Westbrook To Holdout?

Storylines already promising to punctuate the Eagles' offseason are Donovan McNabb's fate in Philadelphia, Andy Reid's ongoing crisis at home and the impending free agency of tight end L.J. Smith.

Brian Westbrook's contract situation could be another side story -- or perhaps even more attention-catching than the other three.

In his weekly press conference, Westbrook hinted Wednesday that his contract might need some reworking, lest the Eagles want another ugly holdout situation come training camp.

Westbrook danced around the question of whether or not the five-year, $25-million pact he signed in 2005 that included a signing bonus of $6 million remains fair market value.

"The contract I signed back then, it made sense for me at that point," Westbrook said. "Right now, I try not to get into contract numbers and contract talk right now. We're focusing on trying to win football games. For this team, we don't want anything to distract us from doing that."

The Eagles play winless Miami on Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field.

Westbrook held out of training camp in 2005 before the Eagles negotiated an extension.

Helping Westbrook is his age (28) and ascent into the prime of his career. The Eagles haven't batted an eyelash at showing the door to players over 30 seeking contract extensions.

But they have extended contracts of peak performers early in their careers. Four years remained on McNabb's contract when the Eagles awarded him a 12-year extension in 2002. Last year, the Eagles locked up Trent Cole, Mike Patterson, Reggie Brown and three offensive linemen with long-term contracts. Of the six, four were in their second year with the team.

Since signing a contract in 2005, Westbrook has emerged as one of the league's top all-around backs, and his durability is less of a question mark. He went over the 1,000-yard rushing mark last season for the first time, totaling 1,917 offensive yards and 11 touchdowns, both career highs, while playing 15 games and both postseason games.

Westbrook is on pace to eclipse those marks this season. His 1,219 yards from scrimmage are second-best in the NFL, along with his 6.1 yards-per-touch average. His three touchdowns against the Redskins on Sunday gave him nine for the season.

But the short life span of NFL running backs almost guarantees that Westbrook's only shot to land a windfall similar to LaDainian Tomlinson's eight-year, $60 million contract with San Diego or Larry Johnson's six-year, $45-million deal with Kansas City has already passed.

"I think any player -- offense, defense, any position -- looks at the contract and tries to maximize the money they get, because you never know what's going to happen in the future," Westbrook said. "You never know what's going to transpire. There's nothing guaranteed in the NFL except for your signing bonus, so you try to maximize that as much you can."

>>TheNewsJournal


Looks like another bargain contract for the Eagles is going to blow up in their face. Please don't pull a T.O. Westbrook. Everybody knows you are better than that.

Eagles Scalp Skins

Goal Line Stand Saved Season:

The Eagles defense had been on it's heels most of the game. The defensive line had gotten almost no pressure to this point, the secondary was brutal, and the linebackers were missing tackles.

The Redskins had a first and goal at the 2 yard line, after Donovan McNabb fumbled the ball a few play before. A Redskins score would put them up 9, and would have likely sealed the game.

The defense had enough. On six plays inside the five(a penalty in the middle) the Eagles defense rose to the occasion. They held the Redskins to a field goal, and gave the offense a chance to win the game.

This stand reminded me of Lito's interception against Carolina last year. A play that saved the Eagles season, and sparked the entire team. I only hope this has the same effect.

A Play To Remember:

After the goal line stand, the Eagles still had to score. Who do they turn to in situations like these? Brian Westbrook. Put the ball in Westbrook's hands, and let him do his magic.

On a perfectly executed screen play, McNabb tossed the ball to Brian over the heads of three defensive lineman. Then there were two devastating blocks by Shawn Andrews, and Jon Runyan. This got Westbrook into the clear, and he did the rest from there. A great cutback left, and Westbrook almost had a clear path to the end zone. As he dashed 50 yards or so, he made a cutback right to avoid the last possible tacklers, and scored.

This 57 yard amazing catch, and run was the play of the season for the Birds. It reminded me of the Tampa Bay play from last year, except this time there would be no miracle field goal. This time his great play will be remembered.

Westbrook had an awesome game. He rushed for 100 yards on 20 carries, he had 5 catches for 83 yards, and three total touch downs.

If the Eagles want to continue to win games, the formula is simple. Get the ball in Brian Westbrook's hands.

McNabb Showed Mobility:

Donovan looked like the Donovan of old. He was moving well in the pocket, he escaped, and run a few times. He even had some nice moves in the open field. It looks like the knee is starting to not be an issue. At least is wasn't on Sunday.

McNabb did not have a perfect game, as a few pass were nearly intercepted, but when you look at the final numbers he played well. He completed 20 of 28 passes for 251 yards, and 4 touch downs.

The offense scored 5 times, and looked a lot better than it has most of the season. The Eagles were successful in the red zone, and that was a great sign. The Birds need to build off this, and continue to make strides.

A Gutsy Call:

What a call by Andy Reid on 4th, and inches. The Eagles had fallen into a 3rd, and 21, and Donovan Fired a bullet to Jason Avant. They fell inches short of the first down, and as Andy Reid was standing there looking at the distance they needed, he decided to go for it.

Normally you always punt on 4th down at your own 39 yard line, but the Redskins offense had been moving all over the Eagles. Reid knew this, and could not afford to go down another score. He put faith in his guys that they could get the few inches, and they did.

The call was a QB sneak. Donovan Got behind Jammal Jackson, Todd Herremans, and Shawn Andrews, and just dove forward to get the first down. This eventually led to the Eagles scoring on a touch down pass to L.J. Smith.

The decision was huge, and Andy made the right one. This helped the offense gain confidence. Great job by Andy Reid.

FINALLY!:

Reggie Brown pointed to his wrist, to symbolize that it was about time he got in the end zone. Brown had a very slow start to the season, and there had been very high expectations from him. The past three games he has slowly become more involved, and yesterday he made a great adjustment to an under thrown McNabb pass. I'm not sure how the safety did not see the ball, but Reggie did, and was able to haul it in. It was great to see him score, and hopefully this will get the ball rolling.

Brown wasn't the only one to get their first touch down of the season. L.J. Smith found the end zone as well. L.J. has been banged up for most of the year recovering from his hernia surgery. He finally looks to be back to his old self. He made some nice grabs, and got a crucial touch down on third down in the red zone.

Smith did fumble once, which really hurt the team. It lead to Washington's first touchdown. I hate the way he holds the ball when he runs. He uses one arm, and does not even tuck it away. The ball is just resting on his forearm, and is not pressed against his body like it should be. L.J. has had the issue for a while now, and he needs to correct it already. Andy Reid should put him to fumble school, like Tom Coughlin did to Tiki Barber. Teach him a new way to carry the football, and make sure he sticks with it. You can not afford to have plays like that in the NFL.

Revenge Of James Thrash:

Yes that's right folks. It was not T.O. this time. It was James stinkin Trash. The same James Thrash who almost never made a play. The same guy who got punked by Carolina in the NFC Championship Game. He somehow managed to have a field day on the Eagles. Thrash had five receptions for 85 yards, and two touchdowns. That is right TWO touch downs. I think that is double the amount Thrash had for all of the 2003 season as a starter.

The Eagles secondary should be embarrassed for the game they had. Will James was abused once again. They really need to just cut him. He is becoming the weakest link on the team. Sheldon Brown even let Thrash get some catches. Lito Sheppard let 37 year old Keenan McCardell score a touch down.

They just had a really poor day collectively. The only one who made a play, was Quinton Mikell. He forced a fumble, and Joselio Hanson recovered.

