Die Hard Sports Fan

With such an intense rivalry heading our way this Sunday, Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache had lots to say today at Redskins Park among convesation with Dan Steinberg of the D.C. Sports Bog. Now I don’t know about you guys, but with Eagles running back Brian Westbrook still questionable and it now being Thursday evening, I’m quite eager to hear how the Skins D is preparing to stop the number five passing offense in the league.

Blache’s interview with Steinberg eased my tension a bit, especially considering his brutally honest opinion on the use of stats as a coach.

“We don’t worry about numbers here,” he said. “Statistics are for losers. I’m not a stat guy. I’m not interested in them, because you can do anything you want with numbers, you can manipulate them, and work around with them…So I don’t believe in numbers, because any crook can play with numbers….For me, you either win or you lose; you don’t get second place because you had great stats….I’ve been around a ton of guys that will just sit and spout their statistics. Drives me crazy. It’s meaningless.”

Prior to being the defensive coordinator, Blache ran the defensive line in Washington while working under Greg Williams.  He brought the Skins from 27th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed in the 2006 season to 4th last year.  I guess you could also say he is partly responsible for the Skins D being 3rd in overall defense in the NFC. This is Blache’s fifth season in DC, but he’s got quite the resume of football coaching to back him up. Between the Bears, Colts and Packers, Blache has been among the league for 16 years and he coached lots of college ball before that.  Needless to say, the man knows what he’s doing.

“…I’m old school. I have no interest in a head job. All I want to do, I want to win Dan Snyder and the Washington Redskins a Super Bowl championship, that’s my goal. Past that, a good glass of wine, a good Cuban cigar, and hell, life is beautiful.”

Now…how can a quote like that NOT bring a smile to your face and leave you optimistic on your Friday morning?

Share This

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!!”

Share This

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.

Share This

I have to admit, after watching last night’s game, or should I say 15 round boxing match, I am totally pumped up and the game was very entertaining.  Heck, my heart is still pumping big time.  Despite the loss, there are many positives I could focus on today but one thing I cannot get past is DeSean Jackson’s idiotic premature celebration. 

To recap, Eagles QB Donovan McNabb through a beauty of a strike, a dagger down the middle of the field into the hands of a streaking Jackson, headed towards the end zone for a touchdown.  On the way to scoring, Jackson celebrated prematurely, by showboating with the ball trailing behind him and then letting go of the ball.

One thing I learned in the twenty plus years of watching “JoePa” ball of Penn State football is when you score a TD, you hand the ball to the ref and walk back to the sidelines.  You hear frequently to “Act As If”.  Act as if you have been to the end zone one hundred times before.  Jackson, in only his second professional game did not “Act As If”.
Worse, let’s play the “What If” scenario.  What if Dallas recovered the ball?  In a wild shoot out on a Monday night, every offensive position is important.  The outcome of this game could have been decided on Jackson’s boneheaded play.  Who knows, the outcome of the NFC East and maybe the entire NFL (ok, I am getting carried away here) could have been decided by this play.

Here’s another “What If” scenario:  Thank goodness the play was ruled where the Eagles had possession of the ball at the Cowboys one-yard line.  On the next play, a Bryan Westbrook goal-line dive was the call.  “What If”?  What if Westbrook fumbled and it was returned for a Dallas defensive TD?  What if Westbrook or another player got hurt on that next play?  If you think I am going overboard with the “What If” scenarios, go ask Jevon Kearse about the “What If’s” when the Eagles gave up a lead and lost the opening game against the season two years ago to the New York Giants.

So in the end, maybe it was a good thing to happen to Jackson.  Humans can do one of two things after a mistake:  1) Learn from it and make improvements upon that mistake or 2) let the mistake repeat.  Earlier in the week, on 610 WIP All Sports Radio, they were asking callers to give DeSean Jackson a nickname.  Hopefully he does not make mistakes like the one he made last night and earn himself the nickname “DeSean Jackass”.  Hopefully he learns from his lesson, his teammates and coaches forgive him, and he forgives himself and takes on the challenge to help bring us Die Hard Eagles Fans a Super Bowl Championship.

