So it sounds like Mr. Franchise is going to be getting himself a revised contract.
If the reports are true McNabb would be getting more money over the final two years of his current contract. The prospect of an extension remains show me first.
All sounds peachy to this fan. It's hard to rationalize a possible one year wonder like Matt Cassell earning more money than an established, All-Pro like McNabb .
As far as holding off on the extension I also like the move.
It's difficult to give an older QB an extension when you still have an untested 2nd rounder on the bench. Maybe Kolb is the real deal and if given playing time over the next 2 years (McNabb does have a history of injuries) he can show he is the future after 2010.
Redoing the final 2 years of the current deal should make McNabb happier (and maybe even break his media silence) and it allows the Eagles to keep a QB who is still one of the leagues' best. If you give up now and Kolb is a bust the franchise is screwed!
Reworking the current deal without an extension puts all the pressure on #5. If he plays well in 2009 and 2010 then an extension will come that should all but guarantee McNabb retires with the Eagles.
If McNabb plays poorly or gets injured Kolb will get a shot and the QB future of the franchise will become clearer...Kolb, draft another QB, or hit-up free agency.
Is Mr. Rosenhaus available? This is Joseph Banner.
This Eagles fan can only hope that such a call is being made. This fan can only hope that the end result of such a call is Edgerrin Tyree James being fitted for some midnight green.
The latest news out of a very eventful Eagles OTA is that Brian Westbrook requires surgery on his ankles. The seriousness of the injury and surgery varies from report to report. Regardless another surgery for B-West on his legs is not good news.
I love B-West. He is as dynamic a playmaker as there is in the NFL. But as the injuries continue to mount and the body hits 30 years come September this fan is worried.
The glowing off-season reports on the Eagles have visions of a Super Bowl dancing in my head. Without B-West those visions and hopes get squashed.
Signing a veteran like James gives the Eagles some insurance. McCoy is a rookie...don't forget that.
McNabb is reportedly close to getting his new deal. Brookover said this today on his Philadelphia Inquirer blog:
If this report is true, cornerback Sheldon Brown has every right to be seething in South Carolina right now, because he is underpaid by cornerback standards.
Are you kidding me? Franchise QB with 2 years (one essentially) left on his contract vs. dependable but replaceable #2 CB with 4 years left on his contract… no comparison.
And with Sheldon not showing up to voluntary workouts, expect Hobbs to get a legit shot at winning his job. They are comparable players, Brown is more physical and much better in press coverage, while Hobbs is quicker and has better hands… their overall coverage skills are similar, however. Brown should be careful what he wishes for.
The Eagles announced a worst-case scenario for veteran free agent defensive tackle Amon Gordon, who limped away from a drill last week. Achilles' tendon surgery Thursday seems likely to sideline Gordon for the duration. The Eagles brought in free agent rookie Trevor Jenkins this week to take Gordon's place.
Article here.
Good news for Danny Klecko. An injury to Gordon brings his chances of being the #4 DT up quite a bit. While he would have always been the favorite for the job, Gordon’s early practices showed that Klecko didn’t necessarily have the job in the bag. Now, it looks inevitable that the DT rotation is Patt, Bunk, Laws, Kleck. The only wildcard is this rookie Trevor Jenkins… but having a second Trevor at DT might just be too confusing.
Mr. Sheppard is running his trap about how he was mistreated here… no big surprise, as he proved last year that he is a “me” guy rather than a team guy. He is trying claim that his cut in PT was due to the Eagles needing to legitimize their signing of Asante.
Let’s be honest, Lee-Toe, the Birds had to sign a top notch CB due to your inability to stay healthy. We don’t even need to bring up the fact that you’ve never led the league in pass deflections, as Asante did last season. Oh, and while we’re comparing, when was the last time you made a clutch interception return to win a playoff game?
Sheppard showed his true colors and the big difference between his situation last year and Sheldon’s this year is character. Sheldon isn’t a “me” guy, so Id expect the rest of the “negotiating” to be behind close doors. Sheldon will come to play. Lito dogged it and it showed.
Point blank, Sheappard should shut his mouth. Though, I am rooting for him… as the better he plays the better our compensation in the 2010 draft will be.
While Sheldon Brown is a dependable and solid cornerback, his current demands are frivolous, at best. At 30 years old, Sheldon has 4 years left on his current contract. Despite playing through thick and thin, he is in no position to be demanding anything from the Philadelphia Eagles. Here are the facts:
1. As stated above, Sheldon is 30 years old.
2. There are 4 years left on his contract.
3. He has never been the top CB on his team since entering the NFL.
4. The Eagles believe that Joselio Hanson can be a legit starter.
5. He received a substantial signing bonus only a few years ago.
It is fair to say that he is a solid contributor to this team; and, he is, undoubtedly, a team guy. It may even be fair to note that he could be paid better, but when a player decides to choose security over a big pay day, that happens. Lito cried and played his way out of town, perhaps Brown will, as well. Hopefully, this is worked out; however, it won’t (and shouldn’t) be through giving him a new deal.
