NFC East Rundown: Tough Division Does Washington Redskins No Favors

The NFC East has a long-standing history as the most competitive division in football. Its teams possess both tradition and championships.

After a brief hiatus in the first half of the 2000s, the NFC East has reasserted itself as the premier division in the NFL. All four teams can stake some claim to being legitimate postseason contenders, and at least two teams from the East should make it to the play-offs.

The Washington Redskins are hoping to be one of the teams in the mix come play-off time, but they must rebound from last years 8-8 record (last in the NFC East).

They made some significant upgrades especially along the defensive line, but they still lack a superstar offensive weapon that can help an anemic passing attack.

The Redskins are an average team. They play to their opponents level most Sundays and have never shaken the air of complacency that surrounds the franchise.

For the Redskins, mediocrity reigns supreme. In the rough-and-tumble NFC East, mediocrity will not suffice if Washington wants to advance to the postseason.

If the ‘Skins can get some offensive improvement in year two with Jim Zorn’s west coast offense, they might have enough to win the division. The defense should only improve on their number four ranking, leaving success up to the Jason Campbell and the offense.

As for the remaining three teams, here’s a look at the burning questions that surround them coming into the 2009 season.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys get the hype, but last year the hoopla didn’t earn Dallas a play-off spot. They stumbled to a 9-7 record, missing the play-offs courtesy of 44-6 drubbing from the Eagles in week 17.

This year, they will be without the services of WR Terrell Owens who was released in the offseason. Safety Roy Williams left after a down year in which he only played three games, but the defense still has a fearsome front seven led by sackmaster DeMarcus Ware.

Tony Romo will lead an offense complete with RB Marion Barber and WR Roy Williams. The offensive line was somewhat underwhelming last year, surrendering 31 sacks.

This year, the hype has disappeared and with good reason. The Cowboys lack a strong second option behind Williams at WR and their secondary has some serious question marks. The Cowboys will need to answer these burning questions in order to right the ship and make the play-offs in 2009.

1. Can Tony Romo exorcise his December demons and make a deep run into the play-offs?

Romo’s struggles in December have been well-documented. Though he isn’t the only one to blame for Dallas’ late-season swoons, his big game performances leave plenty to be desired.

With one less weapon available (Owens), Romo will need to step his game up even more. Roy Williams didn’t adapt quickly in Dallas last year catching just 19 passes for 198 yards. Romo didn’t even throw a TD pass to Williams as his only TD reception was caught from Brad Johnson.

This year Romo will need to target Williams more often and lean on the one-two punch of Marion Barber and Felix Jones in the ground game. Security blanket, Jason Witten, is back at tight end.

The departure of Owens may very well allow Romo to make Dallas HIS team. TO made life difficult for Romo by demanding the ball in any and every situation, but now Romo will feel no pressure in who he chooses to throw to.

Romo’s decision-making might have been made easier by letting TO go, but he still will feel the pressure to deliver in the clutch. People forget he is only entering his third year as the Cowboys starting QB because of his quick success, but this is the year where Romo will need to break his big game drought.

2. What do the Cowboys most need to be a successful franchise this year?

Believe it or not, Jason Garrett could be the key to a successful 2009.

Garrett botched several games last year with poor playcalling. He abandoned the run game often, seemingly forgetting that Marion Barber can shoulder a huge load and wear down defenses.

Again, the TO effect forced the Cowboys to keep things focused on the passing game, but Garrett’s run-pass ratio was astounding at times last year. Romo can throw it around with the best of them, but he would be that much more effective with an established run game.

Expect Garrett to reign in his desire to sling it around and look to his Barber-Jones Combo. Barber improves as the game goes on with his bruising style while Jones proved last year that his speed makes him a threat to score on any play.

New York Giants

The Giants failed to defend there Super Bowl title in 2008, losing to the Eagles in the divisional round of the playoffs.

They burst out of the gate in 2008, but after losing Plaxico Burress to a gunshot wound, things ground to a halt. Eli Manning was unable to keep things rolling without his big target out wide and the Giants offense fizzled on the big stage in the postseason.

This year, New York is back with two-thirds of its ground game intact and the Giants added two big WRs in the draft. Osi Umenyiora returns from an injury, meaning the Giants will once again be a force in the trenches.

But what’s keeping the Giants from cruising to another NFC East title?

