Eagles Blogger Room

Watch 2012 Eagles football at 2011 prices

2012-02-14T19:33:00.000-05:00

Getting some me-time before 2012 campaign.

The Eagles' 8-8 season was so wretched ownership is afraid of

raising ticket prices.

Or maybe the decision to hold the line is to appease critics who wanted head coach Andy Reid fired.

Whatever. Make it four seasons in a row without an increase. No way the Eagles would have risked jacking up tickets prior to the 2011 season as the lockout was hanging over their heads.

“We appreciate our great fans and our loyal season ticket holders,” Eagles president Joe Banner said in a statement. “We understand that this is a difficult economy and we’re grateful that fans still turned out this season in sell-out numbers to support the Eagles. Holding the line on pricing for another year was one way we could thank Philadelphia fans for their continued support. We are looking forward to another exciting season of Eagles football at Lincoln Financial Field in 2012.”

Did he really say "another exciting season?"

The last ticket increase was prior to the 2009 campaign.

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Eagles claim OT

2012-02-07T11:22:00.001-05:00

Offensive tackle D.J. Jones (6-5, 310, Nebrasksa) was claimed off waivers from Baltimore.

Jones was an undrafted free agent of Miami in 2011.

The Eagles also appointed Keith Gray their assistant strength and conditioning coach. He replaces Roger Marandino, moved on to head strength and conditioning coach of Indianapolis.

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Ex-Eagle exec Gamble meeting with Rams

2012-02-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Rams are interviewing general manager candidate Tommy Gamble, who worked in the Eagles' front office from 1988-94, according to this report.

Gamble has helped stock the roster of the NFC championship game finalist 49ers.

Gamble is the son 0f former Eagles president Harry Gamble, who also was head coach at Penn and Lafayette.

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McCaffery, Grotz, SanFilippo talk Eagles, SB

2012-02-05T09:26:00.001-05:00

Join us Sunday for the Super Bowl at Jimmy Mac's in Drexel Hill - delcotimes.com

Schaub, Ryan ranked ahead of Vick

2012-02-03T08:34:00.001-05:00

Brian Billick won a Super Bowl without an ellite quarterback.

Looking at his list of current NFL passers, the Eagles will have to do the same. You've just got to see this list for his impression of Mike Vick.

Here's the link:

No question now: Manning belongs among NFL's top 12 QBs | News | NFL.com

Retaining DeSean Jackson not a slamdunk

2012-01-31T23:07:00.000-05:00

The biggestdecision facing the Eagles is what to do with wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

DJax might be getting introduced elsewhere in 2012.

In the comingweeks the Eagles must determine if they want to apply the franchise tag toJackson, sign him to a new contract or let him walk when free agency beginsMarch 13th. The franchise tag could cost the Eagles $9.5 million – theestimated salaries of the league’s top five salaries at the position. TheEagles also could use the tag and trade Jackson.

The way headcoach Andy Reid was talking Tuesday, the decision appears to be in the hands ofteam president Joe Banner.

“We’re goingthrough all of that right now, so we’re looking at everything right now,” Reidsaid. “We haven’t come to any conclusions on anything. Again, you saw progressthere, you saw a different attitude the last five or six games there. You’vegot to make sure you look at that part, too.”

Jackson is unhappy the Eagles spent freely on free agents and signed Michael Vick to a$100 million pact but didn’t come through with a contract extension for himthis past season.

Jackson felt he’dbeen told he was a priority.

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Patterson 'upbeat' after brain surgery

2012-01-31T20:21:00.000-05:00

Mike Patterson (right) watches Jason Babin celebrate

Eagles defensivetackle Mike Patterson is OK after undergoing a lengthy and delicate brainoperation this past Friday.

Patterson neededthe surgery to repair an AVM – a tangle of blood vessels near the brain - thatresulted in his collapse during a practice at training camp.

“I talked to himyesterday and he’s doing very well,” Eagles head coach Andy Reid said Tuesday. “Early on they had himsedated pretty well. He’s doing well; very upbeat and positive. It was a verylong surgery. They had to dig in there to get to the spot and they felt like itwas successful.”

Reid says doctorsare optimistic Patterson should be back for training camp barring a setback.

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Long-awaited Andy Reid presser is Tuesday

2012-01-30T11:54:00.008-05:00

Andy Reid ... one D-coordinator ago.

The Eagles upgraded their coaching staff Monday.

Veteran assistant Todd Bowles is the new secondary coach.

More importantly, Juan Catillo returns for his second season in the role of defensive coordinator.

Head coach Andy Reid will be asked Tuesday why the coach with the most defensive coordinator experience (Bowles) is backing up to the guy with one year on the job (Castillo).

The addition of Bowles was Reid's hire. It also likely met the approval of team president Joe Banner and owner Jeffrey Lurie.

Bowles was a standout NFL player with a fruitful stop in Washington. He's also a longtime NFL assistant with experience as a defensive coordinator.

This past season the 48-year-old product of Temple University also was interim head coach of Miami. Bowles took on the job the week after the Eagles defeated the Dolphins, triggering the firing of head coach Tony Sparano.

With Lurie calling the Eagles' recent 8-8 season "unacceptable," Reid could be on a short leash in 2012. If it doesn't work out, the Eagles won't have to look far to transition.

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Eagles add 'other' Mueller to front office

2012-01-28T02:39:00.001-05:00

The Eagles hired Rick Mueller as player personnel executive.

Anthony Patch, 33, was promoted to director of college scouting.

“Anthony has been one of our top talent evaluators during his tenure as a college scout, has great relationships throughout football and is an extremely hard worker," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said in a statement. "Rick brings a wealth of NFL experience while giving us a new and fresh set of eyes to evaluate incoming talent. They will both play a role in helping us prepare for this offseason of free agency and the draft.”

Mueller's brother Randy was the general manager who guided New Orleans to a Super Bowl title and works as a senior executive with San Diego.

Rick Mueller, 44, ascended to the role of player personnel executive with New Orleans in a 15-year NFL career. Most recently he worked two seasons in the United Football League - as G.M. of Omaha in 2010 and as V.P. and G.M. for all four teams in their inaugural season.

