Morning Wrap: Mark Sanchez Celebrates Eagles Win With Cheesteaks

((ht: 6abc.com))

Mark Sanchez, you've won your 1st game quarterbacking the Philadelphia Eagles Monday night vs. Carolina, resurrecting your once near death career.

How are you going to celebrate?

Cheesesteaks!

Hey, why not, you are in Philly after all.

Apparently Sanchez admitted that in his few months in the City of Brotherly Love, he'd not had the local delicacy, Cheesesteaks.

So after the 45-21 win, which he threw for 300-plus yards and 2 TD's, the Sanchize fulfilled his quest, making stops at both legendary Philadelphia Cheesesteak haunts, Geno's and Pat's.

He left full, and if his stomach is anything like ours, with the feeling that he'd eaten a brick.

Philly TV station WPVI was there for the festivities:

Eagles Giving 6-9 Army Vet A Shot At DE

((HT: ESPN))

As well they should...

Alejandro Villanueva was a 6-9 tight end for Army who then went to serve his country in Afghanistan...

Ashley Fox chronicles his story hyah along with a hopeful next step- catching on with the Philadelphia Eagles as a converted defensive lineman.

Prim Siripipat catches up with Villanueva for an update


And the HQ hopes he makes it...

Eagles Release DeSean Jackson

((HT: ESPN))

And the question now, is, whether or not this message will be received by one of the top ten receivers in the NFL

Field Yates has a little bit of the why...


He was supposed to make $10.5 million in 2014 and was owed $30.5 million over the remainder of his deal, but none of that money was guaranteed. The Eagles were shopping Jackson, but couldn't find any takers- considering Anquan Boldin as dealt for a 6th round pick. It made you wonder what the value in a trade for Jackson was if yu thrown in the reported baggage...

That the Eagles knew about...

Eliot Shorr-Parks and AJ Perez go into great detail of Jackson's activity that was in part:

Despite Jackson's name having come up in connection with two gang-related murders involving Crips, (LAPD detective Eric) Crosson said police have no hard evidence that Jackson is a member of the gang, which was formed in the late 1960’s and has an estimated 35,000 members across the country. Crosson said, however, the Jackson routinely flashes Crip gang signs in photos on social media -- and even on television during an NFL game.

"You don't want to see anybody throwing up gang signs like he did in the Redskins game last year," Crosson said. "Those were neighborhood Crip gang signs and he flashed them during a game. He may not be affiliated with the gang, but they don't [ordinarily] take kindly to those not in the gang throwing up those gang signs."

And with the Aaron Hernandez case still a part of the NFL landscape, the Eagles want none of it...

The HQ will be interested to see where the message goes from here...

DeSean Jackson's House Robbed Of $375,000 Plus Guns... Swell...

((HT: MyFoxPhilly))

The only reason the HQ is posting this story is the sheer alleged stupidity of Eagles WR DeSean Jackson...

His Philadelphia-area house was burglarized and it is reported that hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash were taken as well as semi-automatic handguns and jewelry that have six-figures of value as well...

$250,000 worth of cash, $125,000 in jewelry and two semi-automatic handguns...

Here's coverage of the burglary...
Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

This is what happens when you stash hundreds of thousands of stuff in your house and not in a secure (or "more secure" place)

Ugh...

ICYMI: Wild Wild Card Games Trim Field By 2

((HT: NFL on NBC))

Two games, three points separating teams from advancing to the next round... and it was two games that came at you from two different directions...

The early game was one that the HQ thought was absolutely done when the Indianapolis Colts were down 28. But, as we were shown, Andrew Luck can add another comeback to his stacks of feats and Chuck Pagano can call a 45-44 comeback one of his best coaching jobs around...

It's only the second time in playoff history a team rallied from a deficit of 28 or more points for the win. Buffalo trailed by 32 (35-3) before beating the Houston Oilers 41-38 in overtime in January 1993 (the Frank Reich-led comeback for those of you who can't remember that far back).

Luck's first career playoff victory sends Indianapolis to play either Denver or New England next weekend...

Here's Eric Allen breaking it down...
((HT: ESPN))


The nightcap was a test for Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints since they haven't won a road playoff game in his tenure (0-3 versus 4-0 at home) and, after a first half where they were kept in check by Philadelphia's defense, they found their rhythm in the second half.

It took a last-second Shayne Graham field goal for the 26-24 win and a trip to Seattle...


And that's why the Saints picked him up after letting Garrett Hartley go...

Romo A No-Go Sunday vs Eagles

Tony Romo 

Tony Romo won't be playing against the Philadelphia Eagles after all.

