3/22/2008
Team Players
I can't believe that anyone is still pushing for Chad Johnson to come to Philadelphia, T.O. Jr is just what they don't need. Let the Cowboys have him. With those two on the same team they won't be able to move without someone having a cry-baby fit. That's not even considering the price tag on this guy. Come on, Do we really want a repeat of the T.O. incident? We don't want a one time shot at the Superbowl, we want a solid team that can be a contender on a regular basis, like New England. I think that the front office has done a fairly good job so far this year at bringing in the kind of talent that this team needs. Now they should be focused on drafting a solid receiver, and forget about the troublemakers and big-mouths that think they are all-that. Draft a nice solid big kid like Limas Sweed, that hasn't been corrupted into thinking that he is the most important person on the team, and teach him to play in the NFL. A team is Individual players working TOGETHER to win. Let's pick people who will make good role models for our children, like Brian Dawkins, Donnovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and many others already on this TEAM. Remember the old adage there is no I in team, and any player that does not understand that concept is not going to help this team.
3/09/2008
Defensive Positional Analysis
The Eagles wasted no time in Free Agency signing two players in two days in the first week. Both players are great additions to the defense which I am doing a position-by-position analysis of this week. One the league's most sought-after free agents in 2008, Samuel's first and only stop was Philadelphia, where he inked a six-year deal. Clemons comes to town after an eight-sack season in Oakland. Just like that, two days in, and the Eagles have added pieces to the defense and depth up front and in the secondary that they just did not have a year ago. Say what you want about the defense from 2007, but the fact is that Jim Johnson deserves a ton of credit for keeping the Eagles in games with a defense that missed so many opportunities to make plays and force turnovers and, in short, win games. I had thought that the Eagles would get Samuel though I thought it would take longer, as for Clemons this is the first I had heard that the Eagles were even interested in him. The defense, which overhauled its front seven a year ago, looks pretty complete at the moment. The Eagles added a big-time playmaker in Samuel, who has the most interceptions of any player in the NFL over the last two seasons, and then they brought in Clemons, who is hopefully on the career path headed in the right direction after a terrific 2007 season in Oakland. Rarely has there been an offseason that has started with such a positive bang. The Eagles are making all the right moves, with more bound to come. Lets start the analysis of the defense.
First the performance of the Eagles' young linebackers in 2007 provided the coaching staff and front office enough confidence for 2008 to release veteran Takeo Spikes. What Jim Johnson has now is one of the youngest groups in the league and, certainly, one of the very youngest ever in Philadelphia. Omar Gaither, a second-year player who started in December of 2006 moved to the middle as the full-time starter last year, and made strides every day as the SAM linebacker. Gaither was a tackling machine in the middle. Chris Gocong was a physical presence against the run and a developing player in passing situations, both in coverage and when he was called on to rush the quarterback. Gocong was simply outstanding against the run and then advanced as a pass-rushing threat off the edge in certain situations. When Spikes missed the final two games of the year after suffering a shoulder injury in the win over Dallas, Stewart Bradley became the starter, and wowed everybody with six tackles, a quarterback sack, and a forced fumble in the game, and helped the Eagles stifle a high-powered New Orleans offense during a memorable goal-line stand. What remains to be seen is how Jim Johnson plans on putting it all together. With new linebackers coach Bill Shuey working with the group, Sean McDermott moved to the secondary, the Eagles are likely to consider a lot of options moving forward. Johnson has options here and he has one of the more talented groups of linebackers to come along in many years here.
Next when is the last time the Eagles could be as legitimately excited as now about their short-term and long-term prospects at defensive tackle? Mike Patterson, who was maligned at the end of 2006 after the Eagles were hurt so badly in the playoff loss in New Orleans, benefited from the effort, discipline, and aggressiveness of Brodrick Bunkley, who saw his first real NFL action in his second season. Bunkley played off the technical excellence and superior hustle of Patterson and, with the improvement from the linebackers and the defensive ends, the run defense turned into a strength last season. Patterson is always around the ball. He does exactly what the coaches need within the scheme. As good as Patterson is against the run, he is also the team's best inside pass rusher. Bunkley wasn't nearly as consistent as Patterson last season, but he showed flashes that get the coaches very excited. Patterson and Bunkley need to be more productive rushing the quarterback. That is probably their most important focus in the months to come. They must take some of the sack pressure off of end Trent Cole, and while the left defensive end position needs to be more productive, so do the tackles. These two, Patterson and Bunkley, have a chance to be tremendous. Time will only tell. Montae Reagor had just one sack last year after the Eagles signed him in free agency, but he was coming off a terrible automobile accident and never got into the flow all season. Reagor could return and could, if he is right, provide the needed inside pass rush in the nickel the defense so desperately needs. Second-year man Jeremy Clark has some skills, but needs to put it all together to make it at this level. He will get the chance to show what he can do now that he understands the scheme and has a good feel for what line coach Pete Jenkins teaches. The Eagles seem absolutely fine as far as the starters go at defensive tackle. Patterson and Bunkley are two good players who have a chance to be even better than that. But what about the depth? Every defense needs numbers along the defensive line. Who can the Eagles count on should they need to go to a third and fourth tackle in 2008? The Eagles need to be as good as they can be at tackle. They're off to a good start. The foundation is promising.
With the addition of Chris Clemons and the release of Javon Kerse the Eagles have a completely different look at the Defensive end position than they did last year. Clemons put it all together last year in Oakland, recording eight quarterback sacks after making a successful transition from sometimes-linebacker to full-time defensive end. The Eagles think they got themselves a gem in Clemons, who played in only 37 percent of the snaps last season with the Raiders. He recorded eight quarterback sacks, and, as the numbers say, did a lot more. Let's hope that he continues to improve and be the force on the end that Kerse wasn't. Trent Cole is one of the best ends in the league, Period. No longer is Cole an "emerging" defensive ends or "one of the better young players" in the NFL. With 12 1/2 sacks and more than 100 total tackles, Cole earned every bit of his trip to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl. It should be the first of many opportunities for Cole, who plays with as much energy and enthusiasm as any player on any team. Cole is not just an off-the-edge speed rusher any longer. He has continued to improve in every aspect of the position. With a long-term contract, financial security and an undeniable hunger to be the best end in the league. Cole is only beginning his prime. At left end, the Eagles saw Juqua Thomas emerge as a starter last year and Thomas continued to play with terrific effort and the kind of versatility the Eagles like. He moved inside in the nickel at times, he dropped back in coverage in zone blitz situations and Thomas held up well against the run. However, Thomas' sack numbers dropped after a good start in 2007. He had just two sacks in the final 13 games of the season, and while Thomas did a lot of things well, he did not register enough of the all-important sack numbers. That is where Clemons comes in. There are three more ends that have a chance to crack the rotation this spring. Jerome McDougle, who has faced just about every kind of injury imaginable, could get one more opportunity in the preseason. A.J. Schable must play with great energy and pick up the teachings of line coach Pete Jenkins, as well as shine on special teams. Xzavie Jackson spent November and December on the Eagles' practice squad and is an end/tackle who is going to get his shot to make this team. The ends played very well against the run last year, and the sack numbers weren't bad, either. Now with Clemons to help Cole with sacks this group has a chance to be something special.
Safeties are next and my favorite player Brian Dawkins. Injuries dealt the safety positions a huge blow last year, but this year should be different. Last year was anything but a typical season for the six-time Pro Bowl safety, Brian Dawkins, and the rash of injuries cast doubt on his ability to get back to his star level. He has expressed confidence that a strong offseason will return his health and allow him to play at his normally high level. Although he is my favorite player I don't think he has more than a couple of more seasons in him though, and the Eagles might need to pick up a young safety at some point so that he can benefit from playing under Dawkins. There are other concerns to consider with Dawkins as well. He is the leader on this defense and someone will have to step into that role before he leaves. Dawkins isn't the only injury concern. Starting strong safety Sean Considine struggled at times before his season ended midway through the year. Quintin Mikell stepped up and showed he is a quality starter at either safety position. Mikell was physical, he made plays on the ball and he helped pilot a young defense that gave up the fewest points in the NFC East. Mikell proved he could be a starter, and a good one, in this defense. He was already one of the Eagles' best special teams players, and is somebody the Eagles know they can count on moving forward. A pleasant surprise in the secondary last year was J.R. Reed. Reed got better and better as the season progressed. He went from a player who stayed deep in coverage to someone who made plays at the line of scrimmage. The Eagles could very well add a safety in free agency or the draft. Dawkins is advancing in years, Considine has health issues and the team has always guarded itself against being caught short. The hope is that Dawkins comes all the way back and that Mikell and Considine bring out the best in each other with good spring and summer competition.
Finally lets look at the cornerbacks. The big news here of course is Asante Samuel. Almost 17 hours after the marketplace opened, it was announced that the former Patriots cornerback had signed a lucrative six-year deal with the Eagles worth a reported $57 million. One of the league's top cover men, the 27-year-old Samuel brings an impressive résumé to Philadelphia and adds more star power to an already talented secondary. Andy Reid said Samuel will be his starting left cornerback for 2008. Beyond that, Reid said, "we'll work things out from there." In five seasons in New England, he recorded 22 interceptions in 75 career regular season games and five more interceptions in 14 career postseason games. He was an integral part of New England's NFL history-making perfect regular season in 2007 and has won two Super Bowls with the Patriots. Reid and Johnson believe the addition of Samuel, teamed with Lito Sheppard, Sheldon Brown and Brian Dawkins, will help the team compete against the exceptional receivers in the NFC East, including the Cowboys' Terrell Owens and the Giants' Plaxico Burress. For years and years, the Eagles have had enviable continuity at cornerback. From Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor to Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown, the Eagles have had their corners covered. When he was on last year, Sheppard was very, very on. He blanketed Terrell Owens and had a huge interception to key the defensive effort in a 10-6 win over Dallas in December. Even in the first game against the Cowboys, Sheppard provided an interception to kill a drive and give the ball to the offense. But there were several games during which Sheppard wasn't able to move as he normally does, and teams picked on him. The defense, then, lost its shut-down presence in the secondary, and all of a sudden Jim Johnson's turnover-thirsty defense slowed its turnover production. But Sheppard is completely healthy after suffering through such a tough season. At his best, Sheppard is a terrific playmaker who has the kind of play-making ability the defense missed so much last season. Sheldon Brown had a fine year, a solid year, and one that began with some big plays and Pro Bowl chatter and ended with Brown's usual good performance. Joselio Hanson stepped up and into the starting lineup, and started four games, played in all 16, and did a good job last year. Hanson is probably best suited as a nickel or dime back and an outstanding special teams player, but he has certainly come a long way in the years since the Eagles signed him off the scrap heap after his time with the 49ers. With the addition of Samuel, and the continued pro-bowl quality play from Shepard, as well as good back-up from Brown, the Eagles are set to be one of the best secondaries in the NFL.
First the performance of the Eagles' young linebackers in 2007 provided the coaching staff and front office enough confidence for 2008 to release veteran Takeo Spikes. What Jim Johnson has now is one of the youngest groups in the league and, certainly, one of the very youngest ever in Philadelphia. Omar Gaither, a second-year player who started in December of 2006 moved to the middle as the full-time starter last year, and made strides every day as the SAM linebacker. Gaither was a tackling machine in the middle. Chris Gocong was a physical presence against the run and a developing player in passing situations, both in coverage and when he was called on to rush the quarterback. Gocong was simply outstanding against the run and then advanced as a pass-rushing threat off the edge in certain situations. When Spikes missed the final two games of the year after suffering a shoulder injury in the win over Dallas, Stewart Bradley became the starter, and wowed everybody with six tackles, a quarterback sack, and a forced fumble in the game, and helped the Eagles stifle a high-powered New Orleans offense during a memorable goal-line stand. What remains to be seen is how Jim Johnson plans on putting it all together. With new linebackers coach Bill Shuey working with the group, Sean McDermott moved to the secondary, the Eagles are likely to consider a lot of options moving forward. Johnson has options here and he has one of the more talented groups of linebackers to come along in many years here.
Next when is the last time the Eagles could be as legitimately excited as now about their short-term and long-term prospects at defensive tackle? Mike Patterson, who was maligned at the end of 2006 after the Eagles were hurt so badly in the playoff loss in New Orleans, benefited from the effort, discipline, and aggressiveness of Brodrick Bunkley, who saw his first real NFL action in his second season. Bunkley played off the technical excellence and superior hustle of Patterson and, with the improvement from the linebackers and the defensive ends, the run defense turned into a strength last season. Patterson is always around the ball. He does exactly what the coaches need within the scheme. As good as Patterson is against the run, he is also the team's best inside pass rusher. Bunkley wasn't nearly as consistent as Patterson last season, but he showed flashes that get the coaches very excited. Patterson and Bunkley need to be more productive rushing the quarterback. That is probably their most important focus in the months to come. They must take some of the sack pressure off of end Trent Cole, and while the left defensive end position needs to be more productive, so do the tackles. These two, Patterson and Bunkley, have a chance to be tremendous. Time will only tell. Montae Reagor had just one sack last year after the Eagles signed him in free agency, but he was coming off a terrible automobile accident and never got into the flow all season. Reagor could return and could, if he is right, provide the needed inside pass rush in the nickel the defense so desperately needs. Second-year man Jeremy Clark has some skills, but needs to put it all together to make it at this level. He will get the chance to show what he can do now that he understands the scheme and has a good feel for what line coach Pete Jenkins teaches. The Eagles seem absolutely fine as far as the starters go at defensive tackle. Patterson and Bunkley are two good players who have a chance to be even better than that. But what about the depth? Every defense needs numbers along the defensive line. Who can the Eagles count on should they need to go to a third and fourth tackle in 2008? The Eagles need to be as good as they can be at tackle. They're off to a good start. The foundation is promising.
With the addition of Chris Clemons and the release of Javon Kerse the Eagles have a completely different look at the Defensive end position than they did last year. Clemons put it all together last year in Oakland, recording eight quarterback sacks after making a successful transition from sometimes-linebacker to full-time defensive end. The Eagles think they got themselves a gem in Clemons, who played in only 37 percent of the snaps last season with the Raiders. He recorded eight quarterback sacks, and, as the numbers say, did a lot more. Let's hope that he continues to improve and be the force on the end that Kerse wasn't. Trent Cole is one of the best ends in the league, Period. No longer is Cole an "emerging" defensive ends or "one of the better young players" in the NFL. With 12 1/2 sacks and more than 100 total tackles, Cole earned every bit of his trip to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl. It should be the first of many opportunities for Cole, who plays with as much energy and enthusiasm as any player on any team. Cole is not just an off-the-edge speed rusher any longer. He has continued to improve in every aspect of the position. With a long-term contract, financial security and an undeniable hunger to be the best end in the league. Cole is only beginning his prime. At left end, the Eagles saw Juqua Thomas emerge as a starter last year and Thomas continued to play with terrific effort and the kind of versatility the Eagles like. He moved inside in the nickel at times, he dropped back in coverage in zone blitz situations and Thomas held up well against the run. However, Thomas' sack numbers dropped after a good start in 2007. He had just two sacks in the final 13 games of the season, and while Thomas did a lot of things well, he did not register enough of the all-important sack numbers. That is where Clemons comes in. There are three more ends that have a chance to crack the rotation this spring. Jerome McDougle, who has faced just about every kind of injury imaginable, could get one more opportunity in the preseason. A.J. Schable must play with great energy and pick up the teachings of line coach Pete Jenkins, as well as shine on special teams. Xzavie Jackson spent November and December on the Eagles' practice squad and is an end/tackle who is going to get his shot to make this team. The ends played very well against the run last year, and the sack numbers weren't bad, either. Now with Clemons to help Cole with sacks this group has a chance to be something special.
Safeties are next and my favorite player Brian Dawkins. Injuries dealt the safety positions a huge blow last year, but this year should be different. Last year was anything but a typical season for the six-time Pro Bowl safety, Brian Dawkins, and the rash of injuries cast doubt on his ability to get back to his star level. He has expressed confidence that a strong offseason will return his health and allow him to play at his normally high level. Although he is my favorite player I don't think he has more than a couple of more seasons in him though, and the Eagles might need to pick up a young safety at some point so that he can benefit from playing under Dawkins. There are other concerns to consider with Dawkins as well. He is the leader on this defense and someone will have to step into that role before he leaves. Dawkins isn't the only injury concern. Starting strong safety Sean Considine struggled at times before his season ended midway through the year. Quintin Mikell stepped up and showed he is a quality starter at either safety position. Mikell was physical, he made plays on the ball and he helped pilot a young defense that gave up the fewest points in the NFC East. Mikell proved he could be a starter, and a good one, in this defense. He was already one of the Eagles' best special teams players, and is somebody the Eagles know they can count on moving forward. A pleasant surprise in the secondary last year was J.R. Reed. Reed got better and better as the season progressed. He went from a player who stayed deep in coverage to someone who made plays at the line of scrimmage. The Eagles could very well add a safety in free agency or the draft. Dawkins is advancing in years, Considine has health issues and the team has always guarded itself against being caught short. The hope is that Dawkins comes all the way back and that Mikell and Considine bring out the best in each other with good spring and summer competition.
Finally lets look at the cornerbacks. The big news here of course is Asante Samuel. Almost 17 hours after the marketplace opened, it was announced that the former Patriots cornerback had signed a lucrative six-year deal with the Eagles worth a reported $57 million. One of the league's top cover men, the 27-year-old Samuel brings an impressive résumé to Philadelphia and adds more star power to an already talented secondary. Andy Reid said Samuel will be his starting left cornerback for 2008. Beyond that, Reid said, "we'll work things out from there." In five seasons in New England, he recorded 22 interceptions in 75 career regular season games and five more interceptions in 14 career postseason games. He was an integral part of New England's NFL history-making perfect regular season in 2007 and has won two Super Bowls with the Patriots. Reid and Johnson believe the addition of Samuel, teamed with Lito Sheppard, Sheldon Brown and Brian Dawkins, will help the team compete against the exceptional receivers in the NFC East, including the Cowboys' Terrell Owens and the Giants' Plaxico Burress. For years and years, the Eagles have had enviable continuity at cornerback. From Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor to Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown, the Eagles have had their corners covered. When he was on last year, Sheppard was very, very on. He blanketed Terrell Owens and had a huge interception to key the defensive effort in a 10-6 win over Dallas in December. Even in the first game against the Cowboys, Sheppard provided an interception to kill a drive and give the ball to the offense. But there were several games during which Sheppard wasn't able to move as he normally does, and teams picked on him. The defense, then, lost its shut-down presence in the secondary, and all of a sudden Jim Johnson's turnover-thirsty defense slowed its turnover production. But Sheppard is completely healthy after suffering through such a tough season. At his best, Sheppard is a terrific playmaker who has the kind of play-making ability the defense missed so much last season. Sheldon Brown had a fine year, a solid year, and one that began with some big plays and Pro Bowl chatter and ended with Brown's usual good performance. Joselio Hanson stepped up and into the starting lineup, and started four games, played in all 16, and did a good job last year. Hanson is probably best suited as a nickel or dime back and an outstanding special teams player, but he has certainly come a long way in the years since the Eagles signed him off the scrap heap after his time with the 49ers. With the addition of Samuel, and the continued pro-bowl quality play from Shepard, as well as good back-up from Brown, the Eagles are set to be one of the best secondaries in the NFL.
3/01/2008
Where Do The Eagles Rank?
Even before the Draft or Free Agency starts most of the national media outlets rank the Eagles in the teens. CBS Sportsline give them the best ranking at 10, while Sports Illustrated ranks them at 14. Most everyone is in agreement we should keep McNabb and try to get him a first class receiver. Here is my analysis of each offensive position, with a look ahead to FA which officially begins this week, and the draft, and next week I will look at the defence.
There are few teams in the NFL with a quarterback situation as strong and deep and promising as the Eagles' threesome of Donovan McNabb, A.J. Feeley and Kevin Kolb.For McNabb, who enters his 10th season with the Eagles, the main focus of his off-season is good health. For the first time since the 2004 campaign, McNabb is training to better his body physically, rather than training to recover from an injury. At the end of last season we started to see the old Donovan, like we haven't seen in the last few seasons. McNabb picked apart Buffalo's secondary in the last game of the season, completing 29 of 41 passes for 345 yards, one touchdown and one interception and the Eagles ended their campaign with three straight wins and some real optimism heading into the off-season. He had his swagger back, and while it was too late to rescue the '07 campaign, it was very much welcomed. Having McNabb back without any health questions is a gigantic boost for this football team. Feelley is a dependable, experienced veteran and a player that we have come to trust as a backup to Donovan. He has consistently shown an ability to step in when he is needed and move the offence. He does have a tendency for mistakes though. He needs to work on his composure under pressure but, otherwise a good solid backup. Then there is the newest addition to the QB position Kolb, he will probably be a good replacement for McNabb in a few years. Kolb showed the Eagles, without question, that he would have no problems making the transition from his college offensive scheme to the West Coast offense the Eagles use. He picked things up very quickly, had a live, accurate arm and didn't flinch in the extensive preseason games he played.
Now lets look at the Offensive backfield, specifically the half-back and full-back positions. Every time Brian Westbrook touched the ball in 2007, we edged up on our seats and waited for something magical to happen. Generally, Westbrook delivered. Westbrook showed durability, power and explosiveness and continued an impressive season with his second Pro Bowl appearance, his first as an elected player. Westbrook was everything the Eagles needed, showing the league that he is perhaps the most complete running back in the NFL. The Eagles have a star player in Westbrook, who has finally gotten the recognition outside of Philadelphia that he has deserved for a number of seasons. Westbrook is a true star who is clearly in the prime of his career. Buckhalter had a career best season as well. Buckhalter ran with power and explosiveness and looked better than he has ever looked in his career. I'll admit I would not have kept him around after he missed three full seasons to knee injuries, but it looks as if Andy Reid knew what he was doing with Buckhalter. Buckhalter needs to improve his blocking in pass protection, but he clearly gives the Eagles an excellent option should they choose to reduce Westbrook's workload this season. It's also possible the Eagles will use more formations with both players to take advantage of the different looks they present to defenses. At fullback, starter Thomas Tapeh is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. Tapeh did a good job blocking for Westbrook last season, but was not used much as a ball carrier or receiver. If the Eagles don't secure Tapeh, they will have to pick up someone to replace him at least as a lead blocker for Westbrook.
Next the Receiver corps, I think we are all in agreement that this is where the Eagles really need the most work. There are some bright spots the Eagles know they can build with, but how much can they accomplish with there current personnel. Kevin Curtis was a terrific addition in free agency, he gave the Eagles speed down the field, and demonstrated the ability to go up and make acrobatic catches in coverage. He showed good durability despite the most playing time in his career. He delivered everything the Eagles hoped he would, and Curtis could be headed for even bigger numbers in his second year in the system. Despite this though I don't think he is what the Eagles need as a no. 1 Receiver, he would make a good no. 2 or 3, but they need a receiver that can take full advantage of NFL rules which encourage the passing game and limit what defensive backs can do in coverage. The other starter is Reggie Brown, who was inconsistent early in the season, he also scored only four touchdowns and his yards-per-catch average was the lowest of his career, 12.8 yards. Brown, at his best, is a slashing route runner who is strong enough to ward off defensive backs and make tough catches with his strong hands. He has the jets to make big plays after the catch, and he shows good ability with the ball in his hands. But Brown struggled for part of last year, no doubt about it. His production just wasn't there. I think that after three seasons this is as good as Brown is going to be. Jason Avant made nice strides as the team's third receiver in his second season. Avant caught 23 passes and scored a pair of touchdowns, and had opportunities to make more plays, but the connection wasn't made. There just doesn't seem to be any chemistry between him and McNabb, but remember, he is only entering his third season. Avant has a lot of good football in front of him. He doesn't have the blazing speed to be a consistent deep threat, but Avant has a chance to be an excellent receiver in short areas as well as the intermediate passing game. Both Greg Lewis and Hank Baskett, who comprised the rest of the receiving corps in 2007, had their numbers fall off from the year before. The Eagles don't have a Pro Bowl receiver among the group. The touchdown numbers were down from years past, part of the team's struggles in the red zone. It is obvious that the Eagles need desperately to upgrade their receiving corps this offseason, whether through free agency or the draft, something needs to be done.
Lets take a look at the tight end position now. It loomed as one of the more pressing issues for the Eagles: What to do with L.J. Smith and his pending free agency? Well, the Eagles wasted no time in addressing the situation, assigning the franchise tag to Smith, far in advance of the February 21 deadline for using those designations. After struggling through an injury-plagued 2007 season, Smith says he feels "great" and completely recovered from a sports hernia injury, a groin injury and a knee injury that limited him so much last year. Smith looks forward to getting back on the field and contributing to an offense that sorely missed his talents in the 8-8 campaign. At his best, Smith gives the Eagles a complete dimension at tight end. He can move around the formation and give the Eagles favorable matchups, and he can control the middle of the field as a pass catcher. He is also a good pass blocker and a solid blocker in the running game. Smith's excellent speed, his size and his play-making ability, especially in the red zone, are important attributes for a team that moved the ball well at times in 2007 but lacked the consistent execution needed inside opponents' 20-yard lines. He and Donovan McNabb have a good rapport and a strong bond of trust to make things work. Backing up Smith is second-year man Brent Celek, who rose quickly in his rookie season. It was obvious by training camp and in the preseason that Celek also had the physical skills to match his football intelligence, and he was a contributor last year. He needs to get stronger and become a better blocker, but there is no denying that he has good route-running ability, soft hands and some after-the-catch moves. In time he could become a very good starting-caliber tight end in this league. The third tight end on the roster is veteran Matt Schobel, who has produced reasonably well when he has had passes thrown his way. It is, it seems, a good situation for the Eagles. The team has three tight ends who know the system and who can make plays in the middle of the field and down the field.
Finally lets shift the focus up front to a group of men who are suddenly in the national spotlight after the Super Bowl once again illustrated the importance of success at the line of scrimmage. The Eagles have to play the Giants twice a season, and they fully understand the fury New York's front four brings. In both meetings last year, New York's front gave the Eagles fits. In the first game, the Eagles were without left tackle William Thomas, tight end L.J. Smith and running back Brian Westbrook and, yes, those injuries contributed to a terrible offensive performance. In the second game, after that opening drive, the Eagles were just plain beaten up front. In light of the Super Bowl stunner, the Eagles have to make sure they are good enough win the line of scrimmage against every team, starting with the Giants. On paper, the Eagles are set. They have veterans at tackle with William Thomas and Jon Runyan, and inside the trio of Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews, left guard Todd Herremans and center Jamaal Jackson is as accomplished as it is promising for 2008 and beyond, however the offense didn't click enough last season, and the red zone was a problem, no question about it, and the line shares in the blame. Moving forward, with age creeping in on the edges of the line, the Eagles have to make sure they are challenging each position up front and making the line as good as it can be. Certainly, it is very comforting to have the bookends back for another season. The Eagles know what they are going to get with both Thomas and Runyan. Both are technically sound, complete professionals and they hold the point of attack very well. There are a lot of teams wishing they could have a tackle situation like this. Both Thomas and Runyan enter the final year of their contracts, with their futures somewhat unknown for the first time in many seasons. At some point, the Eagles have to make the determination that they need to be better on the offensive line, and/or that they need to prepare for the day when their veteran tackles won't be around. That being said, it wouldn't hurt to pick up a Tackle or two late in the draft. Inside, the guards and center combination is sound. Very much so. The Eagles are big enough to handle large tackles and they have the communication and quick feet to play well against blitzes that teams run. All around the Line seems stable and a return to good health this year should make all the difference.
The offense looks strong with the exception of the WR position and that should be addressed in the upcoming weeks. Next week I will take a look at the Defence position by position. In conclusion the only offensive position that the Eagles really need to work on in FA and the Draft is WR. Overall I think that the WR position is the most pressing of the Eagles concerns at this time and they should try to pick up a no.1 and Maybe a no.2 receiver in free agency or the draft. secondarilly it wouldn't hurt to pick up at least one OT in the draft, possibly in the fourth round or later.
There are few teams in the NFL with a quarterback situation as strong and deep and promising as the Eagles' threesome of Donovan McNabb, A.J. Feeley and Kevin Kolb.For McNabb, who enters his 10th season with the Eagles, the main focus of his off-season is good health. For the first time since the 2004 campaign, McNabb is training to better his body physically, rather than training to recover from an injury. At the end of last season we started to see the old Donovan, like we haven't seen in the last few seasons. McNabb picked apart Buffalo's secondary in the last game of the season, completing 29 of 41 passes for 345 yards, one touchdown and one interception and the Eagles ended their campaign with three straight wins and some real optimism heading into the off-season. He had his swagger back, and while it was too late to rescue the '07 campaign, it was very much welcomed. Having McNabb back without any health questions is a gigantic boost for this football team. Feelley is a dependable, experienced veteran and a player that we have come to trust as a backup to Donovan. He has consistently shown an ability to step in when he is needed and move the offence. He does have a tendency for mistakes though. He needs to work on his composure under pressure but, otherwise a good solid backup. Then there is the newest addition to the QB position Kolb, he will probably be a good replacement for McNabb in a few years. Kolb showed the Eagles, without question, that he would have no problems making the transition from his college offensive scheme to the West Coast offense the Eagles use. He picked things up very quickly, had a live, accurate arm and didn't flinch in the extensive preseason games he played.
Now lets look at the Offensive backfield, specifically the half-back and full-back positions. Every time Brian Westbrook touched the ball in 2007, we edged up on our seats and waited for something magical to happen. Generally, Westbrook delivered. Westbrook showed durability, power and explosiveness and continued an impressive season with his second Pro Bowl appearance, his first as an elected player. Westbrook was everything the Eagles needed, showing the league that he is perhaps the most complete running back in the NFL. The Eagles have a star player in Westbrook, who has finally gotten the recognition outside of Philadelphia that he has deserved for a number of seasons. Westbrook is a true star who is clearly in the prime of his career. Buckhalter had a career best season as well. Buckhalter ran with power and explosiveness and looked better than he has ever looked in his career. I'll admit I would not have kept him around after he missed three full seasons to knee injuries, but it looks as if Andy Reid knew what he was doing with Buckhalter. Buckhalter needs to improve his blocking in pass protection, but he clearly gives the Eagles an excellent option should they choose to reduce Westbrook's workload this season. It's also possible the Eagles will use more formations with both players to take advantage of the different looks they present to defenses. At fullback, starter Thomas Tapeh is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. Tapeh did a good job blocking for Westbrook last season, but was not used much as a ball carrier or receiver. If the Eagles don't secure Tapeh, they will have to pick up someone to replace him at least as a lead blocker for Westbrook.
Next the Receiver corps, I think we are all in agreement that this is where the Eagles really need the most work. There are some bright spots the Eagles know they can build with, but how much can they accomplish with there current personnel. Kevin Curtis was a terrific addition in free agency, he gave the Eagles speed down the field, and demonstrated the ability to go up and make acrobatic catches in coverage. He showed good durability despite the most playing time in his career. He delivered everything the Eagles hoped he would, and Curtis could be headed for even bigger numbers in his second year in the system. Despite this though I don't think he is what the Eagles need as a no. 1 Receiver, he would make a good no. 2 or 3, but they need a receiver that can take full advantage of NFL rules which encourage the passing game and limit what defensive backs can do in coverage. The other starter is Reggie Brown, who was inconsistent early in the season, he also scored only four touchdowns and his yards-per-catch average was the lowest of his career, 12.8 yards. Brown, at his best, is a slashing route runner who is strong enough to ward off defensive backs and make tough catches with his strong hands. He has the jets to make big plays after the catch, and he shows good ability with the ball in his hands. But Brown struggled for part of last year, no doubt about it. His production just wasn't there. I think that after three seasons this is as good as Brown is going to be. Jason Avant made nice strides as the team's third receiver in his second season. Avant caught 23 passes and scored a pair of touchdowns, and had opportunities to make more plays, but the connection wasn't made. There just doesn't seem to be any chemistry between him and McNabb, but remember, he is only entering his third season. Avant has a lot of good football in front of him. He doesn't have the blazing speed to be a consistent deep threat, but Avant has a chance to be an excellent receiver in short areas as well as the intermediate passing game. Both Greg Lewis and Hank Baskett, who comprised the rest of the receiving corps in 2007, had their numbers fall off from the year before. The Eagles don't have a Pro Bowl receiver among the group. The touchdown numbers were down from years past, part of the team's struggles in the red zone. It is obvious that the Eagles need desperately to upgrade their receiving corps this offseason, whether through free agency or the draft, something needs to be done.
Lets take a look at the tight end position now. It loomed as one of the more pressing issues for the Eagles: What to do with L.J. Smith and his pending free agency? Well, the Eagles wasted no time in addressing the situation, assigning the franchise tag to Smith, far in advance of the February 21 deadline for using those designations. After struggling through an injury-plagued 2007 season, Smith says he feels "great" and completely recovered from a sports hernia injury, a groin injury and a knee injury that limited him so much last year. Smith looks forward to getting back on the field and contributing to an offense that sorely missed his talents in the 8-8 campaign. At his best, Smith gives the Eagles a complete dimension at tight end. He can move around the formation and give the Eagles favorable matchups, and he can control the middle of the field as a pass catcher. He is also a good pass blocker and a solid blocker in the running game. Smith's excellent speed, his size and his play-making ability, especially in the red zone, are important attributes for a team that moved the ball well at times in 2007 but lacked the consistent execution needed inside opponents' 20-yard lines. He and Donovan McNabb have a good rapport and a strong bond of trust to make things work. Backing up Smith is second-year man Brent Celek, who rose quickly in his rookie season. It was obvious by training camp and in the preseason that Celek also had the physical skills to match his football intelligence, and he was a contributor last year. He needs to get stronger and become a better blocker, but there is no denying that he has good route-running ability, soft hands and some after-the-catch moves. In time he could become a very good starting-caliber tight end in this league. The third tight end on the roster is veteran Matt Schobel, who has produced reasonably well when he has had passes thrown his way. It is, it seems, a good situation for the Eagles. The team has three tight ends who know the system and who can make plays in the middle of the field and down the field.
Finally lets shift the focus up front to a group of men who are suddenly in the national spotlight after the Super Bowl once again illustrated the importance of success at the line of scrimmage. The Eagles have to play the Giants twice a season, and they fully understand the fury New York's front four brings. In both meetings last year, New York's front gave the Eagles fits. In the first game, the Eagles were without left tackle William Thomas, tight end L.J. Smith and running back Brian Westbrook and, yes, those injuries contributed to a terrible offensive performance. In the second game, after that opening drive, the Eagles were just plain beaten up front. In light of the Super Bowl stunner, the Eagles have to make sure they are good enough win the line of scrimmage against every team, starting with the Giants. On paper, the Eagles are set. They have veterans at tackle with William Thomas and Jon Runyan, and inside the trio of Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews, left guard Todd Herremans and center Jamaal Jackson is as accomplished as it is promising for 2008 and beyond, however the offense didn't click enough last season, and the red zone was a problem, no question about it, and the line shares in the blame. Moving forward, with age creeping in on the edges of the line, the Eagles have to make sure they are challenging each position up front and making the line as good as it can be. Certainly, it is very comforting to have the bookends back for another season. The Eagles know what they are going to get with both Thomas and Runyan. Both are technically sound, complete professionals and they hold the point of attack very well. There are a lot of teams wishing they could have a tackle situation like this. Both Thomas and Runyan enter the final year of their contracts, with their futures somewhat unknown for the first time in many seasons. At some point, the Eagles have to make the determination that they need to be better on the offensive line, and/or that they need to prepare for the day when their veteran tackles won't be around. That being said, it wouldn't hurt to pick up a Tackle or two late in the draft. Inside, the guards and center combination is sound. Very much so. The Eagles are big enough to handle large tackles and they have the communication and quick feet to play well against blitzes that teams run. All around the Line seems stable and a return to good health this year should make all the difference.
The offense looks strong with the exception of the WR position and that should be addressed in the upcoming weeks. Next week I will take a look at the Defence position by position. In conclusion the only offensive position that the Eagles really need to work on in FA and the Draft is WR. Overall I think that the WR position is the most pressing of the Eagles concerns at this time and they should try to pick up a no.1 and Maybe a no.2 receiver in free agency or the draft. secondarilly it wouldn't hurt to pick up at least one OT in the draft, possibly in the fourth round or later.
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