I am back with the second half my wish list for the Philadelphia Eagles off-season. Let's get started.
4) Defensive End. This need will, in all likelihood, be addressed through the draft. Coach Reid has a long history of taking linemen in the early rounds, as the Eagles have selected at least one lineman (offensive or defensive) on the first day of the draft every year since 2000, except for '02 in which building a youthful secondary became the goal. Given this history, it is safe to assume that a lineman will be drafted early. But since the last first-round DE selected was Jerome McDougle, and because rookies basically become red-shirt freshman when selected by Philadelphia, free agency could provide a solid veteran to play opposite Trent Cole.
-Justin Smith (Cincinnati Bengals): The Bengals are actively attempting to re-sign their only defensive threat. But Smith is a strong, 28-year old pass rusher. Smith suffered a down year in 2007 with only 2 sacks (on 78 tackles) but had 7.5 sacks in '06 and would benefit from playing with Trent Cole and his 12.5 sacks, rather than the rest of the Cincinnati D-line, which totaled 9.5 total sacks (minus Smith's 2). Smith would also benefit from the Eagles' depth at D-line, with players like Juqua Thomas, Victor Abiamiri and Darren Howard in a rotation, Smith would be able to avoid wearing down in Jim Johnson's attacking-style defense. Smith will have many suitors, however, and it is always likely he will opt to stay with the Bengals.
-Jared Allen (Kansas City Chiefs): It is being reported by Kent Babb in the Kansas City Star that the 25-year old pass rusher will be designated the franchise tag by KC's front office. While this would all but end any interest in Allen by the Eagles (who would have to surrender two first round draft picks to sign a 'franchise player'), if the Chiefs don't franchise Allen and he hits the open market, he could be among the most sought after free agents in the league. Allen brought down opposing quarterbacks 15.5 times last season, and also forced 3 fumbles and had 10 pass deflections. At 6-foot 6-inches and 270 pounds, Allen is the monster end that would put the Eagles defense over the top, and put their D-line among the ranks of the New York Giants. While it may take a quite a bit of money to lure Allen to Philadelphia, the Eagles, as stated earlier, do value linemen, and a big, young, pass-rushing force is exactly what Jim Johnson needs to once again coach a dominant defense. Here's hoping.
--Paul Spicer (Jacksonville Jaguars): The 32-year old lead the Jags is sacks last season with 7.5, matching his career high from the '05 season. Spicer is a load at 6'4", 295 lbs. Although Spicer is on the older side, he did not really catch on until the '05 season after entering the league as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions. Since the '05 season, Spicer has recorded 18 sacks (7.5, 3, 7.5) on a solid Jacksonville defensive unit. Depending on where a few of the higher-profile DEs end up, Spicer could be an under the radar FA signing with a big impact, especially on a defense like Philly's, where the near-300 pounder would be a part of a rotation along the D-line that would allow Spicer to go all out during the downs he's on the field, and be spelled by more-than-adequate ends when the mammoth needs a blow on the sideline.
5) SPECIAL TEAMS
-I believe Sav Rocca will be given one more season to prove himself in 2008, but if he does not improve on his net average of 34.5 yards per punt he will be replaced.
-Although David Akers has been one of the best kickers in the league in the 2000s, it seems that Akers may not have ever fully recovered from his torn hamstring in 2005, losing Koy Detmer as his holder and losing Mike Bartrum as his snapper. With a full season of getting to know Jon Dorenbos and Sav Rocca look for Akers to improve upon his dissappointing 2007, but also for Philly's coaching staff to bring in a kicker to push Akers through training camp and possibly to handle kick-offs, as Akers has been losing quite a bit of distance, and is no longer the touchback threat he once was.
