QB controvery? What QB controversy?

From a recent Facebook exchange with one of my Fellow Football Enthusiasts:

FFE: Shouldn't you be worrying about your injury-plagued Eagles?

Snark: Well, I'm worried about Big5, but I'm not too panicked about the rest of the team (at least not yet). I see us resting McNabb through the bye and heading into weeks 5-17 with our franchise QB and, at worst, a 1-2 (more likely 2-1, even possibly 3-0) record.

FFE: You think they'll play Vick if McNabb can't go? Or Garcia?

Snark: Sunday? My money says Kolb gets the start and, as long as he's not stinking up the joint, plays. If he *is* stinking up the joint, Jeff "Insurance Policy" Garcia goes in.

Vick's not eligible until week 3 against the Chiefs, and even then I think it's unlikely he starts. Vick's a whim who was picked up for the NFL equivalent of the change in the sofa cushions ($1M) - at that price, he can be cannon fodder for all they need to care.

I think what AR is evaluating right now is Kolb's ability to be the #2 (and eventual #1, because McNabb can't play forever, all Farves to the contrary). The spot's his to lose, and that chance starts in just under 4 days.

So what do you think, fellow Eagles fans? No way is our #1 in question - frankly, he never has been for the past 10 years (and the haters who think he has are nuts and apparently incapable of basic math, because the stats don't lie) - but clearly, our #2 is. And in another couple of weeks, we'll have an embarrassment of QB riches. Who stays? Who goes? What will the depth chart look like?

Read More

Sunday Schedule: September 20, 2009

Can we win without Big5? We'll find out Sunday. I'm nervous, but with my fingers crossed, and I do feel better knowing that Jeff Garcia's back in the Birds' nest. Check out Chicks in the Huddle for a chick fight throwdown between me and NOLA.

1 pm: Eagles/Saints, baby! I doubt Drew Brees will thrown for 6 TDs against *our* D.
4 pm: Ravens/Chargers or Steelers/Bears (we'll vote)
8 pm: Giants/Cowboys - that should be fun!

MNF: Colts/Dolphins - that should also be fun!

Menu is still TBD, but right now Chef Spouse is leaning towards fajitas, and promises me that there WILL be a FULL compliment of guacamole this week.

Read More

2009 Week 1 Recap

Eagles at Panthers, Sunday, September 13, 2009

In attendance: Shoegal, ExNavy Cheesehead, Chef Spouse

Menu: small bowl of Chef Spouse's amazing guac (couldn't find decent avocados), Yuengling, crudities, yummy hoagies from Taylor

Stud of the Week: I really could've picked anyone on the D, but I had to go with my man Sheldon Brown, who picked off Jake Delhomme twice. Not that that seems to have been all that tough a job yesterday, but still.

First of all, I was SO wrong. Both our D and our O were ready to rock. Although on that first Panthers drive, I was heard to remark: "Did everyone forget how to tackle after Jim Johnson died?" I was also heard to remark: "If they can just rattle Jake Delhomme, I guarantee he'll start throwing picks." Yes, I may be psychic. Which, if true, is good news for the Lions.

Let's deal with the good before we get to the bad (and hear why I'm not panicking...yet.)

Our D was dominant. DOMINANT. They dismantled the Panthers. Seriously - I think Jake Delhomme's left arm may have landed in my back yard. Dick Stockton was talking about how JJ must be smiling down from heaven. Sean McDermott did him proud - he's clearly been paying attention for the last 10 years. Best moment? The crap time at the end of the game when the Panthers decided to go for the TD on 4th & goal, and our first team goal line D ran out there all "NOT. GONNA. HAPPEN." And it didn't.

Our O looked really great too. BWest's offseason training was a little unconventional, consisting entirely of surgery, but it looks like it worked. He was cutting like the old days. Also, now that we have so many options on O, they can't just send everyone after Westy. And the new guys - Maclin and McCoy - both got playing time and both stepped up. And Celek made Chris Cooley look like The Prophet of Football. Leonard Weaver got a carry. And did you see Peanut's speed? It's a party and everyone's invited.

Did I mention all of our offensive options? Last year, Big 5 threw to something like 10 receivers for over 200 yards each, which was an NFL record. This year, he could top himself. Assuming we get him back.

So now we're on to the bad. As everyone knows by now, McNabb broke a rib. It was a late hit - big time - that was not called, but really, does it even matter? How much do you want to bet AR was thinking, "Why me, God?" Many commentators have been calling this both the most talented group of players the Eagles have EVER assembled and favorites to go the Super Bowl. That would depend on us having our 5 time Pro Bowl QB able to play.

