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Philadelphia Inquirer: More to struggle of Eagles' Akers than missed kicks


DWinzit

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More to struggle of Eagles' Akers than missed kicks

It has been revealed that the "personal matter" K David Akers was dealing with during the Eagles' 21-16 Wild Card round loss to the Packers was a possible cancer diagnosis for his 6-year-old daughter Halley.

Akers, of course, missed two field-goal attempts that day, drawing the ire of head coach Andy Reid afterward. He found out the next day that Halley did indeed have cancer. Thankfully, she is believed to be cancer free after undergoing surgery. Akers says he was "deeply hurt" by Reid's comments, however, and believes his career in Philadelphia has likely come to an end. A five-time Pro Bowler, teams will be lining up to sign him this offseason.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Home_NFL.aspx

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http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Eagles-kicker-Akers-had-more-on-his-mind-than-fo?urn=nfl-314339

What's even worse was Andy Reid's post-game comments, where he stated "We can all count. Those points would have helped." And yes, Reid was fully aware of Akers situation, and yet still called him out after the game.

Way to stay classy Andy Reid.

Also another tidbit from the article:

Whether Akers, who is scheduled to be a free agent in 2011, goes back the Eagles or not is a matter of conjecture, but despite his role in that playoff loss, you'll have to excuse him for feeling like a winner at this point - and for all the right reasons. Eagles special teams coach Bobby April checked in on the family, and Redskins linebacker London Fletcher(notes) (who's long been one of the classiest guys in the league) made a point to meet Halley during Pro Bowl practice.

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why is this not a "should we...?" thread?

Because it makes too much sense, which means it most likely won't happen.

I know with Shanahan and Allen in town I shouldn't think like this, but until I see things completely change I'm still going to have this mindset.

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What's even worse was Andy Reid's post-game comments, where he stated "We can all count. Those points would have helped." And yes, Reid was fully aware of Akers situation, and yet still called him out after the game.

Way to stay classy Andy Reid.

I expected more negative press aimed at Reid.
Redskins linebacker London Fletcher(notes) (who's long been one of the classiest guys in the league) made a point to meet Halley during Pro Bowl practice.[/b]
Fletcher and Akers are long time classy, humble people who have been near the tops at their respective positions for years. Fletcher seeking out Halley is not a surprise.
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Wow...that has to be the toughest thing for a parent to deal with. I'm glad to hear that everything appears to be OK with his little girl. I can't imagine trying to concentrate at work while waiting for that type of news, so I don't think Akers should have been judged too harshly by Reid (if he was...I'll admit I didn't watch any post-game coverage).

Here's to hoping that his little girl stays healthy!

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no no no no

TO all who watched him, he is on the decline. DO NOT sign this guy.

Still Akers was 32 for 38 this year with a long of 50 yards, while Gano was 24 for 35 with a long of 49 yards. Akers is still an upgrade over Gano, and he's only 36, and kickers can play well into their 40's.

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What an awful burden to bear. I really hope he brought his whole family to the Pro Bowl so they could get away from horrible situation they are in. I always felt bad every year that Akers made the Pro Bowl, knowing that he could have been with the Skins had he not been released.

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Still Akers was 32 for 38 this year with a long of 50 yards, while Gano was 24 for 35 with a long of 49 yards. Akers is still an upgrade over Gano, and he's only 36, and kickers can play well into their 40's.

And Gano is 23, and was lights-out in college. Long of 65 (with a 67 yarder negated by a penalty). Hit on 92.3% of his kicks in 2008. The guy has skill, he just had a down year. Bring in competition, sure, but don't downright cut Gano.

---------- Post added January-31st-2011 at 10:14 PM ----------

What an awful burden to bear. I really hope he brought his whole family to the Pro Bowl so they could get away from horrible situation they are in. I always felt bad every year that Akers made the Pro Bowl, knowing that he could have been with the Skins had he not been released.

London Fletcher made it a point to go over to his daughter and talk to her and (I think) sign something.

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no no no no

TO all who watched him, he is on the decline. DO NOT sign this guy.

See below. Wouldn't mind bringing him as competition. I realize Gano is only 23, but he needs to develop faster than he has. I'd hate to make the mistake of cutting another kicker before he developes, but most kickers in the NFL rarely stay with one team, even the team that drafted/signed them out of college.

And Gano is 23, and was lights-out in college. Long of 65 (with a 67 yarder negated by a penalty). Hit on 92.3% of his kicks in 2008. The guy has skill, he just had a down year. Bring in competition, sure, but don't downright cut Gano.

---------- Post added January-31st-2011 at 10:14 PM ----------

London Fletcher made it a point to go over to his daughter and talk to her and (I think) sign something.

Or like I said in another thread, sign Jeff Reed as competition. He's younger than Akers. It's clear that Gano needs some competition in camp this year.

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Assuming all the details are accurate, this really makes Andy Reid look awful.

So does having both of your sons go to prison, putting players who have an obvious concussion back into games and signing a monster of a human to be your QB. This is nothing new from him.

That said, if I was in Akers position, I don't think I could have gone to work either. That is an awful heartbreaking situation to be in.

I'd love to see him in B&G next year.

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Reid was asked a question "how big were the two missed FGs? His answer: "We can all count. Those points would have helped."

NOw he could have answered it differently. And he has in the past. "He's made some big FG for us in the past, we know he'll make them for us again, blah blah.

But he called Akers out after the Minnesota game when he kicked OB on a kickoff, where obviously that was not the reason they lost that game. It was an inability to stop Webb and Peterson. Now he calls him out again after the GB loss? SOmething doesn't smell right. Like maybe they gave Akers a low ball offer and he didn't take it. I wouldn't be surprised.

But regardless, I do not want him on the team. Too expensive for what he will be. I've seen him struggle at times this year. Do not want.

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