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(Below, still waiting on that Andy Reid news conference)

Andy Reid flexes his muscles

2012-01-19T19:42:00.002-05:00

The relationship between the Eagles' front office and head coach Andy Reid has hit another ugly low.
Steve Spagnuolo's decision to accept the defensive coordinator job with the New Orleans Saints is the latest smoking gun.
Spagnuolo and Reid are represented by super agent Bob LaMonte. If Spags sees more opportunity in the French Quarter it's because Reid told him exactly how difficult it is working at One NovaCare Way these days. If the Eagles didn't pitch the job to Spags, whoever said no should be summarily fired.
Who Reid has on his staff is his prerogative. Unless the Eagles over-achieve in 2012 his loyalty to first-year defensive coordinator Juan Castillo, who struggled last season, will cost him his job.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie made it clear just days after the season ended without a playoff berth that Reid's coaching and the performance of the team were unacceptable.
At a bizarre news conference Lurie reamed Reid out on a level that made you believe he was going to ax Big Red. Moments later the owner did a (180) and said he would keep Reid for 2012.
Sounding detached, Lurie openly questioned Reid's decision to switch Castillo from the offensive line to defensive coordinator. Lurie indicated Castillo may not have been in a position to succeed.
It was embarrassing for all.
Meanwhile the Eagles put Reid's end of season news conference on hold until the coaching situation was squared away. Oh, and Johnnie Lynn was axed as defensive backs coach to open the door to bring in a defensive authority like Spagnuolo, who, knowing Reid and having the same agent obviously wasn't interested.
Did we mention that offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg is bailing? He's interviewing for a head coaching position in Oakland.
What's clear is the Eagles are at odds internally, Reid is a lame duck and the 2012 campaign only is delaying the inevitable - the end of the most successful era in the modern history of the franchise.
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(Below, like Andy Reid, Mike Vick's days with Eagles also may be numbered.)

Birds workout QB Trent Edwards

2012-01-18T13:08:00.002-05:00

An NFL source confirmed the Eagles worked out veteran quarterback Trent Edwards, who sat out the 2011 season.

Another '5'?

Veteran Vince Young, who guided the Eagles to a 1-2 mark in three starts this past season, is a free agent. He indicated multiple teams were interested in making him a starter.

Edwards (6-4, 231) spent three seasons with the Bills and a year with the Jaguars, throwing 26 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions.

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Bulging disk repair for Chaney

2012-01-18T11:08:00.000-05:00

The Eagles reported linebacker Jamar Chaney underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a herniated disk in his neck.

The work was done by Dr. Craig Brigham in Charlotte, N.C.

Chaney was injured in the season finale.

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Eagles last big win, with Merrill, Mike

2012-01-14T10:55:00.001-05:00

Watch "The Miracle at the New Meadowlands - WYSP" on YouTube

Castillo still on Eagles staff

2012-01-10T16:03:00.000-05:00

Embattled defensive coordinator Juan Castillo remains a part of the Eagles' staff, per a source.

That's the only hard news the Eagles have right now about their coaching staff.

Considering how secondary coach Johnnie Lynn was let go before head coach Andy Reid went on vacation, it's an indicatation Castillo will be a part of the staff when the Big Guy returns to work.

The NFL Network reported that Steve Spagnuolo, fired recently after a 10-38 tour as head coach of the Rams, "is expected to be back in Philadelphia by the end of the week."

Spagnuolo would be back, if you will, to speak with Reid about a coaching job. Spagnuolo was an assistant with the Eagles until the 2007 season, when he exited to be defensive coordinator of the Giants. The Giants won the Super Bowl in his first year on the job, defeating the unbeaten Patriots.

The Eagles couldn't confirm if Spagnuolo would get together with Reid later this week, much less speculate on what role he might fill.

That said, reports of Spagnuolo's iminent hiring are premature.

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Eagles exec could interview with Colts

2012-01-07T07:49:00.001-05:00

Among the candidates for the Colts' general manager job is Ryan Grigson, player personnel director for the Eagles.

Also the Eagles cut ties with veteran defensive backs coach Johnnie Lynn.

NFL.com also reported owner Jim Irsay was considering Jim Popp, GM of the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes, Cowboys assistant director of player personnel Tom Ciskowski and David Caldwell, Falcons director of college scouting.

The Colts fired Bill Polian, widely considered one of the best general managers in the league after a 2-14 season. The Colts are looking at a major overhaul.

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(Below, whoever takes on Colts job will be working late, and in need of caffeine).

McCoy, Peters All-Pro

2012-01-06T15:31:00.001-05:00

LeSean McCoy and Jason Peters were voted first-team, All-Pro honors from the Associated Press.

Jason Babin was named to the 2nd team.

McCoy led the league with 20 touchdowns and ranked fourth with 1,309 rushing yards.

Peters anchored the offensive line that helped set franchise records with 6,386 total yards and 356 first downs.

Babin finished third in the league with 18 sacks.

Also, Nnamdi Asomugha is a finalist for the 2012 Bart Starr Award, the NFL player that exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community.

Jason Witten (Cowboys) and London Fletcher (Rams) are the other finalists.

(Below left, McCoy, Asante Samuel)

Lurie, Reid, their dysfunctional relationship

2012-01-05T14:32:00.004-05:00

Fans express themselves at season finale.

At some point you realize that no matter how much work you put into it the relationship isn't working.

Then the pain intensifies.

This is why Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and head coach Andy Reid are giving it one more try.

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Lurie would "welcome back" DeSean Jackson

2012-01-04T00:14:00.001-05:00

Unable to beat DeSean Jackson at his game, the Eagles are praising him.

Chairman Jeffrey Lurie plugged the diva receiver Tuesday.

Welcome back ... on the right terms.

“I think hisattitude and his whole approach in the final month of the season was terrific,”Lurie said. “I think he started to realize and get it. So I wouldwelcome him back. I think if the right terms develop he would be welcomed back.We have the leverage of obviously we can do what we choose to do and controlhis situation.”

Head coach AndyReid, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and special teams coach BobbyApril all got the same memo, if you will. They’ve said basically the same things aboutJackson, although not nearly as smoothly.

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Lurie blames Castillo struggles on Reid

2012-01-03T19:38:00.002-05:00

Jeffrey Lurie thinks the world of Juan Castillo.

But Lurie awkwardly danced around the painful issue of whether he supported Andy Reid's decision to turn the offensive line coach into a defensive coordinator this season.

Castillo was in tough spot.

“What Andy did is he made – and I can’tspeak for him - but I know in our discussions that he made a list of all of thetop people that he was looking at to replace Sean McDermott as defensive coordinator," Lurie said Tuesday. "And things happen, circumstanceshappen and if changes don’t happen on other teams than certain coaches aren’tavailable. And he became very, very interested in Juan because he knew what hecould accomplish. Whether he could accomplish it fast enough is an interestingquestion and he didn’t, the whole team didn’t, in terms of early in the season.

"So I think when you analyze anydecision of who’s going to coach that there’s a lot of hidden background interms of where did that decision come from, the reason for it, what was thesearch process, who was truly available, and then move forward. And look, withJuan Castillo I will just say anyone who’s known this man for 17, 18 years aswe all have. Incredibly impressive man, incredible family, incredible coach. Andwas he put into a situation where he couldn’t succeed early in the season?"

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No press release; just Jeff Lurie today

2012-01-03T13:48:00.000-05:00

We're looking at just a news conference with Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie.

Repeat, just a presser.

I'm told there won't be a pre-news conference release. Typically such releases precede items like contract extensions. Or changes the Eagles are happy to report.

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Remembering Jeff Offord

2012-01-03T13:14:00.003-05:00

Longtime sports reporter Jeffrey Offord (Burlington County Times) passed away during the season.

