Game Time
Footballguy
Let me know... I'm there every day for camp....
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***Official 2009 Philadelphia Eagles Thread*** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Deranged Hermit
- Start date
Don't like the sound of thisESPN ReportLTsharks said:
By Sal Paolantonio and John Clayton
ESPN.com
Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook will have surgery to clean up some bone spurs in his right ankle, according to his agent Todd France.
France had no timetable for Westbrook's return but characterized the procedure as minor. Another source, however, said the surgery could sideline Westbrook well into training camp. Eagles veterans report to training camp on July 29.
The All-Pro running back also had surgery on his left knee three months ago.
"We talked about it when he was at the doctor's office and went through the options and decided it was better to clean it up," France told ESPN. "The ankle has been bothering him since last year."
According to sources, Myerson recommended several options, including surgery and playing through the pain with a series of cortisone shots. France said that if this were the regular season, Westbrook would probably not have surgery.
Westbrook aggravated a previous sprain in his right ankle while working out in the last few weeks, a team source said. It is the same ankle that Westbrook injured last year and bothered him throughout the 2008 season.
"It has nothing to do with the high ankle sprain," France said. "It's just some bone spurs."
Westbrook, who will turn 30 in September, had surgery to repair cartilage damage in his left knee in February.
uh, yeah. not exactly the kind of news i was hoping for.but hopefully (from an Eagles perspective) this will enable him to be fully healthy headed into the season. i will be concerned if he can't get some training camp work in though.
from a fantasy perspective, this has to drop him way down the rankings for any drafts that are occurring before very late in the preseason.
loose circuits
Footballguy
gets it out of the way. Actually better for McCoy & Booker cause they get more reps. Better for all the backs
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
I agree. Keep in mind, this is a guy who has had knee issues since HS. Here's to hoping the Eagles grab a Vet RB (Edge?) to hedge their bets.zadok said:
phillyphan07
Footballguy
Well if he had it done in January then he'd have to figure out another excuse to miss training campzadok said:
...I don't think westbrook needs camp... As far as I'm concerned I'd rather have him miss the 1st 5 weeks of the season and be healthy for the rest of the season/playoffs.phillyphan07
Footballguy
Random question, does anyone know when the eagles single game tickets go on sale? Its usually around this time of year....
Jason Wood
Zoo York
Very bummed about Westbrook, but not surprised either. I REALLY hope we sign Edge. McCoy may be the real deal, but betting on it makes me nervous given our window of opportunity.
phillyfan72
Footballguy
Exactly what I was thinking. Westbrook hardly practices anyway, so hopefully he'll be ready at the start of the season.I've read reports/rumors of the Eagles talking about Warrick Dunn. I would love to see Edge on a 1-year contract, but Dunn fits their mold better. I would think they would have to sign someone just in case Westy can't go week 1.
stevegamer
Footballguy
I'd prefer Dunn as well. He's good character/community guy, and that's anice thing when you're signing a guy who may not play much.
gonzobill5
Footballguy
Dunn would be a nice addition - and it would amuse me because I've always thought he and BDawk look identical.
zenzephyros
Footballguy
I understand your thought process on wanting a "big back" with the team's poor redzone offense last year, but that was part of the thought process behind signing Leonard Weaver. Basically that he would not only play fullback, but he fits into the West Coast offense well with this receiving skills and that he would be the goal-line back. IMO... Edge makes absolutely zero sense, because he is not a large back at all and he is not known for his receiving ability. Arizona basically phased him out of the offense last year due to his below average hands and decrease in burst across the line of scrimmage. It just doesn't make any sense at all for Philly to sign any one-dimensional RB, because he wouldn't fit their offense in any way. And I can tell you right now that McCallister is just plain done. I watched several Saints games last year and he looked as slow as a snail with even less burst than Edge. It is rare that I watch a RB and say... "why is he even in the game... he can't even move?", but that is what I was screaming at the television as Deuce was killing the Saints drives down the field. I agree with many of the others that Dunn is the way to go if we dip into the veteran FA pool, because he has the same skill set that a Philly RB needs to have. I personally don't consider Booker to be even an NFL back until he shows me that he can do anything in real game... so I pretend he isn't even there. If at any point, this team thinks that Westie will be out longer than expected, they need to jump on Dunn. That doesn't mean that Dunn is a savior in any way, it just means that he is the best that is out there. Who knows... maybe an unknown rookie steps up and earns a role on the team. It seems to happen all the time for other teams.
