Coach Phillips said that RT Marc Colombo could very well play in the Wild Card round on Saturday.
"I think there's a good chance Colombo will play," Phillips said.
Third-year tackle Doug Free performed well as Colombo's replacement -- highlighted by Free's block on Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown about 40 yards downfield to escort Felix Jones into the end zone -- but Phillips said Colombo would return to the starting lineup if he's able to play.
"If Colombo comes back, I think Doug will still play some," Phillips said. "Colombo is going to be a little rusty. He's not going to be in playing shape. Doug Free has shown he can play, either left tackle or right tackle. I think he's done a really good job."
Safety Pat Watkins will also practice this week, and Phillips said Tashard Choice suffered just a "slight" concussion in yesterday's game. He may be available by Saturday.
over 2 years ago
Aaron Novinger
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Why in the world
would you take Free out of the starting line up right now? Dallas is getting the best protection it has had all season and Free is playing great!
Super Bowl party at my place, Dallas vs. ?, who's in?
I agree 100%
I don’t want to find if Colombo is doing OK on the biggest game of the season. Let him rehab in the ofseason and they can compete for the position in trainning camp. I don’t remeber Free being called for any penalties since he took over RT.
Free was incredible on Sunday
can’t remember the DE opposite Cole, but Free manhandled him. His downfield block on Felix’s TD was a thing of beauty.
Is he a LT that can take over for Flozell? He’s got to get a lot stronger, but he may be up to the task sometime
I love me some Colombo, but he’s been out too long to throw him back in like this.
Greetings from the Humungus, the Ruler of the Wasteland, the Ayatollah of Rock and Roll-A. I laugh at your puny plans.
by Lord Humungus on Jan 5, 2010 10:56 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
They should play free at FB if they start Columbo at RT
Or TE at least. Use him in the 3 TE sets.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jan 4, 2010 3:41 PM CST reply actions
I'm not advocating it
But I believe he was a TE at some point in college
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 5, 2010 7:57 AM CST up reply actions
I think that alot of that is coach speak.
I just don’t see Columbo getting in the ballgame that much. Perhaps if it’s in hand or perhaps a situational thing, like a goaline situation.
Alot of this could always be just giving the Eagles something else to think about.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jan 4, 2010 3:44 PM CST reply actions
If the quotes are accurate I don't see it as coach speak.
— but Phillips said Colombo would return to the starting lineup if he’s able to play.
“If Colombo comes back, I think Doug will still play some,” Phillips said
That seems pretty clear to me, he’s planning on playing Colombo over Free. I hope I’m wrong and you’re right.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 5, 2010 8:19 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah...
but you know how Wade is sometimes.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jan 5, 2010 9:43 AM CST up reply actions
Why try and fix somethin' that ain't broke?!
Makes no sense to me.. I say start Free, and spell him out with Columbo, if needed.
FEAR the STAR.
"You have been banned from Bleeding Green Nation" -JasonB
Or just get Colombo some snaps when we're running out the clock.
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down...
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-own!
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 4, 2010 5:25 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, makes no sense to switch things up
Let Columbo get some playing time and be the backup. I agree with AFB above, this is probably just giving the Eagles something else to think about.
You can do a lot of things in life. You can't stab a teammate with a pair of scissors. - Kevin Smith
I hope Wade remembers the playoff loss to the Giants
when they decided to tinker with the lineup and start MB3. He wore out by the second half and we lost. DO NOT MESS with the offense, Wade. You are doing great so just stay out of your own way.
or how about
the way they tried to get terry glenn back into the lineup starting in the washington game? that never really worked.
It's a sure-fire way to get himself fired
Free has been outstanding.
Against the stellar Eagles D-line is NOT the time to bring Colombo back — and especially in our first playoff game.
Is playing smart too much to ask?
"Colombo is going to be a little rusty. He's not going to be in playing shape."
Then he shouldn’t be playing.
Read between the lines
Colombo is going to play situationally. The question is when and in what situations.
by Boundforbeach on Jan 4, 2010 4:02 PM CST up reply actions
Glad all of you share my sentiments
If we start a guy that hasn’t played in the last 5 weeks (can’t remember exactly how long its been) in a playoff game we would have to be nuts. Free has done a great job and deserves his spot because of that. We simply don’t need to mess up a good thing that we have going.
If Columbo starts the eagles will throw more blitzes his way than he’ll know what to do with.
DON'T MESS WITH SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Doug Free has been the MEDICINE for what has been ailing this Offensive Line all season long! Removing him from the OL now would be like pulling Miles Austin from the offense….. Just don’t do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As for Choice...
What the hell is a “slight” concussion? If he suffered any concussion, then he should probably sit this one out.
This coaching staff sucks.....
When it comes to rewarding people when they do good with more play time. Why do you think it took so long for Austin to shine……Felix……Choice……Olgetree…….Crayton…….and soon Phillips………Free
I don't know if I would say the suck
But to me one of their biggest faults is not letting young talent contribute earlier and more. It has been one of my pet peeves too, makes me crazy to see a guy just sitting when it’s obvious they can help the team. The fact that Tashard Choice was never given a chance to help the team last year until both other RB’s were hurt was a huge mistake. Same with Miles Austin. He hadn’t shown anything in practice to earn more reps until RW got hurt? Andy now he’s a pro bowl quality WR? What a complete and utter waste and a huge flaw of the coaching staff.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 5, 2010 8:04 AM CST up reply actions
And for everyone who pined for Shanahan a few weeks back...
He’s now officially a Redskin.
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/HeadLines.aspx?sport=NFL&hl=165621
I pity him
Sorry Mike. But look on the bright side… Hell will look like a walk in the park after your obligatory two years with “other prince of darkness” Dan Snyder…
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
This story has alot of angles...
The similarity that The Danny is doing what Jerry did with Parcells a few years back. The rumors that Mike Zimmer will be coming to the Redskins as the DC. But more than anything, I guess we should say welcome back Wade. With Shanahan off the table, Gruden committed to the booth, Fischer given a vote of confidence with the resurgent Titans, and the fact that Cowher reportedly wants the N. Carolina gig (who wants him anyways?), this almostly certainly means Jerry will pick up the option for Wade next year, particularly given the way our defense has improved and matured. Tex will soon be drowning in Calvados…
by Boundforbeach on Jan 4, 2010 4:46 PM CST up reply actions
ruden would ditch the booth in a heartbeat
but I agree – it’s Wade if they win next week.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Contracts are broken all the time
Everything has a price. I believe Gruden had a contract with the Raiders when he went to TB too. I don’t think it is happening but a contract won’t be the reason it doesn’t.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 5, 2010 8:07 AM CST up reply actions
On the bright side, at least the players will have some consistency in the coaching staff for once.
Seems like it’s been a turnstile every 3-4 years.
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down...
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-own!
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 4, 2010 5:29 PM CST up reply actions
Jerry may have to work hard to keep Garrett....
…this off season
The 2009 Dallas Cowboys: Talk to me in December.
The NFC East has won 11 Super Bowls; oddly none of those have come courtesy of the Eagles.
by gee-roj on Jan 4, 2010 6:28 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Jason Garrett...
has been good despite all of the critics.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jan 5, 2010 9:45 AM CST up reply actions
Considering that he has to work around some significant flaws
in his O-line play, I think it’s not as easy as it looks.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
just wondering
I mean we have seen the difference wade did to the D..
If it came down to promoting JG and losing Wade or Wade staying and replacing JG.. id prob take the latter…
Just something to think about.
What the French?! Toast!
JG has been good...
But he’s had growing pains like anyone in a new position. 2007 we were 13-3 and everybody wanted the RHG. Jerry popped a new title, Asst HC, and opened his wallet.
JG stayed as a backup QB for a couple of years to make some bucks. He’s smart and knows money now is better than money later. Jerry will pay him if we win. WP will stay HC/DC and JG will stay Asst HC/OC and we’ll have some consistency for another year.
Jerry likes to win :-D
When in doubt, empty your magazine
who cares....bad fit for this team anyway...he is a 4-3 guy who runs the WC....
The only high profile coach out there that would be a good fit is Cowher and from the looks of it he is going to stay put for another year…He may think there will be better options in 2010 or thinking there may be a lock out in2011 and may want to see what happens before he committs to a team.
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
I don't want Shanahan...
but he isn’t a “4-3” guy. He’s an offensive minded coach, which means that he would change the offensive scheme and get a 3-4 coordinator.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jan 5, 2010 9:47 AM CST up reply actions
Shanahan is a foreskin now. If nothing else we can always
get Zorn for O.C.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
doesn't matter if he is offensive minded or not....he likes the 4-3 defense
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
I've been saying this for weeks.