1. Will Hakeem Nicks fill in for Plaxico Burress quickly?

The Giants need Nicks to develop quickly. Nicks was a first round pick out of UNC and his size certainly fits the bill. Manning had very little to work with last year. Dominique Hixon, Steve Smith, and Amani Toomer couldn’t fill the number one receiver spot last year so it will be up to Nicks to play at a high level.

If Nicks can provide 60 or so catches the remainder of the receiving corps might have just enough in them to make the Giants a solid passing team.

2. Will the loss of Derrick Ward sink the Giants running game?

Ward was arguably the biggest facet of the Giants ground attack. He was the biggest threat catching passes out of the backfield.

Brandon Jacobs will handle the majority of the carries now, but his upright, pounding running style leaves him at a huge risk for injury. Ward kept him from accumulating too many carries, but Ahmad Bradshaw isn’t a strong option between the tackles.

Bradshaw is a speedster and should provide some pop catching the football, but he only took 67 carries so it is uncertain if he can carry the ball 10 times a game to spell Jacobs.

New York drafted NC State back Andre Brown in the fourth round, and they are hoping he will be able to take some carries away from Jacobs as well. Keeping him healthy is a must for the offense to be successful.

Philadelphia Eagles

Philly overachieved last year, making the playoffs in miracle-like fashion. They went on a big run to the NFC Championship, and came up just short of making their third ever Super Bowl, losing to the Cardinals.

Weeks earlier, the Eagles appeared as if the Donovan McNabb-Andy Reid era was over. The Eagles had tied the woeful Bengals and had been decimated by Baltimore, but after McNabb came back from a mid-game benching in Baltimore, things changed.

The Eagles got several breaks and found themselves playing for a postseason berth in week 17 against Dallas. They responded well, winning 44-6. Then came the play-off run.

This year, Philly has pulled out all the stops. McNabb requested some offensive help, the Eagles brought in WR Jeremy Maclin and RB LeSean McCoy through the draft. Then they pulled off a trade to acquire highly touted LT Jason Peters from Buffalo. He joins free agent pickup Stacey Andrews on one of the better lines in football.

Pundits have given the Eagles an early edge over their NFC East counterparts. Considering Philly has a much improved offense and Jim Johnson at the controls on defense, no one can fault the experts.

What could derail the Eagles “Super” hopes?

1. Can the Eagles run between the tackles?

In the NFC East, teams have to be able to pound the ball. The battles in the trenches are so important.

Philadelphia ranked just 22nd in the NFL in rushing and that is partly due to the ineffectiveness of Brian Westbrook.

Westbrook has trouble staying healthy and isn’t built to run the ball between the tackles. He is small and struggles to break tackles in close quarters. He fits the west coast style the Eagles play, but there are times every team has to grind out some tough yards.

The addition of McCoy gives the Eagles an opportunity to change their running style. McCoy carried the ball 308 times in 2008, proving he can take a heavy workload. Add in his 4.8 yards per carry and they have a match made in heaven.

Westbrook will be able to cut down his carries while remaining a viable pass option as McCoy will give the Eagles a presence in the running game they have lacked in years.

2. Will the Eagles overcome the loss of Brian Dawkins?

Dawkins was the Philadelphia Eagles to many people. His game hadn’t really declined as much as some believe either.

The leadership is very difficult to replace, but the Eagles do have several talented safeties. Sean Jones and Quentin Mikell both are quietly two of the better defensive backs in the game while at corner the Eagles are set with Sheldon Brown and Asante Samuel.

So while Dawkins’ presence won’t be filled, the Eagles do have the players to cover the void left by his departure.

Their blitz happy scheme is incredibly good at disguising holes and weaknesses. They have a deep defensive line that generates a bunch of pressure, and that will help the secondary in coverage.

Hillenmeyer Hunting for a New Job? Chicago Bears Sign LB Tinoisamoa

On Friday, the Chicago Bears came to terms with former St. Louis Rams linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa on a one-year contract.

Tinoisamoa had led the Rams in tackles in four of the past six seasons, including a stellar 2008 campaign in which he recorded 135 tackles (88 solo). He will likely start next to Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs this season.

For the record, I am absolutely using cut and paste to continually refer to Tinoisamoa.

The problem created by this signing is that the must easier spelled Hunter Hillenmeyer might have become the only Vanderbilt graduate without job security in Bears camp.

Hillenmeyer, drafted in 2003, struggled with health issues last year, limiting him to just 18 tackles (14 solo) in 13 games. He was in danger of losing his starting job to Nick Roach this summer without the addition of Tinoisamoa.

Tinoisamoa played for Bears’ head coach Lovie Smith in St. Louis in 2003. He was drafted in the second round before that season, the same draft as Hillenmeyer.

Tinoisamoa will also replace Adewale Ogunleye on the Bears roster as being the player who’s name is worth the most Scrabble points.

The Radioactive AFC East, Who Will Have What It Takes To Win It All?

This year, the AFC East champions wont have it easy. With every team in the conference making key off-season acquisitions, the AFC East seems poised to give the famed and fabled NFC East a run for its money.

First we start with the pure evil of the league, the New England Patriots. Making moves better than Cobra Commander could ever dream of, Bill Belichick made several off season steals to make his roster even better than last year.

It seems like every writer says the same thing for years now. Joey Galloway is still rumored to run a 4.5 and with the old man’s experience, don’t be surprised if he leaves a young corner or two lost in translation.

Leigh Bodden and Sean Springs silence any questions about losing Asante Samuel and any other glaring hole on the team, as if there was one. Finally for the villain in this little picture, they signed the Jaguars running game by picking up Fred Taylor in this off season. All in all, the Patriots won’t have many teams running to their door step.

Then there is the sheer and utter scum, otherwise referred to as the New York Jets. This team made the most drastic changes of arguably any in the team, hiring new Head Coach Rex Ryan.

Rex then proceeded to turn the Jets into Baltimore North by signing Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard, to sure up a defense that combined with an ailing Favre kept the Jets from the playoffs, again.

Drafting Mark Sanchez as hard as it is for me to type at this point was a great move on there part. I believe they either signed the first good QB they’ve had since Broadway Joe, and even if he isn’t he at least can manage his way out of trouble, with Thomas Jones finally showing back up to share the load.

I salivate at the chance of welcoming Mark Sanchez to the Dolphins Jets rivalry with a big fat 0-2 and a see ya, next year!!!!

Finally, the Buffalo Bills weren’t napping this off-season. With the NFL’s CBA in question I feel the decision to bring T.O. to Buffalo was more a PR move than a move to position themselves closer to the championship, even though its hard to argue they are worse off.

Controversial or not, Terrell Owens is probably the second best receiver behind the greatest Jerry Rice. Efforts show this and if you ignore that pull out any stat book that the NFL has and you’ll soon realize that T. O. is a good player, however verbose and pompous he may be.

Aside from his sheer talent and the fact that the Bills looked so promising before falling back into mediocrity, it was a move I feel to bring the cameras who are blood thirsty for the next oppurtunity to bash and batter the receiver, to a small market town in danger of losing the only team the area cares about besides the NHL’s Sabers.

With Marshawn Lynch, and another year under Trent Edwards belt, do not fall asleep on T.O.’s new experiment.

Now that I got the unpleasantries out of the way, the Dolphins have no smooth sailing ahead by any means. On strength of schedule alone we are among the leagues hardest, and after being the AFC East champions the secret is no longer a simple whisper in the wind.

We didn’t stand flat-footed ourselves, drafting Pat White, Sean Smith, and first-rounder Vontae Davis would seem to solidify the only positions we’ve needed help in all along.

Thank the heavens for Bill Parcells and for his instilling of the vision here in Miami. For the first time in about seven years, the Dolphins are trying to figure out how to make a Super Bowl appearance instead of eking in the back door to make a playoff spot.

All in all the AFC East seems almost like four nuclear bombs waiting to explode on one another and show the rest of the league why the AFC East is one of the best divisions in the league.

The Road won’t be easy but look for the Dolphins to do a fine job of defending their division crown!

The AFC East Will Be Tough for Dolphins to Repeat as Champs

The Miami Dolphins won the AFC East in 2008 with an 11-5 record.

It won’t be quite as easy for the Dolphins.

The New England Patriots welcome back Tom Brady to the equation after missing the majority of the 2008 season with a torn ACL.

He’s back now and ready for redemption after guiding the Patriots to an undefeated regular season mark in 2007 before falling to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl.

New England, which won the AFC East the previous five seasons, still managed to put together an 11-5 season last year under quarterback Matt Cassel‘s leadership.  Cassel threw for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns, but was traded to Kansas City in the off-season. 

New England still has star receiver Randy Moss and the dynamic Wes Welker at wideout, as well as adding Joey Galloway to the mix.  Fred Taylor was signed in the off-season and is expected to be a key contributor at running back.

The Buffalo Bills also made a big splash in the off-season as they signed Terrell Owens, who is coming off his ninth 1,000-yard season in the past 10 years. 

The 35-year old Owens could help the Bills in the passing game led by quarterback Trent Edwards.  Buffalo finished 7-9 last season.

The New York Jets went 9-7 in 2008 under the guidance of quarterback Brett Favre, who retired in the off-season. Now the Jets will likely turn towards rookie Mark Sanchez. 

The Jets should have a very solid defense with the additions of linebacker Bart Scott, cornerback Lito Sheppard, and safety Jim Leonhard.

It will be a tough division for the Dolphins to win again because New England should be New England with Brady returning.  With the Bills and Jets being solid teams, there should not be any easy divisional wins to feast on.

Interview Question Set for Minnesota Vikings Kicker Ryan Longwell

Interview Questions with Minnesota Vikings Kicker Ryan Longwell:

1.  Often in the life of a kicker your play makes you a hero or a zero; how do you respond to the “zero” moments?

2.  For most players, the scenario is different with every snap, but for you the only thing that really changes is how far you are from the goal posts. Does that change how you approach a kick, or is every kick the same?

3.  You were 6-of-6 in kicks greater than 50 yards last season. Is kicking something you get better at the longer you’re in the league?

4.  Most kids want to be a star running back or QB when they’re young; how did you get to be a kicker.

5.  Do you feel more pressure on you when you’re playing in lousy field conditions? Or even good field conditions?

6.  Your career long is 55 yards… have you kicked anything better in practice? Do you even keep track?

7.  What is your best/favorite moment in football? Your worst?

Dolphins Looking to Make Playoffs Again in 2009

The Miami Dolphins made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2001, winning the AFC East Division with an 11-5 mark.

Baltimore ended Miami’s dream season in the first round of the playoffs, but without question, the 2008 season was a success after winning just one game the previous year.

Miami expects to return to the playoffs in 2009 despite having the league’s toughest schedule, which includes games against Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Indianapolis, and San Diego, all of whom made the AFC Playoffs.

Head coach Tony Sparano is back after becoming the first coach in NFL history to take a team to the playoffs after winning one game the year prior.  Sparano did an excellent job of showing faith in his team throughout the season and worked well with the players.

Offensive coordinator Dan Henning proved to be a great hire as he used the “Wildcat” formation very effectively, which created some buzz around the league as other teams tried it as well. 

Quarterback Chad Pennington returns after one of the best years of his career as he threw for 3,653 yards and 19 touchdowns with seven interceptions. 

He makes the Miami offense go and his calm demeanor rubs off on an inexperienced receiving corps led by Ted Ginn, who posted career highs with 56 catches and 790 yards.

Ginn is still looking to break out as an elite receiver who can get into the end zone.  He has just four receiving touchdowns in 32 career games.

Wide receivers Greg Camarillo and Devone Bess also showed signs of being productive players in 2008 and will be counted on in 2009.

It would benefit the offense to have a true No. 1 receiver, something they have not addressed in the off-season. 

Former New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress, who has a house in Miami, has said he would like to join the Dolphins, although there are reports out there saying the organization is not interested in his services.

Running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams excelled in 2008, especially with the “Wildcat” as the duo combined to rush for over 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns.  If Miami is going to succeed again this season, these two will need to have solid years.

Miami drafted quarterback Pat White in the second round and he would be a great fit in the creative offense, as he has plenty of running ability. 

With White involved in the offense, even just for a few plays a game, it makes the offense more dynamic, even without a top-flight receiver.

The Dolphins first-round pick in the draft, Vontae Davis, a cornerback from Illinois, is expected to be a key contributor this season.

Miami needed better cornerback play and is hoping Davis, the younger brother of San Francisco’s Vernon Davis, can provide steady play.

Another key acquisition in the off-season was bringing back Jason Taylor, a six-time Pro Bowler in 11 seasons with the Dolphins.

Taylor was traded to the Washington Redskins last August, but after a lackluster season he was released.  Miami signed Taylor to a one-year, $1.5 million deal, and he is expected to play outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme.