It's just not the same without the snappy leads that pulled you into his stories.

The Eagles football media relations staff stepped up during the holiday season with a $1,000 donation to a scholarship fund on honor of Offord. Well done, guys. Well done.

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Kelce gets word on surgery Tuesday

2012-01-03T09:32:00.000-05:00

Definition of tough.

The Eagles' season over, center Jason Kelce gutted out the walk to the training room where his foot was to be examined Sunday.

Give the rookie the red badge of courage for playing on it near the end of the Eagles' victory over the Redskins.

Right now Kelce has a sprain that could heal with rest. Depending on what the doctors find after another test, he could be looking at surgery and a lengthy rehab.

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Young hopeful of starting somewhere

2012-01-03T00:48:00.000-05:00

Hand-off or communications issue?

Vince Young could have had a full-time starting job in 2010.

Just not with the Eagles, where Mike Vick is the guy.

In spite of a 1-2 record, four touchdown passes and eight interceptions in three starts with the Eagles, there is interest again according to Young.

Would anyone be surprised if the Redskins went after him? The guy arrested in the Landover, Md. area for impersonating Young couldn't have done much worse than Rex Grossman.

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Lurie reveals Reid's fate Tuesday

2012-01-02T19:16:00.003-05:00

Eaglesowner Jeffrey Lurie is ready to talk.

Reveals coach's future Tuesday.

The Chairman isslated to take questions Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.

Presumably Luriewill confirm what players assume - Andy Reid will be back as head coach in 2012.

Additionally thefate of embattled defensive coordinator Juan Castillo could be revealed.

Preliminarily itappears defensive line coach Jim Washburn, who has two years left on hiscontract, might be on his way out. Internally Washburn's wide nine defensive alignment came under scrutiny as the defense was vulnerable to the run.

If he's still on the job Reid likely willget it on with the media Wednesday. He’s beaten down all questions about hisfuture, even with two years left on his contract.

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Not your usual postseason surgery

2012-01-02T18:18:00.002-05:00

Patterson (right) with Jason Babin.

Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson cannot put his impending surgery off much longer.

After Patterson gets evaluated by another neurologist he expects to undergo brain surgery he hopes will make him good to go for the 2012 season and beyond.

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Eagles sensitive to booing at Linc

2012-01-02T10:33:00.006-05:00

Doesn't like Eagles fans booing.

First it was Jason Avant.

Now it's DeSean Jackson.

Eagles wide receivers really, really would prefer their fans find a way other than booing to express themselves.

There were boos, for example, when the Eagles had the ball and called timeout just 51 seconds into their win over the Redskins Sunday at the Linc.

Jackson clearly is sensitive to the criticism.

“It’s a youngteam,” Jackson said. “I think the energy here is very exciting. Hopefully wecan just get our home fans to not boo us. That’s hard when our home fans arebooing us. Like, come on, man. This is our home stadium. Besides that, I meaneverything else is good. Go Eagles!"

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If Mudd is back, so is Reid

2012-01-02T05:16:00.002-05:00

Offensive line coach told Eagles players he was coming back to coach them got the 2012 season.

Mudd wouldn’t do that for just anyone as Andy Reid lured him out of retirement.

Reid has two years left on his contract. To save his job he might have to fire or reassign defensive coordinator Juan Castillo. There is preliminary evidence his staff will change.

Adding to the intrigue is Reid won’t confirm he's back or have his usual Monday press conference. It will be held later this week per an Eagles spokesman.

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie also will address the media later this week.

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Eagles 2012 schedule

2012-01-01T20:06:00.001-05:00

Eagles lost here in 2009 in NFC title game.

The Eagles 2012schedule is finalized.

In addition totheir NFC East slate these are the home and away opponents:

Home: Atlanta,Carolina, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Detroit.

Away: NewOrleans, Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Arizona.

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McCoy injury could have been end of Reid

2012-01-01T11:56:00.003-05:00

Jeremy Maclin on cover of program.

The Eagles deactivated LeSean McCoy, Asante Samuel, Cedric Thornton, Julian Vandervelde, Ron Johnson, Greg Lloyd and Mike Patterson.

Cooler heads obviously prevailed with McCoy, nursing an ankle injury. An Eagles spokesman said the ankle was the issue.

To subject a less than 100 percent McCoy to serious injury could have been the final straw for Andy Reid.

Thankfully someone conveyed that to Reid.

Patterson was scratched due to illness. He's nursing flu symptoms per the Eagles.

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The latest on 2012 Eagles free agents

2011-12-31T18:11:00.000-05:00

Does Smitty go back to the Giants?

The list of pending Eagles free agents and what their respective futures look like:

Victor Abiamiri,DE: Injuries could prompt retirement.

Ronnie Brown, RB:Wants to find a better situation.

Antonio Dixon, DT(RFA): Will be retained.

King Dunlap, OT:Valuable utility man will get offers.

DeSean Jackson,WR: Gets the franchise tag.

Derek Landri, DT:Proved he still has gas in the tank.

Trevor Laws, DT:Talented but injury prone.

Evan Mathis, G:Wants to stick around.

Juqua Parker, DE:Future role is situational.

Owen Schmitt, FB:Must fight off Stanley Havili.

Steve Smith, WR: Already gone.

Vince Young, QB:Cya.

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Eagles might need to extend Reid

2011-12-31T12:34:00.000-05:00

Decision time after end of season nap.

The signs are pointing to And Reid being back next year as head coach of the Eagles.

If, that is, Big Red wants to come back. With a dearth of qualified head coaches in the NFL, Reid is in a position to leverage the Eagles - possibly for more years on a contract that expires in 2013 or for more autonomy over personnel.

NFL sources say Reid would be hired almost immediately if he leaves the Eagles despite going 13 years without a Super Bowl title.

Reid now has final say over his coaching staff, including the fate of embattled defensive coordinator Juan Castillo.

Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan says he doesn't know what Reid will do. But knowing his counterpart, Shanahan offered insight into the hot-button issue around here.

"I don't know how Andy feels," Shanahan said. "Andy may say 'Hey, I think it's best for me to go. You guys can have this job. I'm going some place else.' Or maybe he would say 'Hey, let me finish my job.' You just don't know what goes on beyond closed doors with any head coach or any organization."

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Samuel seen, not heard at complex

2011-12-30T08:51:00.002-05:00

Asante Samuel (R) with LeSean McCoy

Asante Samuel lately has been seen, not heard around the NovaCare Complex.

Barely seen.

Sure, he's rehabbing a tight hamstring that will keep him out of the season finale against the Redskins.

But until the past two weeks, Samuel has been a regular at the open locker room, if only to tell reporters he's not talking.

The absence is an obvious indication his time in Philadelphia is almost up, and the Eagles don’t want him telling the world he expects to be traded.

That would diminish his value and put the organization he accused of engaging in a power struggle with Andy Reid, in a nasty light.

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McCoy partial practice participant Thursday

2011-12-29T16:20:00.001-05:00

Eagles runningback LeSean McCoy says the ankle he turned against the Cowboys feels better.

