Posts Tagged ‘NFL Network’

LeSean McCoy comes in at #45 in the ‘Top 100 players of 2013’

Friday, May 31st, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

“They like me, they really like me!”  That’s what LeSean McCoy can say after hearing the well-deserved accolades from his NFL brothers about his speed and skill.

On the NFL Network’s continuing series of the “Top 100 best players of 2013,” nary an Eagles player had been mentioned in the bottom half of the countdown.  Sure, the Birds are coming off of a terrible season.  No players had been selected for the Pro Bowl.  Would the team collectively be slighted of this offseason accolade as well?

It certainly seemed that way until Thursday’s selections of numbers 50-41 were revealed.  The lone Eagle so far represented in the countdown?  Running back LeSean McCoy, very often was the single bright spot in games in the 2012 season, was featured as the 45th best player in the league as voted by his peers.

The segment opened with Steelers corner Ike Taylor saying of Shady, “Man, that boy’s got some Allen Iverson feet, but he’s playing football.”

Very high and appropriate praise for one of Philadelphia’s favorite Eagles.

McCoy’s peers went on to express their admiration of his speed, vision down the field, and ability as a receiver.  All of these attributes make Shady a difficult threat for defenses to contain.  And that’s why he is one of Philadelphia’s most potent offensive weapons.

Despite missing 4 games last season, McCoy finished the year with 840 rushing yards, , 373 receiving yards, and a total of 5 touchdowns (2 rushing, 3 receiving).

Shady topped players like Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (47) and Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (46) in the episode.  Just ahead of McCoy were New England Patriots WR Wes Welker (44), Giants QB Eli Manning at number 43 (BOOO), Ravens DT Haloti Ngata (42), and Cowboys’ TE Jason Witten (41).

On the reaction show immediately following the unveiling of the latest players, Shady showed that he’s ready to prove himself all over again in 2013.

“This year coming up, I am healthy and have something to prove again.  I can’t wait.  I can’t think of a back in this league that can do as much as I can do.  I am focused and ready to roll.  I think Coach Kelly is bringing in a new offense that fits me so well, being in open space with so many looks and movements.  I think I will have a better year.”

Watching the highlights featured in the segment is probably one of the only times you will smile when thinking about or referencing the 2012 season for the Philadelphia Eagles.  Do yourself a favor and check out the video here.

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

DeSean Jackson on Mike Vick: ‘I Don’t Think He’s as Comfortable as He Usually is’

Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

DeSean Jackson made his rounds on the airwaves on Tuesday morning, giving interviews to ESPN’s “Mike and Mike in the Morning” show as well as appearing on NFL AM on the NFL Network.  And his comments are making waves.

A big topic of discussion on both programs was, of course, the question of Mike Vick’s benching in Philadelphia.

On “Mike and Mike”, Jackson said that he still sees Vick as an elite quarterback.  However, on NFL AM his support of the QB seemed to be lukewarm at best.

“We’re too good a team to be on a three-game losing streak , so whatever it is we need to do to fix it and get things rolling that is what we are here to do.”

Jackson continued by saying about Vick,

“I don’t think he is as comfortable as he usually is [running the offense].”

Probably not a comment that needed to be made with a team that appears to be on the brink of tearing apart from within.  To that point, Jackson spoke a bit about the feeling in the locker room.

“The locker room is very frustrated group of men.  We expect a lot more out of ourselves.  We’ve lost some games that we feel we should have won.”

DeSean indicated that he and at least one of his teammates did not appreciate the booing that rained down at the Linc on Sunday.

“During the game, me and one of my teammates, he actually said, ‘Man, they are sitting there and booing us.’  For that to be our support team — Philadelphia fans, they are definitely the type of people where if you’re doing good they love you but once you’re doing bad it’s like the world is going to end.  To be out there and hear our home [crowd] booing us, it’s a crazy feeling at times.  Once again, we only care about the 53-men on that team, our coaches and the organization.  Back’s against the wall.  Whoever else is against us, we realize that.  Sometimes our own fans can be against us as well.”

Well, DeSean, it’s nothing new that Philadelphia sports fans don’t believe in reinforcing negative behavior from our sports teams in Philadelphia.

We’ve now heard words like “embarrassed” and “frustrated” from players.  But when will these emotions turn into a call to action?  Three games in a row and it hasn’t worked yet.

Jackson was asked if any player-only meetings called and his answer was no.  This points to another huge issue with this Eagles team: where is the leadership?  Your coach’s job is on the line, as is your quarterback’s; a coordinator was fired;  and new mistakes are being added to the original ones.  Time to close the door and have some uncomfortable conversations.  Who among this group of 53-men will step up?

No more calling out teammates under the veil of anonymity.  Say it to each other.  Air out the issues and figure out how you will overcome them and work together as a team.

Time is yours, Eagles players.

You can watch the full NFL AM interview with DeSean Jackson here and listen to his remarks on Mike and Mike via this link.

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