Die Hard Sports Fan

I hate to use the cliché that Sunday is a must win game, but after losing last week at home to the Washington Redskins, falling 0-2 in our division, and 2-3 overall, it is.  The Philadelphia Eagles head into week 6 where they have a chance to even things up at 3-3 and head into their bye week to heal and to prepare for the final 10 games of the season.

On Sunday, The Eagles travel across the nation to San Francisco, to face the 49ers.  This could be a tricky game.  Is this a “trap game” for the Eagles?  Do the Eagles look past the 49ers towards their bye week?  The Eagles need to win this game for a ton of reasons and need to avoid falling into an abyss where they would enter the bye week at 2-4 and have 2 weeks to not be able to do anything about it.

The Eagles need to be 3-3 after this Sunday.  3-3 is the minimum this team needs to be.  The NFC East is loaded and every game means something.  When there are only 16 games, and 11 remaining, the Eagles can no longer afford losing games that they should win.  With the Giants, Redskins, and Cowboys all looking like they will make the playoffs, this game is most critical for the Eagles to attempt to tread water and keep themselves in a position to make the playoffs. 

This Sunday against the 49ers is one of those games.  The 49ers are improved, but they are not yet a team that can be taken seriously each week.  Looking ahead at the schedule, the Eagles have a chance to start making a name for them selves again before facing the Giants week 10.  After the bye week next week, the Eagles get a break and face the Falcons at home and then the Seahawks in Seattle.  This is a huge test for Head Coach Andy Reid.  It could be used as a good barometer to further measure Reid’s ability to coach this team.  Lose this game and the doubt grows.  Lose this game and the calls for Reid to be let go will ever increase as he will have squandered yet another season and opportunity to bring us a championship.  Win this game and our season lives on to see another week.  Win this game and instill hope back into the hearts of Die Hard Eagles Fans everywhere.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

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The Washington Redskins will face the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
TV & Radio Info:
Game: Redskins (3-1) at Eagles (2-2)
TV: FOX (Joe Buck, Troy Aikman)
Radio: 610 AM WIP All Sports Radio (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick)

Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Game Notes:

• Last Regular Season Meeting: The Eagles beat the Redskins in Washington, 33-25.
• The Eagles have not allowed a touchdown at home in over 3 games.
• The Redskins have yet to turn the ball over on offense this season.
• OG Max Jean-Gilles will replace injured OG Shawn Andrews.
• Current Eagles players K David Akers and DE Chris Clemons started their NFL careers with The Redskins.
• Eagles QB Donovan McNabb is 10-5 all time against The Redskins.
• The Eagles are 12-5 when RB Brian Westbrook rushes for over 100 yards.
• RB Brian Westbrook grew up as a Washington Redskins fan.
• Eagles Punter Sav Rocca currently ranks 1^st in the NFL with a 44.1 net punting average.
• Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid is 2 wins shy of 100 career wins.
• Eagles Safety Brian Dawkins is 1 interception short to tie Eric Allen and Bill Bradley for the franchise lead in career interceptions of 34
• The Eagles lead the NFL in sacks (17)
• The Line: The Eagles are favored by 6.  Over/Under is 42

Injury Report:

Redskins - Out of Game: DE Jason Taylor (Calf). Doubtful: T Stephon Heyer (Shoulder). Questionable: LB Marcus Washington (Hamstring), CB Sean Springs (Calf). Probable: DE Andre Carter(Non-injury related), OG Randy Thomas (Toe).

Eagles - Doubtful: WR Kevin Curtis (hernia), DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist). Questionable: RB Brian Westbrook (ankle), TE L.J. Smith (back). Probable: QB Donovan McNabb (chest), S Quintin Demps (knee), RDT Dan Klecko (hand). 

Quote of the Week:

 ”The last few days have made me more optimistic.  I can feel myself getting better.  That’s what counts.  I am feeling very motivated right now.” - Eagles OG Shawn Andrews
Please feel free to comment below or in the tag board in the sidebar to chat with Eagles fans from around the world.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!

