*** 2012 Official Philadelphia Eagles Post Mortem Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[Shane Falco]

C'mon guys stop messing around. We all know who we really need is Brad Goebel.

You just made me flashback to the lost superbowl season of 1991.The Combination of Kotite as coach, a QB tandem of Cunningham (out in the first game of the season)/McMahon/Goebel/Kemp/Pat Ryun, plusa two headed monster of James Joseph (3.3 yds/att) and Heath Sherman (2.6 yds/att) in the backfield, was enough to derail perhaps the #1 defense of the 16 game schedule era. I weep when I think of that season and what could have been.

I still hate Bryce Paup to this day

I loathe Bryce Paup.

cheap-shot artist

 

[unckeyherb]

http://msn.foxsports.com/topics/device/mobile/t/57378664/report-banner-done-as-eagles-prez.htm?m_n=true

Joe Banner is supposedly out as the Birds president. They seem to be shaking things up quite a bit.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Banner out as president

Lurie said that potentially losing Smolenski, 45, and Roseman, 36, whom he labeled "star, young executives," played into the decision to promote both. Lurie said that Smolenski signed a multiyear contract as president and that Roseman already had a multiyear deal.

Smolenski joined the Eagles in 1998 and was named the club's chief operating officer on the same day Banner's last extension was announced.

"We all knew it was going to be Don. Don didn't know," Lurie said. "We all had increasing faith in Howie, and that was really an easy transition in how that went."

Banner was once hailed by the New York Times as the "Joe Montana of the salary cap," but his hard-line stance in negotiations riled some agents and gave fodder for some members of the media and some fans who labeled him a bottom-liner.

"I think Joe, at times, has been underappreciated and misperceived in some of those roles," Lurie said. "And that's true probably with anybody negotiating contracts or trying to manage a salary cap. . . . It goes with the territory. Now they'll pick on Howie."

 

[JaxBill]

To me, the big question with Banner gone is-

If Andy has another disappointing year, does this move make it easier or harder to get rid of him? In other words, does Andy have incriminatng photos of Lurie or Banner?(eww)

 

[Bigboy10182000]

To me, the big question with Banner gone is-

If Andy has another disappointing year, does this move make it easier or harder to get rid of him? In other words, does Andy have incriminatng photos of Lurie or Banner?(eww)

I'd say it's easier. The "star young executives" should be looking to make names for themselves, I can't see them doing that by holding onto him.

 

[Insein]

To me, the big question with Banner gone is-

If Andy has another disappointing year, does this move make it easier or harder to get rid of him? In other words, does Andy have incriminatng photos of Lurie or Banner?(eww)

I'd say it's easier. The "star young executives" should be looking to make names for themselves, I can't see them doing that by holding onto him.

I agree with this. His ### is really on the line now. If he had a mediocre season, he may have been able to smooth talk Banner into one more season for old time's sake. Now he's got the young guns looking at him and they are itching to get a guy in there that would be their choice. IF andy doesn't make a deep run this year, I think he could be gone. If he missess the playoffs, he's definitely gone.

 

[Amused to Death]

To me, the big question with Banner gone is-If Andy has another disappointing year, does this move make it easier or harder to get rid of him? In other words, does Andy have incriminatng photos of Lurie or Banner?(eww)

If Reid and the Eagles have another season like last year, I think he's gone no matter what the front office looks like. Laurie practiced his "Andy's fired" speech back in January.The question I have is, what constitutes a disappointing season? The interpretation of a "successful season" varies. IMO, the Eagles have not had a successful season since '08 when they lost the NFCCG in Arizona. But they were only 9-6-1 that season. In '09 they were 11-5 and won the division, but didn't win a playoff game. Which was the more successful season? I say '08 but some may be more happy with the division win.I personally hope they bring in a new coaching staff if they fail again in the post season. If they go 10-6 or 11-5 but lose in the first round at home against Detroit or San Fran, are we really going to call it a successful season in year AR14? We are now 4 seasons removed from the last playoff win.

 

[Deamon]

Wow I'm kind of shocked by this move. I loved what Banner did and was always amazed at the price we got some players at, and how we were able to get that much talent while still under the cap. I guess currently the cap isn't an issue as we have a ton of room to play with. Besides the whole young stars shining, and Andy ties to this move, any one else worried that Roseman might not be able to do as good of a job?

 

[Deamon]

Seems like maybe he wanted out too? :

In a statement released Thursday by the Eagles, Lurie said: "There is no better executive than Joe Banner. We are making this announcement today because he is looking for a greater challenge, and in Don Smolenski, I have a highly regarded, very worthy successor as president of this team."

Banner, 59, told the Philadelphia Inquirer he hoped to "get involved with the world of buying and selling a sports team with the possibility of becoming part of a group that buys a team.

Banner said that he went to Lurie last March and expressed a desire to move onto "the next challenge in my life," telling his boyhood friend that he wanted to begin the transition to leave the team."

