2009-10 NFL off season thread

[Saintsfan]

If I were an Eagles fan I think my biggest concern right now would be the lack of experience in the offense, certainly for 2010. Thats not at all to suggest that they can't win, but I would worry a bit about how they would all cope put into close game situations in playoff or end of season games. Kolb, in particular, is very untested in that kind of position.

(Incidentally is it a given that Kolb will be the starter or would Vick be serious competition for the starter's role?)

[BBTV]

If I were an Eagles fan I think my biggest concern right now would be the lack of experience in the offense, certainly for 2010. Thats not at all to suggest that they can't win, but I would worry a bit about how they would all cope put into close game situations in playoff or end of season games. Kolb, in particular, is very untested in that kind of position.

(Incidentally is it a given that Kolb will be the starter or would Vick be serious competition for the starter's role?)

Kevin Kolb is the undisputed starter. He was drafted to be the starter, and had a press conference on Monday where he was introduced as the starter. There is no competition. Expect the Eagles to sign someone like Jeff Garcia to be the backup if Kolb goes down for an extended period of time. Garcia (or whoever) would be listed as #3 so Vick could still be part of the offense, but in an injury situation, the #3 would probalby leap frog Vick and start.

I don't think anyone's saying that they're going to go 12-4, 11-5, or even 10-6 with Kolb. Realistically, he is (and the other young players are) going to have some struggles. I don't know a single Eagles fan who doesn't understand that there's a strong possibility of a 7-9 type of season (I can't picture 6-10). But that was going to happen eventually anyway. With McNabb gone, it makes it happen sooner, which means that they get experience and can win more in 2011.

[BlueSky]

NFL Network's Charles Davis has a theory that the Saints may reach for Tebow in the first round.

I'm filing that under "For the love of God, NO!"

Why? He clearly won't be playing quarterback if the Saints take him. A role of some kind (not a big one) could probably be found for Tebow if the Saints take him.

Because you don't blow your #1 pick on a maybe-we-can-do-something-with-him offensive project, especially when you already have the best offense in the league and your team clearly has more urgent needs on defense.

[Eye]

NFL Network's Charles Davis has a theory that the Saints may reach for Tebow in the first round.

I'm filing that under "For the love of God, NO!"

Why? He clearly won't be playing quarterback if the Saints take him. A role of some kind (not a big one) could probably be found for Tebow if the Saints take him.

Because you don't blow your #1 pick on a maybe-we-can-do-something-with-him offensive project, especially when you already have the best offense in the league and your team clearly has more urgent needs on defense.

You are absolutely right. For some reason I didn't see the "first round." portion of your post. A pick in the later rounds would obviously make much more sense if the Saints were going to do this.

My mistake.

[The_Admiral]

He's going at #10, guys.

[Saintsfan]

If I were an Eagles fan I think my biggest concern right now would be the lack of experience in the offense, certainly for 2010. Thats not at all to suggest that they can't win, but I would worry a bit about how they would all cope put into close game situations in playoff or end of season games. Kolb, in particular, is very untested in that kind of position.

(Incidentally is it a given that Kolb will be the starter or would Vick be serious competition for the starter's role?)

Kevin Kolb is the undisputed starter. He was drafted to be the starter, and had a press conference on Monday where he was introduced as the starter. There is no competition. Expect the Eagles to sign someone like Jeff Garcia to be the backup if Kolb goes down for an extended period of time. Garcia (or whoever) would be listed as #3 so Vick could still be part of the offense, but in an injury situation, the #3 would probalby leap frog Vick and start.

I don't think anyone's saying that they're going to go 12-4, 11-5, or even 10-6 with Kolb. Realistically, he is (and the other young players are) going to have some struggles. I don't know a single Eagles fan who doesn't understand that there's a strong possibility of a 7-9 type of season (I can't picture 6-10). But that was going to happen eventually anyway. With McNabb gone, it makes it happen sooner, which means that they get experience and can win more in 2011.

You see I think in the end the issue Kolb is going to have is comparison to McNabb. If you have some experienced QB and Vick on the sidelines, and the team is going down hill in 2010, thats a lot of pressure on a first year starter. (As I say the opposite could happen and Kolb could lead the Eagles to a better than expected year). Kolb is going to come under increased pressure from everyone. Are the management big enough to say to the fans and media 'look we expect one or two losing seasons, but we are sticking by Kolb come what may because we think he can lead this franchise to where it wants to be.'?

I do think that trading McNabb away is potentially a massive risk for the Eagles. Especially if Reid is staying for the foreseeable future. It doesn;t leave them many places to go if things do go badly wrong.

[BBTV]

I'm not sure what else to say other than you don't understand the situation, and you're wrong. They are clearly rebuilding. The management won't admit it (why should they?) but it's clear. Kolb will struggle. NOBODY wants Vick as the starting QB. There is absolutely no reason for Kolb to have to look over his shoulder. Starting Vick would be the dumbest thing they could do, because it stunts Kolb's progress. This whole season is about getting Kolb, Jackson, Maclin, McCoy, Celek, etc. some more experience playing together. They won't sacrafice that just to squeeze one or two more wins out of a season that they don't have a chance to win the Super Bowl anyway. Nobody is expecting playoffs. Nobody wants to see 6-10, but if that's what it takes to get them closer in future years, then so be it. I can't imagine them that bad though.

