thirty minutes of regulation later, he had an unexpected gift fall into his lap: leverage.

Rumors earlier this year swirled that Donovan McNabb requested more play-makers on offense or to trade him to a ready-made contender like Minnesota.

The duo of Joe Banner and Andy Reid has been conservative at best, in the free agency market trying to become younger at a thrifty rate to help their franchise quarterback.

More recent moves have propped up mostly minor concerns in the defensive secondary, right tackle, and fullback, with a possibility at linebacker.

Safety Sean Jones (27) signed a one-year, $3 million contract on March 6 to help soften the blow that of Brian Dawkins signing to Denver. Rashad Baker (27) also signed for a one-year tender to add depth to the safety position before the draft.

Right Tackle Stacy Andrews (27), elder brother of Right Guard Shawn Andrews, pinned the biggest of the offers from the Eagles thus far for six years. It can be compared to Jamal and Andre Jackson from the movie "The Replacements."

Fullback Leonard Weaver (26) signed a one-year $2.5 million deal, 70 percent guaranteed, on March 21. The signing gives the team a blocker behind the line and a third-and-short threat.

The franchise has recently expressed interest in ex-Bills outside linebacker Angelo Crowell (27) as early as March 13, but a contract was not offered. Crowell later signed to Tampa Bay for a one-year, $3 million contract on March 18.

The Eagles, as of now, seem to have plans to enhance certain positions, namely left tackle, in the first two or three rounds of the NFL Draft, with selections at 21, 28, 53, and 85.

They also have picks later on with the twenty-first pick of rounds four through seven, along with selection 5 and 17 of the fifth round and selection 22 of the sixth round. The trading of CB Lito Sheppard and WR Greg Lewis is partly responsible for the additional draft choices.

With many predictions of the 2009 NFL Draft available online, it can only be estimated who the Eagles could draft in each of the first few rounds.

OT William Beatty seems to be a favorite selection for either the twenty-first or twenty-eighth picks for most mock drafters. Though a product of the University of Connecticut, Beatty hails from York, Pennsylvania, continuing the Eagles' interest in local products.

Depending on how the first 20 picks shake out, OTs Eben Britton, Andre Smith, and even Michael Oher are out there.

Other possible selections in the first round include RBs Knowshon Moreno, LeSean McCoy, and Beanie Wells, TE Brandon Pettigrew, and WRs Hakeem Nicks, Percy Harvin, and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Round two brings the possibilities of WR Kenny Britt and TE Jared Cook, while the next round could present RB Donald Brown and OT Jamon Meredith to the Eagles.

With the stock load of picks towards the later rounds, and players that could be trade-bait (OT Winston Justice, WR Reggie Brown), the Eagles could even move up their selections in the earlier half of the NFL draft.

Legendary players like S Brian Dawkins, OTs Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan may have been casualties of the franchise's latest off season, due to McNabb's influence. If the Eagles, however, can make the right choices next month, not only will the situation go from rebuilding to reloading, but a green-clad parade could present itself on Broad Street in February of 2010.

Team USA Wheelchair Rugby Reclaims Gold

James Senbeta — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:17:52 -0400

With the starting lineup of Bryan Kirkland (2.0), Nick Springer (2.0), Will Groulx (2.0), and Andy Cohn (2.0) playing most of the game, Team USA won Gold over Australia 53-44. Mark Zupan and Scott Hogsett did not log any minutes in the final matchup of the two undefeated teams.

The win was not easy for the Americans as they had to spend time double-teaming the world’s best wheelchair rugby player in Ryley Batt (3.5). Batt, the 19-year-old sensation, led all scores with 23 goals and 12 assist, and could only seem to be stopped by himself at times.

Canada defeated Great Britain 47-41 in the Bronze Medal matchup.

Wheelchair Rugby began in Canada during the 1970s under the name Murderball, due to the collisions that occur in the sport. The sport first arrived in the Paralympics in 1996 as a test sport and achieved greater fame with the documentary Murderball in 2005.

Wheelchair rugby has been compared to the combination of basketball and ice hockey, but also can resemble football without the play to play stoppage and soccer. The ball used in the sport is basically a volleyball.

Players are classified from 0.5 to 3.5 dealing with their severity of quadriplegia or of their hand impairment. The maximum amount of class points allowed on the court at any one time is eight between the four players.

Final Game | Stat Sheet

The Humbling Of a Rookie: DeSean Jackson's Monday Night Football Highlight

James Senbeta — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:14:42 -0400

The Eagles have finally found a special wide receiver in the NFL draft for once in so many years of Andy Reid's tenure as head coach, or Jeffery Lurie as owner/chairman. In fact, Philly may have not drafted a wideout this good since Cris Carter in 1987.