Buddy Ball 2K3
Footballguy
Everyone acts like we do not have a real full back on this team. He will be our short yardage guy and a threat out of the back field.
Scouting ReportI am more than ready to role with the guys we have as long as Westbrook does not suffer from a major injury during the season.
babydemon90
Footballguy
Not sure Edge is the guy to solve any short-yardage issues....
Jason Wood
Zoo York
Look, I like Weaver and think he's got potential to be more versatile for us than the litany of guys we've called fullbacks of late. But there seems to be a romanticizing of his skill set much in the way we've seen in the past with Kris Wilson or Cris Clemons or Lorenzo Booker. Weaver has 66 short-yardage carries in his NFL career [i define that as carries with 3 yards or less to go for a 1st down]. In 66 carries, he has 15 first downs and ZERO touchdowns. At best, he's totally unproven as a "short yardage specialist", at worst, he projects to be relatively ineffective in that role based on what he's done so far.
At the goal-line [5 yards to go or less], Weaver has a whopping TWO career carries. He converted one for a TD.
So let's slow our role about what a weapon Weaver will be for us until we actually see that Reid plans on using him.
Jason Wood
Zoo York
Edge seems to have gotten a bad rep as a short yardage guy, and I think that's because people are confusing "short yardage", i.e., the ability to get a 1st down when your team only has a handful of yards to go, with "goal line conversion." As a short yardage back, James is among the best in the business, career-wise. From 2002-Present, no NFL back has more short-yardage carries (368), yards (1,164) or 1st downs (229).And even over the last three seasons, Edge has converted 65 first downs in 99 carries of 3rds to go or fewer. His 65.7% conversion rate ranks well with other workhorse backs including: Tomlinson (67.9%), Westbrook (66.7%), Peterson (68.8%). He can still get it done, particularly behind a dominant offensive line like the Eagles should/will have this year.
I've always been a fan of Edge. It would please me greatly if they brought him on as an insurance policy.
As Jason pointed out, there is definitely a misconception about Edge's short yardage prowess over the course of his career. If Indy needed 3 yards and a first, Edge got it for them way more often than not. Arizona, not so much so, but I think that had a lot to do with the offensive line. Plus, I don't believe 'Zona used him all that much in that fashion. I may be wrong.
Bring in Edge.....couldn't possibly be any worse than what we are sitting on now.
As Jason pointed out, there is definitely a misconception about Edge's short yardage prowess over the course of his career. If Indy needed 3 yards and a first, Edge got it for them way more often than not. Arizona, not so much so, but I think that had a lot to do with the offensive line. Plus, I don't believe 'Zona used him all that much in that fashion. I may be wrong.
Bring in Edge.....couldn't possibly be any worse than what we are sitting on now.
Buddy Ball 2K3
Footballguy
If they bring in James it only means one thing... BWest will miss time in the regular season due to his current injury. I want McCoy to get as many carries as possible this season. Westbrook clearly is at the end of the line. He only had three 100+ yard games last year and 10 games under 65 yards. I think its very important that we get McCoy comfortable with this offense and I dont want to see a guy like James come in and slow down his progress unless its absolutely necessary.
IMO they signed Weaver because he is an exceptional blocking back, who can also catch the ball and one that they feel can help them in short yardage situations. They will use Weaver quite often to pick up blitzs thus allowing McCoy/Westbrook more freedom in the offense. He will get plenty of plaing time this year. Its time to prepare for the future with out Westbrook.
IMO they signed Weaver because he is an exceptional blocking back, who can also catch the ball and one that they feel can help them in short yardage situations. They will use Weaver quite often to pick up blitzs thus allowing McCoy/Westbrook more freedom in the offense. He will get plenty of plaing time this year. Its time to prepare for the future with out Westbrook.