I know I have ripped Hanson in the past, but he should be the nickle CB at this point. Will James is getting murdered out there. It is time to at least put somebody there who has some speed.

Has Joe Gibbs Lost It?:

I really respect the man, and understand he is already inducted into the hall of fame, but he did an awful job coaching this game.

The Redskins committed 11 penalties, including crucial third-down miscues, and again suffered from questionable clock management and play-calling. Coach Joe Gibbs had no timeouts left in the final crucial minutes, and a conservative call on a late third-and-goal virtually guaranteed the Eagles would have a chance to win.

I was very shocked at how poorly the Redskins managed the game.

Season Saved. For Now:

Just when I think the Birds are done, they pull me back in. This was not the most convincing victory, but the Eagles will take it. A win is a win. Get them anyway you can.

I really expected the Eagles to lose this game too. I had lost my faith in them, and they surprised me.

Next week the Eagles have to handle business against the 0-9 Miami Dolphins, because after that is a trip to New England.

Reid and McNabb Deserve a Pass

Get Rid Of Reid?:

The Eagles are off to a dreadful start this season. I doubt anybody expected a 3-5 record to this point of the season. While everybody is searching for answers, let me remind them of this.

Andy Reid is a great coach. Take a look at his body of work in Philadelphia.

In 2006, Reid overcame a 5-6 start and the loss of two of their most explosive players in quarterback Donovan McNabb and defensive end Jevon Kearse in leading the team to season-ending, five-game win streak to capture the NFC East division championship.

The 2004 Eagles clinched the NFC East title with five games remaining in the regular season and the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs after a 13-1 start. Along the way, Reid passed Greasy Neale (66) for the most wins in franchise history. The Eagles earned their first trip to the Super Bowl since 1980 after defeating Atlanta in the NFC Championship game.

In 2003, the Eagles overcame a 0-2 start and a slew of injuries to post their second consecutive 12-win season. During that season, Reid registered his 50th career win (in his 81st game) to become the fastest coach in team history to reach that milestone. A year earlier, Reid was the overwhelming choice as the NFL's coach of the year as the Eagles thrived without the services of McNabb to still capture home field advantage in the NFC playoffs.

After a 5-11 mark in his first season, Reid led the 2000 Eagles to the greatest turnaround in franchise history, finishing 2nd in the NFC East at 11-5 and earning a trip to the NFC Divisional Playoffs.

Reid's 8 playoff wins are most in team history and tied for 18th in league history. Of the 20 coaches who have won eight or more playoff games, only Vince Lombardi (10), Tom Flores (11), Jimmy Johnson (13), and Mike Shanahan (13) have manned the sidelines in fewer playoffs games than Reid's 14.

Andy's teams have never had back to back losing seasons.

What he has done here is more than impressive. Reid has built a foundation here, to have a lot of winning football teams.

To those who want Andy Reid gone, I ask you this. Who do you want to take his place? There are not very many good candidates even available. More than likely if Reid were to resign, Marty Morningweg would be promoted to head coach. Is that really the answer?

It's time to calm down this get rid of Reid nonsense now. Right now he is dealing with a family crisis, and fans should show support during this rough time. Reid will pull this team together again, and the Eagles will rise up once again.

McNabb Can Not Win:

No matter what Donovan McNabb says, he will be criticized by the media. There has been two days of stories about Donovan not taking the blame for the teams losses, and it is all based off one sentence from his press conference. McNabb has had to defend himself in his own blog, and he was even ripped for doing that.

The media makes a habit of taking McNabb's words out of context, to create a controversy. They especially like to pull these stunts when the Eagles are not doing well. When the Eagles are losing these stories seem to catch a lot more fire, then when the Eagles are doing well.

It truly is a no win situation for Donovan. If he does not answer the question, he gets ripped for that. If he speaks honestly he is told to shut up. If he gives a politically correct response, he is labeled a company man. No matter how he approaches the questions directed his way, there will be a negative story to follow.

McNabb is payed to play football, not worry about what to say in his press conference.

I know that McNabb is having a poor season, but people need to remember that he is still under a year removed from major knee surgery. Most athletes will tell you it takes about two years before you are fully right from an ACL. Donovan has to play through this to get better, and there is no other way around it.

We all know how well Donovan can play when healthy. Did everybody forget the 2004 Super Bowl season already? How about last year when Five was an early MVP candidate before getting hurt?

The same fans who voted McNabb the best QB in Eagles franchise history, are now calling for rookie Kevin Kolb to replace him. Does anybody really think Kolb is ready now? How about next year? I sure don't have faith in Kevin Kolb. I have never seen him play outside of the pre-season.

Ironically Kevin Kolb is the same pick that fans booed on draft day, and ripped ever since. Now people think he is the solution to this Eagles team?

I think people should be more careful for what they wish for. When things are going bad everybody wants to bench the QB and fire the head coach, but it is not the smart move in this case.

I would hate to see fans reaction when Kevin Kolb is the starting QB, and Marty Morningweg is the head coach.

Birds Will Stay $12.5 Million Under Cap

The deadline for NFL teams to sign players and have a portion of their salary count against this year's cap is today at 4 p.m. Unlike previous years, however, the Eagles will not be taking advantage of that rule for a number of reasons.

One is that 19 of their 21 starters are signed beyond this season. The only two potential free agents after this season are tight end L.J. Smith and fullback Thomas Tapeh, and it is possible that neither player will be in an Eagles uniform a year from now.

Negotiations with Smith had not progressed for some time and had no chance of being renewed once the tight end required two groin surgeries and missed three of the team's first seven games. As for Tapeh, negotiations never began with the fullback.

Typically, the Eagles have targeted young players they feel are on the rise to tie up to long-term deals before this deadline. A year ago at this time, they signed defensive end Trent Cole and defensive tackle Mike Patterson to extensions through 2013 and 2015, respectively.

The Eagles might have considered doing that this year with second-year middle linebacker Omar Gaither, but team president Joe Banner said the new collective bargaining agreement does not allow teams to extend the contracts of second-year players.

The Eagles have three second-year starters, all on defense, but one of them is 2006 first-round pick Brodrick Bunkley, who is already signed through 2011. Gaither and starting strong-side linebacker Chris Gocong are signed through 2009.

Strong safety Sean Considine, who is in his first full season as a starter, is signed only through next season, but there are a few reasons the Eagles are not in a hurry to extend his deal. Quintin Mikell could replace Considine as the starting strong safety in the future. Eagles coach Andy Reid said Considine played sparingly in the second half last night because he suffered a shoulder injury.

Mikell, who signed a four-year contract in the off-season, impressed the Eagles' decision-makers during his five starts in place of injured free safety Brian Dawkins and has a chance to become a starter at some point in the future.

>>thePhiladelphiaInquirer

That deadline has past, and the Eagles signed nobody. According to BJ's Eagles Salary Cap page(very accurate) the Eagles are $12,499,220 under the cap. I guess after that Dallas debacle nobody deserves to get paid.

I know Banner must hate the new CBA rule that prevents you from extending a players contract in their second season. I am sure they had a low ball offer all ready for Omar Gaither. He probably would have taken it, considering the uncertainty in the NFL, and the fact that he was a late round draft pick.

Did the NFL do this, to stop teams like the Eagles from signing players before they reach their true market value? It sure does put a big wrench into how the Birds like to do business.

The Eagles wont win a Super Bowl this season, but they will win the salary cap award yet again. I believe this is fives years in a row now, time to start calling the Eagles a dynasty!

I guess that is the goal of the gold standard.

