Before the birds and their faithful followers descend upon Lehigh University as they do every season for training camp I take it upon myself to analyze the team based solely on my impressions from last season and what I've read about the draft and the offseason transactions. So, before a snap of preseason ball is played, before even the rookies report to small dorm rooms in Bethlehem, PA I will break down the offense and defense in the next two posts, then reveal my prediction for their Win-Loss record.
For the first time since a smiling, charming and hungry Terrell Owens dawned midnight green at the end of an arduous process to bring the All-Pro wideout to the City of Brotherly Love, there is genuine excitement about how Andy Reid's offense will perform. Many are tapering expectations because of Kevin Kolb's inexperience and his tendency to throw the football to the other team in his limited playing time since the Eagles selected him early in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Despite his inexperience, Kolb has had three full seasons on the bench to learn the ins-and-outs of Reid's complex passing game. By comparison, many of the “new generation” of NFL quarterbacks have succeeded with a similar blueprint. Green Bay's Pro Bowl QB Aaron Rodgers sat three years behind Brett Favre before taking the reins and becoming the man under center. In his two seasons as a starter Rodgers has thrown 50 regular season touchdowns to only 20 interceptions. Philip Rivers, the superstar in San Diego, carried a clip board for two full seasons behind Drew Brees before assuming the role of starter in 2006, a year in which he put up nearly 3400 yards and 22 touchdowns in a Chargers offense built around Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson. After going undrafted in 2003 and signing as a free agent with Dallas, Tony Romo had never attempted a pass in the regular season before 2006 after being injected into the starting lineup when Bill Parcells pulled his guy, Drew Bledsoe. Romo has been selected to three of the past four Pro Bowls and, last season, lead the Cowboys to their first playoff victory since 1996. Carson Palmer was given a year to develop before being handed the keys to the Cincinnati franchise. The time on the sidelines learning Reid's offense could be the key for Kolb. Being comfortable in the scheme from day one will allow for a much smoother transition from back-up to starter.
Also aiding in that transition will be the skill players Andy Reid and Co. have assembled over the past few seasons. Coming into his third season with the Eagles, receiver DeSean Jackson has proven to be one of the most explosive players in NFL history, having tied the record for most touchdowns of 50-yards or more with eight, and set a new record by averaging 52.8 yards per score in 2009. Jeremy Maclin is looking to breakout in his sophomore season after a solid rookie campaign, much the way his counterpart, Jackson, did a season ago. Maclin showed plenty of big-play potential in his first year as well, putting up 773 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season, and was the only glimmer of sunshine in the torrential downpour that was the first round playoff game against Dallas. While the Cowboys dominated the Eagles in a 34-14 beating, Maclin was able to catch seven balls for 146 yards, including a 76-yard TD pass from Michael Vick. Jackson and Maclin have the potential to become the top receiving pair in the league. Both are lightning quick, have reliable hands and make catches in the clutch. With the home-run capabilities on the outside, tight end Brent Celek, the future Pro Bowler who was the most consistent player on the birds' offense in 2009, as well as receivers Jason Avant and the recently reacquired Hank Baskett will be able to control the middle of the field like a team of Freddie Mitchells (imagine that for a second: a team of FredExs and “Peoples' Champions”). Don't be surprised if young tight ends Cornelius Ingram and Clay Harbor contribute in the red zone for this team, who have struggled to get points from in-close for the past several seasons. Bringing back Baskett could also address the red zone issues that plagued the now former Eagles' QB Donovan McNabb in his final few years in Philly. Baskett was always considered a red zone threat for his superior height (6'4”) and jumping ability (set a New Mexico state record by jumping 7 feet at a 2000 state track meet), but it always seemed McNabb could never quite connect with Baskett. Baskett is now in his second stint with the Eagles, and QB Kevin Kolb is touted as a much more accurate passer who may be able to use Baskett's size to the offense's advantage in 2010 by attempting and completing a fade to a back corner of the end zone for six points. Such a feat has been a rarity in Philadelphia for a long time, and would be yet another way for this passing game to produce. The mix of size and speed among the receivers and tight ends is going to create matchup problems for almost every defense in the NFL. Kevin Kolb is essentially stepping into a ready made offense, and his job is essentially that of, say, whoever is asked to play point guard for the Miami Heat: distribute the ball into the hands of some of the most dynamic playmakers in the league and let good things happen.
Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg have long been known for their love of the vertical passing game. In 2010 expect the love affair to continue, and with good reason, based on the aforementioned skill at the receiver position. But for this offense to reach its full potential the pass happy duo must overcome, or at least curb, their addiction. If this team is able to consistently establish its running game then the offense may be one of the best in the league. Fans and analysts have been screaming at the top of their lungs for most of Reid's tenure about the importance of the ground game. Running wears down the defense, running keeps the clock running late, running keeps the ball in the offense's hands and continuing to pound the ball early for short gains will lead to big chunks of yardage in the second half. But now running the football will also serve as protection for the first year starting quarterback. Reid had McNabb dropping back far too many times throughout his career and perhaps not running the ball enough lead to some of McNabb's injury problems later in his tenure with the Eagles, which lead to the degradation of his speed and athletic ability, which further exposed his lack of natural ability as a pocket passer. It is no secret the Eagles' offensive line is a work-in-progress at best, and probably not even that with the prognosis of Jamaal Jackson's knee injury. The only way the line is going to be able to protect Kolb and give him the time needed to get the ball down the field is by first attacking and pounding the defense with a run game and then taking advantage of the play-action pass. The fact that Kolb is a natural pocket passer and relies on quick decision making and a quick release rather than athletic ability to escape the rush until somebody is wide opened all but ensures the offensive line will not be asked to hold their blocks for nearly as long as they were with McNabb at the helm.
The addition of former Saints running back Mike Bell, who weighs in at 225 pounds, could compliment a backfield which showed flashes of brilliance in the middle of the 2009 season. Now second year halfback LeSean McCoy is looking to build on a promising rookie campaign that saw the second round pick's workload more than doubled during Brian Westbrook's battle with post concussion syndrome. The increased importance of the ground game and protecting Kolb should also result in increased responsibilities for fullback Leonard Weaver. The fifth year man who landed with the Eagles in 2009 after spending his first three seasons in Seattle is more than a typical lead blocker. Weaver was sent to the Pro Bowl for his '09 efforts, 323 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground, plus another 140 yards and 2 scores through the air. This trio of running backs should be able to create a three-headed backfield that can be used as a legitimate deterrent for Coach Reid's passing dependence.
There is quite a bit of “if” and “could” and “maybe” surrounding this offensive unit. Obviously, this speaks to the tremendous potential seen in each of the skill position players on the squad coming into 2010. But now, as it was recently stated on an ESPN broadcast, “the teenagers have the keys to the car for the first time”. Quite a few young players HAVE to step up and become on-and-off the filed leaders for this team to succeed, and injuries, play calling and luck will count just as much as the work the players put in. But, if nothing else, this offense should be very fun to watch.
Check back tomorrow for analysis of the defense and a W-L prediction you can take to the bank.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
A Letter to the Fans and Management of the Cleveland Cavaliers
Before this moment, I must say, while I had no compassion for you, being a Philadelphia fan I feel I owe no out of towner anything because chances are I, as all fans in the City of Brotherly Love, had suffered far worse with no well-wishes from a rival city. But, while I had no compassion, I had no contempt, either. In light of losing the biggest star to ever play in the city and the face of the NBA, I felt the fans had the right to be pissed off and if something like what played out this summer in Cleveland had gone down in the Delaware Valley, the fan reaction would be much more harsh (and my hypothesis is the national sentiment from the media and other fans would not be nearly as supportive as what Cleveland has been receiving). However, after watching a segment on Sports Center about the economic impact James' leaving would have on Cleveland, especially the area surrounding the stadium, I now no longer feel nothing for you, I am glad LeBron James left your city. If one player, however talented, determines whether fans, no matter how “cursed”, will support their team, then you never deserved him. And I know, LeBron is a superstar with no talent+marketing equal in any sport. However, if one player will determine the future of the restaurants and shops and bars and employees at Quicken Loans Arena, then the fans really have nothing to complain about. Estimates on ESPN had the local economy surrounding the King's former castle losing $20-40 million dollars in the coming season. Now fans and management need to ask themselves, “why are we even surprised he left?” If the team surrounding arguably the most talented player in the league was so far below par that taking him out of the lineup would devastate the team to the point the city and fans would stop supporting the team altogether, why would he stay? It's about winning. Period. Your team was not good enough to take advantage of LeBron's talents. And now your fans will be proven to be as fraudulent as the Cavaliers regular season record the past few seasons as the line forms for an emergency de-boarding of the bandwagon as every sports bar Cavs' merchandise stand goes out of business. And I bet the Indians are in even greater trouble now, as well. It's not even funny to have a #23 James baseball jersey anymore.
Maybe Dan Gilbert had something to do with the King giving up his thrown in his homeland to join a democracy on South Beach, as well. If Gilbert is so two-faced he would offer James a max salary and build a franchise around him but then call him a quitter and a coward as soon as he leaves, how can anybody believe a word that comes out of his mouth? How will fans trust his guarantee of a championship? How will any potential superstar replacement not fear the same treatment so much as to deter them from joining the Cavaliers and help bring them back into relevancy? The fans and management of Cleveland's basketball franchise will be stuck in this cycle for the foreseeable future, most likely until they once again hit the lottery, and they have only themselves to blame.
Your superstar is gone and it was time to prove yourselves. You failed. For the same reasons you failed to keep LeBron in your city. The team was not good enough, the fans were not loyal enough, and the city, well, come on, I know I live in Philadelphia and have very little room to talk, but given the option to live in Cleveland or Miami, who would choose rust over sand? Especially when there are rings to be won on the beach, and only regular season and individual accolades on the table at home.
I hope this letter is not taken with offense, but in this time of rebuilding, use it as a building block. Realize James left because it is what he wanted to do. Then get over it and move on. Worry about your team. That is not to say you should not hate and boo LeBron and cheer against Miami. Hell, I actively wish on-field misfortune to any team that employs J.D. Drew, and now even his brother, Stephen. Now I cannot wait to voice my distaste for Donovan McNabb when he comes back to the Linc for the first time as a Redskin. Use all that hate and support your team. Be real fans. Be a real franchise. Or sitback and slowly let basketball slip into irrelevancy and put all your hopes and dreams on Mike Holmgren's shoulders.
Sincerely,
Bill Matz
Maybe Dan Gilbert had something to do with the King giving up his thrown in his homeland to join a democracy on South Beach, as well. If Gilbert is so two-faced he would offer James a max salary and build a franchise around him but then call him a quitter and a coward as soon as he leaves, how can anybody believe a word that comes out of his mouth? How will fans trust his guarantee of a championship? How will any potential superstar replacement not fear the same treatment so much as to deter them from joining the Cavaliers and help bring them back into relevancy? The fans and management of Cleveland's basketball franchise will be stuck in this cycle for the foreseeable future, most likely until they once again hit the lottery, and they have only themselves to blame.
Your superstar is gone and it was time to prove yourselves. You failed. For the same reasons you failed to keep LeBron in your city. The team was not good enough, the fans were not loyal enough, and the city, well, come on, I know I live in Philadelphia and have very little room to talk, but given the option to live in Cleveland or Miami, who would choose rust over sand? Especially when there are rings to be won on the beach, and only regular season and individual accolades on the table at home.
I hope this letter is not taken with offense, but in this time of rebuilding, use it as a building block. Realize James left because it is what he wanted to do. Then get over it and move on. Worry about your team. That is not to say you should not hate and boo LeBron and cheer against Miami. Hell, I actively wish on-field misfortune to any team that employs J.D. Drew, and now even his brother, Stephen. Now I cannot wait to voice my distaste for Donovan McNabb when he comes back to the Linc for the first time as a Redskin. Use all that hate and support your team. Be real fans. Be a real franchise. Or sitback and slowly let basketball slip into irrelevancy and put all your hopes and dreams on Mike Holmgren's shoulders.
Sincerely,
Bill Matz
Monday, April 13, 2009
POSITION-BY-POSITION: WIDE RECEIVERS
With the NFL Draft less than two weeks away, it is time to assess another position that is up to much debate on this Eagles squad: wide receiver. In the pre-and-post-T.O. eras, the greatest point of contention amongst the fans has been Andy Reid's offense needs the true, number one wide-out it has always lacked in order produce on a high level consistently. On a team that throws the ball as much as the Eagles, and in the key situations in which Reid puts the ball in the air (Third-and-short, goal line, leading late in the fourth quarter) it would make sense for the front office to pursue the very best pass catchers. The very success of the offense depends on it. However, throughout his tenure, with one exception, Reid has stayed true to a philosophy where he spreads the ball around to a group of receivers in order to prevent the defense from keying on a single go-to guy. This strategy has been deployed with varying outcomes over the years. When the Eagles offense has clicked using the array of receivers, it is hard to argue with the spread the ball around philosophy. But at crucial point in the season, as well as in Reid and quarterback Donovan McNabb's careers, the glaring need for a play-making receiver has made itself obvious. No Eagles fan will ever have the memory of the abuse Todd Pinkston and James Thrash took against Ricky Manning, Jr. and the Carolina Panthers game in the 2004 (2003 season) NFC Championship. These two marginal talents were shut down in every sense of the word, and the Eagles lost their third straight NFC title game, 14-3. This, of course, is the game which spurred Reid and the Philadelphia front-office to change their philosophy in not only acquiring a premier receiver in 2004, but a premier receiver who had a reputation as a showboat and a bit of a prima donna. Enter Terrell Owens. The starters went 13-1 in the regular season, cruised through the NFC playoffs and finally made a Super Bowl appearance. Of course after that, T.O. went crazy, neither the front office nor McNabb helped matters much and here the Eagles are in 2008, still looking to fill the shoes of the greatest playmaker to ever catch a Donovan McNabb pass.
2008 was an almost comically inconsistent year for the Philadelphia Eagles, and because scoring points in Andy Reid's offense is based on the receivers ability to catch passes, it is safe to say the receivers were the most inconsistent group in green last season. Donovan McNabb set a career-high for passing yards in 2008 with 3,916. McNabb also threw the third highest number of touchdowns in his career, 23. With strong statistics from the QB, from afar one may not see the play of the receivers as a problem. But on a team that threw 606 forward passes (fourth highest in the league), the offense failed to produce a 1,000-yard receiver (DeSean Jackson, 912 receiving yards, lead the Eagles). Furthermore, no receiver nor tight end caught more than 62 passes (Jackson) or 3 touchdowns (TE L.J. Smith and Hank Baskett each recorded 3 TDs). Despite these pedestrian numbers, the Eagles did have two players finish in the top ten in one statistic in the NFC, among names such as Terrell Owens, Marques Colston and Steve Smith. This statistic is, of course, dropped passes. Both L.J. Smith and DeSean Jackson dropped 6 balls, tied for tenth in the conference. The Eagles, as a team, were also among the league leaders in this statistic.
But to be inconsistent, a group must have good times to match the bad. Kevin Curtis, who gained over 1,100 yards in 2007, started in only 8 games this past season. But once Curtis was able to return to the lineup after recovering from a sports hernia, he displayed some of the chemistry with QB Donovan McNabb that allowed him to lead the Birds' receiving corps in receptions, TDs and yards in '07.
2008 also saw the beginning of a career of a potential superstar. Second round draft pick DeSean Jackson emerged as the top playmaker in Andy Reid's offense. Jackson, in his rookie season, lead the Eagles with 912 yards on 62 catches in 15 starts. Jackson became the first rookie receiver to make a legitimate impact in Reid's tenure. Although Jackson was inconsistent with his ability to make grabs in big situations (remember December 21 @ Washington), he did make great strides in becoming McNabb's go-to guy, and his bobble-catch for a touchdown in the NFC Championship to give the Eagles a 25-24 lead in the 4th quarter showed what kind of big-play potential the former Cal star truly possesses. Jackson's performance in 2009 will go a long way in determining how effective the offense can be.
Jason Avant and Hank Baskett also continued to grow into their roles as possession receivers, recording 32 and 33 receptions, respectively, and combining for 5 TDs. Coach Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Morningweg finally showed the ability to use Baskett's 6'4" frame and star high-jumping ability to their advantage, and called several fade routes in the end zone for Baskett, who recorded a career high 3 TDs. The continued use of Baskett as a big target for #5 will be another big factor in the success of the passing game.
The tight end play was largely a disappointment for the Eagles in 2008. Incumbent starter L.J. Smith was in-and-out of the lineup due to injury and below average (even for Smith's standards) play, and by the playoffs, second year man Brent Celek had solidified himself as the top TE. Celek, a 2007 5th round pick out of Cincinnati, started 7 games in the regular season and showed flashes of Pro Bowl talent. But the playoffs is where Celek shined brightest. Through three playoff games Celek caught 19 passes for 151 yards and 3 scores, including a 10 grab, 2 TD performance in the NFC Championship game. The loss of Smith to free agency should not be a huge blow to this offense, especially with the emergence of Celek as the Chad Lewis of the future.
Even though the Birds have not made a move for a receiver in free agency, and the draft is still looming, the team improved its receiving corps quite a bit, already, this off-season. The trade of WR Greg Lewis to the Patriots for any sort of compensation has t be one of the great steals in NFL history. Lewis' absence from the receiving depth chart has greatly improved the talent of the group; truly addition by subtraction. Reggie Brown is another interesting case. He saw his playing time decreased in 2008, thanks largely to the rise to prominence of rookie sensation DeSean Jackson. Brown set career lows in games started (3), receptions (18), yards (252) and touchdowns (1). Brown was deactivated for several games in 2008, including the NFC Championship in Arizona. Brown's place on this team in 2009 is in doubt, and he will have to fight for his roster spot.
The team will address the receiving corps at some point this off-season. With trade rumors circulating about Anquan Boldin, Chad Johnson and Braylon Edwards and the Eagles possessing 12 draft picks, including two in the first round, there are moves to be made. The Eagles may opt to draft a receiver rather than trade for a veteran. This tactic may have been seen as a mistake by fans in the past, as Reid's Eagles have never successfully developed a receiver, but again, DeSean Jackson's emergence as bona fide playmaker has changed many people's minds.
In attempting to come up with a final analysis of the 2009 version of the Philadelphia Eagles' receiving corps, legendary actor-coach Gene Hackman keeps coming to mind, with a classic quote from The Replacements: "If nothing else, they should be fun to watch".
2008 was an almost comically inconsistent year for the Philadelphia Eagles, and because scoring points in Andy Reid's offense is based on the receivers ability to catch passes, it is safe to say the receivers were the most inconsistent group in green last season. Donovan McNabb set a career-high for passing yards in 2008 with 3,916. McNabb also threw the third highest number of touchdowns in his career, 23. With strong statistics from the QB, from afar one may not see the play of the receivers as a problem. But on a team that threw 606 forward passes (fourth highest in the league), the offense failed to produce a 1,000-yard receiver (DeSean Jackson, 912 receiving yards, lead the Eagles). Furthermore, no receiver nor tight end caught more than 62 passes (Jackson) or 3 touchdowns (TE L.J. Smith and Hank Baskett each recorded 3 TDs). Despite these pedestrian numbers, the Eagles did have two players finish in the top ten in one statistic in the NFC, among names such as Terrell Owens, Marques Colston and Steve Smith. This statistic is, of course, dropped passes. Both L.J. Smith and DeSean Jackson dropped 6 balls, tied for tenth in the conference. The Eagles, as a team, were also among the league leaders in this statistic.
But to be inconsistent, a group must have good times to match the bad. Kevin Curtis, who gained over 1,100 yards in 2007, started in only 8 games this past season. But once Curtis was able to return to the lineup after recovering from a sports hernia, he displayed some of the chemistry with QB Donovan McNabb that allowed him to lead the Birds' receiving corps in receptions, TDs and yards in '07.
2008 also saw the beginning of a career of a potential superstar. Second round draft pick DeSean Jackson emerged as the top playmaker in Andy Reid's offense. Jackson, in his rookie season, lead the Eagles with 912 yards on 62 catches in 15 starts. Jackson became the first rookie receiver to make a legitimate impact in Reid's tenure. Although Jackson was inconsistent with his ability to make grabs in big situations (remember December 21 @ Washington), he did make great strides in becoming McNabb's go-to guy, and his bobble-catch for a touchdown in the NFC Championship to give the Eagles a 25-24 lead in the 4th quarter showed what kind of big-play potential the former Cal star truly possesses. Jackson's performance in 2009 will go a long way in determining how effective the offense can be.
Jason Avant and Hank Baskett also continued to grow into their roles as possession receivers, recording 32 and 33 receptions, respectively, and combining for 5 TDs. Coach Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Morningweg finally showed the ability to use Baskett's 6'4" frame and star high-jumping ability to their advantage, and called several fade routes in the end zone for Baskett, who recorded a career high 3 TDs. The continued use of Baskett as a big target for #5 will be another big factor in the success of the passing game.
The tight end play was largely a disappointment for the Eagles in 2008. Incumbent starter L.J. Smith was in-and-out of the lineup due to injury and below average (even for Smith's standards) play, and by the playoffs, second year man Brent Celek had solidified himself as the top TE. Celek, a 2007 5th round pick out of Cincinnati, started 7 games in the regular season and showed flashes of Pro Bowl talent. But the playoffs is where Celek shined brightest. Through three playoff games Celek caught 19 passes for 151 yards and 3 scores, including a 10 grab, 2 TD performance in the NFC Championship game. The loss of Smith to free agency should not be a huge blow to this offense, especially with the emergence of Celek as the Chad Lewis of the future.
Even though the Birds have not made a move for a receiver in free agency, and the draft is still looming, the team improved its receiving corps quite a bit, already, this off-season. The trade of WR Greg Lewis to the Patriots for any sort of compensation has t be one of the great steals in NFL history. Lewis' absence from the receiving depth chart has greatly improved the talent of the group; truly addition by subtraction. Reggie Brown is another interesting case. He saw his playing time decreased in 2008, thanks largely to the rise to prominence of rookie sensation DeSean Jackson. Brown set career lows in games started (3), receptions (18), yards (252) and touchdowns (1). Brown was deactivated for several games in 2008, including the NFC Championship in Arizona. Brown's place on this team in 2009 is in doubt, and he will have to fight for his roster spot.
The team will address the receiving corps at some point this off-season. With trade rumors circulating about Anquan Boldin, Chad Johnson and Braylon Edwards and the Eagles possessing 12 draft picks, including two in the first round, there are moves to be made. The Eagles may opt to draft a receiver rather than trade for a veteran. This tactic may have been seen as a mistake by fans in the past, as Reid's Eagles have never successfully developed a receiver, but again, DeSean Jackson's emergence as bona fide playmaker has changed many people's minds.
In attempting to come up with a final analysis of the 2009 version of the Philadelphia Eagles' receiving corps, legendary actor-coach Gene Hackman keeps coming to mind, with a classic quote from The Replacements: "If nothing else, they should be fun to watch".
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Position-by-Position Breakdown: Offensive Line
The weather is warming and spring is in the air. With voluntary workouts beginning and the 2009 NFL Draft looming it seems like a good time to assess the current Philadelphia Eagles roster in order to get a better idea of what exactly the team will be looking to do over the last weekend in April in New York's Radio City Music Hall. With all the mock drafts circulating on the internet and ESPN and The NFL Network, and all of the so-called "experts" claiming they possess inside information on what teams are looking to do at the draft, it is easy to get caught up in the guessing game. And make no mistake, mock-drafting is nothing more than a guessing game, especially after the first five picks. In order to have a a more precise understanding of what the Eagles are looking to address at the draft, it is best to first assess what the team already has in terms of depth, talent and experience. Throughout the month, leading up to the draft, there will be an overview of each position posted on FROM OUT OF LEFT FIELD to provide readers and fans with both analysis on the current Eagles roster and some in-sight as to how Andy Reid, Joe Banner and their cast of cohorts are plan to propel this team to the "next level".
The logical starting point is, arguably, the most important unit of any team: the offensive line. The off-season provided major changes for a line which gave up a mere 23 sacks (seventh fewest in the NFL and second fewest in franchise history) on well over 600 pass attempts. The book-ends, left tackle Tra Thomas and right tackle/iron man Jon Runyan, who have started 134 games as a tandem, are gone. Thomas signed as a free agent with Jacksonville after the Eagles expressed no interest in retaining the perennial All-Pro who will turn 35 during the season. Runyan's future in the NFL, by his own admission, is in doubt due to the pounding he has taken in his 213 consecutive starts, and the arduous process of a 330 pound 36-year old recovering from microfracture surgery on his knee is a turnoff to most NFL teams.
Most analysts are predicting Philadelphia will take an offensive tackle with one of their two first round selections (21 and 28). But what seems to be a weakness from the outside may continue to be a position of strength for the 2009 Eagles. While the on-and-off the field contributions of both Runyan and Thomas should not be understated, there are players on the current roster who could and should be able to fill the void left by the veteran tackles.
Tra Thomas has done very well protecting McNabb's blind-side ever since McNabb took over as the starting QB in 1999. In 2008 Thomas was credited with allowing only 2 sacks, and was flagged for 2 false start penalties and 1 holding penalty while starting all 16 regular season games. Big shoes to fill, no doubt. Since Thomas' departure Todd Herremans has been slated on the Eagles' Unofficial Depth Chart as the starting left tackle. Herremans had a career year playing left guard in '08. In 16 games (15 starts), Herremans was held responsible for 0.75 sacks and was flagged a total of 5 times for 38 yards. While it is the norm for guards to give up far fewer sacks than tackles, Herremans has been described by coaches as the best of the '08 linemen, a group which allowed one sack for every 27.3 drop backs. Herremans is also a natural tackle, having been converted to guard because he was playing behind a pair of Pro Bowlers in Thomas and Runyan. Herremans played left tackle at Saginaw Valley State, where, as Sports Radio 610 WIP producer and analyst Josh Winters put it, Herremans "ate people". Herremans also saw time at left tackle in his rookie season with the Birds, filling in for the injured Thomas. If Herremans is the answer on McNabb's blind-side, the transition should be smooth for both Herremans and the offense. There are other options. Coach Reid once stated he had the best left tackle in the league playing right guard. Reid's reference was to Shawn Andrews. Andrews has been one of the top linemen in the league, when healthy, and could be a viable candidate to fill Thomas' shoes. The move does not seem likely, however, as Andrews has grown into his role as a guard and may not be built to block the DeMarcus Wares and Osi Umenyioras of the league. Newly acquired tackle and older brother of Shawn Andrews, Stacy Andrews may also be up for the job, as he has experience at the position, and there is always a possibility Runyan is re-signed during camp if he can prove to team doctors and coaches his knee is healed and he can still hold down the right side of the offense. Of course, the Eagles may still draft a lineman to step in right away, but Herremans seems like the best option.
Assuming the Unofficial Depth Chart represents the team's plans, and Herremans moves from guard to tackle, someone will need to play in the spot Herremans vacated. Right now the Eagles website is listing 2006 fourth round pick Max Jean-Gilles as the starter. Jean-Gilles had an impressive college career, and looks the part, boasting a 6-foot, 3-inch, 360 pound frame. Coming into training camp last season many thought Jean-Gilles was poised to beat out Herremans for the starting left guard position. That did not happen, but Jean-Gilles ended up starting 11 games in place of Shawn Andrews. In those 11 starts, Jean-Gilles was held responsible for half of a sack, and was only flagged twice, both for false start. But Jean-Gilles went down with an injury, and Nick Cole, who started 2008 as a third-stringer, stepped in. Cole was impressive in his 5 starts and throughout the playoffs. Many credit the 350-pound former undrafted free agent out of New Mexico State for the Eagles' improvement in short-yardage situations late in the season. Right now, Cole is listed as the second string center and right guard, but the starter at left guard could be one of the more interesting battles this summer.
The center position could be interesting as well, as Jamaal Jackson has never met the promise he showed after replacing Hank Fraley due to injury in 2005, and full-time in 2006. If Nick Cole develops as a consistent center and shows chemistry with McNabb, Cole could oust Jackson, who signed a seven-year contract extension with the Eagles in July of 2006.
The health of Shawn Andrews is another huge concern on a line full of question marks and "IFs". If Shawn Andrews is healthy there is no reason to believe he won't return as one of the premier blockers in the NFL. But if his back is still an issue, or he isn't in a good place mentally, Nick Cole could step into Andrews' position, where he closed 2008. Shawn Andrews' presence on the line could be a more pressing issue than the starting left tackle, and if he is healthy, this line should enjoy another successful year, as well as an improvement in short yardage situations. It is the belief of this writer that Brian Westbrook's drop in production had as much to do with health as it did the absence of the earth-moving Andrews. Health is the primary concern of the entire NFL, and among this group, could be the difference between an effective offense and one that falls flat.
The new "Big Kid" on the block, Stacy Andrews, is slated to be Runyan's replacement at right tackle. Since signing as a free agent with the Eagles before the 2000 season, Jon Runyan has been a rock, starting in every game on the schedule since signing. Not only has Runyan been the definition of toughness and consistency with Philadelphia, he has also been one of the most disciplined players on the roster. Runyan has been flagged six times, four for false start, two for holding, over the past three years! In 2008 Runyan drew two flags and allowed 7 sacks in his 16 regular season starts. His presence will be missed both on and off the field. But Stacy Andrews, the former fourth round pick out of Mississippi, has developed into a very good player over his five seasons in Cincinnati. In 2008, Andrews allowed a league-high 9.5 sacks playing right tackle for the Bengals. From an outside perspective this number is disheartening to fans in Philadelphia, but the number may be a bit inflated. Many teams doubled up pass rushers on Andrews' side of the line because Levi Jones, the Bengals' left tackle, was such a dominant force on Carson Palmer's/Ryan Fitzpatrick's blind-side. In 2007 Andrews started 14 games and allowed only 1 sack. Andrews' penalty numbers are also comparable to Runyan's. In 2008 Andrews was only flagged three times. While it may be rough on the locker room and fan base to lose a warrior like Runyan, the on-field contributions of Andrews should not be seen as a downgrade. The Eagles did not do much in terms of free-agent signings, but the elder Andrews brother was certainly a strong addition.
Most "experts" have made it a foregone conclusion the Philadelphia Eagles will be using at least one of their first round picks on an offensive linemen, most notably, a tackle. But with the young talent on this roster, it would not be surprising if the Eagles pass on a first round lineman. But the o-line will be addressed in the draft. That is a fact. With quality depth players like Max Jean-Gilles and Nick Cole stepping into possible starting roles, depth will be a concern on the front line. In his ten-year drafting history Andy Reid's Eagles have drafted 84 players. 18 of those 84 have been offensive linemen. Reid and his staff have averaged 8.4 picks per year, and an average of 2 linemen have been taken with those picks, each year. With the loss of big-name starters and the move up the depth chart of former backups, along with the common notion that former second round pick out of USC, tackle Winston Justice, will not make the 2009 squad, offensive line will be a prominent issue addressed at the 2009 Draft. Coach Reid has also the unique ability to scout undrafted free agents. On the current roster the Eagles list three undrafted players on their offensive line depth chart: third string tackle Chris Patrick, backup guard/center Nick Cole and starting center Jamaal Jackson all went undrafted. The Eagles look to keep their blocking corps youthful and competitive at every position, and will continue to do so on April 25th and 26th.
Next: a look at the Philadelphia Eagles' receiving corps.
The logical starting point is, arguably, the most important unit of any team: the offensive line. The off-season provided major changes for a line which gave up a mere 23 sacks (seventh fewest in the NFL and second fewest in franchise history) on well over 600 pass attempts. The book-ends, left tackle Tra Thomas and right tackle/iron man Jon Runyan, who have started 134 games as a tandem, are gone. Thomas signed as a free agent with Jacksonville after the Eagles expressed no interest in retaining the perennial All-Pro who will turn 35 during the season. Runyan's future in the NFL, by his own admission, is in doubt due to the pounding he has taken in his 213 consecutive starts, and the arduous process of a 330 pound 36-year old recovering from microfracture surgery on his knee is a turnoff to most NFL teams.
Most analysts are predicting Philadelphia will take an offensive tackle with one of their two first round selections (21 and 28). But what seems to be a weakness from the outside may continue to be a position of strength for the 2009 Eagles. While the on-and-off the field contributions of both Runyan and Thomas should not be understated, there are players on the current roster who could and should be able to fill the void left by the veteran tackles.
Tra Thomas has done very well protecting McNabb's blind-side ever since McNabb took over as the starting QB in 1999. In 2008 Thomas was credited with allowing only 2 sacks, and was flagged for 2 false start penalties and 1 holding penalty while starting all 16 regular season games. Big shoes to fill, no doubt. Since Thomas' departure Todd Herremans has been slated on the Eagles' Unofficial Depth Chart as the starting left tackle. Herremans had a career year playing left guard in '08. In 16 games (15 starts), Herremans was held responsible for 0.75 sacks and was flagged a total of 5 times for 38 yards. While it is the norm for guards to give up far fewer sacks than tackles, Herremans has been described by coaches as the best of the '08 linemen, a group which allowed one sack for every 27.3 drop backs. Herremans is also a natural tackle, having been converted to guard because he was playing behind a pair of Pro Bowlers in Thomas and Runyan. Herremans played left tackle at Saginaw Valley State, where, as Sports Radio 610 WIP producer and analyst Josh Winters put it, Herremans "ate people". Herremans also saw time at left tackle in his rookie season with the Birds, filling in for the injured Thomas. If Herremans is the answer on McNabb's blind-side, the transition should be smooth for both Herremans and the offense. There are other options. Coach Reid once stated he had the best left tackle in the league playing right guard. Reid's reference was to Shawn Andrews. Andrews has been one of the top linemen in the league, when healthy, and could be a viable candidate to fill Thomas' shoes. The move does not seem likely, however, as Andrews has grown into his role as a guard and may not be built to block the DeMarcus Wares and Osi Umenyioras of the league. Newly acquired tackle and older brother of Shawn Andrews, Stacy Andrews may also be up for the job, as he has experience at the position, and there is always a possibility Runyan is re-signed during camp if he can prove to team doctors and coaches his knee is healed and he can still hold down the right side of the offense. Of course, the Eagles may still draft a lineman to step in right away, but Herremans seems like the best option.
Assuming the Unofficial Depth Chart represents the team's plans, and Herremans moves from guard to tackle, someone will need to play in the spot Herremans vacated. Right now the Eagles website is listing 2006 fourth round pick Max Jean-Gilles as the starter. Jean-Gilles had an impressive college career, and looks the part, boasting a 6-foot, 3-inch, 360 pound frame. Coming into training camp last season many thought Jean-Gilles was poised to beat out Herremans for the starting left guard position. That did not happen, but Jean-Gilles ended up starting 11 games in place of Shawn Andrews. In those 11 starts, Jean-Gilles was held responsible for half of a sack, and was only flagged twice, both for false start. But Jean-Gilles went down with an injury, and Nick Cole, who started 2008 as a third-stringer, stepped in. Cole was impressive in his 5 starts and throughout the playoffs. Many credit the 350-pound former undrafted free agent out of New Mexico State for the Eagles' improvement in short-yardage situations late in the season. Right now, Cole is listed as the second string center and right guard, but the starter at left guard could be one of the more interesting battles this summer.
The center position could be interesting as well, as Jamaal Jackson has never met the promise he showed after replacing Hank Fraley due to injury in 2005, and full-time in 2006. If Nick Cole develops as a consistent center and shows chemistry with McNabb, Cole could oust Jackson, who signed a seven-year contract extension with the Eagles in July of 2006.
The health of Shawn Andrews is another huge concern on a line full of question marks and "IFs". If Shawn Andrews is healthy there is no reason to believe he won't return as one of the premier blockers in the NFL. But if his back is still an issue, or he isn't in a good place mentally, Nick Cole could step into Andrews' position, where he closed 2008. Shawn Andrews' presence on the line could be a more pressing issue than the starting left tackle, and if he is healthy, this line should enjoy another successful year, as well as an improvement in short yardage situations. It is the belief of this writer that Brian Westbrook's drop in production had as much to do with health as it did the absence of the earth-moving Andrews. Health is the primary concern of the entire NFL, and among this group, could be the difference between an effective offense and one that falls flat.
The new "Big Kid" on the block, Stacy Andrews, is slated to be Runyan's replacement at right tackle. Since signing as a free agent with the Eagles before the 2000 season, Jon Runyan has been a rock, starting in every game on the schedule since signing. Not only has Runyan been the definition of toughness and consistency with Philadelphia, he has also been one of the most disciplined players on the roster. Runyan has been flagged six times, four for false start, two for holding, over the past three years! In 2008 Runyan drew two flags and allowed 7 sacks in his 16 regular season starts. His presence will be missed both on and off the field. But Stacy Andrews, the former fourth round pick out of Mississippi, has developed into a very good player over his five seasons in Cincinnati. In 2008, Andrews allowed a league-high 9.5 sacks playing right tackle for the Bengals. From an outside perspective this number is disheartening to fans in Philadelphia, but the number may be a bit inflated. Many teams doubled up pass rushers on Andrews' side of the line because Levi Jones, the Bengals' left tackle, was such a dominant force on Carson Palmer's/Ryan Fitzpatrick's blind-side. In 2007 Andrews started 14 games and allowed only 1 sack. Andrews' penalty numbers are also comparable to Runyan's. In 2008 Andrews was only flagged three times. While it may be rough on the locker room and fan base to lose a warrior like Runyan, the on-field contributions of Andrews should not be seen as a downgrade. The Eagles did not do much in terms of free-agent signings, but the elder Andrews brother was certainly a strong addition.
Most "experts" have made it a foregone conclusion the Philadelphia Eagles will be using at least one of their first round picks on an offensive linemen, most notably, a tackle. But with the young talent on this roster, it would not be surprising if the Eagles pass on a first round lineman. But the o-line will be addressed in the draft. That is a fact. With quality depth players like Max Jean-Gilles and Nick Cole stepping into possible starting roles, depth will be a concern on the front line. In his ten-year drafting history Andy Reid's Eagles have drafted 84 players. 18 of those 84 have been offensive linemen. Reid and his staff have averaged 8.4 picks per year, and an average of 2 linemen have been taken with those picks, each year. With the loss of big-name starters and the move up the depth chart of former backups, along with the common notion that former second round pick out of USC, tackle Winston Justice, will not make the 2009 squad, offensive line will be a prominent issue addressed at the 2009 Draft. Coach Reid has also the unique ability to scout undrafted free agents. On the current roster the Eagles list three undrafted players on their offensive line depth chart: third string tackle Chris Patrick, backup guard/center Nick Cole and starting center Jamaal Jackson all went undrafted. The Eagles look to keep their blocking corps youthful and competitive at every position, and will continue to do so on April 25th and 26th.
Next: a look at the Philadelphia Eagles' receiving corps.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
To the Management and Front Office of the Philadelphia Phillies:
First of all, thank you and congratulations! You did it. The Philadelphia Phillies are World [expletive] Champions, and you, not the "gold standard" Eagles or the spend-crazy-to-get-close-but-not-close-enough Flyers or the lightning in a bottle 76ers, but you, the Phillies, broke the 25 year drought and brought a World Series (and the world's greatest three day party) home to Philadelphia. Credit should be spread around the entire organization. The players and their amazing individual and team efforts, of course, deserve accolades. But so, too, does the management and front office, to whom this 'letter' is addressed. To start, former general manger and current Houston GM Ed Wade had a large part in building this roster, both while he was GM in Philly, and after he left. Remember it was Wade who dealt the Phillies the final piece to the World Series puzzle when he sent All-Star closer Brad Lidge, along with utiity player extraordinaire Eric Bruntlett, to Philadelphia for the speedster who can not hit Michael Bourn and above-average right-handed reliever Geoff Geary. Recently retired GM Pat Gillick deserves credit for taking this team from the bubble of contention and turning them into World [expletive] Champions. Despite such signings as Freddy Garcia, Adam Eaton, So Taguchi, Wes Helms and Rod Barajas, Gillick brought in a lot of players without whom there would be no consecutive NL East titles, let alone a World Series Championship. The aforementioned Lidge is the first player that comes to mind. Gillick also brought us Jamie Moyer, Jayson Werth, Gold Glover Shane Victorino, Joe Blanton. And think back to last season. Do the Fightins get their first taste of playoff baseball in 14 years without the additions of Tadahito Iguchi and Kyle Lohse?
Assistant general manger of scouting and player development, Mike Arbucke, also deserves credit for building the World [expletive] Champions. Arbuckle and his staff scouted the young core of this team and acquired, through the draft, such players as NLCS and World Series Most Valulable Player Cole Hamels, 2006 NL MVP and 2008 NL MVP candidate Ryan Howard, 2007 NL MVP and gold glover Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Pat Burrell, Carlos Ruiz, Brett Myers and the suddenly flame-throwing set-up man Ryan Madson. In many analysts' eyes Arbuckle is the man most responsible for building this championship roster, and was more deserving of and qualified for the general manager position, which ultimately went to Reuben Amaro, Jr., which lead to Arbuckle's resignation earlier this week.
Of course, the now beloved manager Charlie Manuel is the man that motivates these players to perform at the highest level every day, and is the coach that brought Philadelphia its championship. The team wants to play hard for Charlie, they like him. But Manuel still has the respect in the clubhouse to be able to bench the reigning NL MVP and not lose his players. The rest of the coaching staff deserves credit as well, especially first base coach Davey Lopes. Our ground game is a big part of what got the Phillies to the World Series, and Lopes, almost single handedly, turned young speedsters into smart, talented base runners capable of sending opposing defenses into fits.
Once again, thank you and congratulations. You have released the Philadelphia fans from the torture chamber that was 25 years (over 100 collective seasons) without a World [expletive] Championship. But now the spotlight is on you. Brighter even. Remember that this is Philadelphia. Philly fans will not become complacent, nor will they accept complacency from the organization. After years of heartbreak, disappointment, underachieving and just plain losing, we have the taste of a title. And in case you didn't notice, we enjoyed it. We, the fans, enjoyed it so much, in fact, that we want to win it all, as Cole Hamels said, "year, after year, after year".
The fans have done their part. A new Citizens Bank Park and organization attendance record was set in 2008. Then, even more people showed up for the playoffs. We paid the ridiculous parking prices (the Sunday of game 4 of the World Series in which the Eagles also hosted the Falcons at the Linc, parking ran around $40). We bought every piece of NL East, NL and World Series merchandise the team and league could produce. Season ticket sales are bound to increase, as are ticket prices. Now please, do not see this as a complaint. I will pay $100 to park in the Jetro lot if it meant a shot at the World Series every year. I'm simply asking (politely demanding) the Philadelphia Phillies' front office to DO SOMETHING WITH THIS MONEY! I'm not encouraging the Phils to go on a New York-esque spending spree and disrupt the chemistry of this talented, young team. But there are holes. Despite winning the World Series, plenty of areas could use improvement. I'm not going to make an actual wish list as I did with the Eagles because, after all, you are the World [expletive] Champions. You must have some idea of what you are doing. But the holes are obvious. More contact hitters are a must. When the sluggers are hot the Phillies have the best offense in baseball. But when the home runs dry up, and the weather gets colder, the Phillies need players who can hit .300+ and simply put the ball in play (players who make productive outs and do not strike out much). A third outfielder is another area of need. Comcast Sportsnet just reported Reuben Amaro has stated the Phillies will not be re-signing Pat Burrell while the team has exclusive negotiating rights, which basically means unless nobody offers Burrell, averaging 31 homers and 99 RBI over the past four seasons, a big bag of money, he will be leaving Philadelphia. If Burrell is not re-signed Geoff Jenkins is not a suitable third outfielder (Werth would move to left field, Jenkins would take over in right). Trading for Matt Holiday or signing a free agent who can pick up Burrell's production are musts. Potential trade bait includes Carlos Carrasco, the Phills' prized pitching prospect that Pat Gillick has assessed will never be more than a number three starter. If Carrasco is not the stud he was drafted to be, he has to be moved while he still has value. Another top of the rotation starter is not a need, but it would make the team even better. Coming into 2009 with Hamels, Myers, Moyer, Blanton and Happ, Philadelphia has a formidable rotation. But drop A.J. Burnett into that rotation (either to replace a retired or un-re-signed Moyer or bump Happ back into the bullpen) and Philadelphia has the best rotation in the National League. If Burrell is not re-signed or replaced the Phillies will be even more dependent on pitching. Which brings me to the final position of need, the bullpen. Yes, the bullpen was the best in the bigs in 2008, and yes, it seems that Madson and Lidge are as capable of holding down the 8th and 9th innings as any tandem in the league, but through 162 games plus the playoffs a bullpen needs options. It became quite apparent that Chad Durbin lost his arm at the end of 2008 and after being as consistent a reliever as any team could ask for, Durbin could not be trusted in close games in September or through the playoffs. Oft-injured and sometimes effective Tom Gordon is gone. More bullpen help is needed if this team is to repeat. Durbin, Romero, Madson and Lidge cannot be the only relievers through another 176 games.
Yes, I realize the streets of Philadelphia are still showing the signs of hosting the world's greatest victory party, and the abbreviated game 5 which clinched the title was only played one week ago, but, as the self-anointed voice of millions of proud Philadelphia fans, I must once again stress that complacency is unacceptable. But luckily, you have the benefit of the doubt from the fans because you won a title, so if the team falls on its face while attempting to stay on top (example: signing A.J. Burnett to a huge contract which he never lives up to), the fans will understand. You have the city now. Please keep us. I do not want to go crawling back to the Eagles.
Once again, thank you and congratulations. I still have trouble believing it, but the Philadelphia Phillies are WORLD FUCKING CHAMPIONS.
Assistant general manger of scouting and player development, Mike Arbucke, also deserves credit for building the World [expletive] Champions. Arbuckle and his staff scouted the young core of this team and acquired, through the draft, such players as NLCS and World Series Most Valulable Player Cole Hamels, 2006 NL MVP and 2008 NL MVP candidate Ryan Howard, 2007 NL MVP and gold glover Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Pat Burrell, Carlos Ruiz, Brett Myers and the suddenly flame-throwing set-up man Ryan Madson. In many analysts' eyes Arbuckle is the man most responsible for building this championship roster, and was more deserving of and qualified for the general manager position, which ultimately went to Reuben Amaro, Jr., which lead to Arbuckle's resignation earlier this week.
Of course, the now beloved manager Charlie Manuel is the man that motivates these players to perform at the highest level every day, and is the coach that brought Philadelphia its championship. The team wants to play hard for Charlie, they like him. But Manuel still has the respect in the clubhouse to be able to bench the reigning NL MVP and not lose his players. The rest of the coaching staff deserves credit as well, especially first base coach Davey Lopes. Our ground game is a big part of what got the Phillies to the World Series, and Lopes, almost single handedly, turned young speedsters into smart, talented base runners capable of sending opposing defenses into fits.
Once again, thank you and congratulations. You have released the Philadelphia fans from the torture chamber that was 25 years (over 100 collective seasons) without a World [expletive] Championship. But now the spotlight is on you. Brighter even. Remember that this is Philadelphia. Philly fans will not become complacent, nor will they accept complacency from the organization. After years of heartbreak, disappointment, underachieving and just plain losing, we have the taste of a title. And in case you didn't notice, we enjoyed it. We, the fans, enjoyed it so much, in fact, that we want to win it all, as Cole Hamels said, "year, after year, after year".
The fans have done their part. A new Citizens Bank Park and organization attendance record was set in 2008. Then, even more people showed up for the playoffs. We paid the ridiculous parking prices (the Sunday of game 4 of the World Series in which the Eagles also hosted the Falcons at the Linc, parking ran around $40). We bought every piece of NL East, NL and World Series merchandise the team and league could produce. Season ticket sales are bound to increase, as are ticket prices. Now please, do not see this as a complaint. I will pay $100 to park in the Jetro lot if it meant a shot at the World Series every year. I'm simply asking (politely demanding) the Philadelphia Phillies' front office to DO SOMETHING WITH THIS MONEY! I'm not encouraging the Phils to go on a New York-esque spending spree and disrupt the chemistry of this talented, young team. But there are holes. Despite winning the World Series, plenty of areas could use improvement. I'm not going to make an actual wish list as I did with the Eagles because, after all, you are the World [expletive] Champions. You must have some idea of what you are doing. But the holes are obvious. More contact hitters are a must. When the sluggers are hot the Phillies have the best offense in baseball. But when the home runs dry up, and the weather gets colder, the Phillies need players who can hit .300+ and simply put the ball in play (players who make productive outs and do not strike out much). A third outfielder is another area of need. Comcast Sportsnet just reported Reuben Amaro has stated the Phillies will not be re-signing Pat Burrell while the team has exclusive negotiating rights, which basically means unless nobody offers Burrell, averaging 31 homers and 99 RBI over the past four seasons, a big bag of money, he will be leaving Philadelphia. If Burrell is not re-signed Geoff Jenkins is not a suitable third outfielder (Werth would move to left field, Jenkins would take over in right). Trading for Matt Holiday or signing a free agent who can pick up Burrell's production are musts. Potential trade bait includes Carlos Carrasco, the Phills' prized pitching prospect that Pat Gillick has assessed will never be more than a number three starter. If Carrasco is not the stud he was drafted to be, he has to be moved while he still has value. Another top of the rotation starter is not a need, but it would make the team even better. Coming into 2009 with Hamels, Myers, Moyer, Blanton and Happ, Philadelphia has a formidable rotation. But drop A.J. Burnett into that rotation (either to replace a retired or un-re-signed Moyer or bump Happ back into the bullpen) and Philadelphia has the best rotation in the National League. If Burrell is not re-signed or replaced the Phillies will be even more dependent on pitching. Which brings me to the final position of need, the bullpen. Yes, the bullpen was the best in the bigs in 2008, and yes, it seems that Madson and Lidge are as capable of holding down the 8th and 9th innings as any tandem in the league, but through 162 games plus the playoffs a bullpen needs options. It became quite apparent that Chad Durbin lost his arm at the end of 2008 and after being as consistent a reliever as any team could ask for, Durbin could not be trusted in close games in September or through the playoffs. Oft-injured and sometimes effective Tom Gordon is gone. More bullpen help is needed if this team is to repeat. Durbin, Romero, Madson and Lidge cannot be the only relievers through another 176 games.
Yes, I realize the streets of Philadelphia are still showing the signs of hosting the world's greatest victory party, and the abbreviated game 5 which clinched the title was only played one week ago, but, as the self-anointed voice of millions of proud Philadelphia fans, I must once again stress that complacency is unacceptable. But luckily, you have the benefit of the doubt from the fans because you won a title, so if the team falls on its face while attempting to stay on top (example: signing A.J. Burnett to a huge contract which he never lives up to), the fans will understand. You have the city now. Please keep us. I do not want to go crawling back to the Eagles.
Once again, thank you and congratulations. I still have trouble believing it, but the Philadelphia Phillies are WORLD FUCKING CHAMPIONS.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Oh (and 1...) Canada
Well that was fun. Before I take off my #18 Flyers jersey I'm going to say that if this game had been played under the rules the rest of the NHL is subject to, Philadelphia wins 3-1 and takes a 1-0 series lead. Unfortunately referees miss calls and the Flyers have been hated by the rest of the league since their inception into the NHL in 1967, and the Montreal Canadiens won game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals 4-3 in overtime. But come on. Saku Koivu scored a shorthanded goal on a clear high stick, and the replay went to the league offices in Toronto, where the Flyers have had enough of their own problems this season, and the high stick goal was allowed for the second time of these playoffs. Then, with 1:49 left in the third period, good guys protecting a 1 goal lead since Joffrey Lupul scored the go ahead goal on the power play, 19 seconds into the third, Mike Richards lays a great hit on a dangling Alex Kovalev and is called for kneeing after Kovalev made a move and took a fall as if Richards had taken him knee-to-knee, although it was clear the Flyers' assistant captain had cleanly lowered his shoulder into the Montreal star. And you know the rest. Habs get a powerplay, Carter breaks his stick on a face off, game gets tied up, goes to OT and some fourth-liner buries his own rebound behind Biron, Montreal takes the 1-0 series lead.
But, as I've just watched the post game interviews on Comcast SportsNet and the players who just got jobbed are not complaining or making excuses, so too must I move on with the analysis. The Orange and Black are down a game in the best-of-seven semi-finals and need to bring the series back to Philadelphia at 1-1, plain and simple. The Flyers just came out of a grueling seven game series and cannot afford to be trailing 0-2 to a faster and better defensive team when the series comes back home for games three and four. During the game Bill Clement and Jim Jackson ran a stat showing that 70% of game one winners in the second round go on to take the series. But the Flyers were in this situation last series. They blew a two goal lead in game one at Washington and were able to win the next three and eventually the series. And to their credit the consensus in the Philadelphia locker room is that this was just one game, and now it's time to look toward winning four times before Montreal can win three more.
There were a lot of positives that Philly can extract from this (travesty of a) game and put what they learned tonight into the rest of the series. After coming out shaky, the Flyguys adjusted well to the Canadian's superior speed. The power play, despite a turnover that resulted in Koivu's aforementioned short-handed high-stick goal, generated several good scoring chances after the Flyers figured out how to work through Montreal's aggressive style of penalty killing, and Lupul managed to score what, for all intents and purposes, should have been the game-winner if not for the questionable officiating mentioned above, on the man advantage. And Philadelphia may have found the chink in rookie goaltending sensation Carey Price's armor, as he dropped and fought off pucks with his glove all night. The heavy shots of Braydon Coburn and Jeff Carter should be difference makers if the goalie's inability to catch the puck cleanly continues.
But the true difference makers will be the players who can counter the speed and size of Montreal. Coburn, who stands 6'5" and can skate with the league's top burners will be an asset. In the offensive zone the players who can skate with the Canadians and use their strength to dominate down low and not allow easy breakouts will be the key to this series. R.J. Umberger was rewarded for his efforts this post season with a fortunate bounce that resulted in a goal. His size and great first step will be huge. Carter, who has been a scoring-chance machine, will need to use his strength along the boards to create mismatches and his athletic ability to escape defenders and whip shots at Montreal's net. Scott Hartnell's contributions will be needed, as his ability to get up and down the ice and create traffic in front of Carey Price will really pay off. A healthy Mike Knuble would be a great asset to the Flyers, but health has not been a luxury the Flyers have enjoyed this season. Steve Downie may be the wild card of this series. He played a horrendous game seven in Washington and was benched for much of the third period and overtime. But tonight he was back to dominating the puck down-low tonight and created a goal with that skill, getting the assist on Jim Dowd's slap shot that gave Philadelphia the 2-0 lead. If Downie can continue to shrug off defenders and stay out of the penalty box, that will go a long way in wearing down the more skilled Montreal Canadiens.
And that is what this series is going to come down to, who will wear down first. Both teams have very balanced scoring and received great production from their checking lines in game one. Philadelphia battled injuries and roster uncertainty all year but benefitted from their depth. But Montreal's roster has just as much talent, top-to-bottom, maybe more. Both teams are coming off a seven game series in which they at one point lead 3-1. The Canadiens had an extra day to prepare and home ice advantage, the perks of being the Eastern Conference's top seed. Who will wear down first? That question could be answered Saturday in game two. Getting down 0-2 will be a tough hole to climb out from, and only the concussed Simon Gagne was a Flyer the last time Philadelphia came back from such a deficit (the 2000 semi-finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins).
Judging by tonight, this series is going to be entertaining as hell. The teams played back-and-forth fast hockey all the while taking every opportunity to pummel each other, and, aside from one absolutely ridiculous call that eventually decided the game, the referees let them play and put their whistles in their pockets. So for at least three more games the boys in Black and Orange will give us everything they have, and just as every playoff series has done, so far, deliver exciting hockey.
But, as I've just watched the post game interviews on Comcast SportsNet and the players who just got jobbed are not complaining or making excuses, so too must I move on with the analysis. The Orange and Black are down a game in the best-of-seven semi-finals and need to bring the series back to Philadelphia at 1-1, plain and simple. The Flyers just came out of a grueling seven game series and cannot afford to be trailing 0-2 to a faster and better defensive team when the series comes back home for games three and four. During the game Bill Clement and Jim Jackson ran a stat showing that 70% of game one winners in the second round go on to take the series. But the Flyers were in this situation last series. They blew a two goal lead in game one at Washington and were able to win the next three and eventually the series. And to their credit the consensus in the Philadelphia locker room is that this was just one game, and now it's time to look toward winning four times before Montreal can win three more.
There were a lot of positives that Philly can extract from this (travesty of a) game and put what they learned tonight into the rest of the series. After coming out shaky, the Flyguys adjusted well to the Canadian's superior speed. The power play, despite a turnover that resulted in Koivu's aforementioned short-handed high-stick goal, generated several good scoring chances after the Flyers figured out how to work through Montreal's aggressive style of penalty killing, and Lupul managed to score what, for all intents and purposes, should have been the game-winner if not for the questionable officiating mentioned above, on the man advantage. And Philadelphia may have found the chink in rookie goaltending sensation Carey Price's armor, as he dropped and fought off pucks with his glove all night. The heavy shots of Braydon Coburn and Jeff Carter should be difference makers if the goalie's inability to catch the puck cleanly continues.
But the true difference makers will be the players who can counter the speed and size of Montreal. Coburn, who stands 6'5" and can skate with the league's top burners will be an asset. In the offensive zone the players who can skate with the Canadians and use their strength to dominate down low and not allow easy breakouts will be the key to this series. R.J. Umberger was rewarded for his efforts this post season with a fortunate bounce that resulted in a goal. His size and great first step will be huge. Carter, who has been a scoring-chance machine, will need to use his strength along the boards to create mismatches and his athletic ability to escape defenders and whip shots at Montreal's net. Scott Hartnell's contributions will be needed, as his ability to get up and down the ice and create traffic in front of Carey Price will really pay off. A healthy Mike Knuble would be a great asset to the Flyers, but health has not been a luxury the Flyers have enjoyed this season. Steve Downie may be the wild card of this series. He played a horrendous game seven in Washington and was benched for much of the third period and overtime. But tonight he was back to dominating the puck down-low tonight and created a goal with that skill, getting the assist on Jim Dowd's slap shot that gave Philadelphia the 2-0 lead. If Downie can continue to shrug off defenders and stay out of the penalty box, that will go a long way in wearing down the more skilled Montreal Canadiens.
And that is what this series is going to come down to, who will wear down first. Both teams have very balanced scoring and received great production from their checking lines in game one. Philadelphia battled injuries and roster uncertainty all year but benefitted from their depth. But Montreal's roster has just as much talent, top-to-bottom, maybe more. Both teams are coming off a seven game series in which they at one point lead 3-1. The Canadiens had an extra day to prepare and home ice advantage, the perks of being the Eastern Conference's top seed. Who will wear down first? That question could be answered Saturday in game two. Getting down 0-2 will be a tough hole to climb out from, and only the concussed Simon Gagne was a Flyer the last time Philadelphia came back from such a deficit (the 2000 semi-finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins).
Judging by tonight, this series is going to be entertaining as hell. The teams played back-and-forth fast hockey all the while taking every opportunity to pummel each other, and, aside from one absolutely ridiculous call that eventually decided the game, the referees let them play and put their whistles in their pockets. So for at least three more games the boys in Black and Orange will give us everything they have, and just as every playoff series has done, so far, deliver exciting hockey.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
VENGEANCE!
Is there any sporting event on this planet more intense and entertaining than playoff hockey? Not for my money. And, even better than the high quality of all the hockey games I have watched this post-season is the fact that the Philadelphia Flyers, who finished with an NHL-worst 56 points last year (a record of 22-48-12), have advanced to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals for the first time since the lockout. The Fly-guys disposed of 65-goal scorer Alexander Ovechkin and his Washington Capitals. And what a series it was. Big hits, big saves, big comebacks. Overtime in games four and seven. The birth of a new out-of-division rivalry between two of the youngest and most talented teams in the NHL, and possibly an ever more bitter rivalry between the most intimidating fans in the league and the inhabitants of the nation's capital who have recently discovered and fell in love with the game of hockey.
But now, the Flyers must shift their focus from surviving the first round to possibly upsetting the East's number-one seeded Montreal Canadiens and moving forward with their plan to extract vengeance on the National Hockey League. The Habs needed seven games to dispatch the eight seed Boston Bruins, and found themselves in a similar situation as the Flyers, after building a 3-1 series lead only to be forced into a game seven. The deciding game of the series was not nearly as closely contended as the Philly/Washington game, however, as Montreal squashed Boston 5-0. The Bruins had been drained by fighting back to force the seventh game and clearly could not compete with the far superior Canadiens in Montreal.
As difficult as it was to contain Ovechkin & Company, Montreal presents an even bigger challenge to the sixth-seeded Flyers. The Habs won all meetings with the Flyers this season, out-scoring Philadelphia 15-6 in those games. Overall, Montreal has beaten the Flyers in six straight, the last Philly victory was way back in November of 2006, where the Orange and Black doubled up the Canadiens, 4-2. When asked to describe the type of game the Canadiens play, and whether the Flyers should expect a physical, gritty series like the one they just came out of, and those classics with Toronto over the past few seasons or more of an open-ice fast and skilled approach with which the likes of the Buffalo Sabres have worn the Flyers down with in the past, my resident hockey expert Shaun Stamm replied "Both. . . and it's scary." And the statistics tell the same tale. Montreal had seven players finish the regular season with 50 or more points. Alex Kovalev lead the team with 35 goals, 84 points and a plus-minus of +18. Mark Streit finished third on the team with 62 points, also good enough for third among all NHL defense-men. Montreal finished the regular season with the best power play in the league, converting over 24% of its chances. The Flyers were no slouch man-up either, boasting the second ranked power play, coming it at 21.8%. And Montreal's goaltending has been very good as well. After trading Cristobal Huet to Washington, The Canadiens called up Carey Price from the AHL, who went on to post a 24-12-3 record with a goals against average of 2.56. In the playoffs, Price has been even better, posting a 2.09 GAA and a save-percentage of .925. Montreal can also play a very physical game with players such as Michael Komisarek, who finished the regular season with 266 hits, second in the NHL. In the playoffs, the Habs have four of the top ten hitters in the league, including the leading hitter of the tournament, Steve Begin, averaging more than 5 hits per game in the first round. No other team has more than one in the top ten. So the Flyers are in for another tough series with a team that will test them every period at both ends of the ice. There is nothing better than playoff hockey.
So that's my brief review of what's coming up. For an even more extensive comparison of the two teams, check out http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=361418
If you know me, you know that I don't talk up other sites or writer or works in any media that somehow compete with my own, but NHL.com, and this article specifically do a good job of breaking down the series.
Starting Thursday I will begin providing greater coverage of the NHL playoffs, and on Saturday I plan on attempting my very first LIVE COVERAGE of the NFL Draft, so if you're a football nerd like I am, check it out.
But now, the Flyers must shift their focus from surviving the first round to possibly upsetting the East's number-one seeded Montreal Canadiens and moving forward with their plan to extract vengeance on the National Hockey League. The Habs needed seven games to dispatch the eight seed Boston Bruins, and found themselves in a similar situation as the Flyers, after building a 3-1 series lead only to be forced into a game seven. The deciding game of the series was not nearly as closely contended as the Philly/Washington game, however, as Montreal squashed Boston 5-0. The Bruins had been drained by fighting back to force the seventh game and clearly could not compete with the far superior Canadiens in Montreal.
As difficult as it was to contain Ovechkin & Company, Montreal presents an even bigger challenge to the sixth-seeded Flyers. The Habs won all meetings with the Flyers this season, out-scoring Philadelphia 15-6 in those games. Overall, Montreal has beaten the Flyers in six straight, the last Philly victory was way back in November of 2006, where the Orange and Black doubled up the Canadiens, 4-2. When asked to describe the type of game the Canadiens play, and whether the Flyers should expect a physical, gritty series like the one they just came out of, and those classics with Toronto over the past few seasons or more of an open-ice fast and skilled approach with which the likes of the Buffalo Sabres have worn the Flyers down with in the past, my resident hockey expert Shaun Stamm replied "Both. . . and it's scary." And the statistics tell the same tale. Montreal had seven players finish the regular season with 50 or more points. Alex Kovalev lead the team with 35 goals, 84 points and a plus-minus of +18. Mark Streit finished third on the team with 62 points, also good enough for third among all NHL defense-men. Montreal finished the regular season with the best power play in the league, converting over 24% of its chances. The Flyers were no slouch man-up either, boasting the second ranked power play, coming it at 21.8%. And Montreal's goaltending has been very good as well. After trading Cristobal Huet to Washington, The Canadiens called up Carey Price from the AHL, who went on to post a 24-12-3 record with a goals against average of 2.56. In the playoffs, Price has been even better, posting a 2.09 GAA and a save-percentage of .925. Montreal can also play a very physical game with players such as Michael Komisarek, who finished the regular season with 266 hits, second in the NHL. In the playoffs, the Habs have four of the top ten hitters in the league, including the leading hitter of the tournament, Steve Begin, averaging more than 5 hits per game in the first round. No other team has more than one in the top ten. So the Flyers are in for another tough series with a team that will test them every period at both ends of the ice. There is nothing better than playoff hockey.
So that's my brief review of what's coming up. For an even more extensive comparison of the two teams, check out http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=361418
If you know me, you know that I don't talk up other sites or writer or works in any media that somehow compete with my own, but NHL.com, and this article specifically do a good job of breaking down the series.
Starting Thursday I will begin providing greater coverage of the NHL playoffs, and on Saturday I plan on attempting my very first LIVE COVERAGE of the NFL Draft, so if you're a football nerd like I am, check it out.
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