Birds Continue to Drag Feet on DC Job, Vick Gets Endorsement

And again, it's the same old story: defensive coaching. I'll tell you, I'm going to pop a champagne cork when Joe Banner finally hires a defensive coordinator, if only because I'll have other things to write about. Now that the rant is out of the way, here's the low down.

Last week it was reported that the Eagles were interviewing Dennis Allen of the New Orleans Saints, one of the last of a quickly dwindling pool of DC candidates. For about a day Allen's Wikipedia entry even listed him as the Eagles' defensive coordinator. The entry was corrected, and Allen did not come to Philly. Instead, he has been snatched up by the Denver Broncos.

In addition to this, the defensive staff continues to bleed out of Philly as another coach leaves. Linebackers coach Bill Shuey's contract expired and was not renewed by the Birds. There is still speculation about Eagles management being interested in a coach from one of the two Superbowl teams, but as the end of

the postseason draws nearer, there will be little time to make offers, especially offers that compete with those made by the Superbowl champion and contender. Long story short, the Eagles need to have a game plan, otherwise you can forget next year's defense.

In other news, quarterback Michael Vick just received his first endorsement since being released from prison. The endorsement comes from Unequal Technologies, the maker of the football pads Vick used this past year. This is a major point for the once-highest paid player in the NFL who is now on a very short financial leash.

The Eagles have been losing someone nearly every other week this offseason, the only brightside being that none of the losses are key players. Hopefully on Thursday I'll be bringing all of you some good news regarding Nnamdi Asomugha and/or Al Harris.

Follow on Twitter: @asprice18

Defensive Speculation Continues in Philly

I never meant to dedicate this many of my posts to the Eagles defensive situation, but the hits just keep on coming. Last night the Browns picked up Eagles defensive backs coach Dick Jauron as their defensive coordinator. The Eagles now have very few choices remaining, and some are critical of the Eagles' apparent reluctance in Jauron's case, however they may be waiting for something bigger. There has been speculation about the the team's interest in the linebacker coaches of the Packers and the Bears.

The Eagles had first-hand experience (twice) of the defense Kevin Greene is a part of, and that may factor into their decision to interview him at the end of the Packers' postseason. Greene's relative lack of experience has been brought up, two years as opposed to McDermott's seven-plus, though from this season's handling of defensive strategy (especially in the postseason), Greene's resume begins to look better.

Ideally, the Bears' linebacker coach Bob Babich would be the better choice, with his quarter century's worth of experience, though it is doubtful he would leave the Bears staff and head coach Lovie Smith. Despite this, Babich would be an quality addition to the Eagles coaching staff and help to cement a revamped defensive staff.



While there are still quality choices, there are only four short weeks until the postseason is over, and the Eagles will have to make a decision, or be left with a vacant position at worst, or an ineffectual defensive coordinator at best. Time's not ours anymore, Andy.

Follow on Twitter: @asprice18

Up And Coming Offensive Players In the NFL

Quarterback:

Matt Ryan - As you may already know Matt Ryan is close to being an elite QB in this league.  He has that swagger that everyone talks about, he has the composer, he has all the intangibles to lead his team into the playoffs (oh ya, he already did).  He has only lost 3 games at home as a starter.  He only had 9 interceptions against his 28 TDs.  He will be an elite QB, and it might start next season.

  

Running Backs:

 LeSean McCoy - McCoy didn't have the best of seasons in 2009, partly because he was a rookie.  This season McCoy had a break out season of sorts. He averaged about 111 all-purpose yards a game. He was probably the reason why the Eagles were better than expected, right next to Vick.  With the off season for the Eagles, he will be able to come back better, stronger, and have more elusiveness.

Arian Foster - Foster led the NFL in rushing yards in only his second season, that's pretty good.  He compiled over 1,600 rushing yards and ultimately making him a pro-bowler.  He came out of the gate with a huge game against the Colts, where he rushed for over 200 yards.  He is very similar to McCoy, in the fact that he is an all-purpose running back, but better.

Wide Receivers:

Mike Williams - I usually don't like to call players up-coming in their first year, but I am with Mike Williams(TB).  He almost didn't even seem to look like a rookie.  He looked like player that had been in the league a couple of years.  He was second in receptions in Tampa Bay only behind Kellen Winslow and first in receiving yards this season and probably will lead in both categories on the team next year.

Stevie Johnson - If there were any bright spots in the Bills organization, it was Steve Johnson. He led Buffalo in receptions and receiving yards and it wasn't even close.  He had over 1,000 receiving yards and 82 receptions.  He had 10 receiving touchdowns.  He was clearly Ryan Fitzpatrick's favorite target, and would be a young QB favorite target as well  if the Bills decide to draft one.

