Donovan McNabb will retire as a Philadelphia Eagle in September
Donovan McNabb will retire as a Philadelphia Eagle this fall.
Though no official announcement has been made by the Eagles organization, McNabb announced the news while conducting an interview on NBC Sports Radio on Monday. The ceremony will likely take place on September 19, when his former coach Andy Reid will be present at the Linc with his new team, the Kansas City Chiefs.
It seems these days that McNabb has a healthy outlook on the many fans who loved him in Philadelphia versus those who were outspoken about their dislike of the former Eagles quarterback.
“There was never any animosity from the Philly fans. The handful of fans that are the ones that are kind of being seen, they’re not a high percentage of fans who truly appreciate what you were able to do while you were there. I have nothing but love for the Philly fans, even the ones who were highly criticizing me or opinionated in any way. I can’t get upset at them because my job is to get out on the field and be productive. That’s what quarterbacking is all about.”
While McNabb was never able to bring the ultimate win home for Philadelphia fans, this move is a no-brainer. He led the Eagles to a level of success that we all now long to reach once again. Love him or hate him, McNabb deserves for his football career to formally come to a close in the place he called home for 11 seasons.
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The first Chip Kelly-led practice with the Philadelphia Eagles held under the watchful eye of the media is in the books, and
(Image via NFL.com)
the sentiment was unanimous: it didn’t disappointment.
It was a sensory experience. The loud music and the playlists (featuring the likes of Duran Duran, Tupac, Flo Rida, Ozzy Osbourne, and the Dropkick Murphys, to name a few). The speed at which plays were conducted, with only 10 seconds “down” time. Where to look? What to watch for?
The Daily News’ Les Bowen, like many in attendance, went to where much ink already has been and will continue to focus in the next several months: the quarterbacks.
As far as the QBs went, there were no real surprises. The read-option was brought out from the beginning and Mike Vick got the most snaps with the first team, but only just – Nick Foles got almost the same amount. Oh Chip, always keeping us guessing. Then there is Dennis Dixon, brought to the team from the Ravens’ practice squad, who has the distinction of being the only quarterback in the league with experience under Chip Kelly from their days together at Oregon. Not surprisingly, Dixon performed smoothly at practice, according to reports, familiar with the sign language being used on the sidelines. Matt Barkley seems to be a quick learner, connecting with receivers when given the opportunity. G.J. Kinney, the oft-forgotten fifth quarterback on the Eagles’ roster, was largely forgotten at this practice as well.
On defense, Trent Cole and Connor Barwin lined up as the first-team outside linebackers, while DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks were on the inside. The other big area of curiosity, the secondary, didn’t provide much insight into how things may actually play out as offseason signing Cary Williams was absent from practice, having married over the weekend. Curtis Marsh got a number of reps, presumably in Williams’ sted, along with Bradley Fletcher. The starting safeties were Patrick Chung and Nate Allen.
Kelly was asked specifically about Dennis Kelly at right tackle, but he gave words of caution that can and should be used with anything read into practice this early on:
“It’s May 13th, so I would make that of it. I don’t think we play the Washington Redskins until sometime in September.”
Sheil Kapadia put together an excellent timeline of what it was like inside practice on Birds 24/7. You should definitely take a look. One of many interesting tidbits from Kapadia:
“We begin to see the new play-call structure. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur stands on the sideline with a walkie-talkie and calls the play into the quarterback’s helmet. But before each snap, every offensive player looks over to the sideline. An offensive assistant plays the role of third-base coach and runs through a variety of hand signals that relay personnel grouping and formation.”
Exciting times in Eagles-land. It’s only May 13 but ever so slowly, the pieces to the puzzle of what the Birds will look like in the 2013 season have begun to be assembled.
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Today is big day for the Philadelphia Eagles. It will be the first time that Chip Kelly will lead a full-team practice via OTAs, and it’s the first opportunity media will have to observe first-hand what they’ve heard about.
The super-fast pace of practices. The communications that will change the league, at least according to Brent Celek.
This comes right on the heels of this weekend’s three-day rookie minicamp. Philadelphia’s youngest members will be tired after their crash course but will also be enlivened at the opportunity to now practice alongside their more seasoned teammates.
