Posts Tagged ‘New Orleans Saints’

Newer Entries »

Shifts Along the O-line for the Philadelphia Eagles with King Dunlap Back at Starting LT

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

Since the firing of former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Juan Castillo last week, we’ve been waiting for the corresponding shoe to drop on offense.

After head coach Andy Reid’s pronouncement that Mike Vick would remain his starting quarterback and that Marty Mornhinweg would continue to call plays on offense, we knew that no sizable changes were coming on that side of the ball for the Birds.

No, there will be no major, seismic-shift-type changes.  But lo and behold, the week after Philadelphia’s bye has produced some shifts, specifically on the offensive line.

The never-ending rotation at left tackle continues with King Dunlap now back to being the starter.  Yes, that means that Demetress Bell has been demoted from the position yet again, rightly so after an awful outing against Detroit.  CSNPhilly’s Reuben Frank initially reported the change.  Many other factors are obviously involved, but the Birds are 2-0 with Dunlap starting at LT and 1-3 with Bell in that role.

The offensive line has been a constant area of struggle for the Eagles this season, starting with the injury to Jason Peters’ Achilles in the offseason.  Dunlap’s promotion, which comes after Bell replaced him on the line due to a hip injury, shows that the team is still struggling to get it right.

Philadelphia also made a move on Tuesday to better address depth on the line, which has also been a problem this season.  The team announced that backup center Steve Vallos had been released and Matt Tennant was signed.

Tennant (6-4, 300) played with the New Orleans Saints for 28 games in the 2010 and 2011 seasons before heading to New England for 2012.  He was released by the Patriots on October 20.  Tennant was a 5th-round draft selection of the Saints in 2010 out of Boston College.

To summarize, Tennant will now be the backup to backup Dallas Reynolds, who was the backup for Jason Kelce but became the starter after Kelce suffered an ACL injury.  Kelce, by the way, had surgery to repair the tear earlier this week.  Hope he gets well soon — he has been sorely missed on the field.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and onFacebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in General, NFL | No Comments »

A Modest Proposal: Checking in on a Philadelphia Eagles Preseason Prediction

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

It’s not yet midseason but the bye week provides an opportunity to take a look at the Eagles season thus far and consider what the next ten games may feature.

While the Eagles are at exactly .500 at 3-3, there is ominous feeling surrounding the team and the rest of the season.  Why?  Because no one is convinced that the many issues on offense that have plagued the Birds — that o-line, the fumbles, the play calling — have been corrected.  While head coach Andy Reid chose to take a stand by firing defensive coordinator Juan Castillo, he has taken no action on the offensive side of the ball.

We desperately want to believe that the problems on Philadelphia’s offense will magically work themselves out.  Magic may well be the only solution, as we’ve seen no evidence of any ability on the coaching staff to adequately address the errors that have afflicted the team thus far.  Which is precisely why Reid seemingly has decided to stay the course.

What’s that, that they say about the definition of insanity?  Doing the same thing repeatedly yet expecting different results.  It’s a quote that is often applied to the Philadelphia Eagles and especially Andy Reid for reasons precisely like this.

In early September I made a prediction for the Eagles 2012 season.  Nothing outrageous, but an achievable goal: A 10-6 record for the season.

At 3-3, that means the Eagles need to go 7-3 for the remainder of the season in order to reach a record of 10-6.  Can they do it?

The next test is the undefeated Atlanta Falcons at home.  If the Birds don’t come out swinging this game they never will.  The jobs of their coach and starting quarterback are on the line, and Reid’s perfect record out of the bye won’t hurt.

Philadelphia then takes to the national stage and heads to New Orleans to face the Saints on Monday Night Football.  The Super Dome is a notoriously difficult place to play and after a very poor start, the Saints have some momentum and are heartened by the moral victory of having Jonathan Vilma back with the team.

Then we get into the thick of the NFC East battles.  If the present is any indication of the remainder of the season, this may not be a year where a poor record can win the division, with the Giants currently standing strong with a 5-2 record.  Dallas will come to town in Week 10, then the Eagles will head down the road in Week 11 to face an RGIII-led Redskins team for the first time.

Monday Night calls again in Week 12 as the Birds play Cam Newton in what so far has been a disappointing and frustrating season for the Panthers.  In Week 13 Philadelphia gets even more prime time action as the Eagles faceoff with the Cowboys in the den of evil—Dallas– on Sunday Night Football.

With the end of the season in sight, the Eagles will face the Bucs in Tampa Bay in Week 14; back-to-back home games against the Bengals and Redskins, and in Week 17 finish it all off against the Giants.

