Promote your business or product on 700level.com. For
more information about advertising with us CLICK HERE!

I'm still holding out hope for Reggie Brown.

He has 56 catches this season for 697 yards and 4 TD. Considering the fact that he was next to useless his first four games (8 rec, 81 yds, 2 TD) the fact that he is getting more catches is encouraging if nothing else.

Good thread.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS TEAM:

QBs. McNabb looking healthier the last 2 weeks. He looked like he was making better decisions and getting rid of the ball better. AND RUNNING when needed! I am more than OK going into next year with a healthy McNabb, Kolb, and Feeley in that order.

RBs. Westbrook, Buck and Hunt I am fine with, regardless of how Hunt pans out. They don't use/need a "big back" anyway, and Westbrook has proven he can get short yardage (if they give him the ball - see "what worries me" section below.)

Oline: I think they can get another year each out of Tra/Runyon, and the middle looks good for a long time.

Dline: Like Patterson/Bunkley in the middle. Love Cole, like Thomas. Get rid of some of the dead weight (nice knowing you Howard and Kearse.)

Linebackers: Wow, I'm saying I like the linebackers. Pretty shocking. Young and should improve.


WHAT NEEDS UPGRADES:

Tight ends: Agree with most that LJ is a failed experiment. Loved the draft choice when they picked him, he just never turned into what everyone hoped he would. I like Celek as a backup next year but they need a playmaker starting.

Fullback: Tapeh = meh. Get me another John Ritchie type who can blow up a linebacker in the hole and catch some balls.

Wide receiver: Need a real #1. Or even a quasi #1. OK with Brown & Curtis as #2 & #3, OK with Basket even as #4. If I see a #83 on the field next year with the name "Lewis" on his back I may kill somebody. They need a big time receiver who can command doubles and free up the other guys.

Secondary: I agree with whoever posted above that JR Reed has looked good when playing but I wouldn't go so far as to say he's the answer. Mikell is OK also. Considine cannot be a starter and Dawk should have his playing time reduced a tad next year also. I absolutely want to see him retire as an Eagle but they need either better corners or better safeties, and I don't think Sheldon and Lito are going anywhere. Sheldon & Lito were both good, though not as good as what we've grown accustomed to. Eff Will Peterson.

Kicker/punter: I can't figure out Akers. He has been MONEY this year - guaranteed make inside 40 and guaranteed miss outside 40. Just when you think he's lost the leg he hits halfway up the upright on a 57 yarder. I think you have to keep him unless you find a LOCK at that position. Which brings me to punter - I was one of the ones who bought into the Rocca experiment. Big mistake - they should have kept Dirk methinks. Rocca should be gone next year.

Kick returns: Someone not named "Reno" please. I'm OK with JR Reed on kickoffs, but only OK.

WHAT WORRIES ME:

Philosophy. Pure and simple. The Eagles continue to prove that they would rather lose their way than win someone else's. They continue to think they are a Super Bowl team disguised as an 8-8 also ran. They think they're "just a hair off." They are stubbornly pass happy. How many times must I see 9 yards gained on the ground on 1st & 2nd down only to see a failed 3rd and 1 pass attempt? How many times must I see an 8 yard Westbrook run followed by a sack? How many times must I watch a 3 and out from inside their own 10, with the lead, on 3 incompletions? How many times must I watch passing plays on 1st down when they are winning with 3 minutes left? The pass to run ratio NEEDS to become more even, and my fear is that it won't. McNabb is not Brady. Brown is not Moss. The Eagles cannot pass 65-70% of the time and be a Super Bowl team. Will Andy learn this? Probably not. But unless Andy Reid makes an HONEST COMMITMENT to the running game, they will not be champions.

the reason why i'm more interested in a big time TE than WR is i think the TE will open up more for the wideouts, the way TO did for the other guys in '04. plus, i dont think we've scene the best yet from brown, avant, baskett, and maybe even curtis in this offense.

and yeah, you can laugh at this, but i think mr. softee in a limited role is actually a weapon. when he's out there in a 5 wide set, it presents matchup problems for the defense, because of his speed and he does catch most balls. he hasnt played every game this yr, and has been out there very little, even in the games he's played, and still he has almost as many TD's as reggie brown.(4/3) plus if mcnabb's here, he's a comfort target for him.

I don't know if Tapeh just has bad hands or if they never call anything for him. He has proven to be a damn good run blocking FB (see the Blunt TD run against the Saints among others) I think Celek can be a good TE given the opportunity. I still think a stud WR is all it would take (along with limited injuries) to make the Eagles serious contenders.

Just look at how much Plaxico bails out Eli for an example. He goes up and grabs a good number of his "no look/shrug away from the defense" heaves.

WHAT WORRIES ME:

Philosophy. Pure and simple. The Eagles continue to prove that they would rather lose their way than win someone else's.

WORD!

Of course it's been stated in so many different ways over the years, I think it loses some of its importance.

After 2 wins a little hope appears. This eagles team is so mind boggling sometimes. Andy Reid passing 65% of time when it is cold, windy and rainy like a couple of weeks ago. I don't understand!

But now Bradley plays nice Jean-Gilles is slamming Hollis, Hollis is a big man and to be put down by someone is quite impressive. There are positives.

I agree with alot of you about 5, he is so inaccurate sometimes, u want to strangle the guy. I gave up on him but now he is playing good. No pressure? (Out of playoffs) He is finally healthy? Who knows why he's playin good?

I believe I heard he is owed a big bonus after the 2008-2009 season, I believe he will be gone before that bonus is due. Just a feeling but what a decision it would be if they had to Trent Dilfer his ass.

I completely forgot about Avant. So if you have a #1, Brown, Curtis, Avant and Basket, where do you put Softee? If he could return kicks that would be one thing. Maybe keep Lewis over Basket? I guess I could maybe see that.

What a miserable year. First and foremost, the Saints game from McNabb and the offense does not impress me even a little. That defense STINKS and lost their only mediocre coverage player on the first series. Granted, moving the ball as they did was fun to watch, but with it's proper context it wasn't impressive and it was far too little too late.

Second, I really hope the Eagles don't fall into the trap some fans are right now (though I'm sure they will). They are close to being a playoff team and could easily make the playoffs with only the most minor tweaking, but the playoffs don't mean shit. I don't care if they have a playoff team...they need to have a team capable of beating New England and the the Colts.

That's the goal...playoffs don't matter. Yeah, the Eagles could do almost nothing and win 10 games next year, but who cares? They CANNOT fall into that trap this off season.

Here's my thought process as it stands now:


I think they'll stand pat, but the best play is STILL to deal McNabb while he's reclaimed some value. I truly believe it's not a big distraction for the team and if they lose 2 straight games next year, the questions will start again. It's clear he's regained some of what he lost and he's capable of putting a few fine seasons together, but I think it's time they break off the relationship if they like the kid and move on. With that said, I think what they'll actually do is take another shot with McNabb and keep playing their losing hand until his value is trade is zero, forcing a release in a year or two for a complete rebuild (and giving an unproven Kolb the rock with new, uneven bookend tackles...yuck).


RB
Westbrook is simply amazing. Buck is a solid backup who should get more carries. Moats is done. I would treat Hunt as a bust.

I think the goal here is building your group of running backs as if Westbrook will get hurt. Really, that would be my plan for the whole offense. Westbrook is great and I like the way they are using him, but he's such a massive part of the offense that if he goes down for even 4 or 5 weeks, the season would be lost. They need to approach the off-season in a way that will allow them to win games without him. That starts with a good back. I don't care if it's a small slasher who they could use in the passing game should Westbrook go down or a hard slasher they could bend the offense to, but they need another back with upside. I think Hunt should only remain if they keep 4 guys. He was a poor pick and he has almost no talent...good college player but he a really well rounded set of bad skills. Maybe his turnaround will be miraculous, but he'll never be quick or fast and while big, he's not THAT big. He also runs too upright.

WR
Bring someone in. If Fitzgerald is on the market, do it. I don't care what it takes. Chad Johnson? I think he's good, but his attitude is frightening and he's going to be 30 coming off nagging injuries. I don;t know how his game translates into his 30's if he starts to get nicked up. I think Moss is going to be a FA, but I'm not that interested in him. He's perfect for NE, but he'd get frustrated in this offense and he's playing nice because he hasn't had anything to bitch about. His game is also extremely soft and he quits if you hit him or the ball isn't coming his way. In summary, if a young stud is available, do what it takes to get him...including a first round pick for the right guy.

I like Curtis more than I thought I would, but he and Brown can't carry the load. As complimentary receivers, they'd be great.

As far as adding other players, I wouldn't bother. Baskett, Lewis, and Avant bring a good mix of skill sets to the bottom of the WR depth chart.

TE
Hate to say it, but I say "no changes". LJ has had a really, really unlucky year. The best 2 TEs on the market will be LJ and Dallas Clark...LJ actually had superior numbers coming into this year and might still have him in career stats. I* know Clark is the 3rd or 4th option in that offense, but he's also got Manning so I think that's an equalizer. I WOULD NOT pay Clark huge bucks even if he hits the market. There isn't a WR in the draft with a first round grade unless someone nails the combine, so there aren't any true "impact" players out there.

Finally, Celek has a little something. I don't know what it is and I don't know what HE is, but he has shown little flashes of YAC Lewis in him. I want to see what he is and the best way to get a longer look at Celek and make sure your position i solidified for the season is to franchise LJ.

It gives you a reliable weapon (because he'll be healthy) in LJ. It gives you another year to see what Celek is. It buys you time and it would only cost about $4 million. LJ would bitch, but the truth is sticking around will give him the opportunity to earn a lot more money for another team by proving he's healthy before entering FA in 2009.

O-Line
I think Tra is on fumes. He's been absolutely fantastic throughout his career, but he has 1 more year at most. I think Runyan has maybe 2 years left. So, they have to figure out what they are going to do with the line. Specifically, they have to figure out what they have in Winston Justice who looked about as bad as you can look in his first taste of action. If the plan is to move Andrews out when Runyan is done, insert Jean Gilles at the RG spot, and move Justice into the LT spot...great. However, have a contingency plan at LT and RT since Andrews appears to be made of glass and Justice looked like he had concrete boots.

The interior guys didn't play well this year, but they have the ability.


D-Line
Bunkley, Patterson, and Cole are great building blocks in there. Juqua Thomas is a solid edge rusher who has round a great role (though overexposed this year). Abiamiri makes the team because he's a precious...who knows what he is.

That leaves Howard, Monte Reagor, Kearse, KVO, and Ramsey. Essentially, that's a 2001 All-Star line.

Ramsey couldn't get on the field at all, so I'd keep him around and make him earn a job in the summer. Reagor is through. Howard showed flashes, but he's through. If he agree to come back at an extremely reduced price tag, I'd consider it, but he's a situational player at best.

KVO is an interesting player. He got Bunk's playing time when he was injured and played really well, IMO. He ten got goal line snaps and played well there too. If they need a 5th guy, who better than a cheap veteran who plays great against the run? I actually like his game for that role.

Kearse? I'd keep him in the summer to see if his knee bounces back. it probably won't, but by the time you cut him you'd probably be looking at a cap savings next year or $3 million. He gave the Eagles 4 sacks on 1 leg this year and $3 million doesn't buy you much, so if he could get you 7 or 8 next year, he'd be worth keeping, IMO. It all depends on the knee.

One change I'd like to see next year is more field time for Bunkley. He played outstanding football this year. He made a big difference in their run D, picked up a couple sacks, and barely missed a couple more because of inexperience (leaving his feet, overpursuing, etc.). However, he needs to get more opportunities to rush the passer on 3rd downs instead of yanking him for a guy like Howard. You used the 15th pick on the guy because he could sack the QB...so give him some chances.

I really think that with Bunk, Patterson, and Cole they have a fantastic young core there. If they find a DE or tackle they really like, they should grab him, but they have a great start.

In the off-season, the guys who may be available are interesting. Julius Peppers has 1 year left on his rookie deal. He's 27, he wants Freeney (or better) money, and I think he's on the outs with the organization. If you want to make a splash, he's your guy. However, he will cost a fortune and possibly a first round pick to boot...a hefty bounty for a soon-to-be 28 year old DE coming off a 2.5 sack season.

The other guys who could hit the market are Jared Allen and Terrell Suggs. Sugg is a more natural pass rusher, but hasn't played with his hand down in a few years. Allen is a gritty, nasty pass rusher and I love his game, but he's had alcohol issues and multiple DUI's. Both could obviously be franchised, too.


Options galore here. Spikes is solid. Gaither is a solid young player. Bradley impressed in his debut. Gocong has been getting better each week. Even Akeem Jordan looked good.

Do you keep Spikes and go with the same group in 2008?

Do you move Bradley to MIKE, Slide Gaither to WILL, and dump Spikes (I think it would save you about $3 - $4 million)?

Do you start Bradley at SAM, teach Gocong the weakside, and dump Spikes? In theory, Gocong would have more opportunities to create havoc and rush the passer from the weak side anyway.

Do you slide Bradley to the starting SAM spot and move Gocong back to DE? He looks like a demon on the line...maybe he's a better fit there, provided you have a capable SAM behind him.

I just think they have a couple very good players for once and a ton of options. If they find a guy in the draft who can potentially make an impact they should take him, but LB would not be a priority for me int he off-season 9for once).

Secondary
Lito, Sheldon, and Hanson stay. Dawk stays. Mikell stays. Considine stays. JR Reed stays (though not the lock the others are). That leaves about 2-3 spots. 1 must be filled with an impact safety. That could be Bob Sanders. That could be Kenny Phillips (in the draft). The most important need in this off-season (IMO) is a game changing safety. They also need a young CB with big potential because Lito is spotty/made of glass and Sheldon can't cover the fast or truly elite receivers.

Special Teams
I think Akers will bounce back next year. He may not be the player he once was, but he's better than he showed this year. If he tanks next year, time to move on.

I think Rocca is fine and could improve with another year under the belt.

KR/PR is obviously a crying need. My hope is they could find a CB with big return skills who could fill 2 roles, but identifying a good returner is a critical off season need.



All in all, I don;t think the Eagles are that far away if they make bold, impact moves. They have to be ballsy and they have to attack the off-season though. If they want to take one more crack with McNabb, fine. However, don't half-ass it. Spend the fucking cap money...mortgage the future a bit. If you're going to give it one last gasp with McNabb, Runyan, Tra, Dawk, and a Westbrook in his prime, I understand, but commit all the way. Trade a precious for an impact player. Sacrifice a first round pick in 2009 to add an impact player in the draft this year/replace the precious you dealt.

If you're making one last run, give it a real honest shot so everyone on that team can say "we threw everything we had at this".
Anything less will just be a futile exorcise.

Sorry about that.

First and foremost, the Saints game from McNabb and the offense does not impress me even a little.

First of all, great post, even though we disagree on some points.

To address the point about McNabb, it's true the Saints D is junior varsity but what you have to be encouraged by is McNabb's mobility. Not only on the long run, but in the pocket, ducking to avoid the sack, outrunning the DE, throwing it away or creating something out of nothing, etc.

Anyone know which AFC and NFC division they play next year?

They play the AFC North and NFC West next year.

Looks like Santa Claus gave out a heepin helpin of koolaid this year . . .

Trade 5 while you can still get something for him (they won’t), bring a WR in (Fitzgerald or Steve Smith in a heartbeat, no thanks to Cinco Ocho or Moss) and see what Kolb can do while he has some talent around him (36, a solid o-line).

And in the thread (great thread, btw), I saw a lot of talent evaluation, but didn’t see a lot of discussion about playcalling, Morningwood, and JJ. Are we assuming Reid and Morningwood will have their collective head out of their ass, or are we in for more of the same bullshit? Have they learned/will they EVER learn about a proper run/pass ration? With my luck, they’ll bring in Fitzgerald and throw to him twice a game.

But that being said, I agree with f-d for the most part. If you’re gonna go for it, go for it, balls to the wall! They must, must, MUST use the precious for big time help at WR, maybe DB, and a punt/kick returner. Tweaking something won’t work. Thinking they are a bad break or two away is wrong.

Oh, and 5? STFU and play football.

Schedule next year:
Home: ATL, AZ, STL, CLE, PIT
Away: CHI (or DET), SF, SEA, CIN, BAL

If Reid follows the pattern he and the FO have followed the last few years I think he goes back into the WR FA pool again, after seeing how it worked for NE he will follow Belecheat again...

just a feeling I have, but it seems to me that he tends to follow what the Pats do the next year...

just a feeling I have, but it seems to me that he tends to follow what the Pats do the next year.

Except the "winning the super bowl" part.

NTFF Dino.

I never said he copies them well just that he seems to copy them... by the way I don't think the Pats win the SB this year, I think GB pulls the upset and Brett retires in style...

I'm a Mcnabb guy...nothing to do with Kool-Aide. Look at the GB game and analyze the way he moved within the pocked, overall mobility and accuracy.
Than look at the progression he has made since that game. Its really unfair (and foolish) for people to make an analysis of his play this year, and future, without considering the extent of the injury he suffered and the time it takes to recover. I said it before, he has earned one more year.

Also,
I will take LJ w.the franchise tag in a second.....

the reality is that I don't remember the last time the eagles ever had a successful Franchise Designation and the writing from the FO seems to be on the wall.

that being said, as FD wisely pointed out, this is the worst time possible for LJ to hit UFA. He may be willing to go with the one year deal.

f-dallas is right in saying that bringing McNabb back is pointless if they continue to surround him with the same mediocre supporting cast. When you're saddled by horrendous playcalling, at the very least, you need some teammates who can occasionally bail you out.

Anyone out there have confidence that the F.O. will go out and acquire impact players on offense?

I didn't think so.

No to Kearse staying. Just no. What good is a guy who has been injured and missed significant playing time each of the last three years (not including his time with titans)? To me, not much at all.

The personality of the team is one of defense since that is where the most passion (other than westbrook) comes from. Get Bob Sanders and Julius Peppers and this is a scary team to face. I'd live with the status quo otherwise. Continue to build the o-line and RB depth through the draft. Jettison McImplayingwellnowbutnotin2008.

Get a solid PR/KR. The only thing that is tricky is that if you get a quality CB, most coaches wouldn't risk them returning kicks. A 3rd CB is more important IMO against the pass happy (but not as much as Reid is) NFL. So, to merge the two is going to be tough. Getting a return man who isn't the nickel CB would work. Otherwise just get a specialist who is a speedy #5 WR.

And, Talon, somethings go without saying.

What makes you think the Eagles would even offer the franchise tag to LJ Smith?

2007 TE Salaries

LJ Smith made under a million dollars last season.

The average salary of the top 5 TE's are about $9 million.

Do you or the FO think for a second that LJ Smith deserves an $8 million raise?

He's history unless he signs a one-year deal.

The average salary of the top 5 TE's are about $9 million.

Do you or the FO think for a second that LJ Smith deserves an $8 million raise?

I thought the franchise would be about $4 million for LJ, but if it's going to be that high there's no way in hell.

Transition or even a one year deal, maybe?

I just don't feel comfortable with Celek yet, don't think the FA TE's are great, and don't think there's an impact guy there in the draft. I keep thinking it might be a win-win if LJ and the Birds could find a way to work each other for one more year.

Anyone out there have confidence that the F.O. will go out and acquire impact players on offense?

This sounds stupid, but I think they will. If McNabb stays, you'd think that he'd stay for one last shot at the Super Bowl and ignore all the other distractions, provided they follow through and grab a playmaker. The flip side to that is that you could make him feel that the teams that are offering the best deals are the ones where they're much farther away from winning it all than the Birds. And I'm not in love with what might be available, sans Fitzgerald (CJ? No thanks).

If 5 is truly gone, then it's Kolb's show, which means they SHOULD bring someone in to help along with his progression and to not put all the pressure on him. Either way, there's a possibility that they'll bring someone in to help. Different reasons, but hopefully the same result.

Also consider that they may be the only team in the division not to make the playoffs this year, which should bruise their egos a bit.

I thought the franchise would be about $4 million for LJ, but if it's going to be that high there's no way in hell.

I don't know if it's the top 5 CAP FIGURES or top 5 SALARIES. If it's top 5 cap figures then, yes, it would be in the $4M range.

1 2  3 4