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The Die Hard Eagles Fan, known as “Vedder,” agreed to return the favor and allow us some insight into the mind of an Eagles fan regarding their season, the team, and the matchup this weekend.

How did you become an Philadelphia Eagles fan?

That one is easy.  My dad has been a die hard Eagles fan forever.  He was an usher at the famous 1960 Eagles-Packers championship game and I have been hearing about it since I was probably 5 years old.  Add in the factor that I started following sports at age 6, when the Eagles went to the Superbowl (lost to the Raiders), and it made it easy for me to get interested.  When I was a bit older, in the mid-80’s, some of the home games were blacked out.  So my dad and I would jump in the car and go scalp 2 tickets and watch.  Being at the Vet as a kid was exciting but scary.   For some sick reason, the experiences at the games as a kid helped me become a fan.

As a child, I grew up in Redskins country. But, I still followed the Eagles running back, Wilbur Montgomery. Who is your favorite Eagle from your lifetime of experience? 

There were plenty of players I loved over the years.  Seth Joyner was awesome.   “Arkansas” Fred Barnett was a favorite of mine.  All time though, it has to be Safety Brian Dawkins.  He is everything and anything you would want in a Safety.  He’s a leader.  He’s a ball hawk.  He’s a hitter.  A future Hall of Famer in my opinion.

The Eagles have played in two Super Bowls, yet have failed to win. How do you feel about the season thus far? 

I feel that they are a good team but not a great team.  I feel they have the potential to be in the NFC championship if they could learn from their mistakes and apply those lessons successfully.

I’ve read some commentary that is calling for Andy Reid to resign and/or retire, especially after last week’s loss to the Bears. What do you think? 

Those callings are because Eagles fans are emotional and in dire need for a championship.  They are passionate and let their emotions get to them.  Coach Reid definitely has a lot of flaws, and I will be the first to call him out.  If he doesn’t win the big one soon, he will go down as a good coach for planning during the week, but a bad game day coach who was too stubborn and too ignorant to learn from the past.

I’m not certain, but Reid is probably the winningest coach in Eagles history. Are the fans being fair to be so down on him right now? 

I would say some fans are definitely down on him but if they consider the alternative, such as some of the junk coaches out there, they should be somewhat grateful for what he brings to the table.  Again, if he could work on his flaws, then the sky would be the limit with this team.  Unfortunately, time is running out.

I have lived in the midst of the fans of the Philadelphia Eagles for over 10 years now. I attended and graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia. I remember Buddy Ryan and the days of that defense with Reggie White, Jerome Brown, and others. It was a ferocious team. How do you compare today’s Eagles to those of yesteryear? 

That core of players from that era (late 80’s-early 90’s) was something special and nothing can compare to them, not the 2004 Eagles Defense nor this current Defense.  Defenses like that probably only come around once every 10-20 years.  I still have my old VCR tapes of the 1991 season and every summer I watch the “House Of Pain” game as well as the “Body Bag” game.  Sorry Warmontco, but with you being a Die Hard Skins fan, I had to bring up the “Body Bag” game!

The city seems to be split on their opinion regarding Donovan McNabb. How do you feel about him as a QB? 

I am pro McNabb.  His career currently reminds me of the 1st 10 years of the trials and tribulations John Elway went through out in Denver, only to a smaller degree.  Obviously Elway was a ton better, but the parallels are the same.  McNabb has a rifle arm, is mobile, and uses his ability to step up and around the pocket to make big plays.  I don’t blame McNabb not bringing us a championship on McNabb like others do.  It is not his fault that the team refuses to give him a consistent running attack.  It is not #5’s fault that they refuse to address the WR position with the exception of bringing in TO in 2004.  I believe Reid has wasted his opportunity with McNabb and blew it, not taking advantage of his skills and complimenting them with the right offensive philosophy.

Do you believe it is fair to compare him to Randall Cunningham? Why, or why not?