 

[unckeyherb]

To me, the big question with Banner gone is-If Andy has another disappointing year, does this move make it easier or harder to get rid of him? In other words, does Andy have incriminatng photos of Lurie or Banner?(eww)

If Reid and the Eagles have another season like last year, I think he's gone no matter what the front office looks like. Laurie practiced his "Andy's fired" speech back in January.The question I have is, what constitutes a disappointing season? The interpretation of a "successful season" varies. IMO, the Eagles have not had a successful season since '08 when they lost the NFCCG in Arizona. But they were only 9-6-1 that season. In '09 they were 11-5 and won the division, but didn't win a playoff game. Which was the more successful season? I say '08 but some may be more happy with the division win.I personally hope they bring in a new coaching staff if they fail again in the post season. If they go 10-6 or 11-5 but lose in the first round at home against Detroit or San Fran, are we really going to call it a successful season in year AR14? We are now 4 seasons removed from the last playoff win.

NYG were 10-6 and 9-7 in their recent SB years. I personally don't really care how they get to the playoffs, just what they do from that point on. This year, to me, a disappointing season would be anything less than an NFCCG appearance. From ownership/Roseman's eyes, I suppose I could see Reid staying if he wins one game in the playoffs. However, if they squeak in as a WC with single digit in the wins column, and they win their first game but lose their second, I could also see him going. Actually, if they dominate the division and only win their first playoff game I could see him going as well. So yeah, I guess that the bar, for me, is that they need to finish as-at worst-the fourth best team in the league when all is said and done or Reid is gone.

 

[Amused to Death]

To me, the big question with Banner gone is-If Andy has another disappointing year, does this move make it easier or harder to get rid of him? In other words, does Andy have incriminatng photos of Lurie or Banner?(eww)

If Reid and the Eagles have another season like last year, I think he's gone no matter what the front office looks like. Laurie practiced his "Andy's fired" speech back in January.The question I have is, what constitutes a disappointing season? The interpretation of a "successful season" varies. IMO, the Eagles have not had a successful season since '08 when they lost the NFCCG in Arizona. But they were only 9-6-1 that season. In '09 they were 11-5 and won the division, but didn't win a playoff game. Which was the more successful season? I say '08 but some may be more happy with the division win.I personally hope they bring in a new coaching staff if they fail again in the post season. If they go 10-6 or 11-5 but lose in the first round at home against Detroit or San Fran, are we really going to call it a successful season in year AR14? We are now 4 seasons removed from the last playoff win.

NYG were 10-6 and 9-7 in their recent SB years. I personally don't really care how they get to the playoffs, just what they do from that point on. This year, to me, a disappointing season would be anything less than an NFCCG appearance. From ownership/Roseman's eyes, I suppose I could see Reid staying if he wins one game in the playoffs. However, if they squeak in as a WC with single digit in the wins column, and they win their first game but lose their second, I could also see him going. Actually, if they dominate the division and only win their first playoff game I could see him going as well. So yeah, I guess that the bar, for me, is that they need to finish as-at worst-the fourth best team in the league when all is said and done or Reid is gone.

Agree completely. I was going to say in my post that, imo, they need to win a minimum of 2 playoff games.

 

[Deamon]

To me, the big question with Banner gone is-If Andy has another disappointing year, does this move make it easier or harder to get rid of him? In other words, does Andy have incriminatng photos of Lurie or Banner?(eww)

If Reid and the Eagles have another season like last year, I think he's gone no matter what the front office looks like. Laurie practiced his "Andy's fired" speech back in January.The question I have is, what constitutes a disappointing season? The interpretation of a "successful season" varies. IMO, the Eagles have not had a successful season since '08 when they lost the NFCCG in Arizona. But they were only 9-6-1 that season. In '09 they were 11-5 and won the division, but didn't win a playoff game. Which was the more successful season? I say '08 but some may be more happy with the division win.I personally hope they bring in a new coaching staff if they fail again in the post season. If they go 10-6 or 11-5 but lose in the first round at home against Detroit or San Fran, are we really going to call it a successful season in year AR14? We are now 4 seasons removed from the last playoff win.

NYG were 10-6 and 9-7 in their recent SB years. I personally don't really care how they get to the playoffs, just what they do from that point on. This year, to me, a disappointing season would be anything less than an NFCCG appearance. From ownership/Roseman's eyes, I suppose I could see Reid staying if he wins one game in the playoffs. However, if they squeak in as a WC with single digit in the wins column, and they win their first game but lose their second, I could also see him going. Actually, if they dominate the division and only win their first playoff game I could see him going as well. So yeah, I guess that the bar, for me, is that they need to finish as-at worst-the fourth best team in the league when all is said and done or Reid is gone.

Agree completely. I was going to say in my post that, imo, they need to win a minimum of 2 playoff games.

I say if we win the div title, win the first round, then lose to say a 14-2 packers team in a close game, that wouldn't be the worst season and andy would stay. Also what if we get the first round bye... does that mean we still need to win 2 games and make the superbowl?

 

[unckeyherb]

To me, the big question with Banner gone is-If Andy has another disappointing year, does this move make it easier or harder to get rid of him? In other words, does Andy have incriminatng photos of Lurie or Banner?(eww)

If Reid and the Eagles have another season like last year, I think he's gone no matter what the front office looks like. Laurie practiced his "Andy's fired" speech back in January.The question I have is, what constitutes a disappointing season? The interpretation of a "successful season" varies. IMO, the Eagles have not had a successful season since '08 when they lost the NFCCG in Arizona. But they were only 9-6-1 that season. In '09 they were 11-5 and won the division, but didn't win a playoff game. Which was the more successful season? I say '08 but some may be more happy with the division win.I personally hope they bring in a new coaching staff if they fail again in the post season. If they go 10-6 or 11-5 but lose in the first round at home against Detroit or San Fran, are we really going to call it a successful season in year AR14? We are now 4 seasons removed from the last playoff win.

