Archive for July, 2009

Finally, the Eagles strapped on the pads and started hittin’ each other. Nice. The beauty of being a Birds fan is the sheer amount of resources available to cull info from. You got the diligent beat writers, Twitter updates and loads of actual practice footage via PE.com. Is this a great time of year or what? A few observations and thoughts: – Nothing new on the Maclin front. Well, there is this article, which suggests the two sides may be converging. At this point, I’m done with this story. I loathe rookie holdouts. I’m aware of the reasons and don’t [...]

I’ll keep this brief. You’re probably tired of me hocking my wares. If you want a shot at the Donny Mac bobble, here’s what you need to do: Subscribe to ITI by clicking here. Then email me: stunstall72@gmail.com I’m close to my monthly goal, but a few more scrips will put me over the top. Thanks to everyone who has signed up this month. I really do appreciate it. I’ve written this before, but you the fans make my job fun. So, feel free to leave a comment, even if you don’t agree with my sentiments. I love a good [...]

The vets finally hit the field. Well, the five who weren’t sidelined with an injury did anyway. The pads are still collecting dust, but that didn’t stop the first full-squad practice from resembling a MASH unit. One name, conspicuous by his absence, was a guy who can’t afford any setbacks in ’09: The Big Kid — Shawn Andrews. He sat out due to back spasms. They are calling it minor. No such thing for a guy coming off back surgery. In other boo boo news: – Asante and Laws suffered hammy strains. Laws could be seen doing girlie style push-ups. [...]

Life is never dull around the sports blogosphere. Plenty o’ links to enjoy. Michael Vick is back. Possibly. Maybe. Here’s a little tune to welcome him. (Outside the Boxscore) The AFC West is like a carnival. Cotton candy. Tilt-a-whirls. And lots of clowns. (Predominately Orange) I dig villains. They make movies and TV so much more interesting. Here are some of the best since 2000. (Fan Addict) Am I alone in wishing the untimely demise of one Brett Favre? Apparently not. (Bootlegger Sports) The Chicago Blackhawks offseason, Seinfeld style. Nice. (Blackhawk Up) Dump on the Raiders all you want. At [...]

I mentioned in passing yesterday that Cornelius Ingram would need an alternate handle if he continues to light up Training Camp ’09. Well, I might be jumping the gun a bit, especially considering the pads haven’t been strapped on yet, but I’m of the belief Ingram is the real deal. Now that all the pesky formalities are out of the way, let’s crank up the nickname machine for the Iggles newest tight end. Here are five possibilities: 5 – The Combine Too easy. “Corn”elius “The Combine” Ingram does nothin’ but shred when he hits the field. Get John Deere involved [...]

Time to move on after yesterday’s sad news. The Eagles are planning a tribute for JJ that I am confident will be fitting to who he was as a coach and a man. Stay tuned for more on that. As for today, only one practice this morning for the rooks and select vets. Tonight, the rest of the team will arrive at Lehigh. Friday’s full squad, full contact sessions can’t get here fast enough. That’s when we’ll be able to gauge how good the youngsters really are. – Maclin, like 27 other first-rounders, is a no show. Again, I continue [...]

Around 7pm last night, I decided to check the national sports websites. Two major NFL stories broke within about fifteen minutes of one another: Brett Favre’s retirement and Jim Johnson’s death. How did the big boys stack their headlines? Take a look. First, NFL.com: Favre, as expected, gets the majority of the page. But JJ is the top headline with a photo included. Not bad. ——————— Next up is CBSSportsline.com: The top headline is Johnson, followed by Favre, then Plaxico. A death should always trump a retirement and a grand jury. CBS got it right. ——————– Lastly, is ESPN.com: Like [...]

The other team’s quarterback must go down and he must go down hard. — Al Davis If any coach subscribed to that theory, it was Jim Johnson. I’ve been watching football for over twenty-five years and I can’t recall a defensive coordinator who utilized the blitz as much or as effectively as Johnson. He would come from every angle at every position on every down. He believed consistent pressure was the key to victory and more often than not, he was correct. Jim Johnson died on Tuesday at the age of 68. I will never forget the way he stalked [...]

According to Adam Caplan (via Twitter), the Eagles have announced the passing of Jim Johnson. This is expected news, but it’s still tough to hear. After being diagnosed with melanoma earlier this year, Johnson remained optimistic and even took part in the post draft minicamp. However, after taking a leave of absence in May, his condition began to decline. Once the team officially handed the defensive coordinator duties to Sean McDermott last week, we all waited for the inevitable. My thoughts go out to Johnson’s family and the Eagles family. This is a truly sad day. Andy Reid and Jeffrey [...]

Day two of rooks and selected vets practices went off without a hitch. The rest of the team will arrive in Philly tomorrow. Friday, they’ll strap the pads on for real. That’s when the fun begins. Here are a few notes from today: – Maclin remains MIA. Visions of Bunkley in 2006 are dancing in my head. I hope I’m wrong. – Camp darlings who won’t make the team: Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson. Following the Training Camp Live chat on PE.com was interesting. Some eager beavers are already penciling in Amendola as a possible “Wes Welker” type and/or punt [...]

It’s once again time to peruse the sports blogosphere for the latest and greatest. The best in NHL unis throughout the years. (Pucks and Pitchforks) How Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard did a better job than ex-GM Carl Peterson in finding a franchise QB (Arrowhead Addict) Highlights of Shaq Daddy’s appearance as guest host on Monday Night Raw. (Tony Blogs) Pitcher Tim Lincecum was throwing nuthin’ but gas last night versus the Pirates. (Paneech) Pondering potential trade scenarios is always a fun thing to do. (We’re Bucked) Remember Jeff George? Consider yourself lucky if you don’t. Well, he’s back in the [...]

Dear Commish: I realize you’re extremely busy with Michael Vick’s return to mediocrity on the football field, Plaxico Burress’ impending trial for being a moron and your brilliant decision to stretch the NFL Draft over an entire week, but I was wondering if you could set aside some time to repair the flawed system that allows for 28 of 32 rookie first-round picks to still be unsigned as of July 28th. If I remember correctly, the 2009 Draft was held the weekend of April 25th and 26th. Right? Okay, I just wanted to get my dates straight. That was over [...]