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	<channel>		<title>RUWT? News</title>
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		<description>RUWT? News for Philadelphia Eagles</description>
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		<lastBuildDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:35:46 GMT</lastBuildDate>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:35:46 GMT</pubDate>
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			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Eagles reshuffle LBs going into game with Bears]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[PHILADELPHIA(AP) -- For the second consecutive week, the Eagles
will go with a different look at linebacker because of a knee
injury to weakside starter Akeem Jordan.

Coach Andy Reid ruled out Jordan for Sunday night's game at
Chicago.

Will Witherspoon will again start at weakside LB, and
second-year man Joe Mays will start in the middle. Chris Gocong,
who started in the middle in last week's loss to San Diego, will
move back to his customary spot on the strong side. Rookie Moise
Fokou, who started the past two games on the strong side,
appears to be the odd man out.

It's the sixth different set of linebackers the Eagles will
start in their 10th game of the season.

"A lot will depend on the personnel group (the Bears) put out
there," Reid said. "We have some different combinations we can
use."

Mays became the starting middle linebacker in training camp when
Stewart Bradley went out for the season with a torn ACL. Mays
did not play well enough to keep the job when the season opened
and lost it to Omar Gaither, who eventually joined Bradley on
injured reserve with a foot injury.

"He's been working out there a little bit," Reid said of Mays.
"He worked a little bit last week, too. Like I said, there are
different combinations we can use."

Mays, a second-year linebacker from North Dakota State, was
inactive for five of the team's first six games. He played the
past three games, primarily on special teams, and played well on
kick teams last week in San Diego.

"It's all come around," cornerback Sheldon Brown said. "I think
it might be a good thing. You have Will playing will (weakside),
which is his natural position. You have a guy in the middle who
is a middle linebacker, and Chris is back on the strong side
where he is used to playing."

Brown is used to starting at cornerback. Since he was drafted in
2002, he has played in all 121 regular-season games, plus
another 12 playoff games. This week he is listed as questionable
with a hamstring injury he suffered in San Diego.

"If I don't play it won't be my choice," Brown said. "I don't
know what the percentages are, but I feel like I'm going to
play."

The veteran did limited work Thursday and Friday in practice.
Reid said it will be a game-time decision.

"We'll see how it goes there," Reid said. "We'll just see how he
does. He moved around pretty good today when he was in the team
period. He took all the scout team reps yesterday and felt
pretty good coming out of it. We'll see how that works out."

NOTES: Reid also said wide receiver Kevin Curtis (knee), safety
Quintin Demps (ankle) and running back Brian Westbrook
(concussion) are out for Sunday's game. Curtis will miss his
eighth straight game, and Reid says he is still weeks away. ...
Rookie Victor Harris will replace Demps on kickoff returns.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135743-Eagles-reshuffle-LBs-going-into-game-with-Bears</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135743-Eagles-reshuffle-LBs-going-into-game-with-Bears</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:05:59 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Eagles, Bears in similar spot]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By ANDREW SELIGMAN
AP Sports Writer

LAKE FOREST, Ill.(AP) -- Donovan McNabb called it a "must win,"
and just to be clear, he was only referring to his Philadelphia
Eagles.

That the Chicago Bears are in a similar spot was merely a
coincidence, yet after a rough few weeks, that's where these
teams stand heading into their game Sunday night.

The Eagles (5-4) are coming off two close losses. The Bears
(4-5) have dropped four of five. And both teams desperately need
a win at Soldier Field.

"This is a must win for us and that's the way that we have to
approach it," said McNabb, a Chicago product. "I wouldn't care
if it's at Soldier Field, I wouldn't care if it's playing in
Champaign, Ill., or we can play in Oklahoma, it doesn't matter.
This is a game that we need to win. That's the way I'm
approaching it and that's the way the other guys are approaching
it as well."

So are the Bears.

They've allowed 41 or more points twice during this skid and are
fading fast from playoff contention. Their franchise
quarterback, Jay Cutler, has been on the run all season, taking
big hits behind a struggling offensive line. Now, he's enduring
the worst slump he can remember.

He has a league-high 17 interceptions and 12 in the last five
games after being picked off five times in a 10-6 loss at San
Francisco on Nov. 12. All came in 49ers territory and two
stopped drives near the goal line, another rough night for a
quarterback who has struggled this season under the lights.

Photos posted online suggest Cutler is perfectly comfortable
being out past sundown, but things get a little spooky when he
steps on the field. His 11 interceptions in three night games -
all losses and all on the road - are jarring, but jittery fans
can take comfort in the fact he has been picked off just twice
at home.

"When things are going bad like that, you've got to stay
positive," Cutler said. "You've got to keep guys believing in
the huddle, which I think they do. I think they know I'm going
to bounce back."

Which is what the Eagles are looking to do after falling 31-23
at San Diego last week despite McNabb's 450 yards, another
stinging loss after they fell the previous game by four points
to Dallas. They're now tied with the Giants in the NFC East, a
game behind the division-leading Cowboys. And their remaining
schedule isn't easy, with trips to Atlanta, the Giants and
Dallas along with a home game against AFC West leader Denver.

Adding to their difficulties is being without Brian Westbrook
again. The star running back is out indefinitely after suffering
two concussions in three weeks, the latest in a line of
injuries. He underwent neurological tests in Pittsburgh on
Wednesday and the results were promising, although it's unknown
if he'll return this season.

His history is a big reason the Eagles drafted LeSean McCoy in
the second round last spring after he broke several of Tony
Dorsett's rushing records in two seasons at Pittsburgh. He leads
the Eagles with 353 yards rushing and two touchdowns while
averaging 4.1 yards per carry, but he'll have to mature quickly
with Westbrook's future uncertain.

McCoy's backups are a third-year pro with four career carries
(Eldra Buckley) and a rookie (P.J. Hill) who hasn't played a
down, leaving fullback Leonard Weaver with a bigger role in the
running game

"I think (McCoy's) maturation rate has been excelled due to what
Brian has gone through and that started back up at camp," coach
Andy Reid said. "I think he's handled it well. I think he feels
good physically right now. He's not banged-up or nicked-up. I
think he's OK there. I had a chance to meet with him on Monday
and sit down and talk to him a little bit. I think he's in a
good place that way. He's excited about the opportunity this
week to jump in there and be the guy."

As for Westbrook, McNabb expects to see him back at some point.

"He has a lot of drive and determination and he wants to be the
best at everything that he does," McNabb said. "In this
situation you have to take a step back. You have to take a step
back and look at your future and look at the possibilities of
what it could be. You want everybody to walk away from this game
on their own terms and be able to hold their kids and play with
their kids in the future, travel and take trips with their
families and not have to worry about anything."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135432-Eagles-Bears-in-similar-spot</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135432-Eagles-Bears-in-similar-spot</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:38:34 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Inexperience equals inconsistency for Eagles]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By ROB MAADDI
AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA(AP) -- Donovan McNabb looks around in the huddle and
sees guys who were in high school or college when he led the
Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl five years ago.

