Around The NFL

Nnamdi Awesome-ugha is headed to Philly
Love it, love it, love it. It would have been cool to see him go to the Jets and have Revis and him, but we will have to take Samuel and him. He signed a deal worth $60 million over five years which isn't bad figuring he's the best cornerback in the league. Now the Eagles have a stupid secondary with Asante Samuel, Nnamdi and recently acquired Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Those are 3 Pro Bowl cornerbacks ladies and gentlemen.

Antonio Cromartie back to the Jets
Antonio Cromartie will sign a 4 year, 32 million dollar deal with the Jets. Not a bad deal figuring he's still pretty damned good and can play in return situations too.

Plaxico Burress to Jets
It was said to be between the Steelers and Giants, but Plax decided to spurn his former teams and sign with the convict laden New York Jets for 3 million. This is an alternative to Braylon Edwards, who is surely going to be on another team next year. I don't like Plax, but it will be interesting to see if he can still be an effective receiver in the league.

Cedric Benson is back with the Bengals
He's about the only one who is back. 3 million with 2 million incentives, a 1 year deal.

Favre Returning To Philly

There are rumors that Brett Favre will return and wants to back up non other than Mike Vick.

Favre is going to come back, I've kind of accepted that, but my biggest fear is that he will be Vick's back up, Vick will get hurt, and the Favre will come in and do well, then we will have him around for the next 3 years. I don't know why this guy can't just take a hint. He's no longer great, he's no longer a good option, his arm doesn't have the same strength and velocity as it once did, so that paired up with his awful decision making, makes him an awful qb.

I really hope that these are rumors, but I believe we will see the old gunslinger back there.

Nike Signs Mike Vick, Because Nike Likes Money

Last week people were getting all wound up because Nike resigned Mike Vick as a sponsor after dropping him when the whole dog thing happened. People need to shut up, whatever, Mike Vick killed dogs, and I'm pretty sure nothing has changed with him mentally since that incident but man is he fun to watch. He is one of these athletes that is one in a million. He's as fast as anyone in the NFL and can throw the ball as hard and far as any QB.

And for Nike this makes sense, he's a hell of a personality and epitomizes athleticism, and he sells jerseys. Why not make as much as possible on him, I'm pretty sure they can make a great add campaign based on his tumultuous couple of years. I'm fine with it and anyone who isn't obviously hasn't seen him play.

Eagles Fans Cross Your Fingers

There are wild rumors circling today that the Eagles may have a deal in place trading Kolb to the Cardinals once the lockout is over. This has obviously been going on for awhile now, but there have been a fire of rumors since these tweets were made...

Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated reported Thursday that "the name I'm hearing will surprise you." On Friday, Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett added fuel to that fire with a tweet of his own:

"They say we 'Cardinals' gonna get kevin KOLB & we are trading a secret player for him! Hmmm I wonder who? I think I know, but I 100% don't (ESPN)?"

Who could this player be. Well most rumors seem to suggest there are three options that make sense Patrick Peterson, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Daryl Washington. Any of these guys would be a steal. I think Peterson was the best player to come out of the draft this year, Rodgers-Cromartie would give them another solid corner across from Asante Samuel. Even Daryl Washington would give them an LB, which the Eagles have needed for sometime now.

So, Eagles fans out there....pray this is true.

With The 23rd Pick In The NFL Draft The Philadelphia Eagles Select....

DP's Pick:
Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

I am a big fan of any person named Jimmy Smith, so regardless if he turns out to be a boom or a bust, I will like this pick. Smith has had some incidents in the past but he's on the same par talent wise as anyone not named Patrick Peterson. The Eagles need someone opposite of Asante Samuel and Smith could fit right in there. Again, his name is Jimmy Smith he's going to be good.

BMack's Pick:
Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

Castonzo is not the best runner blocker, but he is a hell of a pass blocker, and would fit well with the Eagles. He is quick for his size (6'7" 311 lbs). He is also known as a smart kid, which could be good, because Andy Reid like to run a lot of different packages in his offense, which should only expand with Vick getting more time. Plus BS pumps solid offensive lineman seemingly every year.

