Wow, J.A. Happ was incredible last night. (Just had to get that in before some Eagles talk.)
The Good: Brian Westbrook is, apparently, way ahead of schedule and may even return to full-speed drills and practice with the first team within the next couple of days. This news is about as good as news can get. I have been proven wrong enough times now in my belief that McNabb is the most important Eagle that I have officially come around to the other side. Doogan, you’re right. You always were right. Brian Westbrook is far and away the most important player on this roster. And, to have him ahead of schedule in his recovery is fantastic news.
The Bad: Stewart Bradley–out for the year. This is really, really bad, in my opinion. I really believe that Bradley was poised for a Pro Bowl season in 2009. He is one of (if not the) best young linebackers in football and now he has a torn ACL and is done for the year. Maybe they shouldn’t have had that “Flight Night,” or whatever they called it, in front of 25,000 fans in training camp. You can’t believe that the Birds weren’t completely fired up to play before their bodies were ready, which may or may not have led to the loss of maybe the most important player on the Eagles defense this year.
The (Potentially) Ugly: Jeremy Maclin just signed a massive contract with a $9 million bonus. DeSean Jackson is making $385,000 this year. Last year, he signed a 4-year, $3.8 million contract, 
which is, by my math, less than half of Maclin’s SIGNING BONUS. Jackson has been working his tail off in camp, a year after setting Eagles rookie records in receptions and receiving yards. Maclin has missed 15 practices, while holding out for this massive contract. Apparently, their relationship has been described by one reporter as “testy.” Now, personally, I don’t really see this as an issue because, despite his ridiculous touchdown celebrations, Jackson did act with total professionalism last year. And, further, does it really matter if two receivers like each other? Aside from the occasional downfield block, they will never have anything to do with each other in a play. Obviously, it’s different if two linemen are at odds or a quarterback and his receiver. But, two receivers? Maybe it’ll just be some healthy competition. But, it is, at least, something to keep an eye on.
Not that I’m one to reject credit, but I’m not so sure that I’ve claimed Westbrook is more important than McNabb. I think Westbrook is the best player on the team, but quarterback is such a crucial position. At least when we had proven back-up RB’s like Buckhalter, I would’ve said that McNabb was more important to the team. Without that proven guy behind Westbrook though, it’s a pretty tough call. Kevin Kolb is obviously still unproven as well.
When I first read the ugly- I got a little worried. Then I realized I would much rather have the problem of two young (potentially) good receivers at odds with potential money issues… then having no young good receivers who don’t make anything anyway. Horray Beer!
My friend who went to Missouri says we are going to love Maclin, but the potential for conflict is certainly there. I can imagine Jackson looking at Maclin’s contract and then needling McNabb to get him the ball.
Hello there, You’ve done an incredible job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
I am sure they’ll be benefited from this web site.