Ol' Bag of Donuts » Andy Reid

Packers move to Rodgers allowed Eagles to gamble with Kolb

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:01:04 +0000

We’re going to be adding a new weekly feature at OBOD now that the season has begun. Every Tuesday (the players’ off day) we’ll be running a column on the Green Bay Packers’ upcoming opponent for that week. It may or may not touch on the Packers at all, but sometimes, of course, it will. This won’t necessarily replace my weekly humor post, but those won’t be running quite as often.

Why? It’s hard to come up with something funny every week. Who am I, Dane Cook?

(Wait – I’m way funnier than Dane Cook.)

ANYways, this week we will be discussing the Philadelphia Eagles. Enjoy.

With Aaron Rodgers gracing the cover of seemingly every NFL-related magazine on the planet, being touted as everyone’s preseason MVP and sitting at the controls for a popular Super Bowl pick, it’s easy to forget one simple fact:

He was almost universally disliked by Packers fans for the first two-plus years of his career.

His selection in the first round of the 2005 draft made no sense to us, the Packers a playoff team the year before and surely needing help elsewhere (plus, there was that Favre guy that we sort of worshipped). His on-field performance was initially bleak, as well, Rodgers showing little command of an NFL offense and exhibiting poor body language and a tendency for injury.

Then came the 2007 preseason. Indeed, this was the first time we all saw the potential Rodgers had. His performance against Dallas that year, subbing for an injured Favre, gave us even more hope. This – and other things – led Packers management to stick with Rodgers over Favre in the summer of 2008, even with the aging diva doing everything he could to get the team to chuck the youngster aside.

It’s not a move that could have – or even would have – been copied by many NFL teams. A lot needs to be in place to make such a decision.

The Philadelphia Eagles decided they had more than enough in place to copy what Green Bay did two years ago. As a result, they replaced aging quarterback Donovan McNabb with Kevin Kolb in an experiment that officially begins Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field against the Packers (couldn’t have scripted that last part better if you tried).

The situations mirror each other so perfectly, you have to think the Eagles studied the Favre/Rodgers switch with a bit more than a passing interest (no pun intended). Upon doing so, they likely asked themselves the following questions:

Has McNabb peaked as a player in the same way Favre had?

Answer: Undoubtedly. McNabb was certainly a very good – if not truly elite – quarterback for a long period of time. McNabb led the Eagles to eight playoff appearances, including five trips to the NFC Championship Game and one Super Bowl berth, a loss to New England in 2005.

His play hadn’t necessarily slipped a great deal in recent years, but he appeared to have leveled off, throwing 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2008 and 22/10 in those same categories last year. His completion percentages over that span? 60.4 and 60.3. On top of that, his ability to hurt defenses with his scrambling – a huge part of his success – had gone way down as he totaled just 287 yards rushing over the past two seasons (147 and 140, respectively, again eerily similar).

That would have been more acceptible to the Eagles, I’m guessing, if McNabb was doing well in the postseason. But he really wasn’t, recording just one out-and-out good showing over Philly’s last four playoff games (a 375-yard, three-touchdown performance in the ‘09 NFC title game loss at Arizona). Like the Packers deciding Favre was never going to change, particularly in the postseason, the Eagles decided the soon-to-be 34-year old McNabb was never going to hit another level.

Had Kolb shown enough in his limited playing time to warrant such a change, the way Rodgers had?

Answer: Clearly. In fact, Kolb – who also sat for three seasons before being named starter – may have shown a little more. In two starts last year for the injured McNabb – another factor in this whole process: McNabb had trouble staying healthy – Kolb completed nearly 65 percent of his passes for over 700 yards, with four touchdowns and three picks. He went 1-1, beating lowly Kansas City but losing to New Orleans. Compare that to what the Packers had seen from Rodgers, which was basically two-and-a-half quarters of regular season football.

Some may laugh when told that a team is going to ditch a proven player for a youngster based off of two games, but in the NFL, two games can go a long way in such decision-making, particularly at quarterback. After all, if Kolb fared that well in his first two games, he’d only get better, right? Not saying I necessarily agree with such a thought process, but that is how it goes a lot of times.

Is the team going in a younger direction, anyways, making Kolb a better fit the way Rodgers was?

Answer: You bet. McNabb, like Favre before him, sat back and watched as the players he had come to know and be friends with were shipped out in favor of younger models, particularly on his side of the ball. Players like tight end Brent Celek, wideouts DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin and running back LeSean McCoy are all 25 and younger. Think they relate better to the now 26-year old Kolb or McNabb?

Granted, McNabb made that work, at times, much like Favre did towards the end in Green Bay. But make no mistake: There was a gap between Favre and his youthful weapons, all of whom seemed to care for Rodgers much more (probably because he actually talked to them, but that’s just my theory). To read much of what came out of Philly after the McNabb trade – here’s an example – it sounded like a similar story was happening there. Chemistry matters more in the NFL than in any other sport, particularly how a team vibes with its quarterback. The vibe is much stronger with Kolb.

Do the men calling the shots in Philly have decent enough job security, the way Ted Thompson, Mike McCarthy and Mark Murphy had?

Answer: I’d sure say so. Andy Reid and the rest of the Eagles’ front office are well-entrenched. In fact, only Tennessee’s Jeff Fisher (1994) has been running his team longer than Reid.

With that kind of security, Reid is bound to be given some leeway with Kolb. Even if his first couple of seasons aren’t that good, Reid isn’t going anywhere, especially when you consider Kolb is only the second quarterback he’s ever had. Reid would likely get at least one more shot with a new quarterback before the team decided to pull the plug. Think of all the guys Mike Shanahan went through, post-John Elway, before he finally got the boot.

When you’ve built up the credibility of an Andy Reid, you should be allowed to replace an aging player, even one as important as McNabb. Now, if this fails, a good deal of Reid’s credibility goes with it, but he has it now – like Thompson, McCarthy and Murphy did two years ago – and decided to use it. Can’t fault him there.

Lastly, how will the switch go over with the fans?

Answer: Much better than it did in Green Bay. Though many Philly fans did not like the selection of Kolb in the 2007 draft – I don’t know that many Eagles fans, but a friend of mine is from south Jersey and he does and the guys he knows hated it – many were never really in love with McNabb. Let me rephrase that, actually – a lot of them never even liked McNabb. Despite his many successes, he was always quick to be booed by the home faithful on even mediocre days. Although Philly fans are notoriously brutal to almost everyone, anyways.

That put the Eagles in a much easier position than the Packers were in in 2008, having to ship away the most beloved player in team history. Fans there have not reacted with anywhere near the same brutality as Packers fans did back then. Remember, some of you actually booed Rodgers during the “Family Night” scrimmage that year, a truly shameful display if there ever was one (I guess we do have something in common with Philly fans, after all).

When you add it all up, the timing was perfect for the Eagles to make such a switch. In fact, it was never going to be better, if you really think about it.

The Packers have looked like geniuses for how they handled the switch. The Eagles? Well, starting Sunday, they’re going to find out.

-Chris Lempesis

Quick thoughts on the McNabb trade

admin — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:32:30 +0000

Yes, yes, I know this is a Green Bay Packers blog.

Nevertheless, I figured I’d offer up some quick thoughts on tonight’s announcement that quarterback Donovan McNabb has been traded from Philadelphia to Washington for a second round pick this year and either a third or fourth round pick next year. After all, the trade does involve two NFC teams (who play in the same division, which makes this trade even more shocking) and, like we’ve always said, we at OBOD like to focus on league-wide news from time-to-time.

(Oh, by the way, happy Easter everyone!)

