Death and Taxes
Footballguy
After reading the Official Offseason Thread for the Eagles which contains alot of good insight, I just wanted to narrow the focus to what I think the Eagles need to accomplish to be a playoff contender in 2007. Defense IMO will be the key for the Eagles to be successful.
Why? The offense only needs to be twinked with a few minor personel moves and it can be successful enough for the Eagles to win games. Assuming a healthy McNabb, I only see the need to address WR and backup RB, which can be done cheaply. With or without Stallworth the offense can put enough points on the board even though I would like to have him back his risk might be higher than his reward in regards to salary versus injury problems. Reggie Brown, Hank Baskett, LJ Smith and Brian Westbrook are enough to get the job done with McNabb and the offensive line.
Defensive Offseason moves to date 03/10/2007 (Grade):
Free agents maintained:
-Signing DE Jacqui Thomas (Grade B), Thomas is a solid player, nice insurance for Kearse
-Signing S Quentin Mikell (Grade B), Mikell is more of a special teams player but he made some big plays as a safety late in the season.
-Signing CB William James (Grade C minus) Not much to go on here, didnt play much in 2006, probably indicates that Rod Hood is not coming back.
Free agents signed with other teams:
-Not signing S Michael Lewis to a hefty contract prior to the 2006 season (Grade A) Even though I do not think Lewis is as bad as he played in 2006, not locking him up before the 2006 season for big money is one of those non moves that needs to be noted.
-Roderick Hood to Arizona (Grade C) Was injured in 2006 but played well as the nickel back when healthy, ran into management problems
Free agents new acquisitions:
-Montae Reagor (Grade D) Bad grade b/c we really need someone that can stop the run, I really do not think this signing upgrades the defense but hopefully I am wrong.
Trades:
Takeo Spikes for Darwin Walker (Grade B-) I would grade this higher if Spikes was not a gamble in regards to injury problems but he cant play any worse than the current lbs. Walker more than likely will not be missed.
Drafted players:
To be determined.
Defensive Coach and System:
Jimmy Johnson
I like Jimmy Johnson and his defenses over the years have been the backbone of the Eagles success but I feel too much credit has been given to him as a defensive guru. It's a simple equation, no matter what defensive system you run in the NFL, it only works if you have the personel to run it. I believe it is more of a personel issue versus the system itself. When you are poor at stopping the run and blitz like crazy and still cannot pressure the QB, there are major issues hence the topic of the post.
Defensive Line Grade (D+) As cliche as the saying goes, the game is won and lost in the trenches. We lost in the trenches for sure.
- Butchered and bludgeoned to the point of embarrassment versus the running game routinely not only for stretches and at crucial times but for entire games.
- Having to pass blitz on a regular basis is usually a sign of weakness attributed to the Defensive Line not being able to get enough pressure on its own.
Defensive Ends:
Jevan Kearse
A major question mark here injury? contract?. Great defensive ends are at a premium in the NFL. Although Kearse has not lived up to his big money contract stats wise, his presence when healthly makes the other linemen better. I am not sure how his contract is structured but it may be time to start considering one of those high priced free agent salary dumps if feasible for NFL salary cap economics.
Darren Howard
The Eagles gambled in 2006 signing Howard. The roulette wheel is still spinning and they have not won or lost yet. The Jury is still out on this guy.
Trent Cole/Juqua Thomas
Both capable players and made big plays at times. Not sure if they are every down players. Will need to step up their games if Kearse is not healthy
Defensive Tackle:
Darwin Walker Traded made disposable after the signing of Raegor
Once considered a steal as a free agent pickup years ago, Walker makes a big play once in a while but for the most part as most of the DTs were in 2006, seemed invisible. More of a second string player making starting money at this point in his career.
Mike Patterson
Only his second season not really sure if this guy was worth a contract extension yet. Needs to step up and improve. Was on the field alot but did anyone really notice? Has to take some of the blame for the pourous run defense.
Broderick Bunkley
Seemed like such a steal on draft day. Was squirming in my seat as he kept slipping pick by pick. Really nothing positive to write here. Barely saw the field on a team with poor Defensive Tackle play.
Linebacker (Grade D)
The D is only for the run stopping ability of Trotter and the late season play of Gaither. Other than those two aspects, there seems to be nothing but the twilight zone between the line and the Def backs. So many needs to be addressed here.
Jeremiah Trotter
Positives: Run Stuffer, Team leader. We cannot afford to go backwards in the run department especially with our Defensive line on roller skates. We all saw how Garcia played with fire, Trotter does the same.
Negatives: Appears to be one dimensional taken out often on passing downs or TRIPS formations. Not out of the ordinary in the NFL, but Trotter's pass def is unspectacular.
Omar Gaither, Chris Gocong
Gaither played well as a rookie and late round draft pick. One of our draft picks that actually contributed on the field. Hopefully he progresses.
What really can be said about a shaky 3rd round pick in Gocong. This could be another draft mistake but we at least need to see the guy take the field.
Dhani Jones, Matt McCoy
Right, a guy with a bow tie who plays air guitar and a surfer dude trying to play LB and fit in Philadelphia. Poor play and even worse charisma here.
Secondary (Grade B)
Really the only concerns here are an the aging of Brian Dawkins and the play of Considine. I give major credit to the secondary for their play. Due to the large percentage of blitz plays they are often in single coverage. Even though Michael Lewis made some costly blunders in 2006, I am not on board yet with the play of Considine.
Lito Shepard, Sheldon Brown
Two Pro Bowl cornerbacks who are in their prime. Although they are not elite shut down NFL cornerbacks, they are the strength of the defense.
Nickel package: I guess Hood will not be back which leaves somewhat of a hole here. If they feel that Hanson will fill the role then there is no major need to address the cornerback position.
Brian Dawkins
I don't know how other people across the league see this guy but IMO I consider him an all time Eagle great.
In the twilight of his career, he is still making big plays. Physically he may not be the same but he is the epitome of being just a great football player and a leader. Age is a factor though.
Sean Considine/Quentin Mikell
Considine was in the right place at the right time as far as opportunity goes. Lewis was so bad at times that as a Pro Bowl player he lost his job to a inexperienced 2nd year player. Time will tell whether Considine is truly an NFL starter. As far as 2006 was concerned, he was the best of the worst at the other safety position.
Mikell has been more of a special teams player. Not sure if he is an every down type of safety in the NFL, but he did make some big plays down the stretch for the Eagles.
Complete analysis to come!
Why? The offense only needs to be twinked with a few minor personel moves and it can be successful enough for the Eagles to win games. Assuming a healthy McNabb, I only see the need to address WR and backup RB, which can be done cheaply. With or without Stallworth the offense can put enough points on the board even though I would like to have him back his risk might be higher than his reward in regards to salary versus injury problems. Reggie Brown, Hank Baskett, LJ Smith and Brian Westbrook are enough to get the job done with McNabb and the offensive line.
Defensive Offseason moves to date 03/10/2007 (Grade):
Free agents maintained:
-Signing DE Jacqui Thomas (Grade B), Thomas is a solid player, nice insurance for Kearse
-Signing S Quentin Mikell (Grade B), Mikell is more of a special teams player but he made some big plays as a safety late in the season.
-Signing CB William James (Grade C minus) Not much to go on here, didnt play much in 2006, probably indicates that Rod Hood is not coming back.
Free agents signed with other teams:
-Not signing S Michael Lewis to a hefty contract prior to the 2006 season (Grade A) Even though I do not think Lewis is as bad as he played in 2006, not locking him up before the 2006 season for big money is one of those non moves that needs to be noted.
-Roderick Hood to Arizona (Grade C) Was injured in 2006 but played well as the nickel back when healthy, ran into management problems
Free agents new acquisitions:
-Montae Reagor (Grade D) Bad grade b/c we really need someone that can stop the run, I really do not think this signing upgrades the defense but hopefully I am wrong.
Trades:
Takeo Spikes for Darwin Walker (Grade B-) I would grade this higher if Spikes was not a gamble in regards to injury problems but he cant play any worse than the current lbs. Walker more than likely will not be missed.
Drafted players:
To be determined.
Defensive Coach and System:
Jimmy Johnson
I like Jimmy Johnson and his defenses over the years have been the backbone of the Eagles success but I feel too much credit has been given to him as a defensive guru. It's a simple equation, no matter what defensive system you run in the NFL, it only works if you have the personel to run it. I believe it is more of a personel issue versus the system itself. When you are poor at stopping the run and blitz like crazy and still cannot pressure the QB, there are major issues hence the topic of the post.
Defensive Line Grade (D+) As cliche as the saying goes, the game is won and lost in the trenches. We lost in the trenches for sure.
- Butchered and bludgeoned to the point of embarrassment versus the running game routinely not only for stretches and at crucial times but for entire games.
- Having to pass blitz on a regular basis is usually a sign of weakness attributed to the Defensive Line not being able to get enough pressure on its own.
Defensive Ends:
Jevan Kearse
A major question mark here injury? contract?. Great defensive ends are at a premium in the NFL. Although Kearse has not lived up to his big money contract stats wise, his presence when healthly makes the other linemen better. I am not sure how his contract is structured but it may be time to start considering one of those high priced free agent salary dumps if feasible for NFL salary cap economics.
Darren Howard
The Eagles gambled in 2006 signing Howard. The roulette wheel is still spinning and they have not won or lost yet. The Jury is still out on this guy.
Trent Cole/Juqua Thomas
Both capable players and made big plays at times. Not sure if they are every down players. Will need to step up their games if Kearse is not healthy
Defensive Tackle:
Darwin Walker Traded made disposable after the signing of Raegor
Once considered a steal as a free agent pickup years ago, Walker makes a big play once in a while but for the most part as most of the DTs were in 2006, seemed invisible. More of a second string player making starting money at this point in his career.
Mike Patterson
Only his second season not really sure if this guy was worth a contract extension yet. Needs to step up and improve. Was on the field alot but did anyone really notice? Has to take some of the blame for the pourous run defense.
Broderick Bunkley
Seemed like such a steal on draft day. Was squirming in my seat as he kept slipping pick by pick. Really nothing positive to write here. Barely saw the field on a team with poor Defensive Tackle play.
Linebacker (Grade D)
The D is only for the run stopping ability of Trotter and the late season play of Gaither. Other than those two aspects, there seems to be nothing but the twilight zone between the line and the Def backs. So many needs to be addressed here.
Jeremiah Trotter
Positives: Run Stuffer, Team leader. We cannot afford to go backwards in the run department especially with our Defensive line on roller skates. We all saw how Garcia played with fire, Trotter does the same.
Negatives: Appears to be one dimensional taken out often on passing downs or TRIPS formations. Not out of the ordinary in the NFL, but Trotter's pass def is unspectacular.
Omar Gaither, Chris Gocong
Gaither played well as a rookie and late round draft pick. One of our draft picks that actually contributed on the field. Hopefully he progresses.
What really can be said about a shaky 3rd round pick in Gocong. This could be another draft mistake but we at least need to see the guy take the field.
Dhani Jones, Matt McCoy
Right, a guy with a bow tie who plays air guitar and a surfer dude trying to play LB and fit in Philadelphia. Poor play and even worse charisma here.
Secondary (Grade B)
Really the only concerns here are an the aging of Brian Dawkins and the play of Considine. I give major credit to the secondary for their play. Due to the large percentage of blitz plays they are often in single coverage. Even though Michael Lewis made some costly blunders in 2006, I am not on board yet with the play of Considine.
Lito Shepard, Sheldon Brown
Two Pro Bowl cornerbacks who are in their prime. Although they are not elite shut down NFL cornerbacks, they are the strength of the defense.
Nickel package: I guess Hood will not be back which leaves somewhat of a hole here. If they feel that Hanson will fill the role then there is no major need to address the cornerback position.
Brian Dawkins
I don't know how other people across the league see this guy but IMO I consider him an all time Eagle great.
In the twilight of his career, he is still making big plays. Physically he may not be the same but he is the epitome of being just a great football player and a leader. Age is a factor though.
Sean Considine/Quentin Mikell
Considine was in the right place at the right time as far as opportunity goes. Lewis was so bad at times that as a Pro Bowl player he lost his job to a inexperienced 2nd year player. Time will tell whether Considine is truly an NFL starter. As far as 2006 was concerned, he was the best of the worst at the other safety position.
Mikell has been more of a special teams player. Not sure if he is an every down type of safety in the NFL, but he did make some big plays down the stretch for the Eagles.
Complete analysis to come!
Last edited by a moderator:
oes this mean Rayburn or Walker will be cut? Someone has to go it appears especially if a DT is drafted. I really do not see this as an improvement:A)He is DT from the Colts who had trouble for most of the season stuffing the runB)He was injured in a car accident last yearC)He is only 285 lbs and not considered a run stuffer.
