Yardbarker: Mike Patterson

Replay: Eagles Vs Bears

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:09:32 -0500

20 Fantasy Football Studs and Duds From Week Five

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:05:41 -0500

Another crazy week in the NFL and Fantasy Football. Some new names on Team Stud and Team Dud. Some players switched teams this week. Let's have a look at the top dog's and the dog's that laid down this week in fantasy football…

EAGLES vs. REDKSKINS LETS GET IT STARTED

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 07:41:49 -0500

HERE WE GO BIRDS FANS! Week 5 in the NFL and our Philadelphia Eagles are back home to take on the Washington Redskins. Last week some bad play calling at the end cost us what should have been a W in Chicago, but I've good a good feel about this one. Donovan came out in the yard this week and made it known "There was a stat last year that we played more games within 8 points than any other team in the NFL. " then "Playing close games is not important - winning them is! " Very inspiring by 5. Now my Keys to the game WHEN THE EAGLES HAVE THE BALL: Attack deep and attack often the deep ball stretches the field and can open up that middle for us so later we can have a slot guy hang out in there (or run the ball like normal teams). Plus they are thin at DBs, Next we need to control time of possesion and make that Redskins Defense very tired. What this also does is keep our defense off the field last week I felt as if our D was stellar until the end because they were on the field all night and became fatigued. Didnt mention B-West I dont know what kind of role he'll play today maybe he's just a decoy maybe he goes out there and get 200 total yards from scrimmage who KNOWS! WHEN THE REDSKINS HAVE THE BALL: Jason Campbell was very impressive last week and I give him alot of credit for picking that Dallas D apart. However now he gets to play a real DEFENSE this week. our keys to success on this side of the ball all relies pressuring Jason and never lettin him get into a rythm. Jim Zorn runs a west-coast offense just like Big Red and is from the same coaching tree as big red. This means our D should recocgnize some plays and formations with that said I see about 2 picks. Yeah I know Jason hasnt thrown any but that front 7 is going to force it out of him. When it comes to Portis we have no worries just do what we've been doin all year clog them holes and those RB's hard. THATS BUNKLEY AND PATTERSON and I know thye'll do that! SPECIAL TEAMS RETURN: I havnt really been impressed by it yet I know Demps and Desean are usually a block away from taking it to the house but other times they look like they just don't have it. WE NEED GOOD FIELD POSITION! Desean can't make the same mistakes he did last week COME ON DESEAN I STUCK MY NECK OUT THERE with others WHEN I BEGGED THIS CITY TO GET YA NOW Youre makin all of us get agitated with some of these mistakes. Special TEAMS KICKOFF: Cartwright is a pretty good return guy especially when he plays us. Everytime I've seen him return on us he's always breaking like 5 tackles. Let's keep these guys in bad spots. Sav Rocca played like the Pro-Bowler he'll be last week with those beauties he let inside the 10. This week I cant expect anything less of a repeat. MY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE GAME QB: Donovan McNabb -He set the tone all week with a weak defensive backfield I see Donovan slingin' for maybe 285 2TDs WR: Hank Baskett- This will be the week we finally see the fade. 3 catches 96yrds 1 td. RG: Max Jean-Gillis- Anyone who knows me knows i havnt been big on him since the season started but then again anyone compared to Shawn Andrews has some big shoes to fill. I see him lighting guys up today and if he doesnt I'll rip him 1st lol MY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE GAME DE: Jaqua Parker- The guy is on a tear all the double teaming going around him has gotten him some easy sacks DE: Trent Cole- The man is reason we get so much pressure he's always double teamed and you cant leave anyone with one on one with our front 4 they are all playing at a Pro- Bowl level LB: Stewart Bradley- He has been the anchor and will continue it today CB: Lito Sheppard- I know you guys are like WTF he hasnt done sqaut all year and cant stop running his mouth. I thought about it last night and asked myself before Asante who was our main guy? ANSWER: LITO Who was the guy who'd always shutdown the opposing #1? LITO so with all this nickel coverage this guy has been playin I get a feeling he'll get not 1 but 2 picks today and after the game he'll be happy with his game time I KNOW I SOUND CRAZY BUT I CAN DREAM PREDICTION: I Can't see the Skins winning two divisonal games on the road in a row. I can't see Donovan letting this one slip. I can't see Andy and Marty doing anyworse than last week. So since it is a divisonal game I'll say 20-17 EAGLES

EAGLES DEFENSE and Madden 09. Bark it up!

