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Initial NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board

Monday, March 4th, 2013

by Brandon Pemberton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The NFL Combine is now over and now prospects are training and preparing for their Pro Day workouts at their schools.  Here is my list of the top 100 prospects at this point, according to the scouting I’ve done myself.  There’s plenty of time left before actual draft day, so this list will change a few times until then.  Be on the lookout for the release of my top prospects by position as well.  Be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio, Saturdays 10am-12pm on http://ueradiolive.com or http://livestream.com/ueradiolive as Daniel Trawick and myself discuss the NFL Draft and all things in the sports world!

 

1. Chance Warmack  G  Alabama – 6’2  317lbs

2. Dee Milliner CB  Alabama – 5’11 7/8 201lbs

3. Luke Joeckel  OT  TexasA&M  6’6  306lbs

4. Eric Fisher OTCentral Michigan 6’7  306lbs

5. Bjoern Werner DE  FloridaState  6’3  266lbs

6. SheldonRichardsonDTMissouri 6’2 1/2  294lbs

7. Sharrif Floyd DT  Florida 6’2 5/8  297lbs

8. Kenny Vaccaro  SS Texas  6’0  214lbs

9. Star Lotulelei DT Utah 6’2 311lbs

10. Jarvis Jones OLBGeorgia6’2 245lbs

11. Keenan Allen  WR  California  6’2 206lbs

12. Lane Johnson OT Oklahoma  6’6 303lbs

13. Barkevious Mingo  OLB/DE  LSU  6’4 240lbs

14. Alexander Ogletree  ILB  Georgia 6’2 1/2  242lbs

15. D.J. Fluker OT Alabama 6’4 5/8 339lbs

16. Jonathan Cooper G  North Carolina  6’2 1/8  311lbs

17. Ezekiel Ansah  DE  BYU   6’5  271lbs

18. Xavier Rhodes  CB  FloridaState  6’1 1/2   210lbs

19. Cordarrelle Patterson WR Tennessee  6’1 7/8  216lbs

20. DamontreMoore DE TexasA&M  6’4 1/2  250lbs

21. Johnathan Hankins  DT OhioState 6’2 7/8  320lbs

22. TavonAustin  WR West Virginia  5’8 1/2  174lbs

23. Tyler Eifert TE  Notre Dame  6’5 1/2 250lbs

24. Matt Elam SS Florida 5’9 7/8 208lbs

25. Sam Montgomery DE  LSU 6’3 1/4 262lbs

26. Desmond Trufant CB Washington 5’11 5/8 190lbs

27.Johnthan Banks CB  Miss St.6’2 185lbs

28. Kevin Minter ILB  LSU  5’11 3/4 246lbs

29. Dion Jordan DE/OLB Oregon6’6 1/4 248lbs

30. DeAndreHopkinsWR Clemson 6’1 214lbs

31. Zach Ertz TE Stanford 6’5 249lbs

32. Giovanni Bernard RB UNC 5’8 3/8 202lbs

33. Eddie Lacy RBAlabama5’11 231lbs

34. Terrance Williams WR Baylor 6’2 208lbs

35. Jonathan Jenkins DT Georgia 6’4 346lbs

36. Eric Reid FS/SS LSU 6’1 1/4 213lbs

37. Robert Woods WR USC 6’0 3/8 201lbs

38. Kawann Short DT Purdue 6’3 299lbs

39. Sylvester Williams DT UNC 6’2 5/8 313lbs

40. Barrett Jones G/CAlabama6’4 1/4 306lbs

41. Tyler Wilson QB Arkansas 6’2 1/8 215lbs

42. Geno Smith QB WestVa.6’2 3/8 218lbs

43. Matt Barkley QB USC 6’2 1/2 227lbs

44. DatoneJonesDE/DT UCLA 6’4 275lbs

45. Jesse Williams DT Alabama 6’3 323lbs

46. Alex OkaforDETexas6’4 264lbs

47. Khaseem Greene OLBRutgers6’0 3/4 241lbs

48. Kevin Reddick ILB UNC 6’1 3/8 243lbs

49. Quinton Patton WR Louisiana Tech 6’0 204lbs

50. Corey Lemonier DE/OLBAuburn6’3 3/8 255lbs

51. Larry Warford G Kentucky 6’3 332lbs

52.Arthur Brown ILB/OLB Kansas St.6’0 241lbs

53. Justin Hunter WR Tennessee 6’3 5/8 196lbs

54. Tank Carradine DE  Florida St.6’4 276lbs

55.Dave Amerson S/CB North Carolina St.  6’1 205lbs

56. Oday Aboushi T Virginia 6’5 3/8 308lbs

57. Jonathan Cyprien SS Florida International 6’0 217lbs

60. Kyle Long T/GOregon6’6 1/8 313lbs

61. Manti Te’o ILB Notre Dame 6’1 1/4 241lbs

62.DallasThomas T/GTennessee6’5 302lbs

63.Jamar Taylor CB Boise St.5’10 192lbs

64. BennieLoganDT LSU 6’2 309lbs

65. Justin Pugh T Syracuse 6’4 1/2 307lbs

66. Da’RickRogersWR Tennessee Tech 6’2 1/2 217lbs

67.PhillipThomasSFresnoState6’0 1/2 213lbs

68.Jordan Poyer CB Oregon St.5’11 7/8 191lbs

69. B.W. Webb CB William & Mary 5’10 1/4 184lbs

70.Menelik Watson T Florida St.6’5 1/8 310lbs

71. Darius SlayCB Mississippi St.5’11 7/8 192lbs

72. Brandon Williams DT/NTMissouriSouthern St 6’1 1/4 335lbs

73. Aaron Dobson WRMarshall6’2 5/8 210lbs

74. Nico Johnson ILBAlabama6’2 248lbs

