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Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Should Eagles Take Lesson From Flyers?

Apples and oranges? Or just midnight green and orange?

Both the Flyers and the Eagles operate in the world of a hard salary cap, although the enormous revenue generated by the NFL makes it a lot harder to spend too much there.

The Flyers are in a league where the cap is not only holding steady, but might be falling soon.

That didn't stop the Flyers from taking a big risk, and taking on a potentially big contract, to play for a Stanley Cup win right now.

They went out and traded for Chris Pronger, giving up two valuable draft picks, a recent first-rounder in defenseman Luca Sbisa and a decent scorer in Joffrey Lupul. In making the trade, they were also unable to resign winger Mike Knuble. Heavy trade, very heavy.

But as I tried to point out in a column in today's Inquirer, it was also the right move. Because you have to take big chances and big risks to win it all. Maybe they fall flat, but they are taking their shot.

Now, rightly or wrongly, the perception in Philadelphia is that the Sixers also take big chances (albeit not the right ones all the time), that the Phillies finally spent enough to get to the World Series (barely), and that the Eagles think they play in the National Fiscal League.

Is that a fair assessment of the Eagles? Well, they have been far, far under the cap at times, and based on actual dollars spent, some studies indicate they are somewhere in the middle of the league. Looking at that, it is difficult to disagree.

Part of the reason they were way under the cap last season was that they didn't have any of those 24-to-28-year-old guys they wanted to lock up forever. And that's at least partly because they have been developing them as rapidly in recent seasons as they did in the past. Being less talented isn't the goal, but it sure saves money.

The Eagles have two months until the opening of the season. Let's see them make some roster additions that match up, in risk and possible reward, with the Flyers' trade for Pronger. Then, promise, we'll stop talking about this terrible unfair perception.

Posted by Bob Ford @ 1:30 PM  Permalink | 66 comments
66
Comments   
Posted 01:38 PM, 07/07/2009
PhillyFanSince86
What kind of changes have the Sixers taken? Are they even an NBA team anymore? The management of Ed Snyder and Ed Stefanski is the Sports version of Dumb and Dumber. With that said, the Eagles signed a big name Left Tackle this past year. They got the biggest CB on the market in Asante Samuels. They just don't seem to make that final move to take us all the way but I do think their management is smart. They keep us winning and in it at least. I just wish they would take the final step.
Posted 01:38 PM, 07/07/2009
PhillyFanSince86
What kind of changes have the Sixers taken? Are they even an NBA team anymore? The management of Ed Snyder and Ed Stefanski is the Sports version of Dumb and Dumber. With that said, the Eagles signed a big name Left Tackle this past year. They got the biggest CB on the market in Asante Samuels. They just don't seem to make that final move to take us all the way but I do think their management is smart. They keep us winning and in it at least. I just wish they would take the final step.
Posted 01:57 PM, 07/07/2009
Scott67
The Flyers are the Washington Redskins of the NHL.
Posted 01:57 PM, 07/07/2009
rwright611
Could you imagine next April on draft day the Eagles giving up Maclin, their 2010 1st rounder, their 2011 1st rounder and a conditional 3rd rounder for... let's say Randy Moss? That would be the equivalent of the Pronger "masterpiece" of a trade Homer executed this year. I love Pronger, but the trade is still insanity.
Posted 01:57 PM, 07/07/2009
DennyP
I hate to be in a position to defend the Birds' FO and I am not a Flyer hater by any means, but what have the Flyers done that's so much better than the Birds Bob? Did I miss the Stanley Cup parade? Flyers may make more splash, part of it true(Forsberg, Briere, et all), and part of it b/c the local media bends over for Ed. For all the splash the big names haven't brought the Cup to Philly. In fact, Birds get slaughtered (sometimes rightly so) for being stubborn but Flyers are much more so IMO. How about their chronic disregard in addressing the goalie situation? How about their chronic failure to sign and/or draft Eastern European players? How about eliminating the dump & chase B.S.? How about the entire organIzation, beginning with Ed, stop always complaining about being penalized b/c of a perceived NHL bias/conspiracy? At the end of the day, just win and no one but the Phillies right now can say otherwise or "teach" any lessons.
Posted 01:57 PM, 07/07/2009
KGKoons
Hobbs, great draft, just what would the Birds go after? Sign whom???? Who is out there that would be a team impacter now? Another WR? A RB? A second QB back up?
