Donte Stallworth Pleads Guilty posted by Sara Cardile

Donte Stallworth just plead guilty to DUI manslaughter. It makes you wonder. He seemed to be doing well when he was playing for the Philadelphia Eagles but now that he is playing for the Browns it seems things have gone downhill. Although he did have that one incident while in Philly he seemed like a stand up guy. He got 30 days in jail, 1000 hours community service, his driver’s license suspended for life and has been suspended from the NFL indefinitely. Granted he was facing 15 years in jail so I guess it could have been worse. Either way the incident begs the question how did we get in this situation and could anything have been done to prevent it?

The Call a Car service provided by the league seems to be a solution but even that is a catch-22. If you use the service then you avoid drunk driving but it could be held against you during contract negotiations. Players are worried that if they call the service too often they will get in trouble or gain a negative reputation. I understand their concern but at the same time with all the money they’re making they can’t call a cab? There are changes to be made to the program like possibly making the calls anonymous or have a clause so participation in the program cannot be held against a player. What is the point of having such a program if the players are afraid to use it?

Draft Day Weekend and Beyond posted by Joe Pasternak

The NFL draft came and went and with it came new optimism for the Eagles and their faithful. After making several stellar moves leading up to the draft and during it, the Eagles have now placed themselves as favorites to win the NFC East and maybe the conference as a whole.

Signing pro bowl-left tackle Jason Peters from Buffalo was a huge addition to bolster the offensive line for Donovan McNabb. It immediately makes the offensive line younger and more athletic. The combination of the Andrews brothers also helps bring the average age down. These trades could help provide the Eagles and McNabb with one of its best lines in years.

For days, even weeks leading up to the draft, the Eagles were rumored to be in the hunt for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin. When the price became too high to lure him into Eagles green, the organization decided to be aggressive by trading up in the draft to acquire wide receiver Jerry Maclin from Missouri. Many considered Maclin to be the second best receiver in the draft behind only Michael Crabtree. Having Maclin among the receivers adds a physical presence to go along with the speedy DeSean Jackson, who had a solid rookie campaign last season. With the departure of Terrell Owens to the Buffalo Bills, it's arguable that the Eagles now possess the best group of receivers in the NFC East.

When was the last time an Eagles fan or anyone else for that matter could say that?

But the drafting of Maclin was only the tip of the ice burg for the Eagles on draft day, as they made other key moves. They drafted outstanding Pittsburgh Panthers running back LeSean McCoy as the heir apparent to Brian Westbrook and fills the void left by Correll Buckhalter's departure. He's not an in-between-the-tackles kind of power back like Knowshon Moreno, but he fits the scheme of the Eagles' offense. He has quickness and versatility somewhat similar to that of Westbrook. More importantly, he spels Westbrook and keeps him fresh and explosive.

Ellis Hobbs: Addition by Subtraction posted by Randolph Charlotin

How often have you done something over and over until it becomes reflexive? Has that action ever become so repetitive that you lose track of what you’re doing while repeating this task?

Could that had been how CB Ellis Hobbs got sent packing to Philadelphia? I think while deciding to “trade down” “trade down” “trade down,” they accidentally threw in Hobbs in exchange for two fifth round picks.

OK, it’s a lame attempt of kidding. It’s obvious the Pats knew what they were doing when New England gave him to the Eagles. And truthfully, the decision doesn’t bother me. Heck, I’m all for it. Who wants to wear “27” this year?

I have a lot of respect for Hobbs. He is the definition of a football player. Ellis never backed down from a challenge, played hurt, held himself accountable, and accepted blame without making excuses. I respected his efforts on the field.

I just wasn’t satisfied with his performance on the field. I’m not saying he’s a bad player. But Hobbs was in over his head as the team’s top corner.

As a number two cornerback, Ellis did the job well. He was what Jimmy Hitchcock and Tyrone Poole was to Ty Law. You didn’t want them regularly covering Eric Moulds, but they could handle Peerless Price.

New England’s coverage problems last year were obvious: 27 passing touchdowns allowed (second worst in the league). 12 completions of 40 yards or more (tied for second worst). The second worst red zone defense. It’s not all Hobbs’ fault, but he was a part of the problem.

In defense of Donovan McNabb posted by Timothy Callahan

It seems to be common among fans to complain about the team quarterback.  No matter how well the quaterback does there will always be someone to say he could do better, there will always be someone yelling we need a new one and there will always be someone who forgets just how bad things were before McNabb became a fulltime, pro bowl, possible Hall of Fame quarterback.

Yes, that’s right, Hall of Fame.  If he can keep it up for the next five years I don’t see why he won’t be a contender with a very good chance to get in. Some fans seem to forget how good he actually is. 

 Does anyone else remember the rotation of quarterback’s we had between Cunningham and McNabb? Anyone remember when we thought Ty Detmer was going to take us to the Superbowl?  Or how about Rondey Peete?  Bobby Hoying, does anyone even remember that guy?   It wasn’t until we drafted McNabb that we really, truly had someone who could lead this team and take it to a place we could only dream of during the Rich Kotite and Ray Rhoads years.  