On a final note, much ado has been given to the argument that with the loss of Dawkins, Brown is your only defensive leader on the field and is worth too much to lose now. Quintin Mikell may have a point of contention, as he has now exhibited his leadership ability for years, first as the unofficial ST captain, then a leader on the defense. Stewart Bradley is young, but has developed as a leader very quickly. And, Trent Cole’s on-field prowess and ability to pump up his teammates cannot go unnoticed. This argument is not only weak, but pathetic… as the Birds’ youth movement has stepped up and taken the reigns over the past few years.
In closing, while I love Brown as a player, he has no leg to stand on.
Sheldon Brown continues to voice his displeasure and unhappiness with his contract and the Eagles' response to his contract and trade demands.
His full response can be found on Philly.com
So now Brown is going to have difficulty finding motivation to play and this whole thing isn't about the money.
Way to be a leader Sheldon. Way to drag other players' names into your problem. And if this isn't about the money then why even mention your contract?
Excuse me did I miss when the Eagles won a Super Bowl? Did I miss when Sheldon Brown was named to the Pro Bowl?
Shut-up and play. Bring a title to the city and then talk!
Brown knew the risks when he first signed his contract extension with the Eagles. Brown had the option to play for less money upfront and then potentially get paid more later (if he excelled) or take slightly more money then his full potential is worth and get the guaranteed money and security.
What would of happened had Brown stunk or had gotten injured in year 1? Yep, that signing bonus would not have been going back to the Eagles.
Brown opted for the upfront money and now he must face the consequences. Life is tough when $2 million plus is an unfair consequence.
This fan is so sick of the ME, ME, ME culture that engulfs sports today. I can't believe I am siding with the Front Office..but I am...100%.
It's like a damn day time soap opera over there at the Nova Care Complex.
The day is almost here...thankfully! It's the week leading up to the draft.
How does the Peters trade become even better? Easy, Reid stays with a balanced offense attack or even favors a running attack.
This might be wishful thinking on my part, but the current make-up of the OL just screams for a the coach to RUN the ball. The starting OL averages 331 pounds and screams 4th quarter dominance.
So the next step is to improve the running game. I still believe there is at least 1 good year left in B-West. Good meaning 1000 yards, with a YPC of 4.5 yards. To elevate the run game to great there has to be a complimentary running back, who if needed can also carry the load.
That running back isn't on the roster or isn't left in free agency. That back is in the draft (less than 1 week to go!). Now it's up to the Eagles to show how much they value improving the RB position.
Do they use their 1st rounder on a RB? If so and if you believe the mock drafts than Moreno and Donald Brown should be available at #21. Wells should be gone, which is fine since his game isn't a match for the Eagles' offense and he also doesn't have the all around game of a Moreno or Brown.
Do the Eagles wait until the 2nd round? At that point the team would be looking at Greene, Coffee, Jennings, or Andre Brown. Each are talented but using a 2nd rounder on them might be a bit of a stretch.
Or do the Eagles take a chance and wait to a later round to address the RB position? At this point you are looking James Davis (Clemson), Mike Goodson (Texas A&M), or Cedric Peerman (Virginia). Each are good backs, but, as you can see, there is a big drop off from the round 1 talent.
So here's hoping that the revamping of the OL this off-season is a sign that the Eagles will HOPEFULLY show a commitment to the running game. If they are committed then pick #21 will be a RB. We do not need any more busts like 3rd rounders Moats or Hunt.
Eagles fans are sure a tough bunch to please.
Well today's news surly won't make T.O. a happy camper out in Buffalo. I wish Edwards luck finding time to get T.O. the ball with his Pro Bowl LT now in Philadelphia!
The Eagles needed a LT...no problem...in comes a 2 time Pro Bowler. You know it was a great move, I know it was a great move, the coaches know it was a great move, the experts know it was a great move...you get my point.
What I want now is McNabb to break his off-season silence and come out and acknowledge the upgrades that have occurred on his offense. Sure the moves may not be flashy "skill position" additions, but the moves made have a good chance to bring greater benefits. Two franchise changing Tackles and an All Pro FB (you also can't overlook the return of an All-Pro RG).
There is zero doubt that the Eagles offense as it stands now is better than the 2008 version. Oh yeah, there is still a draft. A young, stud RB or TE is just waiting to be added to the offense.
So it's time for the McNabb stamp of approval. No hiding behind a blog entry or Michael Smith at ESPN. McNabb wanted upgrades and he got them.
We Philadelphia fans are truly blessed.
We have some of, if not the best announcers in all of sports. I will be down at Citizens Bank Park this evening honoring Harry Kalas. Like many of you, many of my greatest sporting moments have Harry's voice in the background. Even today my ring tone is set to Harry's call of Michael Jacks' 500th home run.
With the unfortunate passing of Kalas the current title of announcing greatness in the city has been passed to Merrill Reese. In short, Reese just has "it."
I kind of relate Reese's "it" to the "it" that Brian Dawkins has. It takes only a few seconds of listening to Reese's voice and then bam, Eagles excitement.