-The coverage just needs to improve and hopefully when the Eagles bring in impact starters through free agency, the solid players who have lost their starting jobs will step up on special teams and be able to pin other teams deep in their own territory and possibly force some turnovers. One free agent who would be an excellent addition would be former-Bird Keith "Bullet" Adams. Adams is a high-motor, special teams stud who fell out of favor with the Eagles because he was not an every down starter. Also, the hopeful addition of a safety will allow Quintin Mikell to re-assert himself as the captain and chief play-maker of the special teams.
-Returner. This will probably be addressed in the draft. One must assume the days of Reno Mahe and starting at the 20-yard line on every drive are over. Or at least Coach Reid and his staff will do what they can to ensure those days are over. At this point, the offense lacks identity and the ability to go 80-yards on every possession and needs a game breaker in the return game to alleviate the load that McNabb and Westbrook had to carry in '07. Let's just hope the coaching staff chooses a returner with more than one error-full preseason game's experience.
This is MY WISH LIST for the 2008 Eagles off-season. Hopefully the decision makers down in the NovaCare Complex put together a similar list, one that will put players in positions to win a Championship for Philadelphia.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
MY WISH LIST
With the Pro Bowl to be played in Hawaii this Sunday, the National Football League can close the book (and possibly throw it at the New England Patriots) on the 2007 season, and look toward the 2008 campaign. As an Eagles fan, it is very clear that the balance of power in the NFC East has clearly shifted. The New York Giants won the Super Bowl. The Dallas Cowboys, despite another late season collapse, are a talented team with a young defense and great coaching staff. The Washington Redskins appear to be on the verge of hiring Steve Spagnuolo as their head coach after the former Eagles assistant held the most prolific offense in the history of the game to 14 points on Super Sunday. So what can the Birds do to keep this ever present window of opportunity from being sealed shut before ever reaching the promise land? Well, it is obvious the Eagles need play-makers. It has been obvious to the fans since the pre-and-post-T.O. eras. Obvious to Donovan McNabb, who has plead to his front office, through the media, for more impact players on several occasions since the season ended without a playoff berth for the second time in three seasons. But who are these "difference making" players? Well, many teams draft young players with a lot of potential and allow them to grow into their roles as very productive stars. While Philly has become adept at drafting "solid" players, no argument can be made that no STAR has been scouted and brought in on day one of the draft since Brian Westbrook was drafted in the third round out of Villanova in 2002. Since the draft is more of a building block for the future than it is an instant player-provider for the Eagles, many of the team's problems can be solved through free agency. The popular sentiment for "analysts" these days is that the free agent market is dead due to an incredible rise in the salary cap which allows teams to sign their stars before ever hitting the open market. While this is somewhat true, very good players are still available. After a bit of research, the following list, MY WISH LIST, if you will, is a group of players that I believe will propel the Eagles back to the top of the division, into the playoffs, and with a little luck, into the Super Bowl. (Note: it would be very easy to compose a list consisting of Tom Brady, Chad Johnson, Jason Witten, Ed Reed and Devin Hester, I am attempting to keep my wants and needs in the basis of reality. It would be very nice to acquire a Pro Bowl team, but it is not going to happen. Hopefully some of my suggestions do happen).
MY WISH LIST
1) Alan Faneca- Left Guard (Pittsburgh Steelers): Championships are won in the trenches, the New York Giants just proved that fact. It is also a fact that Andy Reid values offensive linemen as highly as he does quarterbacks, and they do not get much better than the All-Pro Faneca. Adding Faneca would give the Eagles the absolute best pair of guards in the league, and solidify a line that underachieved in 2007. The seven-time Pro Bowler would also add veteran leadership and be an anchor to the O-line once William Thomas retires and Jon Runyan's pain out-weighs his money, and he hangs up the cleats. This move would also allow for Todd Herremanns to move back to his natural position of offensive tackle, which opens up the possibility of using him at the tight end position in short yardage situations and to wear down the opposing D-line (Hey, the TEs can't block anyway, so why waste the time?). Playing the Giants twice a year, the Birds are going to need to be dominant up front in order to win those games as well as keep McNabb and Brian Westbrook healthy. This also gives Max Jean-Gilles more time to develop under one of the best at his position, and allows Reid to not be pressed into playing the still raw Winston Justice when William Thomas goes down.
