Eagles news (1 Viewer)

[JAA]

-- -- -- Cornerback Bobby Taylor is still in negotiations

-- -- -- Cornerback Bobby Taylor is still in negotiations with the Seattle Seahawks, but a deal is not done yet. Taylor broke away from negotiations this weekend to visit with his ill grandfather in West Texas. According to sources close to the situation, Taylor is contemplating a four-year deal worth $16 million from Seattle with a signing bonus believed to be between $3 and $4 million. He also received a faxed offer from the Eagles on a six-year deal worth $24 million, but with a signing bonus of just $1.5 million. Another unnamed team is also in the mix, but expect a deal with Seattle over the next few days.

 

[JAA]

-- -- -- The Eagles announced the following number changes:

-- -- -- The Eagles announced the following number changes: Defensive end Jevon Kearse will wear No. 93. Linebacker Dhani Jones will wear No. 55, which switches Tyreo Harrison to No. 51. Of course, wide receiver Terrell Owens will wear No. 81. Wide receiver Billy McMullen has not been issued a new number yet.

 

[JAA]

DMac the best QB of his [TO] career

THANX 4 THE SUPPORT! U KNO I CN'T LET ANY1 DO ME ANY 'OL KIND OF WAY! THEY(49ERS) KNEW THEY WERE WRONG & I WASN'T GONNA LET 'EM GET AWAY W/IT, I KNEW MY RIGHTS ACCORDING MY CONTRACT SIGNED N '99 & UNDER THE CBA THAT WHOLE PROCESS WASN'T ADMINISTERED CORRECTLY! IT'S DONE & OVER WITH & I'M PLAYIN W/ THE BEST QB OF MY CAREER! THT'S RITE, IT'S NT A MISPRINT!

 

[JAA]

Fred-X on TO

Posted on Tue, Mar. 23, 2004 Freddie sees a philosophical differenceBy LES BOWENbowenl@phillynews.comWe heard a lot last week about how trading for Terrell Owens wasn't really a change in philosophy for the Eagles. Head coach Andy Reid told us he was OK with a guy having a flamboyant personality. Quarterback Donovan McNabb told us he desperately needed a receiver who wanted the ball at key moments.It's fair to say this all came as news to Freddie Mitchell."I was very surprised,'' said Mitchell, the only Eagles wide receiver on hand for the first day of offseason workouts yesterday at the NovaCare Complex. "It's kind of weird...It's going to be interesting. [Owens] is not usually the guy Andy Reid would consider. But he got us to the [NFC] Championship Game 3 years in a row, so he knows something.''Mitchell said he was even more surprised by McNabb's comments."You've got to be careful what you ask for,'' Mitchell said. "If Don felt that way, he's the leader of this team, and that's how he feels. I don't think coach Reid wants the kind of guy that won't implement in the system what he wants. If Don wants a guy yelling in his ear, 'Throw me the damn ball!' hey, OK, that's great. But I'll choose to stick to the Andy Reid way of doing things - when it comes, take advantage of my opportunity.''Mitchell was asked if, in the past, he'd been told specifically to steer clear of the sort of things the Eagles now seem ready to embrace from Owens."Basically, yes,'' Mitchell said. "You've got to play within the offense. That's the biggest thing [that's emphasized], playing within the offense. If that wasn't the case, I'd have been asking for the ball a lot more...But it's 'whatever.' I've been with Donovan - 0-2, thick and thin. Anything Don said, it's just like what coach Reid says, I'm going to adapt to it and run with it.''Indeed, Mitchell said he was ready to adapt, instead of fretting over how adding TO might hinder his ascension in the Eagles' offense. Mitchell, the Eagles' top draft pick in 2001, went from 12 catches in 2002 to 35 last season, when he became McNabb's favorite clutch-time target. Mitchell's first-down catch on fourth-and-26 kept the Eagles alive in what became their overtime playoff victory over Green Bay."Just like when Antonio Freeman came here [in 2002], I'm going to absorb his knowledge,'' Mitchell said of Owens. "I can adapt to my situation...Just throw to me on fourth down if you need to. If I catch two balls a game and we win, I'm content. I'm glad that we did get somebody, a big-name receiver, so there won't be any more excuses. You hear on the radio, you hear on TV, 'You need a receiver, you need a receiver.' OK, you got one. Let's see what's going to happen now.''Another Eagles veteran, tight end Chad Lewis, said he was less surprised to have Owens as a teammate. Lewis said he got to know Owens at three Pro Bowls - 2001, 2002, and 2003 - and could see why Reid wasn't worried about Owens' ego."I knew he wanted to be here - 3 years at the Pro Bowl, he'd expressed interest in that, and I knew he really wanted to be with Donovan,'' Lewis said. "I played with him three times over there, and he got along with everyone...He worked his butt off. He was a hard worker...And he's really nice. I've seen what everyone else has seen on TV, but at the same time, I know him, so I'm not worried about any of that stuff.''BirdseedThe national TV schedule for the NFL preseason was released yesterday, with the Eagles appearing twice, on Friday, Aug. 20, when they host the Terrell Owens-jilted Baltimore Ravens, and on Thursday, Aug. 26, when Duce Staley returns to Lincoln Financial Field with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Eagles are scheduled to play both the Ravens and Steelers in the regular season, as well...The Eagles' preseason will open at the Super Bowl champion Patriots sometime between Aug. 12 and Aug. 16, and will conclude sometime between Sept. 2 and Sept. 5, at the New York Jets...An Eagles source said the third-round draft pick the 49ers will get if defensive end Brandon Whiting fails his physical this week is in the 2005 draft, not next month's...The Eagles announced that Jevon Kearse will wear No. 93 and Dhani Jones will wear No. 55. Tyreo Harrison will switch from 55 to 51, Carlos Emmons' former number. Terrell Owens, of course, will be No. 81, but the former 81, Billy McMullen, hasn't yet been assigned a new number.

