Yardbarker: Reno Mahe

Eagles - Specialists weigh in on art of kick returns

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 07:06:31 -0500

THE NFL record book says that Timmy Brown returned not one but two kickoffs for touchdowns in a game against Dallas in November 1966. But what Brown says of that unlikely episode in his career is that it caught him by surprise, if only because he had been at odds with the coaching staff and relegated to the bench. Told only the day before the game that he would be running back kickoffs that Sunday, Brown remembers that he exclaimed: "Hallelujah!" He says now: "I knew I could do something if I got the opportunity." But he could not have expected what happened that day at Franklin Field. In what would be a 24-23 Eagles victory, Brown returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown but scarcely had a moment to catch his breath. The Cowboys immediately scored and kicked off to him again. He caught the ball on his own 7-yard line and took off down the field. He lined up behind his blockers, found an opening in the swarm of would-be tacklers that had descended upon him, and drew within view of the end zone. But as the yards flew by beneath him, Brown began to feel as if he were running in the sand on the Jersey Shore. "By the time I was 30 yards out, I was barely able to pick 'em up," says Brown, only one of seven NFL players to return two kickoffs for touchdowns in a single game - and the only Eagle. "My legs began to tighten up. So it was lucky the Cowboys pooped out just as I pooped out. It was like everything was happening in slow motion." If it sometimes feels like it has been 42 years since the Eagles had a formidable return game, it is not altogether your imagination. Oh, they've enjoyed some sporadic moments of brilliance, but it's been a while. They have not had a kickoff returned for a touchdown since Brian Mitchell ran one back 94 yards against Arizona in November 2001. It has been nearly that long since they have had a punt run back for a TD: Brian Westbrook returned one 81 yards against San Francisco in December 2003. Too often, the return game has been a hold-your-breath proposition, which was underscored last year in the season opener against Green Bay: A J.R. Reed muff deep in his own territory set up a game-winning field goal by the Packers; Greg Lewis also had botched a punt earlier in the game. Quickly, the club signed the sure-handed but unspectacular Reno Mahe. LINK IT FOR MORE

Philadelphia Eagles - New Hope!

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 20:52:56 -0500

In the immortal words of Jack Buck, "I don't believe what I just saw!" I uttered those words not once, but twice, while watching the Eagles - Patriots game. The reason - the birds got a kick-off return and punt return in the same game. Two rookies, Quinton Demps and DeSean Jackson provided both special teams touchdowns and hope for an Eagles fan base

Les Bowen: Help is NOT on the Way

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:52:32 -0500

Usually I can't stand Les Bowen, but this article is pretty darn good. He does a nice job of stating the facts, making a speculation or two, and throwing in some much needed comedic relief. Enjoy it as much as possible

NFL Preview: Philadelphia Eagles

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:22:18 -0500

by DMtShooter, Five Tool Tool

Sports fans, like everyone else on the planet, live in the story they tell of their lives. Philly Fan's story isn't a pleasant one. And neither, for the most part, is what they think will happen to their football team this year.

You see, it's all been too long, Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb. They've been together forever, with the window of opportunity slamming shut on them either when Terrell Owens went traitorous, when Reid's Kids went Al Qaida, or when David Akers couldn't tie the game against the Giants from distance last December. We all know how the story ends, year after year, and it never ends with a parade down Broad Street.

The Eagles are too old. McNabb is too brittle. They didn't sign the #1 WR that's absolutely essential to opening up the attack. The offensive line, at some point, will have to rely on Winston "Turnstile" Justice. The linebackers are never good enough. The special teams have killed them for the past three years. Brian Dawkins is spent, and Lito Sheppard is overrated, and Asante Samuel is already hurt, and yada yada yada.

Every team has a negative story, and for 31 out of 32, it'll be true. But the funny thing about stories is that for one team, the story changes. Suddenly, Eli Manning can win a big game. So can Peyton Manning. Even dramatically absurd stories like Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson.

So, assuming the Patriots don't just overwhelm the league and crush through the playoffs like the avenging armies of Hell (and Lucifer's boys have much better linebackers and rarely, if ever, let their quarterback get battered like the Pats did in the SB), some team will have their negative story broken.

But you see, only Eagles Fan really seems to embrace this kind of nonsense. In fact, we tell it to ourselves, to make sure that we don't get our hopes up, because being the first to piss on your team's hopes makes you cooler and smarter than all of the other folks on the bus.

So... can they defy the expectations and the franchise's history since 1960? Well, there are some highly encouraging signs. The schedule is quite easy. The defense will be a lot better with Samuel, assuming he's eventually healthy. They'll get after the quarterback better, since the dessicated remains of Javon Kearse will no longer be around, and they've improved the pass rush with LB Chris Clemons from Oakland. Akers and Sav Rocca probably can't be worse than they were last year, and Desean Jackson has to better than Reno Mahe. (Please, please, please, let us move on from the Reno Mahe Era.)

There is also this... the NFC East, after a season in which every team but the 8-8 Birds made the playoffs, should be worse this year. A lot, lot worse.

The Redskins are trying an unprecedented experiment in giving the head coaching and offensive coordinator reins to a guy (Jim Zorn) that has never held this level of job before. Maybe they'll be healthier, especially on the offensive line, and maybe Jason Campbell is ready to lead... but it's a Daniel Snyder production, so I'm not exactly quaking in fear.

The Cowboys still haven't won a playoff game this millennium, have lost a great deal of their depth with Bill Parcells plundering them to staff Miami, and have been incredibly lucky on injuries for years now. (There's also the fact that with Parcells gone for an increasing amount of time, the magic that is Wade Phillips is going to take hold.)

The Giants might have used up a lifetime of luck last year, and they also lost Michael Strahan to retirement, Jeremy Shockey for future draft picks, and still have to worry a lot about keeping Plax Burress healthy. Add it all up, and it should be that hard to be two of three games better than last year.

So I'm going to be cautiously optimistic, hope for 11-5 and a first round bye (seriously, who in the NFC is going to win 3 out of every 4 games this year? No one in the West or South), and wonder, really, why the story can't be different this year. McNabb's a year past the knee injury, Bryan Westbrook is still the best RB in franchise history, the OL is still good, and Reid has to have more focus than last year.

It probably won't, of course... but what the hell. Why watch sports if you refuse to hope that you're wrong?

NFL Preview: Philadelphia Eagles

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:22:18 -0500

If we only had DeSean Jackson in 2007

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 12:53:03 -0500

A nice collection of DeSean Jackson videos. Makes you wish we had jackson in 2007. I am sure Jackson could have gotten us the 9th win and a trip to the playoffs in 2007. Reid and his devotion to Mahe. But Mahe is gone, just need to show Greg Lewis the exit next! Who do you think will handle Kick Off return duties...Demps, Booker, maybe Jackson here too?

Why the 2008-2009 Philadelphia Eagles will soar!

Sat, 10 May 2008 22:30:48 -0500

Offense comes back strong: Donovan McNabb: Finished season healthy on a 3 game win streak and has all offseason to practice and not rehab. Brian Westbrook: Self explanatory, the man is unreal. Wide Receivers: Some say we did not address this position well. I still believe that we will make a trade similar to the Donte Stallworth deal 2 years ago. We have to get someone. If not we will rely on Curtis who has one season of experience with McNabb under his belt, and Reggie Brown to try to break out this year as last year was a disappointment to Eagles fans. Tight Ends: LJ Smith is back off injury and provides a big play spark. Celek looked good when he got the chance and was able to make plays. Schobel's future could be somewhere else next season. Offensive Line: Good as long as they all stay healthy. I think Max Jean-Gilles is ready for the pro's and if someone goes down he can step up. Defense will succeed: Trent Cole: Great pass rusher coming off the edge to put pressure on QB's. Patterson & Bunkley: With another year of experience these two should be a great tandem in 2008-2009. Patterson was 3rd in tackles of all defensive tackles last year behind the 2nd place tackler by 1. As long as he is not suspended he should be a huge factor. Brown & Sheppard: Sheldon will be back on attack again this year! No one knows what will happen to Sheppard but he will either play great on the field or bring us a great player in return, or a pick in next years draft. Linebackers: Jim Johnson thinks he has finally found that young, talented, smart group of guys who will play great next year and mesh through the next 10 years together. I feel confident with Gaither, Bradley, and Gocong starting and Akeem Jordan rotating in to add some speed and energy to the defense. Gocong and Gaither both started last year and can provide leadership for the other 2 young guys. Dawkins & Mikell: Brian Dawkins wasn't in football shape last year because he had to tend to his wife while she gave birth. Dawkins will be working hard this year and get himself ready properly for the season. As for Mikell, well he has to stay motivated throughout camp to keep his job and I believe he will do just that. Now for the new guys: Asante Samuel: Best in the business. Leads the NFL with 16 interceptions over the last two seasons. Who can forget the two interceptions and a touchdown he put up against us last year? Chris Clemons: Tallied a career best 8 sacks for the Oakland Raiders last year. Now he comes to a better defense and has the luxury of playing on the opposite side of Trent Cole, one of the NFL's best pass rushers. Klecko & Wilson: Dan Klecko is switching his position from defensive line to fullback for the Eagles and Kris Wilson is going to provide an athletic talent at the tight end position although he played full back in Kansas City at times. He had a leg injury which set back his career but healthy, this kid can make plays. Lorenzo Booker: Fast. Quick. Playmaker. All words to describe the versatile 2nd year running back out of Florida State. The Eagles had interest in him during last year's draft and after seeing what he could do in the pro's, they traded their 4th round pick aquired from Carolina for him. He should provide matchup problems while on the field with Brian Westbrook. Jackson & Laws: Desean Jackson was a tremendous kick returner at the University of California. He returned 6 kicks in his college career and had a good receiving career too. He provides speed for the offense and is a game breaker on special teams similar to the ability that Devin Hester provides for the Bears. Not to say that Jackson is going to have the impact Hester has but he will do better then Reno Mahe because I'm sure you have all seen his return against Tennessee last year! Trevor Laws had 112 tackles his senior season on a God awful Notre Dame team. He stood out on the defensive line and will provide depth for the Eagles. When he gets in he will be able to make plays and do what is asked of him. With the team healthy and the new additions, the Eagles should soar in 2008!

Players Honored at Annual Banquet

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:03:13 -0500

somethin different to read & YA it's a slow news day, but that's a good thing lol!! lots of ball players mentioned in this! I didn't know they had an award named after ANDY....interesting lol PROVO, Utah (March 13, 2008) - Members of the BYU Football team, coaches, staff, family, former players and special guests gathered at the Provo Marriott on Wednesday evening for the annual team awards banquet. Former BYU running back Vai Sikahema served as the emcee for the event, and a number of former players were on hand to present awards. Following is a rundown of the award recipients. ProBowl tight end Chad Lewis awarded the Chad Lewis Flag Bearer Award to senior receiver Matt Allen. Lewis also presented defensive lineman Brock Richardson with the Floyd Johnson Shield of Faith Award. Philadelphia Eagles return specialist Reno Mahe presented senior linebacker Kelly Poppinga with the Ty Detmer Award for Leadership. Mahe also presented senior linebacker Markell Staffieri and sophomore defensive lineman Jan Jorgensen with the Bart Oates Big Brother Award. NFL veteran linebacker and Super Bowl Champion Rob Morris presented Fui Vakapuna with the Leon White Award for Unselfish Devotion. Morris also presented sophomore quarterback Max Hall with the Andy Reid Competitive Greatness Award. Five-time Pro Bowler Todd Christensen presented offensive lineman David Oswald with the Todd Christensen Academic Excellence Award. Christensen also presented senior linebacker Bryan Kehl the John Tait Strength & Conditioning Award. A former tight end for the Chicago Bears, Gabe Reid presented running back Wayne Latu with the Vai Sikahema Award for Service. Reid also presented quarterback Matt Marshall with the Bill McNabb Personal Best Offensive Scout Award. Seattle Seahawks' linebacker Cameron Jensen presented Ben Criddle with the Glen Redd Award for Work Ethic. Jensen also presented linebacker Jeff Bell with the Chris Hoke Personal Best Defensive Scout Award. NFL veteran linebacker Colby Bockwoldt presented linebacker Matt Bauman with the Aaron Francisco Special Teams MVP Award, and also presented Kehl with the Kurt Goveia Defensive MVP Award. For the final award of the evening, Cahoon presented the Steve Young MVP Award to freshman All-American running back Harvey Unga.

Eagles/Seahawks: Second Quarter Ramblings

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 19:31:22 -0500

What a poor excuse for a football game. Sissy Australians. Gamebreaking Mormons. And where is Little Charlie?

NFL Week 2 Preview, and Sunday Sports Talk

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 05:48:50 -0500

Listen as T- Money brings you a NFL Week 2 Preview, as well as answers your questions and gives you headlines in the world of sports. Topics Covered: 1)NFL Week 2 Preview 2)New England Cheaters 3)Ricky Williams 4)Greg Oden 5)Eli Manning 6)MLB MVP Race

Reno Mahe Ready??? I think so!!

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 05:57:03 -0500

On how RB/PR/KR Reno Mahe looked in practice and how much of a transition it will be for him coming in without much preparation: "He looked great the first day out there. We put him on the JUGS machine and he probably caught 150 balls or so, and didn't drop any. He just kind of picked up where he left off. So, we feel real good with Reno right now, and you can tell he's definitely been working."

NFL Week 2 Review

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 05:10:38 -0500

Listen as T- Money presents another episode of Around the Spectrum: LIve. This show, T- Money goes over every Week 1 Match up in the NFL and went over the MLB Playoff Hunt as well.

Eagles Release J.R. and bring back the Fair Catch

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 02:20:46 -0500

Today the Philadelphia Eagles released J.R. Reed whose special teams fumble on a punt return played a major role in the loss to the Green Bay Packers Sunday, and said welcome back to special teams specialist Reno Mahe. I thought J.R. Reed had potential as a safety in the NFL, unfortunately for him and the team his critical fumble cost him his roster spot. Reno on the other hand is known for his waving to the officials while some fans refer to him as 'Fair Catch' Mahe, that was just what the team was missing this past Sunday. He does not have the explosive potential of J.R. Reed, but will certainly not be caught trying too hard to make something out of nothing, and only has one career fumble in the return game. I wouldn't have been surprised if they gave Reed one more chance, but it is a what have you done for me lately league, and this move doesn't surprise me at all.

How will Eagles fix their punt-returning woes?

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:46:22 -0500

Is a guy who can actually catch a punt too much to ask for? He doesn't even need to return punts - just catch them. The Eagles coaching staff found out the hard way just how important a reliable punt returner is. So what are their options now?