Reese's voice brings confidence to a fan. Reese's voice is filled with genuine passion. How can any true Eagles fan not get pumped listening to his comments or broadcast?
When a Dave Spadaro rambles on and on about how great the Eagles are you quickly become disinterested, view the talk as fake. Reese is the exact opposite. When Reese says the team is good or a player is good you believe him, you have zero doubt. You are instantly psyched, you can't wait for the season or game to begin.
And once the season starts there is no one better calling a game than Reese. Sure Reese might occasionally be a bit of a "homer." But who cares. The man calls the game with Eagles passion. Your emotions are hanging on his every word.
Few things are better than watching the Eagles game on TV, muting a Troy Aikman or Joe Buck, and have Reese call the game for you.
Or on the rare occasion when I had to leave a home game early, I find myself running through the parking lot to put Reese on for the remainder of the game. Passing cars look at my Dad and I like we are crazy as we follow the game on the ride home.
When you think Eagles, it is hard not to think Merrill Reese. I only hope that one day we all get to hear Merrill calling the Eagles Super Bowl Champions.
Is a high five or pat on the back just not enough anymore? Do you instead want everyone to know that you are the best on the golf course? Do you need something to make that round of 18 a bit more interesting? Well how about golf trophies from trophiesales.com.
A trophy lets everyone you know that you are the best. And since you are the best why not shop from the best at trophiesales.com? Orders can be easily placed on-line. The prices are significantly cheaper then the local sporting goods store. And most importantly the customer service staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.
If you don't believe me just look at their impressive listing of clients and the fact that they have been in business since 1975.In addition to golf trophies, there are many other trophies to celebrate one's accomplishments.
You can show your son or daughter how proud you are of her and her academic accomplishments with academic awards. An award will sure a parents' appreciation and keep the children motivated and keep the grades high for the entire school year.
Or maybe the accomplishment is your son winning the local soccer championship or just making it through a soccer season. Again, trophiesales.com is also your place for soccer trophies. So no matter the feat, trophiesales.com is your place for celebrating.
Great prices, great company, and great products. Heck, they probably deserve their own trophy!
Sure we bleed the green, but comments like the ones from Tom Heckert regarding the RB situation just continue to infuriate the fanbase...
"It's still not at a point where we're going to say we have to come out of the first two rounds with a running back. We think that there are good running backs in the third and fourth rounds. There always are. We think there are some guys [in those rounds] that can play and help us. It's not like we're in a panic mode by any stretch."
The common public perception of Heckert is that he is nothing more then a talking puppet that the FO sends out to the media to feed the fans information...even if that information is pointless and maddening.
I honestly hope that Tom is just blowing smoke on this one. Booker is NOT an option as a complimentary back to B-West. His blocking will get McNabb killed and his RB skills are non-existent!
The Eagles need to draft a RB early to compliment Westbrook this year and be the future in the backfield!
In my last (lengthy) post, I broke down what I felt were the top needs for our Philadelphia Eagles heading into the draft. I highlighted three positions where players are needed: RB, OL, and TE. In a brief recap, I can just state that the areas I’d focus on in these positions are a #2 RB to replace Buck, interior OL (notably Alex Mack or Max Unger to push at C), and 2 TEs (including a blocking TE).
MORE TEAM NEEDS
In addition to these areas of need, there are other areas that can be improved. We’ll start with everyone’s favorite (supposed) Achilles’ Heel of the Andy Reid era Birds… WR. I can already hear the shouts of “We need a true #1” and the cries of “Anquan” and “Braylon” starting up as I type this. As an avid Eagles Message Board user and a follower of Philly sports radio, I know that this town continues to clamor for a top-flight WR because of how effective Donny was with TO. This is valid, but as far as the draft goes, I don’t see us targeting any first day wideouts.
Our depth at WR is the best it’s been in years. Desean Jackson appears to be a real player and possibility a future top-flight WR. Kevin Curtis is a legit starter on nearly any team in the NFL, with great hands, good speed, and strong work ethic. Hank Baskett played well in his spot duty as a starter and has big play potential. Jason Avant was a 3rd down machine down the stretch last year and is slowly creating a name for himself as a great possession receiver. Reggie Brown has ability, but has been streaky to say the least… we’ll see if he’s here much longer.
Looking at this depth, a true stud like Boldin or Edwards would put this corps into discussion of being one of the best in the league. As I type this, it is by far the best in the NFC East (noting that Toomer and Plax have been cut leaving NY no starters at WR, Dallas has to actually start Patrick Crayton, and Randle El still starts in Washington which certainly says something not-so-good about their WR corps). We are unlikely to add anything other than a 5th WR in the draft, unless a big trade comes down on draft day.
Whereas I don’t agree with the masses that WR is such a need, I do see some other needs to target in this draft, one being at the linebacker position. As a huge fan of Omar Gaither, I want to see him win his job back at WILL, but I don’t see it happening. Since he has shown ability at that position and perhaps even more ability at MIKE, I expect him to be moving on to greener pastures if Jordan remains the WILL this season. That said, drafting a solid WILL is not a bad idea. Jordan seems to be more of an Ike Reese who will lead our ST and be a solid plug and play LB at all three spots, but he’s not a starter in my opinion. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Daniels get pushed off the roster if a draft pick of FA at SAM can show more potential as a backup while filling his ST role.