But there is an up side (I think). When he went down, Stockton was talking about knees. I was FREAKING out. Knee injuries, in my experience, are not good. Ribs we can deal with. QBs can play with injured ribs (see Roethlisberger, Ben). Also? Vick is available for the Chiefs. Also? We have an early bye. Also? My boy Jeff Garcia's back! Kolb was, um, let's call it not that impressive once he took over yesterday. But I think we can come out of the first 3 games 2-1 (we'll lose to the Saints - unless our D wins it for us, which is not impossible, but is unlikely - and beat the Chiefs regardless of who's under center), rest McNabb until after the bye and be good to go. I hope.

Around the rest of the NFL...

Steelers over Titans. What a way to kick off the 2009 season! Defensive battle that goes to OT. It was a costly victory for the Steelers, though, as Troy Polamalu is out for 3-6 weeks. And they looked like a different team without him. However, they don't face the Ravens until after he's back even in the worst case scenario, so hopefully it won't kill them.

Falcons over Dolphins. A lot of people say that the NFC East has resumed its rightful place as the toughest division in football. NFC South is quietly making inroads on that title.

Broncos over Bengals. Well, yeah, although that was one wacky ending. Dawk and Buck had good games, but if it requires an Act of God to get you past the Bengals, you are in for a LOOOOONG season, my friends.

Vikings over Browns. Um, yeah. Quarterback, schmarterback. Anyone heard of a guy named Adrian Peterson?

Jets over Texans. Ok, either Mark Sanchez is the second coming of Dan Marino or I might've been wrong about the Texans. Beginner's luck?

Colts over Jaguars. Although it was a lot closer than I thought it would be. Peyton's not looking so magical without Dungy and a cadre of amazing receivers.

Saints over Lions. And Drew Brees threw for the most TDs in one game in about 40 years. We could be in trouble next week. Also, see above RE: the NFC South. Also, Matt Stafford may not be the QB of destiny.

Cowboys over Bucs. Well, the NFC South's hot other than the Bucs. Who could've predicted that Tonyboy would do better without TO, other than everyone who's paid any attention to Captain ME!'s career at all? Also, it's September. Just wait and see what happens in December.

Ravens over Chiefs. That part's not surprising. What was surprising was the high score in the game - 38 to 24? What the hell? What was up with the Ravens vaunted defense?

49ers over Cardinals. Did I mention recently how bad the NFC West is? Oy.

Giants over Skins. If you didn't watch the game, the score doesn't indicate how TOTALLY one-sided it was. The Skins looked awful. Jason Campbell couldn't get it together, the D (which has been their strong suit in the last few years) looked anemic, the team was totally undisciplined, and Zorn's playcalling was just bizarre. Clearly, the man knows his job is on the line, but clearly, that's already driving him to crazy choices. This could be a long season for Redskins fans.

Seahawks over Rams. Good luck, Spags, you have your work cut out for you. If you can turn this team around, you deserve the Nobel prize for football.

Packers over Bears. Jay Cutler looked as bad as Jake Delhomme, and Brian Urlacher's out for the season (just reported on MNF as I type this). Things are not looking good in Chi-town.

Right now, the Bills are up and Rocks Brady looks pretty unsettled. Not so easy to recover from a major injury, is it there, Rocks? TO's been a non-factor so far, but the Bills are looking like they might bring the upset.

No need to wait for the recap of Chargers/Raiders, because we ALL now how that's going to turn out.

Read More

2009 Week 1 Picks

Sing it with me, now:

It's the most wonderful time of the year! It's the most wonderful time of the year!

How do we survive the long lonely months between the pro bowl and opening weekend? I do not know, fellow football fans, but I sure am glad it's over.

Eagles/Panthers: I know it's the first game, and it seems cruel to do it, but I'm picking us to lose. I think our offense is likely to be pretty high-powered this season, but I also think they haven't quite gotten the kinks worked out yet. Also, as goeagles99 points out, things are still in flux (big time) 5 days before our first game. I also think our young group of defenders needs a little more time together to start working smoothly. Look for a rough first few weeks, facing two of the tough NFC South teams, regrouping during our early bye, and a kick-ass weeks 5-17.

Steelers/Titans: Other teams have no shot against the AFC North. Well, unless they're playing the Browns. Or the Bengals. Actually, it's just the Steelers and Ravens that are trouble. Which is bad news for the Titans. Steelers.

