The 2007 Offseason Thread

[Sgt PSN]

Didn't see this posted anywhere, and I guess this thread is as good as any.

http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=williamson_matt&univLogin02=stateChanged

It's from ESPN Insider so here's the article.  It was written by Matt Williamson, which is apparently Dave Spadaro's non-EMB pen name. 

Eagles on the right track

As of this writing, Philadelphia is the best team in the NFC East -- assuming Donovan McNabb comes back strong. The NFC is there for the taking and Philadelphia very well could be the team to take advantage of the conference's mediocrity in 2007. The Eagles finished the 2006 season strongly, until losing a tight game in New Orleans in the second round of the playoffs. The Eagles should be back next year in a big way.
Although they started slowly in free agency, the Eagles recently landed WR Kevin Curtis, a major addition to their offense and a replacement for Donte' Stallworth. Curtis is a great fit. He is very smart and will adjust to the offense quickly.

He has underrated speed and is good with the ball in his hands. Philadelphia could probably use another wide receiver, but Reggie Brown is primed to take another step forward in his development and the coaches are also high on their younger guys. They also brought back RB Correll Buckhalter to take some pressure off star RB Brian Westbrook. Philadelphia also boasts a strong offensive line.

This combination, along with exceptional coaching and play calling makes the entire unit efficient and dangerous. Usually a pass-happy offense, only seven teams had more passing attempts per game than Philadelphia did in 2006. The Eagles also averaged 4.8 yards per carry and got excellent offensive production late in games. This shows their improved offensive balance and great timing calling run plays. The Eagles were outstanding on first downs and also in third-and-long situations.

As long as McNabb comes back and isn't hindered by his injury, the Eagles will be in great shape on offense, but there are a few areas they could still look to strengthen on draft day. The Eagles could use a developmental quarterback in the middle rounds to groom as McNabb's backup. Drafting a big, strong runner to compete with the injury-prone Buckhalter also makes a lot of sense. Someone like Tony Hunt, Brian Leonard or Chris Henry could catch their eye in the second round.

Also, if the right receiver is there, the Eagles still could pull the trigger on a player like Robert Meachem, Anthony Gonzalez, Craig Davis, Sidney Rice, Steve Smith or Jason Hill with their top two picks. Meachem in particular could be too enticing to pass up with the 26th pick in round one. As far as their offensive needs go, they are in an enviable position now where they will not have to reach for any specific area and can just pounce on a player who presents excellent value.

The outlook on defense isn't as rosy, but the unit should be improved from last season. The Eagles simply must do a better job against the run and surely will address this issue in the draft. They allowed 136.4 yards per game on the ground, and 4.5 yards per carry in 2006.

The loss of DE Jevon Kearse forced Philadelphia's other defensive ends to play too many snaps and also hurt from a pure pass-rushing standpoint. MLB Jeremiah Trotter is aging and isn't the player he once was. He has less range and overall playmaking ability than ever.

Philadelphia's 2006 first-round pick, DT Brodrick Bunkley, struggled to get playing time and contributed very little. He is a very talented player who the Eagles absolutely must get more from in 2007. If he develops as they hoped he would when they drafted him, Bunkley and Mike Patterson could be a very disruptive interior duo.

Bunkley's development also would lighten Patterson's load, and keep the smaller defensive tackle fresh. This defense needs more playmakers overall, as FS Brian Dawkins might be the only guy who consistently makes the big play.

The Eagles need at least one linebacker, depth in their secondary, and if the right guy is available, another pass rushing defensive end to use in their rotation. Anthony Spencer or Jarvis Moss might be right up their alley and would fit right in without having to play a ton of snaps in their rookie season.

Philadelphia should have plenty of options at linebacker. They are not pigeonholed into taking an outside or inside guy, and they could probably use one of each. In the top rounds of the draft, expect them to pursue guys such as MLB Patrick Willis, who should already be gone, Brandon Siler and David Harris.

