Can Westbrok Help Eagles Turn Corner Against Cowboys?

Who could ever forget the Oct. 19, 2003 clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants?

Brian Westbrook scored on an 84-yard punt return with 1:16 to play, leading the Eagles to a come-from-behind 14-10 victory.

The Eagles need the old Westbrook back.

In a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately NFL, Saturday’s opening-round playoff matchup of the Philadelphia Eagles against the Dallas Cowboys could signal a changing of the guard.

Philadelphia was riding a six-game win streak coming into last week’s season-ending match against Cowboys.

A win would’ve guaranteed the Eagles sole possession of NFC East and the second seed, meaning at least one home playoff game.

A loss meant the sixth seed and playing all games on the road.

As well as know by now, the Eagles got smoked, 24-0 in the big D, and with the loss, they now face the NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys in Dallas on Saturday night.

In their last meeting, the Eagles two best scoring drives came on a first-quarter muffed fumble in the Dallas red zone, and a David Akers missed 53-yard field goal attempt in the third-quarter when the game was well in hand.

If you are the Eagles, how do you set up your game plan following such a horrible loss?

They need a have a short memory.

They must also get out of the gate fast, score first, and gain confidence.

The run game seemed off-kilter as the Birds tried to get twice-concussed running back Brian Westbrook back in the swing. Results were mixed and Westbrook seemed better catching balls in the flat than breaking off big gains from the backfield.

He just did not look to have the second burst of speed that he had in his prime; turning the corner and breaking the first tackle to get into the secondary.

The Eagles’ best receiver, DeSean Jackson, was largely shut down.

The Eagles, under Reid, seem to be a largely pass-first, run-second team.

That might work early in the season, but not down the stretch, where the ball has to be taken care of in cold conditions of the Northeast and Midwest regions.

A run-first, pass-second philosophy has proven to be a more effective system when heading into the playoffs.

Cowboys’ running back Marion Barber was a beast against the Eagles, setting up quarterback Tony Romo all day long.

If I had a magic wand, I would make Westbrook healthy.  Clearly, an effective Westbrook would ease the workload from rookie LeSean McCoy, and solve most of the Eagles offensive woes.

“Westbrook up the middle for five yards. First down to Jason Avant over the middle. Screen pass to Westbrook for eight yards…” I can hear Merrill Reese say.

You get the picture.

If the Cowboys were to respect the Eagles underneath game, eventually, the long plays to Jackson would open up top.

How did Donovan McNabb win the Denver game a couple of weeks ago?  Facing a third and long, McNabb pulled off a 20-yard first-down scramble to keep the drive alive.

At this point, Michael Vick may be more of a viable weapon.

In Week 13’s 34-7 win over Atlanta, Vick outran the coverage on a five-yard touchdown run to the corner of the end zone.

That is just something I don’t see Westbrook doing at this point of his career.

McCoy has been the Eagles’ primary runner this year, with 637 yards on 155 carries and four touchdowns, good for a 4.1 rushing average.  His longest rush of the season was a  66-yard scamper in Week 8.

Westbrook type of numbers.

Let’s face it: It well could be the last game for Donovan McNabb, Westbrook and most certainly defensive back Sheldon Brown, who wants a new contract for next season.

McNabb was given a raise before the season, but his contract is not extended past 2010. An early playoff exit could signal a change in quarterback for the Eagles—and possibly the Michael Vick era.

I can hear it now: “Westbrook at the 40, cuts back at the 35, has one man to beat, stiff arms the defender…touchdown!!!”

It could be the Eagles’ best and last shot at a Super Bowl title.

A healthy Westbrook could make the climb that much easier.

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Philadelphia Eagles Playing Against National Respect, Dallas Cowboys on Sunday

Hey, Eagles fans: You thought you were just playing the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC East title and a first-round bye in the 2010 NFL playoffs.

Wrong, Yo!

Unless you turn off the sound on the television and listen to Merrill Reese and Mike Quick on the Eagles radio network, you’re gonna see a blue, white, and silver shade to the television broadcast.

It is not the fact that Troy Aikman is the former great Dallas Cowboys quarterback. Heck, Darryl “Moose” Johnson, another former Cowboy great, is usually the announcer along with Kenny Albert.

Nope, unless you got “Jaws” in the booth, you ain’t getting a “green” broadcast.

I admit, this is the most “homer” story I am ever gonna write in this format. But Iggles fans know what I am talking about (yo, it is the Iggles when you talkin’ street).

Moose Johnson is pretty fair, but I heard on WIP that he has “ringed” Eagles fans, i.e., shown his Super Bowl rings to Eagles fans at Lincoln Financial Field.

Whatever.

And it doesn’t help that the Cowboys have a stinkin’ 90-foot HD TV and midfield to admire their greatness.

Nope.

By halftime, you gonna think that the Cowboys won six in a row and the Eagles won a paltry two in a row (yo, Philly, you know what I’m talkin’ ’bout).

My only hope is that the Eagles are not getting crushed. As much as I want to beat the Cowboys and win the the division, I will take a close loss.

Wide receiver Miles Austin got a deserved Pro Bowl selection with 1,230 yards and 11 touchdowns. I always said that the Cowboys would be better without out that stinkin’ T.O.

We got DeShaun Jackson, with 1,120 yards and nine touchdowns at receiver. Plus he is the selection at punt returner, featuring that electric 85-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Giants.

In the backfield, the Cowboys have Marion Barber and Felix Jones at running back. The Eagles have  LaSean “Shady” McCoy, a rejuvenated Brian Westbrook, and All-Pro fullback Leonard Weaver.

Also, Weapon X, Micheal Vick, should be back on the field for the Eagles.

The Cowboys shut out Washington, 17-0, to account for a strong defensive performance.

The Eagles have Asante Samuel, with nine interceptions.

I will have to admit that Troy Aikman will be fairer than the other guy in the booth, Joe Buck, who many Phillies fans hate. It will not be overt. It will almost be subliminal.

The Cowboys will win the game before the opening kickoff.

Eagles 27, Cowboys 17.

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Westbrook Return Set for Eagles’ Pigskin Battle with Cowboys

Why bring Brian Westbrook back for a non-conference Philadelphia Eagles’ home game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday?

To get him ready for the season-ending clash against the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas on Jan. 3.

Just as Michael Vick had to get his legs back after a two-and-a-half year layoff from football, Westbrook has to see game action for the first time in five games.

He last played on Nov. 15, in a 31-23 loss to the San Diego Chargers. He ran six times for 28 yards before he suffered his second concussion of the season.

The Eagles have not lost since.

So why bring him back?

I, and I assume the Eagles brass, have a gut feeling that the Eagles will need all weapons available for the Jan. 3 matchup with the Cowboys, with the NFC East title potentially at stake.

Expect him to have limited touches, mostly from screen passes in open space, where he can do the most damage on Sunday.

I know another thing: Westbrook is going to play all-out, as he has his whole career.

If the Eagles win against Denver and the Cowboys win this week, the winner of the Jan. 3 match will win the division.

Dallas wins on Jan. 3, the Eagles and Dallas both are 11-5. Dallas would have beaten the Eagles twice, so they would win the tie-breaker.

For the Eagles: Beat Dallas, and the division is theirs. Seven straight wins and a 12-4 regular season record.

Imagine this: Westbrook in backfield with Leonard Weaver, DeShawn Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant as the wideouts.

Or: LaSean McCoy and Weaver in the backfield with Donovan McNabb at quarterback, Westbrook, Jackson and Maclin split out.

Ouch.

Once again the Eagles are doing the right thing.

You don’t want to bring Westbrook in cold after six weeks off against Dallas.

The Eagles just won’t admit it.

Bring it on!

God Bless, you, Brian Westbrook.

 

 

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Project 99: Jerry Rice Was Greatest, Most Graceful Wearer Of No. 80

No one who ever wore the number 80 did it with as much style and grace than former San Francisco 49er wide receiver Jerry Rice.

In 1999, he was ranked No. 2 on “The Sporting News” list of the 100 Greatest Football Players, behind only Jim Brown.

Early next year, prior to the Super Bowl, Rice will likely be a first-ballot Hall of Fame recipient.

When he retired, his 1,549 receptions lead the NFL, as well as his 22,895 receiving yards and 197 touchdowns were among the tops in the league.

Former NFL coach Dennis Green called him “the best route runner I’ve ever seen.”

Rice won three Super Bowl titles with San Francisco in 1988, 1989, and 1994, and when he caught a touchdown pass in Super Bowl XXXV11 (in a losing effort 48–21 as Tampa Bay beat Oakland), he became the first player to ever catch a touchdown pass in four different Super Bowls.

In his second season, he caught 86 passes and led the league in reception yardage (1,570) and touchdown receptions (15).

Rice thrived in San Francisco head coach Bill Walsh’s “West Coast” offense, which relied on a large number of short, quick passes by the quarterback and precise route running by the receivers.

He set a single-season record for touchdown receptions (22) in 1987, even though a players’ strike limited the season to 12 games, and was named NFL Player of the Year.

Probably his best game against Atlanta was a Week 6 match-up in 1990, where he had five touchdown catches in one game.

He also performed on the big stage. In Super Bowl XXIV, Rice caught seven passes for 148 yards and three touchdown catches. The 49ers beat the Broncos, 55-10.

In a late 1992 game against the Miami Dolphins, Rice ran his most famous pass pattern (slant) and scored a 12-yard touchdown to break the former Seahawks receiver Steve Largent touchdown record. It took Largent 14 seasons to get to 100 touchdown catches, yet Rice only needed seven season.

For much of his career, he was paired with Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana. It was a lofty time for the 49ers with San Francisco winning five Super Bowls in the 1980s and 1990s.

Rice was named to the annual Pro Bowl from 1986 through 1998.

The San Francisco 49ers traded Rice to the Oakland Raiders before the 2001 season.

In 2003 he made his 13th Pro Bowl appearance. Midway through the 2004 season, Rice was traded to the Seattle Seahawks, but he was released by the team at the end of the season.

After an unsuccessful attempt to become a starting receiver for the Denver Broncos the following year, he signed a ceremonial one-day contract with San Francisco and retired as a 49er.

**Information obtained from Winklepedia and Fanbase.com

 

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Project 99: No. 92 “Minister” Dominated Football Offenses

Reggie White, known as the Minister of Defense, is my choice for the Project 99’s pick for No. 92.

White played for the University of Tennessee, the Memphis Showboats of the old USFL, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Green Bay Packers, and the Carolina Panthers.

White played for the Eagles from 1985 to 1992 and in 17 seasons collected 198 sacks. He died Dec. 26, 2004 and two years later was enshrined in the National Football League Hall of Fame.

White stood tall at 6’5″ and near 300 pounds, but was known for his quickness and agility. He gave opposing linemen fits with his hump, swim and rip moves.

In 1985, 1986, 1987, the Minister of Defense posted 13, 18, and 21 sacks respectively.

He was virtually unblockable in 1987. He collected  21 sacks, third-best in one season, even though a strike limited the season to 12 games.

From 1985 to 1992 he remained a mainstay of the Eagles’ defense and in 1991 the team’s defense ranked first in the NFL.

The thing I remember about 1991 was the Eagles front four, which included White, Jerome Brown, Clyde Simmons, and Mike Pitts.

One memorable game was Sept. 15, 1991. The Eagles defensive line of White, Simmons, Pitts, Brown, and Mike Golic sacked Troy Aikman 11 times in a 24-0 shutout. The Eagles defense also forced three interceptions.

The Eagles “Gang Green,” like many great groups, never reached the Super Bowl and soon would be history.

Brown died the following winter in a car accident and White was gone to free agency in 1993.

White collected 13 sacks in his first year with the Packers, where he played until 1998. In 1997, White helped the Packers to a 35-21 victory over New England in Super Bowl XXXI. White collected three sacks in the game.

He sacked opposing quarterbacks 16 times in his final year with the Packers 1998. He “retired” and did not play in 1999, before he came back and finished his career in Carolina in 2000 with 5.5 sacks.

White was a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 13-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a 12-time All-Pro selection.

White was selected to the NFL 75th anniversary All-Time Team, the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team, and the 1980 NFL All-Decade Team.

During his career, he became famous not only for his outstanding play, but also for his Christian ministry as an ordained Evangelical minister. He was commonly known as the Minister of Defense.

Upon his death, there were many who fondly remembered the man of two seasons: football and God.

“He was just a wonderful player, first of all, as a player,” said Seattle coach Mike Holmgren, who coached White at Green Bay. “Then as a person, he was just the best. He was one of the leaders, along with Brett Favre, of our football team in Green Bay. I’m a better person for having been around Reggie White.”

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After Feasting on Cupcake, What Best Serves the Eagles’ Future?

While the national media’s focus was on the return of quarterback Michael Vick, other Eagles with less experience fueled the Philadelphia Eagles 34-14 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

The win moved the Eagles to 2-1 heading into the bye week, with a lot decisions to make.

Vick was a pedestrian 0-2 passing and one seven-yard run near the Eagles’ red zone in the second quarter.

Vick, as he was on the field, is the Eagles’ ultimate smoke screen.

While the media focus is on Vick, the Eagles face several questions.

When Donovan McNabb returns, maybe as soon as Oct. 11 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, what will happen to the Eagles roster, especially at quarterback?

If I were the Eagles, I would sit McNabb down until the Monday game Oct. 26 at Washington. After playing at home against the Bucs, the Eagles travel to Oakland on Oct. 18.

The odd man out when McNabb returns could be Jeff Garcia, who is a valuable commodity in tutoring present starter Kevin Kolb.

Kolb became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for more than 300 yards in his first two games, as he completed 24/34 passes for 327 yards, no interceptions and two touchdowns.

The Eagles have not had this many offense weapons since, um, er, Terrell Owens and a healthy McNabb and Brian Westbrook.

Speaking of Westbrook, LeSean “Shady” McCoy filled in quite nicely with 84 yards on 20 carries including his first NFL touchdown.

DeSean Jackson continued to establish himself as a star NFL wide receiver with six catches for 149 yards, including an electrifying 64-yard catch and run in the second quarter, emphasized with a cartwheel and split.

All on a sore groin? His maturing process will continue after coaches and teammates talk to him, but it is entertaining.

The real keeper in this bunch, however, is Brent Celek. Celek, who had eight catches for 104 yards and a 26-yard touchdown catch where he split two Chief defenders. Celek gains the tough yards and is an essential piece of any West Coast offense.

Westbrook will probably play against the Bucs following the buy and will split time with McCoy.

Vick will continue to get near 10 plays a game. The tricky thing is to keep him satisfied with his playing time.

He was criticized by a fan on the radio for his “Superman” comment earlier in the week, but as usual, the quote was taken out of context. He was making light of the situation when he said he would not be “Superman” in his first game back to the NFL.

The real meat of the Eagles’ schedule comes in November, when they have home games against the Giants, Cowboys, and travel to San Diego. That is a tough stretch.

What would I like to see in the Eagles quarterback situation?

Somehow, keep Garcia on the roster and if they have to, ask him to voluntarily retire and become the quarterbacks coach.

That is not likely to happen and when McNabb returns, Garcia leaves.

Thanks, Jeff.

Go Eagles! Let the youth be served.

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Michael Vick Is Eagles’ Football Future: Jeff Garcia To Help the Present

After reading Ashley Fox’s story, “Eagles’ Garcia to Kolb: Only one chance at first start” that appeared in Thursday’s Philadelphia Inquirer, something became crystal clear to me.

Veteran Jeff Garcia was brought in for one reason, primarily: To help Kevin Kolb in his first start at the Philadelphia Eagles’ home opener on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

Is Kolb a Joe Montana or even Steve Young in wraps, or more like Bobby Hoying or Mike McMahon? Probably somewhere in between. But with Garcia’s guidance, he might be just good enough to beat the Saints.

Listen to Kolb’s words in Fox’s story:

“You have to do your best not to think about the what-ifs or the difference scenarios,” Garcia said, “but just take advantage of the opportunity, whether it’s one start or two starts. Take it one day at a time and make the most of the opportunity, because you never know what’s going to be in front of you. If this is his opportunity to present to the rest of the league what he’s all about, hopefully he takes advantage of that.”

The lasting impression of Kolb may have been his relief role in the backup of Donovan McNabb in last year’s 36-7 loss to Baltimore. On 4th-and-goal, Kolb’s pass was intercepted by Ed Reed for a 108-yard interception for a touchdown.

I was furious after that play. Not at Kolb. Not after the benching of McNabb. Nope. I was furious at Marty Mornhinweg and Andy Reid for dialing up a pass play on 4th-and-goal on the two-foot line.

What? Are you kidding me? They hung Kolb out to dry. An experienced quarterback should have called an audible at the line of scrimmage.

Kolb should not be judged on that play or preseason performances.

What I remember about the drive to get to the goal line was Kolb moving the team precision like, 10 to 20 yards at time. First down after first down.

My impression of Kolb? A good field general, very adequate, but unable to throw the deep ball.

I think the Eagles see Michael Vick as an established NFL quarterback with raw talent and needing some work to get accustomed to the West Coast offense.

Garcia? Whether or not he decides to become a quarterbacks coach after retirement, he certainly has the NFL experience and knowledge to become one.

Kolb is working with the first team and Garcia and Vick are working with the scout team in practice this week.

If the Eagles were smart, they would put headphones on Garcia or keep him close to Reid and Mornhinweg.

And the Eagles should have a longer leash on Kolb. One half is not enough to judge a quarterback.

This should be Kolb’s day.

Just keep Garcia in his back pocket for one day.

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10 Greatest Athlete Comebacks/Second Chances

When the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday signed two-year deal with Michael Vick created a possibility of Vick playing for the first time since 2006, when he was implicated in an extensive and unlawful interstate dogfighting ring that operated over a period of five years. In August 2007, he plead guilty to felony charges, and was indefinitely suspended from the NFL. He was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison, and began his incarceration in November 2007. If he plays this year, it could be the biggest comeback/second chance in the history of sport.

Don’t Fret: Somewhere In This World The Eagles Are Super Bowl Champions

As the Philadelphia Eagles and the rest of the NFL prepare for the 2009 football season, owners, including Jeff Lurie, promise fans better seasons, and some, a possible Super Bowl Championship.

This may be a story that you have heard, or not, but one worth telling again. Somewhere in this world, children are wearing Eagles Super Bowl Champions shirts, as are those of the Buffalo Bills or Minnesota Vikings.

Shown above, are children in a foreign country wearing New England Patriot Super Bowl Champions shirts, which is not unusual considering the Patriots’ history. What is unusual, is noting their 2007 “perfect” 19-0 season, which never happened.

According to a story in the New York Times these “loser” shirts are sent to countries such as Niger, Uganda, and Sierra Leone. “By order of the National Football League, those items are never to appear on television or eBay. They are never even to be seen on American soil,” said the Feb. 4, 2007 article in the New York Times.

Young fans might think that Super Bowl Champions shirts and hats are made within minutes, or seconds, after a team wins the ultimate championship.

Nope. Super Bowl Champion shirts and hats were made for Pittsburgh and Arizona well before the game was finished, and probably well before the game was played.

Don’t go searching for Detroit Lion championship gear, but somewhere Eagles, Seattle, Chicago, Arizona and of course, Minnesota and Buffalo championship gear exists.

“Where these items go, the people don’t have electricity or running water,” said Jeff Fields, a corporate relations officer World Vision. “They wouldn’t know who won the Super Bowl. They wouldn’t even know about football.”

I thought of this story after hearing members of our church talk about a missionary trip to Guatemala. It is also about the time of year when Jeff Lurie tells Eagles fans how close the Eagles are from winning it all.

“The Gold Standard,” “A Whisker Away.”

Hey, I am not griping. I have a different take on the Eagles.

I enjoy the team and want to win a championship as bad as the next guy.

But I like all the Philadelphia teams and when the Phillies won the World Series, it became a positive realization, instead of a negative one.

I may never see the Eagles win a Super Bowl in my lifetime. The Eagles 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX may be the best I ever see.

Probably not, but if it doesn’t happen, what am I going to do?

They are one of the best teams in the NFL. Donovan McNabb is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league. And I believe in Head Coach Andy Reid.

But don’t give me the “Gold Standard.”

The Eagles aren’t even the Buffalo Bills, who were four-time Super Bowl losers.

And …

The Bills and Vikings have many more Super Bowl Championship T-Shirts than the Philadelphia Eagles … somewhere in this world.

 

** Photo courtesy of Google search and quote from New York Times story: “Far Away, Super Bowl’s Losers Will Be Champs,” published February 4, 2007.

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