Didn't we just spend a high pick on a RB? And pick up a legit FB who can lead block? I really don't think Edge fits this offense all that well, and we have some weapons.I could see a back like Dunn...maybe...but I agree wih Buddy...we'll be all right as long as WEsty isn't looking to be gone most of the year.
dotman
Footballguy
I can't see how Edge would "slow down" McCoy's progress. If anything, having another veteran all pro around seems like a good thing to me. Think of it this way....do you think Mcoy would be better off if Westbrook wasn't on the team? I don't. McCoy is only 20 anyway and I just don't think he should see a significant amount of carries this year, at least early. I'd like to see him worked in slowly so that his body is still fresh towards the end of the year when the games count more. Adding Edge would allow that to happen.
Buddy Ball 2K3
Footballguy
So now you are talking about running an offense where they use 3 backs? No, thanks I will pass.
GoBirds
Footballguy
What makes you think Edge wouls want anything to do with coming here? Last year he was complaining about splitting carries with a rookie, why would he want to come here and split with Westbrook, a rookie, and a new FB?
stevegamer
Footballguy
Jason:If you're comparing Weaver to Booker/Clemons/Wilson, you really need to take a closer look, because you're not seeing clearly.
Wilson & Booker have done more or less nothing in their careers. Booker has flashed some ability as a 3rd down back in his one year in Miami, but it's not been consistent. Clemons came to the team having 8 sacks as a rush specialist, so I think his "hype" was semi-reasonable, but he saw few snaps, and still had 4 sacks.
Weaver comes in being the Pro Bowl alternate for the NFC at fullback, is a VERY good blocking & receiving fullback, who has shown more as a runner than the stats would suggest.
One of these things is not like the others, which one doesn't belong?
dotman
Footballguy
It works pretty well for the Giants
I think everyone is taking for granted that Westy will come back and be fine. Eventually there will be a time where you can't rely on him anymore, I hope it's down the line but it could come sooner than we all imagine. And I don't know if Edge would want to come play in Philly, but if he would be interested I think he'd be a big help.
Buddy Ball 2K3
Footballguy
The Eagles and the Giants run vastly different offenses. I will go on history and say that Westy wont play a full season and that we will have to depend on McCoy this year. We are we acting like this kid can't play? We would be saying the same thing if we drafted a guy like Moreno or Wells?It works pretty well for the GiantsI think everyone is taking for granted that Westy will come back and be fine. Eventually there will be a time where you can't rely on him anymore, I hope it's down the line but it could come sooner than we all imagine. And I don't know if Edge would want to come play in Philly, but if he would be interested I think he'd be a big help.
babydemon90
Footballguy
I seem to recall the Eagles running the ball well with a 3 back mix back when Duce was here...The Eagles and the Giants run vastly different offenses. I will go on history and say that Westy wont play a full season and that we will have to depend on McCoy this year. We are we acting like this kid can't play? We would be saying the same thing if we drafted a guy like Moreno or Wells?It works pretty well for the GiantsI think everyone is taking for granted that Westy will come back and be fine. Eventually there will be a time where you can't rely on him anymore, I hope it's down the line but it could come sooner than we all imagine. And I don't know if Edge would want to come play in Philly, but if he would be interested I think he'd be a big help.
Buddy Ball 2K3
Footballguy
If we only had mediocre backs I would agree with you. But we have a stud in BWest, what I believe to be a very promising back to fill his spot and a real FB like we haven't seen in quite some time. We already have 3 backs. I think you will see BWest's touches go from being close to 300 down to about 230-250 thanks to McCoy and a capable FB that can both run and catch. I would love to see McCoy get about 100 touches this season and if we bring in back like Edge or Dunn, I doubt that happens. As I said before, if Westbrook goes down for a significant amount of time then I would be all on board signing a guy like Edge.
Ignatius Reilly
Footballguy
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles...?cmpid=16339736
I've been seeing these articles popping up more times than not lately. For the first time for as long as I can remember with Avant picking up his game bigtime last year, and Maclin coming on board, we actaully have a glut of decent recvievers. Looks like Reggie Brown is the odd man out if we don't keep 6WR's. I think a combination of injuries and complacency set in with Reggie, but if he has a solid camp, does Baskett really have more upside than Reggie??
