AFATT is... All Eagles All The Time
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Eagle Nation: The Loyal
Opposition's State of the
Team address
Rick Tarell January 28, 2008
I don’t know of any sport in America
that brings such a sense of
devotion, frustration, anger and
outright love for their chosen team
than in the game of football. It
occurs at almost every level at which
the game is played. From Pop
Warner, through High School and
College and then culminating at the
NFL level, football is followed and
focused upon by fans from every
socio-economic segment of the
USA. Those outside this wide and
numerous slice of our society look
upon this “fan-atic” notion with
disdain, some with disgust. We
football devotees look at them as
wimps and fools.
We at AFATT feel an emptiness, a
forlorn sense of loss from mid-
February to the end of July, with a
brief flurry of excitement in late April.
From this passion, AFATT was born
and AFATT knows how deeply felt
this is to those of us who live for the
best game in the world. We’re here
to help fill the gap and prepare for
the NFL Draft.
Ok, so why this short passion plea
and gut-deep grab for your
understanding? Because I am a torn
man! As an Eagle fan from birth, I
am starving for the NFL
Championship! We claim it! We
need it! We deserve it! We’re so
very tired of hearing about “next
year” and “…need just one or two
more guys to fill the gaps.”
I speak for all of us in Eagle
Nation…we’ve been loyal, patient,
loud and there. Abused and
maligned as the “worst” fans in the
world and on and on, I write what we
are feeling about ourselves and how
our team relates to us. Right now, I
am getting the sense that we all feel
we’re the “Loyal Opposition”. We
want to believe, want get behind the
company line, support blindly and
cheer endlessly no matter what.
BUT WE CAN’T BECAUSE WE’RE
TIRED OF THE “ALMOST THERE”
MANTRA!!
We have a great organization and a
support staff that is second to none.
We have some of the very best
athletes in the entire league and
have done well above norm in all the
business and talent portions of the
game, including the NFL Draft. So
what is up…why have we been the
perennial “almost there” team?
Great teams, those that win
Championships, bring the same
preparation, skill, planning and most
importantly, passion every single
game. That is what the Eagles DO
NOT DO!!! I have analyzed and
reviewed games, read the material,
et al. And as I look back on the ’07
season and the last 30-40 past
seasons as well, here is my
conclusion.
The Eagle NFL draft will be at least
grade B again, acquisitions from the
available crop of free agents will be
adequate and cap friendly and all
will appear to be positive in Eagle
Nation by June 3rd.
Except for those of us who
know…which in the case of Eagle
fans is the vast majority of us…that
if Andy Reid doesn’t begin to
emphasize the importance of fire
and ire and our team leaders fail
bring the same passion as their fans
bring every game, we’ll be here next
year with the same sense of loss,
emptiness and frustration that has
been repeated for the last four
decades…damn – almost there. Just
wait until next year!!
That’s why I feel like the Loyal
Opposition. As you see, the
passion is building for next year
even now. Fire them up Andy!!
Please, for all of us!!!
The detailed Eagle pre-draft report
and 2008 NFL mock draft is coming
in the next week. See you then.
Because Rick.Eagle and AFATT
Says So...
Opposition's State of the
Team address
Rick Tarell January 28, 2008
I don’t know of any sport in America
that brings such a sense of
devotion, frustration, anger and
outright love for their chosen team
than in the game of football. It
occurs at almost every level at which
the game is played. From Pop
Warner, through High School and
College and then culminating at the
NFL level, football is followed and
focused upon by fans from every
socio-economic segment of the
USA. Those outside this wide and
numerous slice of our society look
upon this “fan-atic” notion with
disdain, some with disgust. We
football devotees look at them as
wimps and fools.
We at AFATT feel an emptiness, a
forlorn sense of loss from mid-
February to the end of July, with a
brief flurry of excitement in late April.
From this passion, AFATT was born
and AFATT knows how deeply felt
this is to those of us who live for the
best game in the world. We’re here
to help fill the gap and prepare for
the NFL Draft.
Ok, so why this short passion plea
and gut-deep grab for your
understanding? Because I am a torn
man! As an Eagle fan from birth, I
am starving for the NFL
Championship! We claim it! We
need it! We deserve it! We’re so
very tired of hearing about “next
year” and “…need just one or two
more guys to fill the gaps.”
I speak for all of us in Eagle
Nation…we’ve been loyal, patient,
loud and there. Abused and
maligned as the “worst” fans in the
world and on and on, I write what we
are feeling about ourselves and how
our team relates to us. Right now, I
am getting the sense that we all feel
we’re the “Loyal Opposition”. We
want to believe, want get behind the
company line, support blindly and
cheer endlessly no matter what.
