Ok, I am not Mr. Jesus, I don't go to church much, but I do consider myself fairly spiritual and I believe in Christianity - Catholicism mostly - far more than I give credibility to any other religion. That being said, I am pretty sure God has a special place in hell for retarded like the parents of Madeline Neumann, a sweet 11-year old girl who died of a treatable diabetes disorder because her parents refused to actually seek medical care and blamed themselves for her death because they didn't pray hard enough.
What the fuck? Are we in the 21st Century or not? This is not the goddamn fucking Dark Ages people.
Oh so the parents didn't think their daughter would die while they were praying...well excuse me fuckwads, but I don't think I give a rat's ass. I don't know if I would throw them in jail - because there is always the "they have to live with what they've done" argument...the problem is, when you're dealing with ultra-religious nutjobs (and I am not talking about those who pray when a loved is in the hospital, I am talking about those that only seek or believe in divine intervention) it is very difficult to get it through their thick-skulls that bullshit like this is wrong. That it is NOT the hand of God reaching down and plucking their daughters life away to spite them for a lack of faith. It is THEIR STUPIDITY for not using the brains and gifts GOD has bestowed upon us all to make our lives better and work to care for each other!
Lord save me.
In other news, the Eagles signed a new TE, Kris Wilson. After languishing behind Tony Gonzales for a few years perhaps he can find new life with the Birds. And if he can play multiple positions (FB/TE H-back sorta role) then great. The Birds' prior FB Tapeh, who signed with Minnesota, was adequate across the board at doing some of that, but the overall package he brought to the team was, in retrospect, pretty poor. Unfortunately, I think this signing probably means the Eagles have no intention of going after a guy like Owen Schmidt the WVU FB/H-Back type guy who I think would look pretty damn good in midnight green. If Wilson sticks, then there is decent chance that back-up TE Matt Schobel, a free agent acquisition from Cincinnati a couple of years ago, will be on the chopping block. I don't think the Eagles will move LJ Smith (even if they had a suitor) and Brent Celek showed real promise in a limited role last year. Heck, Celek may be the reason the Eagles simply ride out the L.J. show in 2008 and then part ways in 2009.
Showing posts with label brent celek. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brent celek. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Thursday, August 23, 2007
The Replacements
As we've just seen the Eagles decide that the future is now, by replacing experienced veteran MLB Jeremiah Trotter with 2nd-year player Omar Gaither. Well someone asked on the forum: why didn't we draft PSU LB Paul Pozluszny to replace Trotter and the thought occurred to me: just how many players the Eagles drafted THIS year appear to be done with that exact scenario in mind (though perhaps on varying timelines).
Now hear me out, I understand that draft-picks as replacements/eventual starters is nothing new, its actually, duh, the entire purpose. But you see, a lot of teams use picks for immediate help. Roster hole present - spend high pick - roster hole plugged (in theory).
For the Eagles, it seems, picks are primarily about future returns rather than immediate ones. (edit) - Many times this is several seasons into the future (the 2002 picks of Lito, Sheldon and Westbrook and Lewis, or the 2006 picks of Winston Justice/Max Jean-Gilles). But this year seems like the timeline for many of the picks could be a tad accelerated (at least along an Eagles time-scale, not necessarily a normal NFL one).
Consider the draft class of 2007:
2nd rd: Kevin Kolb - duh, basically an insurance policy on McNabb's injury. But given the Eagles calculating business manner regarding player's future, it makes sense. There may come a time (though I think 2008 is a bit early) that the Eagles see a Kolb future as brighter than a McNabb one...hopefully not for a while.
2nd rd: Victor Abiamiri - hmmm, with two pricey, 30-year old DEs in Kearse and Howard on the roster....methinks that this is their year to play together (if possible). You see, it was supposed to be last year (and the two looked good early on) then Kearse was lost for the season and Howard wore down....If they both stay healthy, VA won't see the field much. Either way - at their $$$ - both won't be around next year and Victor will be expected to step-in.
3rd rd: Tony Hunt - Buckhalter is not the long-term answer for a "big back". His history with injury is not that good, but you have to love his heart and determination. He looks like the old "Buck" before consecutive knee injuries robbed us of his contributions for '04 and '05. Still the Birds signed him for another 2 years. The price isn't that high, so I expect him to work out the rest of the contract, then I expect the Birds will be looking another back.
3rd rd: Stewart Bradley - heck the Eagles have already given him some work in the middle - though he's a natural strongside linebacker (SAM). If Gocong can't hack it or OG struggles, look for Bradley to get reps....Bradley could be our future SAM if they want to slide Gocong into the middle, who knows
5th rd: Brent Celek - looks like a steal already. With L.J. hurting and in a contract year, I expect the coaches to carefully gauge Celek. If he keeps progressing...I can see the Eagles taking a pass on L.J.'s contract demands and going with the youngster.