The defensive line is solid. The safety position has been addressed with two signings and last year’s draft. Adding a solid CB isn’t a bad idea, you can never have too many good young defensive backs. I think it’s time for me to quit yammering and get to the mock draft.
MOCK DRAFT
I presume that there will be draft day trades, moving the Eagles up and down in position at certain places, perhaps even acquiring a WR or LT Jason Peters. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Reggie Brown, Winston Justice, Matt Schobel, or even Juqua Parker or Omar Gaither moved. Despite saying that, I will assume merely that we only use 3 of our 5th rounders and 1 of our 6th rounders, trading the others to get players we are targeting in the other rounds, and select players with our 10 other picks.
1 – Knowshon Moreno, Georgia RB
1 (CAR) – Alex Mack, California C
2 – Chase Coffman, Mizzou TE
3 – Gerald McRath, Southern Miss LB
4 – Xavier Fulton, Illinois OT
5 (NE) – Bear Pascoe, Fresno State TE
5 (CLE) – Jason Williams, Western Illinois LB
5 – Clinton McDonald, Memphis DT
6 – Jose Martinez, UTEP K
7 – Kory Sheets, Purdue RB
As I noted in my first installment, I like Jeremiah Johnson a lot at RB, but if Moreno is on the board at 21, the Birds have to take him. I like taking two linebackers that project to be OLBs because White and Daniels are ST guys that provide little depth on defense. If a LB with more defensive prowess can prove himself on ST, I’m all for it. McRath could be the best WILL prospect in the draft, despite playing inside in college. Williams is a sleeper pick by many and is very fluid in coverage, while also being a fumble forcing machine that likes to pass rush.
As for the numbers of people getting ready to scold me for not going after Pettigrew… Coffman is a much better receiver and scouts think he’ll be a willing blocker. The Bear provides an old school TE that could be best blocker at TE in this draft and can help move the chains while not being a downfield threat.
And, one final note. Yes, I want a kicker in the draft. It’s time to Dave to be truly challenged by someone other than some nobody walk on. If Akers wins, good… a 6th rounder is not that big of a loss.
Kicker. I've probably bored you already. But this fan is finding it odd that no one is talking about the need to upgrade the K position this off-season. If not upgrade at least the need to bring in some competition. Maybe I am looking at the stats wrong.
Maybe I am thinking too much "glass half empty" than "glass half full." 2008 did show a drastic improvement for Akers in kicks from 40+ yards, as he nailed 10 of 15 attempts. In 2007 Akers connected on only 2 of 10 attempts from a distance of 40+ yards.
So maybe there shouldn't be any concern as Akers enters the 2009-'10 season. But this fan has a difficult time looking past Akers' performance in the NFC Championship Game against Arizona. Akers missed both a crucial field goal (47 yards) and an extra point in the game. The extra point then lead to the Eagles attempting and failing on a 2 point conversation in the 4th quarter. And if last impressions aren't painful enough some "hidden" statistics may be even more worrisome.
NFC Rankings:
- Field Goal %: ranked 13th
- Field Goals Missed: ranked 2nd highest
- Kick Off Average: ranked 9th
- Average Opponents Starting Position after KO: ranked 8th
With so many draft picks maybe the Eagles draft a K in the late rounds of Day 2 (as the FA options are slim)? Or maybe I am wrong and the reason the K position has generated such little buzz this off-season is that everyone is OK with Akers for another season or two.
As far as I see it, the Eagles have quietly improved during this offseason amidst accusations, rage, and disappointment. There are some holes, most occurring in depth areas rather than starting positions, but offseason moves and internal depth seem to have addressed most major questions.
Key Losses
Tra Thomas, LT
Jon Runyan, RT
Correll Buckhalter, RB
Brian Dawkins, FS
Sean Considine, SS
LJ Smith, TE
As I see it, these are the biggest losses from last season. We’ll start with the big fellas. Our aging bookends are now gone… correction, Tra is gone for sure and Jon is still recovering from major surgery will no play on the FA market. The starting RT spot has been address with a long term deal that brought Shawn’s big brother to Philly to create “The Wall of Andrews” on the right side of the line. But who’s the LT? To me, the answer is easy… Todd Herremans. He’s played well there in spot duty and is a natural LT. He may not be the pass blocker that Tra was in his prime, but he’s significantly better as a run blocker and gives you pass protection as solid as the current version of Tra, at least. This does leave questions at LG, but we’ll get into that as we discuss targets. The team seems to believe that McGlynn can be that guy, not to mention that Nick Cole and MJG both played well at RG last year.
Losing Buck is a pretty big loss, but there isn’t too much to say about it, as he was under-utilized here and deserves his opportunity. I expect big things from Buck in Denver. As the starter there, he should put up 1,000 yards without batting an eye. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him as a top 5 rusher this season.