2)Asante Samuel- Cornerback (New England Patriots): Lito Sheppard is a great big-play corner, when healthy. Sheldon Brown is one of the league's top hitters and does well in coverage. The Eagles D allowed fewer points than any other team in the division but took the ball away less than all three division rivals. The result? an 8-8 record. While the defense cannot be blamed for a majority of this team's problems, the Eagles need to take the ball away. The match-up possibilities are enough to make any Eagles fan giddy over the idea of adding the Pro Bowl corner. Being able to line Sheppard and Samuel up on the outside with Brown as the nickel would strike fear into any offensive coordinator. Moving Brown to safety (where I believe he is best suited) would solidify a big-play secondary. With Brian Dawkins in what could very well be his final season, and a big question mark at the strong safety position, Brown would do well in either spot, where he would be able to roam, ball hawk and do what he's best at, laying receivers and running backs out, on a more consistent basis. Asante Samuel's 16 interceptions in the past two seasons would also set the offense up with more possessions in better field position, something McNabb and company would gladly welcome.
3)Donte' Stallworth- Wide Receiver (New England Patriots): Yes, the former Eagle is under contract with the Super Bowl runners-up, but Stallworth is due an eight-million dollar roster bonus on March 1st, and with either a long-term deal or franchise tag in fellow receiver Randy Moss seeming imminent, New England will have a hard time justifying tying up so much money at one position, especially with the glaring holes in New England's defense. Stallworth will, in all likelihood, be released before he is due his $8 million guarantee. Bringing the speedy receiver back to Philly would create match-up problems on every level for a defense. Stallworth's DB-burning ability is exactly what Donovan McNabb has been asking for, and putting a healthy Stallworth on the outside allows for Kevin Curtis to move back to his natural position, slot receiver, where he will assume the Wes Welker-role as a fast match-up problem with good hands and big-play potential. With LJ Smith being designated the franchise tag earlier today, defenses will be left with a lot of tough decisions to make. Obviously, the number one concern of any defense will be to contain Brian Westbrook. But with the possibility of a three receiver set of Stallworth, Curtis and the inconsistent but effective Reggie Brown, defenses will have to lineup in the nickel set, meaning Westbrook will be able to slash his way through a smaller defense on running plays. Then when defenses bulk up to stop the run, that potent play-action pass we all came to know and love in 2006, deep to Donte', will make defenses fear their quick strike capabilities. AND IMAGINE THE SCREEN GAME! The conventional middle and side screens and swing passes to Westbrook, bubble-screens to Curtis in the slot (yes, I do believe Curtis and Welker are, in fact, the same player) and the WR screen to Stallworth which he could take to the house on any given attempt. Plus, as long as LJ is healthy and Brent Celek continues to develop, there are two pass-catching TEs defenses will not know how to handle. The addition of Stallworth could improve every aspect of the offense. While "reliable sources" have been whispering the names of Chad Johnson (trade), Larry Fitzgerald (if he opts out of his deal in 'Zona), and Roy Williams (supposedly wants out of Detroit), but as stated earlier, I would like to keep this wish list within the realm of reality.
Well, this is the first half of MY WISH LST. Check back tomorrow for the thrilling conclusion.