"I felt goodtoday," McCoy said. "I needed a day off to kind of rehab a littlebit. It helped me out."

McCoy wasn't ableto practice fully Thursday but is hopeful of getting his usual touches when theEagles oppose the Redskins in the regular season finale Sunday at LincolnFinancial Field.

McCoy is 128yards behind league rushing leader Maurice Jones-Drew and 203 yards behindWilbert Montgomery's single-season club record of 1,512 yards set in 1979.

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No Reid presser Monday

2011-12-29T10:46:00.001-05:00

Andy Reid's usual Monday press conference will be later in the week.

First, Reid meets with owner Jeffrey Lurie, at which time they almost certainly will determine the coach's fate for 2012.

Lurie will be at a news conference later in the week.

Vick says Jackson will be back in 2012

2011-12-28T15:37:00.004-05:00

DJax's agent, unhappy client

If DeSean Jackson is out of Philly after the Eagles' final game, as some believe, it's news to Michael Vick.

At his locker Wednesday, Vick playfully cautioned the media not to put "thoughts in anybody's head around here.

"I expect DeSean to be back next year," Vick said. "I expect him to continue to grow and excel as a player. So don't you guys go talking the talk and put any thoughts in anybody's head around here because it's not going to work."

Jackson's contract is up after this season. The Eagles can sign him to a new contract, put the franchise tag on him for $9.4 million and try to trade him or let him walk.

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McCoy, Babin, Peters make Pro Bowl

2011-12-27T20:17:00.000-05:00

First Pro Bowl for McCoy.

Eagles running back LeSean McCoy, defensive end Jason Babin and offensive tackle Jason Peters were voted to the NFC Pro Bowl team.

All are starters.

Eagles DT CullenJenkins is a well-deserved first alternate for the NFC Pro Bowl squad. CornerbackNnamdi Asomugha is a second-team alternate.

Conspicuously absent from the team were Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel, who had made three straight Pro Bowls and wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who made two in a row.

It was the first Pro Bowl selection for McCoy, the second for Babin and the fifth in a row for Peters, who had a dominating year at left tackle.

Five Eagles made the Pro Bowl last year, two the previous year.

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Castillo getting thrown under the bus?

2011-12-27T06:03:00.005-05:00

Out the door?

A report in the San Diego Union-Tribune says the Eagles likely will hire Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator.

Spagnuolo would first be fired as head coach of the Rams, opening the door for the team to hire Jon Gruden as head coach. GM A.J. Smith would be axed by the Chargers and join the Rams.

The report mentioned that Spagnuolo would be joining Andy Reid's staff.

Spagnuolo would be Reid's fourth defensive coordinator in five years. Here's the link.

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If Reid won't do it, Banner should sit McCoy

2011-12-26T21:23:00.005-05:00

If Andy Reid is serious about playing a sub-100 percent LeSean McCoy against the Redskins, team president Joe Banner ought to step in and stop it.

It's absurd to put your best player and his twisted ankle on the field for anything more than a cameo in a ridiculously meaningless season finale.

All the Eagles need in this totally lost and regrettable season is to subject a player who can't do all of the things he previously could do (like protect himself) to a potentially serious injury. Eagles Nation will understand. This isn't a playoff game. Other than a less desirabie draft position there is nothing to be gained and the future to lose.

If Big Red balks, show him film of Adrian Peterson's career-changing knee injury, against the Redskins. Think the Vikings would like to do that one over?

I'm hoping Reid just wants to string everyone along for the week, that he can't bear having anyone else preempt his injury reporting power and that his judgement in these matters is better than the clock management.

If he's serious about putting McCoy out there for four quarters, someone in that Eagles front office needs to do a Jerry Jones and end it.McCoy is too valuable to play games with.

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Vick wants roster, coaching turnover to end

2011-12-25T00:17:00.002-05:00

Feels Eagles have right players, coaches.

With no chance for a winning record and the futures of Pro Bowl talents DeSean Jackson and Asante Samuel uncertain, the Eagles could undergo significant change over the offseason.

Then there's the coaching staff. To save his job as head coach Andy Reid might have to relieve Juan Castillo, the defensive coordinator, of his duties.

Quarterback Michael Vick wants to keep it all together. If ownership is listening, that's coaches and players - keep it all together.

“You look at allthe teams that are winning Super Bowls in the last couple of years,” Vick said.“Those teams have been together for a long time. That’s how leaders are bornand that’s how guys learn to step up and accept the challenge of their role inthe offense and the defense. There’s got to be a balance. You’ve got to have veteranguys and leaders who have been together for a long time, who learn to become avoice in the locker room. And these guys are doing it now.”

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If Giants win, RB Jones won't face Eagles

2011-12-24T10:39:00.001-05:00

Up to something - again.

Matt Mosley of FOX Sports Southwest has reported Cowboys running back Felix Jones (sore hamstring) will not play against the Eagles Saturday at 4:15 p.m. if the Giants beat the Jets at 1 p.m.

With the Giants (7-7) winning the Cowboys (8-6) still would be unable to clinch the NFC East pennant and the accompanying playoff berth.

The teams oppose each other in the regular season finale. If they finish with 9-7 records, the Giants win the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Listed questionable, Jones might play if the Giants lose because the Cowboys could clinch Saturday,

A Giants win would eliminate the Eagles.

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Birds can be more aggressive without Samuel

2011-12-22T14:53:00.004-05:00

LeSean McCoy, Asante Samuel warm up

Asante Samuel and his hamstring are out.That means the Eagles can play the style of defense they used to play when the late Jim Johnson was calling the games.

Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are accomplished press cornerbacks.

They use their height and long arms to leverage and jam receivers at the line of scrimmage, disrupting their rhythm.
They also are adept at covering down the field without deep help from the safeties.

That could allow the Eagles to blitz Tony Romo more, and use their safeties in run support.

The late Johnson's most effective defenses were with Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor playing press. Asomugha and Rodgers-Cromartie are built like their predecessors.

Samuel's strength is playing off the ball. He's nowhere near as long-legged or armed as DRC or Nnamdi.

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McCoy, Peters, Babin are Pro Bowl locks

2011-12-21T22:26:00.001-05:00

All but officially in.

Eagles running back LeSean McCoy, offensive tackle Jason Peters and defensive end Jason Babin are certain to be voted into the Pro Bowl.

McCoy has 20 touchdowns, Babin 18 sacks and Peters may be the best offensive lineman in football right now.

The last of the players/coaches vote takes place this week. That counts two-thirds in the process with the fan vote the other third.

Defensive tackles Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson deserve Pro Bowl consideration, as does offensive tackle Todd Herremans and safety Kurt Coleman.

Can he make it on reputation?

You could even make cases for cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Asante Samuel and wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

But remember three Pro Bowl players are a lot for a 6-8 team.

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Jerry Jones' talk "reverse psychology"

2011-12-21T14:35:00.001-05:00

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones loves drama so much it appears he's trying to create some.

