By Mike Azzalina, Philaphans’ Columnist

As quickly as someone could make it happen on a Madden videogame, John Skelton made it happen to the Philadelphia Eagles.  Or was it the Eagles that made it happen?  I mean it would make sense, would it not?  The fourth quarter seems to be the anti-destiny point for this Philadelphia football team.  Even without Desean Jackson playing due to his one game suspension handed down from Andy Reid, the Eagles were favorites at home against the then 2-6 Arizona Cardinals.  Yesterday looked like it should have been a shoe-in W for the struggling birds, but they found a way to turn it into another frustrating loss in what has become a season to forget.

Early on, it looked like it would be a game that might actually finish in a 0-0 tie (something that has not happened in collegiate or professional football since Notre Dame and Army did it in 1942).  Ok, maybe I am being a bit harsh, but the offenses looked humiliating.  It was not until the second quarter with nine and a half minutes left that Asante Samuel picked off a Skelton pass intended for Larry Fitzgerald and waltzed twenty yards into the endzone.  It would only hold for a mere 5 minutes because Skelton would walk his team down the field and hit Fitzgerald for a ten yard touchdown connection; Number one of two for the duo on the day.  The Eagles would not be denied as Lesean McCoy would carry the Eagles t a 14-7 lead with a one yard scamper.  The Eagles took the lead into halftime and through almost a quarter and a half until it all began to falter again.

While the offense stalled behind a quarterback with broken ribs, a banged up receiving core, and inexplicable ignoring of the star running back, the defense began to falter…quickly.  Nnamdi Asomugha, the usual dependable corner, lined up offsides allowing thee Cardinals to convert on a third and five that should have been a third and ten.  What seemed like a fluky drive ended on a fluky play as Joselio Hanson was crossed up on a ball off Jason Babin’s fingertips.  Hanson then tipped a ball to the perfectly positioned star wideout and Fitzgerald walked into the endzone for the game tying score.

After the score and a quickly failed Eagles drive, Asomugha made up for his previous blunder.  He picked off a Skelton pass that led to difficult to come by points.  On that drive, Vick was hit in the aforementioned ribs and had to come off the field.  Vince Young handed the ball to McCoy who was stuffed at the line on a third down play.  Andy Reid called for his rookie kicker on the lazy drive and Alex Henery converted to give the Eagles a 17-14 lead with five minutes left.

Skelton was not going to go down easy, and quite frankly, why would he?  The Eagles have not been able to put anyone away all year, so last night would be no different.  On a 4th and two from his own thirty-two, Skelton hit LaRod Stephens-Howling for a thirty yard strike that kept the game winning drive completely alive.  Of course, he would make another big throw to his number one receiver and Fitzgerald would make sure to come down with it.  The catch he made was one of the most incredible plays I have watched this year and he tumbled down on the one-yard mark.  When Beanie Wells was stuffed at the line on the next play, there was a glimmer of hope.  Maybe this defense would make the long-awaited stop, but before the thought was even through my mind, Skelton hit Early Doucet to quiet a stadium that was howling with hopes this offseason.

Michael Vick threw an interception on the final drive and it seemed fitting.  Would this game have been different if Jackson were on the field?  Maybe, but due to irresponsible decisions, we will never know.  At this point, the Eagles season is all but over.  They are staring at a record that could be disappointing enough to have them drafting in the lottery.  It could be a record to make many Eagle fans’ wishes come true and cause their long-tenured coach to be walked out the door.  Or they could play with pride until season’s end.  If they continue to play 4th quarter games in that fashion, we will all be counting down the days until this season of high expectations finally ends.

-MA

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With the Super Bowl rolling around tomorrow evening, and everyone wondering who will be the new NFL champions, I am going to side step the usual predictions. I would like to take a closer look at something else that has been all over the Facebook feeds, Twitter pages, and 10 o’clock news editions over the past few days.  A story that has touched many people, football fan or not.  The story of Nadin Khoury and HIS “Champion.”

As a teacher and someone who has been out of school for a short time, I would like to think I am somewhat of an expert on bullying, but I thought completely wrong.  I took classes in college about all types of bullying and how to avoid it in your own classroom.  I have seen verbal bullying in classrooms from time to time.  I have talked to my own students about what it means to bully and what to do if someone ever tries to bully you.  We have discussed how it feels to be bullied, in hopes they would think twice before doing it to someone else.  In high school, I kept my distance from students who were bullies, so I would not get mixed up in their crowd, but regretfully, never stepped forward to help those who were bullied.

Turns out, I know nothing about bullying.  I learned a lot more as I watched in horror as the video of Nadin Khoury’s traumatic event hit the airwaves.  I nearly covered my eyes multiple times as I watched him be tackled, dragged through the snow, kicked, beaten, taunted, put up in a tree, and hanged on a fence.  It finally became too much to handle when one of the SEVEN boys clotheslined Khoury off the fence.  He screamed for help during this horrific event that occurred at 3 PM on a weekday afternoon to no avail.

The Upper Darby middle schooler had no severe physical trauma, but it is safe to say he is will remain mentally effected for a long time.  The boys who did this to him used their “bravado” and “intelligence” to tape and post this video on the internet.  Their stupidity brought them directly to their rightful demise, as 6 of them were arrested at school in front of their peers.  I am happy they were extremely idiotic in their actions.  What they did by taping this terrible happening may save the next young man or young lady from having the same result.