Outside linebackers who might spark some interest include Lawrence Timmons, Paul Posluszny, John Beason and Rufus Alexander. The Eagles always put a premium on the cornerback position and could snatch up someone like Aaron Ross or Darrelle Revis in round one, even though they don't necessarily need a starting corner. A bigger safety like Sabby Piscitelli or Aaron Rouse would be a nice addition to use near the line of scrimmage, provide depth and contribute immediately on special teams.

The Eagles might also look for a stout run-plugging defensive tackle in the middle rounds. With the exception of needing a playmaking linebacker, the Eagles will be patient and take the player highest on their board, instead of reaching for need.

Overall, this is an excellent organization with bright, proven decision makers and a strong talent base. They are in very good shape for this time of the year and have an opportunity to improve upon their impressive 2006 season. Of course, if McNabb is watching from the sidelines, all of this could be for not. But, as it stands, Philadelphia looks like a playoff team and maybe much more.

The last line did it for me.  Mostly because of the "as it stands" part.  This team, as it stands, is not much more than a playoff team.  This team, as it stands, isn't even a lock to make the playoffs.  This team, as it stands, couldn't even attract an undrafted, special teams playing linebacker. 

In order for this team to really bolster up it's defense, which sucks, it's going to have to pull off one hell of a blockbuster trade to get Briggs and/or have an absolute "can't miss" draft.  The thought of either happening makes me laugh hard enough to pee. 

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Funney.

Angelo Cataldi, meet Emily Post.

Cataldi, the WIP (610) morning host who led the boos against Donovan McNabb when the Eagles drafted him in 1999, showed up for dinner at the Water Works restaurant off Kelly Drive two weeks ago with his wife, Gail; the show's Rhea Hughes, and Hughes' husband, Joseph.

In came McNabb and his family, passing Cataldi and Hughes on their way to another dining room.

Cataldi says he and tablemates debated sending over a round of drinks - when owner Michael Karloutsos told him, "Mr. McNabb wants to buy you a round."

"Oh, did we look like idiots," Cataldi says, adding that debate then ensued over how to thank him.

Cataldi went over to McNabb's table. "He was very much a gentleman," says Cataldi, "and I was Barney Fife, stammering and getting tongue-tied."

Hughes asked management what the McNabbs were drinking. It was a "nice champagne," says Cataldi - $210 a bottle. "Rhea pays for the whole thing herself, but even that's not enough. She wrote them a note: 'Thanks for keeping us employed.' "

Cataldi says he was later told that McNabb asked: "What does that mean?"

"We couldn't have screwed this up any more than we did," says Cataldi. "I felt like the biggest social moron that ever walked the earth."

[PhillyGirl]

"We couldn't have screwed this up any more than we did," says Cataldi. "I felt like the biggest social moron that ever walked the earth."

Pretty much sums him up.

[jroceagles]

Didn't see this posted anywhere, and I guess this thread is as good as any.

http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=williamson_matt&univLogin02=stateChanged

It's from ESPN Insider so here's the article.  It was written by Matt Williamson, which is apparently Dave Spadaro's non-EMB pen name. 

Eagles on the right track

As of this writing, Philadelphia is the best team in the NFC East -- assuming Donovan McNabb comes back strong. The NFC is there for the taking and Philadelphia very well could be the team to take advantage of the conference's mediocrity in 2007. The Eagles finished the 2006 season strongly, until losing a tight game in New Orleans in the second round of the playoffs. The Eagles should be back next year in a big way.
Although they started slowly in free agency, the Eagles recently landed WR Kevin Curtis, a major addition to their offense and a replacement for Donte' Stallworth. Curtis is a great fit. He is very smart and will adjust to the offense quickly.

He has underrated speed and is good with the ball in his hands. Philadelphia could probably use another wide receiver, but Reggie Brown is primed to take another step forward in his development and the coaches are also high on their younger guys. They also brought back RB Correll Buckhalter to take some pressure off star RB Brian Westbrook. Philadelphia also boasts a strong offensive line.

This combination, along with exceptional coaching and play calling makes the entire unit efficient and dangerous. Usually a pass-happy offense, only seven teams had more passing attempts per game than Philadelphia did in 2006. The Eagles also averaged 4.8 yards per carry and got excellent offensive production late in games. This shows their improved offensive balance and great timing calling run plays. The Eagles were outstanding on first downs and also in third-and-long situations.

