McCoy Flakes on Party, DJac Gets a Summer Job

Chuck Bednarik was admitted to a Bethlehem hospital on Wednesday. He's feeling better, but remains in serious condition as doctors check to find the cause of his dizziness and shortness of breath. Doctors say Bednarik's heart is as healthy as his playing days, but it's still worrying that he's still in the hospital. Eagles Nation can only wait and hope he recovers.

As the lockout continues and the players vie for support from the fans, LeSean McCoy made a bad choice and flaked on an appearance in Wilkes-Barre, in upstate Pennsylvania. The appearance was arranged by an entertainment company owned by LeSean's brother, LeRon. McCoy was supposedly paid an a $2,500 advance from the Wilkes-Barre nightclub Bentley's, but failed to show for the March 11 event. He tweeted that he had suffered a flat tire, and Bentley's offered to send a car, which McCoy turned down. After numerous attempts by Paul Domowitch to contact LeRon, or anyone with knowledge of the circumstances, the article was published. This finally elicited a response from LeRon, who said, among other things, that the two-seat car Bentley's offered to send was not enough for McCoy and his personal security. Whatever happened, it can't be good to blow off fans like that, especially now.

The talk about Kevin Kolb won't go away any time soon, especially with Andy Reid doing some shameless promotion by calling him a quarterback that can win a championship. Now Charley Casserly, former NFL general manager, has thrown his hat into the ring by saying he would take Kolb "100 times" over Auburn QB and highly ranked draft prospect Cam Newton. While Kolb's few starts aren't enough to count him out, and he has shown himself to be an able QB, he and Newton have essential the same playing time in NFL playoff games, and Kolb, a fourth-year vet, has yet to play a full season. While the same can be said about the Eagles' current starting QB, Kolb hasn't had enough playing time to prove himself one way or another. At this point, speculation about how either will do is a little premature.

In draft news, the Eagles have received two compensatory picks for Jason Babin and Sean Jones, who both departed for free agency last season. While these picks are not very high, two seventh round picks, the Eagles seem to be hoarding draft picks, and may do well because of it. The Eagles recently worked out University of California's Chris Conte, a safety. Keep the eye on defense, Andy.

To get through the lockout, some players have gotten creative. Desean Jackson was recently hired as a production assistant on Jimmy Kimmel's talk show. I suggest tuning in to see how that one goes. Please, Commish, let's bring football back and stop the madness.

The Kolb Market Heats Up

Since Eagles head coach Andy Reid's comments that the Eagles will be listening to offers for backup quarterback Kevin Kolb, the buzz about teams in the Kolb sweepstakes has exploded. The team has gotten at least one offer for Kolb that comes with a first-round draft pick, likely from a high-pick team. The Eagles seem to have gone from "interested" to "how can we get the most money" about Kolb, with Reid marketing the QB like no one's business. Since trying (and failing) to re-sign QB Matt Hasselbeck, the Seattle Seahawks have made no bones about their desire to go after Kolb when the market opens up again. Seattle head coach Pete Carroll said that the Seahawks tried to go after Hasselbeck, but that the money wasn't there, which sounds like an issue on Hasselbeck's end. Given the lockout, the market after the stoppage is over, and Seattle's stated interest in either Kevin Kolb or Cam Newton, holding out (or whatever derailed a re-sign) probably wasn't in Hasselbeck's best interest, though it may have boosted Kolb's stock considerably.

Another team in the mix for Number 4 (oh, the puns), is the Minnesota Vikings. Head coach Leslie Frazier has been very vocal about getting a quarterback, though his idea is a fresh-start draft pick. The obvious target for the Vikes would be Cam Newton, as they have shown interest in him already, though he may not be available by the time the Vikings pick. Unless they trade up several spots, they likely won't be willing to lay it all down for Kolb until after the draft is done. One thing is for sure, if Frazier and the Vikings management hesitates, they could lose both their leading QB candidates. At this point, I think Frazier might even entertain Favre's obligatory offseason musings of a comeback. But not for long.

As the lockout continues, it seems you can catch your beloved Philadelphia Eagles at various area gyms, since the lockout denies the players use of team facilities. While this can get taxing after a while on the players' bank accounts, one hopeful thought is that if all of the players are staying in top condition, maybe Ron Jaworski's predictions of doom won't be as inevitable.

There has been more talk of the Eagles' (and Reid's) interest in Temple's Muhammad Wilkerson, and several defensive pick ups would definitely be a good thing, especially with news that defensive end Brandon Graham will not be ready, should the season begin as scheduled, thanks to a torn ligament. Safety Nate Allen is expected to be ready to play, and the Eagles will need him to step up from his breakout rookie performance and not fall into a sophomore slump.

Lumping together Vick and NFL news, Philly's starting QB recently visited a Florida prison with mentor and advocate Tony Dungy. While there, Vick spoke to inmates and vowed to continue community outreach, lending to the (sorely needed) rehabilitation of his image. While the visit brought the obligatory "Mike Vick Goes to Prison!...As a Visitor" zingers, it also helped Vick's stock in public opinion, continuing to make the QB more acceptable as a marketable brand, despite the lingering hatred for him. Meanwhile, the NFL revised the kickoff rules (because nothing important is going on right now), setting the ball at the 35-yard line, with touchbacks being placed on the 20-yard line. Challenges have been revised, but there is a clause that teams will keep the third challenge, originally done away with, and all scoring plays are now subject to booth review. If only they could work out this whole labor dispute as quickly.

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Kolb Talk, Draft Views, GQ Bandwagons, and Dawkins Talks Lockout

Teams from around the league being interested in acquiring Eagles backup quarterback Kevin Kolb is nothing new. Andy Reid acknowledging it, however, is news. Reid said that there has been "a little interest" in Kolb, and that the Eagles would evaluate offers. Some think an offer could come from Minnesota, barring a big pick up in the draft. The 12th pick, however, does not guarantee that the Vikings would be able to pick up a quarterback, especially the ever-popular Cam Newton. Some believe that the Eagles should root for the NFL Players Association's bid to return to usual league business, as Kolb's value has the potential to go down post-draft. While this could happen, his price would likely go up for teams who do not make out as well as they hoped in the draft. Drafting a quarterback, especially in a later round, doesn't always work out as planned, and head coaches around the league know this, which could work to the Eagles' favor come trade time. I may sound like a broken record, but it's my firm belief that the Eagles should use Vick and Kolb to develop third-string QB Mike Kafka before trading Kolb. No matter what happens, one thing no one has talked about is that the first- and second-string QBs in Philly are only signed to one-year contracts. Especially with the prospect of a potentially shortened 2011 season, one (or both) would need to be resigned to a multi-year contract, or Philly could see the beginning of the Mike Kafka era come 2012. Food for thought.

In early draft looks, the Eagles have been looking at Oklahoma State's running back Kendall Hunter. Considered a solid second-rounder, Hunter may be a good pick up to backup for LeSean McCoy. McCoy is the solid RB to start, so Hunter would likely be used as a fullback, rotating in for the injured Leonard Weaver, or in reserve for the Eagles to use in the inevitable injury situation. Another potential draft pick the Eagles have looked at is one of my personal favorites, Muhammad Wilkerson. A potential late first-rounder, the Temple lineman could really help to reinvigorate the Eagles struggling defensive line, especially under the tutelage of Jim Washburn.

In no-one-asked news, GQ posted a (I'm sure VERY scientific) ranking of the meanest fans in sports. Breaking it down by team, rather than city, the ranking is still blatantly transparent, especially having a tie between the Eagles and the Phillies. This is not New York: for the most part, if you're a fan of one Philly team, you're a fan of all of them. Regardless, Philly once again takes the brunt of the "awful fan" hatred, a tired old shtick that anyone wishing to get in good with the sporting world uses. I'm not going to rattle off the times I've been hassled at opposing venues or even walking down the street with a Shane Victorino jersey on, but I suggest those ranking fans wear Philly sports gear in those situations, or through rival cities (especially New York or the ever-leaching New Jersey). But enough about that, it's nothing but faux-analysis bandwagoning.

In former Eagle news, Brian Dawkins appeared on SportsCenter with Mike Vrabel, Drew Brees, and other players representatives. When asked what could be done, the former Eagles star said that fans should "paint [their] faces and stand outside the courthouse." While the players said they were not willing to negotiate on player health, the benefits and pay they are negotiating for has a strong impact on that long-term health care. Regardless of how the lockout is viewed, or who the villains and heroes are, former Eagle Kevin Turner's recent interview will give fire to the players' argument of veteran care. Turner has been diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease. In the interview Turner claims that it is his belief that his time in football, which he played since a child, is the culprit. While the link between ALS and football is still uncertain, Turner's constant blocking for Ricky Watters could not have helped matters.

Three Teams Want Kolb, Westbrook Wants to Return

As expected, the NFL and the NFL Players Association has agreed to a one-week extension to the collective bargaining agreement. The extension adds to the already murky future of the NFL's labor relations. Progress must be made by March 11 for another extension to be put into place, according to the mediator assigned to the case. This promises to be a very long process, and I don't really see the sides coming to any further of an understanding.

The Kevin Kolb sweepstakes are alive and well, according to Adam Schefter. It's unlikely that there will be a deal before the CBA is finalized, but it depends on the Eagles management. While there are definite upsides to keeping Kolb, it may be better to send him elsewhere (just not in the division this time, ok fellas?) once the new CBA takes effect. I've championed the idea of having Kolb and Vick develop Mike Kafka as Kolb's replacement, and I still believe this will be the best way to approach the situation. The lockout could also work in the Eagles' favor, because the longer the labor dispute goes into season prep, the more desperate teams like the Cardinals will be for a quarterback. If this happens, the Eagles could get some really good compensation.

And in former Eagle news, Brian Westbrook has said that he wants to return to Philly. For the eight seasons Westbrook played for the Eagles, he was one of the most consistent players and dangerous weapons. It wasn't until his final season, in which he suffered two concussions, that he began to falter. He was traded to the San Francisco 49ers to sit on the bench for most of the season, until Frank Gore was injured in a game against the Arizona Cardinals. While Westbrook can obviously still move the ball, the biggest worry for Philly (or any other team that considers taking him) is the fact that he had those two, close-together concussions. It would be sad to see his career end in a third, debilitating concussion, a scenario Westbrook must take into account. Westbrook did a lot for the Eagles, but if he returned, he must know he would be backing-up LeSean McCoy, just as he did for Gore in San Fran. Probably not the best situation for him.

Eagles Sign DE, Kolb (Still) Wants Out

Now that the Eagles' coaching staff is in place, the discussion can begin about the change in play style coming next year. Mike Zordich, recently hired as the Eagles' new secondary/safeties coach told reporters in his introductory press conference that Jim Washburn, the new defensive line coach, will be instituting a more aggressive philosophy to the defensive line, as part of a larger defensive strategy in Philadelphia. This could mean big positive changes, depending on draft decisions by the Eagles and the turnout of the new CBA.

One part of this new defensive strategy could be the addition of Phillip Hunt, a defensive end who has spent the last two years playing in the Canadian Football League. It turns out the Eagles' commitment to a 4-3 defense has worked out, landing them both Hunt and Washburn. Hunt credits Philly's defensive arrangement as part of his decision to suit up in the green and white. As the Eagles address their defensive issues piece by piece, we can only hope that Nnamdi Asomugha's name will eventually show up on the roster, since many agree that the cornerback issue is not something that can be addressed properly in the draft.

Meanwhile, on the offensive side of the ball, Kevin Kolb went on WIP and tacitly reinforced Larry Fitzgerald's comments regarding the Eagles' quarterback, though not everyone agrees that the Eagles should jump at any deals offered for No. 4. And stories continue to plague Philly's starting QB, Michael Vick, as the lead investigator into Vick's dog fighting charges was interviewed regarding his assessment of Vick's rehabilitation. In the article, retired special agent Jim Knorr, of the Department of Agriculture, was very even-handed and guardedly positive about Vick's rehabilitation, though he pointed out that the only one who knows if Vick has changed is the man himself. Regardless, Knorr states that Vick's community outreach is invaluable. I for one hope that the controversy/bad PR train unhooks itself from locomotive No. 7, if not for his sake, for the sports world's.

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Eagles Will Keep Vick, Where Will Kolb Land?

The Philadelphia Eagles are set to put the franchise tag on quarterback Michael Vick, a league source has said. It may be old news that the Eagles have long been considering tagging Vick to keep him for the 2011 season, with this confirmation, talks are sure to begin swirling about the fate of backup QB Kevin Kolb. Kolb went on the radio to again state that though he has full confidence in head coach Andy Reid, he wants to be a starter in 2011. Kolb waited for three years behind former Eagles QB Donovan McNabb and was set to begin a new era in Philadelphia when McNabb was traded to the Washington Redskins for draft picks on April 4, 2010.

Then came the fateful concussion in Week 1 against Green Bay. After Vick finished the game and started against the Lions and Jaguars, only to be injured in Week 3. After that, the revolving door of starting QB in Philly seemed never ending. Kolb was returned to duty, losing against a returning McNabb and the Redskins, and winning over the 49ers and future top-seed Falcons. Following a loss to the Titans, Vick returned as starter on the other side of the bye week, beating the Colts and the Redskins in a spectacular Monday night game. Now that the season is over, Kolb sees the writing on the wall and the tag looming over Vick's helmet. And, as one would expect, he can't stand to enter year five in the NFL as a backup. But where would he go?

There has been talk of Kolb being a good fit for the Tennessee Titans now that they have all but traded Vince Young, and it could be Kolb's chance to spend next year making his own name. If the Titans decide to pass on Kolb, the 49ers could be willing to talk with Eagles management if new head coach Jim Harbaugh finishes reviewing 2010 game tapes and decides he's not so excited to work with Alex Smith. This may end up being the case, with rumors already popping up about Kyle Orton and Carson Palmer, and if the Niners are serious, it's possible they could get a better deal trading for Kolb. A third team to throw into the mix could be the Redskins. Though McNabb says he'll be returning next year, there is a lot of speculation after his agent made some interesting remarks and his controversial benching in favor of Rex Grossman to end the 2010 season. After head coach Mike Shanahan's disastrous season, he may be looking to push the McNabb controversy away, despite the flashy mid-season contract extension the Redskins gave the former Eagles quarterback. While this would likely cost the Redskins quite a bit on both ends, it could give Shanahan (another) fresh start, ironically with yet another Eagles quarterback.

Follow on Twitter: @asprice18

Monday's Roundup: Browns Have No OC

Good morning Browns fans. As you're all recovering from your Pro Bowl parties yesterday, I'm sure that you will be very interested in learning that the Browns will not have an offensive coordinator next season. Head coach Pat Shurmur will be calling the plays, as has been previously stated, and new quarterbacks coach Mark Whipple will work closely with Colt McCoy. Whipple has an impressive resume' that includes an NCAA Division 1-AA national championship, many offensive records at many different schools, and significant work with Ben Roethlisberger when he came into the league. Most recently he was the offensive coordinator of the Miami Hurricanes, where they finished 33rd in the nation in total offense.

In other coaching news, the Browns have reportedly hired Bill Davis to coach the linebackers. He has most recently been the defensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals. Davis brings 19 years of experience to his new job, and he returns to his familiar stomping grounds in Cleveland. He was on the coaching staff in the same role under head coach Chris Palmer in 1999.

There's not much to say about the Pro Bowl, other than the fact that Joe Thomas made lots of money for his third consecutive Pro Bowl (a $1.5 million bonus) and Alex Mack recorded multiple tackles (only one is shown in the box score though) as well as his first known receiving touchdown! If you don't believe it, here's the video:

Alex Mack Rumbles for the Score!