At safety, we lost a legend and our most productive ST player. In the midst of the Dawkins debacle, no one noticed the departure of Sean “The Human Cape” Considine. Most would likely laugh at my mentioning him as a key loss, but his ST contributions were phenomenal. With Q as a full time player, Sean became a leader on the ST unit. Thankfully, the team didn’t glaze over the key loss, as they brought in Philly native Rashad Baker, who not only made key plays that got the Eagles into the playoffs as a Raider last year but also made his name in the NFL as a willing and able ST guy. He’s likely an upgrade as a backup S, and can hopefully fill Sean’s shoes on the ST unit. The signing of CFL standout Byron Parker could impact how many safeties make the team, to boot.
Dawk played like the Dawk of old down the stretch last year, but we can’t forget that during the first 6 games last year we were all talking about how he’s lost a step. Dawk’s effectiveness last year came playing out of position, as he was a FS only in title. Whenever Dawk played outside of the box, he struggled; the loss to Arizona in the NFCCG is a key example. We all remember Demps falling down and costing a Fitz TD, but no one remembers the several blown coverages by Dawk. This isn’t to shortchange the legend and HOF hopeful that revolutionized the position, it’s just to point out that we didn’t lose the 2004 Brian Dawkins, we lost the 2008 version. Demps is already an upgrade in coverage, not to mention that we brought in the upside of Sean Jones (which could potentially spell out a better safety duo in 2009 than we’ve seen in years).
I listed LJ as a key loss only because he’s been a starter on this team since the departure of Chad Lewis. Eagles fans, Philly media, and national press alike all agree that this is a case of addition by subtraction. Goodbye ole’ stonehands, how we won’t miss ye.
Top Targets
The primary targets in this year’s draft are all on the offensive side of the ball: RB, TE, and OL (not necessarily in that order).
At RB, there are two big name guys that could excel in our system here in Philly. The first, and most obvious, is Knowshon Moreno. If we target him, he’d likely have to be our first pick at #21, if he lasts quite that far. Knowshon is a smaller back than the bruising Chris “Beanie” Wells that many Birds fans seem to be clamoring for, but he’s got great hands, a necessity in our WCO.
The other bigger name at RB is UConn’s Donald Brown. His name is really hot right now, as many scouts really like him. He is ranked anywhere from the 3rd to 6th best RB in the draft. I’d expect him to be a 2nd round talent, but the hype around him could pushy him into the 1st.
If the Eagles don’t go for one of these bigger names, there are a few other ways they could go to address the need at RB. In the first 2 rounds, LeSean McCoy is likely the only other name that fits our offensive schemes fully. Like Brown and Moreno, he has displayed natural hands out of the backfield. McCoy is compared to Maurice Morris (who could be an interesting FA pickup to provide veteran depth) by some scouts, which translates to me as McCoy being a good third down back for the WCO, as Morris has been for the ‘Hawks. Considered a border line 2nd/3rd round player, Rashad Jennings of Liberty has also been mentioned as a good fit for the Eagles by some scouts, and unlike what the team currently has, he is a bit bigger and stronger allowing him to be a bruiser in short yardage situations.
In the later rounds, there are a few intriguing names. Oregon’s Jeremiah Johnson is built like Westbrook, small and stout with tons of elusiveness and deceptive speed. This doesn’t mean that I am comparing his ability to the Wizard of Westbrook’s incredible talent, just his size and style. Johnson is also a very willing pass blocker, which is a need for any RB in our system, especially since Westbrook’s beat-like blocking ability seemed to be in decline a bit last year. Another name that the Eagles could target is Andre Brown of NC State. Brown is considered by some to be the most natural receiver of this RB draft class. He runs hard, but lacks elite speed.
My pick at RB would be Jeremiah Johnson. He’d bring an immediate #2 with good value in the 3rd. He is also versed in kickoff return, which could prove useful in the case that Demps wins a starting job and needs to share or give up KOR duties. I also like Purdue’s Kory Sheets to compete with Booker for the 3rd spot. He’s likely a 5th or 6th rounder and has the tools to be a great fit for our system. He’ll likely need some time to develop, but could contribute as a willing ST player, with experience as a returner and a blocker on kick off return.
At TE, I believe we need to draft two guys. While Celek is all but cemented as the starter, we only have one other TE on the roster and he isn’t a good one. Schobel has been productive during parts of his career, but he can’t be on this team much longer. We saw last year that he really just can’t get it done, especially as a blocker. This means that the Birds need a #2 that can compliment Celek and a true blocking TE that can fill the #3 slot.
The obvious name is Brandon Pettigrew. He’s big and initially made his name as a blocker. He also is a solid route runner with soft hands. I’d welcome the addition, but he’d cost the Eagles the #21 at least. With Celek’s ability as a possession receiver, spending our 1st pick on TE may be excessive.
More likely and more prudent would be Rice’s James Casey, who could be available in the 3rd due to his age (turns 25 at the start of the season). If Casey falls to the mid third round, the Eagles could make a run at him. A gifted athlete, the biggest concern is his ability to block. While some scouts think he possess the tools to be a solid blocker, he lacks the experience.
This leads to the 2nd TE pick , the true blocking TE that the Eagles have not had. Fresno State’s McKenna “Bear” Pascoe is a solid blocker, but is may not be quick enough to contribute as a blocking in the open field. He has decent receiving skills, which adds to his quality as a possible pick with one of our seemingly infinite 5th round selections. Davon Drew of East Carolina and Ryan Purvis of BC are also interesting names in this respect. Even a good blocking FB with some experience as a n H-back could possibly fulfill this role, such as LSU’s Quinn Johnson or even Georgia’s Brannan Southerland (considered by most the best blocking FB).
My targets here, likely obvious by how I laid them out, are Casey and the Bear. I think that Celek and these two young bucks can get it done. Perhaps one year deals to Bubba Franks and another cheap veteran in late free agency could sure up the camp battles.
The offensive line is the last major target area, but where on the line is a debate. There is a great deal of versatility with many guys that play multiple positions. Shawn and Todd were drafted as OTs and both play OG. McGlynn played every spot other than LT in college. Nick Cole knows both OG spots and can play C. Jamaal Jackson is the C, but has some college experience at LG. Chris Patrick is a reserve with some experience at both OT positions, as is the ever unpopular Winston Justice (who only truly deserves a small part of his bad rep). The newly acquired Stacy Andrews has NFL experience at RT and LG and has played very well at both spots. Mike Gibson is another OG/OT reserve that spent the 2008 season on IR. This isn’t to mention MJG, whom may or may not be ready for the season, but has done a reasonably good job at both OG spots.
With this versatility, the best option for our Birds could be at OG, OT, or C, depending on what is available or where they envision their current guys. As far as I see it, Herremans, Andrews, and Andrews are locks. As the roster currently stands, Jackson and McGlynn are likely the favorites, though Nick Cole played extremely well at RG and may be able to make the switch to LG or even push Jackson at C.
My two top targets are the top 2 Centers, Alex Mack and Max Unger. Either would likely win the job over Jackson from the door and would definitely be the starter within a year. Mack is the better of the two, both as a run blocker and a pass blocker, though Unger is more versatile, having played nearly every position on the line during his 4 years as a starter. I’d target Mack with the #28 pick and go after Unger in the 2nd if that doesn’t work out.
Herman Johnson, the mammoth LSU OG, could be a smart 2nd round target. He is 6’7 and over 350 lbs. He’s a first day starter at LG. At his size, it’s hard to believe he ran the 40 in under 5.5 seconds and reportedly has run it at 5.3.
Add Mack, Unger, or Johnson to the competition in the O-Line and expect this line to be better than last year’s line.
Up Next… Other Targets and Mock 7 Round Draft
After 10+ years we know the drill. Reporter asks the same old questions, Reid avoids answering the questions, reporter doesn't ask a follow-up question to get a true answer from Reid, interview ends, and fans become frustrated.
So instead of wasting our time bashing another Reid interview, let's look at what Reid maybe said by not saying anything...
- Over praising Herremans (should of been a Pro Bowler) and Andrews (Reid's eyes had never seen a finer college offensive tackle) means one of these 2 is going to the outside. I don't see Reid trusting a rookie to guard McNabb's blind side.
- Praising of Nick Cole means Reid saw the same things we did last season with Jamaal Jackson (another subpar season). The starting center spot is Coles to lose.
- Reid likes to have 2 or 3 running backs and have one of those backs complement Westbrook. Reid hesitated to play Booker last season so Booker isn't that guy. The Eagles are going to draft a RB and draft him early.
- Reid doesn't care about fan reaction. Well this is obvious otherwise he wouldn't conduct interviews the way he does. His responses insult the intelligence of fans.
- How Reid probably wanted to answer the question, "What would have happened if Kevin Kolb had lit it up in second half [of the Ravens Game]: I would have looked like a genius for drafting him. We could have saved ourselves another 9+ million in cap space with Kolb and not Donovan as our starting QB this season.
- Matt Schobel is a good receiver means the guy can't block a lick.
- Reggie Brown is a starter means nothing more than trying to drive up Browns’ value for any potential trades. Reid benched Reggie last year. In other parts of the interview he implies that Reggie crumbles each and every time he is faced with competition for playing time. Reid knows, we know, that Brown isn’t a staring caliber WR.
- It’s crazy that Banner is constantly criticized by fans means that Reid is again insulting the intelligence of us fans. Banner is criticized because we fans bleed green passion and are obsessed with actually winning a Super Bowl. Banner (though only doing his job) portrays a man instead obsessed with the business side of football. Every player is just a dollar sign in a business plan. Always protect the company bottom line even if it means continually coming up short of a title.
That’s what I heard today…more enjoyable that what was actually said (or not said).
We all thought that he would be available, but now there are true reports surfacing that Broncos TE Tony Scheffler is actually on the trading block.
Sure last years' numbers for Scheffler are impressive (40 catches, 645 yards) but with Celek already slotted as the starting TE the Eagles do not need another TE whose specialty is catching but is just a so-so blocker.