As long as McNabb comes back and isn't hindered by his injury, the Eagles will be in great shape on offense, but there are a few areas they could still look to strengthen on draft day. The Eagles could use a developmental quarterback in the middle rounds to groom as McNabb's backup. Drafting a big, strong runner to compete with the injury-prone Buckhalter also makes a lot of sense. Someone like Tony Hunt, Brian Leonard or Chris Henry could catch their eye in the second round.

Also, if the right receiver is there, the Eagles still could pull the trigger on a player like Robert Meachem, Anthony Gonzalez, Craig Davis, Sidney Rice, Steve Smith or Jason Hill with their top two picks. Meachem in particular could be too enticing to pass up with the 26th pick in round one. As far as their offensive needs go, they are in an enviable position now where they will not have to reach for any specific area and can just pounce on a player who presents excellent value.

The outlook on defense isn't as rosy, but the unit should be improved from last season. The Eagles simply must do a better job against the run and surely will address this issue in the draft. They allowed 136.4 yards per game on the ground, and 4.5 yards per carry in 2006.

The loss of DE Jevon Kearse forced Philadelphia's other defensive ends to play too many snaps and also hurt from a pure pass-rushing standpoint. MLB Jeremiah Trotter is aging and isn't the player he once was. He has less range and overall playmaking ability than ever.

Philadelphia's 2006 first-round pick, DT Brodrick Bunkley, struggled to get playing time and contributed very little. He is a very talented player who the Eagles absolutely must get more from in 2007. If he develops as they hoped he would when they drafted him, Bunkley and Mike Patterson could be a very disruptive interior duo.

Bunkley's development also would lighten Patterson's load, and keep the smaller defensive tackle fresh. This defense needs more playmakers overall, as FS Brian Dawkins might be the only guy who consistently makes the big play.

The Eagles need at least one linebacker, depth in their secondary, and if the right guy is available, another pass rushing defensive end to use in their rotation. Anthony Spencer or Jarvis Moss might be right up their alley and would fit right in without having to play a ton of snaps in their rookie season.

Philadelphia should have plenty of options at linebacker. They are not pigeonholed into taking an outside or inside guy, and they could probably use one of each. In the top rounds of the draft, expect them to pursue guys such as MLB Patrick Willis, who should already be gone, Brandon Siler and David Harris.

Outside linebackers who might spark some interest include Lawrence Timmons, Paul Posluszny, John Beason and Rufus Alexander. The Eagles always put a premium on the cornerback position and could snatch up someone like Aaron Ross or Darrelle Revis in round one, even though they don't necessarily need a starting corner. A bigger safety like Sabby Piscitelli or Aaron Rouse would be a nice addition to use near the line of scrimmage, provide depth and contribute immediately on special teams.

The Eagles might also look for a stout run-plugging defensive tackle in the middle rounds. With the exception of needing a playmaking linebacker, the Eagles will be patient and take the player highest on their board, instead of reaching for need.

Overall, this is an excellent organization with bright, proven decision makers and a strong talent base. They are in very good shape for this time of the year and have an opportunity to improve upon their impressive 2006 season. Of course, if McNabb is watching from the sidelines, all of this could be for not. But, as it stands, Philadelphia looks like a playoff team and maybe much more.

The last line did it for me.  Mostly because of the "as it stands" part.  This team, as it stands, is not much more than a playoff team.  This team, as it stands, isn't even a lock to make the playoffs.  This team, as it stands, couldn't even attract an undrafted, special teams playing linebacker. 

In order for this team to really bolster up it's defense, which sucks, it's going to have to pull off one hell of a blockbuster trade to get Briggs and/or have an absolute "can't miss" draft.  The thought of either happening makes me laugh hard enough to pee. 

In the NFC..this team "as it stands" is VERY much a playoff team!

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Like I said - it's a good thing that the Eagles wouldn't have to beat an AFC team to win a Super Bowl!

