2010 NFL Draft: Should the Washington Redskins Focus on OL to Help Portis?

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Last week, Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan announced that the Washington Redskins will keep running back Clinton Portis around for the 2010 season, despite the numerous rumors about his possible release.

He will enter his seventh season with the team after playing just eight games in 2009 due to injuries.

Portis missed four games following a concussion in Week Nine, before being placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season for safety reasons. His concussion suffered against the Atlanta Falcons was so bad, that doctors feared that Portis' condition could become worse if he took another severe hit.

Many wondered whether Portis would return to the Redskins after the 2009 season. Not only was his season cut short by the concussion, but there were also a number of issues off the field that could have influenced team owner, Daniel Snyder, to part ways with him.

Instead, Portis looks to bounce back and help a Washington team that averaged just 94.4 yards per game on the ground, ranking them 27th amongst other teams. It's no secret how much the running game needs improvement, considering Portis led all rushers last season with 494 yards despite playing in just eight games.

Of course, no running game is as successful without the help of a strong offensive line, which is another area the Redskins should focus on in the upcoming draft. As tempting as it may be to take a shot on a quarterback in the first round, like Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen, it may be in the team's best interest to select an offensive lineman.

Rutgers offensive tackle Anthony Davis and Oklahoma State's Russell Okung are two names who could land with the Redskins at the No. 4 pick. Both players could see significant time during their rookie season and either player could help pave the way for Portis if drafted by Washington.

From 2007—08, Portis rushed for a combined 2,749 yards and 20 touchdowns, so it's no secret he's an effective threat at running back when healthy. If he's going to be the go-to-guy next season at running back, the Redskins will need a better offensive line than last year—and what better way start than the 2010 NFL Draft?

Eagles Fans Will Always Show Brotherly Love For Brian Westbrook

Friday, February 26, 2010

For the second time this week, a star running back was released when the Philadelphia Eagles parted ways with Brian Westbrook after eight seasons. He is now a free agent and open to sign with another team.

Once again, the Eagles’ front office shows they aren’t afraid to put business first when it comes to their beloved players. Last March, there was little effort to resign safety Brian Dawkins simply because they felt there was little gas left in his tank. In his first season with the Denver Broncos, he reached his eighth career Pro Bowl after finishing the regular season with 116 tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.

Like Westbrook, Dawkins was a fan favorite among the Philadelphia crowd during his 13-year run with the Eagles. His leadership and ferocious tackles sent chills through anyone watching–which was even more of the reason why they loved him.

Westbrook had the same effect, with the only difference being he would play offense rather than defense. At one point in his career, he was arguably the most explosive and dangerous running backs in all of football. His explosiveness was astonishing to watch, leaving fans with anticipation and excitement as they waited to see what would happen when he touched the ball.

As painful as it sounds, Tuesday’s release should come as no surprise for Eagles fans considering the situation the front office was faced. By bringing back Westbrook, they would have owed him $7.25 million as he would enter the final year on his contract. In reality, it would have made no sense for the Eagles to bring him back considering his history of injuries.

Other than the ankle injuries and two concussions suffered last season, Westbrook has never managed to play an entire season during his eight-year career with the Eagles. As much as fans would love to see him back in green next season, the money spent would have been too much considering how much of an injury risk he is.

He may no longer be on the roster, but head coach Andy Reid said it best during his press conference when he said Westbrook would always be an Eagle at heart–and he’s right. He’s provided so many astonishing plays throughout his career that will be in the minds of fans for the rest of their lives.

The “Miracle at the Meadowlands” in 2003 where Westbrook returned an 84-yard punt for the game-winning touchdown against the New York Giants when all hope seemed lost. His 2007 season in which he finished with 2,104 yards from the line of scrimmage and 11 combined touchdowns. Not to mention the four-touchdown performance against the Arizona Cardinals on Thanksgiving in 2008.

And who could forget his unselfish play against the Cowboys in 2007 where Westbrook made the decision to fall on the one-yard line instead of entering the end zone so the Eagles could run the clock out with a 10-6 lead in Dallas–a play that not only sealed the win, but drove fantasy football owners across the country crazy.