Two of the Birds’ drafted rookies will be absent, however — TE Zach Ertz and DB Jordan Poyer. No, they don’t need a rest after the intense weekend. They will be out of action until they graduate from college, adhering to an NFL rule that permits participation in only one minicamp until the completion of finals. Ertz will graduate from Stanford on June 16, and Poyner from Oregon State on June 10. Each will miss a total of seven practices between then and now.
Aside from Ertz and Poyer, the rest of the Eagles had better be well-rested to compete in Kelly’s “track meet.” In addition to the excitement of seeing the new normal for Eagles practice, much attention will be payed to how players are used in these practices, first and foremost in the quarterback competition. How will reps be split between the five QBs currently on the Eagles roster, and how will former USC quarterback Matt Barkley perform in initial competition against Nick Foles and Mike Vick? 1st-round selection Lane Johnson lined up at right tackle over the weekend — will that remain the case, and what will that mean for the rest of the offensive line? And who will line up in the first team defensive backfield for the Eagles, an area that remains a concern?
While the final answers to these questions won’t be revealed for some time, we’re getting closer.
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On the eve of the first rookie camp under Chip Kelly, the Philadelphia Eagles were busy getting down to other business with their rookies — getting five of the team’s draft picks signed.
Included in that group are second-round pick TE Zach Ertz, fifth-round safety Earl Wolff, and seventh-rounders DE Joe Kruger, CB Jordan Poyner and DE David King. This means that three of the team’s draftees remain unsigned — first-rounder Lane Johnson, third-rounder Bennie Logan and fourth-round pick Matt Barkley.
Also on Thursday, the Birds worked out LB Gerald McRath. McRath was a fourth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2009 and spent three seasons with the team. However, he was suspended for four games in 2010 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy and spent the 2012 season on IR with a knee injury.
Rookie camp begins today at the NovaCare, and here is your peek at those who have been invited to attend. Among the list, the name of former Eagles LB Chris Gocong will jump out at you. He is currently recovering from an Achilles injury. After his time with the Birds, he was on the Browns and will once again work out with new Philadelphia defensive coordinator Billy Davis, who was previously linebackers coach in Cleveland.
Here’s the full list:
Image via PhiladelphiaEagles.com.
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It’s no secret that the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line was decimated by injuries in the 2012 season. Could those woes be spreading into the 2013 season already?
Not so fast. Guard Evan Mathis confirmed that he has undergone an ankle “cleanout” (I believe that is the technical term) that will keep him out of spring workouts. However, he expects to be ready to go in time for training camp this summer.
“a ‘clean out’ and said it wasn’t to repair any specific injury but just to address swelling and discomfort Mathis had been experiencing.”
Soon after Lane Johnson was drafted as the fourth overall pick by the Birds in last month’s draft, speculation began about the future of Danny Watkins, himself a first round pick in 2011 that has performed nowhere near expectations. In short, it was believed that, if Watkins has any future in professional football, it will be north of the border in the CFL.
That move may come eventually but it will likely be delayed by Mathis’ recovery, as Watkins is now anticipated to take first team reps in Mathis’ place.
It’s not certain at this stage where Johnson will lineup. If he plays at right tackle, then Todd Herremans will presumably return to his former position of left guard with Mathis switching to the right side. Where would that leave Watkins? That’s a very good question.
If anything, this serves as a reminder of how nothing is a done deal this early in the offseason.
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Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports
In the whirlwind that was Thursday night for new Philadelphia Eagles OT Lane Johnson, words of welcome and congratulations flooded in from everyone, including his new teammates.
As we all know by now, OG Evan Mathis has quite a way with words on Twitter, and he had a short but simple way of welcoming and introducing himself to his fellow offensive lineman:
“Welcome to Philly @lanejohnson69. No, you can’t have my number. Order my steaks rare. Now let’s get to work.”
So, Lane, you may not be able to keep your number now that you’re in the pros but I’m sure you’ll get over that. I’m sure some numbers that Mathis will gladly provide you with, however, are ones to Philadelphia’s finest steakhouses so that you can fulfill that order.
Now, if only Mathis’ tweet could serve as an appropriate template for a welcome email to new colleagues in less exciting environments like offices or retail… Ah well.
Happy Friday and Happy NFL Draft, Eagles fans!
