This week marks the end of our 12th annual “Grief Week” for Eagles fans under the Andy Reid era. Another season… the same result.
I’ve listed five obtainable steps to begin the path towards repairing the defense.
1. Coaching Changes: I never saw it coming, but the good news is that step one is now complete. While all of the blame shouldn’t have fallen on his shoulders, it was reasonable to suggest it was time for Sean McDermott to go. Did the Eagles defense suffer from injuries? Sure. Was McDermott hamstrung by a constant crop of undersized players? Perhaps. But having the worst red zone defense in recent NFL history is unacceptable.
The same goes for Rory Seagrest, the defensive line coach who brilliantly allowed the likes of Pro Bowl caliber ends in Jason Babin and Chris Clemons to walk without recognizing their potential. Have Trent Cole, Brandon Graham, and Daniel Teo-Neshiem suffered too? Yes. Despite the uncertainty of the coming replacement decisions, the Eagles are likely in a position to correct their defensive problems from the top down.
2. Sign Nnamdi Asomugha: Last year, the Eagles had the opportunity to get a big, defensive playmaker named Julius Peppers. Had they signed him, it’s quite possible that we would all be preparing for an NFC Championship game here at Lincoln Financial Field, not Soldier. The Eagles can’t make the same mistake with this year’s top defensive free agency talent.
3. Gamble on the Line: In swapping Broderick Bunkley for Antonio Dixon, the Eagles have found a younger, more impressive improvement at DT. The answer is simple, and you can see it the minute Dixon lines up. Size. However, I’d propose another name as an improvement to Mike Patterson that few fans and experts are talking about. Is he a character gamble? Sure. But in considering the ever-closing window of the Michael Vick era… it’s one we might want to consider. Albert Haynesworth.
Haynesworth may be cut by Washington this off-season. We know he won’t play for a 3-4 defense anymore, so it rules out his chances of signing with half of the other teams in the NFL. His recent baggage (and recent big-money payday) could serve to soften the financial blow short term, as the Eagles could grab him for a temporary deal at a fair price. If Haynesworth’s career and reputation could be revived through motivation, something Andy Reid has much experience with in a guy named Michael Vick, then his presence on the line could mean an unstoppable pass-rushing force.
4. Two Options at Linebacker: Both Jamar Chaney and Stewart Bradley belong on the field together. But who’s the third guy?
First Option: Sign Paul Posluszny. If he doesn’t chose to return to Buffalo, Puz is a dominant linebacker when healthy and the type of leader that the Eagles haven’t seen since Jeremiah Trotter. He’d likely play the middle, while Chaney was moved to weak and Bradley to strong.
Second Option: If free agency fails, draft Casey Matthews of the Oregon Ducks. The brother of Clay Matthews (who?), the younger and slightly smaller Casey (6’2, 235 lbs) has a similar drive with excellent potential as a weak-side or eventual MLB. He has speed, great tackling ability, and a nasty attitude that the Eagles could use. This option would come cheap, as Matthews isn’t a first round talent. Matthews’ height and speed could give the Eagles multiple options in pairing him with Chaney and Bradley.
5. Immediate Round One Impact: Adrian Clayborn is a 6’4, 285 lb DE, and the undisputed leader of the Iowa Hawkeyes defense. His sack stats won’t wow you (in his senior year he only recorded 4, well below his 11 in 2010), but see him on the field and you’ll instantly know that Clayborn is a man among boys. His size, leadership qualities, nasty streak, and tremendous upside are the types of qualities that could make him a nice anchor on the other side of the line from Trent Cole. He’d also make Bradley, Chaney, and whoever else plays behind him better.
Since Clayborn is a top 10 draft talent, the Eagles would likely have to trade multiple picks to move up and get him (perhaps including Kevin Kolb to a team such as Arizona, Cleveland, San Francisco, or Tennessee).
3. I’d take Haynesworth with this coaching staff. He’s take on some of those double teams to keep Cole freed up. We saw what a joke Shanahan was and Andy runs a tight ship so I doubt we’d have similar problems with Haynesworth. Not saying I admonish Haynesworth, but I’m sure it’s hard to play for a guy that publicly embarrasses you and doesn’t seem to have your best interest at heart.
4. If anyone needs to continue to play it’s Fokou. In my opinion Bradley is the one that would need to go if I had to pick one. Fokou was solid. He doesn’t need replacement.
5. I’m tired of all the DEs busts. If they get a very good DT then DE becomes less of a problem. For instance if you have guys like Haynesworth and Dixon it’s easier for our pass rushers because our tackles are occupying 2 guys. But obviously, if you don’t get a better DT then you need a better DE. But between all the picks last year and pass busts I’m not sure we can count on this team to draft an impact DE. I mean do you really think they would spend 1st round picks in back to back years on a DE? What does that say about Graham? “Oh, we F’d up last year, so here you go”. They aren’t going to do that.
I’m not a fan of brining in Haynesworth. Dude is a chump and an absolute cancer to any team. I really like the Nnamdi and Posluszny signings. I’d really like to see the Eagles go after Ray Edwards from Minnesota. I think he’s only like 26 years old. Then I’d like to see the Eagles use their 1st round draft on a lineman. Michael Vick will be lucky to be standing come playoff time next year if we don’t fix the line ASAP.
btc, he’s not a cancer to any team. I agree his behavior was unacceptable but he was a beast in Tennessee and then came to Washington and had him playing in the 3-4 (which isn’t his strong suit) and then the coach is a joke. While I agree that he should have been more professional but what he did in Washington is not indication of what would happen here with this coaches. You can never say that about any player. Well maybe except TO but it’s not just that simple to say that.
Can’t subscribe to the above as THE 5-step method to totally upgraded defense. Change begins at top, and even if you keep Reid, who is the signature DC to replace S.McD. It’s very easy to find a DL coach. You state, “Puz is a dominant linebacker when healthy…” Please, no more guys with serious knee injuries in recent past. Haynesworth??? Are you absolutely sure the new DC won’t convert to a 3-4 here? I wouldn’t hire a guy who gave up on a play and laid down in the middle our 2nd ‘Skins game… the guy has no pride in his craft, no heart. As far as we know, nobody with high draft pick is knockin’ on door for Kolb and March is not far off that no teams will be able to swap picks or trade. Too much has yet to be determined before considering such future plans.
Fair enough Scorp but the dude crushed a man’s head in a game once. Reid and Co are not going to tolerate that sort of thing. They probably feel like they already have enough on their hands with a guy like Vick leading their team; much less a Haynesworth. I probably wouldn’t hate the signing IF it ever happened but I wouldn’t be jumping up and down.
Paul p can ball when healthy
Not sold on Haynesworth but he cold be an option after he’s brought in and sat down with the FO and Coaches to have it explained how it works on a football team that has a chance to win. If not him they should look at the kid from Ole Miss Jerrell Powe he’s a big kid that could be a 3-4 DT but I don’t see why he couldn’t play in a 4-3…that would give us beef in the middle of the line to close down some running lanes. Nnamdi is a must and I don’t see Posluszny leaving Buffalo. I think that were set at DE but Edwards would be a nice option as well. If Edwards were to come here what would happen to Graham? Could he possibly move to LB? There’s a lot of questions to be answered, so it should be an exciting off season for eagles fans as long as there is a new CBA when the league year starts.
Dang.. there needs to be an edit option on this board!!!!!!!!
Quote: “Paul p can ball when healthy”
Here we go again, and there’s not much out of PSU I’d want these days.
btc, yeah I agree. But it was a Dallas Cowboy so it didn’t bother me LOL. Naw I’m kidding. But after than he became the premiere DT in the league and didn’t cause problems. And it seems he isn’t causing problems in DC per se, but more resisting to the type of discipline that Shanny is trying to use. If he gets released, I think it’s worth a shot to see what he has. Write an incentive laden contract and go from there. Just my thoughts. I guess I am that desperate but I’m not use to see Eagles defense this poor.
I think the move to a 3-4 is out of the question. Although is it me or do you guys feel like we definitely have the personnel to do it outside of a NT? Graham is a tweener and even Trent Cole was actually drafted as a LB.
At this critical point, beware of change out desperation. I want to know who the new DC is, and will he be given free reins to be creative and serious input into what we need to turn this into an a- – whoopin’ defense. Not sold on Jauron as longtime replacement yet.
2 things I have to say about drafting defensive “studs”
1. There’s no telling how much of an impact they’d have in their 1st year let alone at all which leads me to my second point
2. I have no faith this team can draft a “stud” who can immediately make an impact. Another 5 year plan won’t do.
We don’t have a NT yet and going to a 3-4 necessitates that be priority position to be filled via trade or draft.