I've been seeing these articles popping up more times than not lately. For the first time for as long as I can remember with Avant picking up his game bigtime last year, and Maclin coming on board, we actaully have a glut of decent recvievers. Looks like Reggie Brown is the odd man out if we don't keep 6WR's. I think a combination of injuries and complacency set in with Reggie, but if he has a solid camp, does Baskett really have more upside than Reggie??
Ive been reading the same kind of praise for Reggie. It does seem like Baskett will be the odd man out if they keep 5.
shimtown
Footballguy
McNabb restructured final 2 years a done deal. 10am PC tomorrow. Just a raise and more guaranteed money, no extra years yet. D Gunn broke story 1st.
CSN Phila link
Schwartz: Eagles Rework End of McNabb's Deal
Donovan McNabb and the Eagles have agreed to rework the final two years of his contract. (Getty)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
By Andy Schwartz
CSNPhilly.com
The suspense and speculation is over.
Finally.
As first reported by CSN’s Derrick Gunn, the Eagles and Donovan McNabb have restructured the final two years of his contract. McNabb’s contract will still expire in 2010.
McNabb was scheduled to earn $9.2 million this season and $10 million in 2010. This new deal likely guarantees some if not all of that amount.
“We are thrilled that this all worked out,” Eagles president Joe Banner said in a statement. “He is a great football player, a great person, and someone who gives back to the community. We are lucky to have him in Philadelphia.”
As Gunn reported last week, the two sides had been discussing an extension before agreeing to focus on reworking the final two years of the 12-year, $115 million extension he signed in 2002. That extension initially expired in 2013, but McNabb voided the final three years by reaching certain incentive clauses.
Now his deal expires at the same time as backup Kevin Kolb’s. Kolb, a second-round pick in 2007, has two seasons left on his four-year contract.
Earlier this offseason, the 32-year-old McNabb purportedly indicated he wouldn’t negotiate a new deal until he evaluated the moves the team made in the offseason. Apparently, he's satisfied, although he has yet to hold a press conference this offseason to discuss the matter. That will change Friday, as the five-time Pro Bowler is scheduled to meet the media at 10 a.m.
"The Philadelphia Eagles organization and the entire city of Philadelphia are fortunate to have a quarterback the caliber of Donovan McNabb," head coach Andy Reid said in a statement. "He has proven himself to be a talented player on the field, a caring member of the Philadelphia community, and a winner."
Among active quarterbacks with at least 100 starts, McNabb trails only Tom Brady and Peyton Manning with a 64.5 winning percentage. Last season, his 10th in the league, McNabb completed 345 of 571 pass attempts for 3,916 yards – all team records – as the Eagles set a new franchise record by scoring 416 points.
“Some quarterbacks can go on, and it seems like forever,” offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said last week. “I think he’s right in the middle of his prime.”
McNabb's 2.16 career touchdown/interception ratio trails only Brady and Steve Young. McNabb has thrown an interception in 2.09 percent of his attempts, the lowest mark in league history among quarterbacks with at least 1,500 attempts.
With 3,109 yards rushing, the five-time Pro Bowler is also one of six players in league history to throw for over 25,000 yards and run for over 3,000. (Randall Cunningham leads the six in rushing yards with 4,298).
In the NFC Championship loss to Arizona, McNabb threw for 375 yards, a playoff career high, to surpass Steve Young and move into 10th place in league history with 3,522 career passing yards in the postseason.
“[He’s] right in the middle of an outstanding career,” Mornhinweg said. “I think one day he will most likely be elected to the Hall of Fame. He’s got some more work to do to do that. I think he has been and will play at a high level for quite some time.”
On the other hand, McNabb has completed only 58.9 percent of his career pass attempts, lower than such non-Hall of Fame caliber QBs as Damon Huard, David Carr, Jason Campbell and J.P. Losman.
Nevertheless, McNabb has recorded more regular season victories (82) and playoff wins (seven) than any other quarterback in team history.
CSN Phila link
Schwartz: Eagles Rework End of McNabb's Deal
Donovan McNabb and the Eagles have agreed to rework the final two years of his contract. (Getty)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
By Andy Schwartz
CSNPhilly.com
The suspense and speculation is over.
Finally.
As first reported by CSN’s Derrick Gunn, the Eagles and Donovan McNabb have restructured the final two years of his contract. McNabb’s contract will still expire in 2010.
