Very Interesting Day

Posted: November 12th, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 208 Comments »

It seems like there is a lot of stuff going on this week. Today we found out that Malcolm Jenkins played more than half of the Dallas game with a concussion. Obviously, that’s not a good thing.

I think part of the love-hate relationship we all have with the game of football is wanting players to be tough, but also safe. Watching Andre Waters throw his body around like a human missile was highly entertaining for a decade. We loved that. Finding out years later that his style of play led to brain issues and caused him to commit suicide was tough to accept.

You want players to be warriors. There is no better compliment for a player than calling him tough. But now we know the costs that come with some of that toughness and I know it has changed the way I watch the game. I was not thrilled to hear what Jenkins did. I love the fact he wanted to stay in the game because it was so important, but I don’t want to read a story in 15 years about his suicide and what caused it. Football is a great game, but not worth someone taking foolish chances.

To be fair to Jenkins, it does sound like he had a minor concussion. Guys who really get blown up struggle to function. Jenkins was able to play without having any coach or trainer notice anything was wrong with him. You can question if that was willful negligence. Maybe. But with the scrutiny on coaches and teams these days,  I find it hard to believe anyone would risk that.

Jenkins has gone through concussion protocol. He practiced today so it would seem he’s passed the necessary tests. It sounds like he will play this weekend. Let’s hope things go smoothly.

It was painful to see Sean Lee take the big hit in the Eagles game. I’ve been a huge fan of his since his Penn State days. He might be a Cowboy, but I still enjoy following him in the NFL. Seeing him hurt a knee or shoulder is tough, but a serious concussion like that was disturbing. You could just see how tough that was on him.

Lee is a great player, but his body has paid a real price to play football.

*****

Fletcher Cox is now the Man Dog.

That’s great.

Cox isn’t JJ Watt level dominant, but he’s whatever is just a notch below that. He has those moments when he just takes over. And it is fair to ask if he can get better. Sometimes DL take an extra year or two to learn how to be physically dominant.

*****

Matt Lombardo wrote a good piece on the Eagles offense and how the coaches have adjusted it to help Sam Bradford out.

As Bradford pointed out following Wednesday’s practice, the coaching staff has simplified the playbook in recent weeks, tailoring the game plans to his strengths after a rocky first several weeks to start the season.

“In the past couple of weeks we’ve kind of found what we’re good at,” Bradford said. “Some of the pass concept and things that I’m comfortable with and we’re comfortable with as an offense. We’ve just kind of repped those and we’re going to go out there and run those plays on Sundays.

“I think maybe for awhile it was just finding what it is that this offense, this year, what we’re good at and what we’re going to attack people with.”

Football is a process sport. It takes time to work things out. The players have to get used to each other. The coaches have to see what things are working. They have to see what adjustments other teams are making. All of this takes time and we are now seeing things start to come together for the Eagles.

The coaches know what Bradford does well. He has a feel for the offense and how to use the guys around him. And the offense is developing some chemistry.

We’ll see just how good this group can get this year.

*****

This bodes well for Sunday.

*****

This is an interesting story.

Coach Murray did a good job.

_


208 Comments on “Very Interesting Day”

  1. 1 Mitchell said at 11:30 PM on November 12th, 2015:

    Its not the first concussive hit that does the damage, at least acutely. The second concussion you receive in a game is the one that can literally kill you. The hits are additive and when you get a concussion inducing force, it can take fairly little to tip you over the edge.

  2. 2 The original AG said at 11:42 PM on November 12th, 2015:

    I had a really bad one earlier in life, and I’m so careful nowadays to make sure I don’t get another one. I don’t do any contact sports or activities that have a greater chance of sustaining one (though I do play the occasional bball game).

    It’s scary to think about the damage it does to your brain over time.

  3. 3 Mitchell said at 11:51 PM on November 12th, 2015:

    I dont think its anything to obsess over now. The one you had years ago was its own instance. It likely wont affect you at all in the long run. Its the constant trauma day in and out youd have to watch for and i dont think you are a crash dummy or professional helmet tester. I bet it was some scary stuff though.

  4. 4 The original AG said at 11:52 PM on November 12th, 2015:

    Thankfully not. Sometimes though, I want to bang my head against the wall at work. Does that count?

  5. 5 RobNE said at 7:44 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I had a boss that would actually do that (mockingly) when frustrated with people working for him. I didn’t find it inspiring

  6. 6 The original AG said at 1:34 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    This is terrible. I would never do that to someone or treat someone that way. I only said it because I deal with people that talk to people in a condescending way or think that they are god’s gift to IT.

  7. 7 RobNE said at 4:36 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    he also would write back to emails saying PIAD. That’s the whole email response.

    That means “pretend I am dead”. In other words, I am too busy to be the bottleneck, figure stuff out on your own. Which I totally get, I feel like that too sometimes, but it’s a tough way to deliver the message. And typically the junior person can’t really PIAD b/c if they over reach and make a bad decision, then the senior guy pretends to bang his head on the wall. If he was really dead, then I would just make all kinds of decisions for good and bad.

    fun times. Don’t work there anymore.

  8. 8 The original AG said at 4:51 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Good for you. Not a culture I’d want to be in and wouldn’t have lasted there very long.

  9. 9 RobNE said at 4:53 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    yeah take that! after 11 years, I said forget it. But now I have more pride.

  10. 10 The original AG said at 4:54 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    11 years? You have the patience of a Saint (as my aunt would say).

  11. 11 Mitchell said at 8:04 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Oddly enough, i do believe there is a threshold where damage starts to accumilate.

  12. 12 EagleNebula said at 12:01 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I’ve had one where I was completely knocked out, the next few hours were almost dream like and fairly confusing. I have no idea how someone could play football effectively like that.

  13. 13 The original AG said at 12:03 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Me either. I was woozy for quite awhile.

  14. 14 A_T_G said at 8:56 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I was never woozy or sick, but I politely tried to convince the ski patrol that found me unconscious and face down, bleeding into the snow that I really was okay and I would walk down to the lodge if they would take my skis for me.

    For me, I don’t remember anything from going off the jump until about 60 hours later. People told me later that I seemed fine, just not quite myself, like I was distracted or didn’t get enough sleep, but I was a danger to the public, and to myself. I had a separated shoulder that I hid, even telling my wife it was just sore. I drove a vehicle that was a stick shift even though I could barely move my left arm.

  15. 15 fran35 said at 10:32 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    As I look back on things, I realize now that I have had 3 definite concussions. 2 while playing ball in college and 1 one more in the Marines. The one I got in military was extremely severe. I lost consciousness for an extended period and then vomited for the next few days and couldn’t stay awake. I also had a skull fracture that required stitches. I was only 19 and didn’t know any better. In typical Marine Corps medicine style, I was stitched up, given Motrin 800mg and instructed to report back to my unit. That afternoon’s fun run was a lovely experience.

    Has anyone ever asked why the military is not held to the same concussion protocols that the NFL is, or there is not nearly the hullabaloo for these kids? I have personally seen dozens of guys sustain head trauma and lose consciousness. When they wake up, they are told to get right back at it.

    These NFL players play a game professionally, have access to some of the best medicine in the world, and the league rookie minimum salary is $440,000. Additionally, much like we observed with the 49ers LB Borland, they can retire or leave at any time when they don’t like the risks. In the military, they own your ass until your contract is done. If you try to leave, you end up in jail. Even if you try to leave at the end of your contract, they can the military can institute a “stop-loss”, meaning you cannot leave until they say its OK. The continued care these NFL players and our media are whining about should be at the VA. Then maybe our media would start to care.

    *Stepping down from my soapbox, carry on.

  16. 16 Jarrod said at 12:32 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I knew a guy in high school that got pretty messed up in the marines due to a head injury and was discharged. It’s definitely a good point you raise.

    I personally have had a couple concussions. One I didn’t even know I had it. I finished the soccer game, went through the award ceremony and took pictures. When we were leaving I ‘came back to Earth’. I don’t remember anything from the rest of the game to that moment. I must have been somewhat normal although the AD came to check on me as we left so maybe not. It’s pretty strange looking at those pictures and not remembering taking them.

  17. 17 EagleNebula said at 2:07 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I suspect the military would make the argument that in combat you can’t go to the locker room or something to that effect, though I don’t agree personally I have no basis on which to judge having never been in the military or combat. That being said, I typically would side with anything that is designed to preserve the health of anyone…

  18. 18 RichC, #kulturkampf said at 5:47 PM on November 14th, 2015:

    If you recall Fran, when the NFL decided to get serious about concussions a few years ago, the first place they went was to the military. Military medicine was light years ahead of civilian medicine when it came to studying head trauma.

    TBI became “the injury” of the wars in Iraq/Afganistan. Believe me. The injury isn’t ignored. TBI research has influenced everything from first aid to hearing protection and helmet design.

    Sounds like you’ve been out for a while. Stop loss rules have changed a bit too.

    Thank you for your service. Semper Fi!

  19. 19 The original AG said at 11:52 PM on November 12th, 2015:

    https://twitter.com/cbswartz5/status/664992302033539072

  20. 20 Will:↑↑↓↓←→←→BA said at 6:10 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Careful, Eagles’ fans have already anointed him to be Nnamdi Assomough 2.0

  21. 21 Fletcher's Cox said at 10:02 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    but some bum named Julio burned him a whole lot. he’s no good

  22. 22 Gian GEAGLE said at 10:09 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Not surprised…. Ripping the guy because he didn’t set the world on fire in his first few games as an eagle was pretty silly of us… The guy came here battle tested. It was no secret that he could play… This Wasnt NNamdi who got his reputation by no one ever testing him and throwing at him… I have a feeling that by the end of the year we will be eating crow and having to appologize to chip for ripping his GM moves that are mostly all trending Up: his OL, Murray, Mathews, Thurmond, starting nolan, drafting Hicks.. He was ripped for so many GM moves, but most of them look like they could end up smelling like Roses by the end of the year. Fingers crossed
    ..
    Now of you want to rip Marcus smith for not earning any defenses refs halfway thru year two, THATS perfectly Fair game…. Hopefully,Maaaarcus Daaaarling steps up and makes the most out of the next opportunity that comes his way

  23. 23 ChoTime said at 11:10 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Is he playing well or getting more help? I know it’s more fun to say the naysayers are dumb…

  24. 24 A_T_G said at 12:20 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Even if he is getting more help, 5th best is pretty damn good. And if he is, it isn’t a ton of help.

  25. 25 The original AG said at 1:33 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I think it’s a combination of both, but that he’s playing much better. He’s getting used to his role and he’ll keep improving.

    We know (or at least IMO) he won’t be Revis Island, but I do think he can be close to a shutdown corner that makes it very tough on the receiver and QB.

  26. 26 The original AG said at 12:00 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Don’t know if anyone shared this, but this is cool stuff right here.

    https://twitter.com/si_vault/status/664487755355787264

  27. 27 Joe Minx said at 12:45 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Great stuff. Thanks for sharing that.

  28. 28 MagsMumDadBro+Ex said at 12:57 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Wonder what aircraft they using in 1946? A decommissioned bomber maybe?

  29. 29 The original AG said at 1:04 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    The precursor to long range flight. The pre-747s.

  30. 30 ChoTime said at 1:27 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    The bleeding edge of sports science, 1940s style.

  31. 31 A_T_G said at 7:33 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I can’t believe none of them are smoking.

  32. 32 Joe Minx said at 12:47 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Watching the NFLN postgame show listening to Shady go on about how great a coach Rex Ryan is, the fact that he’s a players’ coach & some other coaches don’t give guys adequate time to let their bodies heal up. Can’t imagine who that was supposed to be in reference to.

  33. 33 Gian GEAGLE said at 8:41 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Yeah yeah, and then when he becomes a cap casualty of the bills before his entire contract expires his immaturity will show and start ripping Rex and the Bills

  34. 34 Buge Halls said at 10:18 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Bring back Boykin next year at league minimum?

  35. 35 eagleyankfan said at 8:46 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I have mixed feelings about this. Probably because of my blinded hatred for Rex but hopefully some of it is logical. I can’t believe for 1 minute that CK throws people out on the field that is hurt. I don’t believe AR did it and don’t think CK does.
    ….
    On the other hand, we read all week how Shady got pretty hurt on Sunday. So hurt that he was pulled(or pulled himself out) of the game several times. His practice was limited. For someone that was hurt just last Sunday played an awful a lot of snaps last night. I think that reasoning is because Rex wanted that game badly and he wanted his best rb on the field as much as possible. I don’t think Shady was 100%(I’m not saying he was hurt enough not to play) in the game last night. For someone that probably wasn’t 100% — sure is funny he made comments about CK not giving players enough time to heal. So, after getting hurt — when did Shady have time to heal?

  36. 36 Gian GEAGLE said at 8:58 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    If that was the case, Agholar would have been on the field like two weeks ago

  37. 37 eagleyankfan said at 9:06 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Agreed. Shady is still acting like the hurt girlfriend that was rejected at the prom…

  38. 38 Nelson ALGore said at 7:00 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    isn’t the saying like :Everybody has hurts in week 9. U can’t play if you’re injured but u can play hurt

    Shady was never loved for his toughness

  39. 39 MagsMumDadBro+Ex said at 12:59 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Garrett must have no self-respect at all, to go along with having no authority. Money can be a motivating factor, but I couldn’t stand JJ for more than one season.

  40. 40 The original AG said at 1:07 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Funny thing is, I could see Chip bringing him in if he doesn’t get a head coaching job after Dallas.

  41. 41 Insomniac said at 3:44 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    As what? The water boy?

  42. 42 Bert's Bells said at 5:24 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Backup QB?

  43. 43 Insomniac said at 8:28 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    No wait..I have the best idea for Garrett. He can be one of those guys who holds up the play calling signs so he can also pretend that he’s calling plays!

  44. 44 Insomniac said at 3:43 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I’m pretty sure about 97.9886% of the population would like his job of holding a clipboard, chew bubblegum, and pretend to call plays while making millions.

  45. 45 Insomniac said at 3:51 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Hey guys maybe we should trade Huff for Dion Jordanzzzzz now. One lame duck for another!

  46. 46 Media Mike said at 5:05 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I’d like to thank the Jets for nothing. We needed to see the Bills demoralized and in free-fall………………..how does Buffalo having a winning record help the Eagles win vs. the Bills?

  47. 47 Nelson ALGore said at 7:02 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    how does having a losing record help Philly beat Buffalo?

    Philly put both NY teams into a tailspin lol

    Jets were rolling until they ran into the mandog cox

  48. 48 Media Mike said at 8:16 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Every team left on our schedule except New England being on a losing streak would help us garner easier wins.

  49. 49 A_T_G said at 7:54 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I have had two concussions.

    The first, playing backyard football, I told everyone I was fine, we ran the next play, I went out on a pass route and didn’t come back when the play was over.

    The second, skiing, led to a trip to the emergency room. I took off of work the next day and returned the following day. About midday I had a moment where the fog lifted. I suddenly became aware that I had no idea what was happening around me, or what I had done up to that point. Literally nothing: not how I got to work, not where I parked, not a single action or conversation from the morning.

    Clearly, I should not have been trusted to make decision about my own health. When one injures their tool for reasoning, they shouldn’t be trusted to reason.

    I can empathize with Malcolm’s desire to play on. I cannot accept his teammates allowing him to put himself at risk.

  50. 50 sonofdman said at 8:33 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I have had two concussions as well. One relatively minor that had me feeling confused for a couple hours and one that was significantly worse. The bad one, I was playing in an intramural flag football tournament in college. I was thrown a high pass, jumped to catch it and the defender accidentally undercut me trying to get to the ball, resulting in me hitting the ground with the back of my head. I remember nothing for the next 4-5 hours. I remember jumping to catch the ball and then the next thing I remember was hearing “hike” and running out and catching a short pass over the middle. Except this was three games later. From what I am told, I kept telling everyone all day that I was fine and I played every snap of every game that day. Later I became really light headed and nauseous and was basically incoherent when people tried to talk to me and my girlfriend (now wife) insisted on taking me to the hospital. Even then, I insisted that I was fine even though I could barely stand up and could not carry on a conversation or remember anything someone told me for more than a few seconds at a time.

    So I agree with you, that a player should definitely not be trusted regarding his own health when it comes to concussions.

  51. 51 NineseveN said at 9:14 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I’ve had, from what the specialist could figure, 7, possibly 9 (I’m 38). The last one (snowboarding), put me in the ER and out of work for 3 months. That was January, I’m still having memory issues (but things are much better now). Looking back, I have no recollection of the time I spent away from work (until April) or really much of anything up through midway through October. I’ve been good enough to work (analyst) as I’ve been able to think clearly since April but I have to work at remembering things as they happen (I remember everything fine before my accident but committing new information to memory requires an effort). I’m also just now getting over the personality changes (irritable and much more vulgar than usual, like mental tourettes). Concussions are no joke, but back when I was in school, we just called it getting your bell rung and it wasn’t a big deal.

  52. 52 A_T_G said at 9:56 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Wow, I cannot imagine going through that.

    I used to laugh and joke when talking about my concussions. A college kid running pass routes, making cuts and calling for the ball while everyone else watches in worried amusement, then asking 3 times in two blocks home who won and why did we stop seems kind of funny. Being strapped down to a stretcher and bleeding, but politely turning down help and insisting on walking down off the mountain seems funny.

    Stories like this are what made my experience less funny and realize I am lucky I recovered in a few days. It sounds like you have a good outlook on what you are facing and are headed the right direction. I hope things continue to improve.

  53. 53 NineseveN said at 1:23 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Thanks, I appreciate it. I think a positive attitude is key for any type of rehab. There’s no sense getting down about things not in my control. I have an amazing wife who takes care of me and keeps me pointed in the right direction. I still joke about my latest concussion (I boarded into an open manhole concealed by a soft layer of snow on a groomer at a ski resort) because, what else can you do?

  54. 54 mtn_green said at 10:12 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I wear a helmet snowboarding and there are times it still takes me a minute getting up cause my head hit the snow/ice so hard.
    My good friend in college died hitting his head on ice without a helmet.

  55. 55 NineseveN said at 1:24 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Had I not been wearing a helmet during my injury, I would have likely need dead. My heat hit so hard that my earlobe split from the impact with the padded internals of the helmet.

  56. 56 Ark87 said at 10:13 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    The scary thing is I work in a field where everything is about “neuroplasticity”. The concept is that while the brain can’t make new neurons, they constantly make new connections throughout life. Because of this, we can overcome brain damage, underdeveloped frontal lobes from individuals with fetal alcohol syndrome can make new pathways that previously weren’t there. This is how we can learn, make memories, acquire new behaviors, and find new ways of thinking.

    However these concussions and sub-concussive hits accumulate into a degenerative condition, and while our methods can help, ultimately the deterioration will erode connections faster than we can make them. Hopefully stem-cell research can progress enough to help some of these individuals, if not “cure” them, at least slow it down enough to live out a full and happy life.

  57. 57 botto said at 12:00 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    you would have been roasted by Beasley

  58. 58 A_T_G said at 12:14 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Nah. Even concussed I would have been sharp enough to have a linebacker knock him to the ground before he started his route.

  59. 59 MattE said at 1:05 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I was at a Flyers game, went to an open bar event somewhere in the stadium. got trashed, was walking up upper levels stairs, slipped and cracked my head off a concrete step. Spilled 1 beer, saved the other in my hand, chugged it and threw the cup somewhere. No idea where i was until way after the game. my buddy was tellin me i was asking the same things over (wheres my beer mainly), and that he was trying to keep me from passing out… what a great night lol.

  60. 60 Kevin K said at 8:04 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    so…. S / 5 ?

  61. 61 Kevin K said at 8:05 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I still have hope for Sam, but the Cowboys had our 8 plays figured out by Week 2. Sam is still hoping to get it down by Thanksgiving?

  62. 62 Gian GEAGLE said at 8:19 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I’m hoping JP sits out this game in hopes that he gets fully healthy and can get thru the rest of the season, but I have to admit that I would feel much more comfortable if Peters was healthy enough to Dress and sit on the bench in case of emergencies, because if iim not mistaken, isn’t backüp Josh Andrews going to miss this game with a concussion? We have no backups.. Without Peters, and josh Andrews, our bench is Julian Vandervelde and Tanner Hankinson or whatever his name is… SURE would feel much better if JP was able to dress and step up in case of an emergency/injury

  63. 63 Gian GEAGLE said at 8:38 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I know Ronda Rousey, 135lb UFC woman’s champion iis getting all the attention for tomorrow night, but the co main event is probably my favorite pro athlete in the world today, womans 115lb champion Joanna “champion) Jedrzejczyk….. There is no pro football or basketball player that I would pay to see compete as much As I want to see Joanna, she is MUST SEE TV!!!
    ..
    Everyone is going to watch the fight because of Ronda, but they will come away talking about the Tiny Polish Destryer. BEST ATHLETE IN THE WORLD!! MUST SEE TV!!
    .
    Ronda Dominate woman with her judo and grappling, making woman tap out and submit, and it damn sure is impressive…but Joanna rearranges your face. The Long time woman Muy Thai world champion is impossible to take down, and standing with her is friggin scary.. RARE that you will see a woman weighing 115lb with serious KO Power… DEAD SERIOUS, if you are going to get in the cage with Joanna, you better book your plastic surgeon for after the fight because she leaves her opponent looking like bloody messes after constant crisp, precision in her punches, kicks, and a lot of elbows and Knees to your face…
    ..
    Having Joanna co main event a Ronda Rousey stadium show is great business, with all the eyes Ronda attracts, tomorrow night the Tiny, Polish Destroyer becomes a superstar…
    ..
    If you don’t kno who im talkimg about, you can catch Some of her previous fights for free on comcast on demand…
    .
    So Excited, for me getting to see Joanna compete is like my Super Bowl. There is no athlete in any sport that I would rather see compete… Love this tiny Polish badass

  64. 64 RobNE said at 9:20 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    why don’t they fight each other? Seems like no one can stay with Rhonda for more than 35 seconds. I know it’s 20 pounds but still….

  65. 65 Gian GEAGLE said at 9:35 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    More than 20 Lbs… Ronda is a muscular woman, she has to diet and then cut water weight to make 135lb.. They have been doing the media tour tgether and Ronda Dwarfs her… Plus Joanna only defender her title once,.. She would need to clear out her division before they even let her take a superfight… As more womans weight classes are introduced we we will see more super fights…
    ..
    Plus Ronda still has the Monster pay day waiting for her against Christine “Cyborg”….. Ronda vs Cyborg was always the Matheather vs Paquiao of womans MMA….it’s the big money fight, it has been avoided because Cybrog got caught on PEDS(shocker she is more muscular than men).. Cyborg fights at 145lb and wanted Ronda to move up to fight her, which is dumb, Ronda is the Queen, you move down to fight her, no point in Ronda moving up while she still has credible contenders to fight… cyborg has slowly been coming into each fight a little lighter, and we either end up seeing Ronda vs Cyborg at UFC 200, or whenever there are no more credible challengers for Ronda, they will pull out the Cyborg superfight Trump card… Cyborg Probably would have destroyed all the woman Ronda destroyed
    ..
    Joanna looks like 3 weight classes smaller than Ronda, doubt we ever see that fight. Plus Joanna is like the one woman Ronda respects and is even a fan of

  66. 66 RobNE said at 10:23 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    you think Cyborg would beat Rhonda?

  67. 67 Gian GEAGLE said at 3:54 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Beats me,.. I think Cyborg beats Everyone that Ronda beat,and if there is a woman who can beat Ronda, it would be Cyborg.. Cyborg is more powerful, a more viscious physical puncher. But I can’t say that she will have enough to beat Ronda’s masterful Technique until I see it…
    .
    If Cyborgs power can keep Rondo from taking her down,and forces Ronda to fight on her feet, it could get interesting since Cyborg looks and Hits like a dude,.. But Rondas judo technique is flawless, when she gets you in the clinche she has taken down everyone she wanted to take down..my bet is her technique can overcome cYborg atremgth and Take her down…
    ,,
    cyborg hasn’t fought UFC competitipn. So Ronda has that advantage, Cyborg is a scary chick. And if she hits Ronda on her chin, ronda could easily crumble, but I wouldnt bet against Rondas technique. I have to see her,ose to believe it.. Especially since Ronda is so experienced dealing with all the big fight pressure and big fight media obligation that would come with mega fight against Cyborg,which would easily be the biggest fight in hstory of womans MMA.. cyborg hasn’t had to deal with those type of crazy media obligations, and learn how to not let it effect your training. Ronda basically brings her coach and training partner everywhere.. And when that fight happens, It will come with a Huge world media tour, and filming for all types of countdown shows leading up to the fight… And Cyborg has no UFC experience. her first foght would be a mega fight against Ronda… Big Difference fighting in small show Invicta, and Fighting in the UFC for the first time. In such a high profile fight… experiemce on the big stage, knowing how to still get your training in, goes to Ronda..
    ..
    Plus, Cyborg would also have to cut more weight than Ronda, so odds are Ronda will be the more fresh fighter on fight night
    ..
    But Now that there is the New IV ban, where guys can’t use IV’s to rehydrate after big weight cuts, Im not sure Cyborg can even cut down to 135lb in a healthy manner for the fight to take place without being able to use the IV.. And she has to make 135lbs for the fight to take place.
    ..
    cyborg better start losing muscle. She NEEDS Ronda, it would be a bigger pay day than anything Cyborg has seen… Ronda Doesn’t NEED her, she will draw PPV numbers regardless

