It's obviously the "slow" time of year, so I figured why not? Who actually misses NFL Europe? Sure, most of the teams were filled with "nobody's", but they did jump start a few careers in the NFL. I think it was a valuable commodity to the NFL in that it gave players a chance to actually learn an NFL system and possibly work their way toward their ultimate goal. It also helped globalize American football and put a dent in the worlds most popular sport...futbol (aka soccer). It would be nice to have the NFL a year round sport (obviously this is unrealistic) but if you are a football junkie like me, this part of the year is the WORST. I guess if I'm really desperate I can always catch the exciting Arena League or perhaps a good game of TECMO BOWL. Oh, the memories. haha.

Apparently this is a "ranking" of the safety position in the NFC. It's obviously loosely based considering draft picks aren't really counted on to make an impact with this article. It also includes a "Top 5" list which I (and most of you) probably won't agree with. Anyway, give it a click and read for yourself.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=412093

Here's an interesting read about the possibility of the San Diego Chargers moving to L.A:

The Chargers are among a small number of National Football League teams with a lease that would allow them to move in a time frame that would suit Roski. The team can move following the upcoming season by paying off the city's remaining $56 million debt from the 1997 expansion of Qualcomm.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders said the announcement does not heighten the urgency to work out a stadium deal with the team. He said he does not plan to have discussions with Chargers ownership.

The SD bigwigs would like to stay in SD, but if a new stadium isn't agreed upon by the completion of it's contract, then who knows? The NFL seems to be interested in the idea of placing a team in LA (esp since it's the 2nd largest market in the U.S.) so it will be interesting to see how it all pans out. Stay tuned!

The Eagles added three more rookies free agents to their roster on Wednesday, signing quarterback Casey Hansen and linebackers Gary Butler and Mark Staffieri.

The 6-foot-6, 220-pound Hansen threw for 4,277 yards and 19 touchdowns during his two-year career at Norfolk State, where he led the MEAC in 2006 with 2,166 yards. He was a second-team All-Foothill Conference performer as a sophomore in 2005 at Chaffey Junior College in Rancho Cucamongo, CA, after transferring from Colorado State.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Butler registered 69 tackles, 12 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles in his senior season at California (PA), earning PSAC West Defensive Player of the Year honors and leading the Vulcans to a 13-1 record.

The 6-foot-3, 232-pound Staffieri recorded 54 tackles and one sack during his senior season at BYU and finished his four-year career with the Cougars with 132 tackles and two sacks.

Even though I'm a HUGE Eagles fan, the passing of Sean Taylor felt as though a part of "me" was gone as well. I felt bad for his family, friends, teamates, and the NFL in general because they had lost a rising star. Another senseless act of violence that has taken one of our "own" far too soon. A sad day indeed. And to Philips: Nice homage to a player that will be missed.

RIP Sean Taylor

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/ny-spgiants0510,0,4294640.story?tr ack=rss

So now what? No "proof" of taping the Rams Superbowl walthrough (perhaps because he didn't steal the tapes?) BUT there is video of the 2002 AFC Playoff game between the Steelers! Obviously if you are going to go as far as to tape a playoff game, what would stop you from doing it during the Superbowl?

Check it out kids. :)

http://blog.nj.com/eagles/2008/05/jackson_on_the_cover_of_ncaa_2.html

"Undisclosed" meaning...Cowboys? *cough* haha. ;)

NFL Network is reporting that the Saints have shown interest in free-agent RB Shaun Alexander, and the two will meet this week. The interest in Alexander suggests that RB Deuce McAllister is not rehabbing as well as the club would like from his second torn ACL injury in three seasons. Furthermore, the Broncos have also shown some interest in talking to Alexander.

O.k. so I've been doing some research on the past helmets the Eagles have worn since their inception. I've already purchased the 1969-1973, 1974-1995, 1996-present helmets. I'm going to purchase the 1955-59 and 1933 (horrid baby blue and canary yellow helmet) along with a professionally colored leather 1940's style Eagle helmet soon. The ONE helmet I can't seem to find is the 1994 "Special" Helmet that we wore against Green Bay. Apparently it is modeled after the 1948 Eagles team and was never made into production? Here are some pictures for you all to see. If you have any info on how to obtain one of these helmets, let me know! I'm serious about purchasing one of these unique items.