NYG were 10-6 and 9-7 in their recent SB years. I personally don't really care how they get to the playoffs, just what they do from that point on. This year, to me, a disappointing season would be anything less than an NFCCG appearance. From ownership/Roseman's eyes, I suppose I could see Reid staying if he wins one game in the playoffs. However, if they squeak in as a WC with single digit in the wins column, and they win their first game but lose their second, I could also see him going. Actually, if they dominate the division and only win their first playoff game I could see him going as well. So yeah, I guess that the bar, for me, is that they need to finish as-at worst-the fourth best team in the league when all is said and done or Reid is gone.

Agree completely. I was going to say in my post that, imo, they need to win a minimum of 2 playoff games.

I say if we win the div title, win the first round, then lose to say a 14-2 packers team in a close game, that wouldn't be the worst season and andy would stay. Also what if we get the first round bye... does that mean we still need to win 2 games and make the superbowl?

I think regardless of regular season or who we play in the playoffs, its NFCCG or bust.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

I think regardless of regular season or who we play in the playoffs, its NFCCG or bust.

I think it's SB or bust. I can't see how they can spin it, to the public if it's anything less.

 

[Amused to Death]

I think regardless of regular season or who we play in the playoffs, its NFCCG or bust.

I think it's SB or bust. I can't see how they can spin it, to the public if it's anything less.

I don't think its as cut-n-dry as NFCCG/SB or he's fired, but it would be hard to justify a 3-year extension if they go another year without a deep run. And Juan has to show he's a legit DC. They have to get off to a good start too. Won't be pretty if they go into the bye week 2-4.

 

[unckeyherb]

I think regardless of regular season or who we play in the playoffs, its NFCCG or bust.

I think it's SB or bust. I can't see how they can spin it, to the public if it's anything less.

You may be right, my point was that I think a conference championship game appearance is the minimum requirement for this regime to remain intact. Anything less and Reid & Co. are gone. In the end it may not be enough to lose in the championship .. either way I am excited.

 

[Billy Bats]

I'm not sure what to make of Banner leaving. There are two sides to this debate in regards to Reid's status going forward.

The one side, that has been mentioned, is young Howie will bring in his coach if AR stumbles this year.

The other side is saying that Reid now captains the whole ship and it's really entirely his show now with Banner out.

I'm sort of siding with the Reid has total control and can basically write his own ticket. Technically he answers to no one on the football side, and only to Lurie in the organization. They're saying Smolinski will have zero input on the daily football operations, that it's Howie and Andy and we all know Andy out ranks Howie. So IMO Andy can stay as long as he wants, and when he decides he doesn't want to coach anymore, then he'll take an office position.

 

[jasvic]

I'm not sure what to make of Banner leaving. There are two sides to this debate in regards to Reid's status going forward.The one side, that has been mentioned, is young Howie will bring in his coach if AR stumbles this year.The other side is saying that Reid now captains the whole ship and it's really entirely his show now with Banner out. I'm sort of siding with the Reid has total control and can basically write his own ticket. Technically he answers to no one on the football side, and only to Lurie in the organization. They're saying Smolinski will have zero input on the daily football operations, that it's Howie and Andy and we all know Andy out ranks Howie. So IMO Andy can stay as long as he wants, and when he decides he doesn't want to coach anymore, then he'll take an office position.

I agree with this. I think the only people that think Reid is on a short leash are the media and fans. Assuming he doesn't completely crap the bed, Reid is the Eagles coach for as long as he wants to. Lurie simply loves the guy.

 

[Amused to Death]

I'm not sure what to make of Banner leaving. There are two sides to this debate in regards to Reid's status going forward.The one side, that has been mentioned, is young Howie will bring in his coach if AR stumbles this year.The other side is saying that Reid now captains the whole ship and it's really entirely his show now with Banner out. I'm sort of siding with the Reid has total control and can basically write his own ticket. Technically he answers to no one on the football side, and only to Lurie in the organization. They're saying Smolinski will have zero input on the daily football operations, that it's Howie and Andy and we all know Andy out ranks Howie. So IMO Andy can stay as long as he wants, and when he decides he doesn't want to coach anymore, then he'll take an office position.

I agree with this. I think the only people that think Reid is on a short leash are the media and fans. Assuming he doesn't completely crap the bed, Reid is the Eagles coach for as long as he wants to. Lurie simply loves the guy.

I think the leash got longer, but another year like last year or if they continue to flop in the post-season might do it. IF they fail to go deep in the playoffs, do you think Laurie gives Reid another extension? What if they are 2-4 at the bye, is Laurie starting negotiations to keep Reid another 2 or 3 years?A guy who has gotten to 1 SB in 13 years (7 years ago) is now the 2nd most powerful coach in the NFL.Here's an interesting question someone posed; Who was more successful in their position, Banner or Reid?

