Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
I thought I'd get this going.
Good effort this year Philadelphia.
Now what do they need?
Good effort this year Philadelphia.
Now what do they need?
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***Official*** Philadelphia Eagles 2007 Thread (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Jeff Pasquino
- Start date
Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
The list of Philadelphia Eagles Unrestricted Free Agents:
DE Juqua Thomas
WR Donte' Stallworth
RB Reno Mahe
FS Quintin Mikell
SS Michael Lewis
CB William James
CB Roderick Hood
QB Jeff Garcia
QB Koy Detmer
RB Correll Buckhalter
LB Shawn Barber
DE Juqua Thomas
WR Donte' Stallworth
RB Reno Mahe
FS Quintin Mikell
SS Michael Lewis
CB William James
CB Roderick Hood
QB Jeff Garcia
QB Koy Detmer
RB Correll Buckhalter
LB Shawn Barber
Please See Mine
Footballguy
I don't see anyone on the list of UFA's that is a guarantee to be back.
The only person that I really want them to bring back is Stallworth. I'm not sure what his market value would be. It will be very interesting to see how they handle him, as history would suggest that they probably will not re-sign if he is getting good offers elsewhere.
I think that there is a place for Michael Lewis, Quinton Mikell, Roderick Hood, Juqua Thomas and Jeff Garcia and I'd like to see them all back, but my suspicion is that they will get offers elsewhere that the Eagles will not want to match. I think this is especially true of Lewis and Garcia.
Barber, James, C-Buck and Reno, I could take or leave. I think Barber is pretty much done. The other 3 are fine to bring back for the minimum, but I don't see any reason they can't be easily replaced.
Detmer will obviously be gone.
The only person that I really want them to bring back is Stallworth. I'm not sure what his market value would be. It will be very interesting to see how they handle him, as history would suggest that they probably will not re-sign if he is getting good offers elsewhere.
I think that there is a place for Michael Lewis, Quinton Mikell, Roderick Hood, Juqua Thomas and Jeff Garcia and I'd like to see them all back, but my suspicion is that they will get offers elsewhere that the Eagles will not want to match. I think this is especially true of Lewis and Garcia.
Barber, James, C-Buck and Reno, I could take or leave. I think Barber is pretty much done. The other 3 are fine to bring back for the minimum, but I don't see any reason they can't be easily replaced.
Detmer will obviously be gone.
Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
I'd like to see Stallworth back, but I'm generally pleased with how the WRs did this season.
Baskett was a good find.
I still don't like Greg Lewis. I don't think he runs very good routes (which was part of the 20-yard out / incomplete issue he had on Saturday).
Jason Avant will develop and be a nice addition come next fall.
Gaffney - if everyone is now noticing him, and he couldn't beat out Avant or Baskett, that gives me hope about the WR corps going forward.
I still want to see a burner that can stretch the field and catch - like a Drew Carter type.
Baskett was a good find.
I still don't like Greg Lewis. I don't think he runs very good routes (which was part of the 20-yard out / incomplete issue he had on Saturday).
Jason Avant will develop and be a nice addition come next fall.
Gaffney - if everyone is now noticing him, and he couldn't beat out Avant or Baskett, that gives me hope about the WR corps going forward.
I still want to see a burner that can stretch the field and catch - like a Drew Carter type.
Pauli Walnuts
Footballguy
Over/under on # of posts it takes til someone suggests they draft a "big" RB because Westbrook can't run between the tackles = 8
Don't be that guy
Don't be that guy
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Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
The bolded players are who I think will be back. They'd be well advised to try to bring back Hood as well, but if he's asking for starter money he's probably gone. I think Garcia will be back because he wants to come back. He already went on record and said he likes the situation he's in in Philly and would rather be a backup on a winning team instead of a starter on a losing one.In the draft they need Safety and LB help in the worst way. The Eagles constantly get beat up the middle and that needs to change if they want to get to the SB any time soon. Dawkins and Trotter aren't getting any younger.
It astounds me how many people have WR as a major need in Philly. If they re-sign Stallworth, they're fine. In fact actually like their WR a lot if Stallworth is back.
Other items that need to be addressed:1. Dhani Jones needs to go, still. Matt McCoy is not the answer either.
2. Trotter may need to go too as he is becoming a liability. His leadership alone may be enough to keep him as a starter one more year though. (G
3. Replacement for Considine - he looked bad in the playoffs.
4. It may be time for JJ to retire - his defenses are not working like they used to, especially against the run.
5. Pray that Andrews is okay.
6. Mahe (see above) is not an NFL caliber return guy - get someone who can take it the distance (Bloom may be the guy i guess).
7. Andy needs to hire a clock management specialist to help him in crunch times.
So, again we go into an offseason looking to overhaul the LB corps, and improve run defense in general. Otherwise, I like what I saw in several young players this year. Still unsure about the DTs as they were less than impressive much of the time. Like the DE rotation, even if they don't bring back the Freak. The O-line should be a strength again (see #5 above). If Stalworth stays, our skill position players look good.
Reid bought himself another couple of years with a strong stretch run w/o McNabb - that was one of his finer coaching accomlishments, IMO. Of course, he had a chance to go further, but they didn't really deserve to win against the Saints.
renesauz
IBL Representative
The loss of Kearse hurt a lot. Without a D-lineman requiring double teams, opposing offenses were able to send blockers straight at linebackers.
Neither the D-line nor the linebackers are bad, per se, but there just didn't seem to be a playmaker in the bunch of them. Trotter is regressing badly now...his career is on it's last legs. Dhani Jones is ok, but unspectacular. Gaither will be a beast. He may develope into a real playmaker in the linebacker corps.
The D-line should be ok, provided Kearse recovers nicely. They have a couple of young guys in there that should only improve. Bunkley's slow signing derailed him this year. I suspect he'll be good to go, and dominant next year.
My take is that the defense should improve against the run, without having to make any drastic overhauls. A replacement for Trotter in the middle linebacker position might be all it takes.
ON offense, they need even less. Stallworth is probably worth giving up a third round pick, and the Eagles have enough cap space that they should be able to sign him with little issue.
Right now, they are hoping Bloom can become the return man they desperately need.
This team is in great shape actually. Even if the exact same team came back, I'd like their chances to take the NFC East again next year!
Neither the D-line nor the linebackers are bad, per se, but there just didn't seem to be a playmaker in the bunch of them. Trotter is regressing badly now...his career is on it's last legs. Dhani Jones is ok, but unspectacular. Gaither will be a beast. He may develope into a real playmaker in the linebacker corps.
The D-line should be ok, provided Kearse recovers nicely. They have a couple of young guys in there that should only improve. Bunkley's slow signing derailed him this year. I suspect he'll be good to go, and dominant next year.
My take is that the defense should improve against the run, without having to make any drastic overhauls. A replacement for Trotter in the middle linebacker position might be all it takes.
ON offense, they need even less. Stallworth is probably worth giving up a third round pick, and the Eagles have enough cap space that they should be able to sign him with little issue.
Right now, they are hoping Bloom can become the return man they desperately need.
This team is in great shape actually. Even if the exact same team came back, I'd like their chances to take the NFC East again next year!
Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
Punters should be free agent signings.
Buddy Ball 2K3
Footballguy
I am praying to the football gods that Dhani Jones is cut and Reno Mahe is not brought back.
As for the draft I think they need to get Dawks replacement and some serious help at MLB.
As for the draft I think they need to get Dawks replacement and some serious help at MLB.
I would love to see Stallworth back but Spadaro and Eskin have said he probably won't be due to money. He was a quality person on top of a quality player and deserves the money IMO.
Michael Lewis told G Cobb that he won't play as a backup or STer next season so we've probably seen the last of him. Here's the link to that interview: http://philadelphia.comcastsportsnet.com/m...11307-lewis.wmv
Other than that, I can see Garcia getting a fatter contract in Philly and be perfectly content staying as a backup but who knows. I think he's learned his lesson going to terrible teams such as the Browns and Lions. If some team with talent throws some money at him, he might be persuaded to leave but who would want to throw a big contract at a 37 yr old QB? Redskins maybe...
Spadaro seems convinced Gocong is the answer at LB for next year so I'm not sure where we'll go with the draft this year. We still need an answer for the run D though I think the return of Kearse will make an impact. I can see another CB early, though probably not first. And I do think they will actually get a "bigger back" this year since they seem to realize the importance of the running game again.
Michael Lewis told G Cobb that he won't play as a backup or STer next season so we've probably seen the last of him. Here's the link to that interview: http://philadelphia.comcastsportsnet.com/m...11307-lewis.wmv
Other than that, I can see Garcia getting a fatter contract in Philly and be perfectly content staying as a backup but who knows. I think he's learned his lesson going to terrible teams such as the Browns and Lions. If some team with talent throws some money at him, he might be persuaded to leave but who would want to throw a big contract at a 37 yr old QB? Redskins maybe...
Spadaro seems convinced Gocong is the answer at LB for next year so I'm not sure where we'll go with the draft this year. We still need an answer for the run D though I think the return of Kearse will make an impact. I can see another CB early, though probably not first. And I do think they will actually get a "bigger back" this year since they seem to realize the importance of the running game again.
zadok
Footballguy
I say they should re-sign:
Thomas and Stallworth are question marks because they will receive hefty offers elsewhere. If the team thinks Baskett is up to the task, they may just let Stallworth walk. Personally, I would prefer they re-sign him anyway and have quality WR depth on the bench for once. I still say Reggie Brown is their best overall WR. Thomas I think made himself a HUGE amount of money with this play this year - is he another Derrick Burgess or just another "rotation guy"? We'll find out next year I guess...I think the Eagles will pay little more than veteran min for Garcia. As he showed agianst the Falcons, Feeley can get it done if called upon. And frankly, none of that matters if McNabb stays healthy. And Buckhalter should make way for some new blood - I say they draft at least 1 RB. Regarding FAs, my list is a short one: LANCE BRIGGSThese LBs need a major facelift.
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Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
They'll never give up the kind of dough Briggs is asking for.....
zadok
Footballguy
If they think he's "all that", they will. See Kearse, Owens, Runyan (Tra Thomas).
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
We'll agree to disagree than. The Kearse and Runyan signings were because of how much they value the position. Reid values both lines over all else. The Owens signing stemmed from them getting him for a late draft pick coupled with what amounted to a two year contract. The Eagles saw a bargin and jumped.
Briggs is asking for more than Urlacher makes. I can't see the Eagles making that kind of investment in a LB.....
Lehigh98
Footballguy
The Garcia situation should be interesting. He got alot of pub at the end of the year and I wonder if a team will forget he's had trouble outside of the WCO and try to sign him (at more $) anyway. If that happens, can Garcia pass up an offer to be a starter in order to ride the pine? Or does Garcia use an offer like that as leverage to try and get more money out of the Eagles to stay where he really wants to be anyway?I think the Eagles have (or should have) more than a passing interest (pardon the pun) in getting him back for next year. Who knows how McNabb's rehab is going to go this offseason? It would be nice to still have Garcia around to pick up where he left off if needed for the first couple of games so McNabb doesn't have to try and rush things and get back maybe too early.
zadok
Footballguy
You're certainly correct that Andy values the lines more than LBs. And recent history is not great, letting both Julian Peterson and Will Witherspoon go last offseason without an offer even being made. Maybe, just maybe, they will learn from their mistakes watching the LBs this year lose games for them? Wishful thinking on my part? Probably.
correct me if I am wrong but Gocong is an outside LB(converted DE) is he not? Gaither is the one that I think they wanted to develop to take over for trotter and he was good enough to put McCoy on the bench....I think Gaither has shown enough flashes that he is going to be a part of what our LB crew looks like for the future...not sure what the other parts will look like....I would think we still see trotter have a role on this D next yr, but I could be wrong....Juqua has done a pretty good job this yr but I can easily see them letting him walk...I think you will see the birds address the DE spot 1st and foremost in the draft...and I would like to see Donte back next yr as well as garcia(AS A BACKUP)
Lehigh98
Footballguy
New to Philly sports? 
Jedimaster21
Footballguy
Although I would like them to keep JT at defensive end, he should get a decent offer from another team and Philly won't want to match it. Mikell and Stallworth should be resigned. Mikell looks like a possible replacement at safety, provides great depth, and shouldn't be too expensive. Stallworth shouldn't be too expensive, because although he was explosive this year, he showed the same propensity for hamstring issues and missed several games. But someone may offer him a huge contract, and if they do, I could see the Eagles letting him walk. If they do, they definitely need a speed guy to go with all of their other WR. Garcia should resign for reasonable backup money.
The Eagles should definitely go after Lance Briggs. It will cost a lot of money, but he is a young playmaker at a position where they have never had one. They have also locked up most of their young talent to long term contracts. He would bring a huge lift to the defense. With Kearse coming back and Bunkley improving, they need to make stopping the run a huge priority.
Their offense should be elite for the next few years. McNabb should be 100 percent, they have more talent at WR than I can ever remember, and Westbrook should have a few years left at top form. They also have seen how much more effective their offense is when they run the ball 45-50 percent of the time. I hope they continue this trend next year, even with McNabb at QB. They may have the best offensive line in football.
With a top notch front office, excellent coaching, a talented young nucleus, and a franchise QB...it is a good time to be an Eagles fan.
The Eagles should definitely go after Lance Briggs. It will cost a lot of money, but he is a young playmaker at a position where they have never had one. They have also locked up most of their young talent to long term contracts. He would bring a huge lift to the defense. With Kearse coming back and Bunkley improving, they need to make stopping the run a huge priority.
Their offense should be elite for the next few years. McNabb should be 100 percent, they have more talent at WR than I can ever remember, and Westbrook should have a few years left at top form. They also have seen how much more effective their offense is when they run the ball 45-50 percent of the time. I hope they continue this trend next year, even with McNabb at QB. They may have the best offensive line in football.
With a top notch front office, excellent coaching, a talented young nucleus, and a franchise QB...it is a good time to be an Eagles fan.
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Lehigh98
Footballguy
I think that Garcia, Will Peterson, Mickell, J.Thomas, CBuck and Shawn Barber will be back. I also think they have to break the bank a bit for Stallworth. Losing him will be a step back. However if the Eagles gave Reggie Brown a $10 million signing bonus and Mike Patterson a $9 million SB, then Stallworth could be looking at a $12-15 one? Stallworth, far and away, would be the best WR on the market...so he'll probably command a nice hunk of change. If they sign Stallworth and their other players, then they probably won't have much more fundage for anything else...unless a player like William Thomas gets his walking papers?Gocong remains a question mark, since he's never played a down in the NFL and was IRed with a 'stinger'. I think he actually may be a better MLB than SAM? He definitely is big enough for it, after having played DT and DEnd in college I'm not sure how well in coverage he'd be. I'd rather have him close to the line stuffing the run.
Draft? Something like this?
1 - Lawrence Timmons LB FSU
2 - Sabby Piscatelli SS Oregon State
4 - Selwin Young RB Texas
5 - Matt Toeaina DT Oregon
6 - Steve Breaston WR/KR Michigan
7 - Dan Sepulvada P Baylor
E-A-G-L-E-S
Footballguy
They need to bring back Stallworth and then concentrate big on defense. I agree with you guys about Briggs. I saw the free agent list postd on here yesterday and he was the guy that stuck out at me. They need someone to replace Dhani Jones and his stupid giuitar. Of course don't know if they will pay for Briggs, but he is what they need. Lewis probaly won't be back and Cosidine is not the answer, have to get a safety. If Garcia stays, great, if not then let AJ back up and draft a QB
Of course abvoe all, DO NOT RESIGN RENO MAHE, HE CAN NOT PLAY. They need a new returner
ETA: Juqua Thomas definitely should be resigned, he was probaly their best DE down the stretch
Of course abvoe all, DO NOT RESIGN RENO MAHE, HE CAN NOT PLAY. They need a new returner
ETA: Juqua Thomas definitely should be resigned, he was probaly their best DE down the stretch
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TheLastDispatch
Footballguy
I agree with you on 1,5,6 and 7. I definitly don't think Trotter needs to go. He's a great LB, the only one the eagles have, and a great leader. He brings too much to the table for the eagles to let him go, especially when they're so weak at that position. I didn't pay too much attention to considine in the playoffs, but I know in the regular season he was playing well. Give him another year and he'll shake out even better.
I don't tihnk it's time for JJ to go either. The Eagles D played in spurts this year. Good for a while, bad for a while. I'm not sure that can be blamed entirely on JJ though. I think their Dline and LB corps is more the problem for them being run on.
As for the FA's, Michael Lewis won't be back. He already said this was his last year in Philly.
I'd like to see them resign:
DE Juqua Thomas
WR Donte' Stallworth
FS Quintin Mikell
CB William James
QB Jeff Garcia
RB Correll Buckhalter
But as long as they don't bring Mahe back I'll be happy.
EDIT: And let's sign cato june.
We need to focus on D this year in free agency and the draft, specifically OLB, DT, and a nickel CB. Lito was hurt this year and when Hood had to fill in for him bad things happened. We need someone solid behind Lito and Sheldon.
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that and how healthy that line was this yr...in the end it was that health that may have done them in...when they had to go to a rook that had exactly how much game time this yr? You just had to know that he was gonna do something bad, very bad and sure enough on that clutch 1st down he moved early
zadok
Footballguy
I think this is a distinct possibility. I believe they won't even take a cap hit if they release Thomas now. Clear lots of money and throw Winston Justice in his spot. Remember, I am the only guy that said Pinkston would be cut last year...
It wouldn't surprise me either. Thomas is due to make $4.55 million next season and while he's a great pass blocker I think he's very average (if not below average) in the run game. I could see Justice getting every opportunity to win the starting LT job in 2007...way better athleticism, better run blocker and well just doesn't cost as much. The hit we'd take in the pass game may just move towards more runs in the gameplan?$4.55 in base salary could go a long way towards resigning Stallworth? I'm not sure what the cap hit would be, but according to BJ's salary cap page Thomas has a $4.8 million hit for 2007, so I believe you are right about no huge cap hit for cutting William Thomas....but lots of $avings...
JetMaxx
Footballguy
Excellent post as this seems to sum it up well. I'm most curious as to the impact last year's draft class will have next year. It was highly heralded immediately after the draft but the results so far have been less than stellar. I think that's one of the biggest question marks surrounding this offseason.
Defensively:
Will #1 pick Bunkley step up to team with Patterson to strengthen the interior?
Was #7 pick Ramsey just an early season flash in the pan or does he have a future?
Will #5 pick Gaither continue to develop into a play making OLB that this defense sorely needs?
What about #3 pick Gocong? Is he the future at the SAM LB position?
Offensively:
Will #2 pick Justice and #4 pick Jean-Gilles fill roles next year or will the line return in tact? At the time, these two picks were made with '07 in mind, but will there be a spot for them next year? The Eagles OL is their strongest position IMO, so it's likely that William Thomas and Runyan will return at OT, thereby creating a logjam for Justice and Jean-Gilles. If they don't see the field, it's tough, and disappointing, to wait for 3+ years to get production out of such valuable selections.
Will # 4 pick Avant step into a starting spot if Stallworth leaves? Knowing the Eagles and how they do business, Stallworth is gone IMO. My feeling is that another team will offer him a $10m+ signing bonus and the Eagles will doubt his value on those terms. Can Avant or Baskett fill the role of WR2 with the hope that Brown becomes WR1?
Will #5 pick Bloom fill the DESPERATE need for a playmaking KR? One of the most glaring needs this team has IMO. Mahe brings nothing to the table beside sure hands fielding the ball. Hester in CHI has shown the value of a playmaking KR and currently the Eagles get next to nothing from that position.
As I said above, just knowing how the Eagles do business they will likely not be big spenders in FA, expecting the players from the '06 draft to fill many of the current needs. Their development is the biggest key to next year.
hotdogcollars
Footballguy
Strong Safety! I am not sure what games you all were watching, but Considine does not belong in the NFL. The only reason he wasnt completely exposed in regular season is because he had 3 All Pro's playing around him.
He is AWFUL :X He is the SS equivalent to Mike Mamula. He's soft, slow, and not that bright. The only reason they put him in over Lewis is because He (considine) is too slow and dumb to get way out of position like Lewis did.
Other than that, they need LB help and a big fat DT a la vince wolfolk or pat "mt" washington. Offense looks good and i think Reggie Brown is a stud next year.
He is AWFUL :X He is the SS equivalent to Mike Mamula. He's soft, slow, and not that bright. The only reason they put him in over Lewis is because He (considine) is too slow and dumb to get way out of position like Lewis did.
Other than that, they need LB help and a big fat DT a la vince wolfolk or pat "mt" washington. Offense looks good and i think Reggie Brown is a stud next year.
diesel7982
Footballguy
I was pissed when the Titans let Juqua Thomas get away. Hes not much for stopping the run, but hes a great pass rusher.
Ive seen speculation that a team running the 3-4 might try to convert him to OLB, which would make sense given his skill set.
Ive seen speculation that a team running the 3-4 might try to convert him to OLB, which would make sense given his skill set.
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
I wouldn't be so sure about what you wrote about Stallworth. I think he's seen as damaged goods by the majority of teams. Remember, the Saints weren't asking for a mint for him and there were zero takers. I can't see how this year would change the 'glass-man' perception since he missed all or parts of 6 games.The Eagles are smart about personnel moves like this, if they thought there would be a huge market fo him they never would have let him get to the end of the season without trying to extend him.JetMaxx said:
JetMaxx
Footballguy
That last part brings up another aspect to the Stallworth situation. The compensation to NO for Stallworth is contingent upon if and when the Eagles re-sign him. They owe the Saints a 3rd if the re-sign Stallworth before the start fo FA and a 4th if he walks or is re-signed after the start of FA. So it certainly wouldn't behoove the Eagles to do it before then and sacrifice a more valuable pick. True, they would take the chance that someone else blows him away with an offer. Agreed that health is Stallworth's biggest question. However, he is only 25 years old and may have overcome any character questions with his demeanor in Philly this year. Personally, I think a number of teams would be interesting in adding a young, big play speed WR.
NYG
WAS
DAL if TO leaves
SF
NE
KC
SD
OAK if Moss leaves
TEN
MIA
All of the above teams are possibilities considering their needs or potential needs. WAS enters into the picture becuase of Snyder and his penchant for throwing money at players like crazy. I could see him jumping at the chance to steal Stallworth away from the Eagles and pairing him with Moss and Randle-el.
I think the most intriguing is NE. Stallworth just strikes me as a NE type of WR. He would be a great fit in NE although a skeptic could say that the Pats didn't want to spend it on Branch, why would they spend big on Stallworth?
All in all, I think Stallworth is one of the more interesting names out there in FA.
msommer
Footballguy
Slider
Footballguy
Sign Juqua, CBuck, Mikell, and James.
Move Brown to FS and Dawkins to SS. Let James play #2 CB.
Move Gaither to Dhani's spot. Draft Rice in the 1st (Brown is fine and Stall is brittle), Brian Leonard in the 2nd.
Trade McNabb. It's obvious we can win without him. Garcia, Feeley and a draft pick will be fine.
Sign a LB so Trotter can play 2 downs max. He's toast.
Draft a bigger RB.
Move Brown to FS and Dawkins to SS. Let James play #2 CB.
Move Gaither to Dhani's spot. Draft Rice in the 1st (Brown is fine and Stall is brittle), Brian Leonard in the 2nd.
Trade McNabb. It's obvious we can win without him. Garcia, Feeley and a draft pick will be fine.
Sign a LB so Trotter can play 2 downs max. He's toast.
Draft a bigger RB.
TATEr board down?
BTW, this has got to be the best hit I've seen all season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrGae6V_JvI
Wow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrGae6V_JvI
Wow.
TheLastDispatch
Footballguy
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Donny Loved Bowling
Footballguy
Re-signing Stallworth should be the #1 offseason priority, especially since the crop of FA wideouts is unimpressive at best. Quintin Mikell should be brought back, he has become the special teams ace and is a capable backup to Dawkins. I'd like to see Garcia back - pay a slight premium plus incentives for games started, but I wouldn't outbid teams that are willing to pay him as a starter. (MIN, CAR, TB?) I expect William James to re-sign as well, with a full offseason to get healthy he could be an adequate replacement for Hood, who will get starter money elsewhere.
Michael Lewis will go elsewhere - a fresh start in a new system will benefit him greatly. Juqua Thomas has likely earned himself a bundle as a 3-4 linebacker, and Hood will land a starting gig somewhere too. I hope that Buckhalter is allowed to leave, he's not a bad player but I think an upgrade is sorely needed. (Draft Tony Hunt!) And please, please allow Reno Mahe to ride off into the sunset, or wherever it is that terminally mediocre coach's pets go. This team should be looking for the next Devin Hester in the draft, or telling Ryan Moats to spend the entire offseason practicing punt and kick returns.
The greatest positional needs appear to be at linebacker and defensive line. Cut Dhani Jones loose (finally!), and target a free agent LB like Briggs or June. Gocong will be in the mix too, but hopefully McCoy will remain a fixture on special teams. Gaither looks good at WLB, and will probably take over for Trotter when he is gone in a year or two. Sign a space-eating, run-stuffing tackle, and figure out why Brodrick Bunkley couldn't get on the field this year. With Juqua likely gone as a FA and McDougle likely cut, I expect DE to be addressed in the draft, as well as CB depth. Strong safety is another uncertainty - Considine is a decent player who needs to put on weight in the offseason, and should be expected to compete for his job with a veteran free agent.
I'd like to see a stronger punter, but it's pretty low on my priority list. There's got to be a FA out there better than Dirk Johnson.
Michael Lewis will go elsewhere - a fresh start in a new system will benefit him greatly. Juqua Thomas has likely earned himself a bundle as a 3-4 linebacker, and Hood will land a starting gig somewhere too. I hope that Buckhalter is allowed to leave, he's not a bad player but I think an upgrade is sorely needed. (Draft Tony Hunt!) And please, please allow Reno Mahe to ride off into the sunset, or wherever it is that terminally mediocre coach's pets go. This team should be looking for the next Devin Hester in the draft, or telling Ryan Moats to spend the entire offseason practicing punt and kick returns.
The greatest positional needs appear to be at linebacker and defensive line. Cut Dhani Jones loose (finally!), and target a free agent LB like Briggs or June. Gocong will be in the mix too, but hopefully McCoy will remain a fixture on special teams. Gaither looks good at WLB, and will probably take over for Trotter when he is gone in a year or two. Sign a space-eating, run-stuffing tackle, and figure out why Brodrick Bunkley couldn't get on the field this year. With Juqua likely gone as a FA and McDougle likely cut, I expect DE to be addressed in the draft, as well as CB depth. Strong safety is another uncertainty - Considine is a decent player who needs to put on weight in the offseason, and should be expected to compete for his job with a veteran free agent.
I'd like to see a stronger punter, but it's pretty low on my priority list. There's got to be a FA out there better than Dirk Johnson.
Game Time
Footballguy
I think they resign J. Thomas long term. They let Burgess go and that didn't pan out well for them... I think they will make a serious run for Briggs and will pony up the dollars for him (I hope I'm right here). He would be a huge addition... Reid did not sound too high on Stallworth in his press conference. I don't se them offering hoim the money he wants. If they lose him they need to definitely find another who can stretch the field!
Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
Why would you say that?He re-tooled what limited resources he had mid-season to reinvigorate the defense after the debacle vs. the Colts.The defense and the running game allowed the Eagles to win 6 in a row.The 27 points to the Saints, the #1 offense in the league, was their highest points against since that Colts loss.
zadok
Footballguy
I could take the last 2 years, but let's just look at this years 7 total losses. The defense was directly responsible for 5 of those. 1 I lay on the offense (Jacksonville) and 1 to both offense and defense (Titans). The defense also damn near lost the 1st Cowboys game (thank you Lito), the 2nd Redskins game, the 2nd Giants game and the Giants playoff game. The offense, on the other hand, without McNabb, put up 21, 27, 21, 29, 23, 24, 23 and 24. Jim Johnson's scheme/love of a small front 7 has been exposed. They were not re-invigorated as they gave up 20+ points 4 different times after the Colts game. The only things he did right all year was benching McCoy and Lewis. I used to be a real fan of the guy, but that time is over. Thank God for Reid. /rant
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Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
I think JJ did a pretty good job with that front 4 and that corps of LBs.Without Jevon Kearse and with only one solid LB (Trotter) who isn't getting younger, I think he did a reasonable job.
The defense needs better talent and more playmakers, not necessarily a new coach and/or scheme.
Snotbubbles
Footballguy
The Giants game was lost by both the offense and the defense. The offense couldn't run out the clock. McNabb screwing around out there and Westbrook fumbling. I put that loss on both the offense and the defense.
The Tampa game was lost by the offense. McNabb had two INTs returned for TDs. The defense let up 3 field goals.
Jacksonville, again lost by the offense. The defense let up 13 points even though 4 drives started inside Eagle territory.
Tennessee, another game where the defense let up 17 points. There was a PICK6 and a punt return. Nothing the defense coulda done on that.
The Tampa game was lost by the offense. McNabb had two INTs returned for TDs. The defense let up 3 field goals.
Jacksonville, again lost by the offense. The defense let up 13 points even though 4 drives started inside Eagle territory.
Tennessee, another game where the defense let up 17 points. There was a PICK6 and a punt return. Nothing the defense coulda done on that.
zadok
Footballguy
Not running out the clock is not the same as letting the Giants march down the field and score at the end of regulation and in OT. I'm not pinning that on Westbrook's fumble. Leading 24-7 with under 11 minutes to play is ALL on the defense.
Including the game winning one where they couldn't hold the Bucs offense from driving as time expired.
I put that one on the offense already.
I did lay half of the blame on the offense, but the defense sure could have not let the Titans run for 209 yards, right?
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