DeSean Jackson has electrified teammates, fans, and sports commentators with his skills as a receiver and kick returner, drawing comparisons to other small talented players like Steve Smith and Santana Moss. His drawback: He knows he's so good that his confidence will sometimes border cockiness.

Case in point, Monday night's football game versus the Dallas Cowboys. Jackson had a 61-yard bomb from McNabb straight into the end zone for six points, but he celebrated a bit too early. Not only did he cost fantasy owners of him and Donovan McNabb points in head-to-head matchups, he also took off the board his first ever-professional touchdown.

I must admit though it was not a bad dance (hint the sarcasm). He was very lucky Roy Williams or Adam Jones decided not to turn around to pick up the ball after getting scorched in frustration or to hand it to the referee. Once the review from the Cowboys was initiated, DeSean finally had a view on the big screen of his nearly costly fumble.

Since no Dallas player touched the football before the play was called dead, the Eagles were rewarded the ball at the one yard line. Brian Westbrook takes the handoff and flips his way into the end zone for the touchdown, as in the story photo. Jackson, after Westbrook's score, congratulates his teammate and thanks him for saving his behind from further embarrassment.

Westbrook went on to score all of Philadelphia's offensive touchdowns against the Cowboys with only 103 yards of total offense. The incident brought up a past situation in which he once again fumbled at the one yard line celebrating too early in high school.

Some may say DeSean Jackson will end up uncontrollable, a la Terrell Owens. In the opinion of this writer the repeated play of the fumble of his first possible touchdown on ESPN will be enough to humble the rookie. On the bright side he has averaged over 100 yards receiving in his first two games, becoming one of McNabb's favorite targets as Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown are still out with injury.

Did Marcus Stroud Take Jacksonville's Defense with Him?

James Senbeta — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:38:55 -0400

Once one of the anchors of the Jaguars’ defense for the last seven years, Marcus Stroud was traded to the Bills on Mar. 1, 2008, for third and fifth-round picks in the 2008 NFL Draft.

It was widely reported that Jack Del Rio told Stroud that the team was moving in a different direction, and he had permission to seek a trade.

In the Week Two matchup, Buffalo at Jacksonville, the three-time All-Pro/Pro Bowler is pumped up to face his former team after the seven tackle, two sack display in the 34-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

While the Bills' succeeded, the Tennessee Titans downed the Jaguars 17-10, providing 137 yards rushing, with Chris Johnson delivering 93 of those yards on 6.2 yards per carry, and LenDale White scored the touchdown on the ground.

Stroud gained fame early in high school, as one of the highest-rated recruits for defensive tackle, putting him on the cover of Sports Illustrated for their main story of National Signing Day in 1996.

Two years earlier, as a sophomore, Marcus won a Georgia state football title with Brooks County High School.

Though giving a verbal commitment to the University of Florida, Stroud chose to stay close to home and picked the University of Georgia the day before Signing Day. Though expecting to play his freshman season, he was redshirted. He was also accused of taking plays off, to the point coaches were beginning to urge him to play on the offensive line.

However, by his last two seasons at Georgia, Stroud had a change of work ethic on both the field and in the classroom. He had become an impact player on the Bulldogs' defense, featuring future NFL standouts Kendrell Bell, Will Witherspoon, Charles Grant, and Richard Seymour.

After receiving his degree in sports business in 2000, the All-SEC defensive tackle entered the 2001 NFL Draft.

With the 13th overall pick, Jacksonville selected Stroud in a first round that featured other elite DTs including fellow Bulldog Seymour, Kris Jenkins, and Casey Hampton. The following year, the Jaguars picked University of Tennessee’s John Henderson, creating one of the most dominating defensive tackle duos in the league.

Between 2002 and 2005, Marcus had 210 tackles, 16.5 sacks for 118 yards lost, 17 pass deflections, and six forced fumbles.

In 2006, Stroud missed five regular-season games due to a right ankle injury, requiring micro-fracture surgery at the end of the season. The next year, he missed a total of seven games, due to injury and a four-game suspension under the NFL's Drug and Substance Abuse policy.

The positive test came as a surprise to Stroud, explaining that when receiving a supplement from his doctor to helped recover from surgery, he checked to make sure none of the ingredients were on the NFL’s banned substance list.

By missing multiple games with injury the last two seasons, along with the suspension, the Jacksonville Jaguars found reason to move on without him. When arriving in Buffalo, Stroud promised to make sure his ankle was healed and to vault the Bills up 10 positions in the team defense rankings.

Packers-Vikings: Is That Favre in a No. 12 Jersey?

James Senbeta — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:25:43 -0400

Rodgers, the newly implanted Green Bay starter, has thrown 12-of-16 for 139 yards and a touchdown in the first half alone. The new Packers star completed 18-of-22 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown with a 115.5 passer rating, along with 35 yards on eight carries for another score in the 24-19 win.

What makes his performance more significant is how he achieved those stats. Rodgers released a deep bomb right down the middle for 56 yards to a covered Greg Jennings, dropping the jaws of many.

A few plays later on the drive, Aaron, scrambling inside the pocket, squeezed a sinker into fullback Korey Hall’s hands for his first score with the Lambeau attendees roaring.

Rodgers had a chance to pass for his second score on third down, as halftime was approaching but Head Coach Mike McCarthy elected to run down the clock and kick a field goal. With three seconds left in the second quarter, Mason Crosby’s second field-goal attempt was blocked.

He later had another chance at a second score in the third quarter, with a long right-sideline pass to Donald Driver, who went all the way. The play was later called back on an illegal player down field on right guard Tony Moll, stalling the drive afterwards.

With 6:03 left in the fourth quarter, Rodgers scored on a QB sneak, in a drive set up on a 57-yard Ryan Grant run off the right side, finishing up with his first Lambeau Leap.

Other Things Worth Noting

Will Blackmon scored the second touchdown for Green Bay on a 76-yard punt return.

Sidney Rice scored the first touchdown for Minnesota in three games played at Lambeau Field. The Vikings tried for a two-point conversion and failed after the 23-yard touchdown pass from Tarvaris Jackson.

Adrian Peterson scored on a three-yard rush on his 19th carry for a total of 103 yards rushing and 11 yards receiving. Nick Barnett instigated a 15-yard penalty on the ensuing kickoff for shoving a Vikings player.

Minnesota’s comeback bid failed with an interception to Atari Bigby.

College Basketball Has Lost a Giant

James Senbeta — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:05:39 -0400

Don Haskins, portrayed in Disney’s “Glory Road” as the legendary coach who won a national title in 1966 with five starting black players on UTEP (then Texas Western), has passed on September 7 at age 78.

The Hall of Fame coach had a career record of 719-353, 14 NCAA tournament appearances, 7 NIT berths, 14 WAC championships, and 4 WAC tournament titles in his 38 years of coaching El Paso before health issues forced his retirement.

Haskins was the prime example of being color blind when dealing with race. He grew up in Oklahoma playing one-on-one with one of his childhood friends Herman Carr, an African American.

Forever dignified, Haskins was always an everyday person, approachable by many. He never meant to take advantage of his celebrity, but always willing to help others in need regardless of whom they were, even when he himself was not better off.

Rather than worry about his job or image, he played black players with the sense of “If you don’t take them I will and win with them.” Unlike the events parlayed in the movie, Haskins always started his best players throughout the season, who just so happen to be all black.

He never meant to be a pioneer, just someone unbiased to give individuals a chance to excel in both sports and life. To prove such a point Don was one of the few coaches, if not only, to play more than one or two non-white player at a time on the floor during the early ‘60s because he cared more about winning than race.

That decision came with the hardship of being one of the most despised men in the South. He had received thousands of hate letters leading up to the national championship and Civil Rights leaders thought he was using his players like puppets. Even so his high flying offensive, defensively stingy team continued to trudge along to 23-1 in the regular season.

Haskins played only his black players against Adolph Rupp’s all-white Kentucky squad in a 72-65 win for a 28-1 season and the national championship. Rupp viewed the game after the loss picturing Texas Western as “urban street thugs, quasi-professionals imported from Northern cities to win Haskins a championship.”

The win opened the door for Perry Wallace to become the first African American to play in the SEC and rose the flood gate for others to be heavily recruited to major college basketball powerhouses thereafter.

Haskins’ coaching tree includes the likes of current USC head coach Tim Floyd, friend Norm Ellenberger after Lobo-Gate, and the outspoken Nolan Richardson, who won the 1994 NCAA tournament and lost to UCLA in the final game the next season.

It was only fitting that the namesake of the Don Haskins Center passes exactly a year after his 1966 team was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He leaves behind his wife Mary and three sons, Brent, David, and Steve.

ESPN's Man Crush with Tom Brady: For Worse

James Senbeta — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:48:39 -0400

Oh whoa is us for we have lost our football hero, so says ESPN.

They act like the league can’t move on without Tom Brady. Most times it’s the other way around with Brett Favre as a recent example. It's not like the NFL couldn't move on without Joe Montana, Barry Sanders, Jerry Rice, Cris Carter, Dan Marino, John Elway, Jerome Bettis, or Curtis Martin.

Is a blizzard going to bury New England at this very instant? Maybe a flurry of boos if the Patriots stink it up against the Jets next Sunday.

Michael Turner rushes for 220 yards with two touchdowns to help Atlanta beat Detroit 34-21. “How’s your pillow Mr. Brady? Would you like anything else?”