Of course there will be pressure on him - there's always pressure on the QB. If I've ever seen anyone who can handle the pressure and not let it get to him, it's Kolb. Also, everyone understands and expects some mishaps. We're demanding, but we're not stupid.

I think NOT trading McNabb would have been a massive risk, because Kolb leaves after this year, and now you're left with nobody after McNabb is gone.

[Cujo]

Tiki Barber: Class Act

[Saintsfan]

I'm not sure what else to say other than you don't understand the situation, and you're wrong. They are clearly rebuilding. The management won't admit it (why should they?) but it's clear. Kolb will struggle. NOBODY wants Vick as the starting QB. There is absolutely no reason for Kolb to have to look over his shoulder. Starting Vick would be the dumbest thing they could do, because it stunts Kolb's progress. This whole season is about getting Kolb, Jackson, Maclin, McCoy, Celek, etc. some more experience playing together. They won't sacrafice that just to squeeze one or two more wins out of a season that they don't have a chance to win the Super Bowl anyway. Nobody is expecting playoffs. Nobody wants to see 6-10, but if that's what it takes to get them closer in future years, then so be it. I can't imagine them that bad though.

Of course there will be pressure on him - there's always pressure on the QB. If I've ever seen anyone who can handle the pressure and not let it get to him, it's Kolb. Also, everyone understands and expects some mishaps. We're demanding, but we're not stupid.

I think NOT trading McNabb would have been a massive risk, because Kolb leaves after this year, and now you're left with nobody after McNabb is gone.

Your right in that the Eagles need to move forward, but my point is really only that just because Kolb is not a rookie, doesn't mean that pitching in an inexperienced QB isn't a big risk, without some veteran help around him. Time will tell if it works out for the Eagles.

[Saintsfan]

Double post!

[FiddySicks]

Tiki Barber: Class Act

You know, I've always heard that Tiki's wife was a crazy b*tch. There was even some talk a few years back that she may have even been the reason Tiki retired when he did instead of continuing to play.

[BBTV]

Since it's been a few hours since an Eagles-related post, I give to you the words of Brent Celek:

"They did the right thing," Celek said. "They got faith in Kolb, and I'll tell ya what, I think Kolb is gonna be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in years to come. I hate hearing people say that we're rebuilding right now cause we got a lot of good players on our team and we're gonna win a lot of games this year."The people in the front office and coach Reid have seen Kevin's development over the last three years, and they feel it's time. And I'll tell ya what, a lot of guys on the team feel the exact same way. We're ready to rally behind him and get this thing going."

That makes at least five players that have said that they're glad McNabb's gone, and I think that validates the rumors that the "new blood" didn't care for him, didn't have his back, and wanted Kolb. Only one player has said anything pro-McNabb - FB Leonard Weaver, who's been with the team all of one season. All of the others have either said they're glad he's gone, or not said anything. I'm a little upset with the viciousness of the attacks he's still getting on radio call-in shows - some people down-right HATE the man, but it's clear that the right move was made.

EDIT: there were literally 10s of thousands of Phillies fans in DC for Opening Day on Monday. Many were chanting "Donovan Sucks", and other things. According to one blog, there were people seen peeing on glossy photos of McNabb and newspapers with his picture.

Also, there was a gathering of hundreds of fans pretty much just to trash McNabb. Not sure if this guy just didn't care for McNabb, or if he hated that throwback jersey.

EDIT2: in no way does the guy in this picture represent me or most of the people in Philadelphia, with the possible exception of the North East.

[NJTank]

Tiki and looking at the new girlfriend it is indeed going to be a happy birthday.

[dfwabel]

Tiki and looking at the new girlfriend it is indeed going to be a happy birthday.

But no wishes for Ronde?

FWIW, Tiki commented on how his father left their mother and how he resented it. History seems to repeat itself.

[Cujo]

Dolphins' LB Jason Taylor is perhaps THIS close from becoming a member of the rival New York Jets.

ESPN.com

[goalieboy82]

when does the nfl schedule come out.

[dfwabel]

when does the nfl schedule come out.

Last year, they released it on April 14, 2009 (Tuesday).

That may change since the Draft moves up to Thursday night, but 48-72 hours prior to the release, the NFL will send a press release on when the NFLN will air their "Schedule Show".

[njmeadowlanders]

Don't have the link yet but reports are the Jets acquired Santonio Holmes and his baggage from the Steelers for a 5th rounder...I love Mike Tannenbaum...

(Sent from my iPhone)

[NJTank]

Sportscenter just had the Holmes to Jets story

The Jets are getting scary

[NEW.ERA]

Jets are quickly going to be thrown in the talk of the Pats, Colts and Chargers as AFC powers.