ARTICLE: Garcia calls out new receivers

[WoodysGirl]

PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles backup quarterback Jeff Garcia doesn’t see much of a difference between the team’s new generation of wide receivers. That doesn’t sound like a good thing for a group that desperately needs to distinguish itself to make up for the loss of Terrell Owens.

Garcia addressed the issue after a Wednesday workout at the NovaCare Complex, which is filling up with Eagles veterans getting a jump on organized full squad practices that begin next week.

Garcia thinks the receiving corps is capable. At the same time, the group headed by Reggie Brown and Jabar Gaffney at minicamp is so nondescript Garcia would like to see someone emerge as The Man.

"I think they all are very talented," Garcia said. "I think one of the things about the receivers is it seems like they’re a lot of clones -- like the same guy out there. I don’t think there’s a whole lot of difference between them. And I think what’s going to have to happen is, somebody is going to have to really step up and separate themselves. I mean that in a good way. I think competition is going to create that sort of atmosphere on the field."

Garcia would like to think he knows something about receivers. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers is one of just six players to throw 30 or more touchdown passes in consecutive NFL seasons.

What Garcia has seen at minicamp and in workouts is a group of receivers struggling to find an identity as the Eagles move on without Owens, the superstar that owner Jeffrey Lurie conceded is the best in the business.

A stickler for detailing work, Garcia’s remarks about what the receivers must do to separate themselves, if you will, were eye-opening.

"I think they have to realize that doing the little extra things make a difference," Garcia said, "whether that’s getting in the weight room today after practice, whether that’s watching more film, getting in your playbook or eliminating certain mistakes out on the field. Those are all important factors in separating yourself. When you can become accountable for yourself and dependable, that’s when you start to separate."

Garcia thinks the Eagles can win without a premier go-to guy. He says the balanced attack works -- providing the run becomes a real part of the offense.

"It’s not just balance among receivers, tight ends and running backs," Garcia said. "It’s balance between throwing the football and running the football. I do believe that they go hand in hand. In order for this offense to be able to work effectively, you need to be able to run the football, and you need to be able to utilize play action and movement off of that running game.

"When you look at the old San Francisco teams, not only were they tops in throwing the football, they also ran the football very well. I know this team got away from that last year and probably a lot because of where they sat in certain games, but I think it’s something that we’re really working to get back to, to really have balance. And really, every receiver has to be able to contribute because they’re always an option on any given play."

The Eagles quietly were highly impressed with Garcia’s efforts at the recent minicamp and expect to have a positive influence on starter Donovan McNabb.

"I just want to help him grow and continue to get better on the field and do whatever I can to help this team out," Garcia said.

Garcia’s professionalism already is rubbing of on some of the younger Eagles including quarterback Timmy Chang, whom the veteran has taken under a wing.

"We’re only going to be as good as that last guy on this depth chart," the 36-year-old Garcia said. "And I take pride in helping those guys because I’ve been through it. I’ve been around this system for eight years now and it’s something I’m pretty confident in."

LINK (http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16720886&BRD=1675&PAG=461&dept_id=18170&rfi=6)

[Thick 'N Hearty]

PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles backup quarterback Jeff Garcia doesn’t see much of a difference between the team’s new generation of wide receivers. That doesn’t sound like a good thing for a group that desperately needs to distinguish itself to make up for the loss of Terrell Owens.

Garcia addressed the issue after a Wednesday workout at the NovaCare Complex, which is filling up with Eagles veterans getting a jump on organized full squad practices that begin next week.

Garcia thinks the receiving corps is capable. At the same time, the group headed by Reggie Brown and Jabar Gaffney at minicamp is so nondescript Garcia would like to see someone emerge as The Man.

"I think they all are very talented," Garcia said. "I think one of the things about the receivers is it seems like they’re a lot of clones -- like the same guy out there. I don’t think there’s a whole lot of difference between them. And I think what’s going to have to happen is, somebody is going to have to really step up and separate themselves. I mean that in a good way. I think competition is going to create that sort of atmosphere on the field."