T.O. Rips McNabb, Reid, Eagles

Terrell Owens came out firing Friday and didn't stop until he ensured he would receive another rude reception in Philadelphia.

Two days after saying his feud with Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was a thing of the past, the Dallas Cowboys receiver took repeated shots on his weekly radio show at McNabb and his former team.

"It's so evident that ever since I left nothing's been going right there," said Owens, ignoring the fact Philadelphia won the NFC East title last season. "I'm not saying I'm the sole reason, but when I was there we were very successful. Now it seems like everything's snowballing."

Owens played two seasons for the Eagles, helping them reach the Super Bowl in 2004. But Philadelphia cut him after the 2005 season, a campaign in which he tore apart the team's locker room with his contract demands and continual sniping at McNabb.

The Eagles stumbled out of the gate this season and will take a 3-4 record into Sunday's game with the 6-1 Cowboys. Despite his team's struggles, McNabb said recently the road to the division crown still goes through Philadelphia, even though a loss to Dallas would give the Eagles an 0-3 mark within the division.

"That's wishful thinking," Owens said on 790 The Ticket in Miami. "He has to be the only one thinking that way. The road to the Super Bowl has to come through Dallas, Texas. We'll have to see how things come out, but it doesn't seem like things are faring too well up there in Philly."

In addition to their poor play, the Eagles are also dealing with coach Andy Reid's messy personal life. On Friday, Reid said he planned to coach the team for the long term despite being chastised by a judge who likened the coach's home to a "drug emporium."

Reid's two sons received jail sentences Thursday for offenses that included a road-rage incident that involved flashing a gun at a fellow driver.

"I can't say I feel sorry for them," Owens said of the Eagles. "Obviously, with coach Reid's situation, I wish him well. Hopefully, he can get his kids and his family situation back in order. But other than that, I'm happy to be in the situation I'm in."

Eagles fans burned Owens' jersey in the parking lot at Lincoln Financial Field before the team's game with Dallas last season. The Eagles swept the Cowboys last season.

>>Express News

So much for the "more mature" T.O. His bi-polar must have kicked in again, because he has basically done a complete 180 from what he was saying a few days ago. He even stooped low enough to take a shot at Andy Reid for his family crisis. I never wish injury on another player, but with this jerk I make an exception. I hope Dawkins stretches him like Michael Irvin.

Andy Speaks On Family Troubles

I really hate how the media is pounding this story so hard. I turn on WIP, and get disgusted by morons who question Andy Reid's parenting ability. Where do people get off criticizing a man's family? If you want to question his coaching ability, or personnel decisions, that's fine, but leave his family alone. There is no reason to comment on it.

Everybody goes through issues in life, and has their share of difficult times. The difference is when average person has problems, they are not broad casted on national television, printed in local newspapers, and debated on talk radio.

I feel terrible for Andy, and really wish the media would back off. Everybody should respect his privacy, and stop making this issue worse.

The majority of the media is nothing but a bunch of story hungry creeps, who make a living off others misery. Ratings are all that is important to media scum, and it makes me sick.

This is my message to everybody. Fans, and media included.

Leave Andy's Family ALONE! Either show your support, or STFU!

Cole: NFC Defensive Player Of The Week

Perched at right defensive end, Trent Cole donned his weekly green and white camouflage and set his sights on the Vikings during the Eagles' 23-16 victory over Minnesota, where he recorded a career-high 13 tackles, including his league-leading ninth sack of the season, also a career-high.

Cole's performance earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week Award for the first time in his career. Cole is the first Eagle to win the award since Brian Dawkins last December after the Eagles' 36-22 win over the Giants.

"He's tough right now, tough to stop," head coach Andy Reid said. "He plays relentless football, he was in for every snap in that game … He gives his 110 percent on every snap and players respect him for that, his teammates too."

Only in his third year as an Eagle, Cole has a sack in five of the last seven games and is on track to finish the season with 20.5 sacks which has put teams league-wide on notice. The attention is not recent, though. Prior to this year, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre had told Reid how they had to account for Cole.

"He said, 'Hey, we were real concerned about 58. He has a phenomenal motor.' We saw it as a staff, but you're never quite sure what the other team sees," said Reid.

A fifth-round draft pick in 2005 from the University of Cincinnati, Cole originally arrived at the NovaCare Complex as a 235-pound player the team was unsure would be a linebacker or defensive end.

Three years and many trips to the weight room later, the 270-pound Cole has emerged as a definitive defensive end known for his speed, size, athleticism and motor.

"That's one thing we noticed when he was at Cincinnati," Reid added. "I think you've either got that or you don't. You can direct it in certain directions and become a better player. But, I think you're born with the motor."

..Continue reading at PhiladelphiaEagles.com>>

Matt McCoy Cut

The Eagles cut backup linebacker Matt McCoy today. The second round pick from San Diego State has largely been a huge bust. He was deactivated for almost his entire rookie season, and played poorly as a starter last season.

The Eagles felt the need to replace him in the off season, by trading for Takeo Spikes. Spikes has played well, and McCoy had been designated to special teams. McCoy has a bonehead personal foul penalty for hitting the Minnesota punter in the back. The play took the Eagles out of Minnesota territory, and infuriated Brian Dawkins on the sidelines. Apparently this mistake was stupid enough for Andy Reid to kick him off the team.

Akeem Jordan was signed off the practice squad to take McCoy's spot on the roster.

This move means a few things to me. First I think that the Eagles are confident in the play of Takeo Spikes. He has a team option next year, and I believe the Eagles will pick that up.

The other thing this does, is send a clear message to the rest of the team. No more stupid mistakes. Bonehead plays like that are part of the reason the Birds are 3-4.

You can't shoot yourself in the foot constantly, and expect to win. Reid made an example out of McCoy. I think it should let everybody know that you either play the right way or you will be gone. It does not even matter if you were a high draft pick.

Lurie Backs Reid

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and his NFL counterparts agreed Tuesday to shorten the first day of the college player draft to two rounds and the time between picks in the first round to 10 minutes.

The changes were made at the owners meeting in Center City.

Previously teams had 15 minutes to pick in the first round and the first day of the selection process consisted of three rounds.

The time between picks in the second round is seven minutes, and five minutes for the remaining rounds.

The draft also will begin at 3 p.m. instead of noon, with rounds 3-through-7 starting the following morning at 10. This year’s draft is April 26-27.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has presided over much change in his short tenure, said in a statement that, “We believe this will make for a more streamlined and efficient draft.”

Lurie later reportedly gave embattled Eagles head coach Andy Reid a vote of confidence at the meetings.

..Read more at the DelCoTimes>>

Reid gives bad Birds detention

A new horror flick made its big-screen debut Monday before a captive audience.

Eagles players, accustomed to getting the day after a game off unless they need treatment for an injury, were summoned to the team's South Philadelphia practice facility by coach Andy Reid for a team meeting and film review of their 19-16 loss to the Chicago Bears.

''There's a problem and we need to make sure we fix it,'' Reid said. ''I don't want it to sit another day or two. I want to make sure we get in so that the fellows can move on to [preparations for] Minnesota.

''I want them, No. 1, to look at the film and evaluate their mistakes. Then I want them to get it out of their minds fast and move on. We've got a good football team that we're going to play in Minnesota this week, and it's important that we learn from this and that we get it changed around quick.''

The extra day of mental work did not seem to surprise Eagles players.

..Read more from The Morning Call>>

Reid Going Nowhere

After the Eagles got thrashed by the Giants last Sunday night, rumors quickly arose and ran rampant that Philly head coach Andy Reid would step down prior to the end of this season. Speculation was that due to legal trouble brought on by two of Reid's sons, the coach would step down because he couldn't keep his focus in the right place.

