The Sports Dish

knicks fix?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:33:00 +0000

now
PG -Douglas
SG - Walker
SF- Chandler
PF- Gallo
C- Barron

next ?/back up
PG- Paul (sign and trade with lee)/Douglas
SG-Gay or Johnson/walker
SF-Chandler/Gallo
PF-Bosh or Amarie/
C- Barron/ vet I.E. Miller

What will happen to the NFL?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 07:49:00 +0000

With the new rules in place will there be another holdout? This writer thinks maybe.

ENI world

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 07:47:00 +0000

If you like ENI's the chris and taylor show try ENIWORLD.wordpress.com leave comments have fun and check out epOO- onling at youtube.com eni world ep 00-

Knicks have hope and alot of desicions

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:36:00 +0000

2010 NBA Free Agents
Sportscity.com is looking in to the future at potential 2010 NBA Free Agents. Although this NBA free agent list is a years away, it's alway fun to look at what players might be entering free agency, and what teams could gain or lose. This NBA free agent crop drawing a ton of interest as LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh top the list NBA Unrestricted Free Agents. Other potential big names are Amare Stoudemire, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Tracy McGrady.
2010 Free Agents for the Atlanta Hawks

Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Joe Johnson, Randolph Morris, Maurice Evans (P)
2010 Free Agents for the Boston Celtics

Restricted
Gabe Pruitt, Rajon Rondo
Unrestricted
Ray Allen, Tony Allen, Brian Scalabrine, Paul Pierce (ETO), Eddie House
2010 Free Agents for the Charlotte Bobcats

Restricted
Dontell Jefferson
Unrestricted
Nazr Mohammed (ETO), Raja Bell, Vladimir Redmanovic (ETO)
2010 Free Agents for the Chicago Bulls

Restricted
DeMarcus Nelson, Tyrus Thomas
Unrestricted
Jerome James, Linton Johnson, Brad Miller, Anthony Robertson, Tim Thomas, John Salmons (ETO)
2010 Free Agents for the Cleveland Cavaliers

Restricted
Tarence Kinsey, Jawad Williams
Unrestricted
LeBron James (P), Shaquille O'Neal, Zydrunas Ilgauskas
2010 Free Agents for the Dallas Mavericks

Restricted
Shawne Williams, Nathan Jawai,
Unrestricted
J.J. Barea (T), Josh Howard (T), Dirk Nowitzki (ETO), Antoine Wright, Devean George, Kris Humphries (P)
2010 Free Agents for the Denver Nuggets

Restricted
Renaldo Balkman, Walter Sharpe
Unrestricted
Steven Hunter , Kenyon Martin (ETO)
2010 Free Agents for the Detroit Pistons

Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Kwame Brown
2010 Free Agents for the Golden State Warriors

Restricted
Anthony Morrow, Jermareo Davidson
Unrestricted
Kelenna Azubuike (P), Speedy Claxton
2010 Free Agents for the Houston Rockets

Restricted
Luis Scola, Carl Landry (T), Kyle Lowry
Unrestricted
Brent Barry, Chuck Hayes (T), Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming (ETO), Brian Cook
2010 Free Agents for the Indiana Pacers

Restricted
None
Unrestricted
T.J. Ford (P), Travis Diener
2010 Free Agents for the Los Angeles Clippers

Restricted
Mardy Collins
Unrestricted
Marcus Camby, Mark Madsen, Craig Smith, Sebastian Telfair (P)
2010 Free Agents for the Los Angeles Lakers

Restricted
Jordan Farmar, Sun Yue, Adam Morrison
Unrestricted
Derek Fisher, Josh Powell, D.J. Mbenga, Kobe Bryant (P)
2010 Free Agents for the Memphis Grizzlies

Restricted
Rudy Gay,
Unrestricted
Greg Buckner (P),
2010 Free Agents for the Miami Heat

Restricted
Mario Chalmers (T)
Unrestricted
Udonis Haslem, Dwyane Wade (P), Dorell Wright, Mark Blount, Yakhouba Diawara, Jermaine O'Neal, Chris Quinn
2010 Free Agents for the Milwaukee Bucks

Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Michael Redd (ETO), Luke Ridnour, Malik Allen, Bruce Bowen, Francisco Elson, Amir Johnson, Kurt Thomas
2010 Free Agents for the Minnesota Timberwolves

Restricted
Bobby Brown
Unrestricted
Brian Cardinal, Darius Songaila (ETO), Etan Thomas, Quentin Richardson
2010 Free Agents for the New Jersey Nets

Restricted
Josh Boone, Chris Douglas-Roberts (T)
Unrestricted
Bobby Simmons, Rafer Alston, Tony Battie, Trenton Hassell, Jarvis Hayes
2010 Free Agents for the New Orleans Hornets

Restricted
Hilton Armstrong
Unrestricted
Rasual Butler, Tyson Chandler (ETO), Peja Stojakovic (ETO), Devin Brown, Antonio Daniels
2010 Free Agents for the New York Knicks

Restricted
Joe Crawford, Chris Hunter
Unrestricted
Eddy Curry (P), Chris Duhon, Al Harrington, Larry Hughes, Jared Jeffries (ETO), Darko Milicic, Mouhamed Sene
2010 Free Agents for the Oklahoma Thunder

Restricted
Thabo Sefolosha
Unrestricted
Earl Watson , Chucky Atkins, Shaun Livingston, Damien Wilkens
2010 Free Agents for the Orlando Magic

Restricted
J.J. Redick
Unrestricted
Anthony Johnson
2010 Free Agents for the Philadelphia 76ers

Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Willie Green (ETO), Jason Kapono (P)
2010 Free Agents for the Phoenix Suns

Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Louis Amundson, Sasha Pavlovic, Amare Stoudemire (ETO), Ben Wallace
2010 Free Agents for the Portland Trail Blazers

Restricted
LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy
Unrestricted
Steve Blake, Travis Outlaw, Joel Przybilla (ETO)
2010 Free Agents for the Sacramento Kings

Restricted
Sergio Rodriguez
Unrestricted
Kenny Thomas
2010 Free Agents for the San Antonio Spurs

Restricted
Marcus Williams
Unrestricted
Matt Bonner, Manu Ginobili, Roger Mason, Michael Finley, Richard Jefferson (ETO)
2010 Free Agents for the Toronto Raptors

Restricted
Roko Ukic (P)
Unrestricted
Chrish Bosh (P), Quincy Douby, Patrick O'Bryant
2010 Free Agents for the Utah Jazz

Restricted
Ronnie Brewer, Kyrylo Fesenko
Unrestricted
Matt Harpring, Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, Mehmet Okur
2010 Free Agents for the Washington Wizards

Restricted
Randy Foye, Dominic McGuire
Unrestricted
Brendan Haywood, DeShawn Stevenson, Mike James, Mke Miller ** ETO - Early Terminatoin Option ** P - Player Option ** T - Team Option

TOP 5 ROOKIES

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:14:00 +0000

1Brandon Jennings
2Ty Lawson
3Tyreke Evans
4Jonny Flynn
5DeJuan Blair

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:14:00 +0000

THE NEW YORK MINUTE by Lu Taylor

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:26:00 +0000

Jets-Pats another big game for the jets trying to break our 5 game losing streak JETS!!!!!!!

Knicks-close to getting A.I. what could possibly go wrong he wants to start and be the star we ave no star and need some wins because it not like we can get a number one pick p.s. thanks for trading that one away

From SI.COM: Iverson would be intriguing because the Knicks could sign him for only this season and not use up any future salary cap space. Plus, he's still popular with many fans -- some of whom have already grown impatient with Walsh's plan to rebuild through free agency next summer that left the team so vulnerable this season.

Room for Improvement

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:55:00 +0000

by Mike Reiss

At times, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's frustrations boiled over during Sunday's game against the Falcons.

He had an animated sideline discussion with veteran receiver Joey Galloway as the two continue to struggle to get on the same page. Then there was the time he waited for receiver Sam Aiken after a laser of a pass sailed through the end zone, both hands in front of him as he seemed to be asking why Aiken didn't finish his route.