 

[Domination]

A guy who has gotten to 1 SB in 13 years (7 years ago) is now the 2nd most powerful coach in the NFL.Here's an interesting question someone posed; Who was more successful in their position, Banner or Reid?

I think this move was just setting up for Reid to move to the front office.

 

[Billy Bats]

Here's an interesting question someone posed; Who was more successful in their position, Banner or Reid?

The simple answer is Banner. He was the one mostly responsible for multiplying the value of the franchise tenfold. Lurie bought the team for 100k+ and it's now valued over a billion dollars. Because Banner was the lead on their own stadium and its naming rights and the construction of the Nova Care complex while being a master of the salary cap and keeping a competitive roster for 18 years. Reid would have to win multiple SBs to be more successful than Banner IMO.

 

[GoBirds]

Here's an interesting question someone posed; Who was more successful in their position, Banner or Reid?

The simple answer is Banner. He was the one mostly responsible for multiplying the value of the franchise tenfold. Lurie bought the team for 100k+ and it's now valued over a billion dollars. Because Banner was the lead on their own stadium and its naming rights and the construction of the Nova Care complex while being a master of the salary cap and keeping a competitive roster for 18 years. Reid would have to win multiple SBs to be more successful than Banner IMO.

Lurie bought the team for $100k?I'm gonna say that could be a little low.

 

[Game Time]

Here's an interesting question someone posed; Who was more successful in their position, Banner or Reid?

The simple answer is Banner. He was the one mostly responsible for multiplying the value of the franchise tenfold. Lurie bought the team for 100k+ and it's now valued over a billion dollars. Because Banner was the lead on their own stadium and its naming rights and the construction of the Nova Care complex while being a master of the salary cap and keeping a competitive roster for 18 years. Reid would have to win multiple SBs to be more successful than Banner IMO.

Lurie bought the team for $100k?I'm gonna say that could be a little low.

Lurie bought the Philadelphia Eagles on May 6, 1994 from then-owner Norman Braman for $195 million. The club is now estimated to be worth $1.164 billion, as valued in 2011 by Forbes.[1]

 

[SouthJersey]

Les Bowen's personal take on the Banner departure...

In Banner's Wake: Andyworld or Howieworld?

Some final thoughts on the departure of Joe Banner as Eagles president:

As others have noted, the idea that Banner just got tired of running the Eagles is absurd. If there is one thing I've been sure of over the 10 years that I've covered this team, beyond the certainty that every Monday morning news conference was going to begin with the listing of injuries, it's that Joe Banner lived to carry the Lombardi Trophy down to the WIP studios and invite Angelo Cataldi to kiss it. And maybe kiss something else, as well.

(His Super Bowl ring, of course. What did you think I meant? Geez.)

Why would Banner abandon that quest? I'm stunned that he would, but I can think of a few reasons. One, the ascension of his one-time protege, Howie Roseman, left Joe with a much more circumscribed role than he enjoyed several years ago. That part of Banner wanting a new challenge rings true. And I do believe that Andy Reid moved to further limit Banner's power, as Reid grew weary of dealing with the locker room fallout from Banner's negotiating style. I absolutely believe Reid felt the DeSean Jackson debacle of 2011 was less of a reflection on Jackson than on the Eagles.

Even with all that, I'm still surprised that Banner stepped aside, given that Reid doesn't have a contract beyond 2013, and is thought to need a really good 2012, if not a Super Bowl title, to get another deal. Leaving after 18 years because you lost a power struggle with someone who might not be here come next February doesn't make much sense.

Which leads me to a thought that is strictly my own, wasn't whispered by anyone down at NovaCare. What if Banner doesn't think Reid is going away anytime soon, AND doesn't think the Reid-Michael Vick nexus is ever going to win the Eagles a Super Bowl? As I noted the first time I wrote about this, we are more that three years down the road from Joe's weary "definition of instanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results" speech in a hallway in Arizona after the January 2009 NFC Championship Game. It was an ambiguous statement, widely applied to Donovan McNabb at the time. I'm not at all sure he was just talking about Donovan.

It was Joe, and only Joe, who indicated last year that Reid needed to win a Super Bowl to get a new contract. What if he came to realize that Roseman and Lurie were more reluctant than Joe might have been to spin the coaching wheel? There is no obvious savior waiting in the wings, no hotshot young assistant ready to take over. John Harbaugh got away a long time ago.

Right now, in the wake of the Banner departure, we don't really know if we are living in Andyworld or Howieworld. If Reid gets any kind of contract extension between now and the end of the season, we'll have our answer: It's Andyworld. If no Reid deal is forthcoming, and it becomes apparent that Reid's 2012 outcome will indeed determine whether he gets that new contract, welcome to Howieworld. The next coach will be Roseman's guy.

Remember, Jeffrey Lurie, in his anguished postseason address, sounded almost ready to fire Reid, but when reporters asked about Roseman -- who certainly had a lot to do with all the silly Ronnie Brown and Steve Smith-type signings last summer, not to mention some poor draft decisions -- Lurie got indignant. He made it clear that Roseman was not in any sort of trouble.