There’s really nothing to compare besides they were both quarterbacks here.  I mean, sure, both were athletic and impressive quarterbacks.  McNabb is intelligent and can read defenses.  Randall just went out there and used his athletic ability to get him by.  Randall didn’t have anyone coaching him for most of his career here.  McNabb will go down as the Eagles best QB in my book.  So no, its not fair as I believe McNabb earned the right not to be compared to another QB who didn’t win much here.  

Many speculate that McNabb could be traded after this year to the Chicago Bears. Is this the last year for McNabb in Philadelphia?  It very well may be and I certainly hope not.  I think Eagles fans who want Kevin Kolb in there are suffering from “don’t know what you got until its gone” syndrome.  Kolb might be good sometime in the future, but McNabb brings so much more to the table.

Brian Westbrook, when healthy, can dominate a game. Why isn’t he featured more in the offense? Is it because he has trouble staying healthy?  Possibly but I say no.  I believe it’s because Andy Reid’s stubbornness to having a balanced attack.  Can you imagine the numbers Westbrook could put up if Reid didn’t come out throwing 50 times a game?  

With the exception of the acquisition of Terrell Owens, why, in your opinion, do the Eagles seem so reluctant to acquire a top-rated WR’s for McNabb?

I believe its all part of Andy Reid’s philosophy to prove to the world and the rest of the NFL how brilliant he can be.  It’s no coincidence that the only year the Eagles brought in a true stud, star WR, they went to the big dance.

Many people, including me, believe that if T.O. was still with the team, the Eagles would have won a Super Bowl by now. Do you agree? Why, or why not?  

If TO was still here, this team would be in the toilet.  He is a cancer and a time bomb, waiting to explode and break up a team. 

I believe the real issue that set off T.O.’s immature emotional stability was McNabb’s refusal to acknowledge T.O. as the MVP of the team. What do you think? 

I disagree.  I think TO’s a selfish, child who may be bi-polar.

This week the Redskins come to town. What is your prediction, and why?  

My prediction is both teams feel each other out in the first half where it will be a defensive struggle.  I think one team adjusts better than the other in the 2nd half and it opens up the scoring.  I think the Eagles come out in a close game, winning 20-16.  I think the Redskins are put in a tough position, having two road games in a row and might be still flying high and living off the past weekend with their victory over the Cowgirls instead of focusing on the present and the Eagles.

You must have noticed that the Redskins are playing with more confidence and effectiveness. What concerns you most about the Redskins offense? 

Lots of things.  They like to grind it out, wearing down the opposing defense while keeping the ball and thus the other team’s offense off the field.  The Eagles for years have been killed by other teams’ Tight Ends and this year is no different.  TE Chris Cooley makes me nervous.  QB Jason Campbell’s athleticism makes me worry.  The Eagles have been troubled in the past by QB’s who are athletic.  They need to contain him and make him throw off his back foot.  WR Santana Moss will be successful in getting behind the Eagles CBs which makes me nervous.  How many times he is successful at it will probably help determine the outcome.  RB Clinton Portis is a concern but if the Eagles continue to fill their gaps and be agressive at the line of scrimmage, they can limit him and hopefully put the Redskins in 3rd and long positions.  If that happens frequently, with the aggressive nature of the Eagles Defense, it would only be a matter of time until they force QB Jason Campbell into making a mistake.

The Redskins defense is playing extremely well, also. In the past three games, they have been effective in minimizing three powerful offensive teams in the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, and Dallas Cowboys. What will the the Eagles game plan against this surging Redskins defense?

It depends on if Westbrook plays and is at 100% or not.  If he’s there and back 100%, I would expect the Eagles to set up some screens to Westbrook, especially with some misdirection and fake reverses.  The Cowboys still moved the ball downfield many times in the air last week, so I would expect Reid and company to attack in the same fashion.

Who do you think will have the better game: Donovan McNabb or Jason Campbell? 

