345 replies to this topic

[DaveSpadaro]

We all have our wish lists, our "wants" for the Eagles to build a Super Bowl-winning roster for the 2012 season. The truth is, you can't have everything. What do the Eagles need, must have, for the season ahead? ...

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[tboned208]

crack...

[tboned208]

ohhhh..it,s a long fly ball to center field...he buried it..he buried it ...it's outa here...and the Phillies win the Pennant

[tboned208]

what the Eagles need is to stop the turnovers....draft a compliment to Demeco at the LB position , followed by a stud safety to push some of our you guns.....and some Oline depth......then ...it is all about execution.....

[phillyphanwest]

"What do the Eagles need to elevate their play in the redzone?" Of the three options listed, 1)better X's and O's, 2) better execution, 3) better players, I think 1 and 2 are accurate. Their is plenty of offensive talent here so I don't think that applies.

[phillyphanwest]

tbone-Agree on all counts. LB is 1/2 way there, hopefully a stud safety is coming our way soon.

[phillykeene]

The eagles have 3 options I would like to see done with the 15th pick.  A) draft Kuechly if there at 15, B) Draft S Barron if Kuechly is gone, or C) trade back and acquire more picks. Another scenario I would like to see is maybe talk to PATS and get either the 31st pick or one of their 2nd round picks for AS.  He has possibly more value to them then any other franchise because he knows there system and is an upgrade over what they have.

[Sushruth K.]

execution...and maybe a solid safety...

[Truth]

While I definitely would like to see a high pick at LB and it is hard to argue with any of Spuds suggestions, the area of greatest impact is with DT and that is not mentioned.   It doesn't matter that they have 5 guys under contract, it is where they can get the most leverage if they can get an upgrade.   A monster DT lifts the entire D, occupying multiple blockers just to maintain the line of scrimmage which allows even journeyman LBs run free.   Our eagles have not had this during the entire Reid tenure and it emphasized our mediocrity at LB, and neutralized our typically above-average DEs because no interior lineman typically required more than one blocker.   The teams that have these guys are a much greater handful than a team with great LBs or even great passrushing DEs.  Our sacks and turnovers would go through the roof it teams had to be more concerned with protecting the areas between the tackles.

[wibinga]

I think the cowboys are taking Barron just before us.  I don't think he will be available.  I have a feeling we will be trading out of our 15th pick.  It might be trading up for Floyd or Barron, or it might be trading back and picking up a few more draft picks.  I just don't see us staying there.  I think we can get a late 2nd or early 3rd for Samuel.  I don't see him with the eagles past the draft.  We could also package Samuel and our first to move up a few spots, but not sure who would trade with us in that scenario.  Just like all of you, I'm just shooting in the dark.

[eaglesmark]

Forgot an important need that has hobbled the Eagles and been the cause of an unnecessarily large number of 3-and-outs, TDs becoming FGs, and lost games over the last few seasons: terrible short yardage game.

[danga]

DO NOT DRAFT A SAFETY EARLY.....Barron is meh imo. Plus you spent two second round picks on safeties in the last two years. Either trade for a vet at this point, find one in FA or see what you have with Jarrett. 3 safeties in three years in the 1st or 2nd round....U guys are crazy.

The Eagles need to address their biggest need at this point which is LB still. Grab the best guy available or possible go out of the box to grab Floyd if there. He's a big guy whos needed in the Eagles WR corps plus its time to push Maclin to see if he's a long term investment.

[Caribbean Soul]

They need another LB, or 2, player(s) early in the draft will take care of that.  I like Wagner, David or McClellin in the 2nd.  A veteran safety needs to be brought in and possibly another fairly early on, I like Bell and maybe Smith in the 2nd.  Another DT, back up OL & a KO returner through the draft and a vet back up at RB. Help in the red zone would be great but I think some better coaching is what is needed most.  As for better performance in the 4th that comes from adapting, scheme and focus  which have all been a failure of Andy Reid for the last 6 or 7 years.