The Dallas Cowboys announced Friday morning that Romo underwent back surgery and was place on IR ending his 2013 season.

“Kyle Orton will be our starter in the ballgame [against the Philadelphia Eagles]." Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said.  "We spent the week exhausting all options in regards to Tony’s situation – treatment, rehab, all the different things, consulted a lot of different people on this. We just felt like as we discussed it, as yesterday wore on, that this was the best decision for him and for our organization moving forward.”

How comforted are Cowboy fans now.  The entire season resting on a winner-take-all game Sunday against the Eagles to reach the playoffs and the back up quarterback must go.

Kyle Orton has thrown five passes this year and completed 3 of them. 

Look on the bright side Cowboy fans, maybe Orton won't throw a season ending fourth quarter interception against Philly.  

Don Tollefson Under Investigation For Charity Fraud

((HT: NBC Philadelphia))

Anyone in the northeast knows Don Tollefson as a sportscaster that worked in Philadelphia and had some national cups of coffee with the "sly" network as well as some national radio sideline stuff...

Now, Tollefson has apparently run afoul of folks in Pennsylvania and New Jersey after allegedly telling them that, for a charity donation, they'll get tickets to sporting events.

Guess what...???

The money went to the donation and the tickets never came...

Police in both states are investigating and Tollefson, through his lawyers, is saying that he is seeking treatment for something...

LuAnn Cahn has the early reports...


FOSG Wendy Saltzman is investigating for ABC6, but we can't embed their stuff anymore...

The Eagles have come out with a statement of their own:

"We were originally alerted on the Thursday before the Denver game by a distressed fan who contacted us. Our immediate concern was for those fans who were affected by this situation as they were just trying to cheer on their team. Since then, we have spoken with Don Tollefson and have expressed our concerns about this situation. To be clear, the Philadelphia Eagles do not have any affiliation with Mr. Tollefson and he was not authorized to use our trademarked logo in this or any promotion. He did not seek or obtain our approval for any facet of this promotion and we are troubled that he would portray that we were part of this in any way.”

The Times-Herald newspaper's Dave Clark caught up with Tollefson:

In a telephone interview Friday, Tollefson said he had never approached anyone with the idea the trips were sponsored by the Eagles. He said his only affiliation with the Eagles is that he was an in-stadium broadcaster for the team from the 2009 to the 2012 season, but he did not partner with the Eagles when selling the tickets.

He denied accusations made by some that he has been avoiding calls and is taking money for himself.

He said that he canceled all of the trips because the airfare was not the same as it had been in the past, and he wanted better travel accommodations for those who had bought the ticket packages.

“The trips weren’t held up to the standard they had been before,” Tollefson said. “I made a personal decision not to do them this year.”

Tollefson said he has been running similar trips for the past 15 years.

The HQ doesn't think this is over by a long shot... and it won't be good by the time it's done...

Riley Cooper Scuffle! Riley Cooper Scuffle!

((HT: CSN Philly))

No, it had nothing to do with a rock concert...

Practice today and Cary Williams went over the top on a passing route and jumped the route...
Cooper disagreed and Williams didn't back down...

Here's the look...


Williams wasn't a fan of Cooper's exploits at the Kenny Chesney concert and it still hasn't subsided, the HQ figures...
And today was another example...

Riley Cooper Apologizes For Slur, Fallout In 3, 2, 1... (UPDATED With Vick Responses)

((HT: CSNPhilly))

First, here's the apology...


Let's work backwards...
Cooper was at a Kenny Chesney concert and had a run in with security...
((HT: CrossingBroad))


The first half the HQ can't make out, but the second half has a "hard -er" and not a "soft -a" where that word is concerned...
Which means there is no term of affection used here at the concert...

Cooper admitted he was fined for his remarks by he team and the league wasn't too fond of his shenanigans either:

"The NFL stands for diversity and inclusion. Comments like this are wrong, offensive, and unacceptable."

And here's the statement from Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie's statement:

“We are shocked and appalled by Riley Cooper’s words. This sort of behavior or attitude from anyone has no role in a civil society. He has accepted responsibility for his words and his actions. He has been fined for this incident.“

PM UPDATE: Marcus Vick, who the HQ has no idea what he's doing these days, decided to put a bounty out on Cooper when all of this went public...

"Hey I'm putting a bounty on Riley's head. 1k to the first Free Safety or Strong safety that light his (expletive) up! Wake him up please...."

Marcus has since deleted his Tweet...

But, to his credit, brother Michael came out and said that he didn't agree with his brother's assessment:

Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Michael Vick said, "I don't agree with what my brother is saying."