On the opposite side of Taylor is Joey Porter, who racked up a career-high 17.5 sacks as an outside linebacker in Paul Pasqualoni‘s 3-4 defense last season.  Meanwhile, inside linebacker Channing Crowder posted a career-best 113 tackles.

Miami is hoping the secondary holds up this season, especially with safety Renaldo Hill (78 tackles, 3 interceptions) and cornerback Andre’ Goodman (team-high 5 interceptions) left for Denver in the off-season.

It is a lot easier to sneak up on people like the Dolphins did in 2008.  Now they have a target on their back and with the league’s toughest schedule this season, it won’t be easy to repeat an 11-5 season. 

However, their goals should be to make it back to the playoffs as they continue to build the foundation for a perennial winner.

Why Do I Bleed Eagle-Green? Thank You, Dad

I remember being very young, about four or five years old, and hating Sundays. Not only was it the last day off before going back to school, but it was the day that the house’s only TV was taken up by a bunch of giant men wrestling around for a ball.

I just didn’t understand it.

All I wanted to do was eat some cereal, sit out on the couch, and watch the Power Rangers. Yes, the Power Rangers. I was four. Leave me alone.

Anyway, that was never the case.

I would always come out to my dad taking up the whole couch and watching football. I didn’t understand why anyone would rather watch something so boring rather than watching the Power Rangers and eating Cap’n Crunch.

However, when I was six years old, I think I made my father happier than I had at any point in his life, and happier than I would ever make him again.

I decided to sign up to play Pee-Wee football.

Why? I don’t really remember anymore but one day it seemed as though the giants wrestling for a ball became extremely interesting. Perhaps it was just seeing it every day and giving in to actually paying attention, who knows.

But I was now a football player, and I don’t think my dad could have been happier.

(By the way, I have no idea who the people are in the picture. It’s not me, nor is it my father. Just to clear that up…moving along!)

My dad never got to play football in school. While he’s a very large, body-building prison guard (yeah, don’t look at him funny) now, he was a very doughy little boy in school.

Poor guy.

But football had become a big part of his life, and I wanted it to be a part of mine as well. So, football entered my life. Little did I know, it would never leave.

Naturally I was an Eagles fan from day one. My dad watched the Eagles, my great-Grandfather watched the Eagles, my uncle watched the Eagles, and so did everyone else.

Really, I had no choice.

For some reason, my favorite player was Hollis Thomas. I guess it was just because I had heard the stories about how he went undrafted but rather than give up on his dreams he sent a tape of himself to all 32 teams, and the Eagles were the only ones who called back.

He was a true rags-to-riches story and even at a young age I took it to heart. So much so that my first number was 78, in honor of Hollis Thomas.

I played football my entire grade-school career, and with each passing year I became more and more interested in the Philadelphia Eagles and just the NFL in general.

Like most people, I became a fan through family preference. However my “fandom” has taken on a life of itself. It’s even to the point that I have the Eagles’ head tattooed on my left shoulder.

Yes, tattooed. And why? Because the Philadelphia Eagles are a huge part of my life.

During the season, they dictate my week. If the Eagles lose, I’m miserable. If they win, the week can progress without a hitch…until next Sunday.

The Philadelphia Eagles, and football in general, have helped me to become a better person. Football will do that to you. Learning to work as a team and overcome hardships is a day-to-day battle for football.

No team exemplifies this trait more than the Philadelphia Eagles.

They are my team. They are my passion. I wasn’t around in ’68, but if I was I’d be the first to pick up that fateful snowball and hurl like Norm Van Brocklin into the body of that awful, awful Santa Clause.

Cut me open, I will bleed green. That is, after I rock you for cutting me open. Don’t mess with a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Anquan Boldin to the Giants? Bad News for Me, Great News for NY

First he states that he wants to get traded off of the Cardinals because he felt that the club didn’t care about him as a player (something Cardinals GM Rod Graves has denied).

Then he fires agent Drew Rosenhaus.

Now, according to the New York Post, Anquan Boldin might be pushed to the New York Giants, who are in the midst of finding a veteran wide receiver to fill the very literal hole Plaxico Burress created, by new agent Tom Condon.

I think I speak for other ‘Cards fans out there when I scream profanities at the top of my lungs.

While Boldin still has a two year contract with Arizona, with $5.75 million still in his deal with the club, a deal somewhere in the $9 to $10 million range could bring the former Offensive Rookie of the Year out of the desert heat and into the Big Apple.