To finish at 10-6, the Eagles can lose only three of their remaining games.  If they can lose even fewer, fabulous.  The good news is that, aside from the Falcons, none of the remaining Eagles opponents seem formidable.  And the fact that Atlanta will play at the Linc lessens the worry.

The season will come down to the division games.  I’m hoping that the Giants will do the opposite of what they did last year — start off strong and then trail off come the end of the season.  But the Redskins are a surging team and are going to be more and more of a challenge for Philadelphia as RG3III gains more experience in the league.  Dallas is an organization with a lot on the line if they have another disappointing year so expect a lot of fight from the Cowboys.

Whatever the record, we know that this year it’s about the postseason.  Making it there and going deep.  But first thing’s first: the Birds need the record and the standing to put them in a position to make a run.

As is said far too frequently when the Philadelphia Eagles are involved, there is an incredible level of talent on this roster.  It’s all about how it’s put together.  Time to see that “FIGHT-FIGHT-FIGHT” we know this team has to battle through and show what they’re truly made of.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in General, NFL | No Comments »

A Letter to Roger Goodell

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

“Commish”:

I  never thought I would see the day when the game of football would be watered down enough to allow women to play in the National Football League!  I never thought this day would happen.  You have shown that you are an equal opportunist, and for that sake I will be entering my seven year old daughter in little league football this fall!

I think it’s ridiculous that we are in 2012 suspending and fining four New Orleans Saints players for being part of the so-called bounty program that lead to no career-ending injuries on the football field.  Jonathan Vilma gets suspended for a year for being part of the bounty program?  Wasn’t he taking orders from his coach?  This is professional football, isn’t it?  Football is America’s newest past time.  Players look forward to the fall season to play this wonderful game because of the love, passion, and without a doubt the paycheck that provides them a good living.   

Mr. Goodell, with all these rule changes, you, the commish are destroying this barbaric game I have enjoyed watching every Sunday.  A defender can’t hit a “defenseless” receiver; I wonder how many receptions are completed because of that rule?  Helmet to helmet hits; Football is a contact sport and collisions happen.  No one is thinking about trying to tackle with their heads.  It’s funny, I have seen players hit with their shoulders and still get a penalty for helmet to helmet contact.  The rules are unnecessary and flawed!  I love the pending new rule about trying to omit the kickoff, because it’s dangerous?  I believe in safety but stop trying to put kid gloves on grown men!  Each individual who plays this game knows the risk of injury.  I don’t feel sorry for football players who go out there each weekend and play this violent sport.  I think it’s a bunch of crap that these players have lawsuits pending because of concussions and other injuries they develop during their careers.  There is risk in anything and everything that you do.  I don’t see anybody quitting the game because of an injury.  I see athletes working their butts off to get back in the game.

Mr. Goodell, I don’t see our Government placing yellow jerseys on our military personnel.  Our  soldiers know the minute they sign up, the risk they are putting themselves in.  Why do you think they sign on?  Is it because of the patriotism, honor, integrity?  We know it’s definitely not for the pay!

What about police and firefighters who risk their lives every time someone calls 911?  Citizens have to think police officers are insane for potentially getting shot at for a living, or watching firefighters go into burning buildings while everyone else is running out of them!  Police officers wear protective vests but it doesn’t mean they won’t get injured.  Firefighters wear SCBA masks to avoid smoke, but somehow are still threatened by black lungs.  I don’t see anyone protecting them.  There are more police personnel and firefighters that are in worse shape long term than anybody in your league.  I guess what I am really trying to say is, I don’t care about injuries in your league!  I don’t care about what happens to the players when their careers are over.  It’s risky business out there.  Do you think your league is the only place people get hurt?  Mr. Goodell, I bet if you asked a firefighter or police officer why they chose their profession they would tell you because of their love and passion. 

Mr. Goodell, you run the National Football League, and ever since you have taken over as commissioner, you have become more of a dictator.  Your fans have paid good money, whether they attend the functions in person, go to a bar, or watch your product at home.  There is nothing wrong with the game right now.  The bounties in the NFL resulted in the suspensions toward the Saints organization.  Who’s career ended because of these bounties?  Did you suspend people because of a tactic to get the job done?  NO ONE WAS HURT from it.  I am sitting here as a novice spectator watching the NHL playoffs and all I see are hits after hits.  Makes me wonder if America should be watching hockey over the newest past time.