That's why I kinda think it might be Howieworld. And I'd love to know what Howie really thinks of Reid.

 

[Jason Wood]

The conspiracy theorists in the media baffle me. Banner and Lurie are not only wildly successful business partners, they're lifelong friends. He's not leaving because he's being forced out or feeling iffy about Andy Reid, he's leaving because he wants to become part of an ownership group and have total control of a sports franchise -- and he feels he's got the resume and opportunity to make that move now.

 

[Insein]

The conspiracy theorists in the media baffle me. Banner and Lurie are not only wildly successful business partners, they're lifelong friends. He's not leaving because he's being forced out or feeling iffy about Andy Reid, he's leaving because he wants to become part of an ownership group and have total control of a sports franchise -- and he feels he's got the resume and opportunity to make that move now.

Gotta agree with JW here. Much ado about nothing. Banner had an incredible run here with the Eagles and he felt that his role had gotten stale. Now to someone like you or me, being president of an NFL team couldn't possibly get boring. To a guy that has lived and worked it for 18 years, it might be time for something new.

 

[CentralPA]

The conspiracy theorists in the media baffle me. Banner and Lurie are not only wildly successful business partners, they're lifelong friends. He's not leaving because he's being forced out or feeling iffy about Andy Reid, he's leaving because he wants to become part of an ownership group and have total control of a sports franchise -- and he feels he's got the resume and opportunity to make that move now.

Totally agree. These stories about Reid forcing Banner are there to sell papers. It was a mutual split with no bad blood between anyone.

 

[DJackson10]

The conspiracy theorists in the media baffle me. Banner and Lurie are not only wildly successful business partners, they're lifelong friends. He's not leaving because he's being forced out or feeling iffy about Andy Reid, he's leaving because he wants to become part of an ownership group and have total control of a sports franchise -- and he feels he's got the resume and opportunity to make that move now.

Totally agree. These stories about Reid forcing Banner are there to sell papers. It was a mutual split with no bad blood between anyone.

I've been trying to find the words to explain all of this but I think you two hit the nail here. If there was a power struggle don't we think DH would have hinted at something like that to us already even before the idiot from the LA Times posted something? This is just an attempt to sell papers like you said. If there was a power struggle people in the Organization would be talking and I'm sure DH's buddy would have past some info about that along to him like I said if that was going on.

 

[Slider]

The conspiracy theorists in the media baffle me. Banner and Lurie are not only wildly successful business partners, they're lifelong friends. He's not leaving because he's being forced out or feeling iffy about Andy Reid, he's leaving because he wants to become part of an ownership group and have total control of a sports franchise -- and he feels he's got the resume and opportunity to make that move now.

Professional businessmen don't leave the top of their profession without another top job locked up. Lots of money could easily ruin a lifelong friendship/business partnership. If Lurie developed a super close relationship with Reid I could easily see Banner being forced out. After his "doing the same thing and expecting something different" public comments I'm sure a line was drawn. This put him and Reid in a very uncomfortable position. Not a great move for a guy running a successful billion dollar business.

 

[CentralPA]

The conspiracy theorists in the media baffle me. Banner and Lurie are not only wildly successful business partners, they're lifelong friends. He's not leaving because he's being forced out or feeling iffy about Andy Reid, he's leaving because he wants to become part of an ownership group and have total control of a sports franchise -- and he feels he's got the resume and opportunity to make that move now.

Professional businessmen don't leave the top of their profession without another top job locked up. Lots of money could easily ruin a lifelong friendship/business partnership. If Lurie developed a super close relationship with Reid I could easily see Banner being forced out. After his "doing the same thing and expecting something different" public comments I'm sure a line was drawn. This put him and Reid in a very uncomfortable position. Not a great move for a guy running a successful billion dollar business.

All I am going to say is if this is the case they are all doing a very good job of hiding it.

 

[Deamon]

WHO IS OUT AT RB?

Two questions for everyone:

1. COULD the eagles actually roster 4 rbs (plus a fb)

2. WHO is out between lewis, brown, and polk? Hearing great things about all 3, I'd hate to lose one of them.

3. Could we potentially use one as a FB instead?

 

[DJackson10]

WHO IS OUT AT RB?Two questions for everyone:1. COULD the eagles actually roster 4 rbs (plus a fb)2. WHO is out between lewis, brown, and polk? Hearing great things about all 3, I'd hate to lose one of them.3. Could we potentially use one as a FB instead?

That's my thinking one becomes our FB. Lewis is out of that though considering his size. I can't remember the other two size and all.

 

[Deamon]

WHO IS OUT AT RB?Two questions for everyone:1. COULD the eagles actually roster 4 rbs (plus a fb)2. WHO is out between lewis, brown, and polk? Hearing great things about all 3, I'd hate to lose one of them.3. Could we potentially use one as a FB instead?

That's my thinking one becomes our FB. Lewis is out of that though considering his size. I can't remember the other two size and all.

I've heard polk and brown have been looking so good so far. One would get scooped up if we tried to practice squad them. They're both 5'11 1/2 and 220 lbs, so both have decent size. Heck maybe Dion doesn't even make the team.