When the Eagles take the field for the first time next September at Lincoln Financial Field, there will be a weird feeling among spectators when No. 36 isn’t announced during introductions. It’s hard to imagine what the last eight years would have been like had Reid never read stories in local newspapers about a local running back from Villanova who set 41 school, 13 Atlantic-10, and five NCAA records.

After he was selected in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft, Westbrook saw little action as a running back during his rookie season playing alongside Deuce Staler and Correll Buckhalter. 2003 was when word started to spread about the dangerous type of player he was as he became part of Philadelphia’s “three-headed monster” at running back and return specialst for special teams.

Since that sophomore season, Westbrook has always been considered one of the most dangerous players in the league when healthy. It’s a shame his career with Philadelphia had to come to an end the way it did, but we currently live in an era where the careers of running backs don’t last as long as they used to.

For those who have been lucky enough to follow the Eagles over the last eight years, they should be thankful to have witnessed one of the greatest running backs this team has ever seen in franchise history.

Whether he decides to sign with another team or simply call it a career by retiring, it’s safe to say Brian Westbrook will always be an Eagle at heart, and this fan voice isn’t the only one who believes that. Here are a few reactions from other fellow Eagles fans:

“When I heard that the Eagles had released Brian Westbrook, I was initially shocked…but then realized it was the most logical decision to make. For as much as he had done for the Eagles during his eight-year tenure in Philadelphia, it was too much of a risk to keep Westbrook on the roster, given his injury-laden 2009 season.”

“For me, Westbrook’s standout season was definitely in 2006 by not only scoring 11 touchdowns for the Eagles, but also setting his then career-high 1,217 rushing yards and then continuing his outstanding performance during the postseason against the Giants and Saints. It was then, I believe, that he truly won over the hearts of Philadelphia fans. We are truly fortunate as Eagles fans to have witnessed his phenomenal performances and how they helped the Eagles become the fierce NFC contender they are today; the city of Philadelphia will never forget what an influential player No. 36 was for this team!” -Becky Kocon

“I’ll never forget Westbrook’s knee at the 1 against the cowboys right at the two minute warning to ice a close game. It showed everything that Westbrook had to offer: incredible vision at the line, great speed to get through a hole, elusive moves once in the open field, poise and intelligence (especially in the clutch), and a total unselfish, “team-first” attitude. Despite the fact that it cost me a fantasy championship, that run was the epitome of Brian Westbrook. He will be missed.” - Eddie Grant

“The greatest Giant Killer is no more. It was said that Donovan McNabb would never amount to anything until he could get past the Giants. He struggled against them every year until a frigid night in 2003. Well, he struggled that night too, but for the first of many times against the Giants, Brian Westbrook bailed out the team with a scintillating game/season/division clinching punt return in the last minute. Goodbye, 36. Thanks for the memories.” - Geoff Crawley

Why Donovan McNabb Will Be With The Philadelphia Eagles in 2010: Part Two

About one month into the 2010 offseason, the rumors surrounding Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb’s status with the team next season seems to have become a more popular topic than whether or not Brett Favre will return to the Minnesota Vikings next season. There are even talks about backup quarterback Kevin Kolb being traded to a team like the Cleveland Browns now that Tom Heckert has joined Mike Holmgren’s staff.

Trying to figure out who will be on the Eagles’ roster next season at quarterback seems almost as complicated as cracking the Da Vinci Code. While it’s safe to say Michael Vick’s time in the City of Brotherly Love is most likely over after he’s already expressed interest in starting for another team in 2010, it will be months before the status of McNabb and Kolb is officially decided.

Despite all of the rumors, the fact that they are just rumors, which means both players could still end up wearing green and white once Week One rolls around come September. Here are five reasons why McNabb and Kolb will both be on the Eagles’ roster in 2010.

Yesterday, the first part of why Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb would be with the team in 2010–which can be found by clicking here. Here is the second part to the article on why No. 5 will be wearing green next season.