 

[cracKer]

THT'S RITE, IT'S NT A MISPRINT!

The entire post looks like a freakin' misprint :wacko:

 

[Donny Loved Bowling]

Thanks for the info, JAA. Nothing is more embarrassing than having the wrong number on your custom-ordered Tyreo Harrison jersey.

 

[JaxBill]

Thanks for the info, JAA. Nothing is more embarrassing than having the wrong number on your custom-ordered Tyreo Harrison jersey.

Or worse yet, having McMullen's name on your Terrell Owens jersey.

 

[mlbnfl]

Another unnamed team is also in the mix

Can you say Dallas Cowboys. He has publicly stated he wants to be a Cowboy, and I know there has been no news about it, but I wouldnt be completely surprised if Dallas came out and got him.

 

[RAIDERNATION.]

The Eagles announced the following number changes:Of course, wide receiver Terrell Owens will wear No. 81. Wide receiver Billy McMullen has not been issued a new number yet.

Why "of course"...?I'm curious as to what would happen if McMullen said no to giving up #81. It's not like Philly would cut him or anything. I hope he willingly gave up the digits. I'm sick of Owens being catered to.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Can you say Dallas Cowboys. He has publicly stated he wants to be a Cowboy, and I know there has been no news about it, but I wouldnt be completely surprised if Dallas came out and got him.

He wants to go to a better organization than Philly, not a worse one. Hoepfully one that doesn't use real grasss either, real grass has dirt, which could lead him to having a dirty uniform. Bobby and dirty just don't go together.

 

[JAA]

Bal writes keep digging ... soon it will be their own grave

TO ATTEMPT to understand two of the NFL's top wide receivers, it's best to parse their language. Amazing talent and amazing mouths go hand in hand when it comes to Terrell Owens and Keyshawn Johnson. What's also amazing is the deceptive crossing patterns both receivers run when discussing what it is, exactly, that they want out of their NFL careers. They want to win. They want to play with people who understand and respect them. They want freedom. They want to be paid. They just want to be part of the team. They want the ball. They want out. They want in. They'll probably want out again. Is this the image of today's NFL superstar receiver? Said Owens in the midst of his pitch to the Eagles: "Regardless of what you've heard, I've never been a selfish guy. I can catch two or three balls and block downfield to spring a guy and I'll feel like I scored a touchdown just like I caught one. It doesn't really matter. My thing is, I just want to win." So what if Owens could have won in Baltimore? How about this for a compelling athletic challenge: being the go-to guy in an offense so desperate for a game-breaker, Ozzie Newsome and Brian Billick were willing to take on the challenge of managing T.O. Instead, Billick says the Ravens were "jobbed" by the NFL, which decided to broker a remedy rather than drag this outburst along. Owens wanted Donovan McNabb, but how long until Owens has to eat his words, like when McNabb fails to hit Owens and instead runs out of trouble? A player proven to disrespect his coaches and teammates doesn't suddenly change just because the uniform is green and silver instead of red and gold. He calls it competitive, his desire to win. What is it, really? Perhaps Owens should have consulted Johnson before conducting the temper tantrum that brought the NFL to its quivering knees. Owens got his wish - Philadelphia freedom. But who's to say love and happiness will come to the Mouth That Roared, even if the Eagles finally get to the Super Bowl? Johnson won a ring in Tampa Bay, only to discover winning wasn't enough to keep him happy, hence the six-game suspension last season en route to last week's trade to Dallas. "I'm probably more excited than I was when I won the Super Bowl. It's good to be headed somewhere I'll be working with people who know what I'm about," Johnson said Friday, after Joey Galloway agreed to a deal with Tampa Bay, finalizing the receivers' swap. Is it time to re-examine the phrase "game-breaker"? Sure seems that way, now that Owens, Johnson, Galloway and David Boston - four of the most physically gifted receivers in the NFL - have been shown the door. As the great Bill Murray once said in his famous lounge singer prattle: We love you, you knucklehead. Now, get out of here. There's nothing remarkable about NFL players changing teams. How many Super Bowl teams has Ricky Proehl played on, anyway? But these are franchise players. These are once-in-a-generation talents, first-round draft picks whose signings are accompanied by multimillion-dollar bonuses and a ton of hype - until their speed, size, height and strength become secondary to psyche. Then they sulk or complain or feel underutilized, considering their considerable talents. Then the salary cap comes down like a guillotine and there they go: A generation of talent is dispensable to the teams that worked so hard to get them. Or paid so much to lure them. A year ago, the Chargers guaranteed Boston almost $12 million if he played one year for the franchise that once gave Ryan Leaf $11 million as the No. 2 pick in the draft. Now, Boston is with the Dolphins, after the Chargers decided he "wasn't a good fit" and told the 25-year-old player to find a deal with a new team. For all the lip service paid to the NFL for being the cutting edge of fan friendliness, about its rise as the new national pastime, how can it not be detrimental to the product when so many of the league's top skill stars earn reputations as selfish, self-serving mercenaries who reduce relationships to rubble in order to gain leverage? Boston leaves San Diego with coach Marty Schottenheimer calling him "basically a good kid," but in order to justify their business needs, the Chargers were eager to cast Boston as aloof, with "questionable practice habits." Likewise, Galloway has never found a way for his "game-breaking" speed to supersede his reputation as a prima donna. How much distance is there between what he thought he'd be and what he has become? More miles than what runs between Columbus, Ohio, and Seattle, Dallas and now Tampa Bay. In 1999, Galloway held out in a contract dispute with the Seahawks, from whom the Ohio State speedster demanded to be paid the highest among NFL receivers. The Seahawks refused, prompting Galloway to stay out until November, when he joined the team only so he wouldn't lose a year of eligibility toward free agency. While Seahawks coach and former GM Mike Holmgren later said he regretted the way he handled the dispute, there's little doubt Galloway's situation did nothing except extend the Seahawks' inability to turn things around. Instead of a game-breaker, he was a franchise-staller. For a franchise eager to ride the next Steve Largent back to the playoffs, Galloway imploded. There was no "team" in Galloway. Finally, wearing the franchise tag, Galloway went to Dallas in exchange for two first-round picks. Now, in another twist of fate, Galloway's underwhelming career is linked to Johnson. The former Jet's chaotic path now takes him to Dallas, where he'll probably get what he wants for a while: Bill Parcells, a system tailored to his under-coverage catching acumen, playoffs. They come, they catch, they argue, fuss and fight. Then they go. What will posterity say about the four princes of relocation? Pains in the posterior. But we'd take one, and take our chances. Copyright © 2004, The Baltimore Sun | Get home delivery