It may not have been all that legitimate and it may have been on a lateral, but he looked pretty svelte rumbling for 40 yards and diving into the end zone. Maybe we should work in some Center End Around plays for this season...

Should the Browns make an offer to the Eagles for QB Kevin Kolb? According to Cleveland.com, about %75 of Browns fans say no, and I agree. I like where Colt McCoy is going, and I think the asking price is too high for Kolb.

Coming up on Wednesday will be my opinions on this year's Senior Bowl, with a few facts thrown in just to cover my bases. As always, the comments are open and check back soon!

Tennessee Titans: Pro Bowl and QB Situation

Pro Bowl:
After a disappointing 2010-2011 season, a few Titan's players that had great seasons earned spots on the AFC roster for the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl. Defensive End Jason Babin (1st time Pro Bowler) and Kick/Punt Returner Marc Mariani (1st time Pro Bowler) both were selected, while Running Back Chris Johnson (3rd time Pro Bowler) and Safety Michael Griffin (2nd time Pro Bowler) were both selected as replacements due to injuries. Chris Johnson will replace Jaguar's Running Back Maurice Jones Drew and Michael Griffin will replace Raven's Safety Ed Reed.

Babin and Mariani were both excited about being selected to a Pro Bowl for the first time in their career's. Babin, a seven year NFL veteran, led the all AFC Defensive Ends in sacks with 12.5.

"I always said I wasn't going to go until I got invited," Babin said."It means a lot to me, like I kind of broke into the upper echelon of defensive ends."

Mariani, on the other hand, is one of 4 rookies on this year's Pro Bowl roster. He was selected in the 7th round of the draft out of Montana University, while the other 3 rookie Pro Bowl selections were selected in the 1st round. He won the heart of many Titan's fans this season as he set the franchise record for kickoff return yards in a season with 1,411 yards.

"Just dream big and don't let anybody tell you no." Mariani said. "I always just wanted to be the best that I could be. I'm so competitive I always wanted to do my best almost to the point of being perfect. I just wanted to be at the top. ... I definitely got a lot of work to do to have the success we've had this year. To be standing here is a crazy ride. ... But I would've never had it any other way."


The Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu Hawaii.


QB Situation:
The Titans are already looking forward to next season, and the quarterback situation is a big mystery at this point. Owner, Bud Adams, has already said that Vince Young will not return to the team next season. So the Titans now are searching for a starting quarterback, and have many options. The quarterbacks currently on the roster are long time NFL veteran, Kerry Collins and Rusty Smith, which is going into his second year in the league. They also have the 8th selection in the NFL Draft in April, which they could use on a quarterback if they choose. The other choice would be to trade for a quarterback or sign someone from the Free Agents.





There are several veteran quarterbacks that are either, A. unhappy with their current team, or B. good enough to be a starter, but are currently a back up. Carson Palmer has came out publicly and said that he wants to be traded from Cinncinatti or he will retire and then re-enter the league as a free agent. Kyle Orton is looking as if he has lost his starting job to Tim Tebow in Denver, and the same goes for Kevin Kolb in Philadelphia, as he has lost his starting job to Michael Vick.





My opinion on what the Titans will do:

I believe that the Titans will trade Vince Young to Minnesota for draft pick(s), due to the fact that the coach that helped develop Vince Young, Craig Johnson, is now the Quarterback back's coach for the Vikings. Then I see the Titans trading draft pick(s) for Kevin Kolb during the draft. The reason why I think that it will be Kevin Kolb is simple, Bud Adams is from Houston and has always favored guys from Texas. It doesn't hurt that Kevin Kolb is known as a country boy that loves to fish and hunt. The fans will love him and he will fit right in.

Good News:

There is good news for Titan's fans, ticket prices will not be raised next season according to Bud Adams. This is the second straight year that the Titans have not raised ticket prices.

"I realize things are still difficult out there for our season-ticket holders," Adams said. "There are a number pressures to increase our revenues, but this is not a time to raise prices for our fans."

In 2011-2012 the Titans will host the: Houston Texans. Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Cinncinatti Bengals, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.