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.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
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.
Friday, February 8, 2008
MY WISH LIST (continued)
I am back with the second half my wish list for the Philadelphia Eagles off-season. Let's get started.
4) Defensive End. This need will, in all likelihood, be addressed through the draft. Coach Reid has a long history of taking linemen in the early rounds, as the Eagles have selected at least one lineman (offensive or defensive) on the first day of the draft every year since 2000, except for '02 in which building a youthful secondary became the goal. Given this history, it is safe to assume that a lineman will be drafted early. But since the last first-round DE selected was Jerome McDougle, and because rookies basically become red-shirt freshman when selected by Philadelphia, free agency could provide a solid veteran to play opposite Trent Cole.
-Justin Smith (Cincinnati Bengals): The Bengals are actively attempting to re-sign their only defensive threat. But Smith is a strong, 28-year old pass rusher. Smith suffered a down year in 2007 with only 2 sacks (on 78 tackles) but had 7.5 sacks in '06 and would benefit from playing with Trent Cole and his 12.5 sacks, rather than the rest of the Cincinnati D-line, which totaled 9.5 total sacks (minus Smith's 2). Smith would also benefit from the Eagles' depth at D-line, with players like Juqua Thomas, Victor Abiamiri and Darren Howard in a rotation, Smith would be able to avoid wearing down in Jim Johnson's attacking-style defense. Smith will have many suitors, however, and it is always likely he will opt to stay with the Bengals.
-Jared Allen (Kansas City Chiefs): It is being reported by Kent Babb in the Kansas City Star that the 25-year old pass rusher will be designated the franchise tag by KC's front office. While this would all but end any interest in Allen by the Eagles (who would have to surrender two first round draft picks to sign a 'franchise player'), if the Chiefs don't franchise Allen and he hits the open market, he could be among the most sought after free agents in the league. Allen brought down opposing quarterbacks 15.5 times last season, and also forced 3 fumbles and had 10 pass deflections. At 6-foot 6-inches and 270 pounds, Allen is the monster end that would put the Eagles defense over the top, and put their D-line among the ranks of the New York Giants. While it may take a quite a bit of money to lure Allen to Philadelphia, the Eagles, as stated earlier, do value linemen, and a big, young, pass-rushing force is exactly what Jim Johnson needs to once again coach a dominant defense. Here's hoping.
--Paul Spicer (Jacksonville Jaguars): The 32-year old lead the Jags is sacks last season with 7.5, matching his career high from the '05 season. Spicer is a load at 6'4", 295 lbs. Although Spicer is on the older side, he did not really catch on until the '05 season after entering the league as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions. Since the '05 season, Spicer has recorded 18 sacks (7.5, 3, 7.5) on a solid Jacksonville defensive unit. Depending on where a few of the higher-profile DEs end up, Spicer could be an under the radar FA signing with a big impact, especially on a defense like Philly's, where the near-300 pounder would be a part of a rotation along the D-line that would allow Spicer to go all out during the downs he's on the field, and be spelled by more-than-adequate ends when the mammoth needs a blow on the sideline.
5) SPECIAL TEAMS
-I believe Sav Rocca will be given one more season to prove himself in 2008, but if he does not improve on his net average of 34.5 yards per punt he will be replaced.
-Although David Akers has been one of the best kickers in the league in the 2000s, it seems that Akers may not have ever fully recovered from his torn hamstring in 2005, losing Koy Detmer as his holder and losing Mike Bartrum as his snapper. With a full season of getting to know Jon Dorenbos and Sav Rocca look for Akers to improve upon his dissappointing 2007, but also for Philly's coaching staff to bring in a kicker to push Akers through training camp and possibly to handle kick-offs, as Akers has been losing quite a bit of distance, and is no longer the touchback threat he once was.
-The coverage just needs to improve and hopefully when the Eagles bring in impact starters through free agency, the solid players who have lost their starting jobs will step up on special teams and be able to pin other teams deep in their own territory and possibly force some turnovers. One free agent who would be an excellent addition would be former-Bird Keith "Bullet" Adams. Adams is a high-motor, special teams stud who fell out of favor with the Eagles because he was not an every down starter. Also, the hopeful addition of a safety will allow Quintin Mikell to re-assert himself as the captain and chief play-maker of the special teams.