 

[JAA]

Why "of course"...?I'm curious as to what would happen if McMullen said no to giving up #81. It's not like Philly would cut him or anything. I hope he willingly gave up the digits. I'm sick of Owens being catered to.

Story on the street is they didnt even ask McMullen

 

[Ghost of JAA]

NFL gives three teams four compensatory draft picks

The Associated PressPALM BEACH, Fla. — The Eagles, Rams and Jets received the maximum of four compensatory draft picks each from the NFL on Monday. In all, 32 picks were awarded to 16 teams for next month's draft. Under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, a team losing more or better free agents than it acquires in a year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks. Those choices will supplement the 223 picks in seven rounds on April 24-25. The Bengals will get the highest compensatory pick, a third-rounder, No. 96 overall. In the fourth round, Philadelphia has two extra choices, Nos. 129 and 131 overall. St. Louis gets the 130th overall spot, and the Jets are at No. 132. Philadelphia also will have consecutive picks in the seventh round, Nos. 242-243. The Rams get a sixth-rounder (No. 201), and two in the seventh (Nos. 237-238). New York was given three straight spots in the seventh round (Nos. 234-236). Other teams awarded compensatory picks were Baltimore and Tennessee, three apiece; Denver, Houston and Oakland, two each; and Cincinnati, Green Bay, Jacksonville, New Orleans, the New York Giants, San Diego, San Francisco and Tampa Bay, one each. Compensatory free agents are determined by a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors. The formula was developed by the NFL Management Council.

 

[Jason Wood]

This is great news for the Birds. Those 4th rounders have considerable value, and will make trading up (if Reid so chooses) in the 2nd or 3rd round a very viable option.

 

[JaxBill]

As is mentioned on the KFFL thread linked to in this thread,

http://footballguys.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=72370

you can't trade compensatory picks!

 

[Jason Wood]

As is mentioned on the KFFL thread linked to in this thread,http://footballguys.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=72370you can't trade compensatory picks!

Wow, you learn something new every day. I honestly had no idea you couldn't trade compensatory picks, good info Jaxy. I guess that still gives the Birds leeway though in that they could trade their own 4th rounder (or another pick in the cache) since they have the compensatory picks to use.

 

[MPhilly03]

For who, for what? Old question, new application. The compensatory picks that were recently awarded are tied to specific players and are based on their performance last year, correct?Does that mean that the Birds could get more of these picks for next years draft based on the success of Emmons, Vincent, Dawkins and Staley?

 

[Scott Utah Boyles]

As is mentioned on the KFFL thread linked to in this thread,http://footballguys.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=72370you can't trade compensatory picks!

I'm a little tired today, so maybe I just missed it. But I couldn't find anything in the KFFL thread that said you can't trade compensatory picks. Where is it at?

 

[LivinNsc]

I'm a little tired today, so maybe I just missed it. But I couldn't find anything in the KFFL thread that said you can't trade compensatory picks. Where is it at?

It is on the last page of the thread. I thought he meant it was in his original post but it was mentioned by someone else on page 4. Great read! Just wish I was a little more coherent today so I could take it all in :wacko:

 

[Scott Utah Boyles]

It is on the last page of the thread. I thought he meant it was in his original post but it was mentioned by someone else on page 4. Great read! Just wish I was a little more coherent today so I could take it all in :wacko:

I see it now. Thanks, LivinNsc!

 

[LivinNsc]

I see it now. Thanks, LivinNsc!

 

[Donny Loved Bowling]

I guess that still gives the Birds leeway though in that they could trade their own 4th rounder (or another pick in the cache) since they have the compensatory picks to use.

Sorry, JWood. We don't have a 4th rounder this year - Birds gave it up in the Mark Simoneau deal. But I do think these comp picks will be very useful. I wouldn't be surprised to see Andy use one of those late 4ths on a developmental QB prospect a la Feeley.