Garcia would like to think he knows something about receivers. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers is one of just six players to throw 30 or more touchdown passes in consecutive NFL seasons.

What Garcia has seen at minicamp and in workouts is a group of receivers struggling to find an identity as the Eagles move on without Owens, the superstar that owner Jeffrey Lurie conceded is the best in the business.

A stickler for detailing work, Garcia’s remarks about what the receivers must do to separate themselves, if you will, were eye-opening.

"I think they have to realize that doing the little extra things make a difference," Garcia said, "whether that’s getting in the weight room today after practice, whether that’s watching more film, getting in your playbook or eliminating certain mistakes out on the field. Those are all important factors in separating yourself. When you can become accountable for yourself and dependable, that’s when you start to separate."

Garcia thinks the Eagles can win without a premier go-to guy. He says the balanced attack works -- providing the run becomes a real part of the offense.

"It’s not just balance among receivers, tight ends and running backs," Garcia said. "It’s balance between throwing the football and running the football. I do believe that they go hand in hand. In order for this offense to be able to work effectively, you need to be able to run the football, and you need to be able to utilize play action and movement off of that running game.

"When you look at the old San Francisco teams, not only were they tops in throwing the football, they also ran the football very well. I know this team got away from that last year and probably a lot because of where they sat in certain games, but I think it’s something that we’re really working to get back to, to really have balance. And really, every receiver has to be able to contribute because they’re always an option on any given play."

The Eagles quietly were highly impressed with Garcia’s efforts at the recent minicamp and expect to have a positive influence on starter Donovan McNabb.

"I just want to help him grow and continue to get better on the field and do whatever I can to help this team out," Garcia said.

Garcia’s professionalism already is rubbing of on some of the younger Eagles including quarterback Timmy Chang, whom the veteran has taken under a wing.

"We’re only going to be as good as that last guy on this depth chart," the 36-year-old Garcia said. "And I take pride in helping those guys because I’ve been through it. I’ve been around this system for eight years now and it’s something I’m pretty confident in."

LINK (http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16720886&BRD=1675&PAG=461&dept_id=18170&rfi=6)

Reporter: So, TO, what do you think about Garcia's comments about the Eagles receivers?

TO: I smell a rat. If it walks like a rat...

[CIWhitefish]

Garcia's a cancer! He's calling out his teamates! Tearing the team apart at the seams!

[Qwickdraw]

I wonder if he did it with a lisp.

[Juke99]

He's got a lot to say for a back up QB.

[Alexander]

He's got a lot to say for a back up QB.

Agreed. Particularly since he hasn't exactly distinguished himself since he left San Francisco. If I were one of these receivers, I might be a touch offended and shoot back, "Jeff, did you watch yourself in any game you played in during the last three years?"

[stasheroo]

For a guy who'll be playing for his fourth team in 4 years, he does have a lot to say. The facts speak for themselves - Owens made Garcia. He's been nothing without Owens to throw to. That said, he's certainly more capable than the Eagles backups last year.

Does it really surprise anyone that the Eagles receivers look average?

[Thick 'N Hearty]

For a guy who'll be playing for his fourth team in 4 years, he does have a lot to say. The facts speak for themselves - Owens made Garcia. He's been nothing without Owens to throw to. That said, he's certainly more capable than the Eagles backups last year.

Does it really surprise anyone that the Eagles receivers look average?

Didn't TO say Garcia works better behind another guy.

[CIWhitefish]

Flippin Sweet comment!

(Especially when you take into account your name DP!)

[baj1dallas]

He's got a lot to say for a back up QB.

Considering how miserable his play was and how divisive he was in Detroit last year....

[JackMagist]

On the other hand; someone needs to say these things for that team and it isn't going to be the Mr. Nice-Guy McNabb then it might as well be Garcia. He has more credibility than anyone else they have and he has the advantage of being right in this case.

[Hostile]

I said it before about TO, this is wrong. Garcia should keep it in house.

Talking about former teammates, that's fine.

Talking about opponents (a la Joey Porter on Jerramy Stevens), that's fine.