-Returner. This will probably be addressed in the draft. One must assume the days of Reno Mahe and starting at the 20-yard line on every drive are over. Or at least Coach Reid and his staff will do what they can to ensure those days are over. At this point, the offense lacks identity and the ability to go 80-yards on every possession and needs a game breaker in the return game to alleviate the load that McNabb and Westbrook had to carry in '07. Let's just hope the coaching staff chooses a returner with more than one error-full preseason game's experience.
This is MY WISH LIST for the 2008 Eagles off-season. Hopefully the decision makers down in the NovaCare Complex put together a similar list, one that will put players in positions to win a Championship for Philadelphia.
4) Defensive End. This need will, in all likelihood, be addressed through the draft. Coach Reid has a long history of taking linemen in the early rounds, as the Eagles have selected at least one lineman (offensive or defensive) on the first day of the draft every year since 2000, except for '02 in which building a youthful secondary became the goal. Given this history, it is safe to assume that a lineman will be drafted early. But since the last first-round DE selected was Jerome McDougle, and because rookies basically become red-shirt freshman when selected by Philadelphia, free agency could provide a solid veteran to play opposite Trent Cole.
-Justin Smith (Cincinnati Bengals): The Bengals are actively attempting to re-sign their only defensive threat. But Smith is a strong, 28-year old pass rusher. Smith suffered a down year in 2007 with only 2 sacks (on 78 tackles) but had 7.5 sacks in '06 and would benefit from playing with Trent Cole and his 12.5 sacks, rather than the rest of the Cincinnati D-line, which totaled 9.5 total sacks (minus Smith's 2). Smith would also benefit from the Eagles' depth at D-line, with players like Juqua Thomas, Victor Abiamiri and Darren Howard in a rotation, Smith would be able to avoid wearing down in Jim Johnson's attacking-style defense. Smith will have many suitors, however, and it is always likely he will opt to stay with the Bengals.
-Jared Allen (Kansas City Chiefs): It is being reported by Kent Babb in the Kansas City Star that the 25-year old pass rusher will be designated the franchise tag by KC's front office. While this would all but end any interest in Allen by the Eagles (who would have to surrender two first round draft picks to sign a 'franchise player'), if the Chiefs don't franchise Allen and he hits the open market, he could be among the most sought after free agents in the league. Allen brought down opposing quarterbacks 15.5 times last season, and also forced 3 fumbles and had 10 pass deflections. At 6-foot 6-inches and 270 pounds, Allen is the monster end that would put the Eagles defense over the top, and put their D-line among the ranks of the New York Giants. While it may take a quite a bit of money to lure Allen to Philadelphia, the Eagles, as stated earlier, do value linemen, and a big, young, pass-rushing force is exactly what Jim Johnson needs to once again coach a dominant defense. Here's hoping.
--Paul Spicer (Jacksonville Jaguars): The 32-year old lead the Jags is sacks last season with 7.5, matching his career high from the '05 season. Spicer is a load at 6'4", 295 lbs. Although Spicer is on the older side, he did not really catch on until the '05 season after entering the league as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions. Since the '05 season, Spicer has recorded 18 sacks (7.5, 3, 7.5) on a solid Jacksonville defensive unit. Depending on where a few of the higher-profile DEs end up, Spicer could be an under the radar FA signing with a big impact, especially on a defense like Philly's, where the near-300 pounder would be a part of a rotation along the D-line that would allow Spicer to go all out during the downs he's on the field, and be spelled by more-than-adequate ends when the mammoth needs a blow on the sideline.
5) SPECIAL TEAMS
-I believe Sav Rocca will be given one more season to prove himself in 2008, but if he does not improve on his net average of 34.5 yards per punt he will be replaced.
-Although David Akers has been one of the best kickers in the league in the 2000s, it seems that Akers may not have ever fully recovered from his torn hamstring in 2005, losing Koy Detmer as his holder and losing Mike Bartrum as his snapper. With a full season of getting to know Jon Dorenbos and Sav Rocca look for Akers to improve upon his dissappointing 2007, but also for Philly's coaching staff to bring in a kicker to push Akers through training camp and possibly to handle kick-offs, as Akers has been losing quite a bit of distance, and is no longer the touchback threat he once was.
-The coverage just needs to improve and hopefully when the Eagles bring in impact starters through free agency, the solid players who have lost their starting jobs will step up on special teams and be able to pin other teams deep in their own territory and possibly force some turnovers. One free agent who would be an excellent addition would be former-Bird Keith "Bullet" Adams. Adams is a high-motor, special teams stud who fell out of favor with the Eagles because he was not an every down starter. Also, the hopeful addition of a safety will allow Quintin Mikell to re-assert himself as the captain and chief play-maker of the special teams.
-Returner. This will probably be addressed in the draft. One must assume the days of Reno Mahe and starting at the 20-yard line on every drive are over. Or at least Coach Reid and his staff will do what they can to ensure those days are over. At this point, the offense lacks identity and the ability to go 80-yards on every possession and needs a game breaker in the return game to alleviate the load that McNabb and Westbrook had to carry in '07. Let's just hope the coaching staff chooses a returner with more than one error-full preseason game's experience.
This is MY WISH LIST for the 2008 Eagles off-season. Hopefully the decision makers down in the NovaCare Complex put together a similar list, one that will put players in positions to win a Championship for Philadelphia.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
MY WISH LIST
With the Pro Bowl to be played in Hawaii this Sunday, the National Football League can close the book (and possibly throw it at the New England Patriots) on the 2007 season, and look toward the 2008 campaign. As an Eagles fan, it is very clear that the balance of power in the NFC East has clearly shifted. The New York Giants won the Super Bowl. The Dallas Cowboys, despite another late season collapse, are a talented team with a young defense and great coaching staff. The Washington Redskins appear to be on the verge of hiring Steve Spagnuolo as their head coach after the former Eagles assistant held the most prolific offense in the history of the game to 14 points on Super Sunday. So what can the Birds do to keep this ever present window of opportunity from being sealed shut before ever reaching the promise land? Well, it is obvious the Eagles need play-makers. It has been obvious to the fans since the pre-and-post-T.O. eras. Obvious to Donovan McNabb, who has plead to his front office, through the media, for more impact players on several occasions since the season ended without a playoff berth for the second time in three seasons. But who are these "difference making" players? Well, many teams draft young players with a lot of potential and allow them to grow into their roles as very productive stars. While Philly has become adept at drafting "solid" players, no argument can be made that no STAR has been scouted and brought in on day one of the draft since Brian Westbrook was drafted in the third round out of Villanova in 2002. Since the draft is more of a building block for the future than it is an instant player-provider for the Eagles, many of the team's problems can be solved through free agency. The popular sentiment for "analysts" these days is that the free agent market is dead due to an incredible rise in the salary cap which allows teams to sign their stars before ever hitting the open market. While this is somewhat true, very good players are still available. After a bit of research, the following list, MY WISH LIST, if you will, is a group of players that I believe will propel the Eagles back to the top of the division, into the playoffs, and with a little luck, into the Super Bowl. (Note: it would be very easy to compose a list consisting of Tom Brady, Chad Johnson, Jason Witten, Ed Reed and Devin Hester, I am attempting to keep my wants and needs in the basis of reality. It would be very nice to acquire a Pro Bowl team, but it is not going to happen. Hopefully some of my suggestions do happen).
MY WISH LIST
1) Alan Faneca- Left Guard (Pittsburgh Steelers): Championships are won in the trenches, the New York Giants just proved that fact. It is also a fact that Andy Reid values offensive linemen as highly as he does quarterbacks, and they do not get much better than the All-Pro Faneca. Adding Faneca would give the Eagles the absolute best pair of guards in the league, and solidify a line that underachieved in 2007. The seven-time Pro Bowler would also add veteran leadership and be an anchor to the O-line once William Thomas retires and Jon Runyan's pain out-weighs his money, and he hangs up the cleats. This move would also allow for Todd Herremanns to move back to his natural position of offensive tackle, which opens up the possibility of using him at the tight end position in short yardage situations and to wear down the opposing D-line (Hey, the TEs can't block anyway, so why waste the time?). Playing the Giants twice a year, the Birds are going to need to be dominant up front in order to win those games as well as keep McNabb and Brian Westbrook healthy. This also gives Max Jean-Gilles more time to develop under one of the best at his position, and allows Reid to not be pressed into playing the still raw Winston Justice when William Thomas goes down.
2)Asante Samuel- Cornerback (New England Patriots): Lito Sheppard is a great big-play corner, when healthy. Sheldon Brown is one of the league's top hitters and does well in coverage. The Eagles D allowed fewer points than any other team in the division but took the ball away less than all three division rivals. The result? an 8-8 record. While the defense cannot be blamed for a majority of this team's problems, the Eagles need to take the ball away. The match-up possibilities are enough to make any Eagles fan giddy over the idea of adding the Pro Bowl corner. Being able to line Sheppard and Samuel up on the outside with Brown as the nickel would strike fear into any offensive coordinator. Moving Brown to safety (where I believe he is best suited) would solidify a big-play secondary. With Brian Dawkins in what could very well be his final season, and a big question mark at the strong safety position, Brown would do well in either spot, where he would be able to roam, ball hawk and do what he's best at, laying receivers and running backs out, on a more consistent basis. Asante Samuel's 16 interceptions in the past two seasons would also set the offense up with more possessions in better field position, something McNabb and company would gladly welcome.
3)Donte' Stallworth- Wide Receiver (New England Patriots): Yes, the former Eagle is under contract with the Super Bowl runners-up, but Stallworth is due an eight-million dollar roster bonus on March 1st, and with either a long-term deal or franchise tag in fellow receiver Randy Moss seeming imminent, New England will have a hard time justifying tying up so much money at one position, especially with the glaring holes in New England's defense. Stallworth will, in all likelihood, be released before he is due his $8 million guarantee. Bringing the speedy receiver back to Philly would create match-up problems on every level for a defense. Stallworth's DB-burning ability is exactly what Donovan McNabb has been asking for, and putting a healthy Stallworth on the outside allows for Kevin Curtis to move back to his natural position, slot receiver, where he will assume the Wes Welker-role as a fast match-up problem with good hands and big-play potential. With LJ Smith being designated the franchise tag earlier today, defenses will be left with a lot of tough decisions to make. Obviously, the number one concern of any defense will be to contain Brian Westbrook. But with the possibility of a three receiver set of Stallworth, Curtis and the inconsistent but effective Reggie Brown, defenses will have to lineup in the nickel set, meaning Westbrook will be able to slash his way through a smaller defense on running plays. Then when defenses bulk up to stop the run, that potent play-action pass we all came to know and love in 2006, deep to Donte', will make defenses fear their quick strike capabilities. AND IMAGINE THE SCREEN GAME! The conventional middle and side screens and swing passes to Westbrook, bubble-screens to Curtis in the slot (yes, I do believe Curtis and Welker are, in fact, the same player) and the WR screen to Stallworth which he could take to the house on any given attempt. Plus, as long as LJ is healthy and Brent Celek continues to develop, there are two pass-catching TEs defenses will not know how to handle. The addition of Stallworth could improve every aspect of the offense. While "reliable sources" have been whispering the names of Chad Johnson (trade), Larry Fitzgerald (if he opts out of his deal in 'Zona), and Roy Williams (supposedly wants out of Detroit), but as stated earlier, I would like to keep this wish list within the realm of reality.
Well, this is the first half of MY WISH LST. Check back tomorrow for the thrilling conclusion.
MY WISH LIST
1) Alan Faneca- Left Guard (Pittsburgh Steelers): Championships are won in the trenches, the New York Giants just proved that fact. It is also a fact that Andy Reid values offensive linemen as highly as he does quarterbacks, and they do not get much better than the All-Pro Faneca. Adding Faneca would give the Eagles the absolute best pair of guards in the league, and solidify a line that underachieved in 2007. The seven-time Pro Bowler would also add veteran leadership and be an anchor to the O-line once William Thomas retires and Jon Runyan's pain out-weighs his money, and he hangs up the cleats. This move would also allow for Todd Herremanns to move back to his natural position of offensive tackle, which opens up the possibility of using him at the tight end position in short yardage situations and to wear down the opposing D-line (Hey, the TEs can't block anyway, so why waste the time?). Playing the Giants twice a year, the Birds are going to need to be dominant up front in order to win those games as well as keep McNabb and Brian Westbrook healthy. This also gives Max Jean-Gilles more time to develop under one of the best at his position, and allows Reid to not be pressed into playing the still raw Winston Justice when William Thomas goes down.
2)Asante Samuel- Cornerback (New England Patriots): Lito Sheppard is a great big-play corner, when healthy. Sheldon Brown is one of the league's top hitters and does well in coverage. The Eagles D allowed fewer points than any other team in the division but took the ball away less than all three division rivals. The result? an 8-8 record. While the defense cannot be blamed for a majority of this team's problems, the Eagles need to take the ball away. The match-up possibilities are enough to make any Eagles fan giddy over the idea of adding the Pro Bowl corner. Being able to line Sheppard and Samuel up on the outside with Brown as the nickel would strike fear into any offensive coordinator. Moving Brown to safety (where I believe he is best suited) would solidify a big-play secondary. With Brian Dawkins in what could very well be his final season, and a big question mark at the strong safety position, Brown would do well in either spot, where he would be able to roam, ball hawk and do what he's best at, laying receivers and running backs out, on a more consistent basis. Asante Samuel's 16 interceptions in the past two seasons would also set the offense up with more possessions in better field position, something McNabb and company would gladly welcome.
3)Donte' Stallworth- Wide Receiver (New England Patriots): Yes, the former Eagle is under contract with the Super Bowl runners-up, but Stallworth is due an eight-million dollar roster bonus on March 1st, and with either a long-term deal or franchise tag in fellow receiver Randy Moss seeming imminent, New England will have a hard time justifying tying up so much money at one position, especially with the glaring holes in New England's defense. Stallworth will, in all likelihood, be released before he is due his $8 million guarantee. Bringing the speedy receiver back to Philly would create match-up problems on every level for a defense. Stallworth's DB-burning ability is exactly what Donovan McNabb has been asking for, and putting a healthy Stallworth on the outside allows for Kevin Curtis to move back to his natural position, slot receiver, where he will assume the Wes Welker-role as a fast match-up problem with good hands and big-play potential. With LJ Smith being designated the franchise tag earlier today, defenses will be left with a lot of tough decisions to make. Obviously, the number one concern of any defense will be to contain Brian Westbrook. But with the possibility of a three receiver set of Stallworth, Curtis and the inconsistent but effective Reggie Brown, defenses will have to lineup in the nickel set, meaning Westbrook will be able to slash his way through a smaller defense on running plays. Then when defenses bulk up to stop the run, that potent play-action pass we all came to know and love in 2006, deep to Donte', will make defenses fear their quick strike capabilities. AND IMAGINE THE SCREEN GAME! The conventional middle and side screens and swing passes to Westbrook, bubble-screens to Curtis in the slot (yes, I do believe Curtis and Welker are, in fact, the same player) and the WR screen to Stallworth which he could take to the house on any given attempt. Plus, as long as LJ is healthy and Brent Celek continues to develop, there are two pass-catching TEs defenses will not know how to handle. The addition of Stallworth could improve every aspect of the offense. While "reliable sources" have been whispering the names of Chad Johnson (trade), Larry Fitzgerald (if he opts out of his deal in 'Zona), and Roy Williams (supposedly wants out of Detroit), but as stated earlier, I would like to keep this wish list within the realm of reality.
Well, this is the first half of MY WISH LST. Check back tomorrow for the thrilling conclusion.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
THIS HAS TO BE A JOKE, RIGHT?
Monday February 4, 2008. 11:52 A.M. I woke up with a splitting head ache after, from what I can remember, was a night of Super Bowl related festivities. I pour the first of many cups of coffee and turn on Sports Center while I try to remember the nightmare which woke me up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. Suddenly, I remember the dream, and realize it wasn't an alcohol-induced nocturnal vision, but the stone sober truth. The New York Giants won Super Bowl XLII. I fought off the nausea to keep on watching ESPN to make sure they weren't just trying to trick the hang-over victims with little-to-no recollection of the events that may have transpired last night. But it remained true. So I switched to MSNBC. They were talking about some "Super Tuesday" nonsense which, from what I could tell had nothing to do with a parade down the streets of Boston. But the scroll across the bottom confirmed my fears, as it read NEW YORK GIANTS WIN SUPER BOWL XLII. There is no way this can be true, MSNBC must have been in on the joke, too. What is today? When is April-Fools Day? So I switched to the only reliable news source on television, FOX News. Once again, political jargon. But in the crawler across the bottom of the screen appeared the most sickening words these eyes have ever seen. NEW YORK GIANTS ARE SUPER BOWL XLII CHAMPIONS; ELI MANNING NAMED MVP. It's true. the New York freakin' Giants won the Super Bowl. Not only that, but they beat the greatest team ever assembled, the previously unbeaten New England Patriots. And Eli freakin' Manning is the MVP? So let me get this straight, the "quarterback" whose appearance reflects the number on his jersey, who threw four interceptions in week twelve against the Vikings, who MY defensive coordinator once described as timid against the pass rush was the MVP of a Super Bowl after orchestrating a game-winning, career-defining drive in the closing moments of the biggest game of his life? So basically what you're telling me is that in front of the largest television audience in Super Bowl history, Eli freakin' Manning succeeded where MY guy, Donovan McNabb not only failed, but did so miserably, and vomited in the process. This is the darkest, blackest day in the history of professional sports. Worse than the Black Sox scandal of 1919. Worse than Pete Rose getting banned from Major League Baseball for life. Worse than the MLB's steroid era. Worse than the NBA or NHL lock outs. Worse than Terrell Owens scoring a touchdown in the Linc earlier this year. Worse than Chris Benoit. I'm done with football.
Of course, I will never be done with football, but I am sure the majority of my four or five readers felt similarly upon realizing that Eli Manning and the New York Giants, who were left for dead until a shock of life was jolted in the team after a thrilling defeat in week seventeen against these same New England Patriots, had won a championship before the McNabb & Reid Eagles were able to get over their final obstacle. This is absolutely ridiculous. We finally got one up on New York after the Mets' monumental collapse propelled the Phills to the playoffs for the first time in fourteen years, and this is what happens four months later? I am yet to accept this as truth, still, on Tuesday. know it has been a while, but if anyone still reads this page and would like to try to convince me of the facts I invite yo to do so. I have now made myself dizzy with anger again, I have to go lay down.
I plan on getting back on track, posting with a lot more frequency in the coming weeks and months, so check the page everyday for new articles.
Of course, I will never be done with football, but I am sure the majority of my four or five readers felt similarly upon realizing that Eli Manning and the New York Giants, who were left for dead until a shock of life was jolted in the team after a thrilling defeat in week seventeen against these same New England Patriots, had won a championship before the McNabb & Reid Eagles were able to get over their final obstacle. This is absolutely ridiculous. We finally got one up on New York after the Mets' monumental collapse propelled the Phills to the playoffs for the first time in fourteen years, and this is what happens four months later? I am yet to accept this as truth, still, on Tuesday. know it has been a while, but if anyone still reads this page and would like to try to convince me of the facts I invite yo to do so. I have now made myself dizzy with anger again, I have to go lay down.
I plan on getting back on track, posting with a lot more frequency in the coming weeks and months, so check the page everyday for new articles.
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