2009 Should Be Blamed On a Weak Ground Game and Struggling Defense, Not McNabb

Cause you’re hot then you’re cold
You’re yes then you’re no
You’re in then you’re out
You’re up then you’re down

For those unfamiliar with Katy Perry’s classic hit song, listening to “Hot N Cold” may be seen by some as the perfect way to describe McNabb.

One week, McNabb puts on a performance that seems to make him a top-10 quarterback–such as his performance in Week Eight against the New York Giants where he finished 17-of-23 for 240 yards and three touchdowns.

Other weeks, he seems to struggle more than Shaquille O’neal at the foul line (sorry Shaq), constantly under and over throwing his receivers–especially in both losses to the Cowboys.

Despite his poor performances against the Cowboys at the end of the season, it’s unfair to put all of the heat on McNabb for the way 2009 played out for the Eagles when they struggled with both the running game and defense.

With Brian Westbrook dealing with ankle injuries and concussions a majority of the season, the Eagles were forced to rely on rookie running back LeSean McCoy–who showed signs of potential throughout the 2009 season, but still has plenty of work before he becomes a consistent threat as a starter. Philadelphia struggled most of the season to stay consistent on the ground game, averaging just 102.3 yards per game overall and placing more pressure on McNabb in the passing game.

On the other side of the ball, Sean McDermott adjusted well in his first year as defensive coordinator for the Eagles after replacing Jim Johnson–who passed away last summer of cancer.

However, there were plenty of holes on the Eagles’ defense that opposing offenses took advantage of and they weren’t nearly as dangerous as they were when Johnson was calling the shots. A team well-known for their strong blitzing all of a sudden seemed to become predictable against the teams they faced. Not to mention the absence of Stewart Bradley at linebacker and Brian Dawkins at safety.

Fans and analysts can say what they want about how the Eagles collapsed at the end of the season because of McNabb. Yes, he did struggle against a very tough Cowboys’ defense that finished the regular season with two consecutive shutouts.

However, it was unfair for everyone to immediately call for McNabb’s time in Philadelphia to come to an end after both losses to the Cowboys when the team clearly needed help in not only the running game, but on defense as well. If the team can find a way to improve both areas for next season, there’s every reason to believe McNabb could reach his seventh Pro Bowl with the Eagles.

The Relationship Between McNabb and Reid

Andy Reid took over as head coach in 1999 following a disappointing previous season in which the Eagles finished 3-13 to earn the second overall pick in the NFL Draft. Philadelphia used that pick to select McNabb after a stellar career at Syracuse and the two have worked together ever since.

McNabb and Reid have been through quite a lot during their 11 years together in Philadelphia–both good and bad. They may have seen success with eight playoff appearances–including five NFC East titles.

Unfortunately, they’ve also managed to lose four of five trips to the NFC Championship–including three in a row from 2002-04. While McNabb has received plenty of criticism for his inability to win the big games for the Eagles, Reid has been criticized almost as much–especially for his lack of running the ball.

The argument can be made that no current coach and quarterback have been through more ups and downs than these two guys. McNabb has always been Reid’s No. 1 guy and the comments he made following the Eagles’ loss to the Dallas Cowboys in this year’s playoffs made it seem clear he still would be in 2010.

“I was asked if Donovan would be my quarterback next year, and I said yes,” Reid said. “That’s what I’m saying now.”

Whatever happens with McNabb next season will come down to what Reid wants to do since his role with the organization allows the final decision to go through him. Since this is the case, it seems safe to say that Donovan will still be his guy in 2010 considering the type of relationship they’ve established over their 11 years together.

Why Donovan McNabb Will Be With The Eagles in 2010: Part One

About one month into the 2010 offseason, the rumors surrounding Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb’s status with the team next season seems to have become a more popular topic than whether or not Brett Favre will return to the Minnesota Vikings next season. There are even talks about backup quarterback Kevin Kolb being traded to a team like the Cleveland Browns now that Tom Heckert has joined Mike Holmgren’s staff.

Trying to figure out who will be on the Eagles’ roster next season at quarterback seems almost as complicated as cracking the Da Vinci Code. While it’s safe to say Michael Vick’s time in the City of Brotherly Love is most likely over after he’s already expressed interest in starting for another team in 2010, it will be months before the status of McNabb and Kolb is officially decided.

