Spreading Their Wings - The Philadelphia Eagles

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Maclin Close to Reaching a Deal

Maclin Close to Reaching a Deal
- Chris McPherson | philadelphiaeagles.com -



Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported a short while ago that a deal between the Eagles and Jeremy Maclin is close to being finalized. According to Brookover, Maclin's agent, Jim Steiner, has told people that a deal would be done today.

Maclin has missed 11 training camp practices thus far. It remains to be seen whether a completed deal in the next few hours would allow him to take part in Eagles Flight Night! Maclin was in the Philadelphia area prior to the start of training camp. It is unknown whether he is still in the area.

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Westbrook: "I Can't Wait to be Back"

Westbrook: "I Can't Wait to be Back"
- Chris McPherson | philadelphiaeagles.com -



In an exclusive sideline interview with running back Brian Westbrook, Dave Spadaro got the latest on his rehab and how bad he wants to get on the field. Westbrook has been sidelined while recovering from the ankle debridement procedure that he had in early June. During a few of the training camp practices, Westbrook has done rehab which has included jogging and playing soccer.

On Eagles Flight Night! and the Eagles fans: "I love these fans, the best fans in the NFL. I want to thank everybody for being here tonight."

On the rehab: "I feel great. Things are going really well. We're progressing, getting better every day. I can't wait to get back on the field with my teammates."

On getting so close to the Super Bowl last season and what the team learned: "We learned a lot. We know we have what it takes to win a Super Bowl. We have to push a little bit more. We gained a lot of good players. We are going to use those guys this year to get us back to the Super Bowl."

On seeing the offense progress during the off-season: "Very explosive. We have a lot of good guys, young guys that are playing. We got some vets, a good core of vets that will do a great job this season."

On whether he's itching to get back on the field: "I can't wait to get back on the field. I'm ready."

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Stewart Bradley to Miss Season with Torn ACL

Stewart Bradley to Miss Season with Torn ACL



During the Philadelphia Eagles' First Annual Flight Night! practice scrimmage, starting middle linebacker Stewart Bradley went down with an injury.

After an MRI, it was ruled that Bradley had sustained a torn ACL, and will be forced to miss the entire 2009-10 season.

Last season Bradley showed flashes of brilliance and became one of the Eagles' vocal leaders on defense. Backup linebacker Omar Gaither, a solid run stopper, will most likely replace Bradley as the middle linebacker this season.

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NFC East Division Preview

NFC East Division Preview



First Place: Philadelphia Eagles

Projected Record: 12-4

Key Addition:


Jason Peters

Jason Peters bolsters Philadelphia's offensive line after the Eagles lost veteran linemen Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan in the off-season. Peters is widely-regarded as one of the best lineman in the league, and with an injury-prone quarterback behind center, protection is very important.

Other Additions:

OT Stacy Andrews
FS Rashad Baker
CB Ellis Hobbs
S Sean Jones
FB Leonard Weaver

Key Loss:


Brian Dawkins

At 35 years old, Brian Dawkins' skills were beginning to erode, and he was used as primarily a blitzing safety and a run-stopper last season. However, the future Hall-of-Famer was the Eagles' vocal leader, and his locker room presence will be very hard to replace.

Other Losses:

HB Correll Buckhalter
S Sean Considine
WR Greg Lewis
OT Jon Runyan
CB Lito Sheppard
TE L.J. Smith
OT Tra Thomas

On the Hot Seat:


Donovan McNabb

Quarterback Donovan McNabb is surrounded by the most talented group of offensive players he's ever been with. This puts a high amount of pressure on McNabb to finally lead the Eagles to the promise land. To add even more pressure, McNabb was benched halfway through the season last year, and many people think he is on the downswing of his career.