Posted 02:03 PM, 07/07/2009
jman
The answer is no, the Eagles will not learn anything from the Flyers, because the Eagles management doesn't feel it needs to learn anything. They already know all the answers.
Posted 02:03 PM, 07/07/2009
andrewfrombrooklyn
Curious. Who's out there that you'd like to see them add? Boldin? What would you give up for him? What need do the Eagles have that they didn't address in the draft or via free agency? You could say defensive line, maybe a veteran TE in case Ingram gets hurt or Celek isn't the answer in '09. But who, exactly?
Posted 02:04 PM, 07/07/2009
cujat13
Other than DE I think the Eagles addressed just about all of their needs this offseason...spending money for the sake of spending money wouldn't be any better than being well under the salary cap.
Posted 02:06 PM, 07/07/2009
senseirandy
For God's sakes, look at the two men in charge and see if you see a difference. Ed Snider, who could stare down a lion and demand the Pope refer to him as "Mr. Snider", or Jeffrey Lurie. Effeminate, nerdy little Jeff - softer than the Pillsbury Doughboy. Winners are aggressive risk takers, not afraid of failure - win at any cost. Winning defines them. They are usually hard working, self-made individuals. They don't view money as a possession, but rather a tool by which they can continue to succeed. Jeffrey Lurie was born rich. People like that view money as a possession and are not inclined to part with it.
Posted 02:19 PM, 07/07/2009
pgcd3
Wow! Is Ed Snider or Comcast paying you for this? Because that's the only possible explanation for this stupidity. You're embarrassing yourself Bob. Just stop.
Posted 02:23 PM, 07/07/2009
LJL
The only championship Lurie is concerned about winning is to die with the most toys.
Posted 02:25 PM, 07/07/2009
Prego614
The Flyers and Eagles are in the playoffs just about all the time which is really all you need. Getting into the playoffs is giving yourself a chance and then seeing what you need to win it all. But the playoffs are different in the NFL and NHL obviously. But both require toughness and luck and the Flyers seemed to lack that toughness last year and are starting to draft goalies, so they are addressing the goalie situation. The Eagles signed T.O. REMEMBER THAT! ;] That was a huge risk for them and it took them to the SB where they played sloppy and were 3pts away from winning it. Thats what happens with risk. Its also the way pro sports are today. In any sport you need talent, grit/toughness, good health for the players, luck and of course good chemistry*See 2008 Phillies* The Sixers will be in a funk for a couple more years. They are headed in the right direction from what I can see. The Brand signing isnt really that bad as its made out to be. Miller was not a good fit for this team, though some might disagree. They need a PG a shooter and a couple bench guys. They also need to learn how to play halfcourt because any NBA player can play street ball(Run and Gun Offense). The Sixers management has to catch up to the other 3 pro teams in Philly. The Phillies used to be the worst, now its time for the Sixers to step up to the plate.
Posted 02:29 PM, 07/07/2009
Bobphxville
Why would I want the Eagles to make a bone-headed move like the Flyers? Its easy to mortgage the future. The Eagles try to get rid of players like Pronger - guys with big salaries whose best years are behind them. The Flyers have yet to prove they can do anything in the era of a salary cap, while the Eagles have flourished.
Posted 02:57 PM, 07/07/2009
craig123
Flyers last won a cup in 1975, enough said. The Eagles have just accomplished something very rare in sports. They have rebuilt the entire team and kept competitive during the process. Andy's first team didn't get it done, came close, but it didn't happen. So, without any excuses or talk of any kind, they have built a new team that is now ready to show what it's got. They have spent money in free agency when necessary, big names and little names. So, let's just shut up and see what this team can do over the next few years. My guess it's going to be something special.
Posted 02:58 PM, 07/07/2009
zwarte piet
this article should be titled "should the phillies take a lesson from flyers"? amaro is the one who is not addressing the rotation problems of this team because he is afraid to make a bad deal. amaro has too many untouchables in his organization to do the wheeling and dealing that holmgren did to make the pronger deal happen. amaro is only concerned about fielding a 90-win team that stays in the pennant race until the end and has a 50-50 chance of making the playoffs. he can keep ticket sales up that way and at the same time he keeps salary down. amaro's top priority is not repeating as world champs. holmgren is going for it all this year.
Posted 03:01 PM, 07/07/2009
jmccaff
Learn what? When was the last time the flyers won anything????