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:37:49 -0500

O.k. so I was bored today and playing Madden 09. The thing that gets me is that the Eagles defense isn't anywhere near what it should be. We have the #1 run defense, one of the leaders in sacks (if not the leader) and rank #3 defensively in the NFL in total yards. Where's the Madden love? They do updates every week (online) or so, so I decided to bum rush the EA Sports Madden 09 message boards and give my 2 cents. Check it out: Where is the NFL'S #1 run stopping defense? And where is the league leading sack defense? The defense ranks first in the NFL in rushing yards per game, in rushing yards per attempt, and in sacks per pass play. The D also ranks second in the league in first downs allowed and is fifth in third-down efficiency.Philadelphia is sixth in total offense and third in total defense in the league.And in the turnover department, the team's plus-3 is tied for fourth best among NFL teams. The Eagles have faced 5 of the best running backs in the league: Steven Jackson (2.9 avg with 0 td) Marion Barber (3.5 avg with 1 td) Felix Jones (3.3 avg with 0 td) Willie Parker (1.5 avg with 0td) Matt Forte (2.3 avg with 0td) The Eagles have given up a total of ONE rushing touchdown (a 1 yard run by Barber that initially was stuffed at the goal line). And no run has been over 20 yards. Our defense MUST be recognized for it. My main concern is our lack of SPEED on the defensive side of the ball (mainly our linebackers). Omar has made great strides and Bradley is one of the more active MLB in the league (big/fast/good blitzer/smart player). Gocong proves to be a playmaker (gaining sacks and fumbles) and needs to shed blocks better at the point of attack. All 3 linebackers need increased speed/persuit/tackling ability (high to lower 80s overall). They are well on their way to being one of the best group of linebackers in the league. Another concern is where our DT bull rush/tackling ability? Patterson and Bunkley are growing into the best DT tackle tandem short of the Williams Bro's of the Vikings. Our run defense is yielding 2.9 yards per carry and just over 53 yards TOTAL rushing a game. And our defensive tackles are a BIG reason. New LB ratings: Gaither 88: Has been tremendous at the WILL linebacker position. He is making plays all over the field. Bradley 83: Has played the run very, very well and is a force when he rushes the passer. Fast, athletic, cerebral, and a good tackler. He could very well be the next Brian Urlacher. Gocong 84: Fast and physical linebacker who is a major reason why the run defense has been so good. When given the chance he has excellent pass rushing ability (at Cal Poly, In 2005, Gocong set a Division 1-AA season-record with 23.5 sacks and led the nation with 31 tackles behind the line of scrimmage) we are now watching it translate to the NFL. Ask Tom Brady and Kyle Orton. Linebacker is one of the best young groups the Eagles have ever had. Toss in Akeem Jordan, Joe Mays and Tank Daniels and the Eagles have a group that can be developed for years to come. New DT ratings: Tackles Brodrick Bunkley -- who seems to have taken the next step in his development -- and Mike Patterson have played the run well, both DT deserve a bull rushing special ability tag. Patterson 97: He is on par with the best DT of the league. Yet his overall rating is way too low. In comparison, check out last years stats compared to the "best" DT in the NFL. 98 OVR Albert Haynesworth TEN DT 40 32 8 6.0 97OVR Kevin Williams MIN DT 38 30 8 3.0 98OVR Pat Williams MIN NT 62 43 19 2.0 87OVR Mike Patterson PHI DT 67 50 17 4.0 He outperformed nearly every "top DT" in the league. His ratings should reflect it. Bunkley 88: In dire need of awareness boost. He routinely collapses the pocket and is tremendous in run support. He is a mirror image of what Patterson was a year ago. Dan Klecko 80: He shows what hard work and a consistent motor can give you (speed!). Better pass rusher than most would assume. He should also be an option on the list of FBs since he's used during goal line situations. DE ratings: Juqua Parker should also be rated higher because he is of the current NFL leaders in sacks (3.5). Is it a result of Parker alone or the play of the DT's? In either case he deserves a moderate boost. Trent Cole should possess greater block shedding ability (something similar to former Eagles/Current Raiders DE Derrick Burgess). Is there a better DE in the league when it comes to pursuit? I don't think so. Cole should easily be 95. Darren Howard (83) has been the biggest surprise on the line. He has created numerous QB pressures and provides excellent push at the DT spot on nickel situations. SS Quintin Mikell is the most underrated player on the Eagles defense. He is having a pro bowl caliber year thus far and his rating should reflect it. 29 tackles (23 solo), sack, 2 pass defended, and an interception. Asante Samuel has proven he is worth the hefty price tag he acquired in the off season. He already has 2ints and is on pace to lead the league once again. While he gets his fair share of tipped balls in Madden, he deserves a better shot at grabbing an int. Eagles punter Sav Rocca will be named NFC Special Teams player of month today (10-2-08). Rocca led the NFL with a 44.1 net average in September, including punts of 65 yards (a career long), 64 and 61. He also placed seven of his 18 punts (39%) inside the 20-yard line. He definitely deserves a rating boost. While our defense is not the BEST in the league. There is no reason why the Eagles defense shouldn't be on par with Dallas, Jacksonville, Ravens or the Steelers. Offense note: McNabb's accuracy also deserves a boost. He has one of the lowest td/int ratio's in NFL history. While DeSean Jackson has been impressive as a rookie (should be 88overall by end of year), people forget that McNabb has been working without his top 2 wide receivers for most of the year. Get that accuracy rating up! On a side note: The Raiders as a team are overrated. Period. And there is no WAY that Mcfadden is anywhere near that good in real life. His abilities are almost better than Westbrooks (speed/acceleration) and he has better break tackle/spectacular catch ability, which is a flat out JOKE. The defense is dominating and easily one of the best on Madden. Did we forget that the Raiders are terrible? Should the game not represent "real life". EA should stick to it's motto. If it's in the game, it should be just that: IN THE GAME. Be sure to click the link and voice your opinion on the EA forums!!!! E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!! http://forums.ea.com/mboards/thread.jspa?threadID=443040&tstart=0

EAGLES DEFENSE and Madden 09. Bark it up!

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:51:40 -0500

Eagles Win, But Lose Westbrook

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:36:25 -0500

The Eagles defense dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday. After a rough game last week, Jim Johnson devised a terrific scheme to stifle the Steelers offense. Johnson dialed up the blitz all game long, and it was extremely effective. The "D" notched 9 sacks, forced two fumbles, intercepted a pass, shut down the Steelers ground game, [...]

Eagles' run defense tops in the NFL

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:42:50 -0500

Despite having only played three games so far this season, it is not too early to be excited about the way the Eagles have played this season. Quarterback Donovan McNabb looks as good as he ever has, despite being without his top two receivers. Rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson has put the entire league on notice that the Eagles do, in fact, have a serious threat at that position and that they will be just fine without Terrell Owens. After getting shreaded on Monday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys, a game in which they allowed 41 points to the hated rival, the Eagles' defense, led by the apparently not so old veteran Brian Dawkins, responded this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers by sacking quarterback Ben Roethlisberger eight times, recovering two fumbles, and made one interception. Oh, and they're the top rushing defense in the National Football League. After three weeks, the Eagles are first in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (45.7) and yards allowed per carry (2.4). They are second in rushing first downs allowed with eight. This is a defense that just two years ago allowed 200 rushing yards or more in a game five different times. During this offseason, the Eagles retooled a bit, making their defense one of the quickest and fiercest in the league. And they're young too, but that only means they're going to just get better. "To be honest, I'm a little surprised," cornerback Sheldon Brown said. "When you've got young players, especially at linebacker, you may have some guys not in the right gap in Jim's defensive scheme. But so far, everybody's been mentally sound. If you watch the films, you've got guys in the correct gaps doing what they're supposed to be doing." Even more impressive is that the Eagles defense has shutdown three of the league's premier running backs: St. Louis Rams' running back Stephen Jackson (40 yards on 14 carries), the Cowboys' Marion Barber (63 yards on 18 carries) and the Steelers' Willie Parker (20 yards on 13 carries). All three of those guys are top ten fantasy picks, but not against the Eagles. The Eagles' defense faces another challenge on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, with rookie running back Matt Forte, who is third in the league with 304 rushing yards through three games. "The d-linemen and that whole rotation in the middle [at tackle] . . . they're getting after those cats," Dawkins said. "And then Stew and those guys are coming downhill. I don't know if you think this is a 'just now' thing. But those cats are coming up front." According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, there is very reason to believe that this is not a "just now" thing. There is every reason to believe this is not a "just now" thing. [Mike] Patterson, the Eagles' 2005 first-round pick, and [Broderick] Bunkley, their '06 first-rounder, have developed into one of the league's better run-stopping tackle tandems. Bunkley had three tackles for losses on Sunday against the Steelers. Under defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, the Eagles' philosophy has always been that the only two numbers that matter are points allowed and takeaways. During his nine years as the head of the defense, the Eagles have regularly been in the top 10 in points allowed. Add to that list rushing yards allowed.

Eagles Win, But Lose Westbrook

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:14:26 -0500

Brian Dawkins And Defense Should Have Big Day

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:22:18 -0500

Brian Dawkins Seems Very Pissed That Everyone Is Getting On Him That He Is Old And Can't Get The Job Done And Brian Dawkins Will Take That And Show People That He Can Get It Done On The Football Field. Brian Dawkins Is Still One Of The Best Safties In The NFL And He Can Get The Job Done. He Just Had A Bad Game And Everyone Has There Good And Bad Days And Expect Him To Have Huge Tackles And An Interception. On The Other Hand, The Eagles Defensive Line Should Have 5 To 6 Sacks On Big Ben Because Of The Steelers Offensive Line And Big Ben, Because Big Ben Is Hurt And It Is Very Hard To Make Plays When Your Quaterback Is Hurt. The Steelers Have A Young Offensive Line That Is Still Developing. The Eagles Linebackers Will Shut Down Willie Parker And Not Let Him Go Anywhere.This Game Should Be Fun And I See The Eagles Coming Out With A Win.

Replay: Eagles Vs Rams

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 17:33:51 -0500

September 7th, 2008 - Philadelphia Eagles vs St. Louis Rams

The Eagles Need To Start Fast Against The Cowboys

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:43:42 -0500

It Is Very Important That The Philadelphia Eagles Get An Early Lead Against The Cowboys Because The Eagles Do Not Want To Be Traling In This Game. Donovan Mcnabb And The Offense Need To Start Quick And Keep Putting Points On The Board. The Defense Needs To Stop Witten And Pressure Tony Romo Into Forcing Things And Making Mistakes. Trent Cole,Mike Patterson,Brodrick Bunkley And Juqua Parker All Need To Get After Romo And Bring Him Down For A Sack. The More Points The Eagles Have, The Less Chance The Cowboys Have Of Winning This Game And I Think The Eagles Will Do Of What I Said And Come Out Of Dallas With A Win. But The Key To The Eagles Winning Is To Get A Good Lead And Force Romo To Make Mistakes.

Eagles D must Get ready to Make Plays Monday

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 06:38:53 -0500

JUST BEING SOUND and solid won't do the trick this week, Jim Johnson was saying yesterday. The Dallas Cowboys have too many weapons, too much talent. If you're going to beat them - something the Eagles have managed in each of their previous two trips to Texas Stadium, incidentally - "You'd better make some plays on defense," the Birds' defensive coordinator said. Johnson said that factor accounted for much of the difference between the Eagles' 38-17 home loss to the Cowboys last Nov. 4 and their 10-6 victory at Dallas on Dec. 16. In November, the Eagles had no sacks and forced one turnover, the Lito Sheppard interception that seems to happen every time the Birds play Dallas. The next month, they sacked Tony Romo four times and intercepted him three times, Sheppard getting his usual allotment (he has eight interceptions in nine career starts against the Cowboys). "We made some defensive plays, we made some interceptions, some key interceptions, we got some pressure on the quarterback, some big sacks," Johnson recalled, as his team prepared for Monday's visit with the Cowboys. "That's what you take from that game, and I'm sure they feel the same way - 'Hey, we can't turn the ball over.' That's what's going to happen when two good teams meet in big games, we just made some plays." Johnson noted, and several of his players reiterated, that the Dallas offensive line is the biggest the Eagles will face. Getting pressure on Romo isn't easy. Cleveland couldn't manage it on Sunday, getting manhandled by the Cowboys, 28-10. "You want those turnovers," Johnson said. "It's going to be a factor." CLICK THE LINK

The Pros: USC vs. Ohio St.

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:24:03 -0500

The Pros pits two college football rivals against one another and sees which has produced a more eligible pro team.

The Offense

Quarterback

USC currently has 4 quarterbacks in the league. Two of whom won Heisman's in Leinart and Palmer and two of whom have yet to start an NFL game in Cassel and Booty. Meanwhile the Buckeyes have only one quarterback in the league now that Krenzel is gone, and that is Troy Smith. The undersized mobile QB who's yet to make a dent in the NFL.

Edge: USC

Running Backs

USC of course has the double headed monster from the Colliseum in Bush and White still roaming the NFL as starters. In addition they have Justin Fargas whose playing the role of starter for the Raiders and Chauncey Washington in Jacksonville. The Buckeyes lone running back rep is Antonio Pittman whom like Troy Smith has yet to make an impact in the NFL.