NFL News: Mankins and Vick Get Tagged

The New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles franchised Logan Mankins and Mike Vick.

Dependent on the CBA and the validity of the Franchise Tag, I don't expect them to sign the tag deal. However, this was expected.

The Mankins deal could get real messy fast, he proved that he doesn't care about money as he gave up a million and a half last year as he held out. Mankins is necessary for the Patriots success, he's a hell of a offensive lineman and plays with a mean streak. It was proven last year again that if you make Tom Brady uncomfortable in the pocket he can't perform to expectations. If they lost Mankins they would have a lot of work to do on that line who is most likely going to loss Matt light and rebuilding the left side of your line could be devastating.

I like what the Eagles did with Vick because he's still in a situation where he can't complain. It's not good to agree with him long term because he could be injured very quickly with his style of play. If I were the Eagles I would tag him every year. This also buys the Eagles some time to find a taker for Kevin Kolb.

Eagles Tag Mike Vick

The Philadelphia Eagles will make it official next month and place their franchise tag on quarterback Michael Vick, a league source has confirmed.

The move will prevent Vick from leaving Philadelphia this offseason and ensure he's tied to the Eagles for the 2011 season. ESPN

Vick made $5.25 million in 2010 but would make an estimated $20 million -- the average salary for the five highest-paid quarterbacks in the league -- if he is designated the Eagles' franchise player. So much for him being in financial trouble.

This is the right move for the Eagles. Mike Vick had an outstanding year, and should be their QB for the future. The Eagles still have Kevin Kolb for 1.4 million this year, and I see no reason to get rid of him, unless someone blows you away. With Vick's crazy style of play they constantly need a QB on call.

With Vick running the offense the Eagles should be on top of the NFC East for years to come.

Vick To Sit This Weekend

We all knew this was coming, but Vick is officially out for this Sunday against the Cowboys. It just makes too much sense. The game is meaningless and Vick has been taking a lot of hits lately. With the Eagles losing to the pathetic Vikings a week ago it is obvious that Vick could use the time off. That is one of my concerns with Vick is that the style he plays opens him up to a long of injuries. The good news is that with a week off Vick should be 100%, and when he is healthy he is one of the hardest people to game plan for in the NFL.

Another reason this could be a good idea is because if Kolb can come out and play well then it can only help his trade value. Even if he struggles they can have the excuse that the "first team" wasn't out there, so I really see this as a no lose situation.

I do bet that DeSean Jackson will sit as well on Sunday.

Teams Figuring Out Vick?

Vick's overall numbers are amazing (62.6% CMP, 30 (running/passing) TDs 6 INTs 676 yards rushing) , there is no denying that, but there is some troubling signs starting to come out.

No he isn't killing dogs again, but over the past 5 weeks he has thrown 10 TDs 6 INTs that's not bad, but when you add in that he has fumbled the ball 7 times (losing 3 of them) and you can see the reason for worry. Listen, I think Vick is still the most dynamic QB in the league, but I think all the MVP talk probably needs to end.

Vick had a chance to get his team a bye in the playoffs, but failed to beat Webb and the Vikings. That simply shouldn't happen with an MVP. He didn't have a terrible game 263 yards passing, 2 TDs (one rushing, one throwing) and 63 yards rushing. Yet, when you look closer he had 2 fumbles (both lost) and a pick. I still think Vick can lead the Eagles through the NFC playoffs, but he has to stop turning the ball over, because as we saw last night, that is usually the difference in NFL games.

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell Funny Then Racist

I have to say that I am surprised this story hasn't got more attention from the media. ESPN is playing it that he just called Americans wussies for postponing the Eagles game, but I feel like there is way more to his comment...

"My biggest beef is that this is part of what's happened in this country," Rendell said. "I think we've become wussies."

