What is wrong with the team

[NoDakIggle]

Lots of the rants come from emotion but you have to get past emotions to be objective about what is wrong with the team. We are a few days from the latest display so maybe it is easier to be more objective or thoughtful or rational or whatever. If you step back and look at the team from the owner's view what do you see? It is easy to say everything is wrong but we all know it can't be everything.
Is it player talent, and if so, at what positions and what can you do to fix it? QB hasn't been stellar, OL has done a good job with pass pro but not in making holes for the run game. D has had a good game here and bad there.
Is it coaching, and if so what part and if so how do you address it. Some have said the scheme is predictable and plays are known, some say the wrong players are here for the scheme they run, some say the coaches have lost the players.
Is it player execution, and if so how do you address that? Do players not care, do you unload some that you know aren't good locker room guys in order tom improve chemistry, or do you just hope they play better.
I still think they can win but, like many others, I am frustrated by the team. I look at it and continue to believe that fans are not close enough to the inner workings to really know what should be or can be done. A handful of wins will fix most things but I think that Lurie has a tough road in deciding what to do with the team. Maybe each phase needs its own thread but I would be curious what area everyone thinks should be the priority to be fixed.

[Vote for Kalas]

Re: What is wrong with the team

I initially thought it was mostly execution, mixing in alot of youth and new players since 2004 plus making some questionable personnel decisions and suffering some unlucky key injuries.

Now I am coming around that it appears to be mostly a talent issue. Not that the other things are not partially true, but it all derives from the drop-off in talent in some spots sprinkled with problems developing that talent to its full capacity.

That would be TE, FB, inside OL, S, ST in general, K, DE and LB.

LJ has not developed past a certain point and Celek may/may not be of starter quality. Schobel should not be on the roster.

Tapeh should have been retained and/or a better option found. The days of Hunt & Klecko have been woeful and Davis never developed.

Jackson, Herremans have slid back the last 2 years after doing very well their first campaign. Losing Andrews in the NO playoff game and ever since off/on has been a killer. I think Gilles has done a decent job, but Justice has not developed and the other pieces are young or untested.

Dawk has slid in pass coverage and tackling---Considine never developed, Reed got injured, Mikell has been good, but Demps is an unknown moving forward.

The quality of ST play has slid, last year not having a return guy, this year fumbles on kickoffs, allowing too much yardage and Akers inconsistency at K.

Cole & Parker good at pass rush, but our run contain is not as good as it was combined with youth at LB and guys like Abiamiri, Laws still developing and Howard/Kearse being not as elite as we supposed they would be.

I like Gaither & Bradley at LB 95% of the time, but Gocong needs to be slotted at DE or a hybrid role and a true SAM gotten to handle the opposing TE and the depth are question marks.

I think some of this goes to Reid/Heckert, but also perhaps a turnover in the coaching ranks for the task of developing the talent acquired by the team. Harbaugh not on ST, Spags gone to NY, Childress to MN etc. We had a damn good group of coaches up to 2005. I think mostly it is a talent drop-off combined with losing McNabb to injury several years and trying to get a new core up to speed.

I do not think Reid or McNabb needs to go, but I would advocate we shift Reid to HC solely and bring in an experienced GM with a proven track record of talent acquisition/evaluation skills. Reid should consider his offensive philosophy and try to develop a better running game between OL, RB and FB to better balance the offense and take some of the weight off McNabb's shoulders. I still believe JJ is fine at DC, but again we need some better talent.

[FRESH]

Re: What is wrong with the team

Wow, VFK!!! I think that is one of the most genuine, specific and direct posts I have ever seen form you. Bravo!!!!

A few comments on your list.....

TE HAS to be addressed. Either get Gonzo in the ofseason or spend a quality draft pick on one.

FB....I'll just stay quiet on that one.

The interior of the OL has certainly been hurt by the loss of Andrews. But it's funny....MJG was supposedly a road grader type that might struggle in pass coverage, but would excel at run blocking. Hasn't turned out that way. Jackson and Herremans have never been anything more than average. Tier ability to control the line, given the size of our OL, has been most disappointing. ANother high draft pick will be spent here.

I have no real beef with STs this season. General improvement all around, and our returns actully give some hope, especially Demps. And Akers.......perhaps he's back????? We're "fine there".

DE..hard working group. They are doing a good job at geting after the QB, but we could use some more size there. When power rushing teams actually decide to dedicate themselves to running it down our throat, we get worn down and mauled. And it's really not the DTs that are the issue there. Perhaps we coud grab up a space eater to rotate in there, but I'm liking Patterson and Bunk pretty well.

You are spot on about LB. Nothing more needs to be said.

Has safety really been that much of a problem this season? Not in my mind. But with Dawks age , it's GOING to be. I really wnat to see what Demps can do there, and if we are out of it with a few games to go, I hope they give him some time to see what he's got.

One of your best points is probably about our asst coaches. W have lost pretty much everyone form teh time we were rolling. Harbaugh, Childress and Spags......big losses? Maybe they are. I agre taht Reid needs to put a stronger group around him, and back off, let them run thier groups, and evaluate them. We need some fresh blood, and no Ried-taint.

[Eagle60]

Re: What is wrong with the team

Ask yourself this one guys. Where would this team be without Desean Jackson? Then ask yourself what the Eagles expected of him. I think they went into the draft looking for a return guy and hoped he would fit into a few of Andy's little packages at wr. I don't think that they had any idea the impact that he would have on the offence. I think that they were prepared to enter the year with the standard core of wrs and be "fine" there. This FO continues to overestimate it's talent.

And what's with going to Notre Dame's defense for our first picks the last two years to grab guys that don't look likey will ever start an NFL game unless half the roster is injured?

Marginal talent, marginal coaching, marginal team. I don't see any of this changing anytime soon.

[ThoughtProcess]

Re: What is wrong with the team

I concur with VFK and FRESH.

OL- Father Time is catching up with Thomas and (possibly to a less-evident extent) Runyan. Depth is a concern IMO due to Justice going off of the rails in his development (as far as we have seen) and the concerns about Andrews' health. MJG has been doing a decent job but he is not without flaws. In college he was known more for his run blocking than his pass protection and overall technique. Is Herremans the answer at OLT after Thomas hangs it up/signs elsewhere? He played LT in college.

TE- LJ Smith appears to be a career underachiever at this point. Flashes just enough talent (and he has talent) to tantalize only to disappoint later. Celek appears to have decent hands but needs technique work on his blocking. There is a reason, however, that he lasted until Rd 5 in the draft. Schobel has been a disappointment overall.

FB- Position was neglected this season, even with the initial signing of Klecko to fill the role. I don't know if I can fault Reid for thinking it could work, as Klecko was effective in N.E. and Indy in spot duty and goalline situational packages. Moving Hunt to FB was a desperation move IMO and a miscalculation from the start. The offensive philosophy presently espoused may not dictate a great need for a FB. But there should be a decent one on the roster, IMO.

S- Father Time is catching up with Dawkins as well. Mikell is a gamer IMO but I don't know if he can get better than he is now. Maybe he can. Depth is again a concern with Demps untested and Considine uninspiring thus far.

LB- IMO youth and inexperience conspire to work against the LB corps. It may be that Gocong would be better suited as a situational pass-rusher, but without observing him consistently, I can't say. A true SLB, adept in coverage and stopping the run may be a better fit than a converted college DE. Depth is a minor concern, but Mays looks promising. Gaither and Bradley IMO will be fine, provided the team has a...

DE- ...that can "set the edge" in the run defense and pressure the QB in pass defense. Howard was supposed to be that guy, but now appears to be a situational DE/DT. Abiamiri could be that guy, but is still an unknown as his development has been slowed by his recent injury. He is the biggest DE on the roster now that Howard has dropped weight. Parker and Cole are quick, undersized DE's who should be spelled to keep them fresh.

K- Akers has been displaying inconsistent performance lately. it could also be that time is taking its toll on him.

RB- Westbrook as the do-it-all back fits what Reid likes to do, but IMO he can't be expected to be both the hammer inside and the speed back on the edge all of the time. He should be in a rotation with another, bigger back who could spell him and keep him fresher IMO. Buckhalter would appear to be that guy, but for reasons known only to the coach Buckhalter has not been allowed to do just that on a regular basis. I think Hunt was underutilized at RB, but it must have been for a reason. Booker's acquisition was a miscalculation on the personnel front. He does not appear to be showing any of what the team was attracted to. Is it for lack of opportunity? Or lack of effectiveness and poor technique? I'd say depth is an issue here as well.

WR- Jackson looks to be on his way to being effective, if not being a star. Jury is out on Curtis due to his injury recovery. Baskett and Avant should be used more, IMO. I am under no illusion, however that they could be #1 WR's at this point in time. Who knows? Lewis fills a role (?) and is a Reid favorite IMO. While it may not be a priority, an upgrade in talent/depth here also wouldnt hurt.

Coach- Reid needs to re-evaluate his overall strategy, and his personnel. Tactical or situational playcalling appears to be deficient. Maybe a staff shake-up should be considered. A lot has already been said on this, so I will close.

[ThoughtProcess]

Re: What is wrong with the team

Ask yourself this one guys. Where would this team be without Desean Jackson? Then ask yourself what the Eagles expected of him. I think they went into the draft looking for a return guy and hoped he would fit into a few of Andy's little packages at wr. I don't think that they had any idea the impact that he would have on the offence. I think that they were prepared to enter the year with the standard core of wrs and be "fine" there. This FO continues to overestimate it's talent.

And what's with going to Notre Dame's defense for our first picks the last two years to grab guys that don't look likey will ever start an NFL game unless half the roster is injured?

Marginal talent, marginal coaching, marginal team. I don't see any of this changing anytime soon.

Actually, Laws is supposed to be pretty good. The issue that confounds me is that he was already on the roster. His name is Patterson. Was it an issue of best player available? DeSean Jackson IMO was picked up to fix the problems of last season's ST play. I think the team was pleasantly surprised by the bonus of his effectiveness of his play at WR.

[Leonard Tose]

Re: What is wrong with the team

I think the schemes are more at fault than the talent. They're a finesse passing offense in the NFC East. They have a smallish defense that can't handle the power running games of the division competition.

Reid and JJ have each become very predictable, to the point where it's almost laughable.

The franchise has also fallen behind. For years, they prided themselves on their innovative cap management philosophy. But I believe that is now outdated as the cap has grown exponentially and every other team has learned to manage the cap well. Their neglect of certain positions based on now-outdated cap management philosophies keeps biting them in the ass, as problem positions just fester year after year.

[kcas31]

Re: What is wrong with the team

This is a great discussion guys. I believe talent wise they are pretty good. I agree they need at least one bigger DL and definitely upgrades at TE and FB. But even with the players they have now they shouldnt struggle with teams like the Bengals. To me the issue is coaching. They need new blood. The AR/MM combo isnt getting it done. They have seem to be just as streaky as the QB. And damn you HAVE to be able to run the ball! Defensively, stopping the run against really good running teams is a problem. They have struggled in this area for three years now! Again a new set of eyes may bring along a change in personnel. I take nothing away from Parker or Howard. In fact I am pleasantly surprised by both this year. But when the Giants, Skins and Cowboys line up to run the ball they cant stop it.

This is a strange team to me. They COULD be anywhere from 8-2 to 3-7 based on their play. They never seem to dominate anyone (outside the Rams) but they never seem to be out of any game. Something is out of whack and to me it starts and ends with coaching.

[NoDakIggle]

Re: What is wrong with the team

Thanks, those are interesting, thought out replies and the type of discussion I was after.

[volbird]

Re: What is wrong with the team

Really good posts.

I think what the Eagles are missing is a real difference maker -- what Dawkins used to be. Every team has games like the Eagles had against the Bengals. Five years ago, though, I would have expected Dawkins to make a play at the end of the game that would have turned the tide in the Eagles favor. He can't do that anymore, at least not consistently. On offense, McNabb used to be able to do it and so could Westbrook. I still think that we have most of the pieces. Get us a difference maker and we can win.

[Eaglebreath]

Re: What is wrong with the team

It's everything fellas. I really hate to say it. But, to be honest it's the coaching, the talent, the FO, everything. I don't see how anyone, not even VFK, can advocate keeping Reid on as the head coach of this football team. The entire coaching staff has been in a slow death spiral since 04. There was a brief reprieve with Garcia at QB, where a lot of things came together at once, but outside of that they have been abysmal. They did a terrible job in just about all facets last year, and this year, they have been even worse. Andy Reid has gone from being a solid coach with a few warts, to being one of the worst coaches in the NFL. He's not the worst, like that guy Whitlock suggested, but he's either been mailing it in, or he's jumped the shark. The FO hasn't done a good job either. I'm still amazed by the fact that they did not see the merit in offering a 2nd and change for Tony Gonzalas. Given the state of this team, the running game, and the output of the TE position, that had to be one of the most blatant over-valuing of draft picks in NFL history.

I'm really surpised at how bad things have gotten. Those victories at the end of last season were, in fact, fool's gold. This team is no better than last year, and in fact it is probably worse. To me, it starts with the FO, and coach.

Donovan is not the player he used to be, and the only way he's ever going to get back on his feet is to get a fresh start elsewhere. I could see him taking the Vikings into the playoffs. I can also see the Kolb led Eagles finishing 6-10 next year.

It's my honest opinion that the whole thing needs to be blowed up, as E Smith would say.

[Ike]

Re: What is wrong with the team

It's everything fellas. I really hate to say it. But, to be honest it's the coaching, the talent, the FO, everything. I don't see how anyone, not even VFK, can advocate keeping Reid on as the head coach of this football team. The entire coaching staff has been in a slow death spiral since 04. There was a brief reprieve with Garcia at QB, where a lot of things came together at once, but outside of that they have been abysmal. They did a terrible job in just about all facets last year, and this year, they have been even worse. Andy Reid has gone from being a solid coach with a few warts, to being one of the worst coaches in the NFL. He's not the worst, like that guy Whitlock suggested, but he's either been mailing it in, or he's jumped the shark. The FO hasn't done a good job either. I'm still amazed by the fact that they did not see the merit in offering a 2nd and change for Tony Gonzalas. Given the state of this team, the running game, and the output of the TE position, that had to be one of the most blatant over-valuing of draft picks in NFL history.

I'm really surpised at how bad things have gotten. Those victories at the end of last season were, in fact, fool's gold. This team is no better than last year, and in fact it is probably worse. To me, it starts with the FO, and coach.

Donovan is not the player he used to be, and the only way he's ever going to get back on his feet is to get a fresh start elsewhere. I could see him taking the Vikings into the playoffs. I can also see the Kolb led Eagles finishing 6-10 next year.

It's my honest opinion that the whole thing needs to be blowed up, as E Smith would say.

Agreed with most all of this. Garcia had a good run because Andy (for the 1st and only time in his career) changed the gameplan, and ran the ball often, and effectively.

[Blitz]

Re: What is wrong with the team

It's everything fellas. I really hate to say it. But, to be honest it's the coaching, the talent, the FO, everything. I don't see how anyone, not even VFK, can advocate keeping Reid on as the head coach of this football team. The entire coaching staff has been in a slow death spiral since 04. There was a brief reprieve with Garcia at QB, where a lot of things came together at once, but outside of that they have been abysmal. They did a terrible job in just about all facets last year, and this year, they have been even worse. Andy Reid has gone from being a solid coach with a few warts, to being one of the worst coaches in the NFL. He's not the worst, like that guy Whitlock suggested, but he's either been mailing it in, or he's jumped the shark. The FO hasn't done a good job either. I'm still amazed by the fact that they did not see the merit in offering a 2nd and change for Tony Gonzalas. Given the state of this team, the running game, and the output of the TE position, that had to be one of the most blatant over-valuing of draft picks in NFL history.

I'm really surpised at how bad things have gotten. Those victories at the end of last season were, in fact, fool's gold. This team is no better than last year, and in fact it is probably worse. To me, it starts with the FO, and coach.

Donovan is not the player he used to be, and the only way he's ever going to get back on his feet is to get a fresh start elsewhere. I could see him taking the Vikings into the playoffs. I can also see the Kolb led Eagles finishing 6-10 next year.

It's my honest opinion that the whole thing needs to be blowed up, as E Smith would say.

Agreed with most all of this. Garcia had a good run because Andy (for the 1st and only time in his career) changed the gameplan, and ran the ball often, and effectively.

It's a shame that he does it for other QB's but not the one who he helped groom.

[fly]

Re: What is wrong with the team

You know what's amazing in all of this mess ... here are the Eagles offensive and defensive rankings:

OFFENSE RANKINGS
- Points per game: 6th
- Yards per game: 6th (passing 4th, rushing 26th)

DEFENSE RANKINGS
- Points per game: 8th
- Yards per game: 7th (passing 11th, rushing 11th)


Not these these stats mean a ton, but they tell me that we at least have some talent. Obviously, no rushing game this year is I think the gigantic issue we have right now. But I also think we're lacking is consistency and big plays -- we scored more than 37 points five times and less than 20 three times. We're 24th in the league in converting 3rd downs, but shockingly 4th in that same category on defense.

While I still think McNabb's play has declined over the past 2 years, I think coaching is the number 1 problem. Time to move on from Reid IMO.

[stocknowledge]

Re: What is wrong with the team

I think the schemes are more at fault than the talent. They're a finesse passing offense in the NFC East. They have a smallish defense that can't handle the power running games of the division competition.

Reid and JJ have each become very predictable, to the point where it's almost laughable.

The franchise has also fallen behind. For years, they prided themselves on their innovative cap management philosophy. But I believe that is now outdated as the cap has grown exponentially and every other team has learned to manage the cap well. Their neglect of certain positions based on now-outdated cap management philosophies keeps biting them in the ass, as problem positions just fester year after year.

Ditto

While I appreciate Reid's organizational skills, he has never been a great offensive coordinator or game coach. He is basically too rigid in his thinking to change offensive schemes (which clearly don't work) or game plans. He is slow to react to game situations (especially in the closing two minutes of halves).

The offensive philosophy never really worked. Our offense was successful for a time only due to the athletic plays made by stars like McNabb, Westbrook and Owens. When Garcia replaced McNabb and they made the shift in offensive philosophy to be more dependent on the run, our offense suddenly began to work. When McNabb returned, they forgot what worked and went back to the Andy Reid Touch Football philosophy, which may work in Andy's mind, but it sure as hell doesn't work in the NFC East.

So, either kick Andy Reid upstairs and replace him with an offensive coordinator who knows what the hell basic football is all about, or fire him completely.

I am convinced that it is not really McNabb's fault. McNabb is just following Andy's plan. Get some real run support behind McNabb, and he can be successful. Unfortunately, this will probably be proven next year in Minnesota.