While no word has come out of the NY Giants camp about this breaking news story by the Post, Boldin has expressed interest of being traded in the off season already, teams including but not limited to the Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens have wished to speak with the young wide receiver on his five-year plan.

While we still have Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, and newcomers like Shane Morales to hold down the line as wide receivers, the loss of Boldin would damage the offense of the Cardinals as the preseason begins.

As a fan I think I speak for everyone when I say I hope the Cardinals club knows what they might be losing if Boldin signs with another team—nay—another powerhouse like New York or Philly. Strike a deal with the man and keep him in the desert! He thinks he deserves the pay—GIVE IT TO HIM.

I’m not saying he was the only reason we went so far last year, including the team’s first ever Superbowl appearance, but he definitely helped a bit don’t you think? Get him to stay in Arizona and the guy might help the club get just as far this year.

Or, you know, you could let him listen to his new agent who, by the way, also manages Eli Manning. Man, I’m sure he’d like to have a new reciever to throw to.

Bills Defense Looking For Big Plays, Maybe New Faces Too, in 2009

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.—When Terrence McGee crashed to the turf in practice Wednesday, tumbling beneath Terrell Owens after defending a pass, it pointed out both the depth and the degree of competition on the Buffalo Bills’ defense.

McGee left the practice field immediately after an injury to his right shoulder, later deemed not to be serious. He sat out the final two days of week two of the Bills OTAs.

But instead, the likes of Reggie Corner and Ellis Lankster both contributed picks in drills and illustrated just how competitive training camp promises to be once it opens in July.

The Bills have openings to be sure on defense, particularly at cornerback and defensive end. The Bills’ “D” ,which ranked 14^th overall last season, is one looking to create more big plays, says head coach Dick Jauron.

“We’d love to be a higher turnover ratio team(the Bills were a minus eight in 2008)—however we get them,” Jauron said. “Whether it’s hitting the quarterback in the pocket which creates most of them, or intercepting the ball.”

The Bills had just 10 interceptions last year, though three of them went for touchdowns —tied for third in the National Football League in that regard, but still way fewer than Jauron and defensive coordinator Perry Fewell would be happy with.

And so, with regulars McGee, Leodis McKelvin (finger, non-football specific injury) and Ashton Youboty (plantar fascitis) watching from the sideline, some of the non-regular DBs took center stage at OTAs this week.

Ellis Lankster is a 5’9″, 191 lbsseventh round pick from West Virginia who had 68 tackles with three interceptions for the Mountaineers last season.

Reggie Corner, in his second year (5’10”, 175 lbs from Akron), came on towards the end of last season after plantar fascitis sidelined Youboty. Corner recorded 19 solo tackles and four breakups. Jauron calls him an “effort” player.

“He’s one of those players when you look at him on film and wonder if his game’s going to translate,” Jauron said.  “But he’s a high-energy player. He’s one of those players who looks like he wants to make the play.”

The Bills also have sixth-round pick Cary Harris, 5’11”, 187 lbs from USC who has been nursing a hamstring since rookie camp and 5’10”, 200 pound Jairus Byrd who played corner at Oregon but whose ball-hawking skills will likely lead him to be groomed at free safety.

There’s also competition at defensive end as the Bills look to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and increase their number of sacks over the 2008 season.

Buffalo was 28^th in the league—tied with Washington—in sacks with just 24. Aaron Schobel is coming off a season with just one sack having played just five games, winding up on injured reserve with a toe injury. Ryan Denney had four sacks and Chris Kelsay just two.

Kelsay, a second-round pick in 2003, had a career-high 5.5 sacks in 2006 but his production has declined rapidly since, which led to the Bills selecting Penn State pass rusher Aaron Maybin with their first-round pick in this year’s draft.

Kelsay’s name was often mentioned in offseason trade rumors.

“Before we drafted Aaron, my prior six years I considered Ryan Denney competition and a challenge every training camp,” Kelsay told the Buffalo News. “In this league there are obviously some people who have guaranteed jobs because they’re such good players. But I don’t believe that you can go into any camp or OTA just assuming that your job is secure.”

If Jauron is right and the Bills are truly looking to become more of a ball-hawking defense —one which posted a minus eight turnover ratio in 2008—then nobody’s job should remain secure.

 

 

 

In the Trenches: The Five Biggest Positional Battles for the 2009 Eagles

Positional battles.

They might be the most underrated part of training camp.