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

Share This

It was the 1st day of September, 1991, and the Eagles season was kicking off with a road game in Green Bay. Expectations for a successful season were high in Philadelphia. With “The Ultimate Weapon” QB Randall Cunningham to lead the offense and a top defense, lead by DE Reggie White, there was no reason to believe that this team couldn’t be something special. That feeling, which spread throughout the city and the Eagles fan base, quickly disappeared. All it took was one play and like a dart popping a balloon, the positive energy and excitement about the 1991 Eagles season was gone. A first quarter passing play by The Eagles ended with me and millions of other Eagles fans, holding their breath. Our star QB was gone for the season. Packers LB Bryce Paup, came in and hit Cunningham low, around the knees. I was up all that night. I was upset that our season was over. Life was so cruel to make us wait impatiently the entire off-season only to kick us Eagles fans in the groin. It was too painful to digest. It turns out the season was not over. The Eagles were competitive and finished 10-6. Who would have known that after that first game the Eagles defense would be one of the best ever defenses in the NFL. That season, the Eagles defense finished number one against the pass, number one against the run, and number one in overall total defense. Darth Vader would say, “Most impressive”. I’m left wondering what this team could have done with a healthy Randall Cunningham. Unfortunately, for Eagles fans everywhere, and in addition to having Rick Kotite as the Head Coach, the Eagles offense was horrific. QB Jim McMahon was decent as Cunningham’s replacement, but he never made it a full season. I still cringe when thinking of the performances that year by QBs Pat Ryan, Jeff Kemp, and Brad Goebel. This year, after seeing the New England Patriots QB, and superstar Tom Brady, injured and knocked out for the year on the first game of the season, reminds me of its parallels when comparing to the 1991 Eagles. Both teams were very talented. Both teams had high expectations. Only time will how the 2008 Patriots respond. Will other players step up and carry them? Will Patriots fans be frustrated with the lack of quality play from their QB position? I doubt anyone can be as bad as Pat Ryan. I also doubt their defense can give performances such as the 1991 Eagles defense did. However, I do give the Patriots the benefit of the doubt as I don’t think their current head coach can be compared to Rich Kotite; and that should give Patriots fans some hope. It will definitely be interesting to sit back from afar and watch how they respond, that’s for sure. With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!! EAGLES!!”

Share This

It is Tuesday, the first day after all of week 1’s games are over.  Today is that “in-between” day.  Do we Die Hard Eagles Fans continue to enjoy Sunday’s dominating victory over the Rams or do we shift focus, and look ahead to our week 2 opponent, the dreaded Dallas Cowboys?  For this Die Hard Eagles fan, it is a no brainer and here’s why:

The Eagles victory on Sunday was awesome.  Watching McNabb basically have a perfect game where the Offensive Line kept him clean and untouched was more than I expected.  The Defense was all over the place, shutting down all major weapons of the Rams.  The Special Teams were exciting.  Every time the Rams punted, I could not wait to see what DeSean Jackson had in store.  Our punt coverage was supreme.  David Akers was booming the ball on kickoffs.  You could have not scripted a better opening day result for our beloved birds.

With that all said, it was against the Rams, at home, in our house.  Injuries plagued the Rams up and down their roster, on both sides of the ball.  The good news is we beat them and put them away the way we should have.  We didn’t play down to their level which was a possibility.  It was a gift from the NFL schedule makers and we took full advantage of it.  Now, it is time to move on, and although we should appreciate our accomplishment on Sunday, we now need to focus on what could quite possibly be the biggest week 2 match-up in a long time. 

The Cowboys and The Eagles could be the two finest teams in the NFC.  Other teams in the NFC such as the Panthers, Saints, and Giants could argue that point, but it is a safe statement to make.  Although pre-season predictions are worthless, it was this Die Hard Eagles Fan’s prediction that the Birds face the Cowboys in the NFC Championship game come playoff time.  It is time to put week 1 to rest and shift all energies and focus towards a very exciting Monday Night game capping off week 2 of the 2008 season.

Both teams have high expectations.  “America’s Team” is a sexy favorite from the NFC and is full of stars across both the offense and defense.  On paper, there is no reason why they won’t be representing the NFC in the Super Bowl.  Although this game will not decide everything in the NFC nor anything specifically between The Cowboys and The Eagles, it will be used as a good barometer as to judge how good both teams are and if each is worthy of my pre-season prediction.

This game has it all, making Monday feel like a year away, including the following:

• The bright lights of Monday Night Football. 
• The heated rivalry of two NFC East division members.
• Former Eagles WR Terrell Owens lined up against CBs Sheldon Brown, Asante Samuel, and Lito Shephard. 
• QB Tony Romo versus QB Donovan McNabb. 
• Top Tight End Jason Witten versus a questionable but up and coming Eagles Linebacking core.
• Hopefully nice camera shots of Jessica Simpson in the stands
• RB Brian Westbrook versus a speedy Cowboys Defense
• Hard running Marion Barber versus an Eagles rotation of Defensive Linemen.
• TE L.J. Smith versus S Roy Williams
• Punt Returners DeSean Jackson and “Pac-man” Jones

I have one message for Terrell Owens.  This game cannot get here soon enough and I will most definitely be bringing my popcorn.  With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