Stories and rumors spread but all without ever having Reid's position on the matter...until now.

"The only way I don't finish up coaching this year is if I die," an emphatic Reid told FOX Sports. "Are you kidding me? I don't know where this story came from, how it started, but it couldn't be any further from the truth. I am definitely not stepping away!

"It's amazing how this story came up and then got legs, but there's no way."

Reid took a day during his bye week to step out to Atlantic City for a much-needed respite in order to recharge his batteries. Batteries that he says are far from dying.

"The one thing I've learned throughout this whole thing is that I'm not alone in dealing with family issues," said Reid. "There are people who own businesses, run corporations, and they have problems too but don't walk away. Everyone has family or personal issues, but they don't quit their jobs."

>>FOXSports

Giants Sack Eagles

Giant Loss Puts Birds In 1-3 Hole



Under Pressure:

"It's frustrating," said McNabb, who finished 15-of-31 for 138 yards. "For an offense that has had so much success over the previous years, for us to come out and play the way we played today is embarrassing."

Embarrassing? No. Embarrassing is when you accidentally let one rip when you are on a date. This was atrocious, mind boggling, horrific, and just disastrous.

The Eagles offense did not even have a chance today, as they were outplayed, out numbered, and flat out out coached.

The Giants sacked Donovan McNabb 12 times, tying an NFL record. Former Eagles linebackers coach Steve Spagnola called a brilliant game, and he kept heavy pressure coming all night. The Giants who have tremendous depth at defensive end, knew they would get a good pass rush from the edges, and blitzed the Eagles A gap constantly, to get after Donovan from all angles.

One of those great ends, Osi Umenyiora lead the way with six sacks, and was a Giant pain all game. Even when Donovan was not getting sacked, he was being chased, or forced out of the pocket. This lead to many of the sacks, rushed throws, and errant passes. The pass protection scheme definitely failed tonight, and the Eagles game plan was very poor. Early in the first quarter, on a 3rd down play, Reno Mahe was responsible for picking up Umenyiora blitzing from the linebacker position. That is a match up I hope I never see again, as Osi easily pushed Mahe away to get a sack.

The Eagles offensive line was supposed to be a strength of the team, but tonight it was a major weakness. You will not see many victories with pass protection this poor. Throughout the game, the Eagles used a shotgun spread formation, that had minimal pass protection, and this seemed to play right into the Giants blitzing defense. It seemed like the Eagles were getting beat by their own defensive scheme.

Another thing that the Birds offense tried, was switching to a no huddle offense. They have used this several times this year, and it has failed miserably. When you have an offense as complicated as the Eagles, it is very difficult to operate this way, because you are constantly changing personnel packages for different plays. Teams like the Colts can run it so efficiently, because they will use the same exact personnel, and the same exact formation for an entire drive. Using the no huddle has killed a lot of Eagles drives this year, and they need to just give up on it.

Justice Was Not Served:

The Eagles streak of 19 straight games with the offensive line intact, was broken Sunday. With Tra Thomas sidelined for the game, second year tackle Winston Justice got his first career start, and it is sure to be one he would like to forget about. To be blunt about his performance, he was just absolutely terrible.

To make matters worse, John Madden made sure to point out how bad 74 messing up. Then ripped the Eagles for not helping him out more in pass protection. If only Andy had listened to that advice, because Justice was responsible for four of the six sacks that Osi Umenyiora had. Osi ran around him, ran inside, and bull dozed him to get to McNabb. Everybody knew this would be a big test for him going into the game, but nobody expected he would get schooled this bad.

Justice also did poorly in run blocking. The Eagles had tremendous success running the ball to the left last week, and this week they were very inconsistent. Justice was not holding the point of attack, and a few runs got blown up for no gains.

As the game progressed Justice even seemed rattled, as he was repeatedly called for false starts, and possibly was lined up incorrectly one play. (could have been Brent Celek, one of them messed up

The only positive thing I can say for this lousy debut, is that things can only go up from here. It can't get any worse. Osi seemed to agree.

"It was like a video game out there," Umenyiora said. "Winston Justice is a very good football player. Tonight was just one of those nights. He'll learn from that experience."

Justice accepted responsibility.

"I am going to shoulder the loss for the team," he said. "I got out of my technique, tried to make adjustments and they just didn't work."

Strange Miscue Costs Birds:

With one minute, and fifty six seconds to go in the third quarter, McNabb took the snap from under center, and then it appeared that he just dropped the ball. Which was then recovered by New York linebacker Kawika Mitchell, and returned the ball seventeen yards for a score.

With a slow motion replay, you could see that as McNabb was about to hand the ball off to Correll Buckhalter, Thomas Tapeh accidentally bumped into the ball, and created the biggest play(mistake) of the game.

Andy Reid tried to challenge the play, but to no avail. The play would stand, and this would be a back breaker for the Eagles, as they were unable to comeback from a 16-0 deficit. The Picture I found, shows that Schobel contacted him, with his knee down. Way to go refs. After further review you blew it!

I am not sure if the mistake was on Donovan, or Tapeh, but with the way the Eagles offense was sputtering, I knew the game was over right there.

Injuries Keep Piling Up:

Now I know it is lame to use injuries as en excuse for an NFL loss, and I will not do that. However it is alarmingly scary at how many of the Eagles better players are injured.

None scarier than Brian Westbrook's torn abdominal muscle. When Michelle Tafoya described in detail how Brian's ribs would actually poke through the tear, It became clear to me that Westbrook's injury was very severe.

My guess is that Brian will be on the shelf for a long time, and not just a few games. There is no way he is going to be able to perform with this type of injury, and if he does, it will only get worse. The only realistic solution is probably going to require surgery, and a long rehab process. This could mean no Brian Westbrook for most of the remaining season.

As shown tonight Westbrook is sorely missed on this team, and without him they are just not the same team.

Other players out include Brian Dawkins(neck), Lito Sheppard(knee), L.J. Smith(sports hernia), and Tra Thomas(knee). Sheldon Brown suffered a stinger in the first quarter.

The Eagles desperately need these guys back soon, because the team is not performing without them. You will not see this offense be explosive with Brian Westbrook wearing a tee shirt.

Does Plax Own Sheldon?:

Don't get me wrong, I am a huge Sheldon Brown fan. He is one of my favorite players, and I even have his jersey. There just seems to be a huge mismatch problem with Brown covering Plaxico Burress.

He has beaten Sheldon Brown for a Touchdown as least once in each of the past three seasons. I feel like Brown is one of the most fundamentally sound corners in the game, but Plaxico just seems to have his number. His size, and speed make him extremely difficult to defend. On many of the plays Brown even has pretty good coverage on Burress, but Burress, just uses his size to out jump Brown.

Brown also seemed to be getting picked on after he suffered an injury early in the game. He did not have one of his better games, but I know Sheldon will put in the work to improve.

Will James Is Horrible:

Will James is the worst corner back on the Eagles roster, and he is the worst current starter on the team.

James once again got torched deep, and this time he was penalized for blatantly taking Amani Toomer to the ground. The penalty lead to a Giants field goal, but more importantly it once again showed the NFL that James is a bum.

Every QB in the league will pick on number 21, when they see him lined up on the field.

The Eagles would be better off sticking a traffic cone on the field, because at least maybe the receiver would accidentally trip over it. With Will James there is no maybe, he is going to get beat every game.

Rest Of The D Was Solid:

The Eagles did a pretty good job for the most part on defense. Offensively the Giants only scored ten points, and only gave up the one TD to Plaxico.