Yes! I just got my 1969-1973 Eagles throwback helmet in the mail today (RK 2bar Authentic). It's a little different from the kelly green 1974 and helmets of today. Actually here is a full description:

Philadelphia Eagles (1969-73) ""RK Classic"" Full Size NFL Throwback Suspension Helmet by Riddell

A classic Step back in time! Riddell has carefully retraced every step that it took more than 50 years ago to correctly reproduce, in every detail, its RK helmet. The classic shape of the RK's slightly flared shell and handsome metal rives are complemented by the attachment of an original Riddell two bar facemask. The suspension webbing is identical to the original right down to the same brown thread that is used to stitch it together. Real leather jaw pads, gray toned strap and identical front style labeling make this helmet indistinguishable from the original.

The Eagles should petition to use this as their next throwback. Would be more popular than the "Technicolor" baby blue and canary yellow throwbacks! (my least favorite, so maybe I'll ask for it as a bday gift haha!). Anyway, check out the link if this picture doesn't work! :)

Who dey? Maybe the team with 2005 NFL MVP. Click it.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080502/SPT02/305020044/106 6/rss07

HARDY'S HEIGHT IS LEGIT: Seeing Hardy out on the field he's at least a head taller than almost every other player. What's crazy is wearing jersey number 81 it makes him look even longer. That one on his jersey just seems to lengthen him all the more. I imagine that will look all the more intimidating to a smaller cornerback lined up on the other side of him.

Maybe this is why DeSean wore #1 and now #10 in the pros. Both have #1 in the jersey! Now if only he could get some platforms. He will at least be 5'10! Yes!

Good read. Fave quote:

"I suggested that Sheppard ultimately would keep his mouth shut and play hard out of respect for his good friend, free safety Brian Dawkins, who, at 34, is running out of Super Bowl opportunities."

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20080502_Paul_Domowitch__Doing_an_abo ut-face_on_Eagles_cornerback_Sheppard.html

It seems to be the thing to do nowadays. If you don't get the $ you want, then here's the road to follow:

1. Cry to the media

2. Cite irreconcilable differences with players, head coach, front office, owners etc

3. Hold out (while still complaining to the media)

4. Petition and cry some more (until they are traded or become a cancer in the locker room etc)

O.k. how do we fix this problem? Here is how.

The next collective bargaining agreement with the NFL/NFLPA should include a salary based/performance based structure. All teams should follow the same basic guidelines in drafting players into the NFL (pay rate "ceiling" such as the NBA). Every team will be allotted a certain amount of $ for players salaries and MUST use the total revenue for the fiscal year. Players should not be punished for being injured during the season (basic game salary according to their position, i.e starting cb, 2nd string cb, 3rd string etc). Players should not be penalized for being held out of games and receive a BONUS for having reached a position where a team can rest their players before the playoffs. All players are graded by their peers in terms of on field production versus the rest of the NFL at their position. Additional bonuses include: league MVP, pro bowl appearances, Superbowl appearance, offensive and defensive players of the year, rookie of the year, man of the year, and team based mvp's voted by their own teammates, staff etc which will include, offense, special teams and defense. Mandatory workouts, mini camps etc will include a base salary. The league will set aside revenue toward a guaranteed pension to those players who receive career ending injuries (average percentage of their top 3 seasons) which will not surpass their total playing years (i.e. if you played 10 years, you will be paid 10 years of your avg top 3 seasons).

If a player is traded, it will be on a fair compensation package that will include draft picks (rated on a point system in order to initiate a "fair" trading system). A player will have to submit their grievance to the league in order to have their trade initiated. If a player is denied a trade, that player can sit out one non-paid fiscal year and become a FREE AGENT. If a player becomes a free agents due to sitting out the season, they must make their services available to the team with the WORST record of the previous year (and so on until they are signed). All players are free agents after 4 years of service to their initial team and may sign with any team in the league (receiving a larger bonus if they remain with their current team). If a player is deactivated, the player must receive 60% of their pay rate according to their position. Outstanding conduct receive a BONUS while conduct detrimental to the team is subject to a escalating rate (due to the severity, or nature of distraction).

O.k. I think you get the idea. lol I got a little carried away. Anyway, feel free to add to the list or give some input as what you see is wrong or how we can fix it.