 

[Shane Falco]

I think they will try and squeeze 4 onto the roster. None look like FBs to me and either of the rookies would probably be scooped up if they tried to get them onto the Taxi Squad. Plus there is always the chance that Brown (head-case) or Polk (injury questions) flame out in camp

 

[Faust]

Video Link:

 

[CentralPA]

Video Link:

Love how they made Andy Reid look like the Incredible Hulk. Funny stuff.

 

[Shane Falco]

and so it begins with the DL....

Eagles second-round DE Vinny Curry is out for the remainder of offseason practices after sustaining a high-ankle sprain last week.Curry has missed this week's minicamp. The injury often takes longer than a month to return to close to full speed. The Eagles are hopeful that the promising pass rusher out of Marshall will be ready for the start of training camp on July 22.Source: Delaware County TimesJun 14 - 1:39 PM

 

[DJackson10]

WHO IS OUT AT RB?Two questions for everyone:1. COULD the eagles actually roster 4 rbs (plus a fb)2. WHO is out between lewis, brown, and polk? Hearing great things about all 3, I'd hate to lose one of them.3. Could we potentially use one as a FB instead?

That's my thinking one becomes our FB. Lewis is out of that though considering his size. I can't remember the other two size and all.

I've heard polk and brown have been looking so good so far. One would get scooped up if we tried to practice squad them. They're both 5'11 1/2 and 220 lbs, so both have decent size. Heck maybe Dion doesn't even make the team.

They like Lewis a lot so I don't see him not making it unless he completely bombs.

 

[Deamon]

and so it begins with the DL....

Eagles second-round DE Vinny Curry is out for the remainder of offseason practices after sustaining a high-ankle sprain last week.Curry has missed this week's minicamp. The injury often takes longer than a month to return to close to full speed. The Eagles are hopeful that the promising pass rusher out of Marshall will be ready for the start of training camp on July 22.Source: Delaware County TimesJun 14 - 1:39 PM

Yuck... could think we are incredibly deep and talented at that position.

 

[Please See Mine]

WHO IS OUT AT RB?Two questions for everyone:1. COULD the eagles actually roster 4 rbs (plus a fb)2. WHO is out between lewis, brown, and polk? Hearing great things about all 3, I'd hate to lose one of them.3. Could we potentially use one as a FB instead?

That's my thinking one becomes our FB. Lewis is out of that though considering his size. I can't remember the other two size and all.

Didn't we sign a proven, veteran FB?

 

[Shane Falco]

WHO IS OUT AT RB?Two questions for everyone:1. COULD the eagles actually roster 4 rbs (plus a fb)2. WHO is out between lewis, brown, and polk? Hearing great things about all 3, I'd hate to lose one of them.3. Could we potentially use one as a FB instead?

That's my thinking one becomes our FB. Lewis is out of that though considering his size. I can't remember the other two size and all.

Didn't we sign a proven, veteran FB?

nope, they let Schmidt go just have39 Havili, Stanley FB 6-0 230 24 1 USC41 Igwenagu, Emil FB 6-2 245 23 R Massachusetts37 Stewart, Jeremy FB 6-1 230 23 R Stanford

 

[Please See Mine]

WHO IS OUT AT RB?Two questions for everyone:1. COULD the eagles actually roster 4 rbs (plus a fb)2. WHO is out between lewis, brown, and polk? Hearing great things about all 3, I'd hate to lose one of them.3. Could we potentially use one as a FB instead?

That's my thinking one becomes our FB. Lewis is out of that though considering his size. I can't remember the other two size and all.

Didn't we sign a proven, veteran FB?

nope, they let Schmidt go just have39 Havili, Stanley FB 6-0 230 24 1 USC41 Igwenagu, Emil FB 6-2 245 23 R Massachusetts37 Stewart, Jeremy FB 6-1 230 23 R Stanford

Guess that was a dream I had . . . Is Emil Jack's brother?

 

[Please See Mine]

WHO IS OUT AT RB?Two questions for everyone:1. COULD the eagles actually roster 4 rbs (plus a fb)2. WHO is out between lewis, brown, and polk? Hearing great things about all 3, I'd hate to lose one of them.3. Could we potentially use one as a FB instead?

That's my thinking one becomes our FB. Lewis is out of that though considering his size. I can't remember the other two size and all.

Didn't we sign a proven, veteran FB?

nope, they let Schmidt go just have39 Havili, Stanley FB 6-0 230 24 1 USC41 Igwenagu, Emil FB 6-2 245 23 R Massachusetts37 Stewart, Jeremy FB 6-1 230 23 R Stanford

Guess that was a dream I had . . . Is Emil Jack's brother?

Unlikely. They spell and pronounce their names differently.:doublebag:

 

[Faust]

Michael Vick, Eagles humbled by last season, hungry for 2012

By Ian Rapoport

Reporter, NFL.com and NFL Network

PHILADELPHIA -- A humbling 2011 is behind them. No one utters the term "Dream Team" anymore. Those Philadelphia Eagles have flown away, a circumstance the players welcome.

Yet the optimism that pervaded the team before last season is still around. After a minicamp experience that left the players brimming, positive feelings are coming on more than ever. Coach Andy Reid hasn't been shy about saying how much he likes the 2012 version, and he's not alone.