After his benching, which was deserved, I kept hearing talk, both on the radio and with my friends, that this was the time to dump McNabb. That his value was high and we could get a good pick for him.  Maybe get a pick that will let us get another quarterback who will become the next McNabb.  Well, unless we get a pick within the top five, which I doubt, that’s not going to happen.  Sure, we could get lucky and pick the next Ben Roethlisberger or the next Tom Brady but chances are we’ll just get the next Matt Leinart or Jason Campbell.  Good quarterback’s are hard to fine, great ones come along once every generation and we have a great one right here in Philadelphia.

Ryan Moats, You Are a Better Man Than Me... posted by Tony Vandervort

By now we've all heard the story and probably seen the video. Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats was driving his family to the Baylor Regional Medical Center in the Dallas Suburb of Plano, to make it to see his mother-in-law as she was in critical condition. She was suffering from breast cancer, and they had been told she didn't have much time. Moats put on his hazards, and by his account rolled through a red light after making sure the way was clear. Officer Robert Powell was parked nearby and attempted to pull him over. Moats continued to drive a short distance to the hospital, as Powell pursued. As he pulled up near the entrance of the hospital, the family jumped out of the car. Officer Powell instructed them to get back in the car, but Moats wife Tamishia and another family member ran inside. Ryan Moats tried explaining the situation to Officer Powell, who over the course of the next thirteen minutes would not listen, and herein lies the controversy.

For about the first five minutes of the conversation, Mr. Moats tried in vain to explain what was going on. He could hardly get a word out, as Officer Powell told him more than once to keep his mouth shut. At one point he even told him, "I can screw you over". After a few minutes, Ryan seemed to realize that arguing was getting him nowhere, even slowing down the process. He asked that he be given his ticket so he could be on his way, which would not happen for approximately eight more minutes. As Officer Powell took his time writing the citation, Moats mother-in-law, 45 year old Jonetta Collinsworth, passed away with her daughter by her side.

Goodell should put Specter in his place posted by Bill Koch

I hope that Roger Goodell makes like Frank Vincent and tells Arlen Specter to go get his shine box when the two of them meet to discuss Spygate today.

The Republican senator from Pennsylvania is an admitted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. That fact alone should call into question his state of mind. He has season tickets to the Eagles and has had them since the Eagles were playing at a place just one step above the fires of hell Veterans Stadium. Specter takes time out from his duties in Washington to call in to radio talk shows in Philadelphia. Guess what he wants to talk about? It's not his policy concerning illegal immigrants. Yes, his beloved Eagles. The same Eagles that lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX.

Goodell and the NFL have already conducted their investigation into allegations that the Patriots cheated their way to three Super Bowl titles. Bill Belichick and the organization said that they turned over every piece of evidence that Goodell and the NFL asked for and the tapes were destroyed. Goodell declared the matter closed, leaving all the smart-ass comments and asterisks placed on New England's championships sounding like bitterness and jealousy from fan bases (yes, Buffalo, New York and Miami, I'm talking to you) that haven't been as fortunate.

That wasn't enough for Specter. He used the hammer that Congress always goes back to when it feels like being the bully. Specter made a thinly-veiled threat to Goodell involving the NFL's anti-trust exemption, forcing Goodell into meeting with Specter face-to-face. The fact that he clearly has an agenda doesn't seem to matter to anybody outside of New England, mostly because this has turned into a nation of people who hate the Patriots. It's only natural that dynasties stir some strong emotions, and New England has done just that thanks to its consistent excellence and Belichick's stand-offish personality.

LJ Smith Franchised, Stop the rebuilding posted by Steve Brown

The Philadelphia Eagles just dug thier heels in the ground.  They had moved in the past year from a very good team to a good team, by franchising LJ Smith the Eagles are showing the NFC that they are happy where they are.  By promising to pay Smith as a top 5 Tight End the Eagles are extending an olive branch to Donavon McNabb and those that still see sunshine through the window of opportunity.

I am of the belief that it is always better to rebuild at the first signs of failure rather than be a plugger.  What I see now is the third best team in the NFC East.  A team that besides one of the top 3 running backs in football feaures an aging offensive line, no impact wide recievers, and a QB who is looking over his shoulder so much he looks like a middle school boy on the family computer at 2:00 am.  Now add an overpriced and overrated TE and do you think you the Giants are worried, even if they're playing in East Rutherford.

Add to that an aging and undersized defense that has already forced Jim Johnson to make more water into wine than any man in the past 2,000 years.

I just don't see why it is important to try to mintain something that is no longer there.  Not even through rose colored glasses.  I don't want to look back in five years and see this team make the playoffs twice and miss it thre, never really being bad enough to get better or good enough to matter.  I don't want to be the Phillies. 