Donovan McNabb returns to his old self passing for 361 yards, three touchdowns, and no turnovers to lead the Eagles in a blowout. “Here’s the cheese. Can we make the whine?”

Brett Favre makes another miracle touchdown pass for the Jets to win against the Dolphins 20-14. "You are still No. 1 Tom!"

With the way ESPN sounds I want to know which cemetery the burial will be.

Philadelphia Eagles Receive Early Returns from '08 Draft

James Senbeta — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:55:17 -0400

With heavy emphasis on improved special teams this season two rookies have given the Eagles an extra edge on Sundays.

The Known

DeSean Jackson (Round two, 49 overall) was thrust into the starting wideout role due to injuries to Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown. The 5’10” 175 lb receiver caught six passes for 106 yards, including the game opening 47 yard reception. Jackson has displayed veteran awareness for someone playing his first professional game.

The immediate reasoning of his drafting is his skills in the return game. Jackson contributed six punt returns for 97 yards, with a 60 yarder that could have gone all the way had he cut right against the punter towards the sideline instead of left into the middle of the field. Nevertheless Jackson has become an integral piece to the Eagles' success and a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.

The Unknown

Quintin Demps (Round four, 117 overall) may have appeared less spectacular when compared to Jackson, but remains a big threat in the Eagles' special teams. The 5’11” 206 lb. free safety only had one out of the possible two kick returns in the game going for 15 yards.

His abilities as a special teamer were enhanced when he acrobatically helped Eagles' punter Saverio Rocca keep two punts from entering the end zone, forcing the Rams to start inside their own five yard line. The eventual Dawkins successor may find early career highlights as a Pro-Bowl special teamer.

America’s Forgotten Olympians

James Senbeta — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:20:14 -0400

As the fire died down and the torch passed to Great Britain for 2012, there were a few athletes still preparing to perform on the grandest of stages.

Most of the world believes these games of world celebration have ended and all the accomplishments have been achieved, from Michael Phelps to Usain Bolt, from Team USA Basketball to China’s gold metal count.

But wait, the flame is relit once again on Sept. 6 for the Paralympic Games, yet not many Americans would know due to the NBC broadcasting of the events in Beijing.

Unlike the daily coverage over NBC/Universal’s programming on NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, USA, SciFi, and Bravo, the 2008 Paralympics will only be available on the Universal Sports TV channel and its website UniversalSports.com from the start date to Sept. 17.

They train for years to make Team USA, sacrificing their time and energy just like your favorite Olympic heroes, only to be placed on an obscure channel most people do not have?

Sadly, they only managed to make this happen because of the significant amount of US Servicemen, including two injured Iraq War Veterans, on the American Paralympic team. What a way to support our troops!

Mark Zupan, Andy Cohn, and Scott Hogsett of Murderball notoriety lead the US wheelchair rugby team to redeem themselves from the bronze performance four years ago to continue a gold medal tradition since the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics.

Matt Scott of Nike fame stars alongside Paul Schulte, Michael Paye, Steve Serio, and Joe Chambers on the US men’s wheelchair basketball squad. The US women’s team is looking for repeat gold from Athens, led by Patty Cisneros, Carlee Hoffman, Jennifer Ruddell, Christina Ripp, and Stephanie Wheeler.

David Wagner looks to extend his domination in the wheelchair tennis men’s quad division. Kaitlyn Verfuerth looks to continue her success of gold medals in women’s singles and doubles from last year’s Parapan American Games in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

In track and field, Marlon Shirley, Scott Winkler, Joshua George, and Adam Bleakney led the way for the men, while April Holmes, Jessica Galli, Anjali Forber-Pratt, Cheri Blauwet, Tatyana McFadden, Amanda McGrory, Shirley Reilly, and Maggie Redden plan to gorge on medals for the women’s events.

Kari Miller stars on sitting volleyball, Lindsey Carmichael is a world record-holder in archery, and ESPY winners Jessica Long and Erin Popovich with Iraq War Veteran Melissa Stockwell head up Team USA Swimming.

Regardless of whether they were born disabled, injured from combat, accident, or disease, these athletes deserve a portion of our time as they represent our nation against the rest of the world’s best.

Recaps: Wheelchair Rugby |

The Art of ME!: The Wide Receiver All-Ego Team

James Senbeta — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:11:39 -0400

With Terrell Owens celebrating his latest contract signing with a huge bowl of popcorn and Chad Johnson legally changing his last name to Ocho Cinco, many fans in the NFL have scowled over the actions and antics of some of football’s most talented. Here is the all-exclusive list of the greatest egos of elite wide receivers.