BUT WE CAN’T BECAUSE WE’RE
TIRED OF THE “ALMOST THERE”
MANTRA!!
We have a great organization and a
support staff that is second to none.
We have some of the very best
athletes in the entire league and
have done well above norm in all the
business and talent portions of the
game, including the NFL Draft. So
what is up…why have we been the
perennial “almost there” team?
Great teams, those that win
Championships, bring the same
preparation, skill, planning and most
importantly, passion every single
game. That is what the Eagles DO
NOT DO!!! I have analyzed and
reviewed games, read the material,
et al. And as I look back on the ’07
season and the last 30-40 past
seasons as well, here is my
conclusion.
The Eagle NFL draft will be at least
grade B again, acquisitions from the
available crop of free agents will be
adequate and cap friendly and all
will appear to be positive in Eagle
Nation by June 3rd.
Except for those of us who
know…which in the case of Eagle
fans is the vast majority of us…that
if Andy Reid doesn’t begin to
emphasize the importance of fire
and ire and our team leaders fail
bring the same passion as their fans
bring every game, we’ll be here next
year with the same sense of loss,
emptiness and frustration that has
been repeated for the last four
decades…damn – almost there. Just
wait until next year!!
That’s why I feel like the Loyal
Opposition. As you see, the
passion is building for next year
even now. Fire them up Andy!!
Please, for all of us!!!
The detailed Eagle pre-draft report
and 2008 NFL mock draft is coming
in the next week. See you then.
Because Rick.Eagle and AFATT
Says So...
Is "Eaglegate" Coming?
Rick Tarell February 29, 2008
I hope the Eagles don’t get caught
up in the circus that is Patriot’s
Spygate. There's no real issue
here that will benefit our team, just
politicians, talking heads and ad
salesmen.
Senator Arlen Specter from
Pennsylvania, ex-prosecutor and
long time Senate Judiciary
Committee powerhouse, had his
long awaited meeting recently with
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell,
and guess what; nothing was
resolved or clarified as per the
Senator. Though, Arlen did get an
opportunity for face time on
television and some newspaper
headlines.
My view is that all this is nonsense
except the part that quoted
Belichick as saying he thought what
he was doing was legal and not a
breach of the rules...WHAT! He
can't believe anyone would believe
that right? Well, the Commissioner
did. What a snow job. But when
asked, both Banner and Reid said
there was nothing to it and the
Eagles weren't cheated...that's all I
need to hear - let's get on with it.
DT Mike Patterson caught with pot
in the car with his brother...now that
is a problem! Reid has enough to
deal with from last season's fiasco
with his kids and drugs and now
one of his #1 picks disrespects both
him and his teammates with this
stupid incident. Coach Reid is in a
lose - lose deal here. If he's too
harsh, he is over-reacting because
of his past situation with his kids
and it implies that such things have
affected his judgment - now or in
the past. If he's too soft, he's under-
reacting due to the diversion from
his family issues and is not the
disciplinarian he needs to be to
control his team and the players on
it. Thanks Patterson! You did a
great service to your team, your
coach, your teammates, the fans
and the city. Hope it was good pot
and worth the probable millions it'll
end up costing you as the years go
by! I guess we know why he has
underperformed.
All the draft and free agent talk
seems to be that Reid and Co will
improve the defense first, then go
after the "weapons" Donovan asked
for at the end of the season. Who
we release and who is targeted are
pure conjecture. Except we no know
that Jevon Kearse was released to
make some room...good ridden.
Howard is gone as well and the
same to him...have a great career
elsewhere - we need pass rushers
and CB's and Safety's and... well we
need a very active free agency and
the Eagles should draft for those
spots. I say it will go like this: CB,
DE and OT in the NFL Draft; S, WR
and TE in free agency.
More NFL Draft and free agency a
bit later. I'll add to this as time goes
on - but it's been somewhat quiet
(except for the Patterson mess). It'll
heat up soon and AFATT will be on
it.
Because Rick.Eagle and AFATT
Says So...
Rick Tarell February 29, 2008
I hope the Eagles don’t get caught
up in the circus that is Patriot’s
Spygate. There's no real issue
here that will benefit our team, just
politicians, talking heads and ad
salesmen.
Senator Arlen Specter from
Pennsylvania, ex-prosecutor and
long time Senate Judiciary
Committee powerhouse, had his
long awaited meeting recently with
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell,
and guess what; nothing was
resolved or clarified as per the
Senator. Though, Arlen did get an
opportunity for face time on
television and some newspaper
headlines.
My view is that all this is nonsense
except the part that quoted
Belichick as saying he thought what
he was doing was legal and not a
breach of the rules...WHAT! He
can't believe anyone would believe
that right? Well, the Commissioner
did. What a snow job. But when
asked, both Banner and Reid said
there was nothing to it and the
Eagles weren't cheated...that's all I
need to hear - let's get on with it.
DT Mike Patterson caught with pot
in the car with his brother...now that
is a problem! Reid has enough to
deal with from last season's fiasco
with his kids and drugs and now
one of his #1 picks disrespects both
him and his teammates with this
stupid incident. Coach Reid is in a
lose - lose deal here. If he's too
harsh, he is over-reacting because
of his past situation with his kids
and it implies that such things have
affected his judgment - now or in
the past. If he's too soft, he's under-
reacting due to the diversion from
his family issues and is not the
disciplinarian he needs to be to
control his team and the players on
it. Thanks Patterson! You did a
great service to your team, your
coach, your teammates, the fans
and the city. Hope it was good pot
and worth the probable millions it'll
end up costing you as the years go
by! I guess we know why he has
underperformed.
All the draft and free agent talk
seems to be that Reid and Co will
improve the defense first, then go
after the "weapons" Donovan asked
for at the end of the season. Who
we release and who is targeted are
pure conjecture. Except we no know
that Jevon Kearse was released to
make some room...good ridden.
Howard is gone as well and the
same to him...have a great career
elsewhere - we need pass rushers
and CB's and Safety's and... well we
need a very active free agency and
the Eagles should draft for those
spots. I say it will go like this: CB,
DE and OT in the NFL Draft; S, WR
and TE in free agency.
More NFL Draft and free agency a
bit later. I'll add to this as time goes
on - but it's been somewhat quiet
(except for the Patterson mess). It'll
heat up soon and AFATT will be on
it.
Because Rick.Eagle and AFATT
Says So...
Eagles Land Samuel
Rick Tarell March 2, 2008
As the free agent feeding frenzy
opened this week, Eagle fans were
treated to action and success. Reid
and Co. pulled the trigger on
Asante Samuel (the Patriots'
interception machine and
"shutdown" corner) and Chris
Clemons (the undersized DE and
sack specialist from Oakland) and
immediately improved the defense
that many believe let them down
last year.
The Birds had the worst season of
the Reid era with regards to
turnover ratio, defensive scores
and interceptions, not the least
caused by the intermittent and
injury plagued seasons of two pro
bowl players, S - Brian Dawkins and
CB - Lito Sheppard. By committing
to increasing the pressure on
NFC-East QB's, which the Giants
showed was the way to victory
against any and all opponents in
last year's playoffs, it just proves
the Eagles are paying attention.
Pressure on the QB will humble
even the "most potent offenses",
especially those prematurely
crowned as best ever and all that
hogwash.
Samuel is the real deal, probably in
the top three of prize free agents
for 2008. He ended the Eagles
chances for a major upset against
New England, and Reid and
Johnson went into the off season
looking to turn that around for the
Eagles. The Eagles have been
burned by size "A" WRs who we
have to play two times every year.
The reason I like the signing is what
Samuel brings from the desire, will
to win, work ethic and leadership
side of the equation. How this works
out with Lito taking an immediate
back seat (Reid and Johnson have
already penciled Samuel as starting
Left CB - Lito's spot) is not what a
Pro bowl player (sans multiple injury
plagued seasons) wants to hear. I
also wonder how the ever burnable
Sheldon Brown will react on the
other side of the field. Is there
writing on his wall too? Probably,
and it will be addressed in the draft
this year so the Coach has
continued his strategic plan of
bringing competition to heighten
pressure on the players already
there. Of course that's not unique,
but many teams won't bring in
players that are specifically there to
push quality, proven veterans. It
sends a message that serious
veterans take to heart.
Thus he seeks out and gets Chris
Clemons to push, among others,
Victor Abiamiri and the rest of the
underachievers at the Defensive
line spots. Dumping Jevon Kearse
and Darren Howard (and most likely
Jerome McDougle and Kimo von
Oelhoffen as well) reinforces that
message. That house cleaning may
even include Mike Patterson after
his latest pot incident, but Mike had
no prior issues and chances are
this will be a lesson learned...I'm not
sure the Coach will give him that
chance - we'll see? Yes Trent Cole
had a great year but when he was
doubled or isolated nothing came
up front that amounted to game
changing plays and pressure.
