Peter Bubel+ by | May 10, 2017 | PA, Pennsylvania, Peter Bubel, Sports
As the 2017 NFL Draft in Philadelphia came to a close, fans all across the country sat down and studied their respective teams’ picks, searching for the good in all of them. While some teams may have made better decisions than others, expectations for those players remained high regardless. Throughout the draft, the Philadelphia Eagles chose the players that they felt best filled the positions that needed the most work. Below is a look at four of the biggest names chosen, and what they can bring to the table in the City of Brotherly Love.
Derek Barnett, DE Tennessee
Speculations were at an all time high before the draft, with many Eagles fans projecting the front office to take the best available wide receiver with the 14th overall pick. The two receivers most teams had their eyes on were Corey Davis and Mike Williams, who were both drafted before the Eagles even had a chance. Now, with a number of talented cornerbacks still available, fans expected the team to take any of those players, which is why Derek Barnett was an unexpected, but smart decision by the Eagles front office.
Barnett recorded 33 sacks in his three-year career at the University of Tennessee, breaking hall-of-famer Reggie White’s school record. In his three seasons in Knoxville, he recorded 10 sacks his first year, 10 the next, and 13 in his final year, displaying great consistency. Barnett was overlooked by many teams, seeing as Myles Garrett already had most of the league’s attention. However, compared side by side, Barnett’s numbers are as good, if not better than Garrett’s.
The Eagles’ decision to draft him with their first pick was a smart one, as he has the potential to become an impact player in just his first year. Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz has already been working closely with Barnett to develop his position within the team’s already formidable defensive line.
Sidney Jones, CB Washington
Philadelphia was lucky to grab Jones in the second round with the 43rd overall pick, seeing as he was one of the last few remaining cornerbacks that possessed a good amount of skill. What undoubtedly lowered his stock this past draft is the torn achilles Jones suffered during University of Washington’s pro day. However, the Eagles are confident that he as a player possesses a great amount of skill, and will be able to successfully overcome this injury.
Assuming Jones fully recovers, he is another defensive player that could possibly make a huge impact on the team’s less-than-impressive secondary as soon as he starts. The Eagles have had trouble with their pass defense in recent years, though they are beginning to make improvements. Pairing Jones alongside the recently signed Patrick Robinson and second-year player Jalen Mills could add a much needed punch to the team’s secondary, though there are still holes that need to be filled.
Rasul Douglas, CB West Virginia
Some might argue that college star running back Donnel Pumphrey is a slightly bigger name than Rasul Douglas, but in terms of the Eagles’ positional needs, Douglas fills his respective role much more. Taking Pumphrey was a good decision by the Philadelphia front office, as he lit up his division at San Diego State. However, his size has many fans concerned. Though we have yet to see what he can do at a professional level, his future with the team could be more impactful than most think. Douglas on the other hand, appears to be a hard-hitting ballhawk that has all the capabilities needed to start this upcoming season.
In his last season at West Virginia University, Rasul Douglas finished tied for first in most interceptions with a total of 8. Now taking part in the Eagles’ rookie camps, he has shown fellow players and coaches that he is willing to do whatever it takes to do his part. Douglas brings an enormous amount of effort and dedication to Philadelphia; something that can truly go a long way. If both he and Jones live up to their potential and become an intimidating tandem in the backfield, fans may begin to see a resemblance to the days of Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown.
Douglas will be joined by fellow WVU wide receiver Shelton Gibson in Philadelphia, which could prove extremely valuable, as they have trained together in the past. Eagles running back Wendell Smallwood, taken out of WVU in the 2016 draft, is yet another Mountaineer that could aid in the young players’ developments.
Mack Hollins, WR North Carolina
A name that surprisingly did not receive much attention before the draft, Mack Hollins is a tall, powerful receiver, standing at 6’4” and weighing in at 221 pounds. Perhaps it was the lack of snaps Hollins played at UNC, but there is no denying that his size and speed displayed in college is impressive. Hollins was a consistent deep threat for the Tar Heels, as well as a remarkable special teams player, both of which are areas that the Eagles could improve on.