 

Training camp is not just about getting yourself into supreme physical condition.

 

It’s about competition. Survival.

 

Many training camp battles are swept under the radar. Only the winner is talked about. The loser is nothing.

 

Yet some training camp battles receive much publication. In 2006, Sports Illustrated featured centers Jamaal Jackson and Hank Fraley on its front cover, a rare feat for an offensive linemen.

 

The following five battles will be the most publicized battles of training camp for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2009 season.

 

 

5. Tight End: Brent Celek vs Cornelius Ingram vs Matt Schobel

 

Following a multitude of disappointing seasons as the Eagles’ tight end, LJ Smith saw his tenure as a member of the Eagles come to an end.

 

In six seasons, LJ never produced a season that surpassed or even met expectations. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens in March, leaving the Eagles three potential candidates for tight end next season.

 

The odds-on favorite to win the starting job is third year player Brent Celek, who was drafted in the fifth round in 2007. Celek developed into a solid receiving target last season, hauling in 27 balls for 318 yards and a score. Against the Seahawks, Celek broke the Eagles’ single-game receiving record for a tight end, hauling in six passes for 131 yards.

 

In the postseason, Celek was an absolute beast. He caught six balls for 56 yards in the wild-card round. He scored a touchdown against the Giants in the divisional round. And he went wild against the Cardinals in the conference championship game, catching 10 balls for 83 yards and two touchdowns.

 

When the postseason is factored in, Celek was actually the team’s best tight end last season.

 

Cornelius Ingram was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2009 draft. Ingram missed the entire 2008 college football season due to injured ligaments in his knee. As a result, he slipped a few rounds in the draft, but has been described by many as the steal of the draft.

 

Ingram averaged 15 yards per reception in the 2007 season, an unheard-of amount for a tight end. He also has been described as a clutch target, especially reliable in the red zone.

 

Matt Schobel has been with the Eagles since the 2006 season. Over three seasons, he has hauled in 27 passes for 332 yards and three touchdowns. He has been described as a “reliable target” but possesses no real playmaking ability. Schobel turned 30 years old in the middle of the 2008 season and will probably have to fight for a roster spot next season.

 

The starting position at tight end is Celek’s job to lose. Ingram lacks experience at the professional level and Schobel simply can’t compete with Celek’s playmaking ability. However, a phenomenal training camp by Ingram could earn him the starting position.

 

On the other hand, a disappointing performance could drop him to third on the depth chart. It would take a virtual miracle for Schobel to enter next season as the team’s starter.

 

 

4. Return Duties: Quintin Demps vs Ellis Hobbs and DeSean Jackson vs Jeremy Maclin

 

For the first time in years, the Eagles have legitimate weapons at both kick returner and punt returner. In 2008, Demps averaged over 25 yards per kickoff return, including a 100-yard touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens. Jackson returned a punt for a touchdown against the Redskins in October, and added two other returns of over 60 yards.

 

In the offseason, the Eagles signed cornerback and kick returned Ellis Hobbs from the New England Patriots. They also drafted wide receiver Jeremy Maclin in the first round of the NFL draft. Hobbs had been a sensational kick returner for the Patriots.

 

In 2007, he set an NFL-record by returning a kickoff for a 108-yard touchdown. In 2008, Hobbs led the entire AFC in kick return yardage.

 

Maclin has been described as one of the more explosive return specialists in the game today. Maclin holds the NCAA single-season record for total all-purpose yards in a season by a freshman. He returned a kick for a touchdown in 2007 and in 2008. He had two punt returns for scores in 2007 and another in 2008, giving him five return touchdowns in two seasons.

 

The Eagles have an unusual situation in 2008. Hobbs, Demps, Maclin, and Jackson are four of the more explosive return men in the NFL. The team only needs one kick returner and one punt returner. Likely the team’s number one wide receiver, Jackson is at risk for injury as a return specialist.

 

Maclin is just a rookie and will likely be the team’s DeSean Jackson in 2009, meaning he’ll play wide receiver and return punts. Demps will likely not return kicks if he somehow beats out Sean Jones for the starting job. However, if Hobbs somehow beats out Brown for the second spot at cornerback, Demps may still be returning kicks.

 

The logical choice, assuming that both Hobbs and Demps fail to land a starting job on defense, is to keep Demps at kick returner and give Maclin the punt returning duties.