 

[Jason Wood]

Sorry, JWood. We don't have a 4th rounder this year - Birds gave it up in the Mark Simoneau deal. But I do think these comp picks will be very useful. I wouldn't be surprised to see Andy use one of those late 4ths on a developmental QB prospect a la Feeley.

Can anyone point me to a list of draft picks, sortable by team this year? Frustrated over not remembering that we didn't have our own 4th rounder.

 

[Bushead]

Jason, here you go, does not include compensory picks

Draft picks

MPhilly, yes we could, and probably will get picks. I do not know the specific formula, but it is based on losing more FA players than you aquire in any given year. Not sure how that shakes out this year with Kearse & TO being added. The picks are placed between rounds 4-7 based on some other formula that accounts for playing time, salary and some other things.

 

[Jason Wood]

Jason, here you go, does not include compensory picksDraft picksMPhilly, yes we could, and probably will get picks. I do not know the specific formula, but it is based on losing more FA players than you aquire in any given year. Not sure how that shakes out this year with Kearse & TO being added. The picks are placed between rounds 4-7 based on some other formula that accounts for playing time, salary and some other things.

Thanks bushead,So Philly now has 10 draft picks this year, including two 4th rounders and 3 7th rounders.

 

[Bushead]

yes sir, looking good in Eagle land. Don't forget, next years draft is looking nice also with the addition of a 2nd rounder (AJ Feely) and a 5th (Thrash), plus any compesory picks we might obtain.Is it September yet??? I am getting impatient...

 

[MPhilly03]

Many thanks, Bushead. I am guessing Kearse would offset some off the compensatory value but Owens was "offically" a trade, right? If that is the case would that factor in still or would it basically be Dhani and the Freak versus Emmons, Vincent, Staley and Taylor?I think we could still be looking good if that is the case.

 

[JAA]

Virginia Tech cornerback DeAngelo Hall will be flying around so much for private meetings with teams that he should gather enough frequent flyer segments for several free tickets. Starting with an April 2 visit to New England, Hall has trips scheduled to meet with the Jets, Bears, Eagles, Falcons, Redskins and Browns, concluding with a trip to the Big Apple to be at the 2004 NFL Draft.

www.nfl.com, no direct link sorry

 

[Kleck.]

WESTBROOK TO CARRY LOAD News: According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Brian Westbrook will carry more of the offensive load in 2004. However, coach Andy Reid noted that Westbrook will split time with Correll Buckhalter.

Analysis: Westbrook should emerge as the starter and will be a solid early-round selection in Fantasy drafts.

 

[JAA]

Trenton Times reporting Luke McCown is in town. His stats.

 

[JAA]

Article

La. Tech QB visits Eagles Tuesday, April 06, 2004By MARK ECKEL Staff Writer PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles entertained their first group of college players for the NFL draft yesterday and among those in town was quarterback Luke McCown of Louisiana Tech. McCown is the younger brother of the Arizona Cardinals' starting quarterback, Josh McCown. The Eagles, after trading A.J. Feeley to the Miami Dolphins, are in the market for a young quarterback to serve behind veteran starter Donovan McNabb and veteran backup Koy Detmer. They are likely to use one of their six second-day picks, probably one of their two fourth-round picks on the position. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound McCown is projected to go in the fourth round by most draft publications, but could be gone by the time the Eagles draft at the bottom of the fourth round. Cleveland and the Giants are two other teams who have showed an interest in the athletic signal-caller, who put up big numbers in college and did not miss a start the last three years. McCown completed 246 of 432 passes for 3,246 yards with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions last year. As a true freshman in 2000 he started and threw for over 400 yards against Miami (Fla.) According to a report, the Eagles also were expected to visit with Wisconsin wide receiver Lee Evans and Pitt cornerback Shawntae Spencer, but neither of those visits were confirmed.

 

[JAA]

TO on Key

HE'LL HV ABOUT AS MUCH OF AN IMPACT AS HE DID W/BUCS-NONE REALLY!! THT SHOULDN'T B A ? OF WHO WILL HV A BIGGER IMPACT?

He better back it up ...

 

[JAA]

AR on drafting a RB

"Denver proved that you don't have to have a first-round running back to have a first-rate running game," said Philadelphia coach Andy Reid. "That doesn't mean you're going to ignore the great running back. But there is certainly precedent for being able to find guys a little later on in the draft."

 

[JAA]

THOMAS TAPEH – MINNESOTA – SR. - FB QUOTES FOLLOWING SELECTION BY PHILADELPHIA – 4/25/04

Have they told you that you will be a fullback or will you also get an opportunity to carry the ball? TT: They told me that I was going to play fullback so I am going to look forward to that, but if they put me in to run I am going to show them what I can do.

 

[babydemon90]

THOMAS TAPEH – MINNESOTA – SR. - FB QUOTES FOLLOWING SELECTION BY PHILADELPHIA – 4/25/04

What about the Eagles addition of T.O. (Terrell Owens)?

TT: He’s out there too? I know (Jevon) Kearse is out there, but (Terrell) is out there too? I will sit down and watch and learn from them. Take the good things and get rid of the bad.

You didn’t know T.O. was out there too?

TT: No, there have been a lot of things going on with me and in the NFL and I really haven’t been paying attention, but I am blessed to be a part of that (team).

hmm....

 

[dotman]

Thomas Tapeh also said he is looking forward to signing so he has enough money to move out of his hole in the ground.

