Evaluating The Eagles: Who Should Stay Or Go
BREAKING NEWS, Eagles, News Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013
Mercifully, the 2012 Eagles season has come to an end. Here’s a look at the team’s roster and who I think should stay and go in the coming offseason.
Quarterbacks
Who I Want To Stay: Nick Foles, Trent Edwards
We don’t know whether or not Foles is anything more than a serviceable starting quarterback, but he showed the team enough this season to earn the first shot at the starting job next season.
Trent Edwards was valuable as a mentor for Foles during the season, and he’s under contract with the team for next season. The new coaching staff may or may not be interested in keeping him around, but at the very least he’ll have an opportunity to win a roster spot in the preseason again.
Who I Want To Go: Michael Vick
So long and good riddance to one of the most overrated and overhyped quarterbacks in NFL history. Nothing personal Mike, you can be an exciting quarterback, but you’re not a winning quarterback. Vick will move on to another franchise as a starter, and I’m sure he’ll do a good job leading whatever team that may be to seven or eight wins next year.
Running Backs
Who I Want To Stay: LeSean McCoy, Bryce Brown
McCoy and Brown have the potential to be one of the best running back tandems in the league. Let’s hope the new coaching staff is able to make this a reality.
On The Bubble: Dion Lewis, Chris Polk, Stanley Havili
I’m OK with either one of these two returning as the third-string running back. Lewis has shown some explosiveness, but completely fell out of favor this year. Polk battled a toe injury most of the season and only played special teams. The Eagles could easily upgrade over either player if choose to do so.
Havili had a decent year as the team’s fullback, but he’s also easily replaceable.
Wide Receivers
Who I Want To Stay: DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, Riley Cooper
These four all seem pretty likely to return, although I’d love to see the Eagles trade either Jackson or Maclin and pursue a bigger receiver (such as Kansas City’s Dwayne Bowe).
Who I Want To Go: Greg Salas, Marvin McNutt
Salas couldn’t get on the field even while Jackson and Avant were battling injuries. McNutt isn’t an NFL player.
On The Bubble: Damaris Johnson
Unless he makes some dramatic improvements in the offseason, I can’t imagine him sticking around for another year. He didn’t impress anyone as a punt returner, and doesn’t bring much to the table as a receiver.
Offensive Line
Who I Want To Stay: Jason Peters, Todd Herremans, Jason Kelce
It’s going to be such a sight for sore eyes to see Jason Peters and Jason Kelce come back healthy next season.
Herremans’ return is welcome too, but I want him back at guard, and I want the Eagles to seek a significant upgrade at the tackle position. Before going down for the season, Herremans wasn’t playing well at the right tackle position.
Who I Want To Go: Everyone else
All right, maybe that’s a little extreme. But if the rest of the offensive lineman didn’t come back next year, I really wouldn’t mind. Howard Mudd’s scheme called for undersized, quick offensive lineman, and that’s a philosophy that needs to be completely scrapped in the future.
That includes right guard Evan Mathis, who some believe played at a Pro Bowl level this year. To me, Mathis is nothing more than a serviceable starter. On his best days, he isn’t a dominating guard that can generate a push on opposing defensive tackles. If a player can’t be dominate, the team needs to look into upgrading him. I want dominating starters across the board on the offensive line, to accept anything less is to accept mediocrity. Realistically, Mathis will be back, but I’d love for the team to find a way to get an upgrade over him.
We don’t need to see anymore of Danny Watkins. The fact that he’s been a healthy scratch for the second half of the season makes it perfectly clear that he’s a bust, and it’s time to move on.
Demetress Bell will never put on an Eagles uniform again, and I think we can all happily rejoice at that fact.
Dennis Kelly and Jake Scott actually played decently in the second half of the season, and it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for either one of them to come back in reserve roles, but neither player is anything special.
I don’t need to see anymore of King Dunlap or Dallas Reynolds either.
Tight Ends
Who I Want To Stay: Brent Celek
Celek had a bad season, but I still think he’s by far the best option the Eagles have at the position moving forward.
Who I Want To Go: Clay Harbor, Evan Moore
I think Clay Harbor has had enough time to develop. He’s a decent receiver, but he just can’t block anyone. The Eagles can do better.
Seeing Evan Moore drop two touchdowns against the Redskins was all I needed to see of him.
Defensive Ends
Who I Want To Stay: Vinny Curry, Phillip Hunt, Brandon Graham
The two young defensive ends are the only ones I really have a lot of interest in keeping for the future. Neither one got much of an opportunity to play during the season. Curry will certainly be back, but Hunt is a little iffy. I hope the next coach at least gives Hunt a fair shot during the offseason.