Ever since there was the first "Colombo could be back soon" article before the Redskins game I’ve been worried that they might bench Free for Colombo. Free is the future at the position and has passed Colombo on the field anyway. Why would they go backwards?
I think (and hope) that this is probably just Wade saying Colombo will be back on the game day 45 but not actually on the field much (maybe when they go to their unbalanced/wildcat look).
Colombo’s play in December/January the last few years has been inconsistent at best. Free has played great this December/January so far. I can’t see how a "rusty" Colombo whose weakness before injury was his lack of quickness and agility is going to be improved after a broken leg. Free the future.
Colombo has been steady with no problems...
That being said, the 0-line isn’t a position you alternate or mess with. This isn’t taking MBIII out to get Choice a couple touches. Continuity is worth more in this situation to me, even if Colombo is a slight upgrade. Add in the rust factor plus Free having just seen them, and I don’t see why you mess with things.
Now then, as far as depth, this is wonderful news. If something were to happen to one of the lineman without Colombo active, where would we be???
If Colombo is ready, he should play
Having him in there will make our run blocking much better, especially the short yardage situations.
In Romo we Trust
I have the game on DVR
in case you’d like to see it Terry.
Free was awesome in run blocking.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
You're probably right maybe with all things considered equal...
… but all things aren’t equal right now with Colombo returning from a fractured ankle and Free at full strength having played every game since the Packers loss.
Is playing smart too much to ask?
I think he should be activated and ready as a backup
Free is doing a very good job as evidenced by the 180+ yards rushing yesterday, and good protection for Romo.
I’d be cautious rushing Colombo back too soon. But for OL depth, I’m glad to hear he might be ready to play.
Drago says, "We must break you!"
does anyone see
columbo 40yards downfield blocking for felix?
Free is playing for a spot, he has alot more motivation to give it his all
What the French?! Toast!
He was..I say dont mess with it right now..Colombo is not in game shape
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
Good eye King Adrock...
this was a shot across the bow of the Flozell train. Flozell’s pass blocking abilities have declined dramatically since he signed his deal a couple of years ago. He is a very good run blocker, but dramatically inadequate at pass blocking. That is not good for a left tackle, who protects the franchise’s blind side.
Sit Flo or Kyle, play Free.
I still like Marc at RT, but the left side needs help.
I think if you put two of my best seasons together it wouldn't come up with the numbers he's going to have at the end of the season. -Troy Aikman on Tony Romo
Kosier will not be replaced (at least this year)...
He (along with Andre Gurode) have been the biggest bright spots on the line.
Well if thats the case then so be it.
Colombo didn’t lose his starting position due to not performing. He lost it when he got injured and well he deserves it back. I am not sure what to think of it really except, now we have a viable backup tackle in the playoffs that an play both sides. Colombo in his years seems to be a very good run blocker with an attitude but Free to me is more athletic and proved his value while run blocking 40 yards down field. Lets just hope this doesn’t mess with success. Colombo and Davis know each other really well so its not like meshing in a new guy. I do see short yard situation being free by either flo or colombo and that should help greatly.
"When people talk about Super Bowl dynasties they mention the 1970's Steelers, 1980's 49ers, 1990's Cowboys and the current New England Patriots, but nobody has dominated the Super Bowl like Anheuser-Busch. In recent years, Budweiser has been the MVP of Super Bowl advertising -- making another company the favorite to win the Ad Meter poll was never an option."
Simon Noble
i believe Wade has always been a
“You can’t lose your job to injury” guy.
"Where's Woody? - We need another Darren Woodson
by BoyfromOz on Jan 5, 2010 5:05 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
There's really only 1 question to answer
Which of the 2 makes the team better Saturday. I couldn’t care less that Columbo had the job until injured. Who is better right now, this minute.
I also really don’t care much about Free making a block 40 yards downfield. I love it, love the effort, but that’s a bonus. I want him to control the line of scrimmage on every play. It isn’t very complicated in my mind.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 5, 2010 8:16 AM CST reply actions
It's sometimes complicated in my mind
mostly it’s the voices. I wish they would just shut up sometimes.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
My mind isn’t burdened with a double digit IQ. I have to keep it simple or I get confused.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 5, 2010 12:36 PM CST up reply actions
Then isn't it time to buy a RWilliams jersey?
Kidding, just kidding, well kinda…
Better yet invest in a McNabb or D. Jackson jersey.
I’ll even chip in. : }
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
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