 

[rifkin]

Thomas Tapeh also said he is looking forward to signing so he has enough money to move out of his hole in the ground.

I heard a couple of Bracegirdles from Hardbottle were interested in his current abode.

 

[Maggot Brain]

Thomas Tapeh also said he is looking forward to signing so he has enough money to move out of his hole in the ground.

:rotflmao: Hard to believe this guy slept through the entire TO fiasco. Hope he can handle the Philly playbook.

 

[JAA]

SALARY CAP UPDATE

By John Clayton

ESPN.com

Below is the amount of money each team is under or over the $80,582,000 million salary cap for 2004 as of April 22.

TEAM-BY-TEAM SALARY CAP UPDATE

Team Cap status

Philadelphia Eagles $10.4 million under

Arizona Cardinals $6.9 million under

Atlanta Falcons $1.765 million under

Baltimore Ravens $4.19 million under

Buffalo Bills $2.317 million under

Carolina Panthers $1.7 million under

Chicago Bears $4.16 million under

Cincinnati Bengals $5.3 million under

Cleveland Browns $5.99 million under

Dallas Cowboys $10.1 million under

Denver Broncos $287,000 under

Detroit Lions $7.129 million under

Green Bay Packers $1.6 million under

Houston Texans $4.4 million under

Indianapolis Colts $5.5 million under

Jacksonville Jaguars $7.94 million under

Kansas City Chiefs $7.19 million under

Miami Dolphins $5.1 million under

Minnesota Vikings $13.5 million under

New England Patriots $2.25 million under

New Orleans Saints $11.3 million under

New York Giants $1.9 million under

New York Jets $3.2 million under

Oakland Raiders $2 million under

Pittsburgh Steelers $326,000 under

St. Louis Rams $737,000 under

San Diego Chargers $6.4 million under

San Francisco 49ers $1.6 million under

Seattle Seahawks $5.1 million under

Tampa Bay Buccaneers $2.98 million under

Tennessee Titans $532,000 under

Washington Redskins $1.63 million under

 

[RedRaiders]

Thomas Tapeh also said he is looking forward to signing so he has enough money to move out of his hole in the ground.

:rotflmao: Hard to believe this guy slept through the entire TO fiasco. Hope he can handle the Philly playbook.

His wonderlic was pretty poor actually. That said - he's a bruising runner, he'll get some touches. We'll see how it works out.I really like the Ronnie Ghent UDFA signing - this guy was very good before he got hurt in 2002 at Louisville (TE). Kori Dickerson's got some competition. Also wonder if Lewis would just be cut if Ghent really played well. LJ Smith is about to become the man anyway and Lewis is no spring chicken.Jenkins was a very nice UDFA signing as well.

 

[JAA]

Pic Of The Day!!

 

[Cocky Crow]

Pic Of The Day!!

Nice pic. Now it seems official somehow.

 

[RedRaiders]

TO has a press conference today after Reid I believe - should be interesting.

 

[JAA]

Addition of T.O. means no more excuses

By Sal PaolantonioSpecial to ESPN.com PHILADELPHIA -- It was very clear that Donovan McNabb either wanted to be asked the question or knew it was coming.The Eagles quarterback, who has lost the last three NFC championship games, was asked whether the addition of Pro Bowl wide receiver Terrell Owens was the final, missing piece of the Super Bowl puzzle in Philadelphia. McNabb, a prideful man who has endured more than his share of criticism in this unforgiving town, didn't duck the question -- after all, Eagles fans had assumed that McNabb would complete the championship puzzle when he was drafted in 1999. Instead, McNabb looked straight ahead and, with the nonchalant conviction of a beleaguered politician, said: "This is the start of something special. A special year for us," McNabb said during the just-finished post-draft mini-camp. "It's tough, knowing what has happened in the past, knowing how close we've been. This is the time, obviously, to re-write a new chapter for the future." Owens' smile will turn into a frown if the Eagles come up short again. The future may be wearing No. 81, the sleek new import from San Francisco. But for all the focus on T.O., the real pressure is on No. 5. Much of the blame was aimed at the Eagles wide receivers, but it was McNabb who threw three interceptions in the NFC championship game, who lost back-to-back championship games at home, who lobbied for Owens as the solution, and who now has to shoulder the burden of getting what he desired.And, simply put, now that the Eagles have signed Owens to a seven-year, $49 million contract, there are no more excuses left. Nobody around the Eagles talks about it that way, because nobody has to. They all know it. It's on McNabb. It's on Andy Reid. In short, it's on.One guy clearly willing to recognize it and articulate it is Owens."They've gotten to the championship game without me, so I know my job is really to try to help them get over the hump," Owens said. "I'm definitely looking forward to the challenge."Owens is also somebody who has had his wishes granted. After spending nearly two seasons chronically complaining about former 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia, Owens fought through a contract dispute with San Francisco and the NFL to nullify a trade to the Baltimore Ravens, and get his wish to be teamed up with McNabb.The two have known each other for years, practicing with the NFC all-stars in Hawaii. During the faux football of the Pro Bowl, they hit it off. Now, McNabb and Owens will be playing together for keeps. And judging by the first couple of practices at mini-camp, it is a work in progress.For starters, McNabb -- who hasn't thrown a football in practice since being knocked out of the NFC championship game with a rib injury -- has to adjust to the fact that Owens can and will get separation from the defensive backs. Owens is bigger, stronger and has a brilliant open-field burst of speed that McNabb has never seen in his wide receivers.Under Reid, the Eagles have never had a receiver gain 1,000 yards in a single season. Reminded of that fact, Owens had a two-word answer: "Not yet.""That's part of the reason that I'm here," Owens added. "They know I'm a playmaker, and that I pride myself in the things I've learned and accomplished in San Francisco. That's catch the ball, and like they call it, RAC or YAC, runs after the catch or yards after the catch."Owens, who admitted he will have to get used to McNabb's fastball, will play primarily the X receiver, replacing James Thrash, who was returned to Washington -- an expensive free-agent experiment that Reid never wanted to admit just wasn't working out. (Thrash had one catch for nine yards in the NFC championship game. The Eagles other starting wide receiver, Todd Pinkston, had no catches.)Owens, who continues to gratuitously denigrate Garcia, said he realized it would take time to develop chemistry with McNabb. The two have plans to work out together in Arizona, where McNabb lives in the offseason, or Atlanta, where Owens lives. But, for now, he believes he has found Nirvana in Philly."If I'm approaching a (defensive back), and (McNabb) knowing I'm going to be the guy, and just throwing it out there and let me go get it," said Owens, "versus the last couple of years with Garcia. He pretty much waited until he saw me behind the guy and then threw it. The chemistry wasn't there, because he didn't have a strong enough arm."But accuracy, not arm strength, has always been the key to being a successful quarterback in the West Coast offense.And accuracy has always been the weakest aspect of McNabb's repertoire. McNabb has never had a year with over a 60 percent completion rate. Garcia, by comparison, had a completion percentage over 60 percent in San Francisco for four straight seasons -- 1999-02. Last year, with the Niners in turmoil and his back in persistent pain, Garcia slipped to 57 percent -- the first time below 60 percent in his career as a starter in San Francisco.Luckily for both McNabb and Owens, there will be very little learning curve. The West Coast offense perfected in San Francisco is virtually identical to the one Reid runs in Philadelphia. The nomenclature, the playbook -- Owens knows it."He doesn't have any problem knowing where to line up and how he's reading coverage," said offensive coordinator Brad Childress. "The biggest thing is working out with Donovan in terms of whatever little quirks that they both have -- how he's going to beat a guy in press man to man, soft coverage, that type of thing." “ This is the start of something special. A special year for us. It's tough, knowing what has happened in the past, knowing how close we've been. This is the time, obviously, to re-write a new chapter for the future. ” —QB Donovan McNabb McNabb, who said he was feeling no ill effects from the rib injury, did admit to being rusty. He also admitted that it would take time for him to read Owens' subtle body language -- and that may take until Week 1 of the 2004 season. However, he clearly seemed anxious to have another difference maker on the field."It all starts with athletic ability and it ends with playmaking ability," McNabb said. "You know, whenever you have a guy that can catch the ball -- maybe six yards and turn up field, make three guys miss and take it 65 yards for a touchdown, that's exciting for an offense."Especially for an offense that has managed just one touchdown in its last two NFC championship games.After the unspeakable 14-3 loss to Carolina at Lincoln Financial Field to end the season, the Eagles underwent another free-agent overhaul. Four savvy team leaders were allowed to leave -- strong-side linebacker Carlos Emmons (Giants), cornerbacks Bobby Taylor (Seahawks) and Troy Vincent (Bills), and running back Duce Staley (Steelers). All four were highly productive and highly respected veterans. Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown -- both in their third year -- will be the starting corners. Dhani Jones, imported from the Giants, will try to replace Emmons, who was the team's defensive MVP for the 2003 season. And Staley's load will be carried by Correll Buckhalter and Brian Westbrook, who sat out mini-camp because he's still recovering from elbow surgery.On defense, Jevon Kearse was signed from the Titans to play left defensive end for a team that got just 7½ sacks from the defensive end position last year. In the NFC championship game, the Eagles had no sacks and no interceptions.So, in many ways, on both sides of the ball, the Eagles are re-inventing their identity.Still, they have to be favored to four-peat as champions of the NFC East, a division undergoing drastic change. Two teams -- Washington and New York -- have new head coaches and new starting quarterbacks. The Giants will likely start rookie Eli Manning. In Year 2 under Bill Parcells, the Cowboys are still re-tooling and face a difficult schedule. The Eagles, on the other hand, have a soft 2004 schedule -- facing just two playoff teams on the road, the Cowboys (Week 10) and the Rams (Week 16)."Every year is so different in the National Football League," said Reid. "You better take it as its own individual identity, concentrate on it and go back to that one-game-at-a-time approach."For the Eagles, whether they like it or not, that one game will be the NFC championship game -- getting back there and, this time, winning it.Sal Paolantonio covers the NFL for ESPN

 

[JAA]

http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/8886235.htm

But Owens testified before a Senate subcommittee last year, hoping to increase Alzheimer's funding, and he seems quite sincere when he discusses his grandmother, Alice Black. Her struggle with Alzheimer's led to his advocacy. He believes the "hypocrisy" rests more with anyone who tolerates and excuses players getting arrested or addicted, yet becomes unhinged over a Sharpie or a sideline venting of emotion. The NFL, at its March meetings, approved a new, 15-yard penalty for celebrations involving two or more players that the referee might deem choreographed."I feel like the league, [commissioner Paul] Tagliabue, all these rules they're making up, it's almost like they're taking away my freedom of really expressing myself," Owens says. "I understand there's rules and guidelines, but you get some of these old-school guys on these committees...I understand sportsmanship. If you do a poll amongst the players in the league, there's not a problem. They're not letting the players have any say-so about the sportsmanship or celebrations, they've taken it upon itself."I'm able to really be true to who I am. If I don't do that, then I'm not doing what my grandmother raised me to do, which is stand up for what I believe in."