Oops.

[jroceagles]

Like I said - it's a good thing that the Eagles wouldn't have to beat an AFC team to win a Super Bowl!

Oops.

we would have to but the arguement was that we are not a playoff team

[PhillyPhanInDC]

Just saw some of the offseason conditioning pics on PE.com



Max-Jean Gilles is a beast. Look at the size of that dude. So long Manneans.

The thought of the Birds drafting a big back (Brian Leonard) and having him and Westy lined up behind Andrews, Gilles, Jackson, Runyan, and Thomas/Justice gives me football wood. Imagine the passes to the flats!

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Ha.  The exact pic I was just about to post.  He makes Shawn Andrews look like Todd Pinkston.

Also... KILLA:

[Seabiscuit36]

MJG could eat Andrews

[SunMo]

quick, induce a heart attack for one of MJG's friends so he'll lose weight and get ripped

[PhillyPhanInDC]

MJG could eat Andrews

Actually Andrews isn't that small compared to MJG. MJG is 6'3" and 350, Andrews is 6'4" and 340.

quick, induce a heart attack for one of MJG's friends so he'll lose weight and get ripped

MJG doesn't look anything like Andrews did when he showed up fat as hell a couple years back.


Look at the farging kid behind MJG. Holy shtein!



Scott Young = Bitchmade



I'm thinking Akers probably feels the same way I do when I walk into a Gold's Gym.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Actually Andrews isn't that small compared to MJG. MJG is 6'3" and 350, Andrews is 6'4" and 340.

MJG is LISTED at 350, which means precisely nothing.

[MURP]

Akers going nuts with a 135 squat. 

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

He doesn't want to overwork that hammy.  We'd have to trade for Simoneau to do our kicking again.

[dis12]

don't know if this was posted or not...kinda same 'ol story...

The Philadelphia Eagles came into the off-season with a list of things to accomplish. Thanks to re-signing some of their own free agents and making a couple of other moves, they're narrowing down their list.

With 21 of 22 starters from last year's NFC East title team under contract, the Eagles have kept a low profile so far in the early days of the free agency signing period.
They re-signed four of their own unrestricted free agents - running back Correll Buckhalter, safety Quintin Mikell, defensive end Juqua Thomas and cornerback William James - and have added two players in wide receiver/kick returner Bethel Johnson and wide receiver Kevin Curtis. The additions at wideout helped greatly to relieve the loss of Donte Stallworth who signed with New England.

Stallworth was the only '06 starter not under contract and while the Eagles were interested in him, they eventually found other options and passed. The Eagles, like other teams, were concerned about Stallworth showing up on the list of players who were one step away from a suspension for substance abuse woes.

Even before the Eagles signed Curtis, general manager Tom Heckert has insisted his wide receiving corps would be fine without Stallworth. The addition of Curtis makes that corps even stronger and Johnson could help too.

Next on the list was running back and the Eagles looked around at the likes of Ron Dayne, but stayed in-house and re-signed Correll Buckhalter to serve as a backup Brian Westbrook. The Eagles also are in the market for a veteran linebacker who could possibly compete for a starting job or replace free agent Shawn Barber as the nickel linebacker.

Assuming they accomplish those things in free agency prior to the draft, their top priorities in the draft will be bolstering their secondary and possibly finding an eventual replacement for middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, whose knees have begun to betray him.

Safety is a concern. Free safety Brian Dawkins is 33 and the jury still is very much out on strong safety Sean Considine. Starting cornerback Sheldon Brown probably is better suited to be the team's nickel back, but the Eagles need to find another top cover guy, either as Brown's starting replacement or to compete with James for the nickel job.

While the local sports talk shows have been hammering them for sitting on their hands since the start of the free agent signing period, the Eagles insist they are pleased with the way the off-season is going.

After all, with 21 of their 22 starters from last season under contract for 2007, the Eagles didn't feel the need to be very active in free agency.

"We're happy with what we've done so far," general manager Tom Heckert said. "We wanted to lock up our own guys and we did that. We don't worry about outside perceptions."