Agree with Scorp… Haloti Ngata is the kind of guy you need to get.
Scorp, you’re dead-on regarding point 2; this team does not know how to draft a defensive “stud.” Trent Cole was the last stud they got and they got luck on him in the 5th round.
Good stuff Jason and a good read..
I do have some issues though with your 5 Point Pland and some of your players listed
#1) Didn’t read or see who your preplacement DC would be…
#2) If the Eagels weren’t willing to spend the $$$ for Peppers last year, do you really think they would spend a similar amount of $$$ this year for CB Asmogoah…
#3) Haynesworth is way too much of a gamble , He’s going on 30 years of age now who has very little motivation with all the $$$ he has already received..He wouldn’ last 2 weeks in Philadelphia.
#4) Paul Posluszny has had a ACL injury and other injuries in career since his Penn State days and is a player they need to stay away from ..(there are lots of good Free-Agent LB’s who have no history of knee injuries that the Eagles could pursue instead like Chad Greenway,Ben Leber, Steven Tulloch, James Anderson, S Burnett)
#5) DE Clayborn from Iowa had a very average Senior Year.. He went into this Season as a
potential Top 5 pick and one of the Nations Top DE’s but has slipped to a late round projected players.. There have been some rumblings about his work-ethic and some off the field issues.. He probably has slipped behind other DE’s such as D Bowers, R Quinn, R Kerrigen,C Jordan, JJ Watt, C Heyward per most NFL Observors..
I do expect that Clayborn will be on the board when the Eagles select at #23.. ( I think they will
taek Cameron Heyward from Ohio State instead..)
Godo stuff Jason
Do you have any comments/suggestions about upgrading the Safety position and the Eagles O/Line
or do you think they are ok there..
So help me God if the Eagles pick up or draft ANY player this offseason with an ACL injury.
All my friends think I am crazy for wanting Albert Haynesworth. I think he is what we need on the D-line. I am tired of teams running on us especially running over Patterson. Haynesworth only attitude problem was with the 3-4 defense. It make sense because we are 4-3. I do not care about his baggage. How many SuperBowls do we have with the pansies we kept getting or drafting? GO AND GET HAYNESWORTH!!. FO and Andy will straighten his attitude aout.
some good thoughts/ideas…but its not as easy as it sounds.
dont think its going to be that easy for the Eagles to sign Nnamdi this season, he’s going to want alot of $. Would it be worth it? I dont know, I have some mixed feelings, very solid cover corner, but 19 tackles on the season 0 Int’s, that doesnt really shout “Game Changer” to me
….I do agree the Eagles can’t make the same mistake with this year’s top defensive free agency talent. There are some good LB’s out there as mentioned Paul Posluszny also James Anderson (CAR) dont let the team he plays for fool you!
I like Stephen Tulloch (Tenn), this cat is a beast 26 year old, he’ll help sure things up against the run a big plus is he also started and played in every game this season!
Albert Haynesworth? It all depends on his attitude! Leaving Washington will be embraced by him no doubt! We’ve seen how the coach handled McNabb, but you could see he wasnt a good fit with the Skins…
We definitely need to find an impact player on the front line of the D whether through the draft or free agency – what about Ray Edwards from (MIN) 26 year old 6 foot 5 268lb – posesses some skills to get pressure to the QB and get sacks…he’s an underrated talent if you ask me…this is the type of players I think the Eagles should be going after during free agency…those cats that are right under the radar…
Some of you have mentioned Haloti Ngata and I think I just saw that he was voted to the AFC All Pro team. Don’t think a team like the Ravens is going to let a guy like that walk.
Found this Online by Bob Cunningham
With Sean McDermott out as the defensive coordinator and a 3-4 trend hitting the NFL once again, everyone is wondering whether or not the Eagles could, and should, consider a switch in defensive philosophy.
First things first, Andy Reid and the new defensive coordinator (whomever that may turn out to be) would have to decide if they have the talent on the roster to make it work.
When transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4, a team must first make sure they have a reliable noseguard. The Buffalo Bills made the switch and found Kyle Williams, the Green Bay Packers made the switch and drafted B.J. Raji, the Washington Redskins made the switch and had absolutely no one.
