Get Excited About This Eagles Season

Get fired up!

Training camp officially opened for the Eagles 2012 campaign over the weekend. The season starts in less than seven weeks. That’s always enough to get me excited about the Birds and football. But this year there’s something more. I’m extra excited about this year’s season. I’m one of the more grounded Eagles fan’s out there, so I don’t believe that every year is “our year” or that we’re never going to win anything with Andy; but there’s enough planets aligning this season to make it a special one.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Michael Vick has never had a full off-season as the Eagles starting quarterback with Andy Reid? It’s hard to believe, but true. The year Vick became the starter and blew the doors off the league, Kevin Kolb was actually the starter at the beginning of the season. (Stupid Arizona!) Last off-season, Vick and Reid were unable to work with each other in the off-season because of the damn lockout. As much as some fans question Reid’s ability to coach or play call or clock manage, they cannot question his ability to coach up quarterbacks. We all know the resume, A.J. Feeley, Kolb and McNabb. With a full off-season to teach Vick the intricacies of his system, Vick will become a more dangerous weapon. Vick has also commented numerous times on his desire to take fewer risks and stay healthy for the full season. If he can accomplish that, then he can become literally unstoppable.

Last year, in the truncated off-season, the Eagles went all Dan Snyder and decided to buy every player whose name they recognized. They even brought in that piece of crap Vince Young. This year they did the opposite. They locked up key veterans Trent Cole, LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson to long-term contracts. Turning a locker room full of new guys  to a team of players who are familiar with each other and happy to be there. Like it or not, DeSean Jackson’s contract was obviously affecting him towards the end of the season last year. Now with a new one, we should see a rebirth of the player that we fell in love with back in his rookie season. LeSean is getting paid as he should, as one of the top running backs in the league. Normally that’s when most of running backs self destruct (see: Johnson, Chris or Alexander, Shaun) but LeSean is only 24 years old. That’s a big difference. (And a bit depressing to me personally. When did all these players get so young?)

For the first time since Jeremiah Trotter was in his prime, I’m genuinely excited about the Eagles linebackers’ corps. Trading for DeMeco Ryans was the steal of the off-season. We don’t watch a lot of Texans games, but he is the kind of leader that the Eagles needed in the middle of the defense since Dawkins left. Mychal Kendricks, taken in the second round, is going to break the Eagles second round linebacker curse and will start at strong side backer. Most scouts had him as the number two 4-3 linebacker out of the draft. This kid can flat-out hit and knows the game. He’s going to be a fan favorite quickly. Brian Rolle, who showed flashes last year, will battle with Jamar Chaney for the weakside linebacker. With the veteran leadership of Ryans in the middle, it should help lift the play of all the linebackers instead of the mess of rookies and second year players they started last year.

Finally Joe Banner is gone. Actually, Banner was good and underappreciated at his job. But man, did he creep me out.

This season is going to be special. I don’t dare to utter any proclamations, because while I may not be a religious man, but I don’t dare tempt the football gods. I also don’t have blind faith. I still know that Juan Castillo is still coaching the defense. I know that Jason Peters is gone. I know that our safeties are a mess. But this is the magical time of year when ever team is 0-0 and we all have a chance, so why not accentuate the positive. (I know, it’s Philly. Boo!) There are plenty of reasons for hope and excitement. Do not forget that the Eagles won their last four games last season. Do not forget that Andy Reid has led us to multiple NFC East Championships and five NFC Championship games. He’s still there, and now he has had a full off-season with his guys to prepare for this season. So let’s sit back and prepare for excellence. Let’s go Birds!!!

Super Bowl XLVI Printable Block Pool

Since this is one of the biggest hits I get all year, here’s a Printable Super Bowl XLVI Block Pool for the degenerates among us.

Super Bowl XLVI Block Pool (PDF)

Numbers (PDF) Yes, I’m sure that there are those out there that need numbers printed for you.

Worst. Eagles Win. Ever.

The Eagles played flawlessly on all sides of the ball yesterday against the Jets. Michael Vick looked like the quarterback he was last year. LeSean McCoy played like the league’s best running back, as he has all year. DeSean Jackson played like a guy who cared. The defensive line fired on all cylinders and spent the whole game in Sanchez’s face. They won the turnover battle and returned an interception for a touchdown. Even the special teams performed well.

As the Eagles manhandled the Jets and ran up the score, I just started to get angry. Where the hell has this team been all season? This was the “Dream Team” we’ve been waiting to show up all year. (Yes, I’m so pissed; I went with the stupid “DT” reference.) Besides the Dallas game, the Eagles haven’t showed anything like this all season.