With his skillset, Mack Hollins could become the red zone receiver Philadelphia so desperately needed this past season. Though he may lack experience, he has been turning heads with his performance at the Eagles’ rookie camps. If he lives up to the hype, Hollins could be Carson Wentz’s answer to the deep ball. Combine him with the recently signed Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith, and the Eagles’ pass offense has the potential to be one of the most dangerous in the league in the 2017-2018 season.
Peter Bubel+ by | Apr 25, 2017 | Blog, Pennsylvania, Peter Bubel, Sports
With the 2017 NFL Draft commencing this Thursday, April 27th, perhaps no team and fanbase is more excited than that of Philadelphia. For the first time in 56 years, the draft has returned to the City of Brotherly Love, giving Eagles fans more than just a draft pick to cheer for. The Birds will undoubtedly be well represented throughout this year’s festivities, leading many to assume that the famous booing of other teams and players will be heard throughout, and depending on who Philadelphia drafts in the first round, may be earlier than expected.
This year’s draft class is full of incredibly talented players from the top college football programs around the country. Depending on a team’s roster needs, they will more than likely have a plethora of talent to choose from. On the defensive side of the ball, you have defensive ends Myles Garrett and Solomon Thomas leading their respective class, both of whom had very impressive performances at the NFL Scouting Combine. Then there are cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley, both hailing from Ohio State University, who performed excellently throughout their seasons together, and forming Ohio State’s truly formidable secondary.
On the offensive side of the ball, much of this year’s attention has been drawn towards quarterback Deshaun Watson after he led Clemson University to just their second National Championship win in 35 years. Watson has performed phenomenally in his time with the Tigers, and has turned many NFL scouts’ heads in the process. Wide receivers Corey Davis from Western Michigan and Mike Williams, also from Clemson, have earned the number 1 and 2 spots respectively in their position, gaining the attention of many teams who will need an improved pass offense in the upcoming season.
With just a few of this year’s prospects mentioned, it’s difficult to say who the Eagles will take in the first round. Additions to the wide receiver position is a must, and has been for a few years. Since signing Torrey Smith and Alshon Jeffery to the team, many would argue that the problem is solved. While they can certainly make an impact and help out quarterback Carson Wentz on the offensive side of the ball, they are not necessarily long term solutions. Smith, 28, and Jeffery, 27, are still relatively young, but Philadelphia should look to gain a receiver that is able to grow alongside Wentz, who is now entering his sophomore year. With that said, should they still be available when the Eagles are on the board with their number 14 overall pick, the team’s best bet may be to take either Corey Davis or Mike Williams.
Both of these receivers have size to their advantage, are great route runners, they are fast, and they have the reliable hands that Philadelphia has missed for the past few years. It may seem like drafting another receiver would be redundant with the recent signings of Smith and Jeffery, but this would be considered a long term solution; something that the front office should seriously consider.
On the other hand, the Eagles’ secondary has been mediocre for a number of seasons, seeing some improvement this past season. Drafting a cornerback would be the team’s next best option. Both Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley have everything Philadelphia is looking for at the cornerback position. They’re tall, fast, and have the ability to stay with receivers throughout their routes. Taking a cornerback would be a safe choice for the Eagles. It’s a position that clearly needs improvement on the roster, though some has been made in recent years. Rookie corner Jalen Mills taken out of LSU in the 7th round of the 2016 draft has proven to be much more than what the team was expecting. His tenacity towards the ball is unteachable, and he has impressed veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins with his efforts. Adding another potentially ferocious cornerback could make Philadelphia’s secondary a truly intimidating squad.
Regardless of what position the Eagles organization chooses to take with the 14th overall pick in this year’s draft, it will more than likely be a smart decision. Coaches and fans alike have stressed the importance of taking a receiver, cornerback, or even running back (which would ideally be Dalvin Cook from Florida State) in the first round, though nothing is certain. What is certain however, is the extreme volume at which Eagles fans will reach when that unknown player’s name is called, whether it is good or bad.
Peter Bubel+ by | Apr 20, 2017 | Blog, Pennsylvania, Peter Bubel, Sports
Now that all 32 teams in the National Football League have been given their schedules for the season, talk amongst analysts and fans has begun regarding who has the hardest or easiest schedules, and who is poised for the most success. The Philadelphia Eagles for example, have been given a fairly difficult schedule yet again, following a season where they went 7-9 behind rookie quarterback Carson Wentz.
Facing another tough season ahead, the progress Wentz made in just his first year is enough to us as Eagles fans a sense of hope heading into 2017. Though the team struggled throughout this past season, there’s no denying that Wentz, along with a few other notable rookies, proved themselves in their respective positions.
One of the more obvious issues that plagued the Eagles was the inabilities of the wide receivers. While Jordan Matthews showed promise in his rookie season, the young receiver only recorded three touchdown receptions in 2016. Nelson Agholor, on the other hand, has been at the helm of the most recent Philadelphia torch and pitchfork mob, as he has consistently dropped more passes than any other receiver on the team, and has yet to really prove his worth within the wide receiver corps since being drafted in 2015. However, general manager Howie Roseman was able to find possible solutions for these issues by signing both Torrey Smith and Alshon Jeffery; two fairly big names in the league, giving Wentz some serious weapons for his sophomore year.
In addition to a few other signings, the Eagles look to be improving in terms of roster worth, giving them more confidence as they prepare to go up against a daunting 2017 schedule. With that said, here are a few predictions for Philadelphia’s success.
The Birds open their season on the road at Washington to face a decently improved Redskins team considering their lack of success within the past decade. Quarterback Kirk Cousins, while showing great promise for the future of the Redskins’ organization, recently voiced his displeasure with how the team was being managed. So, if he is not under center in Week 1, and a fairly inexperienced quarterback is, this should be an easy win for Philadelphia. Their play against NFC East rivals is what truly hurt them last year, so if the Eagles can get off to a fast start, defeating both the Redskins and New York Giants in weeks 1-3, they will be slightly diminishing the effects that this difficult season may have on them.
What may excite the few west coast Eagles fans that exist is the fact that they will be traveling to Los Angeles twice this year to play the newly relocated Rams and Chargers. Both of these teams struggled last season to say the least. The Rams finished their season 4-12 under head coach Jeff Fisher, who remarkably led the team to five straight losing seasons, never reaching above .500. Now that Fisher has been relieved as the Rams’ head coach, it would be impressive to see the team bounce back so quickly. This game, as well as the Chargers game, should be able to be won by the Eagles. If Wentz and his new weapons at wide receiver are as explosive as we hope they are, the two LA teams’ secondaries stand a very little chance in slowing them down.
The more difficult games look to be those against the Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Carolina Panthers. Looking at those teams, the Seahawks may appear to be the only intimidating one. However, the Raiders success under quarterback Derek Carr, along with impressive rookies Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper, have made them a team strong enough to make a decent playoff push.
The Broncos have had one of the best defenses in the league for a number of seasons now, and this season doesn’t seem to be any different. Luckily for the Eagles, Peyton Manning has since retired, so Denver’s offense is not what it once was. The key to winning this game will be protecting Wentz behind the line. Von Miller and company can wreak serious havoc on quarterbacks, and allowing Wentz to succumb to that would be simply irresponsible.
Though the Panthers had a less than dismal season this past year, the season prior to that had them as Super Bowl favorites, and they’ve since lost very few players. Carolina’s roster is still full of talent, including 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton. It’s hard to put a finger on why they had such little success last year, which is why it’s difficult to say if they will be better or worse in the upcoming season. Philadelphia will face them on the road, and will need to prepare for what could be a repeat of their 2015 NFC Championship season.
One of the biggest concerns for the Eagles, as is with any team, will be winning their division. The Cowboys had a truly historical season last year behind rookie quarterback Dak Prescott, but many predict them seeing more problems in 2017. The Giants recently signed veteran wide receiver Brandon Marshall, making their already impressive pass offense that much more dangerous. Philadelphia will need to drastically improve their secondary if they wish to say in contention for the title of NFC East champions, but it is not impossible. As almost every Eagles fan says, this could be our year.
