My take on the first week of the NFL playoffs...
No surprises..all the home teams won..which again supports the fact that you really need a bye and home field advantage in the playoffs. The cold weather also insured a Green Bay and Pittsburgh victory. No way a warm weather team like the Miami Dolphins were going to win in bitterly cold Pittsburgh, where it was 18 degrees.
The Giants ran out of miracles against the Packers. New York had a good defense, but couldn't score enough points. They won a lot of close games during the regular season, and their weaknesses were exposed against the Pack.
Houston and Oakland was a boring game. The Texans defense proved to be the difference, along with the fact that the Raiders had to use a rookie quarterback. Shame that David Carr broke his leg after he guided the team to a 12-4 record.
And, the Lions continue their post-season futility. Playing against a hungry Seahawk team, Detriot had little chance of winning in Seattle, the toughest place for a visiting team to play.
Next week, the divisional playoffs begin. On Saturday it's at Atlanta and Houston at New England. On Sunday it's Pittsburgh at Kansas City and Green Bay at Dallas.
The Seahawks are a different team on the road. They lose their intimidating crowd. It should be an interesting match-up- the tough Seattle defense and the high-scoring Falcon offense. I like Atlanta, 24-13
Kansas City is always a tough place to play. Arrowhead Stadium is a cold, loud place to play for a visitor. But it looks like Sunday will be mild day in Kansas City. The Steelers and Ben Rothensberger have the experience to win in the playoffs, and Pittsburgh seems to be peaking at the right time. Make it Steelers 20 Chiefs 10.
New England at home is always tough to beat. The weather looks like it won't be as brutal as it could be this Saturday night. A night game in January in New England could be wickedly cold and snowy. So maybe Houston gets a break this weekend vs. the Patriots weather-wise. But Tom Brady has come too far to lose a home playoff game against a fledgling Texan team with a shaky quarterback. I say Patriots 38 Texans 17
Finally, the marque game, only because it's the Cowboys and it's Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay is sizzling hot, and usually the red-hot team coming into the playoffs does well. Add to the fact that Dallas doesn't play that well at home. Plus it's the first playoff game for the Cowboys' two rookies, Prescott and Elliot. I think it will be a shoot-out, with the Pack winning in the end, 34-31
The Eagles brain trust will be heading to the Senior Bowl soon. Hopefully they have their eye on a stud defensive back, a wide receiver and a pass rusher. March and April will be fun with the start of free agency and the draft. Mix in a few trades and the spring turns very interesting for the rebuilding Birds. The schedule is also announced in April. So the excitement will escalate until training camp in late July.
Monday, January 9, 2017
Sunday, January 8, 2017
IN THE NEWS- DISABILITY & SCHOOL LAWS RE: RESTRAINTS
From the website Disability Scoop...
Before leaving office, the Obama administration is releasing a flurry of guidance related to the rights of students with disabilities in the nation's schools.
The U.S. Department of Education is weighing in on everything from restraint and seclusion to charter schools in a series of "dear Colleague" letters and other resources distributed to educators just before the end of the year.
In the correspondence, the agency outlines limitations on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools warning that the practices could be discriminatory.
A separate letter addresses the rights of those with disabilities applying to or attending charter schools and specifies that children retain their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act in such environments.
At the same time, a guide for parents and educators also issued by the Education Department details obligations that school districts have under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
"These guidance documents share information with our full school communities- educators, parents and students- about important educational rights, including school obligations to identify, evaluate and serve students with disabilities," said Catherine E. Lhamon, the Education Department's assistant secretary for civil rights. "Vigilant attention to the rights of students with disabilities will help ensure fair treatment for every student and that every student has equal access to educational programs and has an opportunity to experience success.'
The guidance related to restraint and seclusion comes more than four years after the Education Department offered a 45-page resource document on the issue. At the time, disability advocates were disappointed that the agency did not issue official guidance.
Federal figures from the 2013-2014 school year indicate that students with disabilities account for 67 percent of those subject to restraint and seclusion at school even though they represent just 12 percent of the nation's schoolchildren. The disparity suggests that discrimination could be at play, Lhamon wrote in the new "Dear Colleague" letter.
Specifically Lhamon said it is discriminatory if restraint and seclusion is used in a manner that unnecessarily treats students with disabilities different from other kids or in a way that denies children their right to a free appropriate public education.
Previously, the letter said that "the department recommended that school districts never use mechanical restraint, that school districts never use physical restraint or seclusion for disciplinary purposes and that trained school officials should use serious physically harm to self or others."
Meanwhile, the Education Department said that new guidance clarifying the rights of students with disabilities at charter schools is in response to a 2012 Government Accountability Office report which found that such students were underrepresented.
"It is critical to ensure that children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education in charter schools," said Sue Swanson of the Education Department's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, which issued the charter guidance jointly with the Office for Civil Rights.
"These guidance documents are designed to support states, local education agencies and charter school personnel to understand their responsibilities under IDEA and Section 504," she said.
Before leaving office, the Obama administration is releasing a flurry of guidance related to the rights of students with disabilities in the nation's schools.
The U.S. Department of Education is weighing in on everything from restraint and seclusion to charter schools in a series of "dear Colleague" letters and other resources distributed to educators just before the end of the year.
In the correspondence, the agency outlines limitations on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools warning that the practices could be discriminatory.
A separate letter addresses the rights of those with disabilities applying to or attending charter schools and specifies that children retain their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act in such environments.
At the same time, a guide for parents and educators also issued by the Education Department details obligations that school districts have under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
"These guidance documents share information with our full school communities- educators, parents and students- about important educational rights, including school obligations to identify, evaluate and serve students with disabilities," said Catherine E. Lhamon, the Education Department's assistant secretary for civil rights. "Vigilant attention to the rights of students with disabilities will help ensure fair treatment for every student and that every student has equal access to educational programs and has an opportunity to experience success.'
The guidance related to restraint and seclusion comes more than four years after the Education Department offered a 45-page resource document on the issue. At the time, disability advocates were disappointed that the agency did not issue official guidance.
Federal figures from the 2013-2014 school year indicate that students with disabilities account for 67 percent of those subject to restraint and seclusion at school even though they represent just 12 percent of the nation's schoolchildren. The disparity suggests that discrimination could be at play, Lhamon wrote in the new "Dear Colleague" letter.
Specifically Lhamon said it is discriminatory if restraint and seclusion is used in a manner that unnecessarily treats students with disabilities different from other kids or in a way that denies children their right to a free appropriate public education.
Previously, the letter said that "the department recommended that school districts never use mechanical restraint, that school districts never use physical restraint or seclusion for disciplinary purposes and that trained school officials should use serious physically harm to self or others."
Meanwhile, the Education Department said that new guidance clarifying the rights of students with disabilities at charter schools is in response to a 2012 Government Accountability Office report which found that such students were underrepresented.
"It is critical to ensure that children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education in charter schools," said Sue Swanson of the Education Department's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, which issued the charter guidance jointly with the Office for Civil Rights.
"These guidance documents are designed to support states, local education agencies and charter school personnel to understand their responsibilities under IDEA and Section 504," she said.
Saturday, January 7, 2017
IN THE NEWS- ATTACK OF MAN WITH DISABILITIES STREAMED LIVE ON FACEBOOK
This disturbing news..the article courtesy of the Chicago Tribune...
Hate crime charges have been filed against four people shown in a Facebook video attacking a man with mental disabilities, cutting his scalp with a knife and punching him while yelling obscenities about Donald Trump and "white people."
Jordan Hill, 18, Tesfaye Cooper, 18, Brittany Covington, 18, and Tanishia Covington, 24, all of Chicago, were charged with aggravated kidnapping, hate crime, aggravated unlawful restraint and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Hill also was charged with robbery, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and residential burglary, while Cooper and Brittany Covington were charged with residential burglary.
Sources said Hill attended the same school in the suburbs as the victim.
The victim, an 18-year-old man reported missing by his parents in Crystal Lake, Ill. this week, is shown crouching in a corner on a video carried on Facebook Live. His wrists are bound and his mouth is taped shut.
As a woman shoots the video, two men cut the man's shirt with knives, then take turns punching him and stomping his head. One of the men cuts the victim's hair and scalp with a knife, and it appears the man is bleeding.
As the man crouches against a wall, someone shouts "F- Donald Trump" and "F- white people."
The attacker son the video appear to be black and the man appears to be white, though police declined at a news conference recently to give the race of the attackers or the victim. The attack appears to have taken place on the West Side of Chicago.
Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said investigators believe the man was targeted because he had special needs, not because he was white.
But police and prosecutors still considered hate crime charges because of what was said on the video and because of the victim's disabilities, he said.
Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson called the video "sickening."
"It makes you wonder what would make individuals treat somebody like that," Johnson said. "I've been a cop for 28 years and I've seen things that you shouldn't see. It still amazes me how you still dsee things that you just shouldn't.
"I'm not going to say it shocked me but it was sickening," he said.
The man was found wandering the streets in shorts police said. Investigators believe he may have been attacked at a home about a block east from where he was found.
He had been reported missing by his parents who said he disappeared after they dropped him off at a McDonald's, according to police. The man apparently met someone he considered a friend, and then got involved with a group of people who stole a van nearby.
Police said the parents began getting text messages from someone "claiming to be holding him captive." As officers investigated the texts, they "discovered Facebook video depicting (the man) being verbally and physically abused."
Investigators were soon contacted by Chicago police saying they had found the man who had been reported missing. Soon after that, officers were called to a home about 5:25 p.m. and found signs of a struggle and property damage that they linked to the attack, according to police.
The man was"traumatized" and taken to the hospital.
The four people taken into custody gave videotaped statements, police said.
Hate crime charges have been filed against four people shown in a Facebook video attacking a man with mental disabilities, cutting his scalp with a knife and punching him while yelling obscenities about Donald Trump and "white people."
Jordan Hill, 18, Tesfaye Cooper, 18, Brittany Covington, 18, and Tanishia Covington, 24, all of Chicago, were charged with aggravated kidnapping, hate crime, aggravated unlawful restraint and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Hill also was charged with robbery, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and residential burglary, while Cooper and Brittany Covington were charged with residential burglary.
Sources said Hill attended the same school in the suburbs as the victim.
The victim, an 18-year-old man reported missing by his parents in Crystal Lake, Ill. this week, is shown crouching in a corner on a video carried on Facebook Live. His wrists are bound and his mouth is taped shut.
As a woman shoots the video, two men cut the man's shirt with knives, then take turns punching him and stomping his head. One of the men cuts the victim's hair and scalp with a knife, and it appears the man is bleeding.
As the man crouches against a wall, someone shouts "F- Donald Trump" and "F- white people."
The attacker son the video appear to be black and the man appears to be white, though police declined at a news conference recently to give the race of the attackers or the victim. The attack appears to have taken place on the West Side of Chicago.
Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said investigators believe the man was targeted because he had special needs, not because he was white.
But police and prosecutors still considered hate crime charges because of what was said on the video and because of the victim's disabilities, he said.
Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson called the video "sickening."
"It makes you wonder what would make individuals treat somebody like that," Johnson said. "I've been a cop for 28 years and I've seen things that you shouldn't see. It still amazes me how you still dsee things that you just shouldn't.
"I'm not going to say it shocked me but it was sickening," he said.
The man was found wandering the streets in shorts police said. Investigators believe he may have been attacked at a home about a block east from where he was found.
He had been reported missing by his parents who said he disappeared after they dropped him off at a McDonald's, according to police. The man apparently met someone he considered a friend, and then got involved with a group of people who stole a van nearby.
Police said the parents began getting text messages from someone "claiming to be holding him captive." As officers investigated the texts, they "discovered Facebook video depicting (the man) being verbally and physically abused."
Investigators were soon contacted by Chicago police saying they had found the man who had been reported missing. Soon after that, officers were called to a home about 5:25 p.m. and found signs of a struggle and property damage that they linked to the attack, according to police.
The man was"traumatized" and taken to the hospital.
The four people taken into custody gave videotaped statements, police said.
