Phil Simms, who I thought was just okay during the Super Bowl broadcast, chimed in on NBC10 Philly yesterday regarding the Eagles neverending quarterback quandary. Now, signal callers in general normally avoid all out trashing a fellow member of the elite fraternity, so Simms’ comments about Donovan McNabb should be taken with a grain of salt. When asked about the two agonizing losses to the Cowboys, here’s what Phil had to say:
The 2009 season is officially in the books. Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints for winning Super Bowl XLIV. And a hearty enjoy your 7-9 2010 campaign slap on the back to the Indianapolis Colts. It was a valiant effort, but Drew Brees would not be denied.
Overall, I’d call it a decent game. There weren’t a ton of big plays on offense, but both defenses came up stout at different times. Not surprisingly it came down to smooth quarterback play and smart, aggressive coaching, especially the called onside kick to open the second half, that paid off huge.
Hmm. It seems the very things that led to victory are the same things lacking on the Eagles. I would imagine the brain trust knows what needs to be fixed in order to improve their chances of reaching Super Bowl XLV. Of course knowing what to do and actually executing them to perfection are completely different things.
The real offseason begins now. Fasten your seatbelts.
The Eagles once again plucked a CFL star, if there is such a thing, from north of the border and worked him out. Defensive end Ricky Foley tied for the league lead with 12 sacks this past season. Foley could join his former Canadian teammate, running back Martell Mallett, who the Birds signed last month.
If I recall, I think they had another CFL player in camp last summer: cornerback Byron Parker, if I’m not mistaken. At least the front office is leaving no stone unturned. Maybe one of these guys will stick. If so, we can all have fun making awful McKenzie Brothers jokes. Nice.
Talent evaluator extraordinaire Phil Savage has been hired by the Eagles as a Player Personnel Consultant for the upcoming April draft. Savage has extensive experience running a draft room from his time in Cleveland and Baltimore. He was part of the decision-making process that netted 16 Pro Bowl players during those years.
Now, this is a move I can get firmly behind. Savage knows his stuff. However, I do find it a bit odd that a week after elevating young Howie Roseman to GM, the Birds then run out and find one of the top draft gurus in the biz. I give Howie props for admitting he might need a little extra assistance, but I thought he was supposed to be ready to roll.
In any case, this could end up being one of those under the radar moves that pays off big. We shall see.
Man, I hope this isn’t true. Undead former Bills and Bears head coach Dick Jauron has reportedly been hired by the Eagles to coach the defensive backs. Of course, no comment has been issued by the Birds… yet.
Andy Reid knows Dicky boy from their time together in Green Bay. He may very well be a fine position coach, but the guy seems to carry the specter of losing wherever he goes. Yeah, I know, he once went 13-3 with Jim Miller under center, but his track record has been deplorable since then.
Not that Brian Stewart was any great shakes either. He offered zero help in losing to the Cowboys three times. Well, they gotta give the job to somebody. I would rather it be someone who doesn’t sleep in a coffin, but who knows, maybe the old bastard will help young McDermott see the error of his ways. Either that or he’ll drink his blood and transform him into a fellow creature of the night, which I have to admit would be pretty damn cool.
Because I know you care sooooo much about adding a brand new footie to the roster. The Eaglesinked some punter named Durant Brooks to a two-year contract today. He previously booted for the Redskins after being drafted n 2008.
Imagine how much more bitter the Birds-Skins rivalry will be should Brooks make the team. What a coup it will be when Brooks nails a corner kick to seal a victory in Washington next season. I can’t wait.
Normally, Dave “I love to spit” Spadaro’s in-studio interviews on PI.com are relatively uneventful and of the powder puff variety, but the one he did with recovering ACL patient Cornelius Ingram this past Saturday was pretty good.
Ingram spoke openly about his rehab and what he still needs to do before returning to the field. Evidently he’s been running full speed for about a month and says his knee feels much stronger than it did after his first surgery. It could all be player speak, but he sounded genuine to me.
He also revealed that he is using yoga to help improve his flexibility, strength and mental focus. Lots of pro athletes include yoga as part of their workout regimen, but a 6′4″ 245 lb man cut from granite doing a “bound lotus” pose must be quite a sight to behold. Hey, whatever helps the big man get healthy is okay with me.
Did you watch the Pro Bowl? Although I kinda despise the game, I actually did take it in. Hell, there were so many damn Eagles participating, I felt obligated to give it a look. So, how did our beloved Birds fare?
DeSean Jackson – MVP worthy: 6 catches for 101 and two scores, one of which went for 58 yards from Donovan. If any guy belongs in the Pro Bowl on a regular basis, it’s DeSean. His incredible talents once again impressed.
Donovan McNabb – Played like a rookie. Was horribly inaccurate; threw one pick to Brian Dawkins and another that was nullified by a penalty. He also led the NFC in rushing with 26 yards, which was odd. His best play was the aforementioned bubble screen to DJax. Overall, not very sharp, even for a fake game.
Leonard Weaver – He was out there, but I didn’t notice him do much. Not his fault. Fullbacks are rarely featured in All-Star exhibitions.
Jason Peters – Played the whole game and didn’t allow a sack (I think). However, it’s not as if the defensive ends really went all out to get to the quarterbacks.
Asante Samuel – Got beat on a double-move for six by Andre Johnson. Also notched a second half interception. Typical good and bad performance.
David Akers – Made his two FG attempts from 47 and 40 yards.
Trent Cole – Like Weaver, a quiet game.
Quintin Mikell – See Cole.
Jon Dorenbos – Saw him cheering wildly after Dan Carpenter missed a FG at the end of the first half. That was about it. Hey, he’s the long snapper.
Mercifully, the Pro Bowl is over. On to the Big Game. Oh, here are DeSean’s two touchdowns, in case you missed them.