"We've become a nation of wusses. The Chinese are kicking our butt in everything," Rendell added. "If this was in China do you think the Chinese would have called off the game? People would have been marching down to the stadium, they would have walked and they would have been doing calculus on the way down (ESPN)."

Hold on a second, did he just make an Asian math joke? And no one really caught that? Interesting, maybe it is OK to make Asian jokes, but I bet if he said Africans would be dunking basketballs on the way to the stadium, or Jews would be doing accounting there would've been a huge up roar. I am just really surprised in a time when every quote is analyzed so much, that no one is bitching about this. Granted I find it hilarious, but you would think a politician would have to be a little more politically correct.

Vick Wants A Dog... Wait, What?

Michael Vick said he wants to get a dog. The Eagles quarterback, who spent 18 months in prison for his role in allowing the fighting and abuse of dogs on his compound, said in an interview with NBC News on Tuesday that having a pet would show that his transformation is complete. "I would love to get another dog in the future," he said. "I think it would be a big step for me in the rehabilitation process.

"I think just to have a pet in my household and to show people that I genuinely care, and my love and my passion for animals; I think it would be outstanding. If I ever have the opportunity again I will never take it for granted. I miss having a dog right now. I wish I could. My daughters miss having one, and that’s the hardest thing: telling them that we can’t have one because of my actions (WEEI)."

In a way he is saying the right things, but if I was him I wouldn't ever say the work "dog" again, and I certainly wouldn't buy a dog. My favorite part is "I miss having a dog right now", because all I can think is Vick having a bad day, and is like "Damn, I need to relieve some stress, I wish I could just drown a dog today, that would do it".

Just stay away from dogs Vick, we all like you better when you do.

Did We Watch The Greatest QB Performance Of All Time?

Holy Shit Mike Vick is good. Yesterday, the kid put up 333 yards with 4 TDs on 20-28 passing attempts, and also chipped in with 8 rushes with 80 yards and 2 TDs.

This year he has 1,350 yards and 11 TDs and most impressive 0 INTs.

But what has impressed me and probably all of you is how accurate this guy has became. He was normally throwing around 50% his whole career in ATL but now he's throwing 62% in Philly.

Last night I saw one of the greatest passes I have ever seen and I needed to only watch the first play of the game to see it. Mike Vick threw a perfect bullet pass to Desean Jackson for 88 yards. It hit Jackson mid stride and he hummed it as fast as an Aroldis Chapman fast ball.

The scary thing is that if he plays at this level and plays mistake free football, I don't see anyone being able to stop the new smart Vick. I'm not doing the power rankings this week, but if I were he makes the Eagles a top 3 team, and you could even make an argument they could be number 1.

DeSean Jackson Injured

I don't know what the injury status is, however, this could be a giant blow to the Eagles offense. Kevin Kolb sucks, thank god for Jeremy Maclin.

NFL News: Lights Out

Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, once one of the most-feared players in the NFL, was placed on the injured reserve list because of a calf injury and a "minor-injury designation" on Wednesday. Merriman must be released once he's healthy, the team said.

Shawne Merriman was an unbelievable player before he got busted for steroids, but since then he has been more of an afterthought than an impact player. I somewhat feel bad for him and think he's still a decent player, but who knows we saw Kendrel Bell disappear before.

It's been mentioned once or twice here that Jerome Harrison probably isn't Eric Mangini's favorite player -- that won't matter anymore Harrison has been traded from the Browns in exchange for running back Mike Bell, the Eagles announced on Wednesday.

Mike Bell sucks and Jerome Harrison has potential so I think the Eagles got away with one here. Jerome harrison definitely won't hurt the Eagles.

Vick To Return Against Falcons?

Following the Philadelphia Eagles' win on Sunday night, head coach Andy Reid dispelled any thoughts that the team had a QB controversy on their hands between Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick. The idea is that Vick will start as long as he's healthy enough to do so. The problem is that it doesn't sound like Vick will be ready to go for this week.

