Archive: November, 2012
Paul Domowitch, Daily News NFL Columnist
Surveying the wreckage of yet another Eagles loss while wondering whether Rich Kotite is going to send a box of cigars to the newest member of the Seven Straight Losses Club:
TODD V. JUAN
The before-and-after numbers get more gruesome every week. In the five games since Andy Reid saw fit to relieve defensive coordinator Juan Castillo of his command and replace him with Todd Bowles, the Eagles’ pass defense has gone to hell in a very big way.
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
For fans wondering when some of the underperforming stars that have helped doom this Eagles season might be held accountable, there was an answer Tuesday, too little, too late, but better than nothing.
Preening defensive end Jason Babin was released. In a statement, Eagles coach Andy Reid said he appreciated Babin's contributions -- which included making the Pro Bowl last year -- but that cutting him "gives us an opportunity to give more playing time to some of the younger guys in the defensive line rotation." -- Such as rookie Vinny Curry, who saw his first action of the season Monday and led the DL with five tackles in just 21 snaps.
Babin, who had 18 sacks last year, has 5.5 this season. He has rarely made a play other than a sack.
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
The Eagles' unfolding disaster got a little worse Tuesday when Andy Reid announced wide receiver DeSean Jackson suffered multiple fractures of his ribs and upper chest in Monday night's loss to Carolina.
Reid said Jackson will go on injured reserve, ending his season. he also indicated concussion victims Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy are unlikely to play this weekend at Dallas.
Reid, who does not seem in danger of being replaced during the season, answered a series of questions about his defense's ineptitude. He didn't have any answers.
- Poll: If Vick is healthy, who should be starter? (5653 votes)
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
There was a rare Jeffrey Lurie sighting Monday night, as the team chairman emerged to laud former Pro Bowl cornerback Troy Vincent and longtime ticket manager Leo Carlin, who are being inducted into the Eagles' Hall of Fame.
Lurie took no questions and disappeared through a side door just before the news conference ended.
Vincent and Carlin answered several questions where they were asked to compare the current tough times with the past. For Carlin, there was no real comparison, given that many years ago, he had to bargain with local TV stations to avoid blackouts.
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
On the day former Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott is scheduled to lead the Carolina Panthers' defense against the Birds, the team announced the departure of McDermott's brother, marketing vice president Tim McDermott.
The team released a statement confirming McDermott's departure, not giving any cause. The team also released a statement from McDermott calling the split "amicable," a word also used in the team statement.
Tim McDermott, who grew up in Lansdale, was hired in 2010, and has been credited with helping make the organizational image less remote and disconnected from the fan base. One of the first things he was involved with was the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1960 NFL championship team, which several alumni said marked a distinct change in the Eagles' attitude toward figures from its past.
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
Tonight's game is huge for Nick Foles, and by extension, for Eagles fans.
Whether Foles is a potential franchise quarterback or just a guy is the key question that will determine how far away from contending the Eagles are, under whatever coach Jeff Lurie hires in January or February. (Please, God, let it be January. Early January would be best.)
This is pretty obvious stuff, but I feel the need to restate it after listening to a lot of people hypothesize over the past week or so about picking up some fill-in quarterback from somewhere for 2013. (Matt Flynn, etc.) I don't see the point.
Paul Domowitch, Daily News NFL Columnist
Each week, Paul Domowitch of the Daily News provides an in-depth look at the keys to an Eagles' victory, as well as who has the edge in their upcoming matchup.
WHAT WE'RE WATCHING
CONTAIN CAM: For the second straight week, the Eagles are facing a dual-threat quarterback. They did a poor job last week against Robert Griffin III, allowing him to extend plays and rush for 84 yards. Cam Newton isn’t as accurate as Griffin and doesn’t take care of the ball nearly as well (13 turnovers), but leads the Panthers in rushing and has accounted for 29 of their 65 rushing first downs.
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Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
Eagles head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder said Saturday that quarterback Michael Vick has progressed quickly the last few days, and is at Phase 3 of the five-phase concussion recovery process.
Eagles coach Andy Reid made it official that Vick will not play Monday night against Carolina. But though Burkholder emphasized that Vick still needs to clear several hurdles to play again -- including normal neurological testing and OKs from both team internist Dr. Gary Dorshimer and an independent neurologist -- Burkholder said Vick should progress into Phase 4 Sunday, and start throwing a football.
"He reports no symptoms -- no headache, no vision problems, no nausea, no fatigue or anything like that," Burkholder said. "He hasn't reported any symptoms today after he did his workout this morning. In all likelihood, if nothing happens tonight, he'll progress into Phase 4 tomorrow, which is football activity."
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
The idea was not for Nick Foles to drop back to pass 50 or so times in his starting debut, Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said Friday. It just worked out that way, after the Birds fell behind early and had to go to a 2-minute offensive approach, Mornhinweg said.
"We struggled to get anything going at all" in the 31-6 loss, Mornhinweg said, as the Birds prepared to take another shot at breaking a now-six-game losing streak, at the Linc Monday night against the Panthers.
Foles, who will start again Monday with Michael Vick still sidelined by a concussion, threw third-down interceptions on his first two series, distorting the rest of the game. "I've got to do better. Third and longs with a rookie quarterback, you're always susceptible to those types of things," Mornhinweg said.