The Eagles head in to the 2009-10 season with the most firepower they've had since acquiring Donovan McNabb. The young wide-receiver corps. provide enough skill and talent to keep McNabb happy for years to come. The Eagles' defense has taken some hits with the losses of Brian Dawkins and Stewart Bradley, but Quintin Mikell and Omar Gaither have high expectations with being able to fill in for the two. The Eagles have one of the strongest secondaries in the league with corners Sheldon Brown, Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs, and Joselio Hanson, and safety Quintin Mikell. All around, Philadelphia has one of the league's most talented squads and should be ready for a run at the Super Bowl.

Second Place: New York Giants



Projected Record: 10-6

Key Addition:


Chris Canty

The return of Osi Umenyiora and the addition of Chris Canty coupled with Justin Tuck and Rocky Bernard solidifies the Giants' defensive line as one of the best in the league. Canty has the versatility to play both defensive line and defensive tackle which makes him especially dangerous.

Other Additions:

DT Rocky Bernard
LB Michael Boley
S C.C. Brown
TE George Wrightster

Key Loss:


Plaxico Burress

Plaxico Burress and his huge frame was essential to New York's passing attack. His height made him one of the most difficult receivers in the NFL to stop and without him the Giant's group of receivers are lackluster. Giants' quarterback Eli Manning's passer rating was 102.7 last year in games with Burress, but it fell to 68.6 in games without him.

Other Losses:

S James Butler
K John Carney
S Craig Dahl
HB Reuben Droughns
S Sammy Knight
CB Sam Madison
DE Jerome McDougle
CB R.W. McQuarters
C Grey Ruegamer
LB Rich Scanlon
WR Amani Toomer
HB Derrick Ward
QB Anthony Wright
DE Renaldo Wynn

On the Hot Seat:


Antonio Pierce

It's not just that Pierce is the remaining link to the Plaxico Burress ordeal, but it's no secret that Pierce has lost a step. Pierce's play has regressed and the Giants need him to play like the old Pierce to clog up the middle against opposing running backs. If Pierce can't play at a high level, the Giants' defense will be much more dysfunctional.


The New York Giants were thought of as the NFL's best team for the majority of last season after winning the Super Bowl the season before. Then, after Plaxico Burress was forced to miss the rest of the season during the year, the play of the entire offense declined. Quarterback Eli Manning will have to deal with a group of unproven receivers after losing both Burress and Amani Toomer. New York's run game will also be less strong this year after losing Derrick Ward to Tampa Bay. The Giants are still one of the league's toughest teams, but they've definitely taken a step back.

Third Place: Dallas Cowboys



Projected Record: 9-7

Key Addition:


Igor Olshanksky

Olshansky was brought in to Dallas to replace the loss of Chris Canty, who signed with the Giants in the off-season. Olshansky played under Wade Phillips in San Diego and he is a good fit for the Cowboys. He's a solid run defender, but he doesn't bring much when it comes to pass rush.

Other Additions:

LB Keith Brooking
QB Jon Kitna
S Gerald Sensabaugh

Key Loss:


Terrell Owens

Terrell Owens was the only receiver in the league to record ten touchdowns in each of the last three years. Owens may not be missed in the locker room, but Tony Romo will be without his biggest target this season.

Other Losses:

OG Joe Berger
QB Brooks Bollinger
LB Kevin Burnett
DE Chris Canty
S Keith Davis
CB Anthony Henry
QB Brad Johnson
DT Tank Johnson
CB Pacman Jones
LB Carlos Polk
LB Zach Thomas
S Roy Williams

On the Hot Seat:


Tony Romo

Tony Romo is widely regarded as one of the league's best quarterbacks. However, Romo has yet to win a game in the post-season. If Romo wants to continue being considered as one of the best he needs to be able to take his team through the playoffs. This year will be even harder than ever for him to do so with the loss of Terrell Owens and an unhappy Roy Williams.


The Cowboys have the necessary talent, and once again, they have an opportunity to make a run at the Super Bowl. However, they've had the talent and opportunities for years now, and they've given no reason for anyone to believe that this year will be any different than previous ones. The Cowboys will have an average record after an average season.