MY WISH LIST
1) Alan Faneca- Left Guard (Pittsburgh Steelers): Championships are won in the trenches, the New York Giants just proved that fact. It is also a fact that Andy Reid values offensive linemen as highly as he does quarterbacks, and they do not get much better than the All-Pro Faneca. Adding Faneca would give the Eagles the absolute best pair of guards in the league, and solidify a line that underachieved in 2007. The seven-time Pro Bowler would also add veteran leadership and be an anchor to the O-line once William Thomas retires and Jon Runyan's pain out-weighs his money, and he hangs up the cleats. This move would also allow for Todd Herremanns to move back to his natural position of offensive tackle, which opens up the possibility of using him at the tight end position in short yardage situations and to wear down the opposing D-line (Hey, the TEs can't block anyway, so why waste the time?). Playing the Giants twice a year, the Birds are going to need to be dominant up front in order to win those games as well as keep McNabb and Brian Westbrook healthy. This also gives Max Jean-Gilles more time to develop under one of the best at his position, and allows Reid to not be pressed into playing the still raw Winston Justice when William Thomas goes down.
2)Asante Samuel- Cornerback (New England Patriots): Lito Sheppard is a great big-play corner, when healthy. Sheldon Brown is one of the league's top hitters and does well in coverage. The Eagles D allowed fewer points than any other team in the division but took the ball away less than all three division rivals. The result? an 8-8 record. While the defense cannot be blamed for a majority of this team's problems, the Eagles need to take the ball away. The match-up possibilities are enough to make any Eagles fan giddy over the idea of adding the Pro Bowl corner. Being able to line Sheppard and Samuel up on the outside with Brown as the nickel would strike fear into any offensive coordinator. Moving Brown to safety (where I believe he is best suited) would solidify a big-play secondary. With Brian Dawkins in what could very well be his final season, and a big question mark at the strong safety position, Brown would do well in either spot, where he would be able to roam, ball hawk and do what he's best at, laying receivers and running backs out, on a more consistent basis. Asante Samuel's 16 interceptions in the past two seasons would also set the offense up with more possessions in better field position, something McNabb and company would gladly welcome.
3)Donte' Stallworth- Wide Receiver (New England Patriots): Yes, the former Eagle is under contract with the Super Bowl runners-up, but Stallworth is due an eight-million dollar roster bonus on March 1st, and with either a long-term deal or franchise tag in fellow receiver Randy Moss seeming imminent, New England will have a hard time justifying tying up so much money at one position, especially with the glaring holes in New England's defense. Stallworth will, in all likelihood, be released before he is due his $8 million guarantee. Bringing the speedy receiver back to Philly would create match-up problems on every level for a defense. Stallworth's DB-burning ability is exactly what Donovan McNabb has been asking for, and putting a healthy Stallworth on the outside allows for Kevin Curtis to move back to his natural position, slot receiver, where he will assume the Wes Welker-role as a fast match-up problem with good hands and big-play potential. With LJ Smith being designated the franchise tag earlier today, defenses will be left with a lot of tough decisions to make. Obviously, the number one concern of any defense will be to contain Brian Westbrook. But with the possibility of a three receiver set of Stallworth, Curtis and the inconsistent but effective Reggie Brown, defenses will have to lineup in the nickel set, meaning Westbrook will be able to slash his way through a smaller defense on running plays. Then when defenses bulk up to stop the run, that potent play-action pass we all came to know and love in 2006, deep to Donte', will make defenses fear their quick strike capabilities. AND IMAGINE THE SCREEN GAME! The conventional middle and side screens and swing passes to Westbrook, bubble-screens to Curtis in the slot (yes, I do believe Curtis and Welker are, in fact, the same player) and the WR screen to Stallworth which he could take to the house on any given attempt. Plus, as long as LJ is healthy and Brent Celek continues to develop, there are two pass-catching TEs defenses will not know how to handle. The addition of Stallworth could improve every aspect of the offense. While "reliable sources" have been whispering the names of Chad Johnson (trade), Larry Fitzgerald (if he opts out of his deal in 'Zona), and Roy Williams (supposedly wants out of Detroit), but as stated earlier, I would like to keep this wish list within the realm of reality.
Well, this is the first half of MY WISH LST. Check back tomorrow for the thrilling conclusion.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
THIS HAS TO BE A JOKE, RIGHT?