Tight Ends;

Brandon Pettigrew - At the beginning of the season Pettigrew was not a big factor in the Lions offense, but during the middle and end of the season he was a big force.  He ended up being second on the Lions in receptions, only 6 receptions behind C. Johnson's 77.  He had 772 yards receiving, also second on team behind C. Johnson in that category.  He will be the main reason why the Lions will actually be good next year.  The Lions will be my sleeper/surprise team next season.

 Jacob Tamme - Out went Dallas Clark in came someone just as good.  Jacob Tamme has size and sure hands.  He stepped in for the injured Dallas Clark and it almost didn't faze the Colts in the tight end position.  He had 67 receptions and 631 receiving yards this season.  Whether he is still with the colts next season is to be unknown.  In my opinion he probably will be traded to a team like the Arizona Cardinals.  If the Cardinals get a franchise QB Tamme would be a nice toy for the new QB to use.

Next week I will have the up and coming defensive players, then the week after that I'll have Special Teams

New Defensive Coaching Updates in Philly

This past week I've been covering the defensive shakeup in Philadelphia, and it's been a busy week for a team that's out of the playoffs. Defensive coordinators have been moving all around the league this week, but none have yet come to Philly. The Eagles have wasted little time hiring a replacement for their recently fired defensive line coach Rory Segrest. Jim Washburn, the defensive line coach for the Tennessee Titans, is the Birds' newest acquisition in this tumultuous offseason. The new coach promises to bring some much needed invigoration to the defensive line which may have been lacking in intensity this past season.

The Eagles were reported to have talked to Dean Pees, of the Baltimore Ravens, however Ravens head coach John Harbaugh stated that Pees has not been interviewing in Philadelphia.

With many defensive coordinator-candidates quickly being spoken for, and Jim Mora taking the year off from coaching, it seems to be coming down to candidates Bill Davis and Dick Jauron, though last night respected Eagles writer Les Bowen issued this cryptic tweet:




This has helped keep up the talk of a possible interview with the Jets' current defensive coordinator (and Philly native), Mike Pettine. While Pettine has denied the rumors of an interview when the Jets end their postseason, he has made some interesting remarks about wanting the head coaching job for his hometown team. With Andy Reid's contract up in 2013, you can bet these statements will be examined and dissected for a possible regime change.


If both the rumor and Pettine's denial are true, there is still a plethora of talent in the postseason coaching staffs. Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau would be an incredible addition to the coaching staff, despite rumors of his possible retirement. Bringing LeBeau in would also cement the rumor of the Eagles moving to a 3-4 defense. John Mitchell, the Steelers' defensive line coach would also be an ideal, but extremely unlikely candidate. A more likely name coming from the postseason is Packers defensive line coach Mike Trgovac. His name has been brought up as a good possibility to replace the ousted Sean McDermott, and it would not be his first go-around in Philly. Trgovac was Ray Rhodes' defensive line coach during Rhodes' entire tenure during the '90s. The other big names in the postseason are the Bears' Rod Marinelli, of the 2008 Detroit Lions head coaching fame (they went 0-16 that year), and the Packers' Dom Capers, though reports say he's staying put.

Although the Eagles still don't have a defensive coordinator, the fact that they were able to snatch up Washburn and the idea of courting a postseason defensive coach leaves many fans feeling hopeful, if not wary. We'll be following the developments and hope to bring you an updated situation Saturday night.

Update: Another unofficial name to toss into the hat would be the recently fired Chuck Cecil, former Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator. And you thought it couldn't get any crazier.

Follow on Twitter: @asprice18

The Defensive Shakeup in Philadelphia

Now that the dust is slowly settling on the firing of Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, the details are bubbling to the surface, along with news of other defensive coaching changes. It seems that Andy Reid let McDermott go Wednesday, reportedly citing Jim Johnson's legend as an excuse for the termination. For those keeping score at home, the announcement came a mere two days after Reid told the press that the defensive coordinator would be returning for the 2011-2012 season. According to the Eagles, the delay would allow McDermott to start seeking alternative employment. Another, more likely reason for McDermott's termination is the recent revelation that some, if not much of the defensive players disagreed with his style of defense. Add to that the news that McDermott was on thin ice since the end of last season, coupled with this season's poor performance, and suddenly the firing seems more and more of an inevitability. While sources spotted McDermott interviewing in Denver, it has been confirmed that he will be taking the defensive coordinator position with the Carolina Panthers instead.



Since the news broke, there have been talks of Seahawks coach Jim Mora becoming the Eagles' new DC, though it is now believed he will most likely join the Denver Broncos' coaching staff in the same capacity. Mike Singletary was another candidate, first discussed before McDermott was even fired. On Monday, ESPN's SportsCenter speculated that Singletary would most likely go to work for former teammate Leslie Frazier of the Minnesota Vikings, a report later confirmed by Singletary. The Eagles also considered Rob Ryan, brother of Jets coach Rex and son of legendary Eagles coach Buddy Ryan, only to lose him to the division rival Dallas Cowboys.