It depends which McNabb comes out in the beginning of the game.  He can come out, over pumped and hyped up, throwing balls into the ground and at the feets of receivers or over their heads.  This will lead to the sound of the early boo birds which only will feed into McNabb’s performance.  If he comes out calm, cool, and collective, then I believe McNabb has better odds of having a better game.

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Written by: SkinsLovaLinds

Redskins Insider Jason La Canfora reported early yesterday that CB Byron Westbrook doesn’t believe big brother Brian, the heart of the Eagles offense, will be playing this Sunday.  Byron claimed:

The ankle injury is more serious than what the Eagles put out. You know how Andy Reid is about injuries and giving out information…He’s [Westbrook] a warrior and it’s an NFC East game and he wants to play, but its also early in the season and it’s not a playoff game. If he goes out and plays at 75 perecent, you could end up making it a lot worse. He would want to get to 90 percent to really be able to play.

Byron also made mention that he speaks with his brother just about every day, but that he has not spoken with his brother since Sunday. Umm…wasn’t yesterday Wednesday? Coincidence much? This man sat and said all this to La Canfora yesterday at 12:30pm.  Meanwhile, at 5:30pm we find out via the Philadelphia Eagles that Westbrook participated in walk throughs in the morning and light practice in the afternoon. 

Joe Dolan from the PhiladelphiaEagles.com reports,

I’m definitely encouraged. I’ve gotten better every day,” Westbrook said. “The injury is another week older, another week of rehab for me. By the time Sunday comes around, I’m definitely more optimistic than I was last week.

Now, my question is, why would Byron sit and get the Skins and their fans hopes up with comments like those above, when he isn’t even sure how accurate or up to date he is on his brother? Not to mention, if Andy Reid is so shady about exposing the truth of his teams injuries, why on earth WOULD Byron think he’d know what is really going on?  I’ve always had the family first mentality myself, however I would imagine the line is drawn somewhere there are million dollar contracts in the air.

The Redskins Insider quotes Byron saying,

We still have to prepare for him regardless,” Byron Westbrook said. “And if he can’t play, then we’ll just be over-prepared.

If that’s not stating the obvious, I don’t know what is.

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Everywhere I go, at work, at home, in the car, when I am awake and when I am asleep, I have one vision in my head and I cannot shake it from my thoughts.  The harder I try, the more it keeps replaying, over and over again.  That image is Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter being stuffed at the Bears 1 cm line in Sunday’s loss to the Bears.  I want to yell at Buckhalter to reach the ball over the goal-line while you are getting stacked up.  I want to jump into the vision in my head myself and help backup TE Matt Schobel block Bears DE Alex Brown.  In my vision, I want to run onto the field, over to the sidelines and beg Head Coach Andy Reid to run his 230 pound quarterback on a QB keeper.  I want to tell him to get his head out of his arse and run a bootleg or some kind of quick hitter instead of the slow, developing running plays to Buckhalter that they called. 

The NFC East is up for grabs.  It will probably come down to the final week of the NFL season.  With the development and improvement of QB Jason Campbell of the Redskins and their upset victory over The Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, there are now a total of four teams in the NFC East that could win the division.  Just a week ago, we thought it would only come down to The Giants, Cowboys, and Eagles.  Not so fast and now we face the Skins this Sunday in what is looking like a must win game.  Now I fear The Eagles loss to The Bears on Sunday may just come back and bite us in the rear come the end of the season where that we will look back and say “what if we only dialed up the right play calling when the game was on the line that September evening in Chicago?”

You think I am being too hard on Coach Reid?  Check out this article and let me know your thoughts (click here)

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!

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Feel free to rip me a new one in the comments section if you don’t agree but I think this is the perfect time for the Eagles to make a trade.  After 3 weeks, the Eagles have proven that they are a contender.  Unfortunately, in the NFC, the Cowboys, Giants, and Packers also proved they are contenders.  Worse, the Cowboys and Giants are in the same division as the Eagles, the NFC East.  Therefore, every game means something more this year than ever and the window of opportunity is wide open.  With the AFC so far looking like the lower of the two conferences, if the Eagles can make a move, they can further position themselves to win the Super Bowl.