"People don't understand that I had a case," the 30-year-old Owens says. "They just go by the first thing they heard, which was that I had no chance [to overturn the trade]."Just last week, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis expressed bitterness over Owens' actions, and said they wouldn't be forgotten when the Eagles play the Ravens (a preseason game Aug. 20 and a regular-season meeting Oct. 31)."Ray Lewis isn't but one person. I'll be ready," Owens says. "They can say what they're going to do to me, this and that, it doesn't bother me. If they want to take all their frustration out on me, good. That means they're probably not going to be doing what they're supposed to be doing. My main thing is the Eagles winning the game. It's not me against Ray Lewis."Owens recalls what just about every national media figure who lambasted him had to say during the trade drama. But in the next breath, he asserts that the criticisms don't bother him."All that matters is those people in there," he says, gesturing toward his den, where Miss Marilyn and other family members were gathered, "and the lady in Talladega, my grandmother. That's all."

Owens thinks he has a tentative agreement with Reid that will allow him to triumph in the end."I've already kind of made him a little proposition that if I score 15 touchdowns this year, then those shorts are coming off," Owens says. "He said, 'Deal.' I heard it."

 

[JAA]

Eagles training camp notes By REUBEN FRANK phillyBurbs.com

Eagles training camp notesBy REUBEN FRANKphillyBurbs.com Andrews optimistic: Shawn Andrews said he's not discouraged about his health or concerned about his career despite learning that the nasal polyps he had surgically removed in the spring are growing back. Andrews, who signed a five-year, $9.2 million contract on Tuesday night, said Wednesday a medical exam he underwent Monday showed the polyps are returning. It was medication he took as a senior at Arkansas to control the polyps that caused his weight to balloon to over 400 pounds, bringing on a bout of depression that hurt his class work and caused him to miss his final college game. "I'm not discouraged," said Andrews, the 16th pick in this year's draft. "They told me before the surgery they could grow back. It's just something I have to deal with the best I can." Andrews said he is back on medication to treat the polyps, but it's different than the one that last year had such notorious side effects. Head coach Andy Reid said after Wednesday afternoon's practice he's not concerned with Andrews' health - "I'm not going to panic." Andrews said he also learned he has sleep apnea, a potentially serious disorder that can be caused by nasal polyps and is characterized by brief lapses in breathing during sleep. He said he may need additional nasal polyp surgery after the season and will probably also have his tonsils removed, a common step for those suffering from sleep apnea. Andrews said there's a chance - "a last resort" -he may have to eventually go back on the same medication he was on last year. As far as the $6.5 million bonus he received, Andrews said he bought his mother, Linda, a new home far away from the poverty-stricken area in Arkansas where she raised him and his two brothers. "She's living a lot better than I am right now," he said.Johnson lauds Simoneau: Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, speaking publicly for the first time since the Eagles acquired Jeremiah Trotter, made it clear Trotter is Mark Simoneau's backup, and unless things change drastically will remain his backup. "Mark Simoneau is our middle linebacker, and Jeremiah will compete for a job and we'll see how it goes," Johnson said. "I think Mark Simoneau is a heck of a football player. I think he's one of the best middle linebackers in the National Football League. We didn't not make the Super Bowl because of Mark Simoneau."McDougle present: Last year's first-round pick, defensive end Jerome McDougle, was a surprise participant in Wednesday's two no-pads workouts. McDougle, still recovering from mid-June shoulder surgery, is not expected to do any hitting for two or three weeks, Johnson said. "They say right now he can go through everything non-contact, and the good news is that he is out there and he is getting all the reps he can get," Johnson said. "I'm just glad to see him out there. We're all disappointed he [won't be] in pads, but he just has to overcome that. He'll have to push himself a little bit, and hopefully he will be out there every day without pads until we are ready to put him in pads which will probably be two or three weeks. It's a minor setback."Roster move: The Eagles released reserve offensive lineman Damian Lavergne after he failed his physical. Lavergne, an undrafted rookie free agent out of Louisiana Tech, spent all last year on Injured Reserve after tearing his knee in the preseason game against the Patriots.Autographs: The autograph tent will be inactive the rest of this week, opening Sunday with the defensive linemen. The tent is located adjacent to the tennis courts on the east side of the practice fields. Linebackers will sign on Monday, and quarterbacks, tight ends and kickers on Tuesday.Quote of the day: "I think he'll be fine. Maybe two weeks down the road I'll change my mind," Johnson on rookie cornerback Matt Ware picking up the defense after missing minicamp because of NCAA regulations.Did you know?:The first NFL game Eagles offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges attended was a 1995 preseason game between the Rich Kotite Jets and the Ray Rhodes Eagles in Jackson, Miss. Bridges, who grew up in nearby McComb, Miss., was 14.Play of the day: Rookie wide receiver Carlos Perez made a sweet sliding catch down the right sideline of a 40-yard Donovan McNabb pass.This and that: Reid said he's not concerned with the condition of the practice fields even though the team's equipment staffers were busy replacing divots all morning. "I'm OK with them," he said. The fields, water-logged after heavy rains overnight, were in better shape in the afternoon after some sun ... Running back Eric McCoo left afternoon practice early after suffering from cramps caused by dehydration. He's listed as day-to-day.Schedule: The Eagles are scheduled to practice twice today, at 8:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and once tomorrow, at 3:30 p.m. Parking and admission to camp is always free. For all the latest practice information, call the Eagles at 610-758-6868.July 29, 2004 8:05 AM

