A Mark Whipple Sighting

Kudos to the increasingly indispensable Eagletarian blog for spotting this Boston.com story on new Eagles' offensive coach Mark Whipple:

Former University of Massachusetts coach Mark Whipple, who as Steelers quarterback coach was instrumental in the development of Ben Roethlisberger, is back in the NFL after a one-year hiatus.

He's working as an offensive assistant for the Eagles in a "walk-around" role that focuses on the entire offense. His responsibilities could change day to day, from assessing specific players, to the opponent's personnel, to X's and O's such as studying blitz packages.

Whipple, who will work under offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, is glad to be back in the NFL.

"It's even better than I thought, just great to get back to coaching," he said. "To step back, it was nice for me, but I think it also helped me realize how important coaching is to me, and how fortunate I am to be in this position in this chosen field."

The story doesn't cover much new ground, but at least someone is recognizing the guy's existence.  It's a start. 

(For newer readers, here's the background on why I'm so interested in the guy.)

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With that said, I've got one bone to pick with that same Eagletarian post.  Josh Barnett writes about the Jeff Garcia situation:

Garcia is seeking an extension of the 2-year contract he signed with the Bucs after the 2006 season, when he helped the Eagles reach the postseason following Donovan McNabb's knee injury. Garcia is scheduled to make $2 million this season, plus a $750,000 roster bonus that already has been paid...

While money and playing time were certainly factors in why Garcia was not back with the Eagles, it seems the only appreciation he wants now comes in the paycheck.

It's certainly valid to feel like Garcia should play out his contract.  But you have to at least mention that Garcia mostly seems pissed because he got screwed out of a $1 million performance bonus last season that he clearly earned:

Because of the Bucs' decision to rest him for the final two weeks of the regular season, [Garcia] fell just short of participating in 70 percent of their offensive snaps, preventing him from earning a seven-figure bonus.

Coach Jon Gruden did not allow Garcia to play the second half of the Bucs' 21-19 loss at San Francisco on Dec. 23. Garcia also was benched for the regular-season finale at home against the Panthers on Dec. 30. As a result, Garcia did not get at least $1-million in bonus money.

That's a totally Banner move right there.  When a guy plays so well that you can afford to rest him for your playoff run, you should take care of him by adjusting the contract so that he gets that money.  I'd be annoyed at the organization right now, too.

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I'd suggest taking a look at this New York Times story that ran Sunday about the man who can no longer walk because of that Vegas incident involving Pacman Jones.  Something to keep in mind every time we hear Jones or the other Cowboys talk about "mistakes in the past" or "youthful immaturity." 

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Finally, Jason catches an interesting Delco Times story on the current cornerback muddle.