Posted 03:06 PM, 07/07/2009
nuggett
NO WAY Besides the EAGLES live by Joe Banner rules....never pay up and always get rookies or over the hill players and give them minimums.....so the draft will always be their way to not spend money (remeber they trade away the expensive first rounders.) And the FLYERS can't teach any franchise anything.....they love fighters even though the league went to speed 5 years ago....they love over the hill big slow defensemen.....they love the new goalie every other year philophy....and for the record why would you follow a team that has won nothing in 25 years.....
Posted 03:14 PM, 07/07/2009
willll
The last Flyers' Stanley Cup was 33 seasons ago, and Ed Snider has been in charge of the Sixers for the last 13 years, with no championships. That totals 46 seasons without a championship. Here is a quiz: name an owner (other then Ed Snider) to be in charge of one or more pro teams for 46 seasons, without winning a championship?.....I'm not sure there is anyone.....I'm don't know what the Eagles should do, but imitating an Ed Snider franchise is probably NOT the answer.....
Posted 03:16 PM, 07/07/2009
FKD215
I could have sworn that the Eagles recently took a big risk with some guy named TO. That one didn't work out so well...
Posted 03:35 PM, 07/07/2009
MBFlyerfan
It was the right trade. They gave up an inconsistent scorer who made too much money. A young d-man who wasn't going to crack the lineup this year anyway, and two draft picks, which frankly, in the NHL are crapshoots. It was the right move for a a guy who plays big minutes (26:58 last season) is durable (82 games last season) and puts up points from the backline (11 g 38 a). Anyone who says otherwise doesn't know hockey.
Posted 03:39 PM, 07/07/2009
ILL-UH-DEL
So basically bob, you're looking for some big trade- something that is a rarity on the NFL. It wasn't enough that spent top dollar on a top 10 corner (Samuel) and a top 10 tackle of the future (peters). They drafted in areas of need and even got us a fullback. Oh and they handed their qb millions they didn't have to. I don't know hockey but giving up two 1sts and a former 1st for anybody seems a little shady
Posted 03:40 PM, 07/07/2009
NickFromGermantown
You have to wonder what some people are thinking. The managements of the Eagles and Flyers are both very good. Both the Eagles and the Flyers have been widely successful, but they unfortunately haven't been to win in the last round. Blame who you want, but it just didn't work out. Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. And to be honest, I'd rather have the teams be constantly good and win it all less often than have a team that wins it all more times and can't maintain success. Constant lows are a lot worse than being towards the top and feeling deflated.
Posted 03:46 PM, 07/07/2009
sewell guy
nugget,and what exactly have the eagles wo since 1960 (48 years)you stupid moron.The flyers have lost 52 goals and 45 assists in Lupul and Knuble so please tell me how Pronger makes that up......they don't.They are going to be an also ran just like the eagles will be again this year and every year that McPuke and AR are here.I was impressed by what Holmgren had done up to this point but now I think he has lost it and they will be worse next year than last year but they did make a change in leadership something the eagles are incapable of doing with the crying whining McPuke.Aother year of losing winter sports.Thank God for the only CHAMPIONS in this town the PHILLIES.the rest are all LOSERS.
Posted 03:47 PM, 07/07/2009
riles1875
Yeah, Flyers last won the cup in 1975. When did the Eagles last win a championship? Oh yeah, that's right: 1960. The Flyers have been back to the Finals five times since they last won it, and the Eagles have managed to make it to the Super Bowl twice. I don't always agree with the moves the Flyers make, but at least I know their intentions are always to go for it. They want to be Stanley Cup Champions, while the Eagles seem more concerned with being Salary Cap Champions.
Posted 03:48 PM, 07/07/2009
tacklinjoe
Other than a good veteran running back in case of injury to Westbrook, which wouldn't have to cost a lot, just where is it Bob Ford wants the Eagles to spend money? They should spend it just to get closer to the cap? They should spend $9 million on an Anquan Boldin- type receiver who'll touch the ball six times a game?
Posted 03:49 PM, 07/07/2009
dfal2510
no chance. I think the Eagles are just fine with the moves they made. does this move make certain the flyers take home the cup??? I dont they even make it past the first round of playoffs.
Posted 04:04 PM, 07/07/2009
jsavino
Pronger was extended http://www.novafantasysports.com/chris+pronger+contract+details%2C+flyers+extend+pronger%2C+pronger+no+trade+clause%2C+
Posted 04:09 PM, 07/07/2009
Yatzee!