  68. 68 Gian GEAGLE said at 4:15 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I don’t expect Ronda to lose tomorrow night, but Stylistically speaking it’s an interesting fight, a different type of challenge than anything Ronda has faced, so im curious to see how Ronda does against Holly HOLMES..
    ..
    HOlly is a Tall, Long Time,highly decorated womans boxing champion, who then transitioned to Kickboxing and won a bunch of those titles, transitioned to MMA where she is currently undefeated.. Rondas striking has improved tremendously, and ahe allegedly focused on her boxing a lot this camp,which is expected considering who her opponent is. But as dominant as Ronda is, if she fought Holly im a Boxing ring, or Kickboxing fight, Holly would beat Ronda… The way Ronda is LIGHTYEARS ahead of her opponents in Judo and JU jitsu, Holly is LIGHTYEARS ahead of all the woman in terms of technical striking..
    ,,
    It’s an interesting stylistic challenge, different from the type of fights we have seen Ronda in, because Holly will be looking to use her length, her crisp Jabs, and Kicks to try and keep her distance, stay away from Romdas clinch and use her length to try and keep Ronda on the end of her punches, where as Ronda will look to close the distance, throw Holly onher head with a big judo throw and finish Holly on the Ground..
    ..
    the Longer Holly can maintain her distance and keep the fight standing, the better. her Jab is going to be very important… So what’s nice is that we won’t see Rondas opponent panic, and try to bum rush Ronda which is the dumbest thing you can do, because you are essentially closing the distance for Ronda and taking the fight to the clinch where ronda wants it to be anyway, so at least Holly won’t make that Mistake, she will try to use her advantage which is her technical striking and reach advantage.. Holly is a tough chick, trains at agreat camp, Im sure Jon Jones has been helping prepare her… personally, I would have liked to see Holly get another year of seasoning in her transition to MMA before fighting Ronda, but I think the UFC rushed Holly into this fight now, while she is still marketable since Ronda is starting to clear out the division, and I suspect the UFC figured they would book the marketable fight now, rather than risk Holly Losing, and the UFC not being able to book her as an undefeated Challenger…. But holly is a world class striker, she looks better in each fight, im sure training for Ronda has taken her game to the next level, and holly has been in so many championship fights in boxing and Kickboxing, that she should be able to be mentally stronger than most of Rondas Victims who didn’t have the experience on the big stage that Ronda has had
    ..
    Obviously I expect Ronda to win, but it could be more interesting than the last 3 opponents who combined Couldnt last longer than a minute against Ronda.. Ronda is too memtally tôugh, too technically supperior, too Experiemced than Everyone she faces..
    ..
    If I had to bet money on someone beating Ronda, it would be Cyborg, but I’d have to see Ronda lose to believe it

  69. 69 Bert's Bells said at 10:27 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Good post

  70. 70 Stephen E. said at 10:39 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    That reminds me of how in Vision Quest, Matthew Modine’s character had to drop 20 pounds to wrestle a guy who clearly already weighed 20 pounds more than he did.

  71. 71 RobNE said at 10:58 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    maybe Shute was shorter? but yeah, he was way more ripped.

  72. 72 Sean Stott said at 1:29 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    20 pounds is an enormous athletic advantage in combat sports!

  73. 73 AsianEagle said at 10:16 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I just watched one of her fights on YouTube… Omg she is bad ass

  74. 74 Gian GEAGLE said at 3:36 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    LOL yeah she is a tiny DESTROYER!!! First time I saw her fight my jaw was on the floor..
    ..
    If you get a chance, do yourself a favor and watch her beat up former champion Carla Esparza (the fight that won her the title), and watch her first title defense against Ms. Pena (who needed plastic surgery the week after the fight)
    ..
    My favorite athlete in the world. I been itching to see her fignt again for like 6 months… Love her broken English, she talks a lot of trash and she sounds like the love child of Ivan Drago and Bridget Nielson… She is a big believer in Muhammad Ali “Memtal warefare”, by the time fight night rolls around her opponents are usually scared to death to get in the cage with her,.. It must suck to know that if you can’t take her down, she will rearrange your face
    .,
    thanks to all the Attention Ronda Gets, Joanna “Champion” becomes a superstar tomorrow night… I love this girl!!

  75. 75 Gian GEAGLE said at 8:56 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    ” I’ve seen both EAGLE RBs, I was able to stop Demarco Murray lasts year when he was in Dallas, and the other guy I have seen before too”-DonkeyKong Suh…
    ..
    bwahahaha LOL, as if Suh isn’t going to be faking injuries every drive, bent over coughing up a lung, putting his hand up begging for a sub. After the first Quarter, we will see Suh with an Oxygen Mask more than we see him with a Facemask..
    ..
    Mental midget, Fatigue will make him either shut down, and quit like what happened in the blizzard where shady ran all over the Lions defense, or the Fatigue will frustrate Suh, lose control, do somethng dumb and dirty and get himself kicked out..
    ..
    Can’t wait to see what the front running Bully’s snap count looks like sunday compared to his previous games…. It’s no secret how you treat Bullies like Suh and Hardy, you don’t show fear, and punch them in the mouth.
    ..
    One of the best aspects of the Cowboys win, was it seems like Kelce cleaned up all the infuriating costly mistakes (for the most part), and finally showed up and looked like the Jason KELCE we love… Another week of Continuity for our interior Line should make them a little better…

    I think not having to face Cameron Wake is probably the biggest break we got this year from opponent injuries. That old man is a MONSTER off the edge, I fear having to face him more than I fear Hardy,, Wake is NO JOKE, even at THIS age, not having to play him is a HUGE break for us,.
    ..
    the Junior Gallette injury is also pretty huge for us, not having to face him twice this year. That Bitch Karma took care of scumbag Gallette and Dirty Dan Snyder….. I’m conflicted, not sure if I want to see Karma destroy Hardys knee, or if Id Rather see Hardy remain a cowboy for the rest of the year and training camp so he can help implode that scum franchise

  76. 76 eagleyankfan said at 8:56 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I can’t fathom what players(and people on this board) have endured with concussions. That is some scary stuff.

  77. 77 Gian GEAGLE said at 9:14 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Malcolm made it sound like coaches were pretty made at him. Chip said he talked to malcolm about it, Malcolm’s mom called him about it, his wife talked to him about it,.. Sounds like Jenkins got a ear beating and learned from it.
    ..
    It was allegedly a very light concussion, and it was the first concussion he ever had, so I can understand the mistake, hope he learns from it tho… For him to stay in the game like that and go unnoticed it probably confirms it was a more minor concussion.. And that’s backed up by the fact that team doctors, and an Independant doctor all gave him the green light to return to practice this week.. malcolm is a smart guy, I assume he will have learned from this….what really sucks is now we have to really hope that he doesn’t have another one this year, because multiple concussions in a short period of time is very scary, and not to be taken lightly.. Hopefully the cowboy doctors protect Seam Lee and don’t allow any scum to rush him back
    .,
    And SHAME on Jeff Fisher for not protecting wes Welker from his self.. The guy has had at least 7 concussions in his NFL career, and he is up there in age, he has NO BUSINESS going back on the field.. I really don’t want to see that tiny old WR take any more hits…. If Scumbag Fisher insists on playing him, hopefully Welker has an ankle injury or something less serious that keeps him off the damn field where his mental health is at serious risk

  78. 78 eagleyankfan said at 9:16 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    somebody is giving Welker and Fisher bad advice. No good can come of that…

  79. 79 A_T_G said at 9:42 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Even if Malcolm realizes he made a mistake, it won’t necessarily change things next time. He was concussed, his brain wasn’t working right. The rest of the secondary, that knew and hid it, are the ones Malcolm’s mother and wife should be talking to.

  80. 80 Gian GEAGLE said at 9:52 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    That’s not Neccessarily true… I have been concussed and had a pretty good idea that I was concussed, at the very least I knew something Wasnt right… but yes, next time I would certainly prefer that if his teammates have an idea, they do the right thing and alert a coach. That can’t be disputed

  81. 81 eagleyankfan said at 9:05 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Here’s where I struggle with “dumbing down the offense” for Bradford. CK prides himself on drafting/getting football “smarts”, high character, intelligent players. In his own story, CK said it wasn’t a snap decision to trade for Bradford, that he did all his homework and Bradford was his guy. Maybe Bradfords time missed in the pre-season accounts for this “dumbing down”. Questions still exist though.
    ….
    Did CK mis-read his own evaluations on Bradford? Why didn’t they have to dumb down the offense for Foles/Vick/Sanchez?
    …..
    It’s good that dumbing down helps Bradford. It’s good the offense is showing signs of clicking. I hope this all continues. As of right now though, the product CK sold us on, isn’t as advertised. Doesn’t mean it won’t be in the future but certainly explains the troubles Bradford has had….

  82. 82 ChoTime said at 11:05 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Character=will charge a hill/=intelligence

  83. 83 botto said at 11:55 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    yeah I would be willing to bet the house and everything in it that the offense was way more dumbed down for Vick.
    we just didn’t have to hear about it. also we don’t know the extent of what happened for Foles either since everything was pretty new.
    Now Sanchez? he’s a genius so I don’t know…
    but I don’t see it as bad to simplify the playbook for a qb that hasn’t played in 2 years and is learning a new offense.

  84. 84 anon said at 12:47 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Yeah read option makes the game a lot easier for Vick, but he would miss a lot of open guys. CK was in Foles’ ear telling him what reads/decisions to make and he missed a lot of guys. Bradford hasn’t been missing a ton of guys but if he’s more comfortable with certain plays just run those plays and win games. It takes QBs more than one offseason to get the offense down, especially if you’re dealing w/ lots of package plays.

  85. 85 botto said at 1:04 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    that’s what I’m saying, run one play if its wins games who cares.
    I don’t think it should be called dumbing down really.
    streamlining? simplifying? sure

  86. 86 eagleyankfan said at 1:31 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I agree. Either way you call, it’s making it easier because Bradford can’t handle it.

  87. 87 eagleyankfan said at 1:32 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I’ll disagree. Whether it was dumb downed or not, Foles in his first year had no issues with it. I really don’t think they dumbed it down for Vick or Foles. That offense was flying around like crazy (with some luck on some of those catches). Again, I don’t care either, as long as we’re winning.

  88. 88 anon said at 1:34 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    “Again, I don’t care either, as long as we’re winning.” yup

  89. 89 eagleyankfan said at 1:36 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I actually hope it’s the start of something good…

  90. 90 anon said at 1:40 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    think we’d all like to get off the QB carousel, when sam is on it’s pretty to watch. Hopefully the WRs can get it together would hate to have to waste another high draft pick there.

  91. 91 The original AG said at 1:36 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I don’t see it as dumbing down the playbook as much as it’s giving Bradford the plays that he does well with. Maybe they start expanding as time goes on, but let Bradford do what he does well now, then worry about expanding the playbook.

  92. 92 BlindChow said at 4:10 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Like throwing 3-yard passes on 3rd and 10?

  93. 93 The original AG said at 4:25 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I’ll preface this by saying that I like CK.

    In Shurmur’s presser this week he addressed this. He said that if the guys downfield are covered and the defense is playing around the 1st down marker (paraphrasing here), then sometimes you have to throw short of the sticks and the receiver has to make the first down.

    When put in that way, it makes sense to me. Many a times Sproles has done that for this team.

  94. 94 BlindChow said at 4:39 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I do wonder how often the receivers are really covered downfield, and how many times it’s just Sam being uncomfortable throwing deep.

    This isn’t a new problem though, as Sanchez did the same thing last year (can’t remember the Foles games well enough).

    A number of the routes are designed to be run short of the sticks, which also seems like an issue on 3rd and long. Perhaps it isn’t Sam and it’s the play design on those downs.

  95. 95 The original AG said at 4:45 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    All possible things. I can only go by what we see on the All-22s that are done on the team.

    I think it might be a combination of:
    – his favorite targets being covered
    – not wanting to throw to those he doesn’t trust
    – missing open targets
    – feeling pressure so takes first read
    – defenses being prepared for what we do
    – receivers not paying attention to the sticks

    It could be a dozen things that are happening that we only pick up on what happens more.

  96. 96 SnatchMaster said at 9:16 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    if any of you idiots can honestly say Demarco Murray or Ryan Matthews is anywhere NEAR as talented as Shady McCoy – the Eagles all time leading rusher – you are very stupid and on drugs.

  97. 97 A_T_G said at 9:38 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Remember everyone…

  98. 98 Buge Halls said at 10:13 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Yeah, because McCoy is *cough* tearing it up this year (and last!).

  99. 99 SnatchMaster said at 12:54 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Did you see his highlights last night? He is freaking awesome.

  100. 100 MattE said at 12:54 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    you’re obviously awsomer’er in your mind

  101. 101 daveH said at 5:14 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I love 2 of the 3 runners you mentioned

  102. 102 Buge Halls said at 4:20 PM on November 15th, 2015:

    One game!

  103. 103 MattE said at 12:54 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    drugs yes, but stupid no.

  104. 104 MattE said at 12:59 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    SnatchMaster = MasterCunt? Yeah we can call you that lol

  105. 105 RobNE said at 9:19 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    I’m excited to learn the Eagles game is on tv here Sunday. Pats play at 4, the other two AFCE teams played last night. Nice.

  106. 106 Gian GEAGLE said at 9:39 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    What’s wrong, not excited for next weeks awesome thursday night battle of Titans vs Jags? LOL making a mockery of “Prime Time”

  107. 107 Tumtum said at 4:39 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I’m down to see the upstart Jags and Marriota.

  108. 108 Gian GEAGLE said at 9:22 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Bwahahaha DEZ Bryant: “Dirty, Dirty, dIrty, Dirty, coach they all fucking Dirty. Dirty, Dirty, all of you(media). Dirty, Dirty, Especially You” -Dez BRyant screaming in the locker room at the media… I LOVE this years Cowboyteam. it’s Awesome!, thank you baby Simba, and thank you $erry Jones for this dirty reality TV circus that is this years Cowboys.. “Americas Team” has become Americas Embarressment!!!

    Before last night, ryan Fitzpatrik has been solid this year while the Texans QBs have been a mess…Fitz looking solid this year is just another thing that reflects really Poorly on Bill Obrien and the job he is failing miserably at in Houston.. Fitz is Nothing special. But it was no secret that he is better than Mallet and a QB the Cleveland Browns didn’t try and keep…. Bill Obrien has a ton of talent on that roster but has made a mess of that team… I’m shocked OBrien Wasnt forced to scapegoats and Fire Romeo Crennel to buy himself some more time as coach… Curious to see what’s next for OBrien? Back to College? OC? QB coach?… His head coaching days as a pro are numbered…

  109. 109 Gian GEAGLE said at 9:57 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Anyone happen to see St Joes Prep #1 Rated Junior RB yet? As a roman alumni, I feel dirty wanting to see him play, but to have the best RB in his Highschool class right in our backyard, be a shame not to take advantage and check this Kid out live the next two years
    ..
    Shame that Will Fuller is staying in Notre Dame instead of entering the draft, he was rated like the #4 WR prospect if he decides to come out. can’t Stand Notre Dame, only players I ever rooted for from that school are Maurice Stovall. And now Will Fuller, although I do admit I used to like watching 6’9 Pitcher. Jeff Samarjia play WR

  110. 110 Bert's Bells said at 10:20 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Plays DB too (I think). Guy is electric. Hard to judge because he’s better than everyone else on the field.

  111. 111 Mark Sitko said at 11:17 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    You say Cox is not on JJ Watt’s level – I disagree – Cox is 2 gapping like a mofo while JJ is the only good player on that D – asked to do different things…but I take Cox over JJ anyday – don’t let the commercials and attention fool you – JJ’s team has been horrible and he in the lone bright spot for years…league embraced him and made him a poster child. But on the field he is not who everyone thinks he is. COX > JJ WATT – all day everyday

  112. 112 anon said at 12:32 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Watt not the only good player on that D, Wilfork, Clowney, Cushing just to name a few. That D is woefully underperforming and I think you have to look at the DC.

  113. 113 TypicalDouche said at 12:53 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    You’re overrating that defense, they really aren’t as good as advertised. Wilfork is done as a player, Clowney is yet to make an impact since being drafted, Cushing is vastly overrated. Honestly most of the players on that D are overrated minus Watt. I am also pretty sure they play a 1-gap penetrating defense so Watt is able to go at the QB every play unlike Cox who must use patience to 2-gap.

  114. 114 anon said at 12:56 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I thought Crennel had them 2 gapping, i could be wrong.

  115. 115 TypicalDouche said at 12:57 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    You might be right anon, I do know that they have 1-gapped in the past so you might be right.

  116. 116 Sean Stott said at 1:27 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Clowney has not played very well.

  117. 117 Gian GEAGLE said at 3:21 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    he also HASNT played very Often..

  118. 118 CrackSammich said at 1:46 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    The day Cox catches a TD pass out of the backfield is the day we can have this conversation.

  119. 119 Tumtum said at 4:38 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I mean they are a couple years removed from a streak of playoff runs. They are bad now, but certainly did some nice things.

    You are right that JJ is not 2 gapping. That makes it hard to make an apples to apples comparison. FWIW I’ll take cox 2 gap and JJ 1 Gap.

  120. 120 SteveH said at 11:44 AM on November 13th, 2015:

    Next 3 games should be wins, unless something goes horribly wrong, then we get to be spanked by the Patriots, leaving us at 7-5 headed down the stretch.

    The Giants currently have 1.5 games on us, but that should drop to .5 after they lose to the Pats this weekend, but after that they face more difficult opponents in total than we do.

    Unless we revert back to earlier season form, we should win the division. It would be a hell of a thing if the deciding game was the season finale against the Giants.

  121. 121 CHRIS said at 12:02 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    The giants only have .5 game on us currently. 5-4 vs. 4-4. If they lose to pats (as expected) and eagles beat MIA, Eags are in first at 5-4 vs. 5-5 for the gmen.

  122. 122 iceberg584 said at 1:33 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    And we own the tiebreaker. I know we like to joke about the Cowboys being a poorly-constructed team…but the Giants are one hamstring pull to ODB away from being toast.

  123. 123 SteveH said at 3:16 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    My bad you’re right.

  124. 124 Tumtum said at 12:05 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I’ve said all along that I think this team can still be very good. They don’t seem to be there yet though. I think those expecting 3 wins might end up saying the sky is falling again though.

  125. 125 daveH said at 5:09 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    If they arent the there yet than this team is not very good. But maybe with an offsesson of trades all in the right place and nonijjuries we vould he good.

  126. 126 Tumtum said at 9:54 AM on November 14th, 2015:

    Yeah I just don’t know what could possibly make you so sure of that. This isn’t 1999. Teams that end up being the best in the league don’t always come out of the gates that way. With this defense, if the offense can simply maintain competence, there is a shot to do big things.

  127. 127 daveH said at 3:55 PM on November 14th, 2015:

    im ready to believe you .. late developing team, gathering momentum constantly and new payers stepping up. ok im on board. and a few minor injuries along he way only gives some rest to a long season & new guys playing experience .
    im cool w that

  128. 128 GermanEagle said at 12:49 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    One. Game. At. A. Time.

  129. 129 ChoTime said at 8:48 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I agree. Not because what we think affects the team performance, but because it affects board performance. I think this place works better when we aren’t expecting too much.

  130. 130 daveH said at 5:06 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Hoping for 6 upsets in a row and we are 11-5

  131. 131 MattE said at 12:56 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    how is this a compliment from Witten lol?

  132. 132 TypicalDouche said at 12:57 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Means that Cox is just a beast and they couldn’t stop him. Definitely sounds complimentary to me.

  133. 133 MattE said at 12:57 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    i couldn’t resist “Googling ManDog”

  134. 134 TypicalDouche said at 12:58 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    lol I did the same thing yesterday. The pictures that pop up are pretty hilarious.

  135. 135 Ark87 said at 2:45 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    That’s Willfred, he’s a total bad ass, trust me. He’s friends with Frodo.

  136. 136 iceberg584 said at 1:31 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    “Some of the pass concept and things that I’m comfortable with and we’re comfortable with as an offense. We’ve just kind of repped those and we’re going to go out there and run those plays on Sundays.”

    I think this is exactly why we keep seeing the maddening swing pass to Murray that averages about a one-yard pickup. I think it is one of Bradford’s preferred routes. More positively, I think it is also why we see the wheel route out of the backfield a lot; Bradford knows he can make that throw consistently.

  137. 137 CrackSammich said at 1:42 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    He tends to go outside zone or swing pass to get the linebackers moving whenever start a drive or switch in a new running back (they get to sub in new lineman/LBs). I think that’s more strategy than Sam’s inability to throw passes.

  138. 138 CrackSammich said at 2:22 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    To elaborate a bit more, I think our best offensive skill player is whatever running back is currently on the field, and it’s not even a close debate. You’ll see swing passes and wheel routes because they deserve to be the guys with the ball in their hands. I think Chip plays those sorts of games with LBs to get them tired out and give up yards late in the game. It doesn’t work on Luke Keukley, because he’s a freak that doesn’t get tired. That seems to be the game everyone is mentally stuck on with regards to Chip’s small ball and OZ runs.

  139. 139 Bert's Bells said at 2:51 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Excellent point.

  140. 140 eagleyankfan said at 1:50 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Guessing from comments — sounds like most are confident about an Eagles win this week. Should be a nice win – 28-14. Something like that…

  141. 141 The original AG said at 2:25 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Dallas will always be a tough matchup no matter how bad they are because it’s a division game. We should win by 10 against Miami because there’s no history there.

  142. 142 Gian GEAGLE said at 3:03 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I like the matchups in our favor, but I get nervous when all of philly expects a cake walk..
    ..
    Dolphins have Talent and are capable of making this a tough game. Until we start to show some more consistency, we shouldn’t be going into any game overconfident ..
    ..
    I’m hoping SAM, Murray, OL, Jordan and the rest of the Offense look a little sharper than last week. from here on out, im hoping we have turned the corner, and if we just improve a little each week,we will win games and we should be tôugh to beat come DECEMBER..
    ..
    I like that our Run Defense Wasnt up to our standards the past two weeks, because that should ensure we don’t overlook anyone and hopefully Buckle down and show that Stout, Gritty, sophocating Run defense that we have become accustomed to seeing,, im sure not having Mufasa hurt us in the run game, as good as Hicks was for us, our Run defense performs at a higher level when We have Mufasa on 1st and 2nd down, and hopefully we have our Captain back on the field sunday..
    ..
    I do like the fact that reporters ask our players about this,important but winnable 3 game stretch ahead of us, but none of our players take that bait. They Quickily set the reporter straight and bring it back to “all we are concerned about is beating Miami this week”..

    We should win this game, we are the Better coached team and our OL should handle the Dolphins front 7 much better than the Dolphns OL handles our Front 7.. We,should win the battle of the trenches, and when that happens it’s very difficult to beat us…
    ..
    I agree with Lane in that when we are able to get our run game going early, more often than not we win the game…
    ..
    When it comes to this matchup, after what happened to mIami defense last week,for them, stepping up and stopping our run in the first half is crucial.. If their run defense struggles like last week, our tempo will run them out of the stadium… Hopefully we finally get off to a good start now that we are home after being away for the past month because IF we struggle to run the ball in the first half. This game becomes more difficult than it needs to be

  143. 143 BlindChow said at 4:42 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    The games that should be “easy wins” always turn out to be really stressful. It would be great to have a blowout like the Bears game two years ago…

  144. 144 Bert's Bells said at 4:48 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    What the people on this (or any) board has no bearing on the outcome of the game.

    Who the hell knows what’s going to happen?

    The Eagles could win by a million points. They could lose. All the blow hard bravado in the world doesn’t make a difference.

  145. 145 rosmith51 said at 2:22 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    The obvious title for the Witten piece should have been: “Cowboys Intimidated by Size of Eagles’ Cox”

  146. 146 daveH said at 5:00 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Cocks joke nice .. heres one .. the seattle C _ Ocks .. get it .. c ocks sounds like sea ocks, which sounds like sea hacks

  147. 147 anon said at 3:09 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    “Though he leads the Eagles in rushing yards, Mathews has only exceeded 10 carries in two of his eight games this season” — That’s unbelievable.

  148. 148 The original AG said at 3:14 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I wonder if we’ll see an uptick in his carries as the season wears on. Now that Murray seems to be having success, that may mean more carries for Mathews. Mostly because we are running more plays.

  149. 149 anon said at 3:17 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Be interesting to see. I think given they both have durability issues i think they’ll keep going complimentary DM being bell cow and RM just gashing people for big yards. Notice who was running on that 4th and 1 in overtime.

  150. 150 The original AG said at 3:21 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    But tbf, Murray got the 4& 2or3 earlier in the game.

  151. 151 anon said at 3:38 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    true also a big play to get back yards in the beginning of that 4th quarter drive.

  152. 152 The original AG said at 3:46 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Yeah that too. I really believe CK (and as an extension Staley) view these guys as interchangeable.

    BTW – Have you seen the sideline footage from this past week on NFL.com? Staley telling the RBs to “Calm the F*** down and just play the game.”

    http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap3000000578241/Inside-the-NFL-Eagles-vs-Cowboys-highlights

  153. 153 Will:↑↑↓↓←→←→BA said at 3:46 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Maybe Chip wasn’t lying (for once) when he said the plan doesn’t change depending who’s in the backfield and Duce is the most powerful positional coach in the world.

  154. 154 Gian GEAGLE said at 4:17 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Id love to know what Duce’s oppinion was when chip approached him about trading Shad?

  155. 155 Ark87 said at 4:22 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    He and Shady were really tight, as I understand it. I imagine personally he hated it. Professionally at least we took care of Duce, he has the most talented group in the league.

  156. 156 Mac said at 4:04 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I think Mathews is on a strict “pitch count.”

  157. 157 Gian GEAGLE said at 3:19 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Witten Eats away at me, because we might have a Super Bowl ring today if Andy Reid didn’t make an EPIC DRAFT FAILURE selecting LJ Smith while passing on Witten….Witten has been a reliable hall of Fame stud who holds some big Cowboy records. heck Witten is still producing, while LJ Smith has been out of the league for what feels like forever..
    ..
    TAking Shawn Andrews when there was so much noise about Him Not Loving the game,while passing on Champion/Hall of Famer Wilfork who still plays today drives me crazy, but Passing on reliable hall Of Famer Witten for friggin LJ smith I will never be able to get over…. Good chance Witten wouldnt have shit the bed and fumble the ball away in our Super Bowl loss.
    ..
    Shawn Andrews was great when he played, but he didn’t play at a high level Long Enough for us, and his Eagle career is Loaded with too many examples of him living up to his “Doesn’t Love the game” Red Flag that Andy ignored When he drafted him…Even worse, is That THIS draft blunder didn’t teach Andy Reid anything. Mistakes can be forgiven,but when you don’t learn from your mistake. That’s NOT ACCEPTABLE…Andy should have learned from the mistake of Drafting a guard in round 1 who didn’t love and live for this game, yet he went on to spend another 1st round pick on a Guard who also WOULDNT “run thru walls” for you because he loves the game so much…. DANNY WATKINS!!!

    Before you measure strength,speed, power, measurable, technique, THE #1 thing you should look at is The cliche “will this kid run thru walls for us?” Love for the Game should be the #1 PREREQUISITE to being Drafted. You can make exceptions on size, height, speed, strength, but TOTAL COMMITMENT and LOVE for the GAME shouldnt even be NEGOTIABLE…. And my favorite thing about Chip kelly is that he completely understands this
    ..
    Friggin LJ Smith over Witten SMH…. Insanity

  158. 158 The original AG said at 3:37 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I might be one of the few Shawn Andrews defenders, but I think he needed medication. Depression untreated can lead to the issues we saw with Andrews. I think if the NFL allowed drugs of that sort (I don’t think they do), he might have had a longer career.

  159. 159 Gian GEAGLE said at 4:41 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    When he played, for the most part he was awesome… But his career was too short to be considered a good pick especially for a Guard, and when the Big Red Flags going into the draft hold true over the course of his career, can’t call it a good pick… And then him and his brother embezzled the Eagles for one last money grab… Frustrating to overlook the red flags and end up being bit in the ass by them in the long run… Shame since he had so much ability. Had he played like 9 year for us he would have gone down as a quasi hall of famer…… But to not learn from Shawn Andrews and go on to make the Canadian fireman mistake is really infuriating him..
    ,,
    But I’d agree that he wasn’t right and needed medication, but again that goes into the Predraft Red Flag, and are you sure he was NEVER medicated during his battle with depression back then? When you die your Mohawk red, and blow Thousands of dollars because you wanted a Pet Penguin, to me that SCREAMS “I NEED MEDICATION!”… Shame.. So much talent, so much ability, but when you allow friggin McNabb to bully you, YOU have a BIG problem

  160. 160 The original AG said at 4:47 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    All valid points, especially about the money grab on the last go round.

    I think his brother only ended up here because they wanted to give him as much comfort as possible. I don’t know his medical history, I can only speak to what I see depression do to people.

    It should have been a red flag, and if you decide to ignore them, you gotta have a plan in place in case things go south. Reid’s era wasn’t especially good at that. I’m hoping CK’s is better.

  161. 161 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:22 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Well said…

  162. 162 daveH said at 4:57 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Wow. Im loving this next level of fat andy criticism. From G eagle also who i feel has some next level credibility.

  163. 163 The original AG said at 5:04 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    TBF

    Hindsight is always 20/20. I loved Andy and I was one of his biggest supporters (though I came to this board much later).

    We can criticize now that we know, and understand many of the nuances that happened. Personally, I will criticize him, but he’s one of the top 5 people I wanted to succeed in Philly.

    In retrospect, he did have some major flaws and his stubbornness held us back some years. I miss the fat man a lot, and I really wish he got that ring. He’ll never get it now, but he had some chances here that we all will complain about for the rest of our lives. Carolina, TB, and the SB.

    🙁

  164. 164 daveH said at 5:21 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    He always had this ‘im smarter in football than all of you. Thats why i pay myself the most in the league ‘ …but he wasnt and he DID pay himself top 3. And i cant get past screaming WTF Time Managementt in last 2 minutes of super bowl like joe Buck said .. and. And and and .
    I cant get all worked up.. think ill call my pusher for some heroin

  165. 165 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:28 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Mistakes are forgivable but NOTHING more infuriating than someone who refuses to learn from his mistakes. Good coach, but too many Flaws that will keep andy from winning it all as a HEADCoach
    ..
    Coming from College,and being a first time GM, obviously chip is going to make mistakes. But he seems to be smart enough to learn from his mistakes and grow into a better NFL coach and GM….,.lurie didn’t hire him because of the NFL coach that he was. he projected that with chip preaching his “growth mindset” he would grow into a great pro coach and GM that can take us to new heights one day… Fingers crossed of course

  166. 166 The original AG said at 5:32 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I think he’s going to do it for us. I believe in Chip precisely because of the growth mindset.

  167. 167 The original AG said at 5:31 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Let me talk you off the ledge.

    Remember the good things. Generally, his teams played hard for him every game. He would be great at practice during the week and we feasted on teams he could game plan for. We had a lot of good times during his tenure here, and he will always be one of my fav Philly sports figures.

  168. 168 daveH said at 5:33 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Respekt. Thank you. Well played & appreciated.

  169. 169 daveH said at 9:09 PM on November 15th, 2015:

    its cold and lonely and demoralizing out here on the ledge

  170. 170 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:22 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I liked andy. I felt bad for how we treated him, but he was allowed to stay here way too long,so I blame Jeffry Lurie, he gave exasperated fans no choice but to be so vocal anti andy in order for LURIE to pul the plug on something that had obviously become too stale and needed a change… Andy son died and he still Coached us… I respected the heck out of him and wish him success… Best Eagle coach I ever had the pleasure of rooting for, but if Imbeing honest I don’t believe in him. too many flaws and short comings to overcome in order to ever win a SB as a headcoach and team architect
    .
    Drafting certainly was Never one of his major strengths, although you DONT have that type of success without some great picks like Drafting westbrook. Respect the heck out of andy, wish him well. Really good coach, but Not a GREAT coach

  171. 171 Bert's Bells said at 4:45 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I agree with you 100%. Well, maybe not entirely on “medication”, because mental health treatment is so difficult to properly medicate. But as a person he seems to have fallen into a profession (football) which is always conducive to his sort of mentality. That’s something that an organization can help.

  172. 172 The original AG said at 4:49 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    True. A lot of depression isn’t just medication but psychological work on the part of the patient. It’s not an easy thing to overcome, but there’s things a patient has to do in order to deal with the symptoms and issues.

  173. 173 Bert's Bells said at 4:49 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    yup

  174. 174 RobNE said at 4:52 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Per BGN, Andrews and Couplin are out. The rest are probable except Peters who is questionable.

    tried to reply to GEAGLE below but said his post has been removed by a moderator. Huh? first, why? second, we have a moderator?

  175. 175 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:09 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    No.. I erased it because I saw the injiry report post on PhillyMag and was re typing the post… But you saved me the time.
    ..
    nelly practiced every day this week, so it would suck if he didn’t play sunday
    ..
    Mufasa sat out Wed practice, but practiced Thurs and today
    ..
    Sounds like jenkins will play as long as no setbacks
    ..
    Couplin pissed me off whiffing on the tackle and being responsible for the big kick off return that we allowed after the Pick 6 of Baby Simba against Dallas .. He has failed to adequately replace Prosinski on ST… He hasn’t been bad, but he hasn’t been the ST playmaker we need him to be since he is replacing Prosinski… Bad week for him being injured since we can’t ask jenkins to replace him on ST coming off a concussion. ROWE and Maragos already play Teams. Not sure who will replace Couplin

  176. 176 The original AG said at 5:09 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I expect everyone here to be crossover sports fans, or put more aptly, sports fans of other sports.

    https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/664639353478606852

  177. 177 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:13 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Kind of stupid to be honest with you..
    ..
    deandre played for the opponent that night, he was on the away team, why wouldn’t Dallas fans boo him? He would have to play for Dallas and been booed by hometown Dallas fans for it to be apples to apples comparison to Dallas fans cheering for a scum bag on THEIR team… Van gundy always running his mouth. He shouldmt be surprised that a player on the opposing team is being booed..

  178. 178 The original AG said at 5:18 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I think Van Gundy was making a larger point.

    Jordan is from the area, but they boo the heck out of him. Yet, they cheer for Hardy, Dez, and Collins who all have history of abuse towards women.

    Yeah he plays for a different team, but I couldn’t see Mike Trout getting booed here. On the other hand tho, the love/hate with Kobe is a much different story.

  179. 179 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:30 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    We boo the shit out of Kobe every time he comes to philly… Not apples to apples comparison by van Gundy

  180. 180 The original AG said at 5:33 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    LOL, just trying to make sense of the quote but also the hate for the guy. I’m no Kobe fan. I respect his game when he was in his prime, but there’s a lot there to hate.

    I don’t follow players in the NBA as closely as I do football or hockey, but I’m not sure that Jordan is a type of guy that’s easy to hate (AFAIK).

  181. 181 Gian GEAGLE said at 6:03 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Oh, if you don’t know the story,they are booing because Jordan was a free agent this summer and he verbally committed to a deal with the Dallas Mavericks, but right before he had to sign the contract, he got cold feet. And his teammates on the clippers talked him out of leaving them to sign with Dallas, so Jordan went MIA, Dallas Owner was flLipping out trying to contact Jordan all day,but he wouldn’t answer, and end up signing withhis old team the clippers..
    ,,
    That’s why Dallas hates him like that… It’s not illegal but it’s kknd of a dick move, Dallas could have tried to sign someone else if they knew they weren’t going to get Jordan, yet the wasted days with him and the free agent pool dried up by the time they found out he was dicking them over and not honoring the verbal contract and he didn’t have the decency to answer his phone and tell him

  182. 182 The original AG said at 6:05 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Yes, I’d boo him too even if he played for my team.

  183. 183 ChoTime said at 8:40 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I heard some guy on the radio talking about sports fans. He said “you’re either with us or against us”. What he was getting at in context was that the psychology of the fan is about us or them, not rationality, analysis, or moral consistency.

    This is the heart of why people will boo a decent person like Jordan but cheer like maniacs for Hardy. It’s our monkey heritage.

    It also explains why a certain contingent feel they need to slag anyone who has a non-positively biased view on the home team.

  184. 184 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:50 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Holy crap, Ronda Rousey just spazzed out and flipped on Holy HOLMES after her weigh in…. Ronda didn’t look good, or sound good, emotionally unstable, dry mouth, slurring like someone flipping out on Xanax… I NEVER seen her face look like that or sound like that before… Hopefully she is just Severly dehydrated after a tough weight cut, and isn’t dealing with any bigger problem
    ..
    I do NOT like how that just looked… Hope im wrong,she was an emotional mess. She looked really bad, like tried to kill holly, almost broke down into tears, slurring her words, her face doesn’t even look right… I’m hoping this is just a bad weight cut, and not Ronda on Xanax starting to have a mental breakdown and go unglued… I don’t know if it’s the pressure of having to sell out the first UFC stadium show… But I do NOT like what I just saw..
    .,
    I’m gpmg to put $100 on Holly Holme, even if I thinkRonda is unbeatable. I do not like what I just saw
    ..
    But looking like she did, im putting $100 on Holly to win $900… You have to bet $2000 on Ronda to win $100..
    ..
    A lot of crazy shit going on in Romdas personal life. She is dating Travis Brown Heavyweight UFC fighter, whos X wife keeps attacking Ronda,accusing Travis of domestic Violence.. Rondas out spoken Mother Hates Rondas Head trainer and has been attacing him in the media hard these past few months…. To be honest,I don’t even like the way Romdas body just looked…
    ..
    I’m worried, The Queen of MMA might be in the middle of a breakdown, and we could see her empire come crumbling down tomorrow…
    ..
    This is the first time, Ronda losing has even crossed my mind as a possibility

  185. 185 Will:↑↑↓↓←→←→BA said at 5:55 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I don’t like Rhonda.

    Its probably from the cut. She was fighting at 145 and I wont be surprised if she walks around at 150-160ish

  186. 186 Gian GEAGLE said at 5:57 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    135… She hasn’t fought at 145lb in like 4 years.. She always has tôugh weight cuts, she is a big muscular girl and muscles are heavy…did you just see what she looked like, sounded like and how she acted?

  187. 187 Will:↑↑↓↓←→←→BA said at 6:02 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I know what weight she fights at and why lol

  188. 188 TypicalDouche said at 6:50 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I wont like Rhonda until she agrees to fight Cris Cyborg at a catch weight. Yes Cyborg might have taken PEDs but if they do a catch weight fight in the U.S. then they would test her. Rousey’s has had a tremendous career but until she stops ducking and actually fights the real #1 contender for women, to me she isn’t anything.

  189. 189 Will:↑↑↓↓←→←→BA said at 7:16 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Agreed….

    And didn’t Cyborg take a PED mainly used for cutting weight? I know its still Rhonda has been going on and every about cyborg leaking horse semen out of her eyes.

    She brings Cyborg up every chance she gets and then talks about how she would like to fight a male fighter or challenge Mayweather to a fight. She even tried to challenge Carano at catch weight, a woman who hasn’t fought in almost a decade.

    I get that shes talented but the UFC has already dubbed her the greatest female athlete past, present and future. I’m sure Serena Williams is still alive. I don’t get how everyone lets this Cyborg pass…. Its Maywheather/Paccio all over.

  190. 190 TypicalDouche said at 7:21 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Well said Will and I agree wholeheartedly.

  191. 191 JoeBlow said at 8:00 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    ahhhh Gina Carano, what a CILF (cagefighter i’d like to f***)

  192. 192 Media Mike said at 8:17 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I won’t like her until she fights Mayweather in some country that will sanction it.

  193. 193 Will:↑↑↓↓←→←→BA said at 8:29 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I don’t think Floyd weighs enough

  194. 194 TypicalDouche said at 9:12 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    lol Touche sir

  195. 195 CrackSammich said at 6:47 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    She’s got speech apraxia. I imagine when she gets worked up it comes out more.

  196. 196 AsianEagle said at 9:08 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Ronda has a really nice ass too 😉

  197. 197 Gian GEAGLE said at 6:14 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Out of curiosity, but does Jerry Jones, stephan Jones, and Jason Garrett think that it’s Normal that their franchise has some blow up, fight, law problem every couple of days dating back to the summer when they had to stop practocing with other teams because they couldn’t practice without getting into team Brawls? do they think this mess they have created is Normal? Talk about “INMATES RUNNING THE ASYLUM”.. jason Garrett has been COMPLETLY Nuetered….as much as I hate the Cowboys and enjoy watchng them disgrace themselves, I can’t help but to feel bad for classy, professional men like Jason Witten who go about their business the right way. this man uses his fame and platform to dedicate his life to run a charity helping battered woman, and not only does he have this disgraceful circus sorrounding him, but he has to play with a despicable, disgusting woman beater with No remorse like GREG Hardy?

    Even for Jerry Jones lack of standards, can they really allow tbis circus to continue all year? I’m hoping he doesmt smarten up and cut Greh Hardy, Id rather see Jerry give Hardy a big cap eating extension and keep Hardy lng enough to screw up their training camp and keep that franchise as the circus it has become..

    If God has a sense of Humor, he will help Tampa Beat The Cowboys just so we can see how much bigger the cowboy freakshow can become… At this rate, GREGHARDY is going to burn down the Cowboys practice facility one day… What a psycho. Dude needs to be Hospitalized in a straight jacket, sedated and medicated… Instead Jerry gives this Pyscho more money and unleashes him onto the dallas community.

  198. 198 The original AG said at 6:18 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    May not need God at this point. TB has been a little surprising, and they play with fight. That very well could happen.

  199. 199 TypicalDouche said at 6:51 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    #FuckDallas…enough said lol

  200. 200 Will:↑↑↓↓←→←→BA said at 6:59 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    Check CNN,BBC or MNBC

  201. 201 GermanEagle said at 7:07 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    That’s so sad. 🙁

  202. 202 TypicalDouche said at 7:22 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    If you are referring to the Paris attacks then yes it is very unfortunate that something like that happened.

  203. 203 The original AG said at 8:04 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    I hope you and everyone else here doesn’t know anyone involved, and that the terror gets resolved quickly.

  204. 204 P_P_K said at 8:33 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    So awful.

  205. 205 GermanEagle said at 7:30 AM on November 14th, 2015:

    My Eagles friend in Paris is safe.

  206. 206 MagsMumDadBro+Ex said at 9:37 PM on November 13th, 2015:

    For WWII and 2015. For the week and today. For the time when ‘gay’ meant happy and lighthearted. Perhaps there are some who don’t remember.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj7voiqiPa8

  207. 207 P_P_K said at 10:03 AM on November 14th, 2015:

    Good post. I’d be happy if there’s never another war. Until that is realistic, however, it’s so important to remember how fragile democracy and freedom can be, and the debt we owe to those who protect us.

  208. 208 Jernst said at 1:43 PM on November 14th, 2015:

    Agreed, Tommy. The concussion stuff is very difficult for us fans and puts us in a very uncomfortable position cheering for something that’s clearly detrimental to the players health.

    My favorite player over the past 3 decades has always been Brian Dawkins and a big reason behind that was the reckless abandon with which he flew around like a human missile. It would definitely be devastating to see him end up like Wes with debilitating CTE. He was the poster child for leading with his head and even knocking himself out on multiple occasions. It’s definitely something to monitor going forward but I’m glad to see that he doesn’t have too many outwardly noticeable health effects so far from his playing style.

    The other thing that causes internal conflict in me is that I think the biggest draw of football as a sport is that it’s an incredibly graceful and complex sport that is played under the risk of physical harm. There’s a reason no one wants to watch professional flag football. The fact that WRs need to make catches while getting pummeled and RBs have to make moves knowing bigger men are trying to kill them, the fact that QBs have to stand tall in the pocket and deliver strikes with 300 pound animals about to destroy them without flinching is all part of the struggle that makes football such a compelling sport.

    It’s a fine line to walk between player safety and keeping the essence of a truly dangerous activity intact. I’m happy that the NFL has taken steps to make the game safer. No one should be permanently mentally crippled for playing a game for our amusement. But, part of me wishes that in addition to those steps that the NFL would also just come out and say, “yes! This sport is extremely dangerous. And, we cannot make it completely safe. Play and watch at your own risk.” Instead of hiding behind the notion that they can legislate safety. Unless they get rid of lineman and start playing two hand touch the game will always be dangerous. Try to make it as safe as possible, but also embrace the truth, admit it’s a dangerous game for tough full grown men and that physical harm is to be expected.