Tom Brady and the Patriots' offense were much improved over last week, but the team still left points out on the field.
It was a bit Marino-esque and a sign that the Patriots' offense -- even after a bounce-back 26-10 win -- remains a work in progress. Red zone problems persist (one touchdown in five trips Sunday), and Brady sets the bar high.

That summed up the emotions of offensive players in the Patriots' locker room afterward.

They were happy to win, putting together a crisper effort than last week's against the Jets. At the same time, they felt they left too many plays on the field.

"We can't keep kicking field goals, I know that," Brady said after the offense rolled up 445 yards but scored only two touchdowns. "We've got to be better than that."

On this day, against the sloppy Falcons, it was good enough.

Restoring balance to the offense -- 42 passes, 39 rushes -- was a key. The Patriots played some power football (168 rushing yards) while mixing in some successful roll-the-dice decisions on fourth down in the third quarter. They won the time of possession battle 39:49 to 20:11, and had five drives with 10 plays or more.

Brady, still searching for his trademark accuracy, finished 25-of-42 for 277 yards and one touchdown. He was fiery throughout.

"I was just really into it and trying to keep everyone focused," he said of his on-field emotions. "It's a great win for us and we'll take it, but still understand that there are a lot of things we need to do better."

Players took notice of Brady's on-field emotions. "That's why he's great," said running back Fred Taylor. "He's Tom Brady and he hasn't won all those championships for nothing. As a player, you get in line, you listen. He's the leader, he calls the shots, you do what he says. That makes the offense go."

While the red zone problems are most troubling, Brady acknowledged that there were bright spots. One of them was how much time he had on each of his 42 pass attempts.

After absorbing a blitzing beatdown last week against the Jets, Brady was hit just twice Sunday by the more conservative Falcons. The Falcons rushed the standard four defenders on 31 of the 42 pass attempts, according to ESPN Stats & Information tracking, which left Brady time to survey his options.

The blockers in front of him played a large role in neutralizing top pass-rusher John Abraham. Unlike the Jets, the Falcons aren't as talented in the secondary, which appeared to limit their willingness to blitz.

"It's always a lot better when they only bring four, because then it comes to technique and winning that one-on-one matchup," said Patriots left guard Logan Mankins. "They rely on their front four to get pressure and they have some good pass-rushers with a lot of athletic ability. We were able to pick them up."

The Patriots also played a much different style than last week, ditching their no-huddle, up-tempo approach in favor of more of a slow-it-down approach.

Against the Jets, they ran every play but one out of their three-receiver set. Against the Falcons, they utilized it only about 36 percent of the time, instead relying on more multiple tight end packages and a lead-blocking fullback.

"That's what Coach [Bill] Belichick is famous for, his ability to make adjustments and diagnose how to attack a team," tight end Chris Baker said.

Not to be overlooked were the Patriots' bold fourth-down calls in the third quarter, converting a fourth-and-1 on their own 24, and later a fourth-and-3 from the Falcons' 37. Sammy Morris plowed ahead for a 2-yard gain for the first conversion, and Brady found Randy Moss down the right sideline for a beautiful 21-yard connection on the second.

Those came on a 16-play drive, and were critical in the win.

But Brady, who in the fourth quarter became the 27th player in NFL history to reach 200 touchdown passes, wants more. Especially in the red zone.

The Patriots have scored one touchdown in eight trips over the past two games. Overall, they have four touchdowns in 13 red zone trips this season.

"It's obvious," Brady said, "that we still have work to do."

ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss covers the New England Patriots in his blog.

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/columns/story?columnist=reiss_mike&id=4510372

5 Most Hated Players in Football

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:35:00 +0000

Check out this article at http://www.helium.com/items/1387870-top-five-most-hated-players-in-the-nfl

Brett Favre - By all accounts Favre is the biggest media attention whore in the NFL. If you don't believe me, look back at all of the press clippings from the end of the 2007 season until February 2009. If there is a way for him to get his name in print or on the airwaves, it will be done. Of course he says he is retired. Forgive me if I call his bluff. The only way we will know for sure is when the 2009 season starts and there is no # 4 gunslinger on the sidelines in New York, Minnesota, or anywhere else. Say Favre gets the itch when the summer months start? He can return but of course the Jets would have to bring him back with $13 million counting against the salary cap. Or of course they could trade him to another team and it would cost them a first round pick because of a clause in his contract. Jets fans think Favre will go quietly into the night and not cause any disruption. Remember what Favre put the Packers through last year? Why would he not do that to a team who he played only 1 season for and has no real allegiance?

Terrell Owens - You either love Terrell Owens or you despise him, there is no middle ground for the receiver. Owens is a close second to Favre when it comes to being a media whore. If you do not believe me then you missed out on his little antics where he was doing sit-ups outside his residence. Let us not forget that he has been the spark to light the bonfire at three of the top NFL franchises in his storied career. So Buffalo look out if you plan on keeping Owens for more than one season.

Donovan McNabb - This is one of those players that did surprise me when I heard how many people are tired of McNabb. The reasons cited ranged from McNabb how oblivious he seemed during press conference to his inability to find a way to step up in the big game. Of course a lot of the issues connected with McNabb also involve another, Owens. There are those who suggest that the real problem in Philly is McNabb and not everyone else who has come through there. They feel McNabb has to be the Star in the city of brotherly love and if anyone else comes in there, he looks to undermine them every possible way.

Tom Brady / Peyton Manning - These two were put in the same boat because well most of the haters seem to have one thing in common. They seem too good to be true. They do not have off the field issues like other players in the NFL and each one has been able to lead their team to the Super Bowl. Maybe the haters do not like those who have seemingly squeaky images. Guess I can not blame them because I may harbor the same ill will feelings for one Mr. Tim Tebow.

Kellen Winslow Jr. - This has to be the player who seems to get me the most worked up. For someone who had such promise coming into the NFL, he has wasted every chance given to him. Of course we should have had some insight into him after the college game when he taunted an injured player. Once he arrived in the NFL, his first two seasons were marred by injury, including one caused by off the field activities. During his first five years in the league, he has missed 36 games. Despite that I am sure he thinks he is the best tight end in the game. It is a shame he comes from the same stock as Winslow, the man who had one of the most amazing performances ever seen in a playoff game.

Check out this article at http://www.helium.com/items/1387870-top-five-most-hated-players-in-the-nfl

THE NEW YORK MINUTE by Lu Taylor

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:53:00 +0000

The Yankees clinched a postseason spot Tuesday night Beating the Angels.
The Jets are 2-0 after beating the Pats, but face the a big team with their old name.
The Giants look in mid season form, but the lost of Tutt is big.
Knicks are said to be close to signing Robinson and Lee, can't wait till next season.
The Mets... times up

2009 NFL Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:58:00 +0000

Honest Gabe here with my 2009 NFL Predictions. Without further a do.... here they are!

AFC North:
*PIT (15-1)
*BAL (11-5)
CIN (7-9)
CLE (2-14)

AFC South:
*IND (14-2)
*HOU (11-5)
TEN (7-9)
JAX (4-12)

AFC East:
*NWE (12-4)
MIA (7-9)
BUF (5-11)
NYJ (4-12)

AFC West:
*SD (14-2)
KC (3-13)
OAK (3-13)
DEN (2-14)

AFC Wild Card Round:
BAL (5) @ NE (4) = NE
HOU (6) @ SD (3) = SD

AFC Divisional Round:
NE (4) @ PIT (1) = PIT
SD (3) @ IND (2) = IND

AFC Championship:
IND (2) @ PIT (1) = PIT

NFC North:
*GNB (12-4)
*CHI (10-6)
MIN (10-6)
DET (4-12)

NFC South:
*NO (14-2)
*ATL (13-3)
CAR (10-6)
TB (0-16)

NFC East:
*PHI (12-4)
NYG (10-6)
DAL (8-8)
WAS (6-10)

NFC West:
*ARI (13-3)
SEA (9-7)
SF (2-14)
STL (1-15)

NFC Wild Card Round:
ATL (5) @ GB (4) = GB
CHI (6) @ PHI (3) = CHI

NFC Divisonal Round:
GB (4) @ NO (1) = GB
CHI (6) @ ARI (2) = CHI

NFC Championship:
CHI (6) @ GB (4) = GB

SUPERBOWL:
PIT VS GB = PITTSBURG STEELERS

RUMOR MILL

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:24:00 +0000

NBA RUMORS

Nate Robinson and David Lee to resign with the New York Knicks
A.I. excited to be in Memphis and is rumored to seem like he has something to prove to the media after not getting an offer from any other teams

NEWS

Carney back to the Sixers after being traded Away
Bobcats Co-opener dies in plane crash
David Lee and Nate Robinson will be apart of next summer's big free agency market

Tarvaris Jackson on the Move??

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:07:00 +0000

At this hour according to ESPN, the Minnesota Vikings are looking to shop current backup QB Tarvaris Jackson. After the acquisitions of Sage Rosenfels and Brett Favre in the off-season, the Vikings feel they can gain some solid trade value for Jackson, who thus far has under-performed in his role with the Vikes. Prepare for this to be a main topic on this week's show as i'm sure Taylor will have his ammo ready for this discussion.

Downed Chief Broken Favre

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:01:00 +0000

Brett "I left the jets" Favre says he might have cracked/broken ribs. Quick question Brett why would a 40 year old QB tell the rest of the NFL that, maybe he's on the painkillers again.

Matt Cassel could miss 2-4 weeks medial collateral ligament sprain. This means Tyler Thigpen and Brodie Croyle would likely start the season at QB, not only will they have the worst backup in the league the Chief's will have the worst named QB (would you wear a Thigpen or a Croyle jersey... i think not).

Two New Sox make Debut in Boston Win

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 22:03:00 +0000

A couple weeks ago, Paul Byrd was pitching to 13 and under kids for a little league team. Today, he pitched six shutout innings in his first game out of retirement for the Red Sox in their win over Toronto 7-0. "I'm just so excited to be back. I want a World Series ring," he said. "Hopefully I can help this team get there. I'll clean toilets if I have to, and I told them that."

Byrd (1-0), out of baseball after finishing last year with the Red Sox, signed a minor league contract on Aug. 5. He struck out one and walked three.

Also making his Boston debut today was lefty veteran reliever Billy Wagner, pitching one inning of scoreless relief with three strikeouts. Wagner, was acquired in a deal last week with the Mets.

Manny Delcarmen and Takashi Saito rounded out the shutout pitching from the Boston bullpen. Meanwhile, Cy Young candidate Roy Halladay gave up 4 earned runs in 6 innings including a solo homerun from Rhode Island Native Rocco Baldelli his sixth of the year. Halladay has lost his last three decisions.

Byrd was sent up from the minors only a couple days ago in hopes to fill the number five spot in the Sox rotation. A position that has been a merry-go-round of faces in the last couple months.

Patriots Today - Redskins-Patriots Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:38:00 +0000

Patriots Today - Redskins-Patriots Recap

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Vick solid in Eagles

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:44:00 +0000

Vick solid in Eagles’ second and third drives

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This Week's Show..

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:40:00 +0000

Will be aired on Saturday at 12 noon. If it's rainin outside, you got NO excuses not to watch. If its sunny and your at the beach...get a damn wireless card for your laptop and watch us in the sun...we're not bias.

- C

Honest Gabe - Issue #1

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:33:00 +0000

Welcome to the very first issue of Honest Gabe! I am your host, Mr. Gabe Murgo! For those of you who don't know me, myself and Chris go WAYYY back to 4th grade where we became best friends and he has graciously asked me to contribute to his blog - so I will be giving my FANTASY advice each and every week for you - the fans of the E 'n' I show! Please email your questions to the blog site and we will post them up for you the following week!

