My offseason plan

[Leonard Tose]

I'm not too crushed by yesterday's game. They were a spent force the last few weeks of the season. Defense was bad, then it lost a bunch of guys. Offense seemed to slow down as the hits piled up on Vick.

I still feel much better about this team this year than at the end of last year. They've got a QB they can contend with for the next five years. They have done a lot of retooling and remained extremely competitive. One big offseason and they're gunning for a title, IMO.

Here's what I do, assuming they get a new CBA in place that keeps franchise tags.

1. Franchise Vick . Vick's the guy for the next four, five years. If there's no franchise tag left, sign him to a four- or five-year deal.

2. Trade Kolb. He doesn't want to be a backup anymore, it's time to move him. If they can get a 2 for him, I'd be thrilled.

3. Fire McDermott. He's out of his depth as the DC. Inexcusable how badly they played in the red zone all year, that's on the coach, IMO. Get a good veteran guy to run the D, maybe it's Jauron.

4. Bring back Childress as OC. Assuming Marty is gone. Go for the continuity there, but have someone strong enough to take the reins when Big Red loses his grip.

5. Go hard for Nnamdi. That will fix the coverage issues quick.

6. If you can't get Nnamdi, sign a stud defensive playmaker in FA. Like Chad Greenway. They need defensive playmakers, especially as the two guys they currently have as defensive playmakers, Samuel and Cole, are getting older. Then, draft an RCB in Round 1. I don't think LB is a huge need position, but it's always good to add playmakers, no matter what the position.

7. Pray for quick return to health for Allen, Graham, Bradley, et al. It would suck to see these young guys struggling in Year 2 because of injuries. They need them. This is a big concern.

8. Keep drafting edge rushers. Cole is almost 30. At some point they've got to find someone else who can bring it off the edge. This is especially critical now that Graham's status can't be a given next year. Maybe get someone who is a little bigger than Graham?

9. Send tape of the 286 holds of Cole this year that weren't called to the Rules Committee. Like, WTF?

10. Get some inside maulers. Nick Cole, MJG, it's long past time for these guys to be moved out. If they get Nnamdi, they can spend a Round 1 pick (or the 2 they hopefully get for Kolb) on a mauling RG or a stud center. I know they'll never run the ball with Big Red, so let's keep Vick upright and those A and B gaps closed. If they don't spend mucho dinero on Nnamdi, consider signing Logan Mankins in FA.

11. Make RT an open competition. Dunlap, Howard, a high draft pick, an FA, whatever. Winston is just OK and they need a stud there as that's Vick's blindside. I can see the Eagles making this the Round 1 priority this year after benching Justice in mid-game yesterday.

12. Sign a veteran QB backup who can play. Not ready to make Kafka the primary backup yet.


I love the way the young rookies stepped up on defense this year, even after Graham and Allen went down. Chaney, Clayton, Coleman, Lindley -- these guys can all play, they played important roles on a defense that was undermanned but gave them a chance yesterday. Graham and Allen can play, too. They need to keep adding talent to the defense and bring in a veteran DC to put it together. I think the defense can make big strides next year.

If the o-line gets upgraded, I think the offense will really click again next year. I think this team is ready to be a serious contender next year with a good offseason.

I'm not sure what to do about Jackson. He has to be signed, though injury is a concern and I worry that he has moments in-game where he floats like Randy Moss. But he has to be taken care of.

[Ike]

Not bad, but the only foreseeable problem with Vick being here for the next 4 to 5 years is that he is going to get the crap beat out of him. Same thing happened to McNabb. When Vick loses his legs he's like McNabb... shot. We refused to let the RB's run the ball, and everything, and I mean everything is on the QB's shoulders (or legs in this case)...

[Leonard Tose]

Not bad, but the only foreseeable problem with Vick being here for the next 4 to 5 years is that he is going to get the crap beat out of him. Same thing happened to McNabb. When Vick loses his legs he's like McNabb... shot. We refused to let the RB's run the ball, and everything, and I mean everything is on the QB's shoulders (or legs in this case)...

Yeah, that's a problem. Big Red asks his QB's to do it all -- and more. He's got to help his QB more. But of course, he won't.

Thankfully, Vick still looks pretty nimble to me. I think he's got another five years of playing at his peak form. Hasn't had too many major injuries, like McNabb did. Missed a couple of years of NFL football while in the joint, which saved on the wear and tear. Donovan had some pretty major injuries which really slowed him down over time, IMO.

[Blitz]

Not bad, but the only foreseeable problem with Vick being here for the next 4 to 5 years is that he is going to get the crap beat out of him. Same thing happened to McNabb. When Vick loses his legs he's like McNabb... shot. We refused to let the RB's run the ball, and everything, and I mean everything is on the QB's shoulders (or legs in this case)...

This and DJ is also going to have injury problems, you can see that already. Plus Vick really crashed down to Earth once teams figured out how to play him. Part of that is the game plan too. If the Giants had any heart the Eagles don't make the PO's.

Childress=Marty=Reid. All the same GP so it doesn't really matter who the OC is.

I wouldn't worry about praying for health because the lockout will help with that.

[taz]

Not too bad, I agree with alot of it.

2. I think Kolb is worth a number 1, based on the teams that need QB's the lack of depth in free agency for QB and the fact that this year really does not posses the big time QB in this draft. I would not trade him for a number 2. At that point keep him as Vicks backup, he is only making 1.5 mill next year

5. Nmandi is a heck of a player but is also 30. Unless he is willing to play for a high dollar short term deal I don't think there is any chance they go for him. Think more like Antonio Cromartie who is 26 and a free agent, he also possess the size we need to go up against the Kenny Britts and Hakeem Nicks of the world

7. Bradley is a free agent and based on the fact that he is exhibiting signs of being injury prone, I doubt they bring him back, Sims the same thing. Look for us to be alot faster at linebacker next year, Clayton and Chaney will start.

12. No need to waste your money on the dreak of veterans out there. Kaftka was a good college QB who played pretty well in Pre Season. Draft another QB in rounds 4-6 and bring them along behind Kaftka

[Eagle60]

When Vick gets KO'd next season they'll need a guy like Minny's Webb to be a backup QB. Reid's messes are just getting too tough to watch. If Vick didn't run like hell yesterday we would have been looking at a shutout. I'd love for MM to get a headcoaching job and get the hell outta here. He's a Reid clone.

[Vote for Kalas]

I'm not too crushed by yesterday's game. They were a spent force the last few weeks of the season. Defense was bad, then it lost a bunch of guys. Offense seemed to slow down as the hits piled up on Vick.

I agree, good observations

I still feel much better about this team this year than at the end of last year. They've got a QB they can contend with for the next five years. They have done a lot of retooling and remained extremely competitive. One big offseason and they're gunning for a title, IMO.

I remain a bit concerned about Vick's decision making, but agree we've found a viable and capable option we should stick with. He fits this offense well. I agree we need to continue improving the roster and staying aggressive.

Here's what I do, assuming they get a new CBA in place that keeps franchise tags.

1. Franchise Vick . Vick's the guy for the next four, five years. If there's no franchise tag left, sign him to a four- or five-year deal.

Agree, he is the best option we have and fits the offense well

2. Trade Kolb. He doesn't want to be a backup anymore, it's time to move him. If they can get a 2 for him, I'd be thrilled.

Kolb has already asked to be traded and I think the Eagles will need to do so; he will not stay here to backup any longer. A 2nd or 3rd rd pick or a player would be fair return.

3. Fire McDermott. He's out of his depth as the DC. Inexcusable how badly they played in the red zone all year, that's on the coach, IMO. Get a good veteran guy to run the D, maybe it's Jauron.

Some of its personnel too, but yes I would like a DC with more of a track record of success who could utilize the personnel we have better

4. Bring back Childress as OC. Assuming Marty is gone. Go for the continuity there, but have someone strong enough to take the reins when Big Red loses his grip.

Disagree...I think MM has done a fine job and would keep him if possible. If he leaves, then like the D I want a guy with a proven track record of success working with this type of fast break, aggressive offense

5. Go hard for Nnamdi. That will fix the coverage issues quick.

6. If you can't get Nnamdi, sign a stud defensive playmaker in FA. Like Chad Greenway. They need defensive playmakers, especially as the two guys they currently have as defensive playmakers, Samuel and Cole, are getting older. Then, draft an RCB in Round 1. I don't think LB is a huge need position, but it's always good to add playmakers, no matter what the position.

I agree on Nnamdi especially with Samuel probably gone in 1-2 years, Hobbs done and not much else in the cupboard as Hanson slid again this year and Patterson needs grooming. I could see DE and DT being the focus for a stud to increase the pass rush and run defense

7. Pray for quick return to health for Allen, Graham, Bradley, et al. It would suck to see these young guys struggling in Year 2 because of injuries. They need them. This is a big concern.

Could not agree more...Jordan, Chaney, Bradley would be a better LB corps and we need Graham & Allen big time

8. Keep drafting edge rushers. Cole is almost 30. At some point they've got to find someone else who can bring it off the edge. This is especially critical now that Graham's status can't be a given next year. Maybe get someone who is a little bigger than Graham?

We tried Abiamiri, but he cannot stay healthy; maybe another Howard-type who is a bit bigger although as Cole & others have proven one can improve their run D with practice regardless of how big they are.

