Archive for August, 2009

Time for a Vick-free trip around the sports blogosphere. Some ex-Cowboys quarterback is the father of mixed martial artist Gina Carano. (Rear Naked Joke) Exclusive fake interview with Raiders backup Bruce Gradkowski. (Just Blog Baby) Former US Rep. James Traficant’s release party at a minor league ballpark got nixed. Shocking. (Paneech) Is Lou Piniella on the hot seat? Of course he is. He manages the Cubs. (Not Qualified to Comment) Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander was hurling fireballs last night. (Detroit 4 Lyfe) There’s nothing better than athletes selling cars. (In Game Now) The new flick District 9 is about aliens. [...]

The introduction press conference starring Andy Reid, Tony Dungy and Michael Vick was less than spectacular. The “second chances” card was tossed out at every occasion. Vick declared himself a changed man, wants to be part of the solution, is starting anew, feels the need to be an ambassador and realizes his actions will speak louder. In other words, he put on his best mask of contrition and seemed apologetic, on the surface anyway. I’m certain two years in Leavenworth will cause a person to reevaluate their life choices. The real excitement kicked off when Jeff Lurie took the podium, [...]

Before I unleash my diatribe, I’d like to relay my opinion on Michael Vick being allowed to play again. I have zero problem with it. To overuse an overused cliché, he served his time. As Andy Reid repeatedly said during his press conference, this is America — America is all about second chances. I agree. I just find it odd that of all teams, the Eagles were the ones to roll the dice. It has been a preseason filled with controversial and negative headlines. Adding what will arguably be the biggest sports headline this year just made things a lot [...]

So, Michael Vick is an Eagle. Holy @#$%!!! My initial reaction is, I have no idea what Jeff Lurie, Joe Banner and Andy Reid are thinking. You have a franchise quarterback that you just handed more money in order to make him feel secure and safe. Now, you bring in a guy who just served two years in Leavenworth for purposely killing dogs for dough. An athlete who some feel doesn’t belong on the streets, let alone the NFL. Why, why, do you make this move? I don’t know. Did they let Donovan McNabb in on the deal? Did he [...]

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen has reported Michael Vick signed a two-year contract with the Eagles. Details to follow.

Three words: No Catastrophic Injuries. Is that too much to ask from the Football Gods? The Eagles were offseason darlings. Now they’re a limping mess. We get it. Exhibition games are already difficult to sit through without having to endure the sight of air casts, stretchers and carts transporting prone players giving a “thumbs up” sign. Enough is enough. Subscribe to ITI.

Tonight will be the first big test for second-year linebacker Joe Mays. Ever since Stew went down with a torn ACL, the questions about Mays’ ability to man the middle of the Eagles defense started. Does he know the scheme? Can he call the proper formations? Is he capable of covering backs and tight ends? He gets his chance to prove the naysayers wrong against Golden Boy Tom and the Patriots. We might not know how Mays will react in an actual game, but one thing is certain: Joe Mays does not lack confidence. He attacks negativity like he does [...]

So much for sleeping in today. I thought since Eagles‘ camp was all but wrapped up, I could get a little extra shuteye without another mysterious injury popping up. I was sorely mistaken. Now Todd Herremans has what Reid describes as a “stress reaction” in the bone of the arch of his foot. Huh? At least it’s not a “stress fracture.” Well, not yet anyway. Nevertheless, looks like he’ll be out for all of the preseason. Man, that revamped offensive line is lookin’ stellar! No Shawn, no Stacy, no Todd. It will be Max at right guard and Nick at [...]

Safe to say, wide receiver has been the most talked about and scrutinized position on the Eagles in recent years. Terrell Owens and Freddie Mitchell grabbed most of the headlines, but of interest to me are the lesser names who contributed little to no production during their time in midnight green. Since the current corps of pass catchers is finally loaded, I thought I’d reminisce about the dark days, when the cupboard was pathetically bare. I go all the way back to the ’80s, so a couple of these losers players might be unfamiliar to the youngsters. Strap in fans, [...]

Let the Runyan to Philly speculation begin (or continue). He’s been cleared to work out by Dr. James Andrews. Subscribe to ITI. For a chance to win a 3′x5′ Eagles flag click here for details.

You know what time it is? It’s time to jump aboard the sports blogosphere train. Apparently, the Raiders have had 10 great moments in the last six years. Really? (Just Blog Baby) In the spirit of Josh Hamilton’s bar room slip up, here are a few more potentially damaging headlines. (Bootlegger Sports) Michael Jordan is does “The Jerk.” I think it’s a dance. (NESW Sports) Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards had a run-in with a lawn mower last week. (Outside the Boxscore) Yao Ming is not a fan of the English language. (Style Points) Famous twitter moments throughout sports history. [...]

Mercifully, the five-alarm fire called Training Camp ’09 has come to an end for our beloved Eagles. They lost two men, and have a few others still working to return. All in all, it wasn’t as awful as it could have been. Stew‘s injury hurts much worse than Ingram‘s. On the bright side, the defense has two players who should fill the void capably: one with loads of potential (Mays), the other with experience (Gaither). How many other teams can say that? Ingram’s loss is disappointing. The Birds rolled the dice and came up snake-eyes. Call it a lesson learned. [...]