Diner morning news: How Injuries can be Fatal

QUOTE: “Your success story is a bigger story than whatever you’re trying to say on stage… Success makes life easier. It doesn’t make living easier.” —Bruce Springsteen, Q magazine (August 1992)

 

As we all know, injuries in the NFL have played a huge part in deciding the eventual champions. Good teams that avoid injuries become great teams in December when the talent pool has been depleted. Some teams are devastated by injuries at certain positions, and there’s no solution to fixing the problem.

In 2005, for example, I had a conversation with then-Dallas head coach Bill Parcells about an injury to Flozell Adams, who was going to miss the remaining 10 games of the season.

We talked about how there was no long-term solution to losing a left tackle, because if a team has a player with enough talent to become a good left tackle in the NFL, he’s not sitting on the bench. He’s in the game.

I realize there have been exceptions, especially in Pittsburgh where Max Starks filled in for an oft-injured Marvel Smith at left tackle and learned to play the position on the fly. But for the most part, losing a left tackle can be fatal to a team’s success.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Head Injuries Catching Up with NFL: Something Needs To Change

If you were to ask a majority of football fans on why they enjoy watching football the majority of the answers would be to see the big hits, regardless if it’s at the college level or NFL level.

Yet, there’s something more troubling as a result of the big hits especially the hits that cause a player to have a concussion and even worse is what happens to players who have had multiple concussions.

The NFL has finally stepped in making rules that help out certain players who are in a defenseless position, yet even that has been frowned upon.

An even more scary thought is the fact that in 1994, when the NFL instituted the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Committee, the head of the committee wasn’t even a doctor who specialized in neurology.

So, when certain players looked for help after their retirement from football they weren’t able to get any disability because this committee could not find a link between concussions and dementia. The reason being is those on the committees didn’t even specialize in brain injuries, so how would they know what to look for?

Brent Boyd who played for the Minnesota Vikings for six years in the 1980’s states “Every reputable expert says that blows to the head’ll cause damage if it happens enough. The NFL happens to have the only neurologists who say the jury’s still out.”

Even further troubling was the fact that the head of this committee, Dr. Elliot Pellman, subscribed to the practice of sending players back out onto the field after having a concussion.

On Yahoo!, Michael Silver wrote most recently about Kyle Turley who suffered his most severe concussion of his career in 2003. In the article it states that Turley had lost consciousness and wasn’t even able to remember where his wife was sitting in the stands.

Even more disturbing about is what has happened recently to Turley. He passed out in a club for a few seconds. Once he returned home, he battled vertigo and uncontrollable vomiting. His wife, Stacy rushed him to the hospital where he went in and out of consciousness.

Turley describes how he felt “I was having a full-on seizure-type-thing, probably because my potassium levels were so low. I was on a table just flipping around like a fish; I was fully conscious and knew what I wanted to say, but I couldn’t speak.

“Realistically, if I hadn’t gone to the hospital, my kidneys could’ve shut down and I probably could have died. It was definitely the scariest experience of my life.”

Doctors as of now have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of the episode, but the reality is that it more than likely came from head trauma that he suffered while playing in the NFL.

One doctor believes that Turley is on his way to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Which, is what doctors believed effected Andre Waters and Justin Strzelcyzk.

On Nov. 21, 2006 Andre Waters former Philadelphia Eagle who played 12 years in the NFL was dead at the age of 44. The reason was a self-inflicted gunshot. Yet, even more disturbing was the fact that Waters had a brain of an 88-year old.

Eric Allen a former teammate of Waters had this to say about his death, “I’m still shocked and numb knowing that Andre Waters is no longer with us. He was one of the guys who helped guide me at the start of his career and he was always someone I regarded as a friend even when we weren’t on the same team.

“I know I wouldn’t have been half the player or man that I am today if not for Andre being on my team. He was a great player and a good man.

“It hurts me to know that Andre was in such a deep depression and in so much pain emotionally that he felt that taking his own life was an option. He had so much to live for and I wish he knew there were other options. I’ll miss Andre’s friendship on and off the field.”

Justin Strzelczyk died in a fiery car crash after running for 40 miles from the police. What is not mentioned in the new stories about Strzelcyzk is the fact that he had a much older brain as well.