Next year, the Eagles have two first round picks.  One was acquired last year in a draft deal with the Carolina Panthers.  Assuming major injuries can be avoided, the Eagles have the core of players and talent to win now.  There’s no point in keeping both of these two number one picks for next year.  Those picks can certainly help them in the future but it cannot help us win the Super Bowl this year. 

Hurry up and make the phone call to Detroit Lions GM Matt Millen before he is fired.  The Lions have been known to make some bad trades in the past (see Denver trading RB Tatum Bell and OT George Foster for CB Dre Bly as an example).  WR Roy Williams is struggling in Detroit’s new offensive scheme.  He can become a free agent at the end of the season.  With the Lions starting the season 0-3, they might as well blow up the team and get value for what they have now before they lose Williams and get nothing in return.  They would be crazy not too.  Offer a number one pick to Detroit for WR Roy Williams; conditional on him signing a long-term and cap-friendly contract with the Birds.

Yes, I know, receivers take time to learn the West Coast Offense.  Don’t tell rookie sensation WR DeSean Jackson that.  Let’s see how Roy Williams fits in.  Heck, use him as a decoy and let him run fly routes all game long.  Yes, I know, Head Coach Andy Reid insists we are fine with our current core of receivers and he does not value the receiver position as highly as other positions.  Hello Coach Reid.  The one year we had a stud receiver, we lost the Super Bowl by three points!  QB Donovan McNabb had his best year that season.  Can you imagine Roy Williams lining up with a healthy Kevin Curtis, DeSean Jackson, and any other combination of Reggie Brown, Hank Baskett, or Jason Avant?  The formation possibilities would be endless.  Reid could scheme and confuse opposing defenses by sending RB Brian Westbrook in motion, out of the backfield.  Having all these weapons on the field at all times makes it easier for others including Tight End L.J. Smith.  Having all these receiving threats would open up running lanes for Westbrook as the opposing defenses would have to further respect the pass.  It would give McNabb more choices and make the offense more of a threat.  In theory, a better offense gives us a better defense as they would not have that added pressure of keeping opposing offensive teams’ scoring down as they had to do this past Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

There’s no time like the present.  How much longer will the likes of Jon Runyan, Tra Thomas, and Brian Dawkins be around, playing at a high level?  McNabb could be gone after this season.  This city and the fans deserve a championship.  This core group of players on this current team deserves a chance at the Super Bowl.  It is now up to Reid and the front office to pull the trigger and make the move.  After all, half the time, number one picks wind up as busts.  The upside of the trade is worth the risk.  Do it.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

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The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. TV & Radio Info: Game: Steelers (2-0) at Eagles (1-1) TV: CBS (Jim Nantz, Phil Simms) Radio: 610 AM WIP All Sports Radio (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick) Time: 4:15 p.m. ET Game Notes:

• The Steelers have won their last 15 regular-season road games when leading after three quarters
• The Steelers are 13-2 in their last 15 games against the NFC
• Last Regular Season Meeting: The Steelers beat the Eagles in Pittsburgh, 27-3 in 2004.
• OG Max Jean-Gilles will replace OG Shawn Andrews.
• The Steelers and Eagles have not played a regular season game in Philadelphia since 1997.
• Eagles QB Donovan McNabb is 1 TD shy of passing Ron Jaworski for the Eagles franchise lead in TD passes.
• Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid is 3 wins shy of 100 career wins.
• Eagles WR DeSean Jackson can become the first WR ever in NFL History to have 3 straight 100 yard receiving games to start his career.