Maclin, Pitta Both Out For Year

((HT: CSN Philly))

Today was not a good day if you were an eastern seaboard receiver in the NFL...

First, Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is out for the year after tearing an ACL in practice during a 7-on-7 drill...

He Tweeted after he was diagnosed: "Appreciate all the love and support twitter fam....sad day but I have setbacks my entire life. Minor setback for a MAJOR comeback! #birdgang"

Nine receivers are chasing after roster spots this season In Philadelphia now...

Reuben Frank discusses the possible impact of losing Maclin for the year...


The news is just as bad in Baltimore as tight end Dennis Pitta is now also out for the year after an initial hip injury was found out to be more serious than previously thought...

Per Albert Breer: Per source, Dennis Pitta has a hip fracture. Really bad news. He's out for the year. Ed Dickson's presence becomes big.

As does the visit late in the week by Visanthe Shiancoe- who, probably, slides in to that empty spot...

Chick Hernandez and Brent Harris discuss the early diagnosis...
((HT: CSN Baltimore))

DEVELOPING: Chip Kelly To Eagles

After thinking about it, thinking better of it, and thinking again...

Oregon head coach Chip Kelly is going to Philadelphia to see if his style of offense will work in the NFL...

More when we know more...

1240 UPDATE: "Chip Kelly will be an outstanding head coach for the Eagles," said owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. "He has a brilliant football mind. He motivates his team with his actions as well as his words. He will be a great leader for us and will bring a fresh, energetic approach to our team."

Not bad for a guy who was the defensive coordinator for Johns Hopkins ten years ago...

The question was raised early on in the Kelly Green discussion as to whether or not his offensive approach would actually work...
((HT: CSNPhilly))


And, then, there's the whole idea of getting the Santa Claus reference out of the way...
((HT: CSNPhilly))

DEVELOPING: Kelly To Stay At Oregon

((HT:ESPN/Schefter))

from Adam and his sources...

After being courted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year and turning them down before Greg Schiano left Rutgers to take the gig...

And being courted by both the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles this year, it looks like the same story with a different chapter added...

Chip Kelly is returning to Oregon for another year in the Pac-12...

More when we know more, but until then, here's the courting process from Eugene's point-of-view...
((HT: KVAL-TV))

Andy Reid to The Chiefs, Scott Pioli gone

And so the coaches (and G.M's) turn.

The Kansas City Chiefs and former Philadelphia Eagles HC Andy Reid have agreed to work together. (haha sounds like a marriage only it isn't)

Reid will take over the reigns of a team that held some promise just a couple of years ago before the bottom dropped out in 2012. Reid replaces Romeo Crennel.

His hire also means the end of the Scott Pioli, General Manager era. Pioli, supposedly part of the New England "Braintrust" with Bill Belichek leaves after 4 rather unsuccessful years and 3 unsuccessful head coaches.

Ironically, the Pioli announcement was made 1st, which immediately fueled the Reid rumor, which quickly became reality. Reid is believed to have asked for personnel control, something Pioli obviously wasn't interested in sharing.

Reid, you'll recall, coached the Philadelphia Eagles for 14-years before being let go last week after the supposedly talented Eagles floundered this past year as well.

Analysis: We don't know that this is going to work. It's going after the big name because he was there. Reid did not seem interested last season, though the loss of his son may have attributed to that. The Chiefs have some very good parts and some that need work. We may be wrong and he'll be "The Guy" that makes them successful again, but we think it's just the same NFL Logic that says if you've been a head coach with some success in the past, you'll get a job again.

Here's the early word from KSHB-TV

More Reaction From Black Monday: Philly, Cleveland, And Arizona

Here's Jeffrey Lurie's announcement on the dismissal on Andy Reid...
((HT: CSNPhilly))


Sources close to OSG Sports are telling us that the Eagles are interviewing all three coordinators for the Atlanta Falcons- OC Dirk Koetter, DC Mike Nolan, and Special Teams Coordinator Keith Armstrong. Armstrong's interview satsifies the Rooney Rule...

The Cleveland Browns blew it all up- insert conspiracy theories about Tuscaloosa here- and want to take the Steelers mentality that new owner Jimmy Haslam III saw as a minority owner there and install it in Cleveland...
((HT: Newsnet5.com))
Cardinals Team President Michael Bidwill addressed the issue of his team before Week 17 and, finally, answered his own question... ((HT: KTVK-TV)) According to Adam Schefter, Chicago and Arizona are asking for permission to talk to Denver Broncos OC Mike McCoy- and received it.

Black Monday Is Off And Running...7 Teams Makes Moves... (UPDATED... Now 11)

It's not quite a national holiday, but it's a day that pro football fans look at for guidance and renewed optimism... in some places, it's expected...