Expectations are high posted by Chris Loprete

Remember last year at about this time? "The Philles are the team to beat in the NL East" says Jimmy Rollins. "Oh, that's just our silly J Roll." we said with a patronizing chuckle and a shake of our heads, "I'll be happy to see them over 500 by the end of the season." Well, here we are a year later and what do you know? Turns out that not only was our star shortstop right, but he was awarded the NL MVP for his spooky Nostradamus impression. And remember those chills you felt when Brett Myers threw that last strike and hurled his glove in the air joining the great mound celebrations of those who came before him like Al Holland in '83, Mitch Williams in '93 (against the Braves anyway) and of course the Tugger in '80? You felt like you were dreaming. You couldn't believe that you were actually going to get to see your favorite team play October baseball for the first time in 14 years. I could feel the electricity emanating from the city and I live 3000 miles away in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Didn't matter that they went quietly into that good night a week later against the NL "team of destiny" Colorado Rockies. It was bonus baseball for us. That's the sweetest kind of baseball there is. Remember how proud we were of our boys?

Yeah I know. The memories are already fading for me too. Because October to February is a long time in the baseball world and especially for a championship starved town like Philadelphia. Janet Jackson once sang "What have you done for me lately?" and we as Philadelphia fans tend to make that our mantra. If you don't believe me ask the Philadelphia Eagles. That first NFC championship game against the Rams in '02 was such a pleasant surprise we didn't even notice when they lost. When the Birds returned to the NFC championship the next year to play the Tampa Bay Bucs...in the freezing cold...in the last Eagles game at the Vet...COME ON! It's destiny! Well, we all know the story. 

Spygate's Back... and Patriots Haters Won't Like What the Commish Has to Say posted by Mike Dussault

Welp, it's two days before the Super Bowl and what a shocking coincidence that Spygate is back in the news. Isn't that just amazing? Arlen Specter kicked it off this morning by requesting NFL Commish Roger Goodell to explain why the confiscated tapes were destroyed, though he claims he intially made the request just before the New England Patriots played the Philadelphia Eagles this season (another coincidence?) but the NFL didn't respond.  So here it is today in the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/01/sports/football/01nfl.html?_r=3&pagewanted=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin

Finally Roger Goodell came out in his press conference today and directly answered questions about Spygate and what he had to say is not good if you're a Patriot-hater and convinced the Pats Super Bowls are tainted. He said that there were about six video tapes coming from late in the 2006 season and 2007 preseason (um, not the super bowl seasons FYI), all showing the same kind of stuff as the tape that Jay Glazer of FOX managed to get of the New York Jets game. Here are some other interesting quotes from the commish:

“I don’t think it taints their accomplishments,” Goodell added. “I think what they did this season was certainly within the rules, on a level playing field.”

And as to why he destroyed the tapes: “I believe it was helpful for us in making sure my instructions were followed closely, not just with the Patriots but by every other team,” (i.e. if any other tapes pop up he'll know the Pats were lying)

New York Giants Chairman Predicts Victory posted by Mike Dussault

I just don't get it, folks. Why can't people just not talk and make stupid predictions? This can only serve as fuel to the New England Patriots fire, just like the Philadelphia Eagles prematurely planning their Super Bowl parade did. Current Patriots still remember that part of Bill Belichick's pregame speech and this little news item might be used in a similar fashion...
http://www.northjersey.com/sports/giants/Beware_of_underdog.html

Continue reading "New York Giants Chairman Predicts Victory"

Raise locked up, McNabb wants to win Super Bowl

Donovan McNabb mentioned the Super Bowl five times in a 14-minute news conference discussing his reworked contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.McNabb got a big raise. Now the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback wants to deliver that elusive championship."With the type of team that we have, I think it's important that we focus in on what we have to do in order to achieve that common goal, and that's obviously to win a Super Bowl," McNabb said Friday. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

McNabb gets raise, seeks Super Bowl (AP)

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From Yahoo! Sports

McNabb gets $5.3M raise, no extension (AP)

Donovan McNabb got a big raise instead of a longer contract. McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to restructure the final two years of his contract. McNabb's new deal is worth $24.5 million over the next two seasons, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. A "significant" portion of McNabb's base salary for 2010 also is guaranteed, according to... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Judge: Eagles owe city $8 million in suite revenue

The Philadelphia Eagles owe the city $8 million in luxury box revenue from since-demolished Veterans Stadium.That was a city judge's ruling Monday in the long-running dispute between the city and its football team.The Eagles say they won't appeal the ruling.In August 2005, Judge Albert Sheppard Jr. ruled the Eagles owed the city for luxury box revenues dating back to the 1990s but did not set an amount until Monday. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Judge: Eagles owe city $8 million (AP)

The Philadelphia Eagles owe the city $8 million in luxury box revenue from since-demolished Veterans Stadium. That was a city judge's ruling Monday in the long-running dispute between the city and its football team. The Eagles say they won't appeal the ruling. In August 2005, Judge Albert Sheppard Jr. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports