http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/21939 Recent articles about Brent Celek en-us The answer: likely the newest Eagle. Kris Wilson is visiting the Eagles today, and the team has announced they will hold a press conference at 3 pm today, where they will likely discuss their signing of the free agent. According to PhiladelphiaEagles.com, Wilson is a tight end, H-back and fullback. He is a local kid, from Lancaster, who spent the last four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He is coming off his best season in 2007, where he started 12 games, and caught 24 passes for 180 yards. He played a lot of fullback last season for the Chiefs and even had 3 carries for 7 yards. He also has 4 career touchdown receptions. Includes a short highlight of Wilson plowing through the Titans defense to score a touchdown. Update: The deal is confirmed, and will likely be for three years. Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:41:23 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/218880 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/218880 The young players and some vets have reported to the Novacare complex for the off-season conditioning program. Among them Quentin Mikell, Stewart Bradley, Jerome McDougle, Kevin Kolb, Brent Celek, and MJG. Tony Hunt is there also, which we all know he needs a lot of improvement he needs to get in shape from what all the coaches said last year and he needs to learn how to pick up the Blitz. McDougle we all know his ass needs to be there so he can finally prove that he aint a waste of a draft pick. Other than that not much news, if I find something interesting I'll post it. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:53:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/208239 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/208239 With the exception of the recently franchised Dallas Clark, L.J. Smith was the best available tight end on this year's free agent market. Had the Eagles let L.J. go rather than using their own franchise tag, he most certainly would have been another team's important offseason acquisition. L.J.'s ceiling is high, (an expression I hate but need to use for the purpose of this clever joke!) but only to house the plethora of question marks that surround him. Once upon a time when he was backing up fan-favorite Chad Lewis, L.J. showed us flashes of greatness and appeared to be the definite future at tight end. In 2004, L.J. represented 5 of the 8 touchdowns that came from the tight end position, all but signaling the end of the Chad Lewis era in Philadelphia. When I posted the short report of L.J. re-signing with the Eagles a few weeks ago, one reader took exception to my comment about the tight end's fumbling problem, noting that "L.J. has only fumbled 3 times in 5 years." While this low number of fumbles does appear to contradict my statement, it does not take into account his two playoff fumbles, one of which being a very costly one in the Eagles trip to the Super Bowl following the '04 season. L.J. Smith's biggest problem is, indeed, his inability to secure the ball. This problem has resulted in too many wasted opportunities and shortened drives, and now that L.J. will be one of the top-five highest paid tight ends, this is a problem that needs to be fixed. When compared to some of the other elite NFL tight ends, Smith's fumbling problem does appear "chronic." To see a list of some of the top tight ends and their respective fumbling totals, refer to comment #14 in the previous L.J. article. Enough about Mr. Smith, let's move on. Brent Celek will be poised to have a productive sophomore season. When you've finished taking time to view the odd alliteration in the previous sentence, consider that eight of Celek's sixteen catches (including two 29-yarders and a redzone TD) came in the final three games of the season when he was given extended playing time. Hopefully maturity and more tick will result in Celek giving the Eagles a new and improved two-tight end package. Celek's 6′4, 255 lb. frame makes him a big target in the redzone, and you've got to believe that with one NFL season under his belt, Celek could provide some sort of cure to the Eagles' woes inside the 20. Matt Schobel, a free-agent acquisition two years ago, has done little of anything in his tenure with the team. He managed to pull down only 11 catches for 108 yards (1 TD) in 2007, despite playing in 15 games. There is not much to say about Schobel, other than I hope to see Celek take most his playing time away. The tight end position will be an important one for the Eagles in 2008 because of their redzone problems, Donovan McNabb's ability to spread the ball around, and the Eagles occasional philosophy of using the umpire to set a screen for the tight end in the middle of the field. Another wide receiver would greatly aid L.J. Smith's and Brent Celek's ability to get open by taking more focus off of them. The Eagles' most productive season in recent history from the tight end position was 2004 (as stated above), when they had their number one receiver who enjoys a good cry. Best case scenario? L.J. has his breakout season that we've all been waiting for, while Celek develops and enables the Eagles to wreak havoc in two-tight end sets. Worst case scenario? The tight end position is every bit as irrelevant as it was in 2007. Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:59:12 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/154680 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/154680 With 2007 now behind us and the free agency and the draft looming (the think of the offseason). The Philadelphia Eagles are in a position that can be perceived and the cusp of a great run in 2008 and run that can only be made possible with the addition of just a few more parts. This article is a look at the what needs to be done to get them over the hump; moves that could or should be made to return the franchise to the position of dominance that fans have grown used to over the past seven or so seasons. In the team's 75th anniversary season, the Eagles could not overcome a 1-3 start as they finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs for the just the 2nd time this decade. A year that can be perceived as an anomaly, the Eagles posted top 10 offensive numbers that produced less than stellar point production. In 2007 the Eagles welcomed back starting quarterback Donovan McNabb, who underwent a grueling rehabilitation after suffering a season-ending knee injury in November, 2006. He completed 61.5% of his passes (2nd best percentage of his career) for 3,324 yards and an 89.9 QB rating. Although he missed two games due to ankle and thumb injuries, McNabb regained his mobility and confidence as the season progressed. As McNabb recaptured his touch, his multi-talented backfield mate, RB Brian Westbrook, set two single-season team records for total yards from scrimmage (2,104) and receptions (90). He became the first Eagle to lead the league in total yards from scrimmage since 1996.Westbrook also logged career highs in rushing yards (1,333), receiving yards (771), touches (368), and offensive touchdowns (12). At wideout Kevin Curtis took the position in the right direction posting career highs in catches (77), yards (1,110), and total touchdowns (8) in his first season in Philadelphia and lived up to his billing after signing a lucrative free agent contract. For the first time in franchise history, the Eagles featured three players (Westbrook, Curtis, WR Reggie Brown) with over 60 catches and 700 yards each but with all these numbers the Eagles failed to score 21 points in 10 of their games, including five of their first six. This was especially disappointing coming off a 2006 campaign that showcased one of the most explosive offenses in the league. The Eagles have been accustomed to big plays but unfortunately, they were few and far between in 2007 causing Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Jon Runyan and more to call out for help in the form of adding additional playmakers presumably offensive at the wide receiver position. This offseason, the availability of a playmaking wide receiver is as deep as it has been in a while. Free agency and trades are very much a possibility. Here is a look at some receivers that are realistically available for the Philadelphia Eagles Chad Johnson- The latest superstar WR malcontent has put up the numbers in Cincy that would normally warrant any franchise to accommodate him in anyway possible, it's this reality that makes the Chad Johnson/ Cincy saga even more interesting. In 2007, Johnson once again enjoyed a stellar season recording 1,440 yards, which set a new Bengals franchise record, breaking his own record of 1,432 in 2005. It was the third time that Johnson finished a season with a new Bengals record for receiving yards. Regardless, of his (and teammate T.J. Housmanzadah's) numbers the Bengals were stagnant finishing 7-9 sparking the discontent and frustration that now surrounds the franchise that might end in the divorce from Chad Johnson. Johnson's impact as an Eagle? One could only believe it would be positive. He would provide the Eagles with a serious number 1 receiver and would allow Curtis and Brown to shine in ways TJ Housmanzadah has been able to enjoy in Cincy. The only knock on this move is the amount it may cost the Eagles to get Johnson. Surely Cincy is not going to make a Raider size mistake and give him up for next to nothing. Javon Walker- Walker could have been an Eagle already if the Packers were unwilling to deal within conference. The rumbling out of Denver is he will be cut soon, ending what start out to be a very promising new start for him. After forcing his way out of Green Bay, Walker had a very productive during the 2006 season, where he caught sixty-nine passes for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns. But with the emergence of Brandon Marshall as the go to guy to go along with his less than impressive 2007 season and his bloated upcoming salary, Walker will no doubt be hitting the open market. Walker still has the ability to play and is accustomed to the west coast offense that catapulted him in to a rising star. He works out with Donovan McNabb in Arizona so the two are familiar with each other. McNabb will provide Walker with something he had in Green Bay that made him so effective; a QB with the ability to get the ball down field. If cut, Walker will come at a bargain because there aren't many teams out there that are willing to take a chance on him. The Eagles could sign him to a incentive laced one year deal, a deal he would be eager to take, to prove himself as still being a capable receiver, after which a long term deal could be discussed. Bernard Berrian had 71 catches for 951 yards and five touchdowns last season. Not bad considering the crap Chicago had at the quarterback position. Berrian's an explosive receiver, but sometimes criticized for dropping too many balls. Berrian is a legitimate downfield threat and will free up Curtis and Brown to be even more effective. The addition of Berrian to the Eagles would improve the offense, but not vastly. What he would do for the Eagles offense is add the scoring threat that was lacking last year. Although the Eagles put up respectable offensive numbers the inability to reach the endzone stagnated the teams potential. It's likely the Bears will not franchise Berrian, and when available, he will attract some free agency interest but unless a team swoops in and offers him a bank busting contract he should be fair game if the Eagles choose to go in that direction. But is he much of an upgrade? Well, that remains to be seen. Donte Stallworth- In Philly Stallworth started out looking like the player the Eagles were looking for since before and after the number 81 debacle.Stallworth and McNabb were and instant hit. In Stallworth's first game with the Eagles, less than two weeks after the trade, he caught six passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. In the first 2 games McNabb and Stallworth combined for 11 reception 220 yard and 2 TD's. Unfortunately due to a nagging hamstring injury, Stallworth missed three games early in the regular season and after McNabb when down for the season Jeff Garcia and Stallworth seldom found themselves on the same page, but finished the year with 725 yards and five touchdowns. Stallworth is a physical receiver that is great at creating yards after the catch (YAC) and has the speed to deliver a big play on any given down, not to mention he has the size to be a excellent redzone option. Jerry Porter- A fresh start is what may be needed to re-ignite this once highly touted receiver. Years of discontent in the graveyard that is the Raiders offense has tarnished Porters potential. Though not exactly the prototypical number one receiver of Chad Johnson, Terrell Owens or Randy Moss; Jerry Porter is very capable. At 6'2 220lbs, he has the size that, along with his speed, makes him a weapon to be reckoned with. Porter finished 2007 with a respectable 16 yd per catch average and 6 TD's giving the QB situation in Oakland. After dealing with coaching and QB instability in Oakland, the Eagles with McNabb at the helm may be the fire Porter needs to ignite him into fulfilling the promise that he seemed destined for with the retirement of Jerry Rice. Moving Max Jean Giles to starting guard opposite of Andrews? You don't have to look too long to recognize this endearing quality about Max Jean-Giles. Never mind the simple facts that he's 6-3 ½, 355 pounds Jean-Giles is quick-footed and athletic. His true talents lie in the run game but he is developing into a very good pass blocker as well, which is good enough when you have the Pro Bowler Shawn Andrews on the other side. With Jean-Giles the Eagles gain a physical presence that cannot be discounted. The addition of a huge guard has benefits that are evident in the league, proved with the impact Hutchinson in Minnesota and Leonard in Dallas. Along with the veterans OT Runyan and Thomas; Andrews and Jean-Giles will provide stability and protection to and offensive line that gave up 47 sacks last year. LJ Smith/ Brent Celek combo? It's unknown how long L.J Smith will be an Eagle, but what is known is his presence does nothing but help and offense that struggled to find the endzone and keep drives alive by converting first downs. The TE position is premium in this league, especially in the west coast offense the Eagles employ. For McNabb, Smith is a great check down option, for Celek, Smith is a great mentor to continue to develop under. Celek put together some pretty good games toward to end of the season with his best game coming against Dallas where he recorded only 3 rec for 50 yds but his 29 yard drive saving reception gave many Eagles faithful hopes of great things to come. Some are even calling him the second coming of Chad Lewis who had a great career with the Eagles. Celek and Smith provide McNabb with a rare 1-2 punch at TE. Look for this combo to cause match-up nightmares for linebackers on Sundays next season. Running back/ full back