There are some areas that could still be improved, like some missed tackles, more pressure on the QB, the ability to cover the short pass, and they could work on stopping the bootleg some in practice.

One time NFL sack leader Trent Cole, did not get any sacks, and I expected a big game from him. Juqua Thomas did very little, and Darren Howard was invisible except for a tipped pass.

The one lone sack came from Jevon Kearse of all people. Imagine that. Kearse actually made several nice plays, and that was good to see.

The defensive tackles had another very solid game, and the Eagles defense went another game without allowing a hundred yard rusher. Besides an offsides penalty, Mike Patterson played very well.

Omar Gaither got his second career interception off Eli Manning in the second quarter, and returned it 49 yards the other way. Great play for Omar, but I thought he should have scored on it. He looked really slow running with the football, and Manning was able to get an angle on Gaither, and force him out of bounds.

The defense shows a lot of promise, but there is still work to be done. Rod Hood is also sorely missed. That could be the biggest mistake the front office made this off season.

Not So Special Teams:

This has to be the worst special teams play of any team under Andy Reid. There is no aspect of special teams, that the Eagles excel at, and they can rarely even play a game without a barrage of mistakes.

"Sure handed" Reno Mahe fumbled on a punt return, J.R. Reed dropped the ball on a kick return, the always dependable David Akers missed a field goal, and almost every "decent" return had a stupid penalty.

Sav Rocca had a terrible game, and I am wondering what happened to this great leg? This guy was pinning teams deep in the pre-season, and was thought to be a weapon. Well now he is getting terrible distance, and hang time, and killed the Eagles field position all game.

Former Eagle Jeff Feagles completely outplayed Sav, and showed that he is one the best in the game. Feagles is the best in the game, at directional/pouch punting, and he pinned the Eagles deep twice on consecutive possessions.

The Eagles kick/punt coverage teams still sucked. I don't know if it is Rory Segrest, or the players, but this special teams this year just flat out suck.

At Least The Phillies Beat New York:

If the Phillies had blown the division title, that was handed to them on a silver platter by the Muts, there might be some people ready to jump off the Walt Whitman Bridge today.

You know it is really bad when the Phils are having more success than the Birds.

Props to the Fightins for managing to get through all that adversity, and still win the NL East.

It's been 14 years since the Phillies last made the playoffs, and there is a great buzz in the city about it.

Doom And Gloom:

What a disastrous start to a season filled with so much promise. The only reason I have even the slightest bit of hope, is because of what the 2003 Eagles team overcame. However is Brian Westbrook is required to go under the knife, then you can be sure that the season is over for sure. Westbrook is the teams most dangerous weapon, and without him this teams' offense is mediocre at best.

Andy Reid better have some miracles up his sleeve, or else it will be time to look at college mock drafts soon.

Injuries, Honors For Westbrook

Brian Westbrook was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the running back also topped the list of five starters who did not participate in the team's first practice of the week.

Head coach Andy Reid outlined his team's fluid injury situation during his late morning press conference. Tight end L.J. Smith has been ruled out for Sunday night's game as he continues his recovery from last Friday's groin surgery.

Meanwhile, Westbrook (abdominal strain), free safety Brian Dawkins (neck stinger), cornerback Lito Sheppard (knee) and left tackle William Thomas (knee) all remain day-to-day with their respective injuries, although Reid said they are all "improving."

Some more than others.

"It's not by big strides that he's getting better, but he is making improvement," Reid said of Westbrook. "It was important a day or two after the game that he wasn't regressing at all."

Westbrook missed all but one practice last week due to a knee strain, but that didn't limit his productivity against the Lions. He had 110 yards rushing, 111 more receiving and three touchdowns before leaving Sunday's game with what he termed as a "freak" injury.

"I made a move," Westbrook said. "I kind of twisted my body a little bit."

Westbrook missed one game in 2004 after suffering a cracked rib and chest contusion, but he says this injury is completely different.

"It's a muscle type deal. It's muscles in there that are strained," he said. "Ribs are one of those injuries where you really can't give it a rest, because every time you move, you feel it and you are using that muscle. I've never had this injury before.

"I'm doing everything to get in a position so I can play."

Although he is unable to practice, Westbrook says he's keeping up to speed in the classroom and maintaining his conditioning. Bottom line: he is preparing to play.

"It's just [about] getting to a point where you're comfortable enough to go out there and perform at a high level," Westbrook said. "Like I said before, every time you move, you use your ribs and the muscle between your ribs. So that's something I have to be concerned with. I'm trying to do everything possible to get there. Really, only time will tell. I'm preparing myself as if I am going to play."

Said Reid: "We'll just see how he feels through these next couple of days."

That wait-and-see approach seems to apply to the other injured players as well. A determination on their status for the game, Reid indicated, could come as late as pre-game Sunday.

"I want everybody that can play to play. If they can't, then they can't. It's pretty simple, whether you have a bye week or not," Reid said. "Those are just day-to-day situations. We'll just see how they progress here. They're living in the training room. So, they're getting plenty of treatment and we'll see how they do."

Thomas left Sunday's game in the third quarter with an MCL sprain, but Reid says it's not as severe as the one that has sidelined Sheppard the last two games.

"[It's] not quite the same. [It's] not quite as bad as what Lito had," Reid said.

Sheppard has done some conditioning work of late but has yet to participate in practice. Dawkins, meanwhile, remains sidelined because of a neck stinger he sustained last Monday night.

"Both of them are Pro Bowl players and we'd love to have them," Reid said of Dawkins and Sheppard. "But the guys that have replaced them and stepped in for them have done a nice job."

Reserves on both sides of the ball -- Quintin Mikell, William James, Joselio Hanson, Matt Schobel, Brent Celek and Winston Justice -- have filled in admirably when called upon in recent weeks and may be called upon heavily again Sunday night at the Meadowlands.

>>Home Page

Are the Eagles really going to lose to the Lions?

Backs against the wall:

The Eagles are trying to avoid their first 0-3 start, since 1999. The team they face is the Detroit Lions. Usually that would be great news for a struggling team, but this may not be your typical woeful Lions team.

In 2003 the Eagles started 0-2, and were able to amazingly finish the year 12-4. Can this team duplicate that same magical run? Not likely if McNabb continues to struggle. He needs to forget the past two weeks, and step it up this week. The season is on the line. An 0-3 hole is too big to climb out of.

Not the same ole Lions:

This Lions team is 2-0, and is loaded with offensive talent. Especially at the WR position. Roy Williams is one of the leagues elite, and Calvin Johnson is quickly proving he belongs among that group too. Former Rams receiver Shaun McDonald is also a threat that has to be accounted for. Not having Lito Sheppard causes huge mismatch problems, as the Eagles will now have to rely on Will James, and Joselio Hanson much more than they should.

The Lions do not particulary run the ball well, but they do have a good group of backs. Tatum Bell has explosive speed, and TJ Duckett is a load between the tackles. If the Lions can sustain any kind of running attack, they will probably have the Eagles defense on their heels.

Starting QB Jon Kitna made a bold prediction in the pre-season, that the Lions would win ten games this year, and so far it is looking good. He is a solid veteran, and is a very tough guy. He left last weeks game against the Vikings with a concussion, but was able to return in the next quarter to lead his team to victory. He has a strong arm, and is very capable of hitting those big time receivers deep for big plays.

This offense will be a huge test for the Birds, and one I do not feel very confient that they will do well against.
Defensively the Lions are pretty average. However, Shaun Rogers, and Cory Redding are one of the best DT tandems in the league. Second year linebacker Ernie Sims is a tackling machine. DE Dewayne White is an undersized speed end, similar to Trent Cole. He was a very underrated pickup in this offseason, and he has made a bunch of plays for Detroit already. Linebacker Boss Bailey has not done much in his career, but after two games in 2007, he already has two sacks.

The Lions secondary no longer has Dre Bly, and Terrance Holt, but has played pretty well so far. If there was any group that the Eagles should attack, it is this one. People have been ripping the receivers a lot, and if they can't get open agains Detroit, the Eagles are in serious trouble.

McNabb takes off the brace:

McNabb practices without brace
Bob Kent, of PhiladelphiaEagles.com, reports Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (knee) participated in practice without a brace on his surgically repaired right knee Friday, Sept. 21.

>>KFFL

Maybe it is the knee brace, that is disrupting Donovan's footwork. If he can confidently play without it, I think you may see his accuracy dramatically improve. Keep an eye out early, to see if he is wearing it or not.

Time to run the ball Andy:

Enough of this 75% pass happy offense. To help McNabb out, and the offense out, the Eagles must run the ball much more. When they do hand off to Westbrook, he makes good things happen. This issue has been hammered in the media time, and time again, and now everybody should just pray that Andy will get the message. Run the ball Andy!

Ugly UCLA Jerseys:

These are probably the ugliest football jerseys i have ever seen. The design, color scheme, and helmet, are all terrible. Any other Eagles throwback jersey would have been a better choice. I personally would have liked to see the Kelly green. If the Eagles lose, I am partially blaming the ugly jerseys.

Brown defends wide receivers

Reggie Brown has one word for all those who claim the Eagles wide receivers never got open Monday against Washington.

"Hogwash," he said Thursday.

"Do these quote-unquote experts actually watch the game, or are they just looking at the quarterback?" the third-year wide receiver said. "Most of the time when you see a game, you can't even see the receivers."

Brown has been conspicuous in his absence from the Eagles' play-to-play offense so far in two games, both defeats in which the offense underperformed.

He has a total of three catches for 41 yards so far, but late in the 20-12 loss to the Redskins, there were some rays of hope. Brown made a tough 19-yard fourth-down catch to keep alive a Philadelphia drive.

On Wednesday, head coach Andy Reid pointed to that drive as a sign that the Eagles offense might be emerging from the fog that has cost them two games.

Brown agreed.

"I think we started playing with a little bit more energy," he said of the fourth quarter. "Everybody focused in and we feel like we had to do it.

"It didn't feel like a sense of panic in the huddle. It felt like a feeling of confidence and unity and a sense of responsibility that we needed to go down and do this.

"Not panic."

Brown was a significant part of the Eagles' big-play potential in 2006, a potential that has not yet been realized this season.

Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said that Philadelphia's inability to hit on plays downfield has partly been a function of the defenses they have faced, which have sought to cut that aspect off.

Brown said that because the offensive timing has been off, the Eagles haven't been unable to hit on the shorter routes enough to draw defenses out of their prevent modes.

>>CourierPostOnline

Lightning rod of criticism

It was a typical early August day at training camp for the Philadelphia Eagles, and it had brought the usual summer swirl of media. Amateur doctors by trade, many had passed through to eye Donovan McNabb's surgically repaired knee and ponder whether he was walking with a limp, was looking right, or in some cases, whether he'd ever be the same player again.

That night, as McNabb and defensive end Jevon Kearse flopped down on couches in the players lounge before heading out to a local sports bar, Kearse looked at the quarterback and shook his head.

"Man, I love my job," Kearse told McNabb. "I love the stuff I get. I like the recognition. And sometimes I think I have it hard with little stuff that happens here and there. But you. Man, I could not be you. You get a whole lotta (stuff). I don't ever want that."

Recounted to him later, Kearse's words prompted McNabb to muster a soft laugh.

"Story of my life," he said.

More accurately, this is the story of McNabb's life in the city of Philadelphia. And it is a tome flush with dark, highly publicized chapters. He's been booed on draft day and labeled a "company man" by former teammate Freddie Mitchell. He's been trashed on national television by Rush Limbaugh and incinerated by Terrell Owens. He's even been criticized for his mother's opinion.

Indeed, while all NFL quarterbacks have to deal with the steady burn of the spotlight, McNabb's tenure has been the essence of controversy. Despite being one of the league's most successful signal-callers over the last eight years, he's also become arguably the most consistent lightning-rod athlete in the NFL since the turn of the millennium. But as essayist William Hazlitt one wrote, "When a thing ceases to be the subject of controversy, it ceases to be a subject of interest." Framed in that light, McNabb might be the most interesting sports figure the city of Philadelphia has ever seen.

LOW-KEY PROFILE

What Frank Lenti can't understand is how one of the most affable athletes he's ever coached has become such a hotly debated entity. When the Mount Carmel High School football coach looks at Donovan Jamal McNabb, he still sees the same bouncing, gregarious kid that he coached on Chicago's south side almost 15 years ago.

McNabb was rarely, if ever, the one to raise the ire of the coaching staff. Playing at an all-boys Catholic high school, he didn't get into any more trouble than any other teenaged kid. Even in the framework of the team he rarely caused waves, patiently waiting his turn as a backup sophomore quarterback on a state championship team, then ascending to a nationally recruited prospect as a junior and senior.

About the only buzz or biting McNabb in those days was whether he could find a college that would allow him to develop as a pocket quarterback. And even then, once Syracuse was chosen, the only hullabaloo on the coaching staff was a few friendly wagers centering on how long it would take Donovan to draw Heisman Trophy consideration in college.

"He never did anything to negatively attract attention to himself," Lenti said. "He always worked hard and even with his talent, he was always one of the guys. There was never any controversy at all. Never."

Even now, Lenti has a hard time grasping where it all comes from; why McNabb bears the brunt of so much criticism. Maybe he would understand if McNabb were a loudmouth or a basket case or a player who couldn't cut it at the NFL level. But McNabb has been none of those things. Despite the money and stature he's acquired, he's retained a remarkably low profile in his private life.

While the dating and mating habits of Tom Brady and the marital bliss of Brett Favre have been discussed ad-nauseam by the national media, few outside of Philadelphia know that McNabb married his first college love, Raquel. And while Peyton Manning's exploits during Hurricane Katrina became a national headline, McNabb's league-leading work with the United Way and his own foundation to fight diabetes have been a footnote.

This is what Lenti sees. The kid that made good, made millions, and then grew into the man who would visit Mount Carmel High and spend time sitting with Lenti's secretary, Peggy Kienzle, before she passed several years ago. And the same kid that proved he could make it as a pocket passing quarterback despite only Syracuse offering to groom him in that type of system.

In fact, McNabb's success has been almost unparalleled since he entered the league. He's been far and away the jewel of the 1999 quarterback class, a group that included five first-round picks: McNabb, Tim Couch, Akili Smith, Cade McNown and Daunte Culpepper. Beyond McNabb and the roller-coaster career of Culpepper, it's a group marked by utter failure.

SEEDS OF DOUBT

A little over a week ago, Troy Vincent sat watching Sunday night football on NBC, and couldn't believe his ears. The former Eagles cornerback listened to the broadcast talk about the family struggles of Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid, relating how Reid had been such a successful coach over the years. And then, in what Vincent considered "the same breath," he listened to NBC's analysts question whether McNabb could still be a successful quarterback after last season's torn anterior cruciate ligament.

The next morning, Vincent picked up his phone and called McNabb with a resounding message of support.