Others, not so much...

Like Chicago...

The Bears started out 7-1 and now Lovie Smith is fired after the team went 3-5 after the half-way point... Ian Rapoport over at NFL.com gets the HT for that one...

The appropriate amount of early discussion is hyah... on the NFL Network... and they've already asked the Broncos for permission to talk to OC Mike McCoy- which they can do since the Broncos are in a bye week...

Apparently, Bears QB Jay Cutler found out via text during his own radio show. He was, understandably, a little choked up.

The Buffalo Bills, mired in mediocrity, fired Grizzly Adams Chan Gailey... back-to-back 6-10's in three years... but how does GM Buddy Nix still have a job...???

Gailey released a statement through WGR-AM55 radio:

"I understand this is a business. We didn't get the job done. I've been called two other times to get things turned around, was able to do it, we weren't able to get this one soon enough and I understand that completely. I want to thank the fans, great Buffalo fans, great football town. These are loyal, loyal fans and I understand that. I think that the next staff will have a great opportunity for success and to make this another great football franchise. This'll probably be, and I say probably, but I think it will be the first place that's ever fired me that I'll pull for. Thank you."

The Kansas City Chiefs, stuck in one of the worst seasons on and off the field anyone can remember, fired Romeo Crennel... the HQ thinks the team mercifully put him out of his misery...

Crennel texted Rapoport, the response through on Rapoport's Twitter: "It has happened. Going home to watch it snow. Happy New Year."

According to Bill Maas, Atlanta Falcons OC Dirk Koetter will be interviewing with the Chiefs tomorrow in Atlanta...

The New York Jets fired GM Mike Tannenbaum and kept head coach Rex Ryan- for now... The Philadelphia Eagles fired Andy Reid after 14 seasons

- and the San Diego Chargers aren't interested... the HQ slams it's collective palm against its forehead...((Owner Jeffrey Lurie gives Reid a game ball for his time in front of Eagles employees on the right, thanks to the Eagles))

The Cleveland Browns, not surprising the HQ, fired both head coach Pat Shurmur and GM Tom Heckart... Heckart told the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot: "I knew I'd be gone..." when new CEO Joe Banner came in...

And the Jacksonville Jaguars fired their GM, Gene Smith, after a 2-14 season... head coach Mike Mularkey says he's safe for now... “Until I’m told otherwise, I’m the coach of this team,” Mularkey told the Florida Times-Union. 1240 UPDATE:

According to Jim Wyatt, over at the Tennessean and others, Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams is keeping head coach Mike Munchak. Executive Vice President Mike Reinfeldt wasn't so lucky...

From Wyatt:
“He has two more years to go on his contract but I think we’d be better off without him," Adams said. 'I don’t think he was getting the job done. Mike Reinfeldt is out.”

That should fix the problem right there...

1330 UPDATE: Someone must have found the pictures that San Diego Chargers head coach and GM AJ Smith had of the Spanos family, because they're now both gone as well...

Turner knew it in his postgame presser yesterday, and now it's official...

"My only goal is the Super Bowl, and that is why I have decided to move in a new direction with both our head coach and general manager positions," Spanos said in a statement. "I am committed to our great fans, and we will do whatever we possibly can to achieve that goal.”

1345 UPDATE: Add Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt and GM Rod Graves...according to Adam Schefter...

Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and general manager Rod Graves have been fired after a 5-11 season, a league source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Whisenhunt, 50, was 45-51 in six seasons with the Cardinals after being hired in 2007. Graves couldn't find a replacement for Kurt Warner and will be known for trading for Kevin Kolb...

The Cardinals, who started the season 4-0, lost their next nine games.

The team also fired the following assistant coaches: Russ Grimm (Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line), Mike Miller (Offensive Coordinator), Chad Grimm (Offensive Quality Control), John McNulty (Quarterbacks), Frank Reich (Wide Receivers), and Tommie Robinson (Running Backs).

1430 UPDATE: Once again from Rapoport...

#Raiders coach Dennis Allen announce the firing of OC Greg Knapp, ST coach Steve Hoffman, OL coach Frank Pollack, LB coach Johnny Holland.

Coroner: Garrett Reid Died Of Heroin Overdose

((HT:MyFoxPhilly))

The coroner's report has come out in the death of the son of Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid, Garrett Reid...

And the end result is not a surprise...
Sadly...

Stephanie Salvatore is standing indoors...
Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

This was not a surprise in the end of Garrett Reid's life...