In the same breath, what Khoury did by coming forward is heroic in my humbled eyes.  It takes a brave person to step up and speak out after being threatened again the day after.  While the offenders idiocy will go down as a difference maker, Khoury’s heroic action will be one that I use in my classroom for years to come.

Since his story was incredible and people all over the world should hear it, I thought it was a perfect fit for him to have the opportunity to speak out on ABC’s “The View.”  In his interview with family surrounding him, the 13 year old said he knows bullies “have problems inside them and they get them out with anger toward others.”  I found it to be an interesting and mature take for a boy who was hanged by his jacket from a fence.  He said he came on in hopes that it may help people to stop bullying.

Like I said, I see a much smaller version of this every day.  I hear the name calling and teasing.  I hear the laughing at another person’s expense or saying someone cannot play kickback with the group who has already started.  I cannot imagine what this does to a student’s mind and dreams.  While I see it happen, I do my best to encourage those dreams to push forward.  Khoury is a boy who has not let go of his dreams and was not about to let those bullies ruin his goals.

While he was at the view, the boy with the dream to be a marine and architect when he grows up lived a dream come true when three of his hometown Eagles came soaring from behind the curtain.  As the hosts of the show announced his favorite player’s name, Khoury’s face brought a tear to my eye.  DeSean Jackson bounced out, the way we have familiarized ourselves with, from backstage with that grin only Eagle fans can love.  Behind him were big lineman, Jamaal Jackson and Todd Herremans, whose bodyguarding services were offered to Khoury later in the segment.

The Eagle stars gave Khoury a few of the best moments a teenager could ever ask for.  Herremans told Khoury that he and his family can attend to any game he chooses in 2011.  Jamaal Jackson offered for he and his family to attend an anti-bullying seminar his friend pushes (one that Khoury should keynote at, in my opinion).  All of this was meaningful, no doubt, but the moment that grabbed my heart and tugged at it was when DeSean stood up after words of admiration for the victim, pulled the jersey off his back, and signed it, giving him yet another hug, telling him it would be alright.

During recent NFL seasons, since Jackson has become an Eagle, I have watched Facebook status updates and listened to people pray for the cocky Eagle to suffer career ending injuries.  While he may run across the field before a sure touchdown, fall into the endzone with an opponent 3 yards away, and even dance when he reaches the Promised Land, that is who he is as a player.  Am I ok with his antics on the field?  I laugh, but I cannot say I appreciate them fully.  Does that mean he is a bad person?  Absolutely not.

“We saw this on national television, Mike.  It could be to improve his ‘rep.’”  Wrong, this is also happening behind the scenes.

As a matter of fact, my cousin, Beth told me a wonderful story about Jackson last year.  She works for Community Service Foundation, a non-profit organization that serves at risk youth all over Southeastern, PA.    She was at Training Camp with a group of students she works with.  The students, herself, and other counselors were invited to a VIP section to meet some of the players for autographs.  She told me many of the players signed on their way off the field, but they had missed many of the superstars from the offense.  Some players, like Brian Westbrook stood outside the locker room in clear sight of the students, but never came over to sign an autograph.  Then, there was DeSean Jackson, who had already gone in to the locker room, showered, and got himself ready to leave the facility.  However, he heard there was a group of teenagers outside who were hoping for some autographs.  Selflessly, Jackson made his way outside, stopped at each individual kid, signed an autograph, and if they wanted one, took a picture with them too.  He also signed for the staff (including my cousin who handed her autograph off to me) and took pictures with them as well.

He has also made a recent appearence on TBS’s George Lopez Tonight.  When he was asked about his contract on the way, he discussed wanting to start a foundation for pancreatic cancer, the disease his father passed away from.  He talked about raising awareness and doing anything he could to help the cause.

And this sort of thing has probably happened more than we know with Jackson.  So I ask those Jackson Haters to keep that dislike to the field because what you are seeing on the field is not what you get off of it.  He is an incredibly talented wide receiver that I enjoy watching on a weekly basis, but after the stories I have seen and heard about him, I can see Jackson is an incredible human being who deserves so much respect for what he does off the field as well.

With tomorrow being the day to decide an NFL champion, I wish both the Steelers and Packers luck.  However, I would like to congratulate two people for having the “Heart of a Champion” this past week.  Congratulations, Nadin Khoury and DeSean Jackson.  You are both champions in my and many other books around the country.

P.S.-Packers by 2 touchdowns.

-MA

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On October 29, 2008, I was on the bottom of a 7 person pileup in the mess that was my college roommate’s bedroom. As Brad Lidge dropped to his knees, I dropped a tear. As Ryan Howard tackled Lidge and Carlose Ruiz, my college roommates (all basketball players) tackled me to the floor. As the music blared over the system at Citizen’s Bank Park and the screams overtook the streets all over the Delaware Valley, my phone was lighting up with text after text and missed call after missed call.

I was more than excited to talk to my family who raised me a Phillies fan. I shared my tears of joy with my girlfriend who has to put up with my intensity from game one all the way to the final out. However, no phone call or text message will live with me the way the one from Craig Anderson did: “We did it, Azzy!!!!!” he wrote. I just got the chills typing the text and thinking back to that moment. I know what you are thinking, ”Why that text? Who is Craig Anderson?” Let me tell you who Craig Anderson was.

