Archive: May, 2009
Inquirer Staff
Former Eagle running back Keith Byars is coaching high school football in Boca Raton, Fla., the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Byars was a first-round pick by the Eagles in 1986 and played in Philadelphia through the end of the 1992 season. He then played for Miami, New England and the New York Jets. His last NFL season was 1998.
"He's quite a catch for us," Boca athletic director Bill Massey said, according to the Sun-Sentinel. "He established himself with the JV last year and with his NFL experiences and contacts he's the total package.
David Sell
The Eagles reportedly will add to their coaching staff in what could be another sign that Jim Johnson will not be able to return as defensive coordinator.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Saturday that former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Brian Stewart will join the Eagles staff, with an announcement possible this coming week.
Stewart was fired by the Cowboys in the staff purge that followed the Eagles' victory over the Cowboys in the final game of the regular season.
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
The Eagles closed rookie camp today and there wasn't much news to come out of the final day of practice for first year guys and selected vets. You'll be happy to know, however, that Donovan McNabb -- who spent the last few weeks in Arizona -- was back in town. The quarterback worked out at the NovaCare complex and is expected to report to Tuesday's organized team activity for the entire roster.
He was unavailable for comment. The Eagles PR staff isn't optimistic that McNabb will speak to the media next week.
Tight end Cornelius Ingram was back to full go after injuring his left knee two days ago. Yesterday he didn't participate in noncontact drills. Today he was involved in each drill and looked healthy. The rookie tweaked his knee when he got tangled up between two defenders on a pass play. He admitted that he was slightly worried when he first noticed it was the same knee he injured last August. Ingram tore his ACL before his senior season and missed the entire year. "I'll be honest, I was a little scared at that time," he said. "But once I got up the pain started to ease away a little bit. I went to the doctor yesterday morning and he checked everything out. Everything looked fine and I'm out here running around today."
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Another ranking, another post on Birds' Eye View. The venerable foxsports.com ranked the top franchises in the NFL and the Eagles finished third. Adam Schein based his rankings on eight criteria: owner, front office, head coach, coaching staff, quarterback, offense, defense and intangibles. I think he missed something, though. How about championships?
Of the eight top teams only the Eagles and Falcons have failed to win a Super Bowl in the last 12 years. The list goes: 1. New England, 2. Pittsburgh, 3. Birds, 4. N.Y. Giants, 5. Baltimore, 6. Atlanta, 7. Indianapolis, 8. Green Bay.
Here's Schein's take on the Eagles: "The Eagles didn't get a grade in any category under 8.5. This is a great organization, from owner Jeff Lurie , to the PR staff to the talent and good guys on the playing roster. Andy Reid and his outstanding coaching staff proved to be the difference between the Eagles and rival Giants."
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Last week, Eagles backup quarterback Kevin Kolb was asked about the prospects of having to sit for another season -- and possibly more -- behind Donovan McNabb. The third-year pro answered as you would hope a would-be starting QB would answer such a question, but it created a mini-firestorm on what had to be a slow news day.
To recap, he said: "I don't know if 'frustrating' is the word, but I'm getting a little bit antsy." Frustrating, though, was the word he used when he asked about the possibility of McNabb getting a contract extenstion beyond the two years left on his deal. "That'll be frustrating," Kolb said. "But, shoot, what are my options? I'll just come out here and execute and show them I can be the guy they want me to be."
Kolb, no dummy, was asked again today if busting his tail off in practice and not seeing the fruits of his labor come game time was frustrating [There's that word again.] "It’s not frustrating," he said. "I’m getting better here every day. I got better today than I was yesterday. So as long as I keep that mentality, I’ll be fine."
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Eagles rookie Cornelius Ingram is back at practice after suffering a left knee contusion yesterday during minicamp. The tight end, however, is wearing a brace and is without helmet -- meaning he won't take part in non-contact drills. Bright is participating in catching drills, but co-rookie Eugene Bright should expect a lot of reps during 7 on 7s and 11 on 11s today.
In other news, the Eagles announced that defensive tackle Amon Gordon had surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles. The four-year pro injured himself last week during rookie camp. The Eagles signed Gordon in the off-season after he was waived by Tennessee.
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
The Eagles announced today that they have signed punter Ken Parrish and have released kicker Sam Swank.
A rookie free agent of the 49ers in 2007, Parrish spent training camp and the preseason in San Francisco before being released prior to the regular season. He attended East Stroudsburg University and is an East Stroudsburg native.
Swank, a rookie free agent from Wake Forest, did not work out with the team yesterday.
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Eagles tight end Cornelius Ingram suffered a left knee contusion during practice today. It's the same knee he injured (torn ACL) prior to last season, causing him to miss his senior campaign. The team said he is expected to return to practice tomorrow.
Ingram was running a seam pattern down the middle and got tangled up with safety Rashad Baker on a throw from Adam DiMichele. The fifth round draft pick hobbled to the sideline, was checked out by the trainers and limped unassisted into the NovaCare complex, thus ending his workout for the day.
In other news, the Eagles signed defensive tackle Trevor Jenkins to a rookie free agent deal. Undrafted out of Middle Tennessee St., the 6-foot-1, 287-pound Jenkins was at the post-draft minicamp as an unsigned player.
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Yes, it's probably way to early for this kind of thing, but espn.com unleashed its first power rankings for the 2009 season. And where do your Eagles rank? If you read the headline, you know by now. ESPN's NFL bloggers have the Birds at No. 4 behind the Steelers, Patriots and Giants. Sounds rather optimistic.
Here's their take on the Eagles:
"With the additions of Jeremy Maclin, Jason Peters and LeSean McCoy, this should be one of the top offenses." Should.
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
"Next agent!"
Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin has reportedly ditched super(annoying)agent Drew Rosenhaus. Team Boldin has tried its best to force a trade or get a new contract this off-season to no avail. Obviously, Rosenhaus, who may have spent too much time on Twitter, has paid the price.
You gotta love Drew's response: "Regarding Anquan Boldin, let me say that I have great respect for him. I'm hopeful we can work this out and he can return to the Rosenhaus Sports family in the near future. We are proud to continue to represent his brother, D.J. Boldin. We would also like to take this opportunity to announce that we have signed Will Allen to a 2-year contract extension with the Dolphins worth $16.2 million. We are pleased to announce today that we have re-signed New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey [to a representation agreement]."