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Lane Johnson has his moment on the NFL Draft stage with Commissioner Roger Goodell after being the 4th overall pick. (Image via the Philadelphia Eagles Instagram)
Eagles fans, the wait is over. There was no trading down — instead, when Oklahoma OT Lane Johnson was still available at number 4, the Philadelphia Eagles took him.
The 6’6, 303 lb tackle will be an integral part of the Eagles’ offense, helping to protect Mike Vick, who at this early stage will presumably be Philadelphia’s starting quarterback for the 2013 season. Johnson is an extremely athletic player – he has played both sides of the o-line as well as played quarterback and tight end in his career. Here is an excerpt from Johnson’s scouting report, via The National Football Post:
“With rare foot quickness he is able to slide out to the corner easily to stop speed rusher’s initial burst. His ability to block with base helps him to slide easily side to side to adjust to quick pass rush moves at the contact point. Although he does not punch aggressively in pass pro, he flashes the ability to get his hands on pass rusher quickly, can “get a good fit” and is able to lock-out and tie up pass rusher.”
Head coach Chip Kelly said that Johnson is one of the players the team had targeted and was extremely excited to add him to the Eagles.
“I know [Oklahoma head coach] Bob Stoops extremely well and I talked to Bob about [Lane Johnson] extensively last week. He just remarked what a tough player he is and what a selfless player that he is; he’s moved positions. He wants to play. I think he is going to be a great addition to our team. The game is won up front. He’s another tough, physical guy and that’s what we were looking for.”
For his part, Johnson is thrilled to be heading to Philadelphia for many reasons, including the fact that his experience with Oklahoma’s up-tempo offense should fit in well with Kelly’s plans.
“I know that at Oregon, they ran a very fast-paced offense that was very similar to Oklahoma and I think I fit with what they need…I’m excited. I think Coach Kelly brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the Eagles. I know we’re all anticipating what’s going to happen and so am I. I’m ready to get started and I’m very fortunate to be with the Eagles.”
Johnson also thinks that his style of play will be a good fit for Philly’s notoriously intense sports fans.
“I view myself as kind of an aggressive player on the field, but off the field I’m a down-to-earth guy. I’m not arrogant at all. I know Philly is a good blue-collar town that works its tail off and they’re very passionate about their sports, especially football.”
It’s a solid pick for the Birds. After tackles Eric Fisher and Luke Joeckel went 1-2 to the Chiefs and Jaguars, respectively, and Oregon DE Dion Jordan, who was rumored to be of interest to Philadelphia, went third to the Dolphins, Philadelphia decided to stay put and get one of the top talents on the board, which was their strategy all along.
With the tattered o-line one of the biggest detriments to the Eagles’ efforts in 2012 and the unknown of if Jason Peters will truly be back to his former self going into 2013, picking one of the most talented players in a draft stacked with offensive line talent was a no-brainer for Philadelphia. And, as offensive lineman typically experience less of a gap in performance from the college to the professional level than other positions, Johnson will hopefully make his presence well known on the Birds’ line for years to come.
Welcome to Philadelphia, Lane.
Here is some film of Johnson, the first draft selection of the Chip Kelly era for the Eagles.
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The rumor mill was hot with speculation about the upcoming NFL draft and the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted that five teams, including the Birds, had expressed interested in trading down from their current first round positions in the draft.
“Teams that have made calls about moving back in draft include PHIL, DET, CLEV, BUFF, MIA. Doing what they should.”
Then came a report from the NFL Networks’s Albert Breer that Philadelphia had selected their targets for the first round to four players.
“Eagles down to 4 players they feel good about at the 4th pick. Good bet they’re all line-of-scrimmage players. The tackles, Star, Jordan …”
Does Breer’s report contradict Schefter’s? Probably – if the Birds are interested in trading down they certainly better have their sights on more than four players as targets for their first round selection. Breer later noted that he couldn’t see the Eagles trading too far down unless they got an incredible offer.
To further add clarity to the situation, ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio notes, in an article commenting on the rumors now covering almost every possible liklihood for Philadelphia, that
“Sources close to me tell me that the Eagles also could become interested in trading up. Which again should cover the entire universe of possibilities.”
