Philadelphia Eagles News: Pro Sports Daily

February 4

New York Post

"Are you ready for a lot more prime-time football? NFL commissioner Roger Goodell used his annual Super Bowl news conference yesterday to reveal the league is dramatically expanding the Thursday night package on its own network starting this fall. In what appeared to be a way to up the pressure in its long-running dispute with Time Warner Cable and Cablevision over New York-area carriage of the NFL Network, the league said that channel will now show Thursday games from Week 2 through Week 15. The NFL Network previously broadcast Thursday games the final eight weeks of the season, but Goodell said the expansion resulted from a desire to guarantee every team in the league at least one"

Castillo has high hopes for defense

February 3

Courier-Post

"Days ago, Juan Castillo wasn't sure if he would be back for his second season as the Eagles' defensive coordinator. But the uncertainty of his job status didn't gnaw at his insides nearly as much as the certainty that the Eagles' division rivals are playing for the Super Bowl title on Sunday. "We held the Giants to 10 points the second time we played them," Castillo said, "and they're playing in the Super Bowl and we're not. That hurts, man.""

NFL's tales of the unexpected

February 3

Washington Times

columnist Dan Daly

"Every NFL season has its share of the unexpected. For instance, who would have guessed when the league resumed business in July that Albert Haynesworth, the disinterested defensive tackle, would con not one but two teams — New England and Tampa Bay — into paying him a salary? On a somewhat smaller scale, who had any inkling that Brandon Banks, the Washington Redskins' flyweight kick returner, was capable of hurling a 49-yard touchdown pass? Wonders never cease."

Goodell: If NFL expands, it'll add two more teams

February 3

CBSSports.com

"It's no secret the NFL wants to expand to Los Angeles. And while so much of the attention has been focused on which franchise would relocate to L.A. -- whether it's the Chargers, Vikings, Jaguars or Rams -- we haven't discussed much the possibility of the NFL expanding. Apparently, that's an option. Commissioner Roger Goodell said Thursday on Costas Live on the NBC Sports Network that if the league places a team in L.A., the NFL probably would add two more franchises to make it an even 34. Goodell said the league "doesn't want to move any of our teams" and "we probably don't want to go to 33" if the NFL decides expansion is a good choice."

Reid: The fans have been good to me

February 2

CSN Philly

"I'm still wading through my transcript of Andy Reid's 48-minute press conference on Tuesday. But I've decided to come up and take a breather. Among the obvious interesting topics discussed on Tuesday, were Andy Reid's self evaluation (see story), Steve Spagnuolo (see story), the return of Juan Castillo (see story) and whether or not it was the right move (... phew, see story). But there was also some talk about the way Reid handles himself with the media and his relationship with the fans in Philly."

McCoy named 2011 FedEx Ground POY

February 2

CSN Philly

"Eagles running back LeSean McCoy is the 2011 FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Year. The Saints' Drew Brees was named the Air Player of the Year. McCoy led the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 17 (and total TDs with 20) and was the starter for the NFC in the Pro Bowl (too bad he fumbled). He ran for 1,309 yards, good for fourth in the NFL and averaged 4.8 yards per attempt. His 84 first-down runs led the NFL. His 17 rushing TDs and 20 overall broke team records that stood since 1945."

What will Eagles do about Jackson?

February 2

Courier-Post

columnist Geoff Moshier

"Now that Andy Reid has finalized his coaching staff and reviewed the past season, the Eagles' head coach is looking ahead to next season. Reid, who spoke for nearly an hour Tuesday in his long-awaited press conference, said the Eagles would once again be aggressive in free agency and look to capitalize on another outstanding crop of college talent available in late April's draft. One of first major roster decisions centers on mercurial wide receiver DeSean Jackson, whose contract will expire when the new league year begins at 4 p.m. on March 13."

Reid: Am I still the best guy for the job?

February 1

CSN Philly

columnist Reuben Frank

"Andy Reid looked in the mirror and didn't like what he saw. He saw a coach whose team went 8-8 last year and didn't make the playoffs. He saw a coach who hasn't won a playoff game since 2008 and has won just three in the last seven years. He saw a coach who's 0 for 13 trying to win a Super Bowl. He saw a coach whose owner admitted he considered firing him. So for the past month, Reid has evaluated every facet of his football team – the players, the coaches, the schemes, yes. Most of all, himself."

Reid: Spagnuolo offered a coaching position

February 1

CSN Philly

"You wanted Steve Spagnuolo to return to the Eagles, and head coach Andy Reid did too. In his first press conference of the off-season, Reid revealed he offered Spagnuolo a position on the coaching staff. Spagnuolo instead accepted the Saints' offer to become their defensive coordinator. Had Spagnuolo chosen to return to the Eagles – he previously served as Reid's assistant from 1999-2006 – Juan Castillo would have remained on the staff – but Reid wouldn't specify whether Castillo would have remained defensive coordinator."

Reid: Patterson doing 'well' after surgery

February 1

CSN Philly

"Andy Reid discussed several topics on Tuesday. He discussed the pursuit of Steve Spagnuolo, the hiring of Todd Bowles and the status of Juan Castillo. He also said he was proud of DeSean Jackson. Reid, of course, also addressed injuries. First and foremost, defensive tackle Mike Patterson is recovering after undergoing surgery Friday to treat a brain AVM. The condition was discovered after Patterson had a seizure in training camp and rushed to the hospital. Reid said he talked to Patterson on Monday. "They had him sedated pretty well. He's doing well," Reid said. "It was a very long surgery. They had to dig in there. By training camp I think he'll be pretty good.""

Eagles retain Castillo, hire Bowles

January 31

Courier-Post

"The coach who likes to fashion himself as the modern-day Rocky is getting another chance to prove he's up to the fight. Juan Castillo, the Eagles' defensive coordinator, will remain in that position for the 2012 season despite speculation since the end of last season that head coach Andy Reid would make another change. Reid on Monday finalized his coaching staff, announcing the hiring of Todd Bowles to coach the secondary. Reid had fired cornerbacks coach Johnnie Lynn at the end of the season."

Juan Castillo gets second chance to coach Eagles' defense

January 31

Courier-Post

"Juan Castillo will get a second chance to coach the Eagles' defense. Castillo will remain at the Eagles' defensive coordinator, an NFL source confirmed Monday, and the team will also bring in former Temple standout Todd Bowles to coach the secondary. Bowles was formerly the interim coach of the Miami Dolphins after the in-season firing of head coach Tony Sparano in December. He had spent the past four seasons as secondary coach and assistant head coach for the Dolphins."

Report: Eagles will keep Castillo, hire Bowles

January 30

CBSSports.com

"All along, it's been pretty obvious that, whether Eagles coach Andy Reid kept his job (and it was always pretty clear he was going to do so), Juan Castillo would be out as defensive coordinator. After all, Philadelphia struggled for much of the season with its wide-nine scheme*, and there were rumblings that in order to keep his job, Reid would have to fire Castillo. Reid denied it at the time, and it looks like he was telling the truth, because according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Castillo will remain as defensive coordinator. The Inquirer also reports that former Dolphins interim coach Todd Bowles -- who was a head coaching candidate for the Raiders after leading Miami to a 2-1 record"

Eagles get housed by Giants in the draft

January 30

CSN Philly

"The Giants are getting ready to play for their second championship in five years and the Eagles will be watching. At home. There are, of course, many differences between the two franchises, but perhaps none stands out more than the recent history of the draft. See, while the Giants have continually nabbed productive players with their top picks, the Eagles have failed. You probably already know this if you're part of the group (with the pitchforks and fire) calling for Andy Reid's job. It might be painful, but here's a year-by-year comparison of the top part of the draft between the Giants and Eagles."

Report: Eagles, Jackson drastically differ on WR's worth

January 29

NFL.com

"The contract status of wide receiver DeSean Jackson has lingered around the Philadelphia Eagles for almost an entire year. It's no secret the two-time Pro Bowl receiver is unhappy with the contract, and the story will only gain momentum as the Eagles enter the offseason and Jackson gets closer to possible free-agent status. The sides reportedly haven't been close to a new deal, and the Philadelphia Daily News reported Saturday that not much progress had been made. Jackson just finished the final year of his four-year rookie contract that was scheduled to pay him $600,000 in 2011."

Eagles TE Celek a passenger in car involved in DUI crash

January 26

CBSSports.com

"State police say Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek was a passenger in a car involved in an early-morning DUI crash. No one was hurt in Thursday morning's crash on a highway off-ramp near the team's stadium in South Philadelphia. Police say the car's driver was driving too fast when he spun out and hit a concrete barrier around 2:30 a.m. The driver failed field sobriety testing and was arrested on DUI charges."

Should 49ers go after DeSean Jackson?

January 25

San Francisco Chronicle

"Assorted thoughts on the NFL during the interminable wait for the Super Bowl: – Everyone agrees that the 49ers' biggest need is at wide receiver, and DeSean Jackson's name stands out like a searchlight on the free-agent list. The question is whether Jim Harbaugh would take a chance on somebody whose attitude totally contradicts the 49ers' cohesive nature. If you're talking about the five most talented receivers in the game, Jackson has to be on that list, right up there with Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson and the rest. Jackson has scored some of the league's most electrifying touchdowns over his four-year career with the Eagles, and he's the very epitome of a reliable deep threat –"

Eagles' Roseman: 'We're not where we want to be'

January 25

CSN Philly

"The team that Howie Roseman helped build was good enough to rank third in the NFL in offense and eighth in the NFL in defense. It just wasn't good enough to get to the playoffs. Despite winning seven of their last 11 games, despite being the only NFL team ranked in the top 10 on both sides of the ball, despite going 5-1 in the NFC East, the Eagles' season ended in failure with an 8-8 record, one game out of the playoffs, a third straight season without a postseason victory."

Eagles shouldn't buy into false hope

January 22

Courier-Post

columnist Kevin Callahan

"Back in high school, many of us old-timers were forced to read The Grapes of Wrath in our dreaded American Literature class, making ourselves feel like we suffered as much as Tom Joad himself. The Eagles should read the novel today instead of watching the NFC Championship game, not punitively because they made their fans suffer this season, but for an old fashioned lesson. Although tough for high school kids to digest, John Steinbeck's classic illustrates the ruinous false hope held by the starving Okies and poor Tom Joad, packing up their families and leaving Oklahoma's dust bowl during the Great Depression for the unfulfilled promise of fruitful farms and a dignified future in"

Raiders reportedly interview Marty Mornhinweg for head coaching job

January 21

Oakland Tribune

"Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg interviewed with Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie on Friday for Oakland's head coaching vacancy, according to NFL.com. Mornhinweg spent the past nine seasons with the Eagles, the past eight as their assistant head coach/offensive coordinator. In Philadelphia, Mornhinweg directed one of the league's most productive offenses. He coached the Detroit Lions in 2001-02, compiling a 5-27 record. Mornhinweg attended Oak Grove High in San Jose and coached for the 49ers from 1997-2000. McKenzie and Mornhinweg could not be reached for comment. A Raiders official said the team won't comment on the coaching search until someone is hired."

Saints had stability over Eagles in Spags watch

January 21

CSN Philly

"Reports that have surfaced stating that Steve Spagnuolo will become the Saints' defensive coordinator undoubtedly will rub a fair number of Eagles fans the wrong way, but to them I ask, where was the evidence he was even considering coming back to Philadelphia? That report weeks ago out of San Diego? Was that enough to get you hyped about the possibility of Spags bringing to Broad and Pattison what he delivered to the Giants earlier in the 2000s? His awful three years in St. Louis notwithstanding, Spagnuolo still figures to be highly regarded as a builder of defense. The way I saw it, Spags would have a number of job offers as a coordinator because of what he did in the past. That feeling"

Spagnuolo move means likely return for Castillo

January 20

CSN Philly

"Steve Spagnuolo is off the market, Juan Castillo is still officially the Eagles' defensive coordinator, and nearly three weeks after the Eagles ended one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history, the only coaching change that's been made is the dismissal of cornerbacks coach Johnnie Lynn. Multiple sources, including the Associated Press, reported Thursday evening that Spagnuolo, who spent the 1999 through 2006 on Andy Reid's staff and was fired earlier this month after three years as head coach of the Rams, has agreed to join Sean Payton's Saints staff as defensive coordinator (see story.)"

Eagles eying Trent Edwards as Young's replacement

January 19

CSN Philly

"The Eagles are eying former Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards as a possible replacement for Vince Young as Michael Vick's backup. The Eagles worked out Edwards this week, a team source said, and with Young due to become a free agent this offseason, Edwards could very well wind up replacing Young as the Eagles' No. 2 quarterback."

Eagles' surprising odds to win 2013 Super Bowl

January 19

CSN Philly

"The Eagles don't have much of a chance to win this year's Super Bowl. The winner of Sunday's 49ers-Giants game will represent the NFC in Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. At least one major gaming web site says the Eagles do have a better chance than the 49ers or Giants – or any other NFC team – of winning next year's Super Bowl. R.J. Bell of Pregame.com, dubbed by Forbes Magazine as a "gambling guru," lists the Eagles as a 12-1 shot to win the 2013 Super Bowl."

Source: Mornhinweg to interview with Raiders

January 18

CSN Philly

"Marty Mornhinweg, who has led the Eagles to their six best offensive seasons in franchise history in his six years as offensive coordinator, will interview for the Raiders' head coaching vacancy, a league source said Wednesday. Mornhinweg had one two-year stint as an NFL head coach with the Lions, where he went 5-27 in 2001 and 2002. He joined the Eagles in 2003 as a senior assistant and served as assistant head coach in 2004 and 2005 before taking over as offensive coordinator in 2006, when Brad Childress became head coach of the Vikings."

Reid hasn't built good will like Sixers' Collins

January 18

Courier-Post

"So we wait. Eagles coach Andy Reid has gone into hiding, or hibernation, ever since the Eagles' season ended more than two weeks ago. Since then, Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie gave an impassioned speech about firing Reid, only to decide to keep him because Lurie determined that Reid still has that "fire in his belly." We have yet to hear from Reid about why he felt cornerbacks coach Johnnie Lynn should be the scapegoat for the Eagles missing the playoffs. Or if defensive coordinator Juan Castillo will meet the same fate. Or if Castillo will take over Lynn's spot should fired Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo become the new defensive coordinator."

Samuel had a better season than you thought

January 17

CSN Philly

"It seems likely that Asante Samuel has played his last game, last down, as an Eagle. Yes, he's still under contract, but so are Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The Eagles tried DRC at the nickel slot this year and he seemed lost. When they moved him back outside, he looked much better. The Eagles were unable to trade Samuel, much to the dismay of the former Pro Bowler. They'll probably try to trade him this off-season, which would allow Asomugha and DRC to play on the outside, with veteran Joselio Hanson filling up the slot position, where he has thrived."

Goodell: NFL to consider some full-time officials

January 16

Chicago Tribune

"Aiming to ensure NFL rules are enforced the same way from game to game, the league will consider making about 10 officials full-time employees next season. As of now, all game officials are part-time employees. Responding to a question about consistency in officiating while speaking to a group of about 75 fans before Sunday's playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the proposal would bring a group of officials to the league offices in New York to help review game films and evaluate the calls. They then would be spread out among the crews at games."

If Spags comes, would Vikings want Castillo?

January 15

CSN Philly

"By this point, you've heard all the rumors and reports about Steve Spagnuolo coming back to Philly to be the Eagles' defensive coordinator. It hasn't happened yet (Andy Reid was on vacation this past week) but it still seems like it would make sense. If it does happen, the Eagles will have another decision to make. They'll have to decide what to do with Juan Castillo. They could fire him or they just move him into another spot in the organization. But 1500ESPN Twin Cities' Tom Pelissero offers another solution. Maybe the Eagles would let Castillo leave and join another team, perhaps the Vikings."

Defending Reid over media

January 13

CSN Philly

columnist Ray Didinger

"Q. You were always the balancing act of reasonableness and fairness. What happened? Did you and the rest of the local reporters go Hollywood? You think you are celebrities. How dare Andy Reid be blunt and dismissive with us? We'll show him. We'll take it personal and go into attack mode. That is an insult to the fan base. You guys hide behind the "we are the eyes and ears of the fans." What a line of garbage. No, you're not. In fact, you are clueless on how we think and feel. You are the ones who lost touch, not Andy and not Mr. Lurie and the staff."

Watkins quietly performed well as rookie

January 12

CSN Philly

"Danny Watkins. Remember that name? It has probably been a long time since you've really heard it. Many Eagles fans were upset when the Birds took the then-26-year-old offensive lineman with the 23rd pick in the draft. What made the pick better in the minds of some fans is that Watkins was sold as a guy who could step in and start right away. Only he couldn't. From the time Watkins arrived in training camp until he was benched for Kyle DeVan before the opener, he wasn't ready."

Who will be back for Eagles?

January 12

Courier-Post

"The Eagles face some interesting decisions in the coming days, especially after losing Ryan Grigson, their director of player personnel, to the Indianapolis Colts' general manager job. Head coach Andy Reid and general manager Howie Roseman are still Nos. 1 and 2 on the personnel totem pole, but Grigson had spent nine years in the front office and worked his way up the scouting ladder to become one of the top decision makers in the front office. Grigson's departure could cause more openings if he decides to bring some Eagles coaches or scouts with him to Indianapolis."

Grigson's departure could leave more than one vacancy for Eagles

January 11

Wilmington News Journal

"Ryan Grigson, the Eagles' director of player personnel for the past two seasons, left the team Wednesday to become the Colts' general manager. Grigson, anIndiana native and former Purdue standout, leaves a front-office vacancy for the Eagles, but his departure could also cause some major changes on the coaching staff, especially if Grigson cleans house inIndianapolis and brings along some Eagles coaches to fill out his staff. One of Grigson's first major decisions as Colts general manager concerns the fate of Jim Caldwell, who just wrapped up his third season as head coach.Caldwellwent 2-14 without his star quarterback, Peyton Manning, who missed the whole season after undergoing neck"

Jim Irsay picks Ryan Grigson as Colts' next GM

January 11

Indianapolis Star

"Owner Jim Irsay has turned to Ryan Grigson to help return the Indianapolis Colts to prominence. The Highland, Ind. and Purdue University product has been hired as the team's new general manager, the team announced this morning. Grigson is expected to attend a news conference at Colts headquarters this afternoon. Grigson, 39, has spent the past nine seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, the last two as their director of player personnel. He emerged from a list of seven candidates interviewed by Irsay, and met with Irsay a second time Tuesday."

Report: Eagles team staffer in Indy for 2nd GM interview with Colts

January 11

Indianapolis Star

"The Indianapolis Colts' search for a new general manager might be heating up. According to ESPN.com, Philadelphia Eagles director of player personnel Ryan Grigson is in town today for a second interview with owner Jim Irsay. Grigson was a tight end and tackle at Purdue University from 1991-94. The Highland, Ind., product is in his ninth season with the Eagles and second as director of player personnel."

NFL Network Spags 'report' only speculation

January 11

CSN Philly

columnist Reuben Frank

"Upon further review ... NFL Network is not reporting that Steve Spagnuolo's return to the Eagles is a done deal. NFL Network's Jason La Canfora appeared to report Tuesday morning that Spagnuolo, fired last week after three years as head coach of the Rams, was set to rejoin Andy Reid's coaching staff, perhaps as defensive coordinator and perhaps in another role working alongside Juan Castillo. "Spagnuolo, let go by the St. Louis Rams last week, is expected to be back in Philadelphia by the end of the week," La Canfora wrote."

Spagnuolo is likely to rejoin Eagles

January 11

Courier-Post

"If Eagles coach Andy Reid plans to make another change on his defensive staff, it probably won't be announced this week. Reid is on vacation until the end of the week, according to a team source, and isn't likely to make any further decisions until he returns despite an NFL Network report today that Steve Spagnuolo is on his way to Philadelphia. Spagnuolo, the former Reid assistant who was fired recently as head coach of the Rams, is expected to return to the Eagles by the end of the week, according to Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network."

NFL Network Spags 'report' only speculation

January 10

CSN Philly

"Upon further review ... NFL Network is not reporting that Steve Spagnuolo's return to the Eagles is a done deal. NFL Network's Jason La Canfora appeared to report Tuesday morning that Spagnuolo, fired last week after three years as head coach of the Rams, was set to rejoin Andy Reid's coaching staff, perhaps as defensive coordinator and perhaps in another role working alongside Juan Castillo. "Spagnuolo, let go by the St. Louis Rams last week, is expected to be back in Philadelphia by the end of the week," La Canfora wrote."

10 moves the Eagles must make for 2012

January 9

Courier-Post

"As we wait — and wait — for Andy Reid's final decision on his defensive coaching staff, it seems like a good time to look ahead to 2012 and changes the Eagles must make to be Super Bowl ready. Despite their 8-8 record, lousy start on defense and overdose on turnovers, major changes aren't necessary, especially among the starters. Reid made one minor change over the weekend when Eagles cornerbacks coach Johnnie Lynn was dismissed. It's clear that some players also won't return — Vince Young, Steve Smith and Ronnie Brown are among them — so don't worry about any "Dream Team" labels following the Eagles into training camp."

Eagles fire CBs coach Johnnie Lynn

January 8

CSN Philly

"Johnnie Lynn has been fired after just one year as the Eagles' cornerbacks coach, the team announced Saturday afternoon. The Eagles hired Lynn after last season as part of a complete overhaul of the defensive coaching staff that saw defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, defensive line coach Rory Segrest and linebackers coach Bill Shuey also fired and defensive consultant and secondary coach Dick Juaron leave as well. Lynn, who spent 10 seasons playing for the Jets, came to the Eagles after five years with the 49ers, two years with the Ravens and seven years with the Giants."

Celek is toughest TE in NFL

January 7

CSN Philly

columnist Derrick Gunn

"He blocks, never complains, never asks for the ball, but when the ball comes his way, he makes the most of his opportunities and refuses to go down without a fight. That's Eagles tight end Brent Celek in a nutshell. On Wednesday, Celek had surgery to repair a sports hernia and also had another surgery to fix a torn labrum in his left hip. What's even more remarkable about this is on Thursday, Celek told me he played with both injuries for the entire 16-game season. Are you kidding me? Can you imagine the pain he must have gone through all year long, never letting on to the media about the discomfort he was in at all times. Through the first five games of this season, Celek only had seven"

Eagles' McCoy, Peters named 1st team All-Pro

January 7

CSN Philly

"LeSean McCoy and Jason Peters have both been named to the Associated Press All-Pro first team, the highest individual in-season honor available to NFL players. McCoy, who led the NFL with 20 touchdowns, is a first-time All-Pro and the Eagles' second tailback named first-team All-Pro in the last five years. Brian Westbrook earned the honor in 2007, when he led the NFL in total yards from scrimmage. Peters was a second-team pick last year and a first-team pick this year. He's the Eagles' first O-lineman named All-Pro first team since Shawn Andrews in 2006. Before Andrews, the Eagles hadn't had a first-team All-Pro offensive lineman since Stan Walters in 1979. Peters, recently picked to his"

Front office moves could be near

January 7

Courier-Post

"Changes could be in store for the Eagles' front office if Ryan Grigson leaves for a vacant general manager post. The team has given permission to Grigson, their director of player personnel for the past two years, to interview for at least two general manager openings, two sources confirmed to Gannett Media. The Colts and Rams have expressed interest in Grigson, who was promoted to his current post after four seasons as the Eagles' director of college scouting. He originally joined the team in 2002 as a regional scout, covering the Western region, after starting his scouting career with the Rams. If he leaves, the team would likely consider promoting Louis Riddick, who was promoted to"

Colts' hunt for general manager moves to Falcons, Eagles

January 6

Indianapolis Star

"The Indianapolis Colts have been given permission to interview Atlanta Falcons director of player personnel Les Snead and Philadelphia Eagles director of player personnel Ryan Grigson, a Purdue graduate, for their vacant general manager position. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported the Falcons have granted permission for Snead to speak with the Colts and the St. Louis Rams. Grigson will be interviewed by the same teams the Philadelphia Inquirer reported, citing a league source."

Vick on 2012: 'It's only going to get better'

January 6

CSN Philly

columnist Reuben Frank

"Imagine Michael Vick at his best, not just for a game or for a month or for two months but for an entire season? Imagine Vick the way he played the first half of last year or the way he played the last month of this year and project it over 16 games? Imagine how dangerous the Eagles would be if Vick was at his electrifying best every Sunday? "I think it would be unbelievable," Vick said. "And that has to be the goal.""

Keeping Reid was the right choice for Birds

January 6

CSN Philly

columnist Derrick Gunn

"When I worked for WPXI-TV (NBC) in Pittsburgh, I covered the first five years of Bill Cowher's 15-year tenure. Cowher's squads went to the playoffs every year, even made it to the Super Bowl in his fourth year only to lose to Dallas. When I left the Burgh and relocated to Philadelphia, I still watched Cowher's teams from afar. Between 1998 and 2000 the Steelers were absent from the postseason, and fans wanted to run Cowher out of town in a hurry. But the Rooney family did not give in to the public outcry and stayed the course. Finally in his 14th season, Cowher hoisted the Lombardi Trophy before riding off into the sunset after his 15th campaign, which he finished at 8-8."

All signs point to Eagles' replacing Castillo

January 5

CSN Philly

columnist Reuben Frank

"Andy Reid had plenty of chances to give Juan Castillo a vote of confidence the last few weeks of the season. It never came. Jeffrey Lurie had plenty of chances to do the same on Tuesday. It didn't happen. Even Castillo's players had numerous chances to show support for their defensive coordinator lately. In many cases, they chose not to. Maybe Castillo will return in 2012 for a second year as the Eagles' defensive coordinator, but the circumstantial evidence overwhelmingly says that's not the case. Nobody in franchise history has been a coach with the Eagles longer than Castillo, who was hired by Andy Reid's predecessor – Ray Rhodes – in 1995. Castillo and running backs coach Ted Williams"

Celek undergoes successful surgeries

January 5

CSN Philly

"Eagles tight end Brent Celek underwent successful surgery to repair a sports hernia and a torn labrum in his left hip. Celek's sports hernia surgery was performed by Dr. William Meyers at Jefferson at the Navy Yard and his torn labrum repair was performed by Dr. John Salvo at the Rothman Institute. Despite injuries, Celek finished second on the team with 62 catches for 811 yards."

Days may be numbered for veteran center

January 5

Courier-Post

"When he found out the Eagles dangled him on the trade block twice, Asante Samuel blasted the front office both times. When he was benched for missing a team meeting, DeSean Jackson acted surprised and said coach Andy Reid treated him differently. When he find out that his job would be handed over to a rookie picked in the sixth round, Jamaal Jackson also could have questioned coaches, loudly complained or refused to help out teammates. Instead, the veteran offensive linemen took a different course than the one chosen by some of his other ticked-off teammates."