75.LoganRyan CB Rutgers 5’11 1/8 191lbs

76. Jon Bostic ILBFlorida6’0 7/8 245lbs

77. Mike BuchananDEIllinois6’5 3/8 255lbs

78. Jordan Reed TE/H-BackFlorida6’2 1/2 236lbs

79. Cornelius Washington DE/OLBGeorgia6’4 265lbs

80. Mychal Rivera TETennessee6’3 1/4 242lbs

81. Andre Ellington RB Clemson 5’9 1/4 199lbs

82. Ryan Nassib QB Syracuse 6’2 1/8 227lbs

83. Tyrann Mathieu CB LSU 5’8 3/4 186lbs

84. Travis Frederick C Wisconsin 6’3 5/8 312lbs

85. D.J. Swearinger S South Carolina 5’10 1/2 208lbs

86.E.J. Manuel QB Florida St.6’4 5/8 237lbs

87. Vance McDonald TE Rice 6’4 1/8 267lbs

88. Bacarri Rambo FS Georgia 6’0 211lbs

89.Gavin Escobar TE San Diego St6’5 7/8 254lbs

90.Markus Wheaton WR Oregon St.5’11 189lbs

91.Leon McFadden CB San Diego St.  5’9 5/8 193lbs

92. Le’Veon Bell RB Michigan St6’1 3/8 230lbs

93. Robert Alford CBSoutheastern Louisiana5’10 1/8 188lbs

94.William Gholston DE Michigan St.6’6 1/4 281lbs

95. Sean Porter OLBTexasA&M 6’1 1/4 229lbs

96. Jelani Jenkins OLBFlorida6’0 243lbs

97. Montee Ball RBWisconsin5’10 1/2 214lbs

98. Jamie Collins Southern Miss 6’3 1/2 250lbs

99. Terron Armstead G/TArkansasPine Bluff6’4 3/8 306lbs

100. KnileDavisRBArkansas5’11 3/8 227lbs

 

Brandon Pemberton of Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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The Ron Jaworski Interview: Why Chip Kelly Will be a Success in the NFL and Why the Philadelphia Eagles Need Mike Vick

Monday, February 25th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

 

Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and ESPN NFL analyst Ron Jaworski is a man who needs no introduction in the City of Philadelphia. But alas, I’ll give it a try.

Jaws, as he is otherwise known, remains one of the most popular sports figures in Philly sports history.  His place in Eagles lore was solidified when he took the 1980 team to Super Bowl XV and was named NFL MVP that year.  He remains active in the area’s sports scene as president and part-owner of the Philadelphia Soul.

Jaworski is a popular fixture on ESPN due to his analysis and insights revealed through hours of film study as well as his affable personality, all of which contributed to Jaws’ role as a commentator on Monday Night Football for five seasons.

Jaws joined me as well as Roy Burton and Kris Domingo of the Broad Street Line podcast to talk Eagles quarterbacks, Chip Kelly, his famous nickname and its connection with the Philadelphia Sixers and an exciting announcement about the Philadelphia Soul.  You’ll also find out the new project that has Jaws feeling like a 31-year old again.

QUESTION:  The Philadelphia Eagles are in the midst of a lot of transition, with Chip Kelly being the first new head coach in 14 seasons. We’ve had a chance to hear from Kelly briefly, but obviously there are so many questions about what he’s planning to do. What qualities make you believe that he can succeed as a head coach in the NFL, and specifically with the Eagles?

Jaws:  First and foremost, Chip Kelly has tremendous football IQ. He understands the game, and he comes from an offensive persuasion. I think in today’s NFL it’s so important that you have your offense in place. It’s a quarterback’s game. The quarterback is the most important player on the team. He is the heartbeat of a football team. So that’s one situation that Chip Kelly is going to have to clear up for the short-term and the long-term as well.

But what I really like about Chip, and I’ve watched his offense at Oregon for a number of years broken down on tape, tried to figure out what he’s trying to do and it’s very difficult to do that. Even a guy like me who’s a football wonk that studies all the tape–this guy is brilliant. He understands how to beat defenses. And he brings tremendous energy.

I know he is of the offensive persuasion, he cares about quarterback, but what I love is the energy he brings into the room that he will bring to the football team. That’s something you just can’t fabricate. I mean, he loves football and I think quickly the people of Philadelphia will understand that.