Most of the stars that showed such promise before it all turned to mush last September are back, and there are sparkling new additions like first-round defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. Considering the velocity that quarterback Michael Vick showed firing the football Thursday, he's as strong as ever, too.

So how does one of the NFL's brashest teams remain even-keeled? They follow their leader. While Vick exited the NovaCare Complex and headed into the summer with a big smile, he noted, "It's going to be a football summer." The athletic lefty plans to use the time to bring himself back down to earth.

"I got my DVDs," Vick told NFL.com before he headed on vacation. "Whenever I have time, whenever I'm riding in a car or on the airplane, I'll make sure I pull it out and look at all the mistakes that I made."

No, not the good plays. Not any of the 18 touchdown passes or eye-popping runs. The mistakes. Any of his 14 interceptions, a career-high, will do. All to stay level-headed.

"I know how to do good," continued Vick, heading toward his third season as the Eagles starter. "It's just, sometimes you don't know how to do wrong. So, I'm just trying to limit my mistakes, just trying to get better each day."

During a dynamic 2010, finding mistakes was difficult. He led the Eagles to a 10-6 record with passer rating of 100.2 and solidified himself as a top MVP candidate any time he's healthy. And when the team acquired Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and others before 2011, backup Vince Young called them a "Dream Team."

It was more nightmarish in 2011. A 1-4 start and a 4-8 record on Dec. 1 meant a season without a playoff appearance.

It also led to a thick-skinned reaction from the Eagles. They were forced to weather extraordinary criticism. Reid heard chants of "Fire Andy!" Pass rusher Brandon Graham openly declared himself a "bust" earlier in the offseason, a label he wants to out-grow.

That's why Vick isn't worried about the depressing act of watching his old gaffes.

"Nah, I want to learn from it," Vick said. "Sometimes it's good to come out and not have a perfect day. I would much rather come out here and make two or three mistakes on things that I didn't make mistakes on in the past. To learn from something new that I didn't know, it only helps."

The goal for Vick is to show up at training camp refreshed, renewed, humbled and ready to play smarter. Unlike before 2011, there is gravity to the optimism. It's not blind. In fact, they've seen plenty. Yet still, receiver DeSean Jackson couldn't resist opening up his crystal ball projecting that if the players show up to camp in shape, they can be "the last team standing."

"We just have to start fast and finish strong," said Jackson, who has a new five-year contract. "At the beginning of the season last year, we started off slow. As long as we come into the season starting fast, not having too many mistakes and playing together as a team, as one, I think the sky's the limit for this team. Not only during the beginning of the season, I think we have to carry it throughout the whole season and into the playoffs."

Reid spent the offseason on the hot seat, and it's not clear if it's cooled. It is clear that if the team plays up to its potential, Reid won't have to worry about the temperature of his chair.

No doubt, the expectations heading into last year spurred the feeling of despair when it fell apart. Players didn't want to look back, though, and you can't blame them. What they did want to discuss was how they can use the experience going forward.

"Coach Reid does a great job of keeping that on our minds, just motivating us and still pushing us as great coaches do," Jackson said. "We know training camp will be here as fast as possible. Right when we look up, it will be July 25th. We're ready for that."

Reid already is. One couldn't help but notice his exuberance all camp, and it was like that again Thursday. His team was 100 percent present for most of minicamp; 80 percent for conditioning. Reid lauded his players for grinding their way through, and he called Vick "fun to watch."

"I'm enjoying the personality of this team right now and I like how they've approached things," Reid said. "You have this good blend of veteran players who are upbeat and guys who are just hooting and hollering. Then, you have the energy of the youth. Then, you have a group of guys who are not afraid to work. When you're not afraid to work, you don't have a group of guys that are hanging heads, grabbing hamstrings, things like that."

 

[Insein]

and so it begins with the DL....

Eagles second-round DE Vinny Curry is out for the remainder of offseason practices after sustaining a high-ankle sprain last week.Curry has missed this week's minicamp. The injury often takes longer than a month to return to close to full speed. The Eagles are hopeful that the promising pass rusher out of Marshall will be ready for the start of training camp on July 22.Source: Delaware County TimesJun 14 - 1:39 PM

Well it could be worse. I read that as the remainder of the season at first. Than I realized what it said. Hopefully he'll be healed up by camp.

 

[Amused to Death]

Eagles come to terms with Cox

The Eagles and top draft pick Fletcher Cox agreed to terms on a four-year contract, the team announced Monday.

All nine of the Eagles' 2012 draft picks are now under contract more than a month before training camp is to start. Cox, selected 12th overall in last month's draft, is expected to contribute at defensive tackle this season.

Terms of Cox' deal were not immediately known.

 

[Faust]

Eagles, Colt McCoy: What's taking so long?

By Dan Graziano | ESPN.com

If we are to believe that the Browns are offering quarterback Colt McCoy for a sixth-round or seventh-round draft pick, the only thing I can think is, "Why haven't the Philadelphia Eagles already done this?"