If Mora joins the Broncos, now all but an inevitability, the Eagles are left with former Bills coach and current defensive backs coach Dick Jauron, who is currently being considered by the Cleavland Browns, and Bill Davis, the former Cardinals defensive coordinator. Considering the shift of DCs around the league, the Eagles need to move quickly if they plan to build a better defensive plan for next season. Jauron seems the optimal choice, having a familiarity with the defensive players and overall strengths and weaknesses of the team...provided he stays on the market long enough for the Eagles to hire him.

In the midst of all this was the firing of the Eagles' defensive line coach, Rory Segrest. This could spell trouble for the Eagles' defense for the 2011-2012 season, given the strong possibility of a lockout. If a compromise is not reached between the NFLPA and the owners on a new CBA by the March 4th deadline, any new defensive coordinator, defensive line coach, and (if Jauron leaves) defensive backs coach would likely have very little, if any, time to meet the defensive players, institute a system (many believe the Eagles will shift to a 3-4 defensive scheme), and have the players practice new defensive plays.

With all these factors in play, will the Eagles make a smart move, or will they be forced to make a desperate move? One can only hope that the front office steps up quickly to avoid what could be a disastrous showing in 2011.

Eagles Overview: 2010-2011 Retrospective

It never feels good for the season to end, especially another one without a trophy. But let's keep things in perspective here, Eagles faithful: this year turned out wildly better than it had any right to. The trade of franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb signaled Andy Reid's decision to make the 2010-2011 season a rebuilding year. All that changed in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers.

New starting QB Kevin Kolb went down with a concussion during the season opener. While a quarterback injury might not have caused a shakeup in years past, especially in Philadelphia, this is 2010 and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is cracking down on concussions. Without rehashing seventeen weeks of football, Kolb's concussion and the new testing rules allowed Reid to put Michael Vick under center, and for weeks it was magical, culminating in the Monday Night Massacre. After that, there was talk of taking the division, fighting through the playoffs, and taking the Lombardi Trophy home once and for all.

At the end of the day, though the Eagles lost on an interception, this only served to add to the irony of the season in Philadelphia. But let's be real, Eagles fans, this is more than we could have hoped for. No one expected defenses not to figure out how to get to Vick, especially with the way the offensive line was playing at the end of the season. No one expected our shaky defense to keep increasingly tougher offenses from making big plays. But what we expect and what we hope for can be two very different things.

Over the offseason, I'll be giving overviews of players, discussing what the Eagles could do to make improvements for next year, and all trade, draft and managerial decisions affecting the team. The Eagles proved they have a lot to work with, but also showed there is much to be improved. Any and all comments and questions are welcome, and I'll try to respond to them as quickly as I can.

You can also follow me on Twitter @asprice18 for Eagles tweets.

2011 NFL Mock Draft

1. Panthers

AJ Green (WR) - Georgia

This might not seem like the popular choice that most people would take.  But, if you think about it who did Jimmy Clausen, or any other Carolina QB, have to throw to?  Don't say Steve Smith, because he was doubled teamed the whole year.  Carolina does not have a big physical WR and AJ Green is the best one in this draft and would compliment Steve Smith nicely.  He would also Give Clausen a sure target, and/or free up Steve Smith.  

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 2. Broncos

Marcell Dareus (DT) - Alabama                                                          Broncos lack a big DT that can get to the QB.  Dareus provides the Broncos with that option.

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3. Bills

Nick Fairley (DT) - Auburn                                                                      This would make the second DT taken in the first 3 picks, and he is a good one.  If there is anything the Bills need it is great devensive player.  The Bills defense was among the worst in the NFL.  Fairley provides the Bills with a great defensive prospect that the can build around.

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4. Bengals

Akeem Ayers (OLB) - UCLA                                                         The Bengals do not need to draft an offensive player, because they have plenty of talent with Ochocinco, Simpson, Caldwell and Gresham.  What Ayers brings to the table is a fast physical linebacker, which will be needed during AFC North games.

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5. Cardinals

Blaine Gabbert (QB) - Mizzou                                                      Blaine Gabbert is the best Quarterback in this years draft thanks to Andrew Luck.  Cardinals need a franchise QB, and Gabbert give them the best chance to do just that.

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6. Browns

Da'Quan Bowers (DE) - Clemson                                                     As the Browns offense seems to be shaping up to quite a force to be reckoned with, the defense is what will need to be the focus in this years draft.  Although, do not be surprised if the Browns take Julio Jones from Alabama. Da'Quan has that big body and the knack to get to the QB.

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7. Eagles

Eagles get San Fransisco's 7th pick and San Fransisco gets Kevin Kolb and 2nd RD pick.                                                              Patrick Peterson (CB) - LSU                                                The Eagles secondary, besides Samuel, was probably the worst in all of the NFL.  They, Demitri Paterson, got burned over and over again.  It is time for the Eagles to finally fix this problem first this year. 

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8. Titans 

Ryan Mallet (QB) - Arkansas Who knows what is going to happen to Vince Young.  The Titans cannot rely on Kerry Collins to be the future QB.  Mallet is the best available franchise QB left at this point.

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9. Cowboys

Robert Quinn (DE) - UNC                                                                         The Cowboys will need some that can keep up with Mike Vick in the NFC East.  Quinn will also help out DeMarcus Ware on the other side.

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10. Redskins 

Cam Newton (QB) - Auburn                                                    Donavon McNabb most likely will not be in a Redskins uniform.  Cam Newton, despite the controversy in college, will be the answer to the future under center for the Washington Redskins.

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11. Texans

Prince Amukamara (CB) - Nebraska                                                         Along with the Eagles, the Texans were one the worst secondaries that teams scorched this year.  Prince Amukamara will be a big upgrade to the Texans secondary.

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12. Vikings

Von Miller (OLB) - Texas A&M                                                The Vikings do not have any big named linebackers and Von Miller will give them just that.

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13. Lions

Brandon Harris (CB) - Miami(FL)                                                   The Lions are one good corner back from having one of the best defenses in the league next year and taking Harris here would be a good start.

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14. Rams

Julio Jones (WR) - Alabama                                                                               The Rams have good looking future quarterback in Bradford, so they take Julio Jones here to give Bradford a shiney new toy. He is big and physical and will punish opposing corner backs.

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15. Dolphins

Aldon Smith (DE) - Mizzou Smith would be a great compliment to Cameron Wake on the other side of the D-line.

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16. Jaguars

Rahim Moore (FS) - UCLA Who played free safety for the Jaguars last year? Don't know huh? Moore will hopefully give the Jaguars a household name at free safety

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17. Patriots  

Justin Blackman (WR) - Oklahoma St. With the departure of Randy Moss early in the season, it left the Patriots with a true deep threat.  Blackman gives the Patriots just that.

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18. Chargers

Anthony Castonzo (OT) - Colorado If you give the best quarterback in the NFL time to pick apart your secondary, you will not have much of a chance to win. That's what the Chargers hopes happens when they take Costanzo here.

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19. Giants

Nate Solder (OT) -  Boston College                              David Diehl just isn't going to get it done and the Giants will look at Solder as a possible option moving forward.

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20. Buccs

Cameron Heyward (DE) - Ohio State                                                     Heyward provides the Buccs with a great pass rusher and will only improve their D-line.

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21. Chiefs

Cameron Jordan (DE) - Cal                                                                          Jordan is a good looking Defensive End prospect and that is why the Chiefs take him here with this pick.

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22. Colts

Muhammad Wilkerson (DT) - Temple                                    Wanna improve the Colts running defense? You do that with taking Wilkerson here.

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23. Eagles

Gabe Carimi (OT) - Wisconsin                                                       Michael Vick gets sacked 40+ times in a season you know your offensive line is really bad.  The Eagles need to take action here, and they do that with this guy.  Not to mention Carimi is one of the main reasons why Wisconsin's running game was so good this year.

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24. Saints

Corey Liuget (DT) - Illinois                                                                     The Saints could use a future DT and they will fill that need here with Liuget.

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25. Seahawks

Jake Locker (QB) - Washington                                                                    Matt Hasselbeck is old, Jake Locker is not.  Locker will have a grand ole time in the sate he played college ball, and who better to play for than Pete Carrol.

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26. Packers

Mark Ingram (RB) - Alabama                                                        Ryan Grant is not the answer in Green Bay.  The Heisman trophy award winner will be however, and will give the Pack a running game to be reckoned with.

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27. Bears

Phil Taylor (DT) - Baylor                                                               Taylor will give Peppers help rushing the QB. making the Bears defense even better

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28. Jets

JJ Watt (DE) - Wisconsin                                                              Jason Taylor is old and will not be a Jet for much longer.  Watt will rejuvenate the Jets d-line 

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29. Ravens

Derek Sherrod (OT) - Mississippi St. Rivals will now be teammates.  Oher and Sherrod will play along side each other now.

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30. Steelers

Mike Pouncy (OG) - Florida                                                If they can win championships in Florida, why can't they win championships in Pitsburgh? The Steelers make a good choice here.  

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31. Patriots

Tyrone Smith (OT) - USC                                                                           The Patriots o-line is old and Smith will fix that problem, quickly.

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32. Falcons

Randall Cobb (Utility) - Kentucky                                                                 Cobb mostly played WR at Kentucky, but he a better QB and RB than people think.  But the Falcon need neither a QB or a RB, so Cobb will likely play WR for the Falcons.