The first thought that comes to mind on this trade: The Eagles better be damn sure Kevin Kolb is a winner. Because while McNabb has only made it to one Super Bowl – which he lost – despite five trips to the NFC Championship Game, the fact remains that he’s made it to five NFC Championship Games. He’s still a top 10 quarterback who, at age 33, likely has at least three very good seasons left in him. Kolb, on the other hand, is still very much an unknown. If he can play, the Eagles should be just fine. If Kolb bombs, head coach Andy Reid won’t be long for Philly - even if he has that new extension in his back pocket.

For Washington, this is ultimately a very good deal. While I like Jason Campbell (he’s never really been given a fair shake, mainly due to consistently subpar supporting casts), McNabb is a massive upgrade. If things work out for him there, he’ll probably sign an extension – this is the last year of his contract – and the Redskins will have a nice three or four year window to do some good things. If things don’t work out, Washington can simply franchise him and trade him next spring, in effect re-gaining whatever it gave up to get him. In other words, a no-lose proposition.

For the NFC East, as a whole, this trade makes New York and Dallas the teams to beat as of now. Philly will likely take, at the very least, a small step back. Washington will be better, no question, but McNabb alone can only do so much (subpar offensive line, lack of real playmakers at the skill positions, etc.).

Finally, for the NFL, this trade is a grand slam as it gives the league two more games that are guaranteed to draw massive ratings next season. Somewhere, Roger Goodell is smiling.

-Chris Lempesis

Regular season game fifteen vs. Seattle: Time to look ahead

admin — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 07:24:02 +0000

The Green Bay Packers are in the playoffs.

You know what? I’m going to say that one again, this time with feeling:

THE GREEN BAY PACKERS ARE IN THE (EXPLETIVE DELETED) PLAYOFFS!

YES!!

Sunday’s 48-10 home demolition of the woeful Seattle Seahawks – what’s happened to THEM? – combined with a New York Giants loss puts the now 10-5 Packers back in the posteason after a one year absence.

The game itself was a mini-vacation to bizzaro world – A.J. Hawk and Jarrett Bush had interceptions and Brandon Jackson and Ahman Green combined for four touchdowns, after all – so we won’t really be focusing on that.

Instead, let’s take a look ahead at the possible playoff opponents for the Packers. Things won’t fully shake out until late Sunday afternoon next week – the numerous scenarios are truly mind-boggling as Gene and I figured out on the phone Sunday night - but for now there are four possible opponents for Green Bay. And here they are, ranked by least-to-most fearful:

Arizona Cardinals, 10-5, winners of the NFC West – The Cardinals, who will play the Pack next week, present some difficult matchups, no question about it. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin form the best receiver tandem in the game, Kurt Warner can pick defenses apart with his quick release and the defense is much better than it gets credit for. Plus, this group knows how to win in January. It’s still weird to say that about the Cards, but it’s true. On the other hand, the Cards don’t present much of a threat in the ground game, offensively (27th in rushing) or defensively (19th in run defense). The Packers’ ever-improving run game could take advantage there, allowing Green Bay to eat time up and keep the offense off the field. When Arizona’s offense is on the field, Warner is pretty immobile and prone to turning the ball over at times. The Packers could be able to tee off on Warner, as he plays behind a somewhat shaky offensive line.
Dallas Cowboys, 10-5, second place in NFC East – The Cowboys clinched a spot with their win over the Washington Redskins on Sunday night. A win over Philadelphia next week will give Dallas the division. The Cowboys seem to have pulled themselves out of their usual December nosedive, Tony Romo is playing better ball as of late and the front seven can still wreak havoc for opposing offenses. Plus, as Gene likes to say, the mob refs will be in the house for the first playoff game at Jerry Jones’ new palace. Don’t discount the trouble that could cause. On the other hand, Green Bay already proved it could beat Dallas (a 17-7 win in early November saved the Pack’s season). Outside of Jason Whitten and Miles Austin, Dallas doesn’t have much in the way of gamebreaking talent on offense. Quick throws and timely running can stifle the Cowboys’ pass rush. Finally, with all the pressure that will surely be on Romo and head coach Wade Phillips, don’t you think a quick 10-0 or 14-3 deficit would cause Dallas to fall apart fast? I sure do.
Minnesota Vikings, 11-3, winners of the NFC North – Believe it or not, the Packers could be in for round three versus Judas in the first round of the playoffs. Just thinking about that almost makes my head explode. Can you imagine? Anyways, obviously we know about the troubles Minnesota presents. In two wins over Green Bay this year, the Vikings got stellar efforts from Judas, the receivers and the offensive line. The defense was pretty good, too, particularly in rushing Aaron Rodgers. On the other hand, this would not be the same Vikings team Green Bay saw earlier. Judas is doing his usual December flopping act (plus, there’s trouble in paradise between him and head coach Brad Childress). Adrian Peterson is still being shutdown far too often. Percy Harvin’s medical issues take away a key Judas target. Most importantly, the defense is not the same monster it was. The front four is tiring considerably as the season goes on and E.J. Henderson’s gruesome knee injury took away the leader of the defense. Most importantly, the Packers proved to themselves in the second half of the second game that they could indeed play with Minnesota. They didn’t know that before, in my mind. A third meeting would give them a chance to see that through.
Philadelphia Eagles, 11-4, first place in the NFC East – Without question, the worst possible matchup for the Packers in the first round. Donovan McNabb can still avoid pressure with the best of them and is usually great in January. The defense thrives on pressure and turnovers (much like Green Bay). What scares me the most, though, is the overall offensive speed Philly has. I’m not knocking Green Bay’s defense or anything, but let’s be honest: It’s not the fastest group you’ve ever seen. You saw Minnesota take advantage of that twice already this season. I mean, I see the name DeSean Jackson and I see six catches, 131 yards and two scores against the Packers’ defense. Jeremy Maclin is also a burner and Brent Celek has emerged as a top-five tight end this season. On the other hand, the Eagles haven’t really beaten anybody special as their four biggest wins have come over New York (twice), a Matt Ryan-less Atlanta and Denver. There might not be a playoff team in that bunch if Denver misses out. Philly is also not much of a threat to run the ball, healthy Brian Westbrook or not, and head coach Andy Reid can get tight in big games. A game with the Eagles would almost surely be a high-scoring affair, which could play into Green Bay’s hands because of its ability to run the ball.

Anyway you slice it, the Packers will be in for a fight. It’s the playoffs, after all.

But ever since the loss to Tampa Bay – seven weeks ago, essentially a lifetime in the NFL – the Packers have shown an ability to fight, an ability to battle back from adversity. They’re mentally prepared for what they will face.

So, in the end, maybe we shouldn’t worry so much about our young, sometimes bipolar, Packers. Maybe we shouldn’t worry at all.

Our squad is in the playoffs. The season is already a smashing success.

I know I’m smiling.

-Chris Lempesis

Favre/Childress spat a study in egos gone wild

admin — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:18:32 +0000

(Please note: I was originally planning on writing my Christmas list for the Green Bay Packers as my usual lighthearted Tuesday post. But then Sunday night happened in Charlotte, North Carolina. And, well, that’s just too good to pass up.)

Well, well, well – it looks as though there’s a little lover’s spat going on here in Minneapolis, doesn’t there?

Seems Minnesota Vikings’ head coach Brad Childress and Judas aren’t getting along.

(No, you know what? Scratch that. It’s the holidays. I’m in a giving mood. For just this once, I’m going to refer to him as – gasp! – Brett Favre.)

Childress and Favre got into a verbal sparring match on the sidelines during Minnesota’s blowout loss to Carolina on Sunday night. Apparently, Childress wanted to bench Favre – who had been taking a pounding at the hands of the Panthers’ defense – even though the Vikings held just a 7-6 lead at that point. Favre, as per usual, was having none of that. He got his way, stayed in the game and continued to take a beating. The result? The second loss in three games for the previously 10-1 Vikings.