After being inserted into the starting lineup, Graham finally began to slightly resemble a defensive end with first-round talent. By no means am I willing to wipe away his bust label, but I think Graham did show enough to make me think the Eagles might have a little something to work with.
Who I Want To Go: Trent Cole, Darryl Tapp
Trent Cole really disappointed me this season. He was completely invisible for the majority of the year, and easily had his worst season as a professional. Cole should be one the leaders on this defense, but he’s been one of the veterans on this defense that sat back and did nothing to stop the team’s decline. I think he still has some good football left in him, but I’m just ready to move on.
I don’t understand why the coaching staff chose to play Tapp over guys like Curry and Hunt. At best, Tapp is a fourth defensive end.
Defensive Tackles
Who I Want To Stay: Fletcher Cox, Cedric Thornton, Antonio Dixon
Cox is on his way to becoming a fine defensive tackle in this league. Thornton had some nice moments this season, and I’d like to give him another year to develop. Dixon has proven he can be an effective run-stuffer in the past, and I’m glad the Eagles brought him back.
Who I Want To Go: Cullen Jenkins, Mike Patterson, Derek Landri
Jenkins looks like his best days are behind him. If the Eagles decided to keep him, I wouldn’t mind but I think it’s time to go in another direction.
I don’t know that the Eagles can count on Patterson in the future. His health has been a major issue over the past two seasons.
What happened to Derek Landri this season? He was such a productive force in 2011, but this year we didn’t hear a peep out of him.
Linebackers
Who I Want To Stay: DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks
I think Ryans was put into a tough position this season, but he still played well enough that I think he’s a guy that the Eagles could build around. If the Eagles put him into a better position next year with better teammates, I think he can still be the heart and soul of an NFL defense.
Kendricks should become the team’s weakside linebacker next year, and will have a chance to flourish in a roll that allows him to attack the football more.
Who I Want To Go: Jamar Chaney, Akeem Jordan, Casey Matthews
These three players have all had their opportunities to succeed, and all have failed.
Cornerbacks
Who I Want To Stay: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Brandon Boykin, Curtis Marsh
I don’t trust DRC to play at a high level every week, but there’s no question that the talent is there. This year’s free agent corner class is pretty weak, and I feel like the Eagles almost have no choice but to hit the former Cardinal with the franchise tag.
I still have hopes that Boykin can develop as a capable slot cornerback.
I’d like to see Marsh have an opportunity to play before I write him off.
Who I Want To Go: Nnamdi Asomugha
I can’t wait for the Eagles to cut ties with Asomugha. He’s going to go down as possibly the most disappointing free agent signing that the Eagles have ever made.
Safeties
Who I Want To Stay: Colt Anderson
Anderson is one of the few members of this 53-man roster that plays with heart. He’s never going to be a full-time starter in this league, but he’s proven that he can be quality backup.
Who I Want To Go: Nate Allen, Kurt Coleman, David Sims
Allen has shown the team absolutely nothing in three years, and it’s just time to go in another direction.
Coleman plays hard, but he just isn’t big enough to succeed in the NFL.
Sims couldn’t find his way onto the field on a team that was desperate for any kind of quality safety play.
Final Thoughts
After looking at the 53-man roster, there’s only 24 players that I want to have back, meaning that in my perfect world, more than half of this roster would not return in 2013. Such a high turnover isn’t realistic, and a good number of the guys that I want to see go are going to have to stay for one reason other.
Who do you want to see stay or go, and why?
Denny Basens is the editor of GCobb.com. Email him at dbasens@ycp.edu, or follow him on Twitter.
Short URL: http://gcobb.com/?p=35301
Posted by Denny Basens
on Jan 2 2013. Filed under BREAKING NEWS, Eagles, News.
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I am glad to see Howie get a chance to lead this team
I hated the previous regime set up
GM makes the picks, HC coaches the players
both decide who makes roster
no gold standard or Andy has final say garbage anymore with his “Gotta do a better job,” BS
Its quite obvious that Chip Kelly is the Eagles #1 choice. I think the people being brought in for interviews are backup plans. I would expect Kelly has already had his interview weeks ago as reported. Now the question is wether or not he wants the job.
Nate allen is not going to keep his position.. He got benched for colt anderson.. They wont release both corners theyre just going to have to play better.
Chip Kelly wouldnt be a good Idea with Foles as quarterback.. Foles cant run so we would be better with O’brien and a 2 TE set..The eagles lack efficiency it the whole team building process..
unreal crowning foles is as stupid as saying he sucks. all i ever said was based on the situation he deserves a shot to prove he’s real or unreal. thats it. eagles are a shitty team and he got drafted by them and he has an opportunity.
and all I say is he doesn’t deserve a shot!