QUESTION:  Speaking of quarterbacks, right now there are three in the mix for the Eagles—Mike Vick, of course, Nick Foles and recently Dennis Dixon. Who do you anticipate succeeding the most in Kelly’s spread offense?

Jaws: I don’t think there’s any doubt it’s going to be Michael Vick. In fact, as Chip Kelly was hired I quickly announced that Michael Vick would be the quarterback, much to the chagrin of many people in Philadelphia who felt it was time to move on from Michael Vick and move to Nick Foles, or now we have a Dennis Dixon in the mix or whoever they deem in the draft or via free agency to acquire. But I think when you look at Michael Vick, he has a skill set that fits what Chip Kelly wants to run.  Mobility. The one thing, if you look at the Oregon offense, it’s not about throwing the football. It’s about a quarterback with movement who can run. Michael Vick can do both.

In the NFL it starts with throwing the football first. Mike Vick is still an outstanding passer of the football. We know he can run the football. Yes, he may have lost a couple tenths of a second in his 40 time, he may have gotten beat up a little bit over the past couple years, but even with those things going against Michael Vick he’s still a guy who can give you the burst, give you the big play.  I think he’s the absolute perfect fit for a Chip Kelly offense.

Then you go to Dennis Dixon, a guy that played with Chip Kelly out of Oregon, understands his system, has been with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been with the Baltimore Ravens. He understands what it takes to run this system.

Nick Foles is your prototypical NFL pocket passer. I don’t see his style fitting in to what Chip Kelly wants to do. That’s not to take anything away from Nick Foles because I think eventually he is going to be an outstanding NFL quarterback. But he’s not a guy who fits in the type of offense that Chip Kelly wants to run.

QUESTION:  What do you think went wrong with the team last year, specifically? Can we chalk it up to talent or a lack of effort or was there something else going on?

Jaws: When we talk about professional football I never use the term “lack of effort.” I think these are highly skilled professional athletes that are paid to do their very best no matter what the situation is. Now, maybe there were some situations where they lacked the intensity and enthusiasm that we like to see from teams that are contending for a Super Bowl, but I certainly don’t think the Eagles would fall into the category of a team that lacked effort. Andy Reid got the best out of his football team.

When you look at last season’s 4-12 record, you have to go back to two years ago when the team struggled at 4-8. I believe going 8-8 masked their deficiencies. They were not a good football team at 4-8, they got their season to 8-8, Andy Reid got another shot but it was clear to me that there were problems within the football team that they needed to make changes. Those changes were not made, consequently the team comes back, suffers some very serious injuries–there’s no question of that–the offensive line was decimated and yes you did lose Michael Vick, your starting quarterback, for a number of games. But I look at this Eagles team now, this downfall where they won only four games this year, eight the year before, 12-20 over the last two years. This started a couple years ago. So clearly, I think all of the changes were mandated by a 12-20 record so time to move in another direction, and they are.

QUESTION: Is it true that Sixers’ current head coach Doug Collins gave you the nickname Jaws?

Jaws: That is correct! Doug Collins was my next door neighbor when he was playing for the Sixers and I was playing for the Eagles and he came up with the nickname Jaws. Now, most people think it was because the movie “Jaws” was very popular in the early 80s, but Doug said every time he saw me my jaws were always flapping so he gave me the nickname Jaws and it has stuck ever since.

QUESTION:  We all know and admire your analysis on ESPN but you’re working on a new project that’s pretty close to home, as it’s about your health.  You found relief from arthritis pain with a product called Stopain. Did your time playing football exacerbate your pain? Tell us a little about how you found your way to the product.

Jaws: I’m a 61-year old guy who played professional football for 17 years and 25 years total playing the game so when you get to be 61 there are some bumps and bruises that act up every now and then. Like most guys my age we’re looking for something that will provide us with some immediate relief and I found that in Stopain.

Before I got involved in the company I actually tried the product for months. I wanted to be sure that it worked, that it did help stop pain, that it allowed me to play golf, it allowed me to move freely, that it deeply penetrated my joints. It allowed me to swing the golf club, walk the golf course for 18 holes. Stopain had a remarkable turnaround in my life as far as being athletic and wanting to move and doing all of the things that I have to do at this age.

QUESTION: You’re part-owner of the Philadelphia Soul. We heard that you had some news that you wanted to share about the Soul. Is there anything you’d like to tell us?

Jaws:  There are so many great things happening with the Philadelphia Soul right now. Our training camp opens on March 2. We open our season in Arizona, which will be a replay of the Arena Bowl championship of a year ago in New Orleans. Philadelphia unfortunately lost that game to Arizona but we have a tremendous football team. We are very, very excited about bringing a championship back to Philadelphia. In 2008 we won the Arena Bowl championship and we kind of felt that we remained the team that everybody looked up to. Of course, a few months later the Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series and we feel that we removed the jinx of William Penn in the City of Philadelphia.