Keyshawn Johnson

With “Just Give Me the Damn Ball!” released right after his rookie season, the author did not shy away from the spotlight once he was drafted first overall in 1996. Signing with Adidas and a $15 million deal with the New York Jets, Johnson campaigned to coach Rich Kotite for a starting job, especially after the 31-6 loss to Denver, stating “I need to play…period!”

With Bill Parcells as his head coach in is second season, Johnson was the media darling of New York City. He had called Wayne Chrebet a “mascot” and blasted quarterback Neil O’Donnell in his book, and boasted about himself, as well, as he played on the field.

Johnson was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2000, signing an eight-year, $56 million contract, the second time he had received the biggest deal for a wide receiver. The trade left him bitter, ready to prove the Jets wrong with both his play and his mouth.

As Tampa transitioned from Tony Dungy to Jon Gruden, tension became apparent between Johnson and his new head coach. On Sept. 17, 2002, Johnson and Gruden clashed during a game against the Baltimore Ravens, when the receiver was upset about being held. By Week 15 of the Super Bowl season, rumors speculated over the separation of the two after Gruden had given Johnson fewer targets as the year progressed.

The next year, Johnson, feeling disrespected by Gruden, was suspended by the Bucs until after the 10th game for leaving the team after its Week 7 lost to the 49ers. He was later traded to the Dallas Cowboys for Joey Galloway in 2004.

Keyshawn finished his career with 814 receptions for 10,571 yards 64 touchdowns.

Chad Johnson/Chad Ocho Cinco

The newly legal “Ocho Cinco” always had the mouth of his cousin Keyshawn. As his career progressed, Ocho Cinco advanced into unique touchdown celebrations and off-field antics.

In 2005, Ocho Cinco created “The List” to see which starting corner could effectively cover him. He also began his many infamous touchdown celebrations, including “The Riverdance,” “CPR,” and “The Proposal.”

In 2006, the name Ocho Cinco was first adopted on Oct. 25 for Hispanic Heritage Month, in which a tearoff was put on the back of his jersey four days later. Johnson also added a grill, earrings, and a blond mohawk to his image, along with more of his original end zone celebrations.

Ocho Cinco decided to race a racehorse a distance of a furlong in 2007, winning after a half-furlong head start. To begin the season Ocho Cinco celebrated his first touchdown by wearing an oversized mock Pro Football Hall of Fame jacket with “Future H.o.F. 20??” on the back. Later in the year, he also performed the “Dawg Pound Leap” and taped on a live TV camera.

In the offseason, Ocho Cinco had to address rumors of him being a cancer in the locker room. The drama caused him to vehemently demand a trade from Cincinnati up until the Bengals minicamp.

Currently, hw has 559 career receptions with 8,365 yards and 49 touchdowns.

Randy Moss

Moss began with a slide down the first round in 1998 due to his off-field problems in the past. His antics only intensified once he became a Viking, appearing bored for most of the tenure.

Two of his highest fines came in the 1999 season. Beginning in November of that year, Moss was fined $10,000 for verbally abusing a referee. In the NFC divisional round of the playoffs, Moss was originally fined $40,000, later reduced to $25,000 for squirting an official with a water bottle.

In 2002, Moss bumped a traffic control officer after preparing to make an illegal turn. He was arrested for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and marijuana possession. Moss pleaded guilty to misdemeanor traffic violation, and was fined $1,200 and ordered 40 hours community service.

At the end of the 2004 season, Moss walked out on his team with 0:02 left on the clock versus Washington, stating that Minnesota was not going to recover the onside kick. Later in the postseason, he did the Lambeau moon, pretending to pull his pants down to moon the Packer fans. The NFL fined Moss $10,000, to which he responded “Straight Cash, Homie” when asked how he was to pay for it.

When Moss was traded to the Raiders, the only thing memorable was his lack of effort “playing for a loser.” Two years later, Moss was traded to the Patriots for a fourth-round pick.

Currently Moss has 774 career receptions with 12,193 yards and 124 touchdowns.

Terrell Owens

Simply “TO,” Owens has had a love/hate relationship with NFL fans throughout his career, from his touchdown celebrations to throwing teammates and coaches under the bus.

In 1999, Owens did the dirty bird and a throat slash after scoring a touchdown against Atlanta. The next year, he stood in the midfield star at Dallas after each one of his touchdowns, resulting in Cowboys safety George Teague to hit him during the second one. Owens had two of his most memorable end zone celebrations in 2002, “The Sharpie” on Oct. 14 and “The Pom-Pom” on Dec. 15.

TO proceeded to feud with then-quarterback Jeff Garcia and head coach Steve Mariucci of the 49ers in 2001.