Clemons had 8 sacks and only
played about 1/3 of the defensive
plays while in Oakland and is
undersized to say the least. It is his
motor and desire which got Banner,
Reid and Johnson's attention.
Clemons was signed to press that
button and the stage is set for the
next big moves...getting Donovan
his "weapons" to take us over the
hump to SB contenders, not
pretenders with potential. Maybe he
read the Eagle Nation column in
AFATT and has a feel for how
frustrated the "almost there" mantra
has played with the city and the
fans and will spike the "fire and ire"
motivation our team needs to bring
every single week and every single
play!!
I sure was wrong in my last note,
the positions we went after were
right but I was 180 degrees off on
where we'd get them. Oh well, I
don't care how they get here, just
get the pieces Coach and make it
work. We all await the next moves
on the offensive side of the ball and
I know they are coming. Using the
Franchise tag on L.J. Smith is good
news...for him too. We need a
tough, brusing FB, some depth and
speed on the O-Line and of course,
a BIG, FAST WR!!
We watch and wait...
Because Rick.Eagle and AFATT
Says So...
Rick Tarell March 2, 2008
As the free agent feeding frenzy
opened this week, Eagle fans were
treated to action and success. Reid
and Co. pulled the trigger on
Asante Samuel (the Patriots'
interception machine and
"shutdown" corner) and Chris
Clemons (the undersized DE and
sack specialist from Oakland) and
immediately improved the defense
that many believe let them down
last year.
The Birds had the worst season of
the Reid era with regards to
turnover ratio, defensive scores
and interceptions, not the least
caused by the intermittent and
injury plagued seasons of two pro
bowl players, S - Brian Dawkins and
CB - Lito Sheppard. By committing
to increasing the pressure on
NFC-East QB's, which the Giants
showed was the way to victory
against any and all opponents in
last year's playoffs, it just proves
the Eagles are paying attention.
Pressure on the QB will humble
even the "most potent offenses",
especially those prematurely
crowned as best ever and all that
hogwash.
Samuel is the real deal, probably in
the top three of prize free agents
for 2008. He ended the Eagles
chances for a major upset against
New England, and Reid and
Johnson went into the off season
looking to turn that around for the
Eagles. The Eagles have been
burned by size "A" WRs who we
have to play two times every year.
The reason I like the signing is what
Samuel brings from the desire, will
to win, work ethic and leadership
side of the equation. How this works
out with Lito taking an immediate
back seat (Reid and Johnson have
already penciled Samuel as starting
Left CB - Lito's spot) is not what a
Pro bowl player (sans multiple injury
plagued seasons) wants to hear. I
also wonder how the ever burnable
Sheldon Brown will react on the
other side of the field. Is there
writing on his wall too? Probably,
and it will be addressed in the draft
this year so the Coach has
continued his strategic plan of
bringing competition to heighten
pressure on the players already
there. Of course that's not unique,
but many teams won't bring in
players that are specifically there to
push quality, proven veterans. It
sends a message that serious
veterans take to heart.
Thus he seeks out and gets Chris
Clemons to push, among others,
Victor Abiamiri and the rest of the
underachievers at the Defensive
line spots. Dumping Jevon Kearse
and Darren Howard (and most likely
Jerome McDougle and Kimo von
Oelhoffen as well) reinforces that
message. That house cleaning may
even include Mike Patterson after
his latest pot incident, but Mike had
no prior issues and chances are
this will be a lesson learned...I'm not
sure the Coach will give him that
chance - we'll see? Yes Trent Cole
had a great year but when he was
doubled or isolated nothing came
up front that amounted to game
changing plays and pressure.
Clemons had 8 sacks and only
played about 1/3 of the defensive
plays while in Oakland and is
undersized to say the least. It is his
motor and desire which got Banner,
Reid and Johnson's attention.
Clemons was signed to press that
button and the stage is set for the
next big moves...getting Donovan
his "weapons" to take us over the
hump to SB contenders, not
pretenders with potential. Maybe he
read the Eagle Nation column in
AFATT and has a feel for how
frustrated the "almost there" mantra
has played with the city and the
fans and will spike the "fire and ire"
motivation our team needs to bring
every single week and every single
play!!
I sure was wrong in my last note,
the positions we went after were
right but I was 180 degrees off on
where we'd get them. Oh well, I
don't care how they get here, just
get the pieces Coach and make it
work. We all await the next moves
on the offensive side of the ball and
I know they are coming. Using the
Franchise tag on L.J. Smith is good
news...for him too. We need a
tough, brusing FB, some depth and
speed on the O-Line and of course,
a BIG, FAST WR!!