Friday, January 6, 2017
IN THE NEWS-CAREGIVING COSTS
This article is from Disability Scoop...
Families of children with special needs provide billions of dollars in unpaid medical care each year, researchers say, significantly compromising their own ability to earn a living.
Data collected from more than 40,000 parents or guardians of those with special needs across the country suggests that about half of these kids- some 5.6 million children- need assistance at home with managing everything from feeding to breathing equipment and physical therapy.
"If parents did not provide this care at home, children would need to stay in the hospital longer, professionals would need to come to the home or children might not get the care that their physicians prescribe, " said Mark Schuster, chief of general pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital and a senior investigator on the study which was published recently in the journal Pediatrics.
"Parents want to do everything they can for their children, but it can be a real challenge to juggle their ill child, their other children and sometimes their job," he said.All told, families provide nearly $36 billion worth of care annually the study found. On average, kids with special needs received 5.1 hours of medical care from family members each week, but that figure grew to 11.2 hours weekly for those with intellectual disability and 14.4 hours fort hose with cerebral palsy.
These estimates don't factor time families spend helping with daily activities like bathing and dressing , researchers said.
The finding come from an analysis of data collected through the 2009-2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs.
Families lose out on an estimated $3,200 in earnings per year related to their medical care giving responsibilities for each child, the study found, or over $17,000 collectively. If they were to hire asides to provide medical care, it would run between $21,00 and $6.400 annually per child, costs that researchers said can be prohibitive for many families.
Beyond the financial toll,those behind that study noted that the added responsibilities. of providing medical care for a child can also bring emotional stress.
"We need to do a better job of training family caregivers in how to take care of their children at home, and we need better supports for them, " Schuster said.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
IN THE NEWS- AUTISM DOCUMENTARY
This news from The Morning Call...
Roger Ross-Williams' feature-length documentary "Life, Animated," will have its television premiere at 8 pm on Saturday, January 7 on the A&E Network.
"We are thrilled!," Williams announced on the film's Facebook page. "What a wonderful way to start 2017!"
The documentary about a boy with autism who finds a way to communicate through Disney characters has been short-listed for this year's Academy Award nominations. Williams won an Oscar for his 2010 short documentary "Music By Prejudice."
Williams premiered "Life, Animated" at the Sundance Film Festival where he won the directing award for a documentary. Williams also had his first full-length documentary "God Loves Uganda" shortlisted for a 2013 Oscar but it didn't make the final five nominations.
"Life, Animated" is one of 15 films chosen by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 134 submitted in the documentary feature category to advance in voting for the 89th Academy Awards. The Academy's Documentary Branch members will select the five nominees from among the 15 titles. Nominations will be announced on Jan. 24.
Williams was inspired to shoot his new film after reading "Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes and Autism," written by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ron Suskind about his son. The nook tells the story of Owen, who stopped speaking at age 3 and was diagnosed with autism. Owen eventually reconnected with the world through his love of Disney animated films. The film, which combines live footage and animation, opened in July after making the rounds of film festival where it racked up 11 awards and 12 nominations.
Williams says he knew Ron Suskind for 15 years, from when they both worked on the television show "Nightline" and met Owen as a child. When he read the book published in 2014, Williams and his producer Julie Goldman immediately optioned the documentary rights.
In the New York Times best-selling book, Suslind, who lives in Massachusetts, tells how Own was a seemingly normal toddler who suddenly went silent and for years couldn't connect or communicate his thoughts or feelings. Over the years, Owen repeatedly watched classic Disney animated films such as "The Little Mermaid"and "The Lion King" and his parents discovered that they could communicate with him using Disney dialogue and song.
In "Life, Animated," Williams weaves classic Disney clips with scenes from Owen's life to explore how his identification with Disney characters such as Simba, Jafar and Ariel gave him a way to understand his feelings and to interpret reality.
Williams says what connects this film with his past films is that all are about outsiders. "Music By Prudence, tells the story of a musician with a disability who formed a successful Afro-fusion band called Liyana in Zimbabwe. In "God Loves Uganda," he explores connections between evangelical missionaries and discrimination against homosexuals in Uganda.
