Archives for September 27, 2003

‘Ken Simonton has been added from the practice squad.’

‘The Bills placed backup fullback Philip Crosby on injured reserve and he will miss the rest of the season.’

‘Seems the Eagles and the Bills have a lot in common as they prepare to face each other in Buffalo on Sunday. The difference is the Eagles have yet to win a game or look good trying to win a game. The Bills were off to a 2-0 start and had outscored their opponents, the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots, 69-17. It just goes to show how fast a team in the NFL can fall. The Eagles now have a chance to show just how fast a team in the NFL can rise.’

‘His completion percentage is a reflection of how uncomfortable he has looked in the pocket. McNabb never has been one of the most accurate passers. His completed 58.4 percent last year and ranked 22nd in the NFL. But 45 percent is in the Ryan Leaf neighborhood. That’s not McNabb.’

‘It still looks like the Pro Bowler casualty count for Sunday’s 1 p.m. game will be Philadelphia 2, Buffalo 1.’

‘Buffalo ranks 31st in the NFL in rushing yards per game (63.7), dead last in average yards per rushing play (2.4), and Travis Henry – who did not practice all week because of a rib injury and will be a game-time decision on whether he can play – has a paltry 122 yards on 53 attempts (2.3 per carry).’

‘I love the razzle, but this is too much dazzle. One trick play a game? From a team good enough to win without gimmicks? I like ice cream, but I don’t partake every day.’

‘Q: Improving pressure, is that what you guys are looking at this weekend against Buffalo? A: We definitely want to get more pressure, no doubt about it.’

‘The two linebackers who share the No. 51 as well as a charity that raises money for children’s health care in Atlanta became best friends four years ago when Emmons moved from Mississippi to Georgia. "I met him when we started working out with the same trainer," Emmons said before the Eagles’ practice yesterday at the NovaCare Complex. "We just instantly clicked. He’s just like a brother to me. We’re together almost every day. We’re extremely close."’

‘The Eagles will also be without strong safety Brian Dawkins and right cornerback Bobby Taylor, both of whom are sidelined by foot injuries. Rookie first-round draft pick Jerome McDougle will miss his third straight game because of a high ankle sprain, but he is at least moving around the locker room considerably better than he was a week ago.’

‘For the 0-2 Eagles to have a chance for their first win of the season, the offense must control the ball, and when the 2-1 Bills and dangerous deep-throwing quarterback Drew Bledsoe do get it, the Birds must get strong pass-rush pressure to give the secondary a fighting chance. "That’s the key to the game," defensive tackle Hollis Thomas said yesterday. "We’ve got to make it a point to get there."’

‘”I’m supposed to be a positive, not a negative,” Westbrook said. “That’s not why I’m on the field, so now I have to show everybody why I’m out there – to make big plays, not bad plays.”‘

‘The video from last Sunday shows the Dolphins’ Ricky Williams carrying the football 42 times for 154 yards, giving Miami possession for almost 41 of the game’s 60 minutes. ”I think all teams that are playing against the Buffalo Bills will be using a little of that tape,” Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb said. ”But you also look at some of the other games they played. Early on, Jacksonville was able to hit some passes as well as some big runs . So you have to pretty much keep them balanced.”’

‘Barring a late change, Brian Westbrook will retain his job as the Philadelphia Eagles’ punt returner for Sunday’s game at Buffalo. ”Absolutely,” Eagles special teams coordinator John Harbaugh said.’

‘Playing the 2-1 Bills in Buffalo, where the Eagles have not won since Oct. 7 1984, actually may be the lesser of two evils this weekend with many Eagles fans already on the verge of major meltdowns. Since 2000, the Eagles are an NFL-best 18-6 on the road during the regular season and 7-1 away from home following a loss.’