Notes From a Busy Week in Philly

The Eagles are getting ready to host the Redskins Sunday afternoon, looking to improve their record to 7-4. In the first meeting between the two teams, the Eagles left Washington with a 27-17 victory in Week 7. Since then, the Redskins have had more key players drop because of injury, further pushing the advantage in the Eagles favor. Both Clinton Portis (concussion) and Ladell Betts (knee) will miss Sunday’s contest, leaving Rock Cartwright as the starting back.

Jason Campbell continues to prove to ‘Skins fans how unworthy he is of a starting quarterback gig, while the offensive line remains in pieces. The defense for the Redskins is actually fourth in the NFL in total yards allowed per game, at 290.0. They allow a league-best 161.6 yards through the air. One reason for that could be opposing teams’ running the ball with a lead, but you can’t frown on the league’s best pass defense. With Andy Reid’s usual pass-first philosophy, it should be an interesting cat and mouse game at Lincoln Financial Field.

Winston Justice Signed to Four-Year Deal

There have been a few moves by the Eagles this week, starting with the four-year contract extension given to starting right tackle Winston Justice. The former second-round pick out of USC has received an incredible amount of criticism since being drafted in ‘07. Everyone remembers the infamous game at the Meadowlands (a game I was at), where Justice allowed Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora to record six sacks in one game. He sat on the sidelines until this year, where he replaced an injured Shawn Andrews at RT.

So far in 2009, Justice has been outstanding, and was rewarded for his strong play with a brand new contract, keeping him in Eagles green until 2013. Justice credits the reason for his success for staying in town during the offseason to work with line coach Juan Castillo,

“I just really wanted to make a change,” Justice said of his decision to change his off-season schedule. “I really wanted to make a commitment to my work because I really feel that I was put there for a reason. I think that was biggest difference this year is that I really made a dedication to my trade.

“I thought I improved in every aspect, but I also need to improve in every aspect of my game still … I think my goal is not to be a good or reliable guy, but my goal is to be a great tackle. I think I have a lot more steps for me to take for that.”

With this signing, the door could officially be closing on the former first-round pick Andrews. Unless Reid and Co. see Andrews continuing his career at right guard, he could be a roster casualty. Shawn’s brother, Stacy, would also be competing for that right guard spot. One, or both, of the brothers will likely be gone by the 2010 season.

Geoffrey Pope Signed, Jack Ikegwuonu Released

For the second time already this year, the Eagles have released former fourth-round pick Jack Ikegwuonu. Coming off serious knee surgery, Tom Heckert and crew took a gamble on the Wisconsin standout. Unfortunately, he never quite panned out the way everyone had hoped.

To replace “the Iguana”, the Eagles signed former Dolphins, Giants, and Bengals cornerback Geoffrey Pope. The 2007 undrafted free agent was most recently seen on the Bengals practice squad. Pope did play in Cincinatti’s first four games, mostly on special teams. My assumption is that the Eagles like Pope’s cover skills more than Iguana. With a suddenly shallow group of capable corners, the Eagles needed a guy who can cover.

Practice Squad Swap

Paul Fanaika, one of the Eagles 7th-round picks this year, was signed off the practice squad by the Washington Redskins. To replace him, the Eagles signed Greg Isdaner off the Cowboys practice squad. Isdaner was a three-year starter at left guard for the West Virginia Mountaineers. He received ESPN first-team All-America Honors in 2008.

I think the practice squad shuffles amongst teams is just hilarious. Do you think the Redskins were that enamored with Fanaika? Or is it because they happen to be playing the Eagles this week? And is Isdaner the best left guard available? Or has he been learning the Cowboys system all season? It is so obvious to me that these guys are brought in as pawns to tell the coaches everything they know about their former team. Not a bad strategy.

Runyan Signs With Chargers

Many Eagles fans were clamoring for the team to re-sign Jon Runyan after Andrews was placed on IR. That never happened. Instead, Justice played well and earned a four-year contract. Coincidentally (?), Runyan has just signed with the Chargers to replace their injured right tackle, Jeromey Clary. The now 36-year old Runyan had offseason micro-fracture surgery on his knee but was cleared by doctors to play again earlier this season.

Tags: Andy Reid, Clinton Portis, Geoffrey Pope, Greg Isdaner, Jack Ikegwuonu, Jon Runyan, NFL, Paul Fanaika, Philadelphia Eagles, Rock Cartwright, Shawn Andrews, Stacy Andrews, Washington Redskins, Winston Justice