Over the past few years we’ve seen in the news how dangerous the elderly can be who have dementia. In this case, Strzelcyk was just 36 years old and he had the brain of a much older man.

Yet, the NFL when looking at those examples stated that it was just “soft science.”

Here’s a question for the NFL what if these things start happening to Steve Young? Troy Aikman? Wayne Chrebet? Steve Wallace?

I remember watching the 49ers in the 1990s and Wallace seemed like he was always having issues with concussions. So, he had a specially designed helmet that he would wear while out on the field. Once can only imagine what his brain looks like now.

In Silver’s article, it also mentions that, according to Sean Morey, a member of the NFLPA Player and Safety Welfare Committee, 50 percent of concussions go unreported.

The NFL is looking at some new developments: a move toward uniform terminology and testing policies among team medical personnel; enhanced helmet technology; recent rule changes regarding helmet-to-helmet and other dangerous hits, and the elimination of the kickoff wedge; a “whistle-blower” hotline for players to report unsatisfactorily addressed head injuries.

There’s also an apparent push by newly elected NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith to make player-safety issues more of a priority than they were under predecessor Gene Upshaw.

But, yet this should have happened when the NFL first started that Mild Brain Injury Trauma Committee. All these developments should have already been in place at least 15 years ago when the committee came out.

It’s time for the NFL to stop playing with their players lives and start making it a safer work environment otherwise there will be more stories like Turley, Waters, and Strzelcyk.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Tomlinson, Chargers’ Offensive Line Suffer Injuries Despite Win

The San Diego Chargers saw two of their interior offensive line starters and their feature running back go down with injuries despite a comeback win over the Oakland Raiders Monday night.

Starting center Nick Hardwick and guard Louis Vasquez went down with injuries suffered during the Chargers 24-20 victory. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson injured his right ankle, and was forced to watch the Chargers’ mount their comeback from the sidelines.

Coach Norv Turner has said that he does not foresee the three players suiting up for practice Wednesday, leaving their status as starters uncertain for Week Two.

Hardwick’s injury necessitated his removal by cart, while Tomlinson and Vasquez’s injuries appeared less severe.

Running back Darren Sproles is expected to step into Tomlinson’s role as starter if LT is forced to miss the Chargers’ next game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Read the full story here.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Breaking Down NFL Injuries for Those Averting Hurt in the Fantasy Standings

It seems that every year a star NFL player suffers an injury in training camp or in a meaningless preseason game, flabbergasting everyone in the city. With that being said, it’s time to break down the key injuries around the NFL over the past couple of weeks. I, Bruno Boys Greg, will also determine whether these injuries will have an effect on the fantasy football season.

QUARTERBACKS

Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City Chiefs: The reports say he has a strained MCL, which is never good.  Also, there are conflicting reports on whether he will be able to play by Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens.  Hopefully you drafted Cassel as no more than your backup, so you can wait and see how the injury plays out the first couple weeks of the season.  With limited weapons in Kansas City, Cassel was already a hit-or-miss fantasy option and if it is the MCL, you may want to stay away from him if possible.

Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings: Favre looked good on Monday Night Football, going 13-18 for 142 yards against the Houston Texans.  The reports of a cracked rib should concern but not worry you.  Favre will never miss a game and has never let an injury get the best of him while on the football field. Despite looking like the Favre’ of old last night you are still going to want to employehim as a backup on your fantasy roster.

Kyle Orton, QB, Denver Broncos: Orton dislocated his finger in the Broncos’ third preseason game against the Chicago Bears and there are mixed reports about whether he will be ready for game action in Week 1.  Regardless, Orton should be used as a middle of the road QB2, so this injury shouldn’t change your draft day opinions on Orton. However, if you draft him in a league that starts two QB’s, make sure to monitor this situation and make a last-minute roster move if need be.

Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals: Palmer is progressing nicely and should be ready to go for Week 1.  The only concern I have is that Palmer could be rusty early on since the offense has not been able to play together since Week 1 of the preseason. Although it would be nice to sit him one game and see how he does, he has a nice match-up against a Denver Broncos defense that ranked 25th against the pass last season. Start him with confidence.

Matt Schaub, QB, Houston Texans: Schaub suffered a mild ankle strain on Monday Night Football and was able to re-enter the game.  This injury is nothing to sweat about but it should show you how fragile Schaub can be, considering he injured his ankle decelerating while running out of bounds.  I would tread lightly with this guy all season and have a solid backup ready in case he isn’t able to go some weeks.