With so many inexperienced starters, especially on offense, it's
no wonder the Eagles have been inconsistent this season.

"I've tried to put a little pressure on my shoulders to
challenge those guys and make sure that they are prepared early
in the season, also throughout the course of the season," McNabb
said. "At this particular point, I think every young guy and guy
who is in their first year here with the Eagles has been faced
with a lot of different adversities. I think they have
understood exactly the things that we have to do and what we ask
of those guys to do."

McNabb is surrounded by youth, particularly at the skill
positions. The starting wide receivers are a second-year pro
(DeSean Jackson) and a rookie (Jeremy Maclin). Tight end Brent
Celek is in his first season as a full-time starter. With Brian
Westbrook sidelined by another concussion, rookie LeSean McCoy
takes over at halfback.

Two of the offensive linemen (right tackle Winston Justice and
right guard Nick Cole) are full-time starters for the first time
also.

McNabb warned against high expectations early in training camp
because the Eagles have so many young players. After a 5-2
start, Philadelphia has dropped two straight heading into Sunday
night's game at Chicago (4-5).

"We have a lot of young faces. We have a lot of new faces,"
McNabb said on July 27. "For me to sit here and say, 'Hey, we're
a Super Bowl team and we're going to win the Super Bowl,' I
don't believe in all that. I think that's something that at the
end of the year, we'll find out who wins and who doesn't."

The Eagles looked like a legitimate contender after thoroughly
dominating the Giants in a 40-17 victory on Nov. 1. But they
followed that with a 20-16 loss at home to Dallas and a 31-23
defeat at San Diego.

After the loss to the Chargers, McNabb made it clear the young
players need to improve for Philadelphia to have a chance.

"Veteran leadership is something that we don't have that much
of," McNabb said. "For the guys that are out there, we're trying
to get the young guys going a little bit. But the young guys
have to step up at this time. This is the time, later in the
year, where you're calling on them to do a lot of different
things. They've got to step up."

McCoy, who leads the team in rushing, is eager to fill
Westbrook's shoes. The Eagles have always been a pass-first team
and they've relied on the passing attack even more this season
with Westbrook out of the lineup.

"I've been in this situation before. It's not really a big
difference," McCoy said. "Maybe I'm going to get a lot more reps
this week (in practice) and my preparation has to be bigger than
before. Just kind of know all of my keys; lot of little stuff
like that is taken care of."

The Eagles are one of four teams with 5-4 records and they trail
Dallas by only one game in the NFC East. But they can't afford a
loss to the Bears.

"This is a game that we need to win," McNabb said. "That's the
way I'm approaching it and that's the way the other guys are
approaching it as well."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135407-Inexperience-equals-inconsistency-for-Eagles</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135407-Inexperience-equals-inconsistency-for-Eagles</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:22:45 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Eagles-Bears Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By KATE HEDLIN
STATS Writer

Without Brian Westbrook, the Philadelphia Eagles will likely
have to rely heavily on Donovan McNabb as they try to get their
season back on track this weekend.

The Chicago Bears aren't sure how much they can count on their
quarterback.

With both teams describing it as a must-win game, the Eagles and
Bears face off at Soldier Field on Sunday night, each trying to
avoid a third straight loss.

Philadelphia (5-4) followed a 20-16 defeat against Dallas with a
31-23 loss at San Diego last Sunday. The Eagles were held to
three field goals through the first three quarters before McNabb
threw touchdowns to Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek in the fourth
quarter to cut the deficit to five points. The Chargers, though,
tacked on a 29-yard field goal with 30 seconds remaining.

McNabb threw for a season-high 450 yards, going 35 of 55. He was
intercepted in the end zone on the game's last play, though, and
struggled repeatedly in the red zone.

"When you have those opportunities to score we have to pound it
in there," McNabb said.

Despite the consecutive losses, McNabb and the Eagles are still
in contention for a playoff spot, trailing NFC East-leading
Dallas by one game.

McNabb will try to help Philadelphia make a play on first place,
but he won't have Westbrook in the backfield. The two-time Pro
Bowl running back was ruled out after suffering his second
concussion in three weeks.

Westbrook was on the sidelines for the second half of last
Sunday's game, and Philadelphia was held to a season-worst 29
yards rushing overall, averaging 2.2 yards per carry.

"It takes something away because you're talking about one of the
best backs in the league and now we don't have him," fullback
Leonard Weaver said. "We're going to have to step up. We've done
it before."

LeSean McCoy will take over as the team's primary back. The
rookie leads the Eagles with 353 yards and two touchdowns and
now has the tough task of re-energizing the Eagles' struggling
running game. They're averaging 102.1 yards this season, but
have run for 65.8 in the four losses.

"I just want to help out the offense as much as possible,"
McCoy, the 21st pick in the second round of the 2009 draft,
said. "I never really expected to play a big role like this. But
I got drafted for a reason. I have my chance, my opportunity and
I have to make the best of it."

With the running game shaky, the Eagles will turn to McNabb, who
has been inconsistent this season. He recognizes the importance
of Sunday night's game and believes despite Westbrook's injury,
the team will come out fighting.

"This is a game that we need to win," McNabb told the Eagles'
official Web site. "That's the way I'm approaching it and that's
the way the other guys are approaching it as well."

As difficult as McNabb found it to get the Eagles into the end
zone last weekend, his counterpart on the Bears is coming off an
even worse performance. Jay Cutler threw a career-high five
interceptions in Chicago's 10-6 loss at San Francisco on Nov.
12. The Bears (4-5) outgained the Niners 350-216 but settled for
two field goals.

Cutler, who threw 18 interceptions while with Denver last
season, already has a league-leading 17. All five picks last
week were in San Francisco territory, including one to end the
game with the Bears at the 49ers 12-yard line.

Chicago, though, isn't putting the blame solely on Cutler.

"It's different in each one," offensive coordinator Ron Turner
said. "I look at three of them - and I'm not blaming anyone
else, I'm just making a point it's a team game. I couldn't
really say, 'Jay, you need to do something different on those
plays.'"

Cutler has been forced to carry the offense because of an
ineffective running game. Chicago is 30th in the NFL at 85.2
yards rushing per game. Matt Forte, who rushed for 1,238 yards
as a rookie in 2008, has been held to 482 yards this season.

A division title is almost out of the question given that
Minnesota has a four-game lead over Chicago in the NFC North.
The Bears still believe a playoff berth as a wild-card team is
possible, but they also recognize they will have to play much
better down the stretch.

"We have no room for any more losses," defensive tackle Tommie
Harris said. "If you lose, you're going to be hoping another
team loses so you can get in. You don't want to do that. ... It
is basically in our hands right now. We have to do a better job
and everybody has to step up."

The Bears have won the last two meetings against the Eagles,
including a 24-20 victory at home last season.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135307-Eagles-Bears-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135307-Eagles-Bears-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:20:55 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Doctors: Eagles RB Westbrook has improved]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[PITTSBURGH(AP) -- Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook
has improved significantly since Sunday when he sustained a
second concussion in a three-week span, doctors said Wednesday.