Injury Report: Steelers - Out of Game: DE Brett Kiesel (Calf), LB Donovan Woods (Hamstring), CB Deshea Townsend (Heel). Probable: LB James Farrior (Back), G Chris Kemoeatu (Ankle), DT Casey Hampton (Groin), QB Ben Roethlisberger (Shoulder) Eagles - Out of Game: WR Kevin Curtis (Sports Hernia), DE Victor Abiamiri (Wrist) . Doubtful: OG Shawn Andrews (Back). Probable: FB Tony Hunt (Hamstring), DT Trevor Laws (Quad), DT Dan Klecko (Hand), WR Reggie Brown (Hamstring), S Sean Considine (Hand), LB Tank Daniels (Wrist) Quote of the Week: “The guys have just been out there having fun, putting up points. I just want to go out there and have as much fun as they’ve been having. The past two games, you just see everybody feeling good. Everyone’s clicking and coming together as a team. I just want to be out there with my teammates contributing toward our goals.” - WR Reggie Brown Feel free to chat with other Eagles fans in the Tag Board in the right column. With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!! EAGLES!!”

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Week 3 of the NFL Season brings us an interesting match-up of our Philadelphia Eagles hosting The Pittsburgh Steelers. Let’s take a peak into how The Birds Offense matches up versus that Steel Curtain Defense. The Eagles Offense comes off a tale of two stories from Monday night. In the first half against the Cowboys, their offense was almost unstoppable. In the second half, and more specifically in the end of the fourth quarter, it was not as productive. Now the Eagles have a short week to game plan for one of the AFC’s most dangerous teams; the Steelers. It is my opinion that the Eagles will need to throw the ball to beat the Steelers. As much as I get frustrated with Head Coach Andy Reid and his pass happy philosophy, I have to give him this one. I think the Steelers will game plan to shadow RB Brian Westbrook and force QB Donovan McNabb to air it out and beat the Steelers. The Eagles will need to spread the ball around consistently to all receivers. McNabb will need time, protection, and throwing lanes to step into as the Steelers can bring heat with their Linebackers as well as Safety Troy Polamalu. Eagles Receivers DeSean Jackson and hopefully an available Reggie Brown must have a solid, productive game. If McNabb is given time, protection, and passing lanes consistently, I believe the receiving core will have solid games as I am not confident that the Steelers Cornerbacks can keep up with the Eagles spreading the ball around the field. This would be a nice game for Tight End L.J. Smith to earn his paycheck and be a constant, down the middle of the field target for McNabb. One thing that worries me is if Eagles Guard Shawn Andrews is unable to play at 100% due to the injury he suffered on Monday. It all starts up front and teams that have solid lines have done well versus the Steelers. Not having the Eagles best offensive lineman is a huge plus for the Steelers and I am sure they will game plan to exploit his replacement in Max Jean-Gilles. There’s no doubt about it, the Steelers have a tough and stingy defense. The Eagles offense might as well get used to playing versus these types of defense as the Chicago Bears and the Washington Redskins are next on the schedule. Sunday’s performance will be a nice indicator on how things are to come and hopefully the outcome of this Sunday and in the future is of our Eagles’ Offense flying high. With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!! EAGLES!!”

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Today, we have exclusive privileges to interview a Steelers insider who wishes to remain anonymous.  To discuss the up coming week 3 match-up between the two Keystone State teams, we will now refer to him as “Steely McBeer”:

 Vedder:

Thanks for joining us today Steely.  We appreciate you risking your work with the Steelers to take time with us today to discuss what could be a preview of the Super Bowl.

Steely:  

Preview of the Super Bowl?  I thought the Steelers were playing the Eagles this week? All kidding aside this should be a great game with State bragging rights on the line.

 

Vedder: 

Steelers fans are known across the league as great traveling fans.  Eagles fans are known as great home team fans.  Do you expect a lot of Steelers fans to be waiving that yellow towel come Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field?

Steely:  

Steelers fans are spread across the country, and always make their presence known at opposing teams stadiums.  Add to this the fact that it is only a 4.5 hour drive across state on the PA turnpike to get here, and I am sure you will see plenty of Black and Gold in the stands.  I am not so sure about the Terrible Towels being waived; as such a display might trigger some unwanted criticism from the polite crowd supporting the Eagles.

Vedder: 

What were your concerns about the Steelers going into the season?  What concerns have disappeared now that you have seen what the Steelers are capable of after their first two games?