An argument between a coach and player – even one as massive as Favre – doesn’t make for much of a story. This is the NFL; things get heated.

Now, though, we’re finding out that Childress unleashed a “profanity-laced tirade” at Favre in private well after the game Sunday night and that Childress actually tried to bench Favre for changing a play call in the first game against our beloved Green Bay Packers on Oct. 5.

Now, we would seem to have a story…until you consider that what’s happening between the two was inevitable. Both men have massive egos and both have won their share of public battles in the past.

Childress first came to public knowledge when he, as offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, got into a heated argument with Terrell Owens after a practice in 2005. Philly head coach Andy Reid stood by Childress. The team de-activated Owens for the rest of the season, essentially ending his time in Philly.

Then, as one of his first acts as head coach in Minnesota, Childress got into a public war of words with then-star quarterback Daunte Culpepper over a multitude of factors. Childress again was victorious – Vikings’ ownership took his side – and Culpepper was pretty much done in purple.

We all know Favre’s history. In short, the man slayed everyone who dared stand in his path ever since Mike Holmgren bolted for Seattle. Ted Thompson, Mike McCarthy and Mark Murphy were the first to stand up to him in quite some time. Well, we all saw how Favre reacted there, didn’t we?

(But his behavior was, and still is, okay to some “Packers fans” because Favre plays the game like a little kid and he seems like someone they’d know.)

In other words, it was only a matter of time before the two turned on each other in some sort of weird, “Who has the biggest ego?” contest. The team was winning week-in and week-out and there was only going to be so much credit to go around.

In Childress’ mind, he likely can’t stand that Favre got ALL the praise for the Vikings’ great start. After all, Minnesota won a division title last season without Favre. Plus, if you look at the team’s progression with him as head coach, winning more than 10 games this year was a possibility, anyways (the Vikings have gone from six wins to eight wins to 10 wins in his three previous seasons heading into 2009).

And, hey, didn’t Childress just get a long-term contract extension from the team? Why would the team do that if the wins were all on Favre?

In Favre’s redneck noggin, it’s the same old song and dance. He makes this offense go. He allows them to score points in a way Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels could never dream of. He puts the defense in a spot to pin its ears back and rush the passer. It’s not about anyone else. It’s all about him. Hell, he probably believes that roughly half of Childress’ new money should go directly into his bank account.

Neither man is right, really. Both have acted like idiots, again and again. But if you’re asking the question of who is most to blame for things ending up this way, you have to point the finger directly at Childress. He’s the one who has repeatedly let Favre get away with pretty much whatever he wanted.

He set deadlines for a decision last summer. Repeatedly. Favre laughed those off. Repeatedly.

Favre said he was done. No comeback in purple. Childress said the door was closed. The team had moved on.

Favre changed his mind. He wanted in. Not only did Childress accept him with open arms – essentially throwing Jackson and Rosenfels under the bus in the most public of ways – he picked Favre up at the airport!

Before Favre had even taken a practice snap, he KNEW this organization was wrapped around his finger. And when Favre started winning games at an insane pace – causing every Vikings fan that had spent the previous 15 or so years cursing his name to run out and buy a purple No. 4 jersey – Childress really had no shot to reign him in.

That was never going to change, good times or bad. If Childress thought losing two of three would, all of a sudden, allow him the opportunity to get tough on a now struggling Favre, he was a fool. Favre is way sharper than he ever gets credit for, publicly. And in his mind, once he owns you, you’re there forever.

(Can’t you just see Childress screaming profanities at Favre as he sits there with a blank look on his face, Childress’ voice sounding similar to that of the teacher on “Charlie Brown” in Favre’s head?)

It’s not just Childress, either. The Minnesota Vikings are entirely Brett Favre’s team now. They’ll follow his lead – straight to hell or otherwise.

-Chris Lempesis