situation? With the emergence of Brian Westbrook as a superstar in this league, the Eagles have a legitimate run game that they are not entirely accustomed to in the Reid era, but nevertheless will equally enjoy. The Eagles have always been a pass first offense due to the lack of a run game and teams knew this, now with this added dynamic to the offense, it is destined to be extremely potent. Though there is no flaws in the running back position, Westbrook and Buckhalter is an very good 1-2 combo, the fullback position is one that needs to be addressed. With Tapeh scheduled to be a free agent, the Eagles need to look to sowing up that position in order to continue to enjoy having to run game as a dimension to their offense. The fullback position is not what is used to be, gone the Moose Johnson's, Tom Rathman's and Mike Alstott's of the world are an extinct breed replaced by the hybrid H-back type player who can lead block and has the athletic ability catch out of the backfield. There is not premium crop of players that fit this mold, but a few players I believe could be on the Eagles radar is free agent Greg Jones of the Jacksonville Jaguars and draft prospect Owen Schmitt for West Virginia University. Greg Jones isn't much of a ball-carrier, but he's one of the better blocking fullbacks in the NFL. He is an excellent lead blocker which can pave the way for another big year for Westbrook (and Buckhalter for that fact) and he is also a very effective pass blocker and is accustomed to blocking for a mobile QB after playing with David Garrard last year. Owen Schmitt from WVU is known for blocking and is excellent at it. He helped lead the way for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for both Pat White and Steve Slaton. Schmitt is a nasty, physical player. In his college career, the 6'2 250lbs bruiser has broken 10 facemasks. He also has good hands and moves well for his size; and given his great blocking ability, he could be used both in the backfield and along the line of scrimmage. He could be available in the later rounds for the Eagles who should move aggressively towards him if he is in their sights. Rookie Prospects- Offensive draft prospect is figure will be high on the Eagles pre-combine draft board: Jordy Nelson, Kansas State (WR): Exploded onto the national scene with 122 receptions and 1,606 yards. At 6'2 220+ lbs he is a big target. He has gained comparisons to Anthony Gonzalez from the Indianapolis Colts for his reliable hands and crisp route running. Figure him to be groomed as a much needed possession receiver key to keeping drives alive. Desean Jackson Cal (WR): Anticipate the Eagles targeting a big name veteran wideout to add to the offense, Jackson's services would be much better served on special teams. Jackson is at his best with the ball in space, makes tacklers miss with his shifty moves, and then shows the ability to separate with his elite top-end speed. He could provide Eagles with a much-needed return man. The Eagles have not had a kick nor punt return threat since Brian Mitchell. James Hardy Indiana (WR): this 6'7 former basketball player could be a worthy experiment for the Eagles. He has the potential to become a bigger, more athletic Plaxico Burress type weapon for the franchise. Hardy has a 42 inch vertical leap, to go along with his size and reported 4.45 speed, measurables that will make any scout drool. He would be a great complimentary piece from the start and could eventually turn into a star in the league. Owen Schmitt West Virginia (FB) as mentioned previously, Schmitt could be a great addition to the Eagles offense. He gives the Eagles a great backfield blocking presence to go along with his short yardage/ goal line potential. He is also able to catch the ball out of the backfield and turn it into a big play. Jeff Otah Pitt (OT): Runyan and William Thomas are not getting any younger. Andy Reid has shown his forward thinking ability to sow up positions to ensure that there is no future need. Winston Justice could make a solid right tackle before long and Otah has the ability to be a very good starting left tackle someday. The former basketball player has good hands and good feet and with proper grooming could become an anchor O-lineman. Kellen Davis/TE/Michigan State: Once again the forward thinking Reid could make a move in anticipation of not getting a long term deal done with L.J Smith, there is still an outside possibility that they will remove the tag from Smith and look to replace him in the draft. If that is the plan, this year is the year to do it and Kellen Davis may be the player to do it with. Davis is a physical specimen! The 6'6", 246 lbs tight end with a body builders body finished with only 32 catches for 513 yards and 6 TDs this season. He has racked up a 13.2 yard per catch average for his career, displaying his ability to get down the field and make plays. Davis shows good blocking ability; having the size, speed, and strength to take on defensive ends and blitzing linebackers. He is a tremendous athlete and a good leaper, both good tools in the red zone. Eddie Royal Virginia Tech (WR): After having a stellar Senior Bowl, his availability may be questions at this point, nonetheless, he is still on the Eagles radar. He is one of the fastest players in coming out in this years draft and at the Senior Bowl practices, he showed this by being virtually uncoverable. Look for him to have an immediate impact in the return game. Frank Beamer at Va Tech has given him plenty of experience at it. Coming soon, a look at the defense and what may be needed to catapult it up a notch next season. Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:35:43 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/139411 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/139411 The Eagles season sucked, but there were a few good moments during 2007. Thanks to EaglesFan1998 on the Eagles Message Board for making these videos.... Sun, 27 Jan 2008 04:32:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/102317 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/102317 First of all, I am a die-hard Eagles fan, so I am not writing this from a Dallas point of view. The Eagles management will likely not make any big moves this offseason. They are paranoid since the t.o. situation, so loud-mouths like Chad Johnson and Javon Walker are unlikely. Aftre McNabb's comments about playmakers, Andy Reid gave his usual "I think our team is only 1 tweak away from the super bowl" speech. He and the front office are in a trance. They think this "system" is so good that they don't need good players. News Flash, Andy: A system doesn't make bad players good. It doesn't make Greg Lewis, or Will James, or Brent Celek good. They keep telling us how these guys are gonna be solid role players. But thats not what we need now. They have enough role players already. Its time to bring on a playmaker. With a great reciever, this offense would be ltteraly UNSTOPPABLE. If the 'D keys on BWEST, the reciever would have man-on-man coverage. If they keyed on the reciever thats one or two less defenders on BWEST. Wow. But, I'm sorry, this will probably not happen. They'll get someone like Aaron Morehead or Bubba Franks, but no one good. I know, it pisses me off too. But I'm just being realistic. Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:05:13 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/76660 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/76660 Bernard Berrian has come up in rumors that he may be a Philadelphia Eagle come the start of free agency. Thats an interesting name, because would that be an improvement over Reggie Brown assuming Kevin Curtis has established himself as the #1? Now I personally love Reggie Brown, love his work ethic, love his attitude, and I think hes a big time player. But have he and Mcnabb grown apart is the big question. This was supposed to be Brown's breakout season, but instead he was mired in an early season slump before re-emerging late in the season. He has skills, I just think he needs to get chemistry going with Donovan. In terms of the playmakers Mcnabb wants, we need a big time TE. Forget LJ Smith, hes injury prone, he was average at his best, hes not the answer. I like what I see out of Brent Celek so far though, so there may be hope yet. Remember, the Eagles lost at least 3 games that they had won if they didn't self destruct. What we really need I believe are some defensive playmakers. Considine is garbage, gocong is useless in coverage, and the guy on the other side of Trent Cole, whether it be Howard, Thomas, or the superbust Kearse, they need someone else. I think Stewart Bradley is going to be awesome. The guy is going to be a star by midseason 2008, count on it. Anyone else see him stuff Stecker at the goal line, then the week after, stuff Marshawn Lynch on a critical 4th and inches. Eagles will be playoff bound in 2008, no doubt about it, well unless they're retarded and trade Mcnabb. Go Eagles in 08!!!!!!!!!!!! Sat, 12 Jan 2008 05:54:08 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/68931 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/68931 Eagles soon to be outta here Tight End is so vain that he has to wear his shades indoors. The sun must always be shining on Little John. He is also wearing a shirt that says "FAMOUS" across the front. I guess when you are somewhat known you have to point it out to everybody so they recognize you. He could at least get some cool looking glasses, and not those "Porsche" Cop 'jawns'. He looks like a "CHiPs" reject. ..Read More>> Sat, 05 Jan 2008 07:45:59 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/60504 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/60504 So here we are Eagles fans sitting at home not anticipating our Birds first playoff game for the 2007 season. Now instead we have sit back watch other teams attempt make history. As we await for the season to end and hope, prey and cross our fingers in hopes that Andy Reid and the rest of the front office opens their eyes and makes the moves that need to be made in order for us to win and get back to the Super bowl for the 2008 season. It really is a shame, because we as Eagles fans have been waiting so damn long to see our team hoist that Vince Lombardi Trophy in victory. But it is even more a shame for the players of this team. Players such as Donovan McNabb, Jon Runyan and Brian Westbrook that have shed the blood sweat and tears their entire lives to become NFL stars. To only have their dreams of becoming Super Bowl Champions dashed because this team doesn't want to spend the amount of money it takes to become a top notch team like the Patriots or Colts do. Now we fans saw a team go out in the off-season and do what they needed to do to become a championship caliber team again, despite what they did in the past. I am talking about the New England Patriots. We all know they've won the Super Bowl three times by barely spending any money at all. But they saw in the last few years that they have been coming up short in the playoffs. They attributed their losses to a need on defense so they went out in free agency and picked up the best player out there in Adalius Thomas. But their most glairing need was on offense in their wide receiver position. So what did they do? They only picked up Donte' Stallworth and traded for Wes Welker and All-World Receiver Randy Moss. See even though the Patriots were one of the best teams out there they weren't complacent with being 'one of' the best. They went out in the off-season and did what was necessary to become the best. See the patriots learned from the past seasons that the best way to win during the Season is to win in the off-season. Now what have are Eagles done? Nothing near what they need to do to become a champion. They have continued to spend their cap money improperly and always shop in the Bargain Basement. Picking up players like Darren Howard, Montae Reagor and Will James along with countless other bottom-rung players over the years. Aside from the season where they grabbed Terrell Owens they've done nothing to make this team better. But Eagles fans this off-season must be the season. Because if it isn't then the Andy Reid era may never win a Super Bowl. Many people have spoke about Donovan McNabb being dealt in the off-season. I personally do not see that happening. Unless The Vikings, Bears or some unnamed team blows them away with a trade. Now with that being said McNabb may not be traded or let go this upcoming season. But it will be his last season as the Eagles starting Quarterback. Because 2009 will begin the Kevin Kolb Era and the Eagles will begin their rebuilding process. So that being the case they need to put all their chips in. They need to pick up the following pieces to get to the championship level. On Defense they need a Defensive end, a safety and cornerback who can return kicks as well as play the position. Now I think for it to be effective this season they'd need to pick up the defensive end via trade or free agency from a high-end source and not the bottom-rung. The rest of the defensive players (Safety & Cornerback) can be obtained through the draft. Now on offense they need to go ahead and grab through free-agency or Trade for a receiver with break away speed that can get down the field. Chad Johnson would be my top choice but Bernard Berrian would work just as well. Just one of those guys to get down the field. Because if the Eagles do not have a receiver who can get down the field to catch the ball their offense just isn't as effective as we saw this season. Now as far as the Tight End position goes I do not think they need a tight end and some may think I am crazy. But I see Brent Celek becoming extremely good at that tight end position and may even become one of the better tight ends in the league in years to come. Now if the Eagles just play hardball for once in the off-season and throw in all the chips, By strengthening the positions that I have stated here I believe that the Eagles will be back as not only the beasts of the East but of the entire NFC. But the question always remains will they pay the price to be the best? Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:52:18 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/58459 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/58459 Wondering about the direction the Eagles are going? What free agents they will go after, what position or players they will draft, which players will be the starters going into next season, and which players the Eagles will let go? Read this article for an in-depth analysis to all the questions on your mind regarding the Eagles going into the offseason. Fri, 28 Dec 2007 02:16:17 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/54343 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/54343 Bust out the bags Saints fans. The Eagles have just ruined your season. In an offensive explosion, the Birds beat New Orleans 38-23. ..Read More>> Sun, 23 Dec 2007 23:47:44 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/51717 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/51717