Despite all of the rumors, the fact that they are just rumors, which means both players could still end up wearing green and white once Week One rolls around come September. Here are reasons why McNabb will be on the Eagles’ roster in 2010.

The Eagles Don’t Want McNabb On Other NFC Contenders

Jon Gruden said it best during the 2010 Pro Bowl when he stated it would make no sense for Philadelphia to trade McNabb to a team like the Arizona Cardinals or Minnesota Vikings when they will most likely be two of the top contenders in the NFC next season.

In Arizona, Kurt Warner may be retired, but Matt Leinart will still arguably the best receiving duo in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. With a strong running back in Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice emerging as one of the most dangerous receiver in the NFL, the Vikings should contain one of the top offenses again in 2010.

With the right weapons on offense, McNabb has proven to be effective as one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Remember how good his numbers were in 2004 when he had Terrell Owens by his side? The Eagles organization is smart enough to know No. 5 could be just as dangerous as he was in 2004 with a team like the Cardinals or Vikings.

The Eagles Will Want a First-Round Pick for McNabb

It’s no question whether McNabb returns with Philadelphia next season, he will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks to wear an Eagles uniform. He holds four team records (touchdowns, yards, completions, and attempts) and is one of four quarterbacks in NFL history to throw for 30,000 passing yards, 200 touchdowns, 3,000 rushing yards, and 20 rushing touchdowns.

For that type of talent, the Eagles will want at least a first-round pick from any team interested in acquiring McNabb next season.

It made sense for a team like the Chicago Bears to surrender first round picks when they acquired Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos considering he just finished his fourth season. With a player like McNabb who has a history of injuries and 11 years already under his belt, he most likely has just another season or two left in the tank.

If a franchise were willing to surrender a first-round pick to acquire McNabb, they would have to be sure he was the missing piece to a Super Bowl. Considering McNabb has lost four of the five NFC Championship games he’s appeared in, that most likely won’t be the case for most organizations showing interest.

Philadelphia Eagles Decide to Release Running Back Brian Westbrook

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The Philadelphia Eagles announced Tuesday the release of running back Brian Westbrook, who would have been owed $7.25 million in 2010 if he returned with the team. He’s spent his entire eight-year career with the team after being selected in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft.

Once again, the Eagles make a move on one of their beloved fan favorites and show they’re not afraid to put business before loyalty after Westbrook’s release. He leaves Philadelphia as the all-time leading rusher (9,785) and one of the most explosive backs in team history.

As much as this move hurts for the fans to see Westbrook goes, the move makes sense considering his history of injuries. Not only did he miss eight games last season after dealing with ankle injuries and two concussions, but he’s never manged to play a full season in his eight-year career. Obviously, Joe Banner & company felt that it wasn’t worth risking $7.25 million in 2010.

This is the second fan favorite to be released by the Eagles in less than a year. Last March, they parted ways with Brian Dawkins–who signed with the Denver Broncos last March.

For Brian Westbrook, Will Business Come Before Loyalty With Philadelphia Eagles?

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

While Donovan McNabb’s future with the Philadelphia Eagles remains to be the hot topic of the 2010 offseason, the organization may have to make another tough decision on the future of another one of their loyal players: Brian Westbrook.

In a recent interview, Westbrook expressed to Dan Rather how he was unsure about his future status with the Eagles–a team he’s spent his entire eight-year career with.

“I’m not sure. That’s one of those things that really is up to them. I’m under contract another year, and I would love to be in Philadelphia. There’s no other team that I would love to play for more than the Philadelphia Eagles. But it’s a situation where in the NFL, younger, cheaper is better for teams. It’s one of those things. It’s part of the business. I experienced it when I was younger, and I experience a different aspect now. You have to try and find out, for the team, what’s better for them.”

If Eagles fans should be concerned about any part of that interview, it should be, “It’s part of the business.”

Philadelphia has established a reputation as a business-first organization when it comes to members of their organization–especially the players.

