Daily Archives: August 10, 2011

Eagles sign WR Steve Smith

Posted on August 10, 2011 | Leave a comment

Steve Smith, the former New York Giant receiver, is now a Philadelphia Eagle.

The Eagles have confirmed that they have signed Smith to a one year deal. The deal is believed to be worth $4 million, with 2 of it guaranteed.

On his conference call Wednesday night, Smith said that if everything goes well, he’d love to make this more then a one year gig.

Smith had been in talks to return to the Giants as recent as yesterday, but it appears he has decided to join their rival instead.

Steve Smith

Smith played in 9 games in 2010, finishing the season with 529 yards and 3 touchdowns. It was the first season Smith missed a game, as he played in all 16 games the two previous years. Smith’s best year was in 2009, when he finished with 107 receptions for over 1200 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Smith missed the last 7 games of last season when he suffered a season ending knee injury against the Minnesota Vikings. Smith underwent micro fracture knee surgery. It is unknown what condition he is in, but some believe he could miss as much as the first 6 games of the season.

If healthy, Smith would immediately become the 4th wide receiver on this team. Smith is one of the best in the league at working the inside of the field. He would give Vick a great option across the middle when the blitz is coming.

Here is what Andy Reid had to say about the signing in a statement.

“Like I’ve said many times before, Howie Roseman and I are always keeping our eyes open for good football players and players that we think can help our football team win,” said head coach Andy Reid. “And Steve Smith certainly fits that category. He’s a Pro Bowl quality receiver that we will work into our offense as soon as he is ready to go. We feel very good about our current group of receivers and Steve adds another dimension to that position. He’s played very well against us in the past few years and we’re happy to have him on board.”

One question this has to raise is the status of Jeremy Maclin. Maclin’s health is still unknown. The team says he is still undergoing tests, which means that more then likely he is not suffering from mono. The Eagles would not sign Smith if he would not be ready to go until the 7th week of the season.

However, when the team signed Nnamdi Asomugha, everyone expected Asante Samuel to be shown the door.

More then likely, this is just another move by the Eagles that fits the rest of their offseason moves- adding good players when they get the chance.

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Posted in Eagles, Steve Smith

Packer’s Finley slams Eagles, Young

Posted on August 10, 2011 | Leave a comment

Vince Young has received some backlash from his “Dream Team” comment, as many felt it was to early to label this newly assembled group of players anything other then “a work in progress.”

But no one has come down on him harder then Green Bay Packers Tight End Jermichael Finley, who had this to say when asked about Young’s comment.

“That’s just talk. That’s on Paper. Vince Young is a back up. I don’t think he should be doing to much talking,” said Finley to WSSP in Milwaukee. “I ain’t worrying about all that. Like I said, you all can talk about the Eagles and the Saints all you want, that will come to a halt, I guarantee you.”

Vince Young's comment is still making headlines

Finley said what a lot of players around the NFL were likely thinking when they heard the comments, but for him to come out and blast Young like that was surprising. Once a star player at Texas and for some time in Tennessee, Finley really put Young in his place and served up a cold reminder of what he is now- a backup.

As for Finley’s “guarantee” that all the Eagles talk will come to a halt, he very well could be right. On paper, the Eagles and the Packers are equally as talented. The argument could even be made that the Eagles are more talented on paper. But on the field, the Eagles still have a long way to go.

Eagles owner Jeffery Lurie agreed with Finley in his ‘”State of the Union” address, when he said that the Packers are the “Dream Team.”

It will be interesting to see if Michael Vick has a comeback for this. He responded when Rob Ryan of the Cowboys said something about the team.

Finley’s comment should only add to the excitement when these two teams meet up this season- in the playoffs.

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Posted in Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Vince Young

Eagles Starters to Play First Quarter

Posted on August 10, 2011 | Leave a comment

The Eagles spent this morning going through a simulated game that was closed to the public as they prepare to take on the Baltimore Ravens in their first preseason game of the season.

Andy Reid addressed the media afterwards, and said that his starters would play the first quarter. The 2nd team would take over from their until the half, and for the rest of the game it will be a combination of the third and fourth teams.

In addition to breaking down how he will divide his playing time, Reid said that Jamaal Jackson will start the game at center. Their had been some speculation over the last few days that rookie center Jason Kelce might take that role, but at least for the first game, it appears as if the job is still Jacksons. Reid did mention, however, that Kelce could see some time with the first unit. It would not be shocking to see that happen, as Howard Mudd is a big fan of Kelce, and would more then likely be interested in see him go up against the Baltimore Ravens defensive line.

Vince Young has struggled in camp so far

Vince Young will come in and quarterback the second unit. Young has had a rough training camp so far, both in learning the offense and mechanically. Multiple times Young has gone to the line only to be called back and talk with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. Young has also had trouble making basic throws, as most of his balls have been overthrown or off target. This could have to do with him processing the offense while he is trying to play.

Jason Avant and Riley Cooper will be the starting recievers, while Chad Hall and Sinorce Moss will back them up. Moss has had a great camp, and it will be interesting to see if he can translate that into the game. Moss is fighting for a roster spot, and with Jeremy Maclin out, the Eagles will be interested in keeping as many playmakers as they can. Unlike Avant, Cooper and Hall, Moss has the speed to take one to the house.

On defense, Reid said that when the team is in nickel, Asante Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will play the outside. That means that Nnamdi Asomugha will man the middle, a role he has embraced. It will be interesting to see how much defensive coordinator Juan Castillo will show in terms of their plans for using the package for the regular season. With most preseason games, the gameplan is very vanilla. But with so many changes, and with Castillo new to calling the plays, it will be interesting to see how complicated the gameplan gets.

Speaking of Castillo, Reid said that tomorrows game will be the next step for Castillo. Castillo has been wearing the headset on the sideline for the last few practices, getting used to making the play calls. If the defense has problems getting a play in or seems confused, that could be coming from Castillo more then the inexperience of the defense playing together.

Either way, add up all of the plot lines for tomorrow night and you have one of the most anticipated preseason games in years.

 

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Posted in Andy Reid, asante samuel, Asomugha, avant, Eagles, jamaal jackson, Jason Kelce, Juan Castillo, Sinorce Moss