The Carolina Panthers’ Jordan Gross (69) attempts unsuccessfully tries to keep Arizona Cardinals defensive end Bertrand Berry (92) off quarterback Jake Delhomme during second quarter action in an NFC Divisional Playoff game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, last month. (Photo by David T. Foster III/Charlotte Observer/MCT)
Another season, another NFC title loss.
The Eagles recent loss to the Arizona Cardinals brought head coach Andy Reid’s record to 1-4 in conference championship games, again raising questions about his job security.
However, those questions have already been answered by team President Joe Banner who assures that both Reid and quarterback Donovan McNabb will be back next season. So let’s not waste time looking at either of them, but rather many of the other issues this team needs to address this offseason.
Clearly, change is needed, but the big question is where?
“You have to go back and look at the film,” Reid said when asked about evaluating the older free agents on the team. “You have to communicate with the personnel department; it’s just not as cut and dry as people might want to make it.”
Well, I’ve done my own evaluation of the personnel, and I found that this team could be just one big free agent and a strong draft away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Starting with free agency, we turn our attention to the offensive line. The Eagles have two free agent offensive tackles in John Runyan and William Thomas. While they have been very strong for the “Birds,” they’re nearing the end of their careers being 34-years-old and 35-years-old respectively. For this reason one or both of them will not be back next season and if one does resign, it would be to a one or two year contract.
That being said, the best thing the team could do is sign tackle Jordan Gross of the Carolina Panthers. Gross would not only fill the void at tackle but would be an upgrade.
The Panthers line surrendered three less sacks this year than the Eagles despite blocking for a pocket passer. Just think what Gross could do for a quarterback that can extend plays with his feet.
Gross would also improve the running game, having anchored a line that produced the NFL’s third ranked rushing attack and a league high 30 rushing touchdowns.
To take care of the other tackle position, the best course of action would be to resign Thomas to a short term contract and draft a long term solution who can take time to develop before assuming a starting role.
The Eagles are in need of explosive players on offense and this year’s draft is yielding some interesting prospects. With two first round picks the Eagles could even look to move up.
The biggest concern needs to be wide receiver. The consensus is that the best receiver available is Michael Crabtree from Texas Tech, but he’s a little out of the Eagles range. However, Jeremy Maclin from Missouri would be an excellent addition with his good size, ball skills, and play making ability. They will still probably have to trade up for Maclin.
Another intriguing option is Percy Harvin from Florida. Harvin has excellent breakaway speed and is very good with the ball in his hands. He would also add another versatile playmaker to the roster, showing the ability to line up in a variety of different ways, including in the backfield.
Continuing with the backfield, there are several interesting running back prospects, most notably Knowshon Moreno from Georgia and Chris Wells from Ohio State. This should be addressed because Correll Buckhalter could leave in search of a bigger role with another team, and depth is needed behind starter Brian Westbrook. Both Moreno and Wells will probably require a trade up to select.
Moreno would be the best fit for the Eagles’ system, being a smaller and more explosive back with good pass catching ability. Wells, however, would be the better pick because he is a good power runner who also has good play making skills. This would make him the perfect complement to Westbrook.
If they don’t wish to trade up, another interesting running back prospect would be LeSean McCoy from Pittsburgh who could be a poor man’s Moreno. This would allow the Eagles to trade up for Maclin and still get a running back or take Harvin and save the additional picks.
Despite the disappointing end to this season, the Eagles are close to being a Super Bowl contender. They just need a playmaker or two and solidify the offensive line.