So except Kilb to get at least one more start, but it sounds like Vick will be the guy no matter what, then again Reid said the same thing about Kolb before Vick started a couple games.

Vick/McCoy Injury Update

We finally are starting to get word on exactly what is wrong with Vick and McCoy.

"Michael Vick suffered a "rib cartilage injury" in the Philadelphia Eagles' loss to the Washington Redskins on Sunday, Eagles Coach Andy Reid said in a press conference today in Philadelphia.

"There are no broken bones, but it is up high, between the second and third ribs," Reid said, adding that the cartilage looks "cracked" and the injury is near the sternum.

LeSean McCoy suffered "a rib fracture" against the Redskins, he said.

Reid gave no specific timetable for Vick's return, saying he was week to week and adding that if he is as sore Wednesday as he is today, Kevin Kolb will run first-team offense during practice (Washingtonpost)."

This sucks, because Vick in one of the most exciting guys to watch in the NFL, but people can't be surprised that he got hurt. His style of play will always leave him open to injury.

Anyways, the Eagles could be in a lot of trouble. Kolb looked shaky, and if McCoy is out they aren't going to have much of a running game to lean on. I hope both are back soon, but I'd be surprised if either played this week.

McNabb Better Not Get Booed

As you must know by know the Redskins are headed to Philly, and it will be the first McNabb faces his old team. There have been a lot of conversations as to whether or not he will get booed. All I have to say is shame on Eagles' fans if they do.

McNabb didn't ask to be traded. He didn't ask to be a Redskin, and after everything he has done for that franchise it be in poor taste to boo him from the start. I'm not saying once the game starts that he shouldn't be treated like every other player on the Redskins, but when they first announce him their should be a standing ovation. It's the least they can do after making this guy's life a living hell over his time there.

Eagles Should Trade Kolb

The Eagles are sticking with Vick the rest of the season. Whatever you may think of that the decision has been made and the best thing the Eagles can do for everybody is trade Kolb, because right now if Vick struggles even a little bit people are going to starting saying that Kolb should be starting. It's just what happens, and the Eagles have to take care of this.

The best option is to trade Kolb. There are so many teams that need a QB, so they might be able to squeeze out a very good deal for the unproven backup. The Bills, Raiders, Cardinals all have no future QB. Out of those three I really think the Cardinals would be the best fit. Larry Fitzgerald needs a guy with a big arm, and a bright future, and Kolb is a better fit then drafting a rookie next season. This is all speculative at this point, but I think it is important that the Eagles move on this as quick as possible to avoid any kind of split locker room.

Eagles Do The Unthinkable (UPDATED)

They make Kevin Kolb the starter over Mike Vick.... Gay. I guess Philly really doesn't want to win this season because they obviously have a better shot with Vick under center. I know Kolb was Philly's project and they pegged him to be the future, but shit happens. If Drew Bledsoe didn't get hurt Tom Brady would never have been talked about. But the Patriots did the right thing went with the hot QB and have three rings to show for it. Kolb's time is over and done, in that one quarter of football I saw him play this year, I'm pretty sure Jamarcus Russell would have out played him easily.

Vick is the future, vick wins games, Kolb blows. end of discussion.

I hate Kevin Kolb, die.

***UPDATE***

- DP is wrong Vick is starting next week, and the Eagles are saying it's not because of Kolb's concussion.

Kolb Out, Vick In

Kevin Kolb's short career as the Eagles starting QB is over and gone, it's unfortunate but true. But where a door closes another opens and that's for Mike Vick.

Mike Vick had a very impressive debut where he played mistake free football and threw and ran for over 100 yards. Mike Vick is a starting quarterback in the league and if he plays another impressive game, not only will people forget Kevin Kolb's name, but embrace the tarnished QB.

My prediction: 14-26 for 200 yards and 1 TD and 145 rushing yards with 2 TDs.

Finally I get my Vick highlights on ESPN.