Craig was a fan. He was a fan of the Phillies, the Eagles, and the Flyers. He had a passion for all that was Philadelphia sports, but what Craig idolized better than anyone else was life itself. You see, I never met anyone quite like him.

As an Elizabethtown College freshman, we were given a ease into the college life through upperclassmen called Peer Mentors. These students were seen as leaders of the campus, who were there to make the transition to college easier. My junior year, I was given the opportunity to become a “PM,” and had my first meeting with fellow mentor, Craig. It was not long after that moment we met that i knew he and I would be great friends. We had a ton in common, including the teams we loved to watch battle it out so passionately.

However, it was not long after THAT, I found out that Craig had a battle of his own. He had a battle with cancer that had sidelined him from school and many other activities during prolonged periods of time. Throughout the years I was lucky enough to know this elementary education major, and learn so much from him. I watched him come and go due to his fight more times than I can ever think about, but Craig never once complained. He was more likely to complain about Pat Burrell’s swinging at another slider in the dirt while looking at Steve Smith in the coaching box than about his health.

The summer before the Phillies won the World Series, we were supposed to take a trip to Ireland with a group for education majors, but his health once again faltered and he was unable to attend. The first part of senior year was pretty good for who I will always refer to as “The Man,” but he once again struggled toward the end of the 2008 year. Before we knew it, Craig was in hospice care with two wishes (since wish number three had been completed): 1. To graduate from Elizabethtown College 2. To teach his own class.

On February 3, 2009, two years ago today, Craig lost his battle with cancer. He passed away in hospice care, but not before reaching all three of his goals. Less than a week before he passed away, the head of the Education Department at Elizabethtown College and the President of our college visited Craig in hospice care and performed his graduation ceremony with his family in attendance. While I was not there, I know it was an amazing moment that he was very proud of and had all the right to be.

His second goal of being able to teach his own class may not appear to have come true to the obvious eye, but it did actually come true. Craig taught us all every day. He taught us how to love life for what it is, a trip we are all lucky enough to take. He battled so hard and fought each and every day with the slightest complaint. He taught me that there are bigger things in life than whether or not Ryan Howard should have swung at strike three or Mike Vick should have spiked the ball instead of throwing it into the endzone. I will forever remember the lessons he taught me in the classroom of life and I know all of his students lucky enough to come in contact with him feel the same way.

Oh yeah, goal number three: He saw our boys win the World Series. Every time something crazy happens in a Phillies game, I laugh, knowing that Craig is messing with me. Every time they win the big game, I know he is sitting with Richie and Harry, smoking a cigar and celebrating with them. And every time the Phillies do something amazing or unexpected (i.e. Roy Oswalt, Cliff Lee, or comeback from a ridiculous margin), I look up, smile and say, “Thanks, Craig.”

It has been two years, and I think about him often. So on this day, I just want to thank him publicly. Thank you, Craig. Thank you for living life the way it should be lived and teaching us all the way you did. You are forever “The Man.” When it is all said and done in October of 2011, I sure hope I am looking up to the sky after the dogpile saying, “We did it, Craig!!!”

Not to be Ignored

I will probably write something of more substance to this topic in the next couple of days, but I think it needs to be mentioned today. If anyone had the opportunity to catch The View today, consider yourself lucky. If you did not have that opportunity, please take the time to watch what happened when a student who has been severely bullied was surprised by three Eagle players: DeSean Jackson, Todd Herremans, and Jamal Jackson.

As a teacher, I see bullying happen on a near to daily basis. It pains me to watch and as often as I try to stop it, it happens. I was very impressed with what I saw from the Eagles and even more impressed with the young man who came forward and spoke out. It takes a brave person to do such a thing and Nadin Khoury, from Upper Darby, who was abused and beaten on videotape should be commended for doing it.

Props to the Eagles and this young man for doing what they did today. As I said, I will make sure I have a full column with more of the story this weekend.

-MA

Follow me on Facebook at Mike Azzalina or Twitter: azzalinam.

It’s like moving from classroom teacher to Superintendent in a school district. It’s like going from an episode of Full House to a Lifetime movie. It is like having an adult film career and turning over a new leaf as a nun. It’s like being a fan of the New York Mets and switching to any baseball team that wins. Moving from offensive line coach to defensive coordinator at the NFL level may be less extreme than these situations, but it is a complete 180 nonetheless.

Regardless, the news surfaced around 5 o’clock today that Eagles longtime offensive line coach, Juan Castillo was receiving a promotion to the open defensive coordinator position. I literally thought this was a joke. How could a guy whose only defensive coaching experience be as a high school coach in the late 1980′s be the new DC? He was hired by Ray Rhodes in 1995 and has spent his entire career on the offensive side of the football as assistant offensive coach, tight end coach, and his longest tenure was as the offensive line coach.

I was stunned. I remain stunned. I will still be stunned tomorrow. However, along with my astonishment comes intrigue. I think we should all be a bit intrigued by this. As I asked before, why would the Eagles make such a move? I mulled it over in the dark of my living room before I was picked up for the Chinese Buffet where I mulled it a bit more.

First of all, Andy Reid is taking a major risk. I feel like this is a risk that even someone of Reid’s stability will not be able to withstand. I know he has credibility with the franchise, but if this defense flops one would have to think this could be Reid’s last straw. Second of all, let us all remember that the talent has to be there. I do not care if it’s McDermott, Castillo, myself, you, or some combination of the football gods out there coaching the defense, if the personnel does not improve this offseason, there may be no difference.

I have talked to some people who think it is because of the looming possibility of a lockout. During the press conference tonight introducing the decision, Andy Reid discussed the team will use the same terminology next season. Why do that when Sean McDermott was fired because the schemes did not work? Is it only because of a change in coaching philosophy and not a defensive philosophy? Could this be a one year hire? Again, I am just throwing ideas around.

On the other hand, some people believe it is because of Castillo’s actual knowledge of defense. Now do not get me wrong in my opinion, I do not doubt for a second that he knows his stuff. I just feel like the change may be overwhelming. Other people disagree. Former Castillo lineman, Jon Runyan was on Comcast Sportsnet’s Daily News Live this evening and discussed how being an offensive coach helps to learn defenses and the schemes that go along with it. He also pointed out that Castillo will be extremely familiar with offensive schemes he sees on tape. I agree, but will he be able to expose those schemes and adjust if his plan is failing at halftime? According to former Eagle defensive coaches, Leslie Frazier (defensive backs) and Ron Rivera (linebacker), Castillo will succeed. Apparently, he would sit in on defensive meetings with Jim Johnson and the rest of the defensive staff, discussing schemes and blitzes. Frazier said, “It felt like he was part of the staff.” Being part of the staff and being the head of the staff are two totally different things though.
Castillo is also renowned as a fantastic teacher who works his players to the core. Following the announcement of the hiring, many of Castillo’s former and current players made comments about the defense being ready to work harder than ever before. More than one reaction I came across during the day mentions his ability and drive to teach his players. He discussed that part of his job today and it even made this skeptic start to believe. I enjoyed hearing him talking about the fundamentals and teaching the linebackers how to get off the blocks. I cannot count on fingers and toes how many times I cursed at my television for Stew Bradley not getting off a block or a defensive back missing a tackle. I realize they are professional football players, but the fundamentals were missing in this defense. If he can drill those aspects, who knows?

I find it interesting that Castillo talked about wanting a defense like the Chicago Bear defense. I would LOVE if the Eagles played like the Bears, and could get pressure from their front four. Again, the talent would have to be there for this to happen. Castillo pointed out that the hiring of Jim Washburn will allow them to do that though. He said that the front four will be attacking and his back seven will complement that. Washburn was hired a few weeks ago and is well respected around the NFL for his work in Tennessee with their defensive line and has been a good friend of Reid, Castillo, Marty Mornhinweg, and newly added, Howard Mudd.

Reid said that he would not have given Castillo this job without an adequate offensive line replacement. He delivered in that area for sure. This was the bright spot for me. Mudd is a legend of coaching men in the trenches. He is 68 years old and spent a decade coaching the offensive line for the Indianapolis Colts. Now, if I am not mistaken, Peyton Manning has had one of the cleanest jerseys of any quarterback in football without having the added mobility dimension in his game. Edgerrin James and Joseph Addai both had major success as running backs in Indy. Mudd could immensely improve an offensive line that we all had high hopes for in 2011. Yes, there were injuries to key components, but players like Winston Justice underperformed. With an addition in free agency or through the draft and Mudd pushing this group, the Eagles offensive line could be a ton better.

Fans are confused. Media is shocked. I am skeptical. Reid seems optimistic in his risky choice. And Castillo? The Rocky enthusiast is loving this 180 and ready to discredit the naysayers, “ Every coach has had his first game. All my life has been a risk. My life has been about proving people wrong and that’s what Philly is.”

Please prove me wrong, Juan. Prove us all wrong. We are all hoping you do.

-MA

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“Mr. A.! Mr. A.! Play tag with us! Tag! You’re it!”

How the word “tag” has become one of my least favorite combination of consonant-vowel-consonant in the English language is easy to explain: Second graders love having a teacher who wears sneakers on Jeans day and will play tag with them. So until Sunday night, the word “tag” was ruined for me.

On Sunday, the Eagles made it a source of good news for this jaded elementary teacher when sources said the team will use its franchise tag on Mike Vick. And why not?

The soon to be 31 year old quarterback began the year as the backup to Philadelphia’s quarterback of the future, but things changed in the blink of an eye. When Kevin Kolb suffered a concussion in week one against the Green Bay Packers, Vick stepped in and performed like a man possessed. In the matter of a week’s time, Kolb went from being the most interesting part to the 2011 season to the name that fills in this sentence: “Where will ____________ be traded?”

Vick performed to a much higher standard than most people, including myself, expected. I loved watching his freakish athleticism, cannon arm, and newly found pinpoint accuracy during his starts. His abilities allowed for him to compile numbers that had him in MVP talks until the last couple weeks of the season. He rushed 100 times for 676 yards, getting in the endzone 9 times by foot. His passing numbers may have even been more impressive since he completed 233 of his 372 passes for 3,018 yards and 21 TD throws. These numbers made him the 4th rated quarterback (100.2) in football, only behind Tom Brady (111.0), Philip Rivers (101.8), and Aaron Rodgers (101.2). If you ask me, that is fantastic company to have.

Questions are sure to be asked about why the Eagles are choosing this path, instead of signing Vick long term. Let me clarify that tagging Vick will not eliminate chances of signing him long term. As a matter of fact, it helps them figure out the rest of their payroll beyond this point. They have plenty of needs to tend to before they can worry about extending Vick. They have let DeSean Jackson know that he is the number one on their list of players to extend. I expect him to be making somewhere near the $10-$12 million a year. The Eagles also have glaring holes all over the defensive side of the football and on the blindside (right guard/tackle) of Vick’s offensive line. Since there are no standout free agents on the offensive line, I would expect the Eagles to go cheaper and draft there, leaving free agency to improve their corner, linebacker, and defensive line issues.

How much money will they have though?

For those of you unfamiliar with how tagging an NFL player works, let me see if I can help. When a franchise places its one tag on a player, said player’s salary is then determined by averaging the top 5 salaries at the player’s position. I have seen different numbers being thrown about for how much this tag will cost the Eagles: $17 million, $20 million, and $25 million. I went and researched quarterback salaries and no one comes near $25 million (Manning and Brady, barely combine to make that much), so I am figuring that number can be squashed. I would figure Vick will make between $17-$20 million this coming season due to the tag. This will leave the Eagles with between $30-$40 million to work with in free agency and Jackson.

What will become of Kolb? For the Kolb lovers out there, close this article now. It will explode for you in about two lines. For the Kolb haters, keep reading because I am about to make your day. I truly believe that the Eagles’ “2010 Quarterback of the Future” is going to be someone else’s “2011 Quarterback of the Future.” There are plenty of teams that have needs at the position, and some looking for a cheap resolution instead of the free agent route, where quarterbacks like Carson Palmer, David Gerrard, Matt Hasselback, and Donovan McNabb (ironic how he will have a direct effect on Kolb’s trade value) will be looking for nice pay days. I think the most sensible destinations for Kolb would be San Francisco, Arizona, or Carolina.

What will the Eagles get of value in a trade for Kolb? Well, it depends on where he lands. I think if the Eagles are talking to the 49ers or the Cardinals and they want the number one pick they think Kolb is worth, they will need to add their own 1st rounder and swap the picks. However, if they work hard enough on the Panthers and their frugal owner, Jerry Richardson, they may be able to steal the first round pick and maybe another one as well. It will take some serious convincing by Philadelphia’s front office that Kolb is the franchise quarterback they think he is. Kolb is not owed a ton of money and he showed flashes in spared playing time throughout the 2010 season, so the Eagles can play their hand in the situation. However, if they cannot even get an early 2nd round pick for Kolb, I say they put him in their back pockets and walk away.

I will put it this way. The Eagles have their explosive offense set up now. They can move their former future to help solidify their line and still have plenty of cash to spend on building a defense that needs a new look more than Charlie Sheen needs rehab (too soon?). The expectations will be as high as they usually are in a city that loves its football. They may be even higher following the addition of Cliff Lee across the street, and even higher if the Flyers continue their own dominance.

So, Eagles, on behalf of the City of Brotherly Love…Tag! You’re it!

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The Philadelphia Eagles have been busy for the last couple of weeks. Following the loss to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card round, Andy Reid showed defensive coordinator, Sean McDermott the door. Before the door could completely close, defensive coordinator, Rory Seagrest was shoved on his way through it as well. The door has closed on that duo, but as they say: “When one door closes, another one opens.”

As the door reopens, Andy Reid and the Eagles welcome in 61 year-old, Jim Washburn. They welcome him with more than smiles and open arms. The franchise welcomes Washburn with a young defensive line with whom they hope he can work his magic.

What magic?

The magic that former players Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jason Babin talked about in interviews with The Tennesseean earlier today. Vanden Bosch who played for Washburn his whole career before leaving pre-2010 for Detroit said that Washburn “had the biggest influence on his career.” He continued to speak on how Washburn understands and cares for his players.

He is known for his fiery approach to coaching, but according to Babin, it was a beneficial thing: “He resurrected me,” Babin said in an interview. Babin needed that resurrection after recording 17.5 sacks in 5 seasons for 4 different teams, including his 2009 season in Philly where he recorded 2.5 sacks.

“He (Washburn) is the guy who gave me a chance,” added Babin. If Babin’s “chance” turned stellar 2010 campaign is a sign of what Washburn can do to a defensive lineman’s attitude and career, then I will personally drive to the airport and pick him up. Babin had a thunderous 2010 recording 12.5 sacks and earning his 1st Pro Bowl appearance. Babin’s career is not the only one that has reaped the benefits of Washburn’s coaching. You may recognize the names Jevon Kearse, the aforementioned Vanden Bosch, Antwan Odom, Robaire Smith, and all Eagle fan’s new favorite name, Albert Haynesworth. He has coached and, apparently, brought out the best in some of the NFL’s better lineman.

After 12 years coaching to 474 sacks (40 in 2010) with this franchise, why make this move?

“An opportunity came along and I felt like it was good timing,” Washburn stated in an Eagles’ press release, “At this stage in my career, I am ready to make a change.” He later expressed his gratitude to the Titan organization and head coach, Jeff Fisher. He expressed his excitement to join the Eagle family and “premier coach in Andy Reid.” (Hold your comments to yourself. This is a happy article.)