"What I was seeing and hearing while I watched that game was that someone was trying to break Donovan," Vincent said. "I heard Al Michaels – and I'm not being critical of Al and John Madden and Andrea Kramer, they're doing what they are supposed to do – but I heard them have so much compassion for Andy Reid and his family and what a great coaching job he's done and how many games he's won.

"Well, let me tell you something. There has been one guy behind the center for almost all of those wins. The reality is No. 5 created a bunch of those wins. … They were basically questioning Donovan McNabb's ability to play. And I was like 'Are you kidding me?' If anybody was listening to that, that's what you heard."

Partially because of last season's season-ending knee injury, his age (30) and the franchise's decision to use its second-round pick during April's NFL draft to tab a future successor at the position in Kevin Kolb, McNabb's ability to successfully get over the injury has been a common theme this preseason.

When Vincent hears the annual criticism of McNabb, it forces him to wonder why the quarterback has never truly gotten credit for the success he has delivered to the Eagles franchise. Such success is undeniable.

In the regular season and playoffs combined, McNabb has won 65.1-percent of the games he has started. That's better than Peyton Manning (63-percent), Brett Favre (61.4), Matt Hasselbeck (57.4), Carson Palmer (54.3) and Drew Brees (53.2). He also has a better winning percentage in the playoffs (58.3 percent) than every other active NFL starter aside from Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger.

But, the obvious criticism – and it's something McNabb readily points out himself – is that Brady, Manning and Favre own Super Bowl rings. And for the fans of Philadelphia, little has been more frustrating than seeing the Eagles advance to four straight NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl, only to walk away without a world championship.

That lack of a Super Bowl ring has typically fallen squarely on McNabb's shoulders. It can be heard on talk radio from angry fans on an annual basis, and it has been blasted at full volume in the Philadelphia media.

Despite being the most successful quarterback in the franchise's modern-era history, his greatness has also been as hotly debated as any other.

When the Philadelphia Inquirer unveiled its 75th Anniversary section and named the top 75 Eagles of all time, McNabb barely made the top 10, coming in at No. 9. To put it in perspective, safety Brian Dawkins got a far better nod at No. 5. The reasoning behind McNabb's slot was punctuated by columnist Ashley Fox, who weaved the phrase "And yet …" throughout McNabb's entry. As in, he's got great statistics and a fine winning percentage, and yet he's never won a Super Bowl:

"In 2004, McNabb threw for 3,875 yards and 31 TDs in 15 regular-season games, leading the Eagles to their first Super Bowl since 1980. And yet … Rush Limbaugh. Terrell Owens. The draft. The last few minutes of the Super Bowl loss to New England. The sports hernia. The knee. McNabb is one of the greatest Eagles of all time, and yet his career to date is, as the 30-year-old readily admitted, incomplete."

And yet, such words only begin to sum up why McNabb has continually been a topic of debate since landing with the Eagles.

"Man, that's Philly for you," Kearse said. "He's in a situation where he can't win for losing. Everything that we do, it comes back to Donovan in one form or another, because he's our leader. People here have to put the blame on somebody. And it just so happens that he's always the guy."

POINTS OF CONTENTION

Ultimately, it begs one question: How much of the controversy is truly McNabb's fault? He couldn't control it when he was booed on draft day by Eagles fans and then-Philadelphia mayor Ed Rendell, who in what can now be considered a cringe of hindsight, favored Ricky Williams as the No. 2 overall pick.

And McNabb couldn't be held responsible for the flap in 2003, when Rush Limbaugh said from the set of ESPN's "NFL Sunday Countdown" that McNabb's prestige had been drummed up by media that had "… been very desirous that a black quarterback do well. There is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve."

It was a comment that caused a national uproar and ultimately ended Limbaugh's career at ESPN. And for most players, such a moment would represent the high-water mark in career controversy. But for McNabb, it was destined to be a footnote. Next would come Terrell Owens, and a meltdown that would spew megatons of radioactive innuendo into the atmosphere in Philadelphia.

By the time Owens had come and gone, a number of issues regarding McNabb would be publicly debated. Did he go soft in the final quarter of the Super Bowl against New England? Was he a "company man" who went silent as the Eagles nickel and dimed other players? Had McNabb, who signed a 12-year contract extension in 2002 potentially worth $115 million, insulated himself from the media to protect his own image?

At least some of those issues stem from being the leader of a team with a hard-edged roster ideology. Historically, the Eagles have been very prudent about the players that eat their salary cap dollars. For various reasons – mostly a mix between age and finances – players such as Owens, Jeremiah Trotter, Hugh Douglas, Duce Staley and Vincent have failed to land the mega contract from the Eagles. And that has typically put McNabb into the line of fire from teammates who expected him to go to bat for them with management.

But Vincent pointed out that there are other franchises, such as the New England Patriots, that have the same ideologies and yet McNabb rarely gets the same consideration as Tom Brady. That's a distinction Vincent draws between McNabb and several other quarterbacks in the league. Brady gets a free pass from responsibility when the Patriots go into cost-cutting mode, Brett Favre gets the benefit of the doubt when he makes demands to Green Bay Packers management, and meanwhile, McNabb stays silent and gets dragged into someone else's debate.

"Can someone please talk about that double standard because it does exist?" Vincent asked."

Brett Favre speaks out. Does he get criticized? Does he get criticized when he says he wants this or that or isn't going to do this or that? Does he ever get criticized? Absolutely not.

"I've got two quarterbacks – No. 4 (Favre) and No. 5 (McNabb). I've got one guy who is 37 and another guy who is 30 and coming off an injury. And you're telling me that Donovan can't play anymore? That he can't operate an offense anymore? Are you kidding me?"

Added Kearse: "Donovan gets into a lot of no-win situations. If he says something, he's getting into someone else's business. If he doesn't say something, he's not sticking up for someone. When he wins, they celebrate him, but if he doesn't win it all, they tear him down. He's damned if he do, and he's damned if he don't."

Perhaps no situation underscored those points like the events of late last season when McNabb was drawn into another controversy when his mother Wilma posted a comment on her blog that fans might "crucify" her son if the Eagles were to win a Super Bowl with Jeff Garcia at the helm. A few months later, the Eagles drafted Kolb to groom as McNabb's successor, and suddenly speculation turned to whether his days with the franchise were numbered.

"In Philadelphia, the head coach and the quarterback are under the microscope, and that's understandable," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "Donovan understands that. He deals with that better than anybody in the National Football League. What happens in this city is the sounding board ends up being the bad ear.

"If you took a poll in the city of Philadelphia, 99 percent of the people, if you asked them who they want as their quarterback, they are going to tell you Donovan McNabb. They love the guy. It's maybe one percent that doesn't support him. And that's the one percent that gets out there."

"NOT EVERYBODY IS GOING TO LOVE YOU"

Of course, Reid has no factual basis to support his "one-percent" theory. But if that is the only place the doubt is coming from, it certainly has a remarkable way of manifesting itself in the national media.

If the topic of conversation isn't his record, then it's his health. If it's not his health, it's something he said. If it's not something he said, it's something he didn't say. And if it's none of those things, then it's someone else's opinion that he has to address.

"Early on, I wouldn't say things like that were a shock, but it was something you had to get used to," McNabb said. "Somehow I always seem to be the story. During the year, I'm the story. When the season's over, I'm the story. When nothing is going on, I'm the story. I don't know why. … I never know. And you'll never have the answer. But if it wasn't me, it was Allen Iverson. If it wasn't Iverson, it was Scott Rolen or Jimmy Rollins or Philly's pitching or the Flyers not winning games.