Dolphins/Falcons: It's so hard picking winners at this point, since we haven't really seen the teams in action yet. Coin flip says Falcons.

Broncos/Bengals: OK, even not having seen much of the teams yet, this one's not hard to pick. Broncos.

Vikings/Browns: Nor this one, even with Vicodin Boy at the helm. Vikings.

Jets/Texans: Based on my no doubt crackpot theory that this is their breakout year, Texans.

Jaguars/Colts: Colts. (Watch it, this will be the year the Jaguars finally pull it together. If it happens, you heard it here first. If not, we never had this conversation.)

Lions/Saints: I suppose since I picked them to win NFC North, I should go with the Lions. Hmmmmm.....Saints.

Cowboys/Bucs: Cowboys. They're a bunch of tools, but all is not well in Tampa Bay.

Chiefs/Ravens: Ravens. See above re: other teams' chances against the Ravens and/or Steelers.

49ers/Cardinals: Oh my God. We still have to suffer through divisional NFC West games! Can't someone fix this? Cardinals.

Skins/Giants: I think the Skins are going to surprise the Giants who are, as I'd mentioned, fresh out of receivers.

Rams/Seahawks: GAHHH! More NFC West! I'm going with Rams, just for the hell of it.

Bears/Packers: Packers. Look out for Jay Cutler to pout.

Bills/Patriots: Patriots. You don't have to look out for TO to pout - trust me, you won't be able to miss it.

Chargers/Raiders: Raiders, I had your back until you cut my boy Jeff Garcia. Chargers.

Read More

Sunday Schedule: September 13, 2009

Welcome to the 2009 season, homeslices!

I'll be at home Thursday night watching the Steelers whup up on the Titans, if anyone cares to stop by. Otherwise, for Sunday:

1 pm: Eagles/Panthers
4 pm: Skins/Giants (with periodic check-ins on Cowboys/Bucs)
8 pm: Bears/Packers

MNF: double header of Bills/Patriots and then Chargers/Raiders

3 days - 6 games - happy Snark!

For the menu, we're planning to pick up hoagies from the fabulous Taylor, home of delicious and authentic Philly sammiches here in the hood. The bread's from Sarcone's and they would NEVER sully your hoagie with anything but oil & vinegar and Italian seasoning. Bring something that will go with!

Edited to add: Joe pointed out that the Cowboys/Bucs game is at 1 pm opposite the Eagles game. Guess we WON'T be flipping to that, even if our game is a blow out one way or the other, because I need to see how our new players fare in a real game situation.

Read More

2009 Divisional Picks

Hold on to your hats, kids, it's time for my annual Post That Will Cause a Walk of Shame in January, aka my divisional picks. As I gaze into my crystal ball, which is evidently made of cubic zircona given my history with these picks, here's what I see:

AFC East: Dolphins
Just when I give up on the Dolphins, after YEARS of predicting they'd beat the Pats for the division, they go and win the division. Not making that mistake again. Plus, Patriots, I have much hate for you.

AFC North: Steelers
The juggernaut continues. It always looks on paper like they shouldn't be able to take the division, and yet...maybe it's something in the water up there in Blitzburgh.

AFC South: Texans
Hear me out. The Colts have lost some key players - and Tony Dungy. That's gotta hurt. The Jags and Titans are both pretty deeply flawed teams. And the Texans finished last season really strong, winning 4 of their last 5 games. I have a good feeling about them. Stop laughing!

AFC West: Chargers
Well, I was going to pick the Raiders based on the Jeff Garcia factor - aka, he seems to be able to pull any team to at least a winning record, and the AFC West was won at .500 last year. But they cut him in favor of Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye. They're dead to me now. The Broncos grand plan was to pick up Dawk (still a locker room leader, but he's lost more than a step), Buckhalter, and Kyle Freakin' Orton? Did Josh McDaniels have a big bowl of crazy for breakfast every morning for the last 6 months? So who else am I going to pick? The Chiefs? I'm not THAT nuts.

AFC Wildcard: Colts and Ravens
Assuming they don't win their divisions. Hey, the Colts may have lost Tony Dungy AND Marvin Harrison, but they still have Peyton Manning. And I have a good feeling about the Ravens' prospects in the next several years. The Flaco/Harbaugh combo is looking promising.

NFC East: Eagles
Well duh! I always pick us to win NFC East. But the Giants are out of receivers, the Redskins are still hamstrung by The Third Worst Owner in Football, and the Cowboys are still hamstrung by the Second Worst Owner in Football (and besides, I so look forward to Tonyboy's annual meltdown). Particularly given our wideout and running back upgrades, who can really challenge us?