 

[JAA]

Dhani Jones lined up outside on LJ SmithLito Sheppard knocking the crap out of Greg LewisLito covering TOJon Runyan pancakes Derrick BurgessTO & Freddie Mitchell talking it upTrotter in coverageFrom Eagles MB

1. The first things I watched were individual offensive line drills. They were doing small drills like practicing picking up defensive alignments in slow motion, practicing their pass blocking technique and firing out of their stance and staying low. The only one who stood out negatively to me was Trey Darilek. He was slow out of his stance. He was behind the others by about a step or two -- big difference.2. Shawn Andrews is going to be a BEAST when they run that screen to Westbrook (or Buck) to the right. Andrews gets out in front really fast for a 340 pound guy. He is a mauling run blocker. Although Sam Rayburn got him a few times today pretty good, Shawn returned the favor to him later on.3. Speaking of Rayburn, he was back on the field today and this guy is really a good player. He is up to 335 and he is quick. Could be a nice part of the rotation this year.4. Jon Runyan pancaked the hell out of Derrick Burgess. I got this on camera. 5. Lito Sheppard had a very nice morning session and followed it up with another good afternoon session. 180 degree turnaround from yesterday for him. He had a pick and knocked a few passes away. He got one away from TO on an out route in the afternoon session. He was still punked by TO when they played press, but I was pleased to see him play well.6. I should also say that the entire secondary played much better today. Sheldon, Lito, Brandon Haw, Brandon Pinderhughes (he's seeing time at CB though listed as a S), Matt Ware, Dexter Wynn and Rod Hood were all playing nice. Pinderhughes had real nice technique on a few plays. Rod Hood is still all over th place.7. McNabb had a few over/under throws today, but they were in the intermediate to deep range and all while he was flushed out of the pocket. He still looks very crisp and smooth.8. Jeff Blake had another good day.9. To end the morning session Reed, Wynn, Mahe, Hood and G. Lewis were fielding kick offs. Reed looked good. I can see why he was so succesful in college.10. Jevon Kearse is simply amazing. I can't say it enough. I get nervous watching him because I'm scared he'll get hurt. His burst from the end is unbelievable. He threw Regis Crawford to the ground like a punk in the morning. (I got pics of that). All's I've got to say is that when you see him in person take off from the end, it is astonishing how fast he is in the QBs grill. If this guy stays healthy, he is going to wreak some serious havoc on QB's. Who's the Giants RT again? 11. Hollis Thomas played well today despite having to take a ton of reps because of no Simon and Walker or Grasmanis. DE-Ron Johnson took quite a few snaps at DT. Hollis batted a few balls down.12. L.J. Smith looked great. He is going to open a ton of eyes this year. TO ,Mitchell, Westbrook, Smith?? Who does a defense guard? LJ is running crisper routes this year instead of rounding them off. Call me a homer, but I think he forces himself to be mentioned in the upper echelon of TEs this year.13. Dexter Wynn, while small and not consistent yet on pass coverage, he sure has no problem playing run support or underneath routes. He'll put him helmet on your jaw.14. Ephraim & McDougle were working with a trainer on stretching excercises down at the end of the non-used field.15. Greg Lewis is playing very wel. He has confidence and he is catching the ball nicely in stride.16. I have not seen Freddie Mitchell drop one pass in the last 2 days. Solid. Running more deep routes. Lining up on the outside on occasion with TO in the slot to create big time mis-matches.17. Chad Lewis had a few drops and Kori Dickerson regressed from yesterday's good performance. He needs to be consistent. Ronnie Ghent is nothing special.18. In the morning practice they were working on 3rd down conversions a lot in the "live" sessions. That lead to a lot of short routes, screens, dump offs and such. They looked very good.19. Keith Adams knocked the snot out of Pinkston and caused him to drop a ball in the morning.20. Bruce Perry and Reno Mahe are fighting like crazy for that #3 HB job. Keep an eye on this in pre-season games. Reno is a lot better from last year, folks. I know I joked about him, but he is making plays this year so far.21. The afternoon session saw a lot more deep balls. They were not in full pads, just skeletons.22. Jeremiah Trotter was all over the field today. He had a few nice whacks on some guys and his pass coverage looks good. So nice to have LB depth.23. Jim Johnson was getting on Justin Ena's butt in the afternoon because h lined up wrong a few times.

 

[babydemon90]

Just got back from morning training camp.... Watching Lito trying to cover TO was almost comical. I saw a LOT of pass plays going to the RB's...wouldn't shock me at all to see Westbrook end up with 60-70 receptions. Owens will do fine....McNabb seemed to target him more then any other WR on the field by FAR.Mitchell and Pinkston both ran with the 1st team alot....could we see a lot of 3 WR sets?

 

[Isotopes]

How do you guys see the rb ratio shaking out? Will Westy be the guy, or is Buckhalter likely to see increased action?

 

[JAA]

How do you guys see the rb ratio shaking out? Will Westy be the guy, or is Buckhalter likely to see increased action?

I would not be surprised to see AR attempt 65/35 BW/CBuck. Im not sure if BW will hold up, but I think AR will try.JAA