Host of Birds could be playing in final game
MINNEAPOLIS » Super Bowl LII could be the last game for a handful of Eagles scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.
The list is topped by cornerback Patrick Robinson, who made himself a ton of money with four interceptions in the regular season, and a game-turning pick-six in the conference championship game.
Though the Eagles almost certainly cannot afford Robinson any longer, unless he takes a generous hometown discount, they’re set at cornerback.
Jalen Mills is a solid starter and the Eagles expect a lot out of rookie second-round pick Sidney Jones, still not all the way back from a torn Achilles’ tendon. Additionally, the Eagles selected Rasul Douglas in the third round.
Also due to become unrestricted free agents are linebackers Nigel Bradham and Najee Goode, defensive tackle Beau Allen, running backs LeGarrette Blount and Kenjon Barner, tight end Trey Burton and defensive back Corey Graham.
Bradham wants to return. He may have to check the market to see what he’s worth. Allen had a solid season and likely will be retained. Barner, Burton, Blount and Graham probably will be searching for jobs.
Running back Darren Sproles, shelved by injuries much of this season, says he wants to play another year.
No surprise scratches in Super Bowl 52 for the Eagles, who deactivated offensive tackle Will Beatty, defensive tackles Elijah Qualls and Destiny Vaeao, defensive end Steven Means., wide receiver Marcus Johnson, running back Wendell Smallwood and cornerback Sidney Jones.
Flu didn’t sideline wide receiver Nelson Agholor or cornerback Ronald Darby.
Taking a stroll down memory lane, the inactives for the Eagles in SB 39 were quarterback Jeff Blake, running back Eric McCoo, cornerback Dexter Wynn, defensive end Jamaal Green, offensive linemen Trey Darilek and Ian Allen, wide receiver Billy McMullen and defensive end Paul Grasmanis.
Grasmanis was offered the chance to dress for the game by older teammate Hugh Douglas, who, joining the team late in the season, thought he was more deserving. Line coach Tommy Brasher scuttled the idea.
The Patriots scratched running back Mike Gillislee, defensive lineman Alvin Branch, linebacker David Harris, offensive lineman Cole Croston, wide receivers Kenny Britt and Bernard Reedy, and tight end Jake Hollister.
The Eagles’ electric slide was voted celebration of the year in online balloting, besting duck, duck, goose, the toboggan run and hide and go seek, among other celebrations.
The Eagles did the slide twice in their rout over the Bears, the second time after a Corey Graham celebration.
The Eagles’ offensive line was name the Built Ford Tough offensive line of the year.
NOTES: Among the celebrity guests attending Super Bowl LII events and the game: Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg and Jimmy Fallon. Also here – Jim Brown, the best football player ever, in my book … Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he’s taken stuff from Eagles fans, who he accused of getting nasty with Vikings fans in the NFC title game. “If you’re an Eagles fan you better have thick skin,” he said. “Because if you’re going to dish it out you better be able to take it as well.” … Midwest talk sure is different. Minneapolis area people generally speak with a folksy, almost Pennsylvania Dutch dialect only with an ‘Oh’ preceding it. For sure, is oh, for sure. Don’t you know is, oh, dontcha know. Geez is oh, geez, for fun. And my favorite Midwest word, pop. It’s pop, not soda … Fans of That Girl, there’s a statue outside the stadium of the late Mary Tyler Moore, who starred in the show in her fictional job as a producer at a TV station.