Source: AP Photo/Matt Slocum

With the Stupid Giants losing yesterday, the Eagles slim playoff hopes are still alive on life support. (We need the Giants to lose to the Jets next weekend and then beat the Cowboys in week 17, plus the Eagles to win out and then we win the NFC East.) But I’m not allowing the Eagles to suck me back in. They’ve disappointed me too many times this year to let it happen again. (At least that’s what I keep telling myself.)

The Eagles just blew it this year. If the team that played yesterday showed up a month ago, or even just once against the Falcons, 49ers or Cardinals, we’d be in the driver’s seat for the playoffs right now. And that is the most frustrating thing about yesterday’s win. We have finally seen what this Eagles team is capable of. With only three weeks left in the season.

What was different about yesterday than most of the season? It’s not like the Jets are push overs, they’re currently a playoff team in the AFC. Is Vick healthier? Did the cornerbacks finally decide to cover? Did someone go around and put stickum on all the receivers’ gloves so they wouldn’t turnover the ball?  Is Juan Castillo finally figuring it out? (FYI…two more games like this, and I bet he’s back next year along with Reid.)

You can call me a typical Philly fan who’s never satisfied, and just looking for something to complain about, but after this debacle of a season; how can you be happy about seeing this team finally performing at a high level? Why couldn’t they have figured this out in November when there was still time to make a run? Yes, it would be nice to win out, but it’s going to be too little too late. Arrgghhhh!

C’mon Eagles Fans: Playoffs?!?!?

Watching the Eagles play the Dolphins game yesterday, you would have thought the Eagles were only a game out of the playoffs. Chris Myers kept talking about the Eagles playoff chances. I think we all need to ask Jim Mora what he thinks about the Eagles playoff chances.

I don’t consider myself the usual doom and gloom Philly fan, but c’mon people, there is no chance that the Eagles are making the playoffs. Yes, they looked decent yesterday, but have they done that for more than two games in a row all season? They would have to win three games more in a row, just to have a sniff of the playoffs. And then we would still need the Stupid Cowboys and Stupid Giants to lose some games for us to have a chance.

Check out the playoff scenarios here.

Source: AP

Let’s just temper down our expectations, and try and enjoy the last few weeks of football. If you get your hopes up about the Eagles again, you’re just begging for disappointment. They’ve done this to us all year. I’m telling you this for your own good.

Here’s a real question for you to ponder, if the Eagles by some miracle go 3-0 or 2-1 through the rest of the season, does Reid give Castillo another shot? (Please no!) Or if the Birds crap the bed and go 0-3, is it time for Reid to go? Ray Didinger said it was time for Reid and the Eagles to move on, during his WIP show on Saturday. If Didinger has given up on you Andy, you’re in a lot of trouble.

Couch Change (other football thoughts from the weekend):

• Outside of the Eagles winning, is there anything more fun than watching the Cowboys blow it? Dallas Sucks! Ha Ha
• I never believed that Tebow would be a good NFL quarterback, but what he has done this season has been unbelievable. It’s such a fun story to watch that I’ve actually started rooting for the Broncos. I’m also considering going back to church again. (Not really.)
• Tebow 2011 = Vick 2010. Once defensive coordinators get an off-season to study film on him, he’s going to be in a lot of trouble next year. He’s a fun story, but he’s not going to be a long term success. (Bring on the Tebow Defenders!)
• If the Eagles finish with a top 10 pick in the draft, do they consider drafting a quarterback? Vick only has one more “real” year left on his contract. The coaching situation is going make a big impact.
• This column is why I love Ray Didinger, and Philadelphia Eagles fans. (A must read.)
• All the hours and months of studying fantasy football down the drain in about 11 hours. Lost all three of my fantasy league playoffs yesterday. I know you were curious.
• Do you want a good reason to watch the abysmal Monday Night Football game tonight between the Rams and Seahawks? Imagine how much money you would pay to watch that game in May. We’ve only got a few weeks in the season.
• Who was that offensive coordinator who was yelling at Tom Brady? Who does he think he is?
• Proof that the NFL cares more about the networks and sponsors that the fans: They DID NOT flex the Patriots – Broncos games to Sunday night next week. Everyone in the country wants to see Brady vs. Tebow. We’re all tired of watching the Ravens and Chargers.
• Greg Jennings injury during the Packers game has to give them pause about going for 19-0. They know the most important thing is the Super Bowl. They may start resting players now.
• Even though I told everyone to give up on the Eagles making the playoffs, I still have a glimmer of hope inside me too. It’s part of what makes us Philly Fans the best.