The Eagles S.U.C.K. suck. I'm off the bandwagon. I'm throwing in the towel.
Posted 04:11 PM, 07/07/2009
mattk
i have to laugh when people say "mortgage the future" the future for the Flyers and Eagles have been the last 40 years! why not take a shot? what do they have to lose? also Bobphxville, exactly how many super bowls have the Eagles won while they have been "flourishing" in the salary cap era?
Posted 04:11 PM, 07/07/2009
jjdeadhead
Where to start? We are talking about a team that drafts a good (not great, good) quarterback to run an offense that is designed for the short passing game, McNabb’s biggest flaw, accuracy. The head coach has a recording that he plays at every press conference “it’s my fault, I have to put them in a better position to win” after 10? years why are we getting the same lame excuse? Is it that he truly hasn’t learned how to put them in that better position yet? The team has always said wide receivers aren’t important and don’t win Superbowls then why did they draft Sheppard and Brown with their first 2 draft picks and then as they felt the need to replace them sign high priced free agents? Banner said it best when after last year he said something to the effect of you can’t keep doing the same things over and over again and expect different results…how true…. time to change Banner and Reid. They really must feel we are just dumb fans!
Posted 04:19 PM, 07/07/2009
briere48burrell5westbrook36
hey Denny the Flyers have won a title in the past 38 years, the Birds... a big fat ZEROOOOOOOOOOOO... gosh the obsession over that team in this town is disgusting. They are third in line on the totem pole for recent success.
Posted 04:22 PM, 07/07/2009
BobbyD
The gold standard is working on a specially designed uniform patch celebrating 50 years since their last championship, it will read: "50 Years of Nothing 1960-2010"
Posted 04:22 PM, 07/07/2009
Philly Fan in Kuwait
Terrell Owens thinks this article is dated...
Posted 04:24 PM, 07/07/2009
Sillies
PRONGER SIGNS 7 YR DEAL - $35 mill
Posted 04:25 PM, 07/07/2009
broadstbu11y
Whoever said the Flyers gave up too much is right but the youth they gave up DOES NOT MATTER. The Flyers have one of the youngest core group of players in the league and have a diamond in the rough with Giroux. They are going to have a hard enough time trying to resign him when his day comes because teams will be after him and if they sign him during restricted FA, we get their 1st round pick or maybe even 2 if I am not mistaken? We have to able to shut down the Pens forwards, the Cup now goes through pittsburgh and the Flyers know this... 2 straight playoff losses to pittsburgh and they are changing their philosophy a bit and got one BAD A*$ defenseman. Anyone who says this guy is old and can't play has obviously not watched hockey the past 2 years. Watch the NHL network late night, they have been showing Anaheim a lot from the past 2 playoffs. You will notice who logs the most ice time on both teams. This guy is big, can skate, can shoot and lets people know who's boss in front of the net and in front of the blue line. People upset with letting Knuble go?? We don't need more offense. We lost the playoffs because we couldn't get the puck out of our net and our goalie let some softees in. We did not respond, Knuble was no where to be found in that series. Lupol scores 2 goals every 10th game and does nothing else on the ice. We needed guys who can play with grit and passion. Ian Laperriere is no goal scorer but neither is Max Talbot. You will know when he is on the ice, just like Kunitz. The only question mark I see with this team is in goal. I pray that Emery is the Emery who led Ottawa to the playoffs. If he is not, we have next year to sign FA, Roberto Luongo. LETS GO FLYERS, CH, CH, CHCHCH
Posted 04:33 PM, 07/07/2009
mawst95
I'm just wondering who we should have signed? Haynesworth? Who else is out there? Some of the best UR FA's resigned early it seemed.
Posted 04:34 PM, 07/07/2009
ksuwald
Pronger signed a 7yr - $35 million extension
Posted 04:38 PM, 07/07/2009
Rudykizuty
Didn't last year's annual "Take a Lesson" article suggest the Flyers learn from the Eagles?
