The Eagles have been depleted by injuries this season. In the Sunday night game against the Cowboys, the offense featured 4 players that started at the season's beginning (Jeremy Maclin, Brent Celek, Evan Mathis, Stanley Havili). The injury bug has especially hit the offensive line. They did not have great depth at the offensive line position when the season began and it hurt them in the long run. They were doomed from the start with the loss of Pro-Bowl LT Jason Peters and you could say that pretty much foreshadowed how the season has unfolded. Then came injuries to center, Jason Kelce, and the other tackle, Todd Herremans. Combine that with the poor play and injury plagued season of former first round pick, Danny Watkins, and you get one of the worst lines in the football. Mike Vick never had a chance to save his job.
The front office is now looking to evaluate some of their talented, young players, which they should. A lot of guys now will be auditioning for significant roles next season, whether with the Eagles or another organization. The team will also need to make some decisions on a handful of veteran players that might not fit into the future. Pro-Bowl DE Jason Babin has already been cut by the team after a down year. More will be coming.
As for Mike Vick's future, he would cost Philly next to nothing to release in the offseason and his release would save the Eagles $13 million next season. Vick's career in Philly is likely over and it's unfortunate because the offensive line was so terrible all season long, but I think that Andy Reid should get a lot of the blame for his Vick's poor Philly career. His stint started out well, but in the end, Vick was not meant to be a pocket passer. Reid tried to change him and his decision will cost both Vick and Reid their jobs. Vick's success with the Falcons came when he used his athleticism to make plays, through the air and on the ground. He instilled fear in defenses. In Philly there was no fear of Michael Vick.
Jason Babin was the first Eagles veteran to be released. More moves are coming.
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Philly fans should also be ready to look toward the future. They have been calling for rookie QB Nick Foles all season long after his strong preseason play and will now get to see him in action for the rest of the season. Another rookie, Bryce Brown, has had a huge role in the offense the past two weeks because of LeSean McCoy's injury. Brown has shown a lot of promise rushing for 347 yards in his last two games, but also coughed up 3 fumbles. The fumbles are an issue but he won't be stepping ahead of McCoy on the depth chart any time soon. With the release of Babin, I am interested in seeing how some of the young defensive lineman step up. Former first round pick, Brandon Graham, handled the spotlight well in the game against the Cowboys as he recorded 1.5 sacks. Vinny Curry and Phillip Hunt will also see an increase in playing time.
Aside from the players they have now, Eagles fans should be eager to see how the team approaches free agency as well as the draft after the season. The Eagles are $20.1 million under the salary cap this season and with the likely releases of a handful of veterans this offseason, the number will only increase. This could mean they will be very active in free agency. Here is a list of 15 players that they should consider in no particular order;
1. RB-Steven Jackson (STL) - shouldn't get a huge contract. The Eagles haven't had a bruising running back in a long time.
2. WR-Greg Jennings (GB) - Probably won't happen, but with DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, it would make an even better receiving core.
3. WR-Dwayne Bowe (KC) - One of the Eagles greatest needs is a big red zone target. Bowe would be that guy.
4. WR-Danny Amendola (STL) - Former Eagle that they never should've let go.
5. WR-Brandon Gibson (STL) - Another former Eagle. Underrated player.
6. RT-Andre Smith (CIN) - Still young and starting to play a lot better at right tackle.
7. LT-Jake Long (MIA)/ LT-Ryan Clady (DEN) - depending on the health of Jason Peters.
8. RT-Phil Loadholt (MIN) - 6' 8" mammoth that's only 26 years old.
9. RG-Brandon Moore (NYJ) - desperate need at guard. Moore would be a nice pickup.
10. DT-Henry Melton (CHI) - nice pass rusher that would fit nicely with their other defensive lineman.
11. DE-Cliff Avril (DET) - still young and hasn't reached full potential.
12. OLB-Anthony Spencer (DAL) - They should want to steal him from Dallas. He would also be an upgrade over Akeem Jordan.
13. OLB-Connor Barwin (HOU) - Another good option at outside linebacker if they switch to a 3-4 defense.
14. S-Jairus Byrd (BUF) - playmaking safety and an upgrade over Kurt Coleman.
15. S-LaRon Landry (NYJ) - They wanted him last season. They'll want him again.
Aside from the players they have now, Eagles fans should be eager to see how the team approaches free agency as well as the draft after the season. The Eagles are $20.1 million under the salary cap this season and with the likely releases of a handful of veterans this offseason, the number will only increase. This could mean they will be very active in free agency. Here is a list of 15 players that they should consider in no particular order;
1. RB-Steven Jackson (STL) - shouldn't get a huge contract. The Eagles haven't had a bruising running back in a long time.
2. WR-Greg Jennings (GB) - Probably won't happen, but with DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, it would make an even better receiving core.
3. WR-Dwayne Bowe (KC) - One of the Eagles greatest needs is a big red zone target. Bowe would be that guy.
4. WR-Danny Amendola (STL) - Former Eagle that they never should've let go.
5. WR-Brandon Gibson (STL) - Another former Eagle. Underrated player.
6. RT-Andre Smith (CIN) - Still young and starting to play a lot better at right tackle.
7. LT-Jake Long (MIA)/ LT-Ryan Clady (DEN) - depending on the health of Jason Peters.
8. RT-Phil Loadholt (MIN) - 6' 8" mammoth that's only 26 years old.
9. RG-Brandon Moore (NYJ) - desperate need at guard. Moore would be a nice pickup.
10. DT-Henry Melton (CHI) - nice pass rusher that would fit nicely with their other defensive lineman.
11. DE-Cliff Avril (DET) - still young and hasn't reached full potential.
12. OLB-Anthony Spencer (DAL) - They should want to steal him from Dallas. He would also be an upgrade over Akeem Jordan.
13. OLB-Connor Barwin (HOU) - Another good option at outside linebacker if they switch to a 3-4 defense.
14. S-Jairus Byrd (BUF) - playmaking safety and an upgrade over Kurt Coleman.
15. S-LaRon Landry (NYJ) - They wanted him last season. They'll want him again.
It would be an understatement to call this season a disaster and it has raised questions once again about Andy Reid as the head coach. I have supported Reid for a long time but this year is the first time I have questioned him. Year in and year out, Eagles fans have to put up with his love of the passing game. The problem is, that with the excessive amounts of pass plays, LeSean McCoy has the ball out of his hands. Because Vick had poor season, you would think they would try to get the ball in McCoy's hands more often. That has not been the case. Reid's playcalling is not fooling anyone. Maybe this is also a case of the players being bored of Reid. After all the guy has coached this team for since 1999 and maybe they need a different guy to come in and rejuvenate this team. The problem is that there may not be many good options out there.
Andy Reid will be one of the many coaches that won't return after 14 years.
The frustrating thing for Eagle's fans is that every year the team has tons of talent as well as depth and can not put together good team chemistry. They owe it to their fans to put together a championship winning team really soon.
One thing is for sure. The Philadelphia Eagles WILL "clean house" at season's end.
For more information refer to these links...
http://nfl.si.com/2012/11/12/where-might-michael-vick-wind-up-in-2013-if-eagles-cut-him-loose/
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/01/current-cap-spac-nflpa-version/
http://www.nfl.com/player/philloadholt/71369/profile
http://nfltraderumors.co/2013-nfl-free-agents/
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