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.

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.

Up And Coming Offensive Players In the NFL

Quarterback:

Matt Ryan - As you may already know Matt Ryan is close to being an elite QB in this league.  He has that swagger that everyone talks about, he has the composer, he has all the intangibles to lead his team into the playoffs (oh ya, he already did).  He has only lost 3 games at home as a starter.  He only had 9 interceptions against his 28 TDs.  He will be an elite QB, and it might start next season.

  

Running Backs:

 LeSean McCoy - McCoy didn't have the best of seasons in 2009, partly because he was a rookie.  This season McCoy had a break out season of sorts. He averaged about 111 all-purpose yards a game. He was probably the reason why the Eagles were better than expected, right next to Vick.  With the off season for the Eagles, he will be able to come back better, stronger, and have more elusiveness.

Arian Foster - Foster led the NFL in rushing yards in only his second season, that's pretty good.  He compiled over 1,600 rushing yards and ultimately making him a pro-bowler.  He came out of the gate with a huge game against the Colts, where he rushed for over 200 yards.  He is very similar to McCoy, in the fact that he is an all-purpose running back, but better.

Wide Receivers:

Mike Williams - I usually don't like to call players up-coming in their first year, but I am with Mike Williams(TB).  He almost didn't even seem to look like a rookie.  He looked like player that had been in the league a couple of years.  He was second in receptions in Tampa Bay only behind Kellen Winslow and first in receiving yards this season and probably will lead in both categories on the team next year.

Stevie Johnson - If there were any bright spots in the Bills organization, it was Steve Johnson. He led Buffalo in receptions and receiving yards and it wasn't even close.  He had over 1,000 receiving yards and 82 receptions.  He had 10 receiving touchdowns.  He was clearly Ryan Fitzpatrick's favorite target, and would be a young QB favorite target as well  if the Bills decide to draft one.

Tight Ends;

Brandon Pettigrew - At the beginning of the season Pettigrew was not a big factor in the Lions offense, but during the middle and end of the season he was a big force.  He ended up being second on the Lions in receptions, only 6 receptions behind C. Johnson's 77.  He had 772 yards receiving, also second on team behind C. Johnson in that category.  He will be the main reason why the Lions will actually be good next year.  The Lions will be my sleeper/surprise team next season.

 Jacob Tamme - Out went Dallas Clark in came someone just as good.  Jacob Tamme has size and sure hands.  He stepped in for the injured Dallas Clark and it almost didn't faze the Colts in the tight end position.  He had 67 receptions and 631 receiving yards this season.  Whether he is still with the colts next season is to be unknown.  In my opinion he probably will be traded to a team like the Arizona Cardinals.  If the Cardinals get a franchise QB Tamme would be a nice toy for the new QB to use.

Next week I will have the up and coming defensive players, then the week after that I'll have Special Teams