One of the only bright parts of our season
The ever steady presence of Trent Cole over the blind side of the quarterback has been something for offenses to fear the past few years. The addition of his bookend Jason Babin has given offensive tackles fits this season as well as the solid rotational production from Juqua Parker and Daryl Tapp. It has been disappointing to see Brandon Graham deactivated after playing in a few games after coming off the PUP list. I still don't think he'd contribute much this year but I wanted him to see more field time to continue his "rookie" adjustment. If Philip Hunt can't show NFL caliber potential this training camp, he is as good as gone. Parker is probably on his way out as well. That leaves one or two rotation/roster spots which can be filled through the later rounds of the draft or free agency. Perhaps another ex-Titan sans Babin to reunite with Jim Washburn, the truly integral part to our success pass rushing this year. Only 3 sacks all year have come from a position other than DL. At the DT spot, we have a project in Cedric Thornton who probably deserves a shot to see game action towards the end of the year. Trevor Laws still hasn't quite panned out as expected and Mike Patterson could be let go due to age, health concerns stemming from his training camp scare, and, most of all, his decently sized contract. He could probably net the Eagles a mid-round pick but nothing definite. I'd love for Cullen Jenkins to stay. He is probably a top 3 pass rushing force from the interior position on the line in the NFL and has grown to be our vocal leader on defense. You never see the guy give up on a snap either. Someone with a similar motor, Derek Landri, is the key role player on the depth chart. One of their last roster cuts, he has proven that to be a mistake with his extremely above average play since being re-signed. Maybe not meant for a full time role, I'll take a guy like this on my team anytime and I'm sure the Eagles feel that way too (I know Tommy Lawlor of Igglesblitz does). The return of Antonio Dixon from injury should leave the Eagles content at the DT position minus a minor move come offseason.
Darren Sharper, Hold-ma-diiiiiick
Different from the DL, the Eagles' LB core sucks. Brian Rolle, a 7th round rookie draft choice, is the player with the most tenacity, tackling ability, and probably the only LB that will be here in 2 years in any role. Jamar Chaney has lost any feel he might have ever possessed for tackling and his boneheaded plays in coverage don't help his case either. Akeem Jordan has been around too long for having never made a real impact. He has had his nice moments occasionally, but for the most part, his smarts do not make up for his limited size and strength. Moise Fokou has proven too stupid for the NFL, maybe a good FB like Ernie Sims would have been. Casey Matthews was seen as our MLB savior and really might be better suited at the WLB position to back up next year. He was pushed to early following a lockout because of his name (no seriously, go look at all of Juan Castillo's quotes about him) and he never got comfortable enough to show his smarts and tenacity. Lately, he has been making a name on ST. While he could end up being a decent starting WLB, its not known whether a new DC would give him a chance to stick around after another year. ST could end up saving him from being cut.
Our cornerbacks were labeled as the best in the NFL before a pass was thrown. Unfortunately for the Eagles, their idea ended up blowing up in their face. To net Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2nd round pick for a pocket-shaky Kevin Kolb was a steal. Not a fit in the slot, DRC has looked mismatched in earlier games this season. Right before his high ankle sprain, however, he showed his potential in the Cardinals game. He looked explosive returning kicks and was covering much better. I'd love to see what he can do here on the outside after Asante is traded for a 3rd round pick. There are a glutton of teams that need good, ballhawking cornerback play but his salary is high and he is a prima donna. Regardless, I will miss his antics and playmaking but the Eagles are more than likely to show him the door. Nnamdi had humongous expectations placed on him when he came through FA, and rightfully so. Asked to play a hybrid, Charles Woodson role, he struggled early on in the year. Before his knee injury and concussion, he had become a true weapon against elite tight ends and extremely good in coverage on the outside. I hope he gets put in Asante's spot next year and gets asked to play his version of coverage; tight and man-to-man. Curtis Marsh could potentially be the starter in two years if all plays out well. A true athletic specimen, he has the height and speed combination to impact an offense's deep pass gameplan. Better suited for press coverage, he has time to mature and grow into the position. Joselio Hanson's days in the slot might be done after this year where he has struggled. Brandon Hughes, an undersized prospect, looks to be able to man the slot as he has seen some playing time this year and the Eagles seem to be high on him.
At Safety, Nate Allen should look a lot better next year after he fully recovers from his patellar tendon tear and a full offseason to recover from his concussion. He has been out of place on the field ever since he took a knock to the melon. Kurt Coleman should be the 3rd safety and quality special teams player for a few years at least. Not sure his smarts are quite at the NFL level to make up for his lack of size. Could be a good leader in the future due to his past at OSU. Jaiquawn Jarrett has not looked out of place during his limited time on the field this year. I think he should be given the reins at SS for the rest of the year to evaluate if he can be our starter for the next few years alongside Nate Allen as the Eagles were planning. Colt Anderson might start next year on the PUP list and Tom Nelson, signed this week, are both strictly ST players at the moment. Could end up being starting safetys at some point but not very likely.
As for the coaches, Andy Reid needs one more real offseason with Vick and everyone else before we can cut ties. He put together a team of elite playmakers who need to gel as a team. Hopefully he can add the right pieces at LB and CB to vault this defense to the next level. Marty Mornhinweig might see interest as a HC candidate and might be shown the door regardless. Juan Castillo should be demoted from DC to LB coach or Assistant to DC. Just not ready for the NFL. He can't adjust his scheme mid-game. That's why the Eagles are putting up historically terrible numbers when it comes to holding leads. Howard Mudd, and most of the other offensive coaches should be safe but the defense should be rehauled. Don't bring in Steve Spagnuolo. Bring in someone who is up and coming like a young Andy Reid. Someone who knows other young staff that will give Andy Reid a coaching tree like no other. At OC, bring in someone who will dedicate to running the ball with Shady, and using that and short intermediate routes, to set up the home run play. The offense has become stagnant, waiting for the big play and part of that is the reliance on DeSean. We could see a completely different Eagles team next year, and dammit, that's fine by me.