LeRoy McConnell of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

Tags:, , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in General, NFL | 2 Comments »

The 4th Coming of Bill Parcells: Please, I’ve Had Enough

Thursday, March 29th, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

When football enthusiasts hear the name Duane Charles Parcells they may think of a two-time Super Bowl winning head football coach of the New York Giants (’86 & ’90).  His resume in the National Football League places him on that monument of coaches from the Lombardis, Nolls, Shulas, and his protege, Belichicks.  To some, Parcells was a great coach, not only because he won two Super Bowls, but he resurrected two different franchises which makes his legacy even greater.  He brought the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl in 1996, though losing to the Green Bay Packers team.  He also brought credibility to the New York Jets by getting them to an AFC championship game.  Lastly, the two-time Coach of the Year, Parcells is known to leave franchises in a better position than they were prior to him being there.  So, it’s a slam dunk that Parcells should be a rental coach for the Payton-less Saints team this fall.  I mean he can’t possibly @#$# up the New Orleans Saints the next ten months, can he?

The real football coach of the New Orleans Saints is Sean Payton, who as of April 1, 2012 will be suspended from coaching his team because he lied to Roger Goodell about the bounties his team were issuing in the NFL.  Payton has decided before he has to go into hiatus to make his most daring move as a head coach and bring in his mentor to coach his team.  Oh Lord, please, do I really have to listen to the NFL, the “four letter network”, all the sports radio stations and internet sites kissing the Big Tuna’s ring once again?  The Tuna’s head is already enormous, and you know he is loving the fact that his name is out there again.  What tickles me is he has the nerve to react as if he really isn’t interested in coaching again.  I will say it, why not?  Tuna, who cares that you will have to wait another five years before being enshrined?  The five year rule was made because you kept coming back to coach in the first place.  You will have your day in Canton, but I know you can’t resist being on that sideline, especially when you  have a chance to win.  Your protege is reaching out for help.  He trusts you more than anyone to take care of his baby!

This is a note to “Them Saints Fans” (Who That!).  I pray that the Big Tuna takes Sean Payton’s offer to coach your football team this fall.  As a Cowboy’s fan, I would endorse him myself.  I pray that he takes over your team and destroys it the way he did MINE!  The best thing about Parcells being the Dallas Cowboy coach was the day he QUIT!  His friends in the media announced his retirement, that’s funny because the man QUIT!  Mike Rhyner from the Hardline calls him “The New Jersey Con Man” because he is an individual that we thought would bring credibility back to the Dallas Cowboys organization and all he did was defecate all over Jerry Jones.  I have never seen the hands-on owner, Jones, so miserable as when the Con Man was the coach.  He paid Parcells handsomely right after his divorce settlement in 2002.  Those fat pockets didn’t generate any playoff victories, as he went 0-2 in his tenure.  I remember listening to his hour-long radio show, daily, doing more talking than coaching.  He wouldn’t allow any staff members, players or Mr. Jones to speak with the media.  It was The Con Man’s show.  The only coach that could get away with that is former coach Jimmy Johnson, who has the skins on the wall with the legendary status here in Dallas.  Bill Parcells was a joke down here in Texas and I promise you Jerry Jones couldn’t have been happier by his exit.

Once Parcells retired from the “Big D”, he found another fish in Miami.  At least he had some sense not to go back into coaching because of the failure in Dallas; heck his last playoff win was in 1998 as the New York Jets’ coach.  The Miami Dolphins organization must have been under the influence giving the Glorified Gym Teacher (thanks Mike Rhyner!) the keys to the kingdom by announcing him as the Executive Vice President of Football (fattening his pockets once again).  Didn’t the Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, teach anybody anything?  The Con Man cried about not having enough input in player personnel decisions.  Upon his departure, Parcells famously stated: “They want you to cook the dinner; at least they ought to let you shop for some of the groceries”.  After Parcells departed New England, Kraft brought in a guy named Belichick, and the rest is history.  The Glorified Gym Teacher took over the Dolphins, gutted the coaching staff and team, put his usual Parcells guys in place (he does this everywhere he goes), and by accident in year two, the team won the division, though losing in the first round of the playoffs.

Bill Parcells is a popular guy.  He looks comfortable as an analyst on ESPN and should consider staying there.  I know all coaches have that burning desire to get back into the game when an opportunity comes available.  The Con Man, Glorified Gym Teacher is 70 years old.  We have seen that father time passes both athletes and coaches.  His act, truthfully hasn’t worked in two decades.  His name holds plenty of weight but if you are Sean Payton, step back and ask yourself what has he done lately?  Close your eyes and what do you see?  Nothing.  As a fan, I have already had a mouth full Tuna.  No more please.