Says the Eagles scare him. Seriously.

"After the butt kicking they gave us, I'm scared," Jones said.

Eagles defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins almost fell on his butt

after hearing it.

"I think he’s trying to use a little reverse psychology on his players orsomething and see how they respond," Jenkins said among other things.

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DRC could return kickoffs

2011-12-21T11:58:00.001-05:00

Rookie running.back Dion Lewis has hit the wall.

His fumbled kickoff last week could have turned the Jets game around.

It also could mean the Eagles revisit Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as their kickoff returner.

Special teams coach Bobby April said the change was a possibility this week against the Cowboys.

DRC got hurt returning a kickoff a month ago.

Rookie answer to a stupid question

2011-12-20T13:46:00.000-05:00

Just because a player is asked a ridiculous question doesn't mean he has to answer.

And so it was Tuesday for rookie linebacker Casey Matthews.

The Eagles need to win two games and pray for two other favorable outcomes to get into the playoffs. Their longest winning streak - two games.

When Matthews was asked if the Eagles would be a dangerous team in the playoffs, he should have acknowledged how presumptuous the question was. After all, he's a rookie.

Instead he took it on and realizing how ridiculous it was, mentioned that at the end of his answer. Some film editor will cut that off and Matthews will come off as arrogant.

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With vet coordinator, Eagles in playoffs

2011-12-20T09:49:00.003-05:00

Ann Margret on holiday with Troops.

With an experienced defensive coordinator, the Eagles are in the playoffs.

That's basically the conclusion of this insightful piece.

It's obvious to you, me and everyone else who knows Andy Reid has three timeouts a half. And it's going to be scrutinized by ownership at the end of the season.

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Andy Reid 'huge Jets fan'

2011-12-19T22:31:00.002-05:00

Huge 'Jets' fan, or 'huge' Jets fan?

The Eagles need to beat the Cowboys Saturday.

To stay in the playoff hunt they also need the Jets to defeat the Giants this Saturday.

Realizing that, Eagles head coach Andy Reid proclaimed "I'm a huge Jets fan."

Which can be interpreted multiple ways.

At any rate he wants the Jets to prevail this weekend.

And the Jets are 3-point favorites - as well as the home team - when they take on the Giants Saturday at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands.

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Castillo rallied defense with video

2011-12-19T18:08:00.002-05:00

The Fighter.

The Fighter came out in Juan Castillo a couple of weeks ago.

To see where the heads of his players were, the workaholic defensive coordinator cued up footage of the bouts between Micky Ward and the late Arturo Gatti, who went toe-to-toe without giving up an inch in a series of epic fights.

Ward's story ultimately was told in The Fighter starring Mark Wahlberg (Vince Papale in Invincible).

I don't think it was a coincidence the Eagles shutdown the Dolphins' vaunted short-yardage running attack after they watched those fighters pound each other yet refuse to give in.

Or that the Eagles dropped the Jets with a torrent of shots unleashed largely by the defense Sunday.

Castillo made his point and so did his players. More on that later.

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Juan Castillo is Eagles unsung hero

2011-12-18T23:12:00.001-05:00

After a rough start Eagles defensive coordinator Juan Castillo has hit his stride over the past two games.

His players appreciate it, starting with Jason Babin. With 18 sacks, he's just three away from tying the immortal Reggie White's club record set in just 12 games during the 1987 strike-shortened season.

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Larry The Cable Guy tailgate joke favorites

2011-12-18T16:16:00.000-05:00

Comedian Larry The Cable Guy stopped in Sunday to pitch the Prilosec OTC tailgate challenge (tailgateFan.com/challenge).

The Nebraska-born Cable Guy is quite the football fan. He's pals with Clete Blakeman, the referee for the Eagles-Jets contest.

"If you see him tell him I'm outside here working," the Cable Guy said of Blakeman, who played quarterback at Nebraska from 1983-87.

In addition to promoting a healthier tailgate and the Prilosec OTC contest with a door prize of Super Bowl tickets, The Cable Guy dropped a couple of good jokes on his fans.

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Tapp, Laws scratched for Jets

2011-12-18T15:00:00.001-05:00

The Eagles deactivated injured defensive linemen Darryl Tapp and Trevor Laws.

Also scratched - Brandon Hughes, Julian Vandervelde, Winston Justice, Greg Lloyd and Cedric Thornton.

Obviously the Eagles felt it would be more productive to go with three defensive tackles instead of letting Thornton debut. That despite a run-first Jets attack.

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(Below, Larry The Cable Guy autographs hats at a Prilosec OTC tailgate party outside the Linc)

Reid will have his day with ownership

2011-12-18T11:56:00.000-05:00

"Over there? Be right with you, Joe."

For those who have had a tough time finding my piece about what's ahead for Eagles head coach Andy Reid, here's the latest.

No decision - repeat, no decision - has been made yet.

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When sacks don't translate to wins

2011-12-17T23:47:00.003-05:00

This one led to a win.

If it's sacks you want, your guy is Jason Babin.

Babin has 28 sacks in two seasons, including 15 this year.

Victories are another thing.

Babin's teams are a collective 11-18 in spite of all the production.

Disruptive as those sacks are supposed to be, the cold, hard fact is they don't show up nearly as big in the win column.

The Titans went 6-10 with Babin getting 13 sacks in 2010.

The Eagles are 5-8 with 15 Babin sacks and counting this season.
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Check out 'Angry Birds' pass rush

2011-12-17T10:47:00.000-05:00

Got to appreciate the creative effort the Eagles' website people used to illustrate the key to victory over the Jets.

The 'Angry Birds' pass rush in this cartoon getting after Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is essential to disrupting the timing of the offense. In it the Birds launch defensive linemen Jason Babin, Mike Patterson, Cullen Jenkins and Trent Cole at Sanchez (piloting the plane).

But the Eagles must stop the run to make this plan viable. They can expect to see a lot of running back Shonn Greene Sunday at the Linc.

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Eagles rookie Thornton back on his feet

2011-12-16T15:24:00.001-05:00

Rookie Eagles defensive tackle Cedric Thornton has worked his way up from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

And it's taken effort as this video clip illustrates.

Thornton now is acing this drill (much to the chagrin of teammates searching for comic relief). He could be activated Sunday when the Eagles oppose the Jets at Lincoln Financial Field.

To beat the Jets the Eagles must limit the ground game with running back Shonn Greene. To stop the run the Eagles need a fresh rotation of linemen.

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http://syndicaster.tv/files/edit?ids=2857860&mt_id=3

How Eagles avoid elimination Sunday

2011-12-16T10:23:00.003-05:00

Eagles need this guy to choke.

If the Cowboys (7-6) lose Saturday and the Eagles beat the Jets the following day, the Birds (5-8) still would be in the NFC East title chase after the weekend.

There will be no division chase if the Cowboys beat the Bucs and the Giants (7-6) defeat the Redskins. Or if the Eagles lose and either the Cowboys or Giants prevail.