RUNNING BACKS

Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia Eages: There have been no reports of any setbacks for Westbrook, who is coming back from surgery, this preseason.  While it may take him a game or two to get his step back, Westbrook should be fine this season.  Everyone is concerned about his age and health issues but I feel you can throw that concern out the door.  You will be able to draft him lower then he should be going and like he does every year Westbrook will reward you with big points.  Plus, if you are afraid of Westbrook breaking down, grab his mini-me, LeSean McCoy.

Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints: Reports indicate his right MCL strain is improving and should be ready for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. Despite the Saints and Thomas downplaying it, I would be a tad bit concerned over his injury.  Knee injuries are tough to rebound from and could affect his burst and power throughout the season.

Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints: He has had a successful recovery from offseason knee surgery but has been hampered by a sore calf.  Bush is electric when on the field and against all odds I am predicting this will be the year he can actually play an entire season (insert all your hate comments below).  With the doubts I have around Pierre Thomas, Bush has climbed up my draft board and is worth keeping an eye on in your league.

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Breaking Down NFL Injuries From a Fantasy Football Perspective

 

 

Oakland Raiders Could Be Sunk by Injuries

Mike Mitchell has a pulled hammy for the second time, Jon Alston gets plantar fasciitis, Kirk Morrison dislocates an elbow, and now, Nnamdi has a fractured wrist.

 

Who is going to replace him at CB if it comes to that?  Stanford Routt is a liability with his penalties and ineffectual play.  Remember, this is a guy who played very little defensive back at the University of Houston. He was drafted relatively high by Al Davis because of his track speed.  He’s been a project from day one, and he has never improved.

 

In fact, let’s just say it: He sucks as a player, and his attitude sucks too. We know this because of the incident when he refused to enter the game on a special teams assignment.

 

It is hard to believe that a professional football player would refuse to obey an instruction from the head coach. You have to believe Routt felt secure in doing so.  Whatever his reasons, it does not reflect well on him.

 

So who is left that can play CB?

 

John Bowie is not a good option. The only reason he is still on the roster is because Al Davis refuses to acknowledge he got a raw deal in the Randy Moss trade. Bowie ended up being a draft pick obtained in that trade.  It’s like squeezing blood from a turnip, as the saying goes.

 

Justin Miller (also injured currently) plays CB, but his role is more for kick returns.

 

Darrick Brown has been a laughing stock in previous camps but seems to have improved a bit. We might see him if Nnamdi can’t go.

 

Strong Safety prospect Mike Mitchell’s hamstring injury seems serious, despite his claims that he will be ready for opening day. He’s not ready to play, anyway.  He has been bad in coverage in practice.  The bottom line is that he’s not ready to make an impact.

 

Fans focusing on his big hitting ability are missing the point of what a strong safety needs to do; you have to be a complete player in reading your pass coverage and run assignments. He’d get burned if he played.

 

So right now, Tyvon Branch is all they have at strong safety, unless Michael Huff is pressed into duty. We already know that is not the best place for him.

 

We might see Huff anyway at free safety because starter Hiram Eugene’s injury seems a bit serious as well.

 

Linebacker is another liability. The only safe bet is the weak side where Thomas Howard plays very well and seems healthy.  Middle linebacker is soft with Ricky Brown playing there in the absence of Kirk Morrison.  Brown is good in pass coverage, and he is okay against the run but gets mowed down by bigger backs and blockers.

 

Jon Alston’s emergence as a decent strong side linebacker was set back by a serious foot injury.  Other than Brown, there isn’t anyone on the roster who can play a decent strong side LB.

 

Newcomer Slade Norris is struggling, and he also is injured. Other newcomer David Nixon is doing about as well as Norris and can’t be relied on to hold down that spot. Journeyman Morlon Greenwood was brought in more for special teams.

 

Tom Cable has his hands full already with too many issues and can’t plug these roster gaps so easily. It’s a game of attrition now.

Seattle Seahawks Injuries: Chris Spencer Joins a Growing List on the Sideline

Last night’s 27-13 win over the Denver Broncos showed that the Seattle Seahawks have really turned around under first year head coach Jim Mora Jr.

There is, however, one lingering effect from the Holmgren era: injuries. Countless mounting injuries have always killed the Seahawks.

That statement was heard loud and clear last season when the Seahawks lost four starting wide receivers, Matt Hasselbeck, all five starting offensive linemen, Patrick Kerney, and others.

This season, they haven’t lost as many players yet as last season, but I would like to say that it’s only the preseason where injuries annoy coaches.

Current injured Seahawks are LT Walter Jones (knee surgery), LG Mike Wahle (retired), C Chris Spencer (leg injury, left last night), CB Marcus Trufant (back), RB Julius Jones (leg), and LB Aaron Curry (groin).

The list is getting long, but will shorten when Curry and Jones come back next week as expected. Jones, Trufant, and now Spencer are out indefinitely.

Last night the starting offensive line looked like this: LT Sean Locklear, LG Rob Sims, C Chris Spencer, RG Mansfield Wrotto, and RT Ray Willis.

Locklear, while performing badly in the start of the game, with two sacks allowed and one false start penalty, will remain at LT until whenever/if ever, Walter Jones returns.

I expect Sims will be the starting RG by the third or fourth preseason game, and allow first round draft pick Max Unger to become the starting LG.

Spencer, who was replaced by backup Steve Vallos, is now out with a leg injury. Vallos is now the team’s starting center, just like last season.

There is no way Wrotto will be in the starting lineup come the third or fourth preseason game.

Willis is pretty much a lock at RT, and he didn’t do anything to hurt his chances of that last night.

How will Matt Hasselbeck be able to throw the ball around to all of his weapons? What about Jones and Forsett running the ball? The Seahawks’ offense, which has to be led by a great offensive line for all that to happen, is now looking dim and not getting better.

Stay tuned for more information.

Seattle Seahawks Injuries: Chris Spencer Joins a Growing List On The Sideline

Last nights 27-13 win over the Denver Broncos showed that the Seahawks have really turned around under first year head coach Jim Mora Jr.

There is, however, one lingering effect from the Holmgren era: injuries. Countless mounting injuries have always killed the Seahawks.

That statement was heard loud and clear last season when the Seahawks lost four starting wide receivers, Matt Hasselbeck, all five starting offensive linemen, Patrick Kerney, and others.

This season, they haven’t lost as many players yet as last season but I would like to say that it is only the preseason where injuries annoy coaches.

Current injured Seahawks are LT Walter Jones (knee surgery), LG Mike Wahle (retired), C Chris Spencer (leg injury, left last night), CB Marcus Trufant (back), RB Julius Jones (leg), and LB Aaron Curry (groin).

The list is getting long, but will shorten when Curry and Jones come back next week as expected. Jones, Trufant, and now Spencer are out indefinitely.

Last night the starting offense line looked like this: LT Sean Lockear, LG Rob Sims, C Chris Spencer, RG Mansfield Wrotto, RT Ray Wills.

Locklear, while preforming badly in the start of the game with two sacks allowed and one false start penalty, will remain at LT until whenever, if ever, Walter Jones returns.

I expect Sims will be the starting RG by the third or fourth preseason game, and allow first-round draft pick Max Unger to become the starting LG.

Spencer, who was replaced by backup Steve Vallos, is now out with a leg injury. Vallos is now the teams starting center, just like last season.

There is no way Wrotto he will be in the starting lineup come the third or fourth preseason game.

Willis is pretty much a lock at RT, and he didn’t do anything to hurt his chances of that last night.

How will Hasselbeck be able to throw the ball around to all of his weapons? What about Jones and Forsett running the ball? The Seahawks’ offense, which has to be led by a great offensive line for all that to happen, is now looking dim and not getting better.

Stay tuned for more information.

Fantasy Football Impact: Pre-Season Injuries

Because this is football, injuries happen on a daily basis, which can make it somewhat harrowing for fantasy football owners who have already drafted their team, or are preparing to do so. To try and set the record somewhat straight, let’s examine the consequences of some current NFL injuries.

OT Walter Jones (Seattle Seahawks) – Arguably one of the most dominant offensive linemen ever to suit up, certainly one of the best in recent history, Jones just had a second operation on his knee in the last eight months. He may not be ready for Week 1 of the regular season, and his absence would have an impact on each of the team’s skill players. Most directly affected would be quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who depends on Jones to protect his blindside. Without him, Hasselbeck is far more exposed, and vulnerable to injury. Running back Julius Jones is also directly affected. Besides being efficient in pass protection, Walter Jones is also an outstanding run blocker, and someone who Shaun Alexander ran behind for years. Without Walter Jones, Julius, along with fellow back T.J. Duckett, will find that running the ball won’t be quite as easy.