Eagles vs Seahawks Drinking Game: We Need to Do Something Tonight

We need to keep this game bearable. Image Credit: bit.ly/rowens27

We all know tonight’s Eagles game is going to be a disaster, and worst yet, meaningless. So here’s a little something to make it a bit more enjoyable…a good ol’ fashion drinking game! Call out of work in advance, because this is designed to have you unconscious before the Eagles blow the lead in the 4th quarter.

Drink when:

• They mention the phrase “Dream Team.”
• They mention the term “12th man.”
• The NFL Network tries to make this game seem relevant.
• The Eagles start a drive with an incomplete long bomb.
• Andy Reid throws it on 3rd and short.
• The phrase “Wide Nine” is used. (Enough already. It doesn’t work and most of the teams in the league use a variation of it anyway.)
• Vince Young throws an interception. (H/T @PHSportsGoddess)
• They talk about how loud the Seattle fans are. (It has nothing to do with the fans, the stadium is built like an acoustic drum.)
• They say “National Football League” when “NFL” will do. (H/T @BaldBryan)
• A McDonald’s commercial with a man being emasculated by his girlfriend.
• A light beer commercial with douchebags. (Finish your beer if your drinking that brand.)
• NFL Network commercial with the top 10 touchdown of the week.
• Any commercial with a fake press conference. (I’m looking at you, Ford and Coors Light.)
• A defensive back misses a tackle. (H/T @bmac2838)
• DeSean Jackson negates a big play with a stupid penalty.
• DeSean Jackson get benched. (Finish your drink.)
• The term “diva receiver” (H/T @ChipCarRoll3)
• They mention Pete Carroll and USC’s suspension. (Yeah, right.)
• Casey Matthews makes a play. (Finish every drop of alcohol in your house. Click here for why.)
• Howard Mudd attacks another coach with his crutches on the sideline.
• Reid loses a challenge.
• Reid wins a challenge. (Drink triple.)
• They mention that Riley Cooper and Tim Tebow were roommates in college.
• The halftime crew laugh like idiots at something not funny.
• Tavaris Jackson throws for a second touchdown. (C’mon, this guy suuuuucks.)
• Marshawn Lynch out rushes LeSean McCoy. (See Jackson, Tavaris.)
• Every time a player begs the ref to throw a flag. (Either team)
• There’s a five minute discussion on what is a ”defenseless receiver.”
• Eagles burn a timeout in the first or third quarter.
• Any mention or commercial or specter of Brett Favre. (You can’t kill him.)
• Any mention of Tebow. (He’s Favre 2.0)
• Jon Gruden says “This Guy.” (My bad, that’s from my Monday Night Football list.)
• Alex Henery misses a field goal.
• Alex Henery makes a field goal. (Odds are pretty even between those two. Just drink if he shows up on the field.)
• A field goal attempt is higher than the goalposts. (That one is for Adam Carolla.)
• Analysts move onto this weekends slate of games because this game has become an utter bore. (Keep drinking until they are done talking about it.)
• Plugs for NFL.com
• Shot of Vick on sideline. If he’s smiling while the Eagles are losing, do a shot.
• Shot of Howard Eskin standing right behind Reid on the sideline. (Drink double if he’s fur ensconced.)
• Mike Kafka makes an appearance. (They show him on the sideline or in the game. Either way, that’s bad.)
• Each time Reid clear his throat during during the post game press confrence. (H/T @BleedsGreen60)
• Andy Reid says: “We’ve got to do a better job out there,” “It’s my responsibility,” or “I got put these guys in a position to make plays,” during post game presser.

Estebomb’s Extras:

• They make mention of Juan Castillo being a former offensive line coach.
• A Steve Smith touchdown. (shot)
• Any McNabb talk. (Since he was cut by the Vikings today.)
• Shot of Howard Mudd angrily hobbling on his cane.
• Vince Young looks like he’s going for a big run and gets nothing.
• Shady McCoy makes enthusiastic physical contact with a coach. (punches Reid, hip bumps Mudd, etc.)

Please add any more ideas in the comments. It’s gonna be a long night if you’re sober.

Fire Andy Reid? Then What?

The chants at the Linc during the 4th quarter of yesterday’s abomination versus the Patriots were unmistakable. “Fire Andy Reid! Fire Andy Reid!” The chants are completely understandable considering this unmitigated disaster of a season. Even without Joe Banner’s preseason shopping spree raising expectations through the roof, this year is not what we’ve become accustomed to as Eagles fans. So we need to blame someone, and the fat man is an easy target.