Posted 04:44 PM, 07/07/2009
broadstbu11y
CRAIG123 I am a huge Birds fan too. Raised Flyers and Birds. But the Eagles have never won and the Flyers have done the same thing with rebuilding teams. Until three years ago they made the playoffs for countless numbers of seasons. They have done the same as the birds. Eastern Conference Finals, Game 7 losses. 1 Stanley Cup Finals, Sweep in 97. I agree with the article though man. Right or Wrong, The Flyers go for it all when they think they are right there. I am so excited for the Eagles, I think they had an awesome off season. What I will say is this though, the Eagles have more cap room still... If there was a guy who was out there that was worth it and they had to give up a 1st rounder for next year and the year after... But getting this guy would completely put them over the edge and make them super bowl favorites, they would not do it. Why? Because of a stupid system that is out dated and weighs to heavily on the value of a first round pick. For God sakes, we have not won a super bowl, we are always right there but never win. At this point, I along with most fans would accept mortgaging our future to get us a super bowl. I would rather win a super bowl this year and accept maybe sucking for a 2 yr stint. Atleast we are giving ourselves the best chance to win a super bowl instead of relying on being in the mix each year and just being in it.
Posted 04:45 PM, 07/07/2009
kingback
You can't compare hockey with Football. First round picks in Football are worth a hell of a lot more then first round picks in hockey. NFL first round picks have an imediate impact, with hockey they are still a couple years away from playing and alot of times don't pan out. The Flyers are always competitive. And the deal was a great one that the Flyers needed to do. Lupul had to go with his salary(not worth it) and sbisa was good for his age but will never be on Prongers level. Also Pronger is here for 7 more years now!!!
Posted 04:52 PM, 07/07/2009
phillyphanforlife
I'm confused. Panaccio said that Clarkie took the heat for trades that Snider wanted to make. Is Homer doing the same thing? Snider has been running this team for a long time and what have they won in the last 34 years? They are always a player short. This trade will come back to haunt them a million times before it is forgotten. Snider is 76 years old and removed from reality. Good job, Ed and here's to another 34 years without a cup.
Posted 05:11 PM, 07/07/2009
MikeInChains
I like what rwright611. Chris Pronger alone is not going to bring us a Stanley Cup. First off, Holmgren needs to figure out what is salary cap is before moving into the season. 2nd, mortgaging our future won't bring us a stanley cup ie. adam oates for 3 draft picks.
Posted 05:32 PM, 07/07/2009
MikeP
Bob Ford is just plain stupid. Maybe a little early to call the Flyer's trade a success. The Eagles are a far, far superior organization. Best in the city by far - including the Phillies. Bob Ford is a waste of space.
Posted 05:34 PM, 07/07/2009
The Edifier
In the four years since the salary cap was institued in the NHL, the Flyers have won exactly two playoff series (both in the same year). The other three years were two one-and-dones and one time completely crapping out. All this while struggling with cap issues the whole time, literally picking players up of the streets during the strech run last year. Both teams are championship-less in recent memory, but I'll take the Eagles' approach thank you.
Posted 05:51 PM, 07/07/2009
androoo
The main difference between the NHL and the NFL in regards to obtaining talent is that the NFL is driven more by the draft than the NHL. A player drafted in the NFL has potential to make immediate impact or within the first few years. Whereas in the NHL, with the exceptions of those exceptionally talented (Lindros when entering league) is sent to some minor league team to develop for years before being called up. That is why you can create a good team in the NFL without spending a lot of money because you gain talent through the draft. Whereas, if you want more immediate help in the NHL, you have to go through trades, thereby spending more and taking more risks. What you can conclude however, and I think this is Bob's point, is that the Flyers have never shied away from spending money to get those players, whereas the Eagles thinks fiscally first. I bet even Reid won't argue that they made a mistake when they let Trotter go the first time because of money. The Flyers will spend, sometimes unwisely, but they do what is necessary to have a good team. In my mind, both teams have not won a championship, so no team is "more successful" in that regard.
Posted 05:55 PM, 07/07/2009
oharabri
I agree with kingback it is really hard to compare the two. Additionally, the Eagles have gone after the big fish time and again (Samuels, Peters, TO, Kearse, Vincent). They have signed McNabb and Westbrook and still have enough cap room to get even more players. They drive you nuts because you want them to get a Moss or someone stellar but they have a load of talent now because they've stuck to a plan that works. The Flyers as someone poignantly pointed out, are like the redskins of the NHL. Let's get the big name (Forsberg, Briere, Coffey, Primeau, Hawerchuk, Recchi, Van BiesBrouck, Roenick) and what has it gotten them. 1 Stanley Cup appearance where they got swept.
Posted 06:43 PM, 07/07/2009
Iceman65
First of all, I am a Philadelphia sports fan. I love the Flyers. They had to make that trade for Pronger. Take a chance. Pronger doesn't play like his age. And I heard it all before-when was the last time the Flyers won a championship? Well, the Eagles are our only team in this city who hasn't won a modern day championship. GO FLYERS!!!