Owens was traded to the Eagles prior to the 2004 season along with his circus. End zone dances included “The Bird,” “The Ray Lewis,” and “The Waiter.” He was also involved in the Desperate Housewives skit for the opening of Monday Night Football with Nicollette Sheridan taking her towel down.

After the Super Bowl, Owens joined Freddie Mitchell in throwing Donovan McNabb under the bus, and fought with Hugh Douglas when his renegotiation of his contract failed. The Eagles sent him home from training camp and later suspended him four games during the game for conduct detrimental to the team.

When sent home from training camp, Owens performed sit-ups in front of the media outside his home. During his press conference for his apology, his agent Drew Rosenhaus responded with “next question” for most of the reporters’ queries.

TO later signed with Dallas in 2006, providing such celebrations as “The Nap,” “The Donation,” and “The Camera,” spitting in the face of DeAngelo Hall along the way.

Currently, Owens has 882 career receptions with 13,070 yards and 129 touchdowns.

Honorable Mention: Freddie Mitchell

“Fred-Ex,” the quintessential first-round bust, has always hunted for attention from the media. From UCLA seeking exposure, Mitchell played dumb during a Jay Leno street interview saying Ben Franklin was the first president.

Later in Philadelphia, Mitchell’s main specialty on the team was the creation of nicknames ("First Down Freddie," "Fourth Down Freddie," "4th and 26 Freddie," "The Sultan of Slot," etc.) and infamous quotes of “I'd like to thank my hands” and “I'd like to thank God for giving me these hands.”

During the Super Bowl, press event Mitchell insulted the Patriots secondary by claiming he didn’t know them by name, and called out Rodney Harrison, saying he had “something for him.” The Patriots targeted him during the game when he was in, to which he criticized them, Bill Belichick, Donovan McNabb, Terrell Owens, and the Eagles.

If you have any more tidbits about these receivers, or you legitimately think another wideout should join this list, then add a comment with a short explanation of why.

Jerome McDougle Is Fighting for His Career

James Senbeta — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:53:43 -0400

As the Eagles play their last preseason game, against the Jets, Jerome McDougle will see significant time, as he battles for a roster spot during his great preseason. The 29-year-old, former first-round draft pick is one of seven defensive ends fighting for six roster spots, with Trent Cole and Juqua Parker the only ones guaranteed.

McDougle was drafted 15th overall when Philadelphia traded up from the 30th pick to select the Second-Team All-American in 2003. Since his signing, Jerome has been plagued by injuries throughout his career.

In the 2003 season, McDougle missed half the regular season with various leg injuries. The next year, he missed a game due to an irregular heartbeat and another four for a sprained knee.

On July 25, 2005 Jerome was shot in the abdomen during an attempted car jacking and robbery while exiting his Mercedes-Benz coupe in Miami. He was expected to recover from emergency operation in time for the regular season, but he later had surgery for an internal hernia related to healing from the incident, missing the year.

McDougle managed to play most of the games in the 2006 season for Philadelphia, remembered for his kicking of the penalty flag in protest of the intentional facemask call against him.

The combination of the questionable intent of the facemask penalty, along with the additional 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, gave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30 yards down the field following a nine-yard sack.

The situation allowed Bucs kicker Matt Bryant to hit a 62-yard field goal, beating the Eagles as the game clock hit zero.

In 2007, Jerome McDougle required surgery after injuring his right triceps in the preseason, missing the entire season.

U.S. Department of State issues NFC East Travel Advisory (Humor)

James Senbeta — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:10:43 -0400

Travel Warning

August 27, 2008

This Travel Warning is being issued to update U.S. citizens on safety and security conditions in the NFC East. The temporary cooperation of peace in the NFC East has been lifted and pandemonium has now returned to the division.

The U.S. Department of State continues to recommend that private American citizens in the NFC East and those considering travel to NFC East cities evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing threats from fan hatred and bragging. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning of Feb. 3, 2008.

Please take caution of shouts like “McNabb is the Glass Man!”, “Romo Chokes!”, “Eli’s a Fluke!”, and “Jason Campbell? Who?” Soldiers of rival cities have been given orders to take these men out, provoking riots throughout the NFC East.

The most dangerous of days will be on Sundays up to February 1, 2009, or when all militias of the NFC East have been extinguish, whichever date occurs first. Other dates of elevated risk are Sept. 4 and 15, Oct. 5, Nov. 3 and 27, and Dec. 15and 20.

Please do not wear rival militia clothing while acquiring food rations for yourself and your group, whether it is the pizza of New York, the cheese steak of Philadelphia, the barbecue of Dallas, or the food specialty of Washington.

Wearing an adversary’s attire may cause taunting and bragging, especially during one armed force’s momentary triumph over the other.

Be careful when communicating with a citizen of the NFC East. Many inhabitants can have inflated thoughts of their region of the NFC East, and will take offense when doubted.

