THINKS THE EAGLES STOLE ONE
Most of the time when a team is dubbed champions of the offseason, it's meant in a mocking, insulting manner.
The Redskins get the label pretty much every year.
But when Alex Marvez of FoxSports.com named the Eagles one of three offseason winners, he meant it as a compliment.
Here's part of what Marvez wrote:
Even this team's notoriously grumpy fan base can't gripe after this stellar offseason. The Eagles upgraded an aging offensive line by trading with Buffalo for Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters and signing free-agent guard/tackle Stacy Andrews (Cincinnati). The running game was further bolstered with the signing of fullback Leonard Weaver and second-round selection of LeSean McCoy to serve as Brian Westbrook's new backup. Philadelphia also finally made the plunge for a blue-chip wide receiver prospect in the draft, making Jeremy Maclin the team's first top-round selection at the position since Freddie Mitchell in 2001. Defensively, the bulk of the NFL's No. 3 unit from 2008 returns intact.
Are you grumpy? I'm feeling unusually chipper this morning, actually.
Anyway, Marvez continues to write that the Birds have the best quartet of cornerbacks in the NFL. The other two winners he names are the Patriots and the Jets. Marvez has the Redskins as one of his three offseason losers, along with the Colts and the Broncos.
And before you scold me in the comments section, I realize that being a winner in the offseason means nothing. I choose to share the link anyway.
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Remember the name Rashad Barksdale?
The Eagles drafted the defensive back in the sixth round of the 2007 draft, but cut him before the start of the season. Barksdale caught on with the Chiefs and played special teams for six games. In 2008, the Giants signed him to the practice squad, and he was active for one game last season.
Anyway, he's apparently doing some good things at Giants OTAs, according to Mike Garafolo of The Newark Star-Ledger.
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On Monday, we detailed Osi Umenyiora's comments about the Eagles. Rich Hofmann caught up with DeSean Jackson to get his response. Jackson didn't give the Giants much material, but appeared confident. By the way, condolences to Jackson, who lost his father earlier this month.
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And finally, I can't imagine the Eagles having a much more eventful first day of OTAs. Sheldon Brown didn't show up. Brian Westbrook sat out with an ankle injury. And reports surfaced that the Eagles and Donovan McNabb are talking contract. Check out our Eagles section for news and updates from the beat guys. Photos above are from yesterday's workout and other offseason practices.