Posted 07:03 PM, 07/07/2009
Ron
PhillyFanSince86- Who is "Asante Samuels", and when did the Eagles get him? If you're as big a fan as you claim, you (and many others) would get players names right when posting. As far as the Sixers, Snider has always said he doesn't know basketball, and leaves talent evaluation and signings to his "basketball people". Stefanski is a fool, plain and simple, and got far too much credit when he was with the Nets. Where Snider seems to make mistakes is in constantly hiring local guys/guys with ties to the area to run/coach the Sixers. It just isn't always the smartest move.
Posted 09:08 PM, 07/07/2009
JACK V
bob, bob, poor bob. your headline, eagles learn from flyers? learn what? how to get eliminated in the first round if they even make a playoff where 3/4 of the league makes it? bob ford you got to be kidding.
Posted 09:12 PM, 07/07/2009
mets_collapse_is_funny_to_me
Don't look at the Eagles and Flyers. Look at a list of recent Super Bowl Champions to see if the Eagles need to take a big risk and sell out big to win that championship. XXXVIII - Pats - no big risk XXXIX - Pats - no big risk XL - Steelers - no big risk XLI - Colts - no big risk XLII - Giants - no big risk (the loser pats did go out and risk a 2nd, 4th & 7th rounder on Wes Welker and Randy Moss though - so even they didn't give up much) XLIII - Steelers - no big risk So I would say that the thesis that the Eagles have to make a big risk to compete for the Super Bowl is inane.
Posted 09:15 PM, 07/07/2009
JimG
The Phillies didn't win the World Series because of spending money. They signed guys like Thome and Billy Wagner and didn't win with them. The Phils, under Gillick, traded for guys like Lohse, Moyer and Blanton at the deadline. I don't think anyone would classify the Phils as a team that's "gone for it" when it came to acquiring players. Which is fine because just simply spending money doesn't win you anything. There have been countless examples throughout sports history of teams that couldn't buy themselves a championship.
Posted 01:05 AM, 07/08/2009
ErikT
To compare Chris Pronger to Randy Moss is ridiculous. Pronger is a veteran who will challenge his teammates accountable, both on and off the ice. Moss is a selfish, arrogant jerk who is more concerned about his numbers than winning.
Posted 07:21 AM, 07/08/2009
Voytas
Eagles could have signed Haynesworth. That would have been a big move and a costly move, but they had the money to do it. A guy that takes up two offensive players would seem worth it to me.
Posted 09:19 AM, 07/08/2009
casehop
Bob, This suggestion is a bit of a brain cramp on your part. Flyers are poorly managed team that gave up way too much for a player well past his prime. Your "big move" logic doesn't add up when you look at what it takes to be successful in the NFL (see, e.g., the Steelers). I don't think it works in the NHL either (see, e.g., Penguins and Red Wings). I think the Flyers should start emulating the Birds. Maybe if we can get Snider to pack it in and let someone new take over that will happen.
Posted 10:52 AM, 07/08/2009
montgomeryhopkins
The Eagles are one of a very few teams in pro sports that can constantly flip their entire roster and remain competitive, without ever going through rebuilding pains. Other than 2 or 3 players, the ENTIRE Eagles roster has changed since the '04 SB. And the only thing they haven't done is win a SB. Apparently, some people refuse to admit that Boldin and Edwards were NOT AVAILABLE. And while they could use a stud DE, who should they have signed? The Panthers were NOT TRADING Julius Peppers, and after he was tagged, he couldn't be a free agent. Other than him, there were no stud DEs. I guess the "journalists" in Philly, and many of the fans, would like Lurie and Banner to run the Eagles the way Snider and Jones run the Redskins and Cowboys. Those 2 teams have been SO UTTERLY successful lately - the Cowboys haven't won a playoff game in 13 years, and it's been quite some time since the Skins did anything. But I bet their fans feel all warm and fuzzy inside when they lock up $100 million on a DT (Haynesworth) or mortgage three drafts for a so-so WR (R. Williams). As an Eagles fan, boy am I jealous! And wake me up when the Flyers remotely approach the level of competitiveness the Eagles have attained!
