It was originally believed that Garrett was going to plead not guilty but in court today he plead guilty in some sort of plea agreement. I'm sure the Reids can't wait for all of this to go away and start over fresh. [FH]
We're one mini-camp into the 2008 season, and Andy Reid and the Philly media already appear to be in a disagreement of sorts.
Continue reading "The Andy Reid–Philly Media Feud Is Underway" »
With Eagles camp opening this weekend, all eyes are on the cornerback situation. Most feel that Lito Sheppard's days in Midnight Green are numbered, but with no trades in the works, Lito is still an Eagle. He has manned up, and arrived at camp on schedule with a respectable demeanor. But how long will the "harmony" last?
Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison may have been involved in a shooting at a bar/restaurant he owns in North Philly called "Playmakers." 610 WIP's Anthony Gargano says the man who may have been shot spent 10 years on a homicide charge. It's unclear if Harrison was the shooter but the gun allegedly involved was owned by Harrison. [FanHouse] UPDATE: ESPN has more detail.
In the Daily News' Eagletarian blog, Paul Domowitch shares a really interesting, behind-the-scenes look at the Eagles' first round activity in the 2008 draft. Via some NFL insiders, Domowitch describes the Eagles' attempts to move up in the draft to select OT Brandon Albert out of Virginia.
The Eagles, who had the 19th pick, knew Albert wouldn't make it past the Kansas City Chiefs, who were at 17. So they hopped on the phone and called the Arizona Cardinals, who had the 16th pick, and tried to trade into their spot. But the Cardinals wanted Tennessee State cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and were worried that he'd be gone if they traded down to 19. So they said thanks but no thanks.
Here's where it gets interesting.
Continue reading "Eagles Tried to Trade Up, But Were Chop-Blocked by Cards and Chiefs" »
"The way it has played out, I don't see those three guys being here at the same time," Dawkins said. "It's a tough situation to be in, and this is somebody I'm close to and I consider a close friend. I don't like it for him. Whatever happens, I hope it works out best for Lito. I hate that this is happening to him."
Pretty self explanatory really. When the vocal leader on your team isn't happy I'm sure it ripples throughout the rest of the locker room. Here's to hoping this situation clears itself up sooner rather than later.
>>Dawkins likes Lito, hates situation [Daily News]
"The Eagles said in a complaint filed with the U.S. District
Court in Philadelphia that Owens owes the team $769,117.65" from when the Eagles told him to take a hike back in 2005. Nothing like a little T.O. schadenfreude to kick start your day. Not only are they suing him for what he owes them, the Eagles are also looking for T.O. to cover their legal fees! [Bloomberg]
The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly talking to the Eagles and Lito Sheppard's agent about a potential deal for the corner who could help the Jags become more "Peyton Manning-proof." The Eagles would reportedly get "a package of '09 draft picks" in return. [Daily News]
One of DeSean Jackson's brilliant returns at Cal:
Continue reading "Video: The Eagles Certainly Could Use A Little Bit of This" »
I actually wrote up my FanHouse post regarding the Eagles draft before I read Matt's post. So while I say many of the same things, I thought them independently. I swear!
I also gave them a letter grade if you're into that sort of thing.
For the second straight April, Eagles fans are wondering just how well Andy Reid and the organization did this year, primarily because for the second straight year, the team traded out of the first round. Many of us saw tremendous potential in some of the players still available at 19, with several teams reaching for picks ahead of that time and talent sliding down the board toward the Eagles. After an 8-8 season, we were clamoring for a player who could make a palpable impact in 2008 to be taken either at 19 or before. When they traded out of the spot, we swore they'd trade back into the first with some combination of players and picks. But that didn't happen, and we were left waiting while other NFC East teams took first-round talent and filled positions of need on their rosters.
However, after moving down again in the next round, the Birds did spend two second-round picks on guys who will play in '08, a far cry from taking the QB of the future last April. Aside from wide receiver, many people would agree one position that needed immediate upgrade was kick returner, and DeSean Jackson should provide that. However, Jackson would have been there even if the Eagles had used their top pick. Trevor Laws may take some time to crack the rotation, but solidifying the DT corps goes a long way toward fielding a stifling defense on every down.
Continue reading "Evaluating Another Head-Scratcher Eagles Draft" »
As the draft board currently sits, the Eagles have 9 picks remaining today. More than likely, they'll make a deal or two and that number will change, but there's sure to be a lot of activity from Andy & Co. on the second day of the draft. We may have a few posts up throughout the day, but for now, feel free to comment here on your Day 2 wish list, and any players the Birds select today.
UPDATE: Eagles take Bryan Smith, OLB(DE) from McNeese State with the 80th pick, continuing their recent trend of taking defenders from smaller schools. From NFL.com:
Small school defensive end prospect who will have to be moved to outside linebacker in the NFL, but has flashed the athleticism and certainly the big-play ability to warrant this projection. The most dominant edge rusher in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly D-IAA) over the past two seasons, Smith is a two-time All-American and Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year. As one would expect of a player his size, Smith possesses great burst off the snap and the straight-line speed to chase down ballcarriers. He has intriguing change of direction and flashes explosiveness in his hands, prompting some to view him as a potential diamond in the rough.
If, like us, you neither love nor hate Notre Dame football, you may not know much about Trevor Laws, the defensive tackle the Eagles selected with the 47th overall pick in the 2008 draft. We've heard good things, including all the usual draft-speak like "high motor" and "never quits." Laws solidifies the Birds DT rotation, and that can't be underestimated. Frank Vitovich, who runs UHND.com, was kind enough to send us some background on Laws, as well as an interview he did with the site. Here are a few of the Q&A's from the interview, which you can read in its entirety here.
After selecting Brodrick Bunkley in the first round two years ago, the Eagles decided they needed more help at the defensive tackle position. With the 47th pick overall the Eagles selected Trevor Laws out of Notre Dame. The NFL Network's Mike Mayock loves DT Trevor Laws and calls him the Energizer Bunny. Cute.
In a much more exciting pick, the Birds added DeSean Jackson out of Cal with the 49th overall pick. We were hoping for Limas Sweed or DeSean Jackson with this choice and the Eagles delivered one of them. Jackson can be an instant upgrade to the Birds return game and could potentially take over as the primary return guy from day one.
Jackson has some off the field issues, namely reports of him being an arrogant guy who may have a penchant for marijuana cigarettes. He's a smaller receiver and doesn't fit the role of a bigger wideout we were hoping for.
After a frustrating day of trading around, the Eagles come away with a D-tackle we're not real familiar with and DeSean Jackson of Cal who is a receiver who didn't top our list. Honestly, we're exhausted but our initial reaction regarding this day one is rather mediocre. Our favorite thing about these two guys is clearly Jackson's return skills.
Continue reading "Eagles Add D-Tackle Trevor Laws of Notre Dame and WR Desean Jackson of Cal" »
Boy does that guy seem miserable or what? Poor guy.
Lorenzo who? Yeah.
Instead of picking Felix Jones or any of the other top notch RBs available in this year's draft the Eagles decided to trade a fourth round draft choice for the Miami Dolphins Lorenzo Booker.
Sigh. Check out these stats.
The Birds got a nice haul in return for their 19th overall pick, but don't they need to take a top guy at some point to stay competitive? For the second straight year, the Cowboys have been active in the first round, taking Arkansas RB Felix Jones one pick after the Birds would have drafted. The Eagles need to make an impact pick this year, because we've seen what late-rounders become on this team, so hopefully they move back into the first. A lot of decent picks were left on the table with that trade, but it could still prove to be advantageous.
With a number of quality players on the board, the Eagles decided to trade the 19th pick to Carolina for the 43rd overall pick (2nd round), the 109th overall pick (fourth round), and a 2009 first round pick.
Sounds like the Eagles made out just fine here. They really must not think too highly of Jeff Otah.
With the addition of two more picks in this year's draft, don't be surprised if the Eagles do quite a bit more maneuvering this year.
>>Who the Eagles will get for Lito Sheppard. [FanHouse]
With the NFL moving the start of the draft from noon to 3 PM, we're left sitting at 11 AM with nothing to do but start drinking anyway, and bounce questions around the room about what the Eagles and the rest of the field will do today. Because isn't that the beauty of Draft Day? The uncertainty, the projections, the predictions, the wondering... the fear.
With the Eagles slated to pick at 19th, also known as no-man's land in the first round, there's talk of them moving up or down, with the juiciest of rumors swirling that they might want a tailback like Felix Jones. After taking a QB with their top pick last year, who'd be shocked if they jammed another RB into a backfield that had Brian Westbrook playing at an MVP level last year? Ray Didinger even suggested it might be a good idea to line BWest up outside with a guy like Jones in the backfield. I'd probably still be a little blown away to see it happen.
There's also the question of where Lito Sheppard will land, and what the Birds will get in return. Opinions vary on his value, but most agree that the deal will hinge on the Eagles' ability to make a good selection with whatever pick they get, which of course is a huge wild card.
So feel free to air your last-minute wish lists and let the speculation fly... that's what this day is all about. We'll be back with updates and Draft Day etcetera throughout the day, culminating some playoff hockey later tonight.
Would you be happy if the Eagles could score WR Michael Clayton and a late second round pick in tomorrow's draft? Clayton had a stellar rookie year but has come back to Earth lately. He does have some nice size at 6 foot 4. [FanHouse]
The Eagles announced the final cuts for their cheerleading team yesterday, sending 22 ladies home with a pat on the head and giving 38 their wings. Among the new additions are Paige and Danni-Lynn Bell of Media, who join their sister Nikki, who was on the team last year. Funny, we don't remember seeing these girls at Joclyns. 
(Photo via the Inquirer via the Eagles)
Jay Glazer of (FOX Sports) is reporting that Lito Sheppard could be traded to Tampa Bay soon. The cost? A second-rounder plus a later round pick. That doesn't sound like quite the haul we were hoping for, but it would likely become the building blocks of a draft day trade. (h/t: commenter Jeff)
With Pacman Jones history at strip clubs and Terrell Owens recent sighting in porn the Cowboys now have headaches on both sides of the ball. The Cowboys gave up a fourth rounder with a number of conditions to get the talented corner with a penchant for making it rain. [ESPN]
The NFL Draft has kind of snuck up on us. The Eagles sit at 19 but if I had to guess, I think they will try to move to around the 8-10th spot. If they can't successfully do that, I wouldn't be surprised if they trade the other direction. 19 just isn't doing it for what the Eagles need. Also, what about Lito? Should be interesting.
The NFL has released its 2008 schedule, and the Eagles are set to fly with some interesting prime-time and holiday matchups. Let the bird-related Thanksgiving clichés fly!
Week 1: Rams @ Eagles, 1PM
Week 2: Eagles @ Cowboys, Monday Night Football
Week 3: Steelers @ Eagles, 4:15PM
Week 4: Eagles @ Bears, Sunday Night Football
Week 5: Redskins @ Eagles, 1PM
Week 6: Eagles @ 49ers, 4:15PM
Week 7: Bye
Week 8: Falcons @ Eagles, 1PM
Week 9: Eagles @ Seahawks, 4:15PM
Week 10: Giants @ Eagles, Sunday Night Football
Week 11: Eagles @ Bengals, 1PM
Week 12: Eagles @ Ravens, 1PM
Week 13: Cardinals @ Eagles, 8PM Thanksgiving Night
Week 14: Eagles @ Giants, 1PM
Week 15: Browns @ Eagles, Monday Night Football
Week 16: Eagles @ Redskins, 1PM
Week 17: Cowboys @ Eagles, 1PM
The Eagles provide their commentary on each game of the schedule here and here, and we're sure you'll have plenty to say as well. I've already gotten an IM saying the Week 17 game could be huge, and another saying it could be meaningless. The December showdown with the 'Boys was more than memorable last year, so we're guessing it will be a huge game whether or not it has playoff implications.
Continue reading "Your 2008 Eagles Schedule, Birds to Play on Thanksgiving Night" »
Over the past week and a half, we've been conducting a mock draft over at FanHouse. I played the role of Eagles GM -- even though I didn't go the route they will likely go -- and decided to pick a guy I'd love to see on the Eagles.
With the 19th pick, the Eagles select James Hardy, WR out of Indiana. The reasoning for my pick and some video highlights of his time at Indiana over at FH.
Click here for the entire FanHouse mock draft.
One of the things I enjoy the most about Dave Spadaro are his little anecdotes at the end of his articles. From a Friday posting: "In case you missed it, William Thomas has now changed his name back to Tra Thomas. Seems that not too many folks took to calling him "William," so he is back to Tra Thomas again." [via]
Here's a chance for you guys to play GM. If the draft board looks like the following, who do the Eagles take at 19?
When asked about the future of corner Lito Sheppard the other day at the NFL owners meetings, Andy Reid answered with a typical Andyism, "Lito is on the team. I look at it as Lito is part of the group, and we have a pretty good secondary." There you have it. Lito is on the team... TODAY. But could very well be dealt in the not too distant future.