[BLEED_EAGLES_GREEN]

We NEED a veteran safety. Our other safeties are too young and inexpeienced right now and having a vet come in to start and help the young guys wouldl be what the Eagles NEED to help them win it all.

[danga]

Caribbean Soul said

"but I think some better coaching is what is needed most"

Dude that is the quote of all quotes. All the draft picks all the "needs" are pointless until the Eagles are coached better. I like Andy, I like Marty, Juan.......ehhhhh but i'll still give him a chance. Honestly tho, in regards to Andy and Marty. These guys are great coaches who just continue to over think things. You dont need 7  step drop, 5 cut routes every play. You dont need to call a run pass RB option on the 1 yard line. You have the talent so let that win you games. Dont over think, just coach smart football.

[joemas6]

Dave, great article... I'm proud of you for mentioning all of the things the Eagles need to improve and even mentioning the possibility of all three areas of coaching, execution and talent as needing improvement.  I also like that you started with LB & Safety positions.  so with that in mind, when people say "there is no gaping hole or need for the Eagles" well a lot will depend on how the "question marks" of our young and unproven players develop and play this year at LB & safety. While I really like the offseason so far and anticipate a winning season, playoff birth,and possible winning of a few playoff rounds... this article really cements home that the Eagles need a lot of things to improve to be a superbowl team... starting with 4 out of 11 spots on the defense (S & OLB). The exciting thing to me is that these spots are occupied with young guys who will be going through there first full NFL offseason, so while the improvement will be unknown, logic and history is in their favor.

[Thomas Jackson]

Dat Guy had a tragic breakdown on this site last night...  hope he's okay. Or sedated...

[phillyphanwest]

TJ- I think it was more of a tantrum than a breakdown.

[mateagle2]

TJ maybe he's in the kitchen creating his own gormet sandwiches

[phillyphanwest]

This is a great article. To me, it's a summary of what we've all been posting/discussing for the last two months. There have been some positive things happening lately which gives me a good feeling coming into next season.

[mateagle2]

The best thing to come out of this offseason has been continuity of both starters and role players...too many new pieces last year.

[phillyphanwest]

Continuity-great point mateag!

[wibinga]

I'm happy with our safeties.  I'm also happy with most of our LBs.  I think someone like Kuechly would be a great asset.  He can come in and challenge for a playing spot right away on the outside.  We could also pick up a DT early.  I'm not completely sold on Patterson.  I think he's "okay" but not great.  I think a DT will push him as well as be insurance if Patterson isn't able to play due to his problem with his brain.  

I would also love to see us get a big WR.  A backup running back can come later in the draft or in Free Agency still.  I also think we need a kick returner.  I don't think we've had a good returner since Mitchell or since Westbrook returned kickoffs.

[joemas6]

Mat, to go further on yor point...best thing for me coming out of this offseason .. is EXPERIENCE!  Juan, Chaney, Rolle, Matthews, Coleman, Allen & Jarrett.  None of them have had the experience of going through the full NFL offseason in their current jobs.  Throw in Kelce, Watkins & Harbour...and Havaii if he remains the #1 FB. Before even thinking they need to gel as a unit... individually they need to prove they belong at this level.

[joemas6]

Wibinga, lets be honest... are you happy with our safeties ... or our you happy with their potential in what you think they can be? Most people fall inot the second category.

[mateagle2]

The most overlooked part by most fans that are reviewing last year...they don't put themselves in the players shoes...what I mean is that it is easier to determine what you should be doing if the guy to your left and right are doing the right thing...when you don't have the benefit people who already know the system working beside you, then you are at a disadvantage...and then oh yea the entire D scheme was new to everyone.

[phillyphanwest]

Good point on experience as well. As far as safety goes, I fall into the 2nd category. I've been waiting for that 'standout safety' since BDawk left.

[phillyphanwest]

Sorry for living in the past with the BDawk thing.......

[wibinga]

Joemas.  I'm happy with their potential.  I think they will do fine when healthy and having a full offseason.  I don't feel it's a priority.

[mateagle2]

Isn't BDawk a FA?