Westbrook was evaluated Wednesday at the University of
Pittsburgh Medical Center and underwent a battery of
neuro-cognitive tests, according to a statement released jointly
by the Eagles and the hospital. He also had a comprehensive
physical and neurological exam that showed favorable results.

Dr. Joseph Maroon and Dr. Michael Collins, who are sports
concussion specialists, said they plan to repeat the tests in
two to three weeks.

Westbrook sustained a concussion on Oct. 26 in a game against
Washington. He sat out for two weeks and then was reinjured
Sunday during his return to the lineup at San Diego.

Westbrook won't play this Sunday at Chicago against the Bears,
and it's unknown if he'll return at all this season.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135172-Doctors-Eagles-RB-Westbrook-has-improved</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135172-Doctors-Eagles-RB-Westbrook-has-improved</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:06:01 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Eagles move on without Westbrook]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By ROB MAADDI
AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA(AP) -- LeSean McCoy can't be a rookie anymore.

With Brian Westbrook sidelined after sustaining two concussions
in three weeks, the Philadelphia Eagles are turning to McCoy in
a backfield where the most experienced ball carrier is a
fullback.

"I just want to help out the offense as much as possible," McCoy
said Wednesday. "I never really expected to play a big role like
this. But I got drafted for a reason. I have my chance, my
opportunity and I have to make the best of it."

While the Eagles (5-4) were on the practice field preparing for
an important game at Chicago (4-5), Westbrook was in Pittsburgh
visiting with two concussion specialists. The former All-Pro
running back suffered his first career concussion on Oct. 26
against Washington. He missed two games and returned only to get
another one in last Sunday's loss at San Diego.

Westbrook won't play against the Bears, and it's unknown if
he'll return at all this season.

"We'll know more on him as the next day or two go on," coach
Andy Reid said. "I talked to him on Monday and he was in a good
place. I think he's grateful to have the care that he's had. He
seemed to just want to find out what went on with this next one,
but he didn't seemed rattled."

The Eagles are getting used to playing without Westbrook, who
already has missed three games this year. His injury history is
a major reason Philadelphia drafted McCoy in the second round of
the NFL draft last April.

McCoy broke several of Tony Dorsett's rushing records in two
seasons at Pittsburgh. He leads the Eagles with 353 yards
rushing and two touchdowns while averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

"Guys are kind of relying on me to step up," he said. "You can't
have any rookie mistakes."

Behind McCoy on the depth chart are third-year pro Eldra
Buckley, who has four career carries, and rookie P.J. Hill, who
hasn't played a single down yet. That means fullback Leonard
Weaver will play a bigger role in the running game. He has 22
carries for 126 yards, including a 41-yard TD run.

"It takes something away because you're talking about one of the
best backs in the league and now we don't have him," Weaver
said. "We're going to have to step it up. We've done it before."

McCoy's biggest adjustment has been pass-blocking and picking up
blitzes. He's also had some issues with ball security. He must
improve in both areas if the Eagles are going to rely on him to
fill Westbrook's shoes.

"His maturation rate has been accelled due to what Brian has
gone through and that started back up at camp," Reid said. "He's
handled it well. I think he feels good physically right now.
He's not banged up or nicked up. I think he's okay there. I had
a chance to meet with him on Monday and sit down and talk to him
a little bit. I think he's in a good place that way. He's
excited about the opportunity this week to jump in there and be
the guy."

Quarterback Donovan McNabb is confident McCoy can do the job.

"I think he's ready to go," McNabb said. "I think, again, it
goes back to just providing that confidence for him. That he
understands that we're all behind him, we're supporting him and
that we know he's going to do a great job."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135092-Eagles-move-on-without-Westbrook</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135092-Eagles-move-on-without-Westbrook</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:18:43 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Westbrook to visit concussion specialists]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[PHILADELPHIA(AP) -- Eagles running back Brian Westbrook will visit
two concussion specialists in Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

Westbrook sustained his second concussion in three weeks during
Philadelphia's 31-23 loss at San Diego on Sunday. The
30-year-old former All-Pro suffered his first career concussion
on Oct. 26 against Washington.

Westbrook first will consult with neuropsychologist Mark R.
Lovell, head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder says in a
statement. After that visit, Westbrook and Lovell will meet with
neurosurgeon Joseph Maroon.

Burkholder says Lovell has been consulting with the Eagles'
medical staff on Westbrook's recovery since his first
concussion.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134809-Westbrook-to-visit-concussion-specialists</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134809-Westbrook-to-visit-concussion-specialists</guid>
				<pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:48:31 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Westbrook's status uncertain after concussion]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By ROB MAADDI
AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA(AP) -- Brian Westbrook has always come back from a
long list of injuries throughout his career.

Now another concussion could stop him cold.

Westbrook's status is uncertain after the former All-Pro running
back sustained his second concussion in three weeks in
Philadelphia's 31-23 loss at San Diego on Sunday.

Westbrook was playing his first game after sitting out two
because of a concussion suffered Oct. 26. He was injured in the
third quarter on a screen play in which he was caught between a
block by Eagles receiver Jason Avant and Chargers safety Eric
Weddle.

Eagles coach Andy Reid said the team will take precautions with
Westbrook and it's too early to tell when Westbrook will return,
if at all.

"Football right now for Brian Westbrook is not the important
thing," Reid said Monday. "It's making sure that we get him
analyzed, tested and taken care of and then we'll go from there.
Not that we didn't do that before.

"We took every precautionary measure that we could before and it
happened again. Obviously we're going to check with experts and
make sure that we listen to them like we did before. The No. 1
thing is Brian's health. You can put football aside and make
sure that he's taken care of here."

Westbrook wasn't available to reporters on Monday. His agent,
Todd France, didn't immediately return a phone message.

The 30-year-old Westbrook sustained his first career concussion
when he hit his head on a defender's knee during a Monday night
win at Washington last month. Westbrook briefly lost
consciousness but walked off the field under his own power.

He sat out Philadelphia's victory against the New York Giants on
Nov. 1 and was cleared to play against Dallas last week, but was
held out for precautionary reasons after experiencing headaches.
Westbrook had no problems leading up to the game against the
Chargers.

"We left it up to the doctors," Reid said. "There's a chance he
could have played the week before and we held him out of that
one according to tests and symptoms. He was symptom-free and
tests came back normal and so on, so I did what the experts
said. They felt comfortable with it and we went with it."

Reid wasn't sure if a second concussion is more serious.
Westbrook didn't lose consciousness on this one.

"I've heard a couple different things on that," he said.
"Obviously it's not a good thing for a second one to happen. I
don't know the medical terms of it. I've heard them determine it
by if it was a mild hit as compared to a severe hit. It wasn't a
mild hit I would say."

The eight-year veteran has been limited this season by ankle and
knee injuries and the concussions. Westbrook has carried the
ball 47 times for 225 yards, an average of 4.8 yards per carry,
and has scored one touchdown. He has also caught 19 passes for
156 yards and a TD.