TMantz over at FanHouse speculates that a deal with the Saints, swapping first rounders, could make sense for both sides.
After failing to swap Lito for a high-end receiver, word is that they're looking to move up in the first with an eye on one of three rising offensive linemen -- Chris Williams, Jeff Otah, or Branden Albert. Moving to 10 would guarantee the Eagles of getting one of them, with maybe all three available.
The Saints could still use help at corner and will get a surer (albeit more injury-prone) thing than any of the top corners in the draft, who all draw mixed opinions. Moving to 19 allows them to pick someone like linebacker Jerod Mayo, tackle Gosder Cherilus, tight end Dustin Keller or defensive end Philip Merling, all of whom would immediately contribute at a cheaper price.
It's an interesting idea, but I think the Eagles will want something in addition to simply moving up 9 spots. Perhaps this swap as well as a later round pick might make it a bit more enticing.
The brilliance of the Internet archives brings us this 1981 clip of Action News' opening segment. It features Santa Claus AND King Kong cheering for the Eagles. This obviously puts to rest all that garbage about how we once booed him. Either that or his bowl full of jelly provides some extra thick skin. Via Philly Will Do.
The Packers, in search of Aaron Rodgers' back up, are said to be showing interest in on-again-off-again Eagles clip boarder A.J. Feeley: "Among
the rumors circulating at the meetings was the Packers' apparent
interest in veteran quarterbacks A.J. Feeley of the Philadelphia Eagles
and J.P. Losman of the Buffalo Bills. Both are under contract, but have been the subject of trade rumors." [Packers News]
With Kevin Kolb on the bench, it would make sense for the Birds to try and get something for Feeley. Then we can bring back Koy Detmer to be the third stringer. Bring back Neck Beard!
One former Delaware County Times beat reporter's tale of Hugh Douglas calling him a "motherfucking asshole." Classy! And absolutely frightening. [Deadspin]
Every time you read one of those NFL draft articles that mentions the amazing combine performance by Mike Mamula, surely you think to yourself, "But what is Mamula doing these days?"
Since his six-year career concluded following the 2000 season, Mamula and his family have made their home on the Main Line and he is the co-owner of CSS Inc., an employment screening company in Voorhees, N.J.
"If you go for a job and you have to get a drug test and a background check, that's what my company does. We provide that service and we also do state contracts and things like that,"" said Mamula.
For a trip down memory lane, the Eagles official website has a short recap of his stint as an Eagle.
Enrico emails me this tip from the beach, via the Los Angeles Times' coverage of UCLA wide receiver Brandon Breazell and his trials at the Bruins' pro-day workout:
Watching from the sideline, along with a gathering of agents and other spectators, was former UCLA receiver Freddie Mitchell, a first-round pick by Philadelphia in 2001...Mitchell, 29, thinks he still has something to offer an NFL team and said he's confident he can make a comeback. To that end, he spent a lot of time Thursday chatting with scouts. "Success is situational," he said. "The right coach can take an average receiver and put him in the Pro Bowl."
Freddie still blames his 'friendship' with Terrell Owens as the reason he was run out of town on a rail:
"Me and T.O. were the best of friends, and that hurt my relationship with Donovan," he said, referring to Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. "There were issues between me and Donovan."
He's halfway right. McNabb tends not to get along well with people who drop tons of passes and become substitute teachers in order to pick up underage girls.
Free agent running back and Cardinal O'Hara alum Kevin Jones was among the many people surprised to find out he'd been cut by the Detroit Lions a few days ago. After all, who are the Lions to be cutting anyone? But after the shock wore off and the phone calls from interested teams started coming in, Jones now sounds excited to be considering his suitors.
Joe Santoliquito of the Daily News reports that one of the 12 teams in contact already were the Eagles, and playing in Philadelphia would be a dream come true for the Chester native.
"When the Lions drafted me, it came as a big shock, because they weren't that much in the picture. It wasn't my dream situation. It would be a dream, however, to play for the Eagles. Going back to Philly, with all my relatives and friends back there, that's home to me. Chester will always be home to me. I have a real support system there in Philadelphia. Playing for the Eagles would be great."
And sharing a backfield with Eagles star Brian Westbrook...
"Are you kidding me? That would be awesome," Jones said. "I'd love to play with Brian Westbrook. He's one of the best backs, if not the best back in the league. I definitely wouldn't mind doing that. I can learn some things from Brian Westbrook."
I'd like to see Jones playing for the Birds, but if he calls a press conference, pump fakes putting on an Eagles hat, and signs with the Redskins, I'd pull up the red carpet pretty quick. A public apology for that Penn State gag might be in order regardless.
>>Jones says Eagles among teams interested in his services [Daily News]
The Eagles have reportedly signed fullback and special teamer Dan Klecko, a Temple product, to a 1-year deal. Although he's been a defensive end to date, the Birds are looking to use him at FB, filling the void left by Thomas Tapeh's departure. Klecko has a few Super Bowl rings and plenty of playoff experience, so it could prove to be a relatively significant minor signing.
So yeah, apparently it's my alma mater day here at The 700 Level, although America is celebrating another holiday as well.
Juqua Thomas has legally changed his name to Juqua Parker, something his late father requested of him years ago. "My father died in 2005, but before that he asked me to change my name to Parker. That was his last name. I just took a long time to get around to doing it. The name on my birth certificate was Juqua Thomas. I can't figure out why. My mother married after she and my father split up and her name became Thomas. My dad wanted it this way and that's why I did it."
Perhaps there is something about guys with the last name Thomas wanting to change their names?
Meanwhile, uptown, at the NYTimes NFL blog, the DJ ...
Matt wrote a post asking New Yorkers if they'd be willing to part with Jeremy Shockey.
And I wrote a post about the Eagles being humbled this off-season.
The uh... Washington Generals that is. (I'm sorry, was that title misleading?)
Big Jon Runyan has signed on to play for the Generals when they tip off against the Harlem Globetrotters on St. Patrick's Day at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
When asked about the up coming experience, Runyan replied, “It was not until my 11th grade year in high school that I played organized football. Basketball was my passion as a kid and still is. Growing up in Michigan I loved watching the Globetrotters every year they came to town. Now being able to play against them with my kids in attendance – well that’s just awesome.
We hope that someday, when our kids inevitably have the opportunity to ask why that man keeps dunking on daddy, we'll be as enthusiastic as Big Jon is about it.
With Randy Moss still very much off the market, the Eagles have been pursuing trade talks with the Cardinals for Larry Fitzgerald. However, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic, their rumored offer thus far—Lito Sheppard and Reggie Brown—doesn't interest the Cards.
It's likely the talks will continue as long as the Cardinals and Fitzgerald remain unable to come to terms on a contract renegotiation, but it remains to be seen how much the Birds will be willing to give up in return. Still, it's encouraging to see how aggressively they're pursuing their targets this off-season.
Somers also alludes to a sentiment we've heard mentioned about Fitz that we completely disagree with:
The impact of the Fitzgerald situation reverberates throughout the organization. It calls into question Fitzgerald's sincerity and commitment to winning, Rod Graves' acumen as a general manager and owner Bill Bidwill's willingness to write a check with a lot of numbers to the left of the decimal point.
It's not as if Fitz is demanding more money here—he just wants what the team agreed to pay him, a contract he's more than lived up to. In a league where aging players are dropped left and right due to their contracts, it's completely unfair to question a young Pro-Bowler's desire to win just because he wants what is owed to him. Also, how can "commitment to winning" and "playing for the Cardinals" be part of the same equation?
As a guest on SR950's Jody MacDonald show, former Eagle and now ESPN analyst Ron Jawarsk says the deal the Patriots had in place for Randy Moss, "is falling apart." Jaws made it clear that as of 3:30 this afternoon, Randy Moss had not yet signed on the dotted line with the New England Patriots and the two sides may be arguing over numbers.
Jaws and Jody Mac are in Atlantic City for tonight's Maxwell Football Club Awards dinner. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick had committed to being at the dinner to receive their awards but later backed out. Could we see another reneging by the Patriots?
Jaws says the Eagles may not be out of the running just yet for Randy Moss. "I would not be surprised if Andy or somebody might be on the phone right now just trying to stir those coals a little bit to see if Randy Moss has any interest in coming to Philadelphia."
I ripped the audio of the interview from Red Lasso, after the jump.
Continue reading "Jaws: Moss to Pats Deal 'Falling Apart'" »
The recently released Takeo Spikes was a guest of Jody Mac today, and he says he has no hard feelings toward the Birds' front office. Spikes wanted to stay in Philly, but when it seemed as if the Eagles might favor playing their young LBs more this season, he said he'd rather be released now than to wait for the inevitable. Here's a link to the interview podcast.
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