5th rd: C.J. Gaddis - hmmm, haven't heard a whole lot about this kid yet, but with Dawk coming into his final years, he seems like a potential long-term replacement. I truly doubt the Eagles would cut Dawk next year to make way for Gaddis. But you never know.
the others: Rashard Barksdale - a complete project, but the man has skills, I've noticed him a whole lot more that Gaddis. Barksdale is a raw talent. By 2009 he could be our Rod Hood, or perhaps a guy you see the Eagles sign long-term (when they're looking to replace a Sheldon Brown or someone). Or he could be an obscure footnote
Nate Ilaoa - the big Samoan seems destined for the practice squad. None of the Eagles RBs are running much, but I just don't seem them carrying 4 RBs right now.
Well that's the group. And again, its not a big shock that the Eagles would be drafting for the future, but in the wake of Trot's release and the questions about why we didn't go out and target a guy specifically to replace him, it struck me just how many of the guys we DID draft seem like near-term alternatives: I mean I see Abiamiri, Hunt and Celek as almost penciled in (maybe not on the starting 22) for 2008. Bradley has a chance to join them. Kolb - a bit more of an enigma. I don't think Andy Reid is ready to part ways with Donovan. 2007 is a big year, though. I expect DMac to lead this team to great things. If he does, then Kolb will have a few years of seasoning before we really get see him. If McNabb gets injured then Andy's got a guy he likes perhaps ready to step into some big shoes within a season or two.
Now hear me out, I understand that draft-picks as replacements/eventual starters is nothing new, its actually, duh, the entire purpose. But you see, a lot of teams use picks for immediate help. Roster hole present - spend high pick - roster hole plugged (in theory).
For the Eagles, it seems, picks are primarily about future returns rather than immediate ones. (edit) - Many times this is several seasons into the future (the 2002 picks of Lito, Sheldon and Westbrook and Lewis, or the 2006 picks of Winston Justice/Max Jean-Gilles). But this year seems like the timeline for many of the picks could be a tad accelerated (at least along an Eagles time-scale, not necessarily a normal NFL one).
Consider the draft class of 2007:
2nd rd: Kevin Kolb - duh, basically an insurance policy on McNabb's injury. But given the Eagles calculating business manner regarding player's future, it makes sense. There may come a time (though I think 2008 is a bit early) that the Eagles see a Kolb future as brighter than a McNabb one...hopefully not for a while.
2nd rd: Victor Abiamiri - hmmm, with two pricey, 30-year old DEs in Kearse and Howard on the roster....methinks that this is their year to play together (if possible). You see, it was supposed to be last year (and the two looked good early on) then Kearse was lost for the season and Howard wore down....If they both stay healthy, VA won't see the field much. Either way - at their $$$ - both won't be around next year and Victor will be expected to step-in.
3rd rd: Tony Hunt - Buckhalter is not the long-term answer for a "big back". His history with injury is not that good, but you have to love his heart and determination. He looks like the old "Buck" before consecutive knee injuries robbed us of his contributions for '04 and '05. Still the Birds signed him for another 2 years. The price isn't that high, so I expect him to work out the rest of the contract, then I expect the Birds will be looking another back.
3rd rd: Stewart Bradley - heck the Eagles have already given him some work in the middle - though he's a natural strongside linebacker (SAM). If Gocong can't hack it or OG struggles, look for Bradley to get reps....Bradley could be our future SAM if they want to slide Gocong into the middle, who knows
5th rd: Brent Celek - looks like a steal already. With L.J. hurting and in a contract year, I expect the coaches to carefully gauge Celek. If he keeps progressing...I can see the Eagles taking a pass on L.J.'s contract demands and going with the youngster.
5th rd: C.J. Gaddis - hmmm, haven't heard a whole lot about this kid yet, but with Dawk coming into his final years, he seems like a potential long-term replacement. I truly doubt the Eagles would cut Dawk next year to make way for Gaddis. But you never know.
the others: Rashard Barksdale - a complete project, but the man has skills, I've noticed him a whole lot more that Gaddis. Barksdale is a raw talent. By 2009 he could be our Rod Hood, or perhaps a guy you see the Eagles sign long-term (when they're looking to replace a Sheldon Brown or someone). Or he could be an obscure footnote
Nate Ilaoa - the big Samoan seems destined for the practice squad. None of the Eagles RBs are running much, but I just don't seem them carrying 4 RBs right now.