DRC is a Free Agent and will choose to leave on his own, he is way too sensitive to the play in Philly.. He will leave on his own and move back South to the Tittans/Panthers or one of the Florida Teams
There are a bunch of questions when it comes to Chip Kelly as a potential fit for the Eagles, not the least of which is how his style would match the Eagles’ current quarterback situation.
While the eventual head coach will have to be consulted, the Eagles sound ready to move on from Michael Vick. And from what I can gather, Vick is more than ready to move on from the Eagles. That leaves Nick Foles for the moment. Jeffrey Lurie in particular sounds high on the young signal-caller, and it was suggested that Foles will have every opportunity to compete for the starting job.
But Kelly’s system at Oregon is not a match for what Foles brings to the table.
“I think you know the answer — I have never ran the zone read; I’m more of a dropback [QB], but I’ve been under center, I’ve been in the gun,” said Foles. “If I can adapt I want to, but I’m not a zone read quarterback. Some people are gifted with different things, that’s just not one of my skill sets. I mean I can work on my speed in the offseason and get better at that, but I’ve always been a dropback in the pocket, been able to make plays on my feet, throwing the ball or running for a first down.”
A Kelly/Foles union could not work unless Kelly is willing to adjust his approach. On Wednesday, he suggested that he is open to change. From the Daily News:
“Anything you do has to be personnel-driven. You’ve gotta be able to adapt to the personnel that you have. There’s a lot of great offenses out there, but does it fit with the personnel you have? I think the key is being sure what you’re doing is giving your players the chance to be successful.”
It has been noted that Kelly helped influence how the Patriots run their offense. Obviously Tom Brady is not fleet-footed, so that offers some hope that Kelly can adjust to the situation.
“Nick can’t run the option?” joked Casey Matthews, who played for two years under Kelly at Oregon. The Eagles linebacker became a popular man at the end of the season as reporters searched for nuggets on his old college coach. Matthews has the unique perspective of being a defensive player under Kelly, and being on the other side of the fast-pace, no-huddle offensive approach that Kelly deploys.
“It was tough,” said Matthews. “Especially in practice, he’s going full speed, no-huddle. You never have to condition because practices are conditioning. I think it could work. Obviously it would be a change — we would be going fast-tempo, and a lot of these guys aren’t used to that.”
Oregon runs what Matthews described as a hybrid 3-4 under Kelly with a heavy emphasis on sending pressure. Was Kelly hands-on with the defense?
“Tried to be,” said Matthews. “At first he was strictly with the offense then he started to come over and talking to the defense. He knew what we were doing — obviously as a head coach he should know — but he would come over and at first it was kind of weird, he would come over and start talking about what you need to do, but he did a good job of knowing the game plan.”
Matthews indicated that Kelly, a New England native, wants to end up back on the East Coast and would have no issue operating in a big media market like Philadelphia. He also believes the players would enjoy working under him.
“He is a players coach. He can relate you,” said Matthews. “He is always up-tempo, you listen to music at practice, stuff like that. He was a fun coach to play for. He’s a great motivator and I think players really respect him. He’s very feisty, and he’s just a fun guy to play for.”
Even if he’s a little different.
“When you walk by his office it is completely dark. He’s pretty quiet,” said Matthews. “But when you talk to him he’ll crack jokes, at practice he’s always running around. He’s not a scream type of guy but he’ll get on you. He’s very passionate about what he does
this quote posted by daggolden from potential HC Chip Kelly sums up one of my biggest issues with the departed andy Reid:
““Anything you do has to be personnel-driven. You’ve gotta be able to adapt to the personnel that you have. There’s a lot of great offenses out there, but does it fit with the personnel you have? I think the key is being sure what you’re doing is giving your players the chance to be successful.”
He being the same HC who would rather make a pocket passer out of a mobile/running qb; instead of adjusting the offense to his abilities. All it did was highlight his arrogance and ineptness while providing more red meat idiot Vick haters of this forum.
I think most of us would agree the Eagles have to over pay for a Free Agent safety– and not risk using another 2nd round draft pick on a another potential bust
Dashon Gholsdon, William Moore, Louis Delmas, Jarius Byrd — we have to get at least ONE of these guys.
@Biglion
“Best post today, if you couldn’t sniff the field for this disaster of a team you don’t belong on a roster.”
Big normally I agree with this. But this team is a special case. Special in the sense, I never trusted Reid’s talent evaluating in regards to when and who to play. This goes hand in hand with his game time inability to adjust. Take Nate Allen. He comes with twice the physical tools (speed, size) that say Coleman has; but has half his desire and toughness. Allen wouldn’t make the practice squad for a Buddy Ryan or say parcells team. Coleman though not a starter will make a roster because he has desire and toughness where he lacks talent.
Bingo brewski, I like Coleman he was just put in a no win situation he should have been a special team killer instead he was thrust into a starting spot and doesn’t have that ability same with Colt Anderson. I’m confused about Nate Allen I don’t like calling guys soft that play in the NFL but I saw him avoiding contact too many times this year.
Denny,
Nice article but as you say a little unrealistic to think that many get chopped. But since you want us to play a little GM I would Trade DJax and let DRC walk.
I think these are two guys cut from the same cloth. Get the money and then don’t work consistently. DJax might be able to get the Birds a 3rd rounder I would also explore the market for Trent Cole. Realistically I don’t think the Eagles will improve that much over this past season (6-10 only because they will be playing some terrible teams) so why not go with all the young guys. It will give the new HC a chance to really get good evaluations on the team as he moves into his second year when he really needs to make his imprint on the team.
***Breaking News per Paulman
Cleveland Browns Joe Banner is meeting with Chip Kelly about the HC Position with the Browns to include Authority over Player Personnel which Kelly want’s..
Sounds close to a done deal per John McCain..
“More Breaking News on Eagles***
Eagles Signed DE Everett Brown (who was a High 2nd Ruund Bust Pick from the Panthers about 3-4 Years but does have Pass-Rushing ability and is that kind of Tweener size that the Eagles seem to love..
And CB Trevard Lindley who GM Roseman has always liked…
Eagles are paving the way for Trades and Deapartures of Trent Cole and DRC
The Off-Season is well under the way with GM Roseman leading the way..
Paulman,
I am LMAO. Brown wasn’t even playing last year and Lindley has been with the team 3 other times. Unbelievable.
Smooth Howie, good eye. Jackass!
This is why so many feel Howie Roseman shouldn’t be GM……bULL#@%! MOVES LIKE THIS THAT DON’T IMPROVE THE TEAM!!!!
Brown…Bumm!!! Lindley, why re-sign him to a 2 yr deal only to have to cut him again…..HE IS A FLAT OUT BUM; HE CAN’T PLAY!!!!
Step aside Howie, and let GMCliff show you how to fix this thing!!!! Scrub wanna be Fantasy GM……….
I am not sure if many of you remember Everett Brown who has a kick-ass Careeer at Florida State by at 6-3 245lbs was not a traditional Down DE Lineman and he definitely could not play LB at the NFL.. Maybe in a 3-4 strictly used as a OLB/DE Pass-Rusher, he was pretty effective.. He may be up to about 255lbs.. But the Panthers were dying for DE’s for 3 Seasons and he could never even get on the field.. so I am not holding my breath..
Maybe a couple more good Special Teamers..
Paul Lindley can’t even play special teams…..this is a DUMB signing…
Word out on the Streets is that Lurie & Roseman want to talk to Ray Lewis about being the HC of the Eagles as soon as he formerly annouces his Retirement..Roseman appearently is not concerrned that Ray is not an X’s and O’s Type of Guy, Roseman, say’s that’s Ok, We’ll put the Headset on Marty Mohrnewig, Todd Bowles and Bobby April and they can get the plays into the players…
I am telling you with Roseman running the show, this Franchise will become the Laughing Stock of the NFL within 18 months and probably sooner as it already is beginning
Get out while you can, all the decent players, coaches,staff, cheerleaders, vendors, parking attendants.. Plays should hold out, then get released and go to another franchise..
Everett Brown was one of the Top Pass-Rushers out of COllege and was
projected as a #15-#20 Selection in trhe First Round and the Panthers got him early in the 2nd Round (43rd Overall)..He’s 6-2 and now weighs approx 255lbs is a super nice fella,smart, repsectful and is very talented.. ( i always thought he was too nice and not a mean streak that you need) But he is not a LB and does have the agilitity, fluidity to play out in space, and he simply does not have the size,strength to play with his hand down on the Turf as DE in a 4-3, now stand him up and move him around the line of scrimmage in passing situations in a 3-4, and a standing up Pass-rusher, then I think you have something with him.. But simply think of Ricky Sapp..(without the baggage) …
Evaluate this, lurie lied to you at his press conference , saying litlle Howie had nothing to do with the draft of 10, 11, bull shit, Howie squeeled with glee about Watkins, Reid said Howie did the research on him and Reid went with him, and what about Howie and his fingers on these stiff free agent signings
You were once again sold a bull of goods from the most dishonest owner, the eagles should have fired roseman,
They have no credibility going forward, no coach with any balls will want to come here
Argue all you want about foles, who the eagles should draft, if doesn’t mattter until lurie is gone
Show them the door.