SB Nation Philly: All Posts by Jeff Briggshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48987/philly-fave.png2013-02-14T10:00:13-05:00https://philly.sbnation.com/authors/jeff-briggs/rss2013-02-14T10:00:13-05:002013-02-14T10:00:13-05:0076ers won't make any big moves at deadline
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<p>Philly.com Sports: Bob Cooney believes 76ers general manager Tony DiLeo when he says the Sixers won't make any moves prior to the trade deadline that could harm the future of the organization to get immediate help.</p> <blockquote>
<p>It's not hard to believe general manager Tony DiLeo when he reiterates that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">76ers</a> will not be making any moves before the Feb. 21 trade deadline that will in any way hinder the future of the organization. That means: Don't expect the Sixers to really do anything, as the big decision in their near future still surrounds the aching knees of <span>Andrew Bynum</span>.</p>
<p>"I've talked with everyone throughout the league - made the phone calls, taken the phone calls," DiLeo said. "As I've said, we are not going to jeopardize our future to try to find something to help us short-term. We are looking to the future. We listen to what everyone proposes, and we propose some things, too. Things will probably heat up the closer you get to the deadline, they always do. We'll just have to see what happens.</p>
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<p>To read the rest of Bob Cooney's article <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20130214_Sixers__trade_denials_believable.html">Sixers' trade denials believable</a>, head to Philly.com.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philly-sports/2013/2/14/3987954/philadelphia-76ers-trade-deadlineJeff Briggs2013-01-02T16:58:00-05:002013-01-02T16:58:00-05:00Eagles sign Everette Brown and Trevard Lindley
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<p>The Philadelphia Eagles signed defensive end Everette Brown and cornerback Trevard Lindley to two-year contracts on Wednesday.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/BobGrotz/status/286579079828881408">signed two players to two-year deals</a> on Wednesday; defensive end <span>Everette Brown</span> and cornerback <span>Trevard Lindley</span>.</p>
<p>Brown was a second round pick of the 2009 NFL Draft by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> out of Florida State. He spent two seasons in Carolina before joining the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> in 2011. He played in 28 games over two seasons with the Panthers, but only three games with the Chargers. Brown has 49 tackles, six sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception for his career. He spent the 2012 season out of football after being cut by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>.</p>
<p>Lindley was drafted by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Kentucky. He played in 11 regular season games for the Eagles his rookie season, making 21 tackles and intercepting one pass. He has not played in an NFL game since 2010, but has been with the Eagles for both the 2011 and 2012 preseasons.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2013/1/2/3828914/philadelphia-eagles-everette-brown-trevard-lindleyJeff Briggs2013-01-01T18:35:37-05:002013-01-01T18:35:37-05:00Could the Eagles draft Geno Smith?
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<p>One mock draft from CBS Sports has the Eagles taking West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith with the fourth pick of the 2013 NFL Draft.</p> <p><a href="http://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2012/12/31/3821722/nfl-mock-draft-2013-philadelphia-eagles-luke-joeckel-offensive-tackle-texas-am">Most mock drafts</a> have the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Eagles</a> taking Texas A&M tackle <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115454/luke-joeckel" class="sbn-auto-link">Luke Joeckel</a>, but <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfldraftscout-RobRang">Rob Rang of CBS Sports</a> has the Eagles taking West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith. Philadelphia finished the season 4-12 and have the fourth pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.</p>
<p>Nearly every mock draft has the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Chiefs</a> taking Geno Smith with the top overall pick and the Eagles addressing their offensive line issues with Joeckel at the fourth pick, but Rang has the two picks reversed. He says that Joeckel is the top prospect in the draft and it is possible the Chiefs will decide to select him, if that happens what will Philadelphia do at No. 4? Rang believes the Eagles are one of the teams that can take a risk on Geno Smith:</p>
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<p>With talented pass-catchers already in town, the Eagles could be one of the few teams who could gamble on a rookie quarterback early... and win.</p>
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<p>Smith started the season on fire and quickly became a Heisman front-runner before fading in the second half of the season. He finished his senior year with 4,201 yards passing and 42 touchdowns to only six interceptions.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2013/1/1/3825806/2013-nfl-mock-draft-geno-smith-philadelphia-eaglesJeff Briggs2013-01-01T17:45:10-05:002013-01-01T17:45:10-05:00Eagles finish season at No. 28 in power rankings
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<p>The Philadelphia Eagles finished their disappointing season at No. 28 in SB Nation's NFL power rankings.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Eagles</a> finished their season far below expectations with a 4-12 record and ended up ranked No. 28 in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/1/1/3824414/nfl-power-rankings-2013-broncos-seahawks">SB Nation NFL power rankings</a> from Joel Thorman. The worst season under coach Andy Reid became the last season under Andy Reid, as the coach was fired shortly after the season ended:</p>
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<p>28. Philadelphia Eagles (LW: 28, 4-12): After 14 years, a new era. The chances of the next coach being as successful as Reid? Very low.</p>
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<p>Whoever becomes the Eagles new coach will have a lot of decisions to make. Most importantly -- does the team retain <span>Michael Vick</span>, go with <span>Nick Foles</span>, or look for a new quarterback?</p>
<p>The Eagles will also have to address a team that finished with a negative-164-point differential (minus-10.2 points per game), third-worst in the league. Philadelphia also tied for the league lead in turnovers with 37 and finished second to last in turnover differential at minus-24.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a> finished the season on top of the power rankings. The rest of the NFC East finished far above the Eagles, with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Redskins</a> at No. 8, <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Giants</a> at No. 12, and <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Cowboys</a> at No. 18.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2013/1/1/3825706/nfl-power-rankings-2012-philadelphia-eaglesJeff Briggs2012-12-21T11:33:49-05:002012-12-21T11:33:49-05:00Evan Mathis deserves to make the Pro Bowl
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<p>CSNPhilly: Philadelphia Eagles guard Evan Mathis deserves his first Pro Bowl selection this season.</p> <blockquote>
<p>Teams that are 4-10 and have won one game since September don't get many Pro Bowlers, especially first-time Pro Bowlers. Last time the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Eagles</a> had no Pro Bowl picks was 1998, the last time they were this bad.<br><br>But Mathis deserves it.<br><br>"He's definitely had a Pro Bowl type of season," injured center <span>Jason Kelce</span> said. "But so much goes into the voting, who knows? It's tough when you haven't had a great season as a team. But he definitely deserves it."</p>
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<p>Read the rest of the article at <a href="http://www.csnphilly.com/football-philadelphia-eagles/eagles-talk/Eagles-Mathis-deserves-a-Pro-Bowl-bid?blockID=816031&feedID=704">CSN Philly</a>.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/csn-philly/2012/12/21/3792176/evan-mathis-deserves-to-make-the-pro-bowlJeff Briggs2012-12-21T09:41:08-05:002012-12-21T09:41:08-05:00Michael Vick believes he is still a starter
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<p>Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick believes he should be a starter in the NFL.</p> <p><span>Michael Vick</span> is ending his season as the third-string quarterback of the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Eagles</a>, but <a href="http://www.phillymag.com/eagles/2012/12/21/vick-im-not-a-backup/">he believes he is still worthy of a starting quarterback job</a> in the NFL.</p>
<p>Vick is not complaining about his new role as the Eagles have shifted to rookie <span>Nick Foles</span> as their starter, but he wants to be a starter next year.</p>
<p>Vick told Birds 24/7, "I'm not a backup. Just being honest, just being candid. I'm a full-fledged starter."</p>
<p>Vick has not played since suffering a concussion Nov. 11 in a loss to the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Cowboys</a>. He struggled this season, throwing for 2,165 yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions and rushing for 307 yards and a touchdown, but losing five fumbles.</p>
<p>Despite his struggles and status with the Eagles, Vick insists, "I'm a starter. I'll feel that way until I start to feel like <em>I'm</em> becoming a problem on the team."</p>
<p>Vick, who is due $15.5 million next season, said no matter what happens with the Eagles, he will always have a soft spot for Philly for giving him an opportunity to return to the league.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2012/12/21/3791768/michael-vick-says-he-is-not-a-backupJeff Briggs2012-12-21T08:54:51-05:002012-12-21T08:54:51-05:00Sixers must keep waiting on Bynum
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<p>CSNPhilly: The 76ers are forced to wait for the latest news on Andrew Bynum's knees, but Philadelphia has gotten used to waiting on the big man and must stay patient.</p> <blockquote>
<p>There was a <a>recent report</a> that the Sixers are already tired of the interminable delay and have begun talking to other teams about unloading Bynum before he ever steps on the court for them. No one else has confirmed the story or even hinted that it might be true.<br><br>And yet it is out there. And so we will address the speculation with an unambiguous declaration: The Sixers should not trade Bynum. Not now. Not anytime soon.<br><br>The Sixers should keep waiting. Not doing so would be a major mistake.</p>
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<p>Read the rest of <a href="http://www.csnphilly.com/basketball-philadelphia-sixers/sixers-talk/Sixers-have-no-choice-but-to-keep-waitin?blockID=815735&feedID=704">John Gonzalez's article at CSNPhilly</a>.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/csn-philly/2012/12/21/3791644/sixers-must-keep-waiting-for-andrew-bynumJeff Briggs2012-12-19T18:48:57-05:002012-12-19T18:48:57-05:00Sixers should own the Philly sports scene
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<p>Philly.com Sports: With the Eagles and Phillies struggling and the Flyers locked out, the Philadelphia 76ers could own the city right now, but fate has different plans.</p> <blockquote>
<p>For the first time in the era AI - After Iverson - the Sixers have a chance to recapture the city.</p>
<p>Alas, fate seems to be doing its best to sabotage the Sixers' moment.</p>
<p>Their two best players are hurt.</p>
<p>The team won't be home for weeks.</p>
<p>The Sixers will fill this vacuum created by the failure or dormancy of the other teams. It will take some doing to keep from filling it with further disappointment.</p>
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<p>Read more on the <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20121219_Marcus_Hayes__Sixers_could_own_the_town__but____.html">Sixers at Philly.com</a>.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philly-sports/2012/12/19/3786190/sixers-should-own-philadelphia-right-nowJeff Briggs2012-12-19T18:42:29-05:002012-12-19T18:42:29-05:00McCoy: Why wouldn't I play on Sunday?
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<figcaption>Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>CSNPhilly: Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy is looking forward to returning to the field on Sunday against the Redskins.</p> <blockquote>
<p>First, he laughed at the question.<br><br><i>Why do you want to play Sunday?</i><br><br>Then, <span>LeSean McCoy</span> turned the table on the reporter.<br><br>"Why wouldn't I want to play?" the Pro Bowl halfback said. "They pay me to play this game. I love to play this game. So why wouldn't I play? My teammates are out there playing. How would that be for me not to play?"</p>
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<p>Read more on <a href="http://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2012/12/19/3785412/philadelphia-eagles-lesean-mccoy-concussion">McCoy at CSNPhilly</a>.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/csn-philly/2012/12/19/3786166/mccoy-asks-why-wouldnt-i-want-to-playJeff Briggs2012-12-19T16:28:15-05:002012-12-19T16:28:15-05:00Temple looks for ninth win of the season
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<p>The Temple Owls look to improve to 9-1 when they host the Canisius Golden Griffins on Wednesday night in the Gotham Classic.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/temple-owls">Temple Owls</a> will try to continue their impressive start to the season when they host the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/canisius-golden-griffins">Canisius Golden Griffins</a> on Wednesday night. Temple started their season 8-1, with the lone loss coming to top-ranked Duke.</p>
<p>The game against Canisius will mark the second game in the Gotham Classic for Temple; they defeated Alcorn State 63-46 on Monday. Canisius is also coming off a victory, having defeated Longwood to improve to 7-2 on the season.</p>
<p>The Owls are led by senior <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52512/scootie-randall">Scootie Randall</a> who is averaging a team-high 14.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Randall is leading the team in scoring despite struggling from beyond the arc, where he is shooting just 28.3% through Temple's first nine games. The Griffins are led by guards <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53366/harold-washington">Harold Washington</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124616/billy-baron">Billy Baron</a>, who both average 15.9 points per game.</p>
<p>Temple is 4-0 all-time against Canisius, but the two teams have not met since 1966. Following this game, Temple will head to New York where they will face No. 3 Syracuse on Saturday at Madison Square Garden.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/temple-owls/2012/12/19/3785556/temple-owls-basketball-2012Jeff Briggs