Williams is a Pro Bowler, the Packers are in the NFC Championship game, and the Redskins are in complete disarray — so clearly a noseguard is very important.
For the Eagles, they might have one in Antonio Dixon. From what I’ve seen, I would be cautiously optimistic that he could handle playing the middle and covering both A-gaps. He has a great first step and clearly understands leverage and how to stop an offensive lineman’s momentum.
He’s also 6’3 and 325 pounds, so that certainly doesn’t hurt.
For defensive ends, the only one I’m certain could pull it off is Brodrick Bunkley. He’s got a good mix of speed and power to play the end position. If he’s asked to control C-gap and squeeze down to B-gap, I believe he could do that.
His pass-rushing ability could be an issue, but that is something that could be worked on and taught over the offseason.
The other end would have to either be Mike Patterson or Trevor Laws, and I find myself leaning toward Laws because of his ability to rush the passer. Of the defensive tackles, he has the best feet but might lack in the running game.
There’s a good chance that Laws could get washed out and create a huge hole up the B-gap or lose contain if he tries to take an inside step and gets caught. At 6’1 and 305 pounds, he has a low center of gravity but hasn’t shown an ability to play the run consistently.
Patterson could be a guy used in a 4-3 set or as a backup to Dixon. He isn’t even as big as Laws at only 300 pounds but has shown an ability to stand his ground and play the run. It would be a real shot in the dark as to whether he could hold up for an entire game, but should Dixon go down having Patterson would be a good safety net.
The linebackers are much easier to choose. In a 3-4, the outside linebackers obviously have to be able to rush the passer and have enough athleticism to drop back into coverage. The two clear-cut favorites on the roster are Trent Cole and Brandon Graham.
Cole spent a lot of the season dropping back into coverage because apparently McDermott thought it would be a good idea to send his best pass-rusher backwards. Even though it was a ridiculous thought to put him in coverage, he did a pretty decent job of it.
Cole would be asked to rush the passer more often than not, and we’ve seen him do that in a stand-up position before when he played the Joker role for both Jim Johnson and McDermott.
Coming out of college, Graham was considered a ‘tweener. In fact, a lot of scouts and draftniks thought he would be better suited as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 and had him going to the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots — two teams in need of 3-4 outside linebackers.
And the draftniks aren’t the only ones who think Graham would be good in a 3-4.
“Woo, man, I would love that,” Graham said Sunday in a conference call with reporters. “Being a stand-up [linebacker] with Trent [Cole] on the other side? That would be nasty. That would be nice. I would be excited about it, I can tell you that much.”
I’m also of the thinking that Graham is probably more suited as a stand-up linebacker. That doesn’t mean he can’t play defensive end in the 4-3 or even that he won’t be a very good 4-3 defensive end, but he reminds me a lot of Elvis Dumervil and could probably play just as well.
So far, we have Laws, Dixon, and Bunkley on the line with Cole and Graham playing outside linebacker. All that’s left is finding two inside linebackers.
The obvious two choices for that would be Jamar Chaney and Stewart Bradley.
Chaney is tough enough to play MIKE in the 4-3, so he shouldn’t have any issue being given half the responsibility as a 3-4 inside linebacker. Then Bradley, who is a natural SAM in the 4-3, should be more than capable of handling the calls and playing half the field in coverage when the outside linebacker next to him blitzes.
The secondary is obviously unchanged by the move and would remain the same.
If the team chose to switch to the 3-4, they would have an entire offseason to pick from free agency and the draft in order to fill their needs. However, should they decide to make the 3-4 nothing more than a variation from their normal 4-3 set a handful of times during a game, they could probably run it with some success given the talent currently on the roster.
Want zero parts of Haynesworth or drafting another undersized LB. Poz is a good player when healthy, but he’s never healthy. And I can’t see them draft another 1st rd DE.
I also disagree Chaney has done enough to earn a starting position. Great against the run, but putrid against the pass. He was a 7th round pick on purpose.
Greenway, David Harris, and Rocky McIntosh would be great fits at LB. No player from Carolina would ever make my roster.
To Paulman
If the Eagles pick Heyward over Clayborn it will be another bust. I look @ Clayborn in a similar way to Sapp. Potential is un real but has some bagage. I would hate to see us pass him up @ the 22nd pick. I alos like C Jordan out of Cal!
i like it. lets carry this plan out…
Chaney scouting report out of college, was that his weakness was against the run, strength was in space in coverage… with game experience he will only get better…he was a great pick for a 7th rounder….
Cunningham makes some valid points in the article posted by Gotta Luv It. If there going to switch to a 3-4 they need to do it now before free agency starts. That way they can evaluate what they have and what is out there to be had. There should be some nice LBs in free agency. Now that Singletrary is going to the Vikings, we may look at someone from the Packers to be our DC.
Cunningham makes some valid points in the article posted by Gotta Luv It. If there going to switch to a 3-4 they need to do it now before free agency starts. That way they can evaluate what they have and what is out there to be had. There should be some nice LBs in free agency. Now that Singletrary is going to the Vikings, we may look at someone from the Packers to be our DC.
interesting I only meant to post that once but the page timed out…….
do we have a DC yet? has to be someone on a team remainning if a decision has not been made
Chaney was a great pick for a 7th rounder, but you’re ready to hand over the starting MLB to him after 5 starts? And the scouting report might be right coming out of college….but if you watched the game, you saw him getting abused in the pass game. He is a great backup LB and special team player. Nothing more…
Godson Blue Print to a Super Bowl
Trades & current roster signing and cuts
Bunkley & 4th for a 2nd
M. Patterson Trade to move up in draft
Bradley (3 year deal move to OLB)
O. Gaither – Cut
N. Cole – Cut
Hanson – Cut
Vick – Tag
Desean – 5 Year deal
Kolb – Trade only if we can get at least a 1st and 3rd.
Free Agent
RG – L. Mankins or C. Nicks – Need to pay up for one of these Pro bowl RG’s.
CB – Asomugha, C. Rodgers or Marshall – Need to sign one of these guys
DE or DT – T. Hali, R. Edwards, (DT) B Mebane, (DT) R. Seymour (Need on of these players and can draft the other position early in Draft) Best option would be sign Mebane and draft Claybourn @ DE, becuase I highly doubt T. Hali will leave K.C.
If the Eagles address the RG, CB and DL like I mentioned above then they can draft with best available instead of need.
I do not think LB is essential. I do beleive DE is our most important position since Graham will be out until November at the earliest. CB is #2 OL #3 S#4 DT#5 LB#6 based on roster before free agents are signed.
Draft.
With trades should have anywhere from 5-6 picks in first 3 rounds if they trade Kolb, Bunkley and/or Patterson.
They should load up on DB’s, DL, draft a LB & WR in first 3 Rounds. Get another OL in 4th.
If they do something similar to this bleprint they will be super bowl bound easy, with un real depth accross the board.
@ Godson….you are prohibited from making trades for players without the CBA in place.
This will not be the usual off-season where all you focus on is making moves to better your team.
@MJacobs
Chaney played better than any of our LB”s this season! If you ask me, he was the lone bright spot in that position…Bradley took a while to come back into form and still wasn’t that impressive!…And even when we saw Bradley at his peak during the season, Chaney still played better or just as well! and for a rookie that is saying a lot! Chaney will only get better and yes, he should be a starter! WHO WOULD YOU start over Chaney on the current Eagles roster? Bradley? there aren’t enough solid players on this team at this postionto keep this kid off the field! Do you watch the games?
On another note, What do you guys think about our chances of drafting JJ Watt (Wisconsin)
Cameron Hayward (Ohio State) Allen Bailey Miami DE’s…think these guys will be available if we stay in the current 1st round draft spot?
mjacobs45….really? I’m pretty sure Chaney, as a 7th round draft pick, played better than anyone on here expected. I don’t think he was really a huge liability at the MLB this season. He has enough speed to be a good coverage LB, I just think he needs to see the field more. Honestly, he was a better coverage LB than Bradley was in the beginning of the season, and he can stop the run. What more do you want out of a MLB? He commanded the defense fairly well and he can blitz up the middle when asked. With the lack of good MLB’s out there….please tell me what exactly you are looking for?
To Mjacobs,
No Panther players would ever be on your roster.. that’s the stupiest comment I ever read
How about OT Jeff Gross, OT Jeff Otah, C Ryan Kalil.. all are an upgrades over Eagles Justice,McGlynn and Cole
CB R Marshall is an upgrade over D Patterson, E Hobbs
SS Charles Godfrey is an upgrade over any Safety on the Eagles Roster
OLB James Anderson is an upgrade over Sims,Clayton
ILB J Beason is an upgrade over Bradley and Chaney…
When you learn your football talent, then come back…
To Godson,
Cameron Jordan is a stud and will be selected by #15-#20 spot, I do like this JJ Watt from Wisconsin who is rising up the charts fast
I think at #23 when the Eagles Select (there will be De’s Clayborn,Heyward and A Bailey to choose
from if you want a DE)
Here are some better options
OLB – J Houston from Georgia at 6-3 255lbs who can run and tackle will still be on the board
CB – Brandon Harris from Miami at 5-11 – 195lbs will also be on the board, best of the 2nd tier CB’s
OT – A Constanzo from Boston College at 6’7″-310lbs with a long wing span and room to grow..
DT – C Liguet from Illinois at 6’3″ -310 lbs could be a sleeper pick and can get bigger with weight training at the NFL level..
@ Godson, you also indicated the Eagles should basically sign 3 of the top 10 free agents. That won’t happen. I don’t think the Eagles haven’t had a big free agent signing in years outside of Asante.
I know it is a long shot and will cost us money. But they have the money to add immediate help and also alot of draft picks to keep the roster young. I do not think they will sign those 3 players but I would like them to.
To Paulman
Maybe we should trade M. Patterson to move up to get Jordan. I would rather have Bailey than Watts.
I do like your option on Liguet he is going to be that player that people look back 3 years from now and say how did we pass on him.
mjacobs you must didn’t watch any games with Chaney. He was much better against the pass, especially the routes where the TE runs up the middle towards the safety. Bradley was pretty below average defending that. Chaney actually has enough speed and presence to stay with the TE and brak up a few passes. And he is a natural MLB and Bradley isn’t. So if he’s better than Bradley regardless of when he was drafted that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t start. If he’s better, he’s just better and put Bradley back in his normal position. I know we don’t have any playmaker LBs but that’s the least of the defensive worries. As long as Ernie Sims doesn’t play another down, they should be a fine solid group of LBs.
No way you can switch to a 3-4 with the pending lockout. You need offseason OTA’s to make the switch. If you have the lockout, the teams that keep the status quo will be in a much better position to take advantage. I would much rather have the 3-4 since that is the type of guy we keep drafting, but I think it is a huge risk given the lockout.
Paulman….all that “talent” and 1-15. Beason is a hell of a player….but, 95% of the players in the league are better than the Eagles OL, CB and LBs…..so I’m not sure your point. Marshall and Anderson are absolute garbage and for you stuff them down every post makes you look like an imbecile. When you learn this game, maybe I’ll let you play with the varsity…until then, stay in the JV.
@ scorp….I watched them all and I saw him get abused. If he was so great against the pass, why did he get yanked out on second and long or third downs? He could run with the TE or back out of the backfield on the few occasions he recognized it was a pass play. Most times on playaction, he was nowhere near the crossing pattern coming behind him. Jason Witten? I hope the guy can play because I do agree Bradley is a better SAM….but I think it’s foolish to go into next season with Chaney as your starter at MIKE. I’d like to see them sign David Harris and move Bradley.
mjacobs, what I was saying what that he was better than Bradley at that position. We didn’t get abused by TEs this year like in the past EXCEPT if it was Ernie Sims responsibility. I think you are overstated the “abuse” of Chaney. He played a solid few games for a rookie who had to be the MIKE for such a “complicated” defense as everyone has been saying. I’m not saying he was great, but not that bad. Besides Ernie Sims the LBs were solid for the most part. Nothing spectacular but solid.
I like the following Free-Agent SIgnings
(sign 1 from each postion so some of the big names will not be on here)
DE – 1st Preference C Jenkins- from the Packers , 2nd – R Edwards – Vikings
LB – 1st S Tullock-Titans, 2nd J Anderson- Panthers 3rd – B Leber- Vikings 4th- S Burnett- Chargers
CB – 1st A Cromartie – Jets, 2nd I Taylor – Steelers, 3rd R Marshall-Panthers, 4th D Florence-Bills
Safety – 1st D Landry – Ravens – 2nd E Weddle- Chargers 3rd – M Bullitt – Colts
OL – 1st Nicks – Saints, 2nd Dahl from Falcons, 3rd Kalil from Panthers,4th J Gaither from Ravens
5th C Johnson – Colts
Then use Drafts picks for the best athlete/ranked player on the board by DE/CB/OL/LB/S
then grab a Big Physical blocking TE, a Big WR, and Big RB and maybe even a Kicker
mjacobs45…….what? Pull Chaney off the field on 2nd & 3rd down….who did they replace him with?