Monday February 4, 2008. 11:52 A.M. I woke up with a splitting head ache after, from what I can remember, was a night of Super Bowl related festivities. I pour the first of many cups of coffee and turn on Sports Center while I try to remember the nightmare which woke me up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. Suddenly, I remember the dream, and realize it wasn't an alcohol-induced nocturnal vision, but the stone sober truth. The New York Giants won Super Bowl XLII. I fought off the nausea to keep on watching ESPN to make sure they weren't just trying to trick the hang-over victims with little-to-no recollection of the events that may have transpired last night. But it remained true. So I switched to MSNBC. They were talking about some "Super Tuesday" nonsense which, from what I could tell had nothing to do with a parade down the streets of Boston. But the scroll across the bottom confirmed my fears, as it read NEW YORK GIANTS WIN SUPER BOWL XLII. There is no way this can be true, MSNBC must have been in on the joke, too. What is today? When is April-Fools Day? So I switched to the only reliable news source on television, FOX News. Once again, political jargon. But in the crawler across the bottom of the screen appeared the most sickening words these eyes have ever seen. NEW YORK GIANTS ARE SUPER BOWL XLII CHAMPIONS; ELI MANNING NAMED MVP. It's true. the New York freakin' Giants won the Super Bowl. Not only that, but they beat the greatest team ever assembled, the previously unbeaten New England Patriots. And Eli freakin' Manning is the MVP? So let me get this straight, the "quarterback" whose appearance reflects the number on his jersey, who threw four interceptions in week twelve against the Vikings, who MY defensive coordinator once described as timid against the pass rush was the MVP of a Super Bowl after orchestrating a game-winning, career-defining drive in the closing moments of the biggest game of his life? So basically what you're telling me is that in front of the largest television audience in Super Bowl history, Eli freakin' Manning succeeded where MY guy, Donovan McNabb not only failed, but did so miserably, and vomited in the process. This is the darkest, blackest day in the history of professional sports. Worse than the Black Sox scandal of 1919. Worse than Pete Rose getting banned from Major League Baseball for life. Worse than the MLB's steroid era. Worse than the NBA or NHL lock outs. Worse than Terrell Owens scoring a touchdown in the Linc earlier this year. Worse than Chris Benoit. I'm done with football.
Of course, I will never be done with football, but I am sure the majority of my four or five readers felt similarly upon realizing that Eli Manning and the New York Giants, who were left for dead until a shock of life was jolted in the team after a thrilling defeat in week seventeen against these same New England Patriots, had won a championship before the McNabb & Reid Eagles were able to get over their final obstacle. This is absolutely ridiculous. We finally got one up on New York after the Mets' monumental collapse propelled the Phills to the playoffs for the first time in fourteen years, and this is what happens four months later? I am yet to accept this as truth, still, on Tuesday. know it has been a while, but if anyone still reads this page and would like to try to convince me of the facts I invite yo to do so. I have now made myself dizzy with anger again, I have to go lay down.
I plan on getting back on track, posting with a lot more frequency in the coming weeks and months, so check the page everyday for new articles.
Of course, I will never be done with football, but I am sure the majority of my four or five readers felt similarly upon realizing that Eli Manning and the New York Giants, who were left for dead until a shock of life was jolted in the team after a thrilling defeat in week seventeen against these same New England Patriots, had won a championship before the McNabb & Reid Eagles were able to get over their final obstacle. This is absolutely ridiculous. We finally got one up on New York after the Mets' monumental collapse propelled the Phills to the playoffs for the first time in fourteen years, and this is what happens four months later? I am yet to accept this as truth, still, on Tuesday. know it has been a while, but if anyone still reads this page and would like to try to convince me of the facts I invite yo to do so. I have now made myself dizzy with anger again, I have to go lay down.
I plan on getting back on track, posting with a lot more frequency in the coming weeks and months, so check the page everyday for new articles.
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