9. Send tape of the 286 holds of Cole this year that weren't called to the Rules Committee. Like, WTF?

I saw Parker get held at least 3 times yesterday too...it is crazy

10. Get some inside maulers. Nick Cole, MJG, it's long past time for these guys to be moved out. If they get Nnamdi, they can spend a Round 1 pick (or the 2 they hopefully get for Kolb) on a mauling RG or a stud center. I know they'll never run the ball with Big Red, so let's keep Vick upright and those A and B gaps closed. If they don't spend mucho dinero on Nnamdi, consider signing Logan Mankins in FA.

RG and RT need attention, C I am ok with Jackson & McGlynn who both have shown nasty streaks. Mankins I would be interested in for sure.

11. Make RT an open competition. Dunlap, Howard, a high draft pick, an FA, whatever. Winston is just OK and they need a stud there as that's Vick's blindside. I can see the Eagles making this the Round 1 priority this year after benching Justice in mid-game yesterday.

Forgot about Howard, yes I agree with opening this up and challenging Justice

12. Sign a veteran QB backup who can play. Not ready to make Kafka the primary backup yet.

Critical area especially with Vick's injury issues...cannot think of a good option off the top of my head, but should be a vet who knows this offense and is a good team guy

I love the way the young rookies stepped up on defense this year, even after Graham and Allen went down. Chaney, Clayton, Coleman, Lindley -- these guys can all play, they played important roles on a defense that was undermanned but gave them a chance yesterday. Graham and Allen can play, too. They need to keep adding talent to the defense and bring in a veteran DC to put it together. I think the defense can make big strides next year.

If the o-line gets upgraded, I think the offense will really click again next year. I think this team is ready to be a serious contender next year with a good offseason.

I'm not sure what to do about Jackson. He has to be signed, though injury is a concern and I worry that he has moments in-game where he floats like Randy Moss. But he has to be taken care of.

I agree the draft last year seems to have born fruit and the experience they gained this year should only help....also concur we are not that far away if the right moves are made to continue improving things.

Jackson should be kept, he is a rare talent and I doubt we'd be able to find comparable talent available--plus he is versatile for ST and has shown some leadership qualities despite the random immaturity issues. I'd sign him, but try to keep it reasonable and build in escape hatches in case he declines quickly

[Leonard Tose]

VFK -- the Childress move would only be if Marty left. I wouldn't fire Marty just to bring in Childress.

[Vote for Kalas]

VFK -- the Childress move would only be if Marty left. I wouldn't fire Marty just to bring in Childress.

Understood, I just think a Childress redux is not good enough. I'd want another offensive mind with more of a track record

[Leonard Tose]

Understood, I just think a Childress redux is not good enough. I'd want another offensive mind with more of a track record

I guess when it comes to Reid and the offense, I've gotten to the point where I believe you just aren't going to teach the old dog any new tricks. He's going to do what he wants to do. So he may as well have a strong comfort level so he can do what he thinks is best.

[Vote for Kalas]

I guess when it comes to Reid and the offense, I've gotten to the point where I believe you just aren't going to teach the old dog any new tricks. He's going to do what he wants to do. So he may as well have a strong comfort level so he can do what he thinks is best.

So cynical at such a young age....

Reid has a general philosophy, but he has mixed it up quite a bit depending on the personnel he has....spread it around with McNabb, 3 headed monster attack, Westy-heavy O with Garcia, dink and dunk with Feeley, aerial assault with Owens, mid-range with Kolb, wild cat with Vick/Jackson and finally big play mania with Vick & the current weapons.

Both Childress and MM helped him with those variations and MM has called pretty much all the plays the last 2 years from what I've seen. I think reid is more flexible than people think as long as it works consistently which is the key...if it does not work he is not as patient as others

I would like to see a young Gruden or McDaniels-type (not advocating either or those guys specifically) with some other fresh ideas for Reid to consider and tinker with....Reid loves tinkering

[Eagle60]

I remember Reid saying that Childress was his "conscience" when it came to running the ball. It sounds like he'd be a good fit here again.

[Leonard Tose]

So cynical at such a young age....

Reid has a general philosophy, but he has mixed it up quite a bit depending on the personnel he has....spread it around with McNabb, 3 headed monster attack, Westy-heavy O with Garcia, dink and dunk with Feeley, aerial assault with Owens, mid-range with Kolb, wild cat with Vick/Jackson and finally big play mania with Vick & the current weapons.

Both Childress and MM helped him with those variations and MM has called pretty much all the plays the last 2 years from what I've seen. I think reid is more flexible than people think as long as it works consistently which is the key...if it does not work he is not as patient as others

I would like to see a young Gruden or McDaniels-type (not advocating either or those guys specifically) with some other fresh ideas for Reid to consider and tinker with....Reid loves tinkering

Well, I would argue that when he has had a superstar QB he has basically had one MO -- ask them to do it all, all of the time.

[Leonard Tose]

I remember Reid saying that Childress was his "conscience" when it came to running the ball. It sounds like he'd be a good fit here again.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing E60.

[andrewaters]

Yes, i'm hoping the bald one is back next year and MM is a head coach somewhere.