Oakland Raiders: The Rise of Michael Bush

James Senbeta — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:20:19 -0400

Reports out of the Oakland Raiders practice have Lane Kiffin giving snaps to Michael Bush at fullback. As the designated short yardage back at halfback, Bush will be given the opportunity to back up Justin Griffith, along with recently claimed Luke Lawton.

Bush has had experience playing multiple positions, offensive and defensive, in his entire football career dating back to high school. At Louisville Male High School he played all the positions but offensive lineman and defensive tackle before starting at quarterback his senior year.

Bush led his team to the Class 6A Kentucky State Championship game, passing for 468 yards and five touchdowns and rushing for 116 yards and another touchdown before succumbing to future teammate Brian Brohm’s Trinity High 59-56.

At the University of Louisville Bush had 2,508 career rushing yards at 5.8 yards per carry, including his breakout junior year as a first time starter charging for 1143 yards on 205 carries and 23 touchdowns along with 253 receiving yards. As a top ten favorite in the 2007 NFL Draft and a Heisman contender, Bush was on track for another brilliant season when he broke his right tibia against state rival Kentucky.

Refusing to wait to play a fifth season in college, Michael Bush entered the draft. Rumored to convert to tight end, Bush remained as a halfback throughout the combine and was selected in the beginning of the fourth round by the Raiders. During his rookie season, he was placed on the physically unable to perform list for Oakland to retain him behind Lamont Jordan, Justin Fargas, and Dominic Rhodes.

The role of fullback could feature Bush as not only an extra runner, but also as an extra tight end in the backfield to compliment Zach Miller. Kiffin has thought very highly of Bush and of his abilities as a complete football player, already promising to play all three of his halfbacks on roster.

Philadelphia Eagles: Superstars Wanted!

James Senbeta — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:09:42 -0400

With the habitually injured Reggie Brown and the lost of Kevin Curtis, Eagles fans let out a sigh of grief of the current receiving corp.

The current starting wide-outs of undrafted 3rd year veteran Hank Baskett and rookie DeSean Jackson are at best questionable due to their combined limited regular season experience and with Westbrook targeted for many receptions.

Yes the potential is there for breakout seasons from either sideline of the field, but they have yet to subdue the fears of a WR depth chart reminiscing of Thrash, Pinkston, and Mitchell.

The secondary are having questions at the safety positions with the battle for strong safety and the continued injuries of the aging hard hitter Brian Dawkins, let alone the issue of the disgruntled Lito Sheppard.

The horrible special teams play from last year is still very fresh in the minds of Eagles fans, regardless of potential return game entering this season. The multiple fumbles loss in the season opener against Green Bay along with the hobbled leg of kicker David Akers cannot repeat this year.

With all the things going on in Philadelphia, this team will need both the best of Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook along with improved special teams play to return to former glory.

Giants Contacting Strahan to Unretire?

James Senbeta — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:24:54 -0400

With defensive end Osi Umenyiora of the reigning Super Bowl champions out for the season with a torn meniscus, rival NFC East teams celebrated too soon of his demise.

The New York Giants contacted the agent of their legendary future Hall of Famer lineman Michael Strahan during his vacation in Greece, who earlier turned down a $6 million offer from the team to work on Fox Sports’ NFL pregame show. Strahan, who has yet to respond, had no intent of pulling a Brett Favre when retiring, and reiterated his happiness of his decision over the course of the off-season.

At the moment the Giants have moved Mathias Kiwanuka, who was drafted in 2006 to replace a then injured Strahan, to pair with Justin Tuck on the defensive line. With Umenyiora and Strahan as the starting ends and Tuck as a developing end/tackle hybrid Kiwanuka was moved from his natural position to strong side linebacker to keep him on the field.

First Round QBs Are No Guarantee

James Senbeta — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:48:36 -0400

The most valuable asset any NFL team can possess is a franchise quarterback—like a Terry Bradshaw or a Troy Aikman. That first-round passer that can deliver not only championships, but a dynasty.

But you better hope to God that he is at least productive and can bring the Lombardi trophy to your city. Since the suggested greatest first-round quarterback draft of Hall of Famers John Elway (1), Jim Kelly (14), and Dan Marino (27), out of the possible six taken in 1983, teams, for the most part, have struggled to find that marquee guy on the first try the next 25 times around.

With no quarterback drafted in the first rounds of ‘84 and ‘85, 1986 brought us the talented arms of Jim “Chris” Everett (3) and Chuck Long (12), producing a grand total of one Pro Bowl and a memorable interview.

1987 presented us with “his career is older than most of you” Vinnie Testaverde (1), along Kelly Stouffer (6), Chris Miller (13), and Jim Harbaugh (26), a tally of four Pro Bowls and a collegiate head coach with a big mouth.

After passers were avoided in 1988, the next year brought Jerry Jones and Dallas fans bragging rights with Troy Aikman on top of the board, hauling in an impressive six Pro Bowls, three All-Pros, three Super Bowl wins, and a Super Bowl MVP.

1990, however, was not so promising, with Jeff George (1) and Andre Ware (7) entering the league. And again, in ’91, luck was not in the cards for Dan McGwire (16) and “Robo QB” Todd Marinovich (24), noted more for his father’s strict discipline and his post-career antics. 1992 had the drafting of David Klinger (6) and Tommy Maddox (25).

’93 presented us with Rick Mirer (2) and Drew Bledsoe (1), whose Hall of Fame chances were derailed with Tom Brady, and 1994 was the year of Heath Shuler (3).

Steve McNair (3) was a highlight in ’95, while Kerry Collins (5) faltered as his career continued. Quarterbacks took a back seat to the wide receivers in 1996, and Jim Druckenmiller (26) is easily forgotten the next year (he should have done beer advertising if he had the chance).

1998 and 1999 told the tale of wisely choosing a franchise QB with the first-overall pick. The Indianapolis Colts, in ’98, had the infamous choice between Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf, going with the NFL quarterback pedigree, leaving Leaf (2) participating in shouting matches with the media in San Diego.

The next year, the Cleveland Browns had multiple options of Tim Couch, Donovan McNabb, and Akili Smith, leaving the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals in the cleanup positions. With Couch going at No. 1, Eagles fans, with the second pick, wanted RB Ricky Williams more than the remaining play callers and booed on cue when Andy Reid chose McNabb.

With Smith (3), Duante Culpepper (11), and Cade McNown (12) also selected within the first 12 picks of the draft, only McNabb has had close to a Hall of Fame career.

Bill Parcells drafts Chad Pennington (18) in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft and the talented, later troubled Michael Vick became the first black QB to go No. 1 overall in 2001.

David Carr (1) and Joey Harrington (3) were chosen early, and Patrick Ramsey (32) went later in the first round in ’02; all are still playing as backup QBs for teams other than their original.

Carson Palmer was the cream of the 2003 quarterback class, signing days before the draft. Rex Grossman (22) and Kyle Boller (19) threw their way into the reserve passer roles they possess today, while Byron Leftwich (7) was cut following a disagreement with Jack Del Rio.

2004 proved to be one of the most successful drafts in selecting a quarterback, even with Eli Manning (1) refusing to sign with San Diego, resulting in a draft-day swap of Manning and Phillip Rivers (4).

Ben Roethlisberger (11) leads the class with the 2004 Rookie of the Year, a Super Bowl win, and a Pro Bowl appearance. Recently, Manning lead the Giants to an upset win in the Super Bowl over the Patriots, cinching the game’s MVP title.

Rivers earned a Pro Bowl spot in 2006, his first year starting, and is currently the QB of the team favored to win it all J.P. Losman (22), however, is the only one yet to achieve success, as he is currently being supplanted by Trent Edwards on the Bills.

In 2005, the San Francisco 49ers had to choose between Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers, leaving the loser a free-for-all tumble into the middle of the first round. Rodgers (24) continued his wait behind Brett Favre, as Smith, through multiple offensive coordinators, has failed to become a threat, losing his job to J. T. O’Sullivan.

Jason Campbell (25), also suffering from the same coordinator problems as Smith, has recently shown signs of progress under new Redskins Head Coach Jim Zorn.

Vince Young (3) was the 2006 Rookie of the Year, but he has struggled while leading the Tennessee Titans to the playoffs in his second season.

Jay Cutler (11) came out as the better passer of ’06's first round, but he suffered a blow both statiscally and health-wise, learning that he played most of the year while developing Type-I Diabetes.

Matt Leinart (10) has shared the quarterback position with Kurt Warner for the last two years and has recently been benched behind Warner for inconsistent play.

It’s too early to call JaMarcus Russell (1) and Brady Quinn (22) from the 2007 first round due to limited action, and one can only imagine how the 2008 class of Matt Ryan (3) and Joe Flacco (18) can perform in the NFL.

Sure, an argument can be made that many of the QBs drafted are “system quarterbacks,” beneficiaries of statistical greatness from certain college offenses that function less from reading the defense.

Perhaps some passers just were not ready for the big stage and the negatives that come with the job. All that can be said about the quarterback selection in the first rounds, even from 1983, is that it has turned out to be a crapshoot for many franchises: some went boom and other have gone bust.

Please share your thoughts on your favorite team’s selection of quarterbacks, whether from the beginning to the end of the draft, good or bad.