Well that's the group. And again, its not a big shock that the Eagles would be drafting for the future, but in the wake of Trot's release and the questions about why we didn't go out and target a guy specifically to replace him, it struck me just how many of the guys we DID draft seem like near-term alternatives: I mean I see Abiamiri, Hunt and Celek as almost penciled in (maybe not on the starting 22) for 2008. Bradley has a chance to join them. Kolb - a bit more of an enigma. I don't think Andy Reid is ready to part ways with Donovan. 2007 is a big year, though. I expect DMac to lead this team to great things. If he does, then Kolb will have a few years of seasoning before we really get see him. If McNabb gets injured then Andy's got a guy he likes perhaps ready to step into some big shoes within a season or two.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Eagles' Subs Stepping Up
With Friday night dispelling most of the angst I had concerning Donovan's knee, I thought it would be appropriate to look at some other players who are filling in for star Eagles players currently "on the shelf"
Quintin Mikell - None bigger here folks. Little "Q" is filling in for my all-time favorite Eagle - Brian Dawkins. Our All-Pro safety is experiencing some Achilles tendinitis and I'll be damned if that doesn't concern me some. Concern NOT worry. I am not declaring his career over. Personally I would like to see him able to suit up and get in a little bit of action, just to get in a some live game prior to the start of the season. But if he can't....Well look, I don't want to start thinking about life after "#20" just yet, alright...With that out of the way - I think the Eagles' F.O. decision to retain the services of Quintin Mikell could pay off this season. Q has done well. True, its not the same, but as Bob Brookover writes - Mikell, entering his fifth season, is a player whose stock has steadily risen with the Eagles. Not only has he emerged as the most valuable player on the special teams; he also has become valuable enough that defensive coordinator Jim Johnson will create packages to get the safety on the field this season. Mikell will likely play the same hybrid linebacker role safety Michael Lewis had in passing situations last season.
Juqua Thomas - Filling in for Jevon Kearse, Juqua Thomas had himself a heckuva game the other night. Kearse's absence may have been merely precautionary (and I believe it was), but the man is still coming off a serious knee injury. Setbacks are a way-of-life with those sorts of things, but I couldn't help but notice - Juqua brought the same motor he had last year - it looks like he going to try and make it hard for J.J. to keep him off the field. He probably won't start, but a more-than-solid year might make a fellow, pricier vet like Darren Howard or Kearse expendable in 2008.
Brent Celek - Who knows how long L.J. will be hampered by this nagging "sports hernia" thing. I hope its not very, but I have to say this - I am very encouraged by the play of rookie TE Brent Celek. I mean this dude has some skills. He's caught almost everything thrown his way (something with which L.J. still shows occasional signs of trouble) and has been able to hit some deeper passes over the middle (talking 16-20 yard range). Will this team be better offensively with L.J. - no doubt. Will we be even more dangerous lining up Celek a few times and zapping unwary defenses - hell yeah.
Max Jean-Gilles - I saved the worst for last. We fans simply do not know what exactly is wrong with All-Pro Guard Shawn Andrews. He gave a very cryptic response the other day, with has led to a slew of worrying about whether or not Andrews availability for the 2007 season (and beyond) is in doubt. Big Red says he expects Andrews back to start the season. I hope so. Max Jean is a big boy in his own right - but the Eagles line has NOT run-blocked well this preseason. And at some point, we are going to need to run the ball. For a variety of well-documented reasons: protect McNabb's knee/health by not passing so much, protect McNabb's knee/health by not passing so much, and protect McNabb's knee/health by not passing so much. Perhaps, more importantly, the Eagles surge last year was led by Brian Westbrook and a renewed emphasis on offensive BALANCE. To keep that going, we need to run....These preseason games have shown we can pass, I'd like to see us show we can run. This is the question mark - if Andrews misses more time than any of us would like - can Jean-Gilles step up. Will it be Scott Young?? We fans have lauded the Eagles O-line for its depth...so far the run-game results have not been encouraging. Hmmmm, come back soon Shawn.
Now I think we'd all agree: Philly fans would/are going to be a LOT more positive about the Eagles' prospects for 2007 once we have Andres, Dawk, Kearse and L.J. back on the field, but I have to give the front office credit - we made the right moves to assure the team has the depth not to collapse without them.
Quintin Mikell - None bigger here folks. Little "Q" is filling in for my all-time favorite Eagle - Brian Dawkins. Our All-Pro safety is experiencing some Achilles tendinitis and I'll be damned if that doesn't concern me some. Concern NOT worry. I am not declaring his career over. Personally I would like to see him able to suit up and get in a little bit of action, just to get in a some live game prior to the start of the season. But if he can't....Well look, I don't want to start thinking about life after "#20" just yet, alright...With that out of the way - I think the Eagles' F.O. decision to retain the services of Quintin Mikell could pay off this season. Q has done well. True, its not the same, but as Bob Brookover writes - Mikell, entering his fifth season, is a player whose stock has steadily risen with the Eagles. Not only has he emerged as the most valuable player on the special teams; he also has become valuable enough that defensive coordinator Jim Johnson will create packages to get the safety on the field this season. Mikell will likely play the same hybrid linebacker role safety Michael Lewis had in passing situations last season.
Juqua Thomas - Filling in for Jevon Kearse, Juqua Thomas had himself a heckuva game the other night. Kearse's absence may have been merely precautionary (and I believe it was), but the man is still coming off a serious knee injury. Setbacks are a way-of-life with those sorts of things, but I couldn't help but notice - Juqua brought the same motor he had last year - it looks like he going to try and make it hard for J.J. to keep him off the field. He probably won't start, but a more-than-solid year might make a fellow, pricier vet like Darren Howard or Kearse expendable in 2008.
Brent Celek - Who knows how long L.J. will be hampered by this nagging "sports hernia" thing. I hope its not very, but I have to say this - I am very encouraged by the play of rookie TE Brent Celek. I mean this dude has some skills. He's caught almost everything thrown his way (something with which L.J. still shows occasional signs of trouble) and has been able to hit some deeper passes over the middle (talking 16-20 yard range). Will this team be better offensively with L.J. - no doubt. Will we be even more dangerous lining up Celek a few times and zapping unwary defenses - hell yeah.
Max Jean-Gilles - I saved the worst for last. We fans simply do not know what exactly is wrong with All-Pro Guard Shawn Andrews. He gave a very cryptic response the other day, with has led to a slew of worrying about whether or not Andrews availability for the 2007 season (and beyond) is in doubt. Big Red says he expects Andrews back to start the season. I hope so. Max Jean is a big boy in his own right - but the Eagles line has NOT run-blocked well this preseason. And at some point, we are going to need to run the ball. For a variety of well-documented reasons: protect McNabb's knee/health by not passing so much, protect McNabb's knee/health by not passing so much, and protect McNabb's knee/health by not passing so much. Perhaps, more importantly, the Eagles surge last year was led by Brian Westbrook and a renewed emphasis on offensive BALANCE. To keep that going, we need to run....These preseason games have shown we can pass, I'd like to see us show we can run. This is the question mark - if Andrews misses more time than any of us would like - can Jean-Gilles step up. Will it be Scott Young?? We fans have lauded the Eagles O-line for its depth...so far the run-game results have not been encouraging. Hmmmm, come back soon Shawn.
Now I think we'd all agree: Philly fans would/are going to be a LOT more positive about the Eagles' prospects for 2007 once we have Andres, Dawk, Kearse and L.J. back on the field, but I have to give the front office credit - we made the right moves to assure the team has the depth not to collapse without them.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Well, it IS pre-season
But I'd still like the Birds to appear a bit sharper. There were select moments of unit cohesion and execution in the first quarter of the Eagles first preseason game against the Ravens, but jeez-louise fellas....lookin' a bit sloppy....
1st qtr wrap: a few decent passes (like the first play of the game to Kevin Curtis) and rookie TE Celek catching a quick slant in from of Chris McAlister and a spiffy Westbrook screen play...and well that's about it. We had some blown assignments, a couple of "uh, you want to block that guy?" moments that stifled a few rush attempts. Akers missed a 43-yd FG....hmmm, bad snap, but the hold got the ball in position just in time....not smooth, but certainly it should have been enough...
2nd qtr: ummm, the second team O-line does not look like a cohesive unit. Did they play together at Lehigh? I mean, the ball gets snapped and guys are all over QB Kelly Holcomb....the Ravens didn't have their front-line guys in there either....wake-up fellas.
- Ike Reese (who is a VERY ENTERTAINING replacement for the departed Jaws (who is working on the MNF crew now) is right Tony Hunt - you gotta block in the pros.
That's it for the first half
1st qtr wrap: a few decent passes (like the first play of the game to Kevin Curtis) and rookie TE Celek catching a quick slant in from of Chris McAlister and a spiffy Westbrook screen play...and well that's about it. We had some blown assignments, a couple of "uh, you want to block that guy?" moments that stifled a few rush attempts. Akers missed a 43-yd FG....hmmm, bad snap, but the hold got the ball in position just in time....not smooth, but certainly it should have been enough...
2nd qtr: ummm, the second team O-line does not look like a cohesive unit. Did they play together at Lehigh? I mean, the ball gets snapped and guys are all over QB Kelly Holcomb....the Ravens didn't have their front-line guys in there either....wake-up fellas.
- Ike Reese (who is a VERY ENTERTAINING replacement for the departed Jaws (who is working on the MNF crew now) is right Tony Hunt - you gotta block in the pros.
That's it for the first half
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