Reid is plenty accountable for this 4-7 debacle (so far.) The Juan Castillo experiment is an abject failure. Michael Vick is regressing back to the run first quarter back he was in Atlanta. LeSean McCoy is the league leading rusher (somehow), yet is not featured in the weekly game plans. The defense has blown five 4th quarter leads, and Reid has lost complete control of DeSean Jackson.

Yes Andy, We're all as confused as you are.

There’s no question that Reid and the Eagles are having an atrocious year. It’s easy for all of us at the Linc, on the radio or Twitter to say “Fire Reid” and think all the Eagles problems will magically be solved. But there are two questions that need to be examined beyond the simple 12 letter mantra of “Fire Andy Reid.”

Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here

When it comes to the Eagles, I’ve always considered myself an even keeled arbitrator of the team. I’ll admit I have overreacted one way or another for comedic effect, but I usually give you guys the straight poop. Just 24 hours ago, I felt like the Eagles were going to be fine and their rough early start was just another typical Reid led Eagles team in September. I figured they were just getting their crap together and will be okay. Even if they had won yesterday’s game in ugly fashion, I wouldn’t be too worried.

But after seeing that abortion they laid out on the field and reading the comments from Cullen Jenkins after the game, I’m very close to giving up on the season, and ready to have some honest, uncomfortable discussions about the future of Andy Reid with the Eagles.

Jenkins, who won a Super Bowl just this year, said that in the 2nd half the 49ers, “wanted it more than we did.” That’s just about the worst thing you can hear about your team. No scratch that; That IS the worst thing you can hear about your team. You can have all the talent in the world and spend all the money in the Lurie’s pockets, but if the desire’s not there on the field, you’re never going to win. It almost seems like this team lost its heart in 2009. I wonder what’s different.

What Can Brown Do For You? (Yes, a poop joke.)

Quick question: Has Ronnie Brown been cut yet?… No, why not? That backwards throw was one of the dumbest things I’ve seen in my life. Hey Andy, here’s an idea: If you’re going to try to use Brown on a goal to go inside the 3, why don’t you just put him behind center? You used to love the Wildcat; instead of giving him a second to pause behind the line of scrimmage and have our offense lineman to get blown off the line, let Brown (try to) just push threw. It’s better than letting Vick’s body get punished some more with a predictable sneak. While we’re on Vick…

Remember when Vick would take off running and it was exciting for us Eagles fans? Now it scares the bejesus out of me. Last year, Vick’s running meant good things we’re going to happen for the Eagles. Now? I hold my breath and hope he holds on to the ball and doesn’t shatter. How did that happen so fast? He went from the ultimate weapon to something I want to wrap in bubble wrap and put in the closet next to my faberge eggs. Luckily, we haven’t given him a long term contract yet. (groan.)

While Reid and Banner went out on their August shopping spree, somebody must have spilled gravy on the list where it said: Linebacks, Offensive Lineman and Safeties. They spent all this money on free agents to the point it became showing off (see: Washington Redskins 2000; Boston Red Sox 2011; New York Yankees 1973-Current), but we didn’t spend much, if any money, on the biggest need positions. That’s a problem.

Reid’s never been a big believer in linebackers, so I’ll give him a little slack their, but what made this team a perennial deep playoff contender in the earlier ’00s was the solid and consistent offensive line. We’re trying to fill holes with rookies and toss-offs from other teams. It’s as if Andy has become too enamored with his new exciting skill position toys and forgotten his own fundamentals.

Why does every third pass seem to be an (incomplete) bomb down the field? We start off seemingly every drive with those. McCoy has turned into the most effective running backs in the league, yet he is still being under utilized. (McCoy, Westbrook, potato, potatoe.) <-That joke really doesn’t work in written form.

The Eagles have dug already themselves into a dark hole, but it’s not one they haven’t dug out of before. It’s just harder to imagine this year, especially with the newest injuries suffered. And it’s not time to call for an end of the Reid era. Yet. Many premature obituaries have been written for Big Red in the past when his team has gotten off to a slow start. One of my favorite attributes about Reid teams has always been their ability to bounce back from slow starts. But this does not feel like a Reid team. They’ve blown 4th quarter leads in three straight games. Plus they just haven’t been fun to watch. Is it possible he’s finally been here too long and players have tuned him out? Cullen Jenkins says “The biggest thing that we’re missing here is attitude.” That usually comes from the top down.

The only thing that scares me more than staying in the Reid era too long is the dopey blond color analyst from Bristol who loves everyone a little too much that’s probably going to end up replacing him.