"I'm definitely drawn to stories about outsiders," he says. "Feeling like that myself as a gay black man. I often seek to give a voice to those in the world who don't have one."
The 89th Oscars will be televised live Feb. 26 on ABC from the Dolby Theater in Hollywood.
Roger Ross-Williams' feature-length documentary "Life, Animated," will have its television premiere at 8 pm on Saturday, January 7 on the A&E Network.
"We are thrilled!," Williams announced on the film's Facebook page. "What a wonderful way to start 2017!"
The documentary about a boy with autism who finds a way to communicate through Disney characters has been short-listed for this year's Academy Award nominations. Williams won an Oscar for his 2010 short documentary "Music By Prejudice."
Williams premiered "Life, Animated" at the Sundance Film Festival where he won the directing award for a documentary. Williams also had his first full-length documentary "God Loves Uganda" shortlisted for a 2013 Oscar but it didn't make the final five nominations.
"Life, Animated" is one of 15 films chosen by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 134 submitted in the documentary feature category to advance in voting for the 89th Academy Awards. The Academy's Documentary Branch members will select the five nominees from among the 15 titles. Nominations will be announced on Jan. 24.
Williams was inspired to shoot his new film after reading "Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes and Autism," written by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ron Suskind about his son. The nook tells the story of Owen, who stopped speaking at age 3 and was diagnosed with autism. Owen eventually reconnected with the world through his love of Disney animated films. The film, which combines live footage and animation, opened in July after making the rounds of film festival where it racked up 11 awards and 12 nominations.
Williams says he knew Ron Suskind for 15 years, from when they both worked on the television show "Nightline" and met Owen as a child. When he read the book published in 2014, Williams and his producer Julie Goldman immediately optioned the documentary rights.
In the New York Times best-selling book, Suslind, who lives in Massachusetts, tells how Own was a seemingly normal toddler who suddenly went silent and for years couldn't connect or communicate his thoughts or feelings. Over the years, Owen repeatedly watched classic Disney animated films such as "The Little Mermaid"and "The Lion King" and his parents discovered that they could communicate with him using Disney dialogue and song.
In "Life, Animated," Williams weaves classic Disney clips with scenes from Owen's life to explore how his identification with Disney characters such as Simba, Jafar and Ariel gave him a way to understand his feelings and to interpret reality.
Williams says what connects this film with his past films is that all are about outsiders. "Music By Prudence, tells the story of a musician with a disability who formed a successful Afro-fusion band called Liyana in Zimbabwe. In "God Loves Uganda," he explores connections between evangelical missionaries and discrimination against homosexuals in Uganda.
"I'm definitely drawn to stories about outsiders," he says. "Feeling like that myself as a gay black man. I often seek to give a voice to those in the world who don't have one."
The 89th Oscars will be televised live Feb. 26 on ABC from the Dolby Theater in Hollywood.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
OLD-SCHOOL WHEELING- MAILBAG
Another Wheeling Around Phoenixville article,w hich wa spublished on March 3, 2006
Messages from the Mailbag...
Q: Hi Greg,
I'm curious. What has been the most insensitive thing you've ever witnessed as a disabled person? Haw did you handle it? I enjoy your column. Thank you Maria
A: Hi Maria,
Thanks for the nice comments. Good question. Luckily, I have met mostly really nice people in my life. There haven't been many rude or insensitive occurrences. I do remember one time when someone patted me on top of my head like a little dog in an elevator. I was so shocked I didn't know how to react. At first I felt anger and humiliation, but later, after thinking about it, I just laughed.
My experience has been that most people don't mean to be rude or insensitive. Some may just feel uncomfortable around someone "different" and just don't know how to handle the situation. They are afraid to say or do something wrong to offend. Ironically, sometimes they offend anyway, just by not being themselves.
Again, few people are ever intentionally insensitive. For those who are I would just ask them to put yourself in the place of the physically or mentally challenged individual. How would you feel?
Disability is a minority which anyone- no matter what race, creed or color- can join anytime. So it's important to keep sensitivity and empathy in mind, and just try and be yourself.