NFC North: Lions
Remember how I said last year that the Dolphins taking the AFC East would be the greatest turn around in the history of the NFL? I was wrong. THIS would be the greatest turn around in the history of football. But I don't think it's impossible. The Bears are saddled with Mr. Bad Attitude #1 Jay Cutler. He's not all that, and he's locker room poison, not a good thing in any player, but a particular problem in a QB. The Vikings are saddled with Mr. Bad Attitude #2 Brett Favre. He's not all that any more, and playing for revenge is not a particularly smart motivation. And the Packers seem to have lost their mojo. I don't think they ever really recovered from Mike Holmgren's departure in 1998. Plus, the Lions are pretty much an entirely new team - new players, new coaches, #1 draft pick. I admit, it's a bold prediction. But if I'm right, I'm going to look like a freakin' genius in January. If I'm wrong, well, I'm usually wrong about my pre-season divisional picks, so no harm, no foul.

NFC South: Falcons
Speaking of another combination that looks pretty winning: Ryan/Smith. Plus Jake Delhomme seems mentally unstable, the Bucs are in turmoil from what I can tell, and the Saints haven't been able to climb back to the top of the NFC South since their run to the NFC Championship game after the 2006 season.

NFC West: Cardinals
The Cardinals still have Kurt Warner, Fitz, Tim Hightower, and Anquan Boldin. Matt Leinart? Whatever - who even cares? Also, have you seen their competition? Nobody else even finished above .500 last year. Oy.

NFC Wildcard: Cowboys and Saints
Although I could probably make the argument for pretty much any two teams in the NFC. Except the Rams.

Tired of my dumb predictions? Check out...

• BleacherReport - the snark in strong in this one, Yoda.
• Don Banks of SI's Inside the NFL and I agree on almost nothing, for what it's worth.
• ESPN's Gene Wojciechowski predicts a Pats/Vikings Super Bowl. Doubtful.
• ESPN's also letting you vote. Look at my Eagles killing as predicted NFC East winners! Uh oh - that may be bad luck.

Read More

Final Thoughts on the Preseason

As per usual, I haven't previewed the pre-season games. How many different ways can I come up with to say: "Prepare yourself for 3 hours of watching guys you've never even heard of run around not only looking like they've never PLAYED football, looking like they've never even watched a game. Woo-hoo!"

OK, it's not quite that bad - usually - but you get my point.

And recaps? Well, seeing as I live here in Redskins-ville, the games are played at such odd times it's often days before they're even broadcast locally. By which point you've already read a million recaps.

So, 1 win, 3 losses. But that actually makes me happy. That record says to me that Andy and the rest of the coaching staff gave the rookies and second and third teamers plenty of time to show what they've got, which should - hopefully - result in some solid personnel decisions on cut down day.

Besides, as the Jets announcers on last night's game pointed out, last year, the Lions went 4-0 in the preseason.

Random player observations:

Last night, Vick played a lot. He had more rushing yards than passing yards, ran for on TD and threw a pick. The announcers were acting like this was something unusual. Funny, but that's pretty much how I remember him from Atlanta. Are we sure we don't want to use him as a wideout?

Speaking of Vick, he'll be eligible as of the Chiefs game on September 27. If I were AJ Feeley, I'd be freshening up my resume.

David Akers nailed a 48 yard field goal last night. Somebody appears to be getting better rather than older.

Speaking of kickers, Sav was looking a little, um, inconsistent. Not that I want Akers to have to get used to a new holder, but this is no longer an experiment. Learn the game or get out.

The first team offense never took the field last night. Hank Baskett did. So did Reggie Brown. Draw your own conclusions.

We finally have an actual full back. Dan Klecko might want to glance over his resume, too.

Maclin and McCoy both played a little. Both looked pretty good. But it was against the Jets second and third team, so let's not read too much into it. Yet.

We don't quite seem to have our new O-line figured out. Let's hope that comes together before we're calling the Raiders to see if we can get Jeff Garcia back because we've run out of quarterbacks.

No Wolverine on the roster. It's real. Somehow, now it's real. Particularly since Woodhead, the guy who seems to have arrived in New York via Munchkinland, burned his successor (Quintin Demps, for those who've tried to block it out) every time he got the ball, which was about 1 play out of every 3.

So who's in and who's out? Damned if I know.

Up next: my annual pre-season divisional picks. In which I usually end up making a complete idiot of myself. Go me!

Read More