 

 

3. Defensive End: Trent Cole vs Juqua Parker vs Darren Howard vs Victor Abiamiri vs Chris Clemons

 

This one is complicated.

 

Trent Cole is one year removed from a Pro Bowl selection and should keep his starting job for the 2009 season. However, Darren Howard played surprisingly well last season, leading the team in sacks. Cole will probably keep his starting job, but if Howard continues to shine, expect Cole to see about two-thirds of the snaps.

 

Parker was a pleasant surprise last season, tallying five sacks and returning an interception for a game-saving touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers.

 

However, Parker is now 31 years old and will likely be splitting time with Abiamiri and Clemons next year. Abiamiri is just 23 years old and saw limited action in 2008, recording 22 tackles and two sacks.

 

He will compete with Parker for the starting job. However, Abiamiri will be pushed by sixth-year player Chris Clemons, who finished with four sacks in the season’s final nine games in 2008. Clemons also added a 73-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the season finale against Dallas.

 

Expect Cole and Parker to keep their starting spots, but don’t be surprised if a strong training camp by Howard or Abiamiri (or even Clemons) gives one of them a starting spot.

 

 

2. WILL Linebacker: Akeem Jordan vs Omar Gaither

 

This battle will be intense. Akeem Jordan joined the Eagles as a rookie free agent before the 2007 season and managed to steal Omar Gaither’s starting spot at linebacker for the final six games of the 2008 season. Jordan accumulated 52 total tackles last season and helped the Eagles win five of their final six games to earn a playoff spot.

 

Omar Gaither is an underachieving outside linebacker whose pride suffered a massive hit when he relinquished his starting position in the middle of the 2008 season. Gaither is capable of playing any position in the linebacking corps, but is most comfortable at outside linebacker.

 

He showed his true potential by leading the Eagles in tackles in the 2007 season. However, a disappointing 2008 season has left Gaither’s future as a starter in jeopardy.

 

This may not be the popular choice, but I expect the determined Gaither to win his starting job back in training camp.

 

 

1. Wide Receiver: DeSean Jackson vs Kevin Curtis vs Jeremy Maclin vs Reggie Brown vs Hank Baskett vs Jason Avant

 

Not a single one of the six is a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver. The Eagles don’t even like naming a player as a number one wide receiver, preferring to use a mix. And guess what? Nobody cares. All are capable of getting the job done and all six will see significant playing time in the 2009 season.

 

DeSean Jackson is likely the favorite to earn the title of “number one wide receiver.” The second year player caught 62 passes for a team-high 912 yards and two touchdowns in the 2008 season. His speed and playmaking ability helped the Eagles finish one game short of the Super Bowl.

 

Jackson provided many memorable moments from last season, from a 55-yard reception on his first-ever NFL play to a 62-yard go-ahead touchdown catch to complete an improbable 18-point comeback in the NFC championship game.

 

Kevin Curtis is the only member of the Eagles’ receiving corps to catch 1000 yards in a season. In 2007, Curtis led the team with 1110 yards on 77 catches. He suffered through a disappointing 2008, catching just 33 passes. In 2009, Curtis will likely rebound to top form and will compete for a starting spot.

 

Jeremy Maclin is the only rookie wide receiver on the Eagles’ squad. He is a big play threat, but possesses more ability as a return man. He caught 102 passes as a sophomore in 2008, and will likely contribute 40-60 catches in 2009.

 

Reggie Brown has been a disappointment throughout his entire career. He lost his starting job to rookie DeSean Jackson in the middle of the 2008 season. He also slipped behind Kevin Curtis and Jason Avant on the depth chart. Brown has a lot to prove in 2009, and could end up as anything from the team’s third to sixth wide receiver.

 

Hank Baskett possesses deceptive big play ability and turns in at least one 85-yard touchdown per season. Baskett made six starts in 2008 and caught 33 passes for 440 yards and three touchdowns. Baskett will compete for a fourth or fifth spot at wide receiver next season.

 

Jason Avant made a name for himself as the team’s third-down receiver in 2008. He has turned 14 of 17 third down catches into first downs. He could enter next season ranked as high as fourth or as low as sixth on the depth chart.

 

Expect Jackson to relinquish his punt returning duties and serve as the number one receiver. Curtis will probably beat out Maclin for the third spot. I expect Avant to surprise and capture the fourth spot, with Baskett and Brown rounding out the wide receiving corps.

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