This is crap.

[RCowboyFan]

I said it before about TO, this is wrong. Garcia should keep it in house.

Talking about former teammates, that's fine.

Talking about opponents (a la Joey Porter on Jerramy Stevens), that's fine.

This is crap.

Yeah, it seems like the same crap he did at Browns and then at Lions that got him booted out of there. Of course, he went at it with management over there mostly. For now its just players he is going after. I believe he did that with SF too somewhat.

Considering his crappy play, I am not sure why he shoots his mouth so often.

[JackMagist]

I said it before about TO, this is wrong. Garcia should keep it in house.

Talking about former teammates, that's fine.

Talking about opponents (a la Joey Porter on Jerramy Stevens), that's fine.

This is crap.I am by no means a Garcia fan. I nearly puked every time someone would call for us to sign him after he left SF. Frankly I doubt that anyone has a lower opinion of Garcia than I do…But I do try to give the devil his due.

In this case Garcia did not name names or call out specific players and he wasn't saying that they CAN'T do it. He was stating (in his opinion) what they have to do if they want to become The Man, and was calling for them (at least one of them) to step up their game. I'd say that he challenged them more than berated them.

Since Garcia isn't going to be The Man either it seems like he is being the sacrificial lamb and stirring a pot that needs stirring without affecting the locker room in a big way. He isn't going to be the starter when McNabb is through with rehab and he is an outsider so everyone can hate him equally. If I had a higher opinion of Reid as a motivator I'd think that he put Garcia up to it.

[tyke1doe]

I agree with Jack.

Please, let's not try to compare Garcia's comments with TO's past behavior/comments.

You must make yourself look like apologists and, er, fools by doing so.

[Hostile]

I agree with Jack.

Please, let's not try to compare Garcia's comments with TO's past behavior/comments.

You must make yourself look like apologists and, er, fools by doing so.I'm not comparing the comments, I'm comparing the act. You do not speak ill of teammates, named or not.

[Bob Sacamano]

I wonder why the backup is calling out the WRs? just goes to show you how soft McNabb is, no wonder TO walked all over him

[tyke1doe]

I'm not comparing the comments, I'm comparing the act. You do not speak ill of teammates, named or not.


I think they all are very talented," Garcia said. "I think one of the things about the receivers is it seems like they’re a lot of clones -- like the same guy out there. I don’t think there’s a whole lot of difference between them. And I think what’s going to have to happen is, somebody is going to have to really step up and separate themselves. I mean that in a good way. I think competition is going to create that sort of atmosphere on the field."


I guess we disagree on the meaning of speaking "ill" of teammates.

I didn't see anything in what he said as speaking ill of teammates. He's simply asking them to step up and distinguish themselves. And given that we don't know the ENTIRE interview, how can we say he's speaking ill of them, given the fact he praises their talent level?

[CrazyCowboy]

PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles backup quarterback Jeff Garcia doesn’t see much of a difference between the team’s new generation of wide receivers. That doesn’t sound like a good thing for a group that desperately needs to distinguish itself to make up for the loss of Terrell Owens.

Garcia addressed the issue after a Wednesday workout at the NovaCare Complex, which is filling up with Eagles veterans getting a jump on organized full squad practices that begin next week.

Garcia thinks the receiving corps is capable. At the same time, the group headed by Reggie Brown and Jabar Gaffney at minicamp is so nondescript Garcia would like to see someone emerge as The Man.

"I think they all are very talented," Garcia said. "I think one of the things about the receivers is it seems like they’re a lot of clones -- like the same guy out there. I don’t think there’s a whole lot of difference between them. And I think what’s going to have to happen is, somebody is going to have to really step up and separate themselves. I mean that in a good way. I think competition is going to create that sort of atmosphere on the field."

Garcia would like to think he knows something about receivers. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers is one of just six players to throw 30 or more touchdown passes in consecutive NFL seasons.

What Garcia has seen at minicamp and in workouts is a group of receivers struggling to find an identity as the Eagles move on without Owens, the superstar that owner Jeffrey Lurie conceded is the best in the business.