Posted 10:54 AM, 07/08/2009
VegasEagleFan
What the Eagles have done this offseason is really strong at least on paper as far as rebuilding and remaining a contender and still have cap space. What I'd like to see is them bring Runyan back if his knee is good and maybe Brandon Marshal if his hip is ok or Braylon Edwards. Plaxico Burress signen to a one year incentive heavy contract would also work. Either of these three recievers at a good price added to the Eagles current weapons would further strengthen the offense and make them unstoppable. The future is not mortgaged you have a great shot at the Superbowl and you still have money for an emergency. The Eagles are in good shape. Signing Plax to a one year deal middle wide reciever money with performance incentives on and off the field to make him the highest paid wr I think would be a good move.
Posted 11:15 AM, 07/08/2009
montgomeryhopkins
The Steelers Patriots and Giants - the three most successful franchises in the NFL over the past decade - run their front offices and manage their money and their roster the EXACT SAME WAY the Eagles have managed theirs. Eagles fans in Philadelphia need to get a modicum of a clue, or get a lobotomy to improve your IQ. The Eagles have failed to win a SB because the players on the field have under-performed. And the BIGGEST culprits have been your "favorite" players - starting with Dawkins, the most over-rated player in NFL history. Imagine this - a safety who can't cover! That is pretty insane - the last line of defense on a pass play can't cover a turtle! No wonder people in Philly loved him so much! Westbrook has under-performed in the Playoffs. On certain occasions, the beloved Jim Johnson has been taken to school by the opposing O-coordinator. JJ lost the game against the Cardinals. Bottom line - the Eagles management has given the players and coaches the VERY SAME opportunity to win a SB that the Steelers Patriots and Giants have been give. The players and coaches haven't capitalized. Why is it Lurie's fault, or Banner's fault, that ONLY Hank Fraley and TO were prepared to run an effective 2-minute drill in the '04 SB?
Posted 03:09 PM, 07/08/2009
uCanTseeMe19
Too different sports, too different caps, Bob you are a joke. This shows how much you know. Please stop embarrassing yourself.
Posted 01:13 PM, 07/09/2009
PhilliGuy
jeffrey lurie may own the eagles but he's not a diehard fan like ed snider. ed understands the risks and the fans like no other. ed will do whatever it takes to win while jeff will only spend enough to win some games and continue to be profitable under the cap. while i may not agree with ed on the signing, he's making me a believer everytime i think about the trade. maybe the parade down broad street last year got him thinking the time is now! jeff, you can count your savings and profits while others count championships across the parking lot.
Posted 01:39 PM, 07/09/2009
Falkirk
Wow, I cannot believe you wrote this article. The Pronger trade is very controversial. But let's just assume that it works out (which I don't think it will). Did you notice that the Flyers didn't have enough money to sign two of their veterans because they mismanaged their cap? Yes, the Eagles can learn lessons from the Flyers. But they are negative lessons like how not to overpay in a trade and how not to overspend cap money.
Posted 02:04 PM, 07/09/2009
jkard99
The Flyers are the 3rd best franchise in Philly only because the Sixers are awful and the Arena Football League disbanded.
Posted 11:40 AM, 07/10/2009
Maddy44
like o see Phils pull off the Halladay thing once and for all, love to see the iggles pick up the linebacker released from Tampa and not yet picked up (Brooks)? and also like to see the Birds sign Warrick Dunn and lock him up for 2 years; that, i think would solidify the roster top to bottom.....gotta luv what Homer is doin with the Flyers,...and Sixers?...really couldn't care less
Comment removed.
Posted 05:30 PM, 07/12/2009
Gary1116
The Flyers gave up way to much in that trade so i am pretty happy the eagles arent taking notes from them... The Eagles just had one of the best offseasons in the league on paper... lets continue this discussion when the seasons have ended for both of these team
Posted 08:42 AM, 07/18/2009
bula412
you're right. maybe the eagles should check out how the flyers do business. with all of their championship titles and deep playoff runs over the last decade, they have obviously found the keys to winning. wait? whew, just a dream
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Bob Ford has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 1981, and is still trying to figure it all out. A former beat writer covering the Phillies and the 76ers, Ford became a general sports columnist for the Inquirer in 2003, following in and occasionally falling in the deep footsteps of Bill Lyon, Frank Dolson and many distinguished others. He comes to the Philly.com blogosphere after award-winning success as designer/editor of the fabulous Pen & Pencil Club softball blog. Likes: Palestra, inside-the-park home runs, sunny days. Dislikes: phony people, cloudy days, rewrites.
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