We feel very strongly about what we’ve been able to bring in terms of competitive football and championship football to Philadelphia. I think one of the really cool things that our ownership group of the Philadelphia Soul—Marty Judge, myself, Craig Spencer, Cosmo DeNicola, Pete Ciarrochi–we’re taking arena football to China. You heard me correct. We are taking not National Football League to China, the Arena Football League under the direction of our ownership group of the Philadelphia Soul is going to China. We are the only organization in football that is going to be playing football in China this fall. It’s very, very exciting.

****

I know you’re sorry it’s over but I have good news for you—it actually isn’t. Be sure to catch the full interview tomorrow, Tuesday, February 26 at 6 pm via The Broad Street Line podcast for more from Jaws, including his thoughts on other quarterbacks around the league.

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

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Mark Cuban Thinks the Lakers Should Amnesty Kobe?

Monday, February 25th, 2013

by LeRoy McConnell III

 

 

 

 

 

Leave it up to Dallas Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban to provide his two cents on what the 16-time World Champions Los Angeles Lakers should do with their superstar Kobe Bryant.  I mean don’t get me wrong, Cuban just gutted his own team last season so he has some idea of what to do.  Maybe it’s his way of reaching out to the Buss Family during trying times.

Let’s play devil’s advocate:

Kobe is due a mere $30 million next season which puts the Lakers over the luxury tax threshold by $7 million.  That doesn’t even include the signing of the summer’s biggest free agent, Dwight Howard.  Howard will command at least $20 million a season on his upcoming deal, which even creates more chaos for the Lakers.  Once you pass $5 million over the luxury tax, it increases to $1.75 for every dollar over.  After that, every $5 million over goes from $2.50 to $3.25 to $3.75 and increases $.50 for every $5 million after that.  But we are talking about Kobe!  Kobe Bryant is Mr. Laker, he is the draw, the 5-Time NBA champion that is relied upon to lead the success of the franchise.  His legacy belongs in a purple and gold uniform.  Mark Cuban spoke about his reasons the Lakers should amnesty Kobe.

 

“If you look at their payroll, even if Dwight Howard comes back, you’ve got to ask the question: Should they amnesty Kobe?” Cuban said during an appearance on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM’s “Ben and Skin Show.  “So I’m just saying that hypothetically. When I say amnesty Kobe, I don’t think they’d do it, but they’ve got some choices to make. Now, they’re in a big market, but they’re still limited. The Knicks, the same thing. Boston same thing.”

Is Mark Cuban trying to use his Shark Tank skills into conning the mighty Lakers franchise into disrupting their team?  When was the last time the Lakers organization were hurting for money?  Did Cuban forget that the Lakers just inked a $3 billion deal with Time Warner Cable?

Message to the Buss Family:

If you have forgotten, the Dallas Mavericks swept your team and went on to win the NBA Championship just two seasons ago.  Then Cuban referred to his Shark Tank entourage in deciding the fate of Tyson Chandler, the backbone of the Mavericks and Defensive Player of The Year.  HE COULD HAVE KEPT CHANDLER AND AMNESTIED BRENDAN HAYWOOD.  He decided against that, allowing Chandler to walk and keeping Haywood for one additional season before using the AMNESTY CLAUSE on HAYWOOD anyway.  Giving up a team that won you an NBA championship for financial flexibility!  The 2012-13 season has been a disaster for the Mavericks.  Cuban got his wish for all the financial flexibility in the world but no NBA player seems to want to play in Dallas.  So take note Buss Family, ride the horse of the Black Mamba as long as you can and find a way to keep Mr. Howard, because Mark Cuban has put your team on notice.

 

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

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Philadelphia Eagles: Will Nnamdi Asomugha Stay or Will He Go?

Sunday, February 24th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

Nnamdi Asomugha – will he be here in 2013?

 

It’s about time.

The news from ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Friday morning was music to the ears of Philadelphia Eagles fans:

“@AdamSchefter: When two sides meet this am, Eagles will ask CB Nnamdi Asomugha to restructure contract or they will release him. Asomugha guaranteed $4mil.”

Fairly or unfairly, Asomugha has become the poster child for the many failures on both sides of the ball  that plagued the Birds during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.  His 5-year, $60 million contract, which seemed like a good move when forged in the summer of 2011 for the hottest free agent on the market, now leaves us scratching our heads.

I was willing to give him the benefit in the 2011 season.  New team, a defensive coordinator new to the team and no offseason.  Asomugha would find his groove in 2012.

Until he didn’t.  His star had fallen so far that quarterbacks were deliberately targeting him, and for good reason.  Very often he missed his coverage, looking at teammates in confusion as if someone else should have had that guy.

By the middle of the 2012 season, it was painfully clear that there were no more excuses.  We were duped by Nnamdi.

So now, while looking at the next faces of the NFL in Indianapolis at the Combine, the Eagles have decided that the time is right to figure out what to do about the Asomugha situation.  Nnamdi’s agent, Ben Dogra, met with the Eagles Friday morning but there has been no word from either side since.

On Thursday, head coach Chip Kelly was asked what he thought about Asomugha.  His response was stunningly underwhelming.

“I think that Nnamdi has a skill set.  That can play football.”

Erm…wow.  Kelly was effusive with his praise, no?

Unfortunately, whether Asomugha stays with the team or goes elsewhere, Philadelphia will owe him $4 million  (his base salary for 2013 under his current deal is $15 million).  And then there is the other money already down the drain due to the deal that seemed to be a slam dunk but turned out to be the most embarrassing of air balls.

Asomugha has said that Philadelphia is where he wants his be, but is it time to admit that his stay here has been an utter and complete failure and allow him to move on?  It may not be that simple, and the Pro Bowl corner’s market value will take a substantial hit from the fact that he was part of a defense that allowed a franchise-worst 33 passing touchdowns in 2012.  Everyone in the league saw the same mistakes time and time again that we witnessed.

Will the Eagles let Nnamdi walk and try their luck at some of the young talent they are witnessing up close at the Combine this weekend?  We’ll all be watching closely to see if Philadelphia is ready to turn the chapter on the man who was a shutdown corner in Oakland but came to Philly and…wasn’t.

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

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Young and Restless: The Dwight Howard Saga

Thursday, February 21st, 2013

by Brandon McConnell

 

 

 

 

 

Does this story sound familiar?  Dwight Howard is in his last year of his contract and has the option to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers or test the free agent market in the summer.  If this seems like deja vu, it’s probably because he was in the same situation with the Orlando Magic last year at this time when he made the bonehead decision of the year by opting back into his contract with Orlando, and postponing his chance to hit the free agent market last summer.

This year the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves trying to keep Dwight.  The Lakers have had one of their worst seasons in franchise history.  It has been a combination of bad coaching and a lack of effort contributing to the team’s lack of success.   Dwight Howard doesn’t seem to be able to mesh with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers in this Mike D’Antoni offense.

Mitch Kupchak, GM for the Lakers, has a dilemma on his hands.  Wait for the end of the year and hope Dwight Howard signs a max deal allowing you to have a young player to build your franchise around after Kobe Bryant leaves, or trade him to guarantee that you do not lose him for nothing.

Dwight Howard (l.) & Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak (r.)

 

It is time for Mitch Kupchak to play a little game called chicken.  We learned this as a little kid, when two objects come together on a head on collision and one object moves at the last minute.  Well, Mitch Kupchak needs to enter the Laker locker room and tell Mr. Howard that I have a max deal in my hand that guarantees that you get paid about 30 million more than you can receive from any other team and you either need to sign it, or you will be tipping the jump ball in another city tomorrow.  If he decides not to sign it, in the words of Nino Brown, “You cancel him, and buy another one”.  It is not like the Lakers are winning with him now.

As GM of the Lakers, I’m calling New Jersey, Houston, or even Miami.  Yeah, I said Miami.  Dwight Howard for Chris Bosh would make both teams better.  Dwight would give Miami the inside defensive presence they need, and Bosh would compliment Gasol a lot better than Dwight since they can both play inside and outside the paint.  As the Laker GM, you have to get something.  I don’t care if you trade him to Houston for Omar Asik, some young players, and a bag of Tropical Skittles, at least you are not left looking like a man after a wet dream with nothing to show for it but sticky memories.

 

So Dwight, the decision is yours, make a whole lot of money with a franchise that you know will always be dedicated to winning or go back to the days of Orlando where you are the man, but can’t get anyone to come play with you.

 

Brandon McConnell of Respect Da Game, for War Room Sports

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Newsflash: Mike Vick’s Not Changing

Monday, February 18th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Vick. Not changin’.
(Image via NJ.com)

The news that broke one week ago today – that Mike Vick had restructured his deal to extend his stay with the Philadelphia Eagles – was met by strong reaction by the team’s fans.  As usual when Vick is concerned, emotions fell on opposite sides of the spectrum.

Toss out Vick along with Andy Reid and the dishwater.  If we are truly in rebuilding mode, let’s start with something new.  Let’s see what we have in Nick Foles.

Conversely, there are those who blame Reid and Marty Morhinweg and their horrific play calling as well as a cobbled-together offensive line in Vick’s recent struggles with the Birds.  Philadelphia signed him because of what makes him dynamic, then wanted him to turn into something that he’s not.  Let Vick be Vick!  With a healthy o-line and more balance with the run game, Vick can help this team to succeed.

The debate will continue to rage this offseason among fans, but one thing we know about Vick – sooner or later he lets you know exactly where he stands.  In an interview on Saturday with 97.5 The Fanatic, Vick made clear that he likes who he is as a person and a player and has no intention of changing who he is.

“Well if you think about what I endured [last season] and how many hits I took, I stayed upright for seven games and took about 180 hits.  I am going to train the way I train, I’m not going to change anything.  I’m going to be who I am and I’m not going to change.  I think everybody just has to accept it.  I am going to put in all the hard work to be the best player I can be, but it’s not just about me.  It’s about team, it’s about unity, it’s about everybody playing together.  That’s the only way we’re  going to win.”

C’mon.  Regardless of which side of the issue you reside those comments can’t really surprise you, can they?

Part of the challenge facing Chip Kelly this offseason is making an honest assessment of what he has at quarterback inVick, Nick Foles, and Dennis Dixon.  What are truly their strengths and how can they be played up in Kelly’s offense?

We saw with Andy Reid’s time in Philadelphia with Vick that trying to turn the quarterback into a pure pocket passer simply will not work.  And what do you do about the risky decision making that so often leads Vick to injury?  If Kelly is to keep Vick and make him a starter (which remains to be seen), he has to accept him as he is – the good, the bad and the ugly.  Another great offseason of film study is not going to transform the polarizing player into something that he is not.

And therein lies the reason for concern among so many Eagles fans.

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

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Mike Vick to Stay with the Philadelphia Eagles After Reaching One-Year Deal

Tuesday, February 12th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Like it or not, Mike Vick will have another chance with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Monday was supposed to be a day to put the spotlight on Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly and his coaching staff.  Instead, Mike Vick stole the show.

Not literally.  The quarterback was not present at the press conference.  But word of his restructured contract to come to a one-year deal worth $10 million with the team dominated the day’s headlines and news cycle.

The question of Vick versus Nick Foles still remain and indeed, we will have to see if other factors at QB enter the equation.  But for now, despite what many anticipated, as we head into mid-February both Vick and Foles remain on Philadelphia’s roster.

And Kelly said to get used to having both names on the roster.  He expects both men to be with the Eagles come the start of the season and that it is an open competition for who starts under center.

“There is an open competition.  Michael knows that.  Nick knows that.  Nick knew every step of the way what we were doing.  I wanted to make sure Nick was included in the plans, and I think both of them have outstanding qualities in terms of being quarterbacks in this league.  Both of them have started in this league.

So I also know in this league, you better have two, so I’m excited about the two of them.  They’re both going to compete.  And who the starting quarterback is to start the season off is going to be won on the practice field.”

Yes, the offensive line was decimated in 2012.  But Vick’s play was decidedly lackluster.  Or downright awful, depending who you ask.  So what convinced Kelly that the quarterback could be a good option for the team in 2013?

“I think in terms of Michael, we look at everything.  What I look at is skillset first and foremost.  What he can do, how he can throw the football, how he can beat people with his feet.  There are a lot of different factors he has.  And you have to look at the landscape for other quarterbacks.

I guess the best way I can put this is I agree there is a change of scenery going on here.  For Michael Vick, there is a change of scenery, but not a change of address.”

In reality, none of the options for the Eagles are ideal.  Many assumed that Vick would go the way of Andy Reid come the close of the season.  But where would that have left the team?  With a quarterback in Foles who shows promise but whose ability to lead a team is still largely unknown.  Dennis Dixon makes sense to give a try, as he is the only NFL quarterback with experience in Kelly’s offense.  Alex Smith has got to be an intriguing option for Philadelphia and a host of other teams around the league but are the Eagles willing to pay the steep price he will surely command on the open market?  And with no slam dunk options at QB in this year’s draft, what’s a head coach to do?

Despite being fed up with the team at the end of the season (and let’s be honest, who wasn’t at that point?), Vick is thrilled to have a chance to remain in midnight green.

“I am grateful and proud to be a Philadelphia Eagle.  My heart is in Philly and this community is important to me.  I look forward to playing for Coach Kelly, Jeffrey Lurie and the entire Eagles organization, the city of Philadelphia and the fans.  I am training hard this offseason and will be ready for Coach Kelly’s team vision and leadership.  Our goal is to win.”

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

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Philadelphia Eagles Announce Finalized Coaching Staff Under Chip Kelly

Friday, February 8th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

Ex Cleveland head coach Pat Shurmur joins the Eagles as offensive coordinator.

 

The Philadelphia Eagles elected not to acknowledge or confirm reports on additions to their coaching staff under Chip Kelly until all hires were finalized.  With the issue of a press release on Friday, they have announced that all moves are finally complete.

The final list is as follows:

Pat Shurmur (offensive coordinator)

Bill Davis (defensive coordinator)

Dave Fipp (special teams coordinator)

 

Greg Austin (assistant offensive line)

Jerry Azzinaro (defensive line/assistant head coach)

Bob Bicknell (wide receivers)

Erik Chinander (assistant defensive line)

Mike Dawson (defensive quality control)

Matt Harper (assistant special teams)

Josh Hingst (strength and conditioning)

Shaun Huls (sports science coordinator)

Bill Lazor (quarterbacks)

John Lovett (defensive backs)

Todd Lyght (assistant defensive backs)

Bill McGovern (outside linebackers)

Rick Minter (inside linebackers)

Justin Peelle (assistant tight ends)

Duce Staley (running backs)

Jeff Stoutland (offensive line)

Press Taylor (offensive quality control)

Ted Williams (tight ends)

Shurmur was most recently head coach of the Cleveland Browns for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.  His hire has been widely reported.  News that Davis, formerly linebackers coach of the Browns, would serve as the new defensive coordinator for Philadelphia just broke on Thursday.