We have discussed the Eagles' frightening backup quarterback situation at length here. Their current plan is to go into the season with Mike Kafka, Trent Edwards and Nick Foles as the backup quarterbacks to Michael Vick, who has only once played a full 16-game season. Neither Foles (who was just drafted in April) nor Edwards played in the NFL last year. Kafka has thrown 16 NFL passes. Now, I'm not saying McCoy is the be-all, end-all here, but he's started 21 more NFL games than Kafka or Foles have combined, and surely he'd be an upgrade over Edwards in that experienced-veteran-backup slot. He's also 25 years old, and it's not out of the realm of possibility that he could grow into a starting-caliber quarterback at some point. He's got experience in the West Coast offense. The Browns' front office and the Eagles' front office are friends. I'm pretty sure the Eagles have an extra late-round 2013 pick from the Brodrick Bunkley trade. This seems to make too much sense not to happen.

And maybe it will. But it hasn't yet, and if it doesn't it could mean that the Eagles are sold on Kafka as a worthwhile backup in his third year in their system. It's not completely crazy to think he is. The reason we doubt it is that we haven't seen it, and what we have seen of Kafka has been uninspiring. But if the Eagles believe that third year of development is the key one (and remember, he didn't have an offseason of coaching last year due to the lockout), they may be looking at Kafka differently than we on the outside are.

They also saw something in Edwards they liked when they tried him out, and he too has West Coast offense experience. He's three years older than McCoy is, though, and the feeling seems to have been that either he or Kafka would be cut before the season. (Foles obviously won't be cut, since they just picked him.) If they traded a pick for McCoy, the Eagles would have to get rid of Edwards and Kafka (likely trading Kafka) or carry four quarterbacks. And it's possible they don't want to carry four quarterbacks.

So I don't know. McCoy to the Eagles for a late-round pick makes sense to me, and I think they should do it yesterday. But it also seems like the kind of thing that would have happened by now if it were going to happen, and it looks as though the Eagles aren't as worried about backup quarterback as their fans are.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Eagles, Colt McCoy: What's taking so long?

By Dan Graziano | ESPN.com

If we are to believe that the Browns are offering quarterback Colt McCoy for a sixth-round or seventh-round draft pick, the only thing I can think is, "Why haven't the Philadelphia Eagles already done this?"

We have discussed the Eagles' frightening backup quarterback situation at length here. Their current plan is to go into the season with Mike Kafka, Trent Edwards and Nick Foles as the backup quarterbacks to Michael Vick, who has only once played a full 16-game season. Neither Foles (who was just drafted in April) nor Edwards played in the NFL last year. Kafka has thrown 16 NFL passes. Now, I'm not saying McCoy is the be-all, end-all here, but he's started 21 more NFL games than Kafka or Foles have combined, and surely he'd be an upgrade over Edwards in that experienced-veteran-backup slot. He's also 25 years old, and it's not out of the realm of possibility that he could grow into a starting-caliber quarterback at some point. He's got experience in the West Coast offense. The Browns' front office and the Eagles' front office are friends. I'm pretty sure the Eagles have an extra late-round 2013 pick from the Brodrick Bunkley trade. This seems to make too much sense not to happen.

And maybe it will. But it hasn't yet, and if it doesn't it could mean that the Eagles are sold on Kafka as a worthwhile backup in his third year in their system. It's not completely crazy to think he is. The reason we doubt it is that we haven't seen it, and what we have seen of Kafka has been uninspiring. But if the Eagles believe that third year of development is the key one (and remember, he didn't have an offseason of coaching last year due to the lockout), they may be looking at Kafka differently than we on the outside are.

They also saw something in Edwards they liked when they tried him out, and he too has West Coast offense experience. He's three years older than McCoy is, though, and the feeling seems to have been that either he or Kafka would be cut before the season. (Foles obviously won't be cut, since they just picked him.) If they traded a pick for McCoy, the Eagles would have to get rid of Edwards and Kafka (likely trading Kafka) or carry four quarterbacks. And it's possible they don't want to carry four quarterbacks.

So I don't know. McCoy to the Eagles for a late-round pick makes sense to me, and I think they should do it yesterday. But it also seems like the kind of thing that would have happened by now if it were going to happen, and it looks as though the Eagles aren't as worried about backup quarterback as their fans are.

Because he sucks?

 

[renesauz]

Why would Philly trade for McCoy...WHO WOULD THEY RELEASE??????? Third year Kafka they spent a relatively high pick on, or newcomer Foles they JUST spent a relatively high pick on? Edwards has experiance too, and has already spent some time learning the system should one of the young kids get hurt in camp.

Writer's not thinking.

 

[thriftyrocker]

Why would Philly trade for McCoy...WHO WOULD THEY RELEASE??????? Third year Kafka they spent a relatively high pick on, or newcomer Foles they JUST spent a relatively high pick on? Edwards has experiance too, and has already spent some time learning the system should one of the young kids get hurt in camp.Writer's not thinking.

Writer suggests trading Kafka, which doesn't seem likely. Unless Cleveland wants him to back up Weeden. Is a 6th + Kafka for McCoy a good trade for the Eagles? If the reports from OTA from Kafka were mediocre you do that deal easily, but Kafka has reportedly improved a lot and looked markedly better than Edwards.I think it's safe to assume 1) Foles is on the team as the 3rd QB, and 2) Edwards is not going to make the team and is auditioning for another team. The only question is whether Kafka or McCoy is better as the #2.