Peter Bubel+ by | Apr 1, 2017 | Blog, PA, Pennsylvania, Peter Bubel, Reading, Travel
The Pennsylvanian Pagoda: A History
In the early 1900’s, a businessman by the name of William Abbott Witman Sr., hired a father and son contracting team to design and construct a 5-story luxury hotel in the likeness of a pagoda. The location for this pagoda wasn’t in Japan or China, nor was it in a predominantly Asian country. This large pagoda structure was actually to be built in the United States, atop the beautiful mountains of Pennsylvania, in a small town named Reading.
Curious and charming, this Pennsylvanian pagoda still stands today, and has brought joy and tourism to Reading, PA for over 100 years. Even with its true history shrouded in rumors and legend, the Pagoda is one of Reading’s most recognizable buildings, rising 886 feet above the city. Although residents are now incredibly fond of the unique structure, its journey to popularity is what makes the Pagoda so intriguing and worth exploring.
Origins of a Landmark Uncovered
On August 10, 1906, a simple headline gracing the Reading Eagle started it all: “Reading to Have Japanese Pagoda,” the paper read. As mentioned above, William Abbot Witman, Sr. was the man behind this construction. Amidst outcries that Witman’s stone quarry business was defacing portions of Mt. Penn, Witman decided to construct the Pagoda atop his quarry and restore the faith of the locals. The project wasn’t completely founded in a pure-of-heart fashion, however. Witman was actually a mayoral candidate, and with his quarry business closing due to the amount of complaints surrounding it, he also saw the Pagoda as a way to win favor with voters.
The inspiration for the design still remains a bit of a mystery. James and Charles Matz, the father and son team Witman hired to take on the Pagoda project, are said to have played a big part in the design of the Pagoda. Rumor has it that Charles Matz used a photograph he acquired while on a tour of duty in the far east as inspiration. With no real proof on record, others have claimed the building was designed from an image in a book about the Shogun dynasty. In fact, records obtained from the Historical Society of Berks County reference a postcard, only perpetuating rumors of the true inspiration.
A Change of Hands and a Change of Plans
Sadly, Witman’s hopes of a mountaintop resort were crushed when he was denied a liquor license, seemingly in a political move by the local Judge. With the absence of a liquor license, Witman was unable to successfully open the resort, and the Pagoda suffered a foreclosure by the Farmer’s National Bank.
It’s at this point of the story that things start to get even more interesting.
The director of that same bank, Jonathon Mould, was facing difficult circumstances as the bank was on the brink of severe losses. Mould decided to purchase the failed Pagoda and its 10 acres of land to help save the bank. A year later, Mould and his wife sold the property to the city of Reading for $1. The sale was seen as a gift to the city and as an opportunity to improve Reading’s parks and boulevards initiative.
The Pagoda was immediately put under construction with many of the improvement projects, including the planting of 10,000 trees and the addition of running water and electricity, lasting for the next several decades.
Wartime Speculation
With the country in the midst of World War II in the early 1940’s, all of the improvements came to an end. The Pagoda was neglected for some time and was under threat of demolition as many, biased against the Japanese from the war, wanted nothing to do with Japanese culture. A debate on the design origins began, and although parts of the Pagoda were considered a safety hazard because of neglect, the Pagoda was saved by a team of Berks Countians that wanted to see the Pagoda repaired.
To save the reputation and future of the Pagoda, rumors began surfacing that the design was of Korean origin. This helped to cloud the truth behind the Pagoda’s design, inherently keeping the building safe from demolition.
The Fate of the Reading Pagoda
To this day, the city of Reading continues to care for the Pagoda; equipping it with a gift shop and restoring the facade of the building. There are many mysterious things about the Pagoda that still go unanswered, including the apparent Buddhist origins of its massive bell. Only adding the appeal, these mysteries are what make Reading’s Pagoda one of a kind. Full of interesting history and placed upon a beautiful plot of acreage, the Pagoda of Reading, PA is a landmark that can still be enjoyed today and is certainly one not to be missed.
Peter Bubel+ by | Mar 7, 2017 | PA, Pennsylvania, Peter Bubel, Sports
As is the case in so many walks of life, how you feel about a baseball team dedicated to rebuilding will often boil down to your perspective.
If you’re in the front office, the media, or a scout for a farm team, the term “rebuilding” likely conjures up a feeling of excitement, fast-paced deals, and an eye for the future. Watching prospects come into their own, making that adjustment that adds 25 points to their batting average or 5 MPH to their fastball gives hope for the future of a team.