For the current make-up of the team I feel that TE Anthony Becht is a better match for the Eagles. The man is a stud blocker. The Eagles need a blocking TE to compliment Celek and that person is Becht.
Scheffler is not a Tony Gonzalez clone. Tony can catch and BLOCK. Scheffler is on the trading block because he can't block. L.J. gave us enough of that last year.
Let the bashing of the this post begin.....
Have the Eagles done enough this off-season to improve the club? At this point with the draft still upcoming and the possibility of trades the end product might not be finished. And I agree with G. Gobb in that the Eagles recent success earns them the benefit of doubt. Maybe hold some of the criticism until training camp rolls around.
Even with this slightly rosy outlook I still feel the Eagles biggest off-season mistake to date was not pursuing and signing FA center Jason Brown. The Rams paid high (the Eagles too had the money), but they got themselves a player for MANY years to come. Brown was considered by most to be the top interior lineman in free agency. He anchored a line that paved the way for 2,376 rushing yards. Oh yeah, he is only 25 years old...hello future!!
Even with the aging Tackles last season I felt the weak spot of the Eagles' OL was center. Ever since beating out Hank Fraley for the starting center spot, the performance of Jamel Jackson has continued to decline. In my opinion Jackson currently sits as the weak link along this OL. Unfortunately there is no back-up plan to Jackson.
Reid always preaches about how it all starts with dominant lines. Well how dominant would the OL of been with Brown at center and the Andrews brothers manning the tackle spots. Brown could have made this off-season great (even without a Boldin sighting).
My feeling is that the Eagles are going to regret this one.
Many fans (including this one) have voiced their desire for the Eagles to sign FB Leonard Weaver.
Well the Eagles got their guy. Reports have the Eagles and Weaver agreeing to a one year deal.
How could you not love this signing with a souting report like this....
Strengths:
Weaver’s abilities as a blocker and a playmaker make him a versatile double-threat force to reckon with. His rare athleticism as a runner and receiver out of the backfield is God-given. But his blocking, which was a major knock against him initially, has improved significantly, due mostly to good old-fashioned hard work. At the end of the season, outgoing head coach Mike Holmgren told one team insider that Weaver had made himself into the best blocker on the team, and the sight of him opening holes with often punishing hits on opposing defenders has become a routine occurrence.
Weaver is uncommonly elusive, with rare footwork for a player at his position, and he has become a consistently effective check-down receiver with the ability to pick up yards after his catches. He also has growing potential as a short-yardage specialist.
Weaknesses:
Weaver’s uniqueness could be his only weakness, in that he has excelled at a position that has diminished in importance at the pro level. While it appears he has all the makings of a respectable No. 2 running back, he is an unproven commodity in that particular role.
Love this signing!!
Isn't 16 plus weeks of press conferences enough?!? Do we really need off-season interviews with Dave Spadaro to get us even more frustrated with Reid...this fan doesn't.
So the best reaction to Reid's comments this week is just ignore them.
Reid had a chance to comment on the Dawkins' departure when it first happened. He didn't and any comments now just seem scripted and rehearsed.
I don't want to hear how the Eagles are being smart in Free Agency by not spending their money. The team has the money, spend it to get the few necessary pieces to get your team again over the NFC Championship Game hump. In 2004 you made big free agent splashes and the result was Reid's first and only Super Bowl appearance.
Save us the nonsense about how good the WRs are and that Reggie Clown is starting caliber. You are only trying to talk up the trade market for Brown. And DeSean and Curtis may be speedy, but they disappear in man-to-man coverage. Yes Andy you still need to upgrade the position.
And lastly please refrain my saying lines like "I am who I am. I do what I do" when asked if maybe you need to change your business-like approach with players. Comments like that don't fly in the real world when you talk about job improvement.
Crap, I just wasted my time and your time actually discussing this nonsense.
Two ex-Philadelphia athletes. One an all-time great. The other, well he did have a few great moments.
Charles Barkley and Donte’ Stallworth. Unfortunately we are talking about them for all the wrong reasons this week. Drinking and driving, and in the case of Stallwoth, you can add man slaughter to the list.
The report came out yesterday that Stallworth’s blood-alcohol concentration was 0.12 percent when he hit and killed a pedestrian over the weekend. This level is above the legal limit. In short, Stallworth is in a whole lot of trouble.
There are few bigger fans of Barkley than this guy. I loved Charles with the Sixers, was happy to see him win an MVP with the Suns, and still love the humor and insight that he brings to TNT and commercials. But his comments last week regarding drinking and driving some 100 times are inexcusable.
Come on Charles, think before you speak and act (yes we know you aren't a role model). A 3 day jail sentence may seem like a joke to you for drinking and driving, but Stallworth has shown us once again that such actions are no laughing matter.
We love to love our pro athletes. But it is weeks like this that you wish some of them would grow up a bit and realize that they aren't above the law and there are consequences for their actions.
In the case of Stallworth someone else got the worst of those consequences.
It's a week of comparisons.
I hear the cries for Boldin and Edwards (how could one not?). You can't argue that either player wouldn't be an upgrade for the Eagles at the WR position. Both are too talented to argue otherwise.