McNabb was scheduled to earn $9.2 million this season and $10 million in 2010. This new deal likely guarantees some if not all of that amount.
“We are thrilled that this all worked out,” Eagles president Joe Banner said in a statement. “He is a great football player, a great person, and someone who gives back to the community. We are lucky to have him in Philadelphia.”
As Gunn reported last week, the two sides had been discussing an extension before agreeing to focus on reworking the final two years of the 12-year, $115 million extension he signed in 2002. That extension initially expired in 2013, but McNabb voided the final three years by reaching certain incentive clauses.
Now his deal expires at the same time as backup Kevin Kolb’s. Kolb, a second-round pick in 2007, has two seasons left on his four-year contract.
Earlier this offseason, the 32-year-old McNabb purportedly indicated he wouldn’t negotiate a new deal until he evaluated the moves the team made in the offseason. Apparently, he's satisfied, although he has yet to hold a press conference this offseason to discuss the matter. That will change Friday, as the five-time Pro Bowler is scheduled to meet the media at 10 a.m.
"The Philadelphia Eagles organization and the entire city of Philadelphia are fortunate to have a quarterback the caliber of Donovan McNabb," head coach Andy Reid said in a statement. "He has proven himself to be a talented player on the field, a caring member of the Philadelphia community, and a winner."
Among active quarterbacks with at least 100 starts, McNabb trails only Tom Brady and Peyton Manning with a 64.5 winning percentage. Last season, his 10th in the league, McNabb completed 345 of 571 pass attempts for 3,916 yards – all team records – as the Eagles set a new franchise record by scoring 416 points.
“Some quarterbacks can go on, and it seems like forever,” offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said last week. “I think he’s right in the middle of his prime.”
McNabb's 2.16 career touchdown/interception ratio trails only Brady and Steve Young. McNabb has thrown an interception in 2.09 percent of his attempts, the lowest mark in league history among quarterbacks with at least 1,500 attempts.
With 3,109 yards rushing, the five-time Pro Bowler is also one of six players in league history to throw for over 25,000 yards and run for over 3,000. (Randall Cunningham leads the six in rushing yards with 4,298).
In the NFC Championship loss to Arizona, McNabb threw for 375 yards, a playoff career high, to surpass Steve Young and move into 10th place in league history with 3,522 career passing yards in the postseason.
“[He’s] right in the middle of an outstanding career,” Mornhinweg said. “I think one day he will most likely be elected to the Hall of Fame. He’s got some more work to do to do that. I think he has been and will play at a high level for quite some time.”
On the other hand, McNabb has completed only 58.9 percent of his career pass attempts, lower than such non-Hall of Fame caliber QBs as Damon Huard, David Carr, Jason Campbell and J.P. Losman.
Nevertheless, McNabb has recorded more regular season victories (82) and playoff wins (seven) than any other quarterback in team history.
CaptainHook
Footballguy
All this talk about "short-yardage guys" always seems ridiculous to me when 99% of short-yardage running is the O-line. To me, the existence of this "skill" is just one of those old-fashioned myths. Hitting the hole is way more important than possibly pushing a would-be tackler forward a little bit. With this o-line the eagles short-yardage problem will be completely fixed, regardless of the RB in the backfield.
Is there a way I can get a stat of something like 3rd and 1 and 4th and 1 conversion % comparing guys under 210lbs to guys over 230lbs
Bad news about westbrook, but mccoy is a perfectly fine replacement. Eagles lucked into him based on combine numbers that do not represent his athletecism at all. Even if he's healthy, it was pretty obvious last year that westbrook is no longer westbrook.
Very excited about the season.
Is there a way I can get a stat of something like 3rd and 1 and 4th and 1 conversion % comparing guys under 210lbs to guys over 230lbs
Bad news about westbrook, but mccoy is a perfectly fine replacement. Eagles lucked into him based on combine numbers that do not represent his athletecism at all. Even if he's healthy, it was pretty obvious last year that westbrook is no longer westbrook.
Very excited about the season.
phillyphan07
Footballguy
Is it just me, or is this a very weird contract for McNabb? They just gave him more money, but didn't add years?