If the Eagles lose to the Jets, their wild card hopes are shot.

If the Eagles, Cowboys and Giants win and the Lions (8-5) beat the Raiders (4:15 p.m. start), the Birds are playing for next season.

Finally there will be no playoffs for the Eagles if they, the Cowboys and Giants win, the Seahawks (6-7) beat the Bears and the Cardinals (6-7) beat the Browns.

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Sitting out practice not worst thing for Vick

2011-12-14T15:51:00.001-05:00

The good news: quarterback Michael Vick attended the Wednesday practice where the Eagles put in their game plan.

Actually it's 3 cracked ribs.

It also indicates round-the-clock rehab isn't necessary for the cracked ribs on his throwing side.

The bad news: Vick's ribs are too sore for him to practice. Remember, he's played just one game in four weeks because of the rib issue. This could go down to the wire.

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Eagles cannot be eliminated before kickoff

2011-12-14T11:20:00.002-05:00

The Eagles can be 86ed from the division pennant hunt right around the time they hit the field for their 4:15 p.m. kickoff Sunday with the New York Jets.

But they will be alive for a wild card berth when their game with the Jets begins.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, if the Cowboys, Giants, Falcons and Bears all win before the kickoff, the possibility would exist that the Eagles, Lions and Bears all could finish 8-8 and in a tie for the final wild card berth.

The Lions would beat the Bears in a division tiebreaker and Eagles-Lions would come down to strength of victory. That would depend on how the teams the Eagles and the Lions beat this year do in their final three games.

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Celek tops Eagles in catches, second in drops

2011-12-13T16:58:00.001-05:00

On pace for 59 catches, 11 drops.

If Brent Celek, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant and McCoy keep up the pace, the Eagles would become the third NFL team with five players catching 50 or more passes in the same season.

They also would have the worst record of all those teams. But who's counting?

The Patriots had five receivers with 50-plus receptions in 1994. Among the group - Michael Timpson (74) and Kevin Turner (52), who would become Eagles. Drew Bledsoe quarterbacked the Bill Parcells team that went 10-6.

The 1980 Browns went 11-5 with league MVP Brian Sipe at quarterback,Sam Rutigliano the head coach.

By the way Celek's five drops trail only team leader Jackson (nine drops).

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Eagles $4 million mistake

2011-12-12T16:20:00.000-05:00

The Eagles signed wide receiver Steve Smith to a one-year $4 million contract near the end of training camp.

Didn't work out.

On Monday they put Smith on injured reserve, ending the season of the veteran who caught 107 passes for the Giants in 2009 but just 11 in nine games with his new team. Smith also bagged a touchdown - against the Giants.

Apparently theknee injury that reduced Smith’s 2010 season to nine games flared up. Hepracticed fully last week but made the trip to Miami. He was scratched for the game against the Dolphins.

When the Eagles signed Smith, they said they weren't concerned about Jeremy Maclin, who was awaiting tests to see if he had cancer. Those tests were negative.

Despite their best efforts the Eagles couldn't find a role for Smith. They needed the roster space due to injuries on the defensive line.

The Eagles gaveSmith's roster spot to undrafted rookie defensive tackle Cedric Thornton, signedoff the practice squad.

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Tight end Celek leads Birds in receptions

2011-12-11T20:44:00.000-05:00

Incredibly the leading receiver for the Eagles isn't Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson, Jason Avant or even running back LeSean McCoy.

It's Brent Celek, the big and relentless tight end.

Celek caught four passes for 39 yards Sunday to slip into the lead with 49 receptions and counting.

Maclin and Jackson have 47 grabs apiece.

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Eagles scratch Steve Smith, Juqua Parker

2011-12-11T12:53:00.000-05:00

Not having a big year.

Sidelined threegames with shoulder and hamstring issues, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin returnedto action.

To make room onthe game day roster the Eagles scratched wide receiver Steve Smith, rarely usedthis season. Former New York Giant Smith has 11 catches in nine games.

The Eagles alsodressed Phillip Hunt while scratching veteran defensive ends Juqua Parker andBrandon Graham. Both vets practiced fully last week.

The remainingEagles inactives were cornerback Brandon Hughes, guard Julian Vandervelde,offensive tackle Winston Justice and linebacker Greg Lloyd.

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If Eagles don't win out, Vick vows to make it rough "for everybody"

2011-12-10T14:31:00.001-05:00

Rough offseason for everybody?

Michael Vick probably should have mentioned it to his teammates a couple of months ago.

But you know, it's never too late.

If the Eagles don't win out he's going to be very unhappy - and so are his teammates.

“We’ve got to winthese next four games,” Vick said. “If we don’t it’s going to be a roughoffseason. It’s going to be a rough offseason for everybody because I’m goingto really take it hard. And it’s just notgoing to be fun. So my mindset now is to go out and do whatever it takes."

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Eagles TD record could be tale of two eras

2011-12-09T14:15:00.005-05:00

HOF Eagle Van Buren

LeSean “Shady” McCoy needs four touchdowns to break the single season club record of 18 set by Steve Van Buren 66 years ago.

McCoy cannotimagine an era tougher to score touchdowns in than the present. And hisfootball wisdom extends beyond his 22 years, for he knows who Van Buren is.

“The speed ofthese dudes, the size of these guys, how strong they are,” McCoy said. “I’m notknocking the guys back then. But just look at the guys now. The guys are big,strong and fast. So it’s tougher to get into the end zone. I aint the biggestguy. Freaks like that that can run, hit and are that aggressive, I think it’s alittle harder.”

Is it tougher now than in 1945 when Van Buren did it in 10 games? With all due respect, it's definitely open for debate.

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Mr. Marty says "DeSean certainly all-in"

2011-12-08T12:14:00.012-05:00

Eagles head coach Andy Reid recently ripped the NFL Network for their unflattering portrayal of DeSean Jackson.

That's unheard of for Big Red, who added that DJax was "all-in" the game.
Apparently offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg got the memo, too. On Thursday he praised Jackson for a body of work that in the last four weeks included a one-game suspension for missing a team meeting, a $10,000 fine for taunting Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell and a fourth-quarter benching against the Patriots.

"The last several weeks have been just terrific," Mornhinweg said. "He's been working hard. Great preparation. He has never really faded from the hard work and preparation. He's been through a long year. He's got a few things going on. And he's grown as a professional. He's certainly all-in, yeah."

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Reggie Bush: "It takes a team to win games"

2011-12-08T11:37:00.000-05:00

Dolphins running back Reggie Bush can relate to the Eagles' struggles and how quickly the game humbles you.

"Itdoesn’t matter how much talent you have individually on a team," Bush said. "It takes a teamto win some games. So it doesn’t surprise me. I know they’ve got great playerson the team and they’re a really good team. But I’ve been in that positionbefore where we’ve had a great lineup, great roster. You have to playtogether well as a team and which also the reason why we are 4-8.”