It is no secret that Reid has been dabbling with his defense since the 2010 draft. This is another step in the right direction and his excitement was obvious; “He will play a big part in the development of our defensive line moving forward.” What Reid and Eagles fans have to look forward to in my eyes is Washburn’s ability to develop talent and bring the best out in it. I see Trent Cole, Jaqua Parker, and Brandon Graham really thriving under Washburn’s tutelage.

Right after the deal became final, Jim Mora Jr. stepped out of the hunt for the Eagles’ defensive coordinator job. It is strange to me that the Eagles hired Washburn without hiring a DC to consult with on what position coaches he would want. However, with his track record, it may be hard to find a coach not willing to work alongside Washburn. As a matter of fact, this may help the Eagles attract a more prominent, available DC.

In the same breath, it may attract a large defensive lineman who has been outcasted by his current coach and team. One who has thrived under Washburn in the past. That, my loyal friends, is a whole other story waiting to be written…

-MA

When the 2010 NFL Draft ended, the Philadelphia Eagles felt a very positive feeling about the players they took away. The franchise saw a glaring need on defense and found players in the pool they thought would help solidify those spots. After the season ended in the disappointing loss to the Packers, I sat down to reflect about these young birds in their first season. I broke down what their seasons looked like in my eyes and gave them a grade based on what I saw. Feel free to grade along and post what your’s would be for the youngsters.

■Brandon Graham (1st Rd. 13th overall out of Michigan)- The Eagles sure gave up plenty for the young defensive end. He had a ton of pressure heading into Training Camp at Lehigh and seemed like he handled it extremely well. The media loved him and the coaches were raving about his impressive speed and strength. Graham did not carry that momentum into the regular season. It seemed like once the big lights hit him against Green Bay, he cooled off. It looked like he had figured it out in Week 5 where he ate up San Francisco with 2 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Again, he cooled off until the Giants round one, where he went off for 3 more tackles and another sack. Two weeks later, he tore his ACL and would lose the rest of his rooke season. Graham had shining moments and absolutely has the potential. Now, it comes down to the work he puts into rehabbing the knee because the Eagles will need him next season if they are going to improve their pass rush. Grade: B-
■Nate Allen (2nd Rd. 37th out of South Florida)- The free safety was arguably the most productive rookie with the time he played. I think what really impressed me about Allen was his ability to find himself around the ball every single down: A natural ballhawk with instincts that seemed too strong for a rookie. He was the only rookie to start every single game he played in for Philadelphia this year. He had 48 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 interceptions in the 13 games he played before tearing his patellar tendon. I think it is safe to say that if he can come back healthy, we can expect great things in his future. I have serious high hopes for Allen and his future with the franchise. Grade: A-
■Daniel Te’O-Nesheim (3rd Rd. 86th out of Washington)- More is expected out of a 3rd round pick for sure. I know fans expected more and it is safe to say that the team expected more than the six games played and the five tackles made. There was hope from many writers/followers of the team for him to come in and help out with the pass rush, but it never came to fruition. It seemed to me that his name was rarely called in the games he appeared in, and when he was not playing, one had to wonder why. I wish there was more to be said on the big defensive end, but at this point, his story will remain that of an “eh” draft pick who will have to work his tail off to find the field, let alone a jersey in 2011. Grade: F
■Trevard Lindley (4th Rd. 105th out of Kentucky)- For a guy who went into camp projected as being on the bubble, I was impressed. We know the Eagles had their struggles at corner (not named Asante) in 2009-2010, so they drafted Lindley for some hopeful depth. It is believed by some (including myself) his lack of playing time was due to Sean McDermott’s confusing schemes in the secondary. If that is true, it could have been a major cause for concern, but since McDermott has been relieved, it becomes moot. Most of his appearances were in special teams, but he did see a lot of the field in San Francisco, Chicago, and Dallas. He seemed to have no fear, trying to jump routes like the vet that played most games on the other side of the field. He was not too successful, but that may change with time. In the meantime, I liked his aggressiveness for sure. It was obvious that he does need some work reading routes and being patient making tackles, but those mistakes can absolutely be credited to being a rookie. I look forward to seeing him progress into more snaps in the next few seasons competing to be either a 2nd corner or nickel corner. Grade: C-
■Keenan Clayton (4th Rd. 121st out of Oklahoma)- The 6’1″, 229 lb. linebacker/hibrid safety saw a confusing rookie season take place right before his eyes. He was drafted as a linebacker by the Eagles, but was playing some hibrid safety throughout the season. He made 12 tackles in his seven games, and the Eagles seem to like his versatility. I am on the fence with Clayton. It is hard not to like his ability to play both positions, but is he truly versatile enough at this point in his career? With some more experience, I think the potential could be there, but only time will tell. Grade: C
■Clay Harbor (4th Rd. 125th out of Missouri State)- The sizeable, athletic tight-end saw considerable time this season in two TE sets and some passing downs. He made 9 catches as a rookie that added for 72 yards receiving and one of the most atheltic looking touchdowns I have seen from a tight end. It was a difficult catch in the back of the end zone against Minnesota with two defenders shoving him out of bounds, Harbor managed to get both feet down and hold onto the football for the score. There are definitely areas Harbor needs to improve in before 2011 gets underway. His run blocking kept him out of plays in crucial moments, and when he was in to block, he had the tendency to jump early. He may have been trying to compensate for his problems by getting off the ball early. With Brent Celek a mainstay and Cornelius Ingram looking to return from his knee injury (again), Harbor may be pushed a bit come Training Camp. Grade: B-
■Riley Cooper (5th Rd. 159th out of Florida)- Being a follower of Florida football teams and a fan of Tim Tebow, I came to like this player during his tenure with the Gators. When the Eagles drafted him, I thought it was a real nice fit for both sides. The Eagles had the speed receivers, but lacked a second possession receiver with nice hands. Do not get me wrong for one second, I am a huge fan of Jason Avant, but I thought Cooper would fit very nicely. Turned out, I was correct. He made 9 catches for 134 yards, and a touchdown in his rookie campaign. I think what makes me like him more was seeing the confidence Mike Vick had in him on the final drive against Green Bay. He made a catch over the middle with coverage to set up the doomsday play, where we all know, Vick went back to him again. Look for Cooper to be a solid fourth again next season, but with many more looks this time around. Grade: B+
■Jamar Chaney (7th Rd. 220th out of Mississippi State)- I am going to come right out and say it: He was the most pleasant surprise for me in the 2010-2011 season. Yes, Vick was awesome. Agree, LeSean McCoy was stellar. However, what this guy had to do at a crucial part of the season is beyond comparison in my eyes. Wth the injury to Stewart Bradley, Chaney took over an extremely difficult defensive scheme and ran it AS A ROOKIE. He made 42 total tackles and forced a fumble, while doing a very credible job as the MIKE position in the defense. Of course there were mistakes along the way, but the missed tackles and coverage mistakes were something we had become pretty accustomed to with Bradley as well. With Bradley back next season, it makes me wonder what the Eagles will do. Will they bring Bradley back? Do they have the confidence in the young Chaney to keep up what he did in the last few weeks? The only way to keep both is to run a 3-4 and allow them to roam the inside. Since that is doubtful, it should be interesting to see how the Eagles do this, but Chaney, for me, was remarkable. Grade: A-
■Kurt Coleman (7th Rd. 244th out of Ohio State)- Another guy who will make it difficult to say negative things about. He had to step into a spot where another rookie was playing extremely well and fill the void. Dick Jauron must have been very proud of the way he did it. Coleman played an impact position in very important games and did a nice job. I think I was very impressed with watching his leadership on the field along with his instincts. He made some difficult, key tackles throughout his time. He had his moments where he became incredibly impatient on tackles. When he learns to let his opponent make the first move, he will be much better off and, from what I saw, it should not be long. Two of the Eagles biggest impact players during the stretch of the season were guys taken in the 7th round. To me, that is pretty incredible when you consider the jobs they did. It will be interesting to see how the defense sets up in 2011. Quentin Mikell (who Coleman praised) is a free agent to be. Is it possible the starting safeties could combine to be under the age of 50? Grade: B-