But at the same time I bring you back to DeSean (have I mentioned he is my favorite Eagle). The kid exceeded expectations (big time!) as a rookie. The bar is now set high. I think DeSean has no problem clearing the bar in season number two.
I look no further than two other WRs small in size. Steve Smith is 5'9". I look past his rookie season because he started only one game. Year #2 for Smith was his first shot as significant playing time.
2002: 54 receptions, 872 yards, and 3 TDs
2003: 88 receptions, 1110 yards, and 7 TDs
The next example I give you is Santana Moss. Moss is 5'10''. Like Smith I look past his rookie season because he started 0 games. On to year #2.
2002: 30 receptions, 433 yards, 4 TDS
2003: 74 receptions, 1105 yards, 10 TDS
DeSean (5'9'') actually saw time in his rookie season, playing in all 16 games.
2008: 62 receptions, 912 yards, and 2 TDs
Is it unrealistic (playing in a pass heavy offense) to expect DeSean to also see a significant jump in his stats during year #2 of significant playing time? I don't.
1100 yards, 5-6 TDs in 2009-'10 seems like a damn good WR option already on the team (and even better for Banner, he is still working on his cheap rookie contract).
(originally published on gcobb.com)
We all know the bio. Reid and McNabb are entering their 11th season as coach and QB of the Eagles.
The off-season headlines have focused on the question of McNabb's future with the Eagles. Will the team give him an extension? Would the team explore the possibility of a trade? Is it 2 more years and done for McNabb in Philadelphia? All good questions...time will tell.
With all the McNabb (and of course WR) talk this off-season Reid's future has gone undiscussed. It shouldn't if you look at Reid's current deal. Just 2 years remaining. So with 2 years remaining it is logical to think that this upcoming season would be a show me the money or show me the door season. A coach of Reid's stature doesn't deserve to go into the 2010 season clinging to a 1 year deal. The question at some point this season will be are the Eagles going to again extend Reid's contract?
Bashers of the Eagles' front office will be quick to say that Reid is the puppet running the Banner and Lurie show. Reid will be here as long as he keeps Lurie a billionaire.
But to make money you need to put a winning product on the field (otherwise the Phillies will continue to steal all the Philly fan's love and money). Sure the Eagles made the NFC Championship Game last season.. But they also needed an Oakland Miracle to simply qualify for the post season after a 9-6-1 record.
9-6-1 equals slightly above average. The past 4 seasons under Reid the Eagles have gone 33-30-1 in the regular season. Again, slightly above average. Does average warrant a new extension? Will an 11th season without a title finally be enough to convince ownership that Reid can't deliver a title? At some point even the most loyal owners need to realize a change may be necessary.
The 2009 season is a big one for the big guy. The seat may not be hot now, but each loss is sure to crank up that temperature on Reid..
Boldin, Edwards, McNabb, and Cutler. Names that will surely grab your attention this off-season. But all eyes should instead be focused on Westbrook. As Westbrook goes, so goes the Eagles offense.
Can B-West stay healthy? Can B-West fight off father time that so often claims RBs when they hit 30? This fan hopes so and hopes that B-West isn't turning into Marshall Faulk (who Westbrook is often compared to) of 2003 and 2004.
If you look at the stats for Faulk you see a trend that Westbrook began to follow last season.
- Faulk 2001 (28 years old): 1382 rushing yards, 765 receiving yards
- Westbrook 2007 (28 years old): 1333 rushing yards, 771 receiving yards
- Faulk 2002 (29 years old): 953 rushing yards, 537 receiving yards
- Westbrook 2008 (29 years old): 936 rushing yards, 402 receiving yards
- Faulk 2003 (30 years old): 818 rushing yards, 290 receiving yards
- Westrbook 2009 (30 years old): ???
- Faulk 2004 (31 years old): 774 rushing yards, 310 receiving yards
- Westbrook 2010 (31 years old): ?!?
Faulk battled knee injuries. Westbrook has battled knee injuries. Will 30 years old also mean that the best of B-West is gone?
I am hoping that because Westbrook had only 7 years of NFL pounding prior to his 30th birthday (compared to 9 years for Faulk) that there is at least 1 if not 2 good years left for #36.
Draft a RB Reid, prolong the career of your only true offensive playmaker!
*New Eagles Blog to Read: 2 Minutes to Midnight Green
Good for Justin Tuck, the man has a very short memory.
Erased from Tuck's mind are the two end of season defeats his G-Men suffered to the Eagles (on their home turf). Instead, we have our first bulletin board material of the season...
"On paper I think the team to beat is definitely us [Giants]."
Good for Justin, supporting the home team. I wonder if he also thinks it's pedal to the metal for his Giants?
Despite their upgrades on Defense, I think it might be a little premature to go anointing yourselves the best.
The Giants still do not have a viable replacement for Plaxico. Gone is the 2 headed running attack of Jacobs and Ward. And Spags is now in St. Louis.
Sure the Giants are good. But at this time have they done enough to consider themselves the favorites over the Eagles?