Battles like his are always ones that have had ebbs and flows and a lot of dark places that have to be examined. Police are now going to try and retrace the last steps of Garrett to determine who may have given him the drug paraphernalia (and there was a lot of it found at the scene- almost too much to fathom) by looking into his cell phone records and any other element of his life that they can find that can give details into the sad ending.

Which is what this is without question...

More when we know more...

Watch the entire press conference here with the coroner and county district attorney...

Andy Reid Returns To Practice

((HT: CSNPhilly.com))

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid stayed away from practice for two days after the death of his son, Garrett. He returned today to answer questions and discuss his emotions having buried his 29-year-old son after he was found unresponsive at the team's pre-season facilities at Lehigh.

Here's Reid's opening statement...


The Eagles will have a moment of silence before Thursday night's preseason game against the Pittsburgh. The Eagles will have "GR" stickers on their helmets.

The medical examiner in Philadelphia hasn't released an official cause of death, but Andy Reid did issue a statement the night before the funeral saying Garrett lost an eight-year, ongoing battle- one with prescription medication and heroin.

Andy Reid maintains that going back to work was what his son would have wanted...

BREAKING: Andy Reid's Son Found Dead At Eagles Camp

Pro Football Talk and Howie Roseman are reporting that the son of Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid, Garrett, was found dead at training camp this morning.

Reid has asked that camp continue as scheduled...

Garrett Reid, 29, was found unresponsive in his bed this morning. Lehigh police and paramedics were called to camp, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

It was no secret that the Reids were trying to turn Garrett's life around after years of problems. Here's a story from 2009 when Garrett was heading back to prison for his issues...
((HT: WPVI-TV))


More when we know more...

1045 UPDATE: Here's the statement from the Eagles GM Roseman...
((HT: Philly.com/Berman, McLane))

“I have some heartbreaking news to share with you all. It is with great sadness, the oldest son of Coach Reid, was found dead this morning in his room here in training camp. It’s a tough morning for all of us in the Eagles family. Garrett grew up with this team, which makes this news even harder for us to process. Our hearts go out to Andy, Tammy, Britt, Spencer, Crosby and Drew Ann.

“Coach has spent the morning informing his family. We ask sincerely that you respect the family’s privacy during this time. The team has been informed of this news, as has Jeffrey [Lurie] and Christina. The chief will speak to you in a minute about what is known about this event. From a football perspective, I can tell you Andy has asked that we go forward with training camp. …On a personal note, we’ve been with Andy for a long time. He’s always been strong for us, we’re going to be strong for him right now. As a father and a friend, we’re all hurting.”

Follow Berman and McLane for more as we'll have it as well...

Here's early coverage from Lehigh campus...
((HT: WPVI-TV))

Jason Babin Should Expect A Larger Fine Now...

Dream Team Philadelphia Eagles DE Jason Babin got a personal foul penalty after a hit on San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith on Sunday, and plans to appeal a $15,000 fine that went along with it, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

BUT...

Here's Babin's Twitter response when he was told he was getting fined...

"Attn:Guy at the NFL that decides on who and how much players get fined Stop being a puppet, if you want to protect QB's, get better linemen..."

He explained his Tweet later on...

"That was just meant to be sarcastic," Babin said, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "But my main point was the person that decides the fines -- I'm assuming they're supposed to be unbiased and make decisions for themselves according to the rules and regulations -- not let outside influences affect their decision-making. You know what they say, 'One man with courage is a majority.' "

"So how are they going to fine me when you see a coach and players game plan to high-low arguably our best pass rusher on our team? That's a little sickening."

Here's Babin's response on camera...
((HT: NBCPhiladelphia))

View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.

And now that he's continuing to express displeasure... the HQ thinks he's going to be even lighter in the wallet than the $15-grand he's out now...

Just a thought...

Dunta Robinson fined $40K for violating the rules

It appears that Sunday night's Atlanta Falcons win over the Philadelphia Eagles has cost someone some money.

Midway through the game, Robinson was penalized for lowering his head and hitting the head and neck area of Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin. It cost the Falcons and Robinson a 15-yard penalty during the game.

It cost Robinson $40,000 afterwards.

The NFL announced Monday afternoon that Robinson would be fined for the hit. And it isn't the first time he's been fined. He was fined $25,000 for a similar type of hit against the Eagles and wide receiver DeSean Jackson in 2010.

Robinson was told by the league essentially, you do this again, you may be suspended.

Here's a link to the NFL's ruling RIGHT HERE

For those wondering, here's Sunday night's hit in question. It took Maclin out a few plays, he did return. Robinson, he kept playing. And yeah, the NBC TV crew was less than happy about this play.



Friend of the OSG, Nubyjas Wilborn talked to Robinson after Sunday nights game: