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McDougle and D.Jones locker should be cleaned out ASAP.

Re-Sign Stallworth...IMO

Get a real run-stuffer

Start looking for a middle LB to groom to replace Trotter

What a nice combo the Saints have with Bush/Duce. Find a power back to compliment Westbrook

Is Q.Mikell the guy to take over at Dawkins postion in the next couple of years?

Consodine was all over the place, problem is, he was on his back for some of that too

Find a good, KR/PR guy. Enough of the bad Mahe field postion.

O-Line...looks ok, good depth..

D-Line...still needs help

Times yours.......

IMS

cant disagree with most of your opinions.

please add darwin walker and sam rayburn to immediate locker cleanouts. not only can they use their salaries to sign a big body needed for run stuffing, but it will force JJ to use bunkley and ramsey.

other than a big back and re-signing stallworth, offense needs little work, maybe a better 2nd TE, but schoboat did seem to contribute more later in the season.


the real need in on defense. with kearse coming back, either re-sign juqua or they have to get another good DE. we talked about DT already.

trotter has 1-2 more good yrs left. his replacement could be a mid level pick this yr. gaither looks like a big play WLB, who has a nose for the ball. like it or not, they are going play cocong at SLB next yr. he obviously is athletic, has talent and can rush the passer, but can he play OLB? me personally, i love tank daniels and think he could contribute if given the chance. he's like omar, fast and always around the ball. for insurance sign barber to a one yr deal, as he probably wont have too many other offers, and they always have mccoy and roper for depth.

the real need to me is in the secondary. there's a lot of FA's to be lost back there that will hurt this team's depth. lewis and hood arent coming back, they want to start. if they can keep james and mikell, then just one draft pick at each position will suffice. if they lose more players, then FA and the draft will be needed to improve the secondary. like trotter, dawk has 1-2 more yrs at best.

with all the time of possesion woes this yr, including last night, a lack of ball control has to take a big part of the blame. but just as guilty is a defense that cant get off the field when necessary. last i checked, the defense can control the game as good as the offense simply by getting off the field in 3 plays everytime. the eagles dont, and havent for several yrs now. small, faster players are part of the problem and it needs to be addressed.

not too many teams can lose their starting QB, starting DE, and still win a playoff game, and then lose 2 pro-bowl players for their divisional playoff game and have a chance to win that game at the end too. its one thing we all should be proud of them for.

but, this team needs to take steps to control the ball better on both sides of the ball if they want to go further in '07.

From PE.com

A List Of Things To Look For In This Off-Season
January 14, 2007

In the big picture, the Eagles know they have a wide-open window to get back to the playoffs next season. They will return largely the same team in 2007, with 21 of 22 starters already signed. They have a good, young nucleus to continue to work into the rotation. They have some wiggle room under the salary cap.
What is ahead for this football team? In the immediate future, a lot of issues are on the table, setting up for what should be a fun off-season to watch.

Ranging from the rehabilitation for quarterback Donovan McNabb and Jevon Kearse to the decisions in free agency and the draft and the monitoring of the progress of some key, young players, the off-season plate is full for the Eagles.

Here is a list of some of the things to look for ...


WHAT IS THE TOP NEED FOR THIS TEAM?
The run defense was a sore spot for a large chunk of this season, as it was last year. The Eagles addressed the defensive line heavily in last year's off-season, signing Darren Howard and Ed Jasper in free agency, drafting Brodrick Bunkley and LaJuan Ramsey.

You can't say that any of those additions worked out the way the Eagles envisioned.

Howard started great, and then faded as the year went along. Whether he was injured or tired or just not on his game, Howard's production was well below what the Eagles expected from him.


LB Jeremiah Trotter was not a dominator this year, as he was in the past
Now, there are some questions about what happens here. Bunkley played very little, and the Eagles hope he makes the leap that so many young players make from their rookie seasons to their second years. Bunkley showed up late to training camp, he wasn't in football shape and he never rounded into much of a contributor in the defensive tackle mix. Boy, the Eagles could have used a run stuffer on Saturday night.

It wasn't just the defensive line's fault, either. Jeremiah Trotter wasn't a dominating player, as we have all come to expect. New Orleans really pounded the middle of the defense on Saturday night and the Saints threw at Trotter all game long. Dhani Jones was OK at SAM linebacker, but he wasn't a real playmaker. Omar Gaither stepped up and helped a lot at WILL, and he has a bright future.

Waiting in the wings are some young players like Chris Gocong, Matt McCoy -- the Eagles remain high on him, but he must improve his strength -- Dedrick Roper and Torrance Daniels.

Whatever happens, the Eagles have to get better in their front seven. They have to stop the running game.


IS McNABB GOING TO BE 100 PERCENT?
All indications are that he will in due time. We'll get a much better idea in the spring as McNabb gets closer to playing again. Right now he is mobile and working through a very long process.

It is expected that we will hear from McNabb in a press conference within the next couple of days or week or so. He has yet to address the media in a press conference format since his knee injury.

The Eagles likely won't take any chances with McNabb. They will want to make sure he is all the way back before they put McNabb on the field. Jeff Garcia is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent, but there seems to be genuine, deep interest from both Garcia's camp and the Eagles' camp to keep him here. A.J. Feeley is under contract through 2007.

Kearse looks great and should be in good shape to get on the field long before training camp.


WHICH FREE AGENTS WILL STAY?
The lone starter who is not a free agent is wide receiver Donte' Stallworth, who made a nice impact with the Eagles. His situation is a tricky one, though. Should Stallworth reach free agency, he will likely be a coveted player who could command big, big dollars.

Stallworth said during the season that he has never been happier as a player, and there is every reason to believe him. Stallworth is a well-liked player in the locker room and he fits in well with this offense.

We'll have to see here. The Eagles traded linebacker Mark Simoneau and a draft pick to New Orleans for Stallworth. That draft pick is a third-round selection if the Eagles sign him before free agency. If Stallworth becomes a free agent, the compensation to the Saints would be a fourth-round pick.

Remember this: If Stallworth enters free agency and signs for huge dollars elsewhere, the Eagles would likely be awarded a compensatory pick.

There are some other free-agents-to-be who have intriguing possibilities. Defensive end Juqua Thomas played outstanding football in the second half of the season and actually played as much as Howard, if not more. He would love to stay, but can the Eagles afford to put more money into a position at which they have invested in Kearse, Howard and Trent Cole?

There are others. Running back Correll Buckhalter is a nice compliment at halfback. Garcia is an obvious question mark. Some key depth at secondary could be on the move -- Michael Lewis, Rod Hood, Quintin Mikell and William James are all scheduled to be unrestricted free agents. Linebacker Shawn Barber's contract is up after the year. Reno Mahe is going to be an unrestricted free agent.

Joe Banner and Howie Roseman have a busy off-season in front of them.


HOW WILL THE OFFENSE CHANGE?
Balancing the offense made a big difference for this football team, and you would think the Eagles will continue to run the ball in 2007. Brian Westbrook went from being a very good, all-purpose running back to a superstar from whom you count on 100-plus yards and touchdowns every week.

Adding another back, or retaining Buckhalter, is important. If the Eagles are going to lean on the running game as much as they did in the second half of this season, they will need some depth. They will also have to find out about Ryan Moats, who was largely ignored this season after a promising rookie year.

By and large, though, the pieces are in place to have more of the same offensively, if not better. The offensive line returns intact, with some young players -- like Max Jean-Gilles and Winston Justice -- waiting in the wings to push for playing time. The young receivers -- Reggie Brown, Hank Baskett and Jason Avant -- are going to be improved next year.

The Eagles will tweak the scheme and look to make some improvements, but other than the Stallworth issue and the recovery from McNabb, there aren't huge issues here.


YEAR ONE TO YEAR TWO IS BIG FOR ...
Bunkley needs to make a quantum leap, no doubt about it. It would be a terrible, terrible setback to the plans if he doesn't become a real factor next season.

All of the rookies should take large steps forward next year, and two who missed this season will require a long look in the spring and summer. Gocong will get a shot at the SAM job, and the Eagles will also probably look at him as an edge rusher if Thomas leaves. Gocong brings 260 pounds of energy with him.

Jeremy Bloom will get a crack at winning the return man job, and the Eagles could really use a game breaker here. Mahe did the best he could, but the Eagles just didn't have a lot of juice on returns. Bloom is a small guy, but he is blazing fast and he has worked extremely hard in his rookie year while on IR.

Then there are young offensive tackles Justice and Pat McCoy. At what point do they push William Thomas and Jon Runyan, both of whom had good, solid seasons?

There should be excellent competition in training camp in August.


WILL THERE BE COACHING CHANGES?
There have been no whispers, but there rarely are. The Eagles made the smooth transition to Marty Mornhinweg at offensive coordinator. Surprisingly, Mornhinweg's name has not been mentioned in head coaching circles around the league. Ditto Jim Johnson, who continues on as the defensive coordinator.

The coaching changes generally happen in the week or two or three after the season ends, so stay tuned.

I know you will. This is the off-season, just like that. It will be a busy, and very interesting, one for the Eagles.

Looks like J. Thomas is not a priority if there already talking about Gocong as a edge rusher. IMO...big mistake. Keeping DE's around in the NFC East is huge.

Two other things I would like to see the Eagles improve on, is a legit blocking TE. THe other is an upgrade at FB. I'm not basking Tapeh, but there is a lot of room for improvment there. With a smaller back like Westbrook, having a big fullback in front of him is important.

For the first time in a looooong time the WR's look to be ok, IF, they can re-sign Stallworth. I understand the get the most money mentality, but there is also a lot to be said about being Happy. So we'll see....

Listening to Eagles LIVE, Spuds seems to think that the only way Stallworth stays is if he decides to take less money, "A LOT Less Money". He seems pretty confident that its not likley he will come back. The eagles are "Very happy with thier young recievers". He also thinks Trotter may need a replacement as early as next year (I agree with him 100%). They Eagles are very high on Gocong.

great....nothing like being high on a unproven 1-AA college player who has to play a new postion. Ugh...

i didnt realize how big he is. 260 pounds. Apparently he has been terrific in practice on the IR all year. Spudszilla seems to be convinced he will be th SLB. This is my first time listening to eagles live, im in eagles shock.

Spuds on Rod Hood:
"He will go on to become a starting cornerback, a starting corner back that I hope people are gonna throw A LOT at!"

The Eagles propaganda machine is already working through Spuds...

2 things that Spuds said, that pissed me off...

1.He doesn't see how they are going to sign Stallworth...I was like WHAT? He said so stupid shit about having to get rid of William(TRA) Thomas in order to come up with the money.

2. J.THomas isn't a priority to sign...another WTF? Spuds said that they can't afford him and the other DE's.

He is already shoveling "Gocong" can be both the OLB and a Edge pass rusher, in J.Thomas place.....I hate you Spuds...

I think Tapeh stepped up nicely as the season wore on. If you look at the highlights of most of the big Westbrook runs later in the season (especially in the Giants WC game), you will see him making critical blocks on the LB's and CB's to give Brian the edges. I have no problem keeping him.

Playcalling ratio needs to stay balanced. This means acquiring a healthy RB (preferably sizeable / change of pace) to spell Westbrook.

Would love to see Garcia stick around for another year or two.

Stallworth is a good WR with no apparent ego issues. He would be a good fit for the right price. Of course, he can probably command a lot more money than the Eagles will offer him. He's more than likely gone, and that's a shame.

Would it effing kill the defense to not only have a big DT, but at least one (or two) big DE? This would free up the LB's to make more plays, even in Johnson's blitz happy scheming.

Trotter's replacement will need to come from FA (yeah right) judging the way the Eagles have drafted them over the past few years.

Considine needs to hit the weights and the buffet table all off season. If the guy was 20 pounds heavier, he would be lethal.

It will be interesting to see what transpires I guess, but I'm still to torqued at the team to really be insightful in any of this.

Not re-signing Stallworth would be one of the worst moves the Eagles have made since...um...last year.

I think it's a foregone conclusion that Michael Lewis has played his last game in Midnight Green.

I think we need to draft a LB in the first round. history has shown rookie LBs can produce. The Defensive rookie of the year for the past 4 yrs has been a LB. 3 of the 4 were 1st round picks. in the 2004 and 2005 drafts, 5 LBs were taken in the first round. among those 5 are 2 defensive ROY awards and 4 pro bowls. Just look at the names of these guys: shawne merriman, jonathan vilma, demarcus ware, derrick johnson, aj hawk, dj williams, ernie sims. These guys are all incredibly talented leaders drafted in the first rd in the past 3 yrs.

now most of you will respond that the eagles cant scout a LB and would just waste the pick on another smallish fast LB who cant tackle. perhaps, but my point is that if there is any position that can be addressed immediately thru the draft, its the LB position.

generally immediate needs are addressed thru FA, but the one case where the draft seems to have been effective is thankfully exactly where the eagles need the most help. I wouldn't mind if the birds used their top two picks to take the top two LBs available (like dallas in ’05). If one turned out to be the next shawne merriman, jonathan vilma, or Terrell suggs. Its too early to be too specific, but here’s an outline of what I’d like this offseason:

D-Line:
1. find a big runstuffing DT
2. re-sign j. thomas
3. trade/cut walker and rayburn

LB
1. draft big (6-3/4 240-260) LB w/ first pick (and possibly 2nd)
2. trade/cut dhani

secondary
1. hold onto mikell and james
2. draft for depth (and height)

O-line
Looks good. If Justice is ready, moving Thomas could free up some caproom.

Skill postions
1. Re-sign stallworth
2. re-sign Garcia
3. trade/cut mahe

"If one turned out to be the next shawne merriman, jonathan vilma, or Terrell suggs" ...i'd consider it a huge success.

(sorry bout that)

"Running back Correll Buckhalter is a nice compliment at halfback."

Are the effing kidding with this statement or what. Get rid of Buck now!

Ask,

I've been a Consindine backer, but others are quick to note (accurately) that while he is invovled in a lot of plays he sometimes arrives late/after a gain. While bulking up may help him make surer tackles, is it wise to have a guy who hustles and has a nose for the ball, but may be a step or two slow, to pack on more punds, thus eating away at his already questionable speed?

Also, since everyone wants an LB, is there any interest in the Bungles Odell Thurman (if memory serves he either got cut or was expected to get cut in the offseason after being one of the many Cincy troublemakers. I know this team, and coaching staff, doesn't deal well with locker room malcontents, but he seemed to be a difference maker last year. Might he be available on the cheap b/c of his reputation issues?

If the let Stallworth go (b/c another team is willing to grossly overpay) and sign another veteran with sure hands and a good attitude who can help nurture the skills of the other youngins, I'll be disappointed but okay, so long as they bring in another back, fix the D and commit to running next season. But if Donte goes, and they sit on their hands with what they have, then all the gains from this season will be for naught.

Since somebody mentioned antoher tight end (and I'm still not 100% sold on LJ), what about Gonzalez? I know he's older and will commnad a lot of $$$, but I could live with a lot of 2 TE sets, the current crop of wideouts (sans Stallworth) and a heavy running attack.

Didn't Gonzales extend with the Chiefs?

KC resinged Gonzalez.

Stallworth and McNabb were an explosive tandem when they were on the field together this year. To no resign Stallworth would be to deprive your franchise QB of yet another weapon in the prime of his career.

I don't know who else is an unrestricted free agent this year at WR, but either way you'll have to overpay for whoever you get. Why not make it someone you know can gel with the offense?

Injury caveats aside.

The only other UFA currently on their roster I care about resigning in Juqua Thomas, but if he can get a better deal and more playing time somewhere else, you'd have to believe he'd take it. Same goes for Q. Mikell and Rod Hood.

I don't believe Garcia will be back due to McNabb's fragile ego.

Michael Lewis is a foregone conclusion.

I agree with whoever said they should draft a strong-side linebacker and they should also bring in a DT via FA.

I already have a bad feeling about the offseason already due to limited cap room and them not resigning Stallworth, but I guess I'm used to it by now.

First, Garcia returning or not returning will have absolutely (100%) nothing to do with McNabb's "fragile ego". I think suggesting anything else is silly and completely baseless. Every report out there says there is NO QB controversy, every report out there says the two of them genuinely get along/like each other, every report out there says Garcia wants to stay, every report out there says the Eagles want him back...

I mean, come on...Angelo Cataldi is trying to fabricate an annoying, nasal story out of nothing. I wish someone would invade his home, slap him around, and shoot his dog.


I think we need to draft a LB in the first round. history has shown rookie LBs can produce. The Defensive rookie of the year for the past 4 yrs has been a LB. 3 of the 4 were 1st round picks. in the 2004 and 2005 drafts, 5 LBs were taken in the first round. among those 5 are 2 defensive ROY awards and 4 pro bowls. Just look at the names of these guys: shawne merriman, jonathan vilma, demarcus ware, derrick johnson, aj hawk, dj williams, ernie sims. These guys are all incredibly talented leaders drafted in the first rd in the past 3 yrs.

While you're right about the LB position, the players you listed were all almost all top 10 selections. The Eagles won't have a shot at any LBs on that level when they pick and won't even be able to trade up high enough to get a shot at prospects of that caliber (top 10 picks) this year.

My off-season plan:

- Sign a back (one who runs bigger than what they have) and probably draft another back as well if they don't keep Buck as the #3. I like Moats, but they don't...so don't waste a roster spot on a guy who is not going to be any different (in terms of mental weakness) than he was last year, this year, or in college. Personally, I think Buck has turned into a great Eagle who is now healthy and seems beloved by his teamates, but I think he's not a #2 back anymore. I think he should be re-signed to a very moderate/low end deal and kept as the 3rd RB.

Let's be honest, I love Westbrook and the way he held up this year gives me a lot of hope for the future. He's a great player and I hope he follows the Tiki path, but the Eagles (IMO) have to plan like this was a fluke year, IMO. The guy has a track record and this year he shattered it, but I think you have to address the position as if he'll only be 100% for part of the season and you need to have a RB talented enough to take the load in his absence. RBs are a dime a dozen, so late first day or early second day would do the trick, but they have to add a young, bigger back as the #2 in the event that they lose their most explosive player.

- Garcia should be re-signed. I'm actually perfectly fine with AJ as the backup from a talent perspective, but I think that the way he's embraced this team, this city, and this locker room...he's the kind of guy you want on the roster to maintain that locker room when there are trying times. I think re-signing him is a no-brainer and consider him a cheap lock room signing, just like Buck.

- I think they are perfectly fine with Tapeh at fullback. I also like Jason Davis a lot and I think he's still on the practice squad. He should push Tapeh and if he beats him out, that's great (competition is good).

- TE...If Bartrum retires, as is kinda expected, the Eagles need to spend some time addressing the TE position. I think LJ is a good, solid TE. I don't think he's worth the money he's asking for. I think that a TE should be drafted to groom for the future, in the event LJ chooses to move on after 2007.

- I think Stallworth needs to be re-signed, even though it's not going to happen. I understand their concerns, but he has difference making ability. If he is re-signed, you have absolutely no questions at the WR position. None. If they let him walk, nothing is for certain at that position. Reggie Brown has never been the focus of the opposing defense for a full season. Hank Baskett hasn't ever been a starter working against starting CB week in and week out. Jason Avant hasn't played at all. Jeremy Bloom is likely a specialist. Greg Lewis cannot start...it's been proven. I like Baskett, Brown, and Avant...I do. I just think they absolutely need Stallworth's speed and ability on that roster. My other question is if they don't like Stallworth's price tag, what are they going to spend the money on? Let's hear it. The contract Stallworth is going to sign will likely be about the same size as the one they gave Darren Howard last year and if they aren't going to sign Stallworth, they better have a reason why. Are they going to spend $16 million upfront to sign Lance Briggs? Didn't think so...sign Stallworth and don't whine about the market price of a receiver of his caliber. Just because you can't get a gallon of milk for a nickel anymore and you can't sign a WR for a song doesn't mean you just abstain from having good WRs. You take Stallworth out and you're in danger of creating a big problem if one of the younger guys cannot replace his production. Why risk it?

- Offensive line is fine. Don't touch it unless Justice is so impressive you are forced to trade Tra Thomas to make room. Also, if they draft another offensive lineman this year I'm going to kill someone. We get it guys...you want to build the lines. The O-line is built now and has great depth. There is no need to waste any picks on an offensive lineman this year.

- Defensive line has to be addressed...again. Kearse will be back and I wouldn't expect any ill effects from the knee. Cole will be another year older and with his work ethic and talent, I think he can overcome the issues with him wearing down. He's never be an every down DE, but he can easily be a 10-12 sack guy year in and year old playing maybe 1/2 to 2/3 of the snaps?

Thomas is gone and the Eagles can't keep him. First of all, he can't play the run. That's not critical to me for him because he's a situational player, but he can't play the run at all, which leads us to the other issues. As a situational player, the Eagles can only commit so much to him financially. He can be an every down player in a 3-4 defense and I think he can be a very effective one. A 27 year old guy who runs really well, tackles well, and would likely be good for 5-8 sacks per year as a edge-rushing LB in the 3-4 has some value. He quite simply is more valuable to a team like the Patriots and the Eagles can't spend that money even though they'll be missing a very effective situational rusher.

McDougle is gone. He's a giant bust. I don't care why. Just get him out of my sight.

Darren Howard. If I'm the Eagles and I know he had a really bad groin all year (or something), I give it another shot. If not, the guy is just used up. He was the invisible man after starting the season like he was shot out of a cannon, but just vanished and it's one of the great mysteries to me. Was he hurt? Was he tired? Was his start a mirage brought on by a pure adrenaline rush being with a new team? Is he just used up? I have no idea, but the Eagles have one and they need to react accordingly.

I think the Birds need to add a DE prospect through the draft, with round depending on what they think of Howard. I think they can also use Gocong at a situational pass rushing or edge blitzer next season, which would be a nice addition.

- Defensive tackle is the biggest mess of a situation on the team. Patterson is fine. He needs someone next to him, but he is part of the solution (not the problem).

Walker is the best pass rusher, but might be the biggest problem in run support. I don't know what to do here, but he mighty have to be moved in favor of a heavier player.

Bunkley didn't show a thing this year...so what do they have in him? I hope it's something good, but I don't know what the track record is like for DT progression.

I know Corey Simon got off to a blazing start and burned out. Jimmie Kennedy looked like a complete bust for 2 seasons and turned into a very solid DT for the past 2 years. Booger MacFarland had a nothing rookie year and dominated in year two before settling in as a solid starter ever since. I don't know what his slow start means regarding his progression (historically). He was a giant disappointment, but I still have a lot of hope because he's got big, big talent.

I want them to add BIG bulk to the DT position. I think they hopefully have finally learned that you can't play defense with tackles so light unless they are amazing talents or they are paired with a DT who is stout at the point of attack. I think the Birds need to look at Sands, who will be hitting the market from the Raiders. He's a mountain of a man who specializes in run support. he's young, he's got a little upside, and he won't be over-the-top expensive. If he pans out, he could single handedly fix their problems there by helping keep the other guys fresh and forcing offenses to double team someone upfront in the run game.

- At LB, I don;t know what to think. Trot will be back and I think he'll be a lot more effective with more help upfront, but they have to start thinking about the future on some level. Gaither looks good as the weakside backer, but I'd retain the services of Barber OR sign a guy liek Ike Reese if he hits the market so there is a veteran so can provide depth, play special teams, and assist in the nickel package. I want to see Gaither add strength and expand on his performance. He definitely disappeared a little after a hot start, so I worry a little that he will wear down, but it's all speculation at this point.

McCoy can be retained as long as he never starts again. We learned our lesson with him. Fast, good in spurts, just far, far, far too small to be an every down LB in the NFL.

Gocong returns and I'm sure Dhani will be cut so Gocong doesn't have to fight for the starting job (ala McCoy, but I hope they look at LBs in FA and the draft. If there is a playmaker available to them by either avenue at the SAM position, I think he has to be considered. Gocong could easily compete at weakside, or be a package player who is on the field a lot, but playing different spots (SAM on one down, edge rusher the next, Joker on 3rd down). I think Gocong is an interesting prospect, but I don;t want them to declare the job "filled" like they did with McCoy, only to find out they were horribly mistaken.

- Secondary will be interesting. Hood is gone. I'm hoping they retain the services of Will James on a very modest deal and add a prospect. Hanson doesn't do it for me.

I think They need to draft a playmaker in the secondary. Considine looks solid, but small. I think you can live with him as a starter at either safety spot for a career as long as he's next to an impact player. My thought process is draft one now. Get the guy in there. The idea is draft the best, moist athletic, highest upside safety you can find. He is Dawk's replacement. Considine can play either spot, so just drfat this guy as Dawk's replacement and let him come up naturally as he improves and Dawk ages. In the meantime, use him as a weapon on D. Put him on the field in nickel and dime packages on occasion. Make him a blitzer in certain packages. Use him as a wild card.

Mikell, to me, is someone worth keeping as long as it's reasonable. He's a good special teams player and spot player, but he has no chance of starting in this league, IMO.

- Kicker and punter are both fine. Dirk didn't have a great year, but not worth replacing.

- Bloom is the returner next year. They will need to draft a CB, Safety, RB, or someone this year with return experience, but I think Bloom will be the guy.

Besides the Dallas game in week 4, I don't think Howard started out that strong. He had some pressure, but I wouldn't really consider his start to be that great

He had a big pre-season and was a standout in 2 of his first 5 games. I guess it's debatable whether or not he actually started strong if you throw out the pre-season and flip it around (just saying he was a non-factor in 3 of his first 5 games), but either way...the rest of the season after that Dallas game was a complete wash.

True. I just remember at the mid-way point some people acting like he was some force, when he really did only have about 2 good games at that point.

I guess from the beginning I never expected that much from him. It seemed like there were more excuses for why he wasn't playing that great lately than actual stats.

I think we need to draft a LB in the first round. history has shown rookie LBs can produce. The Defensive rookie of the year for the past 4 yrs has been a LB. 3 of the 4 were 1st round picks. in the 2004 and 2005 drafts, 5 LBs were taken in the first round. among those 5 are 2 defensive ROY awards and 4 pro bowls. Just look at the names of these guys: shawne merriman, jonathan vilma, demarcus ware, derrick johnson, aj hawk, dj williams, ernie sims. These guys are all incredibly talented leaders drafted in the first rd in the past 3 yrs.

While you're right about the LB position, the players you listed were all almost all top 10 selections. The Eagles won't have a shot at any LBs on that level when they pick and won't even be able to trade up high enough to get a shot at prospects of that caliber (top 10 picks) this year.

Only 2 on the list were top ten picks Simms (9) and Hawk (5). The others were picked from 11-17. A trade up into the upper teens would be a little more manageable, not that I think they would do it or do I know if a quality LB would be available

I guess you're right. I don't what I was thinking.

I knew DJ was a mid first rounder because he was on the board when they took Andrews, but I thought all the others were top 10 for some reason.

thank you mr. pink for that. while reading FD's post i was looking that up cuz i was pretty sure that short of the obvious AJ Hawk going 5th, they were all middle of the round guys. Of course sims was 9th too.

so, now that i dont have to make that point, i want to mention an observation about trotter. he didnt start for us until late in the 04-05 season, and played great last yr. this yr he has been characterized as losing a step, not getting off his blocks, washed up, etc. (obvi not by everyone, but by a number of ppl).

now, i can't excuse everything, b/c hey he is a yr older. however, alot of it wasn't his fault. Just like last season when lots of ppl were on Dawk (and the rest of the secondary). It turns out most of it was from the D-Line not getting any pressure and leaving the secondary in coverage for too long.

I think the situation is similar here. Everyone and there mother knows Trotter is our best run defender. The O-lines of opposing teams this yr, tossed off our small d-line and went right after trot (and the rest of the back 7). Last yr, Ray Lewis had the same problem and he lobbied hard for a fatass DT who could plug up the line and allow Lewis to be the dominating force he is and not be constantly trying to overcome blocks. Well the ravens took Haloti Ngata (6-4 340) in the first round. The following yr the Ravens had the best run defense in the NFL (sure they had a great D already, but it still was significant). This yr Ray Lewis had 5 sacks. over the previous 4 yrs he only had a total of 3.5. This yr he had 2 ints. over the previous 2 yrs averaged 0.5 ints.

im sure im preaching to the choir, but a bigger d-line (esp DT) makes the LBs more effective. Specifically a big DT in FA such as Terdell Sands could help bring Trot back to old form (almost.. he is still aging).

conversely, while a bigger interior line improves LB play, I still think we should draft the best LB available with our first pick. I think its a no-brainer. maybe somebody needs to explain to me why its not (other than the FO doesn't value the position or cant evaluate LB talent well or other excuses for why our LB corps has sucked for so long).

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