From the bleachers, though, watching a rebuilding team can be, in a word, dull. You’d have to go back to 2011 to find the last season in which the Phillies finished above .500. The team’s 71-91 record in 2016 was a small step forward from the 63-99 finish the 2015 team was able to produce. The Phillies are, in every sense of the word, rebuilding. And the future looks like it may be bright.
JP Crawford
Entering 2017, Crawford is ranked as the sixth best prospect across Major League Baseball, and for good reason. Despite not hitting for power or stealing many bases, the Phils’ number one prospect has a knack for getting on base, walking at a good clip while limiting strikeouts. At just 22 years of age, the 2013 first round pick has plenty of time for growth and maturity before he breaks into the bigs, an event that many anticipate taking place this season.
Scott Kingery
While 22 year old Kingery has big shoes to fill at second base with many fans still mourning the loss of Chase Utley and the glory days of 2008, the youngster’s skillset and promising spring training have helped ease the fears of many. With a short, compact swing and the ability to put the ball into gaps all over the field, Kingery has shown himself able to approach each at bat with the patience and keen eye one would expect from a veteran. Though we likely won’t see him on a MLB roster until 2018 or so, Kingery is one of a few prospects to keep an eye on this season.
Mickey Moniak
At just 18 years old, Moniak is still a ways away from a big league appearance. The outfielder, drafted with the first overall pick in 2016, has a lot of hype and promise to live up to, and many scouts expect him to pass with flying colors. The speedy OF has been praised again and again for his high baseball IQ and fantastic instincts. Though he hasn’t shown much pop at the plate to this point, he has worked closely with trainers to tack on muscle mass and reach the “middle of the road power” plateau many expected of him after seeing him play in high school.
Sixto Sanchez
When the Phillies signed Sixto Sanchez for about $35,000 in 2015, fairly few people stopped to take notice. Despite his fairly small size, Sanchez has shown the ability to bring it on the mound, throwing his fastball in the low to mid 90s, topping out at 96-97. And what Sixto lacks in mound presence he makes up for in control; unlike other hard throwers around the league, Sanchez has shown incredible command of his fastball. At just 18, Sanchez has ample time to improve the parts of his game that fall a bit short (offspeed stuff, stamina), but his 0.50 ERA in 54 innings pitched last season warrants some close attention from those interested in the future of the Phillies.
Peter Bubel+ by | Mar 4, 2017 | Blog, PA, Pennsylvania, Peter Bubel, Travel
When you consider all of the hubbub and sights to see all along the East Coast of the United States, Pennsylvania may not seem like it has much to offer. Sure, it’s home to metropolises like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, but outside of those it’s mostly just farmland and Amish country, right? Well, that’s where you’re mistaken. Tucked within those 46,055 square miles are countless adventures to be had and sights to unfurl, both within the big cities and in the middle of nowhere. Take a look at some of the best travel destinations you can find within Pennsylvania’s cities and rural areas, and start planning a trip to one of them today!
Cities:
Philadelphia
Independence Hall
- If you want to witness an iconic piece of American history, look no further than Independence Hall. Not only does this building currently house the original Liberty Bell, in 1787 Independence Hall was where the United States Constitution was signed. You can view artifacts and pieces of American culture in this historic hall.
Citizen’s Bank Park
- Planning to visit Philadelphia between April and October? Why not consider catching a game at Citizen’s Bank Park to see the Philadelphia Phillies play baseball. The games are always fun, and the
Lincoln Financial Field
- If you have a couple hundred bucks lying around and you’re a football fanatic, your next trip to Philadelphia should include plans to see the Eagles play a game on their home turf.
The Mütter Museum
- This stop might not be one for the kids; the Mütter Museum is a collection of medical marvels and anomalies throughout time, most of which are equal parts horrifying and fascinating. Visitors can gaze upon exhibits like Einstein’s brain and John Wilkes Booth’s vertebrae in this collection of medical history.