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Cole upset Eagles didn't back him up

2011-12-07T14:57:00.004-05:00

Trent Cole plans to appeal the $7,500 he was fined for flipping Russell Okung on his back late inthe Eagles' 31-14 loss last week to the Seattle Seahawks.

Cole privately is upset the Eagles and head coach Andy Reid didn't back him up after Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll skewered him following the game.

“He got thrown down after the whistle really blatantly,” Carroll said. “Stuff like that happens in the game sometimes but this was most unfortunate because he was damaged by it. So I’m sure the league will take a look at this one. It’s worthy of their efforts.”

Reid stood up for diva wide receiver DeSean Jackson following the game. The coach said he was disappointed with the NFL Network's portrayal of Jackson's effort, or lack thereof.

Cole appeared to be getting blocked after the whistle when he retaliated based on the video. Okung sustained a torn pectoral muscle ending his season.

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Dolphins are celebrity opponent

2011-12-07T11:40:00.002-05:00

Serena Williams ... exercising.

The Miami Dolphins ownership group includes an A list of celebrities ranging from Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez to Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Fergie and Serena and Venus Williams.

Ronnie Brown, the former Dolphin, said they rarely if ever poked their heads in the locker room. But they have been seen on the sidelines before games, which should add ambiance to what otherwise is a game between the Eagles and Dolphins, both 4-8.

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Vick practices Monday; hopes to save season

2011-12-05T12:53:00.001-05:00

Michael Vick said he.practiced Monday and expects to play Sunday when the Eagles oppose the Miami Dolphins this weekend.

"I'm ready to get back and do what I do," said Vick, whose ribs aren't 100 percent.

Vick sat out the last three games with cracked ribs. With Vince Young starting at quarterback, three Takes.lost trip of three games.

NBC Sports: To save job, Reid must ax Castillo

2011-12-04T23:33:00.002-05:00

Big Red with Sean McDermott.

NBC Sports-Profootballtalk.com's s Mike Florio says if Eagles head coach Andy Reid wants to keep his job, he has to choose between Michael Vick and Juan Castillo.

Here's the excerpt Florio offered Sunday on NBC Football Night In America:

“Michael Vick will be back and he will want Andy Reid to be back. I am told Andy Reid will keep his job if he will admit that hiring Juan Castillo to be the defensive coordinator was a mistake, and move on from Castillo. If he doesn’t, Reid will be fired.”

Earlier Sunday The National Football Post floated a similar speculative report.

Trust me, only Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and team president Joe Banner know which way they're leaning. But as the losses have worsened and the frustration has mounted it hasn't helped them think of the right plan to sell Reid for 2012. I'm not so sure the defensive coordinator end around is the answer.

I don't know how Reid could stick around next year if he followed the order to fire Castillo, the epitome of hard work and unwavering loyalty. It would be like disowning family.

I don't know how Reid could walk into that Eagles locker room after canning Castillo and be respected and effective.

The coaching staff is a head coach's prerogative. Reid abruptly canned Sean McDermott, his last defensive coordinator, after the 2010 season and resisted hiring an outside guy, preferring to switch Castillo from the offensive line.

If Reid complied with this order, he'd better be prepared to get help with his clock management, too.

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National Football Post: Andy Reid is safe

2011-12-04T13:15:00.005-05:00

Nnamdi Asomugha knows dysfunctional teams.

The National Football Post's Dan Pompei says Eagles head coach Andy Reid will stay on the job next year unless ownership forces him to change his coaching staff.

(Reid already changed his staff Dan.)

I don't think Pompei knows how bad it is for Reid, reduced to attacking the NFL Network for the way it portrayed diva wide receiver DeSean Jackson and the dysfunctional Eagles. Big Red won't survive this season unless he makes the playoffs or gives up every last ounce of influence he has, plus his company parking place.

Here's Pompei's take. Keep in mind Andrew Brandt of the National Football Post used to negotiate contacts for the Eagles.

*No matter what they chant at the Linc or how badly the Eagles play, it appears that Andy Reid is safe, according to those who are close to the situation. There appears to be only one scenario in which Reid could be let go: if Eagles ownership tries to force Reid to make a staff change he does not want to make (hello, Juan Castillo), Reid could refuse and put the target on his own back.

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NFL Network not apologizing to Reid

2011-12-02T19:12:00.003-05:00

The NFL Network defended its coverage of the Eagles-Seahawks game Thursday in the wake of unexpected criticism from Eagles head coach Andy Reid.

Reid said he was "disappointed with the NFL Network, very disappointed in the way they portrayed" Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Reid felt DJax was shown in a light in which he wasn't giving his all.

The NFLN offered no apology.

"The broadcast team commented on what they saw on the field last night, as they do for all game telecasts,” an NFL Network spokesperson said.

The NFLN must be doing something right. Their Thursday night ratings are up 24 percent over last year.

The Eagles-Seahawks rating jumped 9 percent over the Thursday night game last year between the Eagles and the Houston Texans.

Dog game that it was, Eagles-Seahawks was the most watched show on cable Thursday night, according to the network.

No one knows why Reid felt compelled to support Jackson. Reid benched him in the fourth quarter last Sunday, and only weeks before that scratched the diva receiver for missing a team meeting.

"I’m going to tell you now that DeSean was all-in in that game, and he had a great attitude during that game," Reid said at his news conference. "You can take a camera and make some things look any way you want to make it look but that kid was all-in last night. I was proud of him for that.”

Something is going on. By the way, the Eagles still can sign players to contract extensions before the end of the season and prorate money against the 2011 cap. Thus the spate of recent signings.

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Did DJax purposely bump this reporter?

2011-12-02T01:08:00.004-05:00

Frustrated 'with loss, nothing else

Upset over questions about his sideline demeanor, Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson bumped into a reporter on the way out of the Eagles locker room Thursday night.

It followed the crippling 31-14 loss to the Seahawks in Seattle.

At the end of the video, DJax appeared to clip the reporter who asked the final question. The NFL Network reported during the game that Jackson appeared to be isolating from his offensive teammates.

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CenturyLink Field Field half empty

2011-12-01T20:20:00.002-05:00

Good seats available.

This is half-empty Century Link Field.

Amazing how many seats are open for this Thursday night game.

Just a guess but Patrons might be at original Starbucks on Pike Street, also pictured.

Lattes better value than football game.

No surprise scratches

2011-12-01T19:44:00.002-05:00

Century Link Field.

The Eagles deactivated Michael Vick, Jeremy Maclin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, King Dunlap, Philip Hunt, Greg Lloyd and Julian Vandervelde.

Vince Young started his third straight game at quarterback, Riley Cooper his third in a row at wide receiver.

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Andy Reid odds

2011-12-01T14:35:00.000-05:00

Former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is going to be released today by the Vikings. Can it get any worse on the old nostalgia meter?

Last West Coast trip with Eagles?

If you're Andy Reid, the current Eagles head coach, the answer would be yes.