A stickler for detailing work, Garcia’s remarks about what the receivers must do to separate themselves, if you will, were eye-opening.

"I think they have to realize that doing the little extra things make a difference," Garcia said, "whether that’s getting in the weight room today after practice, whether that’s watching more film, getting in your playbook or eliminating certain mistakes out on the field. Those are all important factors in separating yourself. When you can become accountable for yourself and dependable, that’s when you start to separate."

Garcia thinks the Eagles can win without a premier go-to guy. He says the balanced attack works -- providing the run becomes a real part of the offense.

"It’s not just balance among receivers, tight ends and running backs," Garcia said. "It’s balance between throwing the football and running the football. I do believe that they go hand in hand. In order for this offense to be able to work effectively, you need to be able to run the football, and you need to be able to utilize play action and movement off of that running game.

"When you look at the old San Francisco teams, not only were they tops in throwing the football, they also ran the football very well. I know this team got away from that last year and probably a lot because of where they sat in certain games, but I think it’s something that we’re really working to get back to, to really have balance. And really, every receiver has to be able to contribute because they’re always an option on any given play."

The Eagles quietly were highly impressed with Garcia’s efforts at the recent minicamp and expect to have a positive influence on starter Donovan McNabb.

"I just want to help him grow and continue to get better on the field and do whatever I can to help this team out," Garcia said.

Garcia’s professionalism already is rubbing of on some of the younger Eagles including quarterback Timmy Chang, whom the veteran has taken under a wing.

"We’re only going to be as good as that last guy on this depth chart," the 36-year-old Garcia said. "And I take pride in helping those guys because I’ve been through it. I’ve been around this system for eight years now and it’s something I’m pretty confident in."

LINK (http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16720886&BRD=1675&PAG=461&dept_id=18170&rfi=6)

Garcia better worry about his own job......:bang2:

[Alexander]

And given that we don't know the ENTIRE interview

So you are saying it might be out of context? That sounds much like the T.O. Playboy interview.

[Gent]

The Eagles quietly were highly impressed with Garcia’s efforts at the recent minicamp and expect to have a positive influence on starter Donovan McNabb.

"I just want to help him grow and continue to get better on the field and do whatever I can to help this team out," Garcia said.

So the Eagles think McNabb needs a mentor who can have positive influence on him? That sounds really weird. You usually hear those things about a young player that might be struggling. McNabb turns 30 this season and has played in 4 championships and a superbowl. He's always gone about his business in a professional manner. McNabb doesn't need any positive influence from Garcia.

-Gent

[Alexander]

So the Eagles think McNabb needs a mentor who can have positive influence on him? That sounds really weird. You usually hear those things about a young player that might be struggling. McNabb turns 30 this season and has played in 4 championships and a superbowl. He's always gone about his business in a professional manner. McNabb doesn't need any positive influence from Garcia.

-Gent

You would think he wouldn't.

All I can picture is those two getting their nails done and comparing war stories:

"Let me tell you honey, when he said I was gay in that interview, whoo I saw red!"

"That's nothing, sug'! At least he didn't point out you tossing your cookies in the biggest game of your life. Uhm hmmm!"

[adbutcher]

Didn't TO say Garcia works better behind another guy.
:lmao:

[theebs]

actually I could care less what garcia thinks of anyone.

I am just curious though how he has the balls to say anything about anyone? Did anyone watch this guy play in cleveland, he was horrendous. I remember watching him live when cleveland was here in week 2 of 04, I couldnt believe how poor his arm strength was. I cant believe this guy continues to get a job!

Honestly he has the worst arm strength I have ever seen for a quarterback in the nfl. During his warmups I thought he was just taking it easy or something then during the game I couldnt believe what I was seeing, I never got that sense on tv but live that day I was shocked.

[stasheroo]

actually I could care less what garcia thinks of anyone.