WR Terrell Owens (Buffalo Bills) – While Owens’ toe sprain may actually turn out to be a good thing—letting the 35-year-old rest for the season instead of laboring away in training camp—it certainly hurts for the short term. Coming to a new team, Owens is still in the process of learning about the players around him and, specifically, gaining chemistry with quarterback Trent Edwards. This could mean it will take some time for the two to get on the same page, and possibly a slower start to the season for Owens.

OT Jamaal Brown (New Orleans Saints) – Brown is not quite at the level of an in-his-prime Walter Jones, but he’s still a very good left tackle. The former first-round pick was sent to Philadelphia to see a sports hernia specialist, and if that indeed is his malady and one that requires surgery, Brown would possibly miss the first quarter of the season. Make no mistake, Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Pierre Thomas and the rest would still put up worthy numbers, but it’s possible they would ebb a bit if the team changed their offense up a little in order to keep an extra blocker in to help whoever the new starting left tackle may be. Overall, the Saints are going to keep firing, but maybe on one less cylinder.

WR Donnie Avery (St. Louis Rams) – The second-year pro injured his foot not long ago, and could miss the beginning of the season. Playing in a new offense, and as the Rams’ No. 1 wideout, missing most of training camp is not a good sign for the Houston product. He has blazing speed, but needs to refine his route running capabilities, and all this missed time won’t be helpful. He’s still someone who is a legit WR3, with a chance to be more than that, but it depends on how quickly he gets back on the field.

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*THIS ARTICLE WRITTEN BY BRUNO BOY KYLE SMITH. FOR MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL INSIGHT AND ADVICE, CLICK THE LINK BELOW!*

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Defenseless in Seattle: Seahawks’ Offensive Line Shifts in Wake of Injuries

The Seattle Seahawks continue to face a myriad of injuries to their offensive line. The most recent casualty was Pro Bowl left tackle Walter Jones.

Jones left practice on Monday with back problems, and after sitting out practice for the following two days the team announced that he was scheduled for arthroscopic knee surgery to remove scar tissue in his surgically repaired left knee (details here).

Jones’ injury only magnifies the Seahawks Achilles heel over the past calendar year: the inability of the offensive line to remain healthy.

Every opening day starter for the 2008 Seattle Seahawks offensive line finished the season on the injured reserve.

Approaching the 2009 season, these health concerns have continued.

The first Seahawks loss on the offensive line occurred the day before training camp opened, when Pro Bowl left guard Mike Wahle was released by the Seahawks after failing his physical. Wahle had not wholly recovered from offseason shoulder surgery.

In the first week of training camp, incumbent center Chris Spencer sprained his ankle and has missed time intermittently since then. He was a game-time decision for the Chargers game last weekend and, if he continues to progress, should be ready for the season opener next month.

Tackle Ray Willis has also regularly missed time during training camp due to soreness in his left knee. This was planned, however, as the Seahawks have intentionally limited Willis’ practice time due to a history of knee problems.

With the injury to Walter Jones, Willis’ contributions are expected to increase greatly, which could place more strain on his bad knee.

Guard Mansfield Wrotto sat out on two different occasions with a leg bruise. The injury was not considered serious, but Wrotto is currently slated to start (although rookie Max Unger could wrestle the starting gig away from him), and any nicks and bruises cannot be taken lightly.

On top of Spencer, Willis, and Wrotto missing practice, veteran offensive linemen Cory Withrow and Grey Ruegamer have also missed significant time during training camp.

By utilizing the exceptional versatility of a number of offensive linemen, the Seattle Seahawks coaching staff has adapted quite well to the current injuries on the offensive line.

Rookie Max Unger was a center at the University of Oregon, and has already practiced with both the first and second teams at center, left guard, and right guard. Unger is projected to compete for playing time with Mansfield Wrotto at right guard since last year’s starting right guard, Rob Sims, has shifted to left guard to replace Mike Wahle.