We watch and wait...
Because Rick.Eagle and AFATT
Says So...
Brett Favre - Special and Rare
Rick Tarell, March 5, 2008
Continuity is one of the most stabilizing and motivating factors to all football fans - young and old. Continuity in the NFL has been
seriously eroded since free agency’s arrival in 1993. You know what I mean…having the same players on the roster to know and
cheer for, same coaching staff to build hope behind and strategize with each season, same great team stars and leaders to root for
and buy jerseys to emulate. Nostalgia is a big part of why the game brings so much emotion and passion to its devoted fans. The
modern game has taken much of that away from the average fan. Teams dump, trade or fire coaches, veteran players and fan
favorites regularly –always behind the mantra “we didn’t really want to do it but we had to for the good of the organization.” Business
as usual in the 21st century NFL. But there are very, very few players that epitomize the notion of continuity and carry it for the entire
game and all those involved…all teams, all players, all coaches, all owners. Maybe there is only one...at least I think so.
Brett Favre was that very special and very rare player. But this isn't a eulogy, it's a respectful tribute.
Brett Favre was unique and stood for the best the game and the league had to offer. He was the NFL’s image, it’s conscience and
it’s most visible ambassador. Continuity was his hallmark - especially the remarkable 275 consecutive games started! And it is both
prophetic and profound that it was always with the Green Bay Packers...another NFL icon. Forget the rest of his records, of which
there are so many they’ve become an afterthought. Hall of Fame? No doubt. Best ever – probably, when viewed over the entire
career. Accolades galore could be listed here, but why? On this week of Brett Favre’s retirement, there is sense of loss that can’t be
filled. He brought to this game the one thing we all admire, envy and hope for…the pure and innocent fun of it all! He was football!
Favre transcended team loyalties, had fans everywhere and although fittingly a Packer, he is the guy non-football sports fans know
and yes, loved. He made it a joy to watch his play. He is irreplaceable. I dare say his records will last a very long time. But more than
anything, we will miss his continuity…that feeling that “it’ll be ok, cause Brett’ll be back to excite us all again next week…next year.”
Well, he finally succumbed to being human and just could not generate the energy of a 20 year old for the next tough NFL campaign.
And I bet he will miss it too…but not nearly as much we all will miss him.
Rick Tarell, March 5, 2008
Continuity is one of the most stabilizing and motivating factors to all football fans - young and old. Continuity in the NFL has been
seriously eroded since free agency’s arrival in 1993. You know what I mean…having the same players on the roster to know and
cheer for, same coaching staff to build hope behind and strategize with each season, same great team stars and leaders to root for
and buy jerseys to emulate. Nostalgia is a big part of why the game brings so much emotion and passion to its devoted fans. The
modern game has taken much of that away from the average fan. Teams dump, trade or fire coaches, veteran players and fan
favorites regularly –always behind the mantra “we didn’t really want to do it but we had to for the good of the organization.” Business
as usual in the 21st century NFL. But there are very, very few players that epitomize the notion of continuity and carry it for the entire
game and all those involved…all teams, all players, all coaches, all owners. Maybe there is only one...at least I think so.
Brett Favre was that very special and very rare player. But this isn't a eulogy, it's a respectful tribute.
Brett Favre was unique and stood for the best the game and the league had to offer. He was the NFL’s image, it’s conscience and
it’s most visible ambassador. Continuity was his hallmark - especially the remarkable 275 consecutive games started! And it is both
prophetic and profound that it was always with the Green Bay Packers...another NFL icon. Forget the rest of his records, of which
there are so many they’ve become an afterthought. Hall of Fame? No doubt. Best ever – probably, when viewed over the entire
career. Accolades galore could be listed here, but why? On this week of Brett Favre’s retirement, there is sense of loss that can’t be
filled. He brought to this game the one thing we all admire, envy and hope for…the pure and innocent fun of it all! He was football!
Favre transcended team loyalties, had fans everywhere and although fittingly a Packer, he is the guy non-football sports fans know
and yes, loved. He made it a joy to watch his play. He is irreplaceable. I dare say his records will last a very long time. But more than
anything, we will miss his continuity…that feeling that “it’ll be ok, cause Brett’ll be back to excite us all again next week…next year.”
Well, he finally succumbed to being human and just could not generate the energy of a 20 year old for the next tough NFL campaign.
And I bet he will miss it too…but not nearly as much we all will miss him.