I am just curious though how he has the balls to say anything about anyone? Did anyone watch this guy play in cleveland, he was horrendous. I remember watching him live when cleveland was here in week 2 of 04, I couldnt believe how poor his arm strength was. I cant believe this guy continues to get a job!

Honestly he has the worst arm strength I have ever seen for a quarterback in the nfl. During his warmups I thought he was just taking it easy or something then during the game I couldnt believe what I was seeing, I never got that sense on tv but live that day I was shocked.

Didn't he finish the day with a zero QB rating that day as well?

Amazing that the guy still thinks he's in a place to say anything about anyone else's play.

[theebs]

Didn't he finish the day with a zero QB rating that day as well?

Amazing that the guy still thinks he's in a place to say anything about anyone else's play.


I believe so and he actually missed quincy morgan on a sure td down the sideline, newman bit hard and had no help. Garcias arm is so bad though he had to throw a big rainbow as far as he could and had no accuracy, would have changed that whole game.

Really though, I am not exaggerating I have never seen an nfl qb with an arm that poor.

[Screw The Hall]

Didn't TO say Garcia works better behind another guy.


Just thought I'd mention this ... I was watching an episode of the Girls Next Door ( Hef's and the bunnies show ) where Garcia was at dinner with Hef and the girl who was about to be crowned playmate of the year who he was dating, seems Owen's may have been a tad off here. God was she hot.

[Screw The Hall]

One thing that bears watching if Philly plans to run alot more this year (and I think they have to), is the wear and tear on Westbrook, cause if he goes down for any reason, Philly is cooked.

[Billy Bullocks]

When Ihear Gaffney and Brown are the lead WR I smile, because they dont scare me....Brown isn't bad, but that's about it.

[Alexander]

One thing that bears watching if Philly plans to run alot more this year (and I think they have to), is the wear and tear on Westbrook, cause if he goes down for any reason, Philly is cooked.

Moats is a Westbrook clone. They should have drafted a bigger back who could at least give a change up. Just give Westbrook time, he'll get nicked and they will have to rely on their WRs which are hardly impressive.

[Screw The Hall]

Moats is a Westbrook clone. They should have drafted a bigger back who could at least give a change up. Just give Westbrook time, he'll get nicked and they will have to rely on their WRs which are hardly impressive.


Yep, and the funny thing is I haven't heard the first thing from the media in regards to concerns of him holding up for 16 games even though his importance to the team is undeniable and his durability, especially with increased work, has to be a question mark.

[Alexander]

Yep, and the funny thing is I haven't heard the first thing from the media in regards to concerns of him holding up for 16 games even though his importance to the team is undeniable and his durability, especially with increased work, has to be a question mark.

If I had to bet, I would almost bet he will miss a game or two at least.

[RCowboyFan]

Just thought I'd mention this ... I was watching an episode of the Girls Next Door ( Hef's and the bunnies show ) where Garcia was at dinner with Hef and the girl who was about to be crowned playmate of the year who he was dating, seems Owen's may have been a tad off here. God was she hot.

He probably gets all the hot chicks since he is rich and Sensitive type :grin:

[Alexander]

He probably gets all the hot chicks since he is rich and Sensitive type :grin:

Movie stars that are still in the closet have what's called "beards". I don't see how professional athletes would be any different. They have much more to lose.

[skinsscalper]

I am by no means a Garcia fan. I nearly puked every time someone would call for us to sign him after he left SF. Frankly I doubt that anyone has a lower opinion of Garcia than I do…But I do try to give the devil his due.

In this case Garcia did not name names or call out specific players and he wasn't saying that they CAN'T do it. He was stating (in his opinion) what they have to do if they want to become The Man, and was calling for them (at least one of them) to step up their game. I'd say that he challenged them more than berated them.

Since Garcia isn't going to be The Man either it seems like he is being the sacrificial lamb and stirring a pot that needs stirring without affecting the locker room in a big way. He isn't going to be the starter when McNabb is through with rehab and he is an outsider so everyone can hate him equally. If I had a higher opinion of Reid as a motivator I'd think that he put Garcia up to it.