Third-year center Steve Vallos has also bounced around the offensive line in training camp. Vallos played left tackle at Wake Forest, but lacked the size to play tackle in the NFL, and therefore moved to the interior line.

In 2008, Vallos was called on to start the final five games of the year when Chris Spencer landed on the injured reserve. He has risen from a seventh round draft pick in 2007 to a key backup on the Seahawks offensive line.

Tackle Ray Willis is another unheralded offensive linemen who will be called upon in 2009. Willis, a fifth-year tackle out of Florida State, has only started ten games in his career, all of which came in the Seattle Seahawks injury-plagued 2008 season. He regularly rests his ailing knees, but Willis has shown the coaching staff enough to warrant a starting roster spot in place of the injured Walter Jones.

With a growing list of injury concerns, the Seahawks have marched a number of combinations onto the field for their first-team offensive line. Here is a sample of the combinations which have been used so far (from left tackle to right tackle):

• Jones – Sims – Spencer – Wrotto – Locklear (Projected Starters)
• Jones – Sims – Unger – Locklear – Willis
• Locklear – Sims – Spencer – Wrotto – Willis
• Locklear – Sims – Spencer – Unger – Willis
• Locklear – Sims – Vallos – Unger – Willis
• Locklear – Sims – Vallos – Wrotto – K.Williams
• Locklear – Sims – Vallos – Wrotto – Willis

At least Rob Sims is healthy, right?

Every injury shifts the dynamics of the Seahawks offensive line.

Wahle’s retirement forced Rob Sims‘ move to left guard, creating a vacancy at right guard which Mansfield Wrotto and Max Unger are battling for. Walter Jones‘ injury forced Sean Locklear’s move to left tackle, which consequently thrust Ray Willis into the starting lineup at right tackle.

As injury concerns persist, keep watch for how the Seahawks coaching staff manages the offensive line. While health problems will certainly persist, the coaches seem quite capable of filling the holes that these injuries create.

 

Michael Vick Signing Overshadows Injuries, Distractions in Philadelphia

Dear Mr. Vick,

I wanted to take this chance to say thank you so much for making Eagles fans everywhere forget that, just last week, I was arrested for possession of marijuana.

Sincerely,

Juqua Parker

Say what you wish about the signing of Michael Vick. But good or bad, Vick’s acquisition overshadows a bigger problem in the Eagles’ nest.

Actually, it overshadows a few problems.

If the Eagles are going anywhere this season, they will have to overcome the injuries and distractions that have plagued them since training camp started.

The distractions have been many.

Defensive end Juqua Parker (pictured) was arrested on August 5th during a routine traffic stop for possession of marijuana.

With starter Victor Abiamiri’s injury, more will be expected of Parker. Is he going to have the focus to deliver?

The Eagles have a new defensive coordinator in 2009, under the worst of circumstances.

Long time defensive guru Jim Johnson passed away at the beginning of camp, leaving a gaping hole in the Birds coaching staff. Philly’s defensive units ranked in the league’s top ten seven times during Johnson’s ten season tenure.

“Attack the quarterback. Blitz. Get after the quarterback” is how Sean McDermott described Johnson’s defensive scheme. And he plans on continuing what Johnson started in Philadelphia. Only time will tell if he is able to get the same results.

Injuries have plagued this team during the preseason.

Starting MLB Stuart Bradley is out for the year with a blown ACL. Same story with rookie TE Cornelius Ingram. Both players were factors in the Birds’ plans this season.

There’s a new offensive line in place, but both tackles (Jason Peters, Shawn Andrews) are out. When they do come back, you’ll have a group of guys who haven’t really had the chance to play together and gel.

This could mean trouble for the guys lining up behind them in the beginning of the season.

And then there’s this Vick guy.

What does his signing mean for the quarterback position in Philly this year? Will he be the wildcat catalyst pundits expect him to be?

At practice, he’s exclusively played quarterback.

What does that mean for Kevin Kolb, currently nursing his own injury? Did he or A.J. Feeley get their tickets out of town punched with this move? Not to mention, what’s going through the mind of starter Donovan McNabb?

Andy Reid pulled the trigger last season, benching him for a young, inexperienced Kolb. How quick does Reid go to the bench this year with a former Pro Bowler in wait?

The coaching staff and the front office seem to think they have it all under control.

Only time will tell how true that statement is.

 

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