Fourth Place: Washington Redskins



Projected Record: 7-9

Key Addition:


Albert Haynesworth

The Redskins' $100 million man could be the third Pro-Bowl defensive tackle the Redskins have ever had in their 43 years of existence. Haynesworth could easily make everyone on Washington's defense better.

Other Additions:

HB Anthony Alridge
OG Jeremy Bridges
OG Derrick Dockery
P Hunter Smith
LB Robert Thomas
OT Mike Williams
WR Roydell Williams
DE Renaldo Wynn

Key Loss:


Shawn Springs

Springs is rising in the age column at 34 years old, and he was injured for half of the season last year. However, when healthy, Springs was still an elite cornerback. Fred Smoot, who will be taking Springs' place, is not an elite cornerback.

Other Losses:

DT Ryan Boschetti
LB Khary Campbell
DE Demetric Evans
OL Jason Fabini
C Justin Geisinger
S Mike Green
OG Pete Kendall
P Ryan Plackemeier
DE Jason Taylor
LB Marcus Washington

On the Hot Seat:


Jason Campbell

Jason Campbell will need to be able to respond to the front offices' off-season attempts to replace him by performing well on the field this season. Although he has just 36 NFL starts under his belt, Campbell is needed as one of the Redskins' leaders. Campbell has a strong arm and good athleticism, but often makes irresponsible decisions. Campbell needs to mature this season or Washington will be looking for a new quarterback.


The Redskins would be able to compete in almost any division besides the one they're in. With six games total against the Eagles, Giants, and Cowboys, all of which are better than the Redskins, Washington's record is already looking not too good. With games against the Panthers, Saints, and Chargers this season too, the Reskins don't have the easiest of years ahead of them.

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i would really appreciate it if people read and gave feedback about the article. it took me over an hour and a half to write.

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man, rough crowd. updates coming.

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Maclin Signs 5-Year Deal

Maclin Signs 5-Year Deal
- Bob Kent | philadelphiaeagles.com -



First-round pick Jeremy Maclin agreed to terms on a five-year contract late Monday night, ending an eight-day stalemate between his agent and the Eagles. The deal is reportedly worth $15.5 million, with $9.5 million guaranteed. Maclin is expected to join his teammates at Lehigh University on Tuesday, but there is no official word on his reporting time, or when he will be made available to the media, or when he'll begin practicing.

The Eagles traded up in the draft to select the Missouri receiver with the 19th overall pick, and the dynamic Maclin now aims to crack a deep and talented rotation and vie for a spot in the return game. First, however, he must strap on the pads and make up for lost time.

A versatile and explosive wide receiver and return specialist, Maclin established himself as one of college football's most dangerous offensive threats during his two-year career at Missouri. A two-time, first-team All-America selection, Maclin scored 33 total touchdowns and racked up 5,609 all-purpose yards. He set single-season school records with 102 receptions and 1,260 receiving yards, adding 13 receiving touchdowns in 2008.

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Juqua Parker Arrested

Juqua Parker Arrested



Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Juqua Parker was taken in to police custody late last night after being charged for marijuana possesion.

Parker was with Philadelphia offensive lineman Todd Herremans when the incident occurred. Further details will be released as soon as possible.

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Lurie: "As Long as I Own the Team No One Will Wear 20"

Lurie: "As Long as I Own the Team No One Will Wear 20"
- Chris McPherson | philadelphiaeagles.com -



In the opening remarks of his annual State of the Team Address at training camp, Chairman/CEO Jeffrey Lurie talked about the departure of longtime free safety Brian Dawkins. After 13 years with the Eagles, Dawkins signed a contract with the Denver Broncos in the off-season. Lurie knows how much Dawkins meant to the fans, the organization and the entire Philadelphia community. In honor of Dawkins, Lurie said that as long as he owns the team no one will wear Dawkins' No. 20 again.

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Eagles Made a Move for Burgess?

Eagles Made a Move for Burgess?
- Chris McPherson | philadelphiaeagles.com -



The New England Patriots acquired defensive end Derrick Burgess from the Oakland Raiders today for a pair of mid-round picks in 2011. NFL Network's Michael Lombardi reported that it was for a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick.