Buddy Ball 2K3
Footballguy
Pat Kirwan on Sirius has been saying for months that this is exactly the deal the Eagles would want to give McNabb. It makes perfect sense for them and as always they come out looking great IMO.
I don't think it is that weird. We will have to see how much more money, but I am assuming it isn't a significant change. It seems the Eagles and McNabb were both comfortable with the salary for the next two years. McNabb's concern was just that they could cut him tomorrow for any reason since the last two years were not guaranteed and there weren't significant cap penalties for the team. On the surface it looks like they gave him security for the next two years and everyone will look at the situation again after that. The weird thing might be that it is just a player and a team acting reasonable and working together.(all the above changes if he actually got another 5 or 10 million)edit: ok, 5.3 million. i now agree, it is odd. extra money, security, still a free agent in 2 years - what did the team get? a happy qb?
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SouthJersey
Footballguy
A bunch of players in the locker room can't be pleased that the Eagles won't even discuss their contract yet will give McNabb an extra $6 million after what seemed like a simple request.
Zoomanji
Footballguy
Agree but isn't the reason obvious? (look at Dawkins, trotter, etc)The really weird part will be in 2011 with McNabb in a Redskins uni beating the Eagles and K. Kolb
phillyphan07
Footballguy
Let me clarify.... The purpose of this deal was for the front office to tell McNabb and the media that McNabb is and will be the QB of the eagles. They didn't add any years so this was totally a PR move.
But by this time next year the media speculation will be 10 times worse because McNabb will be entering the final year of his deal. So they'll either have to do another deal next year or go through a year with a lame duck QB.
Why not add another 2-3 NONguaranteed years to the contract so you can at least brush aside those questions when the come. If you want to get rid of McNabb at the end of 2 years you're free to do it.
Also, what happens if McNabb has a career year in 2010 (last year of the current contract)? Its feasible. All the young talent (Jackson, Maclin and McCoy) should be hitting their primes. Then the eagles are in a terrible bargaining position...
But by this time next year the media speculation will be 10 times worse because McNabb will be entering the final year of his deal. So they'll either have to do another deal next year or go through a year with a lame duck QB.
Why not add another 2-3 NONguaranteed years to the contract so you can at least brush aside those questions when the come. If you want to get rid of McNabb at the end of 2 years you're free to do it.
Also, what happens if McNabb has a career year in 2010 (last year of the current contract)? Its feasible. All the young talent (Jackson, Maclin and McCoy) should be hitting their primes. Then the eagles are in a terrible bargaining position...
I think it was a bit more complicated then all of that. I thought I read somewhere that there were some provisions in his contract which would let McNabb void the final years if he met certain criteria (which he did). Meaning...the Eagles did have some very real incentive to redo this part of the contract.The redo seems very reasonable to me.
i didn't say i thought it was crazy, just odd. so often we are only dealing with part of the information. those provisions would be interesting to see.
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thriftyrocker
Footballguy
The original contract went through 2013. He voided 3 years - 2011 thru 2013. WIP said this morning they did it because there's a minimum salary cap and they needed to pay someone to meet that minimum.
Chunky Soup
Footballguy
Buddy Ball 2K3
Footballguy
Eagles signed McCoy this evening. Clearly they want him in camp right away to learn this offense. I think this tells us a little bit about Westbrook as well.
So says Drew
I don't know that it tells us anything about Westbrook really. They had every pick except for McCoy and Maclin signed. They usually work in reverse order so he would be next. Could have been this week or two weeks from now, either way the kid was going to be in for the start of camp and I think both sides knew that. There will probably be a break before Maclin is signed because of the holiday, but he will be inked well before camp too.We know Westbrook won't be there for the start of camp, this report doesn't change that. The Eagles usually do a good job getting these things taken care of quickly. Seems like normal operating procedure.
loose circuits
Footballguy
hopefully Maclin signs soon. If he misses any camp, he'll have little chance of beating out Curtis...maybe the birds are gonna go WRBC anyways?
I am curious to see how they use their WRs. Mid way through last season they said McNabb was not getting a rhythm with the WRs since they were rotating so much and stopped it. They have such a deep group this year, it'll be hard not to get them all on the field.