Today's issue will be brief and straight to the point: how to build a Fantasy Football Championship team!

I had the #2 overall pick in my draft this past weekend and as expected, Adrian Peterson went first. In my 12 team league, you get a .5 points per reception and there is a RB/WR flex position with only 2 WR spots, so my pick was between MJD and Matt Forte (of MY Chicago Bears!) I went with MJD for a number of reasons:
1. MJD catches more passes
2. There is no competition taking away carries for MJD in JAX
3. Kevin Jones WILL cut into Matt Forte's carries to keep the 2nd year pro fresh during the season.
This made my decision easy. It is important to select players with your MIND and not your HEART.

With the #2 pick in your draft, what you want to do is select a stud RB right off the bat. Your second pick I also recommend getting a top RB. In this case, I selected Clinton Portis who is going up against the 2nd easiest run defenses in 2009. Your 3rd pick you want to pick a top tier WR. I selected Marques Colston who will have a huge year for the air mailing Saints. Your 4th pick I would take the best available player. In this case it was Braylon Edwards who is the whole team of Cleveland this year. My 5th pick I locked up my flex position as I selected Darren McFadden who is lightning quick and can catch passes out of the backfield. Again, he is the entire team for the Raiders.
Now you can lock up your TE and QB with your next 2 picks (Winslow + Schaub) and then it is very IMPORTANT to solidify your bench as injuries WILL occur during the season.
The rest of my draft was: Delhomme for my QB, Packers and Redskins for defenses, Elam for my kicker, Sproles, McCoy, Fred Taylor for m backup RB's, with Hixon and Harvin as my WR's.

Because of this draft strategy I am an instant contender within the league. Make sure you follow the waiver wire closely, and if you can make a trade or two, you should find yourself in the playoff hunt.

Until next time, this is Honest Gabe telling you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!

The Return of Vick

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:36:00 +0000

Micheal "Wildcat"Vick will be aloud to play in the last two preseason games with his New team the Philadelphia Eagles including this Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

EnI radio

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:06:00 +0000

Let us know what articles you like and what subjects interest you. Contact me at olutosint@yahoo.com

Tomorrow's Show - 8/21....

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 03:08:00 +0000

Football is back, and the guys will break down the divisions and make predictions. More fantasy football preview, breakdown the upcoming series with The Red Sox and Yankees, and two new segments of "The Board" and "The Best Texts from last night"..a hilarious new weekly segment that you guys get to vote on the funniest night/party texts from the week. Check us out at 6pm.

Michael Vick signs with Eagles

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:40:00 +0000

PHILADELPHIA – By halftime, the Linc was buzzing: Michael Vick was an Eagle.

Suddenly, no one seemed to care much about the preseason game against the New England Patriots on Thursday night. All that mattered to most fans was that the disgraced quarterback had joined their team.

Even though five-time Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb is the man on the Philadelphia Eagles, the team gave Vick a one-year deal with an option for a second year.

"We don't need another quarterback, especially him," longtime fan Donald Crispin said.

The 29-year-old Vick, once the NFL's highest-paid player, has been out of action since 2006. The former Atlanta Falcons star was convicted in August 2007 of conspiracy and running a dogfighting ring, and served 18 of a 23-month sentence in federal prison. He also was suspended indefinitely by the NFL.

"I'm a believer that as long as people go through the right process, they deserve a second chance," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "He's got great people on his side; there isn't a finer person than Tony Dungy. He's proven he's on the right track."

Commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally lifted Vick's suspension on July 27, allowing him to sign with a team, practice and play in the last two preseason games. Once the season begins, Vick can participate in all team activities except games, and Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19) at the latest.

The Eagles reached the NFC championship game last season under McNabb, but are still looking for their elusive first Super Bowl win.

McNabb has led the Eagles to five NFC title games and one Super Bowl appearance in the last eight years, and was rewarded with a $5.3 million raise in the offseason. The Eagles tore up his old contract with two years remaining, and gave him a new deal worth $24.5 million over the next two seasons.

Philadelphia is a surprise landing point for Vick. It was among 26 clubs that said there was no interest in him, but that may have changed when backup Kevin Kolb strained a knee ligament earlier this week. Kolb's injury isn't serious and he's expected to return next week. The Eagles also have veteran A.J. Feeley.

"There won't be a quarterback controversy," Reid said. "We have to make sure he gets back in football shape. He comes into a good, stable unit here. Donovan and Michael are very close."

Reid made sure he spoke with McNabb before signing Vick.

"I pretty much lobbied to get him here," McNabb said. "I believe in second chances and what better place to get a second chance than here with this group of guys. ... He's no threat to me, not for Kolb. We had the opportunity to add another weapon to our offense."

Vick could be used in a variation of the Wildcat offense that the Miami Dolphins made popular last season. He's also familiar with the West Coast offense, though Atlanta ran a different version than the one Philadelphia uses.

"He's an unbelievable athlete, both running the ball and throwing it," Reid said. "I'll think of something for him."

When news of Vick's signing circulated in the press box during the first half of the Eagles' preseason opener against the Patriots, even the team's public relations staff seemed surprised.

The crowd quickly caught on at Lincoln Financial Field. Fans standing on the concourse were in disbelief. One guy wondered how quickly he'd be able to buy a Vick jersey. Another asked if this was a joke.

"It doesn't make any sense," said Michelle Harlan, a mother attending her first NFL game with a young son.

In a "60 Minutes" interview set to air Sunday, Vick accepted blame for not stopping the illegal dogfighting operation he bankrolled.

Vick said he feels "some tremendous hurt behind what happened."

He said he should have taken "the initiative to stop it all ... I didn't."

Asked if he was more concerned about his playing career or the dogs he hurt, Vick replied, "Football don't even matter."

The animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, wasted no time reminding people exactly what Vick had done.

"PETA and millions of decent football fans around the world are disappointed that the Eagles decided to sign a guy who hung dogs from trees. He electrocuted them with jumper cables and held them under water," PETA spokesman Dan Shannon told The Associated Press.

"You have to wonder what sort of message this sends to young fans who care about animals and don't want them to be harmed."

Reid believes most Eagles fans will accept Vick.

"This is America. We do make mistakes," Reid said. "This situation is a chance to prove he's doing the right things. He's been proactive speaking across the country."

Since Reid became the head coach in 1999, the Eagles have avoided players with character issues. The lone exception came in 2004 when Philadelphia acquired wide receiver Terrell Owens. That move paid off when Owens helped lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl in his first season. But T.O. quickly wore out his welcome, criticizing management over a contract dispute and feuding with McNabb. He was released midway through the 2005 season.

"I couldn't envision Mike being here," said former Eagles linebacker Ike Reese, a teammate of Vick's in Atlanta in 2005-06. "I didn't see where he fit in. I think most people in the locker room would accept it. Donovan is very secure in his position. He wants to see Mike get another opportunity."

Players around the NFL expressed happiness that Vick was back in the league.

"That's a lot of talent right there that was going to go to waste if nobody picked him up," Baltimore running back Willis McGahee said. "I think he'll fit in pretty good there. They're going to take care of him."

Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason said he hopes the Eagles use him as a quarterback instead of a gimmick player.

"He's better than 95 percent of the quarterbacks that are starting right now in this league," Mason said. "He can sit behind Donovan and learn, and hopefully he'll get an opportunity to get in there some games. But if he just takes this time to grow as a player, his future is going to be bright."

___

AP Sports Writers Hank Kurz Jr. in Richmond, Va., Jon Krawczynski in Minneapolis and Dave Ginsburg in Baltimore and AP writer Dan Robrish in Philadelphia contributed to this report.

8/14 Show..

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:34:00 +0000

Will be off until next week. Lu's birthday celebration (leave some love) and ill be in D.C. See ya next week! -C

Show update

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Engelhardt) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:56:00 +0000

System in the studio got hacked and the audio is down on the stream. 90.7 is running fine if your in the Providence area. Apologies for the inconvenience. -C