How 'bout them 'Boys

Just another reason to hate the Cowboys and their fans.

They're such Bandwagoners!

Look Beyond Reggie Wayne

With soon to be free agent Colts WR Reggie Wayne on the tip of every Eagles fan tongue as the cure for what ails the Eagles receiving corps, perhaps everyone should look a little deeper at other soon to be Colts free agents that could improve Eagle deficiencies in other areas - specifically defense.

To wit, LB David Thornton and DE Raheem Brock (who the Eagles drafted in the 7th round 4 years ago and then let walk after using up all their draft cap money) both of whom are free agents this off season.

and while we're at it, why not add pro bowl RB Edgerrin James to the wish list - he too is a free agent.

Golden Boy

interesting that on the NFL website's play-by-play recount of the Pats-Broncos game that the ONLY play not listed in the log is NFL golden boy Tom Brady's backbreaking, game changing INT to Champ Bailey. See for yourself here.

Now why is that the ONLY play missing?

TO Trade?

Bob Brookover breaks the story today that the Eagles might not release Terrell Owens outright, but might trade him, with the two teams expressing interest as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the NY Jets.

The turn of events isn't as outlandish or far-fetched as it might seem, save for the weeks of reporting that concluded the Eagles were (had?) to cut TO after the season, but before the March 1 $5 million roster bonus is due.

The move obviously makes sense for the Eagles - they can salvage something - anything even a single late round draft pick for a player they were going to release anyway. (the salary cap hit to the Eagles is going to be the same either way).

From the Jets or Bucs perspective, a trade gets them an impact (though certifiable) player without a bidding war for his services (if there is a market). More overlooked is the fact that Owens' contract for a new team is somewhat cap friendly, especially for a team trying to minimize their downside on Owens. An $8 million one-year deal ($5 million roster bonus + $2.5 million signing bonus + $770,000 base salary) isn't a bad deal for a player of Owens' talent and volatility.

One of the remaining questions, though, is why sports reporters failed to grasp the trade possibilities. Chalk it up to sports reporters not comprehending one of the most important, but overlooked aspects of pro sports - but especially the nfl - the salary cap and financial implications and permutations of player salaries and signing bonues.

Helix High

Only one college team has ever had players selected #1 overall in back to back years (USC's Ron Yary and OJ Simpson). If Reggie Bush is the first pick in 2006 I think it would mean that Helix High School (San Diego) is the only other school to ever have alums selected #1 overall in consecutive years (Alex Smith). Can you think of any other high school that might have accomplished this feat?

I mean, what are the odds of a high school laying claim to this when only one college has ever done it?

Hello 2006

Rich Hoffman proves once again why he and Phil Sheridan are the best two sports columnists in the Philly with an insightful and succinct summary of the Eagles' 2006 need -- making sure McNabb does not fail. Between the lines is the root of this year's trouble, and an ominous warning for the team if next year McNabb stumbles. Great stuff.

Also, here's hoping Brad Childress gets the Minnesota head coaching job..or one of the others now available. It will allow the Eagles to promote offensive genius Marty Mohrninweg to the post of offensive coordinator. Mohrninweg was the brains behind the high-powered Niners' offense with Young and Rice ( and a young TO). Giving him more input into the game plan and play calling, without the layer of Childress, can only be a good thing.

Also, check out the Kalu stories about the disruption TO was. Pulling the curtain back, it is now becoming clear exactly HOW Owens was a distraction (at best) and a cancer at worst.