"It's a love-hate relationship in Philadelphia, and that's not a bad thing. You have your 85 percent who love you. You have your 10 percent of the people who say 'He's great, but …' Then you have your five percent who say 'I can't stand him.' It just goes like that. But that's what drives you. Not everybody is going to love you."

Not everybody is going to understand you, either, which is why McNabb has tried to be more proactive about getting his voice to the public – even if it means going it alone. And McNabb has done just that, hiring former Eagles public relations staffer Rich Burg to be his publicist. A relationship which got off to a bang in May when McNabb essentially called his own press conference after the team drafted Kolb. And McNabb raised a few more eyebrows last month, when he spoke candidly about his shock over the team's release of linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.

With Kolb in the fold and his prime years dwindling, perhaps McNabb feels it's time for him to be heard more clearly than ever.

"You know why he's that vocal now? Because he's on the outside looking in," Vincent said.

"Before, you heard those things about how Donovan was close to management and people were calling him a company man. Well now that things are shifting and all of the sudden you're the guy they are attacking, you sing a different tune. It shows he's more mature now. It shows he understands his own voice. He's always had a strong voice."

Remarkably, despite so many years as one of the league's biggest lighting rods, it was common to hear McNabb's voice last. And undoubtedly it won't be his last controversy. As McNabb said himself, this is the story of his life.

Maybe now he figures it's time he's the one telling it.

>>YahooSports

Johnson Backs Gaither

THE CLEAR message from Jim Johnson yesterday was that he is enthusiastic about having Omar Gaither as his starting middle linebacker.

Maybe it was a predictable message - you'd hardly expect the Eagles to release a player like Jeremiah Trotter without the defensive coordinator being on board with the decision - but it was revealing, nonetheless. As Trotter himself noted in his extraordinary farewell address, this wasn't something Andy Reid just woke up and decided to do one cloudy morning.

In fact, when Trotter said he knew Reid didn't want to release him, he might have been giving a bit of insight behind the scenes, over the 6 months or so since the coaching staff finished its review of 2006 game tape. Johnson wasn't going to say anything that would slight Trotter yesterday, but when he said such things as "[Gaither] is a playmaker, and we wanted to get him on the field; it's as simple as that," you can rest assured that it wasn't Reid, the head coach with the offensive background, who was pushing to get Gaither on the field.

The picture that has emerged over the past few days is of two things happening to produce Tuesday's surprise Trotter departure, one event leading directly to the other. Johnson decided, over the weekend, after watching film of the Carolina game, to make Gaither the starter. Gaither practiced in that role Monday, with Trotter as the backup.

Once that happened, Reid made the decision that it would be better to cut the cord cleanly than to try to fit Trotter's dominant, oversized personality into a reserve role, after four Pro Bowl invitations. Then Reid held his meeting with Trotter, and what occurred after that, everybody in Eagles Nation knows by now.

There are things we still don't know. If Trotter had said he really wanted to hang on as a backup, would Reid have allowed that? Were other players consulted, before the final decision was made? Is this just another minor bump in the road, like the departures of prominent leaders in the past (Troy Vincent, Duce Staley etc.), or have Johnson and Reid seriously overestimated the remaining defensive leadership and linebacking talent?

..Continue reading at the Daily News>>

Report: Jeremiah Trotter Cut

According the Anthony Gargano of 610WIP, the Eagles have released veteran MLB Jeremiah Trotter. No official word from the Eagles yet, but Gargano is a close friend of Trott, and you would have to think that this information was given to him by Jeremiah himself.

I think this sucks personally. Trotter vowed to come into camp in shape, ready to go, but I guess the coaches did not like what they saw from him in the pre-season. I know this is how the NFL works, but it just sucks to see one of your favorite players just get tossed to the curb like that.

UPDATE: Trotter to have a 1 pm press conference today. Apparently Reid gave him the option of retire, or be cut, and Jeremiah asked to be released. They had an agreement that if he was not where they wanted him to be, they would release him now so he could find a new team to play for.

The story has been confirmed by ESPN, and the Eagles have already replaced Trott on the depth chart with Omar Gaither.

The home page has confirmed this as well. Here is a quote from Andy Reid.

"Jeremiah is one of my favorite guys," said head coach Andy Reid. "There's no question that this is the toughest part of this job. He and I met about this last night and it was very emotional for both of us. Jeremiah and I have been together for many years and he's played a vital role in helping this team win a lot of football games. He developed himself into a Pro Bowl middle linebacker through a lot of hard work and desire. In my mind, he will always be a Philadelphia Eagle and I'm sure he feels the same way. I wish he and his family nothing but the best."

>>PhiladelphiaEagles.com

>>Eagles LIVE has fan reactions, interviews from Andy Reid, Trotter, Takeo Spikes, and Brian Dawkins.

Shawn Andrews Injury Worse Than Thought?

From Andy Reid, all we've gotten is that Shawn Andrews has a sprained ankle and is getting better.

“He's making progress,” Reid said in a statement Wednesday. “He will not play this week. We'll see how he does next week.”

From Andrews, we got a lot more.

Andrews, speaking publicly for the first time since hurting his ankle on the fourth day of training camp, spoke ominously Wednesday about his injury, which, he hinted, is far more serious than a simple sprained ankle.

“When the doctor said what he said to me about different situations, it was a tearjerker,” Andrews said. “Sometimes things happen when you have a 300-pound body on a leg that's been broken. It's tough. ... Pain's not the issue. It's out of my hands. It's out of my doctor's hands.”

What does all this mean?

Good question.

Andrews walked Wednesday without crutches but was wearing a supportive boot on his right foot, on which he had surgery in September 2004.

Citing Reid's rule prohibiting players from speaking to the media about injuries, Andrews was intentionally vague, joking that he was afraid Reid would spank him if he told the truth.

“He's a massive man,” Andrews said. “I don't want that.”

Was Andrews joking about everything else? He is a noted practical joker, but he certainly seemed serious when talking about an injury that may be jeopardizing his season.

Andrews, a first-team All-Pro right guard and Pro Bowl starter last year, said he hurt his ankle on the final play of practice at Lehigh on Aug. 4.

“I was in pass protection and I felt a little something, and I was very concerned,” he said. “I told the trainers, and here I am in the boot.”

Four days later, when the ankle didn't respond to conventional treatment, the Eagles sent Andrews to a specialist in Philadelphia. At the time, Reid was vague about the diagnosis, saying, “Right now, we're calling it an ankle sprain.”

Beyond that, nothing is certain.
..Read more at the Burlington Times>>

Celek Catches Reid's Eye

Andy Reid admitted he doesn't like doing it, but then did it any way.

Asked to name some players who have exceeded his expectations, the head coach listed three names, starting with rookie tight end Brent Celek.

"I hate picking guys out," Reid said. "But obviously you guys have seen the tight-end situation with Celek. It looks like he's done a nice job."

That may not be much of a quote, but it's quite a compliment for Celek, a fifth-round pick out of Cincinnati who has run with the starting offense because of L.J. Smith's delayed return from sports-hernia surgery.

"It's a good feeling, but I can't sit here and dwell on it," Celek said after special-teams practice yesterday. "I know, and I know [Reid] knows, that I need to get a lot better. . . . I have to keep working hard."

Celek has run solid routes and shown good hands during the first two weeks of training camp, but now he wants to see how he measures up in a preseason game. He probably will run with the first-team offense Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens. It seems unlikely that Smith will play.
..Continue reading from the Philadelphia Inquirer>>