Offseason Preview: Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles' Offseason "To Do" List

This is the scene Philadelphia thought they'd see tomorrow, Super Bowl Sunday.  Instead, they were left with a bunch of "How come?" and "What if?" questions.  I think too many media members took the "Dream Team" quote and ran with it.  But we're looking at a team With Mike Vick coming off the best season of his career, the additions of Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Desean Jackson emerging as a premier receiver and Lesean McCoy primed to become one of the best backs in the league. At least Shady delivered.

The "Dream Team" monicker was never embraced by the team.  It is completely understandable to want Asomugha and DRC in your secondary.  The acquisition of Jason Babin to bolster the pass rush makes sense too.  After all, what good is coverage without pressure?  The problem was when the organization was star-struck themselves.  Ronnie Brown is a good back.  No need to bring him in when you have a back the caliber of Lesean McCoy.  Same with Vince Young.  He brought an unnecessary distraction to the locker room.  These were definite mistakes but nothing that should've derailed their season.

Andy Reid made the first real blunder of the season.  He promoted offensive line coach, Juan Castillo, to defensive coordinator.  The Eagles played the most unorthodox mix of zone and man defense I can recall seeing.  They had certain plays in which Nnamdi (one of the best man-to-man corners in football) played "center field" in a Cover 3 look.  The "Wide 9" look was ran all too often, leaving huge gaping holes and a below average linebacker corps trying to fill them.  

Reid, somehow, manage to out-do himself.  He botched the Desean Jackson contract situation and mishandled Mike Vick's multiple injuries, including at least one concussion.  Jackson's play was becoming increasingly lazy with each passing week.  He refused to block on running plays and was spotted trotting on several routes were he was not the primary receiver.  It was obvious Philly should have rested Vick instead of allowing him to play through injuries.

While talent is the main ingredient in the recipe for success.  Lack of focus and poor clutch play can ruin an other wise positive season.  I was sure Andy Reid would not make the same mistakes twice.... Then it was reported that he was keeping Juan Castillo as his defensive coordinator.  I'll look at what they need "To Do" to overcome Castillo (I'm half-kidding):

Get a Signal Caller Defensively: For all the deficiencies I believe Castillo has, something that can mask some of those would be a mental presence on the field. The veteran talent needs a leader.  They also need someone to handle the audibles.

One 'Mike': The Eagles tried several different middle linebackers throughout the season.  Jamar Chaney and Casey Matthews are talents better suited for outside in a 4-3 set.  They should draft Vontaze Burfict (Arizona State) or Dont'a Hightower (Alabama) to command the huddle.  Both have the size to help plug the run game as well.  London Fletcher (Washington) their best free agency option.

Get Nnamdi off Safety: They paid premium money for what I consider the best cover corner in football (with apologies to Revis).  Why is he spending half the game lined up at free safety.  The Eagles need to get a true safety so Asomugha can play his outside cornerback position he is comfortable with.  Reggie Nelson is an option if they wish to upgrade through free agency.

Address the #1 Receiver: To sign Desean, or not to sign Desean?  That is the question.  If Philly feels they can trust him, he should be re-signed.  He has chemistry with Vick and knows the offense.  They could look to replace him with another free agent such as Vincent Jackson (San Diego) or Marques Colston (New Orleans) if either hits the open market.

Add Pieces to O-line: Philadelphia is lacking talent across their offensive front.  The zone blocking scheme makes it easy to find players but they have to gel with each other.  Philly needs an overhaul of youth along the OL, so they can gain continuity.  Offensive line coach, Howard Mudd is excellent with young linemen.

Final Thoughts

Philadelphia was the 'sexy' Super Bowl pick.  I expect them to be contenders this year.  There should be a tight 3-team race for the NFC East division championship.  I don't think Vick was a one year wonder.  With improved OL play, he could have an MVP season.  The Eagles usually do a good job drafting.  If they have a successful draft, this will be a team to be reckoned with.