With the Eagles (4-7) on the verge of playoff extinction and at least one team, the Jaguars willing to fire their coach, bookmaker Jimmy Shapiro tossed out these odds on projections of Big Red's future:

WEEK 13 SPECIALS - What will Andy Reid's role be Week 1 of the 2012 NFL Season?

Head coach of the Eagles: 4/5

Head coach of another NFL Team: 4/5

Not coaching in NFL: 5/1

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Mayock: ' Get Shady more touches'

2011-11-30T17:47:00.002-05:00

Mike Mayock always has believed Eagles head coach Andy Reid has been underappreciated.
The NFL Network Thursday Night Football analyst doesn't like the way the Eagles are playing offense, though.
“It is critical that the Eagles find a way for LeSean McCoy to get more touches," Mayock said I'm a statement. "Last week against New England, he only had 14 touches in the entire game. They need to get McCoy the ball 20-25 times and make a concerted effort in the run game to get him as many touches as possible and stay more balanced."
Defensively Mayock likes the Philly pass rush versus quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, sacked 28 times this season. Jackson also has thrown 12 interceptions.
It could get interesting when Mayock does the Eagles-Seahawks game Thursday night in Seattle.
The Eagles have taken a lot of criticism league-wide and Mayock isn't shy about expressing himself.
Don't expect the Newtown Square resident to go easy on Big Red, who lives in Radnor Township.

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Reid: DeSean Jackson starts (despite 9 drops)

2011-11-29T20:54:00.002-05:00

Third in NFL with 9 drops.

Andy Reid's relationship with diva wide receiver DeSean Jackson could be getting icier.

Reid finessed his way around questions about Jackson's Sunday post-game remarks of "always, always"keeping his head “on a swivel."

Jackson was benched Sunday for playing safe, uninspired football. He gave up on two balls over the middle by flopping to the ground to protecthimself. One throw was in the end zone.

Reid claims he's unconcerned that attitude will rub off on players.

“Heneeds to just continue to move forward after the last game, he mentioned it toyou, and have a good game this week,” Reid said. “That’s what he’s going to workon doing.”

Only Roddy White(11) and Brandon Marshall (10) have dropped more passes this season thanJackson, who has nine such transgressions according to Stats LLC.

Eagles tight end Brent Celek has five drops, running back LeSean McCoy four.

Jackson was scratched one game for missing a special teams meeting remains thestarter, per Reid.

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Vick cleared to throw on the side

2011-11-29T13:13:00.003-05:00

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has been cleared to throw on the side during practice Tuesday.

Vick (ribs) and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) will be held out of practice according to Andy Reid. Also sidelined is offensive lineman King Dunlap, still not all the way back from a concussion.

Vince Young is slated to take the first-team snaps at quarterback Tuesday and is likely to start his third straight game. Reid says Vick has improved but still is in pain when he "torques" his body throwing the ball.

Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (knee) and running back LeSean McCoy (sprained toe) likely will be limited at practice as the Eagles gear up for the Seattle Seahawks Thursday night at CenturyLink Field.

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Seahawks second-best player sidelined

2011-11-29T11:07:00.003-05:00

ET could have been an Eagle.

The Eagles finally got a break.

When they take on the Seahawks Thursday night their hosts will be without their second-best player, wide receiver Sidney Rice.

In the last game Rice sustained his second concussion in three weeks.

You've got to be wondering who the Seahawks top player is. That would be safety Earl Thomas, the guy the Eagles should have selected in the draft where they moved up to choose defensive end Brandon Graham.

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Dierdorf: 'Sometimes it's just time'

2011-11-28T09:15:00.001-05:00

CBS analyst Dan Dierdorf made it clear during an appearance on the WIP morning show Monday he would not speculate on the future of Eagles head coach Andy Reid.

But Dierdorf worked the Eagles-Patriots game Sunday, and had a lot on his mind.

Dierdorf, who called the play of the Eagle secondary "soft" in the 38-20 loss Sunday to the Patriots, hinted the talent didn't match the team's 4-7 record.

"Sometimes it's just time," Dierdorf said in general of a coaching change.

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(below, LeSean McCoy, Asante Samuel talk about the season)

Nnamdi, injured knee all-in tonight

2011-11-27T15:10:00.001-05:00

Nnamdi Asomugha is going to give his hyperextended knee a game test against the Patriots tonight.

Asomugha looked OK in the early part of warmups but was dragging the leg a little as the pregame wore on.

Vince Young starts his second straight game at quarterback for the Eagles in place of Mike Vick, who was scratched.

Riley Cooper starts at wide receiver in place of Jeremy Maclin, deactivated along with Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie, Brandon Graham, King Dunlap, Julian Vandervelde and Phillip Hunt..

(Below, Asomugha tests his knee in pregame)

Young high-fived referee Boger

2011-11-27T10:18:00.001-05:00

High-fived referee Jerome Boger.

Quarterback Vince Young has a pretty good history with Jerome Boger, the referee whenthe Eagles take on the Patriots Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.

Believe it or not,Young high-fived Boger while running off the field after leading the Titans to a 2009 Mondaynight victory over Houston.

With a Titansvictory safely in the pocket, Young performed the final kneeldown. On the waypast Boger, whose signal the play was over made him look like he was requestingthe high-five, Young slapped the hand of the referee.

Here’s the videoand, uh, commentary.

BTW the NFL investigated the episode. It determined what happened wasn't a high-five but rather the appearance of ahigh-five.

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Vick, Nnamdi, Maclin not practicing

2011-11-25T11:35:00.001-05:00

&
Big Eagles practice day.

Nnamdi Asomugha (knee), Michael Vick (ribs) and Jeremy Maclin (shoulder) didn't practice Friday.

The injury report comes out after practice.

Don't expect any of them to play Sunday against the Patriots.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ankle) practiced but King Dunlap (concussion) did not. Don't count on them thomas weekend, either.

Knee injury for Asomugha

2011-11-24T12:05:00.003-05:00

Hurt at practice Thursday.

Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was carted off the field Thursday afternoon witha left knee injury.

Asomugha was inconsiderable pain as he was helped out of the cart and into the NovaCare Complex by Eagles trainer RickBurkholder.

The Eagles werecounting on Asomugha to help out in coverage on tight ends RobGronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, who have 15 touchdown receptions between them.

Asomugha alreadyhad a key role in the game plan versus New England Patriots quarterback TomBrady.

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DJax back in the lineup; Vick, Maclin sidelined

2011-11-24T11:42:00.000-05:00

Back to work.

Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson returned to practice Thursday.

But for the second straight day Michael Vick watched quarterback Vince Young run the offense.

Jackson showed no sign of the foot sprain that cost him the Wednesday practice.

But Jeremy Maclin (shoulder, hamstring) sat out practice, a setback in that he worked Wednesday.

Privately it's looking like Vick will rest at least another week as he mends from two cracked ribs on his left side. He's been able to throw, just not real comfortable twisting and doing stuff quarterbacks do in games.

Offensive lineman King Dunlap (concussion) didn't practice.

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