A lot of love given to former Browns staff  in key positions for whatever reason.  Obviously Eagles fans hope and pray that the results will be far better than what has been seen from the Browns in recent years.

Dave Fipp (Special Teams Coordinator) served as the assistant special teams coach for the Miami Dolphins from 2011-12.  During his two years in Miami, the Dolphins ranked 2nd (2011) and 4th (2012) in the NFL in overall special teams rankings according to the data compiled by Dallas Morning News columnist Rick Gosselin.  Prior to the Dolphins, Fipp worked for three years as the assistant special teams coach for the San Francisco 49ers from 2008-10.  Before his time in the NFL, Fipp spent 10 years coaching in the college ranks at San Jose State (2005-07), Nevada (2004), Cal Poly (2001-03), Arizona (2000), and Holy Cross (1998-99).

Other highlights from the newly announced coaching staff, which rejoin several former members of Oregon’s coaching staff:

Jerry Azzinaro (Defensive Line/Assistant Head Coach) rejoins Coach Kelly as defensive line coach after serving in the same role on his staff at Oregon from 2009-12.  During that span, the Ducks defensive line compiled a total of 76 sacks.  Prior to joining the coaching staff at Oregon, Azzinaro was the defensive line coach at Marshall University in 2008 and at the University of New Hampshire in 2007.  Azzinaro also had stints with Duke (2004-06), Syracuse (1999-03), Maine (1998), UMass (1992-94, 1997), Boston College (1995-96), American International College (1987-91) and Western New England (D-III, 1986).

Bob Bicknell (Wide Receivers) most recently completed a three-year stint with the Buffalo Bills as their wide receivers coach (2012) and tight ends coach (2010-11).  Prior to that, he spent the previous three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs as assistant offensive line coach (2007), offensive line coach (2008) and tight ends coach (2009).  Before joining the NFL ranks, Bicknell was the offensive line coach at Temple in 2006 and coached in NFL Europe from 1998-2005.

Bill Lazor (Quarterbacks) joins the Eagles after spending the previous three seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Virginia.  Lazor boasts seven years of NFL coaching experience and most recently served as the quarterbacks coach for the Seattle Seahawks (2008-09) and Washington Redskins (2006-07).  Lazor made his NFL coaching debut with the Atlanta Falcons in 2003 as an offensive quality control coach before becoming an offensive assistant with the Redskins from 2004-05.  In the collegiate ranks, he also held coaching stints at Cornell (1994-00) and the University of Buffalo (2001-02).  Lazor’s own experience as a player includes as an All-Ivy League quarterback at Cornell.

John Lovett (Defensive Backs) comes to Philadelphia with nearly four decades of coaching experience on his resume, primarily at the collegiate level.  He initially was hired by the University of Cincinnati this offseason after serving as the defensive backs coach at Texas Tech in 2012, mentoring a unit that led the Big 12 conference in pass defense.  Lovett’s career includes stints as defensive coordinator at Miami (Fla.), Bowling Green, Clemson, Auburn, Maine and Cincinnati.  He also spent one season as the defensive quality control coach for the New York Jets in 1984.  A graduate of C.W. Post in 1973, Lovett was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame after playing there as a linebacker and safety.

And yay – Deuce Staley stays with the Eagles but will coach running backs after spending the last two seasons as the team’s special teams quality control coach.  He also assisted Ted Williams in coaching the team’s running backs during his time here and has played a key role in the development of LeSean McCoy.  One of the most popular and toughest players to ever suit up in an Eagles uniform, Staley was originally a third-round pick of Philadelphia in 1997 and spent seven seasons with the team.

For the full background on each member of the staff, go here for the offensive assistants and here for the defensive assistants.

Chip Kelly will meet with the media on Monday at 1 pm to discuss the hires.

What do you think of Kelly’s hires, his first major task as Eagles head coach?

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

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Mike Vick to Remain on Philadelphia Eagles Roster Past February 6 Deadline

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the entire 2012 season, we’ve thought that February 6, 2013 — three days after the Super Bowl — was the do-or-die deadline for the Philadelphia Eagles to make a decision on whether Mike Vick would stay or go.  It now appears as if that is not the case.  The team has a bit more wiggle room.

 

It was previously thought that if Vick remained on the roster on February 6 the Birds were on the hook for paying the quarterback $3 million.  However, according to Tim McManus of Birds 24/7,

 

“There is a provision in the contract that puts the Eagles on the hook for the $3 million only if he does not make that amount next season with another team.  Vick will almost certainly find work next season and for at least $3 million, making the ‘deadline’ pretty irrelevant.”

 

This means that the Eagles and head coach Chip Kelly are in no rush to make a decision on Vick.  Which means that there is even more time to wonder just what Kelly seeks in his starting quarterback for the 2013 season.

 

After meeting with Kelly, Vick is high on the opportunity to work with Philadelphia’s new coach and remain in Philadelphia.  But does Kelly feel the same way about Vick?  That remains to be seen.