It looks like the Eagles were close to regaining Burgess' services. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on his Twitter page that the Eagles offered a third-round pick and a player for Burgess. If you remember, Burgess was a third-round pick out of Ole Miss in 2001 for the Eagles. The 6-2, 260-pound Burgess recorded just 8.5 sacks in an injury-plagued four seasons with the team. But he shined the brightest when it mattered most. Burgess' performance in containing Michael Vick in the NFC Championship Game helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl.

Burgess inked a free agent deal with the Raiders in the following off-season and flourished. He had a career high 16.0 sacks in 2005 and 38.5 in his four years with Oakland.

The Eagles signed free agent defensive end Jason Babin on August 4. It is unknown if the Eagles were still in the hunt for Burgess after adding Babin.

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CB Patterson Looking Good

CB Patterson Looking Good
- Bo Wulf | philadelphiaeagles.com -



One player who has clearly impressed coaches during training camp is cornerback Dimitri Patterson. The fourth year player took reps with the No. 1 defense yesterday with both Sheldon Brown and Ellis Hobbs absent from practice.

"The one thing I respect about this camp is you can't hide out here," Patterson said. "In most camps, you won't know if a guy can play until the games. Here, you'll know the first day you put on pads, and that's respectable."

[FishStickZ]

Really liking this so far Flight, keep it up. Gotta get McNabb that ring.

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Tight End Ingram Tears ACL

Tight End Ingram Tears ACL
- Chris McPherson | philadelphiaeagles.com -



Head coach Andy Reid announced after Saturday afternoon's special teams practice that rookie tight end Cornelius Ingram tore the ACL in his left knee during a goal line drill on Tuesday. Ingram was on the practice field as late as Thursday, participating in a limited role. It's the same ACL that Ingram tore before his final season at Florida.

"It wasn't what we anticipated going into this," Reid said.

The Eagles worked out three unnamed players this morning on a field adjacent to the team's practice fields at Lehigh University. From the players' size and route running, they appeared to be tight ends. Reid indicated that the Eagles would be signing a tight end, but he wasn't sure which one yet. He wanted to discuss with general manager Tom Heckert.

With Matt Schobel also sidelined, Brent Celek and Eugene Bright were the only tight ends at this morning's practice.

It's a disappointing setback for the fifth-round pick who many believed would be the steal of the entire NFL Draft. At 6-4, 245 pounds, Ingram flashed tremendous athletic ability in the Organized Team Activities and during training camp. Originally recruited to play quarterback at Florida, Ingram caught 64 passes for 888 yards and eight touchdowns. The Gators won not one, but two national championships, during Ingram's time at Florida.

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Eagles Ink Free-Agent TE Myers

Eagles Ink Free-Agent TE Myers
- Chris McPherson | philadelphiaeagles.com -



With Cornelius Ingram sidelined for an indefinite amount of time with a torn ACL in his left knee, the Eagles moved quickly and signed rookie free agent tight end Rob Myers. He was one of three players to undergo a tryout Saturday morning as the Eagles wrapped up their practice. To make room for Myers on the roster, the Eagles released punter Ken Parrish.

The 6-4, 243-pound Myers was originally signed by the Jets as a rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft, but he was released on May 29. Myers is expected to be on the field Sunday morning and that's a good thing. The Eagles had only two healthy tight ends for Saturday's practices - Brent Celek and Eugene Bright.

In his junior year of 2007, Myers was second on the team with 21 catches and 320 yards. His 15.2 yards per catch was the best among all the tight ends in the nation. Against New Mexico State that season, Myers had 117 yards and a pair of touchdowns to earn John Mackey National Tight End of the Week honors. He was listed on multiple All-WAC preseason teams prior to the start of the 2008 season, but he missed the year with a turf toe injury that required surgery.

[Yawkey Way]

yes, we stole burgess from you