You can go back and watch each of the games Chaney has started and I guarantee you will see him defending the pass to the TE pretty damn good. Is he going to get beat? Sometimes yea…but every MLB does cause the crossing route is tough to cover.
But you say you watched the games….however your responses are telling a different story…and sign David Harris as a what…SAM or MIKE?..Not to mention that Harris averages about 6 – 6.5 tackles a game….Chaney has been doing the same since he’s started so I’m not sure exactly what you are getting at.
This team’s problem in on the line and the secondary. I would love a beast playmaking LB but honest I think CB, SS, DT and DE are bigger needs because the LBs will be solid minus Sims. Can’t address the entire defense in 1 offseason. Of the 3 groups, the line and the secondary are the weakest.
Even your boy Jason Witten has complimented Chaney on the job that he has done since filling in for Bradley….and elite TE complimenting a 7th round draft pick for playing good….not for “being abused” like you swear you watched.
I agree scorp….but I do think we have some talent on the D-Line, maybe one missing piece. Not to mention the play of your LB’s will only improve as the play of the D-Line improves….LB is least of our worries for sure.
EB, I agree. I just think we need another tackle next to Dixon. Patterson is a backup guy. But at the same time I don’t think it’s as critical an area as some others. Maybe Laws can progress better than him? Laws looked very good at time this year so we will have to hope he can take another step forward. But we are in dire need of a DE. Who knows what Graham is. Was just a rookie and didn’t play as well as we hoped and then a season ending injury. We might now know a lot about him until 2012. But you’re right, fix the line it’ll help the LBs a lot.
mjacobs, who came in when they took Chaney out?
I honestly believe they like Lindley a lot….I think they envision him playing man coverage on one side and Asante playing zone on the other. Then Nate Allen & Mikell are the safeties.
I think they will grab another DB but I don’t think is will be Nnamdi….prob not a big name guy or they will draft a guy in the first 3 rounds.
I think Laws can become a contributor, but I’m not sure he will be dominant for 16 games. I could see him dominating for like 10 games and having 6 games where you barely notice him. I love Dixon, Cole and I’m a Graham guy. I think he has tremendous upside….but again like you said, we don’t know…and that could be 1-2 years.
I think you gotta go in free agency and grab a DE if there is one available. Would of loved to grab Peppers “the guy who takes plays off” last year, but we didn’t. As far as LB’s go, i think you’ll see Bradley shift to SAM, Chaney play MIKE, and Fouku play WILL. That gives you Sims, Jordan & Clayton as back-up/rotation guys. Maybe they add a young guy from the draft.
Personally, I agree with your earlier post…I would be the front runner in getting Haynesworth. I think the guy would come here motivated and be an All-Pro…no doubt about it. As a franchise you can’t be scared to “take that chance” and as much as we criticize Reid he’s done it twice with Owens & Vick. I think Haynesworth could pay off huge dividends not only for the DT spot but for the DE’s as well.
I am all for the switch to a 3-4 and agree that they have players on this roster to convert quite seamlessly. As far the DC, hire they should make a visit to Pittsburg and hire one of their defensive assistants. The Steelers have two guys (LB coach Keith Butler and DL coach/assistant head coach John Mitchell) who have been a part of the defensive system there for 9 yrs. and 19 yrs respectfully. The bottom line for me is that they need a fresh start philosophically and hiring a highly touted defensive assistant from a team with a history of fielding a good aggressive 3-4 defense is the way to go. Forget Jim Mora Jr. and Dick Jauron.
The line up as I would like to see it: DE Bunkley along with 1st round pick (Hayward, Watt, or Jordan), NG Dixon, OLB Cole and Graham, ILB Bradley and Chaney, Safeties Allen and Coleman, CB Samuel and Lindley (would love to see Asomugha but doubt they’ll make a run at him). I would also look heavily at CB Davon House out of New Mexico State in the second round.