 

Meanwhile, as previously speculated, now that the Baltimore Ravens are Super Bowl champs, the Eagles are in hot pursuit of the team’s practice squad quarterback, Dennis Dixon according to CSNPhilly’s Geoff Mosher.  The strong appeal of Dixon for the Eagles organization is that he is the only NFL quarterback who has experience running Kelly’s option offense during his college days at Oregon.  Will it be the ultimate answer that the team is seeking?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  But it will likely provide some insight into what Kelly needs to change when adapting to the ranks of professional football.

 

For now, the quarterback situation is like virtually everything else about what the Chip Kelly era in Philadelphia Eagles football — a mystery.  Will training camp feature Vick, Dixon and Nick Foles competing for the team’s starting QB position, or will another variable enter the equation by that point?  I’m going with Option “B”.  With a whole lotta months between now and then, it’s probably best to sit back and expect the unexpected.

 

It will be a long offseason but if it’s any consolation for Eagles fans, it should be a fascinating and eventful one.

 

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

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FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY: THE BEAUTIFUL GAME AND CRIME (Part 1)

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013

by Nwaji Jibunoh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the 1978 World Cup Finals in Argentina, there was an absent figure that was highly regarded at the time as one of the greatest soccer players after Pele.  His name was Johan Cryuff; the man who invented and executed total football and showcased his skills on the grandest stage throughout the 70’s.  Cryuff had played for his country; The Netherlands in the previous tournament in 1974 and reached the final game losing to Germany.

Everyone was expecting this prolific player to return 4 years later and catapult La Orange (that’s the nickname for the Dutch national team) into super stardom.  At the last minute, their talisman pulled out of the tournament to the shock and awe of the world.  There were all sorts of speculation as to why he dropped out, but it wasn’t until 2008 when he finally spoke out indicating that he and his family had been the victims of an attempted kidnap plot.  He stated that experience and the demands from the assailants with regard to his profession had such a profound effect on him that he decided to exit the world stage of soccer to the disappoint of millions of fans, the expense of several marketing magnates, and a dent in the reputation of the beautiful game.

Criminal elements have always found their way into sports.  Johan Cryuff is one of the first examples of such a high profile case where an organized crime syndicate ultimately affected a decision made by a professional athlete creating the beginning of football scandals influenced by Organized Crime.

Yesterday, Europol in a very bizarre and interesting press conference stated that there are currently almost 700 games whose outcomes where determined as a result of Match Fixing.  Now, match fixing is not new to the World of Soccer.  After all, all you have to do is go back to Olympique Marseille in the French League in 1994 and AC Milan and Juventus from the Italian top flight in 2006 to see evidence of the influence of criminal elements in soccer and their very long reach.  But, this particular situation currently being investigated by Europol showcases a new depth to how bad this scandal has become.  We are talking about 680 games, 15 countries, 425 referees in a span of less than 3 years.  Absolute MADNESS!!!!

In as much as the details are not public right now as the investigations are ongoing, it does spur the question of the integrity of the sport.  For majority of individuals who aspire to be professionals in this sport, it will always be more than just a game.  It is first and foremost a way out of one’s current socioeconomic situation.  In developing countries, this is more apparent than anything else.  So for every young lad from a South American or African ghetto looking to one day make it big in world football, there are countless Europeans already enrolling in youth development programs honing their craft at a very early age.  So even before one can conceptualize it, the disparity already exists.  Some make it through the cracks, others won’t.  What this now creates is a recipe for match fixing.  How so?  Check it; the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Didier Drogba earn on average 200,000  Pounds Sterling per week ($320,000 USD).  These guys play for the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Drogba who left Chelsea in May 2012.  All these clubs are well funded with billionaire owners.  Now, these clubs will as a result of their schedules play the likes of Accrington Stanley, Real Zaragoza, Reading FC, and Debrecen.  These are clubs that you will probably never hear of on ESPN.  The average salary from these clubs that I have just mentioned is in the ball park of 1000-3000 Pounds Sterling per week ($1600 – $4800).  Any mafiaso, crime agent, etc can easily go to any member of the aforementioned teams as a result of such ridiculous earning disparities and say “I will give $20,000 in cash if you miss a few shots and another $40,000 if you allow Messi to breeze right by you”.  No matter your level of competitive spirit, honesty, and integrity, your morals will be questioned especially when you have responsibilities and even worse when you know the man they are asking you to NOT defend makes 40 times what you’re making.

The lack of having an effective salary cap and salary floor structure in FIFA regulated leagues along with a regimented punitive system to prevent overt betting is partly the cause of this problem, and as Europol begins to release the names of the clubs, players, games, referees, and countries involved in this fiasco, I am sure somebody may want to hire Olivia Pope to fix this Scandal.

 

Nwaji Jibunoh, International Correspondent for War Room Sports

Located in Lagos, Nigeria, Nwaji Jibunoh is War Room Sports’ International Soccer Contributor.  Nwaji also contributes commentary on U.S. sports from an international perspective.  He’s an Atlanta Falcons fan, Howard University alum, and former tight end for the North Atlanta High School Warriors.

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