Steely: 

The biggest concern had to be the production (or lack there of) of the Offensive Line.  They surrendered almost 50 sacks last year and were unable to open holes consistently for the running game later in games when it mattered to help burn the clock and ice games when they had a lead.  Add to the fact that they lost 7 time All-Pro Alan Faneca to the Jets this off-season and the numbers from last year might not look so bad by seasons end.  They have already given up 5 sacks to start the season which is on pace for 40 which is an improvement, but one has to wonder how many hits Ben Roethlisberger can take before he starts missing games due to injury.  I imagine that Big Ben is having visions of green jerseys in his face all day as Jim Johnson will certainly unleash his multiple blitz packages, but they have to be prepared to handle this it or could be a long day.

There were 2 things that had me concerned prior to the season starting, but after watching the first 2 games it appears the concern was not warranted.  The first was the ability of Willie Parker to come back from the first major injury of his career, a broken leg.  Reports had him fully participating through all off-season workouts, but until the lights go on and you start hitting, you just don’t know for sure.  Plus they drafted Rashard Mendenhall out of Illinois in the first round which made us wonder if Parker was completely over the injury.  With back to back 100 yard games to start the season, he is showing that he is quite capable of picking up where he left off last season when he was leading the league in rushing after week 15.

The other had to be the status of Troy Polamalu.  He has missed multiple games the last 2 years due to a variety of injuries, and their defense just isn’t the same without him.  He already has 2 interceptions in as many games and has been making plays all over the field.  The Tasmanian Devil is officially back!

Vedder: 

What would have had to happen for the Steelers to keep Faneca?  Will losing him come back to haunt the Steelers this year?

Steely:  

The Steelers, just  like the Eagles, are always willing to let a player leave 1 year early instead of 1 year too late.  They felt he was on the downside of his career and had developed into a problem child for new offensive line coach Larry Zierling due to his displeasure over the Steelers hiring Mike Tomlin as their head coach instead of his long time friend and position coach Russ Grimm, who subsequently joined former Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Wisenhunt’s staff in Arizona.  Couple that with the Steelers signing of Big Ben this past winter to a long term extension worth over $100 million which ate up the cap room to sign him long term and it spells for a divorce between a great player and the only team he has ever known since being drafted in the 1st round out of LSU in 1998.

Anytime you lose a pro bowler at any position you will feel the effects on the field, but the organization feels good about the potential of Chris Kemeatou.  Time will tell as the season progresses if they made the right choice.  This is 1 person who does not feel they did, and I am not alone.

Vedder: 

Regarding another selection during the 2008 draft class, what are your expectations for 2nd round pick Limas Sweed, WR from Texas?

Steely: 

When Sweed was drafted, everyone thought that he would fill the role as the “big” receiver that Ben Roethlisberger has coveted since Plaxico Burress left for greener pastures in New York.  The problem he has, which is a rather large problem for a receiver, is he can’t catch the ball consistently.  During the preseason they gave him every opportunity to win the #4 or even possibly the #3 spot, but his inconsistency has led to him being inactive the first 2 games of the season.  Turns out the big receiver role will be filled by Dallas Baker, a practice squad player last year that made the 53 man roster in 2008.  Looks like the Steelers will bring Sweed along slowly as he gains confidence.

Vedder: 

What matchups do you see favoring the Steelers this week and where would you say the Eagles have an edge?

Steely:  

I think the Steelers will have an edge in the running game on offense and defense.  They pride themselves on being able to run the ball and stopping the run, which is evident by top 10 finishes in both statistical categories every year.  Willie Parker will get 20-25 carries as long as the game is close.  He will get stopped for a lot of 1-2 yard gains, but he is a threat to take it the distance at any moment.  On the defensive side of the ball, Casey Hampton and Aaron Smith do a great job of occupying the offensive linemen so the 4 Linebackers can get to the ball carrier.  Throw in Troy Polamalu playing close to the line and it seems they have 12 guys out there at times.  The one thing that can throw a wrench in these plans is to spread out the defense with multiple wr’s and try to gash them inside.  They probably won’t see many carries however as we all know that Andy Reid favors the pass, but he would be wise to mix it up to keep this defense honest.

