Report: Phillies bolster Bullpen with signing of Reliever Mike Adams

ESPN's Jason Stark has reported that the Philadelphia Phillies have signed Reliever Mike Adams to a 2 year, $12 million contract, with a possible third year vesting option.

 The 34 year old is recovering from surgery to correct Thoradic Outlet Syndrome and will be ready to roll once Spring Training comes around.

Adams 2.06 ERA over a three year period is second to Atlanta's Eric O'Flaherty, among relievers who worked at least 175 innings.

This signing is big in the fact that the Fightins' lost 16 games last season that they led in the seventh inning or later. What that means is if they could have cut that number of losses in half, there was a probability of advancing to the playoffs.

The Phils finished at the .500 mark and now are considered an after thought of retaining the division reign  over rival Washington. With a healthy core and key additions, hopefully the Fightins' bounce back and get to have another parade down Broad Street.
The Fightins' recently signed former Texas Ranger Michael Young and former Minnesota Twin Ben Revere earlier this month.

Can the Eagles seize the Opportunity?

As the Giants lose a hard-fought game versus the Pittsburg Steelers, the Cowboys had a chance to possibly position themselves for a run on the NFC East. They lost to the undefeated Atlanta Falcons 19-13 and their window for making a playoff push in closing.

Enter the Philadelphia Eagles, who face off against the highly-touted New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. They are in need of a big win against one of the game's best quarterback Drew Bree's and the league's worst defenses, surrendering more than 400 yards a game.

It is vital for Mike Vick and Co. to get a win in the Big Easy. The ceiling is falling. Andy Reid needs a hope and a prayer that his team goes deep into the playoffs or he's a goner.

Mistakes and miscues have held back the Eagles from flying high; a motivated offense and an aggressive defense will carry them through the second half of the season.

It's boom or bust for the Birds. Can they weather the storm?

Michael Vick and Turnovers…

The Philadelphia Eagles have turned over the ball 12 times over the course of three games. Mike has taken way too many hits, most of them his own doing. What are the sources of the issues?

1)      Mike is holding onto the ball too long. Football Outsiders did a report from the 2011 season grading each NFL quarterback on the average amount of time they hold onto the ball. Vick was in the same ranks as Christian Ponder and Jake Locker. The routes that the Eagles receivers are running are long developing and often have both safeties playing over top; that means that his first and possible second read are locked down. It causes Mike to second guess himself and try to make something happen on the fly.

2)      The O-Line is struggling with the loss of LT Jason Peters and C Jason Kelce. Admit it; we all thought this was one of the team’s strengths going into this year. It was but the injury bug has plagued the Birds front five. Although C Dallas Reynolds has done a pretty admirable job so far, Guards Evan Mathis and Danny Watkins haven’t held up their end. I like all players involved and hope that they come back to playing like they did late last season.

3)      The play calling is not balanced. If a team ran play action in 3 out of 7 plays, 3 passes, and 1 run play, would you bite on the play action?  The Birds only have one of the most physically gifted running backs in the league in LeSean McCoy.  My grandmother has said for YEARS that Andy Reid has lacked aptitude in play calling and more importantly, in situations where time management and execution are key. We can’t blame Donovan for that anymore! Feed McCoy the ball; Rookie Bryce Brown has made a case for himself and now, has moved up the depth chart. Now, he’s 2^nd behind Shady.

Final Note- Feed Shady McCoy, Dagggoneit! (In my Brian Dawkins voice. By the way, the Eagles-Giants match-up is highlighted by B-Dawk’s number being retired forever. I love that guy!!

How do you get better at reading the blitz? Study, study, study, Mr. Vick. O-Line needs to pick up the pieces of the last two games and get it together. They need to have some pride in protecting their weapon. They must use the Screen game. They have to get that nasty streak back.

Philadelphia Eagles 2012 - Vs. Cleveland Browns - Week 1

The Philadelphia Eagles kickoff the season versus The Cleveland Browns at the Cleveland Brown Stadium. These two teams met in the 3rd preseason game of this year and Eagles prevailed in that early tune-up.
Browns rookie QB Brandon Weeden will be the 17th Browns quarterback to start a game since 1999 and 11th Opening Day starter.

My view on the match-up:

-The Eagles pass rush will eat Weeden alive in his first pro game. I believe the Eagles will finish the day with 5 sacks and leave Browns' fans hurt feelings
-Browns rookie RB Trent Richardson won't rush for over 110 yards
-Eagles RB LeSean McCoy amasses 130 all-purpose yards and at least 1 TD
-Eagles OLB Mychal Kendricks racks up 8+ tackles
-Eagles WR's Maclin and D.Jacc combine for 210 yards receiving and Celek has a TD catch.
-Browns LB Scott Fujita is a non-factor for the Browns D
-Browns CB Joe Haden holds up his end of the bargain and holds DeSean down. CB Sheldon Brown gets burnt like forgotten toast early and oftentimes.
-Eagles rookie Brandon Boykins averages 28 yards per return

Prediction: Eagles 38 , Browns 10

Breakout Player Alert: Eagles Safety Kurt Coleman

After being drafted in the seventh round of the 2010 draft out of Ohio State University, Safety Kurt Coleman has been nothing but stellar. Early in his career, he filled in for spot duty and showed flashes of things to come.

Some pundits think that he was a liability in pass coverage and in his ability to shed blocks (of which he has improved). Every season, he’s improved and last year, he became a full time starter, even with the 2^nd round selection of Temple Safety Jaiquan Jarrett. Jarrett was donned with becoming the successor to All-time great Brian Dawkins but there’s a few things in his way; one of them being the good play of Coleman.

Coleman is neither the biggest nor the fastest but he is wise and plays with heart. Those two ingredients make up for size and strength.

Going into his third year, he should thrive and not look back. In 2011, Coleman was second on the team with 88 tackles and 4 interceptions (3 coming in one game against Redskins QB Rex Grossman).

I expected teams to go after him early and often due to his size but he will shine like the Phoenix in 2012. Paired with Safety Nate Allen, The Eagles will be a top 10 unit with Coleman making tons of plays.

Breakout Player Alert: Carolina Panthers Tight End Greg Olsen

Greg was drafted in the 1st round by the Chicago Bears back in 2007. He flourished there and was traded last season to Carolina. Matching him with rookie Quarterback Cam Newton was great.

He racked up 540 yards receiving on just 45 catches and 5 TD's. All while splitting playing time with Jeremy Shockey. With Shockey's departure, look for Greg to put up numbers like Chargers TE Antonio Gates.

With a full off-season as the starter under his belt on Panther-land, Olsen should thrive in what could be one of the NFC's most potent offenses. Carolina dons a two; better yet; three-headed monster running attack with D'Angelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, and newly-acquired Mike Tolbert via San Diego.

We can't forget about Wide Receiver Steve Smith, the incumbent veteran. He proved last year that he still has "it". Olsen will see almost double the amount of targets, thus making more plays. Greg is a player that studies and works his tail off and it shows.

As long as Quarterback Cam Newton and Greg Olsen stay healthy, this group will be on par with the elite.

The curious case of Eagles QB Michael Vick

He is one of the most gifted and hated (at one point or another) athlete to play football in this modern era. There isn't and hasn't been a better running QB. His arm strength is near legendary status but has had issues with accuracy in the past. He has improved in that area tremendously. The only thing holding him back is staying healthy.

As a General Manager or Head Coach, you want your starting quarterback to have moxie and the thirst to sling the ball into tight spots. You also want to have a signal-caller who knows when to get the ball to the second or third option during a play. Mike has the guts to sling it and has also made strides in reading the defense.

This offseason is his first in his three-year tenure as the starter at quarterback.  He has delegated his line calls to second year Center Jason Kelce,  who will in turn,  alert his quarterback and fellow lineman where necessary blocking is needed,  especially if changing or 'audibling' to a different play to counter what the defense is throwing at you. Basically, you read,  adjust, and make a big play.

Many factors will play into Michael's success this season. Can he stay healthy for 16 plus games? Is he capable of limiting his mistakes and turnovers? The only things we really know is that the Window of opportunity is now and the Eagles success is dependant mainly on Vick's play.

Mark Sanchez: He's going to be lights-out in 2012

Mark has faced some adversity in his brief time with the Jets. The addition of Godsend Tim Tebow amplifies the pressure around Mark. Jot this down : Mark will have a stellar year. The reason is that the offense will be focused more on the run, essentially taking some of the pressure away from him. All he has to do is manage the game. Jets receiver Jeremy Kerley will be the key guy working the slot with rookie Stephen Hill and captain Santonio Holmes getting most of the attention. With Tebow in the fold, Mark will limit his mistakes and make the best of his time on the field. Nothing will bring the best out of you like competition. Mark is a great guy who deserves to excel and in 2012, he will.

Ray Lewis: Future HOF'r (Hall of Famer)

There is no debate that Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis will be enshrined into the NFL Hall of Fame when he decides to hang 'em up. He is easily one of the most feared hitters to ever suit up. Not to mention two defensive player of the year, 10 all pro, and 13 pro bowl nods.

I've been a fan of his since his days with the U. He's one of those guys that comes around every 50 years.
Who's going to become the next Jerry Rice or the next Brian Dawkins or the next Ray Lewis?

Why The Resignings of Guard Evan Mathis and Receiver DeSean Jackson MADE the Eagles summer

I believe that you must take care of your own first rather than go out and throw money at a outside force. The Eagles, once known as a grinch-like front office led by ex-President Joe Banner, decided to break form and lock up their young talent. Evan Mathis was a virtual unknown, as he bounced from the Bengals to the Dolphins while picking up spot-starts here and there. He had a chance to go to Philly and showed that he is a true road grader with alot of upside. He is a part of the nucleus that keeps the offense line and he was worthy of the deal he received.

 DeSean is a highlight-reel waiting to happen; talk about the epitome of "takin' it to da house". He was disgruntled about his contract and it showed in his play. Normally, a diva would be shown the door if he sulked and effected the camraderie of a team (T.O. for example). DeSean, while he celebrates at will after and during a big play, has been a great teammate and has devoted a lot of time and effort into community services. He gets a bad rap for being flashy but the guy plays with heart and has fun while doing so. GM Howie Roseman knew what he was doing when he tendered DeSean a 5 year deal.

First Entry

I would like to formally welcome you to Catch This.

I live sports and have done so for all of my life. I grew up playing soccer, football, baseball, basketball, track, and hockey.
I've been an athlete on all levels from youth AAU to semi-pro football. This is definitely a passion of mine or an obsession, if you will.
I was a featured columnist on the now defunct http://www.fantasybrains.com/, providing weekly NFL anaylysis and addressing Fantasy Football updates, opinions, and breaking news.
I grew up in South Eastern Pennsylvania (Media, PA, Delaware County, baby!) and moved to Northern New Jersey (Bergen County) for a change of scenery.
I'm a Banker by day, and a Writer and Sports Junkie by night.
I went to College @ Western Maryland (I played Football, ran Track, played Basketball, and 1 season of Tennis...YEAH, TENNIS.)
I look forward to hearing from you guys and gals and thank you for welcoming me aboard.