Q: Dear Greg,
As a disabled person, how do you deal with people who may stare at your disability? Please share your thoughts, as I'm trying to deal with the same issue. Thank you. Renee
A: Dear Renee,
I think everyone must deal with the issue of staring in their own way. Over the years, I've learned to ignore it with experience. But sure, it's frustrating, especially when you may not be used to it. No one likes to be stared at, like an animal at the zoo. You do feel anger and frustration.
But people are curious by nature. I find myself even staring at someone or something "different" until I catch myself and say "You should know better.'
Unless you locked yourself away, you have to expect stares in public and learn to deal with them and move on. If you allow it to get to you, you'll constantly be upset and never want to go out, as the stares won't stop. That is just reality.
It's actually sort of funny, how people want to look, yet don't want to be caught looking, so they may stare quickly, then suddenly look away, especially if you make eye contact. It's almost like a game. Stare, look away, stare, and look away.
Kids usually stare, and I have no problem with that. Kids are naturally curious, and very honest. In fact, I find their honesty refreshing, compared to adults. Kids may even ask sincerely, "What happened to your legs?" I give them a simple, brief answer, and always with a smile, and that usually satisfies them. I usually get a smile in return.
It's the adults who sometimes have the hang-ups, who drag the poor kid away by the hand, scolding "Shh! Don't ask him stuff like that!"
That's wrong to do because it will only make kids more afraid of someone different, and their honesty and curiosity is still unfulfilled. Plus, disabled people aren't going away anytime soon, so how will they deal with the next challenged person they encounter?
No one is perfect, and if we all remember that, maybe we can be a bit more sensitive the next time we stare.
Monday, January 2, 2017
CHIRPING BIRDS-SEASON REVIEW
The season is over for the 7-9 Philadelphia Eagles, and here are my final observations..
Howie Roseman is now the man in the spotlight. Not Doug Pederson orbeben Jeffrey Lurie. GM Roseman has the most important off-season in front of him He needs to find weapons for QB Carson Wentz. He needs to have a solid draft, where he finds a DB, one or two WRs plus a pass rusher and O-line help. Roseman needs to sign a few impact free agents, despite his salary cap limitations.
Just because the Eagles won their last twp meaningless games, the front office can't think the team is "close" and on;y a few tweaks here and there will get this current squad to the playoffs next year. True, the Eagles lost many close games this year. After Chip Kelly destroyed the team, despite all of their deficiencies, lack of play-makers, rookie quarterback and coach, and stupid play-calling and penalties, the team still finished with 7 wins, in a division where the top two teams won 13 and 11 games, respectively.
Still, the Eagles need help, not tweaking. They have their future QB, now they need to build around him. As the Birds were aggressive in landing Wentz through a series of trades, they need to stay aggressive and think out of the box in order to not only construct a playoff contender, but a Super Bowl champion.
With an easier schedule next year, the Eagles have a chance to bounce back in 2017. Realistically, it may take two solid drafts.But things happen quickly in the NFL now (see Dallas going form 4-12 to 13-3)/ After investing so much to get Wentz, the Eagles need to go all in to make sure he has got the weapons he needs to develop into the quarterback they hope he will be.
Here are my report cards for each position..
Quarterback- B
Overall, Wentz had a good year, considering where he came from, considering his lack of receivers, and considering his starting left tackle was missing for 10 games. He still needs work, but now at least the team goes into the off-season with hope. Think of life last year at this time- Chip Kelly was 7-9, with the team spiraling out of control. No future QB, not much hope. This tear, the Eagles have a building block for the future.
Running Backs- C
Ryan Matthews won't be back. Darrin Spoles was great again. He should be back, but he's not a 20-carry a game guy. Will Smallwood be the guy? The Eagles need to draft a young RB Look at what Elliot did for the Cowboys. Having a running game will make life a lot easier for Wentz, control the clock, give the defense much-needed breaks, and open up the field for the wide receivers.
Wide Receivers- D
No one really stepped up this year. Ib fact, guys regressed, starting with Nelson Agolhol. WR coach Greg Lewis needs to be replaced. Free agent DeSean Jackson should be signed. He would give the Birds the deep threat they desperately need. A young WR needs to be found in the drat/Keep Jordan Mathews, otherwise, overhaul the other wide-outs who drop too many balls and can't separate from defenses due to their lack of speed.
Tight Ends- B
Zach Ertz did not have the break-out season everyone hoped he would. He had flashes again of greatness, witness the final game vs. Dallas when he caught 13 passes for 137 yards. Will he ever be the Pro Bowl player they hoped for, or is he the solid but not spectacular tight end? Being a 90 catch guy makes the need for more than one new wide receiver less immediate. Trey Burton had a good year. Brent Celek is OK for a player on the decline.
Offensive Line- C
Even after Lane Johnson was suspended, the line did OK , despite all the patchwork and changes.They found more depth in younger players. Jason Peters had a better year. Johnson should be back at the start of 2017 unless he becomes a dumb-ass again. The Eagles need to add to the line and continue to draft at least one O-line a year. something Kelly ignored.
Defensive Line- C
They under-achieved, especially since the line was touted as the strength of the team. Vinny Curry and Fletcher Cox both had their contracts extended and both did not play up to expectations. Cox made the Pro Bowl again, but he was missing in bog gaps during the season. Are certain players out of position? Is the Jim Schwartz scheme to blame for a disappointing stretch of the season? Will Connor Barwin return, or will the Eagles cut him and save the money for a declining and aging player?
Linebackers- B
Hicks played well again. Mychel Hendricks probably won't return and may never will up to his early potential. The team could use more depth at LB, even though it doesn't look like the position is a priority.
Secondary- C
Malcolm Jenkins played great. Otherwise, the corner backs were bad and allowed too many big plays again. It's important to have good cover guys in the NFC East, with receivers like Beckham and Bryant to deal with. Defensive Back should be a first round consideration with pick 14 or 15. in a draft rich in corner backs.
Special Needs- B
The eagles had several kick-off returns for touchdowns, and Sproles was still a dangerous punt returner. The kicking game was solid, compared tot his time last year. Hopefully, long-snapper Jon Dorenbois returns healthy from a season-ending wrist injury.
Coaching- C
Doyg Pederson had an OK season as a rookie head coach. His play-calling probably cost the team at least 1-2 games. His aggressiveness on fourth down was spotty. It's refreshing to be aggressive, but at times, Pederson wasn't always smart. Discipline was an issue and during the season the issue of the team playing hard did come up. But overall, with a few minor changes on the horizon, the coaching situation is much better than with the Chip Kelly/Billy Davis regime.
Front Office- B
Still more work to do. Roseman needs to step up, be creative and think out of the box. New draft guru Joe Douglas needs to work the same draft magic as he successfully did in Baltimore. Owner Lurie has control over his team again. Time is getting short for him. Still no Super Bowl. He needs to give Pederson at least another year, for fear of changing coaches like the Cleveland Browns. Luire will be watching closely, as his patience and time is shorter than ever.
Howie Roseman is now the man in the spotlight. Not Doug Pederson orbeben Jeffrey Lurie. GM Roseman has the most important off-season in front of him He needs to find weapons for QB Carson Wentz. He needs to have a solid draft, where he finds a DB, one or two WRs plus a pass rusher and O-line help. Roseman needs to sign a few impact free agents, despite his salary cap limitations.
Just because the Eagles won their last twp meaningless games, the front office can't think the team is "close" and on;y a few tweaks here and there will get this current squad to the playoffs next year. True, the Eagles lost many close games this year. After Chip Kelly destroyed the team, despite all of their deficiencies, lack of play-makers, rookie quarterback and coach, and stupid play-calling and penalties, the team still finished with 7 wins, in a division where the top two teams won 13 and 11 games, respectively.
Still, the Eagles need help, not tweaking. They have their future QB, now they need to build around him. As the Birds were aggressive in landing Wentz through a series of trades, they need to stay aggressive and think out of the box in order to not only construct a playoff contender, but a Super Bowl champion.
With an easier schedule next year, the Eagles have a chance to bounce back in 2017. Realistically, it may take two solid drafts.But things happen quickly in the NFL now (see Dallas going form 4-12 to 13-3)/ After investing so much to get Wentz, the Eagles need to go all in to make sure he has got the weapons he needs to develop into the quarterback they hope he will be.
Here are my report cards for each position..
Quarterback- B
Overall, Wentz had a good year, considering where he came from, considering his lack of receivers, and considering his starting left tackle was missing for 10 games. He still needs work, but now at least the team goes into the off-season with hope. Think of life last year at this time- Chip Kelly was 7-9, with the team spiraling out of control. No future QB, not much hope. This tear, the Eagles have a building block for the future.
Running Backs- C
Ryan Matthews won't be back. Darrin Spoles was great again. He should be back, but he's not a 20-carry a game guy. Will Smallwood be the guy? The Eagles need to draft a young RB Look at what Elliot did for the Cowboys. Having a running game will make life a lot easier for Wentz, control the clock, give the defense much-needed breaks, and open up the field for the wide receivers.
Wide Receivers- D
No one really stepped up this year. Ib fact, guys regressed, starting with Nelson Agolhol. WR coach Greg Lewis needs to be replaced. Free agent DeSean Jackson should be signed. He would give the Birds the deep threat they desperately need. A young WR needs to be found in the drat/Keep Jordan Mathews, otherwise, overhaul the other wide-outs who drop too many balls and can't separate from defenses due to their lack of speed.
Tight Ends- B
Zach Ertz did not have the break-out season everyone hoped he would. He had flashes again of greatness, witness the final game vs. Dallas when he caught 13 passes for 137 yards. Will he ever be the Pro Bowl player they hoped for, or is he the solid but not spectacular tight end? Being a 90 catch guy makes the need for more than one new wide receiver less immediate. Trey Burton had a good year. Brent Celek is OK for a player on the decline.
Offensive Line- C
Even after Lane Johnson was suspended, the line did OK , despite all the patchwork and changes.They found more depth in younger players. Jason Peters had a better year. Johnson should be back at the start of 2017 unless he becomes a dumb-ass again. The Eagles need to add to the line and continue to draft at least one O-line a year. something Kelly ignored.
Defensive Line- C
They under-achieved, especially since the line was touted as the strength of the team. Vinny Curry and Fletcher Cox both had their contracts extended and both did not play up to expectations. Cox made the Pro Bowl again, but he was missing in bog gaps during the season. Are certain players out of position? Is the Jim Schwartz scheme to blame for a disappointing stretch of the season? Will Connor Barwin return, or will the Eagles cut him and save the money for a declining and aging player?
Linebackers- B
Hicks played well again. Mychel Hendricks probably won't return and may never will up to his early potential. The team could use more depth at LB, even though it doesn't look like the position is a priority.
Secondary- C
Malcolm Jenkins played great. Otherwise, the corner backs were bad and allowed too many big plays again. It's important to have good cover guys in the NFC East, with receivers like Beckham and Bryant to deal with. Defensive Back should be a first round consideration with pick 14 or 15. in a draft rich in corner backs.
Special Needs- B
The eagles had several kick-off returns for touchdowns, and Sproles was still a dangerous punt returner. The kicking game was solid, compared tot his time last year. Hopefully, long-snapper Jon Dorenbois returns healthy from a season-ending wrist injury.
Coaching- C
Doyg Pederson had an OK season as a rookie head coach. His play-calling probably cost the team at least 1-2 games. His aggressiveness on fourth down was spotty. It's refreshing to be aggressive, but at times, Pederson wasn't always smart. Discipline was an issue and during the season the issue of the team playing hard did come up. But overall, with a few minor changes on the horizon, the coaching situation is much better than with the Chip Kelly/Billy Davis regime.
Front Office- B
Still more work to do. Roseman needs to step up, be creative and think out of the box. New draft guru Joe Douglas needs to work the same draft magic as he successfully did in Baltimore. Owner Lurie has control over his team again. Time is getting short for him. Still no Super Bowl. He needs to give Pederson at least another year, for fear of changing coaches like the Cleveland Browns. Luire will be watching closely, as his patience and time is shorter than ever.
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