Two areas where the Eagles have the advantage in my opinion is their Pass Offense and their blitz packages when the Steelers attempt to pass.  As evidenced by the first 2 games of the season, Donovan McNabb doesn’t have a true go to guy and spreads the ball around very well to his receivers and backs.  The Steelers always have problems with teams that have multiple options in the passing game which doesn’t allow them to scheme towards one or two players.   You will see the Steelers play a lot of zone to keep everything in front of them and hope that Donovan McNabb makes a mistake as he methodically moves the team down the field.  The problem is, #5 will have many windows to throw into as the Steelers secondary isn’t necessarily a strength.  Also look for Troy Polamalu to spy Brian Westbrook as he is the one player that might have a prayer of staying anywhere near him in the open field.  If Reggie Brown returns this week, it could make things even more difficult.

As much as the running game for the Steelers offense is fueled by the offensive line, they are surprisingly average when it come to pass blocking.  RT Willie Colon is very poor against speed rushers, and with 2 new starters at Center and Left Guard, they are susceptible to blitzes up the middle as they are not completely comfortable with communicating and switches.  I look for Jim Johnson to bring pressure early and often to get Ben on the ground.  The one thing I will give Ben credit for is if the defense misses him with the initial wave, he is very dangerous outside the pocket making plays down field.  So if the rushers don’t get him, you better hope that trio of high priced CB’s have their guys locked down or it could be an easy 6.  I also hope the Steelers can find ways to get their receivers isolated on Brian Dawkins as he seems to have become somewhat of a liability in pass coverage.  On a side note, I am interested in seeing if the Steelers try to use Heath Miller over the middle of the field similar to how Dallas used Witten on Monday night.  Miller is an underrated receiver, but he has a knack for getting open and has great hands.

Vedder: 

What is your final prediction for the game (and do not reply with “Pain”)

Steely:  Birds 23, Lers 24!!

Vedder:
Thank you Steely for joining us today with your insider take on the Steelers and the great match up this weekend.  With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

Steely:

You are welcome. Um, I think.

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The Philadelphia Eagles will face the Dallas Cowboys Monday night Dallas, Texas.
TV & Radio Info:
Game: Eagles (1-0) at Cowboys (1-0)
TV: ESPN (Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Tony Kornheiser)
Radio: 610 AM WIP All Sports Radio (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick)

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Game Notes:

• Eagles CB Lito Sheppard has 8 INT’s against the Cowboys in his career.
• With 2 TD passes, Donovan McNabb will pass Ron Jaworski as the franchise leader in TD passes.
• Head Coach Andy Reid is 10-6 on Monday Night and 6-2 on the road.
• Last Regular Season Meeting: Eagles beat the Cowboys 10-6 at Dallas.

Injury Report:

Cowboys:

Out: WR Sam Hurd (Ankle), G Kyle Kosier (Foot)
Doubtful:
Questionable: WR Miles Austin (Knee), CB Terrance Newman (Groin), LB Anthony Spencer (Knee)
Probable:  RB Marion Barber (Ribs), WR Isaiah Stanback (Shoulder)

Eagles:

Out: WR Kevin Curtis (Sports Hernia), DE Victor Abiamiri (Wrist)

Doubtful:
Questionable: WR Reggie Brown (Hamstring)
Probable: S Sean Considine (Hand), DT Dan Klecko (Hand)

Quote of the Week:

“(WR) Reggie (Brown), you saw, was working with the offense there. We’ll just see how he does here over the next couple of days and whether there’s a chance that he gets in there and has an opportunity to play; which is a positive thing. I wasn’t sure that he’d be at this spot right now. That’s good.” - Head Coach Andy Reid on WR Reggie Brown.

Feel free to chat with other Eagles fans in the Tag Board in the right column.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

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