Westbrook has never played a full season, having missed 16 games
for a variety of injuries to his knees, ankles, ribs and
triceps.

Before last season, Westbrook signed a three-year contract worth
$21 million, including $13 million guaranteed the first two
years. The Eagles have the option of not renewing his contract
for 2010.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134465-Westbrooks-status-uncertain-after-concussion</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134465-Westbrooks-status-uncertain-after-concussion</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:39:14 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Common theme arises in Eagles' losses]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By ROB MAADDI
AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA(AP) -- An inability to run the ball effectively,
score touchdowns in the red zone and convert short-yardage
situations cost the Philadelphia Eagles again.

"We've got to do better there," coach Andy Reid said a few times
Monday.

The Eagles rallied from a 28-9 fourth-quarter deficit to lose
31-23 to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. Donovan McNabb threw
for 450 yards, and the passing attack accounted for a whopping
94 percent of the offense. But three drives stalled inside San
Diego's 10, and the Eagles settled for short field goals by
David Akers.

"Three opportunities in the red zone you've got to take
advantage of," Reid said. "There are some things we can do
schematically and things we can execute better when we're down
in there. Really, it's probably more the execution thing we have
to take care of as players and coaches."

Trailing 14-0 in the second quarter, Philadelphia had a first
down at the Chargers 1. Fullback Leonard Weaver was stopped for
no gain. McNabb threw an incomplete pass. Halfback Eldra Buckley
then was stopped short of the goal line on just his fourth carry
of the season.

Later in the quarter, the Eagles had a first down at the
Chargers 9. An incomplete pass was followed by Brian Westbrook's
no-gainer run. McNabb then tossed a 2-yard pass to Brent Celek,
and Akers came on for another field goal to cut the deficit to
14-6.

After San Diego took a 21-6 lead in the third quarter, the
Eagles drove to the Chargers 7. But McNabb threw an incomplete
pass on third-and-1 and that brought on Akers.

In a 20-16 loss to Dallas last week, the Eagles couldn't convert
three critical short-yardage plays. They were stopped twice on
third-and-1 and once on fourth-and-inches.

The Eagles (5-4) have had trouble in running situations, because
they just don't run the ball often. Of their 548 offensive plays
this season, only 159 have been rushes by their halfbacks or
fullback. That's 29 percent. Some of those carries weren't even
in a traditional formation because Philadelphia has used a
variation of the wildcat offense this year.

"Short-yardage situations, again, we've got to do better there,"
Reid said. "When you're in the red zone and you've got a number
of shots at it, you've got to score touchdowns."

The defense also was a big culprit in the loss at San Diego,
giving up a lot points and failing to make a key stop late in
the game.

With San Diego up 28-23 midway through the fourth quarter, the
Chargers controlled the ball for nearly seven minutes. Nate
Kaeding kicked a field goal with 30 seconds left, and
Philadelphia got the ball back with just 24 seconds remaining
and 66 yards to go.

Against Dallas, the Eagles kicked a field goal with 4:27 left in
the game and didn't see the ball again.

"The last drive, I expect more from my defense than that," Reid
said. "I have a lot of trust in them. We'll figure that out and
get that taken care of. You've got to be able to get off the
field in those situations and give the offense an opportunity to
score, and we didn't do a good enough job there."

Notes: Brian Westbrook's status is uncertain after he sustained
his second concussion in three weeks. Reid said LT Jason Peters
should be ready to go next week after missing Sunday's game with
an ankle sprain. CB Sheldon Brown has a hamstring strain, but he
stayed in the game. S/KR Quintin Demps has a high-ankle sprain.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134513-Common-theme-arises-in-Eagles-losses</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134513-Common-theme-arises-in-Eagles-losses</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:36:01 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[LT climbs charts, Bolts beat Eagles 31-23]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By BERNIE WILSON
AP Sports Writer

SAN DIEGO(AP) -- Motivation came in different forms for the San
Diego Chargers on Sunday, from Denver's loss to the little
surprise LaDainian Tomlinson's wife left in his locker.

Tomlinson's career certainly isn't finished and neither is the
AFC West race.

Tomlinson ran for a season-high 96 yards and scored twice to
continue his climb up the career rushing and scoring lists, and
the Chargers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 31-23 to pull into a
tie atop the AFC West with the slumping Broncos.

Asked if something happened that gave him motivation, L.T. got a
little emotional.

"I don't know if I want to talk about it," he said. "My wife is
pregnant. I found out before the game. She left me a gift in my
locker. It said, 'Open immediately.' I thought it was a
necklace. It was a pregnancy test."

The child will be the couple's first. LaTorsha Tomlinson
suffered a miscarriage in 2005.

Fired up about fatherhood, Tomlinson passed Thurman Thomas and
Franco Harris and moved into 12th place all-time with 12,145
yards. His two touchdowns gave him 146 and moved him past Marcus
Allen and into third place on the all-time list.

"It's kind of surreal," Tomlinson said of his latest
accomplishment, noting that he has a ball autographed by Harris
in his trophy case. "I grew up watching all those guys. It's
mind-boggling that I am third all-time."

It appeared for a while in the offseason that L.T. would be a
salary-cap casualty, but the sides finally agreed to a reworked
contract. He turned 30 in June, then sprained his right ankle in
a season-opening win at Oakland. He missed the next two games,
the first time in his brilliant career that he missed
regular-season games due to injury.

"I'm still effective," he said. "That's all that counts. Still
finding ways to help this team win."

The score of the Broncos' 27-17 loss at Washington - Denver's
third straight - was announced moments before kickoff in San
Diego. The Chargers then went out and won their fourth straight.

The Chargers and Broncos, both 6-3, play next Sunday in Denver.
Four weeks ago, the Chargers appeared dead in the water, 3 1/2
games back after losing 34-23 to the then-undefeated Broncos.

"We didn't know it would happen this fast," quarterback Philip
Rivers said. "We believed we could get ourselves back in it."

Eagles running back Brian Westbrook was knocked out with another
concussion. He had missed the previous two games after a
concussion during a win against Washington on Oct. 26.

"In these types of situations, football is secondary," coach
Andy Reid said. "You've got to look at this kid and for his
future, and make sure everything's OK for him before he gets
back out there."

Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb threw for a season-high 450 yards,
completing 35 of 55, and two late touchdowns. He was intercepted
in the end zone by Antonio Cromartie on the game's last play.

The Eagles (5-4) made it inside the Chargers' 10-yard line three
times only to have to settle for field goals by David Akers.

"When you have those opportunities to score we have to pound it
in there," McNabb said. "We definitely tried, but credit to
them, but they stopped us, obviously, from running the ball into
the end zone."

The last time the Chargers played the Eagles, on Oct. 23, 2005,
Tomlinson was held to 7 yards on 17 carries, his career low for
a regular-season game.

His previous season-high was 71 yards in a win at Kansas City
three weeks ago.

Tomlinson scored on a 3-yard run to give the Chargers a 14-0
lead four minutes into the second quarter. Midway through the
third quarter he chugged 20 yards through the right side of the
Eagles' defense to make it 21-6.

Rivers threw touchdown passes of 20 yards to wide-open fullback
Mike Tolbert in the first quarter and 20 yards to Legedu Naanee
in the third quarter. Rivers was 20 of 25 for 231 yards and no
interceptions, with a rating of 131.8.

Naanee was flagged for excessive celebration for kneeling in
front of a Chargers cheerleader and handing her the ball. The
Chargers had to kick off from their 15. Naanee said it was
spontaneous.

The Eagles were stuffed their first three times inside the San
Diego 10, including when they had the ball first-and-goal from
the 1 after Quentin Jammer's pass interference penalty in the
end zone in the second quarter. They had to settle for field
goals of 18, 25 and 25 yards.

McNabb threw a 5-yard pass to Jeremy Maclin early in the fourth
quarter and 6 yards to tight end Brent Celek with 7:12 left to
pull the Eagles to 28-23.

NOTES: McNabb tied his franchise record with 35 completions. His
450 yards are second in franchise history behind of record of
464. ... Eagles WR Jason Avant had eight catches for 156 yards.
... Philly CB Sheldon Brown hurt a hamstring ... Chargers RT
Jeromey Clary hurt an ankle.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134337-LT-climbs-charts-Bolts-beat-Eagles-31-23</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134337-LT-climbs-charts-Bolts-beat-Eagles-31-23</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
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			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Westbrook sustains another concussion]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[SAN DIEGO(AP) -- Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook
has left Sunday's game against San Diego with a concussion.

The team said he won't return.

His last carry was during the opening drive of the second half.

Westbrook missed the previous two games with a concussion.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134327-Westbrook-sustains-another-concussion</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134327-Westbrook-sustains-another-concussion</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:07:25 GMT</pubDate>
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			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Eagles, Bolts look for defining victory]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By BERNIE WILSON
AP Sports Writer

SAN DIEGO(AP) -- One team is 5-3 and the bandwagon is rolling once
again, loaded with fans who've hopped back aboard during a
three-game winning streak.

The other team also is 5-3 and maybe not feeling quite so spry,
having lost a chance to take sole possession of its division
lead.

Up, down. Down, up. It's been the story so far for the
Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego Chargers, who will be trying
to sort out their immediate futures when they play Sunday at
Qualcomm Stadium.

The Chargers look a bit more like the contending team they're
supposed to be after rallying behind Philip Rivers to beat the
New York Giants 21-20 at the Meadowlands. They're not quite
world-beaters, though. Their winning streak includes victories
against Kansas City and Oakland, the doormats of the AFC West.
Although Rivers led a thrilling drive to beat the Giants in the
final seconds, the Chargers were the benefactors of New York's
free-fall.

It's certainly better than where they were after a 34-23 loss to
AFC West leader Denver on Oct. 19.

"It's still early. We're just to the halfway mark but we are
playing better," Rivers said. "We're three weeks better than we
were post-Denver game. And if we can keep that going, then we'll
give ourselves a chance.

"But certainly winning three football games doesn't make us any
different or the game's going to be any easier. That confidence
needs to be there, but also that same urgency and focus. If we
can combine those and stay the course, we should be in good
shape."

Rivers was the first to note that the Chargers still have a lot
to work on. Their running game was practically nonexistent
against the Giants and is dead last in the NFL. Receivers
dropped passes and Rivers was intercepted twice.

Fans wonder why the Chargers don't show the same urgency earlier
in games than they do late.

Rivers capped a magnificent 80-yard drive with an 18-yard pass
to Vincent Jackson with 21 seconds to play to beat the Giants.

Then again, that's exactly how the last two seasons have
unfolded under coach Norv Turner. After slow starts, the
Chargers fired up in the second half.

"If you could choose when you'd like to be playing your best
ball and when you'd like to be progressing the most it would be
the second half of the season," Rivers said. "That's what we've
been able to do of late. We'd certainly like to start better,
but the fact that we seem to get going and improve week to week
come midseason, it's allowed us to win a bunch of football games
and play into January."

The Eagles are coming off a 20-16 home loss to Dallas that gave
the Cowboys the NFC East lead. A week earlier, the Eagles routed
the Giants 40-17. But there was also a mystifying 13-9 loss at
Oakland on Oct. 18.

"A 5-3 record is not a bad record," quarterback Donovan McNabb
said. "Obviously everyone would like to be 7-1 or 8-0, but we're
not. There were mistakes that we made in certain games that we
possibly could have won, but there's nothing that you can do at
this particular point about it. But you can correct it and
hopefully in these next eight games be able to get those wins
you wish that you could have had and felt like you should have
had."

The Eagles played without star running back Brian Westbrook for
the second straight game because of a concussion. Westbrook was
expected to play, but he started experiencing symptoms of a mild
headache on the Friday before the Dallas game. Westbrook then
underwent more tests and the Eagles held him out as a
precaution.

Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman had his second
straight two-sack game as he continues to look stronger in his
comeback from knee surgery that cost him virtually all of last
season. Like Rivers, Merriman said the Chargers need to make a
move if they hope to overhaul Denver and win their fourth
straight AFC West title.

"We've got to put down our foot right now," Merriman said. "If
we put down our foot right now, we're going to be in pretty good
shape. Every game's not going to go how you want it, but we can
do our best to make sure it's in our favor."

And the Eagles, in the wake of their disappointing loss to
Dallas?

"Just to go out to San Diego, have fun, play our style of
football and score points," McNabb said.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133717-Eagles-Bolts-look-for-defining-victory</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133717-Eagles-Bolts-look-for-defining-victory</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:02:39 GMT</pubDate>
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			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Eagles RB Westbrook expects to play vs. Chargers]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[PHILADELPHIA(AP) -- Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian
Westbrook will be back on the field Sunday against the San Diego
Chargers after missing two games because of a concussion.

Westbrook, who also has been bothered by a sore ankle, practiced
twice this week. He deemed himself ready to go Friday before the
team left for its flight to California.

"I'm feeling a lot better," Westbrook said. "I'm ready to go."

Westbrook, already limited much of this season with knee and
ankle injuries, suffered the concussion when he took a knee to
the head in the Eagles' Oct. 26 win over the Washington
Redskins.

Westbrook sat out one game and practiced last week before
Philadelphia's game against Dallas, but ended up sitting out
because of a headache. Reid said there should not be a similar
problem this week.

In the five games Westbrook has played this season, he has split
time in the backfield with rookie running back LeSean McCoy, the
team's second-round draft pick from Pitt. For the season,
Westbrook has carried the ball 41 times for 197 yards, an
average of 4.8 yards per carry, and has scored one touchdown.
His longest run was 25 yards against Oakland. He has also caught
17 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown.

Asked what Westbrook was listed for Sunday's game, Eagles coach
Andy Reid said, "Playing."

Officially, Westbrook is listed as probable, which means there
is a 75 percent chance he will play. Reid made it sound more
definite than that.

"He'll continue to rotate and we'll just see how he does," Reid
said. "I'm not going to just throw him in for the whole game.
LeSean has done a nice job when he's been called on, so that
gives us some flexibility."

NOTES: Reid declared both wide receiver Kevin Curtis (knee) and
linebacker Akeem Jordan (knee) out for Sunday's game. Left
tackle Jason Peters (ankle) did not practice all week, but will
make the trip and is listed as questionable. "He's making
progress," Reid said. "The ankle is still a little tender. But
I'm waiting to see how he is." Peters will be a game-time
decision. If he cannot play, left guard Todd Herremans is
expected to move outside to tackle and be replaced by Nick Cole
and Stacy Andrews. ... Kick returner Quintin Demps returned to
practice Friday and will take over the kickoff returns for Ellis
Hobbs, who is on injured reserve.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133523-Eagles-RB-Westbrook-expects-to-play-vs-Chargers</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133523-Eagles-RB-Westbrook-expects-to-play-vs-Chargers</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:57:43 GMT</pubDate>
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			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Eagles-Chargers Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JUSTIN EINHORN
STATS Senior Editor

Following yet another slow start, the San Diego Chargers have
gotten on a roll.

It's hard to figure which direction the Philadelphia Eagles are
headed.

Philadelphia failed to build off an uplifting win over the
reigning NFC East champions and now looks to send San Diego to
the same fate Sunday when these division title hopefuls meet at
Qualcomm Stadium.

The Chargers (5-3) are going after a fourth consecutive AFC West
crown and fifth in six years despite consistently struggling out
of the gate. They've had a winning record through six games only
once in that span (2006).

They opened 2-3 this year but have since won three in a row and
the latest victory may have been their most impressive, rallying
past the New York Giants 21-20 last Sunday. Philip Rivers led an
eight-play, 80-yard drive that ended with his 18-yard touchdown
pass to Vincent Jackson with 21 seconds to play.

"I think it will carry over into this week, something we can
build on as we prepare for another really tough NFC East
opponent," said Rivers, who had three TD passes for the third
time in five weeks.

It was the fourth time in 13 games, including a playoff win over
Indianapolis, that Rivers engineered a game-winning drive in the
fourth quarter.

"He's calm and confident and that just rubs off on everyone
else," said Jackson, who had five TD catches in the last four
games and is tied for the league lead with seven.

While the Chargers have pulled within one game of Denver for the
division lead behind the passing game, their ground attack
continues to stumble.

San Diego is averaging a league-low 3.1 yards per carry and is
the only team that has not rushed for 600 yards. LaDainian
Tomlinson had 22 yards on 12 carries last Sunday and it appears
more and more that his carries are merely to set up the
play-action passing game.

"We've still got a ton of room for improvement," Rivers said.

So do the Eagles (5-3).

They opened 3-1 before a stunning loss to lowly Oakland. They
appeared to be back on the right track with a 40-17 rout of the
Giants on Nov. 1, but a 20-16 home loss to archrival Dallas last
Sunday night dropped them out of the NFC East lead.

"We have to eliminate mistakes," said Donovan McNabb, who had
two interceptions after throwing only one all season. "We have
to have short-term memory and just move on and be able to erase
what happened."

McNabb could benefit from the return of Brian Westbrook, who
missed the last two games due to post-concussion symptoms but
said he is a go for Sunday. San Diego is 26th in the league
against the run, allowing 130.1 yards per game.

The Eagles went 1-8-1 in their last 10 games decided by seven
points or less, including a 32-25 defeat at Arizona in the NFC
championship game. Their five victories this year have been by
an average of 20.0 points.

"That's a pretty good stat," coach Andy Reid said of the record
in close games. "I don't know if there is a link other than that
stat. I don't see a tightness, or pressing in the fourth
quarter. I haven't seen that. On the other side, maybe we're
trying too hard, because I see a maximum effort out there."

The Chargers have won five of their last six games decided by
eight points or less.

Their defense, particularly against the pass, has keyed the
recent surge. San Diego totaled five sacks in three consecutive
weeks - linebacker Shaun Phillips had five in that span - while
allowing a total of 351 passing yards.

"We've got to put down our foot right now," said Shawne
Merriman, who had two sacks in each of the last two games. "If
we put down our foot right now, we're going to be in pretty good
shape."

Merriman and Phillips have been impressive at a position where
Philadelphia is very thin.

Stewart Bradley and Omar Gaither are out for the season, fellow
starter Chris Gocong could miss a second straight game with a
hamstring injury and Akeem Jordan may sit out after
hyperextending his knee Sunday night.

The Eagles have lost all four visits to San Diego since winning
their initial trip in 1974. The Chargers lost 20-17 at
Philadelphia in 2005 in the last meeting.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132965-Eagles-Chargers-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132965-Eagles-Chargers-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:50:04 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Report: NFL moves to scuttle guerrilla ad campaign]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[The NFL has scuttled a guerrilla marketing campaign designed to
get players to strike a pose resembling a liquor brand's
advertising.

Yahoo! Sports reported Thursday that the move stems from a
touchdown celebration by Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent
Celek during Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys.

After catching an 11-yard pass from Donovan McNabb, Celek
appeared to back up to align himself in front of television
cameras. Putting his hands on his hips, Celek raised his right
leg, mimicking a pose similar to the pirate on the label for
Captain Morgan's rum.

Yahoo! Sports said the Captain Morgan pose was banned this week
after the league learned of a wider campaign meant to get
players to strike it during NFL games.

"The issue is that players are specifically prohibited under our
policies from wearing, displaying, promoting or otherwise
conveying their support of a commercially identified product
during a game while they're on the field," NFL spokesman Greg
Aiello told Yahoo! Sports. "Whether it's rum or soft drinks or
any other commercial product, that type of promotion is
prohibited."

The Eagles received a 15-yard penalty for demonstration after
teammate Jason Avant tried to help Celek perfect his form.

Celek has denied intentionally striking the pose, but an account
executive handling the promotion told Yahoo! Sports the tight
end was involved.

"The (ad campaign) has been going around internally for a while
and (Celek) learned of the program through his contact at Diageo
(Captain Morgan's parent company)," said Glenn Lehrman, an
account director at Rogers & Cowan, the Los Angeles-based firm
that handles Captain Morgan promotions. "Brent said, 'You know
what, if I get the opportunity, I'm going to go ahead and do
it.' He sort of beat us to the punch, but we're certainly not
going to complain."

Lehrman said that each time a player was caught on camera in the
pose Captain Morgan planned to donate to the Gridiron Greats
Assistance Fund, a nonprofit that helps retired NFL players. The
campaign was to be unveiled next week with donations of $10,000
during the regular season, $25,000 for the playoffs and $100,000
in the Super Bowl.

The NFL banned the plan when it learned of it this week,
notifying Gridiron Greats and Captain Morgan that it won't allow
the pose during NFL games.

The ad campaign appeared to be designed to capitalize on the
attention recently given to the plight of retired players and
the criticism the league has received for its handling of their
struggles.

It's not the first time the league has taken a hard line against
guerrilla marketing tactics.

The NFL fined Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher $100,000
for wearing a hat promoting vitamin water during media day
before the 2007 Super Bowl.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133342-Report-NFL-moves-to-scuttle-guerrilla-ad-campaign</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133342-Report-NFL-moves-to-scuttle-guerrilla-ad-campaign</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:01:54 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Eagles shuffling players on defense]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[PHILADELPHIA(AP) -- The defensive shuffle continues for the
Philadelphia Eagles.

Injuries, and one suspension, will force the Eagles to use
several players in different roles against the San Diego
Chargers on Sunday.

Chris Gocong, usually the strongside linebacker, will become the
Eagles' sixth middle linebacker this season. Middle linebacker
Will Witherspoon will move to the weakside and rookie Moise
Fokou gets his second start on the strongside.

"It's always something around here," Gocong said. "This week
it's like a mini soap opera."

The latest switches were prompted by a knee injury to starting
weakside linebacker Akeem Jordan. The Eagles already have lost
injured linebackers Stewart Bradley and Omar Gaither for the
season.

"We have some options," defensive coordinator Sean McDermott
said. "But that's likely the way it will be based on the
situations, and the personnel group they use."

Those aren't the only changes. Against a San Diego offense that
often features three wide receivers and talented tight end
Antonio Gates, seldom-used cornerback Dimitri Patterson will
play nickel back in place of Ellis Hobbs, who is out for the
season with a neck injury, and Joselio Hanson, who was suspended
four games this week for violating the NFL's drug policy.

Hanson's attorney, David Cornwell, said Wednesday his client did
not use steroids, but took a pill before last January's NFC
title game that "turned out to be a diuretic."

Patterson said he's ready to help. "I know the scheme. I have my
legs back. I feel confident," he said.

Second-year defensive back Quintin Demps will replace Hobbs as
the team's primary kickoff returner.

"It changes the complexion every Monday," McDermott said "That's
true all over the league. (Injuries) change the complexion of
your roster. Instead of sitting down Monday morning to watch the
opponent, you have to get a feel for the complexion of your
roster and how you want to attack.

"It's not ideal. We'll just go with what we have and hope guys
step up for us."

A concern for the Eagles (5-3) is that three of the players
being asked to step up - Patterson (hand/quad), Demps (ankle)
and Gocong (hamstring) - are not completely recovered from their
injuries. Demps did not practice Thursday.

Patterson has played in three of the team's eight games this
season, mostly on special teams. He will continue to wear a cast
on his hand, but said it won't be a problem.

"I'll have it on the rest of the season," he said. "I'm fine
with it. It's been a tough year with the injuries, but I'm ready
to go."

Patterson will go against a Chargers passing game that includes
Vincent Jackson (42 receptions, 722 yards, seven touchdowns) and
is ranked seventh in the league in passing offense.

"They're a passing offense," McDermott said "They are explosive
down the field."

There's also a chance that San Diego, aware of the Eagles injury
problems at linebacker, will run more, despite a ground game
that ranks last in the NFL.

"That surprises me," McDermott said. "They have a dangerous
running game. They have some dynamic players at the running back
position and an offensive line that creates movement at the line
of scrimmage. There are quite a few teams that are playing
eight-man fronts and that leads to an area in the passing game
that they look to exploit."

The Chargers (5-3) have averaged 3.1 yards per carry this season
and leading rusher LaDainian Tomlinson (289 yards) is bothered
by a sore hip.

That could help Gocong, who has practiced at middle linebacker
but never played there in a game. He also missed last week's
game against Dallas with the hamstring injury, but feels he's
ready to go this week.

"The leg is fine," Gocong said. "As far as being in the middle,
I know the entire defense. I know the game plan. It's just a
matter of seeing things differently. It's just going to take
time. There's a lot of new stuff going on here this week."

NOTES: Running back Brian Westbrook (concussion/ankle) practiced
on Thursday and is expected to play Defensive end Victor
Abiamiri (knee), who missed the last three games, also returned
to practice.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133335-Eagles-shuffling-players-on-defense</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133335-Eagles-shuffling-players-on-defense</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:34:41 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Eagles, Bolts look for defining victory]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By BERNIE WILSON
AP Sports Writer

SAN DIEGO(AP) -- One team is 5-3 and the bandwagon is rolling once
again, loaded with fans who've hopped back aboard during a
three-game winning streak.

The other team also is 5-3 and maybe not feeling quite so spry,
having lost a chance to take sole possession of its division
lead.

Up, down. Down, up. It's been the story so far for the
Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego Chargers, who will be trying
to sort out their immediate futures when they play Sunday at
Qualcomm Stadium.

The Chargers look a bit more like the contending team they're
supposed to be after rallying behind Philip Rivers to beat the
New York Giants 21-20 at the Meadowlands. They're not quite
world-beaters, though. Their winning streak includes victories
against Kansas City and Oakland, the doormats of the AFC West.
Although Rivers led a thrilling drive to beat the Giants in the
final seconds, the Chargers were the benefactors of New York's
free-fall.

It's certainly better than where they were after a 34-23 loss to
AFC West leader Denver on Oct. 19.

"It's still early. We're just to the halfway mark but we are
playing better," Rivers said. "We're three weeks better than we
were post-Denver game. And if we can keep that going, then we'll
give ourselves a chance.

"But certainly winning three football games doesn't make us any
different or the game's going to be any easier. That confidence
needs to be there, but also that same urgency and focus. If we
can combine those and stay the course, we should be in good
shape."

Rivers was the first to note that the Chargers still have a lot
to work on. Their running game was practically nonexistent
against the Giants and is dead last in the NFL. Receivers
dropped passes and Rivers was intercepted twice.

Fans wonder why the Chargers don't show the same urgency earlier
in games than they do late.

Rivers capped a magnificent 80-yard drive with an 18-yard pass
to Vincent Jackson with 21 seconds to play to beat the Giants.

Then again, that's exactly how the last two seasons have
unfolded under coach Norv Turner. After slow starts, the
Chargers fired up in the second half.

"If you could choose when you'd like to be playing your best
ball and when you'd like to be progressing the most it would be
the second half of the season," Rivers said. "That's what we've
been able to do of late. We'd certainly like to start better,
but the fact that we seem to get going and improve week to week
come midseason, it's allowed us to win a bunch of football games
and play into January."

The Eagles are coming off a 20-16 home loss to Dallas that gave
the Cowboys the NFC East lead. A week earlier, the Eagles routed
the Giants 40-17. But there was also a mystifying 13-9 loss at
Oakland on Oct. 18.

"A 5-3 record is not a bad record," quarterback Donovan McNabb
said. "Obviously everyone would like to be 7-1 or 8-0, but we're
not. There were mistakes that we made in certain games that we
possibly could have won, but there's nothing that you can do at
this particular point about it. But you can correct it and
hopefully in these next eight games be able to get those wins
you wish that you could have had and felt like you should have
had."

The Eagles played without star running back Brian Westbrook for
the second straight game because of a concussion. Westbrook was
expected to play, but he started experiencing symptoms of a mild
headache on the Friday before the Dallas game. Westbrook then
underwent more tests and the Eagles held him out as a
precaution.

Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman had his second
straight two-sack game as he continues to look stronger in his
comeback from knee surgery that cost him virtually all of last
season. Like Rivers, Merriman said the Chargers need to make a
move if they hope to overhaul Denver and win their fourth
straight AFC West title.

"We've got to put down our foot right now," Merriman said. "If
we put down our foot right now, we're going to be in pretty good
shape. Every game's not going to go how you want it, but we can
do our best to make sure it's in our favor."

And the Eagles, in the wake of their disappointing loss to
Dallas?

"Just to go out to San Diego, have fun, play our style of
football and score points," McNabb said.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133298-Eagles-Bolts-look-for-defining-victory</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133298-Eagles-Bolts-look-for-defining-victory</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:45:17 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Eagles use new players after injuries, suspension]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[PHILADELPHIA(AP) -- Injuries and a suspension will force the
Philadelphia Eagles to use several players in different roles
against the San Diego Chargers.

Strongside linebacker Chris Gocong moves to the middle, while
middle linebacker Will Witherspoon moves to the weakside. Rookie
Moise Fokou will start for the second straight game on the
strongside Sunday because of a knee injury to starter Akeem
Jordan.

Seldom-used and oft-injured cornerback Dimitri Patterson will be
the nickel back in place of injured Ellis Hobbs (out for the
season with neck injury) and suspended Joselio Hanson (four
games for use of banned substance).

Second-year Quintin Demps replaces Hobbs as the primary kickoff
returner for the 5-3 Eagles.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133206-Eagles-use-new-players-after-injuries-suspension</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133206-Eagles-use-new-players-after-injuries-suspension</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:41:06 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[NFL suspends Eagles CB Hanson over diuretic use]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[PHILADELPHIA(AP) -- Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Joselio Hanson
was suspended four games by the NFL on Wednesday for violating
the league's drug policy.

Hanson's attorney, David Cornwell, said in a statement that
Hanson did not use steroids but tested positive for a diuretic
after last year's NFC title game against Arizona.

"Joselio did not use steroids or any other substance that would
enhance his performance," Cornwell said.

While not specifying what product Hanson used, Cornwell said the
player "felt 'bloated' after eating Chinese food and ingested a
pill that turned out to be a diuretic."

Cornwell said the NFL's policy on diuretics is misguided because
it assumes they are used to mask the use of
performance-enhancing drugs.

He said he had hoped the league would delay making a decision on
Hanson until there was a resolution in another case involving
four players who have suspensions pending for taking a banned
diuretic.

Two Minnesota Vikings, Kevin Williams and Pat Williams - who are
not related - tested positive in 2008 for the diuretic
bumetanide, which is banned by the NFL because of its masking
capabilities. The players acknowledged taking the
over-the-counter weight loss supplement StarCaps, which did not
state on the label that it contained bumetanide. Neither player
is accused of taking steroids.

The NFL issued four-game suspensions, but both players sued the
NFL in state court, arguing the league's testing violated
Minnesota laws. The case was moved to federal court, and the NFL
players union filed a similar lawsuit on behalf of the
Williamses and two New Orleans Saints players also suspended.

In May, a federal judge dismissed the union's lawsuit and
several claims in the Williamses' case but sent two claims
involving Minnesota workplace laws back to state court. A judge
there issued an injunction prohibiting the NFL from suspending
the players and has scheduled the trial for March.

That led the NFL to allow New Orleans defensive ends Charles
Grant and Will Smith, who had also been issued four-game
suspensions for testing positive for bumetanide, to continue
playing.

"We also argued that the accommodation allowing the 'StarCaps
players' to continue playing supported allowing Joselio to
continue playing as well," Cornwell said in his statement. "Our
appeal to fairness was rejected."

Cornwell also said that at Hanson's appeal hearing in October it
was confirmed that the NFL players association and league have
exchanged proposals regarding diuretics "with each party
proposing substantial reductions in the discipline to be imposed
for the first positive test for diuretics." He said that under
both sides' proposals "no player would be suspended for four (4)
games for the first positive test for diuretics."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello declined to discuss Cornwell's
statement.

"As Mr. Cornwell knows, the details of the appeals process are
confidential," Aiello said in a statement. "Nevertheless, his
statement contains multiple inaccuracies and misleading
assertions. Our program of testing and discipline for violations
remains in place, as the players were reminded in a joint memo
from the NFL and NFLPA on September 21."

Another Eagles cornerback, Sheldon Brown, said Wednesday he
thinks Hanson is being treated differently than the other
players.

"It seems like they're trying to make an example out of somebody
so it can't keep continuing to happen," Brown said. "From what I
know of Hanson, I don't think it's fair, because he's a class
act."

Hanson has recorded 29 tackles and one interception this season
as a backup to starters Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown.

Hanson's suspension came the same day the Eagles placed
cornerback and kick returner Ellis Hobbs in injured reserve with
a neck injury. Hobbs will require surgery but Eagles coach Andy
Reid expects the injury is not career-threatening. Hobbs
recorded 14 tackles and averaged 24.1 yards on 20 kickoff
returns this season.

To replace Hanson and Hobbs, the Eagles promoted second-year
cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu from the practice squad and signed
free agent Ramzee Robinson, who was among the Detroit's final
cuts in September. The Eagles also added cornerback Stoney
Woodson to the practice squad.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133008-NFL-suspends-Eagles-CB-Hanson-over-diuretic-use</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133008-NFL-suspends-Eagles-CB-Hanson-over-diuretic-use</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:33:12 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Eagles put cornerback Hobbs on IR with neck injury]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[PHILADELPHIA(AP) -- Philadelphia Eagles cornerback and kick
returner Ellis Hobbs is done for the season with a neck injury
suffered in Sunday night's loss to Dallas.

Hobbs was placed on injured reserve Wednesday and will require
surgery. Eagles coach Andy Reid says the surgery should allow
Hobbs to play again.

The Eagles acquired Hobbs in a draft-day trade in April, sending
a pair of fifth-rounders to the Patriots in exchange for the
five-year veteran.

Hobbs recorded 14 tackles in eight games as a backup. He also
averaged 24.1 yards on 20 kickoff returns with a long of 63.

To replace Hobbs the Eagles signed free agent Ramzee Robinson,
who was among Detroit's final cuts in September. The cornerback
was the final pick of the 2007 draft.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132982-Eagles-put-cornerback-Hobbs-on-IR-with-neck-injury</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132982-Eagles-put-cornerback-Hobbs-on-IR-with-neck-injury</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:37:27 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
	
			
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