Reading Terminal Market
- Located downtown, this indoor public market hosts more than a hundred vendors offering everything from local produce and fresh seafood to flowers and housewares – although the food is the biggest selling point. Stop by for lunch or take a few hours to explore it in its entirety.
Pittsburgh
Heinz Field
- You can’t talk about Pittsburgh without talking about the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pennsylvania’s other NFL team. If you’re planning on visiting Pittsburgh and you’re a fan of the Steelers, this stop is likely already on your list.
The Andy Warhol Museum
- American artist Andy Warhol was a leading force in the pop art movement in the United States, and this museum is a curation of his greatest works. It boasts a collection of “900 paintings, 100 sculptures, almost 2,000 works on paper, 1,000 prints, and 4,000 photographs.” Fans of his works will enjoy seeing them in person.
PPG Paints Arena
- Yet another sports venue, the PPG Paints Arena is home to the Pittsburgh Penguins, one of Pennsylvania’s two professional ice hockey teams. The team was founded in 1967, and holds 4 Stanley Cup victories: 1991, 1992, 2009, 2016.
Gettysburg
Battlefields
- Civil War buffs will have likely already visited this area, site of the largest, bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. Even though it lasted only three days, nearly 10,000 soldiers were killed and another 30,000 were injured during that time. Due to the number of casualties caused in such a small area, Gettysburg has also become famous as a hotbed for paranormal activity. There have been enough sightings over the years for some ghosts to have become iconic.
Monuments
- Woven into the history of the battlefields, Gettysburg is also home to numerous monuments and landmarks scattered around the surrounding area. There are statues and monuments constructed to honor numerous states and individuals, as well as historic landmarks like Devil’s Den or The Copse of Trees.
Lancaster
Lancaster City
- Dubbed by some as the next Brooklyn, this small city nestled inside its eponymous county is packed full of art, music, and history. Lancaster is the oldest inland city in America, founded in 1729, and served briefly as the capital city of Pennsylvania from 1799 to 1813. Now, it is home to numerous art galleries, local music venue The Chameleon Club, and more varieties of cuisine than you can count, including Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Mediterranean, Puerto Rican, and more.
Lancaster County
- Venture into a world where it seems as though time stands still by visiting “Amish Country” in the heart of Lancaster County. Visit one of the countless farmer’s markets, vegetable stands, or fruit stalls during the summer, and check out the amazing homemade quilts to keep you warm on the coldest winter nights. Chances are you’ll drive right by a number of horses and buggies as they make their way down the streets.
Hershey
Hersheypark
- For a day packed with thrills and chills, Hersheypark is your one-stop shop. The park is home to 13 different roller coasters; the Storm Runner is a hydraulic powered coaster that goes from 0 mph to 72 mph in just 2 seconds and Fahrenheit has a 97 degree drop that actually doubles back under itself, just to give you an idea. Hersheypark is also home to the Boardwalk, a water park within the amusement park that’s included in the price of admission and features numerous slides, rides, and aquatic jungle gyms.
Hershey’s Chocolate World
- Chances are that at some point in your life you’ve eaten (or at least seen) Hershey’s chocolate. See where it was born with a trip to the sweetest place on earth: Hershey’s Chocolate World. You can meet the candy mascots, design your own candy bar, and take a tour to see how Hershey’s produces all of its delicious candy. As a bonus, you get a free candy bar after the ride.
Other Attractions:
Fallingwater
- Also known as the Kaufmann Residence, this architectural marvel was made possible by the most famous architect in America: Frank Lloyd Wright. Fallingwater is built overtop of a waterfall and took three years to complete. The building is now a National Historic Landmark, revered for its unique placement and aesthetic.
Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
- Located in the middle of the Tioga State Forest, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is officially known as the Pine Creek Gorge. It runs for 45 miles along the Allegheny Plateau throughout Northern Pennsylvania with depths reaching up to 1,500 feet.
Knoebels Amusement Resort
- If you ever find yourself in the area between Harrisburg and Williamsport, chances are that you’re not too far from the country’s largest free admission amusement park: Knoebels. Opened in 1926, this little treasure found in Elysburg, PA is equal parts park and campground, with people flocking from all over the country to take advantage of the free admission. Park-goers must acquire tickets or an all-day handstamp to ride the rides.
