NFL.com’s Steve Wyche posted a list of the NFC East’s unheralded linebackers. Stewart Bradley was among the group.
“[London] Fletcher and the New York Giants’ Antonio Pierce might be the more highly regarded 4-3 middle linebackers in the NFC East, but Bradley could be poised to make a move to leapfrog one, if not both.
I think Stew is already better than those guys. I think he’s one of the best middle linebackers in football. He should have made the Pro Bowl last year. He will after this season.
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I’m going to start a new Friday tradition here at ITI. I call it the “Fan Poll.” I have a lot of random thoughts bouncing around between my ears as we inch toward Training Camp 2009. I need your help to decipher them.
Today’s topic is the future of Reggie Brown. The once promising wideout is in limbo right now. With DJax, JMac, Curtis, Avant and Baskett seemingly locks to make the team, what will become of Reggie? Reid normally keeps six receivers, but will Brown be the sixth? Or will someone like Brandon Gibson take his spot?
I say Reggie sticks [...]

Except for Leonard Weaver. Come on, Matt! Not one mention of “The Face Cleaver” in your glowing review of the Birds’ offseason? Inexcusable.

I haven’t done a “links” post in a while. Since it’s a staple in the blogging world, I feel compelled to assimilate with the masses. Enjoy.
Cornelius Ingram is wearing a knee brace after suffering a contusion, and Amon Gordon is finished after rupturing his Achilles tendon.
A fine breakdown of what’s wrong with the Cowboys.
It must be “second chances” week in Philly. First, Booker, now Winston Justice is looking to resurrect his career.
The Birds added another punter. Yawn.
Plaxico is “deathly afraid” of going to prison. Wouldn’t you be?
See where Asante Samuel ranks on the Sporting News/Real Scouts list of top 10 [...]

SI.com has been on a roll lately. A lot of good NFL stuff to chew on, and not just from Peter King. Their latest piece ranks the NFL’s top backfields. Meaning quarterback, running back and new additions or subtractions that may affect the 2009 season. Well, I have a bone to pick with their rankings.
The Eagles rank fifth. I don’t have a problem with that. Actually, I’m surprised they were that high. However, some of the other teams caused me to raise an eyebrow or two.
The Chargers are #1 on the list. Rivers, LT and Sproles being the key guys. [...]

Man, the month of May is bringing some strange stories to the forefront of NFL circles. Michael Vick is out of the pokey. James Harrison is a moron. Anquan Boldin fired Drew Rosenhaus. Peyton Manning is upset with management. T.O. is blaming everyone but himself for the meltdown in Dallas (actually, that’s normal). Lorenzo Booker is claiming he’s the Eagles‘ number two running back.
Whoa… wait a sec… did I really just type that? Deep breath. Lorenzo Booker says he’s the backup running back. I didn’t even know the guy had a heartbeat, let alone a voice. Here’s what LoBo had [...]

Heading into the offseason there was plenty of speculation as to what the Eagles‘ brain trust would do to improve the roster. Now that the smoke has cleared, it’s safe to say that adding Jason Peters, Jeremy Maclin and even Leonard Weaver would be classified as surprises.
We know what they did do, but what about what they didn’t do? Here is my list of the Top 10 moves not made by the Front Office:
10) Not re-signing Tra Thomas – I thought Tra had one serviceable season left, but Reid and Co. didn’t see it that way. They waved goodbye to [...]

Pat Kirwan over at NFL.com posted an article about ten receivers he thinks will breakout this season. Number three on one of his lists is Eagles’ slot king, Jason Avant:
“With all of the attention focused on DeSean Jackson and rookie Jeremy Maclin, Avant should have a very productive year.”
Don’t forget about Curtis, Celek and Westbrook, Pat. At any rate, I agree about Avant. We keep talking about guys being “Wes Welker” in the Birds’ offense. Well, I think that guy is Avant. A reliable chains mover is needed for this offense to explode. 50-60 catches for Jason is a reasonable [...]

ESPN just released their comprehensive NFL Power Rankings. If you care, go here. I have never understood rankings in May or June or July. Pre-season rankings in late August are fine, but we haven’t even gotten through dreaded OTAs yet. Key players will suffer injuries between now and September. Some of these injuries will undoubtedly affect rankings.
Grading the draft days after is an exercise in futility as well, but you can justify it by identifying whether or not specific teams fill needs or not. But power rankings in May? It makes no sense.
If you do read the ESPN article, notice [...]

There are plenty of cliches tossed around about what separates champions from also-rans: dominant defense, power running-game, excellent quarterback play, and the ability to force lots of turnovers.
I think we can all agree a good defense and a quarterback who takes care of the ball are vital to winning games on a consistent basis. I’ve always heard turnover ratio is equally, if not more important. Is this really true? I think I know the answer, but let’s check the stats to be certain.
I care about Super Bowl participants, so let’s examine the AFC and NFC representatives since 2000. Here are [...]

I hope everyone is enjoying a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend. I spent most of mine re-watching Band of Brothers and believe it or not, Super Bowl XXXIX. You know, the one the Eagles lost. I’ve watched it a couple times before; I’m not one of those fans who refuses to relive the moment. I’m still damn proud of the 2004 team. The Pats were better that night. Such is life.
I’m rambling. Looking back at 2004 led me to peruse YouTube for 2008 highlights. Most of the compilation vids aren’t worth watching, but I did find one that’s pretty [...]

Richard Bayes — an Eagles fan living in England!! Geesh. Now I have to deal with international shipping. That’s what I get for opening this drawing up to EVERYONE.
Anyway, thanks to everyone who entered. If I get my hands on more swag, I’ll consider another giveaway, provided you live in the lower 48 states. However, my autographed Randall Cunningham game jersey is off limits. That goes to the grave.
Congratulations Richard!!!
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