Last season, the Eagles performed the unthinkable when they parted ways with long-time fan favorite Brian Dawkins. A player who many thought would wear green until the day he called it quits was denied the long-term offer he wished for simply because management took his age into factor. They believed he wasn’t the same dominant player from a few years ago and was on the down-fall of his career.

So how did Dawkins respond in 2009 during his first season with the Denver Broncos?

116 combined tackles, a forced fumbled, and two interceptions on the way to his eighth Pro Bowl. So much for a player on the “down-fall” of his career, huh?

Whether or not the Eagles decide to take the same approach with Westbrook should be answered over the next couple of weeks. He’s due $7.25 million next season and with his history of injuries, management has to decide if it’s even worth bringing back a player with a history of injuries.

The two concussions suffered last season are just a small chapter in the book of injuries Westbrook’s suffered over his career. In his eight seasons with the Eagles, he’s never managed to play a full 16-game season.

He’s provided fans with plenty of memorable games over the years. His magical game-winning punt return for a touchdown against the New York Giants in 2003. The 37 combined touchdowns from 2006-08.

However, none of that will matter when Joe and Banner company decide on Westbrook’s fate with the team over the next couple of weeks. The past is enough evidence that the Eagles aren’t afraid to put business first when it comes to deciding the future of their players.

So will business come into play when deciding Westbrook’s future with the Eagles next season? Only time will tell over the next few weeks.

For now, Philadelphia fans will just have to continue enjoying the numerous McNabb rumors on where he’ll end up next season.

Could New York Giants QB Eli Manning Be a MVP Candidate Next Season?

Thursday, February 11, 2010

When the 2009 regular season came to an end, no team may have felt more frustration than the New York Giants.

A team that seemed to be on its way to their second-straight NFC East title after a 5-0 start that would only win three of their next 11 games to finish the season 8-8.

With a banged-up defense filled with injuries, the Giants finished towards the bottom of the league, finishing 30th by allowing their opponents to average 26.7 points per game. Over the final two weeks of the regular season, the defense struggled so bad, they were outscored by a combined 85-16 to the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings.

There are a number of words that could describe how the Giants and their fans felt about how their season took a turn for the worst—mainly frustration and disappointment. However, all New York can do at this point is look at the positive and use it to its advantage in 2010.

Prior to last season, the Giants were criticized for their weak wide-receiving core after the release of Plaxico Burress—who is currently in the middle of a two-year jail sentence. Many assumed Manning and company would struggle throughout the season without a big-name wide receiver.

Apparently, they were wrong.

In a season where Manning was supposed to struggle without his top target in Burress, he went on and finished with career highs in just about every category. He was one of 10 quarterbacks to finish with over 4,000 yards to go along with his 62.3 completion percentage and 27 touchdowns.

As much credit as he deserves for his impressive 2009 season, Manning would never have had the type of success without the emergence of his fellow wide receivers.

Steve Smith finished second behind Wes Welker with 107 receptions in just his third season. He also finished with 1,220 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on the way to his first Pro Bowl.

Along with Smith, second-year wideout Mario Manningham finished with 57 catches for 822 yards and five touchdowns. Even Hakeem Nicks played a major role in his first NFL season, finishing with 47 catches for 790 yards and six touchdowns.

Now that the Giants officially have a solid group of young receivers, the expectations will be high for them next season. With Smith, Manningham, and Nicks—New York should be contenders once again for not just the NFC East, but the Super Bowl.

With another year of experience under their belts, Manning's receiving core could become one of the top trios in the NFL next season.

If this happens, there's every reason to believe Manning could be in the running for MVP in 2010 for the first time in his career. It may sound crazy, but he only finished with 479 yards and six touchdowns less than his brother Peyton in 2009—who became the first player in NFL history to win the award four times.

The Giants contain enough talent on their roster to be one of the most dangerous teams in football next season. If Manning and company can bounce back after last season's collapse with the type of talent they have, New York will be strong contenders to represent the NFC in Super Bowl XLV.

And if the Giants do make a strong run in the playoffs on their way to the promised land for the second time in four years, don't be surprised if Manning's name is thrown around in the MVP talks.