The Rest of the Rooks

■Ricky Sapp and Jeff Owens, both defensive lineman, spent the whole season on the IR. Sapp was drafted in the 5th round, but that was because of the torn ACL he suffered his junior year at Clemson. The team and many in the NFL know his talent level is regarded well above that of a 5th rounder.
■Jorrick Colvin was acquired in a trade that sent Eagles’ original 6th round pick, Charles Scott, to Arizona. He was primarily a return specialist until his season was ended with a back injury. Colvin showed signs of spark and will compete with newly acquired Sinorice Moss for return priveleges again in 2011.
■Mike Kafka remains a player of interest to me. During, training camp, I heard nothing but positives about how quickly he picked up the offense, how accurate he was, and the list goes on. Many reports from camp had him as a steal in the draft. He could be a nice number two with some more development if the Eagles choose to trade Kevin Kolb this offseason. Matt Schaub anyone?
There is the list and there are my thoughts. Feel free to grade on your own. The feedback does me well. I think we can all agree that the rookies showed a decent amount of promise this year. The defense is young and will take its lumps no matter who cooridinates it. There will be growing pains on a defense with so many rookies. I look forward to watching these players grow.

- MA

There are certain things people can expect to happen consistently. It will rain again. Someone will create the next big thing.  The New York Mets will choke.  And before the last two football seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles had a mean defense.  One that blitzed hard and hit even harder.

When Sean McDermott took over the position for the late Jim Johnson, I knew it would be a long road before he could fill those legendary shoes. I read all the articles about how he was one of the hardest working, smartest coaches in the craft, but still, it was not going to be easy.  Well, the long road I expected was incredibly shortened yesterday when Andy Reid did something he had not done in his long tenure as head coach in Philadelphia: Fired one of his coaches.

As I sat in a hibachi restaurant watching “the show,” I received the text message saying McDermott was relieved of his duties.  While I thought there was a need for change, I did not expect one with Reid’s track record.

Was this the right move?  Is firing McDermott the way to go?  It depends on who you ask.  Some people will likely say that it is.  I have talked to people who thought his schemes were to confusing for rookies.  Trevard Lindley barely saw the field this season, and I talked to many people who believed he could be a solid right corner for this team.  Instead, the Eagles went with Dimitri Patterson and Joselio Hanson who were torched a good deal.  Those same people will tell you the Eagles’ people did not like watching pass rushers be dropped into coverage on blitzing downs.

You will have people who think this is a bad decision. McDermott came in at a difficult time and saw many injuries to key players in his short tenure. This season alone, he lost his starting right corner when Ellis Hobbs suffered what seems to be his career ending injury. McDermott also went without Stewart Bradley for a stretch of time at the end of the season and lost both Brandon Graham and Nate Allen to season ending injuries about midway through. It absolutely could be argued that he needed more time to develop the youth he was working with. It could be argued that he had to deal with lack of depth as well.

I am more on the side of starting new.  While I did not see this coming, I had it on my offseason wish list.  I agree that there was a lot to overcome, but there inlies the problem.  A good coach, in any sport, will make adjustments when things are not working in a positive favor.  McDermott did not make those adjustments.  He had to know there was a problem with teams putting the ball in the endzone on 77% of their redzone visits against the Eagles. I cannot begin to count how many times I pleaded with the television to bring pressure, but instead saw an end drop into pass coverage.

Now, it is time to start fresh.  Where will they look?  According to Reuben Frank, of WIP, Reid and the Eagles will begin interviewing next week to fill the new void.  Many people believe they will keep it simple and stay in house with secondary coach, Dick Jauron.  The timing of the firing seems to fit.  The Eagles just gave Jauron permission to interview for the Cleveland Browns’ defensive coordinator vacancy.  If this is the case, color me unhappy.  I think he did a terrific job with the secondary this season.  I enjoyed watching how much Allen and Kurt Coleman matured during their playing spans.  I just do not see him as the right man for the job.  The Eagles need to find a way to bring pressure back into their scheme and a Tampa 2 defense will not do that.  Jauron is the type to coach defense with a play not to lose mentality.  He will hardly blitz  and sit in a zone so quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady have enough time to smile, throw back a few beers, and rack up the points.

I am unsure of who else will be in the fold.  Will Reid be looking for an experienced defensive coordinator or will he look for a coach from a team’s staff who is ready for his first chance? In my eyes, what we can count on is that Reid will hire someone based on what sort of defense he wants to implement.  My prayer is that he is looking to follow the NFL fad and mold his defense into a 3-4 style.  I know what many of you are thinking.  The Eagles don’t have the bigs up front to do this.  Add to it, they can barely field 3 LBs effectively, how will they manage 4?  I had problems with figuring this out myself.  I will credit a person on Philaphans for the enlightenment on the following.

The Eagles have plenty of money with all the youth.  There is no more McNabb, Westbrook, etc., so they are well under the cap and in decent shape.  They can absolutely patch up some holes to make a 3-4 defense.  Jamar Chaney proved to be effective in his stint at the end of the year and Bradley will be back next season, so those two would need to play inside linebacker in this defense.  Standing Trent Cole up like the Cowboys do with DeMarcus Ware is a fine idea.  The Eagles could use Cole just as the Cowboys use Ware: Blitz him every play.  He does not need to drop into coverage whatsoever.  Here is where the money comes into play: Sign the Minnesota Vikings’ Chad Greenway. I have liked this guy since his days as a Hawkeye, but I did not realize until recently that he will be a free agent this offseason.  Brandon Graham can fit in as a stand up lineman/linebacker in this sort of defense as well.  He showed some promise with his quickness in the San Francisco game this season.

Ok, now that the linebackers are out of the way, the defensive line is next.  Antonio Dixon would make a nice nosetackle.  I was impressed with his play this season and I think he will grow nicely.  Trevor Laws and Mike Patterson can split time at one end.  Laws looked like he was starting to come around toward the end of the season and Patterson is what he is at this point.  This leaves the other end position.  The Eagles have Broderick Bunkley, but I think in a 3-4, they will need someone with much more size.  There has been a lot of talk here in Philaphans’ forums about Albert Haynesworth and the Eagles taking a flier.  I cannot say I hate the idea, especially in a 3-4.  Now, he hated the defense in Washington and flat out said he would not play it, so what would be different here? Maybe the Eagles are a destination he would be interested in because they are close.  They win year in and year out.  Not many teams are going to take on his baggage, but the Eagles have shown a willingness to do this before (See Mike Vick).  If Haynesworth is absolutely out of the question, I draft this position and see where it takes me.

Obviously, this is more of a pipe dream.  Realistically, I see them upgrading through a key sign during free agency, but not converting a questionable core personnel to 3-4.

So many questions are going to be answered this offseason.  There are so many things that can occur before the start of the 2011-2012 football season.  With the new collective bargaining agreement, who knows what could happen? Will they resign Mike Vick?  How will they solidify the need for a tackle? Will the Eagles upgrade at linebacker?  Will they try and sign Nnamdi Asomugha to solidify the corners or give Lindley a shot?  Will they convert their personnel and bring in new ammunition to match what it takes to run a solid 3-4?  Probably not, but again, a guy can wish.  Before any of those questions are answered, the most important one awaits: When the interviews are all said and done, who will be the new Eagles’ defensive coordinator?

Hopefully, it is someone who brings back what is expected…Stay tuned.

- MA