DMN Blog: Gosselin: The defending NFC East champions

[Angus]

The defending NFC East champions

On the sixth day of my training camp tour, I finally saw some meaningful contact on the practice field. The defending NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles staged about a 20-minute scrimmage in their first full-scale practice of camp Wednesday morning. It was full contact with defenders tackling the running backs -- not holding and hugging them as they run through the line.

Quarterback Donovan McNabb took all the snaps with the first-team offense but was moving around gingerly as he continues to recover from a knee injury that ended his 2006 season in November. He's wearing a knee brace for the first time in his career on his right knee but still had plenty of zip on his passes.

Philadelphia has the best quarterback, best offensive line and best set of cornerbacks in the NFC East -- and this may be the deepest I've ever seen the Eagles, especially along the offensive and defensive lines. The one big question mark is strongside linebacker, where Chris Gocong is lining up with the first team. He was third-round draft pick in 2006 who spent his rookie season on injured reserve. He's from a small school (Cal Poly) and he's learning a new position, having played defensive end in college.

Posted by Rick Gosselin at 12:14 PM

http://cowboys.beloblog.com/

 

[Stash]

Goose should do everybody a favor and just move to Philadelphia already.

:scram:

 

[juck]

what a sack of crap.especially having an opinion this strong when the season hasnt even started,this "goose" dork is horrible.best qb?maybe if he couldmake it thru a season.best cbs?omg.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Philadelphia has the best quarterback, best offensive line and best set of cornerbacks in the NFC East --

and have the best draft information gatherer on their sac

 

[burmafrd]

They do not have the best set of CBs.

 

[TheSkaven]

- banged up QB who is coming off a major knee injury and can't stay healthy
- a suspect defensive line, one tackle is undersized, the other is looking like a first round bust, and Kearse looks double his age
- a core of veterans who are getting up in age (Runyan, Dawkins, Trotter)
- Who is Gocong?
- Who will play strong safety?

8-8

 

[Doomsday101]

Reality is they are the top of the east until someone can prove otherwise. I don't like hearing about Philly being the top team either but that is the truth.

 

[Calvin2Tony2Emmitt2Julius]

Philadelphia has the best quarterback, best offensive line and best set of cornerbacks in the NFC East

Okay D Mac is the cream of the NFC East as well as the NFC but last year Game for game,I think Tony Out played him. So we may be witnessing a changing of the guard. We'll see this year.

As a pure excersise in Sh@# Talking .

If their offensive line was so damm good , then how did we smack dat *** around and finish his season Two years ago?

Oh yea and I think TNEW And the Boys shut up all of that best Cb's in the league chatty chatty this year.

Can't wait

 

[Chocolate Lab]

http://www.***BANNED-URL***/sharedc...elin/stories/061106dnsponflranks.785cf76.html

Rick Gosselin's off-season NFL rankings

Additional firepower helps Smith, Panthers become early favorites

11:23 AM CDT on Monday, June 12, 2006

1. Carolina :laugh2:

The Panthers took a huge hit this off-season when linebacker Will Witherspoon left in free agency. He was the leading tackler on the NFL's third-ranked defense. But Carolina played the season without injured Pro Bowl tackle Kris Jenkins. He's back in 2006. Counting Keyshawn Johnson, the Panthers signed six veteran starters in free agency: defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis, linebackers Keith Adams and Na'il Diggs and center Justin Hartwig. The playmaking skills of Smith, DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams will make the Panthers the team to beat in the NFC.

Final '05 rank: 10
• • •



3. Pittsburgh :laugh2:

The downside of winning a Super Bowl is that everyone wants your players. The Steelers lost three starters in free agency: wideout Antwaan Randle El, safety Chris Hope and defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen. Pittsburgh absorbed another blow when Jerome Bettis, the NFL's fifth all-time rusher, retired. But the Steelers used first-day draft picks to find replacements for Randle El at wide receiver (Santonio Holmes) and punt returner (Willie Reid). Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be a year better.

Final '05 rank: 1
• • •


5. Miami :laugh2:

Nick Saban didn't waste any time building the Dolphins into contenders, posting a 9-7 record in his first season in 2005. Miami's glaring weakness was at quarterback, and Saban addressed that by acquiring three-time Pro Bowler Daunte Culpepper in the off-season. A couple of Allens, veteran cornerback Will and rookie safety Jason, bring big-play ability to the NFL's 20th-ranked pass defense. Ronnie Brown will become a 1,000-yard rusher with the departure of Ricky Williams.

Final '05 rank: 16

***************************

12. Washington

The Commanders have the best defense in the NFC East and that's always a good place to start. They added a thumper (safety Adam Archuleta) and pass rusher (Andre Carter) in free agency. Newcomers Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd will give quarterback Mark Brunell downfield options on offense to complement Pro Bowl flanker Santana Moss.


14. Dallas

Terrell Owens was the splashiest off-season addition by any NFL team, and Mike Vanderjagt brings stability to the kicking game. But the offensive line remains as large a question mark in June as it was last January, when Drew Bledsoe was sacked five times in the season finale. If the Cowboys can't block, they can't contend.

Final '05 rank: 13


16. NY Giants

Eli Manning is ascending as a quarter- back and the Giants have a top 5 offense with playmakers Tiki Barber, Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey. But the 24th-ranked defense needed help, so the Giants signed four veteran starters in free agency: linebacker Lavar Arrington, cornerbacks Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters and safety Will Demps.



19. Philadelphia

Healthy seasons from quarterback Donovan McNabb and halfback Brian Westbrook could restore the Eagles as a prolific offensive unit. But Philadelphia will miss the downfield plays of Terrell Owens. Free-agent end Darren Howard will improve the pass rush and No. 1 draft pick Brodrick Bunkley will bolster the run defense.

20. San Diego :laugh2:

24. New Orleans :laugh2:

31. NY Jets

Head coach Herm Edwards and Pro Bowl defenders John Abraham and Ty Law are gone. Eric Mangini takes over as head coach, and Patrick Ramsey takes over at quarterback. The Jets are as far away from the Super Bowl as they've ever been. :laugh2:

=================================================

Outside of the draft, Goose doesn't know jack ****.

 

[joseephuss]

Reality is they are the top of the east until someone can prove otherwise. I don't like hearing about Philly being the top team either but that is the truth.

That is the truth. I'm tired of hearing about them, but they do keep winning. Dallas needs to step up and slap them down. That would shut up all the talk. They had a good chance last year to change thinking and failed at home while facing Jeff Garcia. A big disappointment. They are a big hurdle for the Cowboys and if Dallas is able to beat them in meaningful games(I didn't think the win at Philly in 2005 was meaningful) then it can give them confidence to not only win the east, but maybe even more.

 

[28 Joker]

Oh no, it's the "great" Goose. If you want to pick the Eagles, fine. The Eagles' corners are not better than Newman, Henry, and Glenn. Brian Dawkins makes that secondary go, not the Eagles corners. Lito Shepherd is good, but he's not as good as Newman. McNabb is coming off a knee injury. Will he be able to run and move as well?

You know what "Goose", if you want to crown their birdy... crown them. Let's just not play the two Eagle games. Dallas doesn't have a chance.

"Goose", don't give the Titans an "A" on the draft again next year.

How many Super Bowls has McNabb and Reid won together?

Zero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[theogt]

Outside of the draft, Goose doesn't know jack ****.

Oh my. Well done, sir. Well done.

 

[Doomsday101]

That is the truth. I'm tired of hearing about them, but they do keep winning. Dallas needs to step up and slap them down. That would shut up all the talk. They had a good chance last year to change thinking and failed at home while facing Jeff Garcia. A big disappointment. They are a big hurdle for the Cowboys and if Dallas is able to beat them in meaningful games(I didn't think the win at Philly in 2005 was meaningful) then it can give them confidence to not only win the east, but maybe even more.

As Johnson said if your going to talk the talk then you got to walk the walk. Like any other fan I'm tired of seeing Philly winning the division and I don't like hearing bad comments about the Cowboys from ESPN and other news outlets but the truth is the Cowboys have to step up and take this thing that is the only real way to earn respect by going out and winning. Philly has been winning the east more times than not over the last 10 years and that is why they get the respect. Nothing is given you take it!!!!

 

[CanadianCowboysFan]

I agree that until we win the division, we can't talk too much crap re the Piggles. However, there is no way Sheldon Brown and Lito Shepperd are better than Henry and TNew.

 

[theebs]

Goose should do everybody a favor and just move to Philadelphia already.

:scram:

well I hate them as much as anyone or more.

Truth hurts though. They are much better organization right now with a better team. They have one of the best head coaches in the league and they have a premier player at qb and rb.

Goose is right. We need to win the east, and not during a year where the eagles are banged up, we need to prove we can go up there and win a game because we havent played well there in about 8 years. I know we won in 05, but we did not play well.

It sucks but the cowboys, skins and giants are looking up at the eagles not only for results but on the field talent, coaching talent and the structure and day to day operation of their front office.

We have to beat philly and win the nfc east before we can be considered anything but a fringe playoff team like we have been.

 

[28 Joker]

http://www.***BANNED-URL***/sharedc...elin/stories/061106dnsponflranks.785cf76.html

Rick Gosselin's off-season NFL rankings

Additional firepower helps Smith, Panthers become early favorites

11:23 AM CDT on Monday, June 12, 2006

1. Carolina :laugh2:

The Panthers took a huge hit this off-season when linebacker Will Witherspoon left in free agency. He was the leading tackler on the NFL's third-ranked defense. But Carolina played the season without injured Pro Bowl tackle Kris Jenkins. He's back in 2006. Counting Keyshawn Johnson, the Panthers signed six veteran starters in free agency: defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis, linebackers Keith Adams and Na'il Diggs and center Justin Hartwig. The playmaking skills of Smith, DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams will make the Panthers the team to beat in the NFC.

Final '05 rank: 10
• • •



3. Pittsburgh :laugh2:

The downside of winning a Super Bowl is that everyone wants your players. The Steelers lost three starters in free agency: wideout Antwaan Randle El, safety Chris Hope and defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen. Pittsburgh absorbed another blow when Jerome Bettis, the NFL's fifth all-time rusher, retired. But the Steelers used first-day draft picks to find replacements for Randle El at wide receiver (Santonio Holmes) and punt returner (Willie Reid). Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be a year better.

Final '05 rank: 1
• • •


5. Miami :laugh2:

Nick Saban didn't waste any time building the Dolphins into contenders, posting a 9-7 record in his first season in 2005. Miami's glaring weakness was at quarterback, and Saban addressed that by acquiring three-time Pro Bowler Daunte Culpepper in the off-season. A couple of Allens, veteran cornerback Will and rookie safety Jason, bring big-play ability to the NFL's 20th-ranked pass defense. Ronnie Brown will become a 1,000-yard rusher with the departure of Ricky Williams.

Final '05 rank: 16

***************************

12. Washington

The Commanders have the best defense in the NFC East and that's always a good place to start. They added a thumper (safety Adam Archuleta) and pass rusher (Andre Carter) in free agency. Newcomers Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd will give quarterback Mark Brunell downfield options on offense to complement Pro Bowl flanker Santana Moss.


14. Dallas

Terrell Owens was the splashiest off-season addition by any NFL team, and Mike Vanderjagt brings stability to the kicking game. But the offensive line remains as large a question mark in June as it was last January, when Drew Bledsoe was sacked five times in the season finale. If the Cowboys can't block, they can't contend.

Final '05 rank: 13


16. NY Giants

Eli Manning is ascending as a quarter- back and the Giants have a top 5 offense with playmakers Tiki Barber, Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey. But the 24th-ranked defense needed help, so the Giants signed four veteran starters in free agency: linebacker Lavar Arrington, cornerbacks Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters and safety Will Demps.



19. Philadelphia

Healthy seasons from quarterback Donovan McNabb and halfback Brian Westbrook could restore the Eagles as a prolific offensive unit. But Philadelphia will miss the downfield plays of Terrell Owens. Free-agent end Darren Howard will improve the pass rush and No. 1 draft pick Brodrick Bunkley will bolster the run defense.

20. San Diego :laugh2:

24. New Orleans :laugh2:

31. NY Jets

Head coach Herm Edwards and Pro Bowl defenders John Abraham and Ty Law are gone. Eric Mangini takes over as head coach, and Patrick Ramsey takes over at quarterback. The Jets are as far away from the Super Bowl as they've ever been. :laugh2:





=================================================

Outside of the draft, Goose doesn't know jack ****.

This is beautiful! "Goose", don't lead with your chin! 1.2.3.4. Get up!
5.6.7. Wake up! 8.9.. It's over! It's all over! We have a new champion!

 

[jobberone]

well I hate them as much as anyone or more.

Truth hurts though. They are much better organization right now with a better team. They have one of the best head coaches in the league and they have a premier player at qb and rb.

Goose is right. We need to win the east, and not during a year where the eagles are banged up, we need to prove we can go up there and win a game because we havent played well there in about 8 years. I know we won in 05, but we did not play well.

It sucks but the cowboys, skins and giants are looking up at the eagles not only for results but on the field talent, coaching talent and the structure and day to day operation of their front office.

We have to beat philly and win the nfc east before we can be considered anything but a fringe playoff team like we have been.

I do not agree with Goose a lot here` But I agree with you and Goose we need to beat Philly before we crow about anything`

 

[sonnyboy]

The Eagles are the division champs.
You need to beat the best to be the best.
Until we do we will have proved nothing.

However, wearing the crown means little when evaluating a coming season and attempting to prognosticate.

An inaccurate evaluation of last years champ isn't valid simply because they are the champs.

And this evaluation is BS!
DEEP D-LINE? DEEP WITH PLAYERS WHO SUCK!
Bunkley, Patterson and Reagor suck. The right DE they signed from N.O. sucked last year. Not only is Kearse returning from a very very seriuos knee injury, but he hardly worked out and lost 20 lbs. He's down to 240lbs. Cole's the only Player they have and he's no Ware.

I like Spikes at WOLB but he is well on the wrong side of 30 and has not yet displayed his pre-achillies injury form. Maybe he will maybe he wont. I dont think Ellis will, but were not counting on him, the eagles are counting on spikes. Trotter is one dimensional and well past his prime. Gocon has potential but how much can you expect from a guy who couldn't once make the gameday rooster.

Sheppard and Brown are good. Not great but good. Neither approach Newmans shutdown status.
Considine sucks. Ask any eagle fan. He sucks. This is an area the eagles absolutely should have addressed and will regret not having done so. I love Dawkins, he's a HOF player. But he's 33. He goes down and this house of cards will collapse.

McNabb is at 75%. Right from his own mouth. He will start week one. He will look great at times this year. However, his best single attribute has always been his mobility. IT WILL BE DIMINISHED THIS YEAR. There's no way around that. So his game will be deminished.

The OL was sensational in 2006. It's what beat us on X-MAS. And there is some preceived depth with a couple high round picks in reserve roles. These two guys are in their 2nd year and have not had a snap. Who's to say how good they are. Certainly not Goose. Thomas is not as good as Adams and RT is 33/34.

I love the RB they drafted. He's a great compliment to Westbrook. this is a great unit.

Why does goose make no mention of the worst starting receivers in football.
WR,WR.TE. The worst.

OMG how will we compete with this juggernot!

 

[speedkilz88]

CL, I think you should email that article to Goose. He should go work for Miss Cleo.

 

[HighTechDave]

oh great googly-moogly

Goose, what the hell is wrong with you? I "had" the most respect for your insight, but MAN put away the crack Pipe, and visit a few other camps before you spew this crap.

BTW, saw again this afternoon the 2 Jimmy Superbowls on the NFL channel. We won again, and I think the Beagles we not even mentioned