LeRoy McConnell of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in General, NFL | No Comments »

BOUNTIES IN THE NFL……ARE YOU F’N KIDDING ME?

Monday, March 12th, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell

First thing we learn when playing the game of football is to put your head on a swivel and when a player chooses not to, that’s his A$$!  Adrian Peterson has the NFL rushing record of 296 yards in a single game against the San Diego Chargers.  I bet there were Chargers players, coaches, and fans making a vow  to each other to get this Mutha (SHUT YO MOUTH) out of there!  Tom Brady threw for 517 yards and 4 touchdowns in the first game this past season in Miami!  How embarrassed were the players and coaching staff after an ass whooping they’d received in front of all their fans on Monday Night Football?

Breathtaking highlights happen while competing in football from week to week.  We watch unique players on offense, from pee-wee football all the way up to the professional level, trying to embarrass the opposition.  We watch hot-dogging, show-boating, and other celebrations when a touchdown happens.  It is part of the game and that is one of the reasons why football is so popular today.  The other reason why football is so popular, it’s a physically demanding game. 

I am in disbelief at several football analysts and radio sports jockeys we listen to who have never played the sport criticize how horrible it is to have a BOUNTY on a player.  ARE YOU F’N KIDDING ME?  A BOUNTY, FOR REAL, SERIOUSLY?!?!  There have been BOUNTIES on football players since the game began.

Lets define the word BOUNTY.  The definition of BOUNTY is a gift or a reward, something freely provided.

High school and college football use some sort of a mascot sticker (a reward) usually given out on Monday for outstanding plays that occurred in the past game.  In professional football there are no STICKERS given out; but there are motivational tactics for succeeding.  Now what would be an incentive to blast the upcoming opponent’s top player whether it be the quarterback, running back, or receiver?  Could it be money?  Well if so, then what is the problem?  

Football players receive a playbook each week, and in that book coaches put on a sermon about certain ball players that need to be stopped.  This is where the BOUNTY begins.  Coaches may practice a play fifteen times until a play is right.  If the opposing team has an offensive or defensive stud that is a threat to a possible victory, then we might need to take his A$$ out! 

America… Are you really shocked that a BOUNTY system exists in the NFL?  Do you know what these NFL players do for a living?  THEY HIT FOR PAYCHECKS!  Is the NFL going soft on us once again?  I shell out a few hundred bucks each year for the NFL Sunday Ticket on Directv, purposely to watch smash-mouth football.  I pay to see some of the best performers run, catch, and throw touchdowns.  As a defensive minded guy, I want to see blood making the grass grow from a pulverizing blow from a James Harrison quarterback sack on Colt McCoy or a TKO by Donte Whitner on Pierre Thomas.  MAN DOWN!  Down goes Thomas! 

Brett Favre was quoted the other day as saying “I’ve always been friends with Darren Sharper, and he came in a couple times and popped me hard.  I remember saying, ‘What the hell you doing, Sharp?’  I felt there should have been more calls against the Saints.  I thought some of their guys should have been fined more.”  Players are trying to win by any means, if you are the best player then you are public enemy #1.

The game of football is the best sport in America,  our modern day “Clash of the Titans”.  With that said, I am tickled by all of these non-athletic “media experts” astounded by what went on in New Orleans.  There are media types that think Gregg Williams and Sean Payton should receive a lifetime banishment from the NFL for allowing a BOUNTY pot to go on.  Last I checked, football players wear protective gear from head to toe.  NFL referees are responsible for protecting players, and if there are illegal hits, the league does not have a problem handing out  fines and suspensions.

Football is a contact sport better known as legalized violence at any level.  Its popularity comes from being able to knock the snot out of the opposing players.  At anytime a player can literally hit somebody as hard as they possibly can and fans in the stand will jump up and down cheering for that exclamation point. 

You can take the money out of the equation all you want, but the BOUNTY will still exist.  They will just call it a TARGET!  The Indianapolis Colts won ten games, 11 out of 12 years.  Last year they were 2-14.  You don’t believe Peyton Manning thinks he was a TARGET?  The last time I checked, in 2010 the New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl using the BOUNTY system. 

In the words of Herm Edwards, “YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME”!

LeRoy McConnell III of A Fan’s Point of View, for War Room Sports

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in General, NFL | 2 Comments »

What is the hardest Football hit you have ever seen?

Thursday, December 30th, 2010

Tags:, , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in General, NFL | No Comments »

Newer Entries »