Moves the Eagles Should Make On Their Defense
BREAKING NEWS, Coaching Staff, Eagles, News Friday, January 13th, 2012As each day comes and goes, it seems less and less likely that defensive coordinator Juan Castillo will return in the same capacity next season. Team owner Jeff Lurie did not give the first-year coordinator a convincing vote of confidence when 
talking with the press last week; he just said it was Andy Reid’s decision whether or not he would return.
Reid still has not made himself available to the media yet; the longest-tenured head coach in the NFL has been on vacation with family. There have been plenty of opportunities for the Eagles organization to say that Castillo would return next year. But they haven’t. It certainly seems like the team wants to head in a different direction, at least partially.
With former Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo looking for a job, Philadelphia may be the perfect fit. Spags is rumored to be coming to the City of Brotherly Love to meet with the team at the end of this week. Spagnuolo is familiar with the area. He was on the Eagles’ staff from 1999-2006 and then became the defensive coordinator for the Super Bowl-winning Giants. While Castillo’s lack of experience seemingly hurt the Birds in 2011, Spagnuolo’s wealth of time on the sidelines could be a real asset.
I, for one, certainly believe Castillo should remain on the coaching staff even if it is not as coordinator.
When the Eagles fired defensive backs coach Johnnie Lynn, they gave themselves the flexibility to move coaches around and maybe find another spot for Castillo. The man is one of the hardest working coaches on the team, he cares for his players, and he has been here since Ray Rhodes manned the sidelines. Spagnuolo will certainly help bring out the best in this defense, but letting Castillo go completely would be a mistake. He improved during the year and was certainly not put in a good position to succeed by Reid. But Andy always fails to do that now doesn’t he?
This defense is not far from reaching its potential of greatness. If Spagnuolo can come in and bring the squad together, watch out. A few personnel moves here and there and the Birds could easily find themselves in contention. The Eagles should trade Asante Samuel for draft picks if they can unload his salary, letting Nnamdi Asomugha and DRC play their more comfortable man-to-man coverage.
They should also attempt to sign a veteran free agent linebacker, like London Fletcher, who had a Pro Bowl year for the Redskins despite his old age. Then pair him with a stud linebacker coming from the draft. They should look at Arizona State’s Vontaze Burfict. He is a hard-hitting and instinctive playmaker with a mean streak. Something this defense clearly lacked last year.
If the Eagles are smart and keep Castillo while adding Spagnuolo and a few other pieces, this team is primed to make a run at the Lombardi Trophy next year. But we said that before last year, too. Like always, you just never know with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Short URL: http://gcobb.com/?p=27853
I also would not be surprised to see Greg Willaims interveiw with the TB Bucs for a HC spot.. I think he’s chomping at the bit to be a HC in the NFL again…
Your article was ok until you added london fletcher in the mix Mark. At this point, we might as well go young and in this new direction. No more oldies at this point. Also guys, is it time to let Trent Cole go? I mean he wears down as the season and games go on. I for one believe it may be time to unload him and get a young cat to pair up with Babin who can man the right side. Just something “I think I think”. What do you all think?
Rocko – I would bring Fletcher in WITH a rookie LB – a veteran player, smart savy – give you some solid reps and mentor the young LBs (all the big LBs guys are mentioning) – if you get someone like Tulloch – no – fill another spot early and try to find another player to challenge later rounds
COle – got to give Graham this yea to see if he is worth it – Rotation of Babin, Cole, Tapp and GRaham and let Parker and Hunt fight out for #5 (and maybe move Jenkins out on run plays?) I think Tapp getting hurt gave Cole more reps then they would have liked -
Samuels salary should NOT be much of an issue for any team needing an impact CB! They can easily restructure the deal which would make him more cap friendly while making Samuel happy! It’s a no brainer for any team that needs an impact CB as long as he fits their style of defense.
Navy,
Tapp is due to earn $3.8 Million Salary for 2012 and it’s no given that he’s on the Roster after March 1st… (unless he re-does his deal)
Pman – amazes me the info you know -
yea like how tulloch has 3 years left on his deal (wrong). and thats the pman problem sometimes. He’s got truth lumped in with crap. Its the same reason the book “Davinchi Code” was so problimatic…… lots of truth and then stuff just flat out made up. I say throw the pman out with the bathwater. Jk Pman….. im just grumpy cause i have 2 hours to finish my sermon and im at my office instead of home with my kids.