I agree 100% Jack. Garcia owes nothing to anyone of these receivers, to be honest. It's no secret that the Eagles' mediocrity at the position is a big part of the reason that Philly was never able to seal the deal on a championship. If the Eagles would have had anyone that even remotely capable opposite of Owens in Super Bowl XXXIX I think they would have beaten New England. Hell, they even keyed on Owens the entire game and Owens had a terrific game.

It's true that no Eagles WRs have distinguished themselves. That's a fact. Maybe it's time for someone on that team to step up and have the balls to say what needs to be said. You gonna count on ol' "company line" McNabb to actually say something that might be construed as leadership on this team? Don't hold your breath. T.O was ripping this guys a new @**hole for half a season and he didn't even have the balls to defendhimself let alone stand up and lead a team. People say that T.O burned this team to the ground last year. I say McNabb and Reid handed him matches. If either one of them had a set of balls, and showed a modicum of leadership, it never would have reached the inferno status that it did.

It's pretty sad when your back up QB has to grab the reigns from the entire organization regarding a problem that has been painfully obvious and surprisingly unchanged.

SS

[5Stars]

I agree 100% Jack. Garcia owes nothing to anyone of these receivers, to be honest. It's no secret that the Eagles' mediocrity at the position is a big part of the reason that Philly was never able to seal the deal on a championship. If the Eagles would have had anyone that even remotely capable opposite of Owens in Super Bowl XXXIX I think they would have beaten New England. Hell, they even keyed on Owens the entire game and Owens had a terrific game.

It's true that no Eagles WRs have distinguished themselves. That's a fact. Maybe it's time for someone on that team to step up and have the balls to say what needs to be said. You gonna count on ol' "company line" McNabb to actually say something that might be construed as leadership on this team? Don't hold your breath. T.O was ripping this guys a new @**hole for half a season and he didn't even have the balls to defendhimself let alone stand up and lead a team. People say that T.O burned this team to the ground last year. I say McNabb and Reid handed him matches. If either one of them had a set of balls, and showed a modicum of leadership, it never would have reached the inferno status that it did.

It's pretty sad when your back up QB has to grab the reigns from the entire organization regarding a problem that has been painfully obvious and surprisingly unchanged.

SS

:starspin :starspin :starspin :starspin :starspin These are for you...sometimes the truth hurts...but, I think what you said....is right there!

[big dog cowboy]

Wait until Garcia faces our pass rush and smothering 2ndary. It could get real ugly.

[Alexander]

I agree 100% Jack. Garcia owes nothing to anyone of these receivers, to be honest. It's no secret that the Eagles' mediocrity at the position is a big part of the reason that Philly was never able to seal the deal on a championship. If the Eagles would have had anyone that even remotely capable opposite of Owens in Super Bowl XXXIX I think they would have beaten New England. Hell, they even keyed on Owens the entire game and Owens had a terrific game.

It's true that no Eagles WRs have distinguished themselves. That's a fact. Maybe it's time for someone on that team to step up and have the balls to say what needs to be said. You gonna count on ol' "company line" McNabb to actually say something that might be construed as leadership on this team? Don't hold your breath. T.O was ripping this guys a new @**hole for half a season and he didn't even have the balls to defendhimself let alone stand up and lead a team. People say that T.O burned this team to the ground last year. I say McNabb and Reid handed him matches. If either one of them had a set of balls, and showed a modicum of leadership, it never would have reached the inferno status that it did.

It's pretty sad when your back up QB has to grab the reigns from the entire organization regarding a problem that has been painfully obvious and surprisingly unchanged.

SS

Nice post.

But I disagree about having a better option opposite Owens.

They needed a QB who didn't tank at the crucial point in the game. That alone would have made them win.

[skinsscalper]

Nice post.

But I disagree about having a better option opposite Owens.

They needed a QB who didn't tank at the crucial point in the game. That alone would have made them win.

To an extent, I would have to agree with you. Which just solidifies the point that this team lacks true leadership, especially from the QB position.

SS

[StevenOtero]

He's got a lot to say for a back up QB.

Truedat.