Edge: USC

Wideouts

The Trojans currently have 5 wideouts suiting up in the NFL, none of whom have made a significant impact. If you had to chose a starting 3 for the Trojans it would probably be Steve Smith (not of the Panthers but of the Giants), Keary Colbert and perhaps Dwayne Jarrett. Not that impressive. Meanwhile the Buckeyes have the emerging Santonio Holmes, Joey Galloway and Anthony Gonzalez amongst their 7 total wideouts in the NFL.

Edge: tOSU

Tight Ends

Ben Hartsock vs. Rookie Fred Davis and Billy Miller. Pretty nondescript. Edge to USC for the rookie with potential.

Edge: USC

Offensive Line

Overall the Buckeyes have a handful more lineman but let's just take a look at whom would be the starters for each team.

Center: Ryan Kalil vs. Nick Mangold
Guards: Deuce Lutui & Chilo Rachal vs. Adrien Clarke & Rob Sims
Tackles: Winston Justice & Sam Baker vs. Orlando Pace & Kirk Barton

A lot of youngsters for both sides other than Orlando Pace who will be a hall of lineman. Neither team has two guards in the NFL that are currently starting.

Edge: tOSU

The Defense

D-Line

Tackles: Mike Patterson & Sedrick Ellis vs. Ryan Pickett & Tim Anderson
Ends: Kenechi Udeze & Frostee Rucker vs. Will Smith & Jay Richardson

Will Smith is probably the best player amongst this batch but Udezi isn't far behind and the Trojans have much more depth than does tOSU.

Edge: USC

Linebackers

Lofa Tatupu, Keith Rivers, Willie McGinest vs. AJ Hawk, Mike Vrabel, Na'il Diggs

The Trojans agter their top three only have Thomas Williams (who?) to turn while the Buckeyes have Bobby Carpenter, Vernon Gholsten (overrated) and Matt Wilhelm as other options. For me its too close to call.

Edge: Push

Secondary

Corners: Brian Kelly & Terrell Thomas vs. Antoine Winfield & Nate Clements
Safeties: Sammy Knight & Troy Polamalu vs. Donte Whitner & Will Allen

The Buckeyes are very deep at corner with Youboty, Shawn Springs & Chris Gamble as other options so feel free to disagree with my top two choices. Other way, despite the dominant Polamalu the Buckeyes have a much deeper secondary.

Edge: tOSU

The Special Teams

Return Men

Reggie Bush vs. Ted Ginn. Both have been highly disappointing at their actually poosition in the NFL, but both still pack some punch on special teams. As solid as Reggie Bush was as a punt returner in college he's not as fast nor as dangerous as Ginn on returns. Ginn adds the kickoff of return dimension which Bush currently lacks as well.

Edge: tOSU

Kickers

Neither team has a punter in the NFL, which is surprising to me given it seems like every tOSU punter kicks the ball 70 yards against Michigan, and only Ohio St. has kicker Mike Nugent of the Jets who got injured and limped around last weekend.

Edge: tOSU

Who Would Win?

Overall the Buckeyes have 9 more alumni in the NFL than do the Trojans (46-37). Their roster would have much more depth. The Trojans obviously have a much more skilled passer, but he would have no receivers to throw the ball to especially with the corners that the Buckeyes would throw out there. Both teams have dominant linebackers who could stuff the run. It's difficult to say who would be victorious but I'd give the edge to the Buckeyes mostly due to depth at offensive line and wideout

All Rosters Pulled from ESPN

WEEK1 is over THAT MEANS EAGLES vs. COWBOYS TALK FINALLY GETS HEATED!!!!

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 06:17:19 -0500

I've been waiting all year for this EAGLES vs. Cowgirls for the last home opener at Texas Stadium. ALL THE TRASH TALKIN. ALL THE B.S HEARD We hear all year can be settled. AND AS A DIE HARD I WANT MY BIRDS TO WIN AT DALLAS. No one can deny the fact our BIRDS look great with a healthy Donovan under center. Not to mention the fact our Defense is STELLAR with everyone on the D being Pro Bowl Calibar I cant see how Dallas can move the ball on us! I dont usually get too hype on here but EAGLES COWBOYS JUST HYPES ME UP!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! I HATE MONDAYS BUT NEXT MONDAY CANT COME FAST ENOUGH!!! E A G L E S EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! O YEAH AND DALLAS SUCKS DALLAS SUCKS DALLAS SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eagles Final Roster

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 09:47:35 -0500

By 6pm today, the Eagles must trim their roster down to 53 and I am sure there will be some surprises. Take a look at the 53 men who will attempt to bring the city of Brotherly Love a championship.