Share This

SportingNews.com broke down and ranked the Quarterbacks for each team in the NFC. Quarterbacks is plural so their ranking includes the backups. Here’s the Top 5 on the list…

1. Dallas Cowboys - “The ability to sense and avoid a rush and throw from different arm slots is what makes Tony Romo an elite playmaker. Backup Brad Johnson is solid; he makes good decisions and few mistakes.”
2. New Orleans Saints - “Drew Brees is intelligent and instinctive; he acts like a coach on the field. He’s accurate on short and deep passes and also can throw on the run. Veteran Mark Brunell knows how to manage a game.”
3. Seattle Seahawks - “Like a streak shooter in basketball, Matt Hasselbeck can take over a game as he feeds off his own success. Seneca Wallace and Charlie Frye both have starting experience and will battle for the No. 2 job.”
4. Philadelphia Eagles - “Donovan McNabb has gone from elusive scrambler to mostly a dropback passer. He throws a great deep ball but isn’t as adept across the middle. Kevin Kolb is the future starter, and A.J. Feeley can run the offense.”
5. New York Giants - “Eli Manning is a mentally tough leader who showed he can make plays during last year’s Super Bowl run. Newcomer David Carr needs to regain his confidence, and rookie Andre’ Woodson is a project.”

I agree that the Cowboys have the best 2 Quarterbacks on one team in the NFC with Romo and Johnson. Johnson is a former Redskin who keeps bouncing around, but all he does is win when he plays. Winning is what it’s all about. I don’t agree at all with the Saints at No. 2. Brees is one of the best QBs in the NFC, but the other former Redskin Brunell is not good at all. I don’t agree with the Seahawks at No. 3. I think that the Eagles should be No. 2 with McNabb and Feeley. McNabb’s production has declined, but he still has no weapons. On top of that, Feeley always comes in when McNabb gets injured and the team never skips a beat. The Giants can be placed as low as No. 8 on the list because they don’t have a legitimate backup. We’ll have to see if Carr or Woodson win that role in the Preseason. Teams 6-8 also have decent starters along with decent former starters as backups.

Share This

I am one of the many who do not want see Jeremy Shockey go but regardless we still have a team. Big Blue has not stood out because of one player really, it is about the whole squad.

There’s no speculation about Shockey wanting to leave the team. He has mentioned where he would like to play and that’s the man’s decision. I will look past that and focus n who we could get that will be a good fit to our team. Over the weekend I heard something on CNN radio about trading Shockey to Baltimore for Ray Lewis. I know Lewis is above age but he’s not washed up. He can also be a great locker room influence and with the heart these Giants are known to play with it could be a positive experiment.

In general, I will miss Shockey if he decides to leave but I won’t be sad about it. I’m focused on the team as a whole and I’m tired of the commentators still giving the Giants no props. We are still being categorized under the Cowboys and can’t wait to turn these knuckleheads’s brains around.

We are the Superbowl champs and can make the impossible happen. We are the real thing baby…bring it!

Share This

Not too sure yet but I hope not. He really has nothing to prove other than his love for the game. He is also great locker room influence and through the years has become a great teacher to the young and coming. He is very much a powerful weapon and I can’t say still because he’s been doing it year after year as if age does not matter. I am hopeful he will return but I won’t be mad if he chooses to leave the game. Coaches know how important, just like in any business or sport, learning from someone with experience is the best plan of attack. Coaching is one thing but to have the example and do it can demonstrate these young players the strength of forward vision. By forward vision I mean the prediction of where the play seems to be going and attack the play. Experience opens your eyes and let’s you see ahead of the play which is a trait Strahan dominates. Any old school player will tell you how to tackle a situation, but the task of it is to do it…..and do it fast and hard like these young players from the New York Giants have been doing it

Share This

On Wednesday, I received an email from a Giants fan that wrote a song about the Giants winning the Super Bowl.  He wanted to know if I know any musicians that could write and record the music for his lyrics.  I do know some people that can do that so I’m trying to introduce them.  Hopefully it all works out.  I would love to hear what the final product sounds like.  This Giants fan also wants to make a video out of it.  I would like to check that out too.

New York Daily News:

Antonio Pierce cited on pit bull charge - Ralph Vacchiano continues to discuss the story that The Star-Ledger brought to light yesterday.  At the bottom of Vacciano’s article, he wrote that the Giants and Tom Coughlin should begin discussing Coughlin’s contract extension next week.

The Star-Ledger:

SFLSteven redecorates the blog walls - Mike Garafolo posted funny pictures about the Patriots.

Tynes’ deal (finally) done - Mike Garafolo reports that the Jints finally completed the 5-year deal with Lawrence Tynes.  Garafolo included the amount of the contract as rumor.

Share This