It’s not surprising that reports are all over the place. An important aspect of teams’ draft strategies is to not reveal their hand too soon so as to give others around the league an opportunity to complicate the desired scenario. Any of the names Breer mentioned – Lane Johnson, Dion Jordan, Star Lotulelei by name, and presumably includes Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher – are logical guesses, as all represent the top talent in this year’s draft. But CB Dee Milliner is still thought by many to be a logical fit for the Birds.
All of which is to say what we’ve known all along: we’ll have to wait until the draft starts tomorrow to find out what the Eagles truly plan on doing.
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The Philadelphia Eagles 2013 schedule. (Image via the Eagles’ Facebook page)
We’re in the heart of the long, cold, lonely offseason but there are signs that the light that is professional football will one day return. That light on Thursday night came in the form of the release of the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2013 schedule.
The first helping of regular season Eagles football will come on September 9 via a Monday Night matchup against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. That will be one of only two primetime games for the Birds, which is a marked decrease from recent seasons.
The Eagles will have an intense opening to their schedule, featuring three games in the first ten days. That stretch will be highlighted by a huge game: Andy Reid’s return to the Linc with the Kansas City Chiefs on September 19. How “Big Red” is greeted upon his big return to his former home will surely be the major storyline of that game.
Other highlights include a matchup with the Denver Broncos in the Mile High City on September 29 and versus Aaron Rodgers at the Green Bay Packers on November 10.
The team has a late Week 12 bye, the latest since 2000 when Philadelphia’s bye week feel on Week 16.
NFC East action continues after the opener on October 10 against the Cowboys at the Linc, with the regular season ending at Dallas on December 29.
Ready to make your predictions? I’ve seen some out there. But for now, here’s the full schedule for your perusal:
How much longer until September 9? Oh wait. Nevermind.
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With a little over a week to go until the 2013 NFL draft begins, Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman met with members of the press on Monday. The media hoped to discover inklings of the team’s strategy heading into the draft. Not surprisingly, little was definitively revealed by Roseman, including the question of who ultimately calls the shots within the organization at the draft. Will the Eagles trade down from their current number 4 overall pick? That’s certainly a possibility, but Roseman played the team’s cards close to his chest. What was absolutely clear is the fact that the enormity of that decision — and more specifically, getting it right – has not been lost on anyone within the organization.
“Like anything in this draft, you want to be sure. You don’t want to take someone because you ‘think’ . . . We’re not going to force anything.”
In one sense, it’s a basic decision. Who is likely to be the best player on the board when the Eagles make their choice? But that player must immediately be an impact player for the team. No if, ands or maybes. No overthinking or trying to force a player into a role where it will be a stretch for him to succeed. But that leaves little certainty as to how the Birds will proceed.
It’s no secret that the question of who will be the Eagles’ quarterback, both for the 2013 season and longer term, is one of the most pressing questions for the team. It’s also not new news that that position is not featured in the strength and abundance category as it was in 2012. Roseman spoke to that issue, saying that this year’s draft is actually the norm regarding quarterback talent, with last year being the exception.
That’s all fine and good, but what does that mean for the team’s picks at number 4 and beyond?
West Virginia QB Geno Smith is still on the Eagles’ radar. The team traveled to West Virginia to work out Smith, as well as hosted him for a visit at the NovaCare. Smith’s leadership and focus have come under fire recently, which may very well impact his draft stock, but if that’s not the Eagles’ own analysis those questions may not hold much weight.
Roseman noted that this draft was deep with talent along the offensive and defensive lines, noting that some of the top prospects at offensive tackle are attractive possibilities, such as Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and Lane Johnson, as that position is more straightforward in projecting success from the college to the professional level. Defensive end Dion Jordan is another pick that might entice the Eagles, particularly given head coach Chip Kelly’s familiarity with the Oregon player.
But Roseman noted yesterday that their strategy and selections are not his decision, or Chip Kelly’s choice. They are organizational decisions.
So there you have it. Clear as mud as we head ever closer to the draft. It may be frustrating now, but in less than two weeks we will have the clearest set of information regarding the Philadelphia Eagles’ possible focus and direction under Chip Kelly yet and have plenty of information to parse, dissect, and analyze.
FYI…
You will be shocked to know that the Eagles released veteran quarterback Trent Edwards on Monday.
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